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Etsy Monday: 26 MileStones

by Megan on December 19th, 2011

I have so much respect and admiration for those who have run a marathon. I totally say each year that I want to, but am extremely lazy and never follow through with this. I do think though that those who have more motivation than me should be honored. Heck, it’s a huge feat! Please allow me to introduce you to 26MileStone. They create “tile coaster sets from your race bibs and motivational endurance sport related magnets and ornaments.” Pretty cool, huh?!

I actually had the pleasure of purchasing from them recently. I needed an ornament for a friend that is a runner. I purchased the runner ornament, pictured below.

This ornament is no longer available, but here are the details: “1 2×2 square tile ornament and basic black lowercase “run” in metallic shimmer lettering on beige tile.” I loved it. And so did my friend. It was even better than in the photo!

One of the coolest things ever is the fact that they will make coasters out your race number bib. This seriously makes me want to run a marathon. Almost.

Race number bib coasters

And, if you have run a maraton/triathlon, etc, and are thinking, “eek, I so don’t want to part with my bib” no fear! 26MileStones states that you may ”specify if you prefer that a color copy of the bib be used, and the original will be shipped back with your order. Or, YOU make the copy, (laser copy preferred, as there is less risk of the ink running) and send that.” This listing is for four coasters and is $22, plus $6.99 US shipping. Not too bad of a deal if I do say so myself!

Commit Square Tile Magnets

These magnets may just be the motivation I need to actually follow through with my commitments. I will have to face them each time I open the fridge. Hopefully seeing them each day will give me the strength to commit to what I say I’m going to do.

Hope you enjoyed 26MileStones as much as I have!

Etsy Monday: Son of a Sailor

by Megan on December 12th, 2011

Sometimes I just talk to Etsy artists and feel as if we should be besties. This was exactly the case with today’s featured Etsy shop, Son of a Sailor. The shop’s owners, William and Jessica, are just as cute as can be. William fancies himself a graphic designer and Jessica is a marketing professional. What they both have in common is their playful spirit and amazing work! Check it out!

Leather Bracelet- White

Chevron is all the rage these days! However, I totally want to wear this pattern, but am slightly terrified. Sometimes when I try to wear trends I tend to look like I’m trying too hard. This is a great way to be trendy! This bracelet is also handpainted, so no two bracelets are exactly the same. I love that.

Hot Air Balloon card

This card is black, white and coral, which are three of my favorite colors! If they aren’t yours, no fret! This card can be customized just for you!

Framed Vintage Paperback: Slipping Beauty

This piece of art serves dual purposes. One, it’s fab and can be hung or placed as is to add a vintage touch to your decor. Two, the paperback is in great condition so you can totally read some short stories from Avon Books from 1952. I know just the room I’d put this in!

William and Jessica were kind enough to answer some questions. Enjoy!

1. How did you and William come up with your Etsy shop?

William and I began creating together the first time we ever met. One of our first projects together were the button earrings (seen in our etsy shop) and things only grew from there! After a year of dating long-distance–I was in San Francisco and he was in Austin–I decided to move back to Texas, where I had lived for 10 years prior. Once I got back, William and I continued making, and with the encouragement of a friend that owns a jewelry boutique here in town, we opened an Etsy shop with our first collection in May.

2. What material(s) do you enjoy working with the most?

I think, for us, it’s a tossup between brass and leather. Brass, with it’s nautical affiliations, proved to be the best material for the current collection. Brass has a fantastic quality about it when it antiques–the unique markings in the metal come out, and it earns a beautiful patina. It can also be polished to stay shiny and golden—we like that it has two extremes! Leather has a warm and rustic feel to it. It is beautiful when left alone, but also makes for a fantastic foundation for the addition of designs–both tooled and painted. Leather has a lasting quality to it that translates for both men and women, which we appreciate.

