Shopping Cart Friday (tshirts!)

I just returned from a successful stop of Presents of Mind - they bought most of what I brought in, which was wonderful. Afterwards, Eric and I stopped into American Apparel to check out the shirts and hoodies we just purchased last night via a wholesale order - Eric is screen printing tshirts to sell with me at the Mississippi Street Fair!

So, in the spirit of Shopping Cart Friday, I give you my favorite tshirt designers on Etsy...



First up is Ryan of Flux Productions. I own 4 of these shirts, and if I had 7 of them, I would live in them. His nature inspired prints are so beautiful, and you feel downright sexy wearing these little numbers. Comfortable and stylish, you can't go wrong.

Next we have the cool folks from Satisfactory. Overall, this is one of the best tshirt shops for both girls and guys alike. The owners seem like real swell people and if they were in Portland, I'd invite them over to a BBQ. These guys even included a screen printed canvas bag with my tshirt purchase, and it's become my favorite Loyly tote.



Finally - this one's for the ladies. Just kidding, this one's actually for Eric. I bought a tshirt from Timber! What can I say, my husband loves beards.

Low Profile

I've been keeping a low profile on the jewelry scene lately. The day job's been demanding these last few months, and I've been trying to live a less stressful life. Working 15 hour days between work and jewelry gets tiresome, and the resting up has been good.

I was contacted by my friends at Presents of Mind to set up a wholesale appointment for this Friday. I've been slowly working on new pieces and have a pretty good stock going, but I was reserving most of it for the Mississippi Street Fair. As a result I am hunkering down to create new styles, as well as recreate some old favorites. Last time I went in for a wholesale appointment with Seasons (owner,) I left with almost no stock - she cleaned me out!

Aside from filling orders for online sales, I have simply focused on new designs and have taken a break from the craft circuit. I was really active a year ago and almost wore myself out, but I'm coming back. I've been looking forward to the Mississipi Street fair since the last one. I'm taking the entire week off from work and my youngest sister will be in town to help me out. It's going to be wonderful.

If you will be in Portland for Mississppi Street fair, Saturday, July 12th, come say hello!

Ah Monday.

I've decided to have a different relationship with Monday. I am going to approach her with an open mind.

In the spirit of this new, softer, gentler, more hopeful Monday - here is a one of my favorites:

#45.3 - Andrew Bird - Spare-Oh
by lablogotheque

Living Room, leaving room.

Ever since Robin brought my attention to the Modern Economy sample sale coming up next month, I have spent an absurd amount of time toying with the idea of wall paper thanks to Ferm Living. After tearing down wall paper in the foyer (ok, fine - Eric did most of the work) I have developed a fear of the stuff. I can't imagine the hanging process is any easier than trying the peel the stuff off...

That said, Ferm Living's modern wallpaper designs may have me rethinking my stance.



Aside from wall decor, one of the most difficult decisions to be made on the new living room is in relation to the sofa. I really want a leather sofa, but the thought of my cats leaving claw marks has me thinking better of it. For years I have been dreaming of the chocolate brown KRAMFORS sofa from IKEA. The shiny texture has me a bit concerned about my sweet little furbabies and their love to scratch. As a result, I'm thinking the HAMRA sofa may be a bit more durable, and I love the color. I know I mentioned before that I was going with cool and neutral tones, but this might be the exception. I think it will look great with the super soft aqua green paint we are planning to use.

The shape of this sectional will look wonderful in the corner of our living room, allowing us to finally put the TV on the wall and really open up the space. More than anything, I am wanting to declutter. Right now there are too many obstacles in that room. By moving the sitting space in the corner, we will take better advantage of the free flowing nature of our exiting floor plan.



Knowing the cats will inevitably pose a problem, I have been trying to locate a fabric sofa I like. This so far is my favorite, but Eric is dead set against yellow. I think when used in a single piece, it will look great, but the guy needs some convincing. Don't you think this sofa would look great against the wallpaper above?



So many possibilities, and the planning stage is the most fun. Installing the hardwood flooring...that I'm not looking forward to.

Shopping Cart Friday (for the home)

Eric and I are approaching many home improvement projects, one of which involves redoing our living room. I am going with a completely different color palette, moving away from the reds to cool and neutral tones. The details will be saved for another post, but in the spirit of shopping cart Friday, here are some notable items I'm thinking about (in addition to some items I just couldn't pass up.)

Wall decals are becoming very popular. I love the easy design statements these silhouettes make and imagine that they are the wall paper replacement for the new millennium (not in all instances mind you!) I love the interest these provide without the need for a overwhelming patten. Many decal shops have sprung up on Etsy, but here are two of my favorites:



Holly offers a wonderful array of vinyl wall art and was a featured seller on Etsy a few months back. I love the idea of an faux chandelier, but the only place I can picture it in my home is in a spot currently occupied by a beautiful painting by Ian Harris. I just can't bring myself to move it.

