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

Weekend Wonder: YahBag

I feel like this is the PERFECT shop to choose to bring back my Weekend Wonder posts . . . I got reasons. 
1.  I actually OWN a YahBag
2.  Not only are these handmade, but they are also upcycled from vintage items, so its really all the best the Etsy has to offer
3.  Melissa is a sweetheart and a good twitter friend of mine. 
So let's get down to it -
I'm showing off the shop YahBag on Etsy:  http://yahbag.etsy.com/
I think Melissa says it best, so here is how she decribes her items: 
"Yah Bags are built with fabrics that have stood the test of time. Providing their loving owners with comfort, safety, and trust for many years. That's what I put into my bags, and what I want you the buyer to feel when you own one.

Please note that because the fabrics are not new... there may be inconsistencies in the color, small marks and spots. These only add to the charm and uniqueness of each bag. It's not they're fault, they've lived a long life and have earned every mark. " 
Adorable, right? 
And I have one!  I know, I know, HOW, you ask, did little old Mo manage to get her hands on one of those?  I won a gift certificate.  But honestly, I would have ended up saving my pennies for one anyway.  Here is mine: 

 I use it for my current "personal project" (a crochet item that isn't for sale - its a gift or its MINE!) and right now it takes care of Big Mac's sweater for this fall.  My all-time fav YahBags are the Canada Post ones (I lived in Canada for awhile so there's a soft spot there) but they're rare . . . if you're in love with a YahBag, you need to just go for it, because they're beautifully one of a kind.  But my mom used Ivory soap all the time when I was growing up, so this one became mine. 

I love all the pockets.  My YahBag is a simple one (you can choose pretty elaborate messenger style ones!) but it still has a handy inside pocket and a big outside one so sometimes I keep a couple projects inside at once.  Its great because it makes my projects portable.  

Also, the craftsmanship is SO good.  No loose threads or popped seams and I have really loaded this baby down a few times.  This is NOT ne of those handmade items that falls apart after a few uses (and we've all run across those, I'm sure!)  It's a great piece that will serve you well. 

Here's my fav from her shop right now . . . so gorgeous. 
Do you have a favorite one?

Etsy Sweethearts - Wee Bee Uniques by Julie

Remember I told you I'd been the lucky recipient of some unexpected and very sweet gifts from my new friends? Well, Julie of Wee Bee Uniques had me pick out a couple favorites from her shop as a gift to Big Mac! She also sent shedding snakes for Crazy Pants, but he must love them a lot because he hid them from me and won't let me take a picture. lol! Here's my baby in his brown bear hat with orange stripes . . .
This is only his fourth or fifth time trying on a hat, so forgive the confused expression!

And this is the photo prop hat we picked. Isn't it sooooo cute? Big Mac has an extraordinary noggin (96th percentile!) and my hubby loves these hats so much, he told me not to hand them down to another baby, but keep them for the next. He's a fan of Julie's now for sure!

You can check out Julie's work on facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/moandozzy#!/pages/WeeBeeUniquesByJulie/144670929989?ref=ts

Or on Etsy:

http://weebeeuniquesbyjulie.etsy.com/

http://weebeephotoprops.etsy.com/

Please do drop by! She does amazing work and is so very kind!

Etsy Baby Gifts - Lilikin's

If you've been holding out on buying or selling on Etsy, wondering if it would be a good experience, let me tell you, for the most part, everyone on Etsy is sweet, kind, and a pleasure to deal with! Case in point - the Etsy welcome for Big Mac! I will be posting his gifts as I get around to it and as the summer heat permits! (Lots of hats for Big Mac!)
Not only was I a participant in the Etsy Baby Shower, but some sellers spontaneously decided to welcome Big Mac by sending sweet handmade lovlies.
My sweet friend at Lilikin's http://lilikin14.etsy.com sent two of these SUPER ADORABLE diaper burp cloths for him!
The diaper makes the burp cloth extra soft and absorbant, and, as you can see, its big enough for the biggest baby oopsies!

I always love going to her shop to see what's new . . . she picks the most adorable fabrics in the world! In her shop, you'll find quilts, lovies, recieving blankets, burp cloths, and drawstring bags. Pay a visit! She also has a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/Lililikins.Baby.Blankets.and.Quilts?ref=ts

Patriotic Finds - Weekend Wonder

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3997676&id=191942987248Hello! So sorry I missed doing Weekend Wonder last week . . . . my sweet, sweet customers have been keeping my mind of pregnancy aches and pains with lots of pretty custom orders! Today I am not featuring just one shop. The 4th of July is a big holiday at our house, and I
m not sure how much blogging I'll be doing end of June, so I wanted to show off some patriotic favorites now! Memorial Day is coming, after all!

