Handmade Bliss: Lil Fish Studios

Lisa Jordan of Lil Fish Studios is an artisan inspired by the earth and nature, texture, sustainability and the beauty in simplicity. Her lovingly felted textural embroidered stones and tiny felted landscape brooches soothe my spirit and evoke a quiet joy in my heart, as do the thoughts and observations featured on her blog. Whether sharing about growing, baking, family or creating, Lisa relishes in the small pleasures of the every day, reminding me to dwell in the tiniest of happinesses. It is our shared love of feeding the soul and DIY living that led me to follow her on the web, where I find her Facebook page and blog (I love her tutorials and her experiments with natural dyes) a source of wonderful daily inspiration.

Lil Fish Studio's work led me to stumble upon her via Etsy (she now sells mostly on Big Cartel). I was instantly charmed by her designs, which are beauteous, sweet, and evocative of a true appreciation of the expressions of life.

EtsyVeg Spooktacular Sale and Giveaway

Come Haunting with the Etsyveg Team October 27th-November 2nd, 2010! EtsyVeg kicks off the EtsyVeg Spooktacular today, with creepy savings and a frightfully fantastic shopper giveaway! In my shop, save 15% on all purchases, get free shipping on all orders $25 and over, and receive a free gift with all purchases of $40 or more!

SPOOKTACULAR SAVINGS
EtsyVeg's vegan and vegetarian artisans are celebrating Halloween with special treats abound, from discounts to free shipping to free gifts! Shop the participating shops listed below to save big!

* 3 AM Art Productions- BOGO on all art prints/photography

* Au clair de la lune

* Blackbird and Peacock

* Crickets Creations Handknit Scarves- $5 off anything tagged "Halloween"

* Gardenia's Garb- 10% off any item tagged "Halloween"

* Jen O'Connell Paintings and Original Artwork- free shipping

* JFIllustrations- free shipping

* Kimbas Critters

* Lalu Jewelry- 15% off

* Maple Ash and Oak- 15% off

* M's Knits and Things- 15% off all scarves

* Mumbot Shop

* Palafox Studio 23- free shipping

* SilentLotus Creations- 15% off entire shop, plus free shipping over $25 and free gift over $40

* Starfirewire- Free Shipping and Free gift


GHOULISH GIVEAWAY

As part of our ghostly event, EtsyVeg is hosting a giveaway in which lucky shoppers will receive scarily fabulous handmade prizes from our ghostly talented artisans! All shoppers who make purchases from EtsyVeg member shops participating in the Spooktacular (see list above) are invited to comment on the EtsyVeg Blog. Include the link to the item(s) you purchased and your Etsy shop name or email address so we can contact you if you're name is drawn, and you will be entered to win an incredible prizes ( a random number generator will be used to choose winners). Winners will be announced on November 3rd!

Extra Entries: Earn one entry for every shop from the list above that you purchase from (please comment separately for each shop)!

Throughout the Spooktacular, check the blog daily for updates, featured artisans and their screamingly awesome handmade creations, and more! Please email us with questions at etsyveg@gmail.com . And Happy Halloween!

Window Lockets- New in My Shop!

New Etsy shop listings- awesome window lockets (I love playing with these) holding tiny art collages! Each little collage has a different theme, and images created from vintage and antique materials like glass jewels from the 1940s; a page from a 1920s calendar; an old botanical journal; discarded encyclopedias, children's and art books; rare little copper stampings, fabrics from vintage sample books; handmade paper; bits of chain, jewelry, and millinery; and natural materials like dried leaves, flowers and twigs! I've been having a ball with the whole process, especially hunting for old materials in thrift stores, at flea markets, and online vintage shops.

I shared pics of a couple of these a while back. Two of those are now available in my shop, plus more- hope you like the new ones, as well! :)


"Autumn Woodland" (This one is in an autumn-themed creative contest on the EtsyVeg blog- please go vote for it!)



"Heart Song"



"Madame X"

Top Ten Reasons to Buy Original Contemporary Art

This post comes from Paula Lewis of Scorched Eyebrow Studio, as shared by Nick from the Handmade in PA blog.

