Handmade Shopping Guide

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 1/4 thru 1/10

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

I love giveaways and I really, really love winning free stuff. (Who doesn't?!?) It doesn't happen often but it always comes as a surprise when it does and brightens up my day.

Every Wednesday here on The Meandering Musings is "I Wanna Win" Wednesday! This is where you can come to find terrific giveaways to enter and win as well as share giveaways with others.

SO... Do you have a great giveaway going on this week or know someone who does? If so, spread the news and share!

In the Linky below, share your current giveaway or any great giveaways that you have discovered, or... explore (and enter to win) a few of the giveaways left by others.

After all, you can't win if you don't enter!

[ PLEASE ENTER YOUR LINKS IN THIS FORMAT... Name of Giveaway You're Sharing (End Date) ]

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 12/28 thru 1/3

2011-12-28T00:01:00.000-08:00

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 12/21 thru 12/27

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

Monday Morning Mosaics

2011-12-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

If you need a gift in a hurry, gift certificates are a terrific way to give someone a gift when you're down to the wire in your last minute holiday shopping.

Whether you're just not sure what to get someone, or you're running out of time to pick up a special gift, online gift certificates are a terrific resolution to this issue and lots of shops on the handmade marketplace offer them as well!

This week we'll be focusing on online shops in the handmade marketplace that offer this terrific last-minute option to shopping, starting with the four shops below!

Crop Circle Clay - Inspiring, Earthy, Spiritual Pottery

Diana Brower from Dayton, Ohio

Vibrant glazes and beautiful forms make up this shop filled with ceramic wonders from mugs and goblets to jewelry, personalized items, bowls and platters, beads for crafters, candle trays and more. Stoneware has an earthy appeal and solid weight behind it that makes it perfect for any home and this shop offers gift certificates in a variety of price points as well!

Down to Earth Woodworks - Blanks, Planks and Platters

Robert Goforth from Concrete, Washington

Cutting boards and other artistic products from raw materials salvaged locally in the foothills of the North Cascades. Great care is taken to find and identify materials which might otherwise be considered unusable, be it a recycled old growth timber or a section off of a fallen log in the forest.

Enhabiten - Earth-Friendly Materials, Simple Rustic Design

Liane from New Hampshire, Connecticut

Whether you're looking for something pretty to wear, a touch of lace to touch up your outfit or a bit of rustic home decor, this shop is one you won't want to miss with lots of earthy colors, rustic charm and primitive pieces sure to make any home a little more cozy or any outfit a little more comfortable. Gift Certificates are available in a variety of price points.

Feed Your Soul Art - Creative Therapy by Harmoy

Harmony from Gainesville, Florida

Adorable art prints and wall panel prints are combined with creativity art journals and wearable art pieces in this shop filled with creativity and a unique vision of life as we know it. Inspirational pick-me-up pieces abound and Gift Certificates are available, as with all the shops featured here today.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

Just because it's only a few days away from Christmas Day doesn't mean you can't find something thoughtful and special for those you need to by for.

Gift certificates are an excellent way to purchase last minute gifts that show thought and care without the stress of worrying about postal deadlines. So, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-12-18T09:37:00.000-08:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by Gilliauna ~ Winter Blush and a Touch of Rustic Brown

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: ancienesthetique, CharmingGypsyVintage, craftsbynesli, Earthwares79, Gilliauna, graceandfavourshop, lillyandlulu, MadisonStreetBeauty, Nikifashion, pillowsophi, pixiestrinkets, rushcreekmosaics, Sightly, stoastn, StumblingOnSainthood, theothermagdalene and TwoSadDonkeys.

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 12/14 thru 12/20

2011-12-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 12/7 thru 12/13

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-12-03T09:44:00.000-08:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by AnnaPoli ~ Shades of Amber

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: AleciaV, AnnaPoli, artemiskoukidou, asmanykata, CarlaDyck, daimblond, eekra, FEATHERSnPEARLS, Gilliauna, InmostLight, MayaHoney, PoodlePoddles, ReComputing, SAStudio, sharonsaindon, singingscarves and studiorayyan.

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 11/30 thru 12/6

2011-11-30T00:01:00.000-08:00

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-11-26T12:05:00.000-08:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by StumblingOnSainthood ~ Deals and Steals for Black Friday through Cyber Monday

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: ArtisEverything, catnapcottage, Gilliauna, GlitzGlitter, HCJewelrybyRose, LollysCubbyhole, ME2Designs, MsBsDesigns, MyasEyes, penguinpapyrus, ragandbonedesign, SandsTea, StumblingOnSainthood, ThatSallie, TheLandofCraft, TheLodgeSpa and twoinspireyou.

Hand Crafted Owl Home Decor

2011-11-25T09:41:00.000-08:00

If you love owls, you're going to love this shop. And if you know someone else that loves owls that you're in the process of shopping for, today's feature shop is one you won't want to miss because your holiday shopping will be complete once you've stopped in to take a look around.

TheSleepyOwlTM on Etsy specializes in owl pillows like the one pictured here in this blog post.

They come in all different colors and patterns, some with ruffles and some without but all with great big sleepy eyes and a nonplussed expression that's sure to make you smile just as they did me when I first stumbled across this shop.

The artist that creates these adorable owls takes custom orders too! So if you don't see a color or design that quite fits what you want, you can contact them to get something custom done just for you

Also, don't forget to look through their sold items too! There's some cute designs and ideas in there as well including my favorite... a hot pink owl with fluffy fuzzy black feathers edging its wings instead of ruffles.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT THESLEEPYOWLTM ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

Wine Art Wednesdays and the Sober Blogger

2011-11-24T09:22:00.000-08:00

I ran across a shop the other day that was so much fun that I had to share it with you.

The shop is WineArtWednesdays on Etsy and they have one of the most fun shops I've seen in a long time.

The concept behind this shop is simple. A group of seven friends and artists get together once a week to enjoy a little gossip, wine, slow food, and art every Wednesday evening!

Over an evening of delicious food, good wine and a night of gossip, Alex Whatton, Audrey Grice, Denise Lohr, Jen Lamie, Joan Pilarczyk, Naty Carter and Rita Paradis paint the night away and then share their completed pieces in this wonderful shop!

There are seasonal pieces and more, all gathered together to create a shop full of color and creativity that is filled with love and fun that overflows and comes through in every piece you'll find in this gallery of friends.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINE ART WEDNESDAYS GALLERY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in the WineArtWednesdays shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Wine Art Wednesdays and the Sober Blogger blog where the artists occasionally blog about their work, their time together as well as sharing promotional codes from time to time!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 11/23 thru 11/29

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Romantic Vintage Chic Style Jewelry & Vintage Treasures

2011-11-22T09:09:00.000-08:00

Total cuteness.

When I was approached to feature this shop, she hadn't yet added her holiday items and I'm so glad I waited until she did! Otherwise I might have missed this adorable snowman necklace which has instantly become my favorite item in today's feature shop.

Alyssabeths on Etsy is a jewelry shop on Etsy that specializes in vintage-inspired jewelry with a chic sense of style.

Beth, the artist behind the design of these pieces of inspired jewelry, has a shop that's stocked full of everything from the classic pieces like bracelets, earrings and necklaces to jewelry sets, hair accessories and a wonderful budding Christmas section that's quickly filling with beautiful pieces for winter and the holidays!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT ALYSSABETHS ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in Alyssabeths' shop, you may also enjoy visiting Alyssabeths' blog or website or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook or Twitter!

Monday Morning Mosaics

2011-11-21T09:34:00.000-08:00

Creativity comes in a wide variety of talents and is spurred on by the imagination of the creator. Today's Monday Mosaic explores a variety of wonderful artists with an abundance of imagination and the talent to share the fantasies in their minds with everyone else!

Blue Dog Rose - The Rabbit Tarot, Animal Paintings, Sculptures & More!

Nakisha Elsje VanderHoeven from Seattle, Washington

Little White Rabbit paintings, bunny art and watercolors, the Rabbit Tarot, original animal sculptures and more abound in this beautiful and fanciful shop filled with wonderful ideas for home decor, nursery decoration and more. Not only can you find original artworks but also calendars, cards, books and lots more to browse through.

