Search results (tags) for: "sweden"

Etsy Finds Decor: Party Like It's 1999!

2009-12-20T08:56:00-05:00

This week's Get the Look: Decor will show you how to get your home ready for the New Year's celebration of the decade. Take inspiration from our friends at CasaSugar to make your New Year's party one that will leave a lasting impression for years to come.

We at home decor site CasaSugar delight in keeping our readers informed on the latest home decor indulgences, as well as providing readers with a source for information on eco, economical, and unique ideas for maintaining, decorating, and organizing their homes.

This fabulous Swedish home, formerly a slaughterhouse, really blew me away, instantly qualifying as what I like to call a coveted crib. The home has an impressively curated mix of furniture and accessories from various decades and far off places, as well as an extensive collection of artwork. All in all, it seems like an ideal place to ring in the new decade.

Vintage Street Sign // 2nd Street

From junkyardgarden, $18.

3 solid brass candle holders

From ImSoVintage, $39.

White eames era vintage chair

From Boomboxblitz, $95.

Neoteric no. 8

By LBrandt, $40.

Brass Art Deco Deer Pair

From TheCottageCheese, $129.

XXL Vintage telephone head

From bluebellbazaar, $69.

Vinyl Decal Sticker Tree Hanger

By artwallproject, $32.

Upcycled silver pot lid Clock

By OldNewAgain, $24.

Bearded One Toile Throw Pillow

By utilitarianfranchise, $30.

Scrolled Feather Bookends

From HausProud, $36.

Framed Vintage Bakery Poster

From GoodBehavior, $70.

Recycled T-Shirt Rug

By talkingsquid, $54.

Copper Candlestick

By McGdesign, $45.

White porcelain Ming style horse

From highstreetmarket, $89.

Bergere Silhouette Chair pillow

By PillowPallooza, $72.

60s Danish Nesting Tables

From moderntoretro, $295.

Pair of Vintage Chairs in Zebra

From Inged, $680.

Mona Lisa Print

By briancrete, $50.

Smile on the Mona Lisa Poster

By thefabmissb, $65.

Safari Zebra Pillows

By PillowsCollection, $85.

Rose Gilded Candlabra Pair

From LiseVintageLighting, $110.

Target Practice Pillow

By PillowPallooza, $93.

Mod Deer

From HausProud, $34.

Regency Gold Leaf Mirror

From AustinModern, $175.

Mod Cottage Wood Star

By baconsquarefarm, $20.

about your eye

By ghosthaus, $95.

Faux Bearskin Rug

By fringecollection, $1000.

Vintage UK Bus Roll

From economica, $400.

Black ball and marble lamp pair

From deepoca, $80.

Vintage White Ceramic Quail

From thesundaytimesmarket, $14.

Modern Cats, a ceramic pair

By NomadClayworks, $28.50.

Birds in Flight

By findingfabulous, $24.

Eat, Drink and Dance Until Dawn

Maple and Walnut Candle Holder

By BrazanDesign, $45.

Red Lobesters Audio Speakers

By ikymagoo, $200.

Steamboat tumblers set of 6

From beenie2847, $28.

Contour Platter Set

By amischievousmarriage, $105.

Hot Orange Divided Trays

From ionesAttic, $22.99.

Silver Ombre Cocktail Serving Set

From vintageonthemake, $85.

Leather Serving Tray & Barware

By DailyMemorandum, $45.

Set of 6 Stainless Coasters

By RobisonMetalWorks, $32.

Space Age Stereo Speakers

From openairmodern, $350.

Vintage Nesting Snack Bowls

From five6seven8, $22.

Vintage Dansk Teak Tray

From sevenbc, $75.

Bohemian Modern Bar Glass Set

By solsticehome, $24.

The FlatLine Incense Burner

By DrCraze, $8.

Shot Glass Liquor Dispenser

By fabulousmess, $85.

WATSON. WOOD COASTERS

By mediumcontrol, $20.

6 Plaid Drinking Glasses

By FASHIONRERUN, $32.

Vintage Modern WoodenTray

From bouquet, $16.

Condiment tray with wood base

From milkglassandmetal, $18.

Wine Wedge

By DrCraze, $30.

Modern Renaissance Coasters

By infraredstudio, $16.

60s Teak Wood Nesting Tables

From fabulousmess, $295.

Vintage Hotel Silver Ice Bucket

From AustinModern, $55.

Letterpress Coaster Set

By luckybeepress, $12.

Cowboy Zen Oil Lamp

By TheCeremonialHome, $48.

Extra Large Red Circles Bowl

By luckalilly, $50.

Vintage Pintel Silver Bowl Set

From BrightWallVintage, $18.

Nesting Scallop Bowls

By elementclaystudio, $150.

Cathrineholm Black & White Dish

From TraceyAnns, $45.

Stoneware Bowl

By CaroleEpp, $32.

Chrome &Bakelite Tray & Dish

From caffeinequeenie, $25.

Modern Aluminum Ice Bucket

From vintagehomerecycled, $22.95.

Vintage Pair of Candleholders

From WHIMSYlove, $19.

Vintage 1970s french shot glasses

By CristalinaIC, $15.

Teak Handle Corkscrew

From eyeformodern, $15.

Set of 3 Cathrineholm Lotus Bowls

From SauceForTheGoose, $160.

Giraffe and Bird Plate

By FoxAndClover, $68.

Here are some tips for hosting an equally hip New Year's bash in your own digs:

Make some doily decorations and hang them to look like snowflakes from your ceiling for a wintry effect.
Don't forget to hang mistletoe to facilitate smooching.
Make your own New Year’s Eve confetti.
Decorate outdoors with frozen cranberry wreaths.
Repurpose ball ornaments into vases.
Add some winter girls to your wall art collection.
Turn that Christmas wreath into one that’s fit for a New Year’s party.

