Search results (title) for: "featured buyer"

Featured Buyer: Laure Joliet of Apartment Therapy

2008-11-26T14:20:00Z

This week's esteemed Featured Buyer is Laure Joliet (aka cesttropchouette), editor at Apartment Therapy and daily contributor at Dwell. She scours L.A. and the internet daily to find new talent, young designers and one of a kind pieces. Dedicated to helping people make cozy, beautiful homes, she highlights her favorite new designers, gives small space solutions and dishes out tricks to make a modern house a home.

Thanksgiving, and really the whole holiday season, is a great time to pay attention to details. The season is about giving and expressing gratitude, and I know from my own experience that it's the little things that make a big difference. Maybe it's the way the light looks in the kitchen first thing in the morning, or the way breakfast is so invitingly arranged just so. In compiling a group of items for Thanksgiving, I tried to find things that were subtly, beautifully simple.

I love hosting parties, and I'm always looking for the little detail that people take home with them. So in that spirit, I've picked out some gems that I would love to have on my table or in my home this holiday season:

Drop Series Bowls by ninainvorm

I like to put out lots of things for people to munch on before it's dinner time, and these gorgeous droplet bowls are the perfect way to beautifully display the goods.

Desk Notebook in Net by SusyJack

No doubt you have a lot to keep track of while you're planning your dinner. Stay organized; keep all the details in an adorable notebook.

The Market Bag in Olive and Sage by moop

While you're doing your shopping, bring along a chic tote.

Fork, Knife and Spoon by smallsquaredesign

If you're a guest this season, don't forget a gift for your host. These simple tags are sweet, and perfect to attach to a bottle of wine.

Cosmic Cutting Board and Trivet by wookwoodworking

These cutting boards are too pretty to chop things on top of! Instead, display cheese and crackers, or set a clear glass vase atop one of these beauties.

Wool Felt Table Runner by FilzFelt

Protect your table, but still keep it sleek and modern with this table runner.

Wine Ring Cocktail Napkins by avrilloreti

I love these cocktail napkins. They're beautifully simple and take away any fear that someone might spill.

Hand Crafted Ceramic Salt Spice or Condiment Pinch Bowl by mudpuppy

Salt, pepper, and condiments can be displayed in these delicate little bowls from one of my favorite sellers.

Medium Mini Sprout Vase by whitneysmith

This delicate vase looks a bit like one of my favorite fall fruits: the pomegranate. But since it's white, it would look sleek and modern on an all-white table.

Sprout Open Bangles by gemmafactrix

Don't forget to dress yourself well. I'm not a big jewelry girl, but I do love some subtle gold bangles to sparkle on my wrist as I bring in dishes. This set of 3 bangles is perfectly delicate.

You Are Beautiful Dish by mudpuppy

This dessert dish will finish the evening on a lovely note.

Printable Thanksgiving Place Cards and Gift Tags by littlebrownpen

Not only are these simple tags printable at home (you don't have to wait for them to ship!), they're a great reminder to send your guests home with a little something for the next morning — some jam, a little pie, a little something.

Want more? Check out the compilation I put together last year for great hostess gifts, or my blog, at home at home.

Thanks to Laure for her wonderful picks! Don't forget to stop by Apartment Therapy for more home-making inspiration!

Featured Buyer Series | Thanksgiving Posts | Get the Look: Home Decor Edition

Featured Buyer: Michele Foley of Chow.com

2008-11-19T15:36:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Michele Foley, an associate editor at CHOW.com, the destination for food, drink, and fun on the Web. Michele handpicks almost all of the products that make it onto CHOW, whether it be via her monthly product column called Wanted or through the TWICE-YEARLY gift guides. She's a huge fan of Etsy and has featured its wares on CHOW before—below are some of her favorite food related items, ripe for holiday feasting.

I've always been a big lover of good design. I'm enamored (and envious!) of folks who have a talent at being crafty and creating beautiful things. Doing product coverage for CHOW has been a great experience for me. As a result, I've spent way too much money on things for my home and have met a ton of really cool, smart designers. Whenever I am picking out things for the site or myself, I make it a point to showcase items that are unique and made with love. Etsy is an obvious place for me to turn!

Bon Appetit Creepy Crawly Dinner Plate by foldedpigs

The bon appetit creepy crawly dinner plate from foldedpigs appeals to my fondness towards entomology. I also like how it plays on ones fear of finding bugs in food. To me there's something intriguing about pairing the delicate with the scary.

Handmixer Sterling Silver Necklace by ballandchain

When I saw this handmixer sterling silver necklace, I knew it was the perfect gift for all my friends who love to cook—it's got wonderful kitsch appeal. I'm just starting to invest in jewelry myself, and I like pieces that can be fun and personal like the ones ballandchain makes.

What's the Word Platter by MayLuk

I recently started taking letterpress printing classes, which has turned me into a bigger font nerd than I already was. It's no surprise that this What's the Word Platter from MayLuk became an item to covet.

Block Print Nest Apron by artgoodies

I love all the items in artgoodies shop, but have especially fallen for the block print nest apron. I've always been a fan of vintage prints, so I like that she incorporates old biology patterns into her work. There's also something great about a waist apron: wearing one make me feel like I'm wearing a cute, new skirt.

Set of 3 Tea Towels by Patapri

Patapri's wares just ooze with cuteness, from the patterns to her great use of color. Her set of three tea towels made perfect (and super appreciated) holiday gifts for three of my friends last year.

