Bring Me Up: Design

Flying Bird Botanicals and more

2009-12-09T13:14:00.006-05:00

I have soooo many friends who are interested in herbal remedies and alternative medicines. This makes me very happy, because as a practicing "green witch" I have many books on remedies I can whip up. This might end up being the only way I can afford to give Christmas/Yule gifts this year. In my own Christy fantasy land I hope to someday make my own line of energy/magick induced products.

And for those of you seeking like-minded gifts please use the wonderful services of Flying Bird Botanicals. Noting that they have a new baby girl in their household and thus take up to 10 days to ship.

Flying Bird Botanicals only uses organic ingredients. They also try to buy only local when possible. They have gift baskets made up or you can buy things separate and create your own stuffed stocking.

One of their more popular products is their tea line, "nutritive immunitea...teas for wellness". Their blends include: red raspberry leaf, nettles, oat tops and straw, alfalfa, red clover tops, astragulus, elder berries, rose hips, lemon balm, dandelion root, fennel and spearmint.

One tea which sounds particularly lovely right now is their Peace of Mind tea. Their PEACE OF MIND TEA is gentle and calming for your nervous system. It includes: lemon balm, oats and oat straw, skullcap and spearmint.

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I'm also a huge fan of White Magick's Etsy shop. Where "everything is charged with the positive force of White Magick!" They have an array of handmade "Witch Ware" including herbal alchemy, divination tools, pendulums, ritual oils, altar supplies, candle magick, sacred spell and ritual kits, crystals, gemstones, herbal potions, teas, and rare magical apothecary and brews.

If magic isn't your fancy, they also sell cool candles. Right now they are featuring a set of three Snowball candles. The description is: "These sweet and small handmade Snowball Candles are a festive decoration for the holiday season. Scented with a Fresh Snow fragrance, each candle is sprinkled with a light gold and silver glittering shimmer and measure 2 inches around. The perfect addition to your holiday decor or table centerpieces during Yule and Holiday celebrations." And they are under $10!

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Last but not least, is the Power Of Nature Jewels shop. The owner of this shop had been in a horrible car accident after which she was seriously injured. She spent time researching healing remedies and such. She says she was immediately intrigued by the healing power of stones and other natural elements. She says, "I have created beautiful jewelery with stones and other natural elements hand picked for their special healing properties."

The picture you see here is showing a healing necklace. Mostly made of clear, crystal quartz there is also a Herkimer diamond dangle. Beautiful healing Herkimer Diamond encourages spontaneity. Good for memory and new beginnings. Great for the metabolism, and genetic material. Herkimer is long known and credited for it's pain relieving properties.

Lego My Apple & some vintage finds

2009-12-08T12:23:00.006-05:00

Do you know someone who fancies thing of a vintage nature?

There is a shop on Etsy where you can buy Vintage Miniature Amber Glass Oil Lamps. Very cool, but Jody's Vintage offers a bunch of ideas and gifts to choose from for any time of year. There are hand painted cast iron trivets, old school TV lamps, kitchen utensils and even dated Mason jars if you know a collector. You could even put some goodies in the jar as part of the gift.

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MacSlaps are designer vinyl decals that utilize the backlit apple, allowing Mac owners to instantly customize their computer. So go ahead, slap some skin on your apple! Because your Mac should be as unique as you are.

"Lego My Apple" is a cute vinyl decal for your laptop or for wherever you wish to apply it. For those you know who like Apple products. I'm lucky because my husband likes Apple AND Legos, so really this would be the perfect decal for him. He'd probably put it on his Jeep. The description of the decal includes a disclaimer which says, "*Please note: this decal will definitely make you the coolest kid in the library." ROFL.

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Etsy is also a great place to find shops with cute, unique jewelry. One of my favorite shops to browse through is primoriginals. Right now they have really amazing unique ornaments, Christmas cards, art pendants, prints and original artwork, etc.