For more fun with Casa Sugar, check out CasaSugar's Coveted Crib series or CasaSugar's Etsy Finds.

Bonus Reader Challenge! CasaSugar wants to see your party decor picks inspired by this same space. Share links to the Etsy items you'd like to see at your New Year's loft party in the comments below. We'll let the whole community vote on the their favorites. The top-rated items will be featured on CasaSugar and in CasaSugar's Etsy picks Gift Guide.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

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Guest Curator: Shop Local With Diane Vadino

2009-11-25T14:27:00-05:00

Diane Vadino is a novelist, blogger, and printmaker. She is only 62 credits from completing an undergraduate degree in conceptual art. Her novel, Smart Girls Like Me, was printed in one language and in one country but earned an A- from Entertainment Weekly, and her author’s edition of it, with handmade covers, is available in her Etsy shop. She writes frequently about shopping around the world for magazines including Budget Travel and NYLON — in which she named Etsy as the "E" in the A to Z best things about America.

As a travel writer, I'm on the road almost constantly — I'm writing this column in a web cafe in Nepal, at the tail end of a seven-hour cross-country ride on a bus that bounced so hard the seats actually came loose. Bringing home unique, handmade pieces of art and design — and writing about them on my blog, Bunnyshop — are some of my favorite things about traveling, and I use Etsy's Shop Local feature constantly — whether to find cool designers when I'm away from home, or when I'm back in New York, hoping to buy (or write about) unique work from far away.

Bambina Vessels

I flipped when I saw these "Bambina vessels"— I love them, they're so gorgeous and delicate — by New Zealand designer Zekiah Heath (who goes by Popkraft on Etsy) at a small ceramics shop near Auckland, while doing a piece on NZ for NYLON. $26.

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Rhino Pastel Ndebele

This rhino is so adorable — the perfect souvenir from Johannesburg. By giggletree, $25.

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Taira Polka Dot necklace D

I love everything at the Homako shop, but this polka-dot necklace might be my favorite. Weirdly enough, I found her when I was looking for pieces from Japan — she's since moved to L.A., but I think they're just as good an aesthetic fit with southern California. Love them, love them. $27.

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The Royal Tenenbaums poster

There’s no shortage of amazing printed work in London, but these film posters by Claudia Varosio are some of the best I've seen. I love how she's able to distill each one down to a key image and the right colors and font. $16.90.

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Pure Noe Valley Honey - 16 oz, June 2009

I went to art school in San Francisco, so I know there's an unbelievable number of incredible makers-of-things there — including all sorts of homemade foods and drinks. I love that these honeys were made right in the middle of the city, in Noe Valley. By PollenPrincesses, $19.99.

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Small Porcelain Container

Shop Local is also an awesome way to find vintage pieces from around the world without leaving home — like this Chinese box from Singapore, now available from The Orientalist's shop. Most amazingly: free shipping to anywhere in the world! $50.

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Set of Pasta Bowls

I found these plates when I was writing about Etsy for NYLON and really wanted to include a designer from Brooklyn, my hometown. I was crazy about these hand-painted (yet dishwasher safe — always a bonus, even if I will be 100 years old before I have a dishwasher) plates from Michelle Antonisse. $65.

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Grace Backpack - Leather in Antique Brown and Brass

Ditto these pieces from Moxie and Oliver — I was looking for a designer based in the Northwest, and Seattle was the first city I searched. This is basically the most gorgeous leather bag I've ever seen — and completely handmade. $750.

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Reindeer, 7 x 8 Fine Art Print

I once had to do a story on independent designers in Los Angeles and somehow came across this amazing photo of a reindeer (which I thought was a moose for basically forever). Sharon Montrose has a collection of other awesome photos of real animals — including a goat, a sheep, and a pony. Ridiculously excellent. $25.

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WaXxe in Blushing Soft Pink - Luxurious Plush Leather Hobo

I've been looking for a shop based in Thailand — it's my next stop after Nepal — and randomly it turned out that my sister, who co-writes Bunnyshop, featured ZhenUN, which just moved there, last week. My favorite is this soft pink bag with a hobo-ish shape. By zhenunleathers, $159.

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Handmade limited edition vintage 1960s fabric dress custom size

I've been working on a piece on street fashion in Stockholm, so I decided it was time to get some for myself. I love everything about this dress, which is made from 1960s vintage fabric. Plus: amazing print. Plus: adorable sleeves. Plus: pockets! By cristinapires, $150.

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Philadelphia's ill

I've been scouring Etsy for something to get my sister, who lives in Philadelphia, for Christmas. This "ill" necklace from Sharif — based on the Phillies' logo — is a definite finalist. It won't heal a heart broken in game six of the World Series, but at least it's something fun to wear come opening day in April. $20.

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Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive!

Etsy Finds: Locally Grown

2009-06-24T12:00:00-05:00

Did you know that there is probably an Etsy shop close to where you live? Etsy sellers are located all over the planet — you can find them selling rings in Nepal, children's clothing in Morocco, and jewelry all the way up at the North Pole. If you want to find the shops in your own (or anyone else's) backyard, try out Etsy's Shop Local feature. Check out these picks from five various locations (including my home, Long Island), then go out and become an Etsy locavore.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Silver Bracelet

By zirconjoyas, $145.

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Hand Knitted Cardigan with Pockets

By ovejanegra, $130.

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Braided Cotton Necklace in Brilliant Colors.

By southstreet, $25.

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Purple Leather Belt with Agata Stone

By valento, $75.

