#Undiscovered Wednesday - 7/6

Summer is fast upon us and I'm busy with craft fair season. I wasn't going to do #Undiscovered Wednesday this month, but I've missed it so much I couldn't resist. This collection of artists is quite wonderful - they have unique, beautiful work that really captured my attention. If you haven't visited their shops yet, you're missing out.

Enjoy!


One Barefoot Gypsy

Mother nature is showing her glorious colors in full force, so why shouldn't you? And if your jewelry box is lacking in color, then this shop is a good place to visit. Deb, who also runs a vintage/antique shop in Kentucky, knows a thing or two about eclectic jewelry and vintage items and loves to celebrate nature with her one-of-a-kind pieces. To do this she works with vintage findings, lace/ribbons and an assortment of stones. The results are stunning.



Adorn yourself with lovelies fit for any Gypsy queen at One Barefoot Gypsy.



The Soap Trail

If you think natural products have to be boring, you haven't seen the wonderful soaps at this shop. The ingredients might be all natural, but the designs and colors are a far cry from dull. Based in Norway, this artist creates soap using a cold press process, essential oils and mineral pigments. The finished results sport bold patterns, swirls and stripes that are as delightful as their scents: Lemongrass, Spearmint, Peppermint and Lavendar (to name a few).


If you're looking for beautiful natural soaps that will be gentle on your skin, take a look at The Soap Trail on Etsy.



Sir Cedric's Good Heads

The Theatre has always held a dear place in my heart, so I was immediately drawn to this seller and their beautiful work. As their shop name suggests, they sell heads and very good ones at that; or "jester sticks" to be more specific (think puppets without the legs and extra moving bits). The diverse and interesting characters are plucked from Medieval and Victorian times and other periods in between. These unique pieces were created by Lynda Jasper-Vogel, an artist based in New Mexico. She has a long standing history with the theater and has worked with the Sante Fe Opera, worked in props and carpentry, which can be seen in her work. Sir Cedric's Good Heads came about during her time in California and the "jester sticks" originally graced Renaissance and Dickens Fairs, department stores and even movies. The line may have been retired, but now you have a chance to own one of these limited edition pieces.


If you love Dickens, Shakespeare and theatre, you should definitely visit Sir Cedric's Good Heads. Update: Since last week they've had three sales. Congrats!



Jate's Marvellous Marvels

If you've been following my blog, you know I'm fond of beautiful, mysterious photography - so of course I fell in love with this artist. Jate, a photographer based in Germany, finds wonderful ways to make the mundane seem surreal with soft focus, selective color and interesting angles.


Get your own print of the mysterious and beautiful at Jate's Marvellous Marvels.



The Bad Button: Bespoke Corsets

Like any fan of Neo-Victorian culture and fashion, I love corsets. So I was thrilled to find this lovely shop and their corsets. For ladies considering the investment, you won't find any "fake corsets" here - these are made with the best fabrics, boning and finishing. Alisha, the artist behind this shop, has over 17 years of experience with sewing and historical costuming - so you can be sure you're in good hands. Custom orders are her favorite, so don't hesitate to ask for something special - whether it's historically accurate or something more modern. To learn more about Alisha and her work, check out her FB Fanpage.



Consider getting your next custom corset at The Bad Button. Update: They've had a sale since last week. Huzzah!

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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.

Cheers!

#Undiscovered Wednesday - 10/6

It's October folks - one of my favorite months! It's colder outside, people are planning parties and dressing up as whatever their heart desires. So to start the month off, I'll begin with a first for #Undiscovered Etsy - I've decided to include new shops with less than 10 sales so that more stores can be showcased. This is also the first time we're going to have an artist Q&A and hopefully there shall be many more.

Enjoy!


Remember December

This lovely shop belongs to Christine, an artist based in Malaysia with a mild obsession with KitKat chocolates. Her selection of postcards and notecards, created from her own original photography, are wonderfully nostalgic and and could inspire anyone to write a letter. She also sells incredibly cute (kawaii!) stationary sets. I had the pleasure of being contacted by this artist and was excited to include her in this group of new shops. She was also kind enough to answer a Q&A (posted below).



1. How did you get started with your shop?
Haha... good question. I enjoy crafting, but because I'm am not quite the artisan as many of the fantastic people here are on Etsy, the idea of becoming a seller was always more of a wishful thought. At the end of last year I printed a bunch of my photos as postcards (another thing I'd always wanted to do), and after some hesitation I decided to jump in and register as a seller :) The original plan was just to sell postcards, but I've been having a lot of fun around Etsy so I'm starting to include some other items that I feel flow along with the theme. Since I've started selling, new ideas keep rolling in, so I suppose we'll just have to see how things evolve around here.

