SODA by amy

Indie Wed

2012-01-27T20:04:00.005-06:00

For all of you getting hitched, I am launching a new line of SODA goods, such as charm favors, candles and table ware...this is just an overall photo, but will have some more product shots soon. Indie Wed is this weekend (actually tomorrow!) so check out the info at www.indiewed.com

It you can't come to this event, I know they have another planned for summer.

I can personalize any of the items with your name + wedding date! A definite one of a kind piece.

SODA open house

2011-12-06T20:28:00.002-06:00

open house this upcoming weekend! ready to shed some studio seconds and make room for new goods for next year. lots of good prices and happy to find + wrap that perfect handmade gift.

SODA studio

3717 north ravenswood, suite 115

Friday, 12/9 from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday, 12/10 from 20 a.m. - 5 p.m.

call if you have any questions.

hope to see you there!

amy

Schoolhouse Electric

2011-12-06T20:25:00.002-06:00

Happy to be selling with Schoolhouse Electric Company. If you missed us at the One of a Kind Show...plenty of candles can be bought from them directly. www.schoolhouseelectric.com

Renegade Craft Fair - Chicago

2011-09-06T17:51:00.001-05:00

Bucktown Arts Fest

2011-08-29T12:56:00.007-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to say "hello" this past weekend. We lucked out with perfect weather too! Some photos from the weekend...the big sellers were the baby mugs, extra large mugs with handles and any vase with the turquoise twine pattern.

Additional Pic's for Fall product :)

2011-08-16T10:54:00.017-05:00

some more images for reference...still so many to post! thanks for taking a look.

New Product Pic's for Fall

2011-08-11T13:04:00.002-05:00

So many new goods - for holiday and fall - that I've been making. I only have time to post these couple photos but promise to return next week and log more into the blog.

Mugs

2011-06-14T18:20:00.004-05:00

It's finally happened - I've figured out a way to add a handle to my pieces that I like! Without a handle, the pieces have several uses, but the handle provides a heat proof way to drink coffee and tea.

In Bloom Sculpture

2011-05-10T08:42:00.005-05:00

I recently finished painting this fiberglass sculpture to help raise funds and awareness for HCS Family services. They do so much to empower low-income individuals and families to realize their dreams for an improved quality of life and to achieve financial independence, free from community and governmental assistance.

In Bloom is an art exhibit that will feature 60 of these fiberglass sculptures painted by local artists...they'll be on display at Oakbrook Center from May 10th to September 24th. Check out the website www.inbloom2011.org for more information.

tack & jibe shantys

2011-05-09T15:36:00.005-05:00

If you get to Leland Michigan this summer, make sure to check out Tack & Jibe. They carry some SODA goods but also some of Circa Ceramics and other local Chicago artists.

TACK & JIBE • Historic Fishtown • Leland, Michigan • www.tackandjibe.com

doggie bowls

2011-04-25T17:01:00.002-05:00

a sweet friend asked me to make some food and water bowls for their newest member of the family and I was happy to oblige. these cute porcelain bowls were made with a plum glazed interior and customized with his name.

RAW PinkWalk

2011-03-03T15:33:00.005-06:00

The Ravenswood Artwalk teamed up with House Beautiful last weekend for a nice show...chair giveaways and everything in pink. These little houses were made especially for the show...nice to try a different color once in a while!

terrarium class

2011-03-03T15:29:00.001-06:00

I took a terrarium making class last week at Sprout Home - it was so much fun. Originally I was going to add a little porcelain house but couldn't resist the mini camper with fire pit. These pieces were from my ArtPrize piece last year and needed a home anyways.

The Lory Collection

2011-02-23T07:23:00.002-06:00

A collection of furniture I designed for some dear friends and clients...check it out!
www.thelorycollection.com

2011-02-17T18:01:00.007-06:00

cup with handle

cups with doo dads

pins for coats or bags

koala mom and kid cup set

faux bois place setting

sake set with tray

small bowl

porcelain trees

faux bois nesting bowl set
all new out of the kiln!

New Spring Goods

2011-02-16T17:18:00.006-06:00

With the temperature rising and the snow melting...I have just a touch of spring fever!