If you know me, then you know how I love owls. In fact, if I could have a pet snow owl I'd be elated. And if I weren't allergic to cats I would want an orange tabby. Anyway, I can have both of those animals painted on something at primoriginals. Like the colorful HOOT Mounted Art Print. They are tiny block prints that you can hang on the wall as part of a collage or just by themselves on a smaller wall like in the kitchen or powder room.

And there is a Cat. Tree. Mouse. pendant which has a coy looking orange kitty on it. The painted colors are warm and inviting, such a great scene.

Hello Kitty Build-A-Bear

2009-12-03T08:05:00.004-05:00

Did you know you can now make your own Hello Kitty doll at Build-a-Bear?

GENIUS!

I took a screen grab so you could see some of the options of the Hello Kitty doll you can build.

You can personalize her not only with cool Hello Kitty clothes and accessories, but also with her very own sound! Yes, that's right, you can add a sound to your doll. The sound can be a giggle, a song like Frosty the Snowman and they even offer Jonas Brothers. The extra cost is either $5 or $6 depending on which option you choose. I know my kids love toys with sound and music, so I don't think the extra money is too steep for a doll they will end up loving.

Then of course there is the special Holly Moose, but she is a bit more pricey at just under $50. Personally that does seem a bit steep to me, but she is cute. Holly Moose(TM) is wearing a red sherpa trim zip-up jacket, white crew neck tee, dark skinny leg jeans, sherpa trim boots and striped hat with red bow. ABC Family recently aired her movie, so there's a special Holly Moose show you could watch while cuddling with your stuffed moose friend.

Build-A-Bear has some great ideas, so it's a thought for your young gift receivers.

Modern to Retro | Gift Guide Deals

2009-11-17T21:32:00.006-05:00

You can give amazing gifts this Christmas..even on a pauper budget. All you have to do is know where to look and I'm trying to make that a little bit easier for you this year.

For instance, this super cute Vera Bradley hand bag was originally about $50 and right now it is on sale for $12. And Coupon code "10OFFSALE" will do even more for ya! This bag features a 6.5" strap drop and is available in 23 patterns. Coupon expires November 30.

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deviantART has a sale going on as well. 30% off ALL greeting cards, just in time for the holidays!

Our 5 x 7 inch folded greeting cards come with envelopes and a reusable matte black box to keep them safely stored when not in use. Choose from a huge selection of deliciously devious images, printed on high quality 110 lb. matte stock with a beautiful UV sheen finish.

I have a shop on deviantART if you ever want to see some of my digital artwork. But I will tell you even though I do have some note cards, none of them are holiday themed at this time. cmannering on deviantART

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Gifts for under $20 at the best store for pajammies on the web WebUndies.com

Battle fun with Bakugan pjs >>

Colorful Batman logo tee for women >>

Wrap these boxers up for him >> (Cotton knit shorts are a red plaid with a big green bow and the message, "Do Not Open Until Christmas!")

DC Comics Batgirl Retro Distressed Heather T-Shirt >>

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Sparkle Thots is ...

Handmade jewelry for the modern women of today. A touch of whimsy, a touch of feminism, a touch of romanticism, a touch of class. Always wearable.

You're My Guiding Star...

Like the star of Bethlehem, this simple star takes centrestage. Matt gold plated, it hangs freely, swinging daintily on the 16 inch gold plated chain. Measures an approximate 1 inch drop.

And it is under $20!

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So, I hope you got some gift ideas and found that there are great, unique things out there within a tight budget. More gift guide posts to come so be sure to return to Bring Me Up Design!

Cherry Red Loveliness | Gift Guide 2009

2009-11-16T20:26:00.005-05:00

Going with a theme for this post of the gift guide...

I really love all things cherry whether the actual fruit, the sundae topping sweetness or in this case the color and theme.

For instance, this super cute necklace from sweetberrybird on Etsy. She is "...a sociologist who has turned into a jewelry designer because of my devouring need for creativity."