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Long Island, New York

3 Leather Business Card Cases

By unemployeddesigner, $35.99.

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Punk Rocker Onesie Gift Set

By lowleepop, $34.

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Log Bolster Pillow

By sewfaux, $130.

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Pin-Up Playing Cards

From romantictreasures, $8.

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St. Paul, Minnesota

Custom Recycled Wood Sign

By WilliamDohman, $42.

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Vintage 1960s Leather Jacket

From JPsuniqueboutique, $40.

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Handmade Feather Headband

By bethanylorelle, $25.

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Girl on a Tree Swing - Wire Sculpture

By sparkflight, $525.

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Stockholm, Sweden

Pick Up-line Bracelet with Silver Clasp

By Bijoudesign, $32.

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Vintage Oversized Nautical Top

From Ciamant, $5.

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Bow Necklace

By LullLull, $25.

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The Puff Shrug - Long Sleeve

By aCatsNest, $62.

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Tokyo, Japan

Vintage Hippo Wrap Skirt

From sexiestgreen, $56.

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Giraffe necklace (brass)

By strangegarden, $26.

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Red Piranha Koi

By Monsterosity, $23.

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Nest Wrapped Silver Ring - Any Size

By bikudesigns, $38.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | More Shop Local Posts | Shop Local Feature | Gift Ideas

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Guest Curators: Jessie and Julia of LesMads

2009-06-17T10:25:00-05:00

Today's Guest Curator is German fashion blog LesMads. Julia and Jessie are trendspotters extraordinaire, so we're quite excited to see their Etsy favorites — and read about them both in German and English! (Check out more bilingual posts here.) Here's LesMads!

We are Julia and Jessie, authors of the German fashion blog LesMads. (The English version can be seen here.) Over the past two years, we have been looking for individual and creative styles. Naturally, we really got to know Etsy, so amidst creativity and unorthodox shopping options, it's not surprising that we've given in and made one or two purchases on our own.

Wir sind Julia und Jessie, die Autoren des deutschen Fashionblogs LesMads.de. In den letzten zwei Jahren haben wir immer nach individuellen und kreativen Stilen Ausschau gehalten und in den vergangenen Monaten haben wir die Shopping-Plattform Etsy erst richtig kennengelernt und unter die Lupe genommen, so dass wir vor lauter Kreativität und außergewöhnlichen Einkaufsmöglichkeiten dem ein oder anderen Kauf verfallen sind.

Up and coming, independent designers and artists sell their work here and therefore guarantee shoppers unique pieces, beyond mass produced goods. The precise hand tailoring (except for the vintage stores) and the elaborate designs have their price, of course. One should be happy to pay for the individuality. The fact that you are promoting independent designers is the added value you get with every purchase. We've compiled an overview of our favorite Etsy items for you!

Gerade unabhängige, kleine Designer und Künstler verkaufen ihre Werke bei Etsy und garantieren dem Käufer Einzelstücke jenseits von Massenware. Die genaue Arbeit von Hand (mit Ausnahme der Vintagestores) sowie die aufwendigen Designs haben natürlich ihren Preis, der guten Gewissens hingenommen werden sollte: Individualität und die Unterstützung unabhängiger, junger Designer sind mit dem Kauf gesichert. Wir haben einen kleinen Überblick unserer Etsy-Favoriten zusammengestellt!

Rodarte inspired knit stocking fishnet thigh highs black

Rodarte fever is all over the place, and we luckily found handmade fishnet tights from MisoPervy to get the look.

Das Rodarte-Fieber ist unaufhaltsam und glücklicherweise haben wir die handgemachten Fischnetz-Strumpfhosen von MisoPervy aus Kalifornien entdeckt. By MisoPervy, $45.

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Nude Leather Shoulder Dress/Tunic-S/M

Misha from Sweden writes a blog where she presents her self-stitched creations. The feedback she received from her posts was always so encouraging that now the same readers can buy her asymmetrical blazers, draped tunics and (our favorite) leather dresses in her Etsy shop, mishamarket.

Misha aus Schweden schreibt das Blog Dusty Dress, auf dem sie stets ihre selbst-genähten Kreationen präsentierte. Da das Feedback so gut war, können wir als Leser nun ihre asymmetrischen Blazer, drapierten Tuniken oder (unser Favorit) ihre Lederkleider bei Etsy kaufen. By mishamarket, $65.

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ORGANIC V necklace in Grey

We love neck adornments in the form of long, elaborately draped chains, frills and chain scarves. giia from Milan makes these pieces, priced between 50 and 100 Euros. We love the organic V necklace!

Mehr Verzierungen für den Hals in Form von langen, kunstreich drapierten Ketten, Rüschen oder Rundungen: Giia aus Mailand entwirft individuelle Stücke auf einer Presiskala zwischen 50 und 100 Euro. We lieben die 'organic V Necklace'! By giia, $55.

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The Cage Skirt - Custom Order, any size, any colour

Angie from Norwegian Wood is a trendsetter and has already made Queen Michelle and Susie Bubble happy with garments from her Etsy store. The cage skirt is legendary!

Angie von Norwegian Wood ist ein Trendsetter und hat schon Queen Michelle und Susie Bubble mit ihren Kleidern aus ihrem Etsy-Store glücklich gemacht. Der 'cage skirt' ist legendär! By iheartnorwegianwood, $110.

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14k Diamond Cocktail Ring

Needless to say, this ring is every woman's dream: "This large emerald is surrounded by 15 round, genuine brilliant cut diamonds." The fact that this vintage item had its big showdown in the 80s makes it even more sparkling to me. Last task to do: find a glorious big spender who is interested in decorating my left hand without planning a wedding.

