Emily from shell chic'd Shows Us Her Handmade Picks, a Guest Post

Hi all! I'm Emily and I blog over at shell chic'd. Huge thank you for Amanda for having me here today! Contrary to popular belief, my favorite shopping day of the year is not Black Friday or even Cyber Monday [despite my addiction to online shopping], but instead, Small Business Saturday, which takes place on the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

I love love love supporting small shops and brands, especially ones whose products are made in America. This year, I'm trying to embrace the idea of Small Business Saturday all December long, opting to buy handmade gifts as often as I can. In case you have been living under a rock [or perhaps just have better self restraint than I], Etsy is an amazing online marketplace full of individual retailers and smalle shops selling their vintage or handmade goods. The only downside to this online shopping Heaven? The hundreds of thousands of products are sometimes a bit daunting to browse through; so I have done a little but of work for you and have rounded up some of my favorite pieces from my favorite Etsy shops!

• "Holidays are for Martinis" Print, AmandaCatherine Design, $15
• No Bump Hair Ties, Oh Buoy Boston, $10 
• Perfectly Plaid Button Earrings, Ivy Lane Accessories, $4.95 Sequin Hanger with Clips, Pearls and Pastries, $13 
• Crochet Cup Cozy, Salem Style, $5  
• Houndstooth Clutch, Sew Sarah R, $35 Wool Black Traditional Holiday Plaid Skirt, Preppy Pink Shop, $69.99 
• The Secret Garden Book Clutch, P.S. Besitos, $83.76
•  Gold Lobster Bangle, Simply Chic 93, $16 
• Newbury Street" Boston Photo Card , Dear Friend Shop, $5.50

Will you be shopping handmade this holiday season? Let me know some of your favorite Etsy shops! xox

You can check out all of Emily's posts over at shell chic'd, follow her on Twitter or catch her photos on Instagram. You won't regret it!

Be sure to check out today's giveaway from Mood Fabrics!

Obsession Alert: Etsy Goodies

It is this time of year when I start thinking about gift giving (and yes, gift getting) and always end up back around Etsy for interesting and unique gifts for the ones I love in this world. This year is a smidge different because the man and I are getting married directly after the new year and thusly are not really celebrating Christmas in the traditional sense because #1 I do not have the time to be shopping for gifts #2 We literally are just signing the papers on a new home so don't really have any money and #3 did I mention that we are getting married? Ugh, I cannot wait for it to be over so that I can get on with my life, haha.

In any event, just because I am not buying gifts, doesn't mean I can't pick out some of my favorite Etsy items this year. I mean, there might be some that I just have to get for my ladies or they just must get for me (hint hint) but what's a blog for if not to share obsession worthy items, am I right? OK, so let's get this show on the road.

Peacock Ore Stud Earrings, $19, A la Pop Bone Elephant Earrings and Earcuff, $22 , Petal and Pink Gold Bronze Crystal Earrings, $15, Lil' Kittens Post Earrings, $8.50

Open Markets are Awesome

I had the pleasure of hitting up one of the best open markets in my area, the SOWA Open Market in South Boston, which has an amazing selection of farmer's market items, food trucks, antiques, handmade goodies and some randomy fashion stuff (YAY!). We had a great time, besides how friggin' hot it was. If any of you have the chance to buy from markets, I highly recommend it. There is such a great sense of community as well as such a great selection of super fun stuff. Some of my favorites goods are below. (Pssst. I tried not to make this too image heavy)

 

Celebrating a Year (Oh and Giveaway!)

Soooooooo today is my blog's one year anniversary! HIP HIP HOORAY! Can you believe it?  I stuck with this for one year and have done my darnedest to make it better, improve and forge ahead with my ever changing creative goals... I am just so happy to be blessed with people who support me in my endeavors and with their encouragement, I make it through the blah days!

This blog started as a diary of sorts that basically only the man friend read but as I started to become more involved with the creative community, I started to make some friends; and seeing comments on posts  from people you don't know in real life? AWESOME! Over the past year, I have made "friends" from all over the US and some even overseas (the UK and Australia!). I am happy to say that Prim and Propah had over 10,000 views in the past year which, in my humble opinion, is nothing to sneeze at.

So anyways, while I am at home celebrating this achievement with the manfriend, pup and kitterface (possibly dancing and/ or drinking wine), I thought I would let all my new friends share in the celebration as well! What do people love more than a giveaway? Wellp, a BIG giveaway. Over the past year, I have discovered so many amaaaazing and talented ladies (see sidebar where links are of my favorites thus far)... and four of my faves jumped at the chance to make a one of a kind item in honor of my blogiversary! AWESOME, RIGHT? Sooooooo, wanna check out what you can win? One lucky winner will get all 4 of the following super special handmade items....Tadaaaaaaa!

