CRE8IVE JUICE

Jamaica mon!

2009-05-19T19:59:00.000-07:00

I'm in Jamaica until May 29, so I'll be blogging when I return!

Lillypod

2009-05-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

Jennifer is a jewellery and handbag designer living in Wales UK. She’s been making jewellery for the past 7 years and graduated with a BA in fashion. She started her accessories business soon after and the rest has been history!
She mainly uses natural materials and semi precious stones, but has recently discovered the beauty of exotic woods. Way back in the 1980’s, I had an obsession with wooden jewellery. I had a massive pair of wooden square earrings, not nearly as nice as Lilypods, but I loved them and probably still have them tucked away in a box somewhere.
She also makes beautiful retro inspired handbags which will be added to her Etsy shop soon.
Click on the post title to view her entire shop!

If 1 Had Words

2009-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Nikki Trexel is a photographer based out of Lincoln, Nebraska. She has a passion for photography and in exploring the beauty of something overlooked into something fascinating. That`s what I love about her macro shots... you may look at a grassy field every day of your life and its just... grass. But when you get close to it, frame it in a shot and capture it`s essence, suddenly it`s art!
She sells her original photographic art in pearlescent prints, regular matte prints, framed and matted prints, greeting cards, and calendars.
This is a quote from Etsy shop which I just love. ``The art comes from within, and the camera is the medium.`` So true!
Click on the post title to see her shop!

Kumquat

2009-05-17T10:56:00.000-07:00

Michelle is the Montreal artist and designer behind Kumquat. I love the word Kumquat! Great shop name!
It’s as easy as this to have your very own super cool return address labels... decide on the style you’d like, put your text in the “message to the seller” when you’re checking out, receive a proof via convo. within 24 hours and bingo – your labels will be shipped 3 days later! How’s that for service?

I think Michelle and I would get along just fine... she’s a self described paper freak as well... I understand, maybe we can start a support group?
Check out her fantastic shop by clicking on the post title!

Kim Smith

2009-05-16T10:28:00.000-07:00

Kim is a jewellery designer living in Wolverhampton, UK. She’s a wife, mom and self described beadaholic. I can relate! As a jewellery designer myself I’ve always loved sparkly things.
True story... I was at a shop here in Vancouver called Beadworks digging through their bin of African glass beads. This little boy came up to me and asked if I’d help find him a purple bead. I was looking for him when his mom came up and told him it was time to go. I looked up and who was it? Susan Sarandon! I did a double take, but didn’t say anything, just smiled. I love her though, so it was kind of exciting!
Back to my featured artist... I love these yummy bracelets so much! They’re just juicy, aren’t they? She also makes earrings and necklaces, but the bracelets just captivated me!
Click on the post title to see her entire collection!

Liva Rutmane

2009-05-15T09:41:00.000-07:00

Liva Rutmane is an art student in Latvia, and I find her Etsy shop most interesting. I loved being in art school, because you had the freedom to try so many styles and mediums, and this is evident from her shop. She’s got original work, etchings, drawings and woodcuts. Some of her subject matter is pretty different, but in a good, thought provoking way!
Check out her shop to see just what I’m talking about by clicking on the post title!

PHOTOmenagerie

2009-05-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

Nicole Underwood is an artist and photographer based out of New Mexico. She has a BFA degree with concentrations in printmaking and photography and her work is definitely a good combination of the two mediums. Her work is so ethereal and unusual. For me her pieces evoke a sort of surreal, spiritual and fuzzy edged altered reality with many layers to uncover. I love the images with the horses... despite my *small* fear of them since I was bucked from a pony when I was 5!
Click on the post title to see her shop!

Pink Pear

2009-05-13T12:58:00.001-07:00

Tricia is the Tyler, Texas based designer behind Pink Pear. Her jewellery has such a vintage romantic feel... kind of makes me want to go shopping at Anthropologie to buy some clothes to go with it! Ah, if only we had Anthropologie here in Canada, but I digress.
I love the colours she chooses. So yummy, they kind of remind me of colourful candies... so pretty, and the pieces are so delicate.
If you need some romance in your life, have a look at her shop by clicking on the post title!

rEVOLV3r Apparel

2009-05-12T09:56:00.000-07:00

rEVOLV3r Apparel creates these incredibly cool custom wall art decals in the city of Townsend, Delaware, and these are some of the most fabulous ones I’ve seen! From pop culture to poetic to lovely and decorative, there’s something for everyone! The one in the middle shows an example of a custom decal where you can have your very own face on your wall, or your dogs, or your kids...
All of the wall decals are made from durable vinyl that will last at least 5 years outside and virtually forever inside. It’s quite remarkable how much a wall decal will transform a room... it adds instant style... and makes a statement!
He also does some original art and some really fab belt buckles.
Click on the post title to check out his shop!

AK Sheridan

2009-05-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

Amy Sheridan is the creator and designer behind AK Sheridan. She’s been a freelance graphic designer for the past 10 years, and makes these adorable and sweet birth announcements and invitations.
I love anything customizable, and these are about as custom as you can get! You can either purchase the Digital File and print the stationary yourself, or if you’re lazy like me, you can ask Amy and she’ll print it up for you for an extra fee.
I don’t have any kids myself... but maybe I can send out a new puppy announcement when I get a second dog! Now that’s an idea!
Check out her Etsy shop by clicking on the post title!