Ohne Frage handelt es sich hier um den Traum einer jeden Frau: "Der Smaragd ist von 15 runden, einzigartig geschliffenen Diamanten umrundet". Die Tatsache, dass der Ring seinen Showdown in den 80ern hatte, macht ihn noch fast attraktiver. Dann steht jetzt nur noch die Suche nach dem grosszuegigen Spender an der nicht gleich die Hochzeit planen will. By BackThennishVintage, $695.

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Fancy That dress

It doesn't take much for us to "fancy that dress." This romantic version of the Little Black Dress is no bargain, but it can be made exclusively according the buyer's measurements. Bows, ruffles, rhinestones: what more can a girl ask for?

Für uns gar kein Problem, dem Leitspruch zu folgen: Fancy that dress. Die romantische Version des kleinen Schwarzen ist zwar kein Schnäppchen, wird aber individuell auf die Maße der Käuferin zugeschneidert. Schleifen, Rüschen, Strass - da bleiben keine Wünsche offen. By sarahseven, $189.

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FRENCH LOVE AND L'ALCOOL (white) (womens medium)

Our passion for white shirts with black print has found a new source of satisfaction. The text on this shirt says, "Moi, je veux te dire que je ne te quitterai jamais. Et puis, si tu es triste, je pourrais toujours te donner un peu d'alcool pour te rechauffer le couer. xo." This seems to mean something like, "I'll be there for you always. And I'll get you drunk when you're sad."

Unsere neue LIebe für weiße, große T-Shirts mit schwarzem Print haben eine neue Anlaufstelle gefunden. Der Text hier sagt: "Moi, je veux te dire que je ne te quitterai jamais. Et puis, si tu es triste, je pourrais toujours te donner un peu d'alcool pour te rechauffer le couer. xo" was soviel heißt wie "Ich bin immer für dich da und wenn du traurig bist, gebe ich dir einen Schnaps." By CubistLiterature, $24.

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Vintage German Childs Lederhosen Folk Shorts. Brown, Green and Grey

There are few items that are as characteristic as Lederhosen in representing German tradition. These short pants will not only make a woman look special for Oktoberfest in the fall, but they'll also create a fun asset to plain white shirts and your favorite shoes. Add red knee high socks and you're best in show!

Kaum ein Kleidungsstueck ist charakteritischer fuer deutsche Tradition als die Lederhose. Nicht nur zum Oktoberfest im Herbst machen die Shorts jeden Look einzigartig, es streut auch eine Prise Leichtigkeit auf jedes Outfit zu weissem T-Shirt und Lieblingsschuhen. Dann noch rote, knie-hohe Struempfe dazu und der Streetstyle-Fotograf kann die Kamera zuecken! From domestikate, $26.

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Butterfly Garden

Lately we have focused more than ever on necklaces. If black was the dominator in color and mood for winter, we can definitely go for a color explosion around our necks come summer. This virtual butterfly garden will brighten up any rainy day or grumpy morning.

In der letzten Zeit haben wir uns beim Schmuck-Hunting verstaerkt auf Ketten konzentriert. Wenn Schwarz im Winter den Ton angegeben hat, ist es nun langsam soweit, die Farbexplosion um unsere Nacken passieren zu lassen. Zwischen Kopf und Schultern ist genug Platz fuer den Schmetterling-Garten, der uns jeden Regenschauer und schlechte Laune vergessen lassen. By itspamdemonium, $125.

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Three Golds Necklace

We just can't help it: there are so many talented accessories designers on Etsy! We just had to order a shiny brown necklace, crocheted of golden yarn with a special volume, from alasdelsur.

Wir können es nicht sein lassen, es gibt zu viele talentierte Accessoire-Designer bei Etsy, daher nun noch ein weiterer: Aus New York haben wir eine braune, glänzende Kette bestellt, die aus goldenem Garn gehäkelt wurde und die traditionelle Technik mit Modernem verbindet. Von Alas del Sur. By alasdelsur, $30.

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Half /Half T-shirt in black jersey and lace

Black Market Baby is Canada based and really into black mesh tops, bondage leggings and exclusive jewelery. Her Half /Half T-shirt in black jersey and lace is pretty new to the collection. Forget the classic t-shirt: this is what you need!

Black Market Baby kommt aus Kanada und steht auf schwarz, bauchfreie Tops, Bondage Leggings oder exklusiven Schmuck. Das "halb Jersey, halb Spitze T-Shirt" wurde ganz frisch zur Kollektion hinzugefügt und könnte nicht besser sein - vergesst das klassische T-Shirt! By blackmarketbaby, $35.

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We hope you enjoyed this bilingual post! Check out LesMads' in German and English for more fashion wisdom!

Looking for past Guest Curators? Check out our archive.

More Fashion Posts | Summer Fashion Gift Guide | Trends

Etsy Finds: Global Market

2009-04-30T12:22:00-05:00

Take a virtual stroll through a far away artisan market by using Etsy's Shop Local tool. I like to check out what artists are up to in Paris, Amsterdam, Montreal, Sydney, Japan, London, and other international cities. Today I'll share with you some of the new international artists I found via Shop Local. Help me welcome them by checking out their incredible work!

Poppa Butterfly Ring

Beautifully inspired by the artist's grandfather's butterfly collection. By London's poppetandpinch, $265.

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ZIRMA

Made in my favorite city, Montreal (where Etsy admin will be headed soon!). By tarudesign, $40.

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Linen Table Napkin Ith / Eat

"Ith" translates to "eat" in Gaelic. I could totally ith some colcannon right now! By Ireland's placed, $10.

