Etsy Friday Five - 6/3

I love Etsy for a lot of reasons; but by and large , my favorite thing is discovering new (to me) artists. Painters, Illustrators, Photographers – Etsy is a seemingly never-ending treasure trove of innovative talent. My walls (and my wallet) can testify that I can always find a new print, a new canvas to purchase.

This week, I found a few more artists for my must-have list.

Susana Parada of Parada Creations has a store full of whimsically delightful prints.  I really like how she treats the feel-good sayings so often featured in her work.  Her font choices are fresh and unique and really make the prints pop.  She has a lot of variety in her store, so I am sure you will find something you love.

Life is a beautiful ride by Parada Creations  - $19

I just adore J.C. Spock’s take on mixed-media. Her pieces are feminine and heartfelt without being schmaltzy. They are beautifully layered and complicated, much like we all are. Her work crosses over easily into note cards, journals and postcards – all available in the store.

Hopeful Girl by JC Spock  - $17.50

There is something provocative and tantalizing in the woman’s eyes in this piece by Claire Mojher.  Like she is just daring you to be shocked by her.  I love it.  All of  Mojher’s work has this same sense of story and drama.   Her pieces leave you wondering about the subject's back story.  So intriguing. 

Eliminating Rivals by Clair Mojher  - $20

Elle Moss is going to get me in trouble with my husband.  I have already bookmarked several of her pieces and forwarded to him as future purchases.  This particular piece really caught my eye.  I love the fluidity and the almost surreal serenity of it.  It is no wonder her work is used often by fashion magazines – it is so beautiful composed and her lighting is wonderful.  She has fast become one of my favorite photographers.

Dive by Elle Moss - $15

You may have seen the work of Maia Chavez Larkin in a gallery or your favorite magazine before. She is a well-known children’s fashion illustrator and her work has been published all over the globe. Her work is still intimate and personal, though and I was totally drawn in by this piece. All of her work has an incredible level of detail and craftsmanship that really denotes Chavez Larkin as a master of her field.

Anouk on a Cold Day by The Voyagers  - $25

All images courtesy of their respective owners

Etsy Friday Five - 5/27

Happy Friday everyone!


Some weeks the Friday Five has a definite theme (beauty, travel, brunettes) and some days the theme is “ohhhhhhh – pretty – I totally want that.” That is what is going on this week.

Like this amazing bracelet by Mad River Designs. How pretty is this? I love the juxtaposition of rugged and delicate, in the leather and natural stones. And the color palette is my new favorite for the summer, the colors of sky and water.

Triple Wrap Turquoise, Adventurine and Faceted Prehnite on Leather by Mad River Designs  - $66

This is my favorite time of year to have guests over for dinner.  We have a big table in our garden, and we love to eat al fresco.  I can just see this lovely serving bowl by Susan Rodriguez being passed around the table, heaped full of fresh Jersey corn on the cob, or a nice green salad.   Rodriquez’s store is full of wonderful pieces, but for me, the sgraffito floral design makes this a stand out piece.

Made to Order----Large Ceramic Blossom Bowl by CeramicaBontanica - $98

I have had this piece pinned on Pinterest for a while now (btw, how addicting is that site?) and it gets re-pined all the time.  No wonder, it is such a great image.  Claire Cimbora’s illustrations are all widely imaginative and fun, seemly set in a dream world where a little girl can cuddle with Pandas and Elephants can rock a tightrope.  Her work would be perfect for a kids room, but would not be at all out of place on a gallery wall.

Stars in Jars by Schmooks - $29

Love stories and typewriters are two of my absolute favorite things.   No wonder this brooch by Tilly Bloom caught my eye so quickly.   Her jewelry designs are so original and quirky; you really have to take the time to browse her shop.  Each piece is a wearable piece of art and a total conversation starter.

How to write a love story brooch by Tilly Bloom  - $17

Now that my daughter is out of the “I am going to spread hazardous waste on the couch” stage of life, we are looking to purchase a new couch. I like the idea of a neutral couch with piles of funky pillows and this one by Alexandra Ferguson is high on my list. All of her pillows are fun and irreverent, and would give some pop to any living space.

Be Nice or Leave Pillow by Alexandra Ferguson - $89



All images courtesy of their respective owners



Etsy Friday Five - 5/13

Hello and Happy Friday to you all.  I am SO happy that it is Friday and that Blogger is finally up and running.  That was scary, huh?

Well - off to this week's Friday Five.