Nancy Adams Clay Artist - Flora and Fauna Ceramic Art and Vessels

Nancy Yturriaga Adams from Applegate, Oregon

Hand carved and hand modeled vessels and boxes inspired by the flora and fauna of nature. Each piece is breath-taking with beautiful detail and a quality that can't be matched. This talented artist's work has been included in the Spencer Davis collection which is held by the American Museum of Ceramic Art in Pomona, CA.

Dark and Twisty Dolls - OOAK Art Dolls & Creations

Lacey Michelle from Gilbert, Arizona

Art dolls, mini dolls and photography prints combine in this shop with an original flair and a dark and gothic flavor. Whether looking for art to hang on the wall or tuck on a shelf, if you like creepy or are shopping for someone who does this holiday season, this shop is one you won't want to miss stopping by to take a look around.

The Little Clay House - Cute Clay Animals, Spirit Guides & Sculpture

Denise Ferragamo from Navarre, Florida

Adorable hand-built clay sculpture and vessels that are made with love to be one of a kind pieces that speak to the heart. Pieces are influenced by fairy tales and story books to a variety of historical and modern influences. Ornaments, clay animals and sculpture sit beside wall art, jars and vessels, plates, bowls, jewelry and more in this shop filled with sweet ideas and creativity to make you smile.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

With holidays just around the corner and the shopping season gearing up into full swing, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-11-19T10:21:00.000-08:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by Gilliauna ~ Delight in Darkness

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: 9thCycleStudios, BevaStyles, FeltingFishDesigns, Gilliauna, gingerkellydesigns, JillianAudreyDesigns, JoyMadeIt , LittleShopofCrochets, madebyswirlygirl, MollysMuses, PeriwinkleNuthatch, RevampRenewedLiving, ScienceKitty, sofisticata, StumblingOnSainthood, TheJaneCo and WeirdAndTwisted.

Beautiful Personalized Decor for Little Ones

2011-11-18T09:35:00.000-08:00

So many of my friends these days are expecting and are looking for classic but baby-safe gifts and decor for expectant mothers as well as the parents of babies and toddlers that I anted to take a minute to introduce this wonderful shop today.

GypsyLaneDesigns on Etsy is a beautiful little shop filled with options for personalized decor for baby and toddler rooms.

Hand painted baby blocks for book ends, photo props and decor options are scatted through their shop among other wonderful gifts such as picture frames, growth charts, hand painted wooden letters, drawer knobs, alphabet prints, name paintings, step stools and more. All handmade, of course. And many of their products have a custom aspect to them which easily can make whatever you choose into something original and extra special.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT GYPSY LANE DESIGNS ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in Gypsy Lane Designs' Etsy shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Gypsy Lane Design blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook to earn 10% off your order!

A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

2011-11-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

I've written about my love for journals and my belief in their importance for people's lives as well as for those of future generations before in a past blog post . I think that they're important and I think that they can have a great deal of use and significance in someone's life depending on how they are used.

Even if you've never thought of writing a book, a journal is a terrific way to explore your creativity and you'll be surprised how fast it fills up once you get started. I've filled up many over my lifetime with everything from rambling thoughts to short stories, poetry, lists and more.

Today I'd like to introduce you to three journals that have caught my eye and the sellers shops who carry them and a wide variety of other beautiful journals as well.

Baghy on Etsy is filled with beautiful journals handcrafted and bound in leather to delight the eyes and senses. I'm particularly drawn to this one done in green with it's beautifully hand-painted ivy leaves and buckle closure.

All the journals have unique, earthy designs that draw the eye and, in my experience, calm the soul as well as inspire one to open them every day and add a little more to their contents.

Small Leather Sketchbook by Baghy - $46.00 USD

Heaven Sent Crafts on Etsy is filled with recycled journals and notebooks made from items such as board game boards, coasters, floppy disks and more.

I own the notebook pictured here in this feature that's made with coasters and can personally vouch for the quality of workmanship offered in this shop. I love my little notebook and it's fun design and originality get compliments wherever I go.

Recycled Journal Notebook by HeavenSentCrafts - $5.00 USD

Unique and carefully handmade, each of the journals and notebooks found in Kreativlink on Etsy have an aesthetic appeal that draws you in.

Original artwork decorates the covers of these handmade leather and fabric journals, many of which are made with hand torn pages for an authentic, handcrafted appeal. Some are earthy, others are mystic or just have an artisan appeal such as the one I like that's pictured here titled "BRUSH".

'BRUSH' Leather Notebook/Journal by Kreativlink - $49.00 USD

Whether you're a writer, a list maker, an artist that needs a place to sketch your ideas or you just have a love for journals in general, there's plenty of beautiful handmade options to choose from like those introduced here in this post and lots more that you can find on the handmade marketplace.

Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore these venues for what they have to offer!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 11/16 thru 11/22

2011-11-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Unique Handmade Products for Interior Decoration

2011-11-15T09:21:00.000-08:00

So cool that resistance is futile.

I found this shop by accident while searching for something else and now I'm stuck wanting everything that they have to offer even though I don't have any room in my home for it all.

Steampunk, fantasy, acrylic paintings and more. Pushok1983 on Etsy has it all with a specialty towards acrylic paints and leather work with lots of detail.

I'm especially drawn to the very cool ceiling mobiles, hot air balloons and air ships like the one pictured in this post.

All of the pieces in the shop have details galore and lots of delicate parts, fascinating design and an attention to detail that shines through even in the pictures. Each piece is OOAK, entirely unique from start to finish as well as affordably priced, and the artist offers the option of custom ordering, as well.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT PUSHOK1983 ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in Pushok1983's shop, you may also enjoy visiting Pushok1983's website or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

Monday Morning Mosaics

2011-11-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Accessories are a part of life, especially in the fall and winter when you start dressing warmer and bundling up.

Today's Monday Mosaic is all about accessorizing from purses to hair accessories, scarves and more. Take a look at these four talented artisans that caught my eye in the handmade market place this weekend.

Betsy and Bess - Unique Upcycled Purses & Handmade Accessories

Elizabeth from Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Looking out for the environment and the economy with eco-friendly products and up-cycled items, this shop is filled with wonderful warm accessories for winter weather along side beautiful totes, purses, wallets and bags galore. They are also offering some beautiful handcrafted Christmas Stockings for the holidays!

Bien Aime Beloved - DIY Flower Tutorials and Custom Made Blooms

Cara Hunter from Atlanta, Georgia

Whether you're looking for pretty blooms to buy and wear or some tutorials so that you can make them yourself, this shop has just what you're looking for with lots of DIY flower tutorials as well as ready-made blooms and an open policy for custom orders that will allow you to order just what you're looking for.

Peeko Apparel - OOAK Indie Made Clothing, Accessories and Jewellery

Brook Fung from San Francisco, California

Cutting edge style and fashion all displayed in beautiful photos abound in this shop that carries everything from jewelry and scarves to headbands, turbans, bags, belts as well as clothing. The shop has a very urban feel and is filled with innovative accessories that are sure to be a hit.

Jordani Sarreal - Clutches, Coin Purses, Cosmetic Bags and More

Jordani Sarreal from Tacoma, Washington

Sewing since the age of five, you can be sure that the accessories you find in this shop are going to be of high quality and beautifully made. The pouches, clutches and more in this shop are created with beautiful, colorful prints and lots of style. Artist welcomes wholesale, consignment, and custom orders.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for accessories for this season or the next, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-11-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by Gilliauna ~ A Little Lemon on a Gray Day

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: AppleBlossomPrint, ChaseVintage, FrankieLloyd, fudgieknits, giardino, Gilliauna, HoneyWillowDesigns, KurliCuesBoutique, louisagallery, peonijahandmadeshop, polkadotshop , PopperAndMimi, RetroMenagerie, SugarOwlDesign, thespottedbarn, theYarnKitchen and urbanfringe .