Gale at Wichser Studio's amazing contribution...everything Gale does is truly original... I should know, I only own like 37 pieces of hers:

Use the code "BLOGPARTY" at Wichser Studio checkout through June and get free domestic shipping!

My girl Erin of Petal and Pink whipped up these darlings... she has a romantical way about her, making her jewelry some of my faves. These beauties? Inspired by The Great Gatsby:

Use the code "PrimPropah" at Petal and Pink checkout through June and get free domestic shipping!

Stephanie of Earth Mama Artistry shares a love of peacocks (hence the creation below), cute things and Massachusetts... her items are surely some of the more adorable I have seen:

Kristen of Creative Stash is my sweet Arizonian beauty and ultra talented to boot... painter, jewelry maker and Mommy:

Use code PrimandPropah in the Creative Stash shop and get 15% off your puchase!

Ok so you wanna know how to enter? One mandatory entry: Leave a comment with your favorite way to celebrate your achievements and happy stuff. Like if I were entering, I would leave a comment below that said "I like to celebrate blogiversaries with dancing, wine and giveaways!" Make sense? Good!

You can also enter in any one of many other ways (mix and max if you so choose... like a salad bar!). Leave a separate comment for each of the following you do. If you already follow? Leave a comment too!

• Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see my sidebar)
• Like Prim and Propah on Facebook
• Like Wichser Studio on Facebook
• Like Petal and Pink of Facebook
• Like Earth Mama Artistry on Facebook
• Like Creative Stash on Facebook
• Follow Prim and Propah on Twitter
• Follow Wichser Studio on Twitter
• Follow Petal and Pink on Twitter
• Follow Creative Stash on Twitter
• Tweet about this giveaway or Post about this giveaway on Facebook! (link would be lovely in the comment)

Sooooo there's tons of ways to enter and believe me when I say I wish I could keep this stuff all to myself! Oh and be sure to tell you friends 'cause chances are we would be good friends too! MUAH XOXO and Happy Blogiversary to me!

Giveaway runs from Monday 06/06/11 until Sunday 06/19/11 (at midnight). I will be choosing a winner with Random.Org so as to be totally fair. Go fairness!

Power to the Creative People

Yesterday, Urban Outfitters got its @$$ handed to them by the online creative/ artsy/ handmade community. You see, Urban Outfitters has been known to take ideas from independent artists and designers, mass produce them, then sell them back to their target audience, creative types. Booo Hssssss Urban Outfitters, Boooo Hsssss. (Note: Forever 21 is guilty of stealing ideas and are sometimes more blatant about it). Anyway, yesterday the social media sites were a flutter with angry bees (bees being artistic types who hate to see their ideas stolen)... see this great blog post from My Aim is True explaining how her tweet took flight and helped lay the smack down on a stealing creep.

I just thought I would post a little blurb about how great I think the online crafting/handmade/art community is. People really banded together on this one and seemingly made a difference. It may not seem like much but look at all that happened in one day!

My Favorite Tree Necklace by Truche

*At the center of this commotion is an Etsy seller, Truche, (much like my crafty friends) who is passionate about her art. I hope that this attention boosts her sales and makes her all the more successful!

Pattern Project 2011

I am currently reading/ working my way through Tina Sparkles' Little Green Dresses and as I read along, I am trying to hone my sewing by pattern skills because it is important in constructing garments to understand what the heck is going on! I have made the mistake in the past of starting a project that is far too advanced for me and then I never finish... Sooooo I bought some more Amanda-friendly patterns and have been working diligently on improving my mad apparel making skills. So my goal this year is to make one dress from each of 5 patterns that I bought on a whim. I will follow the directions and there will be no shortcuts (unless of course they are necessary)!

So I give you my most recent construction of pure sewing genius ;-) I introduce you to Pattern #1, Vogue 8631, Easy Misses Dress.

Vogue V8631

I really wanted to give you good pictures but the man took the camera to San Francisco with him and I was chomping at the bit to show you my craftswomanship... so I took a picture with my phone. Not the best quality but still it's something! I swear to you, the in person view is much more stellar! ;-)

Other patterns that I plan to make over the course of the next year? I am really excited to improve my mad sewing skills and also make clothes that other people aren't wearing! win-win. The following four patterns range from easy to average so I have definitely stayed in my range. They are in my arsenal and and awaiting being made.

Vogue 1177

Vogue 1129

Vogue 1223

 

Vogue 1226

Loving Wichser Studio, Like Whoa!

So I recently discovered Gale at Wichser Studio and let me tell you that I am SO.EXCITED! Her jewelry has got a dash of vintage, a smidge of romance and a whole lotta character! I love handmade jewelry that is unlike anything you could purchase in a normal, run of the mill kinda store... and Gale designs just that! Take a look at some of my favorites from her Etsy shop. They are sure to please <3 Let me know what you think!