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The Walk - Collaged Brooch

Love these 3-D collage brooches by the UK's zoeest, $35.

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VIOLETTE embellished French women tee shirt

This hand-embellished tee would be great for mom! By French artist lamarquisedesanges, $32.

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Village Keepers - original painting, acrylic on canvas free shipping

Original painting by Croatia's moonthroughfog, $55.

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Blue Soft Shawl/Cowl With Buttons

Unique knit goods, straight from Stockholm! By aCatsNest, $35.

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Burning Volcano - Sterling Silver Ring

Two Parisian jewelers recently set up shop, and all I can say is, "Ooh la la!" By JiaStyle, $98.

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Andalucia, South of Spain Tapestry

Take a closer look at this textile artists from Madrid. By meryet, $160.

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bela bijoux. real preserved phalaenopsis orchid hair pin

A real orchid sealed in resin by Germany's florzinha, $39.

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Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

More Etsy International Posts | Shop Local | More Fresh Shops with Pounce | More New Talent

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Fresh Shops: MattiasA

2008-12-25T15:30:00-05:00

The illustrations of Mattias Adolfsson aka MattiasA hum with imagination — the characters emerge from the page like they're prancing out of a fully formed make believe world. This Fresh Shops brings original watercolors on paper to the Etsy Art Category. Below, you can see a work in progress:

Mattias gets inspiration from the landscape of his father's birthplace: a small island on the west coast of Sweden called Stora Kornö. Nature seems to be his imagination's elixir, as he "and my wife start the day with an hour long walk in the woods with our dog. It's a great start to the day and starts the brain thinking on new pieces. I also find that running is a great way of getting new ideas, there is something to the fact that you are moving that gets the creative juices going."

Mattias has also been a fan of Tove Janson (of Moomin fame) and Herge (the Belgian creator of Tintin) since he was young. "As a child my parents used to take me and my twin sisters to a lot of exhibitions and museums that played a big part as well in influencing me."

Mattias has been making art his whole life, but only in the past two years has he been doing his own work fulltime. Spending time with his family — his wife, two daughters and a terrier too — is a great part of his life.

When I asked him what he likes about selling on Etsy, he told me he likes "the fact that you get feedback directly and that you can see who hearts our shop."

You can find out more about Mattias' creative process on his blog: http://mattiasa.blogspot.com

Looking for more Etsy newbies? Check out our previous Fresh Shops coverage!

Gift Ideas: Shop Local Scandinavia with syko

2008-11-18T11:00:00-05:00

Shop Local this holiday season and support independent craftspeople while reducing your carbon footprint! We're going around the world here on Etsy's blog, so let us know where our next stop should be in the comments below. This post wings its way to you from Scandinavia, courtesy of Etsian syko. That's her, pictured above, next to the forest where she "finds the tomte-people." With a little help from these tomte, syko handpicked the sellers and their items displayed below.

This photo is by Elizabeth aka flyingrhymes from Denmark.

"This photo was taken just down the street from my studio and home. It's a place I pass daily and the beauty of it re-energizes me after being in the studio for a block of time. Simple lines and bold colors found in Danish nature and architecture influence my print designs on pillows and tea towels."

This is Eva aka BeyondReason from Norway.

"This is the house i grew up in, in a little village called Feiring. Only ghosts and spiders live there now, and I sometimes go to visit them."

This photo is by Minna aka karuski from Finland.

"This picture was taken in our garden which is one of my favorite places with its apple trees, flowers and herbs. In the winter it is very exciting to see how many different animals have crossed the yard; the footsteps in the snow reveal them!"

This is Katrine aka KatrineK from Norway.

"This is me in front of the house where I live, my home. It was taken on a foggy, cold day of autumn, with winter just around the corner. I chose a picture of my house because I spend so much time there both living and working. Our house is situated next to a wood; I love to be surrounded by trees!"

This photo is by Amanda Yu aka Exotic Flavour from Stockholm, Sweden.

"This is the street where I live in Sundbyberg in Western Stockholm. I love the area, which is convenient and has a lovely park with lakes nearby. The church in the background is one of the biggest and most beautiful ones in Sundbyberg. Although I am a Buddhist, I love the architecture of the church. If you look closely, you will see I am wearing earrings I designed in blue and yellow, the colors of the Swedish flag."

This is Sædís from Iceland.

"This picture is taken in Reykjavik where I live. I am walking my dog in Laugardalur, which means the Washing Valley. In the old times women came here from far away to do the laundry. You can see the steam coming up from the warm river behind me."

Please let Etsy's blog know about your favorite local Etsy artists. Pitch your town, state, country or region and let us know which sellers will fill their holiday-shopper-neighbors with glee (we're talking catalog-quality photos, 100% feedback, and top-notch items at a variety of price points); include a screenshot of your Poster Sketched picks and a link to a pretty photo of yourself in your neighborhood. Tell us why you love where you live and why these sellers are distinctive. We can't wait to hear from you!

Check out the European Street Team — a self-organized group of sellers. Make sure to update your geo info in your public profile so you can find folks in your area by using Etsy's Shop Local site feature. This is a great way for holiday shoppers to cut down on shipping time. Find out more about how Shop Local works.

News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere: June 12, 2008

2008-06-12T13:56:00-05:00

It's hot like fire in Brooklyn, so I'm seeking solace in air conditioning and the internets. Looking at photos of well coiffed people gives me hope that I won't always look like a hot mess. Only three more months of this crazy summer!

This week, I have many posts for your consideration: plants, Swedish interiors, jazz age styling, needlepoint, and perhaps an adorable animal?

Read on!

