My Etsy Picks: Beach Essentials

Obviously, still couldn't get the beach vibe off my head.  My Etsy Picks this week?  Beach essentials, of course!

50s oversized brim straw hat : BTM Vintage

Turquesa Huichol ethnic necklace : Aida Coronado

vintage oversized sunglasses with UVprotection : mixbaby

70s tribal scarf tank : Vonlenska Vintage

50's floral bathing suit : aiseirigh

high-waist cut-off shorts : Vonlenska Vintage

yellow & white stripe tote : bayanhippo 

facial sunscreen with UVA/UBV SPF50  :  Moroccan Argan Oil

art printed flip flops : Rupy de Tequila

Feeling Crafty: Pretty Bow DIY

This is my second attempt on DIY. I must say, I think I am enjoying it.  This time, I tried my hands on sewing a bow out of the remaining dotted fabric scraps by following this tutorial.  Liz makes a lot of different things on her blog and I am amazed at how crafty she is. So, here's what I came out with.  A pretty bow in polka dots.

The materials you will need are needle & thread, fabric scissors, and some old cloth.

Of course, this was an easy project to begin with. All you need to do is cut one big square, depending on how big you want your bow to be.  I cut about 8 inches by 8 inches from my fabric because there wouldn't be much left so I might as well make use of the entire scrap.  Then, cut a rectangle, about 6 inches by 4 inches.

As you may already have guessed, I am no expert on sewing but I know how to do simple stitches, like backstitch.  Fold your square into half and stitch-up all the sides from the back, leaving a gap on the last corner, just a small opening wide enough for you to be able to pull the cloth from the inside out.  You can sew up this gap later.  Do the same thing for your rectangle.  

With your square fabric, make a crease from the center to form the shape of a bow and stitch it up to hold it together.  

With my rectangle fabric, I twisted it once, placed it vertically in the center of my bow, and tied it up, so that it creates a smaller bow right on top of the bigger bow.

I'm seeing this bow on a headband, as a necklace, or as brooch.

Linked up with:

 

Featured Handmade Shop: Dahlia Soleil

I would like to introduce you all to Paulette, the designer and owner of the Etsy shop, Dahlia Soleil.  She is an artist who is specializing on machine embroidery.  Paulette lives in New York with her lovely 10 year old daughter, Dahlia Soleil.  In her shop, you can find a mix of crochet and embroidery collection like beanie hats, head band ear warmers, and iron on patch appliques.  Please take a moment to read my interview and visit her Etsy shop or check her out on Facebook.
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And if you happen to be in New York on the 27th of April, stop by at the opening day for the Hester Street Fair.  Paulette will be there to showcase some of her new work.  Come up, say hi, mention her Etsy shop and receive a special discount.

Let's get to know the Entrepreneur:
 

Why the shop name? 
My shop name is the name of my daughter.

How old is your shop?
My etsy shop was started in 2006 so almost 7 years old.

What inspired you to start your own home business? 
I wanted to earn an income and still take care of my daughter at the same time.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far and how did you get over it?

The toughest challenge so far is juggling my business and being a mom.  I haven't quite figured it out yet really, just going with the flow at this point. 

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you? 

Have a back up plan financially.  Sometimes the sales are great and sometimes not so great.  You have to plan for the slow times.

Let's get to know the Artist:

What are your inspirations? 

Nature is my inspiration. I grew up on a small island called Barbados with really rich colors everywhere so I pull from those memories when I am crafting my pieces. 

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft? 

I crochet and machine embroider so each one is different.  I start with embroidery software to create a design.  I like to call it the Photoshop for stitches.  Then I transfer the file from the computer to the embroidery machine.  Sew it on to felt and then iron on adhesive to the back to create an iron on patch applique.

What are your top 3 favorite picks from your shop? 

Crochet Hat in Wheat and brown  

Iron On Patch Sloth Applique

Slouchy Beanie Hat with Sloth Patch Applique

Let's get a bit personal :)

What do you do when you're not busy in your shop?

I really love exploring New York City.  In this pic I'm exploring Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum in in Manhattan.

What's inside your bag? 

Dried cranberries, phone charger, bottle of water, a pen, a newspaper to do the crossword puzzles and a tampon. 

What are your favorite shops? 

My favorite Etsy shops are Meg Roberts and The Soap Seduction. My favorite real world shop is forever21. 

What makes you smile? 