3. What is your favorite color? What is William’s favorite color?

Jessica: My favorite color changes…I suppose you could say that I’m fickle! Currently, I am in love with deep fall colors, like cranberry red, navy blue, and forest green. But I’m desperately in love with adding neon splashes to this kind of a color palette—just a bit of florescent pink or orange instantly turns a color palette that was very popular in the early 90s into a modern, playful theme. But two months ago, I was gung-ho seafoam green and light pink. I still love those. Can my answer be all of them?

William: Turquoise.
: )

4. What is your favorite item in your shop?

Jessica: It’s really hard to pick one–we don’t create things that we don’t love! I would say that I rotate every few weeks between pieces that I wear. Right now I’m wearing the Large 30″ Triangle Chevron Necklace, and I really love it! It seems to go with so many outfits—from a cute patterned dress to a T-shirt and jeans! I also wear the Black and White Chevron Lariat bracelet with a “J” initial almost every day.

William: My favorite is Jessica Blake. Oh, my favorite item in the shop? I really like the Pecos Handpainted bracelet in white with the yellow chevron pattern–the mustard color seems to be spot on for the fall season, and it’s really easy to wear!

Thank you so much William and Jessica!

Etsy Monday: Tartella

by Megan on December 5th, 2011

I have, brace yourselves folks, been learning how to cook! However, I still need to follow recipes, unlike my husband who can create a meal out of three ingredients. With that being said, I have a boatload of printed recipes and recipe cards just strewn in my cabinets, with no sort of organization whatsoever. So imagine my excitement when I came across todays Etsy shop, Tartella. The shop’s owners, Amanda and Andrea, create fabulous items for your kitchen.

The one item that initially caught my attention was this recipe card holder.

Wood Flip Recipe Card Holder

I totally need this to keep me organized. This card holder comes with ten inserts, which can hold 20 recipe cards, but feel free to add more inserts, since the rings can be opened very easily. And the wood boards make for easy clean-up. Believe me, I’m super messy. This is a necessity.

Recipe Card Gift Set

These recipe cards are a must in my household. As previously mentioned, I will print recipes out from the internet in my effort to become the next top chef. These cards (which of course can fit in the above holder!) are great to jot those recipes down on and am sure will be way easier to organize. This set includes 25 cards and is packaged in a lovely bookcloth covered card holder.

Winter Tea Towel set

This tea towel set would be a great hostess gift! Tartella has taken the motto, “eat. live. love. repeat” and screen printed it onto a tea towel. These towels are made with 100% cotton flour sacks and are totally washable. Which is good because I make messes…This set comes in two color choices- green (shown) or vintage blue, with the motto towel in blue and the whisks have orange handles. It’s too hard to choose! I love them both!

And, from December 5-11, Tartella is offering free shipping on all U.S. and Canadian Etsy orders. For U.S. Orders, use Coupon Code TARTYFREESHIP upon checking out. If you are in Canada, make sure you convo Tartella and they will set up a reserved listing with the adjusted shipping rate.

Andrea was kind enough to answer some questions, enjoy!

1. How did you come up with your shop’s name?

I knew that I wanted to make up a name, so that I didn’t have to worry about getting web addresses, trademarks, etc. and I also knew that I wanted it to have something to do with baking. So, I made lists of words that I liked (both cooking related and non) and just started putting them together to see what worked. Tart was on the list because pies and tarts are my favorite desserts, and Ella was the name of my cat. I sent my favorites to my friends and had them vote…and, Tartella won!

2. What is your favorite item in your shop?

I think I’d have to say the Bread Print is my current favorite. Bread is my absolute favorite thing to bake and eat, and I love how those illustrations came out. But, Whisk Tea Towels are a perennial favorite.

3. I see you work with your sister. Who’s the better cook between the two of you? (I frankly, can’t cook to save my life!)

