Always talking about trading...

I know, I'm always talking about trading. I can't help it. I love trading. I mean I LOVE trading. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'd trade for everything if I could.

I did some trading last Sunday, as a matter of fact. I tried to keep my trading controlled in this 12 hour trading frenzy. My motivation was the flashback of my ridiculously large shipping bill from last time. So, I tried hard to find things that were specifically on my Christmas shopping list. I think I did a pretty fine job. Here are some of my new toys...

This gorgeous scarflette is from mireilles.



here's this sweet little passport cover from owlsay.

Warm & Cozy

I awoke extremely early this morning so that I could see my husband off to jury duty selection. And because we like to sleep with the windows open, I was freezing when I finally talked myself away from the covers. Then, while we were waiting for the coffee to steep in the french press, Daniel turned on the electric fire place. Granted, it's not quite the same as having crackling logs as a platform for dancing blue flames, but it's something none the less.

So, here I am. I dropped him off at the courthouse and I still have my coffee. The fireplace is still going at full blast. All of it reminds me of olden days in a cabin somewhere when all you could do was read to entertain yourself. Well, except that I have my laptop and the microwave to reheat the coffee.

Anyway, the point is that I am warm and cozy. As I've been sitting here checking email, I've been wondering where to direct my creative efforts today. Should I work on listing some of my sweet organza blossom hairpins that I debuted at my wedding? Or, maybe I should jump headfirst into what is soon to be the holiday season and develop this year's holiday gemstone ornaments. I've been toying with both for a few months now and I really should be getting busy.

Even still, there's a little bit of my creativity that has a wild hair this brisk, bright morning! I want to create something that captures the concept of "warm & cozy". I want to make a necklace that is chunky enough to be well suited for sweaters. I want to design a pair of earrings that reflect the textures and depth of thick fabrics like tweed, jacquard, & plaid.

I think I will go with the urge and do something not on my to-do list. Winter, here I come!

Sugar & Spice

So I made it to Etsy's front page again today with one of my newest pieces. It's a mixed shell shard necklace entitled "Sugar & Spice". Unlike much of my work, it is plated metal but it's a great price - $19. However, feel free to special order the gold filled version for $29.

Anyway, I just wanted to share. I was so excited when I found out about an hour ago. It's so funny how I'm not aware that I've ever been featured on the front page until the last month or so. It's a huge thrill!

A New Bag of Tricks - ChickyBags

Today is my first ever feature of someone else's product. I've grown tired of talking all about me and my promotions and I've decided to join all of those who so selflessly blog about the virtue of other people's creativity. Actually, this isn't me being completely selfless... I sort of wanted to brag a little.

You all recall when I mentioned my trading spree that I went on about 2 and a half weeks ago? Well, this gorgeous tote-able treat is one of my favorite things that I received then. It's by the extraordinarily talented Dede at www.chickybags.etsy.com and I'm simply in love!

Of course, the reason that you don't see me in the photo beaming from ear to ear with this beauty is because I told my husband that he could give it to me for Christmas. Not only that, but I also handed it over to him (along with quite a few other traded treasures)so that I wouldn't be tempted to 'break it in' while I wait for the holidays to approach. You have no idea how much self control it took for me to turn it in. The first two days, I went and peeked in the box from time to time just to gaze at it.

Ok, enough of my bragging. I'll let you go now so you can go get your own ChickyBag. Go ahead, make everyone jealous!

Looking Elseware

So we all know that Etsy is a magical place. I could spend all of my time there and never tire of the terms OOAK (one of a kind) or DYI (do it yourself). Even still, I have yet another site suggestion that you may very well curse me later for sharing with you.

It's called elsewares.com. It's beyond words, really. No mere mortal can embody elseware's depth by trite words. Ok, anyway... the site's tag is "Independent Art and Design," but it's really so much more than that. It seems that many of the products are sustainable, multi-functional, and all around as innovative as it gets.

I also love that the site has a search breakdown by recipient, price, and gift ideas. When I searched 'For Her,' I found measuring cups that masquerade as mod Russian nesting dolls. I also found an uber sleek clutch comprised almost entirely of recycled pull tabs. Seriously, don't knock it until you see it.

Anyway, you now have yet another retail playground to frolic amidst when you're supposed to be working. Have fun with that.