Moms are a wonderful thing, and none is greater than mine. (Sorry, it's true!) Mother's Day must be one of the greatest holidays around because not only does it honor the most important woman in most of our lives, but it's the perfect excuse to give homemade gifts, something all us crafty folks just love.
When I was a child (I can't say "little" because I'm still pretty small, and I can't say "young" because my decade-older boyfriend always reminds me that 23 is still young), I always made things for my mom for Mother's Day. My favorite medium was paper, mostly because that was the only crafty thing I knew about. I would create all kinds of things using paper: drawings, cards, signs, and once even a purse. Yes, a construction-paper purse held together with staples. I was probably 7 and convinced it was the most beautiful purse there ever was. I remember lots of pink. I was so proud to give it to my mother but so perplexed as to why she didn't carry it. She assured me to use it for a "special occasion," something I heard a lot as I created jewelry covered in glitter and paper clothes for her.
Mother's Day is May 11 this year, just 16 days before my mom's birthday. I try to stay on top of both these holidays (birthdays are definitely holidays) to make sure I get something good for both, but it can be difficult. So instead of making everthing for birthday and Mother's Day, I'll also be purchasing handmade. I don't think Mom reads this, but you can never be too careful, so I'll not reveal what I've purchased for her. Instead, here are a few great gift ideas from some wonderful Etsy sellers in no particular order.
1. Does your mom love to cook? Then check out Snappy Shop! She creates awesome, ironic, and adorable aprons, as well as a few other sewn items. My personal favorite is the Bacon and Eggs Pocket apron (though I'd probably be more likely to pick up the vegetarian version).
2. Is there a new mom in your life? Head over to Rainbow Swirlz! Designer Mendy creates hilarious onesies perfect for young, hip moms. My favorite one reads: My entire lifeis being blogged. Her store also features a line of really cool, screenprinted tote bags perfect for hauling books, baby items, or anything.
3. Does your mom love jewelry? There are so many great jewelry artists on Etsy I can recommend! From JD Star's woven bracelets and The Storybeader's haiku-inspired necklaces, to Gems by Emily M.'s classic designs and Bargain Basement's whimsical pendants, you'll have no trouble catering to her taste on Etsy. (There's always my shop, too, but I didn't want to be inappropriate by including myself in the list. Wait, did I just do that?)
4. What's a jewelry fiend to do with all her treasures? Go buy a jewelry scroll from Chaos Into Art! I've seen these in person, and they are both handy and dandy. Shop owner Jessie is a really great, innovative artist, and your mom will love the scroll.
5. Is your mom a plant lover with a brown thumb? Then head over to Orion Eclipsed Photography for a print of artist Holly's beautiful photographs! She has prints available of sunflowers, Crape-myrtles and more.
6. Does your mom love sewn items with old-fashioned flair? Raggedy Pageant makes beautiful collage quilts that are perfect for any mom. From fun and whimsical to boldly ironic, Robin makes it all. Her unique dolls would also make the perfect addition to any collector's treasury.
7. Is Mom a hat lady or even a member of the Red Hat Society? Boring Sidney has an array of beautiful headpieces for sale, including this Adorable Cloche of Red that I've been coveting since, oh, forever. The shop also features pieces ranging from classic '40s styles to fascinators and gothic fashions.
8. Encourage your mom to keep in touch with a set of stationery from Enfin, La Voila! Her pieces range from whimsical to kitschy, perfect for a variety of moms. More classicly minded moms might enjoy the butterfly generator set, while those with a sillier sense of humor might fall for the "I'm too sexy for this card" set.
9. Make the mom in your life queen for the day with a crown from Up from the Ashes. Her fascinating designs range from regal to delicate to just plain amazing.
10. What dignified lady doesn't need a beautiful bag? Ophelia Miller makes a variety of bags featuring beautiful fabrics in useful designs. From clutches to totes, her shop will suit all your purse needs.
Don't forget the card! A Scrappy Design has you covered with this one.
So to all the moms out there, Happy Mother's Day! To all the shoppers, get cracking! And to all the crafters, good luck, and don't make a purse out of paper if you have delicate feelings. :)
Friday, May 2, 2008
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Craft tip
When doing a craft project at your day job's desk, the cap to a bottle of water or soda makes a great place to dip your brush. It won't arouse much suspicion (especially since I always have one on my desk that doesn't belong to any of the bottles), and it's the perfect size for doing a small project.
