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Being a wine lover you would think I have fancy wine glasses, but I don't. They are simple, glass wine glasses which Brian and I received at our wedding shower. It really wasn't important what the glasses looked like as long as they held enough wine. =o)

But these Whimsical Bella Hand Painted Wine Glasses on Etsy are so gorgeous I just might have to rethink my stance.

The glasses are lead free and dishwasher safe which is a plus, but I am more curious as to how beautiful red wine would look in combination with the swirls of color on the outside of the glass.

The original artwork is done by Southern California artist, Vickie Silcox. She hand paints pretty much anything you could ask for and is always willing to do custom orders so the items match decor you already own.

From her Etsy profile: "Glass painting explores a unique and profound paradox in art. By painting glass, I want the viewer to look at the shadow of the art as well as the art itself. Glass art is unique in that the shadow contains and expresses the composition and color of the art, a reflection, if you will, as well as a shadow. Trying to find where the shadow begins and where the reflection ends leads to the wonderfully infinite paradox that is glass art."

She also makes t-shirts with original artwork as well. She is an extremely talented artist and I think it is fantastic she is so willing to share her gift with the world.

Labels: Etsy, glassware, handpainted, Vickie Silcox, wine glasses

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| 8:30 AM | 0 comment(s)!

Etsy. Ah yes. I signed up to sell things and have been busy buying things. This is what happens when faced with amazing handmade products. You just can't pass 'em up. At least I can't. =o)

Anyway, one of their gift guides has some fantastic ideas. It is the "Environmentally Friendly" guide.

MamaVSoap has some items showcased in the guide today. One of which is Mama V Vacation Breeze Soap. The descriptions says, "Picture a warm, tropical island. Calypso music wafts seductively toward your ears while sand, surf, and SPF 30 suntan lotion merge to form your perfume." Gladly, Mama V! She makes it easy to want her soaps because they are free to ship in the US and only $4.25 a steal for an organic product!

You will also find items from Katie Sue. She makes baby clothes made out of organic materials. They are adorable! Everyone who purchases an item will receive a free organic lip balm as well! Even better, Katie Sue will customize outfits for your little one if you ask. Perfect for gifting!

Always changing, so check the guide often. Or scoop the feed.

Labels: environmentally friendly, Etsy, gift guide

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| 1:57 PM | 0 comment(s)!

"Mad Hatter Ceramics reflects my passion for all things whimsical. I love creating pieces inspired by Alice in Wonderland's Mad Hatter's Tea Party. My favorite pieces merge form and function - they are artfully designed objects that can be used in everyday life."

Once upon a time I begged my parents for a kid's pottery wheel. I made a few awful looking things and realized it wouldn't be my gift. Haha. So I am always amazed to see such fantastic ceramics made by other people. Being able to craft on a wheel and sculpt something beautiful from nothing just by using your hands is quite a gift.

Elizabeth Langsfeld is a ceramic artist working and teaching at Creative Clay Studios in Alexandria, Virginia. Mad Hatter Ceramics is her online Etsy shop.

My favorite pieces for sale in her shop right now are the button glasses and the button vase. I think they are simply adorable. They are all different vibrant colors and have been glazed. Each piece is microwave, dishwasher and food safe which is a huge plus. You can mix and match to form a set or buy just one, maybe the vase, and give it as a gift with flowers in it.

UPCOMING SHOWS:

HAR ZION CRAFT SPECTACULAR
Sunday, May 4 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Monday, May 5 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: 1500 Hagys Ford Road, Penn Valley, PA 19072

MONTGOMERY POTTERS SPRING SHOW AND SALE
Colesville Presbyterian Church
Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Location: 12800 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD

BALLSTON ARTS AND CRAFTS MARKET
Saturday, June 14 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, August 9 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday, October 11 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Location: Welborn Square (across from the Ballston Metro station), Arlington, VA

Labels: buttons, ceramic, Etsy

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| 8:37 AM | 0 comment(s)!

For archival prints and original drawings by Olivia Jeffries, the only place to shop is at "Restless Things". Olivia Jeffries is an emerging mixed media artist from the UK.

"She is continually influenced by her fascination for used paper; she enthuses about working on a surface that has already been given a sense of purpose in a previous incarnation."

