Pop To It

Happy National Popcorn Day!

While browsing Etsy I found this brand new shop and while I'm not a huge fan of popcorn (too many popcorn meals trying to stretch my meager college student dollars), this Chocolate Swirl Caramel Popcorn looks really yummy.

And if you, like me, enjoy learning fun new facts, take a look at this site. It has several tasty tidbits of trivia.

Resolution Solution

Need a New Year's Resolution? How about something fun. NICO Designs blog features a number of tutorials and suggestions to get you started on creating fun and fabulous fashion items.

This Upcycled Sweater Hat tutorial caught my eye. Right on target for Winter 2010 fashion, it's 'green', warm and super cute.

Don't want to sew for yourself? Visit NICO Designs Etsy shop for handbags and accessories.

Variety Shop

Looking for sparkling jewelry, a toasty scarf or maybe a bit of vintage style?
Made by Melissa's shop offers a large variety of items at super prices.

Jewelry made with glass, crystal and charms.
Colorful blankets and scarves.
And even some Retro/Vintage.

Visit Melissa's Blog for more info about her and her shop.

Blue Bird

Damask blue and green cardstock mounted on acid free paper and made into a set of three all occasion cards, this is just one of the lovely handmade items you will find at DesignsbyVanessa.

She also makes sweet jewelry items at great affordable prices.

And she has a fun, colorful blog where she features many great Etsy artists. Stop by and take a look.

Memory Maker

Memories for Life creates the most amazing albums and scrapbooks.


Here is an example of a custom design she offers to hold those special vacation/ destination memories. How clever is that! And so very personal.


And this cute 'Flip Flop' album is quite an attention grabber. It comes in several different designs so you can match the album to a number of different occasions.

She has a great blog too, where you can see more about her and her designs.

Handmade Goodness

Bags and bowls, hair and home accessories that's what you'll find at Miesmama's shop.


I was drawn to this sweet little pincushion. A pretty fabric and a cute flower button, this would be a lovely gift for those crafty sewing types.

And she has a great crafty blog. It's filled with photos and inspiration.

July Joy

Christmas in July. I loved the idea when I first heard it, all the fun of the Christmas season without all of the pressure.

I love shopping, especially on Etsy. Here are a few of my many favorites.


A pretty vintage dress from Estatesale.


An elegant silk lined bag from Redrubyrose.

I also enjoy baking up sweet little treats.

I've been eyeing this violet macaroon recipe for a while.

If you love to bake or just love to drool over luscious photos of yummy desserts, take a look at Tartelette's blog. Her photo taking skills are enviable and her recipes will make you weep.

She also sells her gorgeous photos in her Etsy shop.

Possibilities Aplenty

What am I doing with this yarn that I purchased from the Loopy Ewe a while ago?











I've got a good start on the 'Whisper Cardigan' from IK Spring '09.












Potentially perfect for the 'Pansy Golightly', the 'Lace Ribbon Scarf' from Knitty.

I'm a bit stumped on how to use 'Butter Peeps'. Maybe a pattern from one of the etsy shops I have in my favs.












I love this rose lariat from Timaryart's shop.
















I've really been wanting to try one of Caffaknitted's patterns.
What do you think?

Hello Sunshine

This is just one of the sweet hand crocheted items you will find in LazyTCrochet's shop. She also makes scarves, caplets and even jewelry. Colorful accessories all and sure to brighten your Summer wardrobe.

She also has a fun blog, which among other features has some great looking recipes.

Rolling in Dough

Who knew?!
I don't know why I'm always surprised that various things have a National Day honoring them.
Any way you want to spell it, the first Friday of June is designated as National Donut Day. This happened way back in 1938 as a fundraiser for the Chicago Salvation Army.

Any-hoo. How to celebrate?



With these yummy looking delights from The Fat Vegan?












Or with this super adorable (calorie free) print from The Black Apple?


Thanks to TulipsTalking for alerting me to this special day. I may have missed it otherwise.

Words Worth

There are thousands of thoughts lying within a man that he does not know till he takes up the pen and writes. ~William Makepeace Thackeray

This is the inspiration behind Create a Thought's shop.

Super colorful journals, pins, rings and cards carry words of encouragement, inspiration and fun to the lucky recipient.


Her blog is just as fun and colorful as her shop.

Princesses All

One of the May topics for the Etsy Blogger's Carnival is to post about a favorite fairy tale.
I liked a lot of fairy tales as a child, but the one I refer to often is 'The Princess and the Pea'.

