I don’t know what it is about these two, but Audrey and Oliver are too sweet for words. Combined with my love for photo booth pictures, I couldn’t resist sharing this photo today. Check out Little Big Pants (a Minnesota designer, woot woot!) on Etsy for more of Audrey and Oliver. The actual dolls are just as darling as the photos of them! I mean, that bow tie with his sprouts of hair? It’s just too cute. . . too cute. . .
For whatever reason, the word buttercup is stuck in my mind today. No idea why, and to be honest all I can picture is that buttercup teacup thingy someone eats in the movie “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”. It has been quite the week, so perhaps the buttercup thing is just my brain short circuiting from all the ups and downs. But whatever the case I found myself searching for buttercups on Etsy, and I’m so happy I did because it brought me to the handmade vintage jewelry of Lazy Giraffe in the UK.
Delicate, vintage, amazing. . . all these words popped into my mind when I saw the beautiful colors and the gorgeous, old-timey pendants and earrings. Available at very reasonable prices, I don’t see any reason why you shouldn’t splurge on yourself a teensy bit today with a pair of the Lazy Giraffe’s buttercup earrings, royal blue orbit necklace, or anything else really. It’s just all so pretty! Thank heavens for having random words stuck in random minds. . .
Buttercup earrings $24.00
Orbit necklace $42.00
Flutter Hoop earrings $22.00
Amber Leaves bracelet $33.00
Simple Rose earrings $19.00
I’m not gonna lie. Monday was a little more hectic than usual. . . like five days smashed into one, and yet today is still only Tuesday. But such is life! And I’m happy after crazy days like that, the chances of stumbling upon something lighthearted and fun over at Sparkle Paws is very, very good.
So to turn my frazzled frown upside down, I took a gander at the delightful, all original illustrations by San Diego based designer Leslie Thompson. I love her greeting cards and pocket mirrors, because each little creature is so sweet! The next best thing would be finding one of these cute guys in my mailbox, so I can pin it on my wall at work and always remember I’m the bees knees. Mmm hmm, that’s right.
After a bit of nosing around, I came across these interesting and fresh new spins on how to wear zippers. Gone are the days of just using a zipper to simply close a jacket or jeans. Take Amalia Versaci’s vintage zipper jewelry for example. . . who would’ve thought turning one into a chic little stud would look so cool? And I love the size and robust style of her zipper pendant below. Makes me wonder where that massive zip came from!
And how about Labyrinth Vintage’s nifty zipper neckerchief? Such a great idea to add some er, zip(!) to your wardrobe!
Zipper Stud Earrings $16
Brass Zipper Pendant $34.00
Handmade Zipper Neckerchief $85
Etsy shop owner Dear Kiki just may have some of the most endearing, stylish nerdy girls I’ve seen. From her notecards to her original prints, watercolors and drawings, her creativity and vibrant interpretations leap off the paper. And I adore her nerdy girl painting that declares, “Nerd is the new black.” I couldn’t agree more!
To peruse all of her fun, inspiring creations, click here!
Because everyone needs a vacation, right? Right! And it looks like these little ghosties spent their vacay swooshing through the Spanish Main Oyster Bar & Hotel in Ft Myers, Florida. Nice choice guys and gals!
Available for purchase at My Invisible Friends on Etsy, these super cute and innovative characters by Minneapolis’ own Corey McNally were added to a vintage 1972 postcard sent from the sunshine state to Edina, MN. Very unique and very clever. No need to wait for Halloween either, for just $7.50 these friendly ghosts will look extra special on your wall any time of year!
Front
Back
I’ve never loved the color periwinkle as much as I do now! After seeing this gorgeous, earthy periwinkle agate ring, I’m seeing the color in a whole new light. It’s beautiful and weighty, giving off a pretty yet strong statement. Charming! Check it out here on Etsy at Lisa’s Lovelies. . .
And here are some more very lovely things by Lisa. . .
Combine two people’s love of good design and all (well, probably most) things old-fashioned and the result is just lovely. Take the home decor pieces created by Vincent and Jessie of Uncommon and Dust Furniture. They’re modern and streamlined, yet still have elements of appealing, classic design. Their clocks available on Etsy caught my eye instantly. . . I really love the natural wood faces paired with the whimsical shapes. (Thanks to HJ for pointing them in my direction!!)
Based out of Valparaiso, Indiana, Vincent and Jessie are married too, which is not really a surprise given their talented teamwork. Their creative and custom designed line of home accessories and furniture are sold nationwide, but you can check out their very pretty offerings online here AND their extras, prototypes, mistakes and even occasional scratch-n-dent deals here. No, they’re not perfect, and I appreciate when artists not only own up to that, but sell it at a cheaper price too!
