Bags of Snazz

What could be snazzier than a great bag? Check out Enju on Etsy (http://2enju.etsy.com/) for super cute bags (and some apparel too!)

I love the fabric she uses in her designs along with the ring details.

The best part is that these are a GREAT size-- I tend to be a "be prepared"-type gal, and these will fit a wallet, checkbook and more! I love not looking overstuffed in a purse.

A few of my favorites are the hobos and the utility bag. Great fabrics, nice silhouettes-- practical and cute, what could be better?

Check out more at http://2enju.etsy.com/

I'm Back!

Sorry for being so long between posts-- after a family tragedy, a health scare, and attending The Girlie Show, I somehow found it hard to shop! So unbelievable, I know!!

Here's a good one though--- the most fun hand made plush items come from one of my favorite indie artists: http://sweetestpea.etsy.com/. Each is hand made and truly wonderful! In addition to some of the fabulous stuffed plush, SweetestPea features ipod koozies that are pumped with personality!

From the fat rice balls to the ornaments, I am truly in love with all of the items in her shop!

Out the Window

Ever since I was a kid, I loved stained glass. I have truly enjoyed tripping through the stained glass on etsy. These artists continue to play with the idea to make amazing things!

SarahSky has an gorgeous selection of pendants & earrings in addition to lovely pieces for the home. One of my favorites is this green pendant for $24.00.

This whimsical coffee panel by diorgrace would be perfect for a kitchen or reading area.

Taking the glass to the garden, feralglass has several sculptures featuring airy, free floating pieces that would be a perfect focal point for any plant or weed. This piece, Sweetwater Springs is $58

I frequently peruse LingGlass for unusual and sparkling jewelry. Tangle for $19.00. I love the use of the metal and glass together.

Squishy Goodness

One of my favorite artists and crafters to oogle is Pillowhead. Her clean, modern design is simple ane lovely. What makes it more amazing for me is that everything is done by hand! While I'm barely able to make a straight line with a machine, she is able to create wonderful accessories that are practical and beautiful and amazing!

I'd love to seize the squishy in her shop-- from the carpe diem pillow, a card or aceo or her fun magnets and cup sleeves-- each adds a punch of personality and the simplicity and clean design speaks for itself.

Check out her emoticon magnets for a bit of punch in your workspace or fridge-- and definitely don't miss out on her wonderful sachets. I keep a set of the coffee in my car- they make everything smell great! Or, contact her and she will make a custom pillow or other goodie for you. Her pillows make wonderful gifts or just great additions to a living room or a bed.

Check out Pillowhead at http://pillowhead.etsy.com/

Its Elemental

On days where I feel like the creative bug is conveniently missing, I look to other artists and designers for inspiration. I recently came across EarthElements on Etsy and find her work amazing.

Her work features a truly organic-- almost fairytale forest feel to me. She combines sumptuous blues, greens and browns so that each piece feels like a bit of nature. She also uses driftwood in combination with her pottery giving a unique texture as well as look and feel.

Here are a couple of pieces that I really love -- the first one is "Amoeba 3 Earth Sprout weed vase pot"; the second is "Miniature green barkskin driftwood stick pod ". Find more about EarthElements at earthelements.etsy.com.

Game Night

I was visiting with a friend recently and we were discussing our love of game nights-- a few friends, a few drinks and pulling out a few love-worn games along with maybe one or two snazzy new games. It is amazing how after a few minutes in front of a gameboard or a handful of cards I begin to loosen up and feel a bit like the 12-yr old me. Here's a couple that I think would be wonderful to have-- to either play with kids or with another couple over a pitcher of margaritas.

So here are a couple of my favorites:

The first is Game Night game by Chronicle Books- it features cards, dice (&dice cup), Score pad, log book & stickers along with an Book of instructions for a ton of classic card games the a whole family could play together. I found it on Madallie for $27.95. Madallie has a great selection of classic games for children and the family.

The next one I love is the SceneIt Music edition-- not only does it allow you to laugh openly at your friends or significant other's jirations, you get to listen to clips of music you forgot you knew. I found this one on BoardGames.com for $39.95

Wrap it Up!

I have an affinity for wrapping paper. It is a very weird love and I have to tell myself not to buy wrapping paper each time I step by it in the store. And I definitely avoid the whole aisle at Container Store! There is just something so fun and colorful about it. Its punchy, it can feel wonderful, and it can have so many different styles and artwork. Its my favorite part of gift giving-- wrapping it up in a fun way with an interesting bow-- I spend way too much time on it, I'm sure!

WhimsyPress has amazing papers. Sold by the sheet-- they feature wrapping paper by style-- one of my favorites is Dude Wrap. I have been reduced to using all sorts of wacky wrap when packaging presents for the men-folk. And sure, I love to be creative, but sometimes, its just nice to be able to buy beautifully made paper.

The images show here are a couple of my favorite man-wraps (1st: paper invaders/2nd: bugz).

Check out http://www.whimsypress.com/ for more styles and options.