2. What inspires you?
My inspiration for photography comes from anywhere. I enjoy capturing everyday life and framing in such a way that the viewer gets a peek into what I'm thinking or feeling at that moment.
Aside from that, blogs and magazines are also a huge influence in my creative process. I think that certain elements from various sources get stored subconsciously in my brain and incubate there unnoticed until they pop out -- believe it or not -- mostly when I'm in the shower (true story).

3. What do you do when you're not crafting?
Read blogs. (Laughs) Honestly. I read a diverse range of blogs - from cooking, health, sustainability, design, business & marketing, gardening, crafting, Christian living, travel...etc.
Apart from that, you can find me experimenting in the kitchen, reading and catching up on coursework for my post-grad diploma, talking to my family (yeah, we talk a lot) and sneaking a few winks in between :)

4. What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was 15 I wanted to be a pilot. (No kidding- I wanted to travel the world and be paid well for it! *Grins*)

While you can only buy her work on Etsy, you can see more of her photography on her Flickr.



Reclaim the lost art of writing with nostalgic, beautiful postcards and stationary from Remember December.



Petal and Thorn

Previously known as The Treasured Petal Boutique, this newly named shop is your spot for bridal and formal accessories. The artist, who's awesome day job is creating wedding floral arrangements, wanted to create handmade items that will never fade - which is exactly what you'll find in her lovely shop. She is, of course, inspired by flowers and you can see it in the intricate details of her work.



Add a touch of classic style to your special day with something from Petal and Thorn on Etsy.



Meanwhileplaces

If you're looking for beautiful, functional pottery or a sense of humor - you should stop by this shop. The artist, who is an illustrator and sculptor, enjoys creating unique pieces to share with others. And if their store has peaked your interest, you can see more of their work on their portfolio site - here.


Find unique ceramic jewelry and sculptures at Meanwhileplaces.



Alissa Reid Studio

Beauty is certainly in the details at this particular shop, which sells photography and paintings created by Alissa Reid. Based in Portland, this architectural designer turned artist and photographer seeks to capture the big and large details of the world around us. She believes that "art is another way of seeing" and her photography exposes a unique glimpse, whether it's the farmlands of Australia or the contents of a drawer, that is truly enchanting.

You can learn more about the artist and her work at her blog.



Get a unique vision of the world around us with a print from Alissa Reid Studio.



M. Shallenberger

A well made bag is hard to find, unless you look at this particular shop. Created by Matt Shallenberger, a California based landscape photographer, these bags are not only durable and made with quality craftsmanship, they're also made from recycled materials. Matt first began designing when one of his camera bags failed to stand up to daily use. All of the items in his shop are made with recycled army tent canvas, sturdy stitch-work and closures so they can handle whatever you dish out.

You can learn more about Matt and his products on his blog.


Get a handcrafted, earth-friendly bag at M Shallenberger on Etsy.

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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.

Cheers!

#Undiscovered Wednesday - 8/11

Dear friends, please pardon my belated post. All of the activities before and after the street fair really took it out of me. But better late than never I always say - and it's rather fitting for last Wednesday's picks to land on another Wednesday anyway.

So a recap on my favorites for 8/11:

Knitique
Whether you like it or not, Fall is right around the corner. And this year, I'll gladly embrace it - if it means wearing some of the comfy items from Knitique. This shop features cozy knits of all kinds from cowls, neck warmers, caplets and necklaces. Each item is made with a soft wool/acrylic blend and is available in a variety of colors - in case you'd like to customize. And, if you're planning early for your holiday purchases, she also gift wraps.


Prepare for the upcoming Fall/Winter weather with a lovely scarf from Knitique on Etsy. Update: They've their first sale since our last post. Congrats!


BeeTwixt
Who says blooms have to fade? Certainly not the folks at BeeTwixt, a new Etsy shop offering silk floral accessories. Leda, who is based in Portland, Oregon (always nice to find another fellow city dweller), draws inspiration from the city as she creates for the modern bride to be. She loves weddings want seeks to create something lovely that could be apart of such a tremendous occasion. You can read more about her work on her inspirations on her blog.