Smeeta

2009-05-10T13:41:00.001-07:00

Rita is the creative mind behind Smeeta. She formed Smeeta while she was in Taiwan pursuing a career in the music industry. Inspiration struck and she’s been making cute things ever since! She’s based out my hometown of Vancouver as well and is super involved in the local craft scene, participating in various shows around Vancouver, like Got Craft and The Etsy Spring Fling. How did I miss that show? I would have loved to have gone and done some SHOPPING! Oh well, maybe next year… is there a mailing list I can get on?

See her adorable shop by clicking on the post title!

R. Potter

2009-05-08T16:45:00.001-07:00

R.Potter’s Bloks are hand painted on wood and come in a variety of sizes. I like that you can arrange a little grouping depending on your style... or have a whole bunch and swap them out to create new looks on your wall from time to time. She also does commission work, so you could have whatever the heck you want painted on your bloks! (within reason, I’m sure) grin(:
Presently based in Brooklyn, R.Potter has lived all over America and also in Japan (how I’d love to live in Japan one day!) She also makes really cool bags from reclaimed materials (my current favourite kind of eco-friendly activity!) Because each bag is made from different types of materials with it’s own wear and tear, each has their own story.
Click on the post title to have a look at her shop!

violetjulia

2009-05-07T18:29:00.001-07:00

Julia is a Virginia based artist who makes these incredible prints from her original Polaroid photographs.
Having always lived in the city, her move to rural Virginia has inspired her to revisit her love for instant Polaroid photography. These photographs are a selection of works from several series that explore the deep forest and rural landscape. The images reflect her interest in finding the details in the unbroken areas of the forest. She is also attracted to the expanses of land where built environments mingle with nature in between cities.
Polaroid photos were kind of ahead of their time, weren’t they? With film camera’s you just had to hope you got the money shot, but with the Polaroid you got to see your pictures right away.... it really was the most amazing thing to see the picture develop right before your eyes! I was never able to take pictures that look like this with my Polaroid though!
Click on the post title to check out her shop!

Cutie Pie Company

2009-05-06T13:19:00.001-07:00

Based out of Bronx New York, Milly handcrafts her items with great care, from the printing to the packaging. She exposes her screens on the gocco, and either pulls the prints by hand or print them with the gocco machine. Most of her designs are either illustrated by hand or culled from vintage sources.
She sells gift tags, cards, prints and original art in her shop. Her work is a good mix of vintage and modern. I love her silhouettes! Very sweet!
*Did you know? According to Wikipedia...
The word silhouette is an eponym of Etienne de Silhouette, a French finance minister who in 1759 was forced by France's severe credit crisis during the Seven Years War to impose severe economic demands upon the French people, particularly the wealthy. Because de Silhouette enjoyed making cut paper portraits, his name became synonymous with these portraits and with anything done or made cheaply. Prior to the advent of photography, silhouette profiles cut from black card were the cheapest way of recording a person's appearance.
I just thought that was so interesting that I’d share!
Click on the post title to view her shop!

Colorworks

2009-05-05T10:22:00.000-07:00

Amy Stoner is the creative mind behind Colorworks. In Canada we would call her Colourworks, but I digress. (:
She creates these beautiful Encaustic Paintings and Collages in her Portland, Oregon studio. Encaustic is an age old technique of painting with molten natural beeswax. I did an encaustic workshop a couple of years ago and it was a blast! The best smelling art to make, that’s for sure! Many of her pieces contain collage elements including hand-pulled carved woodblock prints that she makes on my Richeson etching press, as well as drawings, art paper, fabric and vintage ephemera .
She paints only on recycled and reclaimed wood, so that it gets a second life as beautiful, original art. I’m a sucker for anything that is repurposed. Why throw it away when it can be made beautiful or useful?
Click on the post title to check out her shop!

Rachel Austin

2009-05-04T11:14:00.000-07:00

Rachel Austin is a Portland, Oregon based artist. She creates fantastic pieces that are all different but have a few common themes running throughout, maps being one of them. If you look, many of her pieces are painted onto a map, then she takes a name from the map to name the painting.
Many of her paintings have to do with flight as well. Birds, planes, paper airplanes are all common elements to many of her works. I love the organic nature of the pieces. I’m really digging her colourful and abstract florals as well, so many lovely textures and bold shapes!
Her shop has a good variety of items... everything from jewellery, magnets and little pocket mirrors to prints and lots of original art!
Click on the post title to check out her lovely shop!

Melabo

2009-05-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

Megan Bogonovich is an artist and ceramic teacher who lives in Concord New Hampshire. She makes kooky and cool ceramic sculptures and bowls. At first glance you think you’re just looking at normal figurines, then upon closer inspection you see that it’s a man’s head in a nest of baby birds, or a squirrel headed bride standing beside her human headed husband. I love things that make you think... and wonder!
Her bowls are quite beautiful as well. She screen prints the images onto flat porcelain, then pinches them into these cute tiny little bowls! According to her you can only get about 37 peanuts into the bowl, but that’s OK, peanuts are fattening, and 37 is probably a good handful!
Click on the post title to look at her shop!

Dana Laymon

2009-04-30T09:41:00.000-07:00

Dana Laymon is a Wilmington, NC based photographer. She does weddings, belly pics and engagement shots as well as her art photography.
I love this shot of New York City with the FEDEX truck (Well, it looks like a graffiti covered FEDEX truck anyways!) For about 5 years I did wholesale trade shows in New York and always shipped my goods via FEDEX. Did you know that you can ship directly to a FEDEX location, then go and pick it up there? I started doing this after I shipped my jewellery to the hotel I was staying at ( they said they would secure the box under lock and key) and found it sitting in the lobby when I got there, for anyone to walk away with. That’s some good customer service- NOT!
Oh how I miss New York. sigh...
Click on the post title to check out her shop!