"Free Flight", by SilentLotus Creations. Watercolork, and gesso on birch panel.


Top Ten Reasons to Buy Original Contemporary Art

10. Bring yourself into your décor. Surround yourself with art that speaks to you and of you. You are unique, so why would you settle for the PierWhatever/BullseyeBox carbon copy stuff?

9. Assure your place in civilization by supporting the Arts. Bonus: By buying from local (and there are fabulously talented people in your community) artists, you stimulate the local economy directly.

8. Develop your own collection. Art is lots cooler to collect than stamps or coins and when you collect contemporary art, you can collect artists as friends- and we are a very cool group.

7. Make your neighbors jealous. All of them will wish they had your self-confidence and sense of style!

6. Connect with your deeper self. Buy original work that speaks to you emotionally, not because it matches the couch. (NOTE: It’s okay if it happens to match.)

5. Feel less like a cubicle-dweller and more human by surrounding yourself with art born of real live passion and creativity – art made because the artist was moved to do it, not paid by the brushstroke.

4. Tap into the mystery of the muse. There is something magical that happens within artists that often pushes them beyond their initial vision; share that wonder.

3. Learn something new. Exercising your mind is healthy and realizing you are developing your eye for quality, style, talent while you’re having fun looking at art is a real kick.

2. Honor your inner creative spirit. We all have the need to express ourselves. Twitter, Link’d In, board meetings, and lawyers are not sufficient. Express yourself visually by living with art you love. Get back in touch with your own creative self.

1. Delight in the presence of art that “you get” and realize that the art “gets you!”

The Steel Town Gets Down & Old School!

I will be vending at two fabulous upcoming car and motorcycle rallies over the next month! Woohoo! My craft business, SilentLotus Creations, is teaming up with other Pittsburgh indie crafter to vend our handmade wares alongside hot rods, pin up girls, live music, prize givaways, old school good times, and the coolest of the cool around Pittsburgh! The 1st Annual Steel City Rockers vs. Mods on August 21st (this Saturday!) and the Steeltown Shakedown on Sept. 11th are two events you definitely won't want to miss!

Mention this blog post when you visit my booth to save $2 off every $10 you spend! Hope to see you there!

1st Annual Steel City Rockers vs. Mods Vintage Motorcycle & Scooter Rally



Pittsburgh's first vintage motorcycle and scooter rally! Get out the gear, polish up the Nortons, Triumphs, and BMWs or Vespas, Lambrettas,and Allstates (depending on your allegiance) and commemorate this unique period in Motorcycle history with the First Annual Steel City Rockers vs. Mods! Join us for a one-of-a-kind rally featuring bands, DJs, a pin-up-girl contest, raffles, tattoos, entertainment, vendors, and of course, lots of bikes! Special guest judges will be on-site to distribute awards to both motorcycles and scooters. Come on out and help us make this event one to remember! A portion of our proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh's Hard Head Patrol.

Visit http://steelcityrockersvsmods.com for more info!


Steeltown Shakedown, hosted by The Drifters Car Club



On Saturday, September 11, The Drifters will be hosting the 5th annual Steeltown Shakedown at the Twin Hi Way Drive-In on Route 60 in Robinson Township. This all day car show is open to all pre-65 rat rods, hot rods, and custom cruisers. Shop the vendors and enjoy the various raffles, flamethrower contest, pin up contest, and live music. If that isn’t enough for, then prepare yourself for a one night only showing of a true vintage movie when the sun goes down. Bring your old ride and help us celebrate the 76th anniversary of the very first drive-in movie theater the only way we know how: ol’ skool.

Visit www.steeltownshakedown.com for more details.

Featured Artisan: Bohemian Rose

My love of handmade goods extends to natural bath and body products, especially when it's obvious that they are crafted with carefully-selected ingredients, and high quality; are body-, animal, and earth-friendly; and made with love. :) The wonderful products of my fellow EtsyVeg teammate Jenn of Bohemian Rose definitely fit the bill.



