Sakura Urban Studio

FINALLY!!!!

2010-05-04T08:24:00.000-07:00

So some wonderful, wonderful news--- I AM FINALLY GRADUATING!!! It's been a long time coming and well overdue!

I've been so wrapped up in my senior year the past few months (oh, and having a baby in January) that the poor online store has been put on hold until I had some free time. I have some amazing ideas and products coming soon. I'm going to start listing some new things tomorrow. Next product to come-- a wristlet with a shoulder strap!!!

The Flower Patch Clutch

2010-04-02T07:30:00.001-07:00

So what is behind the design of the new flower patch clutch? Actually, my mother in law gave me the idea for this bag. She was going through magazines one day and came across a handbag with flowers all over the bag (check out bigbuddha bags... but I took the clipping home and thought it over. How can I make this bag more like something I would carry? It's a clean cut bag and is really nice with about anything. But I wanted something a tad more urban with a touch of artsy. It seems as though the new in thing is flowers on bags... so thank goodness we've been doing the flower thing since early 2008! The result? The flower patch wristlet with crazy white thread accents... I hope to be doing more of these and maybe even turn it into one of my fold-over clutches. I think for the next round of wristlets this style... I'll add the silver studs to it.

New Items

2010-04-02T06:21:00.000-07:00

New Leather Has Arrived!

2010-03-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

So the much anticipated wait is FINALLY over. The remaining new leather colors have finally arrived. And I love them. These are in addition to the really bright colors that came in last week (the lime green, aqua, pink, and orange).

I have one more wholesale order to finish up before I can finally move on to making some new products. I absolutely cannot wait. I really want to dig in right now... but I must have patience.

Also- don't forget that the Bloomington Handmade market is coming up this Saturday. Visit www.bloomingtonhandmademarket.blogspot.com for more details.

Happy Monday.

PS) oh! and we got into the Indieana Handicraft Exchange in June. Can't wait!!!

I hearts Anthropologie.

2010-03-27T16:37:00.000-07:00

I found this bag at Anthropologie and HAD to have it (brown bag). I love it. It has flowers on it, and as you know from our line, we love flowers on our bags. So I bought it and brought it home.

I immediately noticed a problem after I started using it--- the strap was too short for me. It still didn't bother me enough to not to use it. However.... this bag inspired me to make my own version (parchment bag). Check it out. There will be more to come... in lots of colors and sizes. Maybe one day Anthropologie will carry my bags. One can hope! :)

Have a great weekend.

We are back... yet again

2010-03-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hello world.

We are finally back in the studio. And we are ready. Ready in a big bad way to knock your socks off. We have awesome new leather coming in. I mean awesome. We have two sets that we are working with-- bright colors and pastel colors. I am excited. You should be too.

Here is a preview of the bright colors. Love it. Did I mention that it's environmentally friendly leather? Yes... yes it is. Who knew there was such a thing? And of course, it's Italian leather. The styles for spring are still in our line of urban chic. We have a new handbag that has lots of poppies on it that was inspired by a bag from Anthropologie. Stay tuned.

Mini Handicraft Exchange Show....

2009-12-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

Please come. Support your local artists.

Other happenings: Joel and I have been so so busy with the holiday season already. It seems as though everyone is doing their shopping early this year... or maybe it's just really busy and we'll keep on getting bombarded with orders up until the very last minute! :o) Whatever the case, you have been keeping Joel and I very busy! We are hard at work at the studio every night working on getting new things in the shop and getting your gifts together. We are also working on creating a new wallet (yes, a wallet!) that will hopefully be debuting right after the holidays.

Because you have so good to us... we are extending our sale. To show our thanks, through December 15th, take 15% off of our website prices. If you come to the Indieana Exchange, we'll honor it there too. To get this discount... type in XMAS upon checkout. This is good for only our website!

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Happy December!

Love, SU

ONLINE BLACK FRIDAY SALE!!!

2009-11-25T08:05:00.001-08:00

One day only! Save 15% off your purchase at Sakura Urban!

REMINDER-- THIS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY!!

2009-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Remember, that this Friday and Saturday there are two major art shows going on that we will be participating in--

Friday--- come see us at the Stutz Holiday Show in the Stutz Building in downtown Indy. There will be live music, refreshments, entertainment, and artwork to buy! Show runs from 5-9pm.

Saturday--- a fun, artsy show in Bloomington at the Bloomington Handmade Market at the Waldron Arts Center. This show will feature over 40 artists in various handmade mediums including jewelry, handbags, soaps, prints, cards, candles, etc... Come shop early for the holiday and get your loved ones the most unique gifts this season!

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

Our Sales Reps....

2009-11-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to welcome back Erin Cullen....
You may have met Erin when the store was still open on Massachusetts Avenue...she was our partner and store manager extrodinare. She has decided to come back and take on the ever growing position of Sales Rep. Besides managing wholesale accounts Erin will help in organizing handbag parties and events for you!

