The Toasted Coconut - Weekend Wonder

I really am trying to get back into the blogging groove!  Today is Sunday so let's do a Weekend Wonder post!  (I'm trying to feature an Etsy shop each weekend who has drool-worthy creations.)  This weekend, I've been crushing on The Toasted Coconut.  Etsy is getting SO BIG now that I often find new favorites based not so much on browsing, as recommendations from friends and fellow creative minds.  I discovered The Toasted Coconut on Twitter when my sister in law tweeted that she'd been to the farmer's market and fallen for this Etsy shop!  I LOVE finding funny connections like that.  So I clicked the link and picked some favorites that have been calling to me from my favorites page all week!  Who says potatos are the only yummy things that come from Idaho?!?!  (Oh, and also Farr's . . . . delish!)  Ok, on with the show! 


How adorable is this necklace?!?!  I started whining in my head when I saw it.  ("I neeeeeeed it!") 

And you know how homesick I can be for my damp, seaside childhood in Washington, so of couse, I also "neeeeeeeeed"ed the anchor pin.  

So, Stop by The Toasted Coconut for some crush-worthy, affordable adorable-ness!  <3 

The Toasted Coconut on Etsy

If life gives you crazy yarn . . . .

HAS IT BEEN 5 MONTHS?!?!  Sorry about that!  With Crazy Pants having autism and that hitting our little family like a hurricane, I just had to let some things go so that I could focus on getting back up and being proactive about helping him.  Sorry for the lack of posts.  Please love me anyway.  ;) 

ANYWAY, my mother-in-law invited me to a zumba class she takes with her sisters, daughters, a niece, some friends and my hubby made me go.  "Honey, its LIKE twitter and facebook, but its REAL LIFE!"  So off I went and it was actually really fun (and pretty darn hillarious).  I guess the trend in zumba right now is to add in some belly dancing moves, complete with the jingly hip scarves.  They're fun and all, and I have a couple coming, but they're just slave labor, really and that kinda breaks my heart.  So I checked Etsy for bellydancing hip scarves and found like, 10.  Some were just reselling the slave labor chiffon numbers (shame on you!) and others were really just scarves you *could* use as a hip scarf and none really suited me. 

I was at BigLots during my "mom break" yesterday and found yarn there.  Pretty, sparkly, barbie color yarn.  But I couldn't use it for a hat because of its ribbon-like qualities.  So I bought it anyway.  Because I'm like that with yarn.  And played with it last night and came up with this: 

(Excuse the thighs . . . I'm working on them, ok?  I've only been to a couple classes . . . )  Anyhow.  Its not really the finished product yet.  Today I ordered some jingly jangly gold coins to thread up and hang.   They'll be around the edge of the V and in the large open diamonds, ends of the ties and tassel . . . it'll be fab.  

 See?  Just imagine all the little jingly coins in the open bits.  CUTE! 

 I did the top kinda fun . . . added in some shells. 

This is the yarn.  It feels like velvet and has gold, sparkly squares in it.  (Hence, the gold coins.)  I have enough of this exact yarn to do another and some light pink for one more.  I also have some recycled sari silk I want to try out.  But it is not cheap big lots yarn and would be pricey.  I'm thinking the ones with the big lots yarn I'd charge about $20 for.  Cute, right?  (and yes, you can claim this one and I'll list it for you as reserved after I get the coins and add them.)  Crazy Pants just waked in with an armful of toilet paper, so that's my cue to go parent.  Nice seeing you all again!
Hugs!
Mo

Creations by Eileen - Weekend Wonder

I have become a fan of quite a few beautiful Etsy shops on Facebook, but I'll admit, for the longest time I had a hard time keeping the jewelry shops straight. They all seemed pretty similar. That's why I was so thrilled with our last Weekend Wonder, Chewelry. BUT I have found another stand-out handmade jewelry line! A few weeks ago, my twitter friend, CreationsbyEile, started crocheting with wire. CROCHET WITH WIRE! I mean first, I've never heard of that before and second, OUCH! I hoped it'd be worth it, and it WAS. I became a fan of her facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Creations-By-Eileen/137888834505?ref=ts I checked one of her listings and found a gorgeous green bracelet, but knew Crazy Pants would destroy it. So I just looked at it a lot. :)
THEN she did a giveaway and I won a gift certificate! I have an event coming up next month, so I asked if she could make a necklace like the bracelet I love . . . and she DID!
It came packaged all pretty. Crazy Pants (my 21 month old) was very excited about it.
He said, "oooooooooooooh!" when I showed him what was inside. Pretty sure I did too!

Isn't that gorgeous?!?! I think I counted 5 strands of shiny silver wire with a bazillion irridescent green glass beads hand crocheted into BEAUTIFUL!

I don't think the pictures of the whole piece do it justice, so here's a close up.

Lately she's been working on a bridal line that involves pearls and other wedding-y pretties! She does take custom orders if you have a color scheme in mind! Be sure to visit her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CreationsByEileen

Enjoy!