The Buttermint Tiles by maiziejane

I'm all for using tiles in the kitchen, whether they're hanging on the walls or serving double-duty as trivets. The Buttermint Tiles by maiziejane are really fun and remind me of something I'd find in a 50's kitchen, from the pastel palette to the vintage-y appliances.

(Learn how-to make your own trivet in this Etsy How-Tuesday video.)

Stream O Conciousness by nonfictiondesign

Interesting dinnerware is a great conversation-starter, which is why I like nonfictiondesign's Stream O Conciousness platter. It's as if she took all these bits of life's ephemera and served them up on a plate.

Hot Air Balloon Tea Towel by annabelwaterman

I have a thing for tea towels. They can instantly change the mood of a kitchen by adding pops of color and design in unexpected places. In my home, I have a collection of towels that are actually used, and others that are just for display. The bold red annabelwaterman uses in her Hot Air Balloon Tea Towel is really lovely. Looking at it makes me feel like I'm on vacation somewhere dreamy and fun.

Porcelain Replica Milk Bottles by alyssaettinger

The minute I saw Alyssa Ettinger's Porcelain Replica Milk Bottles on Design*Sponge, I was smitten. Not only did I feature them on CHOW, I bought three for myself. I like that they are hand-cast using real antique milk bottles—I use mine to display fresh cut flowers in the living room.

Seven Deadly Sins Coffee/Tea set by Trixiedelicious

Trixiedelicious is yet another Etsy seller I cannot get enough of. She reclaims old plates and cups to make her wares, putting bold words on delicate pieces of china. Her Seven Deadly Sins coffee/tea set would be great for a tea party with friends, and the fact that every set you get is really an original (hand painted by her) is pretty cool.

And now, Michele shares some of her favorite Thanksgiving recipes!

Working at Chow has given Michele a lot of food insights. If you're looking for inspiration for your Thanksgiving table this year, check out Chow's Thanksgiving for Six Holiday Menu.

I am torn between two recipes as my personal favorites. If you're eating turkey this Thanksgiving, how about Bacon-Wrapped Turkey with Pear Cider? (Check out this fun video showing the turkey being prepared!)

Looking for a side dish or a vegetarian option? The Creamy Carrot Casserole is another favorite.

For more Chow's Thanksgiving menus, check out their Holiday Hub!

Thanks to Michele for all of her amazing picks! Check out CHOW.com for the latest in food, drink, and fun.

Hungry for more shopping?

Featured Buyer Series | House Warming Gift Guide | Food Posts

Featured Buyer: Domino Magazine's Kate Donovan

2008-11-12T14:38:00Z

This week’s Featured Buyer is Kate Donovan, who works in the Market Department at Domino Magazine. Domino is about furnishing your home in a comfortable, personal way. It’s about finding your own individual style and being happy in your home!

Finding great products and furniture is one of the most fun parts of my job at Domino. Our market department is filled with a creative team of people who are always on the look out for beautiful and well-made products to incorporate into our homes. It’s so exciting to find great new products and companies, and Etsy is a fantastic source.

[Antique Replica Porcelain Milk Bottles by alyssaettinger]

I love Alyssa’s porcelain replica “milk bottles.” The pieces feel both vintage and modern, and look great as a grouping of different shapes and sizes. Her “knitware” series is also fantastic, with delicate, unusual textures on the surfaces of the pieces.

[Animal Fortune Notebook by bciel]

Ciel’s animal fortune notebooks are recycled school exercise books with blackbirds and cardinals printed on the cover. They’re perfect gifts and are small enough to throw in your bag to take notes while shopping...

[Circles 5x7 Print by photobird]

Brooklyn-based photographer Jennifer Causey’s evocative photographs are rich in color and bring to mind the simple pleasures of daily life. They’re available as ready-to-frame prints, postcards, and tiny notebooks — all wonderful gifts.

[SIlkscreened Votives by maryink]

I’m so excited about the colorful screenprinted votives from Maryink. Sold individually or in sets of three, they’re perfect stocking stuffers!

[Custom Stacking Rings in 14k Gold by kateszabone]

Canadian jeweler Kate Szabone’s handcrafted silver and gold jewelry is delicate and elegant. I love the stacking rings with semi-precious stones, and the tiny pine cone necklace. Her jewelry is great for both everyday wear and dress up.

[Ginkgo Leaf Ring by esdesigns]

I love Elizabeth Scott’s botanical-themed jewelry. Her ginkgo leaf ring is simple and beautifully crafted. There’s gift packaging available too at no extra charge!

[2009 Letterpress and Silkscreen Calendar by ilee]

I’m obsessed with Ilee’s new 2009 letterpress desk calendar. Each month features a different design inspired by nature and the changing seasons. Ilee’s colorful letterpress note cards are also amazing!

[Happy Holidays Folk Tree by dutchdoor]

These super-cute folksy cards are hand letterpress printed in bright colors using vintage designs. I can’t wait to buy some of the holiday sets!

[LAVA Teatowel in Hot Lava by skinnylaminx]

Skinny Laminx is based in South Africa. I love their graphic, colorful printed textiles and dishtowels. The vintage style designs evoke a retro, homey feeling that brightens up a neutral kitchen or living room.

[Pillow Cover by maramiki]

Chicago-based designer Mara Snopes subtly screenprints delicate floral and leaf motifs on bed linens and fabric. I love the pillowcases!

[LEMONSTORY Fall Tie Blouse by kimenna]

I love the layered simplicity of designer Anna Kim’s dresses and shirts. The tie-blouse is so cute, and work with both jeans and a pencil skirt.

[Cherry Truffle by morelle]

This Amsterdam-based designer creates lovely handmade bags and scarves. The truffle pouch is beautiful as an evening bag!