First Cherries Baby Swallow Necklace...

Necklace description: "Three genuine red coral beads and opalescent white glass blossom flower hang from bronzed brass branch. A large green glass leaf and a lovely brass baby swallow dangle from curb chain." AND the necklace is under $30!

She ships from Montreal, so if your in the US be sure to calculate how long it will take to ship. She ships within 5 business days of the payment clearing. Use PayPal and you're set.

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For under $10 you can give this super adorable Cherry & Bow hair clip. It's from Shana Logic which is one of my fave web shops. Love it! So gift certificates from there are fantastic. But in keeping with the theme...back to the clip.

Item description: "This awesome hair clip has cool pink PVC cherries centered in the middle of a totally fun black bow with white dots. So super adorable!!"

Plus you can look through other items on their site from designer Ukiyo5. There are really awesome hair extension color clips. Everyone who knows me understands/accepts I have an obsession for these hair clips. I love every color available and they are $10 gifts as well. Deals people deals!

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I found gorgeous art prints and note cards on Red Bubble made by Angie McKenzie. The print I specifically love is called "Trees In A Row." It's a fantastical picture of pink cherry blossoms. "Cherry Blossom Trees lined up in pink bloom during the spring season. Newtown, PA."

The note cards are under $5 and the prints start at $22 for a 10" x 8" size which is perfectly frameable and it comes with artist details, laminated.

Angie says she is an ametuer photographer, but that makes me wonder what she would call me. Is there a level below a beginner? Haha. She has been in photography for over four years. She likes using warm filters and close-up lenses.

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Couple other links for ya...

- jumpupanddown has a Retro Hostess Apron on sale right now for $12, it has a vintage inspired cherry print.

- So Very Cherry Halter Top is also on sale on Etsy for $12, the cherries are actually silver in that print.

Happy gifting!

Feeling the Feltmate Love

2009-11-10T08:43:00.003-05:00

Etsy is a great place to look for creative inspiration. It's also a fantastic place to find gifts if you have a strict budget. Because if anyone understands penny pinching it would be other crafty people.

Right now I'm enjoying looking at Feltmate's Shop. I love their Lovebird Pin Cushion. This would be such a great gift for anyone who loves to sew. If I spent more time at my sewing table I would definitely want something like this. It's cheery, cute and would make me smile each time I saw it.

Item description: Hand felted white wool pincushion in a porcelain dish with two wool love birds firmly perched on top. Both lovebirds are red and white in color. Kiss kiss.

Upcoming Exhibitions and Craft Shows...

November 21, 10am - 5pm
DIY Trunk Show
Pulaski Park Auditorium,
1419 W. Blackhawk, Chicago, IL.

November 28, 10am - 7pm
Art vs. Craft
Humphrey Scottish Rite Masonic Center,
790 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, WI.

Chalkboard candles are so cool!

2009-09-11T15:12:00.004-04:00

Yes, I know how lame my post title may seem to you, but I stand by it!

- Hand-poured in Los Angeles with 100% Unscented Soy Wax.
- Comes with set of chalk
- Unscented
- 7.5 oz

Pair this gift with some stencils and it would be amazing for just about anyone on your gift lists no matter the holiday.

Get it at Delight.com >>

And I'd like to offer a quick tidbit on why soy candles rock...

Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is not made from petroleum, like paraffin candles. Burning of soy candles does not increase the CO2 level in the atmosphere.

And, soy candles last 50% longer!

Dali Decals

2009-06-14T11:42:00.003-04:00

Dali Decals is owned and operated by David and Alicia, and is located in Asheville, North Carolina. They started out doing their own vinyl graphics for sports bikes. Since then, they have expanded their business to doing custom signage, motorcycle trailers, business logos for vehicles and buildings, and even wall art.