Refinery29's Pipeline put together a great piece on the return of needlepoint. ("Don't call it a comeback!") I just love these style and inspiration collages, don't you?

I am currently very obsessed with succulents. I've started a small collection at my house, and I've managed to keep most of them alive! (Not that that's hard or anything...I just have a bit of a "black thumb.") Apartment Therapy put together a great list of the ten best succulents. Informative and visually stimulating!

This past weekend, revelers gathered for a 1920's, jazz age lawn party on New York's Governor's Island. Styles were off the charts! [Via The Sartorialist]

As Desire to Inspire put it, "Those Swedes!" When it comes to design and style, they put the rest of the world to shame. Check out these Swedish interiors.

There's a new issue of N.E.E.T. magazine, hot off the virtual press! Read it here.

Boing Boing TV's Xeni Jardin recently sat down with David Byrne to discuss his latest project, which transforms an empty New York City building into a giant musical instrument. So amazing! View the video for more details.

And finally, Dumpling the tennis playing pup. Adorbs! [Via Cute Overload]

Wanna give me some more artsy, style or design blogs to peruse? Leave them in the comments! And check out past installments of News From the Craft + Style Blogosphere!

Handmade Weddings Party Duel: Arctic Luxury

2008-04-03T16:13:00-05:00

Which wedding is better — an affordable and casual affair in the sticks or an Arctic diva fantasy where money is no object? You decide! Vote in the comments below!

I'm not one of those girls that grew up mythologizing every aspect of my wedding. In fact, I hadn't even really thought about it until just recently! However, once the idea came to me, I knew it was a winner. Thus, my fantasy wedding came into my mind: a winter affair (I hate sweating!) in a paradise of crisp weather, Sweden. This wedding has no discernible price tag: I'm pulling out all the stops! Just try and stop me, mom!

The wedding would take place at the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in Sweden.

This unique hotel (and church!) is constructed completely of ice — a modern igloo, if you will. Tres chic! And completely worth the price.

It's luxurious and pretty darn cold, so I'll need a dress with some longer sleeves. This 40's style dress by joanshum is just my style.

...Plus a fur coat by mailonfurs to keep me warm. Also, I'm a bit of a bling lover, so maybe no conventional ring: just a huge bangle by rcjewelers. (I'll be wearing gloves, so this will fit over them quite nicely.)

Some sexy mukluks by will keep my feet toasty.

My man will wear only the finest in shirts. White, of course — also, a fur coat.

Only the best cufflinks for my honey!

We will also buy a polar bear to act as our "ring bear." He'll carry the bling down the aisle in style. (Inquire at your nearest polar bear dealer for prices.) Also, a narwhal bringing the ring on its tusk could also be a creative addition. (Thanks, BornPaz!)

Post-ceremony, we'll grab our venison and many bottles of champagne and adjourn to watch the Northern Lights. We'll also bring buckets of diamonds to throw on the ground so we can make snow angels. So romantic and epic! Also, Sigur Ros or Bjork will be playing, because they're trippy and from a cold climate.

When the night finally comes to an end and we adjourn to the hotel, our suite awaits. Not bad, eh?

Which wedding would you rather attend? Leave it in the comments! Luxury or on the cheap? It lies in your hands!

Wedding Gift Guide | Wedding Category | Wedding Showcase | Handmade Wedding Series

Gift Ideas: Shop Local Scandinavia

2007-12-13T18:07:00-05:00

Some great gift ideas from the cold countries of Europe!

Editorial note:
Keep your BuyHandmade Pledge and support local artists! See all of the Storque Shop Local pieces.

We want to do a series of Shop Local via Etsy posts, so give the Storque@etsy.com a shout and show us who your favorite 18-21 local Etsy sellers are. We can't wait to see what the Etsy Universe has to offer! You could consider your city or state or country local. That's up to your interpretion.

P.S. Don't send us tons of attachments with photos please. But do send us a screenshot of your Poster Sketch and 18 to 21 item numbers separated by commas. Yay!

P.P.S. Hey sellers! Fill in your geographical location so it's easier to find you! Here's how with the Geolocator.

Trends: Scandinavian Simplicity with This is Love Forever

2007-12-04T07:02:00-05:00

We are pleased to introduce Kayte Terry of This is Love Forever as this week's esteemed trendspotter. Kayte, also known as loveforever on Etsy, is a stylist/crafter/writer living in Brooklyn, NY. She has contributed her skills to places like Anthropologie, Adorn magazine and Get Crafty.com. In true Libra fashion, Kayte loves over-the-top baroque and simple modern styles equally and finds harmony in mixing patterns, styles and colors that clash. She lives with her husband and their rabbit/muse, Potato.

You can find more of Kayte at her blog, Thisisloveforever.com/blog, where she talks about art, craft, baking, foreign design magazines and anything else that inspires her.

Without further ado, here's Kayte!

Are you captivated by the curve of a simple wooden spoon or a colorful ceramic vessel? Do you dream of filling your home with curved plywood furniture and quirky accessories? Do you prefer your florals without the frills? Well then, you love Scandinavian style.

...Like this modern birch plywood chair by michaelarras!

As my father tells it, it was only a matter of time before Scandinavian style took its hold on me. When he was a young man, my late grandfather, though of Welsh descent, joined the Swedish Glee Club in New York City. He quickly fell in love with Swedish culture and booked a boat passage to Stockholm, where he would return many times in his life. Some of my fondest memories of my grandmother's kitchen are the sets of enamel Catherine Holm bowls my grandfather brought back for her.

