Board No. 126 - MICA Art Market

My favorite times in the annual school cycle at MICA is when the students sell their art -- because it's fun, innovative and, best of all, cheap! One of those times is coming up soon, an annual holiday sale called Art Market. (Information here.) Anyway, if you aren't fortunate enough to be in the Baltimore area Dec. 8-11 to come to the event, here are some of the items from students/alumni available on Etsy.
Top row: Ziegfeld Girl Print from ybryksenkova; Henrieta and Ida Hand-Embroidered Doll from hilleryrebe; Radial Pillow from smalltalkstudio; Paon Necklace from PlumeInFlight
Second row: Handmade Cake Necklace from SimplyAesthetics; Delightful Foxes Card Set from smalltalkstudio; Avenir Font Soap from Soletta
Third row: Eco Felt Block Print Pin from greenstarstudio; Hot Air Balloon (and others) Birch Necklace from sonho; Thank You Woodcut Card from bowerbox; Agripinna Silhouette Necklace from Notoire
Bottom row: Coffee Cozy Wool Felt with Long Nose from greenstarstudio; Gold Key Under Mat Hand-Painted Doormat from damngooddoormats; Graphic Pillow Picto Cube from sonya1358

Here is a cell phone picture of some amazing pillows Alyssa Nassner (aka smalltalkstudio) made last year, the fabric she designed is amazing!

Board No. 108 - Hort

As I mentioned last week, I have recently signed on to do some consulting work with this amazingly awesome horticulture nonprofit, which I'm very excited about since I love all things gardening. So, because it's really late in the gardening season, I figured I'd feature some of the fantastic indoor plant options being offered on Etsy - many of which come from Etsy PHAT members, a team I just discovered recently and have spent a tad too much time exploring. I am going to do a separate post on bulbs, which should be planted in the ground fairly soon!

Top row: Festive Sushi Bonsai Plant - Seaweed Delights from timtierney; X Victoria - Sweet Airplant from PigeonToeCeramics; Hanging Snail Shell Spider Plant Kit from soulyluna
Middle row: Dwarf Beauty Juniper from bonsaiofnapavalley; Pinwheel Succulent Aeonium Haworthia from SucculentsGalore; Begonia Sophie Cecile from eclecticasia
Bottom row: Haworthia attenuata - Zebra Succulent from TwoDogGardens; Dend Andree Miller Blooming Size Orchid from SapphireChild; Spiral Aloe from Horticopia

Board No. 105 - Falling Leaves

After a quick weekend trip to Ohio — where surpiringly fall has not hit at all — I am noticing that the trees are starting to change color here, a couple hundred miles south. Weird, right? So, I am finally going to do the post that my new Etsy friend and fellow CREST team member, aprilmist, gave me the idea for weeks ago (and she even picked some of my more favorite items). I know Etsy's been showcasing fall items up the wazoo (is that how it's spelled?), but I thought I'd throw my two cents in, so here's my favorite leaf creations:

Top row: The Best of Fall Throw Pillow from allisajacobs; Antique Brass Filigree Leaf Earrings from considerthelillies; Green Oak Leaf Felt Headband from lupin; Pair of Raspberry Espresso Cups from creativeutility
Second row: Gray Messenger Bag With Leaves from sineminugur ; Golden Leaf Necklace from loriyab; Sterling Silver Leaf Earrings With Copper Swarovski Pearls - Autumn Splendor from jayval; Out on a Limb Ginkgo from blockpartypress
Third row: Flora Flat from HydraHeart; Reversible Dress With Leaf Applique from allthenumbers; Harvest Goats Milk Soap from sissysoap; Wild Garden (kaleidoscopic) from yumiyumi
Bottom row: Autumn Hammock Earrings from lennonsleadinglady; Orange Autumn Maple Leaf Felt Earrings from hitree; Ophelia in Pearls Bracelet from wristcandycreations; Two Leaves Necklace from AvenueC

P.S. If you haven't already noticed from previous posts, I'm a bit of a horticulture geek, and, as a bonus, I just found out today that I will be doing some marketing consulting work for the Maryland Home & Garden Information Center. You should check them out, they do some great work spreading the hort love!

Board No. 95 - Hot Hot Heat

We're finally feeling summer round these parts. Washington, D.C. — built upon a swamp — is usually 90+ degrees with the same percentage of humidity from, oh, about June to October. But this summer has been so amazingly nice — until this week! And now, it's gross out ... Well, to battle the summer heat, find a cool vintage fan, a skimpy little dress and a refreshing beverage. That sure sounds like it would make it all better!

