#Undiscovered Wednesday - 7/28

Yet another week has passed, which means another batch of Etsy shops and their fabulous unsold finds. That's right, it's #Undiscovered Wednesday! I've been looking forward to these more and more lately. I don't know if it's the economy or summer but so many new sellers are popping up that I can barely keep up. So I can assure you that this week will certainly not disappoint.

Without further adieu, this week's picks:

Amie Bleu
Dreamy, vintage inspired and colorful - three things that immediately draw me to a photo and that's what you'll find at this brand new shop. The artist behind it all is Amy, a photographer, artist and product designer who is "obsessed with the beauty in ordinary everyday lovely little things". Her photos are bits of inspiration that she has captured in their fleeting moments before crafting the final piece with love. And this week she's having a Grand Opening sale: FREE 5x5 Print of your choice with every print order! Buy 2 prints, get 2 5x5 prints for FREE!



Find yourself a dreamy, vintage photo at Amie Bleu on Etsy.


Modern Needleworks too
To those who do not know, needlework is the craft behind anything embroidered, from monograms to pillows and yes, even paintings. This new shop is here to supply those needlepoint enthusiasts with everything they need from thread to canvas. While they're still adding new inventory every day, they already offer a wide array of colors of threads by Silk and Ivory. And if you're not sure what you want, they have sample cards too.


Know a needlepoint crafter who needs supplies, then point them to Modern Needleworks too. *Update: since #undiscovered Wed, they've had 2 sales. Here's to many more!


Carved Clay
Every household needs a beautiful piece of pottery - whether it's just to look pretty or help you serve tea. The nature inspired pieces at Carved Clay, manage to do both. Each piece is handcrafted by Natalie Brown, a clay and sculpture teacher based in Wichita, Kansas. According to her students, this woman lives and breathes pottery and is often seen obsessing over each of her wonderful pieces. Throughout the entire process she makes sure she is creating her best, whether it's in her carefully designed patterns based on the elements of nature or ensuring that her ceramics will stand up to everyday use. So you can be sure that after you fall for it's looks, you'll still be in love when you use it.


You can find more elegant ceramic pieces for your home at Carved Clay.


bluetrike studios
Some folks like bugs, some folks hate them and then some folks love them so much that they want them painted them on framed slices of wood. This new shop is for the latter group. Mara, the artist behind bluetrike (named for her childhood bike) is based in Ontario, Canada and has had quite the history with creative careers from fashion design/illustration to product design. Somehow she found her way to painting and created her unique line, beginning with original pieces called "The Walls are Crawling" and "Flight Pattern". What is really appealing about these pieces is the 3D nature in which the painted insects are portrayed - they almost look as though they could crawl, fly or jump off the canvas. And of course the signature sliced wood and stretched fabric backgrounds only help with the illusion.
Incredibly talented (she used to be a fashion designer remember), Mara plans to expand to sewn items and prints and I cannot wait to see more.



To see more of her beautiful insect inspired 3D paintings visit bluetrike studios on Etsy. *Update: since this #undiscovered Wed, they've had 3 sales! Hooray!


Kellie Landells
When you think of zippers, the last thing you'd think of next is jewelry. But this talented artist, Kellie Landells, proves otherwise by weaving gorgeous necklaces that you couldn't imagine tracing back to the lowly closure, often taken for granted. Based in Melbourne, this New Zealand seller, explored a variety of crafts before finally exploring jewelry. If you're wondering why she chose to work with zippers, here's the answer in her own words - "I have been amazed at what striking pieces can be created from such a simple item."
I have to agree with her and if you take a look at her pieces, I think you will too.


If you like unique jewelry, you'll make sure your collection includes something by Kellie Landells.


That's all for this week!
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Follow me on twitter for next week's #undiscovered Wednesday picks. And if you're an Etsy shop that's interested in being featured, please drop me a line.

G'night!

#Undiscovered Wednesday - 7/21

It's that time again! #Undiscovered Wednesday, where I check Pounce for the best of the brand new crop. There's nothing like a first sale and I hope that the folks featured get theirs soon.