In fact, the simplicity and functionality of Scandinavian design was a perfect match for my grandmother's tasteful but utilitarian Yankee sensibility. Kitchen implements and cast iron pots hung from simple wooden hooks and jars filled with twist ties, rubber bands and twine filled the shelves. As an adult, I set up my kitchen in the same way: I keep everything I need for cooking out on display for both function and aesthetic.

Modern Scandinavian design was often characterized by the use of simple materials, the reference to nature (the grain of wood, the curve of a lake) and the belief that design was a means of improving everyday life. Though the golden age of Scandinavian design was from the '30s to the '70s, lately everyone I know seems to be scouring the local thrift store for that perfect Danish Modern credenza or vintage Marimekko fabric. This print by pleasebestill recalls the heyday of Scandinavian design, featuring the work of design heavyweight such as Hans Wegner, Aero Saarinen and Alvar Aalto.

Though the golden age of Scandinavian design was from the '30s to the '70s, lately everyone I know seems to be scouring the local thrift store for that perfect Danish Modern credenza or vintage Marimekko fabric. This fashionable sling by bronwenhandcrafted and striking pillow by Francesrose are both made with Marimekko fabric, which is still being produced with new designs today. If you're lucky, you can find older classic designs as well.

There are always lots of vintage Scandinavian finds on Etsy, too, like this Vernor Panton-esque throw pillow from absoluut or these stackable mugs (sold!) from BowerBirdFound. Today's Scandinavian designers are harder to define (it's not all bent plywood and molded plastic), but the concepts of democratic design and appreciation for the beauty in the everyday are timeless.

It's this idea of design in the every day that really appeals to me. As a crafter and a designer, I try to find inspiration everywhere and appreciate even the most mundane of objects for the work that went into creating them. This love for utilitarian objects has found a fitting home in the modern design and craft world: the blog Happy Mundane has the tagline "There's Beauty in your Dishsoap," and Stephanie and Mav of the photo blog 3191 take gorgeous pictures of little moments in each of their mornings. Heather of skinnylaminx recently posted a photos of her spoon collection on her blog, which spurred dozens of other design bloggers to dig through their utensil drawers and do the same. The spoon collection eventually became a tea towel.

Jennifer Causey of photobird takes pictures of contemplative little still-lives, like a simple morning breakfast or spools of twine.

Japanese craft books, those precious tomes of whimsical styling and fresh faced, freckled models, are nothing short of a homage to Scandinavian style. The Jeu de Paume books take this fascination with Scandinavian style even further: the books Stockholm Kitchens and Stockholm Homes show young and design savvy Swedes in their cool and casual homes. In another example of Japanese and Scandinavian styles colliding, Lotta Jansdotter, a popular textile designer and crafter from Sweden (previously profiled in The Storque!), even has a collection of craft books that were published in Japan. There are loads of Japanese craft books on Etsy, including this fantastic one, called Scandinavian Embroidery Designs.

The designers behind the line somethingshidinghere use humble materials to create quirky yet beautiful accessories like plywood ornaments that are perfect for a modern Scandinavian inspired tree and wood rings that poke fun at gaudy jewels.

You can't talk about Scandinavian design without mentioning textiles. Most fabrics feature organic shapes, naïve flower prints and simple geometric designs, printed on natural materials. At home Collection has a beautiful array of designs on linen, but I really love this clothespin bag because hanging clothes on the line can be such a simple joy. hollabee and glorydaze also have beautiful screen-printed goods, like the fabric pack and linen pouch above.

While it's hard to characterize Scandinavian style as one thing (and who would want to?), I think that many of us are captivated by the ideas behind Scandinavian style. In fact, the principles of Scandinavian design, the love of beautiful, functional items, an appreciation for natural materials and a belief that design belongs to everyone, are very similar to that of the craft movement. That's one trend that I hope never goes out of style.

More Scandinavian Design Resources:

ScandinavianDesign.com
ScandinaviaHouse.org
New Scandinavian Design, available at Powell's
Holly of Decor8 recently spent a fewmonths in Scandinavia. She has great info on emerging Scandinavian style and culture.

Open Studio Tours: Lotta Jansdotter

2007-09-28T08:44:00-05:00

Lotta Jansdotter has been creating simple yet luxurious housewares and clothing for over 10 years. Starting her business by silk-screening pillowcases in her cramped apartment, Jansdotter's wares are now sold internationally. She was a gracious host as she gave us a tour of her studio and spoke about how she got her start as an artisan and businesswoman. Lotta has built her business up to the point where many Etsians would like to be: she's making a living from what she makes while remaining in creative control of her products. We thought it would be interesting to hear her story.

Watch the Video

Further Resources:

Lotta Jansdotter's studio is now open to the public on Saturdays, see www.jansdotter.com for details.

IndieEntrepreneur blog

CraftRevolution.com

Etsy in the Press: Who of y'all can read Swedish?

2007-08-15T20:00:00-05:00

If you're a Swede, we need your translation services!

A very nice Swedish journalist named Pierre had visited us at the Labs a while ago. Now, the fruits of his labor are online and fully incomprehensible to us. Social shopping på Etsy.com appears to be a lengthy feature in the Swedish magazine Internet World! Check it out!

Note: This was originally posted in the Etsy Garden.

See our Press Clippings!

Update:

alohadear, being the dear that she is, took it upon herself to translate the piece for us!

Etsy is where e-commerce and the social internet meets. With a lot of clever and neat functions the company has managed to create a marketplace with a lot of dedicated members. What do they sell? All things handmade. Etsy resides on the sixth floor in an old factory in west Brooklyn. The sun shines through the big windows.

Etsy.com is a marketplace on the web for artists and crafters. A place for sellers and buyers of all sorts of clothes, jewelry and trinkets, with the only requirement that it is handmade.