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 11/9 thru 11/15

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Something Just for Me - Messy Moments (A Rare Post by Leal)

2011-11-03T01:13:00.000-07:00

Gilliauna is taking a little break this week and so things have been quiet here on the Meandering Musings Blog. But I ran across a giveaway the other day that I wanted to enter and although the title says this is "just for me" to be honest, I have to say that it's for Gilliauna too.

Why? Because the prize is a camera and I think both of us would enjoy using it. So the giveaway is giving me a chance to possibly win a nice surprise for both of us that can be used both for pleasure as well as for bringing our handmade jewelry designs to you. And, once we learn how to use the camera and use it well, teaching others new tips and tricks in product photography so they can bring their creative projects to all of you too.

So, here we go...

Spending time with friends and family can lead to fun and memorable moments, but also some very messy ones. Tell us about the messiest moments that you’ll always remember!

We all have them right? And to be honest, the first one that came to mind for me was at my aunt's house last holiday season when my cousin let the dog in the house and the dog got so excited it left a fine trail of urine on the carpet that went all over the house. Gross, right? I know. Paper towels flying everywhere and chaos ensued. And, neither my sister or I would agree to take our shoes off. I can't even imagine how much embarrassment my aunt was going through.

Of course, there's also the three times over the past year that I've managed to spill a full glass of orange juice over the kitchen floor.

Or the face full of flour I got from my sister for sassing off in the kitchen while she was making Christmas tree ornaments which then turned into a very sloppy food fight involving eggs. (Hint, eggs and flour combined in a food fight is a VERY bad idea! It quickly becomes hard as cement and nearly impossible to get cleaned up.)

Water (lots... and sometimes boiling) in most cases can solve all of these problems and have... other than the dog issue. That, well that took shampooing the carpets and a hefty reminder not to let the dog in the house. Still, in the end they all get cleaned up right?

Anyway, enough rambling on. I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. Remember, messes happen but it's not the end of the world. It's easier to laugh and make fun than to get frustrated or lose your temper.

I hope everyone has terrific holiday parties, lots of family reunion fun and a wonderful winter filled with love this holiday season. The Meandering Musings blog will be back to it's regular scheduled features starting Saturday, November 12th.

- Leal

I received information about Clorox’s Bleach It Away campaign and am sharing my messy moment for the chance to win prizes from The SITS Girls. To learn more about the messy moment program, check out www.BleachItAway.com. Sharing your story on the Clorox fan page gets you entered for the chance to win $25,000 and daily prizes, and you can grab a coupon for Clorox® Regular Bleach.

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 11/2 thru 11/8

2011-11-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-10-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by TheLandofCraft ~ Blue Christmas

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: 32NorthSupplies, arjunajewelry, bbdsupplies, CaityAshBadashery, christmascracker, crochetby51bebe, exceptionalclutter, GalleryBotanica, Gilliauna, hartart13, labiblioteca, MountainCoveAntiques, SugarAndPaint, TheLandofCraft, thevintageelf, WinterNook and ZibelineKnits.

Hair Fascinators, Embellished Hats and Hair Accessories

2011-10-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

Recently I was contacted by a talented designer. Olivia Stackhouse is not just talented but she has vision as well and an eye for style and fashion.

In her time since graduating from college, she has created her own brand, the Lazy Leopard, which is filled with simple but beautiful pieces from feather hair fascinators to embellished hats, barrettes, headbands and more.

The designs are simple and yet there is a flair of sass and personality to every piece in her collection and each piece is uniquely different from the last as well.

Olivia sells both on her own Lazy Leopard website where she has a gallery of her work as well as takes custom orders. She also has a shop over at Big Cartel by the same Lazy Leopard Boutique title. In both locations you'll find a wonderful variety of beautiful products to browse through that are perfect for everyday wear or fashion forward dressing for special occasions, weddings and more.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT OLIVIA STACKHOUSE'S LAZY LEOPARD ON BIGCARTEL AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in the Lazy Leopard shop, you may also enjoy visiting Olivia Stackhouse's blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

Stella Bleu Designs Industrial Decor on Etsy

2011-10-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

I love discovering new home decor inspirations and I hit the mother-load when I found today's feature shop.

Stella Bleu Designs Industrial Decor on Etsy is a shop that is filled with amazing pieces of wall art designed from industrial pipe and other components to create interesting lighting ideas and book shelves to die for.

From pipe sconces to coat racks, bookshelves and more, this shop has revolutionized the modern industrial style of home decor and if you're looking for a unique and interesting fixture to incorporate into your home decor, this is a shop you won't want to miss stopping by to check out.

The artist, K Katz, also offers the option of custom designs and loves working with her customers to create something to fit their unique needs.

Also included in this shop are a handful of unique original works of art with a definitive influence of The Blues and blue grass behind their inspiration and creation.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT STELLABLEUDESIGNS ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 10/26 thru 11/1

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Macrame Jewelry with South American Stones

2011-10-25T09:01:00.000-07:00

Usually, when I think of Macrame, I think of those owls that hung on the walls of homes in the 70's. It's kind of a lost art, really, in that you don't see a lot of people who work with macrame anymore.

After seeing today's feature shop, though, my vision of this form of artwork has changed completely.

GitanaMama on Etsy is filled with macrame jewelry. In fact, the jewelry in this shop is nothing like those long ago owls but instead is delicate and earthy and absolutely gorgeous pieces made by knotting thread to create patterns and designs unique to the artist.

Catie Atkinson from Santa Fe, New Mexico has spent a good portion of her life backpacking through South America with her husband where they learned the art of jewelry design, leather work and macrame. In their travels, the places that they visited and people they met became inspiration for their jewelry designs and art.

Many of the pieces in GitanaMama are made with semiprecious stones and other beads are sometimes incorporated into the work as well. Each piece in the shop is a one of a kind design you won't come across again so you can be guaranteed to have purchased something uniquely yours.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT GITANAMAMA ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-10-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

I've personally explored a wide variety of different art forms and crafts. Some of them I enjoyed and others I didn't. Some, I wanted badly to be good at but wasn't and others I was good at and yet not quite good enough.

In today's mosaic, I'd love to introduce you to four talented artists that I personally admire beyond words and whose creativity, imagination and talent take my breath away.

Nature Mandalas - Nature Photography Prints

Rocky Top Studio from Belfast, Maine

A published, award winning professional photographer based in Midcoast Maine, the artist that runs this ship has been photographing full time for over 10 years and it shows in the quality of the work you will find there. With an eye for beauty and a talent for sharing it through photo prints and note cards, this shop is a breathtaking display of nature's beauty. Currently, they are also having a "Buy One Print, Get One Free" sale as well!

Black Sketchbook - Original Paintings by International Artist Claire Elan

Claire Elan from Los Angeles, California

Original one-of-a-kind oil paintings and drawings by international artist, Clair Elan. These paintings have a soul reaching melancholy to them and a life breathing quality that draws the eye and speaks to the soul. Each painting includes a detailed certificate of authenticity from the artist. The gallery of paintings in the Black Sketchbook is a small one, but well worth an admiring eye and some deep contemplation as well.

The Dancing Brush - Contemporary Organic Abstract Art

The Dancing Brush from Nashville, Tennessee

Specialty plasters, metals and glazes combine in the creation of this new body of work with a unique flair and one of a kind texture reminiscent of mother nature herself. Every piece has a birth and life of its own and every one come out different and I'm so enraptured with the artist's trees that I've been dying to buy one of her pieces for myself. This artist has an eye for beauty and a way of communicating her vision that reflects her love for her work.

Studio Rayyan - The Fairy Tale and Fantasy Art of Omar Rayyan

Omar Rayyan from Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

When I saw the Squid Contessa, I knew this was an artist I had to introduce to my readers. The detail and imagination in the works by Omar Rayyan are more than breathtaking but awe inspiring and rich with fantasy and imagination. Fantasy art, fairy tales, folklore and flights of fancy fill this shop and are available in both original art and art prints as well as mini prints.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for artwork, prints and other items to add to your home decor, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-10-22T10:23:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by bought2much ~ What's In Your Bag?