I am seriously in love with the raw beauty of this ring by Laura Treloar  Her store is full of lovely jewelry -  all with an original, organic feel.  She uses unusual materials for her work and it really makes it stand out from the millions of listings on Etsy.

Sky Blue Apatite Crystal Ring by Laura Treloar - $55

How beautiful is this print by Cori Dantini?  I am so happy to have found this artist.  I have really fallen in love with her work, which is whimsical and so imaginative.  Luckily, she is also a  prolific artist, so buyers have a lot of pieces to chose from.  

She flies with her own wings by Corid - $20

A deep rooted love of Ironstone has left me with beautiful, but mainly white, serving pieces. I am determined to inject some color into my kitchen, and these cracker bowls from Atelier BB would be a great start. They are made from white stoneware clay and are dishwasher and microwave safe.

4 Cracker Bowls by Atelier BB - $54

 

I follow a lot of blogs and recently one* did a great post on Cathrineholm Enamelware and I am so hooked now.  I love the bright colors and clean, graphic style; it is like eye candy for your kitchen.  I have started scouring the estate sales and vintage stores in my area for it, but I haven’t found a piece.  But, I can still bring some Scandinavian style to my kitchen with this print from Jan Skácelík. 

Cathrineholm - From Norway with Love by Handz  - $19

I remember having so much fun making Ojo De Dios (Spanish for Eye of God) in my 3^rd grade art class, and I was so excited to find Jay Mohler's shop.  He creates oversized, intricate Ojos De Dios, paying special attention to the cultural traditions of the pieces.  Originally, the Ojos were made by the Huichol people of Mexico.  The piece would start when a child was born, and new pieces would be added every year until they turned five. 



Gray Fox, and 18 inch, 12-sided, Ojo de Dios by Jay Froggy - $90



All images courtesy of their respective owners

* If this was your blog, please let me know.  I can't find the link and I would love to give you credit.

Etsy Friday Five - 5/6

It is shaping up to be an awesome Friday. Blue skies, bright sun and great songs on the radio while driving to work, have all put me in an excellent mood.


Sharing today’s Etsy Friday Five puts me in a good mood as well. As always, I really hope you like the things I found this week.

Happy Mother’s Day, a bit early, to all my Mom Readers!

I was looking for a clever Mother's day card on Etsy last week, when I stumbled across Crankbunny and their amazing pop-up cards. It is no exaggeration when I tell you I was blown away.  The level of detail and craftsmanship is amazing.  If you are giving one of these cards along with a gift, make the person open the gift first, because once they start playing with their card (I mean come on, the shop has a customizable golden ticket card) the gift will be forgotten about.

Pushing Up Daisies Boston Terrier Pop Up Card by Crankbunny -$8

This ring by The Whirlwind combines two of my favorite things - jewelry and embroidery.  I love the color palette which is so fresh and Springy. It is the perfect compliment to a cute sundress I was gifted recently.  The Whirlwind's shop is full of interesting jewelry, often mixing fabric and vintage pieces. 

Rainbow Embroidery Ring by The Whirlwind- $25

This is the year my husband and I are investing in a grill.  I think I am breaking all sorts of steak protocol whenever I make my famous Steak on a Cookie Sheet dish.  So, yeah - a grill is a must and so is this Grill Guru spice/rub set by Purpose Design.  The set holds 15 rubs, including Tropical Citrus, Memphis BBQ, Ancho Chili and Cajun Spice, and come packaged in an attractive brushed aluminum box.  These rubs are custom blended and are making me hungry writing about them.  This summer, I will rule the grill!

The Grill Guru Master Kit by Purposedesign - $40

My husand is a huge music junkie (and he has his own music blog) and vinyl makes him happier than just about anything else.  He has co-opted our spare bedroom into an "office" which translates into music storage and listening room.  I think this dry erase board by Blue Order will fit nicely in between his show prints and records on the wall.   And I can leave him notes like "I love you, but Zappa is overrated."

Vinyl Record Stack Dry Erase Board by Blue Order - $29

I utterly adore this delicate and romantic necklace by  Eva Thissen.  The craftsmanship of the individual clay flowers is remarkable and I just love the dimensional effect they create.  Her entire store is full of stunning, creative pieces.  I long for the rings she has featured on her banner, but they don't seen to be available in the store at the moment. 

