R. Potter

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!

Mary J Maalouf

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!

Chet and Dot

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!

Hollyhawk

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!

Syko

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.