If you would like to contact Erin you can drop her an email at erin@sakuraurban.com.

Events, events and more events....

2009-11-02T10:09:00.000-08:00

Our November (and December too) calendar is filling up. A perfect opportunity for you Sakura Urban-lovers to stop by and pick from our assorted "pre-made" items. As always, we will also gladly accept your custom order. Be sure to get it in soon for delivery by Christmas!

Here is a list of upcoming November events:

November 15th Mango Bay Salon, more info @
mangobayspa.com

November 20th Stutz Holiday Show, more info @ http://www.stutzartists.com/events.html

November 21st Bloomington Holiday Mart.

OH and a new one just added for December....

We just got booked for the Indieana Handicraft Exchange event on Mass. Ave in conjunction with First Friday Holiday Hoopla on Dec. 4th. If you haven't been to the Mass. Ave area for this event it is a MUST SEE - it will get even the most reluctant scrooge in the holiday mood! For additional info @ www.indieanahandicraftexchange.com

Moving to a New Studio!!!

2009-10-23T10:40:00.000-07:00

We are moving to a new studio location--- even if it is only just down the hall! We are downsizing our space a bit and a great new space is opening up at the end of next month that is a little smaller than ours (around 150 sq. ft. smaller). It seems as though we've become pack rats lately and have sooo much stuff that we don't need or use so we figured moving into a smaller space will force us to clean up and get organized!!!

Did I mention the new space has a fantastic view of downtown Indy??
Pictures to come soon. :o)

What's Next??

2009-10-18T14:24:00.001-07:00

Well, I am happy to say that the Hoosier Holiday Boutique was a great success. Thank you to Amber of Blue Scarab and Megan of Spice of Life Designs for coordinating and putting this event together for everyone.

I got to meet a lot of great artists at this event and even made a few trades along the way... which included trading up for a cool stuffed cat-ipillar and some illustrations by the Cordial Kitten.

So what's next on the agenda besides filling the wholesale orders that keep piling in for the holiday? The Bloomington Handmade Market!!! The market is November 21st in the Waldron Auditorium. Be sure to come by and get that special holiday gift before it's too late!!

Hope to see you there!

New Website Coming soon!!!!

2009-10-15T08:44:00.001-07:00

I have been working on this and have finally gotten to a point to where I might actually put it live by the end of the week! Here is a sneak peek.... This website will allow you to buy directly from the website (finally!!) and check out our newest products.

Hoosier Holiday Boutique

2009-10-09T06:54:00.000-07:00

Be sure to stop by Oakhill Mansion in Carmel, IN on Saturday from October 17 from 10:00am to 3:30pm. Sakura Urban will be there selling our handmade goods that we know you all miss!!! : )

Press Release:

Indiana’s premier team of artisans announce the first annual Hoosier Artisan Holiday Boutique taking place Saturday October 17 2009 at the Mansion at Oak Hill at 5801 E 116th St. in Carmel Indiana. Over 45 Hoosier artisans will offer their unique, one-of-a-kind handcrafted wares at the Mansion from 10am until 3:30pm.
“The event is being organized by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers,” states co-organizer Amber Bryce. “Our hope is to raise awareness in the importance of supporting organizations such as March of Dimes in addition to showing our support for a fellow team member and her family.” Vendors have donated items for the raffle and others will be donating a portion of their sales to help the INCrowdteam meet their $1,000 goal. Admission is free to the public; there will be complementary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar available to our patrons.

Artists spanning the state of Indiana will be presenting almost every medium of fine art and craft. “This will be a fabulous opportunity to knock out your holiday shopping, all while supporting a great cause and the local economy!” Bryce states. Items that will be available include handcrafted children's clothing, artisanal bath and body products, handbags and purses, original paintings, photography and illustrations, hand turned wood items, knit and crocheted fiber art, boutique quality jewelry, hand-bound books, ceramics, lamp-worked glass, stationary and home decor items.

Photo shoot

2009-10-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

Per usual, it's been a long time since I've blogged (I promise I'll get better), we've just been so busy with orders for the upcoming holiday that we haven't had a moment to actually sit and write everything we've been doing!

However, we did finally get some time to do a new photo shoot with some new products for fall and winter. We were so pleased with how the pictures turned out that we had to post a few online for you to see. These are not all... nor are they the favorites... it was just a sampling of what we shot with our favorite model, Jessie. It took us half a day to get all the shots and go to various locations, but it was a ton of fun!

Enjoy!

Update

2009-08-29T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a REALLY long time since I've posted anything on this blog. We have been extremely busy since the end of May and haven't had a minute to really catch up and give our readers an update on what we've been doing, where we've gone, and what is in our future.

For those of you who don't know, we have closed down our retail location on Mass Ave. As sad as we were to close, it really was in our best interest for the company. Our wholesale business has grown leaps and bounds this past year and keeping up with two businesses was extremely time consuming for me. By the end of September this year, our work will be in over 40 stores both nationally and internationally--- a HUGE success for us! Something had to give and for us, it was our retail store. BUT--- we are adding a cart and doing a website makeover where you will be able to purchase our great bags and accessories online now. Not to mention, you can find us in Indy at Uber Boutique and Marigold. You can also find us at Relish in Bloomington. As always, if you have any special requests, you can send us an email.