(all photos courtesy of Uncommon and Dust Furniture)
Red Arrow photography is quite beautiful on account of creator Emily’s affection for minimalism in an urban setting. The colors are bold and the images really make you stop and think. It’s almost like you know you’ve seen that rusty shopping cart before, but you’ve never really seen it like this before. What makes Seattle based Red Arrow’s photos extra unique is the way they’re turned into fun and charming polaroid coasters. I love this idea—it’s such a simple and smart addition to your home’s style. They will easily grab people’s attention and will surely make those drinks you made taste super delicious. (I especially love that snazzy table they’re displayed on as well!)
Let me tip my imaginary cap off to Canada born Chicago based jewelry designer Petit Oiseau. The simple fact that she is inspired by antiques, collectibles and most importantly Bakelite from the 50’s to create new gems makes me want to buy everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, she has created with those nimble hands and ingenious ideas!
After its invention in 1907 by Dr. Leo Baekeland, Bakelite quickly became the world’s first and most lucrative synthetic plastic. Aside from the jewelry that has become very collectible, Bakelite was used for radios, clocks, washing machines, gramophones, telephones and even a coffin. Eek!
The extra special thing about Petit Oiseau’s pieces is her ability to take such a history and make it into something modern while still honoring the vintage qualities at a very reasonable price. Each one is beautiful and unique, and at the end of the day that’s priceless really!
(all photos courtesy of Petit Oiseau on Etsy)
I have to begin by saying I’m sorry to beat you continually over the head with robots, but I can’t hold this in any longer. This nervous little guy is so stinkin’ adorable, I can’t even stand it. And I think I know exactly how he feels. I also imagine he says darn and gosh and oh my stars a whole lot too.
The design handmade and screenprinted by Dog Bone Art is available as a t-shirt, plush toy or magnet (as you can already see above). So anyway, that’s it for a while. My obsession with bots will have to take a break for a while I guess. Maybe! In the meantime, I just might start to obsess over this cute pirate cupcake and/or the sassy orange that’s so charming and stylish in its polka dot galoshes. Too cute!
Hello Sunshine’s music inspired paintings of radio boxes and gramophones are subtle and smart, and of course lovely! I really admire the simplicity and at the same time, the attention to detail which gives each one a great dimension. Put it all together and these would be a fabulous pair for any room. Absolutely fabulous thanks to artist Jo Want. . .
I also got a good chuckle from Jo’s robo boogie button (the design is also on a greeting card!). I’m such an easy target. Throw a robot in my path and I’ll love it to pieces! Artist Jo Want also mentions on her homepage she can put any of her designs like Mr. Robo Boogie or any of her other card designs on a canvas. . . just pick your favorite and let her know!
Calling all photographers. You have to see these super cool bracelets made from camera lenses by Lucy the Goosie on Etsy . . . what a perfect accessory for someone who loves to snap, snap, snap away.
And thank you to my friend and photo-goddess Sara for showing me these. Be sure to check out her work here or on a past blog by me here. Her photos, eye for beauty, artistic talent, it’s all fabulous. Period.
(photos by Sara Jayne Photography)
Matryoshkas. Nesting dolls. Whatever you like to call them, I think their old world charm and authenticity are exceptional. And I’m talking about the simple, straight shooter kinda matryoshkas. Not the strange and curious looking Brett Favre or Bill Clinton ones you might happen upon in weird touristy shops.
The ones worth mentioning are classic, traditional and pretty. Like the ones Amanda Kindregan paints. There are no special bells and whistles here, just a clean and cool looking line-up of lovely nesting ladies. With their scarves and pretty flowers, how can you not like them? Too cute.
An illustrator and fine artist just outside of Seattle, Amanda has some other fabulous creations too, like her tomatoes, red hens, and bull fighters. I love her work and her ability to take everyday things like toms and give them eyelashes, or red hens and put them in aprons.
Check out Amanda’s website and blog for upcoming exhibits and what she’s working on. . . I love it when artists give us a little glimpse at the methods to their madness. Thanks!!
(photos courtesy of Amanda Kindregan website)
There’s nothing more eye catching than a design that is vintage and earthy, strong and pretty all at once. Three Horses‘ leather bow cuffs are truly one of a kind, and yet by using simple materials like leather and a rugged metal buckle, the end result is a fantastic new take on a very familiar accessory. I love when something as straightforward as a leather cuff bracelet can get turned on its head in such a nifty way. And for a girl like me, the bow adds that extra pop I love when a super masculine cuff would just drowned out my wrist. My hats off to you Three Horses!
(photos from Three Horses’ Etsy site)
Web: Hooded Fang