I was super lucky to win a package of handcrafted soap and skincare products for the whole body from Jenn of Bohemian Rose recently! She let me choose my favorite scent in a bar of her handmade soap and my favorite lip balm flavor, and also sent me a fabulous facial scrub and sugar scrub! I've tried both soap and lip balm from Jenn before, so I knew I was in for a special treat- I was not disappointed!

The package arrived exuding the amazing scent of the Tir Na Nog soap I chose, a unisex (a bit more on the masculine side) muskiness that is both invigorating and soothing. Jenn describes Tir Na Nog as a "sexy" scent blended from "sandalwood, musk, and spice... topped with citrus, amber, and a hint of rose," and that is right on target. I tried the soap in my very first shower after it arrived. On top of the fabulous scent, the soap creates a gentle, bubbly lather that leaves me feeling clean and soft without feeling tight or dry in any way. Just what I hope for in a soap! The size is perfect for holding and is generous enough that after a bunch of showers it is still pretty much the same size as when it arrived.



Jenn also sent me a jar of her Facial Scrubbing Mask, which I also tried right away. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous trying something new on my face, as my skin is super-sensitive and gets inflamed and irritated easily. But I had nothing to worry about! The scrub/mask, a finely milled powder mixture clay, oats, dry coconut milk and bamboo, and oils of jojoba and lavender, comes dry in the jar. The ingredients alone are enough to win me over!



Following the directions, after wetting my face I add some water to a scoop of the scrub powder in my palm and blend. Then I apply to my face and rub lightly in circles. The scrub feels oaty-floury and soft in your palm once mixed with a little water, but it actually has loads of these teeny tiny granules that exfoliate gently and effectively- you can feel them once you apply it. Love that!



After scrubbing and then leaving on my skin to dry as a mask (a suggestion in the directions) for a few minutes, I rinse well.



Afterwards, my skin feels soooo baby soft and smooth, and very clean and oil-free (my skin is super oily)! My moisturizer feels like butter when I smooth it on afterwards. :)

My package also included a Strawberry Lime Lip Balm. Jenn's lippies are creamy soft going on, very moisturizing, and last a really long time. I love the Strawberry Lime even more than the Red Currant I tried before. And when you look close at the actual balm itself, there are tiny red flecks in it. I like to imagine that the flecks are real bits of strawberries. ;) Bohemian Rose has lots of tasty flavors of lip balm to try out!

Lastly, I won a sugar scrub! I chose the Minty Lavender scent, which is awakening and energizing. The scrub is very exfoliating and smoothing, leaving skin softened and nurtured. I actually sometimes just use it on my feet (which take a beating from bare feet and flip flops) as a foot scrub to smooth everything and make my heels and toes pretty. :)



Thank you sooo much, Jenn! I love everything!

A Long Weekend!

So I had an exhausting, grossly hot and sticky-sweaty weekend vending at SSW. But the long hours and oppressive heat and humidity ended being worth it- it was terrific! Besides pretty good sales (much better than it seemed while they were happening), I had absolutely the best time connecting with my fellow crafters there. It was so wonderful to be with like-minded people for passionate, intelligent conversation, laughter, and letting it all hang out.

I sold some of my favorite pieces, including several new ones, and had some incredible shopper. It's always really cool when your favorite pieces go to one of your favorite customers. :)

Pittsburgh has so many talented artisans. I was able to buy some handmade yoga mat spray in Lavender Vanilla (she has Citrus, too) from Naturally Lela, and some rally cute and unique burp cloths from The Point and Pootinkies for my new niece who may arrive any day now. :) I would have bought so much more if I had had time to shop and didn't spend my very brief intended shop-time chatting instead. :P My goal eventually is to procure (yes, I am on a mission) a fabulous bag from both Wren and Rita and Jilsy Designs in the near future. :)

A big shout out to Carrie and Nina of I Made It! Market for the exhausting hard work put into making this weekend happen!