My sister is just starting to cook and lives in a different city, so I haven’t tasted a lot of what she has prepared. But, her pumpkin pie outshone my apple pie this Thanksgiving (at least, according to my husband, who is supposed to have clear allegiance to my cooking!), so I think I have some mighty competition in the future. We both draw on experiences of our grandmother’s farm cooking and our mother’s Norwegian heritage, so our food preferences and what we choose to cook and bake is often similar. I add in quite a bit of French-based and comfort food (read: rich & creamy), while my sister experiments more with Asian dishes.

4. What was the first item you created?

The first items I designed for Tartella were letterpress recipe cards and cookbook marks (available at www.tartella.com). I originally thought that I would produce mainly paper and stationary products, since that was my background. But, then I took silkscreen classes and started printing on textiles like tea towels. Customers at shows responded really well to them, and I started spending more time and energy on textile products. I still design and produce new recipe cards and cookbook marks every year, though, since there is always a core customer base that still uses and appreciates these products (like me!).

Thanks Andrea!

Etsy Monday: Love Sweet Chocolate

by Megan on November 28th, 2011

I couldn’t agree with the name of this shop more. I do love chocolate. So of course my mouth watered when I came across today’s featured Etsy shop, Love Sweet Chocolate. The shop’s owner, Stephanie, or Steffie, as she tends to go by, is a stay at home mom who makes delicious treats that will make you drool. Don’t believe me? Feast your eyes on the goodies below. Nom nom nom.

Peanut Butter Cup Pretzel Rods

Don’t these just look divine?! Peanut butter and chocolate are my all-time favorite flavor combination. You can have these bad boys wrapped in threes or individually. Personally, I’d go for individual, as I’d eat three in one sitting with no problem. You get a dozen per order, so feel free to share!

Holiday Drizzled Oreo’s

These look amazing. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth?! What I love about goodies like these are they are great for gift giving. Sometimes we have gift exchanges at work and I never know what to get. These treats make great gifts. Also, they can be wonderful hostess gifts if you are going to a holiday party. That is, of course, if you are willing to share.

Snow Ball Cake Lollipop

Cake pops are all the rage right now! I see them everywhere and want about 18. With this order you get your choice of chocolate or yellow cake and are dipped and rolled in white chocolate and white sugars. They also come tied with curly ribbon in a color (or two!) of your choice. Yum.

Steffie was kind enough to answer some questions, enjoy!

1. What is your favorite sweet in your shop?

My favorite sweet is my Chocolate Dipped Pretzels, they are a ton of fun to make!

2. What is your favorite flavor combination? (example, salt and chocolate, peanut butter and chocolate, etc.)

Favorite Flavor combo? I have a few, lol. I love the salty sweet taste of my pretzel rods. Then again I love my milk chocolate dipped yellow cake pops with peanut butter swirls. WOW. Yum.

3. What made you want to start an Etsy shop?

Starting an Etsy shop was ideal because Etsy had the greatest feedback and easy setup for me to start out with. I started making sweets as a hobby and now I won’t leave this site because it’s fun and I have met alot of really sweet people!

4. What was the first sweet treat you ever created?

The first sweet I have ever created in my shop would be, well there are a couple actually, the Pretzel Rods and all my painted chocolates. I love holiday molds.

5. Do you take custom orders?

I WELCOME ALL CUSTOM orders!

Thanks so much Steffie!

Etsy Monday:The Impulsery Emporium

by Megan on November 21st, 2011

As much as I adore accessories, I have one heck of time learning how to accessorize. I have so many necklaces and earrings just hanging on my jewelry holder, with no direction on how to piece them together. What I am a pro at though is scarves. I could wear a scarf everyday! So of course I was head over heels in love with today’s featured Etsy shop, the Impulsery Emporium. I actually had the pleasure of being introduced to this shop back in October when Heartsy featured this shop. Since I have proclaimed my love of scarves, I totally bought the deal.

Eco-Friendly scarves

This scarf is fab! I have received so many compliments on it, plus it was super comfortable. You can wear it long or short. Sometimes when I wear things too close to my neck I tend to feel like I’m choking (I’m weird, I know). However, this scarf didn’t make me uncomfortable at all. Score! Another super cool thing? The scarf isn’t sewn together, so if it’s too thick you can easily remove some of the pieces. Awesomeness.