In other news... we are expecting another baby! Another thing to keep us on our toes. We will be expecting our second little one this winter.

We have been working out of our studio everyday in the Stutz building. Feel free to stop by if your ever around or if you want a special tour... shoot us an email. If we are here, our door is always open for our customers to see us and to see our creative process. We have LOTS of new items coming out this fall and winter, including a new men's line and new bags made from gorgeous colors of canvas. Stay tuned to check out our website for more information.

Poppies Are Back.

2009-05-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Week full of LOTS of fun stuff!!!

2009-04-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

Last week was crazy busy for the staff at Sakura Urban. We were gearing up for our Spring into Spring Fashion show at the Indy Fringe building featuring clothing and accessories. It was a great success thanks to Alexia, our promotions coordinator! Check out some of the fun photos here.....

We also had our Stutz Open House on Friday and Saturday night. It was a huge night for us and lots of fun. We met so many great people--- I also got my juki machine fixed thanks to a wonderful upholstery man who saw that it was threaded incorrectly--- and a photographer from Denver helped me take better pictures with our Nikon D80 camera and showed me some cool tips! Many of our loyal customers came in and even more new ones were made at the show. All in all, it was a fun weekend. Next event= Spring Gallery Walk on May 1st.

(photos from Spring into Spring courtesy of Indy Star)

Handmade: The Market

2009-04-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

I know you all have been informed that Sakura Urban will be doing a handmade market at our shop at 425 Mass Ave (across the street from Starbucks and Silver in the City). We are finally ready!!! It took awhile to get the kinks worked out and get some money saved up for the paint job that will be taking place in the next couple of weeks... but we are ready to start taking applications!!!!!

Here are a few details on what we are offering:

For $35--- you get a first friday spot. You will get a "booth" of an
approximate size of 6x6 feet. You will be responsible for supplying
your own tables and doing your own displays. You are in charge of all
your sales and cash flow. For $35, you do it all yourself. We just
provide the spot and some advertising.

For $135 and processing fees--- you have the opportunity to consign
with us for one month. We will give you an approximate size of 6x6
space in our shop. The cost includes a first friday spot and
advertising. We will take care of everything else (sales, cash flow,
etc...)... including displays. Checks will be cut at the end of the month.
The processing fees are for credit cards. It will be a total of 4.5%
of the transaction. The rest is yours to keep.

Please, please, please keep in mind that this is a new event for us. We want to help promote artists and their work. We will be doing flyers and a blog for this market. I'm sure you have questions, so if you do, please email me at theresa@sakuraurban.com. We are so excited about this and think it will be a HUGE success on the avenue. Email me for an application. Hurry and get your applications in as space is limited. This coming May is our Spring Gallery Walk and the Artful Tread! What a great kick off for the market!!!!!!!

The Pleated Clutch

2009-04-07T08:26:00.001-07:00

Another new style. A pleated clutch made from a gorgeous sea blue and chocolate durable fabric. Lined with a coordinating canvas with two slip pockets on the inside. 9" wide (11" at the base) by 5.5" high. Now available at Sakura Urban to custom design. These make great evening bags and bridal gifts.

Leather Messenger Bag

2009-04-06T11:28:00.000-07:00

I felt so uncreative today so I decided to make a bag for myself--- something that in the past five or so years of making bags has never happened before. I have always loved messenger bags and leather so I decided to make a smaller leather messenger bag. I chose to accent the leather with a violet and brown japanese imported fabric that I have coveted for a long time now. For the straps, I used the japanese imported fabric and lined the back with a tan canvas that didn't have the sides hidden--- it gave the strap a nice frayed look. A very urban and earthy bag.

I love it. So much I might have to makes some for the shop.
Enjoy.

Some New Bags

2009-04-02T09:22:00.001-07:00

Here is a small sampling of what you will be able to customize beginning tomorrow! I am in love with the new fabrics and styles.

A Sneak Peek!

2009-03-30T11:50:00.000-07:00

Here are some of our newest fabrics. We have over 50+ fabrics to choose from and around 15 BRAND NEW styles. Our simplest style, a zippered pouch is 9" x 4.25". It has two interior slip pockets. $28. Design your own beginning Friday at Sakura Urban.

MAJOR SALE!!!

2009-03-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

We are officially moving out of winter and we need to get our early spring clothes out the door to make room for more inventory. Come in this weekend and save 60%-75% ALL CLOTHING!!! Not to mention, we are having a huge sale on other items too... housewares, bags, kitchenware at prices from 50% off!! Come by for great savings!!!

PS) and did we mention custom handbags will be back?!?!

Thank you!

2009-03-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I have the guilty pleasure of googling the shop to see what people are saying about us. Its a great way to get insider information on what people think about our products and what we are doing well and not doing so well.