Ciel de fleurs by EvaThissen - $55

All images courtesy of their respective owners

Etsy Friday Five - 4/29

While I was in college, I had a part time job at Bath and Body Works. It was suppose to help me pay for tuition, but instead it fed my product addition. Lotions, Potions, Shower Gels and Hair Masks, with a 30% discount, I bought them all, and in vast amounts. And I shared the wealth, so my friends and my mom were always stocked.

I guess my mom has finally worked her way through her stockpile, because when I asked her what she wanted for Mother’s Day, she requested bath stuff. Which inspired this week’s Etsy Friday Five.

If you think Bath products on Etsy, a name that stands out is Dennis Anderson. With over 29,000 feedbacks and all of them 100% positive, you can pretty much rely on the fact that you will be getting a quality product. While best know for his olive oil soaps, he also stocks everything from lotions and gels, to lip balms and whipped soap in a jar With delicious sounding scents like Hawaiian Lei, Violetta, Iced Oatmeal Cookie, Rosehips and Kumquat and Chai Tea, it is to hard to decide what to try first.

Pomegranate(4 oz. jar) Whpped Soap In A Jar (Vegan) by Dennis Anderson - $6.50

My daughter is obsessed with play-dough right now, so I know she will get a kick out of Red Leaf’s Bubble Bath Dough.  And if she likes, then my mom (who often watches her overnight for me), will really love it, since it will make bath time go smoother. You just scoop a handful out and rub your hands under the running facet for loads of bubbles.  And once the kiddo goes home, Mom can use the product as a moisturizing shower gel for herself.  Scents include Plumeria, Black Tea, Pink Grapefruit, Orange Sherbert, Beach and Basil Lime. 

Red Leaf Bubble Bath Dough by ShopRedLeaf - $12

I can not count the amount of hours that my mom and I sat on the beaches of Cape May, NJ.  And how many nights I had to deal with tight, hot cheeks and noses because we had just a little too much sun.  I wish we had packed the  Chamomile Soothing Facial Mist from Petite Threla.  Lush botanticals like Chamomile, Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera make this product just what tender skin needs.  I would recommend keeping it in the fridge between uses, to ensure a refreshing cool mist on the skin.

Chamomile soothing facial mist by Petite Threla - $4

Instead of getting Mom one big basket of products, I really love the idea of a year long gift.  This Year of Soaps gift from Sweet Petula could be just the ticket.  Every month, a beautifully packaged soap along with a little something special will be delivered, ensuring 12 " You shouldn't have, but I love it" phone calls.  Lush scents include Sweet Pea, Ruby Grapefruit, Ginger Blossom and Fleu de Lis.

12 month soap subscription by Sweet Petula - $90

One of my favorite memories of my mother is having a "sick" day from high school and doing a total girl pampering day. We went shopping, out to lunch and came home to sit on the sun porch, sipping virgin strawberry daiquiris in matching green face masks. With this Green Science Face Mask from Dress Green, I can help recreate that memorable day this Mother's Day. The ingredients in this mask (organic kelp powder, organic calendula powder, organic nettle leaf powder, white willow bark extract) make this a great mask for both our skin types, normal and slight oily.



Green Science Facial Mask by Dress Green - $9



All images courtesy of their respective owners

Etsy Friday Five - 4/22

Happy Earth Day everyone!


Earth day is the inspiration for today’s finds. We all hear about recycle-reuse-reduce and being kind to Mother Earth but in your day-to-day life it can sometimes slip the mind. Here are five interesting, eco-friendly products that can help make a difference.

I get so excited every Spring, because a small farmer’s market sets up about 4 blocks from my house. I get to walk down and get fresh fruit, flower and veggies. Buying at a local market, I lower the carbon footprint and support local farmers which makes me happy. The plastic grocery bags most of the vendor use, doesn’t. So – a great alternative is to use a stylish re-usable shopping bag like this one by Pony and Poppy.  I love the screen-printed cheerful red apples.

Three Red Apples reusable fruit/veggie bag  by PonyandPoppy - $10



In the wake of deforestation, it is always great to find new uses for recycled wood.   I really like the line of repurposed wood candle blocks that Margaux and Walter Kent over at Peg and Awl have designed.  They use reclaimed old growth Pine, once a floor joist from a 19th century Philadelphia house, to create their candle holders.  Vintage botanical prints round out the design.  I love the history of these pieces and their  worn look, and would love to line about 5 up on my mantel piece...if I still had a place with a fireplace. I miss my fireplace.

