July 2, 2010
I don’t normally take part in this kind of thing – but I always love reading everyone else’s responses, so I figured what the heck this time! Big thanks to the very sweet Bonnie of Going Home to Roost for inviting me to participate.
Now I’d like to pass the beautiful blogger award on to 5 more blogs:
1). Jen from Indie Fixx 2). Katie from Art Wall 3). Priya of Once Upon a Teatime
4). Lesley of Smidgebox 5). Sarah of Haute Design
~Posted by: Amy
June 30, 2010
It’s only Wednesday – but the weekend will be here soon enough! And this week I’ve got to say I’m pretty excited. With the long weekend both here in Canada and in the US I’m sure most folks are right there with me. Have you made any plans? I’d love to hear about them.
Things have been really hectic the last few weeks – and this week especially. So yesterday, out of the blue, we decided we should go away this weekend! What was supposed to be a day of hiking on nearby Bowen Island has turned into a weekend there. And really, with all of the research I’ve done, I’m wondering if it’ll be our next home. Just 3,000 people live on this island paradise – lots of beaches, trees, and it’s said that everyone’s pretty darn friendly too. I was stunned to learn that it’s so safe that no-one bothers to lock their doors.
I haven’t shared any favorites from flickr lately – but I came across this beautiful collage that has me daydreaming about our weekend getaway, so I thought it would be perfect to share.
This collage was put together by talented photographer and curator Jessa Mae.
Images:
1). nikolinelr 2). the thicket 3). acido
4). morphicx 5). citrushearts 6). laney hearts
7). Antonio Ysursa 8). The Lost Princess 9). rachelbbloom
~Posted by: Amy
March 19, 2010
Peacock Invitations recently put together an amazing collection of Etsy finds to be considered for the front page of Etsy, that I was lucky enough to stumble upon the other day. One neat thing about Etsy is that about half of their front pages are chosen by users of the site, and this one deserves to be chosen in my opinion – isn’t it gorgeous?
Top Row: 1). Leaping Gazelle 2). One Little Dove 3). Lara Lewis
2nd Row: 1). Originals by Lynnette 2). Lippincott Soap Co. 3). Tuscany Studios
3rd Row: 1). Sheena Lu 2). Roberta Grove 3). Sugarlily
4th Row: 1). Monkeys Always Look 2). Faeried Treasures 3). Bethany Lorelle
~Posted by: Amy
March 18, 2010
Home décor is still on my mind in a big way… We have had a few showings of our apartment so far, and we have a couple open houses this weekend. I was happy to find fresh inspiration in Olivier Dupon’s home, as featured over at daily imprint. I love the inviting feel of his home and how he incorporates bright pops of color and unique items, like that great bedside table.
Be sure to check out Daily Imprint for other images and take a peek at Olivier Dupon’s blog, Dossier 37.
~Posted by: Amy
March 17, 2010
Affordable, eco-friendly fashion can be so hard to come by. And that’s where vintage comes in! Your local vintage shop can be a treasure trove – with a surprising number of wonderful finds.
Etsy is stocked to the brim with wonderful vintage shops as well.
Today I thought I’d share some finds from Verseau Vintage on Etsy as well as some tips for shopping for Vintage online or locally.
1). The Search
When shopping at a local store it’s best to go in with an open mind. Who knows what you might find?! The thrill of the hunt is the best part – you’ll be surprised with what you come home with.
Etsy is different – because you can shop by color or type of item it’s a great way to narrow things down. Want a red dress or black shoes, great! Just filter for “vintage” in Etsy as you’re searching and things will be narrowed down for you.
2). Sizing
One thing to consider when shopping vintage is that over the decades, different sizes have had different measurements, above and beyond the difference in sizes you’ll find from designer to designer today. So whenever you can be sure to try things on! Not able to find the perfect fit? Not to worry – since you’re getting such a great deal, consider having things that don’t fit altered. If you’re shopping online consider buying things that seem to be just a little bit larger than what you’d otherwise wear so that alterations are still a possibility for you.
3). Damaged Goods
Give everything you’re planning to purchase a good look to ensure that there are no stains or other signs of wear that can’t be easily mended. When shopping online carefully read the product descriptions – the shop owner should note anything that is wrong with the item. Most items also have close-up views which allow you to get a better look at the item.
Click here to shop Verseau Vintage.
Are you a big fan of vintage shopping? We’d love it if you shared your tips in the comments below.
