Featured Small Business: Salvage Audio

Hand made items and small businesses are popping up everywhere. Anyone can take something and create a product and turn it in to a business, but not everyone can catch your eye. While scrolling through my IG feed one day, I saw a friend of mine had posted a photo of a hand made audio box. Now, I don't own an audio box, nor do looking at audio boxes do anything for me; but this particular one stood out.

After some investigating and lurking on his Facebook and IG feed to find out more about these audio boxes, I saw what he was doing was totally amazing and unique that I just had to share it with the world. So I sent off a few questions for him to answer so you could learn a little bit more about Jared Kirby and his hand made business Salvage Audio.

When did you start Salvage Audio?

The idea for Salvage Audio started during the summer of 2011 when I was shopping for an iPod speaker to put in my living room. I couldn't find anything on the market that fit my style, so I decided to build my own! My friends and family really liked what I had made. I built a few more for others, then started selling online in November of 2012.

Can you tell us what Salvage Audio is all about?

Salvage Audio is about quality, design, and great sound while blending the rustic look of old reclaimed wood, with the sound quality and convenience of new technology. All of my Music Systems use Wireless Bluetooth connectivity to use with your phone, tablet, or computer. I'm really trying to bring back quality craftsmanship into a market full of molded black plastic. This is accomplished by being eco responsible with my practices, such as, reclaimed wood and recycled packaging supplies.

Where are you based out of?

SA started in San Luis Obispo, CA, but has since moved to a shop in Atascadero, CA. I'll soon make the move back to a shop in SLO. I love San Luis and most of the reclaimed wood that I use in my systems comes from SLO, so I can't wait!

Where do you get your inspiration from? Are you a musician?

Music and old westerns! Music has been a huge part of my life from being in a few bands back in high school, to attending a Recording and Sound Engineering school in Hollywood. I've always been a stickler for sound quality! I found my love of rustic aesthetics through my Father, watching old westerns growing up. I'm watching Rawhide while typing this!

What were you doing before Salvage Audio?

Before the creation of SA, I continued my love for music by working part-time at Ernie Ball Music Man building their new Armada electric guitar. Now, I blend both creative pursuits.

Can you tell me a little bit about yourself outside of your work?

Well as any small business owner would probably say, I'm normally working on Salvage Audio outside of working at Salvage Audio… but I try to get out as often as I can! I love getting out into the world, backpacking and camping in beautiful Central California. One of my favorite spots is called Paradise Beach, just outside of Guadalupe. It's a bit of a trek to get to, but so worth it!

[[via]]

More info: 

I'm very excited to say that I'll be coming out with two new designs next month! One is a brand new design for a larger system, and the second is an upgrade to my popular small bookshelf system. You can stay updated by following me on Facebook and Instagram. For more info take a look at my website.

Salvage Audio is currently offering free shipping plus 10% off any order with code THEWORD! Go pick up your audio box today!!

DIY Wrapped Hair Comb

I am not a big hair accessory person since I cut my hair [I wish I hadn't! Ugh!], but my daughter is. She will wear anything from elegant to what-the-heck-is-that so I wanted to create a little fun twist to an otherwise original hair accessory for her; the hair comb. I'll take you through a very easy how to on making one for yourself.

Materials:

-hair comb

-thread [in any color and as many colors as you'd like]

-scissors

Procedure:

Take the thread and loop it around the first section of the comb and tie it off. Cut off as much excess thread at the end as possible. 

Continue wrapping around each section of the comb to desired thickness being sure to overlap the knot at the beginning to hide it. 

If changing colors, knot one end of a color to the other and continue wrapping, cutting off any excess thread on the ends. Be sure to tuck that knot in when you wrap around. Repeat for any additional colors.

At the end, cut the thread leaving enough at the end to tuck underneath some of the layers of thread already wrapped around the comb; tuck the end in.

You now have a spruced up hair comb that will make a statement!

Place hair comb in and show it off.

Pinspiration Friday

This weeks Pinspiration is super functional! And much needed in the bathroom or your camping supplies! I saw this over at The Burlap Bag and knew I needed to put this craft under my belt. I changed it up, using the entire lid, which made it easier to stick the sand paper on. 

To make this you will need:

a mason jar with lid

stick on fine sandpaper {not super fine}

strike anywhere matches

Put the matches in the jar

Trace the lid on the back of the sandpaper and cut out

Stick on to lid

Put lid on

So easy!

Product Update

This past November I put my shops on vacation to prepare for the upcoming Stitch Market. Once the Stitch market was over I decided to close my shops down permanently. Etsy just wasn't the right fit for me and was becoming more of a task than anything to list items. After researching, rebranding, and getting in the groove of making things again I have decided to relaunch this summer. I've looked around for other shop options and have narrowed it down to a few, but the big reveal will have to wait a few more months. I am also currently working on a landing page that will direct you either to my shop or blog, which will be a part of the big reveal. 

The reason for the closing of my shops and the rebranding of everything was mostly that I had evolved from where I started. Much like my blog The Little Willow Tree, my two Etsy shops were starting to merge into one brand and I needed a change that reflected more of where I am now and where I plan to go. After the Stitch Market was over I finally found the direction I needed to be in and changed the name of everything to Chevron Stitches. But because I flew right out the gate with every name I've have and every product I've made in the past, I wanted to take some time in reopening a shop and introducing product that is unique to me and is for everyone. 

Currently I am in the process of getting business cards, labels, stamps, and packaging made to fit the Chevron Stitches name. I am pretty excited about them and cannot wait to share in the big reveal. I am also currently rebuilding stock for the Spring Stitch Market that will be happening in the next few months. Though I am not guaranteed a spot in the market, I am keeping my fingers crossed and making sure I am fully prepared by the time my application is accepted so I can avoid cramming over 200 items in a four day period like last time {where the time went last year I do not know!}. 

