Wood Grain

Wood Grain is in. Here is the proof...just to name a few:


via:: palomasnest

via:: studiolyon

via:: purseona

via:: coco and milkweed

via:: keykalou

via:: blockpartypress

Oh, and do check out the coasters on the left...where my favorite items are listed.

The Friday Give-Away ~ June Designs

www.junedesigns.etsy.com

Can I just say that I am in love with Joelle's jewelry shop? June Designs is the perfect spot to jewelry shop! She's got it all, and it is so clean, creative, and elegent. Here are some that I painfully chose, due to my love for them all.

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Joelle, I am from Montreal (Canada), I am a biology student and creating jewelry is my passion. I live with my boyfriend and our two cats in our messy yet cozy apartment. When I wake up, the first thing I do is going on to Etsy and work on my shop a little. Then I like to sit outside on the backstairs and enjoy the sun before getting to work. I like to relax annd take it easy.

2. How did you find Etsy and what made you decide to sell on Etsy?

Actually, I found Etsy through a blog (http://fonetik.wordpress.com) while I was browsing the internet. I was very impressed by the featured artists and I decided to take a look at other Etsy shops. This is when I fell in love and thought that I should give it a try.

3. How long have you been creating?

Creating has always been a part of my life and I have been making simple jewelry for many years. However, I really started creating jewelry when I discovered Etsy about a year ago and I have been doing it as a living for a few months.

4. Where did you learn your skills?

I'm a self taught artist; everything I know, I learned it by myself. I learned a few techniques on the internet and I like to experiment new things.

5. What was the inspitation for your shop name?

I admit that this is not very original. I opened my shop in April 07 and could not find an interesting name. It was cold and cloudy outside and I was thinking to myself how much I was tired of this never-ending winter and could not wait anymore for summer to come. I told to myself that summer would be there by my birthday, which is in June. This was why my shop is named June Designs.

And here is what you can win:

This beautiful fine heart necklace!

Just post a comment to win telling us what you love about Joelle's shop or a favorite item. Make sure you leave a way I can contact you in case you are the winner. Contest will end at noon mountain time on Thursday. Winner will be announced that afternoon.

Also, if you would like to be notified monthly of our featured artists and what they are giving away ( I promise only one email a month--no spam!), please click on the link to the left, email me and mention you would like to be added to the mailing list.

And this weeks winner is...

Meredith!!!

Winner was chosen through Random.org

If you would like a once-a-month email informing you of the upcoming month's featured sellers and prizes, please join the mailing list by clicking on the link in the left column

OR

Post a comment here leaving your email address

I want this little number

Via:: Project Couture Vintage (see link on my blog list)

I really like bookcase walls. So much storage, out in the open. And it gives you an excuse to buy more: "I really love this but where would I possibly put it? Oh--my bookcase!". Genious. Always room for more.

via::Tracey Garet's design

What piece of furniture would you be?

So, I went over to design crush today to see what she was blogging about. Aparently there is this generator, where if you type in your name, it generates what kind of IKEA furniture you would be. Here is mine:
I decided to test it's accuracy one more time. The picture above was actually the second time, which I prefered to the first one, which was an ugly end-table.

Try it here.

Friday Give-Away ~ SAEE

http://www.saee.etsy.com/

This weeks featured artist is Tiffany, the owner of SAEE. There is some really pretty and creative jewelry in her shop, you must go see! Here are a few of my favorites:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

SAEE are the initials of my four kids! I am a stay at home mom of one teenager, teins, and a boy toddler. Making jewelry is my outlet and my time for ME! I became a stay at home mom due to the fact that my twin girls were born with severe disabilities. They are blind, spastic quad, tube-fed, wheelchair bound and despite everything Dr's told us at birth...they turned five this past April. Me and my husband recently relocated to Tuscaloosa from Vicksburg, MS and we are loving it here!

2. What inspires your creativity the most?

I am inspired by everything I see. My brain is constantly thinking of the next piece of jewelry that it wants me to make. I am inspired sometimes by need...friends come tome and say "Can you take this necklace and this necklace and do this..?". Those pieces are the most fun!

3. What is your most memorable creation, or the one you are most proud of?

That changes as I create. Right now my favorite piece is The Emily Necklace. It was the last piece where after I finished it...I just stared at it and was like "Did I really just make this?".

