Valentine's Day: Gifts for Men from Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Valentines Day is coming so today I searched for manly creations offered by Etsy sellers. Tickle his fancy and touch his heart with something extra special, either vintage or handmade from Etsy. No regard for price today, but tomorrow I will showcase an array of original and fabulous dude-worthy creations priced under $50.00 with shipping. Today's selections are priced from $9.99 to $350.00. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings.
From left to right, today's featured sellers include: Jonquil, tofunkytown, Lorayn09, hammeronsteel , cooperswoodstudio, EternallyLinked

Uncommon Necklaces: Inspired Design on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Jaw dropping artistry hides among the trinkets that flood the Etsy search pages every day. Not that anything is wrong with charming, trendy trinkets, but it takes time & diligence to dig and search out the truly extraordinary. Today's selection required extra effort but the reward was grand. Reflecting a strong thematic statement, mastery of technique, visual impact and inspired originality, each piece showcased today is truly worthy of the art-to-wear concept. Each is a stand-alone accessory that turns the simplest black dress into a statement. I'm drooling...how about you? Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $85.00 to $525.00.

From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy designers include: hypho, Needlewovenstydio, hipchikbrie, solejg, triz, CieloDesign, PatrinketsJewelry, nemeton

Inspired Pants: Indie Design on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Volume is something my eye is craving now that skinny leggings are everywhere. Today I sought pants by indie Etsy designers that feature fabric other than black lycra, and a shape other than pencil-thin. A little ease and a little flow, please! And how about pants that fit! Why spend good money for ill-fitting pants that look and feel awkward, when it is so easy and no more expensive to order custom made from an indie designer? Given the time and frustration involved in shopping RTW (ready-to-wear) and the lack of individuality in the mass market, I see no reason to spend my time in a crowded mall pawing through racks of overpriced or quality-compromised fashion. Browsing Etsy's search pages, I found graceful palazzo pants and some fun & original party pants. Sit down, come as you are, grab your coffee or tea and come on a shopping spree with me on Etsy! Click on the photos to go directly to these listings. Prices range from $60.00 to $128.00

From top left to bottom right, today's featured designers include: yystudio, martinlopez, ModernEraDesign, DancingTreeCreations, littlmisscrow, whoknowswear, Mishoga, idolatre

Haiti Relief: Compassion and Generosity on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Moved by the horrendous disaster in Haiti earlier this week, Etsy artists have joined in the effort to raise funds for relief. The first two showcased items are being donated from my own stores, and many independent sellers are doing likewise. Other sellers are participating in group efforts such as HeartsforHaiti. There are beautiful creations in all categories and at all price ranges to be found on Etsy's search pages, using the search term "Haiti" or "Haiti relief." We can all participate with our purchases and our donations. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $6.50 to $45.00
From to left to bottom right, today's Etsy artists include: Piacere, Katsarayarns, mizumizu, botanicalbird, sweetbriars, myadobecottage, littlebirdcreations, amyjoavnet

Resolutions: Yoga on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy

Namaste! Resolutions at this time of year often include getting into better physical shape. For me, that means yoga, which addresses body, mind and spirit. Today's selections of unique creations found on Etsy reflect all three of these elements. The wearables that caught my eye can go beyond the studio and out in public, which is essential to me since I sometimes run errands after doing yoga. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.00 to $68.00. From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: be2beImage, Kayayogawear, corinnaluyken, DeGala, ModernEraDesign, earthsoul, keytome, NomadicRoots

Huge Scale: Enormity on Etsy

Handpicked on Etsy
Scale is about the size of things in relation to other things. In design, we primarily strive for balance, combining large, medium and small elements in pleasing proportions. But some rules are meant to be broken, right? Sometimes there is a place for bold, outsized proportions that draw attention, make a big statement and introduce a dose of panache and humor. Today I looked for Etsy artists who aren't afraid of big scale and pulled it off beautifully with these eight creations. Click on the pictures to see these listings and more from these artisans. Prices range from $24.00 to $499.99. From top left to bottom right, today's featured Etsy artists include: QuilJewelry, TianaCHE, calexandra, WinchesterPottery, pipertree, chicallure, drobart, couvert
~~HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY, AND ALL THE BEST IN 2010!~~