[The Market Bag in Provincial Blue by moop]

The “market bag” from Moop is the perfect gift for a friend who carries around everything but the kitchen sink. And it comes in lots of different muted colors…

Thanks to Kate for all of her amazing picks! Check out Domino Magazine for more home decor ideas.

Looking to do more shopping?

Featured Buyer Series | Trends | Get the Look: Home Decor Edition | Home Decor Posts

Featured Buyer: VeganYumYum Shares Her (Delicious!) Kitchen Know-How

2008-11-05T13:39:00Z

Lolo is the creator of VeganYumYum.com, and she's been a member of Etsy since 2005. She loves all things handmade, so Etsy is a very dangerous website for her to visit. Despite great peril on her part, she's collected some of her favorite things to share with you. On her blog she only focuses on handmade food, so she's excited to break out and feature some original, hand-crafted goods that will not only fill your life with a little bit more sunshine, but also support artists who make a living using their hands.

Sometimes I spend so much time thinking about the food I'm going to put on the table for the holidays, I forget about decoration. (You know, the non-edible stuff.) I usually end up running around my house grabbing things I can pass off for holiday flair, which always ends up being the votives I made for my wedding two and a half years ago. I dust them off as best as I can, hoping no one will notice, but since the people I have over are usually people who went to my wedding, I often hear, "Oh, I remember those candles!" With that in mind, here are some pretty handmade things we can use to, uh, update our tables.

There are other things I've included in here that I love, but don't necessarily have to do with the holidays, or your table. I hope you like them anyway! I certainly do.

Botanicraft finds natural things (leaves, flowers, branches, seeds) and makes the most gorgeous pottery out of them. These tube vases would be a perfect fall or winter or [insert favorite season] table decoration. Check out her entire inventory, there's even a pretty brown vase in there for only $6!

I'm a sucker for cutting boards: they're just so gosh darn useful. You can cut on them, use them as a hot plate, and if you find a pretty one, they look great on the table for serving as well. I feature cutting boards in about 99% of the photos on my website for these very reasons (also because I'm lazy). TheWoodenKnot has a range of gorgeous cutting boards made from the most beautifully colored woods you can imagine. No one will think you are lazy because they will be distracted by your beautiful cutting board.

If you're like me and love unique, multi-purpose, (pretty!) cooking tools, check out Khphillips' queso pot. This is the ultimate low-tech appliance for one-pot cooking. Ingredients go in, shove it in the oven, serve from it, then stick the custom lid on and put the leftovers in the fridge. (Of course I'd use it for everything but queso.) I want to eat every single one of my fall and winter meals out of this pot. Check out the rest of his pottery, too!

I'm a huge fan of salt pigs. (Yes, that's really what they're called.) I have a good idea of how much salt I'm using (when cooking or at the table) when I can feel it in between my finger tips. Using a salt shaker just doesn't do it for me. If you have a salt pig, your salt is always within reach, but protected from dust and...well, let's be honest: cat hair. Check out Risingsky's shop for different colors, and other fun items like garlic keepers and olive boats.

It's always good to have candles on hand. Worthysoycandle's shop is full of them, and she even let's you pick out your own custom fragrances, colors, as containers. And they're all vegan-friendly soy! You can't really beat that for $6.

These aren't for your table, but I just have to mention them: reusable bulk food bags. Is that a great idea or what? I bought these earlier this year and they're FANTASTIC. They're light, strong, and washable. They don't weigh any more than the normal plastic bags, and they're slightly transparent so you can see what's in them. Take a look at Kootsac's shop to get the colors and sizes that work for you. I liked them so much I went back and bought more.

I just had to feature these pretty coasters by Knight27, because the photos were taken right in my neighborhood! They're totally lovely, and since they're just trees, you can pretend they're from your neighborhood, too. (And you'll be all matchy-matchy if you get the vases above, too. Just saying.)

I'm always on the lookout for interesting dishes. (I have a little bit of an obsession.) These mini bowls are totally beautiful, modern, and fun, and also made by a local Bostonian. There's even a nice, affordable appetizer plate in JillRosenwald's store for $24. If I was going to invest in some gorgeous, handmade pottery, I'd start my search here.

I love recycled and unique things that are also useful, everyday items. Hammeronsteel's shop has some very charming church keys made from scrap metal. One of the bottle openers in his shop used to be part of an old cider press...How awesome is that? Much cooler than the one I have from Target. Sigh.

There is so much handmade vegan soap on etsy! If you search for vegan soap, you get 310 pages, and there is definitely something in there you will like. Personally, I love the idea of this kitchen soap from spottedcowsoaps that's designed to get rid of everything from garden dirt to onion and garlic smells. Fresh brewed coffee? Yes, please. You can make garlic soup and smell like a latte afterwords. WIN.

Oh man, the area in my kitchen devoted to spices is out of control. There are jars everywhere, falling over, rolling around, and the cinnamon is always hiding behind the mustard seeds, and I can't find either of them. If this sounds like your kitchen, go look at Purposedesign's store and get yourself organized. Spices included!

And finally, never forget to say thanks. I love letterpress, and Littlepretty's shop is full of original, beautiful, letterpress cards such as this one. Full disclosure: LP is a buddy of mine, but I really do love her cards. I bought the monster cards and the owl cards earlier this year. A couple months ago my husband and I got carried away playing Rockband way too loud, and way too late. Our poor new neighbors had to ask us to quiet down so they could get some sleep. The next day I gave them one of LP's owl cards with an apology, and they invited us over to a vegan dinner that same week. Her cards are so pretty, they'll make up for any social blunder! They might even get you a free vegan dinner!