When I cut into an avocado and it's good, a ripe mango, my BFF Stacia and the love and support of the people in my life. 

What is your message to your customers and the people who support you?

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to be a full time artist and the ability to be there for my daughter.  Every sale and compliment confirms to me that my "job" as an artist is the perfect "job" for me.

~*~*~*~

BIG THANKS & HUGS:

Dahlia Soleil

Feeling Crafty: DIY Rossette Fabric Corsage Necklace

I'm excited to be sharing my very first DIY project on this blog. The reality is that I'm not a very crafty person but I definitely appreciate handmade things and I am in awe of creative people. I love discovering DIY crafts; I enjoy looking at photos of the step-by-step process; I collect DIY tutorials on Pinterest, wanting to try my hands on various projects but haven't found the time or the compulsion to do any of them.

Yesterday, I saw this project on A Few Pretty things and I felt this itch to actually create something.  Today, I stopped imagining and just start.  And so, here it is, a rossette I made out of pretty fabric scraps which can be worn as a corsage necklace or a brooch.

This isn't a complicated DIY.  You can trust me when I say this because I'm definitely a beginner in this field.  I was quite hesitant to do this but then I really wanted to give it a shot.  If you're not skilled in cutting patterns, sewing and putting things together, like I am, but would like to try your hands on crafting, this is one project that you can do.

The only tools you need are needle, thread, scissors, a necklace chain and a compass or a circular ruler.  You can also use jar lids to draw circle patterns on your fabric like I did.

Of course, you will need some scraps of cloth with different patterns.  I've been saving these, wanting to do something out of them for the longest time.  It's an awful waste to throw away scraps of pretty fabric when you can turn them into something nice again, isn't it?  For my rossette, I chose to combine dotted denim; black, cotton cloth with smaller dots; and a cambric shirt in blue & white stripes.

The next step is to cut circle patterns in three sizes out of each fabric.  I chose the dotted denim to be on the center so I made four circles of those in equal diameter.  Don't worry if the edges are not perfect as long as they are round.

I folded three of the circle denims in half twice and stitched the bottom corners.

I assembled my circles one on top of the other, and stitched them all in the middle. Then I sewed the three half circles side by side on the center like this: 

When I was done, I realized that my black, cotton fabric was too soft so I needed an extra layer.  I cut two larger circles using the same blue & white striped cloth.  I stitched the sides of these two circles to make it one so it would be strong enough to hold the entire rossette without folding down.

And this is the final output.

I know this is a very simple DIY but I'm happy that I was actually able to finish it.  Think this one's going to be special because it's my first.  Have you done this kind of project? If yes, I'd love to see what you've made.  If you would like to make your own, you can also check out these tutorials on these blogs: denim & sweater fabric brooch by A Few Pretty Things; corsage necklace by Polka Dot Chair.

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Joining the link-up at:

J

Featured Handmade Shop: Serejkin Dom

Anastasia Maltseva lives in Kyiv, Ukraine.  She is the designer and owner of the handmade shop Serejkin Dom.  I fell in love with her creations the first time I saw them.  I had featured one of her lovely necklaces here and asked if she wanted to be a featured shop on my blog.  Thankfully, she said yes :) If you are into pretty, whimsical things, you'll surely love this little shop too.  I hope that you will take a moment to read through the whole interview and get to know more about the talented artist behind this handmade shop.

Let's get to know the Entrepreneur:
 
Why the shop name? 
My shop's name, Serejkin Dom, in Russian means House of Earrings.

How old is your shop?
I've started it in 2008 and since then, my shop has been growing and developing.

What inspired you to start your own home business? 

I don't remember properly how it began. It was summer and I was bored and so I made my first super simple beaded earrings. But it wasn't something surprising: I have a very creative family, who taught me to sew, paint, etc. from childhood.

What was the toughest challenge you faced so far and how did you get over it?

The toughest challenge I faced was me and my fear. Fear to try, to start. When I was creating my etsy shop I didn't know, how it would be and if it will work or not. 

What tips would you want to share for aspiring home based entrepreneurs like you? 

Well, never give up! We have great opportunity to see everything around the world through Internet. Just look around, find your muse and create!

Where can we find you online? 
You can find my shop page on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Google+, tumblr, Instagram and Etsy. Am I a geek? :)   We have a Russian language on-line shop and blog as well.

