Finds From Our Team

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Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers....gifts from local Etsians

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For the cat lover. Card by DeborahJulian

I never liked Valentine's day as a single person. To me it was just a reminder of how single I was and all those thoughts of why am I alone...boo hoo.  Now that I am married there is pressure to do something on Valentine's Day.  And when we do celebrate I feel as though I am being obnoxious to those who don't have anyone. Ok obviously Valentine's doesn't work for me either way.  However coming from a family of 5 kids, my sisters and my parents would always send Valentine's to us.  As an adult living in the same city as one of my sisters, I would find a Valentine gift at my door that morning. It always made me smile or laugh and feel loved.  Valentines are for everyone, not just lovers.

Here are a few gift ideas for your friend, your sister, your brother, your child, your parent....all from members of Etsy New York.

for the friend who is always late, Vanilla Green Tea clock by Newyorkclocks

There are so many gifts to choose from the Etsy NY Team. Just go to etsy.com and in the search box type etsynyteam.

Get shopping, you have 7 days!

Tracey Toole

http://www.etsy.com/shop/traceytoole

http://traceytoole.blogspot.com/

12 Days of Etsy Christmas

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I always thought the Twelve Days of Christmas were the twelve that lead up to Christmas Day; all those pipers pipping. Not. The Twelve Days are the festive days beginning on December 25th. They end 12 days later.

Also known as Christmastide, or Twelvetide (really, who calls it that, elves living in a hollow tree?) it ends on January 5th, the day before the Epiphany, which is always on January 6th. In some cases, gifts are given on Christmas Day, but in other traditions, one gift a day is given. Here is an Etsy Twelve Days of Christmas for each of the 12 nights, beginning December 25th!

MacBook Air 11" cover, $105 from Fritz and Fraulein Vintage Redesign.

Twinings English Breakfast Tea Tin Clock, $18 from New York Clocks.

Handmade Going Bananas Body Bar Soap (with real banana) $7, by Nordea Soaperie.

Unique Lucite Necklace with Oxidized Silver $29 from Wish by Felicity.

Owl on bright pink tissue cozy, $5 from Felt It.

Red Hooded Handprinted Sleeveless Dress, $140, from Better Than Jam.

Chevron ring, $50 from Virginie Millefiori.

Frida Kahlo light switch cover, $12 from Lu Crafts.

Liquor gift bags from K. Batty Design & Stationary Shop.

Unicorn horn hair clip, $22 from Brooklyn Owl.

Celtic Triangle Knotwork Bookmark at beinthemoment, $40.

Labour of Love necklace from AdornmentsNYC $32.

Happy Holidays from  Wink&Flip!

Look Ma, I Can Sew!

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This blog post is not so much a tutorial, but more of an inspirational story. I often have big ideas, but sometimes I don't follow through for fear of failure. This time around...I did it!

I purchased an iPad for my birthday last month. I was a bit nervous spending so much money, but it was my birthday after all! While I was checking out, the cashier asked me if I wanted additional screen protection insurance (or whatever it's called). I thanked her, but declined. She shook her head and clearly expressed her disapproval at my decision. I couldn't shake that feeling of dread as I walked back to the subway.

I immediately went online and purchased a hard magnetic cover, but my iPad still felt "exposed" as I carried it around in my purse, so I decided to make a padded sleeve for additional protection. I did a lot of research and found a tutorial that didn't seem too difficult. I have a sewing machine, but never really made something like an iPad sleeve.


I ordered some fabric, batting, a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, a clear acrylic ruler, and got to work!

I cut out my fabric carefully, measuring everything with precision. I learned about tacking, squaring up fabric, pinning my hems...lots of things!




I did have a few issues with finishing the hem, but worked it out. The velcro tabs didn't stick, so I ended up stitching them by hand. I showed the cover to a friend (an experienced seamstress,) and she was impressed with the work I had done. I won't lie and say it was easy. It took me about 5 hours to do, and there were times of frustration, but I didn't give up!



Now, I take my iPad everywhere! Of course, this doesn't guarantee that an accident won't happen, but I feel a bit more relaxed about taking my iPad on the go. My mom just bought an iPad, and I had her pick out fabric so I can make her a sleeve too!

So, I hope you are inspired to attempt a project of your own....happy crafting!

Nordea
nordeasoaperie

Artful Embroidery

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So, I admit to being a bit obsessed with embroidery. The act of creating art out of thread is very appealing to me. Especially since my drawing skills are not much advanced past stick figures.

I taught myself how to embroider by buying a couple of books and practicing. There are so many different stitches that can be used to create beautiful pieces of art.

I love this card which spells out a cute & clever message with thread. I also love how there are different colors used to create contrast on the white background.



This beautiful flowering tree is a stand alone picture. The embroidery is fantastic, and becomes its own picture frame by hanging it with the hoop! It would be great to hang a few of these clustered together on the same wall.



The holidays are right around the corner...these little Christmas tree ornaments are super cute!

I hope you have been inspired as much as I have! Embroidery is pretty easy once you get the hang of it. What I love most of all, is that it is easy to do on the go....something to pass the time while commuting to work.

-Nordea
nordeasoaperie

Price Conscious Wedding Party Presents

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Weddings budgets are inevitably stretched as everything little thing (items you never thought you could spend hours/days obsessing over) adds up. To thank those special people in your bridal party who were by your side helping further your perfect day, here’s a list of some budget conscious yet unique items to stock up on. Best of all, the selection below, are gender neutral.

For $15 and under, you could purchase a bag of yummy chocolate candy from Craquerockshop, or another indulgent option would be a room diffuser such as the Ocean Mist Reed Diffuser by DewOnAPetalHome. If you want to present something more permanent, consider a stoneware plate such as the Bike Your Heart Out piece by MayLuk. A nickel-plated seahorse keychain from CoquiAinjelfire also bears an inspirational and magical sentiment.If you have a little more to spend, consider functional yet decorative favors such as a gently aromatic Vintage Tea Cup Candle ($22) by LuCrafts
or these delightful Silhouetted Wood Coasters ($25) by Peppersprouts.
The {NewNew} on Etsy is full of more original items with which you may shower tokens of appreciation to your special people, without ever breaking the bank.

Talita
Fairywallah