You don't have to be into crafts to be fascinated by Etsy. Here is also innovative flash e-commerce solutions and valuable knowledge on how to get loyal costumers. Call it social shopping. Or why not e-commerce meets web 2.0.
The company got started in Robert Kalin's apartment a little over two years ago while he still was a student at New York University. Together with college friends Chris Maguire, Haim Schoppik and Jared Tarbell he built the first version of Etsy.com.

"The interest in creating things yourself and eco shopping have really exploded in the past years, but there were no place on the internet to sell hand made things," says Vanessa Bertozzi who works with community development at Etsy. The site was created to fulfill that need.

Today etsy.com has over 300,000 members and is growing with nearly 1,000 members each day. You have to become a member both to buy and sell. And at the moment 45,000 members have created there own stores on the site.

"We have not had any resources to maket Etsy. We've grown because people have tried it and then told their friends. That way we are totally dependent on our members. Most of the members are from North America but the fact is that one of our top sellers is living in Singapore."

The business plan is simple. The very idea of Etsy is to make the connection between buyers and seller of "all things hand made." For each listing Etsy charges 20 cents. If the item is sold, Etsy gets 3.5 percent of the price. Today two of every five items listed are sold within four month.

"It's the seller who decides which method of payment that is used. They often use PayPal. But that creates some problems for the members so we're thinking of creating our own payment sollution."

Among the sellers a majority do crafts as a hobby. But there are also they who are selling so much that they can make a living off of it.

"There are only a few that sell that much, but I think there will be more in the future. We're devoping a better support system for these sellers, maybe in the future we can have some kind of wholesale function that would make it easier to sell smaller stocks to retailers. Another idea is to maybe be able to offer some kind of health insurance. Many crafters are often completely uncovered. The fact that most of the sellers are hobby crafters also creates some problems, especially for the sellers trying to make a living of their sales. A lot of people are doing this just beacuse it's fun and that is keeping the prices down."

Econmically Etsy is just starting to show profit. To make it through the construction phase they had to take some help from finaciers, of which some were the founders of the web successes Flickr and Delicious.

"We are growing organically and it's important to us not to have to big expenses," Vanessa Bertozzi says. "For example, we're cleaning the office ourselves. Everyone that works here is ready to jump in where it's needed and that is something that we are very clear about when we are hiring. At the moment we are 21 people working full time with Etsy and a lot of us are in fact from the Etsy community."

In a time where 'find the lowest price' web services are popping up like mushrooms, Etsy stands for something else. Buyers and sellers are smoothly connected through a site that is easy to use and at the same time is offering innovative and unique ways of shopping.

Here you can find items by color. And there is also the popular Treasury where members can pick 12 favorite items on a theme which are presented in an attractive way for other shopppers.

With the Geolocator you can easily find local sellers. A click on our corner of the world shows that there actually are a few sellers in Sweden and in the other nordic countries. Click on a seller and you can see some samples from their store or just go directly to their store. Quick, intuitive and easy.

"We are improving that feature. The idea is that you should be able to do searches based on postal codes. That way you really will be able to shop locally and the goods won't even need to be shipped."

Another way to navigate the site is by the Time Machine, also an interface built in flash by Jared Tarbell, one of the founders of Etsy. Here you can see the latest added items on a three dimensional time line. "Jared is a true flash artist," Vanessa Bertozzi says. "He has the ability to both produce and to implement the most fantastic ideas. I think a lot of people in the e-commerce business could learn a thing or two by looking at what he does."

Of course there also is the possibillity to use the categories or use the search function. In addition to searching by name or decription you can also search the sellers username, the materials or the tags that the seller adds to each item.
Etsy has also developed a system that allows each user to save his or hers favorite sellers. That way a social network is created by which you easily can navigate between members that like each other's products.

Etsy is not only a place where you can by things handmade. They have also created a platform where the members can get to know each other. "There is a lot of activity in our forums and many members are really involved in the site," says Vanessa Bertozzi. "The members help each other and there's not much competition. We have given people a lot of space for creativity but at the same time the site is very user friendly. And it is important to us that there is an open atmosphere; it can't be arrogant."

One of the reasons to that there are such nice atmosphere in the forums is probably that people who are being helpful and friendly will sell more. "Your reputation definitely affects your sales. And the more active you are, the more people will take notice of you, that will also affect your sales. That way we have some kind of symbiotic relationship to our members. If they sell more, we make more money."

One reason Etsy has grown as fast as it has is a strong and devoted membership base, at least when resources for marketing are low. "One of the reasons that we have made it so well is that we've never been a faceless company," Vanessa Bertozzi continues. "Everyone working here is active in the forums and some of us even are sellers on Etsy."

Since a while parts of the company's office are open for the members. For $20 a month you get acess to Etsy Labs — a well equipped workshop for members who don't want to or can't work at home. Vanessa Bertozzi guides us and there are advanced sewing machines, equipment for metalsmithing, video editing, a photo lab and a woodshop.

"Most of it is included in the rent, but for the more expensive and advanced equipment we charge a little extra fee. We also arrange a lot of seminars where the members can get together and exchange ideas and trade things with each other.
At this moment Etsy Labs only is in New York, but a lot of members would like it if it were similar places in other cities as well. Time will tell how things will turn out, maybe we can expand later on. I know that in some states members, who have met on Etsy, get together and collaborate locally, which is really fun."

Showcase is one of the features on the site that attracts a lot of visitors. For $7 a seller can display an item for 24 hours. There are only 36 spots and they are sold out quickly.

Big parts of the site is built in Flash by the co-founder Jared Tarbell. One of the functions makes it easy to find new sellers through the system of the members favorite sellers.