be worldly.

Jacaranda has unique handmade goods from Mexico, Central and South America. My favorites are the plates (shown above)...but their textiles and other finds are beautiful as well. Browsing through the shop makes me daydream of going back to Mexico *sigh*

recycle.

How cool are these?! The birds are made from recycled metal and tins by Anna Built. She also has beautiful stained glass (some made from wine bottles) and jewelry on her site too. I love seeing an old can turned into something so lovely!

wear pretty pendants.

I love these pendants. Liz Mathews is super young and loaded with talent. {ok, she's super young compared to me} It's always refreshing to see jewelry that is just a little different, but very wearable....and just pretty.

get a tattoo.

In a drastic departure from sweet necklaces with flowers (from my last post)...I'm totally loving these tattoo-inspired belts by Jon Wye. I'm thinking jeans and a tee-shirt with one of these funky belts...choose the buckle to match. He also sells wrist cuffs, and some great tees on his site. Check it out!

skip to my lou

I found Skipping Lillies at an outdoor art show two years ago...I practically had to fight my way to their crowded booth, but instantly fell in love with their pendants. Of course, my biggest trouble was deciding which one to buy...there were so many sweet flowers and colors to choose from. They have an equally sweet website.

gain 50 pounds.

I'm a food snob. That's right. I'll admit it. So, I'm not sure what prompted me to order cupcakes from Bangerang Bake Shop on Etsy of all places. Maybe it was the near-pornographic pictures of each bite of cake and frosting! I love the little cakes packaged in re-useable glass jars. Baked in a fully licensed bake shop (here in Illinois!), without preservatives, and using the best ingredients...these cupcakes are absolutely scrumptious!

wear many hats.

I get teased for my hats. Mostly by my husband...but I put up with the grief because I love wearing them. Piper and Paisley is my newest find. The shape is an easy one for anyone to wear, and goes with just about anything. Her hats are made in Montana with fun fabrics, and are custom sized...perfect for those of us with an extra-big melon :) Check out her shop!

be a collector.

Oh my, how I love this shop. Three Potato Four is the perfect mix of vintage and new...from their refurbished 1930's typewriter (the coolest thing ever) to handbags and mugs, pillows and vases...everything selected with a fantastic sense of style.

be skinny.

Skinny la Minx is based in Cape Town, South Africa. I love her quirky illustrations set to dishtowels, aprons and pillows. Really fun stuff! Check out the online store!

go with the flow.

Another new favorite. Flowie has bags, pillows, scarves and table linens all designed by textile designer Yaling Hou. I love her organic style...and her floral print "gerrie" is fantastic. a must have.

wear flowers.

Twist Style by Maryellen Kim has some fabulous little flower rings and pearly jewelry twisted up with stones, vintage-y finds, and string (oh, string isn't the right word, I'm sure....maybe it's cord?!). Her jewelry has an earthy quality (without being hippie) that I think is so cool! Oh, and did I mention flower rings? A little bit of fabulousness for your finger.

be a housewife.

One of my favorite gifts to give is an apron from Sommer Designs. I love Carrie Sommer's fabric combinations...and they come wrapped in tissue and a flower. so sweet. She also has lovely lavender drawer liners, handbags and little accessories. Great fabrics, professional quality...perfect presents!

be adorned.

I'm drawn to beach glass, and that's how I first came across Twigs and Heather...the colored glass paired with sterling silver is beautiful. There are so many nice pieces to chose from on their site. I love the mix of earthy pieces and funky, modern ones. Here's how Heather and Kerry Alice Collins describe their jewelry: "Our unique collection is part forest finds, part rock star and part silly romantic."

be stylish.

I love the styling of moop's bags...and the colors. I think I like the roomy Market Bag the best...but maybe the Fraulein Tote is better... Just can't decide. Everything is designed by them & made by them on the East Coast...and it's all so cute that it will be hard for you to decide which one to buy. You can find their shop, and more styles at Etsy or Supermarket.

play with mud.

I have a thing for clay. I struggled through ceramics class (an A for effort, and not skill...that's for sure). I'm amazed by those who are able to make a lump of mud into something beautiful!

I especially love Diana Fayt's use of color and the sketchy illustrations on her ceramics. Her One Blackbird shop at Etsy always has new and different goods to choose from. Each piece is decorated with her own illustrations, and take an extensive 13 step process to produce. Lovely. Just lovely.