~Posted by: Amy
March 16, 2010
Portland jewelrist, Amy Olson creates handmade, delicate jewelry. Her style is classic and feminine, and she recently took the time to share a bit more about her work with us.
Q (Lisa): I read in your Etsy profile that you’ve been a crafter for as long as you
remember. Do you remember a favorite craft project from your childhood?
A (Amy): As a child, I dabbled in lots of different mediums, but I would say that I think I’m most proud of the dress that I crocheted for my favorite doll.
Q (Lisa): When did you start to focus on jewelry and what other crafts do you enjoy?
A (Amy): I had been making jewelry throughout my childhood, but I started focusing on it when I was 17 and working for Mark and Viki Lareau of the Bead Factory in Tacoma, WA. I also enjoy knitting, crocheting, and paper crafts. I am in awe of good photographers and hope to become a better one myself someday!
Q (Lisa): Who are some people who have influenced your sense of style over the years?
A (Amy): Audrey Hepburn is absolutely one of my favorite style icons. As far as jewelry goes, I greatly admire Riversong, Laurice Curran, and Lisa Chandler.
Q (Lisa): How would you describe your jewelry style?
A (Amy): I would say that my signature aesthetic marries the old with the new- I love combing vintage materials with precious metals and modern concepts.
Q (Lisa): What colors, if any, do you find yourself favoring when making jewelry?
A (Amy): It’s funny- I love color and shimmery gems, but I tend to favor the neutrals. I adore pearls and find them a classic addition to any piece. Since it’s Spring though, I am noticing that I’m favoring greens and blues at the moment. they seems so fresh and right for the season!
Q (Lisa): Where do you find your inspiration for your jewelry pieces?
A (Amy): I seem to find it everywhere! I often come up with designs while taking a walk. I live in a beautiful part of Portland, OR, near cafes and parks. It is a perfect neighborhood for walking! I also find inspiration in galleries, boutiques, and magazines. I enjoy keeping up on new creative ideas.
Q (Lisa): When you’re creating new pieces, do you consider current fashion trends?
A (Amy): Yes and no- I don’t always know what the latest fashions are, but if I am ever stuck in a rut, I’ll peruse magazines or head to boutiques and then try to design a piece that is perfect for a certain outfit that I see. This tactic often gets my creative juices flowing!
Q (Lisa): Besides your own, whose jewelry do you typically wear?
A (Amy): I hate to say it, but if I’m not wearing my own jewelry, then I’m not wearing any jewelry. And it’s not because I don’t love what others make! I just find that alot of modern jewelry overwhelms me. If I could wear any designer’s jewelry, though, it would be that of Dana Kellin or Melissa Joy Manning. Their work is so delicate and detailed!
Q (Lisa): You also have a blog called Portland Loves: Local with photographer Misha Ashton. How did that come about?
A (Amy): Well, Misha and I met through an artist group and one day she just called me up with the idea! I had been thinking about starting a blog for some time before that, and when she shared the concept with me, I immediately loved it.
Q (Lisa): What is your current Portland love?
A (Amy): I am just loving all of the little nooks and crannies of our city. Every little neighborhood has its charm. My favorite thing to do right now is go to coffee in different neighborhoods and then take a walk and explore. My latest adventure was to a neighborhood called Ladd’s Addition. It was built in the shape of a bicycle wheel and in the middle is the cutest cafe and a few boutiques- so great!
~Posted by: Lisa
March 10, 2010
If you love Etsy finds, you’ll want to visit Try Handmade to see my guest post from today, It Blooms… Click here to read the post.
March 8, 2010
Have you seen Indie Icing’s new look? It’s gorgeous… Loved her roundup of Etsy picks today all inspired by Demi Moore herself. Click here to see it all for yourself.
~Posted by: Amy
March 8, 2010
I hope everyone had a good weekend! Mine was good, but busy (more on that later!). How about you…did you do anything fun?
Just like back-to-school shoes in the fall, I think spring is a great time for a new purse. Etsy always has a great selection and here are a few that captured my eye.
Mayka from CindyMars7 made the top left purse, and her etsy shop has a variety of purses in different sizes with fun patterns and details. The bottom left purse was made by eclu, a great etsy shop that specializes in beautiful clutches. The purse on the right is from Christy Studio’s – I love all the pleated details in her collection.
~Posted by: Amy