Happy Heart Day

2011-02-08T16:37:00.006-06:00

Valentine's Day has always been one of my favorites - cookies, treats, hearts, friends and pink things. What more could a girl ask for? I've had a great time making the Valentine goods...if you are in the market for a Valentine goodie...these stores especially purchased items for Valentine's Day shoppers with cute heart themes and pink suede cording. Click on store name for a direct link to the store's website.
Hazel - Chicago, IL
Greenleaf Gallery - Bannockburn, IL
Paper Doll - Chicago, IL
Flybird - Oak Park, IL
The Feathers Edge Finery - Bend, OR Also - I'm having an open house this Friday from 10a.m.-7 p.m. at the Studio (3717 N. Ravenswood, suite 115 in Chicago) please email any questions at info@sodabyamy.com

914 California

2011-01-24T17:31:00.003-06:00

A new light installation at a new gallery space. Hopefully more shows like this to come.
their website is in the works...but check back soon.
www.914california.com

baby's room mural

2011-01-24T17:25:00.008-06:00

happy new year!
I was in Pittsburgh last week painting a mural for sweet Alistair's new room....such a great time. thank you so much Alan and Laurel!

Artprize!!!

2010-09-20T10:28:00.011-05:00

for all of you who aren't familiar with Artprize - you must check it out in person if you can - or at the very least online at www.artprize.org anytime between 9/22 and 10/10. i am thrilled to be part of such an exciting show! i've attached some pics from studio to space....it's been quite and undertaking indeed. w/out the help of friends, this piece might not of made the install deadline!
above are photos of the houses pre-fired, the "terrain" in process, semi-assembled in the truck on its way to GR and some finished photos of the piece installed at the Fountain Street Church.

new pics - new products

2010-08-26T18:42:00.005-05:00

Fresh out of the kiln today so had to share!

Bucktown Arts Fest

2010-08-19T09:06:00.003-05:00

Hope you can come visit us this year at the Bucktown Arts Fest - quickly approaching! I've been busy in the studio making new goods, plates, cups, and more bowls with new critters and patterns. It's been a VERY hot summer in the studio but also quite rewarding.
The show is the 28th + 29th in Chicago - hope to see you there!

some new cups

2010-08-19T09:02:00.006-05:00

My folks and I had a great time at the Victorian Art Fair last weekend in West Branch, MI. Pic's above are some of the new cups...illustrated and buttons too.

Constructor Craft Fair 2010

2010-05-19T17:01:00.000-05:00

Come see us in a couple weeks at the Constructor show! The first 50 get a goodie bag. I also have some friends who are showing also so it's a must see :)

SODA houses

2010-05-19T16:56:00.003-05:00

A new year and a new season. I'm in the middle of making porcelain houses...many of them...with different features and shapes + sizes. I have been having so much fun making them, I completely loose track of time. Let me know what you think!

spring is almost here!

2010-03-17T11:03:00.004-05:00

Hi All - newly spring inspired pieces...will definitely post some of the stores that have bought the items if you'd like to see them in person.

Valentine Sale

2010-02-09T11:09:00.004-06:00

We're moving from two spaces to one - yikes! So much product to sell and many sweet craft supplies will be available. If you can't make it this weekend, just send us an email and we'll send you a coupon for your next purchase with our Etsy store (SODAbyamy) or at one of the summer craft fairs. Hope to see you this weekend :)
Sale runs from 10 am-4 pm on February 13th
3717 N. Ravenswood in Chicago
Buzz #115 - sale is in room 142A

owl in new home

2010-02-09T11:02:00.005-06:00

Thought this was a sweet pic of my owl cup in it's new home....such great wallpaper! I think he was tired of all the Lovebirds at the studio. The client owns a beautiful garden center - check it out at Grand Street Gardens

open house

2009-12-02T12:16:00.003-06:00

holiday shows

2009-12-02T12:00:00.003-06:00

hello! hard to believe it's been since September since we posted anything...yikes! we have a few upcoming shows during the holiday season so hope you can come out to say "hi" in person.

renegade craft fair (THIS WEEKEND)

Hinsdale Adornments exhibit
now through 12/19

Chicago French Market
opens 12/3

ReadyMade mag post

2009-09-18T14:08:00.004-05:00

We were mentioned in the ReadMade blog post...so many neat vendors were at the Renegade show. Check out this story if you weren't able to make it out! Hope to see everyone at RAW in a couple weeks.