And now, a recipe! VeganYumYum's Jellied Cranberry Sauce!

Further Resources
More Holiday Recipes from VYY:

Homemade Vegetable Broth
Miniature Napoleons With Eggplant Creme
Candied Lime Sweet Potatoes
Easy Tarte aux Pommes
Asparagus and White Bean Pesto Tart
Petits Fours
Artichokes With Sundried Tomato and Marjoram Stuffing
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies With Cream Cheese Filling
How to Buy and Prep Brussels Sprouts

Check out VeganYumYum for more of Lolo's delicious recipes and great food photography (and tips!).

Looking to do more shopping? Want more Thanksgiving content? Look no further!

Holiday Parties and Decorating Gift Guide | Thanksgiving | Home Decor | Featured Buyer series

Modish: Coming Together at the Table | Cooking | Veganism

Featured Buyer: Lisa Butterworth of BUST Magazine

2008-10-29T12:52:00Z

This week’s Featured Buyer is Lisa Butterworth, associate editor of BUST magazine, which has been spreading the good word of craft for years. Every issue features DIY projects galore and handmade products to score, with indie businesses and Etsy sellers taking center stage. BUST’s Holiday Craftacular is one of the biggest handmade fairs of the year, and this season it’s going global with events in London and L.A. in addition to the ever-poppin’ N.Y.C. edition. 2008’s Craftacular is just around the corner and they’re accepting submissions now for vendors in all three cities. Go to BUST.com to find out more!

Ever since my grandma taught me how to crochet when I was little, I’ve been hooked on handmade. (But what I’ve learned from my crafting endeavors is that other people do it way better, and I should just stick to writing.) Luckily, my job at BUST lets me write about crafting, choose DIY tutorials, and spend hours poring over products on blogs, web sites, and, of course, Etsy to find the very best in the world of craft. Not to mention I get to shop my heart out every year at Bust’s Holiday Craftacular and meet all the awesome people who make the goodies I love so much.

Last year we nearly blew the top off New York City’s Metropolitan Pavilion, there was so much handmade awesomeness going on (even the crafty queen of quirk, Amy Sedaris had a table). Since the Craftacular offers a representation of all kinds of handmade, I’ve tried to pick a similar sampling. Here are items from some of my all-time favorite Craftacular vendors and crafters we’ve featured in the pages of BUST.

I love these cards from BowandArrow. I buy a pack every year just to have them on hand. (And the gal working the letterpress is just as sweet as her designs.)

Whether cheeky or bold, a Brookadelphia necklace makes a statement. This one is especially timely, no?

Lois Aronow aka misslo's handthrown porcelain just kills me. It’s so pretty I want to eat it up, let alone what’s being served!

Every hall should be decked with one of MyImaginaryBoyfriend’s Jolly Roger ornaments.

Fascinators are all the rage, and this lovely yellow hairpiece by GiantDwarf is one of the most original I’ve seen. Hello cocktail party!

I got a pair of these simple (and ridiculously affordable!) earrings last year from amyetsy, and they’re in my ears more often than not cause they go with every outfit.

I’ve had my eye on Supayana designer Yana Gorbulsky since BUST featured the sewing superstar way back in 2006. That said, I wish this dress was part of my wardrobe.

If BUST held a Craftacular in New Zealand, TrixieDelicious would no doubt sell her wares there. We featured her Ramones plate in the mag last year, but I’m totally lusting for this 7 deadly sins coffee/tea set. I love the smell of gluttony in the morning.

I love the retro-rificness of TrixieandRadar’s Help Me Rhonda Decoupaged clock. What time is it? Time for a blow-out!

These letterpressed notecards from tarahogan are almost too cute to write on.

This handmade cutie from LittleFlowerDesigns is just my cuppa tea.

sproutonline's Orbit Ring is outta this world. I want one of these gorgeous babies for every finger!

Don't forget! 2008’s Craftacular is just around the corner and they’re accepting submissions now for vendors in New York, Los Angeles and London. Go to BUST.com to find out more!

For more shopping ideas, our Featured Buyer series is quite impressive! Do some digging, my friend!

Featured Buyer: Holly Becker of decor8

2008-10-22T12:33:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Holly Becker, the editor and founder of the inspirational design and decorating blog decor8, drawing 20,000 worldwide readers daily. She has been blogging non stop since January 2006 and we’re particularly fond of her weekly column on decor8 called Etsy Take Five Tuesdays. She also authors a popular Etsy slideshow series for Domino magazine online, authors a monthly design column in the Boston Globe, and is a contributing editor at RealSimple.com. With 160 purchases made on Etsy, Holly demonstrates her support of independent designers by promoting their work and shopping from them. Today she’ll share some of her favorite Etsy artists and show some of their work in her own home.

Oh Etsy: What you do to me! I started buying handmade on Etsy in February 2006 — my first purchase was a cosmetic bag from SeaBreezeStudio based in England. I remember when it arrived how excited and impressed I was with the quality. I also recall the responsive and friendly seller who made a great impression on me immediately. After such a positive first time transaction, I felt inspired to shop Etsy again and purchased from Simply Photo.

To date I’ve made 160 purchases and I’ve not had a single issue with any of them. I’ve shopped from sellers as far away as Singapore and items always arrive on time and exceed my expectations. Some sellers even include sweet little notes and extras, like stickers or candy. The whole personal touch thing is super addictive, as you’ll never see big box stores include personal notes expressing their gratitude for your support. It’s one of the reasons shopping handmade is so special and worthwhile. There are beating hearts behind the products, real people creating items that give them joy and they spread that happiness to others, giving us a chance to own a piece of their special worlds.