It's the wall art I'm excited about. The one shown in this picture would go well in our baby's nursery. There is an ocean/pirate theme and his bedding has ships on it. There is an accent wall which is an ocean blue color and really a lot of nautical things including the light switch plate. So "We can't change the wind, but we can adjust the sails," would be quite fitting.

I also like the personalized wall letterings. You can have your child's name done or just a monogram and the colors and styles are chosen by you, too.

They have all sized art for the wall including trees which nearly go up to the top of the ceiling so it's as if you have a cherry blossom in your home. There are a few silhouettes to choose from and then of course some animals including whales and birds and such.

So check out their Etsy shop and pick some wall art for your home. Then squeegee away!

Recessionista Sale

2009-06-02T10:22:00.004-04:00

Recessionista Sale through August: "You scratch my back I'll scratch yours. The economy is tough right now, but that's no reason you can't be beautiful. Treat yourself or someone you love with an item from emmy-ray."

She discounted everything in her shop up to 40%, and free shipping on most items! Tell me you don't love this blue enamelled copper skull with yellow/orange hearts and oxidized edges.

About Emily of Emmy-Ray's Etsy Shop...

"I enjoy designing and creating jewelry and am a trained metalsmith and printmaker. All the jewelry pieces on my site are hand made from scratch and often include vintage details such as beads or re-vamped jewelry."

She also sells cool vintage items like old shoes, scarves and such. Definitely check out her shop, especially during this fantastic sale.

Happily Handmade Giveaway

2009-05-08T09:45:00.002-04:00

The Happily Handmade Giveaway was created in appreciation of indie shoppers, everywhere. Over 40 different indie shops have donated items for this giveaway. A total of 25 fantastic gift baskets will be given away to customers entered at each participating shop’s site. And you can enter, right here, through my site! You could win a boat-load of fabulous indie goods including jewelry, handbags, bath & body, knits, accessories, and stationery – all handmade by the talented indie designers.

May 13th is the last day to enter.

Happy Clay

2009-05-04T10:43:00.004-04:00

"Add some art to your alcohol - or elegance to your breakfast table."

This picture shows a Storm Cloud tumbler with a red interior and gold lip. It can hold up to 12 ounces of liquid, but I might even use it to put candies or something in, because then I would be able to appreciate it more.

The creator, Niki Buckley Crosby, has an Etsy Shop called Happy Clay. She is originally from New Orleans, but finds herself now living in Pennsylvania after Hurricane Katrina. She has her own studio where she builds, creates custom molds, and slip casts her own designs out of stoneware and porcelain.

Of her finishing process, she says, "My glazing process consists of multiple firings using a combination of glazes I've mixed myself, commercial underglazes, my own custom made screen printed decals and typically finished off with a gold overglaze accent firing."

If you really dig her pieces you can e-mail or convo her for wholesale prices. She takes batch orders at wholesale prices for orders placed for 20 or more items.

For more inspiration and peeks into what Happy Clay has to offer you should check out her Flickr Photo Set.

When Niki takes time from casting, building, creating, molding and all that other happy clay stuff, she enjoys "online games of scrabble, occasional naps, bubble baths, daily house cleaning chores, phone calls with friends etc." And when she finally gets to glazing her pieces you'll hear funk, disco or maybe even Prince blaring through Pandora into her studio.

A dotted deer and more from L.J Ink

2009-04-28T09:50:00.003-04:00

"Classic circles in a Celery Green and Finn is in a sweet brown with white stitching."

Finn is part of the new "Woodland Series" available at L.J Inks' Etsy Shop. This particular print is adorable, but I must tell you the name is why it won my heart. I'm due in just a couple more weeks and we are going to be naming our little boy Finnegan, Finn for short. =o)

All art from L.J Ink is drawn and created by Michalle Sessions. She was born and raised in Seattle and is now living in Franklin, TN.

"The memories that I cherish from childhood nearly all revolve around making something and getting lost in those moments and to this day, that is me - a girl who loves to get lost in the things she loves!"

