Vacation, All I Ever Wanted...

So, the weather's been beautifully mild this month in the Hudson Valley (and some days were downright summery), which is making me antsy for summer, or for a getaway to someplace warm and beachy. Since a vacation is not in the immediate future for this new homeowner, I've been pouring that desire into additions to my Into the Ocean story for Accessory Showcase. Some of my fellow Etsy designers have been on the same page, and have made my daily Etsy perusing feel like a mental vacation.

Check out my latest Into the Ocean creation, as well as some highlights from my latest treasuries that whisk me away to imagined tropical climes. Enjoy!

Into the Ocean silver finish necklace with faux coral, shell and starfish charms

Blue shell statement necklace by Wild Flowers and Grace

Blue stripe cotton Turkish beach towel by Turkish Towel Village

Deep aqua sea coral glass bowl by Uneek Glass Fusions

What's New?

More pieces completed! The collection has some lovely new additions. More sassy, steampunk-inspired offerings for my Iron Flower story. Nice, no?

Show Some Love for Etsy Designers!

Today my Into the Ocean blue starfish earrings are being featured in a great BNS treasury on Etsy. These types of treasuries are great ways for Etsians to increase the visibility of their shops, while supporting their fellow designers. So excited to be a part of this, and thrilled to support other shops.

Check out the treasury here, and snag yourself something lovely! Thanks to Jenny from Flirty Sanchez Project for putting this together.

I've been a busy bee!

Good Monday, all! I spent Sunday afternoon working on some new pieces for the Accessory Showcase collection. New additions have been added to the Into the Ocean and Iron Flowers stories. They're all available on my Etsy shop. Check them out! Would love to know what you think!

Into the Ocean gold finish necklace with starfish and faux coral charms

Iron Flowers antique brass necklace with gear "flower" charms

Copper finish necklace with engraved oval pendant and purple glass bead

New Stories for the Collection!

I recently made a run to my craft suppliers and picked up some lovely bits and pieces to create some wonderful one of a kind pieces for the Accessory Showcase collection. I've been chomping at the bit to get started, but carving out a couple of hours of straight creating with two kiddos can be a bit of a challenge.

But, today I've finally gotten started on the new additions for spring/summer. This dynamic duo is a continuation of my Into the Ocean story. Love the contrast of the purple beads with the gold sand dollar charms and chain.

The next group of items I completed today are for a new story: Iron Flower. I'm playing with the combination of industrial gears with feminine accents, and using the gears in a way that makes them become feminine in and themselves. I'm having such a great time playing!

Oscar's Post Mortem: Glamming it Up on the Red Carpet

I sort of love and hate the Academy Awards. While I bemoan the sometimes ridiculously long song and dance numbers, and the self-important emoting on the part of Hollywood's A-listers, I unabashedly LOVE the fashion buffet it offers! In anticipation of the big night, I created an Etsy treasury that captured Hollywood glamour. What bigger night is there for celeb gawking and couture gown coveting?

Emma Stone's red Giambattista Valli gown with that dramatic "go big or go home" red bow has to be my favorite look of the night. It's classy, sexy, young--the whole package!

Michelle Williams was darling in her red Louis Vuitton strapless tiered ruffle gown with peplum detail. The pixie cut she's been sporting for the last couple of years channels a young Mia Farrow. Beautiful!

A lot of the jewelry on the red carpet was simple and  less chunky, allowing the dresses and the wearers' faces to own the spotlight. Milla Jovovich, in her one-shouldered, beaded Elie Saab gown is a great example. Her bare neck and Marcel waves were a nod to starlets of yesteryear. The fabulous clutch and cocktail ring were swoon-worthy, indeed.

And then there's Ms. Portman. She is hands down one of my favorite actresses. With her timeless beauty, she'd make a potato sack look good! Her red Dior gown was stunning, without being over the top. The dotted fabric added lovely texture, and her high-sparkle jewels were elegant with a simple design.

Gwyneth's Tom Ford dress and cape were the talk of the town, and with good reason. So sleek and sophisticated! The cut of that cape was amazing. Another bare neck with a bold, modern cuff bracelet and a simple ponytail capped off the look nicely. Well done, Goop (a ridiculous nickname, to be sure, but that's a rant for another day)!

Working the peplum trend beautifully: the lovely Tina Fey, ladies and gents! This sexy navy number by Carolina Herrera was a fabulous choice for the 30 Rock star. Her up-do with chandelier earrings were the perfect companions to the look.

There was a plethora of fantastic frocks last night, but these were the ones that stood out for me. What were your faves?

Fave of the Week: Isadora Kids

In my weekly homage to my fellow Etsy designers, I've come across some lovely shops with some super cool designs. This week's fave is a definite midweek pick-me-up.

Isadora Kids
Rachelle, the designer of Isadora Kids, has been sewing since the age of 5. With several family members in the art and design field, creativity is in her blood. Her years spent traveling the globe have contributed to a cheerful, eclectic children's wear collection that's sassy, yet not too grownup.

Seriously-- I want this dress for me! And don't even get me started on the adorable ruffled leggings! The Isadora Kids collection has such bright, fun colors and prints, it's impossible not to fall in love with it. Thoughtful, yet simple details like a well-placed ruffle add some whimsy without being saccharine. Who wouldn't want their little one in these fun togs?
You can keep up to date on special offers by visiting their Facebook page. Want a custom made frock for your little darling? Check out the Isadora Kids Etsy shop!