Studio Beerhorst

2009-04-29T09:03:00.000-07:00

Studio Beehorst is an artist family of eight living in downtown Grand Rapids MI. They are a family who collectively supports themselves off of their art. They offer classes in woodcut printing, and have their Etsy shop where they sell their wood cut prints, original art, textile arts, and soft sculptures.
They live a simple life with a chicken coop in the backyard and bicycles for transportation. They’ve been with out a car for 5 years now. This is a quote from their blog which I thought was rather brilliant... “In not owning our own car we are forced to cooperate with our friends and neighbours for the times we just need a car to get somewhere or haul something back and forth. This helps cultivate our community. Not having a car, we are forced back to a human scale. We don’t shop at the big box store where they have the “big savings” because it is too far away. We shop at our neighbourhood grocery store because we can walk there. Last summer when it was time for a family vacation we went to a camp ground that was close enough to ride our bikes to. We borrowed an extra bike trailer for our gear.”
Isn’t that a fantastic attitude? Talk about turning lemons into lemonade. It seems that this family has gained something precious by losing something that the majority of the western world thinks we can’t live without. I say Kudos to you!
Check out their shop by clicking on the post title!

Girl Savage

2009-04-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

Kate is a Chicago based artist who has created the only kind of taxidermy I can get behind... Feltidermy! A very clever and cute idea indeed! Her little creatures look happy to be on the wall, whereas most mounted animal heads I’ve seen look kind of scared and/or scary... I have relatives In Alberta, Canada who are hunters and have a taxidermy workshop. Trust me, it’s not a pretty sight!
I love this quote from her Etsy profile... “Hand stitching allows me to connect and bond with my work and makes me feel as if I'm molding and breathing life into my animals while I'm creating. Kinda like Geppetto!”
Well, Pinnochio happens to be one of my all time favourite Disney films, and Kate definitely makes her little guys with love! Each one is one of a kind and made by her, and her alone.
Click on the post title to check out her creations!

Rob Bridges

2009-04-27T09:13:00.001-07:00

Rob Bridges is a Kentucky based illustrator and fine artist who also works as a graphic designer. Originally from Los Angeles, he did his studies in Seattle at the Cornish College of the Arts where he got his BFA.
According to his profile he got his start in drawing as a child by not liking to read. His dad thought it would be a good idea to let him draw in the inside flaps of all of his books to boost his interest in reading but all it did was create a kid who liked to doodle. Hey, if it weren’t for that maybe Rob would have become a clown or a plumber or a steel worker...thankfully doodling saved him from that. Not that there’s anything wrong with these professions – actually yes there is when it comes to the clown, I have a clown phobia, I must admit!
He has Giclee Prints, Limited Edition Giclees, some Original Paintings and a very cute One of a Kind sculpture.
Click on the post title to see his shop!

Cathy Nichols

2009-04-26T14:45:00.000-07:00

Cathy Nichols is a New York based painter. Her sense of colour is absolutely fabulous, and I love her use of shape and form. Her pieces take me to another world... There’s a fantastic children’s book called The Secret World of Og by Pierre Berton, an author who normally writes about Canadian history. He wrote this book for his 5 children, and his daughter did the illustrations for the book. Cathy’s work reminds me of the type of illustration I’d like to see if they were to do a new version of the story, since her images have such whimsy and a touch of fantasy about them.
Her Etsy shop has an awesome selection of prints, but if you check out her website (www.cathynichols.com) you’ll see that she has original paintings as well as prints on wood, which is a nice alternative, because its ready to hang and looks more like an original!
Click on the post title to view her Etsy shop!

Suspect Shoppe

2009-04-25T12:01:00.001-07:00

I love Mati Rose McDonough’s shop because she does what I’ve been striving to do ever since I was 5, which is to be able to get back that freedom to draw and paint as I did as a child. In theory it seems like it would be an easy thing to do (just scribble with some crayons, right?) but it’s exceptionally hard to get back to the point where you’re making art for fun, from the gut and without pretensions or preconceived notions on “how it should look.” According to her, It has taken 32 years, 2 schools, and approximately 486 paintings to get to this point. I can so relate!
Living and working in SanFrancisco, Mati has had numerous shows and has published some of her illustrations, along with having a successful Etsy shop!

Click on the post title to check it out!
Her blog is great too, look for the link on the sidebar...

Opulent Oddities

2009-04-24T10:07:00.000-07:00

Jordan is the talented designer behind Opulent Oddities. She spends her weekends scouring the local flea markets and antique stores with her family and little chihuahua Harvey. She must have some better flea markets in her neighbourhood than mine does, because she has some really cool things in her shop! I love how she breathes new life into found objects and transforms them into something fantastic and wearable. You would not go unnoticed wearing one of these bad boys!
She loves to paint as well, but has been focusing her energy on creating her successful jewellery business. As a jeweller myself, I know how hard it can be to switch gears from one endeavour to the next... I’m always trying to fit in time for other art!
Click on the post title to view her Etsy shop!