This morning while doing this, I came across a blog talking about our poppy collection.... Apparently, one of our wholesale stores in Chicago, Bess and Loie, was talking up our products! Read what she is saying here....

If your ever in the Windy City, go check out Bess and Loie. Not only does she have our fabulous poppy line, but other great lines too... and she's an independent shop! As always, shop local!!!

CUSTOM HANDBAGS ARE BACK!

2009-03-29T07:52:00.001-07:00

We are so so so excited to announce that beginning Friday, April 3... custom handbags will be back! We have all new fabrics and styles to choose from. Mention this blog and save 15% off your order.

Hooray!

For the Home.

2009-02-04T18:04:00.000-08:00

Awesome felt vases by Papaververt.

Hand crocheted with a wool/mohair blend and featuring a vibrant dot, this vase cozy has been wet felted, dried around a mold to create its shape, trimmed and steam blocked.

It can be easily slipped on and off the actual glass vase.

9"h x 3 1/4"w (at vase opening)
Total width is 3 3/4".

Someone tell Joel...

2009-02-04T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have been on Etsy searching for the perfect gift for Valentine's Day gifts for Joel. Men's gifts are hard to come by (mental note to self... create a men's gift on Etsy) but came across some BEAUTIFUL gifts for yours truly. For the past year, we've been buying handmade and have been having so much fun finding quirky, fun, and awesome gifts. If we had some extra cash around, I would love to get....

this ring by SilentGoddess

these earrings by Eva666

or this awesome bracelet by Smashing

Indianapolis Business Journal Article

2009-01-23T08:21:00.000-08:00

January 5, 2009
Publication: Indianapolis Business Journal (IN)
Section: INSIDE
Edition:
Page: 3

Artisans craft national niche
Firms use Internet, trade shows to get wares into boutiques

Gabrielle Poshadlo gposhadlo@ibj.com

Local fashionistas know Sakura Urban as a cute little Massachusetts Ave boutique, though it's slightly less little since its move last month to a space nearly twice the original size.The exposed brick walls and vintage hardware are an appropriate backdrop for Sakura's slightly deconstructed-looking leather handbags that move so quickly shoppers rarely see the same one twice.

The store is doing well for itself, admits owner Theresa Goodwin. But by her choice, that's about all it's doing. Goodwin prefers to reinvest the shop's profit into more merchandise and earn her living in a different way.

The Sakura Urban storefront is meant to maintain a local presence for Goodwin's much larger wholesale business-a national market where her handmade leather bags are making a killing. She's not the only local artist raking in out-ofstate wholesale dollars. Chris Foster, founder of Fosterweld, sells most of the steel belt buckles he creates the same way. Both were able to get the word o u t for the fledgling businesses via the Internet and by connecting with boutiques and other buyers through trade shows. It's a strategy that's boosting many businesses with a narrow focus, said Bela Florenthal, assistant professor of marketing at Butler University.

"It's only because we have the Internet that it's easier for very specialized businesses to succeed since they are able to keep their inventory and investment to a minimum," she said.

Sewing a new career

Goodwin, 25, had never touched a sewing machine before she bought one on a whim two years ago. She was the catering manager at the Union Station Crowne Plaza, a hospitality career she began unintentionally while earning a degree in visual communications from Herron School of Art and Design at IUPUI.

"I needed to create something," she said. "So I just sat down and started sewing."

Goodwin began working with a cotton Japanese print that caught her eye. That's where the name Sakura Urban came from, which translates roughly to urban cherry blossom.

Goodwin loved her design, a boxy messenger bag with a thick strap and frayed edges. Little did she know a lot of other people would love it, too. She put the bags on Etsy.com, a site where artists worldwide can post their wares and make them to order. Since Goodwin's goal was to make custom bags, allowing clients to choose their fabrics, she figured the online community was a good place to test the market.

Seven months later, bolts of fabric had outgrown Goodwin's downtown condo, which she shares with her husband, Joel. So she opened her store and a studio space in the Stutz Building.

Goodwin hadn't planned on taking wholesale orders, at least not yet. But retailers almost immediately started using her Etsy boutique to request her cloth bags and another version in leather. That's when Goodwin invested in leatherworking equipment and dove in. She quit her day job.

Sakura Urban's products range from leather flower rings ($12 retail) to large leather totes ($250). She now sells to more than 20 chic little retail shops across the country. The average first order is $350, she said, which includes smaller items like wristlets, coin purses and leather jewelry.

A $1,000 order shows true interest and includes a little bit of everything in Goodwin's repertoire: leather messenger bags, totes, pouches, wristlets and so on.

Career crossroads

Around the time Goodwin was getting her business off the ground, Chris Foster, a welder by training, found himself at a career crossroads.

He'd recently moved from Arizona to Indianapolis with his wife, Melanie, who was attending DePauw University. Foster began teaching at a trade school rather than continue his career as an industrial welder. Friends frequently asked him to fashion them metal furniture, which prompted him to go into business.