She offers 8x10 prints in her shop, but if you e-mail her to ask for larger prints she is more than willing to oblige. In addition, you can e-mail her for custom orders. So with Mother's Day coming up you could grab one of her prints and have your Mom's initial drawn on. Or you can take it one step further with Michalle's Family Series. There are currently three different prints in the family series and they are all priced under $30 individually which means the gift will not only be fabulous and unique for your Mom, but also affordable for you. Plus you work with Michalle to have the print reflect your family right down to the number and genders involved. It's perfect!

All work by L.J Ink represented here (and anywhere else!) is protected by copyright.

Google's Earth Day Promo

2009-04-22T08:05:00.003-04:00

What do you think about Google's take on an Earth Day promo?

This is the logo on their main search engine page. At first look I loved it, I knew it was meant to promote Earth Day for 2009 and I took in all the colors and themes. The greens and the blues, the water and the earth, everything is lovely.

But I'm not sure I get the lettering. I see the waterfall is representing the "L" but what is happening with the second "g" in Google?

Thoughts?

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There is an event on May 3, 2009 hosted by the Earth Day Event Board, the Virginia Beach Clean Community Commission, and Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation. Their logo is big, very green and seems to be taking advantage of some of the better vector shapes out in web land. But I'm not sure it reflects any sort of "Earth Day" theme message although it's not a bad piece of art to look at otherwise.

I will say it looks like a young designer just had fun splashing vectors all around.

What do you think about it?

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I'm seeing many websites right now talking about the "selling" of Earth Day. Since its creation by United States senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970, Earth Day's reach has spread around the world and is now marked in about 175 countries. It seems only natural that companies and brands would try to piggy back on the awareness factor, right?

Forbes.com has an article online right now about this topic.

How Do You Make Earth Day Good For Your Company?

Kit Kelley ORGANIZE

2009-04-19T10:47:00.006-04:00

Since we have been getting the nursery ready for the baby, due in May, we've also been revamping our older son's room. He is five and we don't want him to feel left out or unimportant in any way so he has been helping with his baby brother's room and we have been surprising him with things for his room.

His grandparents helped set up a loft bed in his room. It was Brian's bed when he was younger. This left open space for us to get Braeden a desk. The desk fits perfect under the loft and Braeden loves it. He has already begun collecting pencils, pens, paper and envelopes for his letter writing. He loves to write and draw for his friends.

So when I came across this envelope sorter on Etsy I knew I'd have to get it for Brae. The description says "This is a great place to keep your incoming and outgoing mail as well as stamps and such." I agree. It's unique and wonderful, plus I know Braeden will love sorting his envelopes.

It's from Kit Kelley ORGANIZE's Etsy shop.

Another item I'd like to pick up for him would include a Maggie Hallam pencil box, preferably the blue wave box. She makes all the boxes from scratch. The structure is book board. She recesses a small strong magnet into the front edge of the box. Another strong magnet is aligned and recessed into the box lid. The spine of the box is 'drop' (not glued to the tray). The magnets hold it tightly shut.

Comics and creative parts

2009-04-14T10:27:00.005-04:00

In the White Hotel in Belgium, David Richiuso displayed his 'malus communis', a tree-like shelf used for storing CDs/books/etc. I'm not sure if this would drive me nuts or intrigue the creative parts of my brain into making something quite snifty. Check out this design and designer, David Richiuso, at Design Spotter.

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Funniest caption (as judged by the esteemed Mr. Koford himself) will win the original Laugh-Out-Loud Cat panel to the left, with the winning caption inked in. Contest rules are simple: Place your caption in the comment section below - one caption per comment, but you can enter as many as you can think of.

Click here for more >>

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Kim Shephard of Urban Dencity is donating a portion of all her jewelry sales to the wonderful Light One Little Candle Foundation to help provide children's books to adult cancer patients around the country so they read to their kids during hospital visits.