When my purchases arrive I feel positively giddy! I give so many of my purchases to friends as gifts. They always ooo and ahhh over everything; the response is so positive that I shy away from giving big box gift cards (I once gave only gift cards) and shop Etsy when I’m looking for the perfect present. It’s far more personal and you have a chance to show your friend that you really put some thought into the gift. At one time I only shopped big box for everything. Now it’s my last stop. I feel proud that I’ve changed the way I purchase and as a result I‘m contributing to the success of small business not only in America but worldwide.

I thought that you may like to see a few of my favorite art prints and original paintings that I’ve purchased from Etsy ‘at work’, living in my home. My husband and I primarily reside in New Hampshire, but we just took on a second residence in Germany, where we live five months each year. I’m in Germany as I write this, and over the past eight weeks I had to take an empty apartment and create a home from scratch. Throughout the process my big white walls kept screaming for love, and since I’m not at the point yet to decide on wall color or pattern, I went ahead and placed some of my beloved prints from artists who sell on Etsy in my living room to make the room feel more like home.

[Work above is, from left: SamanthaHahn, JenniferDavis, Caitlin Shearer of Pepperminte, LabPartners, Kareem Rizk, Bubbo, and Ez Pudewa of WrenandChickadee.]

This is my art wall. Nearly everything is from Etsy, with the exception of the vintage gold swallows and the limited edition JenniferDavis print of a Mississippi riverboat. I installed these pieces to look as though they were flying upwards, away with the birds. I like to hang artwork in a fun, non traditional way.

Also, all of the prints can be removed and swapped out with others of equal size so I can rotate my collection without adding new holes to the wall. Huge perk!

I pulled this small city apartment (under 60 square meters) together on a limited budget, which is why you’ll spot some IKEA pieces. The trick when buying from stores like IKEA is to fill in the ‘blanks’ with things acquired from indie sellers and flea markets. This brings in your personality and a sense of history. I still have lots to do in this space and a coffee table to buy, but placing Etsy art around has helped to make me feel at home.

[Artwork on this shelf includes: Pepperminte, JenniferDavis, Bubbo, CreativeThursday, AliciaBock, and a brooch by Toast. I cannot recall where the darling bunny is from, as it was a gift, so if anyone reading knows, please comment below so others can find the seller who made it.]

The best part about having a picture ledge above the sofa (don’t worry, no one can hit the ledge if seated) is that it is my rotating art gallery. I can put whatever up on the ledge that inspires me at the moment, so it‘s fun to play around with and I do not have to mess up the walls.

This is my small, very naked dining room. I still plan to install a pendant light over the table, paint and upholster the chairs, and etc. but this is what it looks like today. In my cabinet is where I keep lots of handmade and flea market finds along with books and fabric. Lots of these things came from Etsy and were given to me by friends.

One of my favorite treasures inside of this cabinet is the original painting from Brooklyn artist CaitlinKeegan (top right).

This is my home in New Hampshire and a peek into my living room, where I also have an art wall. Not all of this work is from Etsy, and some are original paintings, but I’ll highlight those that are: MyFolkLover, mcaplan, JenniferDavis, ashleyg, MicheleMaule, even the little soft mushroom is an Etsy find from littlebirds, along with the vintage dish via bluebellbazaar, and the ceramic deer is vintage from pinkshowercurtain.

This is what you’ll find around my bedroom in New Hampshire. The photograph is from AliciaBock, and the plant and pot are also from Etsy (yup!) via GreenwareDesign.

This is what was on my dresser last time I checked. An original painting from CreativeThursday, along with a lion she made out of clay, and jewelry by JadeScott.

Further Resources:
In addition to Etsy, I am continuously inspired by the blogs on my visual blogroll.

Thanks, Holly! Your space is quite inspiring (and Etsy filled!) For more of Holly's great taste, check out her blog at decor8blog.com. Looking to do more shopping? Check out our decorating posts and Featured Buyer series.

Featured Buyer: Leanne Marshall of Project Runway

2008-10-16T10:42:00Z

SPOILER SPOILER SPOILER: Do not read if you haven't watched the finale of Project Runway!

Squirming yet? Well, here's the verdict:

UPDATE: Yes, she won!!!

[The following was originally published on August 13, 2008.]

Leanne Marshall, aka Leanimal on Etsy, is living the dream: she's currently a contestant on the highly rated television show—and fashion phenomenon—Project Runway. Each week, lovers of fashion and craftsmanship watch in wonder as a new challenge surfaces, and the sheer ingenuity of the show's designers is put to the test. We recently got in touch with Leanne to find out her favorite pieces on Etsy, as well as to hear about her experience on Project Runway.

I'm Leanne and I run a small independent clothing line of my own formerly known as Leanimal, but now I'm just going by my name Leanne Marshall. No more animal! ;)

I knew that I wanted to be a fashion designer since I was 12 years old and I dabbled in designing my ballet costumes. I ended up going to FIDM in San Francisco and getting a degree in fashion design, but after graduating I took a detour and worked as a graphic designer for five years. I was able to quit my day job as a graphic designer and do the clothing line full-time thanks to success on Etsy.

I currently live and work in Portland, Oregon and do my clothing line full-time—or more than full-time. It's like my child, and it's not 9-5; it's my life! I do it all myself at the moment, but I'm hoping to expand and have hired help soon. At the end of the day, it's wonderful just to be able to do what I love and make a living at it.

