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Archive for the ‘Artists and Shops’ Category

The Enkindled Spring

Posted in Artists and Shops, tagged , , , , on March 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

New Orleans Cemetery Angel by sibyllinephotography

The Enkindled Spring

This spring as it comes bursts up in bonfires green,
Wild puffing of emerald trees, and flame-filled bushes,
Thorn-blossom lifting in wreaths of smoke between
Where the wood fumes up and the watery, flickering rushes.

I am amazed at this spring, this conflagration
Of green fires lit on the soil of the earth, this blaze
Of growing, and sparks that puff in wild gyration,
Faces of people streaming across my gaze.

And I, what fountain of fire am I among
This leaping combustion of spring? My spirit is tossed
About like a shadow buffeted in the throng
Of flames, a shadow that’s gone astray, and is lost.

~ D. H. Lawrence

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Featured Shop ~ Gingham Life

Posted in Artists and Shops, Etsy, tagged , , , , , , on March 5, 2012| Leave a Comment »

If there’s one thing that inspires me it’s nostalgia.  I usually romanticize the past, thinking how marvelous it would have been to live in those times.  OK, so I don’t know if I could ever live without some of today’s conveniences, but there is definitely a comfort in “the good old days,” even if those days were before my time.

I’m so glad I found the Etsy shop of one of my fellow HandmadeMN members; it takes me back to those good old days in the form of textiles.  Gingham Life caught my attention and my admiration.  I’m completely in love with the aprons!  (Click on the pictures – they’re direct links to your purchasing pleasure!)

Handmade Smocked Apron, 1960s Pattern and Vintage Gingham

How much do I love the smocking?  Much!  And smocking paired with gingham has got to be the cutest thing there is.  Such fanciness for such a useful accessory!  Gingham Life is contributing to the rebirth of American-made aprons and clothes and uses vintage and repurposed textiles.

Floating Hostess Hand-Smocked Half Apron, Vintage Gingham and Hankie

This next apron is cute enough to be a dress!  (Except don’t do it because the back is completely open and you’d embarrass yourself terribly in front of your guests.)  How wonderful, the pink and brown, the buttons and pockets ~ I think it’s just adorable.

Handmade Apron, 1960s “Country Calico” A-Line Pattern, OOAK, Vintage Fabric

Not only does Gingham Life offer aprons, there are vintage linens and patterns, clothes, and other accessories made from repurposed fabrics.

The things at Gingham Life make me feel nostalgic, and even inspire me to do the vacuuming in one of these great aprons and high-heeled shoes, just like June Cleaver would.

This article will soon be published on the HandmadeMN blog, a blog I’m sure you will enjoy. Not only do they publish my Featured Shop articles, there are lots of giveaways and interesting articles presented by many Minnesota artisans like me.

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Featured Shop ~ Unique Art Pendants

Posted in Artists and Shops, Etsy, tagged , , , on February 6, 2012| 3 Comments »

I am so fortunate to live in Minnesota where there are so many talented artists and crafters.  I was recently impressed with an artist from Richfield, MN who has one of the coolest shops in Etsy, Unique Art Pendants.

One of the reasons I like this shop so much is the vintage/nostalgia theme throughout.  I’m very inspired by nostalgia and Molly’s shop is overflowing with vintage illustrations put to very creative use.

It’s hard to pick out a favorite, but this one is definitely in my top five…

Ouija Board Cuff Bracelet

If you’re scared of the Ouija Board (I know a few who are) perhaps you’d like to look at Molly’s vintage prints.  A layered effect on old dictionary pages makes for beautiful artwork.  Collect a variety from her offerings for a lovely focal point in your favorite room.

Art Print APPLES

I don’t know anyone who isn’t enamored with the sweetness of a locket. Molly has created precious pendants in which you can tuck away secret photos of your dearest. I especially like this one…

Locket-Alice In Wonderland

Unique Art Pendants is a wonderful place to shop for a gift or to adorn yourself with impressive, beautiful, funky, nostalgic pieces of wearable art.  Congratulations on your success, Molly!

This article will soon be published on the HandmadeMN blog, a blog I’m sure you will enjoy.  Not only do they publish my Featured Shop articles, there are lots of giveaways and interesting articles presented by many Minnesota artisans like me. 

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If I Had A Shop…

Posted in Artists and Shops, Craft Business, tagged , , on January 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Having a crafty biz makes me more in tune with shops and websites and businesses in general.  I think lots of people, at one time or another, fantasized about owning a brick and mortar shop.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my fantasy shop lately.  Of course I would carry my own hand-crafted items in the shop, but I’d also want to fill it with the handmade wonders of others.  Beautiful cards and papers for old-fashioned letter writing, and why not some sealing wax and presses too?

Writings By Bluebirds

I’d have a little section of quaint hats, the kind that never go out of fashion, certainly not the type found at the wedding of William and Kate.  Jewelry?  Not so much, but some pieces that are truly one of a kind to make a statement.  I think I’d like to have some antique pieces in my shop too, just to give the hint of a musty smell and to bring the past into everyday life.  Maybe some custom fragrances in pretty bottles, and I’d offer free sniffs for all.

Filigreen

Linens would be delicate and plentiful, perhaps with some hand-stitched embroidery to give them some whimsy.  There would be colorful garden tools for those who like to make things grow, and dried flower arrangements in rustic baskets.

The Flower Patch

Cozy and entertaining.  Traditional and trendy.  Coming into my shop and you’d be treated like an honored guest.  I’d have home-baked treats for anyone who stopped by, and maybe a spot of tea.  My shop would be the first place ladies would look for gifts for themselves as well as others.

That’s just a peek at one of my fantasy shops.  If I had two, the second would be…

 

Photos and dreamy gifts are compliments of:

Writings By Bluebirds

Filigreen

The Flower Patch

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Featured Shop ~ My Little Chickadee Creations

Posted in Artists and Shops, Etsy, tagged , , on January 2, 2012| 2 Comments »

Happy New Year, everyone!  I’m going to ring in the new year with a salute to one of my favorite Etsy shops and fellow HandmadeMN member, My Little Chickadee Creations.  Ellie has a shop filled with hand-stamped travertine tiles.  These tiles are then made into magnets, coasters, wedding/party favors, and more.

Red Poppy Kitchen Tile Trivet

I love the colors used for the images, and the images themselves are so wonderful too.  The variety of products in this shop is astounding.  My Little Chickadee Creations has everyone in mind so you’re sure to find something that suits you to a tee.

When Pigs Fly Tile Magnets, Set of 3

Celestial Sun and Moon Magnets, Set of 2

A really nice service Ellie provides is personalization.  My Little Chickadee Creations is eager to please and can customize the number of personalized favors and/or save-the-date magnets according to your needs.   Check out these cute wedding favor coasters:

Whimsical Owl Wedding Favor Coasters, Set of 25

My Little Chickadee Creations is a really fun shop with a ton of things to offer.  The shop has been highly recommended by previous buyers and Ellie will make sure you’re a satisfied customer too.

This article will soon be published on the HandmadeMN blog, a blog I’m sure you will enjoy.  Not only do they publish my Featured Shop articles, there are lots of giveaways and interesting articles presented by many Minnesota artisans like me. 

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