Let's get to know the Artist:

What are your inspirations?

I find my inspiration in things around me: flowers, music, birds songs, nature, buildings. I really like buildings and think all of them have soul. Especially old ones.

Can you give us a peek on the creative process involved in your craft?

Recently I work in the morning, because of the day light. All process of making earrings or necklace can last for a 1-2 days. Everything starts from a sketch. And if I see in my mind something that I couldn't embody right now, then I start searching of supplies, gemstones etc.

What are your personal picks from your shop?

Oh, I'm in love with our new spring collection: it's so fresh and delicate like morning air and dew on grass.

Let's get a bit personal:)

What do you do when you're not busy in your shop? 

On my free time I like to travel and photograph. And I like to drink coffee with macaroons in a little cafe in an old town.

What are your favorite shops? 

I can't pass by shops with all that cute interior stuff! It's obsession! Speaking about etsy shops I can stand out Coriumi, KaroArt and For Strange Women.

What's inside your bag? 

I'm a girl, so in my bag you can find 5 or 6 red lipstick :) Than there are cardholder, documents, wallet, touch phone (I can't live without it) and my notebook for sketches and plans.

What makes you smile? 

I try to smile for everything, every little moment or pretty thing. I smile at morning, when the sun wakes me up. It gives me energy for the whole day. 

What is your message to customers and the people who support you? 
Just notice beauty of the world and give some love to each other.

~*~*~*~

BIG THANKS & HUGS:

 Serejkin Dom

My Etsy Picks: Colorful Spring

Happy Monday! This week's Etsy picks celebrates the beautiful colors of spring.  These handmade items by various Etsy sellers exude the fresh, happy vibe of the season  :)

hand painted silk scarf : Silk Scarf Takuyo

floral patchwork sofa : Name Design Studio

linen necklace with amber : Karuba

bluegreen sterling silver earrings : Sun Gallery and Gifts

abstract painting cushion cover : Ebi Emporium

zipper spiral ring : Zipper Design 

honey bee necklace : Jacaranda Designs 

Chibi green apples coin purse : Octopurse

floral clutch : Sassy Stitches by Lori

forest raspberries colar : ZIB textile

tree branches, birds and birdcages print : Illustree

hen kitchen ornament : Bozena Wojtaszek

reversible placemat with milkweed embroidery : sea blossom design

wildflowers hand painted teapot : roootreee

purple rustic wooden serving tray : Beau Miracle

springtime kitchen towel and cloth set : Mama's Baby Love

floursack "The Blue Floor" tea towel : Marley Ungaro 

Daffodils throw pillow cover : hmishke

My Etsy Picks: Printed Pastels

Hi =) This week's Etsy Picks is all about printed pastels.  Here are pastel goodies in stripes, dots, florals and whimsical patterns.  I hope taking a look at these adorable prints adds cheer to your Monday.  If you have a moment to share which one's your favorite, I'd be delighted love to know:)

green and white pinstripe masking tape : Bahana Splits Boutique 

infinity scarf with pom trim : Gertie Baxter

squirrel and polka dot iPhone case :  The Case of Mr. Pelham

mint and white stripes nautical knit top : Chic Origins

mint and black triangle necklace garland: Petite Deer

1960s retro style dress : Fancy That Vintage

Japanese cotton pinstripe fabric : The Heyday Shop 

mint gingham tape on vintage bobbin :  Worthy Goods Textile

set of four Chevron coffee coasters : Mrs. Amron

vintage pastel print scarf : unVoyage

vintage floral blazer : sussudio nyc

floral cocktail dress : assafpelleg

vintage needlepoint purse : Bambi Apparel

retro teapot skirt : interrobangirl

1970s pink / peach novelty print button down shirt : Asburry Hill

vintage pastel floral skirt : moon and soda

Milly, French 1960s mini dress : dandelion daydreamer

wooden handle, turtle print clutch : DOTTO

1980s sweater : beta vintage casual

1970s powder blue speckled midi dress :  svankmajer

polka dot floral tunic : nbdg

1970s dotted blouse : marjiew

1960s knit dress : retroholic

bubbles polymer clay statement necklace : Alina and T

one piece floral bathing suit :  Tatiana's Threads

baby blue polka dot fabric earrings : Joanna Bizu

Robin's egg adjustable ring : Pickle Dog Design

My Etsy Picks: Mint Fashion

It seems that "mint is the new black" this season.  Mint is such a delicate, calming, charismatic hue that makes you want to reach out and hug someone :)  I don't have a lot of pastels in my closet but green is one  of my favorite colors and I would like to get myself one, two, or maybe a couple of pieces in this endearing shade.  I feasted my eyes on these minted lovelies and I'm wondering if you're also thinking about getting your hands on one of these:

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lace shorts with crochet scalloped trim : three bird nest

scented mint chocolate ice cream necklace : tiny hands

vintage baby doll dress : aiseirigh

leggings with mint berries print : ZIB textile

handmade hair bow : the bellie whistle
chiffon inifinity scarf : Hera Scarf
vegan fold over clutch : milk and honey handbags
bridesmaid chiffon dress : Onor
1970s pleated skirt : coco and orange
mint oxford brogue : goodbye folk
mint vintage sweater : get your vintage on
1990s cropped denim jacket : Julia Sugden

little birds studs : IrenkaR

tiny bird necklace : Beauty Spot

bow knitted headband : Kokosh Knitting

enamel butterfly hair pin : blithely vintage

mint pink lomography print : Basic Design

Chalcedony glass and gold dangle earrings : black and white jewels

mint heart ring : Dariami

Amazzonite stones necklace : AME jewels

mint lace and pearl : Cecilia Jewelry

pastel geometric color block necklace : Alina and T

suede and gold link bracelet : Love Style Happiness

chandelier earrings : exquisite artistry

 tiny mint square earrings : Apple Latte

mint fabric and vintage lace necklace : The Whirlwind

heirloom lace necklace : Hannah's Hope Chest

mint chain ring : amarilo

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Cameo glass bead and brass necklace : Jacaranda Designs

Victorian inspired roses bracelet : Ann Mich Treasure Box

flower sash : Mixed Media by Bridget

acrylic rose, vintage white glass beads necklace : Lovely Sparrow and Co.

ps,
Thanks to all the shops who commented on My Etsy Picks: Spring Fling last week. 

Lovely, Little Thing: Bird on a Bike

I love this sweet necklace with a little bird on a bicycle, in pastel pink.  

So charming! 

Found this and more lovely things from the Etsy shop, SerejkinDom.  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend :)

My Etsy Picks: Spring Fling

I'm so enjoying my time curating  beautiful things from various Etsy sellers.  For this week, it's the Spring Fling! Lots of colors in both pastels and bold hues, the flowers, the birds, the butterflies, and let's not forget the bees.  Oh, such a rejuvenating theme :)  I actually got a bit carried away, I was able to collect four sets of collages.  I hope you enjoy them.  Have a happy day :)

up-cycled 70s yellow circle scarf : The Silk Moon 

"The Bird Number 3" photograph : Photography Dream

heart floral magnet : Handy Happy Hearts

Spring art cards : Inspired Greetings AD

coral red berries leggings: ZIB textile

hand painted blue flowers pillow case : Mery Bradley

vintage floral quilt : bonnbonn

mixed media garden photograph : Pretty Petal Studio

butterfly pouch : mama bleu designs

crochet lace stone : Table Top Jewels

paper flower garland : She Shell

floral embroidered fabric purse : diohej
polka dot mint blouse : flinflon to HongKong
antique Tulip pendant necklace : joey five cents
recycled crochet flower garland : Emma Lamb
"The Bees Knees" high-waisted leggings : Blackbird Tees
vintage kitchen towels : Project Sarafan
1960s Delill white bead & floral tapestry handbag : Pemmy's Emporium

Flowers photography : Carolyn Cochrane

birds on a wire art print : Enrouge

pastel butterfly lavender sachets : Gardenmis

floral petals scallop necklace : Ampris Loves

reversible floral & dots headband : Sassy Stitches by Lori

purple stitched earrings : skrynka

pastel painted mason jars : Beach Blues

floral hair clip : Apple White

floral shirt-waist dress : Mrs Pomeranz

three silk butterfly hair clips : Kate's Cottage Shop

sterling silver dragonfly necklace : CyKlu 

1960s embroidered tunic dress : zwzzy

1950s pink vintage doily  : The Wild Roses

crochet pearl necklace : vyldanstyl

crocheted rose ring : From Paris

watercolor bridal Kimono : Girl with Serious Dream

lace earrings : Tina Eva Renee

hibiscus high-waisted maxi skirt : James Society