Magenta Feather Long Beaded Necklace

Asymmetrical LadyGrace Earrings

Crochet Me a Doily Long Layered Necklace

Hey and you know what? Gale is doing a giveaway ending on February 4th, so head on over and enter before it's too late! Gotta love a good giveaway!

Sea Lillie, a New Fave

I recently entered a giveaway at Olivia Carter's For Me blog (which adorable or check her out on twitter @oliviakcarter) and was so elated when I won the Flower Petal necklace by Sea Lillie. The reason that I am busting out this blog post is because I just received my necklace in the mail yesterday... and I.AM.IN.LOVE. This necklace is the prettiest most dainty-ish little necklace that I have ever put on. The picture does not even do it justice.

Anyways, the girls at Sea Lillie are just the lovliest and I surely intend on going back over for this gorgeous little creature (see below). My love of elephants and charitable goodness combines in the adorable Hope Necklace. 100% of the profit from this sale will be donated to The Give Life Project, an initiative aimed at giving help, giving hope and giving Life to those who are in desperate need in Zambia, Africa. Please visit their website for more information: www.givelifeproject.com

I have found a new favorite in Sea Lillie and am hoping you will check them out as well. I love to share when I have found a talent (well that is new to me).

Pay it Forward a la Handmade

So yesterday, I was perusing my facebook and one of my friends through Crafting posted the following as a status:

Pay it Forward 2011: I promise to send something handmade to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must in turn post this and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. *The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.

Ummmm, Hello genius!  What better way to share handmade loving than through a handmade loving chain letter/package of sorts! I am super excited because I have already connected with new people and have the opportunity to share some of my "test subjects" with others, mayhaps getting their opinions? A Prim & Propah survey? My mind is spinning wildly out of control (OK, that was a tad dramatic).


I also thought about how I can take this idea and mold it into something bigger and bring in more of the handmade community; sort of like let's trade our goods then blog about how special they made us feel... Eh, it's still a rough idea but I really think I might be on to something really cool. I will take my time and mold the idea, then see who is on board!


First things first though? Paying it Forward a la Handmade. Can't wait to blog about the experience once I have created some treats for my buds! Hot Dog!


PS. OK, I have to leave you with this which isn't necessarily in conjunction with my post topic but is more so something I should look to on a daily basis. Ha. Love it. Truth.

Source

What I Gifted Handmade this Year!

So to follow up on my vow to give Handmade or make gifts for the people I love (ala my A Crafty Holiday post), I wanted to highlight the treats that made it under the tree from my fave artisans and from my very own creative loins.

Falling Leaves by Pretty Things By Meg (for future sister-in-law)

Custom Knitting Needles from Lai Grai (For knitting sister)

A pair of earrings each from Creative Stash (for the sisters)

A Homemade apron each by ME! (for my Mom and Manfriend's Mom) Yay!

A bag for my sister's knitting by ME (for her 21st birthday present; birthday happens to be Christmas Eve)

Now, anyone who knows me, knows I like to shop for myself as well. My one treat this season? The Amarillo Earrings from Pretty Things by Meg which I  LOVE by the by.

Some crafty things I partook in that were gifts for myself? Made with some of my favorite holiday fabrics? This Christmas Tree Skirt was one of my shining achievements of this holiday season because #1 I imagineered it myself and #2 I totally whipped it up on a Saturday.

Anyhoo, I really felt good about my gift giving this year. I did more handmade than ever and I plan to build on that. What did you give handmade this holiday?!

Caught in a Hat



Manfriend caught me in an awkward state but yet both mittens and hat are prominently displayed here





Manfriend and I went to NYC this weekend to visit my friend Nathalie and her manfriend(full on exploration post to come) but I could not wait to share the one and only thing that I spent money on (besides food, drink and transportation): This hat and matching fingerless mittens, hand crocheted in Nepal and hand warming my heart. Can you believe how unbelievably adorable I look in this matching handmade set? I know... don't be jealous. To boot? All of Nirvanna Designs products are supporting local women in Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand. Gotta love it.

"A Crafty Holiday" for One, "A Crafty Holiday" for All

Anyone who follows my blog or twitter or both (or if you live with me, ahem Manfriend) has heard about my participation in A Crafty Holiday Blog Hop... and how much I have been looking forward to it.

I have always been a huge fan of anything handmade, crafted, painted, whittled, fashioned (insert many more here).... all of these words mean to me that a little of some one's heart and love was put into their work. That makes it really special to me...and as cheezeball as that sounds, I stand by it. When something that has been hand wrapped in butcher's paper and tied with twine is delivered to me, my heart jumps for joy. I want to share this feeling with others, and that is why I plan to buy handmade for this holiday season whenever possible... and am here to encourage you all to do the same. The opportunity to share something special with someone who is special to you, is truly a cool experience. Can I get a Hollaaaa?


