Knitting Narwhals!

Knitting Narwhals!

SadlyHarmless at Etsy

Fingerprint rings

I'm guessing getting engaged, going to a wedding, and picking out wedding rings keeps that particular item of jewelry on the mind, so today I would like to share one of my recent finds that I think would be a totally awesome wedding ring option.

Fingerprint rings by Etsy seller fabuluster are a great way to say I do while keeping a unique momento to commemorate the union. Apparently, via Kaboom this is the latest Etsy trend, but I'm sure by next week Etsy will have come out with some other totally awesome and unique rings for me to pine over.

Jason LaFerrera

Two big reasons why he's the artist of the day: 1) I've already gotten 2 emails about him, and to get even 1 in a day is a big deal. 2) He's from Richmond, which automatically bumps him up a notch in my book. Other reasons include his use of maps (which I am a HUGE fan of and use many maps in my work as well), along with his complex use of collage and paper to create creatures that jump off the page with simplicity of shape, yet intricacy of detail. Jason LaFerrera's work effortlessly achieves everything that I wish my work would embody; subtle pallete tones tie each image together with ongoing detail in each animal that keeps the eye on a continuous train around their forms. It's a delight to consider the travel and geography of the earth shaping these beautiful beasts, and his Etsy shop is open and available for you to bring one of these great pieces home today!

Here's some of my favorites from his Bird Series, followed by some work from his Fauna series- I didn't alter the size on some of them so you can click on each one to fully appreciate the scope of detail present in each individual work.

Artificial Ink

We've all been there- drawing little flowers on your ankle, pretending to have hand tattoos with puppet faces, summertime application of the Looney Tunes stick ons, and maybe even in a moment of drunken weakness succumbed to the beach hippies giving henna. However, once you get past the age of 12 it's mildly unacceptable to continue on the trend of fake body modification. Tattoo culture is an extremely bizarre and cultish lifestyle with many subgroups who all equally snub the others. For those not quite ready to take the 18-and-over plunge into permanent body modification, piercing is a good way to get your feet wet. It's rebellion that can be hidden at opportune times, such as Christmas at Aunt Mildred's or your first day of work as an elementary school teacher.

Fake tattoos seem to be gaining in popularity, and not just with the under 16 crowd. There have even been been talks of developing tattoo ink that will last for anywhere from a month to a year, or erasable with 1 laser treatment rather than several. I personally find this to be a complete sham. If you're going to do it, do it. Don't pop a Valium, grit your teeth, take the pain, and basically man up. If you want to be in the club, earn it with the commitment and the dedication to do it the RIGHT way.

To those of you who find this mindset snobby or elitist, my guess is that you don't have a tattoo, and you might be interested in these artificial ink stick ons specially designed, it seems, with hipster photo shoots in mind. I suppose these fill a completely separate niche than actual tattoos, but it's such a fine line these days as tattoo culture becomes more mainstream with every passing day. While there are some definite benefits to this culture trend, it does tend to dim the romantic side of body art. Despite my initial hesitation to embrace mainstream (as mainstream as Etsy can get!) tattoo-inspired art, it IS damn cute. Check out some more ink-inspired work on Etsy here.

Adorable necklaces

After getting chewed out by multiple sources, I have finally willed myself to sit down and knock out a long-overdue blog! Things that have happened in the last few weeks that have distracted me and taken up a whirlwind of my time: 2 different sets of visitors from Virginia, a boyfriend birthday, and an engagement! That's right, Ashton popped the question and of course I said Si si si! It's been a few weeks to wrap my head around this development, but most of my time is now taken up by browsing All Things Wedding via the Internet and magazines. Who knew this was such a big deal?!?!? I'm sure many of my future posts will be dedicated to cute little invitations or centerpieces, but as I'm only beginning my long research journey I haven't quite narrowed things down.

No more excuses. My friend Mandie brought these adorable necklaces by Spinthethread to my attention and I just love them. Color and geometry are two big loves of mine, and as I rapidly approach my quarter-century, I'm trying to make an effort to care more about fashion. I still haven't gotten over my jeans and t shirt phase (much to the chagrin of Momma D), but I'm trying to be more open-minded about perhaps wearing a sundress, or actually looking at accessories! Here's a few of my favorites:






I don't know how to pick a favorite! I love all of them!!!

give her your heart and hers is sure to melt.

Valentine's Day is coming up, so men, don't be slacking on getting a token of your love for that special lady in your life! Etsy is obviously a great place to turn for something cute, whimsical, one of a kind, and sure to melt your ladies' heart. Speaking of heart, why not get her her very own soft and cuddly heart to remind her of you?

Check out Shannon Gerard's shop for more!

Wall Decals

As a veteran apartment dweller and frequent mover, I often lament the fact that painting the walls in my temporary dwellings is often not an option. I love how a good coat of fresh, bright paint has the ability to completely transform a space where I generally have to rely on quirky knick knacks and wall art. However, Etsy has put together a great collection of the available wall decals here, which are a fantastic way to spruce up a room without having to completely re-paint it year after year! Here's a few of my favorites (just in case any of my friends were wondering what to get me for Christmas- fast approaching!)

Crystal Chandelier by singestonestudio

Silverware vinyl decal by circlelinestudio

Birds around the Cherry Blossom Branch by DecorDesign

Sugar Skull vinyl decal by Beepart

Winter Trees by PopWall

1aeon

Etsy, of course, hosts a plethora of awesome DIY shops. There's one that I've recently become obsessed with though, and that is 1Aeon. I've already gotten 2 shirts from them (with the fastest shipping of any store I've ever dealt with!) and all of my friends are drooling with jealousy. I've decided to stock my wardrobe with more of their delicious designs, and need to share this with the world!
These two are already taken (by me!) but I assure you, there is absolutely no shortage of amazing items available RIGHT NOW.


P.S. The "featured seller" interview in Etsy is pretty interesting. (I also read the Jenna Jameson biography, and was surprised at how fascinating it was!)

adorableoverload.com

that's what this etsy shop should be called. i can't even think straight when i look at the plethora of ADORABLE that is girlsavage. AND she's a fellow blogger! why should i not love her?
and yes, i will at some point definitely be treating myself to a chocolate bunny. yes i will.

new stuff!

just purchased this skirt from etsy seller lazerbeanz! i can't wait til it comes in. the diamond skirt is too cute for words!

prints! hurrah.

A little while back I got 2 mask prints from etsy seller Matty8080, and I love his work! Check out his prints, especially this one that was recently listed.

yay!

so i made my etsy shop last night, and already sold a RADIO print! man, today is awesome.