Guest Curator: Wide Open Spaces

empaige

Story by empaige

Published on Oct 14, 2009 in Shop

Photo by Wide Open Spaces

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Emily Paben is the author of the lifestyle blog Wide Open Spaces. Growing up with absolutely no handmade experience, as an adult she began the slow process of trying to get back to the basics. She dreams of one day being accomplished in everything from cooking great meals from scratch to sewing clothing her kids are proud to wear. She particularly loves making gifts by hand. Last Christmas it was homemade Amaretto to go with her husband’s homemade truffles. This year they are considering orangettes and French macaroons.

Here are my current Etsy favorites — all the types of things I would put on my blog on any given day: things that are beautiful, simple, and quality with good design.

 

Gold Woodgrain Band

Faux bois has definitely been having its (second) moment in the sun and I am loving it. fisforfrank has done a great job of combining two of my favorites aesthetics — earthy with modern glam. This is my kind of cocktail ring. $52.

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Organic Linen Sandwich Bag—Vintage Floral Bartlett Pear

These are adorable. Nothing thrills me more than when reusable, eco-friendly options are cooler than the plastic alternative. My daughter would love to take this to school every day. And the seller, countrylifenaturals, has so many gorgeous choices. I’ve been trying to think of all the other stuff I could store in these. Wouldn’t they be great as gift bags? $14.

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Modern Design Deck Poster

My friend Anne sent me the link to this poster because she thought I’d love it. She was right. How else could I find the room and finances for all my iconic loves? pleasebestill has done me right. Thank you, friends. I’m thinking of putting this in our playroom as a sort of early education for my future little design gurus. $49.

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Penny Peacock Print

I am not quite sure what it is about Penny, but I love her. Perhaps it’s her uncertainty. No reason for that though, she is something fierce. Especially with all those feathers coming out this way and that. tuesdaymourning‘s work is awesome. All of it. I’m saving up to get a family portrait done by her. $20.

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24 Exclusive Advent Calendar Pouches – choose your font and ribbon.

I already have Christmas on the brain, perhaps because somewhere back there, I always have Christmas on the brain. It is the greatest holiday after all, right? And Advent calendars are one of my very favorite holiday traditions. These pouches are adorable and so practical to allow for little surprises that are larger than a thimble. And I particularly love how nuvonova lets you customize yours by choosing the font and ribbon. Very merry. $70.

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An African Tea Party – 5×7 Print

Other pieces by kirby have caught my eye in the past but this one stole my heart. The reasons are numerous. I love tea parties. I love Out of Africa. Oh, and we are in the midst of our first international adoption and I love the idea of hanging art in our house that looks a little bit like our family will — beautiful. $12.

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The Classic 2-Piece Harness Belt in Bison Brown

This belt is gorgeous, as are all of the offerings at Death and Texas (I love that name). I love how it appears both simple and classic and but really it’s a bit of a showstopper. I would wear this over shirt dresses and skinny cardigans all season long and call it a day. By DNTX, $89.

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Milkweed… Felted Cashmere Slippers from Upcycled Sweater, Size 2-3 years

Okay, people. This may be the last time you have to ever wonder what to give as a baby gift. Really. I am thinking these little slippers from woolybaby just may be the perfect gift. Ridiculously soft, these have been made from 100% cashmere sweaters that have been recycled along with the leather. There are oodles of gorgeous styles that are perfect whether you know the baby’s gender or not. Perfection. $46.

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Olive Tree Print

I have this thing for trees in general, and something beyond that for olive tress in particular. I love this simple depiction. Yeah, I’d hang it in my little boy Oliver’s room. I told you the love ran deep. Check out jellybeans‘ other trees as well. If you too are a tree lover, these are bound to make you smile. $15.

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Recipe Cards

I posted about this several months ago and have yet to come across a set of recipe cards I like more. Simple, happy, beautiful and functional. What more could I hope to find? jessicagm has a knack for simple clean illustrations that pack a lot of punch. $6.

 

Brights Set of Website Cards

What is it about tiny things? So often I find that the best things really do come in small packages. Take these website cards from avie — they are perfect for bloggers like me. Just a little something with which to pass on our site address. Tiny, sweet, just the facts. I want these. $15.

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SALE – Imaginary Conversations (Add Your Own Message) Paper Wreath

Wreaths and paper are two of my favorite things so it should come as no surprise that I am over the moon about these personalized wreaths by haru. They will include decorative detailing and a note or quote of your choice. I think this would make a great housewarming gift. $60.

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A Heart for Thailand

My husband and I have two biological kids and are in the midst of our first adoption. Within the year we should be traveling to Thailand to meet him. In the meantime, my heart feels like it is there. This necklace is such a perfect expression of the way that I feel. And with every purchase made at JUNKPOSSE, you help give a child a family. Is there anything better? $68.

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Felt Tea Set – Tea Pot Tea Cup Tea Leaves Tin Tea Bag (Patterns and Instructions via Email)

I actually want nearly everything in this shop (and and the skills to pull it off). I would love to slowly begin to stock my kids’ play kitchen with these homemade felt goodies. Soft, durable, beautiful and made with love. Heirloom toys! By umecrafts, $5.

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