Teka and Zoe

2009-04-23T09:13:00.001-07:00

Michelle Geoffrion-Mahler is one busy mama. She has 3 kids under the age of 5 and Teka and Zoe, her 2 Chihuahua's. She’s been running www.minidolls.com for the past 10years and started the jewellery about 2 years ago for a bit of a change.
She uses mixed metals with the focus on enamelling. When I was in jewellery school I loved doing enamelling as well, so I totally get her obsession. There IS something fun about melting things – on purpose!
The great thing about enamel is the colour. It’s so vibrant and fun. I love her more subtle pieces as well, they have a very organic natural feel about them.
Click on the post title to see her entire collection!

Shoshona Snow

2009-04-22T09:57:00.000-07:00

Shoshona Snow is a Kingston, NY based ceramic artist.
With a BFA in ceramics in hand, she started her own ceramics studio,and does a little bit of teaching on the side.
Most of her items are thrown on the potter’s wheel. She uses fine grolleg porcelain (oh how I love porcelain!) and uses a black slip which she then carves to let the beautiful white of the porcelain show through. The work is so tactile and textured, it must feel so nice to the touch!
I am a confirmed clay addict. It’s one medium that I am pretty hopeless at, so I really admire potters who do such beautiful and inventive work!
See her shop by clicking on the post title!

Sarah Ogren

2009-04-21T09:17:00.000-07:00

Sarah Ogren is a Steger, IL artist who has stories to tell. She has a background in Professional Counseling and uses her art to explore the relationship between an individual’s past and present lives and outer and inner personas.
Through her counselling work she has discovered just how complex a person’s inner life is. Often she has found that there is this secret life within each person and it is this secret life that she explores through her artwork.
While looking at her shop, I was most intrigued by the images of the women with a tree growing out of their neck. I guess we can all come to our own conclusion about the meaning behind that, but it is definitely thought provoking!
Her shop is as eclectic as her art. She has everything from pendants and ornaments to screen prints and original collage. I love what she says in her Etsy profile about collage representing the layers of human personality and experience. I couldn’t agree more.

Click on the post title to visit this most interesting shop!

Harold and Jane

2009-04-20T08:12:00.000-07:00

Theresa is a Seattle based artist who creates these lovely vintage and vintage inspired pieces. She names each design with a clip of song lyrics that she thinks suits the piece to give it a little extra personality (I knew I recognized a Postal Service song in there!)
She mixes gemstones with vintage elements, and every one is one of a kind, so you won’t see other people wearing the exact same thing out there in the world!
She has a background in visual communications and a fabulously creative husband who did all of the beautiful photography for her site. Good job!
You certainly wouldn’t feel dreary on a rainy Seattle day (yup, just like Vancouver!) wearing one of her lemony yellow necklaces!
Check out her shop by clicking on the post title!

Bake it Pretty

2009-04-19T11:33:00.001-07:00

Amanda Krueger is the baking maven behind Bake it Pretty. I was so delighted when I found her Etsy shop late one night, and just had to buy some of the cutest cupcake cups I've ever seen in my entire life!(see top photo)
Her DIY kits are just adorable too, I'm now coveting the cake toppers (again, see photo!) The way I see it, if you can do something like make cupcakes a little more stylish and sweet, why wouldn't you? White cupcake cups are so passé!
She has everything from candy jimmies to decorating nibs and packaging supplies. I now have enough baking cups to last me 5 years, why do I still want more?
I also really dig her blogs. Look under blog links on the sidebar for Every Little Thing and the Bake it Pretty Blog.
See her shop by clicking on the post title!

Kimberly Rose

2009-04-18T16:09:00.001-07:00

Kimberly Rose is a San Diego based photographer who uses the rather new medium of digital photo manipulation to her advantage. She's a self-taught photographer who does a lot of experimentation to get the look and feel that she's looking for in her prints. Some of her images are surreal, and some are beautifully simple. I love the image with the butterflies, there's just something so haunting and innocent about it!
Click on the post title to view her shop!

Autumn&Eve Illustration

2009-04-17T14:45:00.001-07:00

Christian Breitkreutz is the mastermind behind these fabulous graphic prints. So different and interesting, with many artist's and icons represented that I love. Christian is a self-taught artist living and working in Pittsburg. He runs the illustration business with his gal Hallie (I don't want to leave her out!)
The prints are done in a limited run, and they gladly accept custom orders. How cool would something like this be for your wedding invitation?
Morrissey is one of my all time faves, and who doesn't love Audrey Tatou? I chose Malcolm McDowell as well because he brought one of the most frightening characters to life on the big screen. Chills!
Click on the post title to check out the shop!

kittybblove

2009-04-16T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sara and Ben are the Oakland, California duo behind Kittybblove and are expecting their first baby in May. Congratulations!
They must be inspired by their three furbaby kitties, as their entire shop is pretty cat happy!
They've had a long time love of all things handmade as well as holistic and aspire to becoming full-time work at home parents.
Ben is the one behind all of the illustration and imagery in the shop and Sara is the crafty girl who does the sewn items. Ben has a wealth of degrees that range from graphic design to fine art and Sara has a degree in fashion design.
Their shop has a lovely array of things in it, from kitty crayons to stress dolls to cards and candles.
To visit their lovely shop click on the post title!