Top row: Set of 3 Splatter Paint-esque Glass Tumblers from kitschkitch; Farrah Fawcett Mint Condition High Waisted Shorts from VirginiaWho; 1970s Hot Pink Romper from jessjamesjake
Middle row: Vintage Inspired Scrunchkini Swimsuit from ladramaqueen; Electrohome Seafoam Green Fan from Hindsvik; Glamor Hippie Summer Maxi Sun Dress from monkeysnmermaids
Bottom row: Colored Glass Drinking Straw from ecoglassstraws; Vintage Folding Oak Beach Deck Dock Chair from AusableRiverTrader; Big Floppy Brimmed Straw Hat With Feather Trim from himalayanmusk

Board No. 85 - Happy Birthday to Me!

Just as a heads up, my birthday is in a little over a week and my party is in two. So, this is the perfect time to order me a gift and have it arrive in time! ;) Ha! Even though I'm joking, I thought I'd feature some totally random items that I love right now, all around the $20 price-point or less, that would make great gifts for just about any 20-something female who likes the odd combo of kitsch and classics. (A couple of these you may have seen on this site once before... But no offense to anyone I didn't choose, there's just too much fabulousness to pick from!)

Top row: Teensy State Charm Necklace from basilthecat (but I want Ohio, but of course!); Pearl Harvest Necklace from flightfancy; Rainbow Sorbet Jade Necklace from FabulousChic (on sale right now!); Mercury Dime Cutout Pendant from glocuts
Middle row: Multi-colored Italian Leather Wedges from theduskyjewel; Small Moroccan Spice Kit from purposedesign; 1902 Rare Historical Map of Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia from bananastrudel; Vintage Milk Glass Pedestal Dishes from findingfabulous
Bottom row: Pyrex New Dot Mixing Bowl from marianneclare; Graphic Thermos from thebestthings; Kit Kat Begonia from stovallgardens09; Dymondwood Fiesta Wine Bottle Stopper from massmans (free shipping - see comment!)

Board No. 84 - The Symbol of Summer Into Fall

It was really hard to choose which of EtsyBlogger of the Month miesmama's items to feature — there were so many fantastic items to pick from. She does a lot of unique crafts and I especially love all of her work with felt, and so much of it seemed summery, even if it's made out of a heavier material. The one that stood out to me the most, though, was the tote with a coneflower, likely because I am starting to see these flowers pop up all over the place and I just love them. To me, they symbolize the transition from summer to fall — one of my favorite times of the year (probably because it's around my birthday)!

Featured item: miesmama's Purple Coneflower Sweater Tote, which is made out of a recycled sweater!
Top row: Purple Coneflower and Butterfly Wool Applique Pin Cushion from StrandsandStitches; Purple Coneflower Dress in Plum Linen from CorysHandmade
Middle row: Summer Cone Flowers Enamel Earrings from leafingearth; Girls Hand Painted Tee from wendymarsh; The Purple Coneflower Modern Art Print from artistscs28; One At A Time Fine Art Photograph from AmeliaKayPhotography
Bottom row: Purple Coneflower Note Cards from onecrazychicken; Touch Abstract Coneflower Closeup Photo from flandersfield; Pink Coneflower Wildflower Miniture Watercolor from BillingsleyRose; Coneflower Enhanced Photo from ClaudiaLord

Board No. 80 - Shopping for a Cause

I may be late to the game, but I just learned today about the amazing Etsy sellers who have come together to help a friend though Etsy Project Embrace. Many sellers are giving a portion of their sales to help a "fellow dear and darling Etsian, Laura Slocum, conquer and utterly defeat ovarian cancer! Money goes to American Cancer Society." See Laura's story here. I am truly amazed by the way that Etsians come together for causes and support of each other. Here are some of the fabulous items that are being sold for the charitable cause:

Featured above: Laura Ovarian Cancer Survivor Bracelet from adornbyamysingley
First row: Material Original Oil Painting from teamzvonik; Confetti Crochet Women Scarf in Turquoise from kanokwalee; Five Blossoms Ring from UnaOdd; Colorful Lights Swarovski Suncatcher from creativelytangled
Middle row: Vintage Yellow Daisy Glass Cup from Colourshoppevintage; Mid-Century Cups and Saucers from 5gardenias; Sterling Love Necklace from PianoBenchDesigns; Eavesdrop Necklace from jennreese7
Bottom row: Garden Funky Floral Serving Dish from loveartworks; Touareg Blue Earrings from fleurfatale; I Love You So Much Typewriter Card from maclancy; Ruffle Scarf in Blue from innovationdesign

Board No. 78 - Vineyard Getaway

This weekend, I don't have school, I don't have to be on duty for work, I don't have anything. So the gals and I are going out to Loudoun County, Va., to have a leisurely day going to the vineyards, sleeping in hammocks, having a picnic ... ahh ... I can't wait to de-stress! (It's just better not rain!) So, to get me through this very long workweek, I am going to set my mind for three days from now.

