The Craft Begins

1.  I’m not usually the hugest fan of pre-made cards but I find these little sayings from Uccello Curiouso pretty on target for the way we express feelings today.  Also, this card is adorable.

2.  I’ll admit that I’m completely obsessed with all things miniature, and these little file folders from Donovan Beeson totally fit the bill.  What a cute way to keep track of recipe cards or receipts!

3.  These lovely hand made leather accessories from Moxie and Oliver look like they would last a lifetime.  While I’m pretty fond of this wallet, there are lots of other great goodies, like belts and guitar straps.  Could make a great gift!

4.  This photograph from Aptrick has always tickled me.  It’s entitled the “Immaculate Reception”.  He’s got some other great photos in his shop – some equally cheeky and some that are just plain lovely to look at.

1.  Something about this pendant necklace from Tundra Dear seems like a relic from another time.  I love the rich texture and finish.

2.  This illustration from Valentina Design really grabs me with its exuberant colors and patterns, and the little sayings are lovely as well.

3.  I don’t know why but I am absolutely obsessed with address stamps.  I guess I just get bored writing my return address all the time.  Get your own personalized stamp at Sugar Letter.

4.  I’m not usually a big fan of clocks (I hate seeing my life literally tick away) but these lacy, plastic designs from And Furthermore are pretty fantastic.

5.  These night landscapes from Amanda Friedman are amazing, not only for the originality of the subject but also for the fact that they’re not post-processed at all.  Photoshop has its place but it’s no substitution for gorgeous photography.

It’s springtime, and I’m in a new-growth kind of mood.  This week’s favorites reflect a little bit of that!

1.  What better way to celebrate spring than with a beautiful bird and botanical print from Love Elizatbeth?

2.  This print is so fresh green grassy and springy, it really captures the mood of the season to me.  From Robayre.

3.  These amazing papercuts from Mr. Yen would look great layered over some interesting patterned paper, although they are compelling on their own.  If you think these are good, you must check out the Alice in Wonderland themed papercuts for even more awesomeosity.

4.  Words cannot describe how awesome these personalized hand-cut face stamps are.  Really make your mark on all your correspondence.  From Lilimandrill.

5.  I love seeing Project Runway contestants on Etsy – so awesome and accessible.  These pieces from Leanimal are gorgeous, structured and yet feminine at the same time.

1.  These earrings from Grace & Dignity walk a delightful line between industrial and handmade.  Aside from the color, which is one of my favorites, I really like the delicate lace feature.

2.  I love just about anything with a peacock feather, so this stylish personalized stationery from Pink Lily Press is definitely on my must-have list.

3.  I really like unusual rings.  There’s something about the size maybe that makes it easy to wear something different.  This ring from Simply Mega is modeled after kelp – how awesome is that?  I really like the organic shape that it creates.

4.  I recently purchased some samples from Mum Mum’s shop and I have to say that I was really impressed by the quality and the color selection of this mineral makeup.

5.  And what could make this collection complete?  Plaid Japanese masking tape from Love Petite Zakka Japan!

1.  I’ve had an obsession with African wax-print fabrics ever since I took an African dance class and these cloths were required outfits.  This lovely bag is probably a less conspicuous way of showing off the awesome patterns and colors to be found in this style.  Find this bag and more at Out of Africa.

2.  A great find for Valentine’s day, this hand-stamped leather love pendant from memake is a great gift for yourself or a loved one.

3.  I’m a huge fan of linen, and this handmade linen napkins manage to be simple and yet interesting at the same time.  A lovely addition to any table, from  Linen Me.

4.  I love to label anything and everything.  I’ve got quite the little stash but I’m considering adding this ornate lovelies from Ormolu to the collection.  they would be great for labelling hand-made cookies or candies, or for organizing your creative life.

5.  I find this pretty little delicate linen pincushion from Namolio to be absolutely charming, as well as everything else in this shop.  Who knew that so many things could be made of linen?

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

Most men think that just because there’s a lot of women on etsy there’s nothing for them.  I think that’s dead wrong.  There’s all sorts of goodies for man of every age, style and persuasion.  Here are a few of my favorites, just in time for last-minute holiday shopping (if you’re in need of some ideas).

1.  I’m not going to lie, I kind of want these glasses for myself.  Real vintage tortoiseshell frames aren’t for everyone – they’re definitely a statement.  Wear them just as the frames or get them filled with your prescription, and no one will ever accuse you of not having style.  These and more at Vintage 50′s Eyewear.

2.  This handy little device from Innovation Workshop makes it easy to open a beer while making sure the caps aren’t scattered all over your kitchen.  A hardwood base and a solid steel bottle opener make this a gift that will last for a lifetime.

3.  I have an unhealthy obsession with moleskine notebooks, but sometimes I get frustrated because they all look the same.  That won’t be the case if you have engraved leather notebook cover from Engrave.  Different artists create the covers, so there’s sure to be something that fits your personal taste.

