Meet Crystal...

Halloween is my favorite holiday. I'm not sure why but I've always loved everything from the wonderful spooky decor, to childhood memories of sitting on the floor sorting my little candies after a night of "trick-or-treating" with my best friend.

Every year I try and purchase a new item to add to my little Halloween collection. My collection ranges from vintage jack-0-lanterns to new pieces crafted by talented artists.

Crystal creating in her studio

The other day I stumbled upon this fabulous site, VintagebyCrystal. Boston-based Crystal is a full-time crafter and creates amazing one-of-a-kind items by using antique and vintage materials.

All of Crystal's work is inspired by objects of the past. She specializes in cotton-spun ornaments and figures much like the ones that German artists made over 100 years ago.

AND, the talented Crystal has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show. You can watch her with Martha here.

So, what did I purchase from Crystal? A cotton-spun cat lady and a funny jack-o-lantern head figurine.

But I must tell you that her things sell quickly since they're one-of-a-kind. If you love her work as I do, get her updates by following her blog, her website, and her Etsy shop.

Her Christmas items will be for sale very shortly. And I'm jumping for joy as she has created a Chanukah line! I'll be buying up some of those treasures for sure!

Thanks Crystal...can't wait to get my little people!

images; Vintage by Crystal

Chain Reaction

The other day I posted a photo of Sandra Bullock bedecked in her multi-chain & pearl necklace, and have been hunting down a similar one for myself. Well, thanks to all of your suggestions, I found one!

Unique jewelry designer Cyndee of TeTelesTai takes reclaimed vintage jewelry (yes, vintage), semi-precious stones, gemstones, retro and costume jewelry elements and makes one-of-a-kind, up-to-date pieces with them. I was thrilled to find her Etsy shop.

awaiting my new necklace (above)

This outrageous piece is made with repurposed vintage chains and freshwater pearls. Now I realize this may a hard look to pull off, but I'm gonna try! Perhaps with all black I'm thinking...sadly it won't look the same as it does on Ms. Bullock!

To see more of Cyndee's unique creations, visit her Etsy shop here.

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

photo credits: TeTelesTai

It's Time for a Party!

Boy was I excited to stumble upon the Etsy shop of Favormakers. Florida-based John and Chandra create fabulous boxes that are all their original designs. And the quality is excellent!I'm crazy about these cameo-style silhouette boxes. You can customize the boxes with your own color preferences too. And, they come fully assembled. Aren't they very Laduree looking?
Anyone like the circus? These fun fully assembled boxes are perfect for a party. Fill them with candy, popcorn, or anything! I bought some in pink & white, and let me tell you, they are even cuter in person!

Assorted color combinations of tent boxes...

I don't know about you, but I love polka-dots! The polka dot pattern is created by taking a box with a hole-punch pattern and lining it with card stock of a second color. These are also available in your own color preferences.

Alice in Wonderland Playing Cards Inspired Teacup Favors

So, if you have a party coming up, or just want some fun decorations, be sure and take a look at Favormakers here on Etsy!

photos from Favormakers

Steampunk. You Like?

Photo by PanzerKitty

I keep hearing the term "steampunk" and wondering what the heck it is. So, I did a little researching...

Clockwise: brass tag locket pearl charm necklace, dayslonggone; Marie Antoinette frilly couture boot cuffs, Black Orchid Designs; Victorian top hat, topsyturvydesign; Steampunk jewelry, Steampunk supply, Steampunk cufflinks; London Particulars; Victorian top hat with steampunk decoration, poppenkraal.

The wiki dictionary defines Steampunk as "a sub-genre of science fiction and speculative fiction, frequently featuring elements of fantasy that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date."

Black Lace neck corset by decadentdesignz

The combination of old-school gadgets and dapper Victorian fashion is right at home with the steampunk and neo-Edwardian creations of Etsy sellers.

Steampunk solid brass goggles by ErihMann

Antique Wrench - Tinkers Toolbox

So tell me, what do you think of steampunk?

Wanted...

My favorite find of the season from Reddoll on Etsy. A military-style, double-breasted wool coat with a high collar, circle metal buttons, and black satin lining throughout the coat. The skirt is a full cut circle. Custom-made to fit you!

photo from Reddoll

Don't be SCARED!!

I love Halloween...just purchased some of these Vintage WITCH's POTION bottles over at Janie's Etsy shop. I needed some spooky additions for my Halloween decor (which I haven't even put up yet!)

photo from here

Great Find: Look For Fiddleheads

I just received the t-shirt I purchased from Look For Fiddleheads, a wonderful shop on Etsy. These vintage-inspired t-shirts are made by Lee, a Maine-based artist. Lee's designs are quirky and absurd pairings with reflective curiosities and experiential meanderings, inspired by rare newspapers (1832-1845) that belonged to her grandmother.

The name Fiddleheads is the result of Lee spending seasons with her stepmother who would take her to the woods to look for fiddleheads; (coiled up baby ferns). They would pick the fiddleheads and cook them for dinner (with a touch of vinegar, or butter, and some salt.) Cute, huh?

Lee has a great selection of shirts on her site in different colors and sizes. Tees are organic cotton or an eco blend, printed to order in a studio striving to be zero-waste. Check them out here. (Thanks Lee...I love my shirt!)