Top row: Stemless Wine Glasses Made From Recycled Wine Bottles from bodhicitta; Brass Leaves & Pearl Vintage-Style Earrings from karmelidesigns; Wine Bottle Cheese Plate from MitchellGlassworks
Middle row: Grapevine Pendant from GatheringStars; Watercolor Cherries on the Side from WatercolorByMuren; Purple Grape Cluster Earrings from BargainBazaar
Bottom row: Dymondwood Fiesta Wine Bottle Stopper from massmans; Retro and Roomy Picnic Blanket from SewnNatural; Real Handcrafted Grape Leaf - Captured in Bronze from wearmejewels

Board No. 63 - Take a Hike!

One of the many things I'm currently working on is a review of a hiking book, cleverly titled "Take a Hike." (It's pretty good.) It's gotten me really excited to get outside and explore some new trails. So, here's some hiking-inspired items to get you outside, exercising and feeling great!

Top row: Share the Trail Shirt from Pedal1Long; His or Her Washable Wool Hiking Socks from NeedfulThingsofSalem; Vintage Orange Galvanized Metal and Plastic Canteen from vintageagogirlMiddle row: Carved Bear Baby Onsie from mylie; Forest Photo Print from Scarlettfox; Red Striped Hiking Belt from stitchaline509
Bottom row: Going Hiking Resin Necklace from aPassionForFashion; Travel Silverware Set from ponyup; Campers' Soap-to-Go from SudsNSuch

Board No. 59 - Pounce Back

I'm here, I promise. Hopefully I can post a few today to make up for my last post being Friday. And, while looking for some items for this pounce undiscovered post I came across way too many items for just one board, so check back for some more-themed boards, this one's the random other stuff. (And as a heads up, I'm feeling a bit girlie today.)

Top row: Birdhouse with Hand-Painted Trees from swurme; Scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Girls Costume Dress from dottyscloset; AuntieCookie-Designed ABC Blocks from blockage
Middle row: Wonderland by Momo Tweedle Dum Jam from VidaFabrics; Anchor Earrings from heartsandstripes; Who Gives a Hoot Unisex Onesie from YourPrintsCharming
Bottom row: Asymmetric Jersey Dress from betty2744; Cheerily Checkered Thermos from captainkitsch; Greek Key to Life Embroidered Cotton Pillows from Dahlush

Board No. 51 - Strawberries Mean Summer

I can't believe I've broken the 50-board mark! It seems like I just started doing this yesterday. Anyway, thanks for reading!

We've been picking the red, ripe strawberries from our backyard for more than a week now and are so excited that there are still loads of flowers on the plants — meaning there's going to be more strawberries for weeks to come. There is absolutely nothing better than straight-from-the-garden fruits and vegetables, and strawberries are always one of the first to be picked, letting me know it's officially summer. Here's some inspiration for those who may not have a their own bushes.

Top row: Red Strawberries Potholders from frommysewingroom; Strawberry Pewter Charm from beadsws; Funky Strawberries Earring Collection from shaizcar; Strawberry Fields Necklace from redheart13
Second row: Strawberry Fields Two-Part Stamp from Corrabelle; Wild Strawberry Seeds from GardenItaly; Strawberries and Cream Votive Candle from thecraftasaurus
Third row: Strawberry Batik Onesie from jerusha; Silver and Concrete Strawberry Necklace from lulubugjewelry
Bottom row: Strawberry Pie Necklace from fakerybakery2; Juicy Strawberry Bar With Exfoliating Seeds from LoveLeeSoaps; Vintage Brass Strawberry Lockets from vivi1981ken; Vintage Anchor Hocking Strawberry Shortcake Milk Glass Mug from buppins

Board No. 49 - Summer Fun

I am now officially part of the EstyBloggers team and with that, the team features one of its members as a shop-of-the-month-type feature. Well, for May it is CREATEaTHOUGHT (shop and blog) who is creative in such a hilarious way.