All urbandencity jewelry is handmade in Kim's studio, where she integrates leather, semi-precious stones, and delicately crafted metals to create her beautiful pieces. Her signature handmade pendants, which echo shapes found throughout all four collections, are as striking as they are elegant.

Photo Inspiration; 3D Contest and Easter Brushes

2009-04-08T09:10:00.005-04:00

Sunset Balloons by TiaraMia, isn't this a clever, simple and yet gorgeous photo? I love the colors!

Pixel2Life has a tutorial online about taking photographs of aquariums. I could have used this last month when we took Braeden to the Baltimore Aquarium. I struggled with the lighting and angles at which I could get a good shot of what was inside the tank.

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Okay so aside for the balloons and aquariums, I admittedly don't have much inspiration in my brain today. But I did come across a contest on the web for those of you who dabble in 3D design. It is from the evil villain in the TeknoChronicles of Z, General ShadowFinger, and he has a contest "Benign Design Contest in 3D".

"Finding good design talent is almost as hard as getting 10,000 giant mutant crabs to obey you."

The deadline is June 30, 2009.

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And here is a link to E-maniacs so you can scoop up their collect of Easter themed photoshop brushes. You'll find bunnies, eggs, baskets and all other sorts of spring time Easter fun.

And here is a link to their Easter icons, much fun to be had with these cute graphics.

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Just found another contest type opportunity for you. This one isn't as intense as the 3D contest above. The company is looking for a logo designer who will be able to create an original logo for a new website.

They say, "You create the logo, we pick it and we will give you your fee."

The logo is for the Company: "Networking Works"

It must include the words "Speed Business Networking" in a smaller font.

Passover, time to remove the negatives

2009-04-04T08:53:00.003-04:00

It's not just time to think about Easter, it's also time to think about Passover. Growing up in a Catholic family I freely admit I didn't give Passover much thought in previous years. However, during the last few years I have paid attention, because my brother is dating a lovely gal who does celebrate Passover.

So I wanted to make sure we have some Passover gift ideas out on the floor.

In this photo you see a gorgeous silver necklace with sentimental charms. A sterling silver pendant and necklace hold the Star of David, a black pearl with swarovski crystal, and raw emeralds.

According to legend, the emerald has the power to protect the chastity of the wearer and to ward off evil spirits. In Jewish literature Simeon wore an emerald breastplate. But if you want to swap, the jewelry designer says it has easy access to switch and change gemstones to go with whatever you want.

If necklaces won't work there are also some beautiful earrings you can find which express your faith as well. Like the Haggadah Seder Passover earrings green and white Bali Sterling silver found in Rachel Treasures' Etsy shop.

Seeing as how I am not really much of a jewelry gal, I also like looking at other items which would help express a specific meaning. So looking through Agru's Etsy shop I came across this Matzoh Plate. It is a lovely stoneware plate with the Hebrew word "Matzoh" on it.

Of all the beautiful Passover gifts I stumbled across, this clock is my favorite. The clock is actually made from an old Passover plate, with ancient words from the Bible, describing foods eaten at Passover. The crafter did some tinkering and added hands along with a clock mechanism. Wah-la!

I think it is stunning. Even as a person who does not celebrate Passover, I find this clock to be quite alluring. Something about it almost seems magical.

Happy Passover!

Love Bunny needs a chance

2009-04-02T09:01:00.003-04:00

Oh come on, this knit bunny is just too cute! Where do people come up with all their ideas and creative notions? I am loving finding Easter things for people to look through in case they need ideas for gifts, I'm going to do some Passover hunting today as well.

As for the bunny you see posted here, this is part of the description on the shop page: "The life of a Love Bunny ain't all candy and flowers. Poor Sugar got his heart ripped out by a fast-moving, fast-talking Jack Rabbit. A few careful stitches, and his heart's back in the right place - he's ready to love again. Will you give this sweet little Bunny a chance?"

If that doesn't make you want to give him a chance I don't know what will...except maybe the fact that he is also on sale right now!

Zombree Knits is the Etsy shop where you'll find this cute little bunny and other adorable knits. The designer and owner of the shop says she has a passion for creation. She is a graphic designer/illustrator by day, but all that computer time usually leaves me longing for something tactile. Knitting fills that void. "I love working with fiber and seeing a piece take shape. Most of my creations are pretty organic. I'll often start with a pattern but branch off if I feel that something else is trying to come through. Everything in my shop is one of a kind."

She says she loves knitting with her bamboo needles because they stay warm in her hands. Acrylic is her favorite knit since it's wash friendly.

Just be sure to get to her shop ASAP since there are not many items still left for sale.

Pet Plants from Globally Cute

2009-04-02T08:48:00.004-04:00

I read about these pet egg plants on The Daily Kool after seeing their submission on Digg. They are so cute, I think I need to get one for Braeden for Easter. Yes, I think I will do that.

Nyokki! Nyokki! Nyokki! ("grow! grow! grow!") and that's what these cheerful pet plants do. Small, but precious characters (about the size of a real egg, with fabric legs), Nyokki are handmade in Japan from glazed ceramic. They are filled with a growing medium and rye grass seed that grows to full height in about two weeks.

You can buy them at Globally Cute. Whether it's a treat to yourself or a gift for someone special, at GloballyCute.com, you will always find something unique, eco-friendly and fun!

Muddy Fingers Pottery

2009-03-30T12:05:00.003-04:00

"At my shop, you'll find quite a variety of handmade, original objects with the sole purpose of pleasing your eye and heart."

Owner/creator of Muddy Fingers Pottery loves what she does for a living. She lives in Southern California and loves working with stoneware or porcelain. "I manage a pottery studio where I teach 3 classes a week, load, unload, and fire kilns. I love my job and I wouldn't dream of doing anything else for a living. I love clay, my awesome students and feel blessed to be able do what I love for a living."

The Turquoise and White Spring Flower Basket would be perfect for you to have around the house for Easter. Or if you are feeling generous you could fill it with flowers or goodies and give it to your grandma for Easter. The description on the page where you can buy this basket says, "Made from highfire stoneware clay, this graceful basket has some lovely subtle details that give it a certain charm. It is water tight and dishwasher safe. It measures 9" tall and 6.5" wide." I think it's just beautiful!

She also makes pendants from stoneware clay which are stunning and rustic looking. They are strung with thin leather strips. She says they are great for your fall wardrobe, but I think they would be perfect to wear all year round.

Definitely check out the shop, find some Easter giftings and enjoy.

Meet Moonheart

2009-03-26T09:01:00.002-04:00

She is the first in a series of Native American fairy figurines by Strangeling. These faeries are "Spirit Maidens" - inspired by the art and culture of Native Americans. Jasmine Becket-Griffith, creator of all Strangeling paintings and pieces says, "Being part of my own heritage, it is a series that is close to my heart."

Moonheart has a beautiful sculpted fringe/beadwork dress and turquoise colored accents and wings.

Moonheart is only $19.95 and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and is hand-numbered with a Limited Edition of 95 Casting Days. You can print out the order form and send it in without payment because this is a pre-order. Once your order is received you'll be added to the limited list and will eventually receive your Moonheart in the mail.

Gnome Homes and Easter Eggs

2009-03-24T11:33:00.003-04:00

Looking for a way to bring spring inside without the green thumb know how or pollen? Or maybe you'd like to buy a special Easter or Passover gift for someone special.

Then you need to know about Gnome Homes! They make moss terrariums which have been a family tradition for three generations. Matt is the chief terrarium creator and Meghan handles shipping, the online stuff and polymer creations.