Agasunset Studio - Weekend Wonder

Did you think I forgot? Nah, just busy with custom orders . . . (Thank you! Love the custom orders!) . . . so here is this weekend's big find . . .
Agasunset Studio on Etsy
http://agasunset.etsy.com
This shop is about tatting . . . . but this is NOT your grandmother's stuffy lace collar tatting . . . this is, well, amazing. And since tatting is very nearly a lost art, its great that someone is making amazing, updated items in using the art form! She even has tutorials on her blog! And yep, I have her blog in the list on the right hand side of the page.

First favorite is this very pretty black necklace . . .
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42451289
She has lots of necklace options in her shop and some are pretty white bridal pieces. Others feature pretty beads worked right into the piece!

If you're not sure you're ready to go with a full-on necklace, she sells pendants as wll, which would be pretty on a ribbon or chain . . . or both, if you're so inclined.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42307137

Ok, now this next favorite is a little, well, unexpected. If you think the work is gorgeous and a little racy, then you'll be a fan of the next item I've decided to feature . . . tatted panties. For real. Don't think your grandma ever made those!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40459293

See? SO much prettier than polyester from Victoria's Secret. Take that, bridal shower!

So visit her shop, leave some hearts, and purchase the item you adore the most!

Chewlry - Weekend Wonder

For this week's weekend wonder, I was tweeting away with chewlry about life, Etsy, and Craftgawker when I clicked on her newest listing. Not only is her candy-colored jewelry good enough to eat, she's local! She lives just 20 minutes from me! So, here's where to go to find her shop: http://chewlry.etsy.com

First favorite - this pretty necklace called High Tide . . . . reminds me of growing up by the beach in Washington state!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41770515

Next up - earrings! I don't have pierced ears for allergy reasons, so sometimes I miss out on all the pretty options. Here's my favorite pair from Chewlry - Athena.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=41895085

This is my favorite thing in her whole shop - the disarm necklace! I don't know exactly what specifically makes me love it, but I love it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42763364

So go check out her shop! Its the last day of her Sprink Break sale, coincidentally, so if you're in love, click quick!

Sarah's Stitches - Weekend Wonder

YES! The Weekend Wonders are back! Did you miss me last weekend? I missed doing the entry too! But the giveaway was pretty fun. ;)

I became a fan of Sarah's Stitches on Facebook after she became a fan of my shop's page and I have been kind of obsessed with some of her listings! First thing's first, though . . . let's give you the link to her shop:
http://sarahsstitchesmi.etsy.com

Ok, now, those of you who know me know that this laptop cover isn't 100% my style, but I know a few of you would LOVE this crazy jungle cat print. Are you ready? Ok . . . look!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39923937
Here is what I LOVE about these . . . I have a toddler. A laptop sleeve would keep the laptop much safer in the event of him standing on it, trying to open it, or eating swedish fish in the same room as it. Don't ask. I think this funky print is super fun and it's my favorite sleeve in her shop right now.

Ok, here's the listing I'm in love with . . . . Isn't this bag GORGEOUS?!? I love it! You know how I feel about buttons too. (If you're not sure, search my shop for the term button . . . they're on so many things!)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42224587

And, as if that weren't tempting enough . . . you can buy a matching checkbook cover! I'll admit, I'm not a checkbook carrying gal, but I could totally stow the few cards I need in here and some cash . . . . if I kept any on me. ;)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=42221769

So do show Sarah some love! She's only a few months into her Etsy journey, so be sure to go and at least heart your favorite so she knows which items we love. Thanks for weekend wondering with me! I'll feature another shop next weekend . . . maybe yours?

Posy Moe - Weekend Wonder!

I discovered this shop, Posy Moe http://posymoe.etsy.com when they started to follow me on twitter. I confess, I don't click every link to every new item, but since I'm expecting, I was curious about the Pippa Slippers . . . . and here they are! So cute!
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39017393
I knew this shop had to be a feature on my blog one of these days! Here's a little background. A momma, her three daughters, and the momma's friend, a jewelry designer, all contribute to this shop . . . so its like a mini craft fair inside the ginormous craft fair that is Etsy.com. Now, before you all decide to run screaming from my blog full of baby stuff, lets show you a pretty for grown ups, shall we?
They carry a few bags and clutches in this felted series, but I L O V E the tote bag. I think it is simple, bright, and happy. Don't you think about spring when you look at it?
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39020438
I do!

Now, some of you may think I'm just into cheap yarn because there is so much acrylic and cotton in my shop. Well, a couple reasons for that. One, its a safe bet for kids who may be allergic to other fibers, but mostly reason two. It is SO BEAUTIFUL and my shop isn't to the point yet that I can indulge in stacks of hand spun or hand painted lovliness. Here is a sample of some hand painted merino in Peppermint that I think is so pretty!
http://etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33631918

They even have a blog, so I'll add that to my list of crafty blogs right away so you can see the pretty there too!

*Feeling left out? Just let me know in the comments that you're dreaming of a blog feature and I'll be sure to look at your shop and consider it too. Thanks!