Not that I would ever do a craft project at work . . . :)
In other news, I gave myself a second-degree burn Saturday morning at my second lampwork class. I made a stupid, novice mistake: NEVER pick up a piece of glass you took away from the torch only about five minutes before. Ouch! My right index finger got the worst of it, but the thumb and middle finger were a bit sore, too. I had to spend all of Saturday with my hand in glass of ice. The finger again became usable Tuesday, which was good because I spent all day doing a bulk mailing for my day job. It doesn't hurt at all now, though the fingertip is thick and numb. At least I don't look too much like a mutant. And you can't see the shape of the piece of glass too well any more. Needless to say, the injury did impede my jewelry making, but I hope to get back on it tonight. I can't wait to show off what I've been up to!
Not that I would ever do a craft project at work . . . :)
In other news, I gave myself a second-degree burn Saturday morning at my second lampwork class. I made a stupid, novice mistake: NEVER pick up a piece of glass you took away from the torch only about five minutes before. Ouch! My right index finger got the worst of it, but the thumb and middle finger were a bit sore, too. I had to spend all of Saturday with my hand in glass of ice. The finger again became usable Tuesday, which was good because I spent all day doing a bulk mailing for my day job. It doesn't hurt at all now, though the fingertip is thick and numb. At least I don't look too much like a mutant. And you can't see the shape of the piece of glass too well any more. Needless to say, the injury did impede my jewelry making, but I hope to get back on it tonight. I can't wait to show off what I've been up to!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Pretentious poetry chatter
As a member of Etsybloggers, I am supposed to take part in the weekly Blog Carnival. I’ve decided finally to fulfill my obligation. The first topic is poetry, thus my essay. I hope you enjoy.
I’ve had a longtime love affair with poetry, and that has only grown since I started studying Italian. I love the way words flow together and create a picture in your mind, and there is no language with more beautiful words than Italian. My favorite Italian poet is Eugenio Montale, who wrote during the rise of fascism and continued creating until his death in 1981. His works were undeniably beautiful, modern, and quietly subversive. My favorite poem of his is called “Riviere,” or “Seacoasts,” from Ossi di seppia, his first collection published in 1925. Though the title is much less romantic when translated, it is a beautiful poem in any language. It’s a long piece, so here’s an excerpt in Italian.
Dolce cattività , oggi, riviere
di chi s'arrende per poco
come a rivivere un antico giuoco
non mai dimenticato.
Rammento l'acre filtro che porgeste
allo smarrito adolescente, o rive:
nelle chiare mattine si fondevanodorsi
di colli e cielo; sulla rena
dei lidi era un risucchio ampio, un eguale
fremer di vite,
una febbre del mondo; ed ogni cosa
in se stessa pareva consumarsi.
I can’t find a translation online, so I’m venturing one myself. It’s nearly literal, so some of the flow is lost here.
Sweet captivity, today, seacoasts
From whom one surrenders almost
Like reliving an ancient game
Never forgotten.
I recall the acrid potion that they offered
To the lost adolescent, or the shores:
In the clear mornings they would melt
The back of their necks and the sky; on the sand
Of the beaches was a vast sucking, an equal
Shaking of lives,
A fever of the world; and everything
In itself seemed to wear out.
My translation isn’t the best, but you get the gist. The whole poem is about childhood and memory, as is much of the collection. This one relies on the imagery of the violently beautiful shoreline as a metaphor for the author being pulled back into nostalgia. Montale grew up in Liguria, a beautiful region of Italy on the coast of the Mediterranean, so these “riviere” are part of his childhood. Just as the coasts called to him as a boy, so does his past continue to draw him in. Though the overall tone of the poem is somber, it ends on a high note:
sentire noi pur
domani tra i profumi e i venti
un riaffluir di sogni, un urger folle
di voci verso un esito; e nel sole
che v'investe, riviere,
rifiorire!
Though for us to feel
Tomorrow between the fragrances and the winds
A new flooding of dreams, a crazy urgency
Of faltering cries; and in the sun
That attacks there, seacoasts,
A refluorishing!
Montale spends the majority of the poem likening nostalgia to “due camelie pallide nei giardini deserti”, or two pale camellias in desert gardens. At the end, however, he gives in to the beauty of memory, the innocent joy of childhood. I agree with his reluctance to give in too much to living in the past, but I appreciate his ability to recognize that memories can be both beautiful and brutal, like the coastlines of his childhood.
