Modish

Kute with a K!

As if Relish at Home owner Kelly wasn't already busy enough managing her lovely little Berkeley boutique, she has started her own handmade accessory line called K. Autumn and is responsible for the cute contained in these luscious little leather bird pouches!

Made from colorful butter-soft napa leather, these birdies are actually coin purses in disguise complete with a zipper and key ring to attach to your bag for safe keeping.  And what's even cooler- just like real birds, no two are alike!  E-commerce isn't set up on the site yet so if you're interested in purchasing one of these for $10, just drop Kelly an e-mail!  ps: also be sure to check out her gorgeous custom hair flowers!

Whip it up!

Attention all my lovely crafty wizards: Whipup has officially decreed that February is "recycled crafts" month!  To make it concrete, their Whiplash competition this month is to "make something that utilizes pre-used/pre-loved/trash/junk/waste items"- you can make pretty much anything, as long as it has at least 90% recycled content.  Check out the details on Whipup.  Prizes include a subscription to Craft magazine!

Also, they're having a banner design competition so they can get a new look for the new year!  The winner will walk away with a bunch of awesome design books by the Princeton Architectural Press- check out the details!

Etsy is so Poppy!

Jan from Poppy, one of my favorite design blogs, has started a new Etsy Pick of the Day feature y'all should check out!  Each day, she'll pick a favorite Etsy find of hers and put it right up top for optimal viewing- so far, almost everything she's posted has sold old the same day!  Salutes to Jan for helping keep indie design in the forefront and helping expose great Etsy sellers!  Find the new pick of the day everyday right on her blog, and check out the gallery of past picks at etsypickoftheday.blogspot.com.  If you're an Etsy seller and would like to submit your shop for possible review, shoot Jan an email!

Kanzashi Attack!

Kanzashi what?  Kanzashi are hair ornaments traditionally worn by geisha who are, in my opinion, some of the most beautifully styled women in the world.  Now you can add a bit of that ornate yet delicate style to your own wardrobe with a beautiful Kanzashi barrette from goche-moche!
Made from authentic Japanese silk that's used to make kimono, I think this red hot chrysanthemum barrette is red hot with creativity!  Delicate and lovely, I've really never seen anything like it, except for the other amazing hair accessories available from goche-moche, that is!  Check them all out to take home a little piece of geisha glamor for yourself.

Sponsor Spotlight: Manic Trout

Take a look at Manic Trout for original art and handmade jewelry!  Use code 108070005 at checkout for free shipping! 

January Goodie Box Winner!

The time has come to announce the lucky lucky winner of this month's giveaway!  First, let's have a little reminder of the $680 worth of goodies that were up for grabs this month from some amazing indie designers- please be sure to thank their kindness in donating by visiting their sites!
Dotsie & Misswit- tee with original watercolor design
Ellen Ikemoto- hand crocheted scarf
Shattered Glass- beaded window catcher
Zurina Ketola- silk charm necklace set
P1UON- hairpin
Minty Print- notecards & magnets
Head Full of Pixies- notecard set
Buttered Parsnips- hand altered journal
A Planet 4 Creation- notecard set
Oblinaknit- washcloth
Ada-jito- wire & button necklace
Renee Garner- catnip meowl
N-Designs- beaded crystal bracelet
Shades of Violet- thank you card set
Nek Jewelry- instaparty earrings
Gajettes- reversible headband
Broken Plate Pendant Co- pendant
Charcoal Designs- deer silhouettes necklace
LanLan Design- multi-crystal hoop earrings
M. Augusta Woodland- coral & turquoise bracelet
Jaime Zollars- button set
Deluxe Junque- leopard clutch
Starving Artist Bazaar- mini amoeba pendant
Early Jewelry- hand carved bone earrings
K. Talis- anderson necklace
Gemdrops Jewelry- green turquoise earrings
Edesse Designs- cake erasers

Now, onto the big news, a name was chosen randomly from the list of Modish newsletter subscribers this past weekend and the lucky winner is..........Kristy from Little Red Pear! Kristy hails from Australia and is a super cool crafter herself- check out the adorable plushies she makes!  Congratulations Kristy!!!

Stay tuned for the next giveaway, announced in three weeks where you could be the winner!  PS: If you're an indie shop owner and would like to participate by donating an item to the next one, drop me a line!

Don't clam up

For some reason this necklace struck a chord with me the instant I saw it- it feels like it emerged from the deep of the ocean, a newly discovered shellfish creature that offers a garnet rather than a pearl.  Take a peek at what a mean with this lovely necklace from My Sunset Road.
Made from hand-cut sterling discs that have been hammered into these concave, naturalistic forms and oxidized to add texture and depth, this unique necklace would definitely catch everyone's eye paired with a simple black v-neck top.  It would make for a nice Valentine's day gift request, or splurge and buy it for yourself- Valentine's day is a big holiday farce anyway, right?  Whatever your reason, make sure to hop over to My Sunset Road and check out this necklace and more lovely jewelry designs.

Sponsor Spotlight: Nole Style

Check out Nole Style and Beauty Indulgence, showcasing handmade goods from artisans from all over the world.  Be sure to check out the Valentine's Day Gift Guide while you're there!

Look Foxy!

Winter fashion doesn't have to leave you in the doldrums- when the next cold snap hits, take cover with a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind handmade scarf by Alyson Fox!
Thank you Anh-Minh for introducing me to Alyson's lovely, felted wool scarves often combined with vintage materials.  They're like sculptural pieces of art for your neck, but comfy!  Check out the line of scarves and other fashion accessories available on Alyson's site, and find more scarves to choose from at Greener Grass Design.  Keep warm and look foxy this winter!

Sponsor Spotlight: Bonnin Designs

Take a peek at Bonnin Designs for original jewelry and flamenco accessories!  Use code "modish" for 25% off your order (good thru Mar 15th) and, shipping is always free within the US!

Year of the Pig

The Chinese New Year is coming up on Feb 18th and it's the Year of the Pig- to celebrate, Design Night has come up with this gorgeous gorgeous ooo la la it's almost too pretty to touch Gift Envelope to aid in the festivities!

This ornate laser cut envelope is made from red crepe paper and hand assembled with much care, made with the Chinese New Year tradition in mind (that I just learned from good ol' Wikipedia) of passing out Red Packets full of money, from a couple bucks to hundreds of dollars.  These envelopes were traditionally passed from married couples to unmarried people (ooh, pick me!)  But, if not participating in the Chinese New Year, they will also make for amazing envelopes to house your special Valentine or a paper gift for any other lovely occasion!  Check them out at Design Night!

Sponsor Spotlight: Sewlutions by Amo

Take a moment to check out Sewlutions by Amo and feed your purse addiction!  Enter code "modish" at checkout and receive 15% off!  (good thru Feb 14th)

Oh, Brother...

I discovered Bartleby's Brother on Oh Joy, and oh my, how I love!  Check out this gorgeous art piece, As a lock of hair fell from the do and a million sentinel crabs scuttled across the coastline:
I love how the integrity of the maple wood is maintained adding texture and richness to the piece.  The wood is watercolored to a subtle finish and then the ink design applied, abstract and alien like, but still somehow so warm and inviting.  Perk up a corner of the room or a stark looking dresser with this wonderful piece by Bartleby's Brother!  And hurry!  My favorite piece actually sold while I was writing this!

Celebrate Valentine's Day with Flare!

Fred Flare, home to the super-cute, is having a free shipping special to celebrate all their Valentine's wares!  Just enter Valentines.0207 at checkout and get $7.95 stricken from the record of your order total!  Offer ends this Sunday, Jan 28th so hurry up and shop!  Be sure to check out some of the handmade items like these art hearts by Chris Uphues and these fake cakes by Amy Sedaris:

Featured Sponsor: L Designs

In the search for a diversion from her stressful corporate job, Laura Morgan started designing jewelry and L Designs was born. Quickly becoming a passion rather than just a hobby, L Designs led Laura to break free from the corporate world entirely to focus on creating. Inspired by her appreciation of nature and love of travel, her jewelry line uses globally inspired colors and rich, organic shapes.    
Each design incorporates Laura's wanderlust in a simple, elegant way. Visit www.L-Designs.com to see the full Spring 2007 line and, as a special offer for Modish readers, L Designs is offering 20% off your purchase! Just enter "modish20" as your coupon code at checkout.

Site of the Week: The Small Object

Sorry for the much delayed post- I'm still sick and trying to tough it out at work today although I feel as if I may pass out at anytime.  But let's not dwell on that, let's think about the small things that make life worth living, worth smiling about, worth getting over being sick for; small things like the ones you can find at The Small Object, a place of child-like wonder with plenty of stuff to put a smile on your face. 

Like this Everyday Valentine and gorgeous Thumbprint Chart of ABC's:

Or these adorable rubber stamp sets:

And these Crafty Recipe Idea Cards and Tiny Note Letter Set Pack:

Check out The Small Object for more nifty knacks and amazing gift ideas, all sure to help brighten someone's day.  I think I need some day brightening myself now...off to shop!

Sponsor Spotlight: Casto Creations

Check out Casto Creations for original, hand-crafted jewelry.  Use code MODISH to receive free shipping on your order!

Orange you glad...

Just so ya know, I've been home sick everyday so far this week- sorry for the lack of posts and the possible cloudy-headed post that is about to ensue =)
So, in my limited computer time the past few days, I managed to find this cute little Delphi Clutch at the even cuter little shop, Orange Button! 
Made by Pear, this tweed and silk duponi clutch has a hip color combination and would match your winter wear well.  I love the the little gold flower pin to accent, and with a zippered closure and interior pocket, it's not only stylee, it's convenient as well!  Check out the other lovely fabric creations by Pear and the rest of the goods at Orange Button!

Will you be my Valentine goodie box giveaway!

It's that time again...time for the monthly Modish Goodie Box Giveaway!  The last holiday one was a doozie, but this surely will not fail to impress.  Many wonderful indie shops have sent me $680 worth of amazing handmade goods, and just in time for Valentine's Day!  Don't be caught without the perfect card, or the right jewelry- just sign up for the Modish newsletter for your chance to win!  One lucky name will be chosen randomly this Friday from the list of newsletter subscribers, and announced next week- take a peek at all the goodies that could be yours!

Here's the whole caboodle:

And, here's the breakdown of what you could win! (just click pics for larger view)

Dotsie & Misswit- tee with original watercolor design
Ellen Ikemoto- hand crocheted scarf
Shattered Glass- beaded window catcher
Zurina Ketola- silk charm necklace set
P1UON- hairpin
Minty Print- notecards

Head Full of Pixies- notecard set
Buttered Parsnips- hand altered journal
A Planet 4 Creation- notecard set
Oblinaknit- washcloth
Ada-jito- wire & button necklace
Renee Garner- catnip meowl
N-Designs- beaded crystal bracelet
Minty Print- magnets
Shades of Violet- thank you card set

Nek Jewelry- instaparty earrings
Gajettes- reversible headband
Broken Plate Pendant Co- pendant
Charcoal Designs- deer silhouettes necklace
LanLan Design- multi-crystal hoop earrings
M. Augusta Woodland- coral & turquoise bracelet
Jaime Zollars- button set
Deluxe Junque- leopard clutch
Starving Artist Bazaar- mini amoeba pendant
Early Jewelry- hand carved bone earrings
K. Talis- anderson necklace
Gemdrops Jewelry- green turquoise earrings
Edesse Designs- cake erasers

Breathe it all in, all $680 worth and sign-up for the newsletter for your chance to win! (plus receive weekly deals, special offers and more!)  And thank you thank you thank you to all the indie shops that participated- show them some love with some clicky clicky!

Sponsor Spotlight: Crazy Dreams Studio

Visit Crazy Dreams Studio for unique, imaginative jewelry.  Use code MODISH for 15% off your order and be sure to check out the current sale section while you're there!

Robots need love too

Apparently there are some lonely robots out there who are dreading Valentine's Day loneliness- well, now it's easy to show your robot and humanoid friends alike a little love with these free mini Valentine's cards from WHiRR!
You can download and print the cards from the WHiRR site and hand them out to friends just like the good ol' days of grade school.  And while you're there, check out the WHiRR shop for unique robot themed artwork and gifts for all occasions!

Valentine's Jewelry Sale!

Stock up on some pretty pairs of earrings and collarbone skimming necklaces for all your future hot dates with some jewelry from the Etsy Metal street team!  Starting today, participating Etsy Metal artists (including some Modish favorites like Simone Walsh, Rachael Sudlow and Danielle Maveal) are offering up to 15% off some or all of their stock to give you a leg up this Valentine's Day! 
The sales will be going on til Friday, Jan 26th so hurry up and check out all the participating artist's sites below!
Ahna
BCYR Jewelry
C Baran
Discomedusa
Down to the Wire Designs
ES designs
Experimetal
Honeybee
Howlin Doggie
Kathryn Riechert
Lunasa Designs
Mimosa
My Little Store
Nina Designs
Nina Dinoff
Nanopod
North Star Jewelry
NY Hedy
Powder Mill Studio
Precious Pups
Rachael Sudlow
Ruby Girl
Simone Walsh
Siren Jewels
Wildflower Designs

Sponsor Spotlight: Allison Strine Designs

Visit Allison Strine for vibrant collage art and pendants.  Mention Modish at checkout and get free domestic shipping! (wait for a revised invoice)

My fate is sealed

This is me in ten years.  I'm sure of it.  I hope there's at least a boy hiding out of frame somewhere, playing with that white and black striped cat perhaps?
Find this whimsical print along with many others at Carla Sonheim's shop.  Who knows, maybe you'll find a little bit of yourself too?

¡Ay, caramba!

Meddlin' in other people's affairs: not good.  Medlin jewelry: very good!  Take a break from the rumor mill and calm your senses with some beautimous handmade jewelry by Brooke Medlin, like these Sugarland Earrings-
Featuring very cool vintage lucite faceted drops in a deep teal green, these fun earrings make me think of Salsa music and walking along cobblestone streets.  The pink plastic rose is dainty and feminine to offset the bold drop beneath, and the colors look fantastic together!  The ladies in the office will be gossiping about you and where you got these lovely earrings (a secret romance?  a trip to Veracruz?)  You can just tell them to quit their meddlin' and head over to Brooke Medlin for vintage style jewelry with some spice!