Etsy Crush: Spring Things

I love the spring because it's the one time I really let myself be sweet, sappy and overly-romantic! Here's a few things I spotted on Etsy lately that got me in the Spring mood:

1. Spring Bunting by Peony and Thistle

This Spring bunting has been upcycled from the 1906 book, The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady, which was written by Edith Holden and depicts in paintings the flora and fauna of the English countryside.

2. Lavender Bird Locket by Khara Ledonne

These small vintage lockets are hand painted with tiny pictures and fold up into a gold ball pendant. The pictures themselves are the same diameter as a dime!

3. Zen Garden Desktop Organizer by KarolinFelixDream

Sold from Dublin, Ireland, I love the simple design of this Organzier/ Zen Garden. Simple, clean, and fresh. Why not bring a little outside to your desk?

4. Spring Floral Charm Bracelet by Nest Pretty Things

Made by Tamar in Vermont, this bracelet has a real retro vibe, and I love the colors. It really satisfies my "frill" addiction, and the packaging is also adorable:

from Nest Pretty Things shop on Etsy

Have a great weekend!

Valentine Faves Via Etsy

It isn't hard to like Valentine's Day: giving sweets to show love is one of the best ideas ever! As opposed to the usual merchandise found in your big box stores, try these more personal and hand-made items that are more small business-friendly:

Sugar & Spice is a custom cookie company that makes me want to drool. The artist Michaela Canady has impeccable decoration skill. You can order 12 of her beautiful hand-made sugar cookies here.

Black Baroque makes prints from vintage book paper and sheet music overlaid with intricate images of animals in black, grey, and bright red (one of my favorite combos). View more of their beautiful prints here.

I couldn't resist these embroidered lips made by Sam Gibson, in Northamptonshire, England:

Last but not least, Lemon Drop Papers makes this charming card, with eight small envelopes in which to hide eight personalized messages. For those of us who can't say "I Love You" once. 

All this makes me want some chocolate!

Etsy Crush: Nature-Inspired

Check out these beautiful things inspired by the greatest muse of all: nature!

1. Branch Earrings with Golden Pods by Thalassa Jewelry

2. Natural Bark Journal by Tanya Sova

3. Wearable Planter Pin by Wearable Planter

4. Leather Feather Earrings by TZain

Etsy Crush: Geometric

I am loving all this geometric-inspired art, jewelry, sculptures, and home decor I've seen lately!

I wish I could show them all, but here are my favorites.

1. Togl . Print by Twamies

2. Modern Neon Christmas Tree Decorations Ornaments by Sketch.inc

3. Geometric Necklace Neon Arrows and Stripes, leather by Boo and Boo Factory

4. You Rock card, gocco screen printed by Rank and File

And while we are into tip top shapes (bad joke, I know), 

check out this nifty DIY Paper Gemstone project by Kate at Minieco.co.uk:

Templates included! Have a geometric weekend!

Yarn Mandalas

Crossroads by Jay Mohler

Jay Mohler's Ojos de Dios Yarn Mandalas are so nice I had to share. Visit his Etsy shop at Jaysmandalas.

Finding the Way by Jay Mohler

Open Mind Open Heart by Jay Mohler

Colorful Life by Jay Mohler

Etsy Crush Friday

Now, more than ever, I feel a strong desire to purchase items directly from the talented artists who made them. As a fellow creative who has often been paid far less than her worth, that desire has always been there, but now I feel it even stronger for obvious political reasons. We need to buy more from the source and nurture the arts. We need to take personal responsibility for our communities of artists and fund them directly. When they thrive, we thrive. I am so excited to see this idea flourishing more and more. It is unfortunate that it had to take an economic depression to do so, but I hope it sticks!

1.  Wolf King Card by Hillary Bird, $4.00

2. Mojave: Letterpress Coasters, set of 4 by In Haus Press, $10.00

3. Tree Stump Place Card Holders, set of 4 by Michiko Shimada, $24.00

4. Round Dream Le Striped Solitaire, by Fric De Mentol, $70.00

Check back every Friday for my latest Etsy Crushes.

Have a great weekend!