As for Project Runway, this was my second time auditioning. I auditioned for season 4 as a last minute decision and I made it past the first cut, but ultimately I didn't make it and I don't think I was ready for it then. The second time was the charm, and I was without a doubt a much stronger designer. I had been making clothes constantly in the last year. I think I made well over 200 garments that I then sold to boutiques or in my Etsy shop. Some days I would make up to three dresses in one day! So, I definitely felt much more prepared and confident in my technical as well as design skills.

Once I found out I had made it I was beyond thrilled! And of course it was so much harder than I could ever be prepared for! I'm used to working alone in my studio apartment all day long. It's just me, my sewing machine and a closet that is overflowing outward with fabric! This environment was the complete opposite with the cameras, the crazy personalities and all the drama! But it was the experience of a lifetime, without a doubt, and I made some great friends while I was there, too.

Here are some of my favorites on Etsy:

I love these hats so much! And I have had the pleasure of doing a show with Liza here in Portland and she's a great gal! Her work is fantastic. By lizarietz, $39.

I love the innocence of these pictures and the color palette is superb! And who doesn't love a tree-hugger?! By belleandboo, $68.

I bought this picture for my boyfriend for Christmas, and marked it as a favorite. Well, the boyfriend read my favorites and surprised me with one of my own before I gave him his. So now we have lovely matching pictures on our walls! By ulmer, $25.

Because, well this wallet is just plain awesome. And hilarious! I can just imagine laughing every time I have to reach into my wallet. I have to get my hands on it! By freckleface, $35.

I have so many pieces of clothing in my studio and never enough space to hold it. I can't think of anything better to hang all of my clothes on! What a nice rack! By luxfordst, $45.

Functional and cute! This little robot will liven up any party! By Artsy, $62.

I'm in desperate need of a better bag for biking. This one is the perfect size and it's adorable! I love the design. By katedurkin, $62.

I love this style and the sense of humor! A wonderful artist! By pepperminte, $11.50.

This pin is too cute! You can change her outfits to complement yours. It's brilliant! By yaelfran, $25.

Beautiful picks, Leanne! For previous Featured Buyer articles, just click here.

Featured Buyer: Carrie Blaydes of Borderline Mag

2008-10-15T14:03:00Z

This week’s Featured Buyer is Carrie Blaydes, a women’s clothing designer living in Brooklyn, New York. For the past year and a half, she has also been one side of the editorial duo behind the online street fashion magazine Borderline Mag, which she founded with her old friend Nick Whitehouse. Thanks to a longtime love of sewing, vintage clothing, and a closely related addiction to garment reconstruction, she recently co-authored Fashion DIY: 30 Ways to Craft Your Own Style from Sixth & Spring Books.

For me, fall has always been the ultimate bonanza of style inspiration. In a world where I already tune intently to the weather vane of my fashion sense regardless of the season, I readily admit that fall provides me the ultimate frisson of sartorial expectation. I spend countless hours with Nick selecting the best street fashion photos from around the world to post on Borderline Mag, and get extra excited about the crafty, vintage-loving style visionaries who submit editorial spreads swathed in fall's coziest layers. In my own little studio at home, I can't stop sketching, collecting, customizing and creating.

This fall I want to take a moody approach to dressing, with lots of beatnik references and nonchalant-but-oh-so-chic neutrals. I'm looking to Etsy for handmade and vintage pieces that I can't live without as I construct the perfect look for the season. Everything I want is here, from buttery soft leather and edgy accessories, to artful basics and the perfect sketchbook. Best of all, each piece feels like a true find thanks to the loving hands that thrifted or created it. I even found the inspiration image that gave me the essential color story and definitive vibe to pull it all together. I was so excited that I couldn't resist making a board that captured the bongo-drumming harmony of it all. And the beat goes on....

I find this Polaroid image by FuturoWoman, aptly called "Frozen Sunset," to be incredibly evocative of the shortening days and early evening chill of fall. The quietly inspiring color palette reminds me of an Egon Schiele painting.

Like a work of art unto itself, this cheekily mod white dress by neringaci could have graced an early Avedon photo. I'd stick with the black-and-white theme and pair it with matte black tights and soft black oxfords.

Though I love many of stacyleigh's beautifully handcrafted leather bags, this is my absolute favorite. The design is a perfect balance of structure and softness, deliciously rendered in my favorite dove grey color.

A flattering high waisted silhouette and cute inverted pleat keep the line of this OrangeNYC skirt nice and slender. As cute with a plain white tee as with a posh silk secretary blouse, this is the kind of fresh new basic I want to fill my closet with.

I always carry a blank book for notes, sketches and collected bits of visual inspiration. This recycled blank notebook by PigseyArt is larger than average and stylishly tongue-in-cheek thanks to a former life as a 'Psychological Testing' textbook.

The fashion forward shape of this charming french terry turban would be a step up from my usual beanie. I also love the cabled fingerless gloves and cashmere cowl in the aCommonThread store. They form a cozy little style triumvirate I'd love to nestle into.

The perfect shoes to wear with everything I want this fall, I'm simply in awe of these handmade black beauties by zerkahloostrah. They're custom fit to your feet, making them the height of old-word craftsmanship and below-the-radar luxury.

I love this LaMixx handmade white tee so much that I want two or three of them to wear between laundry days. The ideal boyfriend fit in a slightly more feminine cut, it begs to be layered under all my favorite cardigans this fall.

Designer shades fit and look so much better than cheapos, but cost way too much for something I'm probably going to leave on the subway. This oversized vintage pair from CherryPickVintage is the real deal (mmmm Dior!) without the crazy price tag.