He learned quickly there's a very small market for custom furniture, even though the pieces he'd sold on consignment through Silver in the City on Massachusetts Avenue had moved in a month.

So he downsized, literally, to belt buckles and wristbands. Now, two years since posting his first buckles on Etsy, Foster, 28, has more than 40 wholesale accounts at independent retailers across the nation, plus one in Okinawa, Japan. Buckles wholesale for around $15 and retail for $30.

Britt and Kelly Asbury, owners of Loft 22 in Denver, made their first Fosterweld order at Foster's first trade show in Las Vegas two years ago. Since then, they say they've barely been able to keep them in stock.

"As a women's clothing store, I still seem to sell about 30 percent of my buckles to men," Britt said. "People just naturally gravitate toward them."

Britt owns three and says her boyfriend wears one of his three every day. She said Fosterweld is one of her top five sellers for the entire store.

"[Foster's] stuff just appeals to everyone," Britt said. "Women ages 20 to 40 buy them, and sometimes husbands and wives buy them together, saying they'll share."

In the beginning, back when Fosterweld was selling only three or four buckles a day, he set their wholesale price at $30 and sold them on his Web site for $60 to $80. But within the last year he's cut the price in half.

"I realized my price point was hurting me," he said. "If you sell a $70 buckle, maybe one out of 10 people who visit your site will buy one. If you sell a $25 buckle, that number grows to five or six out of 10."

Foster and Goodwin agree that online networking is a great way to spread the word about their products, but they say trade shows also are essential. Foster says his business started to take off after attending his first show.

That's no surprise to Florenthal, the Butler professor.

"Especially with art, consumers won't buy the product unless they can confirm the quality for themselves and establish credibility face to face," she said. "Trade shows are an excellent way to do that."

Foster said the shows have helped him realize his product appeals to an array of demographics. "I'll get the Goth store owner in my booth saying, 'Yeah, this stuff is so dark,' and then I'll get the biker store owner saying, 'This stuff is perfect, it's so American.' It makes me feel like I could do this for a long time, because it seems to be timeless."

Foster said a Web presence alone never would put his products in front of such a diverse customer base. To find Fosterweld online, a consumer would have to be browsing the bohemian Etsy site or enter a very specific search. (Fosterweld's Etsy site appears fifth in a Google search for "steel belt buckle") But the Web isn't much help connecting Fosterweld with consumers who simply are looking for cool stuff they've never seen before.

Building buzz

Now, buzz is helping Foster take Fosterweld to the next level. The head menswear buyer of Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters has taken a strong interest in Foster's work, and the wardrobe stylist from "American Idol" has added Fosterweld belts to the performer closet for the upcoming season.

Goodwin also is getting more attention. This month, she'll be attending her third trade show, where she will debut her new line featuring hobo bags in pleated leather. That's in addition to her "poppy" line, which she developed last year. The poppy wristlet, a small bag adorned with threedimensional leather flowers planted in a neat row, has earned her editor recognition on Etsy and stirred plenty of interest on the home front.

Goodwin recently received a $10,000 grant to make handbags out of the RCA Dome roof-a fund-raiser for the Indy Parks Foundation.

She doesn't expect to make a profit from the project, since the grant only will cover her costs, such as new equipment she purchased to sew the tough roof material. The bags will be sold exclusively at Sakura Urban, with the first wave hitting shelves on Jan. 22.

Goodwin says the dome bags are keeping her so busy that it's tough for her to keep up with orders for her Sakura line. But she says being part of this green project is worth it for a good cause and she'll get plenty of exposure for her business, even if none of that green comes her way.

Goodwin says the next step for her business is to hire a PR person and perhaps open another retail location.

Foster is hammering out a final idea for a logo to replace the font he simply downloaded from the Internet.

But Florenthal said neither company may look all that different in five years-unless they opt to bring in more artistic firepower.

At some point, specialized business owners have to make a choice between putting a cap on their growth or loosening their grip on the reins.

"There are only so many hours in a day and many artists aren't comfortable letting anyone else create the product," she said.

"On the other hand, if the owners are willing to restrict themselves to the design element and let someone else handle the construction, then there's no limit as to where they can go."

For those with no green thumb....

2009-01-14T06:02:00.000-08:00

So, I admit, I have been one to kill plants left and right. I lack the green thumb gene. I try really hard too. I put them in light, check them everyday, and water them. They still die.

Ana, who owns MadebyMavis on Etsy, makes her living selling moss terrariums that are made out of cool glass containers like ball jars. I'm thinking I might have to get one of these and try it out. It requires indirect sunlight and you water it only every 2-3 weeks. Even I can manage that... get them here....

Happy New Year! And it's Snowing.