This week I was very impressed by these newcomers. In fact, it made it really hard to pick just 5 favorites, but here they are:

Sharvin Glass
Ever since I saw my first glass paperweight, I've been enthralled by blown glass art. The vases and pitchers created by John Sharvin are equally eye catching. This talented Ohio State student, who has only been glass blowing for a year and a half, truly has an appreciation for the art form and the organic inspired shapes he creates.

To see more of his gorgeous work, visit Sharvin Glass on Etsy.


Lolo's Art
Traditional paintings are great, but honestly I'm a comic book girl at heart. So I'm a fan of the graphic, fantastical pieces that I've seen here. Each piece is painted by Lolo, a stay at home dad in New York (aww!). In fact if you're in that area, you can find him on Sundays at Union Square Park in New York City selling his paintings. He also takes commissions...hrm...I may be asking for a collaboration soon, my friend.

If you're a comic book/fantasy fan like me, you'll definitely want to take a closer look at his work here:Lolo's Art.


Nautilus Yarn
I love knitting and weaving but haven't had the time to do it much anymore, so I've resorted to fondling and ogling beautiful balls of yarn in stores. Simply put, I know beautiful yarn when I see it and you need look no further than Nautilus Yarn.
Lovingly hand-dyed by Stephanie, an architecture and art student in Boston, each skein in her collection is inspired by the sea life in New England. Best of all, she offers complimentary yarn winding (you'd understand if you were a knitter).


Are you a knitter or know a knitter who loves uniquely colored yarn? Make sure you visit Nautilus Yarn.


Dmitre Melnikov
I was captivated by the lightning(at least I think it's lightning) and firework photography that sets this shop apart from the others. Already drawn in, I also enjoyed the soft, nostalgic and beach life inspirations behind Dmitre Melnikov's fine art photography. Photography is his main love in life and it shows.


To see more of his photography visit Dmitre Melnikov on Etsy.


Coralilie
Anyone who knows me, knows that I love retro inspired clothing. I never feel more awesome than when I look like I could have stepped out of the 50s. So I love the color and garden party chic that makes Coralilie so fabulous. Designed and handmade by Coralie Meslin and Lily Thayer Derrick in Baltimore, these dresses are made from new, vintage and up-cycled fabrics. The best part is that the dresses are wraps, so they fit a multitude of sizes and the straps are customizable. And that's only the Summer collection, so I can't wait to see the Fall line.

Add a pop of color to your wardrobe with one of the beautiful dresses at Coralilie.

Well that's all for this week.
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Follow me on twitter for next week's #undiscovered Wednesday picks. And if you're an Etsy shop that's interested in being featured, please drop me a line.

Until next time.

Homemade gifts and product test runs

Happy Holidays folks!

Each year I generally try to give handmade gifts in addition to purchased ones. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I don't, but this year I managed to make something for each of my family members. Since most of the items were things I hadn't made before, it turned out to be a great way to make prototypes for some items I want to start selling in the shop. So without further adieu, my handmade holiday goodies and a preview of things to come.


1. Pencil/notepad case



Made for my father, this case holds up to 4 pens and a 3"x5" scratchpad. It's made with upholstery vinyl and cotton fabric. I think it turned out fairly smashing and he actually liked it!

2. Fancy Clutch



I did not get enough photos of this gift for my mom. Made with pleated black satin and velvet ribbon. Finished it off with a brooch lovingly made by me. Not pictured is the zipper pocket inside. Mom loved it so much she plans to use it on New Years...provided it still goes with her outfit.

3. Mini Bookbag


My sister needed a small shoulder purse badly, so I made her one. And let's say she was very surprised and pleased (which is good cuz I was up all Xmas eve making it). Made with a brown plaid cotton and lined in red cotton. It features an outer zipper on the flap and an inside zipper pocket. I loved it so much I think I'll make myself one as well.

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So yep that's my little update as far as new items go. Hopefully they'll start showing up in the shop soon (pending a few supplies I need to stock up on first).

Happy crafting!