Equality For All!

Equality For All! 

Last weekend was a big one. Lets just say by Friday evening I was feeling so saddened about the current state in our country. Saturday morning I awoke, we got dressed and we drove to the ferry to travel to another island to march with fellow islanders and it felt good. Quickly after I got home and opened up my instagram account and I was stunned and amazed by the mass amount of people that turned up across our nation and around the world to demand equal rights, awareness of climate change, to stand against our new president and so much more! It was totally empowering, energizing and exciting! Reading every ones signs was one of my favorite parts! 

But today as I sewed in the studio listening to NPR in the background I felt saddened again by the news that our new president has put the go on the Dakota access pipeline through the land of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. I knew this could happen but didn't imagine so soon. I know we all need to stay strong and stay active in writing letters, calling representatives but I cant help but feel so scared for our country, the future generation and world.

Be well, 

x Lissa 

Little bits of magic from the weekend.... 

Beautiful images from the women's march 1, 2 and 3. 

Sign up here to keep motivated with how to keep your voice heard! 

These ladies are totally inspiring with their letter writing! Here and here. 

The sweetest speech ever, it brought me to tears

Winter Sun

This past week has been beautiful! Beautiful but cold. Some mornings our shower did not even work because the shower head was literally frozen. Wood stoves burned all morning long and started up again in the late afternoon just as the sun would dip behind the trees for the night. During the day lots of tea was consumed to keep up with the dry air. A scarf was worn most days or at least until after lunch when the sun had warmed up our spaces to the perfect amount.

Its been a good week and I have the sunshine to thank for that! Winter sun is truly healing. I had a impromptu coffee date with a friend, we sat on the deck feeling the warm sun on our faces bundled in our down coats and it felt so good. A rare treat here in the northwest, a week of sun sure has been appreciated even if it brought frozen showers in the morning! 

All week I have been feeling the urge to write in this space but had a hard time deciding on the topic. I would sit down and nothing would come. But now as the week is nearing to an end I felt inspired to write and reflect on the week. I think often I use this space for just that, mentioning highlights, hard bits and all the little moments in between. So here I am late Friday night typing away reflecting on the week, picking out an image that feels fitting for the week behind us and it somehow feels right. Before I say "so long" I thought I would share a few bits of inspiration I enjoyed this week. 

Most nights this week I have been skimming through the beautiful book Grown and Gathered which was a present from mom! I've really been enjoying all the gardening and cooking secrets! 

I have been listening to Elizabeth Gilbert's inspiring - magic lessons while working in the studio this week. 

Every outing this week I would not leave without my favorite wool hat made by a long time friend. 

Most mornings this week I filled up a mason jar with hot water and herbs to help me remember to drink more water! One of the many tips my naturopath suggested to improve my health! So important this time of year. Also stretching and mediation were among them. 

and lastly... I broke down and purchased a batch of flower seeds from Floret. I grew some from Floret farm last year and they were amazing. The sweet peas were my favorite! 

Happy weekend All ! 

xx Lissa 

P.s Also I wanted to mention that since doing a bit of cleaning through my closet this week I found a some items (sweaters, shoes, ect...)  worth selling which I will be posting on Sunday over on my @lissasnapp IG page. Stop by on Sunday if you get a chance! 

So long 2016

Holidays have come and gone. We had a wonderful holiday and safe to say Owynn enjoyed it all very much. It is always a strange transition leaving the holidays behind but once the first of January hits it all feels right again and this year it felt quite particularly calm. We celebrated new years on another island with our close friends. We cozied up is a local bar and drank yummy drinks before heading out to a tasty meal. Owynn stayed home with his grandmother so the whole night felt like a real treat with so many uninterrupted conversations. 

As the new year approached I decided to give myself the whole year to focus more on self care. Since becoming a mother that part of my life has somewhat disappeared. I think it is very common but this year I am going to work hard on taking more time for myself, gathering with friends and developing new routines at home to create less stress in our daily lives. I am not picking one resolution to work on rather each month I hope to pick a few things to improve on. Like going for more walks alone, practicing yoga, meal planning each week, creating more free time with Owynn and so on. Though these past few months have been a bit chaotic I am feeling fresh and ready for this year ahead!

A little glimpse of some small moments from this past week... 

Happy New Year to you all and thanks as aways for taking the time to visit this space! 

x Lissa 

( The leather zip clutch is a limited edition item in the shop. It is now avalible so stop by and check it out if you are in the market for a new zip pouch! ) 

Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice

The past week has been a mix of work and play. We had a few frozen days where the ponds and marshes froze so we could skate and slide around on them. It very much reminded me of my childhood when this happened more often. We had a couple of mornings where is snowed giant flakes and we all wished it would last forever. Those mornings I made Dutch babies, new to our family but now we are addicted. Owynn now says "It's the food we eat when it really cold out."

