Board No. 119 - Christmas Tradition

This week marks the famed Rockefeller tree lighting as well as many others around the world, and that doesn't discount the thousands and thousands of people who light their homes in holiday spirit. Even though I'm Jewish, I just love all the holiday decorations this time of year, especially lights people put in trees. (Just like the abstract print at right by Etsy artist TRMACKSTUDIO.) Living in the city for nearly five years now (Fun fact: I actually moved into the District on Christmas Day), I miss a lot of the outdoor decorations you expect to see in the suburbs -- renters and condo owners just don't celebrate in the same over-the-top, blow-the-electric-bill way.

Anyway, here's my way of decorating my home away from home, my blog page. I am doing a pretty extensive series of themed holiday decor -- mostly Christmas, but will include other seasonal festivities as well. The first: traditional...

Top row: Peach Nutcracker Constable from KnockKnocking; Candy Cane Stripe Stocking from elizabethburritt; Shimmering Snow Covered Pine Cone Ornaments from BBsForBabies
Middle row: Top Hat Snowman from lindasilverthorne; Christmas Lights Ornament Set from merritthyde; Ornament Wreath from wreaths4allseasons
Bottom row: Jingle All the Way Ornament from palomasnest; Swirls and Flowers Ornament from ornamentsbydeb; Gingerbread Man Felt Christmas Ornament from OhByJingo

Board No. 118 - Black Friday Sales

Happy day after Thanksgiving everyone! I hope your meals were delicious and the leftovers today just as good. Since it's Black Friday and I'm sure everyone was in line at Kohl's at 4 a.m. ... just kidding, who does that?!?! I actually had a couple sales in my Etsy shop today, so maybe Black Friday and Cyber Monday are converging? Anyway, I thought I do a post on fun holiday gifts from Etsy stores doing Black Friday and weekend sales*. I'm going to do a ton more gift guides coming up, but here's some completely random highlights to start:

Top row: Chunky Taupe Cowl from crazyjaneknits; Custom Calligraphy Mug from winemakerssister; Monet's Garden Necklace from JenniferCasady
Middle row: Tiger Lily Moccasin Teal from darlingtonia; Butterfly Vintage Silk Swarovski Rhinestones Bib Necklace from kirevi8; Vintage Holiday Plaid Suitcase from GetReadySetGO
Bottom row: Needle Felted Gourds from cozycottagecreations; Embellished Bag - Frill from showpony; Joy Earrings from AliciaWalsh

* Be weary because a lot of people are using the tag "EtsyHolidaySale" and the items are NOT actually a sale price.

Board No. 117 - For All the Artists

Ever since my full-time job turned from design into looking for a new job, I've been off and on with this site, but since I landed a new job (I start tomorrow!), I think I'll be a bit more attentive to my readers! Since my new job is in the marketing department at MICA, Maryland Institute College of Art, I thought I take this opportunity to do a "Pounce Undiscovered" of new Etsy artists — just like the beautiful rendition of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center painting by KymBenYaakov, at right.

Top row: Beautiful Betty Print from InspiredByShe; Pumpkin Trio Original Oil from fineartgallery; Leaf Swirl from JeansViews
Middle row: Tumultuous Sky Photograph from DonAshcraftImagery; Sailboats at Dusk Oil on Canvas from mikejonespaintings; Struggle Solar Plate Etching from suzyschultz
Bottom row: Champlain Abstract Nature Photo from ekovisions; Tree Frog on Peanut Butter Leaf Plant Photograph from jewelbugs; You Again Print from MakaiosFotos