favourites of the week...

Here are a few of my Etsy favourites of the week...  

1)  I seriously love this Ceramic Eco-Friendly Travel Mug and I think anyone would love to bring it along with some hot tea or coffee and show it off.  

 travel mug by: yevgenia 

2)  I would love to place this romantic original signed fine art print in my new paris themed studio, it would fit perfectly!  

lumiere by: AliciaBock

3)  I love butterflies and I love cocktail rings, so what a great combination this Floating Brass Butterflies Statement Ring makes.  Plus it is such a unique ring and is sure to get many a compliment.  

butterfly ring by: BrillianceFound

4)  I'm just amazed with all their clocks but I'm especially enamored by the It's my forest clock.   Would look great on any wall and would definitely be a conversation started.  

laser cut clock by: decoylab

5)  What an interesting piece of art this would make! Omri is just adorable and I could see a long and lovely friendship with him. ;) 

contemporary folk art owl doll by: cartbeforethehorse

~monica

Crafty Crafty Christmas!

The holidays are just around the corner and will be here before you know it! I personally love shopping for others (if only there was a way I could do that for a living) and so am completely finished searching out, commissioning and creating my gifts for my amazing family and friends.

Two years ago was the first Christmas that I was aware of Etsy's existence. That year I purchased only 2 Christmas gifts (ornaments for a friend). The following year, I bought roughly 25% if my gifts online. This year however, now that I am completely obsessed with Etsy (along with my other favorite online shops) I decided that I could do at least 95% of my shopping without leaving my desk, and I was right!

Unfortunately, I cannot share any of the amazing gifts that I am giving until after I have given them, but here are a couple of my favorite Etsy Stores that I discovered over the past few months that have helped me make the coming holidays very special!

 DIMDI's shop is an amazing find! I needed a gift for a real animal lover and couldn't have been happier with their finished product. Communication was amazing and shipping was quick. They offer ready to ship items as well as custom watercolor portraits of pets. So amazing. I must say...this is one gift I am really excited to give! Here is one of the amazing ready to ship items from their shop:

Hollandsworth's shop! What can I say? This shop was so accommodating when I approached them about making me a custom item. They patiently worked with me to make an idea into a perfect gift for someone special. The store is full of really fun ready to ship art including prints, magnets, paper dolls and my favorite, paper kitties! This is a shop you won't want to miss. Here is a sweet preview:

...and Etsy continues to amaze me. The artists on this site are so accommodating and friendly. It is truly a wonderful and special place to be a part of!

~Gracie

Happy Canada Day, eh?

In celebration of Canada my husband, Kevin, myself and two of our friends went out and picked strawberries, and boy did we ever have a glorious day for it! If you've never picked strawberries before, it is quite a lovely experience! You pay for the strawberries you take home, but while you're out in the fields you are welcome to eat as many berries as you can!

We ended up leaving with 5 cartons of fresh strawberries. The car smelled like fresh fruit all the way home. When we got home we cleaned all of them and divided them into the "eat now" and "freeze for later" categories so we can be sure to have some fruit for during the long winter months.

Here are some pictures from our beautiful Canada Day!

If you don't live near a u-pick strawberry farm, here are some lovely strawberry inspired creations from some very talented Etsy creators

Enjoy!

(Click on any of these Etsy store names to be redirected to their shops)

All Organic From My Garden Strawberry Jam
from HippieMade's shop

Luxe strawberry necklace
from joojooland's shop

Mossy with Red Strawberry Screen
Printed Shirt
from WrenWillow's shop

Strawberries and Cream -
Cotton - Reusable - Table Napkins
from MaryLittfin's shop

I want to ride my Bicycle, I want to ride my Bike...

Well, summer has finally arrived in Winnipeg (although we've had an awful lot of rain lately...) and one of the many things that I have been waiting for all winter is to be able to ride my bicycle again! I find nothing more relaxing that cycling through the park on a warm sunny day! Not a care in the world.

In celebration of beautiful days like today here are a few amazing cycle-inspired items from Etsy.

(Click on any of the shop names to be redirected to the artists' Etsy Shop)

Enjoy!

NEW--LA POMME DARK YELLOW Messenger Bag from ikabags' shop

Bicycle Notecard Set- 7 blank notecards with matching envelopes from LittleKorboose's shop

Clock made from a recycled Bike cassette gears from pixelthis' shop

Vinyl Wall Art Decal Bicycle from WowWall's shop

Victorian Bicycle Make-Ready Print from visualingual's shop

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving"

~Albert Einstein

~Gracie

my new ring from Morado and the Keel's Simple Diary...