Know a bride looking for the perfect bloom for her modern wedding, send her to BeeTwixt. Update: They've had a sale since our last post. Here's to many more!


Lil Petite
These charming bright bits of jewelry add just the right amount sparkle to any outfit. Handcrafted by a talented Toronto artist, each piece - no matter how elaborate - is made with attention to the smallest of details. Inspired by nature, organic shapes, urban and vintage styles, there's something for everyone. And if you'd like to learn more about the shop or the artist, take a look at their new blog. I'll definitely be following.


Get your bit of sparkle at Lil Petite. Update: Since our post they've had 3 sales. Congratulations!


Summerwood Soap
Simple, beautiful soaps with a Renaissance twist is what you'll find at this shop. Created by Amy in Hempstead, Texas she combined her love of soap making with the fragrances of a bygone era. The soaps all sound wonderful, like "Sunny Honey" with it's combination of Lavender, Rosemary and Spearmint. Many of them also feature fresh, natural ingredients like goat's milk, raw honey, essential oils and cruelty free silk - a luxury you'll definitely enjoy.



Find something luxurious bath-time at Summerwood Soap on Etsy.


Colin Duncan
I love finding unique jewelry - it can be a great conversations starter and a piece from this shop is sure to get people talking. Each piece is created by Colin Duncan in his studio based in Edinburgh, Scotland. Through the power of fire and alchemical processes, he takes found materials and turns them into unique wearable art. And I'm quite fond of the finished results.


See more unique recycled metal jewelry at Colin Duncan.


I'll be posting this week's recap (8/18) on Monday - check back soon!
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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.

Cheers!

#Undiscovered Wednesday - 8/4

Phew! This week went by so quickly (not so good for my craft fair prep), but I'm ready to bring another #Undiscovered Wednesday. I'm glad to see some new faces (spread the word, we could always use more!) because it means more exposure for these new and unloved shops. I intend to expand this blog more and more as I go along (including a new weekly segment--excitement!), so keep checking back often.

Anywho, for this week, here are my picks:

Ruth Robinson Ceramics
When most people think of ceramics, they think of large pots and vases as well as a whole host of things that could never be as cute and quirky what you'll find in this new store. Not that I don't enjoy large ceramics - but only Ruth Robinson's ceramic buttons and magnets are small enough to be attached to your shirt sleeve or fridge. Each of these adorable pieces are created in Cheshire, England where the artist currently lives. But fear not lovers of the more traditional earthenware, she'll soon be adding sculptures and larger water etched porcelain.



Put some pottery on your fridge or pocket with one of the lovely little pieces from Ruth Robinson Ceramics on Etsy.


EV Photography
Finding your muse can occasionally be difficult, but perhaps something at this shop will spark that flame. After all, inspiration is the word of the day at EV Photography. Created by Elizabeth, a commercial photographer based in Chicago, she decided to put her talents to work capturing inspirational images that any crafter would gladly hang in their home or work space. Her bright and fun pictures, highlighting elements of nature and craft room, reflect that she is a crafter herself. Her prints can also be purchased offline at Renegade Crafts in Chicago and you can learn more about the photographer on her blog.



Find some visual inspiration at EV Photography.


slightly useful
Tiny. It's one of my favorite attributes for any object, immediately making it more endearing than if it had been life size. So of course I could not resist these little sculptures by slightly useful. Painstakingly handmade by Dinah in Boston, most of her "little babies" measure under 4 inches tall and resemble real life objects like buildings and patches of weeds. She carefully combines her love for "the world we have made for ourselves" and the experience of looking down at our world from high above - distilling it into her wonderful miniature edifices. Displayed in the open or nestled in a fish bowl, they're bound to make even the manliest man squeal with delight.


slightly useful.


Cream n' Sugar: a bath confectionery
Sweets and bathing don't usually go hand in hand, but who says they have to live separate lives. Cream n' Sugar makes this their goal by crafting bath bombs, scrubs and soaps that smell as yummy as they look. The woman behind these lovelies is Kathy of Tempe, Arizona, who wanted to combine her love of baking, crafting and soap making into something luxurious that you've never seen before. In fact, her bath-time creations have won awards more than two years running. Her signature piece, shown below, is a heart shaped gift box of candy shaped soaps, which is sure to delight anyone who receives it. And if you have something particular in mind, she does take custom orders.



Satisfy your bath-time sweet tooth with a little something from Cream n' Sugar on Etsy. Since #undiscovered Wednesday, they've had two sales. Congrats!