Mary J Maalouf

2009-04-15T10:23:00.001-07:00

Mary is a Miami designer with a great knack for colour and form. After doing her schooling at the New World School of the Arts in Miami she honed her techniques while working at a high-end clothing shop, where she developed her skills in pattern drafting, garment cutting, clothing construction, fittings and alterations.
I'm not surprised I'm so drawn to her work, as she shares my love for Japanese fabric (paper for me!) design and combining colour patterns to create new and visually exciting works.
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that is true with the origins of her business. She couldn't find the purse of her dreams, so she created it, and thankfully hasn't stopped! Every one of her purses are one of a kind, so you know you have something totally unique!
Click on the post title to see her beautiful shop!

mary's granddaughter

2009-04-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

This great shop is an homage to Mary Steiler, the artist's great-grandmother. She taught her to crochet and sew and to appreciate things made by hand.
The artist hails from Gainsville, Florida and has worked as a set and costume designer and scenic artist for the stage. In her shop you'll find hand painted embroidered art. I'm quite partial to Greta the bear...
In this shop you'll find wall hangings, jewellery, art dolls and prints. She also has a French bulldog who provides inspiration for her work...
Click on the post title to see her shop!

olliegraphic

2009-04-13T09:51:00.000-07:00

This shop is so clever... you can customize your stationary, then print it up yourself! Welcome to the wonderful world of technology! I'm not the most computer literate person, but this looks like something even I could figure out. You can choose the hair color and style, clothing color and style, skin color and facial expression. You can also add a name or some text. I just love it!
Ollie Graphic hails from Chicago and is named after a beloved pet dog named Ollie.
To see their shop just click on the post title!

Chet and Dot

2009-04-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

How totally adorable are these guys? Just look at their little faces, so sweet!
This Portland, Oregon based artist makes a wide range of goods, her shop is huge! The stuffies are my favourite thing... one day I might be one of those adults with a room full of stuffed creatures that no one can play with!
She does some Gocco printed fabric pincushions that are just wonderful, and all sorts of zip pouches and jewellery too!
I thought her shop was a good Easter fit because of this cute little chickie, as well as the fact that her family has just welcomed some new members into their home. Check out her blog to see who! (peep peep) The address is under blogs on the sidebar.
To see her shop click on the post title!

Pearson Maron

2009-04-11T12:06:00.000-07:00

PearsonMaron is a collaboration between married artists Quincy Pearson and Adam Maron. They seem to have a bit of a fascination with mythical creatures... the Loch Ness Monster, Big Foot (here in British Columbia we call it the Sasquatch!) and The Abominable Snowman. We have a lake monster here in B.C. called The Ogopogo... she's rather famous in these parts, although I've never seen her myself!
These sculptures are so kooky, and you know I love the kooky! They're small, like 3" x 2" small which just makes them all the better.

Click on the post title to see their shop. I also love their blog, it's link is on the sidebar.

Niki Tichakova

2009-04-10T12:34:00.001-07:00

Niki Tichakova is a Czechoslovakian/ Canadian artist who makes the most incredible kraslice-painted carved eggshells and gingerbread art. I bought these three cookies at The One of a Kind Show when I was there and thought what better to blog about around Easter than these beautiful cookies? They really are too beautiful to eat (having said that I'm sure temptation will call ...)
Just look at the fine detail in the icing, the little tiny dots, the delicate flowing lines on the flowers and bunny. Oh, did I mention that they smell just heavenly? She uses all natural ingredients, and honey from local honeygrowers.
Click on the post title to check out her website and other art.

Track and Field Designs

2009-04-09T15:57:00.001-07:00

Sasha Barry is the designer and maker behind Track and Field Designs. I thought she was the perfect person to feature today since it's my first day back after the One of a Kind Show where I got to meet her. Her booth looked great and her stuff even better! She makes her products in small runs, so you're sure to find slightly different things in her shop from month to month. I'm absolutely loving her laptop bags, I love things that are utilitarian as well as functional. I'm thinking my black and orange Staples laptop sleeve just has to go!
To see her shop click on the post title!

I'll be out of town...

2009-03-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

until April 8. I'm doing the One of a Kind Show in Toronto with my jewellery. Booth L-25, come by and say Hi if you're at the show!

Cindy G

2009-03-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Fellow Vancouverite Cingy G has a fabulous shop full of original art. She's also a makeup artist, and her work reflects that in the close up imagery and the beautiful vintage beauty shots of the women.
I love the soft focus, romantic feel of her work. She uses vintage images from her collection of rare, foreign fashion magazines, along with ephemera of collected old documents. Most of her collages come embellished with Swaroski Crystals or gold leaf to add a little sparkle. Her work is a wonderful combination of old meeting new.
She sells her work to various stores in Vancouver and Indiana, and with every purchase you get a free ACEO to sweeten the deal!
Click on the post title to view her shop!

Mincing Mockingbird

2009-03-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

I love birds. I guess you could say I'm a bird nerd in training... One day I'll be one of those retirees who are never without their binoculars and Audubon book!
I guess this is why I love Mincing Mockingbird's shop so much... birds, birds and more birds! He's done a great job of capturing a bird's spirit, the way they cock their head and the glint in their eyes. His use of colour is just fantastic and I love how the birds look like they're posing for a portrait.
Mincing Mockingbird is a Los Angeles based artist whose Etsy shop sells everything from Original Acrylic paintings and prints, to magnets and ACEO's.
Click on the post title to see more of his work!

Bloodle

2009-03-27T09:32:00.000-07:00

Mark Traughber is the Pittsburgh artist behind Bloodle. He does these incredible stencilled spray painted original paintings on wood panel... each is one of a kind.
When I first saw his avatar I thought his shop was photographs of grafitti, but upon closer inspection I saw that the reason I *thought* this was the medium... spray paint and stencils. I'm a huge fan of *good* grafitti, I take photographs of it frequently during my travels, so I hope Mark takes that as a compliment! I love the way they all look together as a group, so graphic and bold.
See more of his work in his Etsy shop by clicking on the post title!