4. How long have you been creating?

I just started making jewelry a year ago in May. I wanted a necklace with one big pretty stone on a simple chain. Everything I saw in stores was big and chunky...not what I was looking for. So I took my search online where I discovered that the necklace I had envisioned was way out of my price range...so I set about making it for myself.

5. Where did you learn your creating skills?

I have pretty much taugh myself. My mother-in-law taught me how to wire wrap and it just kind of went from there. If I get stumped I can usually find a fellow etsian friendly enough to help me out!

And now the Give-Away!

Citrine Dangles Earrings

Just post a comment to win. Tell Tiffany what you like best in or about her shop. The contest ends on June 26 at noon mountain time. The winner will be emailed and announced that afternoon. Good luck!

Bow Book

I am in love with this adorable book. First off, I love the binding with ribbon, something I am going to have to try (and most likely fail at). And secondly, the green pages. I love green, and I love it when the pages look torn like that. It looks like the kind of paper that would feel like writing on a napkin (I love writing on napkins, it's the texture, don't make fun of me).

You can get this at NuvoNova.

Leggings

I think these leggings are so cute, and it seems you can find them everywhere on Etsy right now...however, I have never actually seen someone sporting them in the real world. Maybe it's where I live? Maybe it's the people I know? I am banking on the state of Utah, not the most out going when it comes to fashion. Maybe if I lived in Salt Lake City, but I don't.

You can get the pattern for the above leggings at Year of the Goat.

The little things

I love how these vintage bindings are packaged. I adore the little touches that shop owners add to there merchandise. I think it shows that they aren't in it necessarily for the $, although it is a bonus. They love what they do, which means quality. Good job, One Ripe Peach, for going the extra mile!

And the Winner is:

Dolls123

Tomorrow will be another chance to win! Make sure to come back!

Winners are chosen through random.org

I can't get over Alicia Bock's photography. How does she make every picture seem vintage? I love the colors and the feel of each photograph. I can't help but think that someday when I have a house and wall space that I will be purchasing these photographs left and right. Don't you think the one in the middle is PERFECT? I do. Please, do yourself a favor and go check out her shop here.

Someday...

Someday, I will have tall white baseboards and dark walls with warm wood floors. I love the blue color and the rug. But I think I could live without the lamps and the chair.

via: set of 'Sex and the City'

Father's Day

So, how was Father's Day for everyone? I live out of state, so I wasn't able to see my dad(s...I am married and have 2 now). So I sent them each a box of these:

I hear they were delicious. I think they are so fun and yummy looking. Someone has a talent with frosting, and that person is burpnbibs on Etsy. What did you do for your pops?

I get really excited whenever I look at the glasses in Anthropologie, particularly these. I think I could live in Anthropologie and be completely happy. About the picture...it didn't turn out so well, so click here to see these drinking glasses in all there glory!

Numbers

I can't exactly think of a reason why I would ever want to hang numbers all over my walls, but, if I did, well let me tell you, this would be my absolute inspiration.

Unfortunately, I have no idea where this picture came from. I got it from a friend.

The Friday Give-Away ~ Joy Patrice

http://www.joypatrice.etsy.com/

This week's give-away is delightful! Something new and different: a talented collage-ist (if that is even a word). I love Joy's designs and her ability to let her creativity have no bounds (something I struggle with). She uses great colors and objects. Congratulations Joy, I like what you do! Not to mention Joy is funny! I love funny! Here are some faves from her shop:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Joy, but online I go by Joy Patrice. I am a freelance graphic designer and artist. I think I'm at a point in my life where all the hard work, chances and mistakes are beginning to pay off. I love what I do, where I am, and (thighs aside) who I am.

2. What inspires your creativity the most?

Music, other artists and the color pink. I'm pretty sure it's because my mom was an anti-pink feminist of the mid-70's and dressed me like a boy. Anyways, I was able to convert our attic inot a perfect pink studio. And since I'm a collector of things, I keep it all nearby for quick absorption.

3. How long have you been creating?

I started creating when I was pregnant with my boy Arthur, 10 years ago. Since the graphic design career was temporarily on hold, I decided to teach myself how to use acrylics and watercolor. I really truly sucked but I didn't stop trying. I have a stubborn faith in myself (my mantra is "someday it will make sense").

4. Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?

Not yet, but I'm looking for opportunities to sell my work. Check out my blog http://www.joypartice.blogspot.com/ for updates. And visit my professional potfolio http://www.joypatrice.com/ just because.