2009-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

It has been a very long time since we've posted anything on the blog, but lots of wonderful changes have been happening. First of all, we moved our store location from the 700 block of Mass Ave to the 400 block. We are right across the street from Starbucks, Silver in the City, Three Dog Bakery, Global Gifts and more! The only real issue is being by Starbucks. I think the money we have gained in profits goes right back into coffee and lattes. :o)

We have also teamed up with the not for profit People for Urban Progress to make DOME BAGS--- and yes, we are literally taking the roof of the old dome and making bags out of it... messenger bags, clutches, and wallets. It's a limited edition run, so stay tuned for more information.

The holiday season has also served us well. December has been the busiest we have ever been since we have opened (who said anything about a recession???) and has left the store bare and empty--- BUT new stuff is back in stock including the old time favorites of bath products by Deep Steep and yummy joya and lumiere candles. A few new lines have also been added so come in and check out our new stuff.

The wholesale side of the business has also skyrocketed. We have been working on orders non-stop through December and just finished our last one earlier this week. Just in time for another trade show this weekend. Busy, busy, busy. Anyone want to learn how to sew??

Clothing now Available!

2008-10-13T05:59:00.001-07:00

After talking for months with our customers about what it is they would love to see added to our shop, clothing was usually always the number one thing always mentioned. We have searched for lines that would be the best fit for the store and have brought in Free People, Edge, and We the Free. Come in the week of 10/14 through 10/19 and receive 10% off your purchase when you mention the blog!

Hope to see you here! Pictured to the right are available in store now!

New Studio

2008-10-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

I moved out of the basement at the shop and leased out an art studio at the Stutz building. I have to admit, I was a little intimidated at first... it was HUGE.... and did I really need the space? Yes, Joel convinced me. I needed to be able to spread out and have space to fill orders, have peace, and not get interrupted by customers coming into the shop and then running up the stairs to help. I actually do get so much more done then what I use to.
However, because the studio is so large, it's empty. It's like moving into a house three times the size and having no furniture to put in it. The organization aspect of it is also lacking right now. As you can clearly see by the photos, hides of leather are just stood against a wall---- hopefully this weekend we will have tables for cutting and be more organized. Thanks for your patience while we finish moving in!

Happy Wednesday!

Photography

2008-10-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

My husband has the most amazing way of capturing beauty in any piece. If you ever need a photographer, give us a shout. He's terrific.

Wow....

2008-09-26T16:04:00.001-07:00

We have been so busy at the store since May... the last time I had written anything! I am sorry. It's been one thing after another with family, tradeshows, and for me... school. Here is what has been going on though:

We have a new leather line out. Some sample pictures are to the right. It is awesome. You have got to see it. It's also featured on our website, which, by the way, is also brand spanking new. If you haven't seen it, check it out at www.sakuraurban.com. We are also moving our studio space into the Stutz building! We are very, very excited. It's been hard working in our crammed, dark, and scary basement at the store. I will be sure to post some pictures of it on here soon.

We also have new candles from Joya, journals from Orla Kiely, and bath products from Ambre Blends. Boy Girl Party has also sent some new stuff in.

Sakura Urban has also been voted as one of Indy's Best Accessories store. Hooray!! Thank you for everyone who voted for us... and a special thanks to the person who nominated us (which we are not sure who that is)....

I think that is it for now. I promise to not go months without writing!!! Keep checking back. I will be updating frequently.

A Summer Favorite is Back!

2008-05-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

Yes, it's true. Your summer favorite "wristlets" are back! Bold and colorful--- and ready to be designed by you! These are great for light carrying while out on the town.... or stash it in your handbag and pull it out when you need it! Wristlets are $31.

We are getting ready for our big fabric order by the end of the week so be sure to come in and snag your favorite one up! Can't make it in? Check out our online shop and design yours online today.

Oh, Look at Me!!!

2008-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am proud of this creation. I am in love with it. Seriously. I think I'm going to carry it around everywhere. Visit our Etsy shop online or come into our shop and get yours today. Made from Italian leather. Only $62.

Sneak Peek!

2008-05-12T13:07:00.001-07:00

Our new collection!

Gorgeous, Italian leather large pouches with three poppies on the front. This particular pouch is olive green with two red and one black poppy. Interior is lined with a corduroy brown and has our signature label. These are great to be carried as clutches for a night on the town... they even look amazing with jeans.

Pouch measures 9" wide and 5" high.

New Poppy Collection!

2008-05-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have finally found a use for all those leather scraps I have left over from making my leather bags! Lovely necklaces, bracelets, and brooches! Each one perfectly cut and made to look like a poppy flower and placed together beautifully. Attached to an adjustable black leather cord.
These will also be making their way into our leather wristlets, pouches, and bags... so stay tuned for more!

FIRST FRIDAY CELEBRATION!!!

2008-04-30T08:59:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Friday, May 2nd for the annual Spring Gallery Walk. Events included are the artful tread contest, drinks, and entertainment. This should be a great event to come to. Come by the store and save 10% off... and don't forget Mothers Day on Sunday, May 11th! Hope to see you Friday!

PS) I have NO idea why the image colors inverted when I uploaded the picture. This is not how the actual ad looked, but it is pretty funky!!