Now, the Impulsery Emporium doesn’t just feature scarves, the shop’s owner, Stephanie, makes jewelry too! Check out some of my favorite pieces. Enjoy!

In Fine Feather

This necklace is 20 inches long and incorporates a silver, black and bronze chain. I love the mix of metals! I think it’s super fierce.

Sea Shell earrings

I love the pop of color with these earrings. And I totally am smitten with the beach. These earrings need to find a place in my collection!

Hemp Cuff bracelet

I can’t say enough about this bracelet except that I want it. Now. Swoon.

And fyi, The Impulsery Emporium is having a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale from November 24 to November 30. Plus many items will be available with free shipping! Woohoo! I do love a good sale. Happy shopping!

Etsy Monday: Wild Honey Pie Vintage

by Megan on November 14th, 2011

I often think I was born in the wrong decade. Seriously. I have an obsessive love of music from the 80s, I heart the fashion of the 40s, and I honestly think that I am a hippie trapped in the 21st century. I think this may explain why I am so drawn to any and everything vintage.

If you too love vintage, then you will be so stoked for today’s featured Etsy shop, Wild Honey Pie Vintage. The shop’s owner, Julia, is just as sweet as pie. I mean that. Every Monday morning at a church in Austin, TX, “volunteers set up a temporary boutique filled with donated clothes in the basement of a church in downtown Austin. They provide breakfast and the opportunity to shop with a volunteer to 40 homeless and home-insecure women.” Julia oftens attends this event and has since made the decision that every purchase goes towards helping these women. You know I love a good cause!

Julia says her shop provides women with the opportunity to blend fantasy with reality. This sounds like my cup of tea. I know once you see her items you will be smitten as well.

1970s clutch

FYI folks, I have a birthday coming up in two weeks, should anyone feel like sending me this clutch. I love love love it. It has an inner-suede lining and a removable strap. Swoon.

1960s Navy Wool Pencil Skirt

This skirt is fierce. I’m obsessed with navy blue as of lately, so I totally need this. And the pocket! Eeee! I love pockets.

Here are the details: waist: 26in; hips: 38in; length: 26in; condition: excellent.

1960s Blossoming Rose earrings

These pale pink rose clip-on earrings have a cluster of faux pearls in the center. They are too cute for words. And on sale! Love!

Make sure you check out Julia’s accessories, as they are all on sale from now until Friday! That’s an awesome deal for some awesome finds for jewerly, hats, shoes and belts, and purses and handbags. Also, Julia was kind enough to answer some questions, enjoy!

1. Where do you find the pieces in your collection?

Welllll..isn’t that always the mystery?? Hahaha. About half of my inventory comes from wholesalers with whom I have developed relationships with. And the other half is eeked out of many many hours of blood sweat and tears pouring through thrift store racks, garage sales and estate sales.

2. What has been your favorite find so far?

Oh man…a favorite find? Yikes! That’s a toughie. Probably this amazing green dress from the late 50′s early 60′s. It’s an exquisitely hand-made kelly green silk ballgown with a watteau-style train. I saw it in a pile somewhere and snatched that thing up and my heart started pounding it was just so gorgeous. I JUST yesterday finally got it photographed and it should be up in the store tonight! It’s truly a gem, and of course it fits like it was made for me!