5. Where did you learn your creating skills?

I went to a local community college for my degree in graphic design. But as far as painting and collage, I am absolutely self-taught. Thank you internet.

And now, The Friday Give-Away:

Joy is offering this cuter-than-cute artwork made by her!

Just post a comment to enter to win. Make sure you tell Joy what you love in or about her shop. Contest ends at noon mountain time on Thursday. Make sure you leave a way I can contact you incase you are the winner!

I can't believe I missed out on this:

Story: After I moved out of the house, my dad anxiously created his "Man Cave", complete with recliners and flat screen tv. It is still called the Man Cave today. Why my concern? Well, I struggled to find what I should give my dad for Father's Day, and 2 days after I make the purchase of something I settled for, I come across these.

All is not lost, I have already phoned my mother and she is on her way to getting one of these bad boys created, since she could do it herself.

You can order these here.

And the winner is...

KATHLEEN W.

Come back tomorrow for your chance to win another fabulous give-away!

YART SALE!

Yes, you heard me correctly, YART SALE! Etsians around the globe are particiapting in this annual sale! If you go to Etsy and search "yart", you will find a lot of reduced prices. I am participating myself and most things are 30% off. Hurry! It's only June 11-20!

Martha came up with a cute idea for wrapping your Father's Day gifts. I love this. BowTies, how classic! Find the how-to here.

Friday Give-Away ~ Sugar Pie Chic

http://www.sugarpiechic.etsy.com/

What a cute shop! I fell in love with the aprons and it looks like the bags sell like hot cakes! They also sell burp cloths! Super cute! Here are a few of my favorites in their shop:

Here is a little about Sugar Pie Chic:

1. Tell us a little about yourself:

We are Lucy and Lorna, a mother and daughter team whi reside in the Texas Hill Country. Sugar Pie Chic is a collaboration between the two of us. Lorna is a mom, as well, and stays home with her 9 month old while working on sugar pie Chic with her mom Lucy. Lucy is the expert seamstress with over 30 years of experience, and Lorna provides the creativity behind the designs and choices of fabrics.

2. What inspires your creativity the most?

Our passion is to create vintage-style things with a modern twist, so we love to look at pictures of or find items from past eras to form ideas. We enjoy pairing vintage inspired fabrics with modern patterns or contrasting contemporary prints and a vintage fit. Our favorite inspiration so far has been a beautiful vintage apron pattern from the 1950's passed down from Lucy's mother. Some of our prettiest creations have been from this pattern. We spend a lot of time sorting through fabrics to find the perfect combinations of classic, vintage, and contemporary.

3. How did you find Etsy and what made you decide to sell on Etsy?

We found Etsy through word-of-mouth. Lorna's sister-in-law had started her own shop there, and sent the link to Lorna. As surely everyone agrees, once you begin clicking around on Etsy, you start to find more interesting things. This led to the realization that our passion for creating had an outlet there, too. Etsy is such a great way to reach a wider audience. We think it has a reputation for having quality items, so it was perfect for us!

4. What was the inspiration for your shop name?

Sugar Pie is Lucy's father's nickname for his grandchildren (including Lorna), adn Chic (the French word meaning fashionable) describes our design style. We simply liked the combination of the two terms!

5. Where did you learn your creating skills?

Both Lucy's French grandmothers were excellent seamstresses. Being around such creative women left a lasting impression. Lucy began sewing doll clothes while in elementary school. By the time she was 12 she had her own sewing machine and was making her own clothes. As a young mother, she created hand-smocked garments and fun play clothes for her two daughters, including Lorna. Lucy's ability to pair skill with creativity came when she was a wardrobe manager for a small ballet company. Some of the costumes she made for them are still in use today! Lorna studied music, dance, and choreography and learned to create and express individuality through these art forms. Her sewing skills come from her mom, Lucy, and this opened a world of exciteming and endless design possibilities. Finding Esty has been a real blessing for the two of us. Finally, an outlet to display and sell things that are a natural expression of everything you are.

Wow! They sound qualified for sure. What a talented duo!

And now, the give-away!!

This adorable fabric headband

(I hear this is a sneak preview of things to come in Sugar Pie Chic)

Remember, just post a comment and make sure I have a way to reach you if you are the winner. Tell Sugar Pie Chic what you love about there store and maybe a favorite item. Contest will close Thursday at noon mountian time. Winner will be announced that afternoon.

And the winner is:

AWESO

(again!)

Winners are chosen through random.org

Check back tomorrow for the new give-away, done weekly