RAW

2009-09-15T13:28:00.004-05:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to Renegade and said "hello". My husband David + I had a great time. If you are in town the first weekend of October - stop by our studio for a visit during the Ravenswood Art Walk. This event gets bigger and better each year. Please check out some of my fellow participants + friends!
Sarah Drake
Blocked by Buildings
Circa Ceramics
Chapter One Organics (will be in my space too!)
Lincoln Square Pottery Studio

I'll be busy in the studio the next couple of weeks making more of those turquoise twine vases everyone wanted! Thanks for your support and interest in SODA...we're so happy to still be in business!

renegade craft

2009-08-25T14:45:00.004-05:00

This year we'll hopefully not get rained out at Renegade!
check out all the details for this show the weekend
of the 12th of September - in the wicker park neighborhood of Chicago
attached above from our first renegade....such a fun time...with my
friend Top helping out.

Bucktown Art Fest

2009-08-20T10:49:00.008-05:00

Our favorite show is coming up soon! We're going to be at the Bucktown Arts Fest in Chicago the last weekend of August. Last year it was a bit steamy so we're hoping for a nice weekend.

I have a couple of friends and artists that I love that are also show at this event - check them out....
Dolan Geiman
Circa Ceramics
sara lenart
leah evans
nancy deal

added a quick photo of some of my new twine vases...!

new squirrel charm

2009-07-24T18:19:00.003-05:00

meet our newest critter to join the SODA clay clan!
I'm awfully fond of ms. owl, sally the seahorse + curly sue snail but couldn't resist drawing this little squirrel holding a heart. I need to name her so if you have any suggestions...send me an email!

please stop by our booth at the Bucktown Arts Fest. It's coming up soon...August already!

PITCHFORK!

2009-06-30T10:55:00.005-05:00

Pitchfork is coming soon and SODA will be there! The crafty location is actually on the tennis courts so come check out our new bag tags + charms. www.coteriechicago.com
there was a quick blog article by Craftcritique.com....there's a cute pic of our treehouse charm...but also lots of info about my fellow crafties at the show too!

Mimi's Organic Exchange

2009-06-30T10:46:00.003-05:00

come out and see us at our first organic show! we're near the new whole foods...off of north ave.

Elle Decor - June issue

2009-05-22T13:03:00.005-05:00

Our sweet little ABC coloring book set made it into
Elle Decor this month - available through our etsy store...or
Peek...Aren't You Curious in CA.
My creative mom wrote the poems for each booklet.

Constructor Craft Fair

2009-05-06T13:07:00.004-05:00

Come on out and see us May 24th in the Chicago Burbs at this Constructor Craft Fair!
10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn - 6615 Roosevelt Road

SODA + Design Sponge

2009-05-05T18:52:00.004-05:00

check out my abode on Design Sponge - just posted this week. it's so funny to see my place online :) it's definitely a labor of love to make an average condo look unique. i guess i've been trying to put my design degrees to work!

SODA + design sponge

for pic's like this - you definitely have to call my friend Cara Garbarino - she's a miracle worker!

Chicago Time Out

2009-04-16T15:17:00.003-05:00

Check out a new post featuring one of our ms. owl porcelain charms in the latest issue of Time Out Chicago Magazine. http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/shopping/73553/nature-inspired-jewelry

Hot Mom + Cool Tot

2009-04-13T11:09:00.004-05:00

we hope you come to our upcoming event! there will be plenty of items for mom, kidlet's or even your home.
check out the artists:
kimberly creswell + kim's photo site
hannah claire somerville
lanna mae brown
steracle press + cardiology cards
Friday, April 24th from 11-2 p.m. and also a wine open house from 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, April 25th from noon-4 p.m.
3717 n. ravenswood suite 115
hope to see you there!

2009-04-09T20:26:00.002-05:00

meet my favorite spring bird - ms. ethel. these are some pics of her from a couple years past. she was quite proud of the nest and her babies. ethel has been the inspiration for my lovebird wallpaper and textile patterns. she also inspired some of the clay charm illustrations that have become my favorite!

i thought it'd be fun to post pictures of her so that we remember spring is right around the corner.

better homes + gardens

2009-03-30T13:22:00.006-05:00

Such a surprise to hear that our wallpaper was photographed on a headboard for a spring Creative Home mag by BH+ G. It definitely is spring worthy with our lovebirds fluttering about in the pattern. It got us to thinking about all the various uses for wallpaper! There are so many. We'll have to create some of the new ideas to be ready for all the summer craft shows. Promise to keep you posted.
xo

SODA in Chicago Home + Garden Magazine

2009-03-06T17:08:00.004-06:00

hello everyone! we are thrilled to note that there's an article in Chicago Home + Garden magazine's march/april issue about SODA. there are some great pic's of our lovebird wallpaper and textiles. one of the photographs features a crib set that was made by my friend Jessica for her little fella Axel. it turned out so sweet and he seems to love sleeping next to the lovebirds....awe....
here's the link to the online story: http://www.chicagohomemag.com/Chicago-Home/March-April-2009/Sweet-Soda/

SODA on Design Sponge!