She has mini prints for sale in her shop right now and they are simply enchanting. They are only $3! Each mini print is postcard sized archival print created from an original drawing on a vintage book page titled 'Sketch for Floral... ' and is printed on lightly textured, natural white archival paper.

For those of you interested in a limited edition piece you should check out her "In the dark, do I exist" print which is exquisitely forlorn. The sketch is drawn on an old envelope which further makes it one of a kind. Even as a limited edition the print is less than $18, such a steal!

Her favorite materials are paper, ink and pencil. You certainly can't get simpler than that. Yet each sketch and print ends up looking like an antique masterpiece.

Labels: Etsy, paper, restless things

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| 8:17 PM | 0 comment(s)!

What sold me was the "Travelling Felt and Pencil Holder in Whistle While You Work" it's cute, it's practical and it helps both parent and child learn to organize and keep things tidy.

PurpleFlowerDesign's shop currently has 55 items for sale. All handmade, all gorgeous and with fantastic colors, designs and textures to choose from. Whether a pencil holder, or a bag, pillow or sachet there are a ton of adorable items are reasonable prices.

Of course you all know I took the handmade pledge and am constantly trying to find new independent shops which have handmade items. I mean there isn't any other way to get quality products these days.

This particular female designer says, "I like to think of my handbags as functional art." You can tell exactly what she means when you look through the bags she has for sale and the bags she has already sent to lucky new homes. She takes a great pride in each item she creates and hopes it brings happiness to whomever purchases it.

Make sure to look through the shop and find her new "Daytripper" bags. She named them daytripper because they are large enough to tote everything you need for a day trip to the beach or park. Just as important as the functionality (which includes a magnetic snap) is the fantastic fabrics these bags are available in; so gorgeous!

Yay! Go shop!

Labels: bags, Etsy, organize, PurpleFlowerDesigns

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| 8:13 AM | 0 comment(s)!

If ever we have the chance to meet, readers, than you'll find I have a slight...albeit alarming fascination with amoebas. This I blame all on the movie "Signs" with Mel Gibson in it. Because the little girl in that movie would not finish a glass of water that had been sitting out due to her fear of amoebas.

My husband corrects me each time I whine about amoebas assuring me they are everywhere and being OCD about it will not help me in the slightest. However, I will still say something needs to be cleaned or I can't touch something because it is infested with amoebas.

And so when I saw the "Green Amoebas - Mighty Mini Pouch" at Sonya's Moonbeam Boutique on Etsy I nearly squealed aloud! I don't have any spare change at the moment otherwise it would be mine I tell you. MINE!

She makes and sells totes and mini-pouches in her shop. Sonya and I share the same fabric addiction and so she has a myriad of different patterns and colors to design gorgeous and funky bags. Her items sell fast so don't hesitate to scoop something up ASAP. With her cute designs and outstanding prices everything about the Moonbeam Boutique is perfect!

Sonya is also an Elementary Education graduate which along with her family being of creative background, she has the golden touch of craftiness in her blood.

Labels: Etsy, mini, moonbeam, totes

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| 10:16 AM | 0 comment(s)!

Who knew a plush white blood cell could end up looking so cute? I certainly never would have thought it. But somehow Fur Will Fly was able to design a plushie of a white blood cell and spin it something adorable. =o)

My personal favorite plushie from this shop is The Lovebot. Described as a, "Cute little purple robot. The LoveBot shows you just how much he loves you using the Love-o-meter on his tummy!"

The owner lives in the UK and she only joined Etsy in February of 2008 so she is still pretty new to the online shop world, but she is filled with pent up creativity and is constantly adding new items which you will most definitely fall in love with! Even the zombie plushies are adorable. She is a member the Etsy Plush Team and the Mad Scientists of Etsy Team!

She also makes greeting cards to match her plushie collection. Like the "Bare Bones" thank you card.

Very cute and awesome prices on everything so be sure to check out Fur Will Fly before her items start flying away. =o)

Labels: Etsy, fur will fly, plushie

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| 3:50 PM | 0 comment(s)!

Yes, yes, I know, I'm addicted to Etsy. But look, you can find such amazing artists and handmade goods on this site it is inspiring and amazing!

Today while responding to mail in my own Etsy store, I also began looking through recently uploaded products and I came across Tamar's Etsy shop.