I’ve had a longtime love affair with poetry, and that has only grown since I started studying Italian. I love the way words flow together and create a picture in your mind, and there is no language with more beautiful words than Italian. My favorite Italian poet is Eugenio Montale, who wrote during the rise of fascism and continued creating until his death in 1981. His works were undeniably beautiful, modern, and quietly subversive. My favorite poem of his is called “Riviere,” or “Seacoasts,” from Ossi di seppia, his first collection published in 1925. Though the title is much less romantic when translated, it is a beautiful poem in any language. It’s a long piece, so here’s an excerpt in Italian.
Dolce cattività , oggi, riviere
di chi s'arrende per poco
come a rivivere un antico giuoco
non mai dimenticato.
Rammento l'acre filtro che porgeste
allo smarrito adolescente, o rive:
nelle chiare mattine si fondevanodorsi
di colli e cielo; sulla rena
dei lidi era un risucchio ampio, un eguale
fremer di vite,
una febbre del mondo; ed ogni cosa
in se stessa pareva consumarsi.
I can’t find a translation online, so I’m venturing one myself. It’s nearly literal, so some of the flow is lost here.
Sweet captivity, today, seacoasts
From whom one surrenders almost
Like reliving an ancient game
Never forgotten.
I recall the acrid potion that they offered
To the lost adolescent, or the shores:
In the clear mornings they would melt
The back of their necks and the sky; on the sand
Of the beaches was a vast sucking, an equal
Shaking of lives,
A fever of the world; and everything
In itself seemed to wear out.
My translation isn’t the best, but you get the gist. The whole poem is about childhood and memory, as is much of the collection. This one relies on the imagery of the violently beautiful shoreline as a metaphor for the author being pulled back into nostalgia. Montale grew up in Liguria, a beautiful region of Italy on the coast of the Mediterranean, so these “riviere” are part of his childhood. Just as the coasts called to him as a boy, so does his past continue to draw him in. Though the overall tone of the poem is somber, it ends on a high note:
sentire noi pur
domani tra i profumi e i venti
un riaffluir di sogni, un urger folle
di voci verso un esito; e nel sole
che v'investe, riviere,
rifiorire!
Though for us to feel
Tomorrow between the fragrances and the winds
A new flooding of dreams, a crazy urgency
Of faltering cries; and in the sun
That attacks there, seacoasts,
A refluorishing!
Montale spends the majority of the poem likening nostalgia to “due camelie pallide nei giardini deserti”, or two pale camellias in desert gardens. At the end, however, he gives in to the beauty of memory, the innocent joy of childhood. I agree with his reluctance to give in too much to living in the past, but I appreciate his ability to recognize that memories can be both beautiful and brutal, like the coastlines of his childhood.
Product review
My new camera arrived, and I think it's going to work out great! I'll be able to download pictures this weekend, but in the meantime, I wanted to give you all something to read. So behold, my review of Soy Candle Cottage, a company out of Edmond, OK.
I got my first candle from Soy Candle Cottage a year ago, when my mother attended the Herbal Affair in Sand Springs, OK. It's hyacinth-scented, which happens to be one of my favorite fragrances. The candle is one of the best I've ever had. The smell is dead-on and beautiful without being overly sweet or strong. Being a high-quality soy candle, it burned a very long time, keeping us with some light during last December's ice storm. This year, my boyfriend and I attended the festival just long enough to make a stop by the booth. We purchased two candles -- caramel and mango mandarin. We have not burned either yet, but unlit, both have a wonderful aroma without being too sweet or overpowering.
The best purchase I've yet made, however, was the company's soy lotion. I purchased a purse-sized bottle in rose, and it is a truly amazing product. The smell is wonderful and unbelievably long-lasting. Plus, it makes my skin so soft and moisturized for hours. It's the best hand lotion I've ever used, no question. I can't wait to try the body cream. A variety of scents are available, and you can't go wrong with any of them.
Soy Candle Cottage makes a variety of other products, including soaps, pet treats, and items for babies and breastfeeding moms. Everything is made from high-quality ingredients that are both environmentally friendly and -- as far as I can tell -- suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The stuff is worth trying out, so head over to the Web site and shop away!