Floral - Antique Old Growth Pine Candle Block by PeganAwl -$17

My husband is a Tshirt hoarder.  I love him, but he has concert tees from when he was 14, he is now 34. It is a sickness. So this recycled Tshirt rug from Talkingsquid will probably give him heart palpitations.  But I love it.  I love the idea of find a new way to recycle old clothing and this is so clever.  I can just imagine how soft it is and it would be the perfect doggie sleeping area. Or cushy place to stand while doing dishes.  I wonder if I could make one with some old Black Flag tee's.   Just kidding honey, get off the floor.

Recycled T-Shirt Rug in Yellow SMALL by talkingsquid - $60

 Did you know that indoor air can be significantly dirtier and worse for you then outdoor air?  And that there was a NASA study that found that having houseplants can remove 87% of air toxins within 24 hours.  And that houseplants can often look a little drab?  That is why I love this succulent wreath from Pamela Newman at Fairyscapes.  With a little water and sunlight, this wreath will continue to grow and bloom long after most flower arrangements and go a long way towards cleaning the air in your home.  Plus- I mean come on, it is so pretty.

Rose Round Succulent Wreath 9" by Fairyscape - $44.99

So, I love learning new stuff and in researching today's blog I found out that there is a wide array of research suggesting that Dryer Sheets are bad news.  They are full of chemicals and could potentially damage your clothes and your skin.  So these Wool Dryer balls from Dryerballs are a clever way to ditch dryer sheets forever.  Apparently, these guys can reduce drying time, reduce static and fluff fabrics without any chemicals at all.  Plus, they are reusable, which saves time and trash.

6 EcoFriendly 100% Wool Dryer Balls - Natural Color by Dryerballs - $42

All images courtesy of their respective owners.

Etsy Friday Five - 4/15

While looking for today’s items, I was reminded of a memory. In my early twenties, my girlfriends and I used to go dancing at this bar/club located in a tiny river town call New Hope, which had once been a thriving artist community but was quickly transitioning into a tourist Mecca.

One summer night, leaving my friends on the dance floor, I headed out to the small patio overlooking the river. An older man, late 60’s maybe, was also standing at the railing and said hello. I found out in short order that he was a painter; very drunk off cheap red wine and that he would not be buying me a drink. Considering, I hadn't asked for one, I found the last statement amusing.

He continued (this is a close to verbatim as I can get) “It is not that you aren’t lovely, it is because you are a brunette.” He paused to light a cigarette “You see, brunettes, all of you, you always have that look in your eye, like you know a secret, like you know all of my secrets. Like you already know the answer to every question I would ever ask you. Your eyes turn us into stone and little boys at the same time. Dark witches, all of you.”

And he walked off into the summer night…

So, inspired by my drunken painter – enjoy this bevy of beguiling brunettes. Just be careful not to turn to stone.

Fashion illustrator Paule Trudel Bellemare has made quite the splash with her quirky and clever series Girls+Dogs.  Hipster girls (I use the term lovingly) and their adorable dogs have their personalities captured brilliantly by this talented artist.

Marvin by Paule Trudel Bellemare - $30

Janet Hill's paintings have the feeling of vintage glamour and beauty. Be it a portrait of an intriguing woman, a still life of a beautiful room,or a pristine vintage kitchen, her work is feminine, peaceful and utterly wonderful.

The Feather Fan Dancer by Janet Hill - $26

I had never known what an ACEO was before I found The Brilliant Magpie’s work.  They are prints/original works the size of a traditional baseball card.  What a great way to start an art collection.  I recommend starting with this raven haired beauty.  She reminds me of the Great Gatsby and cold bathtub gin.  I bet she rouges her knees.

Noleta -- ACEO Limited Edition Print by Amy Abshier Reyes - $5.00

Another way to start a collection would be with this tiny canvas by Tali.   It is the size of an average refrigerator magnet and is sure to be a conversation starter.   Not just because of it’s diminutive size, but also because of the pensive ingenue in the painting.

Rimma / tiny canvas print by Tushtush - $20

Our last bewitching brunette is by well-know illustrator Catherine Campbell who runs Myfolklover.  The thing I love about Campbell’s women is they are always seem to me just a little bit cheeky and mischievous.  I also adore her use of pattern, it is a distinctive signature and really establishes a piece as her's at first glance.   Plus, who doesn't love a girl in glasses (and not just because I am one).

Jane by Myfolklover - $25



All images courtesy of their respective owners



Lulu's Etsy Friday Five 4/8

Happy Friday, All! I hope everyone is amping up for a great weekend.  Mine is going to be full of family, cooking and some vintage shopping, so I am a happy girl.