The highlight of the weekend was drinks and chatting at the Double Wide Grill on the South Side Sunday evening. Yummy salad and seitan BBQ wings, some of my favorite people, and awesome banter- I left feeling high on the glow of the evening, and I'm still there. :) I think I may have gotten so exuberant over the great time that I talked over people a lot. Sorry gang! Thanks for a brilliant night! Check out their Etsy shops: Charmed By Nature, Barker's Herbs & Heirlooms, and Luxe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So immediately after the highlight of my weekend was one of the lowest points ever, creating a real emotional roller coaster. Just after dropping a friend off at her home on a quiet country road, I killed a sweet little brown bunny with my car! :( I saw her running toward the road and yelled in my head, "Nooo bunny!" I braked and tried to slow down and hoped I had missed her, but then I felt a tiny bump. It was so dark, 11 at night with few road lights. I stopped to look for her on the road and didn't see her at first, but then noticed the glow on the black road of little white tail. I cried so hard, just petting her and telling her over and over how sorry I was. :'( Then I picked her up and moved to her to the grass to safety. She was so soft and so warm and she was shaking, and all I could do was sob hysterically. When I left her, I cried the whole way home and for a long time after I got there. I haven't cried so hard since I lost my Grammy. ;_;

I hurt that poor little beautiful little bun- I murdered her with a monster of steel! And I had to leave her all alone. What if she had babies??? One second she was jumping and running with bright eyes and freedom, and the next she was "gone". I can't wash the feeling of her hot skin and soft downy fur beneath my hands, shaking and fragile and so vulnerable. I feel terrible. :(

I am going to work on a painting of a sweet bunny in a happy, wild, peaceful place where nothing can hurt her. Maybe she can go there. I'm so sorry, bunny. :(

Color Fling!

Check out this treasury I made featuring the talented veg artisans of the EtsyVeg and Vegan Etsy Teams! It's actually my entry into a Vegan Etsy challenge, and how many visitors and clicks on individual listings each treasury gathers factors into who wins! So please visit and clickety-click, and share! Thanks! :)

A Trip to Creative Reuse Pittsburgh- The Coolest Way to Make Eco-friendly Art!

Last Wednesday, I and three of my best crafty pals and fellow Steel Town Etsy admins headed to the awesomely eco-friendly Creative Reuse Pittburgh (Pgh), a local green organization that accepts unwanted materials for reuse and sells them uber cheap to the creative public! According to their website, Creative Reuse Pgh, which was founded in 2007 and became a project of the Pennsylvania Resources Council in February, is a nonprofit organization that seeks to "keep perfectly good stuff out of the landfill, provide opportunities for people to put it to good (re)use, help forward the movement toward a greener globe, and encourage folks to explore." Sound too idyllic? Maybe... except for that they actually make all of that happen!

A haven to those who can make something out of anything (or anything out of something), the project's brick-and-mortar stash-shop is located within Construction Junction (who donated the space) on Meade Street in Point Breeze. Creatively cluttered, the two-level space is packed from floor to ceiling with everything you can imagine that could be re-used in making art and given new life. Exploring the nooks and crannies, boxes and piles is really an artsy flea market/thrift store shopper's dream, and during our trip revealed wooden dowels, vintage fabric and notions, office supplies, containers, vintage art, books filled with fabulous wallpaper and fabric samples, random hardware, rubber toys, paper of all types, glitter, hardware, old lab beakers, and so much more!

Creative Reuse Pgh's stock includes not only unusual things you may not find anywhere else, but items that sell at craft stores for 20 times the price! The fact that these wares are priced unbelievably dirt-cheap ("starving artist" anyone?) just adds to the already-high bliss factor, as does the fact that each item purchased keeps landfills from growing and leaves the earth a little cleaner and greener. :)

Tamara of Barker's Herbs and Heirlooms, Lynne of Charmed By Nature, Niffer of 19 Moons, and I (Kylie of SilentLotus Creations) had a fabulous visit, all coming away with finds from there and Construction Junction downstairs. Some of us even left feeling a bit "lighter" after donating our own materials to Creative Reuse Pgh- Nif donated "nif"ty payphone and typewriter hardware and Lynne donated -uh- a big box of rubber poop (don't ask).