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: BluePetyl, bought2much, BradGoodellToo, BrassPaperclip, CraftationHMCafe, CreativeElements, CWestbrookDesigns, ElliotFrancis, Gilliauna, herbanluxe, KillorglinCreations , PernillasSS, RibbonsAndRetro, soapysuessoapshoppe, taissalada, Textilemonster and unusualsforsale.

Highest Quality Hand Painted Concrete Leaf Art

2011-10-21T09:25:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited a site while shopping and come across something that takes your breath away? Today's shop is one of those for me and I think it will be for you too.

When you think of the delicate structure of nature's creation, the leaf, it's one of those things that brings to mind a certain amount of intricate delicacy that only nature itself can create.

When you think of concrete, on the other hand, (or when I do)... what comes to mind is sidewalks and buildings, architecture and cities.

Today's shop, Concrete Impressions on Etsy, has found a way to combine these two seemingly opposing entities into beautiful art.

The artist creates unique, beautiful cast leaves created in concrete that are then hand painted with an eye for color and detail.

Raspberry leaves and sycamore leaves sit beside leaf castings from hostas, begonias, hydrangeas and more in this shop that's filled with the beauty of nature and creativity of man combined.

Terry, the artist who creates these amazing works of art, also takes custom orders! So if you want something to match your decor or have an idea you need some help bringing to life, be sure to send him a note and let him know!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT CONCRETE IMPRESSIONS ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

2011-10-20T09:11:00.000-07:00

Scarves and mittens, gloves, legwarmers, knitted slippers and socks. It's that time of year when we're starting to look for warm, cozy items to bundle up into to stay warm and, honestly... who wants to sacrifice fashion for warmth?

Fortunately, there's lots of options out there that will allow you to do both! Here are a few I stumbled across that caught my eye and made me take a second look.

Gams or stems, whatever you call them, they need warmth too! Leg warmers are a terrific option for women who want to wear skirts and dresses in winter weather and need a bit of warmth to help keep their legs warm in te process. Knitwit4ever on Etsy has a variety of leg warmers as well as other warm and cozy knit items in a variety of colors and offers custom orders as well!

Knitted Leg Warmers by knitwit4ever - $30.00 USD

Soft and bulky circle scarves in beautiful knitted designs, unisex designs to find gifts for men as well as fingerless gloves, knit dresses and more can be found in mbgdesigns on Etsy. I was personally drawn to this beautifully knit cowl and it's elegant drape that's perfect for harsh winters to help keep you nice and cozy warm even in the coldest weather while staying stylish and fashionable at the same time.

Extra Thick Wool Cozy Cowl Circle Scarf - $70.00 USD

Sometimes you just need a bit of warmth instead of the whole shebang. A little something warm and soft to toss over your head and wear around the office or under a jacket for a touch of extra warmth. KnitNicoleKnit on Etsy sells a variety of neck warmers like this one that's perfect for milder days or a little warmth as well as a wide variety of other knits including jewelry.

Honeysuckle Pink and Grey Cowl/Neck Warmer - $35.00 USD

With colder weather on the rise, it's time to start bundling up against the nip in the air. Fall is a beautiful time of year but it's also the time of catching colds so be sure to stay warm! One of the ways you can do that is by stocking up on warm weather knits like those introduced here in this post and lots more that you can find on the handmade marketplace.

Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore these venues for what they have to offer!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 10/19 thru 10/25

2011-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

Handmade Crystal Jewelry by CrystalTwister

2011-10-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

I've been waiting a long time to feature today's amazing artisan. As an admirer of their work since the first time I discovered this shop, I waited patiently for the shop to fill with beautiful items and gorgeous photographs because I wanted to make sure when I featured them that there would be plenty to look through and admire. A true showcase of the artisan's work.

Now, I believe they have reached that point and I'm honored to introduce NY Beadworks Handmade Jewelry Designs on Etsy.

Based out of Long Island, in New York, this artist has a beautiful vision and works exclusively with crystals and beads to weave and twist together in unique, breathtaking designs full of beauty and shimmer.

These beadwoven jewelry designs are created using mostly crystals, other glass beads and seed beads and each piece is an amazing piece of jewelry that's sure to add a little sparkle to any outfit whether worn to dress up everyday attire or wear with something elegant and special.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT CRYSTALTWISTER'S NY BEADWORKS SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in CrystalTwister's shop, you may also enjoy stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-10-17T09:27:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, I wanted to feature a lesser known but related holiday today on the Monday Morning Mosaic.

The day after Halloween is also a holiday in certain parts of the world and is celebrated by people the world over. All Saints Day (also known in the Roman Catholic Church officially as the Solemnity of All Saints and also called All Hallows or Hallowmas) and is celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.

Beary Creative - Day Of The Dead Art, Giclee Prints and Whimsical Art

Jeri Hall from Center, Texas

Inspired by Tim Burton, Edward Gorey and Mexican culture, Jeri Hall's paintings bring the true spirit of the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos to life with colorful flair. Each painting is a unique, one of a kind piece that makes this shop a joy to browse through.

All Saints Day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven and is a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries. Also, in the Roman Catholic Church the next day (November 2) is All Souls' Day which specifically commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.

Mutsy Boos - Dia de Los Muertos Adornos

Mars O'Reilly from Cork, Ireland

From "The Red Flamenco Dancer" to "Diane of Thistles", this shop displays a series of beautifully painted paper mache art dolls called "Dia de Los Muertos Adornos". The series is a tribute to Mexican cultural diversity and ever evolving folk art which is unafraid to change with time, embracing modern iconography yet always managing to retain the essence of it's origins.

In Mexico, this day is called the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday.

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed as well as visiting graves with these as gifts.

Art By Lupe Flores - Folk, Creepy, Goth and Day of the Dead Art

Lupe Flores from Los Angeles, California

Custom orders and commissions are welcome i this shop that is filled with unique artwork depicting not just Day of the Dead artwork but other folk art, creepy art and goth artwork as well. Rag dolls, art dolls and paper mache sugar skulls sit beside beautiful masks, original paintings, fine art prints and more in this wonderful shop.

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are celebrated in the fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual communion between the living and those in the state of grace who have died and are either being purified in purgatory or are in heaven.

Donna Elizabeth Design - Cat Jewelry and Day of the Dead Jewelry

Donna McConahay from Elmer, Louisiana

Beautiful jewelry in colorful colors and unique designs, this shop is filled with sugar skull inspired pieces with red roses and lots of turquoise. If you're looking for a piece of jewelry in order to respect the upcoming holiday, if you love cats or if you are simply a lover of Gothic designs, you'll want to stop by this jewelry shop for a browse through some pieces with a unique flair.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for spiritual items, holiday decor and other special pieces for your home or your life, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

Win Giveaways for Holiday Gift Shopping

2011-10-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

With the economy in the tank and everyone trying to scrape together pennies for necessities, the holidays can be hard on everyone and their wallets too. There are some solutions to this problem though!

Giveaways are a terrific cost-free way to gather Christmas gifts to give during the holidays or just to get yourself something special without putting a strain on your pocketbook.

We are anticipating that we will soon start hosting giveaways here on the Handmade Shopping Guide, probably around the beginning of the New Year. For now, though, I'd like to introduce you to a site where I personally have a giveaway running!

The giveaway is for a $25.00 gift certificate for use at Bits n Beads by Gilliauna on Etsy.

It's easy to enter and is being hosted by the Simply Stacie blog.

http://www.simplystacie.net/2011/10/bits-n-beads-by-gilliauna-review-giveaway-us-can/

The giveaway ends on October 18th, and I wanted to give our readers a chance to enter to win before it ends so be sure to stop by and take a look!

Also, if you're looking for more giveaways around the world wide web to enter into and win, try checking out our "Wanna Win Wednesday" weekly blog posts where you can find a list of current giveaways you can enter into and.... We also offer a new link at the top of this blog called the "Giveaway Linky List" where you can find blogs with other lists of recent giveaways to enter into just like our Wanna Win Wednesday giveaway list!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-10-15T09:15:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by StumblingOnSainthood ~ Rich Winter Dreams

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: coloureen, decalsmurals, dustmaker, fantasyclothes, Gilliauna, grimmandgrete, handknittedthings, ileaiye, jen2144, jewelsbyldesigns, katecojewelry, lePetitFoyer, LittleKeirasBows, petitor, sharpsissors, StumblingOnSainthood and WingedLion.

Photographer and Art Designer Kseniya Belodarova

2011-10-14T09:33:00.000-07:00

Breathtaking photography with a sometimes sexy and sometimes sweet appeal, Kseniya Belodarova artwork found in the shop Melasha on Etsy is filled with colorful photographs filled with personality and sensuality.

When I saw the picture that's featured in this post, I was drawn in by the sweet sensuality of the photo. The contrast of history and contemporary, sweet softness and harsh reality. It drew me in and I couldn't resist following the links that would take me into the shop where it was being sold.

In that shop, I discovered a world of color and beauty with crisp, beautiful photographs portraying the world through the eyes of a breathtakingly talented artist.

Kseniya Belodarova from the Ukraine is a talented photographer with a variety of prints in her shop to browse through from flora and nature prints to gothica, vintage inspired, conceptual photography, art illustration and even calendars and more.

Her photography and art are offered in a variety of sizes and the shop itself is filled with a flavor of beauty and romance that you won't want to miss stopping in to savor.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT THE MELASHA GALLERY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Illuminate Your Life with Fairy Lights by Tales of the Firefly

2011-10-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I watch TV I have seen some places decorated with beautiful lights, colorful and serene. Porches are draped with them, foliage is decorated with them.

These lights have always drawn me. They're not Christmas lights, but accent lights used to create a mood and ambiance.

And then I discovered today's feature shop, where I learned not just what these lights are called, but where to get them!

TalesOfTheFirefly on Etsy is filled with these lights, called fairy lights, that have been handcrafted and are designed in breathtaking colors.

The artist, from Germany, is as inspired by the mood and ambiance these lights can create as much as I am entranced.

As a result, they enjoy creating them in a variety of shapes and colors to fit the needs and desires of those looking for something unique and special to help decorate their home, office or even special events.

Tales of the Firefly offers a verity of colors in the shop to browse through, but also offers the option of ordering custom lights made just for you!

The lights are beautiful and affordable and if you're looking for inspiration to create that special mood in your decor, be sure to stop by and take a look. You won't be disappointed.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT THE TALES OF THE FIREFLY SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like the Tales of the Firefly shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Tales of the Firefly blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook or Twitter!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 10/12 thru 10/18

2011-10-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Laser Engraved Gifts, Custom Logos and More

2011-10-11T09:05:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something personalized with a professional flare but handcrafted skill, today's feature shop could be just what you're looking for!

PictureItCreations on Etsy is filled with gift items that have been laser engraved with personalized messages, pictures and more.

You can have items engraved with your company logo, friends names, children's names, wedding dates and even photographs! They sky is the limit and custom orders are their specialty.

This shop started out with a mommy from home, named Taryn L. McCracken, who wanted to contribute to the family finances and began doing engraved pictures as a way to bring in a bit of extra cash.

After a year, she expanded her inventory when she picked up a laser engraver and then most recently, the shop expanded again when a vinyl cutter was added as well!

Now, they have a wide variety of options available from pocket knives to business card holders, wine glasses and champagne glasses to desk accessories, beer steins, picture frames, key rings and vinyl wall decor as well.

If you're looking for something personalized and professional, this is a shop you won't want to miss stopping by to visit whether you're searching for a personal present or an idea for a celebratory gift to mark a special occasion or a specific date.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT PICTUREITCREATIONS SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in Taryn's Picture It Creations shop, you may also enjoy visiting her "The Thought That Counts" blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook or Twitter!

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-10-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

Little people need love too! Today's mosaic is inspired by my mother's collection of beautiful dolls.

As a little girl, I loved to try and sneak in and play with her art dolls and collectors dolls. Not a good idea, of course, but I just loved them all so much and insisted that they needed that love just as much as the dolls I was allowed to play with however I wanted.

Shroompers - Miniature Dolls with Gigantic Personalities

Charlotte Kolff and Damon Langlois from Victoria, British Columbia

I LOVE this shop and I can't describe these dolls any better than their creator: Creativity and imagination are critical for the wholesome development of young children. Shroompers are intentionally simple in design with neutral expressions in order to encourage children to project mood and emotion into the dolls themselves. They imply a world and a story but don’t complete it, letting the imagination fill in the rest.

Joelle's Dolls - OOAK Art Dolls & Handmade Cloth Dolls

Joelle McAndrew from Syracuse, New York

One-of-a-kind handcrafted art dolls and handmade cloth dolls for children populate this shop. There are collectible dolls, princesses and ballerinas, bride dolls and grooms, pirate dolls, guy dolls as well as handmade baby dolls, mini pocket pal dolls, and cats and dogs all available for adoption and waiting for some love.

Art of Felting by Daria Lvovsky

Daria Lvovsky from Rehovot, Central, Israel

From needle felted Waldorf Christmas ornaments and needle felted tapestries to adorable animals, fairies and more... this shop is filled with love and wool. Daria Lvovsky makes art dolls and children's toys felted from wool which include animals, Waldorf-like people and gnomes, mystical creatures, owls, flying pigs, bunnies and more.

Zime - OOAK Dolls, Illustrations, Jewelry, ACEOs and Love

Ximena Carreira from Buenos Aires, Argentina

Although art dolls aren't the only thing that Zime has to offer, it's what first drew me into this wonderful shop filled with beautiful illustrations, jewelry, ACEO prints and, of course, colorful hand-painted art dolls filled with love and creativity from the fingertips of this freelance graphic designer and children illustrator.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for toys for your children or art dolls and other collectable items to add to your collection don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-10-08T09:09:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by BlackStoneCreations ~ For a healthy living -EAT YOUR GREENS

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: ALovellyDesign, BlackStoneCreations, DIBBSandDIBBS, DLbaby9, formeforyou, GemsVintageGems, Gilliauna, Princessonthego, SewnNatural, TallPoppyGardens, teresab123, TheTropicalGarden, toriska, VeraidaGifts, virginiawyoming, WarmCountryMeadows and waukeshapottery.

Gorgeous Designs for Gorgeous Girls

2011-10-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

As a Mom and lover of photography, the designer behind today's shop is obsessed with anything that makes a photo one that you will never forget. She is constantly striving to create designs that really stand out because of their quality and design appeal and has succeeded time and again in creating beautiful breathtaking designs sure to bring a smile.

GorgeousAndCompany on Etsy is filled with beautiful handcrafted items designed to make girls feel like the princesses they are and that are both affordable as well as stand out in a crowd.

From tutus and hair fascinators to luxe wings for babies and children to rosette headbands, flower headbands, clothing sets and more, this shop has it all and is displayed in a way that allows the shopper to browse with ease and see exactly how each piece will look when worn.

The photography in this shop is absolutely beautiful and you'll find yourself turning from one page to the next without realizing it as each picture makes you smile with adorable presentation and a flare for creativity and color.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT GORGEOUSANDCOMPANY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in the Gorgeous and Company shop, you may also enjoy visiting them on Facebook where you can find info about special deals, sales and new creations!

A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

2011-10-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

The theme today is metal artists who create jewelry! Jewelry is one of my absolute favorite things to shop for in the handmade marketplace. There are always so many talented designers out there and I love that I can take the chance today to introduce you to three of these artisans that aren't just talented but innovative as well!

Here are three pieces of jewelry that caught my eye and an introduction to the designers who created them.

Beautiful rings with an added twist. These rings are also spinners, meaning that the inside ring spins while the larger band remains stationary! It's perfect for someone who can't resist fiddling with their jewelry and is sure take anyone's breath away. Visit KBerlin on Etsy to check out these rings and more!

Harmony Twiddle Spinner Ring with Gem Stones - $168.00 USD

I'm an admitted Volkswagen enthusiast... a "Bug Freak" to be completely honest. I have a thing for vintage style Volkswagen Bugs and buses. So it's no surprise when I saw this pendant by BronzeGirl1 on Etsy that I would fall in love with it right away! Made in sterling silver and hand-stamped, it's style is unisex and perfect for gift giving for any VW lover. This shop also celebrates my other passion as well with lots of nature inspired pieces filled with leaf themes and wildlife depictions stamped, carved and molded in sterling silver.

Sterling Silver VW Bus Hippie Pendant - $75.00 USD

Whether you're an Alice In Wonderland lover as I have been all my life or you are looking for unusual jewelry to spice up your collection, UntamedMenagerie on Etsy is filled with bracelets like the one that I found myself irresistibly drawn to that's pictured here. The bracelet is cut from stainless steel and is an eye catcher like many other pieces you can find in this shop.

Down the rabbit hole.. Bracelet - $35.00 USD

As a jewelry aficionado, the handmade market place is a perfect place to shop. There are tons upon tons of jewelry designers in the handmade venue creating beautiful, innovative pieces that are often unique, one of a kind pieces of art you can wear for special occasion or everyday wear. Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore these venues for what they have to offer!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 10/5 thru 10/11

2011-10-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Zombies, Skull Rosaries, Weird Jewelry and Novelty Scarves

2011-10-04T09:37:00.000-07:00

Whether your a fan of zombies or the Cthulhu and skulls or if you're looking for a perfect accent for Halloween or All Saints Day (Day of the Dead on Nov. 1) this is a shop you'll want to stop by!

This isn't all they sell of course. There are also other novelty themes like the scarf pictured to the right. The pencil scarf was the first thing I saw in their shop and would make a terrific gift for teacher or student.

HumphreysHandmade on Etsy is filled with lots of items like those mentioned (and pictured) here. Talented at knitting and with a kiln to bake up their own creations at will.

This shop includes a wide variety of novelty items and handmade crafts to browse and explore including weird jewelry and novelty earrings, bizarre bracelets, unusual beads and novelty rosaries, chaplet bracelets with a Day of the Dead theme, knits and crocheted items, bobby pins and hair clips, funky pendants as well as a selection of ceramics and pottery.

With so much to see and browse through, there's lots to look at and tons of interesting creations to pour over and enjoy.

Cute and creepy sit side by side in this shop so stop by and take a peek for yourself!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT HUMPHREYSHANDMADE'S SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in Humphrey's Handmade shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Humphrey's Handmade blog or stopping by to say hi on Facebook or Twitter!

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-10-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

With fall here and cool weather teasing at the wings, it's time for a new wardrobe and maybe a new look too!

Today's Monday Mosaic is a collection of shops brought together that inspired me with my own shopping and my own new, softly feminine look for fall!

Bayou Salvage - Bayou Boho Rustic Romance

Bayou Salvage from New Orleans, Louisiana

A feminine touch with the flavor of the deep south hinted at in every piece, this shop is filled with beautiful clothing in soft colors and delicate lines. These items embrace a languid southern style reminiscent of the mysterious and winsome bayous and eddies of the Mississippi River with a nod to the past and eyes on the future.

Tangente - Eco Friendly Clothing in Bamboo, Organic Cotton & Ramie

Tangente from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Eco friendly women’s clothing and accessories designed for the conscientious consumer made with fabrics chosen for having the lowest impact possible to the environment. Fabrics used to create the eco-conscious clothing in Tangente's shop include organic cotton, bamboo, ramie, tencel and vintage trims and the styles are soft and feminine.

River Of Romansk - Unforgettable feminine Dresses

Megan and baby Liam from Kenai, Alaska

Inspired by all things whimsical and romantic, this shop is filled with beautiful dresses that are both soft and feminine as well as unforgettable and absolutely dreamy. Sash and ribbons, satin and lace combines with breezy fabrics and delicate accents for everyone from delicate size 0 women to plus size women with beautiful curves.

Milk and Honey Handbags - Handmade Bags, Clutches & Pouches

Amanda from Frederick, Maryland

Unique, quality handmade bags and zippered pouches fill this shop with color and ideas for accessorizing one's outfits. Every bag is carefully made with an attention to details such as triple stitched stress points and a focus not just on style but durability as well for daily use and lots of love.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for new items to add to your wardrobe or a special piece to make you feel beautiful for a specific event, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there to find!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-10-01T09:38:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by StumblingOnSainthood ~ Taste the Rainbow!

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: BuyMyCrap, colourbazaar, DawnsAtelier, Deliverance05, FireflyCandles, Gilliauna, inediblejewelry, knickerocker, lillebeart, LittleMonkeySnS, sarahndipities, seawillowherbs, StumblingOnSainthood, therainbowroom, Tutika, Vivka and windyriver.

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 9/28 thru 10/4

2011-09-28T00:01:00.000-07:00

Wedding Gifts, Bridal Hangers and Hair Accessories

2011-09-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

I came across today's feature shop in a new and interesting way. I met her in the post office!

That's right, she and I ran into each other in the post office while we were both shipping out orders. Not only does that mean that I can feature her beautiful work but I can also assure you that the packaging for that work is beautiful as well!

VintageLizy on Etsy carries a collection of items perfect for bridal gifts and wedding decor ideas. Hangers designed with delicate wire words like the one pictured here make terrific props for bridal photos and can bring an extra special touch to a wedding day as well as become a memento to hold dear for years after.

She has hangers for both the bride and groom and also takes custom orders for names. I especially like the custom hangers because you can multi-use them such as giving them as teacher's gifts and other terrific ideas.

As an extra touch, you can also have your wedding date or favorite quote or verse wood-burned onto the hanger, which is a beautiful touch for a vintage or shabby-chic theme. Or, if you prefer, you can have it painted on for a modern look. This option is included in the price of the hanger already, too, so you don't have to pay extra for such an extra-special accent!

Also offered in VintageLizy are a collection of hair accessories. These beautiful flowers can be a beautiful accent for weddings as well as other special occasions, adding an elegance to an outfit that needs an extra touch.

Whether you're looking for some inspiration for wedding gifts or you want an accent for your own special day that you can buy, love and then keep forever, be sure to stop by VintageLizy on Etsy and take a look!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT VINTAGELIZY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-09-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by HeartstringBeads ~ Amazing Owls

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: CoastalMaineCreation, freespiritheidi, Gilliauna, HeartstringBeads, Jackiegee, jasontennant, MagnoliaLaneStudio, Maximonstertje, MistressJennie, NatureMandalas, novembrin, PettiBear, ShishLOOKdesign, sparksoffire, SSCphotography, SundriesAndPlunder and theringleader.

Unique Photography That Speaks to the Heart

2011-09-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Autumn everyone!

Today is the first day of Fall, also known as the Autumn Equinox.

As I shared yesterday, Autumn is my absolute favorite season of the year. It's like a breath of fresh air after the heat of summer complete with fresh scents, crisp colors and lots of fun activities.

In celebration of the beginning of my favorite time of year, I'd like to share with you one of my absolute favorite photographers!

Jude McConkey on Etsy has gotten a lot of attention lately through the Etsy marketplace and it's no wonder! With breathtaking photos that are both unique and heart touching, this shop is a wander through a world of beauty and mystery that is sure to take your breath away.

Jude's work is dreamy, intense, and (on occasion) even creepy but, no matter the subject or the content, this shop never disappoints with images that are always full of emotion.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT JUDE MCCONKEY'S SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in Jude's shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Jude McConkey website where you can enjoy browsing through even more of her work!

A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

2011-09-22T09:17:00.000-07:00

Fall is finally here!

With tomorrow being the official day that fall begins, in celebration of the Autumnal Equinox (first day of Fall) I thought it would be fun to show off some of the Autumn finds I stumbled across this week.

Autumn is a time of changing leaves and cooler weather, last harvests and... well, we can't forget Halloween, of course! If you have a party to go to or some trick or treating to do and plan on bringing your pup along, you might stop by and check out the doggie tutus over at Turquoise Angels on Etsy.

Pumpkin Orange Powder Puff Dog Tutu - $24.00 USD

I fell in love with this little bottle with eyedropper created by KCDragonfly on Etsy. The pretty Autumn leaves of the hand-beaded bottle collar are a perfect celebration of the Autumn season's colors. This bottle would be perfect for perfume or any elixir and pretty enough to display!

Beaded Memory Bottle with Autumn Leaf Bottle Collar - $12.00 USD

If you like to accessorize for the season's changes, Unakite gemstones is a beautiful stone to wear for Fall. Here's one created by Beaderbubbe on Etsy that's a combination of rich olive green and shades of salmon pink with a touch of silver tone accents.

Unakite and Memory Wire Accent Bracelet - $25.00 USD

Whether looking for accessories, home decor or other ideas for the season, the handmade marketplace is a terrific place to shop! Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore ideas for a fresh look for Fall!

[This blog post is a "BESTeam Feature" for the Boosting Etsy Shops Team. The BESTeam is dedicated to helping its members promote their shops and assisting each other in marketing, advertising and sharing the tips and tricks of running an online business. If you are a seller on Etsy and are interested in becoming a member of the BESTeam, the team is accepting new members and you can find more information about the team as well as apply to become a member HERE.]

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 9/21 thru 9/27

2011-09-21T00:01:00.000-07:00

Handmade Totes, Purses, Kindle Covers and more

2011-09-20T09:21:00.000-07:00

You know, I've been thinking about getting myself a Kindle for a while. I'm an avid reader and I'm always carrying around a book with me... and some of them can become quite heavy.

(If you don't know what a Kindle is, it's a little electronic device about the size of a steno tablet that stores books inside of it. It's rather light weight and very convenient to carry around as an alternative to carrying stacks of books.)

I haven't bought one, though, primarily because I'm a klutz. My iPod can attest to this for although it's still functioning, it looks like it went through a world war and it's barely scraping by.

Now. I have a case for my iPod, but for some reason I never considered that I could get one for a Kindle too until today's feature shop contacted me asking for a feature!

CMarie on Artfire is a little shop filled with wonderful things and included in that list is a collection of Kindle covers perfect for protecting these wonderful little devices from scratches and dings.

The shop also carries a wide variety of handmade shoulder purses, totes, cross body bags, clutches, clutch purses and more!

There are vibrant colors as well as wear-anywhere classic shades and the workmanship is beautiful! You can also find items such as eyeglass sleeves for protecting your eyewear and sunglasses, billfold wallets and other useful accessories.

The bags are primarily made from cotton prints, canvas and various suiting fabrics and are all interfaced and fully lined for structure and durability.

The prints and fabrics are beautiful as well!

Stop by and check out this wonderful shop by Christian Marie of New Orleans. You won't be disappointed!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT CMARIE'S SHOP ON ARTFIRE AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in CMarie's shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Christian Marie blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-09-19T09:03:00.000-07:00

Halloween is only a little over a month away and shopping for Halloween decorations is in full swing!

As my favorite part of the year and my absolutely favorite holiday of the year, I wanted to share with you some of the terrific Halloween decor I've found on the handmade market place this year.

Here's a few shops you won't want to miss out on if you're shopping for some fresh and fun Halloween decor for your personal space!

Lotus Asylum - Creepy Handcrafted Asylum Art Dolls

Lotus Asylum Dolls from Portland, Oregon

If you're looking for some creepy decor with a little bit of fun, this is a shop you won't want to pass up stopping by for a look. Filled with unique one-of-a-kind art dolls that have a gothic flair and border just on the side of scary, these Asylum Dolls are not just unique but something could very well set any Halloween decor apart from the rest!

ThatSallie - Primitive Dolls, Decorations, Ornies and Bowl Fillers

Sallie Johnston from Bourbonnais, Illinois

Primitive decor is the mainstay of the season year after year and this year is no different! In ThatSallie you'll find a wide variety of primitive art dolls and decorations for your personal space at home, the office or anywhere else that needs a touch of the season. The items in this shop range from harvest favorites to Halloween fun!

whobyfire - Spooky, Scary and Whimsical Creatures and Dolls

Who by Fire from Trollhättan, Sweden

Sculptures of strange dolls and curious creatures inspired by the darkness and melancholy in life that have been created from clay, super-sculpey and steel wire fill this shop and are perfect for the season with their spooky, Gothic feel. Each piece in this shop is one-of-a-kind and handmade and has its own personality perfect for Halloween or Goth gifts.

BrooklynLoveDesigns - Handmade Wallets, Bags and Pincushions

Megan and baby Liam from Kenai, Alaska

I fell in love with the little pumpkin pincushions in this shop and I'm so happy to be featuring them here! BrooklynLoveDesigns, of course, also sells a wide variety of handmade wallets, card holders and bags with beautiful quality workmanship, but the pumpkins are perfectly adorable as well as both practical and decorative at the same time!

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and attention to quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for home decor or any type of product, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there to find!

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-09-17T09:12:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by Sidereal ~ After Dark

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: amberalexander, ChYMieRa, elgarboart, EmeraldTownRaven, FableAndFury, FirebirdJewellery, Gilliauna, gothicrow, IsabellasArt, kryptickreations1031, MamasHouse, Sidereal, sintwister, thedustyraven, thegoodewife, theothermagdalene and TheVintageParlor.

Pet Lover and Animal Lover Mugs, Figurines and More

2011-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

So adorable you can't resist. It's the problem I have when I go to the animal shelter, and it's one I clearly have when I stop by today's feature shop as well!

Let's be honest. People love their pets. Pugs and bulldogs, put bulls and dachshunds, chihuahuas, bull terriers and more.

The list is endless on different breeds of dogs people love to love. And in madamepOmm on Artfire, they have them all!

Not just in dogs either. They also offer items depicting cats, reptiles, insects and a variety of wildlife animals. There are sports themes as well, aviation and sailing themes and the list goes on.

And they're all absolutely adorable.

These themes, breeds and other beloved depictions come in a variety of different products in this shop from 3D mugs like the one pictured in this post to items such as salt and pepper shakers, piggy banks, wedding cake toppers, key chains, figurines and more.

The work is done in high fired stoneware and porcelain with each piece handcrafted by the artist from the design of each piece to the drawing, painting and glazing of each item.

If you love your pets or you know a pet enthusiast that's on your gift list, this is a shop you're going to love browsing through and not going to want to miss! So stop by and take a peek!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT MADAMEPOMM'S SHOP ON ARTFIRE AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in madamepOmm's shop, you may also enjoy visiting the madamepOmm's blog where you can get a peek at some of the custom orders that have been done!

Unique Handmade Jewelry by Luto Jewellery

2011-09-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today I'm featuring a jewelry artist from Manchester, England! Luto Jewellery on Etsy is a little jewelry shop that's currently getting a re-vamp, but I think it's a shop you'll like to browse and watch in the future!

There are so many more pieces to be added and to find that perfect piece, this is a shop you might just have to keep an eye on as new pieces are added.

Leonnie, the artisan behind the pieces in this shop, started making jewelry so she could have her own pieces without paying the growing market prices of commercial jewelry. After making her own pieces for a time, she then moved on to making jewelry for others!

Her goal is to run a shop where customers from all over the world can enjoy her jewellery at prices that everyone can afford and, although her collection is currently small, she's on her way to doing just that! So be sure to stop by and take a peek at this lovely shop and give a boost to a new and upcoming artisan on the handmade marketplace!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT LUTO JEWELLERLY ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

[This blog post is a "BESTeam Feature" for the Boosting Etsy Shops Team. The BESTeam is dedicated to helping its members promote their shops and assisting each other in marketing, advertising and sharing the tips and tricks of running an online business. If you are a seller on Etsy and are interested in becoming a member of the BESTeam, the team is accepting new members and you can find more information about the team as well as apply to become a member HERE.]

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 9/14 thru 9/20

2011-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-09-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Knits for fall and winter!

We are in the middle of the second week of September. Can you believe it?! And although in my neck of the woods the temperatures are still soaring, Autumn is only 10 days away.

That means it's time to stock up on warmer clothes and snuggly layers to wear through the winter months, and that's what today's mosaic is all about!

Dahlia Soleil - Preserving the Art of Crochet

Dahlia Soleil from New York, New York

Slouch hats and ear flaps, cute appliques and fingerless gloves. There's a variety of styles in this shop you won't want to miss! One of the easiest ways to keep warm when the weather gets cold is to slip on a hat to trap the warmth that escapes from the top of the head in and in this shop you'll find a variety of stylish hats to do just that. Tucked in among these gorgeous hats you'll find fingerless gloves, cute felt appliques and more.

knotworkshop - Funny Mugs, Personalized Coffee Mugs, Travel Mugs

KnotWorkShop from Apex, North Carolina

Practicality and hilarity combine in this shop that I've personally shopped in and recommend to everyone! With excellent customer service and quality combined with a sense of humor, the knotworkshop sells mug covers, bottle covers, iPod cozies (I bought one for padding against drops and bumps!) and more with a flair for color and quirky fun.

Poops - Knit Sweaters, Baby Booties, Scarves, Mittens and More

Poops from Belmont, New Hampshire

Here's a shop filled with handmade warmth from scarves and mittens to baby booties, affordable handmade sweaters, candle cozies, hats and more. Each item is handcrafted in a smoke-free, cat friendly home and are made in earthy colors and seasonal color combinations you'll be sure to love. Embroidered hoop art abounds as well and many of the knitted pieces have embroidered accents.

Melmaria - Designer Crochet Patterns

Melody Maria Fulone from Ravelry.com

Last but not least! There are lots of wonderful people out there that like to create their own cozy items and here's an artisan that can help. Melmaria on Ravelry has a variety of crochet patters for those creative people looking to design something new from jewelry to scarves, gloves and more. All patterns come in pdf files and you can pick them up from Ravelry or Melmaria's blog.

I hope you enjoyed today's collection of shops as much as I enjoyed finding them! Cooler weather is coming and it's time to prepare for the winter to come. Handmade crafts is a terrific way to support the handmade community and get yourself or someone you care about something snuggly to stay warm in.

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-09-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by Gilliauna ~ Groovy Goodness ~ A Blast from the Past

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: arcaniumantiques, carmenandginger, DustyCatVintage, Elevations, FeltUpCraftyVintage, Gilliauna, JDSmalls, leedledee, livilubaby, LoverlyVintage, Poppycbrilliant, scooterbugrevival, ScrappyTudeStudios, Sixoclock, soulsongcreations, StumblingOnSainthood and vandonovan.

Handcrafted Soaps, Bath Products, Jewelry and More

2011-09-09T09:29:00.000-07:00

Here where I live, it's really hot right now. This week is supposed to bring record temperatures and everywhere you go people are sweltering from the heat.

In this part of the country, air conditioning is pretty rare, too.

We just don't really have this kind of weather very often and so having AC in your home isn't all that justified since it only gets used a week or two out of the entire year.

So, what I've noticed this week (and every summer around this time of year) is a lot of sweaty, stinky people. (I have a super sensitive nose.)

That makes this the perfect time to introduce a soap store!

During the heat, I usually take a couple of showers a day. I like smelling good and I love all-natural soap and bath products. Bale & Twine is a website where you can find just that!

Bale & Twine offers a variety of products from their "Baregoods" handcrafted jewelry to soy candles, painted silks by Maggie Holmes and more. But, what I'm particularly drawn to on this site is their "Baresuds" handmade and hand-cut soaps made with simple, pure ingredients.

These soaps come in a variety of scents and ingredients. There are citrus soaps and goat milk soaps, floral soaps and soothing soaps and more! They also offer bath fizzies, body lotions and lip balms!

The site's jewelry is also beautiful and the painted silks are breathtaking, so stop by and take a look around their site, click on links, explore and discover.

There's gifts for him, for her and much more!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT THE BALE AND TWINE WEBSITE AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

If you like what you see in the Bale & Twine's website, you may also enjoy visiting the Bale & Twine blog or stopping by to say hi on Facebook or Twitter!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 9/7 thru 9/13

2011-09-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Jewelry, Wine Charms, Stitch Markers and Hemp

2011-09-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Whether you're looking for some trinkets to accessorize a party or spice up an outfit, today's feature shop is a stop you won't want to breeze by.

AbsolutelyKismet on Etsy is filled with simple, colorful ideas for home and attire.

This shop offers a variety of products from beautiful hemp and beaded jewelry pieces to wine charms for parties and stitch markers for those who crochet or knit.

I'm especially drawn to the wine charms in this shop that are designed with shimmering crystals and .22 bullet casings. I find the design to be both innovative and pretty as well as unique all at the same time!

At the same time, the bracelet pictured above also caught my eye. It has a simple elegance that draws me almost as much as the splashes of vibrant color do!

The artist behind this shop is from Spearfish, South Dakota where she spends her time crafting and started out in this journey of creativity with making wine charms for family and friends. This grew into a passion for making jewelry as well and she loves designing her pieces with a flair for personal individuality.

AbsolutelyKismet takes custom orders for just this purpose and almost everything in her shop is customizable on request as well. This allows you to put your own personal mark of individuality and taste upon whatever you order if the fancy strikes you to do so.

So whether you're shopping for a bit of fun decor for a party or some decoration to dangle from your ears, neck or wrist... if you love color this is a shop you won't want to miss!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURES ABOVE TO VISIT ABSOLUTELYKISMET'S SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in AbsolutelyKismet's shop, you may also enjoy visiting the Absolutely Kismet blog or stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

[This blog post is a "BESTeam Feature" for the Boosting Etsy Shops Team. The BESTeam is dedicated to helping its members promote their shops and assisting each other in marketing, advertising and sharing the tips and tricks of running an online business. If you are a seller on Etsy and are interested in becoming a member of the BESTeam, the team is accepting new members and you can find more information about the team as well as apply to become a member HERE.]

Monday Morning Mosaic

2011-09-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

With September now here, the urge to redecorate and rearrange one's life is upon us.

The handmade market place offers a wide variety of artisans willing to help you out in making your autumn decor and soon-to-be holiday preparations unique!

True Connection - Wedding Signs and Recycled Wood Furniture

Brandy Wine from Haughton, Louisiana

Whether looking for a console table or other new piece of rustic furniture to decorate your home, or even for a couple bookshelves, this is a stop you won't want to pass up! With beautiful pieces hand made by Brandy, this shop is filled with beautiful, rustic charm and also includes a variety of wedding decor and wedding signs painted and/or stenciled by hand!

BootsNGus - A place where Handmade and Vintage come together.

Jeff and Mark from Ann Arbor, Michigan

Lighting is an important part of any home decor endeavor and in this shop you won't be disappointed in the original designs you'll find. ButsnGus specializes in originally designed, up-cycled lighting fixtures with a flair for original design and innovative ideas. In their shop you will find a large variety of lighting options for your home as well as a collection of stylish and affordable vintage housewares.

The Country Marketplace - Handmade Furniture and Decore Accessories

AJ Dysart from Covington, Georgia

Filled with primitive country charm, this shop carries a variety of small furniture pieces and accessories designed from solid wood and crafted by hand for you. Each piece is made on-demand and built for you alone. With wall shelves and breadboxes, bird houses and more, this is a shop you'll enjoy taking a peek at and perhaps be inspired by as well!

Lamp Goods - Lights for Life's Path

Lamp Goods from Maine

The artisan that runs this shop believes that the lighting in one's home becomes the ‘jewelry’ of the home and can really make a statement. And, with the designs in this shop, there's no doubt that you'll be able to do just that! LampGoods on Etsy is filled with beautiful lamp designs to adorn your home with that are created from vintage components and an eye for elegance.

I hope you enjoyed today's collection of shops as much as I enjoyed finding them! Etsy is a great place for handmade and that includes hand crafted home decor and innovative ideas for decorating your home.

16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

2011-09-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

An Etsy Treasury curated by FeltedByRikke ~ Celebrate water

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: audreytolove, blueflowervintage, calloohcallay, cinsationalbaubles, FeltedByRikke, Gilliauna, hollister54, KaydenAshley, KellyAshPhotography, LoreleiRose, MonkeysJewels, OneOfAKindWeddings, palmbeachflowergirl, Stitcheroo, sweetbouquet, TopKnotchTravels and true2u.