I'm always drawn to layers of chain like this piece by wheatJENINE because they oxidize nicely the more you wear them. I especially like the way the two white bone feathers hang: balancing two focal points rather than centering a single one feels fresh and a little edgy.

Finding a hoodie with this much style (like this one by wearflock) is like discovering the perfect pair of dark denim jeans: a second skin that makes you feel cool and pulled together but completely comfortable at the same time. Basic+Chic=Genius.

This vintage mod masterpiece from retrogarb cuts an equally striking and gorgeous silhouette from any direction. I would pair it with long wooly gloves on extra chilly nights and keep the volume balanced with skinny pants or a pencil skirt down below.

Carrie's really got her finger on the pulse! For more fashion editorials, street shots and style insights, check out Borderline Mag. Looking to do more shopping? Check out our fall fashion ideas and Featured Buyer series.

Featured Buyer: Ez of Creature Comforts

2008-10-08T12:00:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Ez of style blog Creature Comforts. She's a great supporter of the handmade lifestyle, as well as an Etsy seller herself. Ez has an eye for well composed photos, design sense up to her ears and puts together a heck of an inspiration board. Without further ado, here's Ez!

Hi everyone! I'm Ez (Ee-Zee). I'm an adjective lover, have been known to pronounce Etsy as Eat-See, and am super excited to have the chance to share some of my favorite finds with you today.

I'm a huge fan of indie and handcrafted goods, and am an Etsy shop owner myself. (Check me out at wrenandchickadee!) To me, there is something so unique and irreplaceable about handmade products. So much of a designer's heart goes into creating her unique work, and it's truly wonderful to hold something in your hands or display something in your home that has such a direct connection to its creator. This is part of the reason why I make a point of featuring independent artists on my blog Creature Comforts as often as I can... that and indie is where it's at!

I don't have plans to get married anytime soon, but if that day should ever come I will be permanently affixing one of kateszabone's stunning creations onto my finger. I love her work!

A while back I purchased one of these wonderful little mini tag books from erinzam, so I can tell you from experience that they are even lovelier in person and so well made. I use mine for sketches of the things I'm thankful for and it's perfect.

Half of the reason I rarely write "thank you" cards is because there never seems to be a card perfect enough to send. Well, palomasnest has solved my problem with her fabulous thank you wood stationery cards. I better get writing.

I've been obsessed with cowls lately but sometimes they can look a little bit dated. The keo chubby by Joodito has not even one ounce of old lady fashion in it and is absolutely fab to the max!

I love the trend we've been seeing of unique motivational prints. The we are in this together print by lorenasiminovich is one of my favorites. So simple and wonderful.

Another artist I'm extremely fond of is Caitlin Shearer of pepperminte. Her little knickers piece is displayed in my home along with several other works of hers. I just can't get enough of this girl's talent!

It's hard to pick a calendar these days because there are just so many good ones to choose from. This birdie II calendar by smeurer8 made it on to my must have list because I can't resist the bird motif, and its petite size and lovely wood backing make it truly unique!

The tiny golden honeyed dots necklace by eRosasjewelry is another Etsy purchase that I have been absolutely thrilled with. I find myself picking out outfits around this little beauty, so that I can wear it as often as possible.

I love the French cottage feel of this beautiful doily pillow by SparklePower. It's delicate in appearance, but not overly done, so this would look fabulous on a bed or couch!

Every woman needs a good black bag, and the belle tote by christystudio should be it. The price is phenomenal and the style is perfection! I love it!

Yes, I'm a sucker when it comes to little forest creatures. I'd love to pin this little yellow fawn pin by theilluminatedowl to my bag or fall coat for a touch of color and sweetness to brighten any dreary day.

All you have to do is read the scrumptious list of scents that you can choose from with these soy candles by blisscandles and you'll be hooked just like I am. Vanilla hazelnut mocha anyone?!

For more of Ez's insights, check out her blog at Creaturecomforts.typepad.com, as well as her awesome shop at WrenAndChickadee.etsy.com. For more shopping ideas, our Featured Buyer series is quite impressive! Do some digging, my friend!

Featured Buyer: Davey Sommers of COLOURlovers

2008-10-01T12:40:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Davey Sommers, editor of the art and design blog for color trendspotting site COLOURlovers.com. In addition to analyzing color palattes, Davey is a member of the The Post Family — a group of Chicago gallery and event curators, an artist collective and a print shop all rolled into one. He also sometimes makes stuff out of recycled things. Here's Davey.

I love Etsy because it is an unbordered community that brings artists and art lovers together. It's a great example of a market economy, too: one without lobbyists and tax cuts for nonlocal businesses.

Using the Colors tool on Etsy, these picks are inspired by the top colors currently on COLOURlovers.

Blue, or 'balls' blue in this case, is a reoccurring hue in the work of Mike Best, aka BestArtStudios2. It's a nice match for the thoughtful, and at times vulnerable, facial expressions of this character seen throughout his work.

In TheaCphotography's Bounty, she melds shades of green, allowing the deep color of the berries to pull the viewer's eye. As many of her photos contain a single prominent color, and since they are all sized 8x8, you could easily create a cohesive color palette made up of her work.

In this print by LizzyClara, what looks to be a hand holding out flowers, presumably to another person whom they have some sort of relationship with, is, in fact, a hand holding down flowers on the floor, as told by the color.

Not exactly the same as "The Order of the Wen," but this shares the same warm color composition as this wonderful illustration by ashleyg.

I nearly mentioned mannmadedesigns twice with Jimmy's great selection of colors available for all of his wonderful products, like this "incorrigible tease" square bubble pendant.