Now you are probably wondering what is on my list of wants and needs? What I plan to buy for others? What I would recommend for a stylish, unique little gift? Well I am about to give you the rundown. You'll see a lot from my wish list because I do spend a great deal of time perusing (wink) but there are also some items I could get for loved ones that would make their little hearts melt!


First we can hit my wish list from some of my favorite artisans out there right now:

CINNAMON STICK - Bliss Soy 10 oz Premium Jar Candle by Bliss Candles



I happen to love anything Cinnamon. To me, the scent of cinnamon makes me think of Fall straight through to New Year's and I love it! So obvi, I would like to partake in the soy goodness of Bliss Candle's Cinnamon Stick.

 You could get me anything by Riverbasin Outfitters. I happen to just be a fan of her aesthetic and love the idea of reconstructed clothing. Once loved, loved again.  I have a practically snugly re purposed Rugby shirt with screen printing and added pockets which has made for an absolutely adorable comfy dress fit for Winter. Some of my most recent Riverbasin crushes?



From Riverbasin Outfitters' Forest Girl Fashion Show in October 2010

 

 

Double Trouble Rosette Headband by Allorahandmade

I love headbands with any sort of embellishment. I guess you could call me a sucker for snazzy-ness. Allorahandmade has a variety of colors to choose from so I guess I could pair this adorbs headband with soooo many outfits if manfriend were to let me buy multiple! (Pretty Please?)

Grey Crocheted Necklace from BrilliantHandmade



Now this is something that I would want for myself. Being that my tastes are eclectic, I could totally envision multiple outfits surrounding this crocheted beauty. Now only if manfriend reads this blog post.



Retro Clutch Bag from Marie's Corner

Must.have.velvet.clutch.very.soon

Some of the things that I am hoping to grab for some loved ones? (and yes, I worry they will read this blog post, but I am willing to take my chances). The variety out there, astounds me:

Mr. Swirly Beret in Lipstick Red by Mi Scusi Handmade



I happen to love anything knit or crocheted (if you hadn't noticed). I can totally envision my sister (with her new rocker blond and black hair do) wearing this in NC during the winter. It doesn't get as cold there so she can be fashionable without being frozen- esque.

  

 Leg Warmer Earrings from Pretty Things by Meg



How can you not love these unconventional earrings? Made with vintage sequins and oxidized copper pins. Love, Love, Love! I am keeping these on the backburner for sister and cousin. I really think they would be ALL over these. Wouldn't you be?



Ramona Rose - The Sleepy Woodland Bunny Plush from Sleepyking

Something I was thinking of getting for my cousin's new baby. I really think this made to order plush would really add a stylish twist to any infant's room. This is just one of many really cute animal plushes with unique expressions that Sleepking offers for purchase. Not just for holiday, I would recommend as a great addition to baby shower gift as well.



 Drift Petals Necklace by Chewlry

I have bought a few necklaces from Chewlry in the past and have gotten nothing but compliments on her designs, which claim to be "jewelry with a bite"! My "green kangaroo" sister will probably be all over this trinket, being that it is awesome and unique. We.heart.pretty.jewelry.

 Pink Dandelions by Popwheel Art

I happen to have eight of Popwheel Art's watercolors in my bathroom and have decorated around these pieces. There is something whimsical about her artwork. Here's me shouting it from the rooftops. I would probably grab one of these for one of my besties Nathalie; she has also shared in her adoration of these watercolors. Add a cool frame and you have a pretty rad gift for a pretty rad person!

OK and how about one more things;-) Actually, I might get one of these for a couple of my besties... because... It's adorable.

Life is Sweet Necklace from The Rusted Chain

Dude, Life is Sweet. So are Cupcakes. Enough Said.



To me, buying handmade and personally designed items, is a way of encouraging artistry while also gifting unique items for my loved ones (and myself of course). There is something so lovely about something crafted by some one's hands. I cannot encourage you enough to check out local artisans, local craft shows, Etsy, and any other means of getting something creative and one of a kind for your fam! Besides, isn't it more fun to check out your favorite crafter than to fight with crowds at Walmart? I thought so!

Tomorrow's post is from Paputsi so please check in with her on the flip side. She is sure to have some great handmade items picked out for her crafty holiday. I personally can't wait to take a peek at what she has to show us all!

Also, look out for some of the posts from this rad blog hop. I have been sooooo happy to participate and urge you to check out others who helped make this so fun! Yay!

Here's to Happy Holidays filled with lovelies and huggles! (oh and obvi Handmade)