February 9, 2010
Cardboard? Have another look – it is! When I see innovative design like this it reminds me that I can either focus on what I don’t have – or instead, focus on what is attainable and available, and put it to good use! Found via Orange Pop Design.
~Posted by: Amy
February 9, 2010
Obakki’s Spring 2010 line is elegant, refined and infinitely wearable. Designed and manufactured in Vancouver – season after season Obakki never disappoints. While the dresses from this collection may not be in my budget – I can recognize them for what they are – investment pieces. Dresses this beautiful can be worn season after season! See the whole collection here.
~Posted by: Amy
February 8, 2010
Giveaway
We’ve got a giveaway for three lucky readers! The three winners will each receive their choice of 2 eyeshadows from Orglamix’s extensive line (view the full line here).
You have two opportunities to get a ballot:
1). For one ballot – leave a comment on this post with your favorite item from Orglamix’s Etsy Shop.
2). For a bonus ballot – leave a comment on our Facebook status here related to this contest.
Ballots will be accepted through 2/12/2010, and the winners will be announced on 2/15/2010.
Review
I was so excited to receive a set of free samples from Cheri of Orglamix last week – I was sent this eyeshadow set, for brown eyes. At first glance I was concerned that the eyeshadows might be a bit too iridescent, but was pleasantly surprised when I tried them – they had just the right amount of shimmer. I first tried out Cardamom, the dark brown eye shadow. It was a nice color, but had red/pink undertones – so wasn’t a good all over color for my fair skin. I had much better results when using Violette – this ended up being an excellent all over color and looked really pretty on my eyes, perfect for Spring. When applied the color softened to a lovely light grey/light brown color with a hint of violet. I added Cardamom on the outer lid, and that looked nice – with Chamomile swept on above the crease I was ready to head out. All of the eyeshadows were easy to apply, had a nice texture, great staying power, yet still washed off easily with water.
Why is mineral make-up so wonderful you ask? Cheri takes special care to ensure that her makeup is free from the harmful ingredients you’ll find in most makeup at your local drugstore – her line is professional quality, made from 100% natural ingredients and has no chemical additives. Further to that Cheri is a proud member of Peta and none of her products are ever tested on animals. Orglamix has quickly built up a cult following and we’re happy to hear Cheri is currently developing lots of new products!
~Posted by: Amy
February 8, 2010
I think I promised my last Valentine’s Day post would be my last? I couldn’t resist though. I love this holiday – hearts, sweets, red and pink! I’ve noticed so many great diy’s and freebies around the web the last week or two and wanted to share my favorites. Please see the links under each image to visit the site that is providing the DIY or free item.
Recipe by Lisa Wong Jackson – find it here on Mint Design Blog
Free printable card from June Craft’s blog available here – also visit her etsy shop here
From Ez (Creature Comforts) and Marichelle – who have a lovely shop, Nice Package – download here
Free download from Papermash, found on A Field Journal
Free card to download from Danielle Thompson – found via Creature Comforts
~Posted by: Amy
February 6, 2010
Have you checked out Indie Icing lately? Lots of fun, unique finds there every day! If you take a peek today you’ll see that Jessica has written a fun introduction post about me and my Etsy shop. Better yet I’ll be giving away a couple posters to the lucky winner from her contest – where she asks everyone, what was your first Field Trip?
See some of my finds from Indie Icing below and make sure to stop by and enter the contest here.
1). Living Inspired 2). Paper and Cake 3). Blueberrie
~Posted by: Amy
February 5, 2010
1). Images above from Elena’s photostream – click here for credits
I saw these images last weekend and I knew I had to share them. When I clicked on them I paused – kind of a bit beside myself, because to me they’re all so beautiful. Then I couldn’t help but think, wow – there is no way I could ever take photos that are this wonderful.
Later in the week Jena at Modish wrote a very insightful post about how fear can hold us back from trying new things…
In the end she decided that she ought to look to overcome her fears. I think in some ways this is already the attitude I’ve decided to take on this year – but it was so great to hear someone put it into words. It doesn’t mean I’m not going to fail at any point, and that it won’t feel awful – but that’s all part of the process. Some things I’ll try again, others I’ll decide weren’t meant to be. As a result I know I’ll feel more alive and awake and that’s the best feeling I know.
So far I’ve opened an Etsy shop (I’ve been dreaming about doing this for a long time) and have plans to work on even more illustrations. I’ve allowed my blog to be more personal (a big deal for me), and I’ve started to work on becoming more skilled in photography (an area where I seem to have little to no natural talent – my world is 2-d)! So what’s next? I’m not 100% sure, but I think this year that’ll be half the fun…
What do you have planned for this year – are there things you’ve been holding yourself back from trying, but have decided that this is the year?
February 4, 2010
I hate to be the one to break the bad news – maybe you’ve heard already though? Yes, it’s true, Mr. Groundhog saw his shadow and well, that means winter – it ain’t over yet. And this could also be a post about the fact that anything you could possibly want – it’s available on Etsy. Just search – I dare you! In this case, we may need some lovely scarves to cheer us up for the next few weeks – found!
February 3, 2010
1). Let’s Find Some Beautiful Place to Get Lost – available here at 20 x 200
Got an email this morning from the lovely folks at lily & jae – announcing not only their beautiful Spring 2010 collection, but also a contest for bloggers… I was already planning to cover the Spring 2010 line, because it’s gorgeous and made right here in Vancouver – but this made it even more fun for me. It’s been a long winter, and you can find this blog littered with references to the coming sunshine – but now I’m even thinking more specifically about sunny days – elsewhere – wearing one of these adorable dresses… Getting lost, with not a care in the world.
If you’re a blogger and would like to take part in the contest – all you’ve got to do is come up with a fun post sharing the 2010 collection from lily & jae by Feb. 10th and email it to them at info@lilyandjae.com. Their favorite post wins a $200 gift certificate, and your post will be featured on their site.
Click here to see the full collection.
Posted by: Amy
February 2, 2010
Above images: 1). Left: Nyree Watts 2). Right: Holly Cappello
We’ve been following the action at Hungry Eyeball, a website created and managed by Portlander Greg “Eye” P. Greg’s goal is to expose Portland art, and his website features local artists and gallery events. Check out his interview section where he talks with artists about their work, including this recent chat with Jason Graham.
Hungry Eye also recently posted about an upcoming exhibit I’m particularly excited about: photographer Nyree Watt’s new show, Sight + Smell. It will be displayed at the Errata Gallery from February 4 – February 28, 2010. The opening reception (February 4, 6-10pm) during First Thursday is a great chance to see her new work, which explores the relationship between image, memories, and smells.
Also on my radar – The Pushdot & Plywerk All Female Group Show, featuring 8 Portland artists including Traci French’s beautiful images, also available here on Etsy and pictured below. This show is one not to be missed – click here for more details.
~Posted by: Amy
February 1, 2010
I’m a big fan of Uzura’s lovely t’s and totes – all have pretty details and are available in a wide range of beautiful colors. Prettiness aside I’m so impressed with Uzura’s commitment to making items that are kind to the earth. All of the items are screenprinted with her original designs and made from either hemp or organic cotton. Have a peek at her shop to see the whole line!