These handmade stickers from SupergirlStickers use beautifully crafted "Dutch teal" origami paper. They would add a nice touch of color on any letter (if anyone sends those still), or, if you're a teacher, use them to distract a student from that poor grade on his last history paper.

This Italian lambskin by KarleighJae would work wonderfully for any "science class slut's" new lab coat.

Some time ago, dinosaurs lived on earth along with "certain frogs." And as you can see from this watercolor by tiddlyinks, they shared similar
colors.

The color palette of this handbound journal by strawhousebooks is relaxing and welcoming, definitely offering some "soul therapy."

Whenever a painting becomes mixed media, it becomes happy, like this "heart of gold" piece by kellycstudio.

I
hardly think that a baby could truly appreciate the colors in this "vanilla cream" pattern by sweetiepiedesign. I'm thinking, beer cozy.

Flying through the "insomnia martyr" night sky is flying ninja girl by beeczarcardsandgifts, whose shop is filled with other colorful items.

More on Davey:

Besides the things listed in the intro, Davey doesn't do too much else. "How much should one man do?" Davey sometimes asks, then answers himself: "This is how much, the much I am doing now; no more, no less, this is enough."

So Davey goes on about his life enjoying the finer things of a humble existence in the second city: watching the specks of dust on their voyages through the currents of air, listening to the sounds of landscapes, and laughing to a point where it seems his heart may burst when he hears the politicians talk about nothing for hours on end.

For more Storque posts on color, go here! For more shopping ideas, our Featured Buyer series is quite impressive! Do some digging, my friend!

Featured Buyer: Jessica Marshall Forbes of Ravelry.com

2008-09-24T12:06:00Z

This week's Featured Buyer is Jessica Marshall Forbes, a knitter who's been blogging since 2004. You may also know her as the founder of Ravelry.com, the knitting and crochet community website founded by Jessica and her husband Casey last year. Ravelry has taken the fiber world by storm and grown to over 180,000 users and 2.8 million page views per day. Today Jessica is going to share some of her favorite knit and crochet items on Etsy!

I am really excited to talk about my favorite Etsy shops on The Storque! I am a big fan of buying handmade, being a knitter and crocheter myself. Also, Etsy shop owners are wonderful Ravelry participants: many advertise on the site, feeding Ravelers' bottomless appetite for handmade knit and crochet related items. Independent knit and crochet designers, local yarn stores and other small craft businesses are a huge part of what makes Ravelry so fun and rewarding for us.

There are so many amazing shops on Etsy for knit and crochet, so it was so difficult to choose things to include. I have met so many great crafters through Ravelry and here are some of my favorites!

I am totally addicted to splityarn's pouches. I use them to hold my scissors and stitch markers when I am on the road, and use the longer pouches to hold my crochet hooks. Beware: once you start with her pouches, you can't stop!

My dad always told me you should send thank you cards and I like to find pretty, handmade ones on Etsy! My two favorite shops for yarn-themed cards are Maryse's and Fricknotes. They both feature colorful cards with really amazing photography!

Just like other knitters and crocheters, I am always on the look out for a new bag to carry around my projects. I have a large purse that I use every day and, without a project bag to protect my work, it can be very easy for something to unravel as I go through my day. (Nightmare!) This lace keeper by julipbags will keep everything safe from harm!

I am loving the knitting clutches by persnickityknits! No reason that our knitting bags can't be stylish as well as functional. This red one caught my eye but she also has them in more neutral colors.

For tinier projects and knitting in line at the post office, I love the wristlet bags from SewBendy. This one with the little bird is awesome!

I also dabble in hand spinning. Butterflygirldesigns' spindles are definitely on my wishlist! They are so gorgeous and functional! She also has lovely batts and rovings.

For yarns and rovings for spinning, the sky is definitely the limit on Etsy! You could spend a year's salary easily. I picked out a few that I have my eye on.

I am a sucker for blue, green and brown and this Bluefaced Leicester by Squoosh is definitely pushing all my buttons! She also has lovely handspun and hand dyed yarns.

Denise at BlueHandsFibers does really amazing things with color. I am leaning toward fall tones right now; I love her bulky Harvest merino.

More on the fall-ish theme: I like this neutral, but not too boring, sock yarn from CapistranoFiberArts.

CapistranoFiberArts also dyes up some mean green and blue, which is what got me hooked on her in the first place! Mmmm yummy!

I was lucky enough to score some handspun yarn from Juliespins' shop this week. It is really incredible. (If you can get your hands on some!) She doesn't have any in her shop currently, as they sell so quickly, but she does do custom handspun and has some really lovely rovings. She is lovely to work with!

I recently discovered Guttersnipe's shop. She has yarns that are just really fun, especially with the cowl craze going on right now. I love the colors in Earthsea, which is a bulky superwash merino.

Also, just for fun, I like these resin keychains from Debbie at McYarnpants. She also has a ton of other goods made from vintage knitting and crochet magazines, including cards.

There are lots of shops on Etsy that have stitch markers. I like Pookeh's shop because she always has some fun ones!

When she's not knitting, Jessica crochets, spins, takes pictures, rides her Vespa, gardens, and buys necklaces from Etsy sellers like there's no tomorrow. She lives in Boston with her husband and 2-year old Boston Terrier, Bob, who loves to get his picture taken. When he's not posing for photos, Bob works as mascot for Ravelry.com.

Looking for more on knitting and crocheting? Look no further! For more shopping ideas, our Featured Buyers series is quite impressive! Do some digging, my friend!