4.  For the computer nerd among us (and really, at this point, who isn’t) a USB flash drive encased in solid teak from Wood Venture.  I think that these are too stylish for words, and you’ll never get it confused with anyone else’s.

5.  If you’re not into the simple minimalistic lines of the teak USB drive, why not go for something flashy and steampunk instead?  This lovely number from QA Create will definitely stand out in the office crowd.

6.  Last but not least, the scarf.  Most men feel that they can’t wear scarves, branding them as too feminine, but I think that’s simply ridiculous.  As long as you stick with simple, masculine colors and designs, a scarf looks fantastic on any man.  This plaid number from A and V Designs is a perfect example of the right kind of scarf for any man.

Thanks to this week’s great sellers!

1.  There’s jewelry, and then there’s art that you wear.  This necklace from Irregular Expressions definitely falls into the latter category.  She has many more subtle items in her shop but I just love how this pieces pushes the boundaries.

2.  I like everything from Wren Handmade because you can see her hand in every item that she makes.  There’s a style that transcends, whether it’s a recycled paper garland or a handmade doll.  I want to hang these garlands everywhere.

3.  My favorite types of food always involve those that use lots of spices, like Indian or Thai food.  I’ve got a wonderful spice rack in my kitchen full of interesting flavors, and I might have to add a few of these from Urban Spice.  Merlot Sea Salt?  Yes, please!

4.  This sign pretty much speaks for itself.  YeeHaw Industries is one of my long-time favorite etsy shops, and for good reason.  Lots of silly, quirky paper goods in an old-fashioned style – what’s not to love?

Thanks to this week’s fabulous sellers!

1.  I know that it’s pretty retro, but I’ve developed an obsession with salt and pepper shakers.  My favorite pair that I have is a set of bejeweled chrome skulls (they look even better than they sound) but this ceramic avocado duo might just overtake them.  Find them at Daina Ceramics.

2.  Yet another instance of me plotting what use I can make of awesome calligraphy skills without wedding invites to address.  Frankly, if I ever make good on my dream of writing/illustrating a children’s book, I would want Primele to write the captions.

3.  I adore the delicacy and feminine quality of Elephantine‘s jewelry.  They are the kind of pieces that you would never have to or want to take off, and just about everyone (no matter how picky) would like.

4.  Now that Polaroid is even a more part of the internet consciousness, good photographers are popping up everywhere.  Jeffrey With 2 F’s is a great Polaroid photographer, and now you can purchase prints!

5.  I want to hang one of these bubble chandeliers from Jean Pelle all over my house.  Once I do that, I’ll start to wear them (jewelry is also available).  You’ll have to see how cool her pieces are for yourself.

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

They’re back after a bit of a hiatus!

1.  I’ve started to be really enamored with calligraphy (more so than usual, perhaps) so I really loved these air mail labels from K is for Calligraphy.  I actually bought them right off.  She has a lovely hand – it’s very elegant but it is still playful and fun.

2.  I envy all those who have a laser cutter.  If you don’t have one, make sure to check out Roberto Sand‘s shop.  He will custom engrave and cut just about anything – what a great idea for little ID tags for your shop.

3.  Basket weaving always impresses me.  The patience, the light touch, the vision required to turn something everyday into something fantastic.  I’m also a big fan of all the natural materials.  Head over to Creekside Baskets to see more lovely baskets and really remarkable product photography.

4.  There is something so adorable and fun about this crochet chain necklace from A Cat’s Nest.  I like the boldness of the blue and the fact that she combines crochet with actual metal chains.

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

1.  John W. Golden has an amazing skill of creating digital images that look like old-school illustrations.  His pieces have tons of color, texture and humor.  And his prices are reasonable as well!  A win-win situation for everyone.

2.  Who doesn’t love a big of faux bling?  This gorgeous “sapphire” from Treasure Field takes the shabby chic look to the extreme.  I love the tongue-in-cheek aspect of it.  And the color is great as well.

3.  Rosa Murillo‘s illustrations are whimsical and colorful and happy.  I love her illustrative style.  And all of her pieces just have such personality – they’re great!

4.  For all the polaroid lovers out there, here’s a little journal to document your film and your sarcasm.  A place for a picture and a fill-in-the-blank area to go with it – what else could you need?  My polaroids are always slightly weird, so this journal from Cracked Designs would be perfect for me.

5.  I have a life-size realistic rubber lobster that lives in the cheese drawer of my fridge.  I bought it one day on a whim, and the drawer seemed to be the place that it wanted to live.  I like that its antenna shock people who have never been to my house before.  Needless to say, I have an affinity for fake shellfish, and this leather shrimp brooch from sacaclaques fits right in.

Thanks to this week’s sellers! Make sure to check out their shops for lots more great stuff.

1.  All of the drawings at The Paper Apartment are whimsical and gorgeous, but I really love these notecards.  The hand-cut scalloped edge really does me in, but I also like the organic and precise nature of the illustration.

2.  I’ve been really into throw pillows lately, so this ruched handknit version from Strikk really caught my eye.  Its texture makes you really want to touch it.  To me, it looks a little bit like knit seersucker.