When I teach my yoga classes, especially the beginners, I encourage the students to pay close attention to how they feel. I explain that most of us, moi included, don't pay attention to the little signals our bodies send us until they become big head-pounding, back-stabbing, can't-get-out-of-bed pains in the ....

So during savasana (relaxation pose) I tell them they are all princes and princesses and ask them to notice even the smallest little pea of discomfort or tension. Then, using various relaxation techniques and yoga props, we work to ease the tension.

I found the adorable print pictured above in fellow Etsy Blogger, Beckykazana's shop. Her shop is brimming with whimsical items inspired by fairy tales, Roald Dahl and just plain fun.

ACE, Oh!

I made my first ACEO a few weeks ago as part of a team challenge.

I just received my first ACEO from Magdalene Jewels.


It's a watercolor of a tulip in the most luscious red color. Accented by teal blue crystals, it's a lovely gift and the perfect start to an ACEO collection.


It will be nice to have this ACEO to look at when my Red Riding Hood tulips are but a memory.

Zowie!

Need a gift for that special baby? Two Zany Zebras just might have what you are looking for.

Blankets, clothes, bibs and bags decorated with some of the cutest, most colorful motifs around can be found in this shop.

Want to know more about this shop and its owner? Check out her blog, which is just as cute and colorful as her items.

In a Blue Moon

Amy's having a giveaway on her blog. First prize - this lovely ceramic blue moon pendant.

Just click, comment and cross your fingers.

You can see more of her lovely beads in her etsy shop.

And her other lovely ceramic creations here. I purchased one of her bowls a few months ago and really like it.

Sweetness and Light

I am very excited.
I received a custom order through my shop from a bride-to-be. I feel so honored that she asked me to make the earrings for her bridal party.

And these are the luscious lovelies that I am going to use.

AA Lemon Quartz briolettes that are so yummy looking I can almost taste them.

Lovely Mystic Quartz cubes in one of my favorite colors. The deep blue/violet of these babies reminds me of tanzanite.

So sparkling. The faceting on these stones makes the light that touches them dance.

Out of the Box

I find a lot of comfort in the status quo, but I also appreciate the learning that comes from challenges.

Challenge #1: Create an ACEO
I can't draw or paint, not even stick figures, so when I saw that my BBEST etsy team's monthly challenge was to create an ACEO I turned to what I know - 2 sticks and a ball (of yarn).

Coincidentally, I stumbled upon SupaCindy's blog which led me to my next challenge.

Challenge #2: Project Spectrum

Started by a knitter*, but not limited to knitting, Project Spectrum participants create art according to themes that change every few months. For March/April the color is green and the materials are stones, gems, rocks.

Challenge #3: Stash Only!!!
I don't know why but every time I start a new project I almost always seem to need to buy something new/more. Not this time :)

Sooooooo

I hand-knit a 2.5" x 3.5" 'card' using two shades of green yarn and a metallic for a bit of glitz and glam.

I wanted my ACEO to be more than just a pretty face so, I made a pin. Hand-formed of brass wire and embellished with a green turquoise stone and copper wire decoration.

But wait! There's more.


I love dangles and charms and wanted to add some to the pin. I thought it would be even better if the charms were removable so they could be worn as a necklace. And so they are. A lavender chalcedony and a coin pearl are strung on a handcrafted cord and attached to the back of the ACEO.



This is my very first ACEO. I hope it meets the recipient's expectations.

*Thanks Lollyknitting!

Pinned

Shawl, scarf, sweater, bag, hat! Whatever your little knit/crocheted heart desires.

I just added these new pins to my etsy shop.

Hand-formed brass pin adorned with artisan lampwork beads in a gorgeous blush pink color. I love the soft glow of these babies. Capped off with two gold vermeil 'petal' discs.



Handformed sterling silver pin adorned with a large blue/green Turquoise bead.



Hand-formed Sterling silver pin adorned with Hilltribe silver beads.

In the Bag

Croc and fur (faux of course), flowers of silk, bamboo: these are just a few of the favorite materials that go into making Designs by Nora's unique bags.

Add one of her pairs of sweet earrings and you'll have a fresh chic look.

Want to know more? Visit her blog. I especially like her 'Question of the Day' feature.

Smelling Like a Rose

OOOOO, aren't these lovely. Rose shaped soaps by Layla, what a fun Valentine's Day gift this would be to get. Too bad V Day is tomorrow.

Hmmm, maybe Mother's Day. I'll have to drop a not-so-subtle hint ;)