Bath and Body Products

2008-03-31T17:30:00.000-07:00

After a long day, there is nothing better then taking a long hot bath or shower to make the worries and stresses of the day fade away. Pamper yourself with our new line of bath and body products. Deep Steep is completely natural, organic, and packaged only using recycled materials. Scents included are lavender, tangerine, mint, and grapefruit... to name a few... all of which smell wonderful and fresh. These make great gifts for you or someone else. Come check them out today!

Front Page of Etsy!

2008-03-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

We have been handpicked again for the cover of Etsy for a showcase titled "Urban Garden"! It's nice to see hard work get noticed! Thank you!

Lumiere Candles...

2008-03-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

We have added an additional candle line to our collection. Lumiere Candles will be arriving in the shop this week. Ten different scents. These candles have recently made their way into shops like Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie.... and now, they are at Sakura Urban!

Happy Spring Everybody!

2008-03-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Even though Spring isn't here officially until tomorrow, I wanted to be the first to say "Happy Spring"! I'm not sure about you, but Spring and Easter have crept up on myself and my family so fast that it wasn't until yesterday that we realized Easter was Sunday! Where did the time go? Could it have been the cold weather? The rain? And if I remember correctly, wasn't it freezing rain a little on Saint Patrick's Day? Surely Spring couldn't be here already... but it is!
I was able to take these pictures from the shop the other day... one of the only days this week we've had sunshine. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Cecily Ink Cards are Now In Stock...

2008-03-18T15:26:00.000-07:00

Cecily Ink cards have arrived. Choose from both letterpress and offset cards. Both boxed and single cards are available for purchase. Prices range from $3.50 for a single card to $12.50 for a box.

SAVE THE DATE--- 50% OFF!!!

2008-03-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

We are quickly approaching our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY on Massachusetts Avenue! Because we wouldn't be where we are without our customers, we are offering a huge discount on designing your own handbag! Come in between Friday, March 21st and Sunday, March 23rd to receive 50% OFF any custom designed handbag! Prices will range from $9 for a pouch to $87 for a leather handbag! Here is the catch... you must mention this blog offer to receive the discount. This is the perfect opportunity to design your own bag for Spring! We have new fabric styles that are coming in, so be sure to stop by. Thank you for making our first year on the avenue a HUGE success!!!

Joya Candles are Here!

2008-03-07T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hooray for Joya candles! These candles have been raved about in various magazines such as InStyle, Nylon, Vogue, Oprah, Cosmo... the list goes on! These are also known as Jessica Alba's top five things she cant live without! I must say, they do smell great. Joya candles have been featured in lots of big named stores like Bloomingdales and Anthropologie, so we are ecstatic to have them in our shop! We have them in eight different scents. Happy Friday!

We Have Expanded our Shop!

2008-03-02T13:23:00.000-08:00

The renovation is finally complete! We have moved the studio downstairs into the basement and expanded our store. We also have lots of new merchandise pouring in for Spring. Be sure to come by and check it out!
We also wanted to extend a huge thank you to our customers who made Grey Market a huge success. We ended up selling almost every piece we had displayed. For those who missed the market, there will be another one in Fall. I'll be sending out an email then with all the info. Have a great week!

Chive is here!

2008-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Great products from Chive have finally arrived! I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Todd, the owner of Chive while we were visiting Chicago at the beginning of January. He is absolutely wonderful and I am honored to carry his products in our shop! He really helped us choose products that would compliment any urban living style. If it wasn't for him, we'd still be there choosing products out of his overwhelming fantastic selections!!! Come check them out. Choose from a variety of vases that accent any home interior. Approximately 10 different styles available in lots of colors and sizes!

SALE, SALE, SALE!!!!

2008-01-11T12:22:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008! We hope it will be a great year for you. Stop by in the month of January for our first of the year sale! Pillows, lampshades, candles, jewelry, journals, and hats!!! All are anywhere between 15 and 50% off!!! Items are limited, so be sure to stop in early!
We have new fabric on the way, as well as a larger assortment of leather! We will now be offering leather in red, brown, black, and olive. Happy New Year!

Great Gift for Under $100!!!

2007-12-16T10:39:00.000-08:00

Brand new leather wristlets available for under $100! Choose a ready made wristlet adorned with brass grommets and patch pockets on the inside or design your own with your choice of fabrics from our wide selection! Wristlets are available for $62. Red and brown leather available.

Read about Buying Handmade in the New York Times

2007-12-15T11:20:00.001-08:00

Want some more information on why buying handmade is much better then buying manufactured items? Read about Etsy as well, an up and coming site featuring artists from all over the world selling their handmade goods. Thank you, Cheryl, for giving us the link to this article!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/magazine/16Crafts-t.html?ref=magazine

Add one of these to your wish list!