I got my first candle from Soy Candle Cottage a year ago, when my mother attended the Herbal Affair in Sand Springs, OK. It's hyacinth-scented, which happens to be one of my favorite fragrances. The candle is one of the best I've ever had. The smell is dead-on and beautiful without being overly sweet or strong. Being a high-quality soy candle, it burned a very long time, keeping us with some light during last December's ice storm. This year, my boyfriend and I attended the festival just long enough to make a stop by the booth. We purchased two candles -- caramel and mango mandarin. We have not burned either yet, but unlit, both have a wonderful aroma without being too sweet or overpowering.
The best purchase I've yet made, however, was the company's soy lotion. I purchased a purse-sized bottle in rose, and it is a truly amazing product. The smell is wonderful and unbelievably long-lasting. Plus, it makes my skin so soft and moisturized for hours. It's the best hand lotion I've ever used, no question. I can't wait to try the body cream. A variety of scents are available, and you can't go wrong with any of them.
Soy Candle Cottage makes a variety of other products, including soaps, pet treats, and items for babies and breastfeeding moms. Everything is made from high-quality ingredients that are both environmentally friendly and -- as far as I can tell -- suitable for vegans and vegetarians. The stuff is worth trying out, so head over to the Web site and shop away!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Do you know what this means?
My new camera is waiting for me at home! Look out for store updates and pictures of absolutely everything I can get my hands on very, very soon. I can't tell you how excited I am!!!!!Monday, April 21, 2008
Bad mother
So I'm a bad blog mother. In my defense, things got crazy there for a while. Here's the recap:
In early March, everyone in my department received notice that our section would no longer be published, so we were all let go as of that day. It was shocking and totally out of the blue, so I had a rough transition out of my day job. The news came the day before my one-year anniversary at the job, too. LAME. I spent two weeks unemployed, and that just happened to coincide with me and my boyfriend moving into a new apartment -- which also cost more than our old place. I did manage to find a new job, one that even pays better, and started that on St. Patrick's Day. In the meantime, my digital camera died, which is why I haven't added anything new to my Etsy store in a long time. I ordered a new one last week, though, so I should be in possession of it shortly. Woo hoo! So I will be a regular blogger again, I promise. The only road block at this point is that our new, lovely apartment has a major plumbing problem (YAY! :P), so we're temporarily displaced. The temp home has no Internet access, meaning I can only post from work, and only then when I have time. I will get back on the ball soon, though.
In other news, I registered my own domain name a couple of weeks ago, but there's nothing there yet. I have no idea how to set up and run a Web site! I plan to get to work on it soon. I'll post a link when there's actually something to see.
At the end of March, I shared a booth with The Storybeader at the Cleveland County Spring Creative Craft Fair, which wasn't a big seller for me. I do have one picture of my set up, though, which is being totally revamped. You can see it here, courtesy of ClaudiasBurningInk. I'm going to abandon much of what I generally use to display jewelry as I've recently purchased a necklace and earring display. I also bought a little suitcase that I'm going to make look like a neat-o display, a canopy, and some new fabric to drape over part of my table cloth. I'm looking forward to how it will turn out.
So that's what I've been up to. Sorry for my absense. Tomorrow, I'll post a list of upcoming festivals and shows I plan to take part in. Thanks for sticking with me!
Love,
Brigid
In early March, everyone in my department received notice that our section would no longer be published, so we were all let go as of that day. It was shocking and totally out of the blue, so I had a rough transition out of my day job. The news came the day before my one-year anniversary at the job, too. LAME. I spent two weeks unemployed, and that just happened to coincide with me and my boyfriend moving into a new apartment -- which also cost more than our old place. I did manage to find a new job, one that even pays better, and started that on St. Patrick's Day. In the meantime, my digital camera died, which is why I haven't added anything new to my Etsy store in a long time. I ordered a new one last week, though, so I should be in possession of it shortly. Woo hoo! So I will be a regular blogger again, I promise. The only road block at this point is that our new, lovely apartment has a major plumbing problem (YAY! :P), so we're temporarily displaced. The temp home has no Internet access, meaning I can only post from work, and only then when I have time. I will get back on the ball soon, though.
In other news, I registered my own domain name a couple of weeks ago, but there's nothing there yet. I have no idea how to set up and run a Web site! I plan to get to work on it soon. I'll post a link when there's actually something to see.