First up, this gorgeous headband OR necklace (you can wear it either way!) by Creations by Eileen:
http://creationsbyeileen.etsy.com
My favorite thing about this piece is the cute little stars! http://www.etsy.com/listing/46461310/patriotic-red-white-and-blue-wire

Next up is a fellow Utah Etsy Team member - this is GORGEOUS hand-crafted fine jewelry. Not just pretty jewelry, the real stuff!
http://galleonsgold.etsy.com
Beautiful gold eagles on earrings and a gorgeous necklace!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/43914316/eagle-dangling-earring-with-necklace-set

Next is a super patriotic set by Claire's Bowtique!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3997676&id=191942987248#!/pages/Allegan-MI/Claires-Bowtique/191942987248
Cute headband, sweet top, fun flip flops and a fluffy tutu! http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=3997676&id=191942987248

These sweet booties are from a fellow Etsy Fiber Arts Team (FAST) member!
http://ohbabydotcom.etsy.com

I love the little star button! http://www.etsy.com/listing/46260640/yankee-doodle-dandy-cotton-baby-booties

Ok, the last one is mine. :)

http://moandozzy.etsy.com

Patriotic hat for a baby girl! The toddler boy version will be coming up later this week! http://www.etsy.com/listing/45346793/crochet-flower-sun-hat-for-baby-girl

Enjoy your patriotic holidays!

Lilikins - Weekend Wonder

I know. Baby stuff? Again? Well, its getting to be that time! Besides, I really HAVE to feature this shop . . . . I tell her how much I love the things she makes about every day on Facebook. :)
Lilikins Handmade One of a Kind Baby Blankets are just so PRETTY. I've seen a lot of baby blankets and burp cloths on Etsy, but they usually only require a Wal Mart Clearance rack and as much sewing skill as I have (not much) to make yourself. These blankets feature thoughtfully selected fabrics and GREAT sewing (I can even tell from the pictures!)

This first set is so pretty . . . I'm as much a sucker for little girl things as any female in her late 20's, but all that pink would get a little obnoxious after a while. I adore the colors paired with the distinctly all-girl print.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/32687205

I love this set so much. I think its because my mother always had a few and loved, loved, LOVED those old readers from the 50's and 60's. (Think Dick and Jane) This set would be arodable for a little girl or boy and has such a fun retro appeal.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45203491

This quilt is so stinking cute . . . I want one for MY bed! I just adore how cute the fabrics are together and how its laid out . . . . too cute.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43910452/daisy-gray-quilt

Here's the link to Lilikins shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lilikin14

Be sure to stop by and ooh and ahh a little.

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?

Cosmojinx Designs - Weekend Wonder

Sometimes I wonder if these weekly posts will get less interesting after I have this baby . . . I'm so excited about these switchplate covers! I know, switchplate covers, really? Can't help it. I heart them, so meet Cosmojinx Designs
http://cosmojonx.etsy.com/
This shop is based in Seattle, so maybe that's why this first favorite calls my name. How cute are these raindrops?!?!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32060538
I love the addition of the little jewels and beads . . . so unique!

Here's another favorite. I love these little fawns. Wouldn't they be cute for a kid's room?

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=33892213

I thought this mod pink and bronze one was really pretty.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=36918951

Best of all - you get something so pretty and VERY competitvely priced if you were considering some of the more attractive ones at the hardware store. She includes the screws and this project is so simple, most boyfriends and husbands will tackle it. Sweet!

Side note - I'll be announcing a giveaway tomorrow and to keep that at the top of the list, there will be no weekend wonder next weekend. They'll resume the weekend following. Thanks!

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!

Weekend Wonder - DivineBlessing

**This is the first in a (hopefully!) weekly series here on this little blog! Each weekend I'll feature a great shop from Etsy! **

This week, I've chosen DivineBlessings. Based in London, DivineBlessing are two friends who specialize in sewing items for children's special occasions.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/DivineBlessing


This is a BEAUTIFUL dress for a little girl. They'll make it in sizes from 3-6 months to 12-18 months. Comes with adorable little bloomers and a matching hat.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25811506
Another cute little dress! (Can you tell I only have a boy?!?!) So pretty and SILK . . . love the way it looks! They'll even make you matching booties.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38845459

OK, this is the piece that was treasury-bound . . . I am in LOVE with this thing! They have it with different ribbons, but these are my favorite. Its a "teddy bear " vest for keeping the little one warm! So cuddly, yes? I bet they could TOTALLY make matching booties! They have this vest in two sizes.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24030038

If the ultrasound on Friday says girl, I'm rushing over to buy one! Happy Etsy shopping and thanks for reading! If kid stuff isn't your thing, don't worry. I'll do something for grown ups next week!

**If you are interested in being featured on my blog, please leave your shop name or link in the comments. Thanks!**