She is a mom, an interior decorator and a product designer living in Vermont. Last she she launched two of her own lines on Etsy, "VeryFairy" for her whimsical fairy crowns, "Nest Pretty Things" for everything else, both are registered trademarks. Whether you are shopping for a gift, for yourself or as a surprise for a little girl in your life you will absolutely love looking through this shop. Everything in it is simply magical!

You can read more about her at her blog, Nest Decorating. You'll find she is a fun and loving person who very much enjoys what she does. Passion goes far when being a designer and it shows through in her work very well!

Labels: Etsy, fairies, Magical, Tamar

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| 8:48 AM | 0 comment(s)!

The shop is insanejellyfish and of course you can find it online at Etsy. The shop owner is Erin, she is from New Mexico and she is brilliantly creative. You can read more about her at her blog.

Today what caught my eye is the "Four Leaf Clover Bracelet" for sale. Handmade, hand stamped and very cute! It's a silver plated chain bracelet featuring a pewter four leaf clover charm and the word "LUCKY". It is accented by faceted green glass.

She also has a four leaf clover pendant, sold separately, which is just as exquisite.

Her prices are super reasonable considering the time put into crafting this jewelry and the quality of what you get. There are items under $10! And nothing more than $65 at the moment. Plus if you are a jewelry crafter yourself, she also sells items to help you add to your collection while she destashes her own. =o)

Get shopping!

Labels: Etsy, st. patricks day

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| 8:36 AM | 2 comment(s)!

Being an Etsy addict I always look to see what they are featuring on their front page. This morning there is an apple theme so all the featured picks have something to do with apples.

These shoes named Ghost Apples were one of the chosen items. Though ther are far too expensive for me to ever buy I am still staring at the picture and drooling. I love them. But I don't think I would ever wear them, I'd probably hang them on the wall or somehow display them because they are so awesome.

The etsy shop selling these shoes is maintained by ndeurshoes. And on his shop's front page he writes "Hello hello, I am Mathieu Missiaen. My brand is NDEUR; I paint canvas, walls, anything and everything. My designs are street, modern, fun and will make your shoes a work of art. Together we will change the way the world thinks of fashion."

So true. So true.

Labels: Etsy, handpainted, shoes

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| 8:30 AM | 2 comment(s)!

What she says, "Much like a crow, I like things that sparkle, so naturally, I was drawn to beads. Swarovski Crystals to be exact."

Well heck woman fly on because your love for things that shine has aided you in creating some of the most uniquely darling items of jewelry I have ever seen. And I'm not much of a jewelry person. Truly. I hardly wear any bling at all, but I'm definitely going to be showing off some earrings from your shop.

In addition to delightful earrings, like the pair shown in this post, she also makes her own soy candles in flavors like "Sex on the Beach" and "Southern Summer" which just sounds so delicious and amazing. Earrings for $14 and candles that burn for 60+ hours for only $8. Come on, it's a steal!

The name of the game is Auntie Di's and there is no reason to linger here any longer. Head to her online shop and be prepared for some much needed spending.

Labels: auntie di, candles, Etsy, jewelry

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| 8:51 AM | 0 comment(s)!

Gleefully, I sit at my desk and surf through the latest additions of creative goodness on Etsy. Creator Elephantine is one of my favorite sellers, this is the shop of Rachel based in Seattle, WA.

Rachel says, "I want to write a novel, make my own clothes, open a plushie shop, and cook more than mac & cheese... Elephantine is about what makes me crazy (in a good way)."

As far as I can see she is already doing those things. I mean she is selling plushie's on Etsy and sending them to shops all she needs to do is find the means to open her own. I foresee this in her future, she has a brilliant creative mind and the gumption to make her dreams come true.

My current favorite item from her Etsy shop is "Loop." She describes Loop as a sweet, quiet yeti creature. "He owns a set of blue cymbals to crash when the moment is right. He also loves chocolate covered fruit, central park, and skydiving."

Well Loop, you and I have a lot in common though I have never been skydiving I do think it would be very exciting. =o)

Check out her blog, too.

Labels: Elephantine, Etsy

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| 9:36 AM | 1 comment(s)!

"Understood only from within. Excellence within oneself. That ONE Thing you are good at. The One thing you are meant to do...supposed to do. The ONE Thing that DEFINES YOU. This is Arete.
Become what you are..."

That is the first paragraph on Beth's Etsy profile. Her jewelry crafting began when she was in a low point of her life. She started creating jewelry from stained glass pieces she found. People would like them so much she ended up selling some right off her neck.

