Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, we all need a little purchase inspiration.

Yvonne Ellen – Hand Illustrated Homeware – Handmade Pick Of The Week

February 27, 2012
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My Handmade Pick Of The Week post has turned in to more of a bi-annual article since I went back to work this past fall, embarrassingly enough.  But it is still one of my favorite past times to scour through all the beautiful handmade goods out there; so when I find a gem like Yvonne Ellen’s hand illustrated dishware I have to share it.  I love the look that hand painting gives to the sterile looking plates and cups, it creates a contrast showcasing warmth and human handed imperfections. With a cost ranging from $18 for a mug to $44 for a teapot, her prices are affordable for hand painted art indeed.

A Valentine’s Day For Everyone

February 6, 2012
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I’ve had many great days celebrating Valentine’s festivities during my youth, to dating years, into married life.  One year getting a bottle of Chanel nail polish from my parents when I was 12 or so, a Valentine in the mail from my grandparents as a wee one, and my first ever bouquet of flowers arriving at the door as a teenager.  There are so many fun ways to make the day memorable, even if it means taking the time to watch a cheesy romance, eating a chocolate cupcake, or cutting out a paper heart.  Let everyone you love know it, make your heart full and not forgotten this year.

A DIY Valentine online tutorial fit for creative Queens

 

His and her gold necklaces

A lady can always use a scarf

 

A red soled dapper shoe for your soul mate

 

A personalized lovely daily reminder of when it all began

 

Take a photo on Valentine's day to mark the occasion, and remember it in the coming years

 

Get her a pretty ring box to store the rings you have already given her

 

Keeping your specs in loving care

 

A Valentine's morning breakfast treat for the kids!

 

Treat yourself to a manicure for your Valentine's date night, in ombre style!

 

Leg love

 

Hunt down your Valentine to give them this card

 

Red velvet milkshake, dangerous goodness!

A wooden teether for Baby's first Valentine's day

 

Square queen of hearts pillow for the girl in your life!

 

Grown up, gourmet treats for your sweetheart

 

Double heart ring

Tutorial to make your own Valentine arrows, Cupid doesn't have anything on these cute love notes

 

A subtle sweet hint for your honey to be

 

Make art out of the little things you already have, cheap and easy! Print it out and make it a card

 

Heart cut out trim, how cute!

 

If Stevie Wonder's song won't cut it, send a similar sentiment through the post

 

Use Candy buttons to make your own super cute Valentine's, even enough for the entire classroom at school

Holiday Gift Guide 2011 – Top Notch Giving

December 5, 2011
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Every year the Holiday season arrives more quickly than the year before, and with family gatherings, parties with friends, and work it can become more hectic than fun to find the right presents for your loved ones.  I look at gift giving as a way to express the affection and caring I feel for my friends and family all year round.  Hand made gifts are some of my absolute favorites when I look at received gifts of the past.  While putting up all my Christmas decorations this year, it was easy to remember who had taken the time to create each self-made item.  However, if you do not have the time or the skills to make gifts, the lovely internet and I are here to help.  Enjoy.

 

THE ELUSIVE GIFT FOR DAD

High quality watch for a high class guy - $95

Cause no one wants to see an older gentleman's bare feet, AND they are comfy - $50

For the iPad outfitted Dad, now you can utilize the fridge for more than just snacking - $55

Cufflinks to keep your fancy suit from looking too fancy - $45

wood inspired keyboard for manly fingertips - $80

Cozy fleece lined robe for couch-ing in comfort and style - $80

For fishing trip neccessities - $40

In case your home and office are not equipped with a shoe shine boy - $25

 

FOR YOUR QUIRKY FRIEND

A mis-matched silverware set fit for a hodge podge queen - $30

AMAZING - I would actually cry tears of joy if I got this cookie jar for Christmas - $98

The combination of belt and textured detail is perfection -$50

THE cutest iphone case a friend could ask for - $13

Having tea with little to no class is far more interesting, admit it - $55

It would be a splurge, but WOW - $278

Silhouette black and white cuffs - $110

KIDS AND BABY

Catching spit up and excess chewed food with a flair of dignity - $10

Children's toothbrush sanitizers?? MOST excellent - $35

The choice between "ginger" and "nose-picker" is a tough one - $20

Classic child's record player for kids who have never heard of a record player - $30

An attractive alternative to boring night lights - $27

Adorable romper for wee ones - $30

Elephant wall easel that allows your kids to "color on the wall" - $41

 

THE FOODIE AND BAKER

Gettin fancy rolling some dough - $18

Ravioli mold with roller for the creative kitchen guru - $26

Reuseable storage for when you get your fresh goods home from the market - $14

Clever cookie cutters for customized baked messages - $19

Modjeska marshmallows that will melt your stress away with buttery goodness - $27

 

FOR COLLEGE GOING LOVED ONES

Helpful pencils never hurt while studying - $10

A bag to tote books, laptops and supplies that will have everyone green with envy - $185

A customizable stamp that will keep your books from growing legs and walking away - $19

Classic college prep worthy dress - $295

Silicone covered glass water bottle to get your Mom's prescribed "8 glasses of water a day" - $28

Write it, type it, make things happen when pen goes to paper -$12

 

THE BOYFRIEND / HUSBAND

Perfect for the trophy husband -$32

All shined up, so figure out somewhere nice to take him - $65

Once your man gets over the fact that it's a "cardigan" he'll realize how great he looks - $88