...a few days ago i ordered a ring from morado.  well, it's here and it is stunning!  it came beautifully and thoughtfully packaged and was such a treat.  i asked purva if she could create a ring with a specific color i had in mind and she was able to match it exactly.  her creations are beautiful and well worth the purchase, i highly recommend morado's shop!

                                    

...and yes, that is my keel's simple diary.  have you tried one yet?  they are so much fun and make a great gift too, which is how i got mine. they come in a rainbow of colors to choose from and are resonably priced here:

 
...hope your having a good week!  grace has been very busy painting her new house, it will be exciting to see some pictures when they are done.

~monica

Gracie's Dream House

So, as Monica had mentioned last week Kevin (my husband) and I have just purchased our first house! The whole process was exhilarating. When I mentioned to Monica that we had been pre-approved for a mortgage and were starting to look she warned me that the entire process would likely happen very quickly but I had no idea just how instantaneously we would become home owners! We  looked at 6 houses the first day (which actually ended up being the only day) and when we set foot inside the second house we both instantly felt like we were home! We still kept our schedule and saw the other 4 houses but they only made us want to bid more on the one that we had initially fallen in love with. We decided to put an offer on it, which was a huge decision. Some people put in five, ten, twenty offers before they actually purchase a home (that's what the market in Manitoba is like right now). We put in our offer and then had to wait for a day to hear what their decision was. When we got the call letting us know that our offer was chosen and that we had got the house Kevin and I were overjoyed!

To recap what I meant by quick:
Sunday - We see the house
Monday - We put in our offer
Tuesday - We are home owners!

Our possession date is May first. We've already successfully sublet our apartment for June first which means we will have one month of overlap where we can go in and paint, refinish the floors and decorate! In celebration, I've selected a few of my favorite houseware items from Etsy that I would own in heart beat if my financial situation would allow, but, after just making such a large purchase, they might have to wait for a bit!

Painting: This splendid painting from Catalin's Shop is streched across 5 10"x30" canvases. This item has been a favorite of mine for well over a year and I like to visit it on a regular basis. It is so full of life and color. It would be a wonderful addition to any home...but especially mine!

Spoon Rest: This beautiful Stoneware Spoon Rest from Martisart's Shop is beautiful, functional and affordable! With a real soft spot for ceramics, I'm sure I could find a place for this in my new kitchen!

Wall Clock: Having been obsessed with analog clocks for as long as I can remember (Monica will remember a time when there were 5 ticking analog clocks in my childhood bedroom) I was struck by the clean cut simplicity of this hanging clock by Uncommon. A new twist on an old classic.
This would look great in my new front entrance!

Napkins: This adorable set of napkins by OlofsDaughters would make a wonderful house warming gift for a trendy young couple (hint hint...). If you like these, you'll have to check out all of the other houseware available in their shop including adorable couch cushions!

Rug: This amazing rug has found a warm spot in my heart! Created from 100% recycled T-shirts this amazing piece by PlowGirl is sure to make a grand statement in your front entrance (or mine)! A truly remarkable idea!

Wall Decal: Always a fan older styles I was immediately drawn to this brilliant green wall decal of a vintage dress form by WillowCreekSigns. Once we've moved in to our new house and I have my own room for crafting and music (!!!) this would be an ideal decoration. It makes a statement but doesn't take up any space which is pretty great for a girl with as much stuff as me! WillowCreek makes a HUGE assortment of wall decals so if this one isn't quite your taste, you'll just have to visit their store and find one that suits you!

Hanging Planter: Just look at this! I don't think I can even explain the simple joy that this little hanging planter by MonkeysAlwaysLook brings to me! It is just so full of life!
This store is just filled to the brim with amazing finds, so be sure to check them out...

Bicycle Glasses: And they're off!...for a drink! These fun summer-time glasses by VitalHome are just too cute to pass up! I imagine filling them with homemade lemonade and then carrying them out to my friends on our new porch as the sun begins to set in the distance! These glasses are also available in an assortment of colors.

Well, a girl can dream, can't she?

Even if I can't quite afford to run out and buy all of my favorite things, they can certainly act as the inspiration for what we make of our new little house! Lots of color, life and love! I'll leave you with a simple picture of our new humble abode. I will certainly be posting more as we start to work on it!

~Gracie

Rainy Day- Etsy Inspirations!

...i came across this beautiful print by Etsy artist Kecky the other day and it inspired me to create a rainy day outfit.  i love the vintage cartoon look of this print and the subtle neutral tones.  the detail is amazing in this drawing and the hat is just adorable!

...i thought i could add just one thing to my rainy day outfit, a pop of crimson! 

