Inspiration

Lately I've been thinking about doing a series of prints or SOMETHING relating to maps, cities and hidden worlds. I read Italo Calvino's Invisible Cities last year for a class and was fascinated by the story: Marco Polo tells Kubla Khan about cities hes traveled to, all very different but similar and incredibly strange and foreign to our concepts of cities and civilations.

Its hard to describe my exact inspiration, so I've put them into picture form. Do they weave a web of similarity? I hope so. I'm just not sure what to do with all of it! I think a series of etchings could be really cool...


I watched Horton Hears a Who back in December and was so fascinated by it. He finds a little speck from a flower that holds an entire planet and has to protect it.

The Little Prince is so totally cool-you must watch the 1974 film version with Gene Wilder and Bob Fosse, its so ridiculously strange but awesome.


This is a painting by Rene Magritte for a cover of Calvino's book. A lot of my drawings have been centered around little planets or chunks of rock with buildings on them, much like this one! So weird.

Loving It!

Ah how amazing is this gold on black print by Seb Lester? Its already sold out at Keep Calm, but looking at it is good enough.

My First Treasury!

Yay! In trying to network and get my shop seen, I wanted to create a treasury. I was lucky enough to only wait a few minutes before I could set one up! I love the list I created, its using the same images as this week's Friday Faves but with more oomph. Tell me what you think!

Treasury...!

Friday Faves

This week's inspiration is feminine, soft, pink, girly. I'm currently loving vintage jewelry finds, beautiful knit wear and soft-focus photography. Happy Friday! (Thanks for the comments everyone, I'm so excited to feature Etsy artists!)

clockwise from top: knit collar by Tickled Pink Knits, pink petals dress by Sarah Seven , pale winter rose photo from lifelovepaper, silk corsage by dinosaurtoes.

Valentine's Gift Guide part III

Today's post is our last section in the Valentine's Gift Guide! This time its for the men. What do you buy guys for the big day? Most women are clueless as to what their bfs or husbands would like (maybe because they've been more excited about what they're going to receive!). But whatever you get him will be special because you thought about him and thats all that counts. I found some cute things on Etsy that can cater to almost any type of man. The Nerdy/Geeky type, the Cool/Hip type and the Typical Guy. Most items on Etsy are for women and men that love indie coolness, but don't fret! Theres tons of stuff out there to suit your dude.


Remember the mustache craze? Everyone and everything had a mustache, so here it is to put right on your wall! The mustache key rack by Suddenly, It's Real! will garner laughs.


You can create custom beverage holders, business card holders and coasters for your man. Now you won't have to cringe everytime he takes a 6 pack somewhere. These also make great gifts if you want to surprise him with fancy brews. Custom wood holders by Roberto Sand.


For the cool guy, why not buy him a hand printed tee? Theres a huge assortment out there, but this one comes from Vital Industries.

For a great gift, get him a screenprinted tie! I bought my valentine a super cute tie (the one below), from Cyberoptix Tie Lab, who prints amazing silk and microfiber ties.


And, if all else fails, you can create your own "coupons" for...well...whatever your heart desires! These are by Elle's Studio

So thats it, hope you enjoyed our round-up of great Valentine's gifts. You can find part I (cards) here, and part II (for her) here. Enjoy!

Etsy Tuesday: Nesta Home

Today I bring you a shop I'm super excited to blog about, Nesta Home. A one-woman business, Nesta Home is filled with prints, pillows, and other home decor. I would love to put my printmaking knowledge and photography to use other than prints. You can shop Nesta Home here, and a great article on Etsy's "Quit Your Dayjob" series right here. Happy Tuesday!

Valentine's Gift Guide part II-Gifts for Her

Wee im so excited for this post! I searched for weeks for great Valentine's gifts for that lucky lady in your life, and fell in love with soooo many things that I probably won't wait for someone to buy them. Guys take note, I'm posting this several days before the "big day" because Etsy sellers must mail their goods to you, and that can take a few days. Well...without further ado, here are some fantastic items for her. I've broken it down into a few categories: bath/body, artwork/home decor, and jewelry.

Bath and Body

A great smelling soap or bubble bath will surprise and delight her.

Top to bottom: A Thousand Roses soap by Swan Mountain Soaps, Cherry Almond soap by Birch Bark

Home Decor and Artwork
Buying her that perfect piece for her home or a little something to hang on the wall shows you're paying attention to her interests.

How gorgeous is this chalkboard? They come in many shapes and sizes.

This book art set includes two books to trade between couples. You can include drawings, poems, anything that reminds you of your significant other. How cute!

Top to bottom: Hanging ribbon chalk board by Rowan's Room, teacups by LoucheLab, Book of Love art kit by LoucheLab, Poppy ceramic bowl and love bird ceramic wall art by Prince Design UK.

Jewelry
Because anything shiny and sparkly will do.

These thin silver stacking rings are so modern and simple.

Top to Bottom: Linked handforged necklace by Joieux, Cour d'Etoile earrings by Tryst, Silver stacking rings by Neology by Mina, Lilou earrings by Joieux, S.W.A.K necklace and Je T'Aime necklace by Tryst.

Hope that gives you some ideas! Our next gift guide will feature gifts for him.