3. What advice would you give to someone who knows nothing about vintage, such as what to look for, etc.?

So..if you’re just starting out knowing nothing about vintage I would say start out by:
- getting to know your body’s proportions. What shape are you? Hourglass? Pear-shaped? Long and lanky? Know your bust waist and hip measurements by heart as well as from the hollow of your neck to the navel. Vintage clothes are..simply put…not made like modern ones at all. They are meant to fit very specifically. (Which is what makes them look so amazing!)
-then go watch a bunch of movies, that’s right…classic movies like Philadelphia Story, High Society, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, look at what the leading ladies are wearing and see what sort of style makes you catch your breath. Then google that time period of style and just start seeking it out in thrift stores and vintage stores.
-TRY TRY TRY things on. Only then will you start to get a sense of what works for your body. And experiment around with decades, the 40′s is very different from the 60′s
- ask questions and don’t be afraid to sound like you don’t know anything. Vintage peeps are 99% of the time DYING to share their knowledge with someone.
- And above all, don’t worry about how old it is or who designed it or how strange it might be compared to today’s trends…does it FIT you and does it make you FEEL special? That’s all that matters.

4. What is your favorite decade?

Favorite decade?? Yikes..that’s like asking a favorite child. I love different things about different decades. The detail and styling of the 20′s and 30′s, the wonderful cuts of 40′s dresses, the amazing fabrics of the 60′s. I love it all. But if I HAD to choose one, I would say late 40′s early 50′s with the advent of Dior’s “New Look”. Being short with a small waist and a sizable bust and booty, it’s those styles that really look best on me and makes me feel super feminine and put-together.

5. Who is your style inspiration?

My style inspiration comes from EVERYwhere. : ) But when I feel stuck in a rut I run to Style.com and look at all the newest stuff coming down the runway, especially the haute couture runways. Nine times out of ten I will recognize a vintage inspiration behind a modern look and it sets me off. I love how fashion just constantly changes, mixes and matches and recycles itself. And I am just consistently gobsmacked at the amazing things my fellow Vintage sellers rustle up. I have made many friends who share this passion and they are always pushing me to style better, think more creatively, make better photos and work harder.

Thanks so much Julia!

Etsy Monday: The Bead Girl

by Megan on November 7th, 2011

As many of you have come to realize, I love jewelry and any and everything recycled. So, with that being said, I had to feature today’s Etsy shop, the Bead Girl. The shop’s owner, Lisa, creates each piece using “100% recycled and eco friendly silver, as well as copper, gold and gemstones to create wearable pieces of art jewelry.” Trust me, she makes some wonderful pieces of art!

Leather Wrap Bracelet

Leather is totally in this season, if I do say so myself. And I love the beads on this bracelet and the inspirational message of “enough.” Sometimes I need little reminders that I am strong enough, smart enough, etc. Not only is this bracelet stylish, but it is full of positive encouragement. That is a huge bonus! And, if you’d like another saying, that isn’t a problem at all! Lisa is happy to accommodate. Just let her know what you’d like your bracelet to say. I’m sure whatever you choose it will be wonderful.

Copper Butterfly Necklace

I love the twist on this necklace. I love butterflies, but sometimes I worry if they look too childish on me. This, however, is a grown-up way to still show off your love of butterflies while adding an awesome piece of jewelry to your wardrobe. LOVE. This listing is for the chain and pendant. However, if you are just interested in the pendant, that is totally possible too!

Personalized Hand Stamped Necklace

I keep seeing hand stamped jewelry all over the place. I love it every time I see it. This necklace would be the perfect gift for mom or grandma. I know mine would love this! Or even a mom to be!

Lisa was kind enough to answer some questions. Enjoy!

*UPDATE: Lisa is offering 15% off your order! Just use the coupon code FANTABFRUGAL15.

1. What is your favorite piece in your collection?

I think I just made my favorite ring last night!

2. Where do you get your inspiration from?

Everywhere! Colors. Nature. Other pieces of art. Actually, the stones “speak” to me too. True story!

3. What was the first piece of jewelry you ever created?

Earrings. I wanted to learn to do those fancy wire wrapped endings!

4. What has been your most difficult piece to make?

Stone setting is always stressful. Getting the bezels just right. then having the stone fit the setting perfectly. Always makes me uptight…yet I love it!

5. What is your favorite material to work with? (ie. silver, leather, beads, etc).

I love working with silver sheet. I love the transformation either through sawing, hammering or firing. so many options out of something so simple!

Thanks Lisa!