...looks like it will be raining here in Boston for a few days and i know how much the dreary grey skies can get a person down. so why not add a little pop of color to your rainy day ensemble?! not only will you feel a little bit happier but it may also bring a smile to someone else's face.

... clockwise from top left: Leighton, Bubble Umbrella
~just a hint of red on this clear bubble umbrella, so stylish and fun!

...couture by UntamedMenagerie  ~this necklace is just the cutest, handmade and cut from acrylic in a unique design.  i'm so impressed with this shop, their items are fabulous!  i'm eyeing up a few... and so reasonably priced, "Couture" or any of their pieces would be a show stopping, eye catching, unique and trendy accessory!

...vintage silk kimono scarf by janetexcat ~this scarf is just lovely.  made from a vintage kimono, the colors and pattern are exquisite and it looks very well made.  a luxurious re-purposed silk scarf with a history of it's own, this is sure to be something worth cherishing for years to come.

...summer rain earrings by joojooland ~these earring are simply adorable.  visit joojooland's shop for more wonderfully charming accessories and ohh and ahh at the quality of her product photographs.

...skirted ruffled water-resistant trenchcoat by chezkevito ~this rain coat adds a splash of color to any dreary day.  i love the ruffles and the extra long belt.  a well made treasure good enough to take you through many chilly wet seasons.

...english rose ruffle dress by Lirola ~more simply divine ruffles! this grey dress is sleek, retro with a bit of modern romantic, i think.  best of all, it is made in your size, the color of your choosing and you can add sleeves if you wish!

...vintage miu miu red rubber rain boots from pupule ~vintage, red, italian and good condition.  need i say more?  visit pupule for more great vintage finds.

...1920's cloche by bonniesknitting ~handmade grey wool hat with a vintage czech glass buckle, this hat is made from vintage wool.  lightweight and super soft, perfect to cover your tresses from the stresses of a windy, rainy day.

~monica

my alice in wonderland wish list

...this weekend I plan on going to the movie theaters to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D. I'm so excited that I decided to share some alice themed must haves.


...alice in wonderland canvas print by: alysakiwi


...a chair for alice by: SeaUnicorn


...alice's adventures in wonderland and through the looking glass by lewis carrol, available here: Penguin Classics


...through the looking glass print by: booksontape


...alice in wonderland pin topper set by: GigiMinor


...off with their heads tote by: CubistLiterature


...alice growing collage set by: WonderlandShop


...in a teacup brooch by: TillyBloom

~monica

Inspired! with a hint of blue

today's soft vintage-feel inspiration set comes from two separate etsy artists: AliciaBock and LolasRoom.

...i love the soft shades in each of these photos especially the light ethereal blues.

...these photos are happy, cheerful, young and fresh and could work very well all together on a wall, or beautifully just on their own.

...lately i have the blues. not the stingy, melancholy blues, but the cheerful and fresh blues!




...top two photos by AliciaBock:
pendant and bubble gum

...bottom two photos by LolasRoom:
self and sugary sweet

~monica

Spring is Just Around the Corner.... celebrate with our FIRST EVER GIVE-AWAY!!

After a long Canadian winter (just 2 more months to go!) I find it inspiring and comforting to start looking towards some of my favorite aspects of Spring. Although I long for long walks, cycling and simply going outside without a jacket, my favorite thing about this season is that after a long, dreary Winter you suddenly find yourself completely surrounded by life & color!

Here is a little bit of inspiration!


Red Dress: I am and will always be a complete sucker for a full skirt! This little beauty can be found along with many other wonderful vintage finds in HillBillyFilly's Shop. Great selection and great prices. Be sure to check her out!

Flower Necklace: This powerful accessory was created by ShopPleasThankYou. Similar items are available by custom order. This would be a great necklace for a Spring bride. All of the pieces available in this store are one-of-a-kind treasures.

Blue & Red Earrings: These earrings are available from RoseBudBeads Shop along with many other reasonably priced lovely accessories.

Decorative Quilt: I fell in love with this amazing piece of art as soon as I saw it. (Upper left hand corner of my collage). This quilt has such spectacular detail and was all constructed and stitched by hand. In order to appreciate it fully, please visit CLappQuilts Shop and check out a larger picture of this item. CLapp is new to Etsy and I wish her the best of luck. Amazing work.

Hand Made Felted Beads: These colorful hand made felt beads would make a wonderful addition to any crafters already overflowing craft cupboard. They would add a wonderful splash of color to any craft project. This collection along with many other colors are available from Piril's Shop. Great gift idea for a creative child!

Seed Packet Set: Looking for a great for a fellow garden lover? Look no further. This Color Seed Packet set available from VintageGreenLimited's Shop includes 6 numbered seed packet pouches, 6 numbered identification sticks and 6 information cards. A great house warming gift!