At the end of March, I shared a booth with The Storybeader at the Cleveland County Spring Creative Craft Fair, which wasn't a big seller for me. I do have one picture of my set up, though, which is being totally revamped. You can see it here, courtesy of ClaudiasBurningInk. I'm going to abandon much of what I generally use to display jewelry as I've recently purchased a necklace and earring display. I also bought a little suitcase that I'm going to make look like a neat-o display, a canopy, and some new fabric to drape over part of my table cloth. I'm looking forward to how it will turn out.
So that's what I've been up to. Sorry for my absense. Tomorrow, I'll post a list of upcoming festivals and shows I plan to take part in. Thanks for sticking with me!
Love,
Brigid
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Interview with simplepleasuressoaps
Today we're learning a bit about simplepleasuressoaps!
1. Introduce yourself.
Hi my name is Krysta Kwasnycia and I am a 30 year old stay at home mother of 3 from a small town outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I recently became owner of Simple Pleasures Soapworks after a good friend of mine was going to shut down the business. I thought what a
shame. I had been using and absolutely loving her products, that I couldn’t imagine not having them available not only to myself, but for the many customers she had accumulated over the years. I approached her about buying Simple Pleasures from her and a few months later in December of 2007 I became the owner.
2. Tell me about your product. When did you start making it and why?
I make handmade bath and body products. Everything (except my goat milk soap based products) is made 100% from scratch. I started using handmade soaps and lotions about 4 years ago after the birth of my daughter. I developed eczema and my skin was very dry and itchy. I started using handmade soaps and within couple weeks, I could dramatically notice the difference in my skin. When the opportunity came along to own Simple Pleasures Soapworks, I could not resist. The thought of making products I truly believe in and love was very exciting.
3. What makes your items different from others?
My products contain only the highest quality ingredients and are made fresh by me in small batches. This ensures quality to my customers.
4. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My children & my husband.
5. Why did you decide to start selling what you make?
When the opportunity came to purchase Simple Pleasures Soapworks, I was at a point in my life where I needed something more. I had always worked up until having children and now that my twins are almost 3 and my daughter almost 5, I have more free time on my hands to make that happen. I love having something of my own again. Making and selling my products gives me the
freedom to be with my family as well as the interaction with the outside world again.
6. Do you sell any where else?
I will be selling at our local farmers market when it starts up this spring. I cannot wait!
7. Anything else?
Thank you so much Brigid for giving me this opportunity to tell your readers a little bit about myself and my company.
Thank you, Krysta! Go visit her shop.
1. Introduce yourself.
Hi my name is Krysta Kwasnycia and I am a 30 year old stay at home mother of 3 from a small town outside of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I recently became owner of Simple Pleasures Soapworks after a good friend of mine was going to shut down the business. I thought what a
shame. I had been using and absolutely loving her products, that I couldn’t imagine not having them available not only to myself, but for the many customers she had accumulated over the years. I approached her about buying Simple Pleasures from her and a few months later in December of 2007 I became the owner.2. Tell me about your product. When did you start making it and why?
I make handmade bath and body products. Everything (except my goat milk soap based products) is made 100% from scratch. I started using handmade soaps and lotions about 4 years ago after the birth of my daughter. I developed eczema and my skin was very dry and itchy. I started using handmade soaps and within couple weeks, I could dramatically notice the difference in my skin. When the opportunity came along to own Simple Pleasures Soapworks, I could not resist. The thought of making products I truly believe in and love was very exciting.
3. What makes your items different from others?
My products contain only the highest quality ingredients and are made fresh by me in small batches. This ensures quality to my customers.
4. Who is your biggest inspiration?
My children & my husband.
5. Why did you decide to start selling what you make?
When the opportunity came to purchase Simple Pleasures Soapworks, I was at a point in my life where I needed something more. I had always worked up until having children and now that my twins are almost 3 and my daughter almost 5, I have more free time on my hands to make that happen. I love having something of my own again. Making and selling my products gives me the
freedom to be with my family as well as the interaction with the outside world again.6. Do you sell any where else?
I will be selling at our local farmers market when it starts up this spring. I cannot wait!
7. Anything else?
Thank you so much Brigid for giving me this opportunity to tell your readers a little bit about myself and my company.
Thank you, Krysta! Go visit her shop.
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About Me
- Brigid
- Tulsa, OK, United States
- Hello! Welcome to my blog, which I run in conjunction with my Etsy shop, greyeyedesigns.etsy.com. Here, I'll track things I'm working on, do reviews and interviews, and offer advice and information. Thanks for stopping by!
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