Man grooming - $50

An updated version to replace the gross old plaid coat he has lying around - $122

There's nothing better than a well fitted suit - $253

PROUD TO BE AN ANIMAL LOVER

Faux fur the cool way - $28

Here birdy birdy birdy - $16

I think the front cover speaks for itself.... $13

As cute as a fox wearing a bowler... $18

a round raccoon mouse pad - $15

FOR THE SHOPPING ADDICT LADY IN YOUR LIFE

If I had short chic french lady hair, these would be on my face day and night - $290

Glitzy statement ring in gold and crystal - $50

A simple canvas hobo with "dock" rope accent - $58

Green onyx earrings for a lucky girl - $58

Little black dress with a dash of the un-expected - $90

Bangle for your buck - $62

 

BUYING FOR A BEAUTY QUEEN

Jeweled color eyeliner set to show off your eyes - $55

A pretty brush for some prettier hair - $90

"Bad Romance" a perfect gaga inspired shade - $18

Tweeze away - $15

Curl dem lashes good - $16

GENIUS - $8

Jennifer Loiselle Accessories – handmade pick of the week

September 7, 2011
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So the Etsy bloggers and myself must be on the same wave length, cause I got scooped… they did a feature on the lovely handmade goods from Jennifer Loiselle yesterday when I planned to post my feature today.  Sorry for you Etsy fans, this may be repeat mode for you.  Geometric designed, modern feeling jewelry is a new found obsession of mine.  Jennifer Loiselle’s colorful woven pieces of art will make a statement paired with any outfit.  Utilize all your fall basic wardrobe pieces by adding some texture with her one of a kind, handmade accessories.  Jennifer’s items range from necklaces, earrings, hats , headbands, and brooches.  Find the beauty in bright baubles this season straight from London.

Clever Leather

September 5, 2011
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Leather is one of those luxurious treats that is so supple and soft that even I can move past how it comes to be.  Cow lover or not, leather deserves a nod of respect.  Especially when used in creative and interesting ways.  Ahhhh – can’t you just smell it now, wonderful soft new leather is waiting to be sniffed.

 

Goorin Bros. – bold hatmakers since 1895 – shop of the month

August 30, 2011
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I found Goorin Bros. hats online while gift shopping for my husband, and their unique , high quality toppers made me swoon immediately when I found their website.  Their Seattle location at Pike Place Market is this month’s featured shop, it is their new location in Seattle and will be having their Grand Opening celebration on the evening of September 7th.  Did I ever mention how much I adore hats?  Well, I do.  In fact, I think there is a hat style out there for just about everyone to consider, and I am starting to believe that half the battle is trying one on in store.   Ensuring proper fit, color choice and loving your hat enough to wear it often instead of stashing it away in your closet are all great ways to ensure a good purchase value.  I’m the person that always says I can’t wear hats since I have a big noggin ( thanks Dad ) so it was so thrilling to find that Goorin has different sizes available.  They offer mens, womens and even KIDS selections in multiple sizes.  Now all I have to do is try my best to decide on one and not try to buy out the entire store, thanks Goorin Brothers!

Goorin Bros. has two locations in Seattle for your hatting needs

Pike Place Market

1610 1st Ave

Seattle WA 98101

(206) 443-8082

  U – District

4336 University NE

Seattle, WA 98105

(206) 632-1200

Beat Up Creations – handmade weekly pick

August 24, 2011
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You could use words like absurd, bizarre , tacky , or even creepy to describe some of Beat Up Creations altered art pieces.  However, I think the strangeness of the juxtaposition between the fancy plates and frames to the unique creatures is charming and welcome.  The women behind the creative art is Angela Rossi from Los Angeles, California.  Disney fan or not, the Mouseketeer ears on George Washington are pretty much the best thing ever.  Collect a plate or portrait for your wall to show off you aren’t afraid of a little oddness in your world.

Seahorse extravagazna – monthly pattern round up – august 2011

August 23, 2011
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Hippocampus the scientific name for seahorse is derived from the Greek hippos, “horse”, and campus, “sea monster.”  But how on earth could you confuse these cute little ocean ponies for monsters??  Make some wiggle room for these pint size creatures in your day for a sure fire cause of smiles and joy.

 

Moon Collection – fall 2011 – covet corner

August 22, 2011
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Transitioning from summer to fall wardrobe is difficult for many reasons, for me it’s number one frustration is about temperature comfort.  When I get too hot or muggy, I’m cranky… and too cold means shivers and goosebumps.  So naturally layers and thinner materials is a must when it comes time to prepping for fall without getting too bulky.  Moon Collection clothing line has a great array of romantic feminine pieces that are sure to make the list for your next online shopping spree.

TOVICORRIE – Leather Goods – Handmade pick of the week

August 17, 2011
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When it comes to technology, behind the times would be a compliment to my current gadget status.  Even my own Mother and Father out rank me in keeping up with the latest and greatest in the world of electronic gizmos.  Seeing the handmade leather accessories from the United Kingdom’s TOVICORRIE may have given me a eye catching reason to feel more inspired to join the club.  From iPads, iPhones, and iPods to wrist cuffs, sunglasses, and luggage tags this shop has you covered for interesting patterns and colors to accessorize your goods.  These would make great gifts for just about anyone on your list, including yourself.

 

 

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