Next up is a decal that I completely intend to buy and know exactly where to put it:



Elly Nelly's decals are probably among my very favorite. She offers a great array of color choices, so take a look through her store. I'd imagine that a number of her designs would be absolutely perfect for a child's room.

Finally, I stumbled upon a wonderful vintage shop on Etsy today. While many folks have mentioned mixed feelings about vintage items on Etsy being that they aren't technically handmade, I have to admit that I love them dearly. Check out these awesome ketchup and mustard dispensers I purchased today from Do Not Destroy. I can't wait to pull them out at our next BBQ with friends. I picked up a few other pyrex items too since these guys feature fair prices and combined shipping discounts.



Have a great weekend!

Wow, Vampire Weekend might actually be good after all.

Ok, Let me first promise to you that I will not get into a La Blogotheque rut as a means to produce cheap blog fodder, but JEEZ...it's so good that I almost can't help myself. I could spend hours on that website, and so much of what I find inspires me in a way that brings on this serious need to share.

If your like me, you've been hearing about Vampire Weekend for a little while now. Enough to make you not want to like it, it almost seems too damn popular. Be honest, you have a secret affection for hating what everyone else loves. Popularity is inherently suspicious.

I was just joking with some friends over dinner the other night that this is the very reason I dislike Philip Seymour Hoffman. It's not because he's a ginger (thanks Tyler!) and it's not because he's one of those three name dudes who emerged from the late 90s, it's because I could imagine somebody saving one of his used tissues and calling it thespian gold.

Nevertheless, I ran across this video last night and realized that perhaps the reason Vampire Weekend had become an overnight sensation is because they might actually be good. There, I said it. And I loved that pasty man in Boogie Nights, short shorts and all.

Watch this and tell me this doesn't sound amazing. When the keyboard kicks in, it's magic.

#80.2 - VAMPIRE WEEKEND - The Kids don't stand a chance
by lablogotheque

This is the best thing that happened to me today.

and it was already a pretty good day.

Look at what I just stumbled upon, another series of sweet gems care of La Blogoteque...
I have a sinking feeling that I just might owe them my first born in some strange way because this makes me VERY HAPPY.

This series of videos made my toes curl, and that's not an exaggeration. I'd say the last video is my favorite - perhaps since it's in the true spirit of a take-away show, but each one is beautiful so try not to skip ahead. That would be against the rules, after all.

Enjoy.

#93.1 - BON IVER - Lump Sum
by lablogotheque

#93.2 - BON IVER - Flume
by lablogotheque

#93.3 - BON IVER - For Emma, Forever Ago
by lablogotheque

Read the full article here.

The Big U

On Saturday night Eric and I headed over to the Aladdin Theater to watch Khaela Maricich perform favorites from her catalog of tunes under The Blow. The show opened with Glass Candy, a fun duo with great danceable synthy swayful music, something that I don't own yet but intend to shortly.

Khaela was pretty damn adorable. Her family was seated in the balcony and you could tell they were glad to witness this final show. She mused about life, The Big U, and sometimes grew impatient with the rowdy kids talking through her between set monologues. It's clear that she is putting all of The Blow songs behind her to focus on the next chapter in her creative life. She's older, perhaps a little wiser, and ultimately feels very comfortable with herself, as she should. I couldn't help but identify with her banterings about early 20-something confusion and the fact that she now knows herself better than she ever has. I've recently come to realize this self knowledge is the biggest benefit of coming to the end of what many people consider to be the last decade of their youth.

I encourage you to take a listen to where she's been, and join me in looking forward to what ever Khaela comes up with next:
True Affection - From 'Paper Television'

Shopping Cart Friday

It's another Shopping Cart Friday and I am on task! It happens to be a beautiful sunny day here in Portland, so what better way to pay tribute to the sunshine than by sharing the summery items I have been eyeing affectionately for the past week.

First up is a sweet airy top created by Katsai, a Barcelona based seamstress with an amazing knack for form and color. If you haven't added her to your Etsy favorites, do it now. I find her design truly unique and inspiring, and love the gathered waist for a faux tuck effect.



Next, with the sun finally out I am eyeing this wonderful sun hat by Sookie. Sun kissed cheeks will compliment the feminine hue of this head wear nicely.



Last but certainly not least is this amazing satchel created by none other than Bonspiel Creations. I am the proud owner of an English Riding Jacket andMadame Butterfly Top. I love how she incorporates screen print designs into all of her mediums, and can safely say she is among my top 3 favorite Etsy folks. This Antler Satchel is tempting my index finger to push the "buy" button more and more every day.

Oh my!

I think I am developing (or perhaps deepening) my love for 18th century French design mixed with modern edge. Over the top femininity combined with urban design is a killer combination that I just can't pass up...and since I have missed 2 shopping cart Friday's I figure I would share my latest Etsy purchases.