Illustrated Print: This beautiful print of a girl amongst nature would be a beautiful addition to a childs room although Spring brings out the child in all of us. Available from Elsita's Shop along with countless other original works.

Spoon Ring: Who wouldn't want a beautiful ring made from their favorite flatware pattern? I know I would! This great ring is available in Goorsendjewelry's Shop along with many other patterns and pieces. I know I'm hoping to get my hands on one of these before the summer is through, and for less than $15 there's no reason not to!

Ceramic Bowls: Truly the inspiration for this entire blog post, these wonderfully colored ceramic bowls from LynnCardwellPottery's Shop are simply fabulous. I can just picture them on my patio filled with little treats on a warm spring day. These are available by custom order. Be sure to check out the rest of the items in this shop too!

THE CONTEST:

We invite you to enter our give-away by becoming a follower of our blog and posting a comment about what you are looking forward to the most this coming Spring! You will be entered to win a $25 Gift Certificate at our shop: EmenGeeDesigns on Etsy. One comment per follower, winner will be chosen by a random draw.

Contest Ends Saturday March 6th, 12:00am CST, so get your comments in now! Winner will be announced in Monday, March 8th's post

Tea Time with EmenGee

Playing dress up has been one of my favorite things to do for as long as I can remember. As you grow up, finding opportunities to put on a costume and have a good times with friends becomes more and more difficult. For this reason I think that Tea Parties are a wonderful thing. Whether it's 2 or 20 of your girl friends, any number is a perfect opportunity to put on stunning hats, gloves, accessories and dresses and just sit around chatting or playing a game of EmenGee's favorite game, Rummy.

To help get you started, here is a little bit of inspiration from a few talented artists and vintage sellers on Etsy.



Party Dress: This stunning little number is available at TimelessVintageVixen's Shop. Her shop is filled to the brim with amazing vintage finds specializing in high quality vintage dresses. If you love vintage dresses like I do, be sure to check out this amazing shop.

Cookies: No tea party would be complete without a mouth-watering treat like these Giant Chocolate Chip cookies from BusyBaker's shop. No matter what your taste, this shop is sure to have something to please your palate!

Shoes: These shoes are a tasty treat for your feet! They would look adorable with jeans or a party dress. They are available at PranceAndSwagger's shop along with tons of other amazing vintage finds for men and women!

Feather Fascinator: A splendid addition to any outfit be it casual or formal, this little head-band packs a powerful punch. It is available along with a large selection of other colors and styles at Kaang's shop.

White Flower Studs: A sweet little earrings for a sweet little ear. These studs are a total flash back to he fifties! A must have for any upscale event! These earrings along with many other styles and colors are available at Sorelle's shop.

Necklace: A classic necklace! This piece would complete any 1950's ensemble. This adorable object is available at MaryGraceJewellery's Shop. Her shop is filled to the brim with beautiful Vintage inspired, handmade jewellery.

Teapot & Teacups: This wonderful handmade Tea Set is from OakBluffsPottery's Shop. This shop is full of amazing handmade ceramic pottery which features simple but elegant form and lots of colors to choose from.

Here is a fabulous website is you're looking for some information on planning your own tea party: http://oldfashionedliving.com/teaideas.html

And, if you're interested, here are the rules to Rummy so you can start playing that with your girlfriends: http://www.pagat.com/rummy/rummy.html

Good luck! Happy Tea-Partying!

~Gracie

Snowy Friends

It's been unseasonably warm lately. Or at least I think it has?! This is only my second winter in Boston so I'm not sure what it's supposed to be like right now. One thing's for sure though, being from Manitoba I'm not used to rain in January. With this weather it's a perfect opportunity to make a snowman! But if you can't lay claim to any snow like me, living the apartment life, maybe this is the next best thing? A snowman or snow lady made by your own two hands to last a lifetime! Perfect for yourself or a gift, why not whip one up today? These were super easy to make and so much fun. By embroidering their features on you can add personalities to them and in a sense, bring them to life. These snow people may be unsuitable for small children as they contain small parts.

~Monica









This pattern was acquired online... somewhere, only I can't remember where. If you have an idea, please let us know so we can give the appropriate credit!

A few of My Favorites...

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to share with you some of my handmade favorites this week! Wouldn't that yarn make a beautiful sweater, paired with those handmade buttons!? ahhh.... Of course, these would make wonderful gifts as well with the holiday season coming upon us.

~Monica



credits clockwise from top left: TessaAnn, Ozknits, Starpompon, HeliS, lovejanice.