All of us are big on repurposing vintage or discarded materials in unique ways, me just in the last year or so and mostly from their influence. :) Check out their shops linked to above to see what craftastic creations they come up with, and check out my newest items as a sampling of what I have been making!

Creative Reuse Pgh gets new donations regularly, making it a potential new treasure hunt each time you visit. But despite all of their current finds, they can always take more! Next time you have a box or stack of something ready to be discarded or taken to Goodwill, consider stopping by to see if what you have is something they can use. Donating your discards is easy, and much appreciated. And while there, browse for some new goodies.

Need creative inspiration or some obscure piece of something that will make your art piece or craft just perfect? I highly recommend making a trip to Creative Reuse Pgh to purchase materials- what you are wishing for just may await you there. :)

Just keep in mind that shopping is open to the public only on Wednesdays from 12-5. Other hours are available by appointment only, so if you can't get there on a Wednesday, make sure to give them a call at (412) 202-4036 or email them to set up a different time to go. They are quick to respond and very accomodating. :)











A section of Creative Reuse's upper level.












Fabulous vintage prints.















A view of the first floor from above.












Lynne's poop was put right out on the floor (front and center)!












The view that greeted us when we arrived: fabric, notions, and so much more.












More upper level goodness.

New Listings- Reclaimed Vintage & Fine Art Jewelry!

I'm so glad to be finally listing some of the jewelry and magnets I have been working on since fall! Usually I have so many more handmade items here than I have listed in my Etsy shop. I *hope* to be catching up with that soon. But as I have a show almost every weekend through July, I wouldn't count on it. :)

Anyway, so here's what I am excited about:

~Jewelry made with vintage and antique parts I have been collecting over the past 1-2 years! Findings, glass beads, Victorian brass, ephemera and books. It's been so much fun. I got a few pieces listed in my shop the other day.


















~Pendants, magnets, and earrings made from glass tiles and featuring my art work! I have been shrinking scans of my original brush paintings on my computer, printing them, and then cutting them to fit tiles of various shapes and sizes. I'm super happy with the results. :) So far just pendants are listed in my shop.

Hitting the Craft Shows! Visit Me at Local Indie Handmade Events!

I am super excited to be returning to the craft show scene after almost 6 months away! Having taken a much-needed hiatus to refocus and get motivated, I'll be introducing art prints, pandants, and magnets using images from my original brush paintings! As well, look for my new line of jewelry upcycled from entirely vintage components! :D

Gearing up for three nifty handmade shopping extravaganzas coming up at which I will vend my wares. :) Come and visit me at the following indie crafty events, fill your holiday shopping baskets, and support local businesses and hard-working independent artisans!

WYEP Holiday Shoppe, Sunday, November 28th, 10-2 pm at The WYEP Community Broadcast Center, 67 Bedford Sq, Pittsburgh.

I Made It! Market for the Holidays, Saturday, December 5th, 12-5pm at the Union Project, Pittsburgh.

Cleveland Handmade Last Minute Market & Open Studio, Saturday, December 19th, 10-6pm at The Screw Factory in Lakewood, OH.

Eat Deliciously, Shop Freely- Celebrate World Vegetarian Day!

Today is World Vegetarian Day, October 1, 2009! I'm celebrating along with the EtsyVeg team of veg artisans on Etsy (see their blog for more recipes and special sales) by sharing this original vegan recipe and having a 25% off sale on the handcrafted jewelry and original brush paintings in my shop! Enjoy shopping and feasting and celebrate Veg Living! :)




Vegan Festive Summer 'Skillet Casserole’ with Dill (Serves 4)

Though this easy, nutritious recipe uses veggies typically harvested in summer, it’s vibrant flavors are fabulous year round!