Cabin + Cub

2009-03-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Valerie Thai is the artist behind Vancouver based Cabin + Cub. I was impressed with her Etsy shop, but when I visited her website I was doubly impressed! Prior to creating her own company, Valerie was the award-winning head designer and art director of Adbusters Magazine for 5 years. It's a magazine that I've always admired for it's message and humour and I'm also proud that it was founded right here in Vancouver.
Schooled at both the University of British Columbia and The Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (my Alma mater) Valerie began producing her wonderful collection of collages, gocco printed stationary and woodburnings, and has been selling them on Etsy as well as in shops across Canada and the U.S.
Click on the post title to check out her wares!

Laura George

2009-03-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

Laura George is an artist and illustrator living in the windy city of Chicago. I've always wondered if that is a fitting moniker...I've never been there myself, but have heard it's a great cultural city!
I'm loving this shop so much right now.... I had a really hard time deciding which 3 images to feature, they are all so different and adorable! Her shop sells mainly prints of her original ink drawings. They are so wonderfully colourful and fun, and I love the Japanese sensibility about her work.
She also welcomes custom work, so check out her Etsy shop for more details.
Click on the post title to view her shop!

ADDENDUM : I just bought the blue monster... I had to have him!

John Clark

2009-03-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

John Clark is an Ann Arbor, MI artist whose graphic and bold style I just love. I adore anything involving book pages and the written word, and there's just something so provocative about his images. He has both prints and original art in his shop, and takes custom orders. Wouldn't something like this be great for a wedding invitation? A photo of the couple, but totally original...
See more of his work by clicking on the post title!

Bailey Doesn't Bark

2009-03-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Re Jin Lee is the New York City based designer of Bailey Doesn’t Bark, a contemporary wares and paper goods company. Originally from Brazil, she got her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design from Faculdade Santa Marcelina – São Paulo, and began her career as a fashion designer and stylist.
The call of the artist couldn't be ignored though, so she started Bailey Doesn't bark to fullfill that dream. I love the humour of her products... imagine eating your morning cereal from a bowl with a cockroach on it, or taking your dishes with ants on them to a picnic! I'm especially partial to her Four Seasons collections as well. Simple and beautiful!
Click on the post title to see more!

Hollyhawk

2009-03-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Holly Strate is the wonderful and talented person behind Hollyhawk. I recently bought the gorgeous teal bird wrist purse at the bottom, and I have to say it's even lovlier in person! I'm going to use it as a wallet, it's the perfect size. When I was transfering my stuff from my old wallet, I realised that my last 3 wallets have all had a bird on the front... what could that mean? That my money likes to fly away? Probably...
Holly makes her wares in the beautiful capital of British Columbia, Victoria (which is just an hour and a half ferry ride from Vancouver)and creates her leather pieces using the traditional techniques by dyeing, printing, stitching, embossing, moulding, carving, painting and riveting them.
See more in her Etsy shop by clicking on the post title!

Yaelfran

2009-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:00

Yaelfran hails from the exotic locale of Buenos Aires, Argentina. I haven't travelled to South America yet, but Argentina (Patagonia especially) is up there with the Galapagos Islands as must see's!
This mom of two is a graphic designer by trade, and in her free time dreams up these adorable little characters to feature in her digitally created prints, pendants and stuffies.
She has such a distinctive style, her pieces are cute, but not too cute. They have a sort of abstract/post modern look that I just love.
The shrink plastic pendant is just the sweetest little thing... it would certainly be something to wear that would get noticed!
See more in her shop by clicking on the post title!

Apak

2009-03-20T09:51:00.000-07:00

APAK is the Portland, Oregon based husband and wife collaborative art team of Aaron and Ayumi Piland. They create wonderful gouache and acrylic paintings that are exhibited around the world. I have bought from their Etsy shop at least twice now, I absolutely LOVE their Gocco cards! I have a very hard time giving them away, only to the special people who I know will apreciate it will get one... suffice it to say I still haven't parted with too many of them!
I love these colourful new limited edition prints, they take me to another world of fantasy and fun, they really let your imagination take flight!
Click on the post title to check out their shop!

The Atomic Lodge

2009-03-19T09:14:00.000-07:00

Atomic Lodge is a Milwaukee based husband and wife collaboration of SuZanna Anna and Mykl Stanley. They both have our own individual shops on Etsy (MyklStanley and suzannanna.)
This shop is for joint projects and the more mid century inspired art they do on their own. I happen to LOVE mid century modern decor, which is what drew me to this shop. My own apartment happens to have an awful lot of vintage teak, a great metal sculpture from the 1960's and a good mix of new mid-century modern inspired pieces. I think one of these lovely pieces would be a great addition to my home, but I'm currently out of wall space... when I move though I will be buying one (or four) of these fantastic prints!

Syko

2009-03-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Kajsa Wikman is the Finnish artist behind Syko. There is just something about the European sensibility that I'm always drawn to, so folksy yet sophisticated at the same time.
Her work is so colourful and fun, for adults and children alike! She makes everything from quilts to kids clothes, handbags (that I'm particularly coveting!) keychains and pillows. One of her quilts was even feautured in a book called Quilts, Baby! I'm an on again off again quilter myself so this book just might have to go on my "to buy" list!
To see more of her work, click on the post title.