But along with outside adventures and cozy inside crafts I had a pretty big workload. My body is still healing so I moved slow but most nights this past week I was over in the studio, listening to tunes and filling holidays orders!

Now I am all done, we leave tomorrow to visit family and feeling grateful for it all. Thank you for your support this season and all year long! It means the world to me! Hope you have a beautiful solstice night and stay cozy out there!

Warm wishes, Lissa 

December

December

December came and I got sick. I spent a night in the hospital and a week recovering. Finally now just getting back to work but sadly due to my health emergency I had to close up shop early this year. If you ordered with me in the past 3 weeks, most likely your order will be shipped out before the holiday but a few orders will have to wait until after the holiday break. You have all been so understanding. Thank you!

Life is a wild ride. You never know what will come your way so I am heading into this new year grateful for friends, family and hoping to work on self care more. Winter solstice is upon us and soon the light will begin coming back for longer each day. It may be a slow change but still it feels good knowing we are almost on a new cycle.

Hope you have a festive weekend ahead! I'll be busy in the workshop this weekend but wound't have it another way. Love making these bags and sending them out into the world! 

xx Lissa

p.s We have lots of zipper pouches still in stock, that's about the only thing available online but they do make great Christmas gifts. So head over here if you are still looking for the perfect gift. I like to fill mine with lots of goodies when gifting them!

( Photo above of our last batch of Zippered Waxed Canvas Backpacks for the year! )  

November Light

As chill in the air deepens and the nights grow longer I have become accustomed to lighting candles each evening. Every morning fires are made in the cabin and in the studio (on work days). Slippers are worn most mornings. Showers outside are becoming dreaded each day but upon hoping out it usually leaves me feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Here in the Northwest there is a moisture in the air that lingers all winter. It leaves my bones feeling cold all day. Even the thickest wool sweaters do not seem to do the trick but one thing does, a hot bath! So if you are like me and feel chilled all day with the winter air I encourage hot baths at night. Serious life savor this time of year. 

November in the studio has been busy but also calm. I have 2 wonderful woman who help me out once a week and has made a huge difference this year. Still life is busy and always this time of year it is important to find balance in being outside and getting work done. The never ending struggle of work and family life which seems to be slightly different each season. But most importantly remembering to get outside even in the coldest of days helps me find balance in the day.

If you are hoping to purchase a bag this holiday season then I encourage you to order sooner rather then later. Most of the small items will be in stock throughout the month as we have large stock in those but larger items are going quick. I'll send out a note once the last day to order for Christmas arrival has been announced. I am thinking by December 15th but may be sooner depending on the orders this coming month. 

Warm wishes your way this week! 

x Lissa 

Fall/Winter 2016 + Free Shipping

Hello All! Here is a little look book preview of our latest collection. I used to take all my own photos for these shop updates but was quickly becoming overwhlemed by it so the last two shoots I have hired my friend Demetria. It has made a world of a difference. I can now really focus on the details and the story we are trying to portray. Also I have always had a love for film photography and lucky for me Demetria does too so there is a mix of digital and film. Below are all photos shot with Demetria's film camera. Enjoy! 

Starting Saturday morning in support of "small business Saturday" we will have FREE SHIPPING until Monday. Use code: SUPPORTHANDMADE during checkout. 

I hope you have a cozy and yummy thanksgiving ahead! 

Warm wishes, and forever grateful of your support! 

xx Lissa 

our world

our world

Friday morning and its cold outside. It is a grey day, a day when the color in the sky never changes. It just slowly gets darker as the sun disappears in the afternoon. These are the days that start to drive me crazy after awhile but also brings so much calm and stillness to me. I can hear the ships engines out in the ocean, I see the birds pecking at the last of the crab apples and feel the hot heat from the wood stove next to the sewing machine as it hums away all morning. This is my home and though some days it feels dreary with no sight of sunlight in the future I am forever grateful I was born on this island and still call it home today.

These past few weeks though I have been feeling slightly guilty about where I live, the beauty, the calmness, the unity we have as a community. The rest of our country and world are in a state of confusion and sadly violence. I am not good with words and though at home I have my strong opinions I do not often share them on social media or here as I have a hard time formulating them into well spoken sentences. But today I felt like sharing a little of my thoughts. I feel so saddened by our countries decision last week for president and was shocked by so many on the results. Another wake up call that I live in an isolated area, a little bubble you might say. I don't have any great words or advice on the topic, but I am scared for the people, our children and the environment. It all makes me so sad.

I spent a day this week in silence at a mediation retreat here on the island. It was really powerful and felt like a really helpful thing to do during this time of divide in our country and world. I came home feeling clear headed and somewhat hopeful for the future but also as soon as the news went on reality hit and then I remembered all the terror in the world right now. I have donated to a few environmental organizations this week and to the standing rock movement which has felt good but also know there is so much more that can be done. Writing letter to politicians, the president and joining marches. I hope I can become more active but it is all so new to me but feels right to at least say my thoughts on this space. 

