Do your summer in style with these nifty handmade items by members of The {NewNew}!

Add a touch simple yet sophisticated DIY flair to your summer wedding decorations with this flower garland by Pandawithcookie.

Pink Paper Flower Garland-Lovely Wedding Decor, $18

"Bee" prepared for picnics in the park and all your more casual outdoor affairs involving liquid refreshment with this cheerful pitcher by Lennymud.

Bee Happy Pitcher, $15

Keep the little ones cute and cool in these shortalls by Overallbaby.

Toddler Shortalls in Kokka Turquoise Sheep, $38

And for yourself or a friend, a breezy Trapeze Top by Vyphuisdesigns.

Fun Trapeze Top, $35

Get set for days at the beach or knocking around town with this cheerful Sunshine Tote Purse by jesswitaj.

Summer Sunshine Tote Purse, $48

Update friends and family, say "thank you," or send a simple summertime "hello" with beach-inspired notecards by MonicaMarks.

Summer Seashells - Set of 2 Note Cards, 5 x 7, Original Mixed Media Collage, Blank Inside, $10

Hold your childhood summertime memories near and dear year-round with this Ice Cube Popsicle print by Lipeony.

Ice Cube Popsicle 5 x 7 Print, $8.00

For more {NewNew} summertime products, click here.

Enjoy, and have a happy summer!

Linda
PurtyBird

Remember this old song? It was a staple during my summer sleep-away-camp days:

"If I had a bell, I'd ring it in the morning, I'd ring it in the evening, All over this land..."

It reminds me of all the creative ways we handcraft-folk strive to let the world at large know what we're doing. Of course, we try to ring bells with our Etsy shops and our blogs, with the hope that the attention will lead to sales. But I think it's also fair to say that it's difficult to create in a vacuum.

Judging by a recent blog roundup from my fellow {NewNew} artisans, talking about how we do what we do, as well as what and who inspires us to keep creating is an important part of the process. The ongoing inspiration and the sense of satisfaction we get from knowing someone likes something we made -- uses it, wears it, cherishes it -- is, well, kinda awesome.

pris mPOP @ My Coney clearly has a soft spot for Coney Island USA, but also blogs about her experience at the recent Renegade Craft Fair with her fellow {NewNew}ers and (ouch!) sunburnt knees.

pandaw ithcookie @ pandawithcookie.blogspot.com offers an inside look at preparations for her first craft show, Seventh Heaven, in Brooklyn.

fubabee @ Pretty Stationery for Beautiful Souls talks about what inspires her beautiful stationery, but also tackles the whole "wedding industrial complex" as part of an ongoing meditation on the value of handmade.

pulpsushi @ pulpsushi.typepad.com writes with verve (and lots of exclamation points!) about what inspires her in work and life.

dirtylovesclean @ DirtyLovesClean.blogspot.com invites readers to follow her soap-making adventures, which include the pros and cons of craft fairs, veggie "meat", and the creation of a boxed wine soap.

jantar @ Jantar Handcrafted Jewlery uses her blog like an inspiration board, full of pictures and stories behind the creation of her lovely jewelry, as well as detailed, easy-to-follow how-to's.

You'll find all of these blogs, and more, through the {NewNew} member shop links and banners on the left. Take a moment to follow the links and learn a little bit about what inspires some of your favorite artisans. Perhaps you'll be inspired too.

Susan
persuede.etsy.com

Summer Products from The {NewNew}

If I Had A Bell...