LethaColleen

2009-03-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

This Seattle based artist makes one-of-a-kind pieces of art using paper, metals and found objects. I can relate to her work because I've always loved scrounging for rusted bits of metal in old industrial area's. There is a ghost town /abandoned gold mine in Bralorne, British Columbia called Pioneer Mines where we used to go when I was a teenager. I always had my eyes on the ground looking for some treasure or another... never found any gold though!
I like what she says in her profile about finding bits of un-claimed history while shifting through the dearth of human castoffs at flea markets and the like.
I love that idea of reclaiming history and breathing new life into it, thus saving it from the landfill.
Check out her shop by clicking on the post title!

Miss Brigette

2009-03-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

Brigette B is the lovely and talented artist behind Miss Brigette. After spending 4 years at Cal Arts studying character animation (how much fun would that be?)she is now an artist in her own right creating her won very lively and animated characters. I am absolutely in love with her foxes. They have that little Wile E Coyote glint in their eyes, don't they? They're up to something! And I chose the Rainy day girl becasue that's what I am today... it's just another rainy day in Vancouver!
Click on the post title to se her Etsy shop.

Karen Kang

2009-03-15T11:13:00.000-07:00

Karen Kang is an artist living in Santa Monica, California. She started out in social work, but couldn't ignore her creative calling any longer and is now working as an artist. She uses a multitude of techniques in her works, from image transfer, cut paper, pen and ink drawing and the use of vintage book pages (one of my passions!) Her work has a bit of an old fashioned feel about it with a modern edge.
Click on the post title to check out her shop!

Stiletto Heights

2009-03-14T11:09:00.001-07:00

I love what artist Jennifer Gordonam writes on her Etsy profile: Mixed media collage art created by someone who is far more Kate Hepburn than Audrey Hepburn. I can so relate to that! Not that I don't love Audrey... but Kate was more of a "pants girl", and so am I!
Jennifer is originally from Manchester NH and has a background in Theatre, English and Art History. Her work definitely has these elements... her prints are romantic yet modern. Her use of colour is superb, subtle and kind of haunting.
She's done everything from being an assistant Art Gallery Director to creating an indie comic book, combining her love of art and the written word.
Click on the post title to view her Etsy shop!

Sushipot

2009-03-13T09:19:00.000-07:00

Suzanna Scott is the eclectic artist behind Sushipot. She makes her original assemblage, collage, jewellery and stationery in her studio in Manhattan, Kansas. I love the slightly macabre aspect to her assemblage work... there's just something about dismembered doll parts that evokes a little chill...
I love the simplicity of her pendants, it's so nice that this vintage ephemera has a chance for a second life!
Click on the post title to see her shop!

Naomi Murrell

2009-03-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

Naomi Murrell is a freelance illustrator and designer from Adelaide, Australia. Her lovely prints are all screen printed, which gives them a wonderful richness of colour and quality! I was especially drawn to her wooden jewellery, the one pictured is made out of teak, a wood close to my 1970's childhood heart... and I am apple obsessed lately as well.... they really do keep the doctor away, so far!
See more in her Etsy shop by clicking on the post title!

Simpson

2009-03-11T10:24:00.000-07:00

Simpson is an artist from another era. I could see him on the streets of Paris in the late 1800's with the likes of Alfons Mucha and Gustav Klimt(far from his home base of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio!)
His work has an Art Nouveau feel with a modern edge. And the romantic, muted colours give his subjects an ethereal quality.
To see his shop click on the post title!

Lauren Minco

2009-03-10T14:12:00.000-07:00

Lauren Minco is an artist and illustrator currently living in Providence, Rhode Island. Everything in her shop is 100% original, no prints here! She teaches at The Rhode Island School of Design and has had her work published in various media and shown in galleries as well. I just love her bold use of colour and fun witty characters!
See more of work in her Etsy shop by clicking on the post title.

Bonspiel Creations

2009-03-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

This arist from my home province of British Columbia (Victoria to be exact) has some of the cutest and kookiest designs that she screen prints onto wallets, coin purses, clothing and purses. I bought a passport sleeve a couple of years ago with the little squirrel on it, and it makes going through customs a little more tolerable!
Click on the post title to view her shop!

Dkim

2009-03-08T11:57:00.000-07:00

I just love New York, and to me this Brooklyn based artist captures the essence of the city so well. I did trade shows in Manhattan for about 5 years, and miss my regular jaunts there...
Dan-ah Kim divides her time between illustration and work in the film industry. What I love about her work is that there is more than meets the eye. See the first work titled "The Stars are Against Me Tonight", the stars are little arrows aimed at the girl. At first glance it's just a pretty picture, then you see it has a dark side.
To visit her shop click on the post title.

Block Party Press

2009-03-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

This Baltimore based artist is a self taught stay at home mom, and she combines the art of hand carved stamps with polymer clay to create these amazing pieces. She makes everything from jewelry to magnets to ACEo's and original wall hangings.
They are so beautifully crafted, and the colours are to die for. This is right up there in the craft category of "How'd they do that?" I'm always so impressed by what I see other people do with Polymer Clay. My greatest achievement to date was Santa and his elves... I can't seem to move my polymer creations beyond cute little creatures. Block Party moves polymer into a whole new realm of art jewellery.