2T olive oil
2 medium zucchini, sliced in half-moons
2 shallots, minced
2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
½ medium red bell pepper, diced
1 ½c cooked pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, drained and finely chopped (Muir Glen canned Fire-Roasted Tomatoes add the best flavor.)
1c corn kernels, fresh or frozen
2 tsp natural sweetener
2-3 tsp fresh lemon juice, or to taste
3T fresh dill, finely chopped
2-3c cooked brown rice
4 oz. vegan (or dairy) grated mozzarella cheese (I like Follow Your Heart brand)
salt and ground black pepper to taste


1. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, pepper, garlic, sliced zucchini. Cover and cook until zucchini is tender, about 10 min.

2. Add beans, tomatoes, corn, sweetener, lemon juice, and dill. Simmer 10 minutes covered, then 5 uncovered, stirring occasionally until liquid is absorbed.

3. Mix in cooked rice, stirring until combined well. Cover and place on low heat until rice is steaming. Salt and ground black pepper to taste. Add cheeze and mix well until melty.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Wednesdays Bring Savings on ORANGE Goodies!

Today's EtsyVeg "Kickoff to Fall Special": Visit my shop to SAVE 25% on all *ORANGE* items and 10% on all other items, and receive free shipping when you spend over $30! Yay! Just make your purchase and receive an instant refund for the discount amount via PayPal.

Save on jewelry and art like these earrings, just listed in my shop:


Visit the EtsyVeg blog daily from SEPTEMBER 7th-13th to see the current offers of the day and special features at http://etsyveg.blogspot.com.

New Jewels!

I am FINALLY getting around to listing some of the new inventory I have! Visit my Etsy shop for more new goodies (all cruelty-free and natural) in the way of jewels, and don't forget to check out the savings I am offering as part of EtsyVeg's Kickoff to Fall promotion all this week. My sale will change daily with the special color of the day. Today is YELLOW! :)

Tuesday's Kickoff to Fall Sale with EtsyVeg!

Today's EtsyVeg "Kickoff to Fall Special": Visit my shop to SAVE 25% on all *yellow* items and 10% on all other items, and receive free shipping when you spend over $30! Yay! Just make your purchase and receive an instant refund for the discount amount via PayPal.

Visit the EtsyVeg blog daily from SEPTEMBER 7th-13th to see the current offers of the day and special features at http://etsyveg.blogspot.com.

ETSYVEG "KICKOFF TO FALL" SALE!

This week, my shop, SilentLotus Creations, is participating in ETSYVEG’s “KICKOFF TO FALL” SALE celebrating the start of the fall season! Participating EtsyVeg members are offering discounts, free shipping, or a free gift with a purchase on an exciting range of unique handmade goods (many are vegan, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly). Visit our blog daily from SEPTEMBER 7th-13th to see the current specials (they change each day) at http://etsyveg.blogspot.com.

Today's Kickoff to Fall Special: Visit my shop to SAVE 25% on all *green* items and 10% on all other items, and receive free shipping when you spend over $30! Yay! Just make your purchase and receive an instant refund for the discount amount via PayPal.

Check back each day for a sale on items of other fall colors, and a special weekend offer. :)

EtsyVeg's Kickoff to Fall Celebration Sale!

Starting next Monday, September 7th, a group of our fabulous vegetarian and vegan artisans will be offering specials in their Etsy shops! Keep watch for fabulous deals on unique handcrafted and vintage goods and supplies, a perfect way to start off the autumn season!

Look for specials like dicounts and free shipping in the following shops for the week of September 7th-13th- don't miss it!

aktie9
amefaust
auclairdelalune
bayatinge
chickscratch
CollarMeGorgeous
jackandjillsmom
jenoconnell
judysmosaicsupplies
loveluca
Karramandi
KneeDeepOriginals
krugsecologic
magglepie
midnightrabbits
movetheneedle
ThisisBexx
pandawithcookie
silentlotus
starfirewire
TheAwesomestPossum
TokenEmotion
veganessa
vibrantmosaics

Handmade Out Loud: Fabulous Items from EtsyVeg Pals, Pt 3

Part three of a collection of gorgeous creations I have purchased/swapped for/won/been gifted from my wonderful veggie pals in EtsyVeg! Thank you so much to all of you... :)

Saucha Yoga Mat Spray

by lizdarcy

Ah- finally some sweet relief from an odorous yoga mat! This stuff rocks!