I am creating this board based on CREATEaTHOUGHT's bingo journal, which is utilitarian and chic at the same time! This instantly made me think of the summer picnics my dad's company had for its employees every year when I was growing up. There was of course bingo, but also horseshoes, canoeing and obligatory team games like water balloon relays. It's just so quintessentially summer. So here's to the fun, kitschy items from CREATEaTHOUGHT and to the fun summer days ahead of us. I hope everyone had a fantastic Memorial Day!

Top row: Picnic Plastic Cutlery Photo from jmillen; Vintage BINGO journal from CREATEaTHOUGHT; Beach Ball Ring from blockpartypress
Middle row: Horseshoe Happy Vintage Print from objetpetita; Hand-Printed Linoleum Woodblock Canoe and Cabin from whiskeyjackstudios
Bottom row: Creamsicle Barrette from goldilocksbarrettes; Mini Hotdog Charm Necklace from Dulcebella; Vintage Croquet Set from shopjude; Bases Loaded Key Chain from AngelQ

Board No. 48 - Cocktails and Steaks, Oh My!

So, I was also busy this week writing a review of Morton's the Steakhouse's newest book, "Morton's the Cookbook" (creative name...). The book is full of not only steak recipes, but also some amazing cocktails, salads, desserts and entrees that were all over the culinary spectrum. So, that inspired this post even though my items are a lot more kitschy than the always-classy Morton's would ever serve up — also look at it for some interesting Father's Day ideas:

Top row: Crabby Cakes Doggy Treats from MyPooperScooper; Vintage Hazel Atlas Cocktail Shaker from BazarBcuz; Vintage Celluloid Simmons Steak Knives from blogbloglog
Middle row: Hand-Painted Martini Glasses from KatsFabricsnMore; Meat and Potatoes Twin Onsie Set from bambinamia; Father's Day Blue Light Special Card from JillKinLA
Bottom row: Organic Heirloom Tomato Seeds from EcoOasis; Swordfish Notecard Stationary Set from reBloom; Cajun Steak Rub from chickenscratchllc

P.S. The swordfish joke is as follows (from my article): "Larry King 'likes' to dine at booth 10 [at the downtown D.C. location], where a painting of him hangs directly overhead, and orders the Morton’s Chopped Salad, 'chopped fine,' along with breaded swordfish, which is no longer on the menu..."

Board No. 43 - Crystal Clear Lantern

This post is inspired by a jewelry giveaway ending tomorrow night (!) over at Australian Etsy from Etsy seller ljjnjm. I chose her Crystal Clear Lantern Crystal Earrings as my favorite, and it inspired this post, well the lantern part. I am hosting a couple Memorial Day parties at my apartment (if you're in D.C., e-mail me as I'd love to get to know other Etsy sellers and my readers!) and need some outdoor lighting for the backyard, and where is a better place to shop than Etsy?

Top row: Hurricane Candle Holder from cccreations; Hanging Spiral Tin Lantern from MariposaAvenue; Japanese-Style Shoji Lamp from takumidesigns24; Sustainable Pendant Chandelier from sunfish820
Second row: Vintage Yellow Chinese Paper Lantern from vintagedame; Hanging Shoji Candle Lantern from earthsteps
Third row: Blue Wine Bottle Light from glassilluminations; Papercut Lanterns from Hannahnunn
Bottom row: LED Battery Powered Leaf Light from LEDlightingandart; 50 Origami Lights from whimsidoodle; Moroccan Brass Hanging Star Lamp from mesbah; Shabby Chic Candle Lantern from peacefulplanning

Board No. 33 - Rain, Rain Stay Here? (I Want to Use My New Umbrella!)

It's funny: I went to Minneapolis this past weekend for the ACES convention and the weather was nicer there than it was in what turned out to be a very rainy Washington, D.C. (just like in the center gocco image below). Well, while at the convention, I picked up a fantastic umbrella (to add to my ever-growing collection) with comic strips from the Star Tribune. I don't have my camera today or I would take a photo, but it looks similar to the one pictured. I thought I'd use that cue — and that it's supposed to rain here until Saturday! — for this post:

Top row: Kalaidaspoke Linen Cushion Cover from bestillshop; British Brolly Graphic Print T-Shirt from happyfamily; Red Umbrella Original Illustration from carambatack; April Showers No. 07 from cutiepiecompany
Second row: Mod Rain Umbrella from DewberryVintage; DC Love III Gocco Print - Cherry Blossoms Special Edition from artsharkdesigns; Vintage Orange Polka-Dot Umbrella from itsastitch
Third row: April Showers Charm Necklace from bombalurina; Rainy Day Letterpress Card from letterpress
Fourth row: 50s Floral Umbrella from DewberryVintage; Vintage Spring Floral Umbrella from jessjamesjake; Brass Umbrella Duck from OliveVintage; Vintage Umbrella Cups from lazonya
Bottom row: Colorful Umbrella Japanese Fabric from karaku; Rainy Day 1 Fine Art Print from amaricemills; Peacock Umbrella from rawartist7; Umbrella Print Indoor-Outdoor Pillow Covers from PillowMio