2009-02-03T19:38:00.004-06:00

we were thrilled to discover this morning that SODA was chosen by grace at design sponge as one of her three favorite things at the new york gift show last week! considering the size and scope of the show, that's quite a compliment and we couldn't be happier or more flattered to receive it. yay!

if you are curious, read what grace has to say here.

then find a list of SODA retailers here.

and don't forget to visit us here.

many thanks, grace!

etsy treasury surprise!

2009-01-17T18:36:00.002-06:00

things have been crazy busy in the soda studio and in the shipping department. we had a happy surprise this week when we discovered our robot girl cups were featured in an etsy treasury! the next day we spied our sweet ms. owl and posey branch charms already listed in the garnet hill online store. and did you know you may also find us at poppytalk handmade where we have some lovely valentines treats for someone you love.

so much goodness, click over and take a look!

have a wonderful holiday weekend... cheers!

amy and sandra

happy new year (and a SALE!)

2008-12-26T09:49:00.004-06:00

we hope you all enjoyed a lovely holiday and that you are spending this chilly boxing day cozy at home, in your pjs! 2008 is swiftly coming to a close and we are feeling very optimistic about the new year. amy's new line for 2009 has us pretty excited about the all the gift shows beginning in just a few weeks... i think the fresh shapes and sweet designs will please everyone who sees them. they are truly irresistible :)

until you are able find them on a shelf in your favorite shop or online store, you may want to check out our new SALE section in the etsy shop. we think you will like the good deals on these handmade items you might want to stash for next year's holidays (or keep for yourself!). we will also be updating the etsy shop with plenty of new charms, linen aprons, table runners, pillows and porcelain cups in january so be sure to visit often... amy's one of a kind pieces are selling fast!

thank you so much for supporting our little handmade workshop all thru 2008 and best wishes to you all for a peaceful happy healthy new year!

sandra, amy + robot girl

SODA in a shop near you!

2008-12-16T14:40:00.003-06:00

hooray! SODA by amy charms and letterpress paper products can now be found in 90 shops across the usa. and one or two in japan! we are all thrilled and so grateful for all of the wonderful shops who have ordered (and re-ordered) SODA pieces to stock their shelves. we truly appreciate it!

here is a sampling for you to visit now (maybe one is near you!):

greenwich letterpress

amy has been working day and night creating new designs for the january gift shows. we spent yesterday afternoon shooting the beautiful new charms for the 2009 sell sheets and our new website (enjoy the little sneak preview above). there will be new illustrations, new (mini and tiny) sizes, new shapes, new cords and colors!

if you are a retailer interested in ordering SODA by amy products for your shop or catalog, contact our lovely reps at keena. if you will be attending the trade shows in january, stop by the keena booth and say hello!

if you are a designer and would like to purchase SODA by amy wallpapers and linen fabrics contact our wonderful rep, scott betterman.

if you love amy's one of a kind pieces, check out the new updates in her etsy shop. you'll find something for everyone on your list - it's chockfull of splendid goodness!

cheers!

amy + sandra

come see us at...

2008-12-06T19:16:00.003-06:00

click to enlarge and view your invite

shop updates

2008-12-03T15:11:00.004-06:00

we are all working from home today, watching the predicted five inches of snow and sleet pile up outside our windows. yesterday we priced and packed five big boxes of beautiful handmade porcelain and paper items for the bucktown holiday art show this weekend. there will be new porcelain holiday cups, ornaments, gift tags, paper goods and versatile porcelain tray sets. if you are in chicago, please stop by to say hello!

between production and packing we have been updating the etsy shop with some beautiful one of a kind pieces fresh from amy's studio. you will find an abundance of unique handmade holiday gift ideas for under $20. seriously, this is good stuff :) in these times, it is so good to make your shopping dollars stretch while giving lovely handmade gifts to those you love.

happy shopping!

pretty porcelain ornaments

2008-11-13T10:14:00.005-06:00

hello again everyone! here is the little preview i promised of the new porcelain ornaments amy has designed for holiday 08. these will be produced in a limited edition of ten different illustrations available this year only. they are so charming they really put us in a holiday mood. we are also pleased to announce that we will be participating again in the poppytalk handmade holiday market this season. please stop by at poppytalk to peruse her amazing selection of handmade gifts.

