The Blue Balloon

feather necklace 

I'm a sucker for great product photography, and I recently came across a shop that has some gorgeous and compelling shots! Marie over at The Blue Balloon creates lovely jewelry, a lot of which is stunning in its simplicity. Every single one of her photos evokes romance and mystery.

pyrite necklace

vintage brass and opal necklace

dreamy citrine necklace

Also find Marie at her blog, twitter, and on facebook.

Etsy Favorite Things :: 6.16.11

custom made small ruffle rose pillow $28

Today's finds are all about housewares! A cozily decorated house is not only relaxing, it's good for the soul; that's why I'll be slowly working on decorating my own home over the next year to create a more soothing and put-together environment. Aren't the above pillows just lovely?

tiny towers silkscreen print $65

concrete hook set $24

modern stripe bottle vase $40

ruffled linen bed skirt $250

Pretty Things in My Mailbox.

I felt that a little celebrating was in order a couple of weeks ago. I'd hit my 400th sale in the shop, had a big old wholesale order, and have some fun things coming up. So when Katie Henry from Made by Hank listed some lovely new bags, I felt the time had come to splurge and snag one for myself. I've admired her bags for so long now, and one of the new pieces had everything I was looking for: a pretty color, a wee ruffle on the back (very important), and gorgeous floral fabric for interest. Sold! This bag is a dream! Sturdy, and simply gorgeous.

It happened to come on the same day that my new Woodland Belle hair pins arrived. Mai's shop has also long been on my wishlist, and I purchased my first set of her hair pins just a little while ago. I love them dearly, and I was saddened when they wouldn't match an outfit simply because they're bronze. So I clearly needed a pair of pewter pins. Right? My bird pins are just as amazing as my twigs; well made, and very, very sweet.

What goodies have found their way into your mailbox lately? 

Etsy Favorite Things :: 5.18.11

It's been raining here since Monday, and we aren't likely to see the sun again until Sunday. But I don't mind it terribly. I feel like life slows down a little when the sun isn't around to push everyone to go, go, go. Even if you're not one to enjoy the gloomies, here are some sweet things I've recently come across on Etsy that are sure to lift your mood!

houseplant clock :: decoylab

calico cat print :: gingiber

faceted hanging tray :: pigeon toe ceramics

sand - cotton scarf :: dear june shop

pleated embriodered gingham bag :: star bags

Tiny Twigs for My Hair.

Gilded Bronze Tiny Twig Hair Pins

A pair of these hair pins arrived in my mailbox this week. I'm totally in love! So lightweight and super comfortable, they can easily be worn all day; if I didn't feel so pretty, I'd forget they were even in my hair. Bedtime brings a little sadness now, however, because I have to take them off and put them back in their darling little box. Be sure to visit Woodland Belle to see Mai's full line of loveliness!

Etsy Favorite Things :: 4.14.2011

custom silhouette prints :: ello there

claro walnut headboard & bed frame :: walnut st

happy :: am radio

dwarfette bunny :: giant dwarf

spring leaves coat hanger :: money and squirrel

Etsy Favorite Things :: 3.30.11

collection of 12 succulent plants :: succulents galore

There are quite a few things on Etsy this past week that keep calling me back to them. The above photo is so, so beautiful that I just can't believe the shop owner isn't selling it as a print! Really, I'm tempted to email them about that.

 

 

 little wing necklace :: by local library

I really love the lines and the color of the wood in this necklace. Minimal and really beautiful.

boat silkscreen print :: by mengsel design

Mengsel Design offers a wonderful variety of prints, tea towels, and pillow cases. All of which are retro and charmingly whimsical.

carved wooden spoon :: by studio liscious

I'm pretty sure I don't even need to say anything about this spoon. It's amazing! And I'm sure you can already see that.

maya necklace no 3 :: by lost and fawned

This simplistic piece from Lost And Fawned has soft, delicate color, and I adore the smoothness of the coins combined with the rustic feel of the chain.

Crushing On :: Handmade Bags

recycled canvas carryall by forestbound

I've been majorly crushing on handmade bags lately. Like, big time. After looking through some of my recent favorites it seems that medium to large everyday-function bags have been tops on my list.

tough ruffles should bag by madebyhank

Made by Hank tough ruffles bags can be hard to catch in stock, but, boy-oh-boy, how I do love them! Pretty and durable. It doesn't get much better than that. Oh, and did I mention the ruffles? LOVE them!

the small messenger in rosewood by moop

The leader in functionality, this bag makes me happy. Roomy, but manageable, with lots of pockets. 

 

the donovan by newduds

Love the reinforced corners on this bag! I also find the mix of textiles completely charming.

simply tote bag by bayanhippo

I'm digging the short strap and removable long strap on this tote. The best part? The price. At $38 this piece is definitely affordable.

Crushing On :: Wall Art

Left: flock ceramic wall art

 Right: crocodile scales

It doesn't take much to fall in love with PrinceDesignUK, and if her flying ducks weren't sweet enough already they are now available in a lively shade of lime. Perfect! I am also smitten with the above giclee print from farouche. Once my living room is painted this Spring there may just be a place for it.

Happy Heart Day :: Gifts for Under $35

:: Mini Heartlette Sparkler ::

The day for lavishing our extra-special loved one with gifts, thoughts, and treats is almost here. Today's finds are comprised of gifts under $35, as a matter of fact, most of them are under $10! Give a little something, or get a little something- it's up to you!

:: candy crane ::

  :: Pomegranate Rose Perfume Oil ::

:: Mini Custom Heart Sampler :: 

:: Raspberry Hand-Cut Gumdrops ::

Hoop, Hoop, Hooray!

 Hand stitched double hare silhouettes in embroidery hoop ::$20::

I have a thing for decorative hoops. I think they're swell. And with so many gorgeous varieties on Etsy, well, I guess it's hard not to fall in love with them. Don't you agree? Below (and above) is just a small and eclectic sampling of my favorites.

 wing embroidery hoop wall art ::$27.90::

Fawn and Flower Wall Wear ::$90:: 

tea time, embroidered wall art ::$28:: 

  Olive You - Felt and Floss Embroidered Hoop Art ::$20::

Last Hurrah Hand Embroidery ::$30::

Pretty Horses.

Left: Growing Horse Print

Right: Two Horses Fine Art Photography Print

I think all little girls fall in love with horses at some point, and deer aren't usually too far behind. Isn't this print by Leah Duncan too cute? And what princess wouldn't love to have these two pretty horses watching over her while she sleeps?

What's the Trick?

The trick is to keep breathing :: print by farouche :: $18

Things I Love Today - 12.20.10

Left: Polly Necklace by VectorCloud

Right: Hug a Cloud in brown and blue by goodbyebluemonday

Things I Love Today - 12.14.10

Left: Little Red Squirrel - blank photo greeting card

Right: The M.ark.et Bag

My Weekend Want List.

I hearted a lot of beautiful items on Etsy over the weekend, one of which I just had to have! This sweet little plant from Jane Joss had my name all over it, and I can't wait to brighten up my kitchen with its cuteness.

Sweet Fabric Potted Plant - Green Stripe Aloe 

Jersey shirt with leaf applique - long tunic fit

Charming vintage bonechina teacup bracelets

Fawn Pin - Ivory Acrylic

Zen ring with Azurite

See this treasury for my full list of fab weekend finds.