Into the Woods You Have to Go...

I recently procured some lovely squirrel charms to make a one of a kind necklace as a gift for a friend. This girl is NUTS about squirrels. No pun intended. They are her favorite creature. I really enjoyed making her necklace, and picturing the squeals of delight when she opened her package to find it. Since receiving it, I don't think she's gone a single day without wearing it. It's so gratifying to make a gift for a friend that suits them so perfectly, isn't it?

And since I've got some leftover squirrel charms, I've started working on adding new pieces to my "Into the Woods" story in the collection. Whimsical, vintage-inspired and rustic are the words that come to mind when I look at these. Enjoy, and maybe one of these will make you squeal with delight!

Into the Woods brass keychain with
leaf, key, rosette and squirrel charms

Into the Woods brass Y necklace with
bead, key, rosette, leaf and squirrel charms

Feminine with a Kiss of Steam

I've been working on new items for my "Iron Flower" story in the Accessory Showcase collection. I've always seen flowers when I look at gears. I love the idea of making industrial components look feminine, don't you? Check out these new lovelies!

Copper Steampunk bracelet with gear charms

Antique brass Steampunk dangle earrings with copper and brass
gear charms, on brass chain

Copper Nautical Steampunk necklace with starfish and gear charms

London Calling!

So, I'm kinda psyched about the upcoming London Olympics. I'm not a huge sports fan, but somehow when the Olympics are on, I get excited about watching the best of the best compete in their chosen sports. Plus, as my husband wisely pointed out, when the Olympics are on, there's always something on TV.

I have yet to travel to England, despite having several relatives there, but I've always had a bit of a fascination with it. And some day, I shall cross that pond! In the meantime, to gear up a little for the big event, I've created some fun, London-inspired key charms for the Accessory Showcase collection. Check them out!

London keychain with "Underground" pendant,
steel washers and red and blue beads

London keychain with red phone booth pendant,
suitcase, antique car, boot and teardrop charms

London keychain with Union Jack pendant,
compass charm, and red, white and blue beads

This Just In!

As you may have noticed, I have a thing for antique brass and gold finishes. I love jewelry that has a hint of Vintage while still looking clean and new. I'm also a fan of a bit of Steampunk. These elements are what inspired my latest work. Check out the newest members of the Accessory Showcase family!

Antique brass necklace with ornate oval and crystal pendant,
and fleur de lis and miniature key charms

Antique brass dangle earrings with fleur de lis
and gear charms, on oval link chain

Copper Nautical Steampunk charm bracelet with
starfish and gear charms

Front Page News!

Hope your Memorial Weekend was a pleasant one! It was a hot and humid one in the Hudson Valley, but it was busy with family and friends visiting, and the requisite (delicious) backyard barbecue. Etsy addict that I am, I created a military-themed treasury in honor of the holiday, and it made the front page! Woot!

Among the shops featured were Carl Christensen photography and home decor, Star Gazing Lily personalized gifts, and Rabbit House Vintage.
Congrats to all the talented Etsians who were featured, and may it bring you happy sales!

Primary Colors: My Faves of the Week

My fellow Etsians never fail to delight and surprise me. My latest stroll through Etsy furnished me with some fantastic finds from designers worldwide. Here are some worthy of sharing. Stop by these shops and show some love for all that is bright and bold!

Fave #1: Elifus Jewelry
You wanna talk about bold and bright? Elif Ustunel, a designer from Istanbul, has created a collection of felt and yarn jewelry that makes your inner child "ooh" and "aah", while being daringly sophisticated for the grownup in you. Major statement necklaces with large spheres in rainbow colors; treble clef earrings; tribal-inspired bangles--all make for an unforgettable collection. Here's a little taste of what you'll find when you visit the Elifus Jewelry shop on Etsy. You can also find Elifus on Facebook.

Red Fringe Fiber and Felt Necklace

Treble Clef Necklaces

Neon Felt Cuff Bracelets

Fave #2: Bayan Hippo
To a handbag junkie like me, finding bags that are stylish AND useful make me jump for joy. And fellow Etsian Bayan Hippo delivers. A gorgeous color palette paired with simple, attractive shapes is what this designer does best. Every bag is more than a showpiece--they can carry your books, phones, makeup bags--all the necessities. They double perfectly as diaper bags too, which, I can tell you, is a HUGE plus for the style conscious mom. Having a fashionable handbag to incorporate into your "with kids" lifestyle is wonderful. Check out their Etsy shop to find your favorite bag!

Flamenco in Carmine Red Canvas

Fora in Yellow and White Striped Canvas

Euphoria in Teal

It's a Charmed Life: Part 2

I'm back after a bit of a lapse (shame on me!), but have been a busy camper creating more items for the Accessory Showcase collection. The newest additions are more handmade, one of a kind key charms! Great for adding some fancy to your keys or the zipper pull of your favorite handbag. I've hand selected delightful charms and glass beads and lovingly assembled them to create key charms that are truly special. Check these babies out!