September Denver Made Interview: becky's buttons & things

September's Denver Made features the work of the lovely and talented Becky Wareing.  Working in multiple mediums, Becky's new collection is fun and playful, touching on everything from her popular anchor inspired accessories to refurbished pocket habitat compacts. Appropriately renamed, "beckys buttons & things", this new collection will showcase a broader creative focus, introducing hand embroidered vintage slips and unique dioramas.  Becky took a moment to answer some telling questions about her creative process and the future of her line.

FT: How did you come up with the name for your line?

bb: Pretty easily; I’ve always appreciated alliterations so I went with becky’s buttons. Since starting my business I have branched out from simply making pin-back buttons to exploring various different mediums. I am currently going through a period of re-branding my line to encompass all these mediums and leave room for growth, so it had now expanded into becky’s buttons & things.

FT: How did you get your start?

bb: I started becky’s buttons & things over seven years ago because of my fascination with the pin-back button. I always enjoyed collecting them and soon after starting college purchased my first button maker and started making one-of-a-kind buttons for friends of mine. After that I found people encouraging me to sell my work in local shops so I approached Kansas City Kitty in Fort Collins and with their support and guidance got my start selling my work as a consignor.

FT: Where do you find your best inspiration for your work?

bb: Everywhere, I always carry around a notebook that I am constantly writing down ideas in and doing quick sketches for possible future projects. I have always found inspiration in vintage style and can’t pass up a trip to the thrift store, but it is really important to stay connected with the local design community as well and the Denver Handmade Alliance has provided that outlet for me.

FT: What music do you listen to when you work on your product?

bb: I mainly listen to podcasts, my favorites being This American Life, Radio Lab and The Moth. I’ve also been listening to more alternative, folk music like Woods and Joanna Newsom as inspiration for this new line.

FT: What would you like people to know about your work/process that isn’t evident when looking at it?

bb: Everything starts with a pin-back button. Usually when I am brainstorming a new idea for a series I will start with making a button that serves as my inspiration for the line, whether or not the button is reproduced for sale. The new line that I will be debuting at the upcoming Denver Made event started with a button design I created a few years ago the Diorama-rama Series which served as my first mixed-media buttons fusing hand drawn backgrounds with flocking and model train figures. This was the stepping-stone that got me into dioramas. I also re-visit mediums from my childhood, I remember my dad working on his model train sets as a child or my mom’s embroidery or cross-stitch work. I’ve always been interested in incorporating craft-based mediums into my work that I can remember seeing at a young age.

Make sure to stop by Friday September 3rd from 7-10pm and enjoy great beverages from Great Divide Brewery, light snacks and excellent company while enjoying the work of becky's buttons & things. 

xoxo

fancy tiger clothing

Fall Fashions Are In!

Okay so we realize that it's still a little warm out there, but if you've been up early in the morning or out for a late night bike ride, you're already starting to feel the change in seasons. We here at Fancy Tiger have also been feeling this change so this week some new Fall fashions from Cloth Logic and Tulle hit the floor.

For all the men out there, Cloth Logic is a great line of tailored looking, classic fashions.

Come check out this mod trench coat in black...

or this classic hooded pea coat (and the hood is detachable)...

and who doesn't need a sweater or two to get them through the Fall. 

And for the ladies we have some great new styles in from Tulle that will help you with the switch over to Fall fashions. 

We got this classic wool coat in both pea and slate...

             

and who could forget these simple Fall sweaters, great for layering. 

Not convinced yet? Come on by and check it out for yourself. 

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

fancy tiger clothing

New in Store, Figs and Ginger!

The postman just arrived with a fresh shipment of Figs and Ginger jewelry. This husband and wife team got their start making eco-friendly, handmade, sterling jewelry and have been working together since their marriage in 2004. Their inspiration is found in the forest which is evident in their use of friendly, forest creatures and plants. 

Make sure to stop by and check out these natural beauties before they are all gone.

Happy Shopping!

xoxo

Fancy Tiger Clothing

August Denver Made Interview: Eyelab

August's Denver Made brings an exciting new twist to this first friday happening with the Eyelab. This is the first time we have ever hosted this event in honor of a non-profit which marries the concept of fashion and function. Eye wear can be a necessity for people as much as a fashion statement and Eyelab is all about bringing people affordable prescription eye wear that fits the bill both stylistically and literally. Martina Grbac, the visionary behind Eyelab, was kind enough to take the time to answer a few questions for us about her newest endeavour in preparation for her Denver Made event this coming Friday August 6th. 

ft: What is the purpose of eyeLab and when did the idea first come about?

el: Throughout my happenstance career working in the eyecare industry, I've been painfully aware of the fact that I'd never be able to afford glasses if I weren't already in the field. I know that healthcare insurance is difficult for many people to come by, and even those that are lucky enough to have medical coverage often have little to no benefits when it comes to eyecare. For years now, I've been thinking about how high-quality eyeglasses could be made more affordable and accessible. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people resort to cheap frames & lenses that are uncomfortable or inappropriate for their needs just because of unfortunate financial situations.

Another important motive in putting this project together was the need for trustworthy consumer education; anyone purchasing prescription lenses can tell you there is A LOT of information exchange, A LOT of decision making, all of which can be maddening in the face of money-hungry salespeople or under-qualified chain store employees. Eyelab is intended to be a resource center that not only provides flexible payment options for prescription glasses, but also educates the public about eyecare options and puts people in touch with local eyecare providers. Besides, shopping at a corporate optical is far more pleasant when you're actually armed with information and know which questions to ask. 

ft: How did you get your start in the optometry field? 

el: Honestly? 10 years ago, I responded to a "want" ad boasting they'd "train the 'right' person." And it turned out I fit the bill. A good many opticians get their start this way....

ft: Who is Eyelab for?

el: Everyone! My intention is to provide eyewear in a wide variety of price ranges, offering vintage and used eyeglass frames in addition to higher-end designer products. Sliding scale fees will be available to those in need of financial assistance, so that high-quality lenses are accessible to all. 

ft: What music do you listen to when you work, if any?

el: I'm an NPR/PRI radio show junkie and can't live without my Radiolab and This American Life. I'm a big fan of Colorado music locals (we are LUCKY in this town!); 80's new-wave nonsense is also frequently enjoyed. 

ft: Do you have a favorite style when it comes to eye wear at the moment?

el: Vintage style has always had a special place in my heart. I'm thrilled that so many new designers have decided to re-issue many of the classics. For a while there, it was near impossible to find anything that wasn't teensy and square. I feel like there's more diversity in frame styles on the market now than I've seen in the past 10 years, which is not only more fun for all of us, but means people might stop trying so hard to pressure their out-of-date relatives into make-overs during family reunions. You know who I'm talking about. 

ft: How can someone get an appointment at Eyelab? 

el: By visiting www.eyelab.org. It might be a little while before I can afford a business phone line, but in the meantime I've been setting up consultation meetings via email. People are also welcome to stop by! The new space is located at 2298 Clay St. (on the back side of the building facing River Dr.). Though it will be undergoing some pretty serious renovation during the month of August, visitors are welcome!

For more information on the Eyelab or to chat with Martina in person, please join us Friday August 6th from 7pm-10pm at Fancy Tiger Clothing for beverages, light snacks and good conversation. There will also be some frames on view to check out. 

xoxo

Fancy Tiger Clothing