Essie Designs - Weekend Wonder!

Ok, so this shop is very successful and has had a lot of sales, so I promise to feature more of an undiscovered talent next week, but I couldn't resist! Maybe its the pregnancy, but I ADORE this stuff and find it SUPER reasonable . . . .So check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Essiedesigns
Essie Designs is really Becky from Fresno, California. She loves her some fabric and works hard to make affordable, super nice things for the new mommy! And let me tell ya, that new mommy with her unwashed hair and smudgy mascara could really use some pretty in her day! I've so been there . . . .

So, lets look at a few of my favorites. First up, this "Wet Bag" or waterproof bag. Yeah, the moms have already come up with about 50 uses for this thing, and the best part? Its PRETTY! She has lots of really gorgeous fabrics to choose from!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39384914

Another very important item - the nursing cover. I'm a breastfeeding supporter for sure, but I'm not comfortable showing off so much, so when in public, these come in handy! I like nursing covers better than blankets becuase my kid would always pull them down. This lets light in AND even allowes for you to have some eye contact with that cute little bundle. I love, love, love the assortment of pretty fabrics too!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39150577

And if your baby does not love the tummy time . . . or you're chasing the other kids . . . or just would love the use of both hands, baby wearing is a very popular option. More pretty fabrics and reversable too, these slings are so affordable. I know, I've shopped!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37797263

So, if you're expecting, expecting to be expecting, or know someone who has a new little one, you should SO check out this shop! Got my wish list started already!

Weekend Wonder - Aunt Nancy's Handmade Soaps

EVERYONE needs a little pampering, and a truly lucious, yummy scented, lathery bar of beautiful soap (along with your favorite magazine and an extended bathtime!) is one great way to do it. I found this AMAZING shop on Etsy and an AMAZING deal too!

This shop is based in Tuscon, Arizona (is it local if its just one state away?) and the owner started making soap after falling head over heels for some lovely stuff she found at a farmer's market. (She also makes jewelry, for those of you without a helpful toddler to rip the stuff from your throat!)

Here is the link to her pretty shop that makes me wish my screen had a scratch n' sniff feature. Hey, Dad works for HP . . . maybe I should make him suggest it. :) http://www.etsy.com/shop/AuntNancysSoap
Now you can also order from her very own site! (This is so exciting!) There's a sale . . .
http://www.auntnancyssoap.com/

This green and swirly wonder is called Currant Apple Jack . . . . mmmm! (Note to self and all other pregnant women - this is not for eating!)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35699174
This pretty wonder is called Blushing Jasmine - such a pretty name!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39692948

And here is thse listing that I think is the BEST deal EVER!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39827407

You get to pick 5 soaps, from a selection of 25, she'll ship it for free, and throw in her all natural lip balm. How great is that? Its only $27. Tell the hubby if he's still struggling with that whole Valentines Day thing.

So, smell pretty and enjoy your next bath!

Waiting their Turn . . .

I'm pretty sure (barring insanity stemming from the actions of my toddler) this clutch will list today. I LOVE the peacock blue color. This fan stitch is one of my favorites, so I was excited to use it on SOMETHING for the shop.

I think this is funny. Its a little girl headband for the not-so-girly girl - a blue fuzzy caterpillar. I taught second grade for awhile, so I know those girls are out there! Love them some creepy crawlies!

A pretty sun hat. I noticed a lot of boy hats lately, so here's a girl one. I also noticed my shop is a little low in the baby section, so it fits 3 or 4 to 12 months. As with all sun hats, its cotton so it won't be too warm.

Yesterday I made this mini clutch. It is much smaller than the blue and purple clutches, but still a nice size. The three red buttons are my favorite part. I just love buttons!

These little pretties will be finding their way into my Etsy shop over the next week or so.

Oh, and after the ultrasound today I'll be sure to let you know all the details!

I almost forgot! I made it into a treasury full of my EtsyFAST friends! It should be up for a few days and you can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=85883

Don't forget about Weekend Wonders - new post tomorrow!

One Busy Day . . .

My son (18 months old) seemed to be into EVERYTHING yesterday, but somehow, I managed to be pretty productive! I added the flowers to the brown messenger bag that's currently in the shop and went on to complete three more projects! (Maybe the mommy frustration translated into extra fast stitches!)
My first hair elastic is already wandering through the US postal system, so here is no. 2! I will list this during naptime. Its a large elastic this time (better for thick hair) and I just felt like using black and blue with a little splash of yellow.
Keeping the sun hat theme going, I worked up a caterpillar hat in 100% cotton. My boy really likes this one. We'll have to see if he lets me keep it in the shop, or makes off with it. It will fit a toddler 12 months to 3 years.

On to the next new hair item - stretchy headband with double flower and leaf. This is an adult sized headband - so best for ages 10 and up! I love the splashy, summery colors - bright pink, white, turquoise, spring green, and a splash of yellow!

The caterpillar hat will hit Etsy tomorrow and the headband on Thursday. What am I working on now? Peacock blue clutch!