The past week I have been working on building up stock for the market and thought I would give you all an update on what I've made so far. 

One of my most popular sales at the market were these mustache and bow tie appliqued onesies

Not a huge seller, but still popular, paci/toy clips

I'm going to be sitting down and making some more items today that involve Melody Miller and Etsuko Furuya fabric and zippers....

Keep your fingers crossed for me that I get accepted to do the Spring Stitch Market! Thanks!

Pinspiration Friday

I'm not much of an embroiderer, but I know how to. I like to keep my projects simple, fast, and small so I don't get too overwhelmed. I love the look of embroidery because it reminds me a lot of my childhood and seeing all of the embroidery hoops on my grandma's walls. I want to fill my walls with them too so when I saw this Pinspiration I knew it was something I could tackle in a few minutes time. 

I don't have a lot of embroidery hoops and none that are very big, but after completing this project I am hooked on wanting to make more and make them bigger. So off to the craft store I go to get some larger hoops. 

Are you on Pinterest? Follow me at Chevron Stitches!

Knitting Needle Bracelets

I have a bunch of plastic knitting needles that I have acquired over the years that get absolutely no use. I prefer to knit with bamboo and metal {on occasion} so they sit in the bottom of my knitting case. I decided to go through my knitting supplies to sort of spring clean it all and decided to make some bracelets out of a few of them. I used to make toothbrush bracelets and used the same technique in making these.

Check back next month for a how to on making them. They're super easy and a lot of fun!

{W.I.P} Wednesday

Baby scarves are all the craze right now and of course I want little Oliver in a few so to start out, I am making him a couple of custom bandana scarves before I purchase some from some of my fave shops. I have lots of the mustard arrow fabric left over from my bag and mug hug so I decided to use that along with some other cute fabric remnants I have. 

Front

Back

I know it looks funky now, but it will be so cute when it's finished! Here is one of the other fabrics I have chosen along with the plaid jersey knit that is on the back of the chevron arrow fabric as well.

Isn't the plaid adorbs?

 Along with my infinity scarves, these just might be incredibly addicting too! Scarves might just be my thing now. 

Are there any projects you're currently working on? Share with me below in the comments. Happy hump day!

DIY 'Stay In' Date Jar

 Since baby has arrived, the man and I have had absolutely no time together alone. Oh, I am not complaining at all and I certainly knew that was going to happen, but baby is a bit older now and has more of a sleeping schedule. Also, big sister's bed time is pretty early still so after the kids go to bed we have a little bit of time 'alone' to enjoy before baby wakes up for a feeding and Richard has to go to bed. 

As with any couple, bringing home a baby can be a little straining on one's marriage and though we have managed okay, I still don't want to lose that closeness with him so for Valentine's I made him a 'Stay In' Date Jar. They're all dates we can do at home after the kids are in bed. 

There are several ways you can make one to fit your style and schedule, but this is how I made mine:

Materials:

Empty coffee can

Burlap ribbon {or other ribbon/material}

Popsicle sticks

Pen

Hot glue gun

How to:

Peel off the coffee can label

Wrap the ribbon/material around the can and hot glue at ends {I also added some heart bunting}

Write out dates on the popsicle sticks

Now go put those kiddies down for bed and get your date on! 

Some date ideas:

Rent a movie and snuggle under a blanket with popcorn

Make dessert together and enjoy

Play a board game

Put a puzzle together

Take silly photos

Prepare everything for the next day {ie: lists, lunches, outfits, etc}

Sit out on the porch and watch the stars

Do a cross word puzzle

Look up silly/funny YouTube vids

Really the list could go on and on. What stay in dates would you add to your jar? 

A Little Bit Of Valentine

We aren't much of a Valentine's Day family. The extent of our celebrating includes baking whatever treats I signed up for at the beginning of the year for Bry's class and making Valentines; but I also limit myself to one decoration, one craft night, and one swap. 

I made a felt heart garland to put up on our fireplace as our one decoration, made a sewn paper heart garland and scratch lotto Valentines for The Chirping Moms Virtual Pinterest night and my one swap was pretty rewarding. 

Lyndsey of The Stationery Place hosted a Handmade Valentine Swap where we were assigned into a group of five and you were to make a handmade Valentine for the four other ladies, all swapping with each other. I was partnered up with some pretty creative and talented gals and love each one of my handmade Valentines. Thanks ladies! 

They fit perfectly with my garland on the fireplace!

Tutorial: Envelope Pillow Cover

Have a pillow on the couch you hate lookin at? Or want to add some to a chair in your reading nook, but can't find the perfect one? You can make any pillow your own by adding a simple pillow cover to it! Here is what you'll need:

A pillow or pillow form {you can find these at any craft store}

Fabric 

Here are the basic measurements for all standard pillow sizes:

12″ Pillow – Fabric 12″ by 28″
14″ Pillow – Fabric 14″ by 32″
16″ Pillow – Fabric 16″ by 36″

18″ Pillow – Fabric 18″ by 40″

If you have a pillow that is a different measurement you will need to do a little math:

Cut width to width of pillow size and length will be double pillow length + 3 for overlap in back + 1 inch for seam allowance on edges.

Procedure:

Press both short edges in 1/2"

Sew across 

With right sides together, fold fabric in toward the middle on both edges having them overlap 3"

Sew along raw edges

Turn pillow cover right side out and poke out the corners

Stuff with pillow and admire!

This one is going in our bedroom when our redo is complete!