Now she creates all sorts of jewelry from necklaces to earrings and even purses from time to time. Arete is the place to keep up with the crafts and the store is online with Etsy.

Currently, there are fabulous pieces with a Valentine theme. They are so adorable so get one while they last. Most items are under $20 with some even under $15 so they go fast.

Labels: Etsy, jewelry

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| 10:06 AM | 0 comment(s)!

This year I shopped Etsy, specifically from, "ohpotato goods" which has handcrafted items made by Jessie Keylon.

There is a little blurb about Jessie on her blog which says, "Jessie Keylon is (amongst other things) an artist, a photographer, a crafter, a piano playing maniac, a thrift store fanatic, and an all-around swell gal." From looking through her Etsy store, I can at least attest to her being a fantastical crafter/artist.

With seasonal elements added to her work you can currently find Santas', reindeer and birds with scarves for sale at her online shop. But being a nature-loving, city girl she tends to portray the city lifestyle with a natural twist which ultimately means you get attitude, vibrant colors and tons of personality in each piece of work.

Jessie makes a bunch of cool items! She has necklaces, ornaments, prints, magnets and sketch books to tickle your fancies. The materials she uses typically are recycled goods. For instance, she paints onto old newspaper pages or dictionary pages which makes each item completely unique and interesting. Not to mention everything you get will be signed.

Don't worry about caring for your purchase, because instructions will be included. If you want to know about cleaning one of her handmade necklaces she will have all the "no no" moves and tips for a safe wash.

So swing by her shop and pick up some of the craftiest gifts out there!

Labels: Etsy, ohpotato

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| 1:43 PM | 0 comment(s)!

"My current work is a culmination of these varied arts and crafts experiences, combining a love of life with a love of jewel-tone colors, sculptural texture, and metalwork."

That excerpt can be found on the profile page of rowenafinn.

My brother is infatuated with art. Paintings and prints that express something to him are often mentioned in our conversations. He used to be something of an artist himself though he hasn't dabbled in sketching for a couple years. I suppose I can thank him for helping me to appreciate artwork when I stumble across something that really speaks to me.

rowenafinn recently painted a piece which she based on Claude Monet's "Poplars on the Edge of the River Epte." Whereas the original done by Monet was muted and soft, rowenafinn kicked it up a notch. She added her own personal flair and for me it brought the painting to life, I'd even say it gave it spirit. You can buy her rendition at her Etsy store for $350 which would be a steal for any true art collector.

Isn't it glorifying? I just love it. Look at the beautiful blue and the wonderfully depicted reflection painted in the lower left corner. You can tell she was inspired by Monet and yet motivated in her own right to make it radiate. Well done girl, well done!

Labels: art work, Etsy, rowenafinn

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| 9:55 AM | 0 comment(s)!

What is poppy talk? Well, according to the blogs main page, it is a "Canadian design blog collecting inspiration and promoting emerging design talent." And then taking things a step further, Poppytalk Handmade is a "monthly online street market to showcase, buy and sell handmade goods of emerging design talent from around the world."

On Poppytalk Handmade's page there is an Affordable Art Guide, an Etsy pick of the day and a collection of "most wanted" art.

You can find toys, paper goods, housewares, furniture items and all different types of artwork at Poppytalk. It's such a fantastic website and it is updated daily. It is on this website that I discovered rifferaff.

Rifferaff is committed to small scale, local, and eco-friendly production of paper goods. You will find handmade gift wrap with cute and artsy designs on silk screened paper.

You'll find something new and fabulous every day so definitely bookmark this page or subscribe to the RSS feed like I did. It's a must-read!

Labels: Etsy, handmade, poppytalk

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| 9:09 AM | 0 comment(s)!

These hi-fi bookshelf speakers look like a vintage amp!

They have the technology of modern world stereo sound, but they look like retro guitar amps. Definitely an awesome style for your entertainment room, especially if you have lighter colored decor.

They are made by Exeluxe and you can find them on Etsy. Yes, I know I love Etsy, but truly if you like quality original items, where else can you go?

"Exeluxe is a happy little company with smart looks and a keen talent that makes products for people, and people alone."

Labels: Etsy, Exeluxe, retro

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| 2:02 PM | 0 comment(s)!