Set of 4 Photo Greeting Cards--Your Choice

by aguavino

You can't actually see it so well in Lynn's photos, but these cards have incredible detail in how they are made! Besides the wonderful photos, the images have lovely stitching all-around them that make them feel special and luxurious along with appealingly natural and earthy. :)

Orange Truffle Cold Process Soap - VEGAN

by krugsecologic

I've been able to try several of Erin's soaps, and they are the most skin and body luxurious soaps I've ever tried- seriously! My favorites? The Orange Truffle, with a zesty scent that's not too sweet, yet energizes and warms, and feels great on my parched skin! My very favorite is the olive and coconut oil based bar, which made every inch of my skin feel soft and nourished after months of dryness neglect on my part. I really noticed the difference this healthful, natural, and nurturing bar made when I ran out and went back to my old sandalwood soap- after two days I was dry and itchy all over. And to add to their amazing-ness, Erin's products are vegan and earth-friendly- yay! Thank you, Erin, for making such wonderful products and sharing them with me! :)

Circle Circle Dot Dot

by friendlytaco

Meredith makes the cutest chiyogami jewelry in vibrant colors and fun patterns! I have a necklace, ring, and earrings in a beautiful deep blue pattern very similar to these. Eye-catching and unique, not to mention very affordable, friendlytaco's jewelry is stylish, fun, and definitely a standout! Thank you for the set, Meredith- I love it!

Clay Heart

by claynfiber

Everytime I visit claynfiber, I am wowed by Gina's creativity and unique approach to blending with stoneware and fibers. She continuously adds wonderful, earthy, and beautiful forms to her collection that blow me away! I am lucky enough to have held one of Gina's heart ornaments like this one, and the shape and pattern were even lovelier in person. I own a tiny little square shaker box that Gina made, imprinted with awesome, earthy shapes and patterns. It sits among my favorite pieces. :)

Funky Crazy Quilted Pocket Mirror. Limited edition. Find the robot

by SweetWolf

I have a SweetWolf pocket mirror from Cathy almost like this one, only mine has a little bunny on it! :) I carry it in my makeup bag, and it is very well-made and sweet- a pocket mirror I purchased from another shop last year lasted only several months, and this one has lasted far longer with no sign of wear. Visit Cathy's shop to see all of her adorable zippy pouches and darling mirrors like this one. :)

To see more fabulous handmade and vintage creations and supplies from vegan and vegetarian artisans, check out EtsyVeg's Crafty Veggie Marketplace!

Handmade Out Loud: Pittsburgh Crafter Vintage Hotcakes

I met Dawn, known via her Etsy shop and at craft shows in the Pittsburgh area as Vintage Hotcakes, a couple of years ago through our local Etsy street team, Etsy Pittsburgh. I immediately adored Dawn and fell in love with her darling bags! She makes more than bags though, crafting quirky, one-of-a-kind handsewn potholders, decorative pillow covers, and baby bibs in addition to uber sweet wallets, wristlets, and purses. What makes Dawn's eco-friendly designs stand out, besides quality workwomanship and hip styles, is that all of them are made from awesome vintage and repurposed fabrics!


Some of my favorite sources of upcycled material that she uses are these nifty vintage linen tea towels with calendars or wild birds printed on them. She has quite an eye for other fabrics, too, many of which she finds at estate sales. The coolest are these fun, loud fabrics from the 1960s and 70s in crazy huge patterns and colors. Dawn also upcycles vintage accessories like handkerchiefs and men's ties, incorporating them into things like wristlet straps and decorative patches (see pics of my bags below).


I have been lucky enough to pair up side-by-side or share a table with Dawn to vend our wares in the local crafty scene, which means I often get to see her freshest new products. As a result, I own three of Dawn's bags, one each of a wallet, wristlet, and shoulder bag (thanks for trading, Dawn)! lol They never fail to stand out in a crowd and garner compliments and curiosity. Check out Vintage Hotcakes on Etsy to get your own- she does custom work, too!


My own Vintage Hotcakes collection: