More Birthday Lovelies: Favorite Shops

Here are a few of my absolute favorite Etsy shops. I am so thankful to the Etsy sellers who share their beautiful works of art with us each day.

Also, thank you for visiting this blog and sharing your lives with me. I love reading your comments, e-mails, and messages.

Birthday Lovelies

One of the most relaxing things I do each day is concoct posts for this blog. I adore creating themes for each post and sharing beautiful things with you, my dear readers. Today, I am celebrating by sharing some of my favorite Etsy lovelies. Enjoy!

Birthday Sparkle

Today is my birthday. I am officially 22! I am so thankful for the many blessings in my life. This poem by Christina Rossetti summarizes my feelings of joy and thankfulness. I thought you might like it as well.

My heart is like a singing bird

Whose nest is in a watered shoot;

My heart is like an apple-tree

Whose boughs are bent with thick-set fruit;

My heart is like a rainbow shell

That paddles in a halcyon sea;

My heart is gladder than all these,

Because my love is come to me.

Raise me a dais of silk and down;

Hang it with vair and purple dyes;

Carve it in doves and pomegranates,

And peacocks with a hundred eyes;

Work it in gold and silver grapes,

In leaves and silver fleurs-de-lys;

Because the birthday of my life

Is come, my love is come to me.

Thank you for letting me express my love of handmade beauties, of lovely things, and the sparkle of life.

Artist Highlight: Stilettoheights

I recently found this artist on Etsy, stilettoheights (especially since there's a big sale going on - buy one print get one free!). Also, be sure to check out stilettoheights blog. Jennifer's mixed media art is gorgeous - vintage with a modern feel. The colors are vibrant. I love the energy and emotion contained in these prints. Check them out!

Vintage Romance

Martha Stewart Goodness for the Fall

Martha Stewart has these two pretty crafts to decorate your table and home for the fall season. Click on the above image for an easy candle craft. Click on the image below to learn how to print linens utilizing leaves. Oh, how I adore Autumn...

DIY Lights from ReadyMade

ReadyMade has some awesome step-by-step projects accessible for free on their website. I'm especially drawn to their "Light It" series. I've often admired the work of artists who work with electricity and light; unfortunately, being a fresh-grad doesn't leave extra dinero for artsy light fixtures. Ready made has come to my rescue. Here are some gorgeous, DIY solutions.

Regretsy

I'm curious what you think about this site. We've all seen one of those items on Etsy or Artfire. You know what I mean. A handmade craft item that looks like... garbage. Those are the types of items that Regretsy loves to pounce on and post on their blog. Think Cake Wrecks for Etsy. The tenor of Regretsy is super-sarcasm mixed with utter mirth and assumed superiority. Regretsy's disclaimer reads:

Don’t get us wrong. We like crafts.

We just don’t like these crafts.

Yes, we know these people put their hearts into it. We know it took hours and hours. We know how mean it is to laugh at their creations. And we regret being the only web site on the internet that makes fun of things.

But what can we do? We’re immature.

Besides, art is totally subjective. Who cares what we think? I barely care and I’m writing this.

Listen, if you like something you see here, don’t argue with us, go and buy it. Seriously. Click on any photo and you’ll be taken to the seller’s store*. We’re only too glad to have made the introduction.

I don't know how I feel about this site. I love creating things by hand. I love seeing what other people make with their hands. I understand that there are different levels of talent, motivation, available time, and quality of supplies out there. I also know firsthand what it's like to dive in to the online handmade world with all your heart. While private kicks and giggles are par for the course, I feel uncomfortable making fun of handmade seller's work while linking to their store. This is exactly the opposite kind of publicity any Etsy seller would want.

What is your take? How do you feel about Regretsy?

Fall Entertaining

Image courtesy of House Beautiful

I really liked this image from House Beautiful - perfect for a bright, sunny fall luncheon. Here are a few Etsy lovelies inspired by this photo.

Download Linkage

Here are a few beauties from around the blogosphere. This sweet download was created by Sarah Jane. Be sure to check out her pretty blog and site. (Click on the image to download.)


The Happy Zombie shared a free tutorial and pattern for these "Penny Pockets" last holiday season. They are perfect for giving little presents in for neighbors or friends all year round. Or you can simply create a happy little pennant.


I know I've been laying it heavy on all the handmade holiday gift ideas. I really detest seeing all the Christmas trees go up in the department stores even before I've heard a kid say, "Trick or treat!" However, I also know that if I don't start thinking about Christmas a tiny bit early, all the plans to make handmade goodies evaporate into the frenzy of baking and shopping. SO. The long-winded explanation is that I simply adore the above link.
And speaking of getting ready early, Just Something I Made posted a lovely tutorial about making these great advent calendars.


For all you ephemera and collage fans, this gorgeous blog offers a variety old photos for personal use. Be sure to check them out!

Labradorite

I've recently developed an affinity for the stone Labradorite and its cousin, the moonstone. The color and interior texture of the stone intrigue me. I also love the luminous quality of the stone. Here a for lovelies for your viewing pleasure - enjoy!

Learn a New Craft: Christmas Gifts for Kids