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Shopping blog featuring products made by people not factories.

Product Showcase: Starry Night

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Here is a fact that almost everyone who knows me will tell you – I love stars. I’ve always been fascinated by them, both the actual stars in the night sky and anything with their shape on it. I’m so into stars that I even have 12 of them tattooed in various places on my body! This week, I’ve rounded up some fabulous star-themed handmade goodies for your enjoyment.

The inspiration for the earrings up top started with the finish, which Caroline, the artist, discovered by accident one day while working with a piece of silver. She realised that just by using a steel file, she could create a wonderful shimmer effect on the surface of the silver. Caroline has always loved star shapes in jewellery – “I feel the shape is simple, yet fun and also timeless…so what would be better than a star that gently shimmers in the light. ”

I love this print by Deb of Champignons, it reminds me of looking up at the night sky and feeling very small indeed. Deb was inspired by the juxtaposition of big things like cosmic hares and stars and tiny things we treasure and keep safe. She says, “I’ve always liked the idea of tiny world systems, there’s nothing to say that worlds have to be giant, either, so there might be tiny worlds all over the place, with stars and hares and even smaller worlds within them.”

How adorable is this zombie/stars colourful print? “The idea behind the little zombie lovers is to share some love!” says designer Rhi, who intends the expression of the zombie about to recieve the heart to depict warmth, shyness and surprise. Rhi paints these designs with the hope that someone can give the painting to another, as a gift that says ‘I love you’ in an alternative way.

Nautical stars like the ones in this cushion cover remind me of my husband, who has one tattooed on his forearm. Ruth was inspired by her daughter, who loves skulls and pirates – she also thought the red and black stripes were very piratey! “I just love being creative with fabric, it is a bit of an obsession!! I am always looking out for beautiful, luxurious and quirky fabrics.”

New in the Gallery

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The Zipper end – Steampunk Choker

Steampunk is a sub-genre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s.Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain—that incorporates prominent elements of either science… details »

Welcoming Spring Crochet Hat

This hot pink crocheted hat with a double-layered, lime green flower fits a little girl approximately 1 to 3 years old. This is a great color combination for spring! This adorable little hat is made with careful attention to detail in a pet-free, smoke-free environment. It is fantastic for… details »

Swarovski pearl and crystal spray Bridal Hair Pins

Three beautiful bronze, french hair pins with a spray of mauve, cultured, pearls and Swarovski crystals and pearls in lite gold. All perfectly hand wired with silver plated, artistic wire.These pins are a great accessory for a french pleat or up do, adding that extra something for a… details »

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And the award goes to…

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A few months back Pantone unveiled their color of the year for 2010. To be honest even as a designer I don’t pay too much attention to these forecasts. Still, I was excited that this year’s color – turquoise, is a beautiful one. It makes me think of tropical climates, vacations and beautiful water. If you’re decorating a room in your home or are working on a creative project and need color ideas the Pantone site is a good one to visit for inspiration.

I thought of the “color of the year” when I saw a treasury on Etsy made by 3dots – filled with turquoise finds. I’ve included a few of these in my collage above.

The chair in the top image is from the Etsy shop of Michele Maule. Michele is Portland artist whose work I’m very partial to. She has been making art for over 10 years now and is a graduate of Portland State University. Having grown up in Portland – I always love learning about Portland artists and bloggers.

The halfmoon hoops on the far right are from Etsy seller and metalsmith, Meetalls. I am always impressed when reading the work, care and effort that goes into jewelry made by metalsmiths like Meetalls.

The turquoise ring on the left was also made by another talented metalsmith who sells on Etsy, Erin Jane. She strives to use recycled silver whenever possible – and almost 100% of the silver she uses now in her designs is recycled.

The gorgeous spot bowl in the middle is from Amy Perch, whose full collection is avaliable online at Perch Ceramics. I see a lot of handmade ceramics on her site that I’d like to make my own!

Hope you enjoyed taking a peek at these turquoise finds. Would love to hear what your favorite colors are for around your home, or while you’re working on craft projects or items for your Etsy shop.