The terrarium you see pictured here is a Small Egg Terrarium with Orange Mushrooms. It is a perfect little plot of moss to put wherever your life needs a little brightening up!

This lovely little terrarium includes the figurines shown, the two orange mushrooms. All figurines have metal stakes to ensure secure placement within this tiny world. Since they are not permanently attached you can move them around to your hearts content.

This jar is filled with rocks, dirt, moss and love. It is extremely easy to care for...all it needs is indirect light and a spritz of water twice a month.

In anticipation of the upcoming Easter Holiday we have decided that every customer from now until April 8th will receive a FREE Easter egg figurine for their terrarium!

They make four sizes of terrarium's: tiny, small, medium and large.

You can find out more about Matt, Meghan and their crafts at the Gnome Home blog.

NogginsNBobbins

2009-03-21T17:16:00.004-04:00

This floppy ear Easter bunny hat was just too cute not to write about. Made from super soft yarn in "natural" with a big pink flower on the side. This hat can also be made in brown, white, or tan. The hat can also be made with no flower (or detachable flower) and light blue ears and trim for boys.

The store is nogginsnbobbins which is also just too cute; what a clever name! The shop's owner is Heather and she resides in Wisconsin. She has three children of her own and is a stay-at-home Mom who somehow also finds the time for crafty projects. She says her grandma taught her to crochet and sew fifteen years ago and the crafts inspire her.

The beanie sizing chart is as follows:

0-3 months fits heads up to 14"
3-6 months 14"-16"
6-12 months 16"-18"
12-24 months 18"-19.5"
2T-4T 19.5"-20.5"
5T-preteen 20.5"-21.5"
Preteen-adult 21.5"-?

In addition to the adorable baby beanies she also sells baby cocoons, scarfs, mittens and sometimes a destash of yarn if you're lucky. She happily accepts custom orders, but asks that you be aware most orders take two weeks to arrive.

Indie Shop: WhichGoose

2009-03-19T10:28:00.003-04:00

"About 6 months ago, I took a long walk in the woods behind my house. It was still the dead of winter and everything was brown. There was this moment when I saw a really interesting bit of vine hanging off a tree - It was so curly and articulate, like an calligrapher's pen stroke. I gathered it, along with some other brown vines, and made my first crown."

Our crown designer is located in Frederick, Maryland. Her Etsy shop is called "whichgoose". It's her obsession by day, while she is a newspaper page designer by night.

She says as a child she would play princess or dress up with her older sister. Perhaps it's possible she never really grew out of that love. And so now she creates princess crowns. She says she is committed to making each crown a one-of-a-kind creation.

The crown you see pictured here is called "Tea Time". It features a thin base of vine that is wrapped in sheer ribbon and topped with just two white flowers. I think it is gorgeous and would be suitable even to wear in a wedding or to the prom. The designer thinks it would also be great for an outdoor garden party or spring festival.

The crowns are made from a base of dried natural vines, harvested from along my favorite walking paths. They are stripped, woven and protected with a clear sealant.

And yes, she is very willing to create custom orders, all you have to do is ask.

Artwork Competition M.O.R.P.H.

2009-03-17T12:06:00.002-04:00

In June 2009 DJ and producer Alex M.O.R.P.H. will release his debut artist album PURPLE AUDIO on VANDIT Records. According to this we are looking for an innovative, creative and suitable cover artwork, which brings the audible energy and beauty of Alex album to the visual outside. Express your musicially inspired feelings and design the cover artwork for Alex M.O.R.P.H. PURPLE AUDIO!

Deadline 14th of April 2009

The album could be in the shops with YOUR COVER! And not only this - your artwork will appear at Alex' Purple Audio World Tour, a merchandise line and global online promotion and album presentation!

And on top of it you and your 5 best friends will be invited to the VANDIT Night in Berlin with Alex M.O.R.P.H. and Paul van Dyk, at the 2nd of May as VIP guests.

Enter here the artwork competition >>