Thank you for reading as always and wishing you a warm and peaceful weekend ahead! 

x Lissa 

(Photo by Demetria Provatas, from our photoshoot last week of the new collection online.) 

Shop Update

We will be having a shop update this coming Sunday November 13th. A mix of new designs and favorites from the past. Some items will be avalible later in the month but you will still be able to view them starting Sunday just not purchase them for a couple more weeks.

Thanks as aways for reading and all your support over the years. Warm wishes your way this week as we adjust to the longer nights and stormy weather. Lots of books, candles and evening baths in our near future. 

xx Lissa 

In the studio | October

In the studio | October  

Its been a busy month over here in the studio. Lots of cutting and sewing going on. I have 2 awesome employees that work once a week and its made a world of a difference this year having their help! We are getting ready for the holiday rush and will be opening the shop up soon! I am not sure on the exact date yet as I am still waiting for a small photo shoot to happen next week but I imagine by the 13th of November we should have most of our items up for sale again along with some new items. Some items will not be available until late November but you should still be able to view them once our shop has been re-stocked later this month. I'll do a quick post during that time to let everyone know about exact dates. I am making a bunch of zip pouches for the gift buying season cause they are a great item to fill with small goodies to give to friends and family. We have a few available in the shop now and more will be coming soon!

I personally cannot believe we have arrived at this time of the year. It feels like I was just here; making fires each morning, sipping on tea and coffee all day, lighting candles each night and gearing up in the studio for the busy season ahead! 

I am hoping to take some time before winter solstice to slow down so I can help Owynn make some homemade gifts for friends and family. He has reached the age where he loves making things and gifting. Its really sweet. Here are some fun winter crafty recipes we are thinking of doing... Beeswax candles, herbal salve and pretty ornaments. 

Also I really enjoyed this interview last week on Erin's blog. A wonderful approach to motherhood, childhood and living simply. 

I hope you have a good week ahead and Happy Halloween too! 

x Lissa

Fall Playlist

Fall Playlist

A little playlist for you! Click here to listen or if you do not have Spotify then listen below. 

Enjoy! 

Have a beautiful weekend ahead! 

x Lissa 

Balancing home and work

Balancing Home & Work

I love that many of you included in your feedback from last weeks post that you were curious to hear more about my experience of being a mom and running a small business at the same time. So I decided to share a little of our story and a few tips on what I have found that has helped. First let me say this has been a huge 3 years for our family. Alex and I were both quite young when having Owynn so just managing being young parents as well as us both being self employed has had its challenges. Our life is generally pretty busy and many times I have almost completely left Barnacle Bags behind but through lots of work and experimenting we have realized that I love my job too much to let it go. Also I feel like I am a better mom because I have this creative and challenging outlet. 

So here it goes, I began working again when Owynn was about 6 months old. We had not planned for me to go back to work until Owynn was a year old but I was feeling ready to get back into the studio much before then. We started in small steps. Friends and family offered to help a little bit during that time so for about 2 hour chunks a couple times a week I would work in the studio slowly getting my feet back on the ground. 

As Owynn grew and became more independent he was watched for longer periods of time about 3-4 hours max and slowly a routine was somewhat formed each week but still I was working very part-time. I was just barley keeping up with orders and all the demands of self employment. I was really struggling with balancing the workload and my personal life. I closed down the shop periodically over those next couple of years when I felt overloaded. I noticed when I was working too much as Owynn would respond to that at home so I really had to take a step back and reevaluate our daily rhythm.

Now finally after 3 years I feel like I am just now getting a handle on my work while still being present at home. Here are a few ways I have made this happen. I rarely take on custom orders anymore - It took too much time away and I never got paid enough for it. More childcare - I was used to working 6 days a week so I felt like I needed to work at least 3 -4 days to get back to where I was and this only happened in the last year. Work on the weekend sometimes - I try to not but usually Sunday afternoon I slip away into the studio to plan out my week. Working in the evenings - about 2 days a week I work when Alex gets home. Late night emailing - I write emails or order supplies online after Owynn has gone to bed and use free time in the day for actually designing or making bags. "Leave it behind" - When I close the door to the studio each day I really try and not think about work again until I step back into the studio the next day. So basically when I am home I focus on home life only. Obviously I am not perfect at this but I try. Include your kidoo - I try and bring Owynn into the studio once a week for an hour when I have an easy project like wrapping orders so I can talk to him but work at the same time. I think it is important for kids to see what their parents are do. Take time off - I really try and take the weekends off if I can but also just taking a whole week off once an awhile helps me out so much for my creative brain and for feeling more balanced at home too. I try and spend that week organizing and thinking about how to do things more efficiently. Once I return from the week away I always feel refreshed and work harder in the studio. 

I know there are many other things I have learned and still have so much to work on but those are a few suggestions on the subject of working from home with a child. I would love to hear if you have any thoughts or suggestions on this subject! 

Happy Weekend ahead! 

x Lissa