3.  Don’t get me wrong, I really love all of the vintage stuff on Etsy, but I also get the impression sometimes that it is just someone’s garage sale.  Tipple and Snack is the kind of vintage that stocks things I can easily fall in love with, these vintage French bathers being one of them.  I could easily see myself wasting a lot of money there.

4.  I’m not even sure that words can do this one justice.  Who doesn’t want a knit shark staring back at them from their morning coffee?  This and more adorable knit goods at Handamade.

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

1.  You know that I love anything made from recycled materials, so this lamp made from wooden hangers by Organelle totally floats my boat.

2.  I’m not sure if it is a fall thing, but I’ve been really into felt lately.  This necklace transforms a staple craft material into something more sophisticated and modern.  And of course, the colors are just perfect for the changing seasons.  Find it at Gugaw.

3.  Hooray for bunting!  This little pretty is a great fall decorating accessory, and the double-sided flags mean that you can hang them just about anywhere.  I like Knitty Bitties‘ shop especially because of all the great fabric choices.

4.  It’s a little bit macabre, but I’m constantly picking up bones and stuff that I find in the woods.  I think that it’s because of the archaeology training.  If you don’t want to go searching for them yourself, you can find something like these lovely moose antlers at ReDesign Technologies.  You can also find paper clip chandeliers, which are a little different than moose antlers, but still awesome.

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

1.  After living in Arizona, I’ve become quite the fan of midcentury kitsch.  Since I no longer have my awesome flea market, I’ll have to pop over to CUR8TOR to get my fix of the era.  Not only do they have great midcentury housewares, they have the photography to match.  This little owl is just begging me to take him home.

2.  The color of this cowl is striking, as is the dye technique.  A lovely olive ombre to keep you company in the cold winter months.  And the poppy pin is a nice bit of flair against the green.  Find this lovely number and more at Luxe.

3.  Robayre constantly makes some of the most imaginative and happy artwork I’ve ever seen.  This one is part of a series where she takes pictures of awesome words out in nature, and then reproduces them on a tiny polaroid pogo printer.  Always brings a smile to my face!

4.  I love these little lunch notes from Neat Things.  A little bit fancier than a sticky note on your sandwich, these clever little cards express what you truly want to say, deep down.

Thanks to this week’s fabulous sellers!

1.  This lovely pendant reminds me of something you’d find in an alternate universe 50 years ago.  I like the juxtaposition between the hard metal military elements and the presence of a face.  It’s like a really awesome locket.  There’s lots more mixed media-type jewelry over at Metamorph.

2.  I can’t even express how cool this vanity from Vanity Case is.  Made from a vintage suitcase, it holds a mirror and all sorts of bottles and the like.  I think it looks a little bit like a traveling apothecary.  I like all of the little drawers and places to hide things – it would be like an ever-evolving sculpture.  There is also a “liquor cabinet” option that’s pretty cool.

3.  I don’t know if it’s because everyone I know just went to Burning Man, but I’m digging these earthy accessories from Iron and Fire.  Meant to be worn by men and women alike, this particular feather creation could be a necklace or a hair charm or who knows what.  This item might not be up everyone’s alley but I just love the photo styling and how well everything fits within an overall aesthetic.

4.  Wool, felt, stripes?  I’m in!  This market bag from New Moon Rising would be perfect for fall.  I can just see it bursting with squash and other late-season produce from the farmer’s market.

5.  Speaking of fall, this picture really captures a lot of that feeling for me.  Beautiful colors and late-afternoon sunshine.  It’s almost an abstract painting with its shallow depth of field.  Urban Design has lots of wonderful photographs that are all really-well composed and feature color very prominently.

Thanks to this week’s sellers!

1.  I find something so utterly charming about these ceramic dishes from Lorena Barrezeuta’s seconds shop.  They are molded in the shape of those crappy aluminum baking dishes that you can buy at the supermarket, but last infinitely longer and come in much better colors.  I would eat mac-n-cheese every night of the week if I had one of these.

2.  The awesome photo staging aside, these pendants from Melanie Favreau are awesome.  They allow you to speak your mind, and what could be better than that?  And they come in great shapes.  And they allow little toy girls on benches to ask, WTF?

3.  Cabin + Cub is one of my longstanding favorite Etsy shops.  Adorable vintage illustrations and woodgrain?  What more could you want?  In addition to these sweet little collage she also makes woodburned critters and other paper awesomeness.

4.  Fall is around the corner, and that means SKIRTS!  I think that I could bring in fall nicely with this little number.  Everything in Stephanie Teague‘s shop is made from sustainable and lovely materials (lots of vintage and thrifted and whatnot) so you can get fashionable as well as earth-friendly.

5.  Last but not least, oh, how in love with Japanese masking tapes am I?  Too much so.  The only thing that has prevented me from buying it in every color and shade is my recent move.  Beware, I’m going to start buying it in bulk soon.  Want some of your own?  Make sure to check out LemonTree77.

Thanks to this week’s awesome sellers!