This week’s Friday Five was inspired by a friend of mine who complained that Lulu doesn’t feature enough fashion. I took up that challenge and found five great designers/vintage sellers this week.

I really adore Liz Spencer’s (aiguilleetfil) use of color and symmetry.  Her designs feel really fresh and modern.  The tunic below really caught my eye, but there are several pieces that I could have featured that are just as great.

Walter Gropius geometric tunic shirtdress by  aiguilleetfil  - $100

This seems to be the season for the statement necklace, and Angie Johnson over at Norwegian Wood has some stunning options.  I think this fringe necklace would be perfect with a simple white tank and dark jeans.   Johnson doesn’t just design accessories, she also has some fab fashion pieces, including a line of eye-catching leggings.

Maximum Fringe Necklace - Navy, Celery, Copper by iheartnorwegianwood - $65

There is nothing about this vintage 60’s mod dress that I don’t love.  It is simple and classic, but can be styled in so many different ways, that you will never run out of possible ways to wear it.   Enid and Edgar is one of my favorite Vintage stores on Etsy.  Their selection is always top notch and I find myself bookmarking them just about every week.

Vintage 60s Ivory Shimmer and Shine Mod Mini Dress by Enid and Edgar - $68

I love an occasion to dress up, skirts and dress and high heels.  But lately, my go-to feel pretty outfit really is a well-fitting pair of dark jeans and a great top.  Which is why this Teacher's Pet Bib shirt by Minxshop makes me so happy.  I love the  feminine vintage detailing and the cut of this top.  It is simple and chic and should be living in my closet.



Teacher's Pet Bib shirt by Minxshop  - $80



Clean, Elegant, Sexy – those three words pretty much sum up Lamixx’s shop.  Her pieces are timeless without looking dated.   Pull ten pieces from her collection and you will have the basis for a classic wardrobe that would take you through countless seasons.  This dress below is so luxe and I adore the simple lines.

Sweet and sexy classic adorned boatneck dress by Lamixx - $44

PS - Have you entered the Jao giveaway yet? The Winner will be picked on Monday, so enter today!

All images courtesy of their respective owners

Etsy Friday Five - 3/18

Friday again, and that means it is time for my favorite post of the week - the Etsy Friday Five.  I have so much fun finding these items and new artists to feature.  And, I am really excited for the Sugarloaf Arts Festival this weekend in Philadelphia.  Over 250 artists are featured, hopefully I will be bringing back some great new finds for you all.

SisterBatik have been featured all over Etsy lately, and for good reason. Their vividly colored pillow covers, made from Dutch wax print batik cotton, are utterly stunning. They will instantly transform any drab couch into a conversation piece. I know we will be seeing great things to come from their talented UK duo.

Deluxe Persian Floral Throw Pillow Cover (20*20) by SisterBatik - $45



If you have scrolled through the blog a bit, you will see that I have a real yen for soft, ethereal photography. Photographer Sara Duckett’s etsy store has such an amazing array of just lovely images. That really is the perfect word to describe her photographs, lovely. Her store also carries postcards and some jewelry featuring her images.

Blue Jars by Warmwhispers (5*7) - $16.00

I want to hit to road so badly, I can taste it. I want a long road trip, a beat up car and 50 loose cassette tapes rattling around on the floor. I want to visit 700 person towns, dive bars and quiet countryside. I want to find a road and drive it to end. But since I have a 9-5 job, a family and mortgage, I will settle for this great Jack Kerouac inspired print from maechevrette.

The Road  (19*13) by Mae Chevrett - $39.00

I love letterpress, love it.  I keep buying beautiful letter press cards and postcards to send to friends, and end up keeping them and just sending emails instead.  Totally wrong, I know – but it is so hard to give such pretty things up.  This time, I found letterpress that I don’t have to feel bad about keeping –these sweet "Things that are Round" coasters from 1canoe2.  I have been fans of their store ever since I saw them on Decor8 awhile ago, and for good reason.  I dare you to go to their store and not find 10 things you want to buy

.

"Things that are round" coasters (set of 9 & bag) by 1canoe2 - $15

Like most of the world right now, our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Japan.  If you want to help in the relief efforts, you can donate directly to organizations like the Red Cross or Save the Children.  Hundreds of Etsy sellers are offering to donate either full or part of the purchase price of their items to Japan relief organizations.  Please take some time to search today and give a little bit of much needed support.



Japan Disaster Relief Bracelet (100% of proceeds donated) by Topnotch - $5