2007-11-29T11:31:00.000-08:00

We have finally done it! We added a leather collection to our line of signature bags! Gorgeous large messenger style bags made from distressed leather accented with trendy florals and urban paisleys. Because they are handmade here at the studio, we are happy to offer these bags at $174--- which is around $100-$150 less then large leather bags at department stores. Tell Santa to stop here for your Holiday gift!

New this Week!

2007-11-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

Items from BoygirlParty!!! These will make great stocking stuffers or the perfect add on to any gift! Fun note pads, recipe cards, and pocket mirrors will be arriving in the shop this week. Be sure to check them out! Prices range from $6.50-$10.00.

Buy Handmade! Its Helping the Environment!

2007-11-16T20:08:00.001-08:00

Change it up a little this holiday season. Not only does buying handmade gifts mean giving a unique gift to someone special, but it helps the environment! Join in with the thousands of people who have pledged to buy handmade this year. For more information, please visit www.buyhandmade.org and see what others are saying. Read up on how buying from big manufacturers adds to global warming and polution. All items at our shop are 100% handmade by artists from all over the world. Stop in and check us out. And please, take the pledge!!!

Today and Tomorrow ONLY!!!

2007-11-10T10:13:00.000-08:00

Come down to Sakura Urban Studio and save 15% off EVERYTHING in the store! We are doing a special pre-holiday sale. Good today and tomorrow (November 10th and 11th). See you soon!!!!

New Cuffs from FosterWeld!

2007-11-10T09:37:00.001-08:00

Look what came in today! Awesome cuffs from Chris Foster of Fosterweld! White and Black leather bands with welded metal plate. Perfect gifts for men! Women can also wear them too!!! Only $45. Be sure to get yours at Sakura Urban Studio!!!

November 16th--- Midnight Shopping on the Avenue!!!

2007-10-30T10:25:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that the Massachusetts Avenue Merchants will be open until Midnight the Friday before Thanksgiving (November 16th) for early holiday shopping! Sakura Urban will be giving a 15% discount (ONLY if you mention this blog) for our customers! We will also be having some drinks and light snacks. Be ready to shop! It will be lots of fun!!!
Can't make it to the Midnight Shopping Experience? You will have one more chance on December 7th during the Holiday Hoopla. Join the Avenue for Christmas caroling, refreshments, and entertainment (I heard a rumor about ice sculptures too!!). Get your shopping done early and enjoy the rest of your holiday season!

Just in time for the Holidays...

2007-10-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

New jewelry arriving just in time for the holidays! Gorgeous fine silver on steel work by Megan Auman. Megan is a sculpture and jewelry artist from Pennsylvania. To learn more about Megan, check out her website at www.meganauman.com. This is a small sampling of the work we will be carrying from Megan for the holiday season. Be sure to stop in and check out her work. These will make GREAT unique gifts. I'm eyeing the silver on steel circle pendant for myself. :o)

Thank you, Kate!

2007-09-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

Kate, a talented photographer and owner of Little Light Photo came in with her mom to have a mother-daughter day. They both designed a "Chelsea" bag and a wristlet to match. I came across this picture from her blog (www.littlelightphoto.wordpress.com) when I was checking out her work and thinking about having her do some family photos. I love this picture!!! It just goes to show you our customers really do love their bags that they create on their own. Thank you, Kate, for the nice write up on your blog!

Attention Yoga Lovers!

2007-09-22T15:22:00.000-07:00

We have these handmade Om pendants now in the shop. They are made from melted .925 sterling silver with the Om stamped into it. They are $38 for a small pendant and $42 for a medium one. Chains are included. Jewelry by Beth Cyr.

Open House- October 5

2007-09-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

We are hosting an open house Friday, October 5. This is also first Friday, so there will be lots of traffic on the avenue. We are offering a free surprise gift with purchase, drinks, and light snacks. If you haven't made it into the shop, this is the perfect time to stop in. The open house is from 6 to 10pm. Mention this blog and recieve 10% off your purchase. See you there!!!

More Poppies on the Way!

2007-09-22T14:55:00.000-07:00

Don't worry! More poppy hairpins are on the way from Asheville!! Available in Red, Saffron, Pink, and White. $5.00 each. Made from recycled vintage silk.

Welcome to the New Store Blog!

2007-09-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Because keeping up with the store, making bags, designing new lines, and ordering... things can get pretty hectic around here. Unfortunately, the website that we have often gets neglected and never updated. We thought the blog would be a great way to help our customers and our artists keep up with whats going on in our shop. So of course, I am sure you are asking, why can't you update your website but you can write a blog? Quite simply, we can do the blog from anywhere and don't need the software like you do for a website. :o) It's also much, much easier too!
Enjoy the blog and leave comments if you'd like. Thank you for supporting our shop! We hope to see you soon.

Coming Soon!

2007-09-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Check out these fabulous soaps arriving at the store within the next week or two. Soaps from Brooklyn Street Soap Company out of Portland, Oregon. All soaps are vegan EXCEPT the pomegranate fig (which contains goat's milk). All cube bars are hand cut, and are (or extremely close to) 4 oz. Comes in 8 different varieties.