if you are one of the lucky swappers who signed up for the cake and pie & freshly blended annual holiday ornament swap, you just might be a recipient of one of amy's pretty porcelain ornaments! she signed up for the swap for the first time this year and is eagerly anticipating some lovely surprises in the mail.

for now, we invite you to peek in at amy's etsy shop to view and purchase her handmade goods and gifts!

holiday cards coming soon...

cheers!

sandra and amy

new appliqued pillows

2008-10-29T20:31:00.010-05:00

we've had so many requests for amy's one of a kind appliqued pillows that we decided to whip up a new batch today. this has been on our list for a while and i think you know how good it feels to work on a project that's been on your mind for weeks and weeks. so good.

we will be making more soon to take to the upcoming fairs and events we are preparing for, including a bucktown holiday fest, a trunk show at homeboy in chicago and the launch of our new website with shopping cart features! amy's been busy working in the clay studio making a collection of beautiful limited edition porcelain gift tags, nesting trays, bowls, wine cups, mugs and ornaments with festive winter illustrations for the fast-approaching holiday season. i'll be posting more info and photos of all this and more in the near future...

but for now you may satisfy your shopping urges here. we love it when you do!

cheers!

amy and sandra

SODA in the news!

2008-10-12T12:52:00.006-05:00

amy's "ethel on her nest" cup was featured in today's sunday chicago tribune house and homes section. you may already know that amy's porcelain cups are lead-free and dishwasher safe. and you may already be using yours to sip your favorite beverages. but did you know they make great pencil cups for your desk and sweet vases for a handful of fresh flowers on your table? i use some of mine to sort small scraps for projects and to hold paperclips, pushpins and paint brushes. they're not just pretty, they're amazingly versatile :)

find them at homeboy. find amy's cloth and paper goods here.

art walk ravenswood 2008

2008-10-05T15:49:00.009-05:00

amy did a great job transforming the office and clay studio into a beautiful little shop for the weekend art walk. we were happy to meet so many new people and to visit with good friends who stopped by. everyone was thrilled to see all of the pretty one-of-a-kind pieces amy brought out for the show. her amazing doodads, those small treasures that can be used in a hundred different ways, are some of my favorite things. there were buttons, chopstick holders, beads, dangles, tiny dainty bowls, pendants, paperweights, bracelets and tabletop sculptures. amy's delicate porcelain jewelry delighted everyone and her paper goods, pillows, home accessories, charms and cups attracted lots of attention, although some of the younger attendees were a little disappointed to discover there was no soda pop at SODA.
amy and i chatted with customers in the office area and her studio-mate, ben ritchey showed his very handsome and tactile ceramic work in the clay studio. there were snacks and wine, music and lots of good company. we thank all of you who were able to stop by over the weekend.

now it's time to put the office back together and get to work!

new! sew scrappy!

2008-09-29T18:26:00.005-05:00

we started the cutting and sorting for the soda scrap bags today and we're pretty jazzed up about it. we've been talking about it for weeks; offering an assortment of amy's beautiful belgian linens in scrap bags for creative sewing projects, small and smaller.

it started when i took a few tiny scraps home with me and made this comfy watchband. it's amazing what you can make with just scraps. and we like to eliminate waste wherever we can, so all the scraps from previous projects (like amy's gorgeous throw pillows) have been stashed in bags and boxes all around the storage room. we were really excited about the idea of repurposing them, but there is so much more than the two of us can use!

the bags of fabric scraps will come in three sizes:

scrappy bags (six 10x10 inch squares = about 1/4 yard) - $24

odds and ends (assorted odd shaped pieces = about 1/4 yard) - $18

bitty bits (small strips and little pieces) - $12

in the etsy shop soon!

hello and welcome

2008-09-23T13:14:00.017-05:00

so much is happening at SODA!

we wanted to say hello and create a place where we can tell you all about our new products, special events and plans for the future and let you take a peek into the studio... welcome! we're hoping this little blog will become a favorite spot for you to visit.

amy is busy glazing porcelain charms for new orders coming in and creating new designs for paper goods that will be available in 2009. we are also unpacking from the recent winefest on lincoln avenue and preparing for the upcoming ravenswood art walk ,october 4 & 5. if you will be in chicago next weekend, please stop by and say hello!

until then, here are some photos from amy's booth at the winefest...

see amy's work here and find retailers near you. visit amy's etsy shop or attend a show to see and purchase her one of a kind pieces!