Lauren K Roberts is a kind lady in London with amazing, dare I say brilliant design. I just picked up this beautiful number from her and after a weekend's worth of wear and compliments, I can safely say this necklace was a wise purchase. Her entire collection is amazing and I already have my eye on at least two other pieces (pictured below). Check out her shop on Etsy and prepare for some serious wanting.




Second on my list is the amazing Fillmore shirt I bought from Rose La Biche:



I don't think this shirt could be any more adorable.

'Rose La Biche' (translates to 'Rose The Doe') is the creative outlet of a French designer (Lucy) based in San Francisco. I feel like her creations are an answer to my quiet prayers for striking yet comfortable fashion. Everybody needs at least one of her creations...

This is another shop that I check back on almost daily. I cannot wait so see the new line currently being photographed in NYC, the anticipation is killing me.

Shopping Cart Friday

Oh sadly neglected blog, I'm sorry for abandoning you.

Here I am at home on a rainy Friday, dedicating some time to my Etsy shop...and I came up with a wonderful idea - Shopping Cart Friday.

For all I know there is some Flikr Group already dedicated to this, but if you are like me, you enjoy window shopping at Etsy. I routinely put a number of things in my cart, but refuse to check out. Right now I am being ferociously tempted by Gemmafactrix's Bauble and Bubble Gum rings...they are so lovely.

This is what I want for my birthday Eric, don't you think I deserve them!

Pardonne Moi

This one's for Robin.

The gent can be a bit painful to watch at times, but the guitar is pretty and the passengers on the bus are wonderful in their everydayness. You feel like you are on the bus. In France. Instantly.

The French language reminds me of Robin in general. I like to watch Robin speaking in French. She makes language visible.

It was sunny and almost warm in Portland today. I wish you were here.

Just another reason to love Sufjan...

...not that I needed one.

I love this Innocence Mission cover care of Blogoteque.

*Sigh*

This is a feeling that never gets old.

I've been featured on the front page of Etsy 3 times this month. Everytime I see it I can hardly believe my eyes. It makes me jump around the room in excitement. It makes me late for work.

I feel lucky.

Thank you.

I made the front page!

Can you spot me?

I'm ready for spring.

The sun was shining for a moment while I was photographing my newest creation, and then it was gone. It was nice while it lasted.

Hope on Foster after all

For those of you familiar with Portland geography, I have been living in the Foster/Powell neighborhood for a few years now. I bought a house in May of 2004 because the house was cute and the neighborhood was still affordable (granted, sketchy in pockets.) It has managed to feel like home.

You can imagine my satisfaction when an amazing restaurant finally popped up within short walking distance from my home. Bar Carlo, I am in love.

Self serve Stumptown coffee, big windows, savory food. It brings new, added pleasure to my weekends. Quality of life has improved.

Even better, it has opened my mind up to brick and mortar jewelry/art/craft business dreams. I am tired of the Corporate rat race and the politics.

I want to live the dream. Come'on Foster Road. Show me some love.

Etsy Love: Shannon Gerard

I am now finally coming to terms with the fact that I don't write often enough about some of the hidden gems I have come accross on Etsy, and that needs to change! As a result, it's high time that I give one of my favorite Etsians, Shannon Gerard, the public praise she deserves.

A few months back one of her zines made it to the front page of Etsy, for which I am extremely greatful. Otherwise, I may have never found her. It was the artwork on the front cover that drew me in. I know exactly what that hug feels like. After reading the description in the listing for Hung 3 (Lonely Tylenol), I knew I had to have it.

Not only is her artwork beautiful and her humor sincere, her writing is absolutely gorgeous. I saw myself in this story. She captured every emotion perfectly.

Beyond her seemingly limitless talent, she has a shop on Etsy: shannongerard.etsy.com.

It's good for the heart. Take a peak.

Don't be a cheap ass bastard.

I just found out Quasi is playing a 5 dollar show at Dante's on 11/15, this upcoming Thursday night. Thats right, *$5.00* show.

When does that ever happen? Never.

Don't pass up a good thing.

Oh my, Sunset Rubdown on Tuesday!

I cannot wait! I feel like an antsy schoolgirl. I can say with utmost confidence that this is my favorite band. My heart fills up everytime I think of them.

I am also relishing in the fact that the majority of the world still does not know of them...which is a terribly selfish thing to do. Don't get me wrong, I do wish them the greatest success. But for now I have the cozy feeling that it's my little secret for the time being, the wonderful stretch prior to them becoming famously popular and forcing me to suffer through another crowded show at the Crystal.

But for now I can snuggle close to the stage and drink in their amazing sound and trick myself into believing that it's all for me.

If you don't have their new album, Random Spirit Lover, buy it now. If you have absolutely no idea who I am talking about, start with their first recordings.

Tuesday! Hawthorne Theatere. My heart might implode.