Board No. 23 - Etsy Day Pounce, part 4

I am still rounding up some more home decor items, so here is part 4 (part 1 was jewelry; part 2 was kids; part 3 was clothing and bags) — which is just a random mosh of kitschy fun (my favorite kind!) sold by undiscovered shops on Etsy. This also includes some kids items and jewelry that didn't fit on the boards — there's just so many great items to choose from! Please help celebrate Etsy Day today by supporting sellers, especially those who have yet to have any sales.


Top row: Gift Tags Set of 5 Handmade with Vintage Flower Seed Labels from TinkersCreativities; Felted Wool Bracelet from jspiliotes; Black/Hot Pink Ruffle Skirt from LilWhiteRose; Cheeseburger Tote Bag from EmilinaBallerina
Second row: Rock Hen With Egg from qvistdesign; Rainbow Color Mosaic Squares Tape from JustAPerfectDay; Set of Four Octopus Cards from morrkelly; 12 Pink Newspaper Beads from halibuvalley
Third row: Bright and Cheery Birdhouses - Set of 3 from 3HootStudio; Wool Scottie iPhone Sock from ejacqui; Little Orange Button Ring from FunnyLittleBird; Printable Art - Craft is Good for You from ollietoo
Bottom row: Wood Butterfly Pendant Earrings from AnbaaSan; Fancy Shirts in Shadow Box from Marichik; May Flowers Embroidery and Button Note Card from iheartzb; Vintage Flower Power Coffee Cups from debz08

Board No. 16 - Newspapers Aren't Dead!

When I saw this bag on the Metro this morning, I was inspired to do two posts. One, my previous one, was about being crafty, and this, is about how newspapers aren't dying — at least not in the Etsy world. I work at a newspaper, so I have to believe there is a future for journalism beyond Twitter. Even if you don't read them, you can recycle them with many different crafty uses like several of the sellers below.



Top row: Newspaper Hemp Necklace from giandpindo; Recycled Financial Times Decoupage Chair from julene; Recycled Biodegradable Seedling Starter Newspaper Pots from RushofWings; Real Retro Fabric Newspaper Patch Petticoat Skirt With Lace from malam
Second row: Turquoise and Tangerine Handmade Recycled Newspaper Beaded Earrings from doghaus; News Giraffe Necklace from PaisleyChainsaw; "I Like to Keep Informed" Print from Toxicguineapigs; Set of 6 Newspaper Headline Tumblers from gotcha
Third row: Dog Lovers Canine Chronical Handbag Pleated Hobo from gypsyrosehandbags; What's Old Is New Again Recycled Rosette Headband from JustLiv; Recycled Earrings and Necklace Set from Allidigator; Vinyl Record Cuff from maelle
Bottom row: Recycled Indian Newspaper Bags from nutmegclick; Custom Lover's Portait on Newspaper Background from phunklab; Recycled Newspaper Flowers from halibuvalley; Fancy Wallpaper Storage Vintage-Style Newspaper Tray from 32NorthSupplies

Board No. 14 - Little Birdie

Yesterday was so beautiful that we had the windows open and I heard the birds chirping outside all day. Even though it's raining all day today, yesterday's weather and the hint of spring has led me to want a bird feeder or two to put up in the backyard, and Etsy has a huge stash of them:


Top row: Blue Bird Feeder from PottersVision; Ceramic 3-Sided Hanging Bird Feeder in WhiteWelded Steel & Copper Birdfeeder 130 from joepapendick
Second row: Bird Feeder in Aqua from claydame; Fabrege Feeder from ladyh; Bird Feeder Made From Repurposed Street Lights from redyellowandblueink
Third row: Daisy Teacup Bird Feeder / Tiny Birdbath from littlepaperhome; Mushroom Shaped Ceramic Pottery Bird House from mudpuppy; Blown Glass Hummingbird Feeder from Hummingbirddelight
Bottom row: Double-Decker Bird House From Old Coffee Pot With Wood Handles from iron55; Handmade Woodwork Bird Feeder from Wudls; Bright Green Cedar Shake Birdhouse from DuckabushWoodworks from fruitflypie