Miss P and The Polished Press
Sloppy and slovenly handmade paper products are not welcome at Miss P and the Polished Press, a shop based in Salt Lake City, where clean and polished design reigns supreme. From greeting cards to journals they've got all members of the stationery family looking their finest. They're still getting their shop set up, but expect big things in September when their website and shop officially opens.



If you're looking for some stylish stationery, take a look at Miss P and the Polished Press.


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.

Cheers!

#undiscovered Wednesday

Once again it's Wednesday and I'm back with more new shops on Etsy.
This week there were so many to choose from, but I've narrowed it down to a few favorites.


This week's picks:

Art My Oliver
I love the strange and wonderful prints this shop offers. And equally interesting is the inspiration behind them: fairy tales and medical illustration. Somehow the combination works and each piece is unique, colorful and intriguing.


To see more work, learn about their process and maybe get one for wall, visit Art My Oliver.


Blackbird Clay Studios
Summery and unique, BCS' stoneware and porcelain jewelry definitely caught my eye. In fact I fell in love with the work before I was moved by her story. Leigh Ann Black, the woman behind these fabulous pieces, was an architect before the "economic upheaval" brought her home to Mississippi and her love of pottery. While the reason that brought her to Etsy is unfortunate, I wish her luck and can't wait to see more of her work.

Get that perfect piece of summer jewelry and support a fellow artist at Blackbird Clay Studios.


Two for Joy Paper Studio
This little shop's handmade stationary, prints and wedding invitations is colorful and can't help but make you smile. And best of all they take custom orders--including matching the theme colors for your wedding--so you know it will be unique. I don't have a wedding coming up, but I now know where I can point anyone who is.

Want a unique invite, print or stationary? Make sure you visit Two for Joy Paper Studio.


Melina Martin
These screen printed tea towels are so nifty that you might hang them up as art when they're not in use. Hand printed and based on original illustrations created by Melina, each towel features the beautiful flora and fauna of New Zealand where she resides.

If you're a nature nut or know someone who is, you should take a look at Melina Martin


Marie-Eve Rousseau
I usually am not fond of silver jewelry because I can't wear it (allergies), but for those of you who can I would suggest you adorn yourself with a beautiful bauble made by Marie-Eve Rousseau. Based in Montreal, her work is created with traditional handmade techniques and the careful details are visible in every piece.

To see more of her jewelry and perhaps get one of these silvery adornments for yourself, stop by Marie-Eve Rousseau.

Well that's all for this week's #undiscovered Etsy. A lot of great shops - I can't believe they don't have sales yet! Go show them some love or perhaps their first sale.

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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.

#undiscovered wednesday

To make my presence on twitter seem more useful, I've decided that Wednesdays are undiscovered Etsy days. The idea is simple, I scour Pounce for the newest undiscovered shops(ie no sales yet)and post my favorites. Why? It's fun and frankly, it gives new folks more traffic/free publicity.

This week's picks:

Agent Vinyle
This fabulous new shop has wall decals. And not just any sort of wall decals, eye popping, quirky and beautifully designed ones. I may not have been a fan of the removable wall art, but I am now.


Check out more ways to turn your wall into an artwork at Agent Vinyle.

Etta Bloom
This shop is puts some unique stuff in your bedroom, living room and wherever else you might plop a pillow. They take vintage French burlap and German grain sacks and turn them into one of a kind pillows.

If you want your pillows to be more than couch covers, take a look at Etta Bloom.

Joanna Nealey
This shop has fresh, clean and simple metal jewelry with a pop of color. Custom made by Joanna in her personal studio, their bright, colorful enamel finishes really caught my eye.

Want one of her unique adornments in your wardrobe? Visit her shop at JoannaNealey.

Camillo Longo Photography
Dark, graphic and gorgeous. These three words describe why I enjoy the prints at Camillo Longo's Etsy. From zombies and gore to dark romance and mythology, the minimal use of color really makes the work pop. Here are two of my favorites:


To find more prints that will haunt their way into your heart, go to Camillo Longo.


Moni K. Designs
This final shop has some very lovely purses, bags and sachets. Lovingly handpainted and beaded, each piece is clearly made with love. I personally adore these painted lavendar sachets, which would be the perfect gift (hint to you folks looking for something for your upcoming party/wedding):


If your interest is piqued, go see more of her lovely pieces at Moni K. Designs.

Well that's all for this week. Go and show these folks some love.

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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.