Marmee Craft

2009-03-06T09:14:00.000-08:00

I love this eclectic shop... she does such a variety of different things, yet everything goes together. This North Carolina artist is inspired by 19th century and early-mid 20th century fashion, art, folk art portraits, and literature.
Her work has such a sense of whimsy about it.
To see her Etsy shop click on the post title!

The Blackbird Sings

2009-03-05T13:22:00.000-08:00

The Blackbird Sings is Natasha Newton, a full time artist from England. Her original paintings have the most amazing detail, and a certain moodiness that I'm drawn to. She works with acrylic paint on canvas and uses collaged elements which gives her work a wonderful quality.
Click on the post title to see her Etsy shop!

Indigo Rain

2009-03-04T11:32:00.000-08:00

Gina Brooks is the talented artist behind Indigo Rain. Her lovely prints are modern yet whimsical, and each one has a *hint* of glitter. It's such a subtle accent, but adds so much fun! Wouldn't they make any childs room oh so hip?
Originally from Germany, Gina now lives and works in California where she runs a succesful greeting card company.
Click on the title post to visit her Etsy shop!

Maxine Dear

2009-03-03T16:29:00.001-08:00

This is the most clever use of old library books that I've ever seen! Maxine, Dear has a knack for using reclaimed materials in such innovative new ways. I have a certain fondness for all things repurposed and reclaimed, so this company just rocks when it comes to that.
They have a shop in Columbus, Ohio called Tigertree where they carry their own line as well as a selection of men and women's clothing and home accessories.
Click on the post title to check out their Etsy shop!

Jodie Hurt

2009-03-02T10:01:00.001-08:00

This Kansas City junior high school art teacher makes the most incredible ACEO's. I happen to own one, and they look even better in person. I just love the combination of the bright colours and vintage imagery. She uses a lot of vintage textbook pages, and the titles of her works are in reference to the book or page used.
Click on the post title to visit her Etsy shop!

Matteart

2009-03-01T21:55:00.000-08:00

Matte Stephens is the artist that creates these cool and colourful prints. Based in Portland, Oregon, he does all of the original paintings in gouache (which is kind of like watercolour paint, only more heavily pigmented and opaque). They remind me so much of growing up in the 70's. It's partly the colours, and partly the fact that they kind of remind me of Dr. Seus... Speaking of Dr. Seus, it's his birthday today, so Happy Birthday Dr. Seus!
This art is so fun and modern, it would be great in a mid century modern living room, or a really cool kids room.

Click on the post title to go see his Etsy store.

Circa Ceramics

2009-02-28T12:41:00.001-08:00

I've been a fan of Circa for a while now. I'm a clay junkie, and I have started to amass a nice little collection of ceramic pieces from useful objects (mugs and bowls) to not so useful (but beautiful) wall hangings. I haven't purchased from Circa Ceramics yet, but I have my eye on a large bowl of theirs. It will be mine, oh yes it will be mine...
Click on the post title to look at their Etsy shop!

Art and Ghosts

2009-02-27T11:02:00.000-08:00

Ethereal, otherworldly, a little unsettling... Art and Ghosts is the Etsy original when it comes to this evocative imagery usually involving rabbits, deer and wide eyed dolly girls. She was one of the very first Etsy shops I found when I joined, and she'd still one of my faves! I happen to own the print with the 2 rabbits, by the way...
Click on the post title to check out her shop!

Creative Thursday

2009-02-26T21:07:00.000-08:00

Marisa Haedike is the creative force behind Creative Thursday. This L.A. based artist has such a whimsical style, so it's no wonder she's delved into the wonderful world of children's books. She has so many sweet little characters, I hope they each get to star in their own adventure!
I'm loving the night lights. Would it really be so wrong for a 37 year old to have a night light in their bedroom? I HAVE been reading Steven King agaan, so maybe yes???
Click on the post title to check out her Etsy shop.

Sugar Loop

2009-02-25T09:42:00.001-08:00

Bernadette Sipkes is the talented artist from Auckland,New Zealand that creates these lovely prints, and for such reasonable prices!
I love the detail in her work, I could see two or three of them hanging together on a wall...
She finds her inspiration from in mid-century kitchenware, furniture and textile prints; vintage wallpaper; Scandinavian design; Florence Broadhurst; Lotta Jansdotter; Marimekko and; Lefor-Openo. She's a gitl after my own heart, I have a hearty appreciation for the same era of deign, and all things Scandinavian!
Click on the post title to view her shop!

Jennifer Maestre

2009-02-23T19:44:00.000-08:00

This is the most amazing use of pencils I've ever seen. I love it when I find something where I go, "How on earth did they do that?" The pencil urchins are just about the coolest things I've ever seen! She also makes pendants and BUGS!To see more cool pencil art, check out I bought one of her ACEO's. All I can say is WOW!
Click on the post title to check out her Etsy shop!

Magic Bean Buyer

2008-07-09T00:04:00.000-07:00

OK, I am positively in love with these! And yes, I just HAD to have one! (mine if the Aqua one sitting all by herself)
In fact, I could see myself having a rather large collection of these one day! Jamie Ferraioli is the designer and maker of these adorable creatures. Click on the post title to see her Etsy shop!

Bittersweet Friends

2008-06-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

OK, when I saw this little angry cupcake, I had no choice but to make him mine. It was love at first sight! And it's nice to have a cupcake that won't pack on the pounds! I received it in the mail a couple of days ago, and was delighted to see it's even nicer in person! The bonus being that the artist lives in the same city as I do, so I didn't have long to wait! Check out her shop on Etsy to see more! Click on the post title to take you to her shop!