Christmas in July

In the 1940 screwball comedy "Christmas in July" Jimmy MacDonald mistakenly believes to have won $25,000 in a contest. He goes on to spend these alleged winnings on a shopping spree with his girlfriend buying presents for their family and friends. "It's like Christmas in July" Jimmy's girlfriend Betty sighs. If you are in the mood for a little Christmas, check out some of the seasonal offerings of Etsy NY artists that you can get right now:

Christmas Mistletoe To Go
Hook and Matter's Christmas Mistletoe is too pretty to just come out for the holidays. Wear it this summer and kiss your unsuspecting beach crush under the mistletoe.

Winter Holiday Felt Jumper
This adorable keepsake jumper created by Heart Felt 4 Kids will definitely put you and your one-, two-, three- or four-year old in the mood for the holiday season. After all, December is just a few month's off.

Partridge in a Pear Tree
A Partridge in a Pear Tree is always seasonally appropriate. The delicate illustrations that Jessica Boehman creates for her shop Hans My Hedgehog evoke a whimsical magic that will make the perfect addition to your home.

And finally, to put you into the proper mood for a shopping spree, here is a scene out of Christmas in July.

Happy Holidays


Simone
groundsel.etsy.com

NewNew New Year's Resolutions

Happy 2012!

So, it's a new year. Time to turn the page and look ahead. What do you want to start, finish, do, get, or be more of or less of in the coming 12 months?

A few brave NewNewers shared their resolutions with the rest of us. Here's what they said.

After she rearranges her studio to improve efficiency (i.e., not having to look for tools and having materials all in one spot), May of TakeMeHomeware resolves to fine-tune her production cycle, which means giving herself more time to make the work.

Jenny of J. Topolski reolves to start wax-carving, which will enable her to make smaller, less expensive versions of her statement necklaces, and to offer more expensive sized rings instead of just adjustable bands. She also plans to start using Quickbooks accounting software, to grow her wholesale business, and to travel to art/craft shows in distant cities.

Nadine of HeartFelt4Kids also wants to refine her product line, to include more of what's selling, namely, vintage style children's clothing and accessories. She also plans to concentrate on getting great product pictures using models.

I personally don't typically make New Year's resolutions. Too much pressure, and I'm always trying to improve on something. At the same time, the start of a new year does present an opportunity to take stock and set goals, and to do so in good company. There's power in committing oneself to change as part of an annual public ritual that doing so privately on an ongoing basis doesn't. This may make the difference between wanting to do or change something and actually doing or changing it.

With that as my working hypothesis, I'm somewhat nervously going to break with tradition and make one teeny-tiny resolution this year. Inspired by May, I'm going to reorganize my workspace so that I don't have to move stuff around every time I need to get at something.


Wish me luck!

Until next time,


Linda
Purty Bird

Thanksgiving weekend promotions are not over yet!

The Sunday after Thanksgiving hasn't coined any phrases nor does it have an official 'name', but this year it is sure to be just as spectacular.  Today and tomorrow are the last two days to take advantage of some amazing promotions - with more than 30 members of The {NewNew} participating in a Thanksgiving holiday weekend shopping extravaganza, you're sure to find a gift for everyone on your list.
Check out these stores and get in on the holiday shopping fun!

Fubabee is an award winning design studio and her cards are sure to please! from wedding stationery to baby showers she'll have the card you need.
Fubabee gift card sets


At romi ceramics, you'll find beautiful ceramic vases and spinners, perfect for keeping plants and flowers. the soft colors and cool hues compliment any decor.
Romiceramics large spinner

Thepeachtree makes jewelry in striking jewel tones using gemstones, rocks and raw minerals. this freshwater pearl bracelet caught my eye!
thepeachtree freshwater pearl bracelet


Knittingguru knits and crochets beautiful accessories, perfect for those cold winter nights - all the better to snuggle up with a soft scarf or cowl.
the knittingguru eco-friendly cotton handknit cowl


Mulryjewels has a passion for making jewelry. this freshwater pearl cocktail ring is the perfect companion for a night out on the town!
mulryjewels cocktail ring - freshwater pearl and swarovski crystal

Kbatty is ready for the holiday season with a wonderful assortment of beautiful stationery. send your holiday greetings in style!
Kbatty holiday greeting card set

Latelier des bijoux uses high quality gemstones and metals to create her lovely line of jewelry. these garnet earrings are perfect for gift giving!
Latelier des bijoux rhodolite garnet and spinel earrings

Heartfelt4kids makes childrens clothing using wool and eco-friendly bamboo felt. her capes are especially lovely and would be a unique gift!
Heartfelt4kids hooded wool felt cape

Jdavisstudio's line of jewelry is fun and unique. her signature jewelry featuring houses and trees are whimsical and make a perfect gift. i love her teeny house ring!
Jdavisstudio teeny house ring sterling silver
Additional shops participating in The {NewNew} Thanksgiving Weekend promotions
Join us for your holiday shopping fun!

Be sure to check out all the other shops with great Black Friday / Cyber Monday specials:

Webbedware - unique fabric wrist cuffs
Key Element - metal and stone jewelry
Hanky Blanky by Rosi Rouge - baby blankets, infant clothing and more
Knock Knock Studio - jewelry knits and accessories
HeartFelt4Kids - eco friendly kids clothing
Romi Ceramics - unique handcrafted ceramics
Mulry Jewels - elegant, fun and sparkly jewelry
Kipi - affordable original art
Ellis Design - one of a kind and limited edition hats (and more)
KimmChi - silk screened apparel
Pretty Lovely Painting - paintings and mixed media
JDavisStudio - handmade jewelry
Alton Weekes - handcrafted stationery and papergoods
Knitting Guru - natural fiber knitted and crochet wearable art
Kim Last Designs - sterling silver jewelry
Meliannaa - wire wrapped jewelry
Apertureagog - fine art prints, embroidered art and photo cards
Loella Medina - gemstone jewelry
The Honey Pie Tree - designer toys and accessories
Persuede - handmade jewelry
KBatty - stationery and notecards
SDVDesigns - one of a kind and limited edition jewelry
Felt It - eco felt applique clothing for kids and adults
latelier des bijoux - limited edition gemstone jewelry
PriaVanda - handmade personalized stationery
AdornmentsNYC - vintage inspired jewelry with a modern twist
KittyJones - toys for cats, dogs and kids
Groundsel - handbags made from recycled materials
The Peachtree - classic gemstone and pearl jewelry
Projects by Carm - handknit and crochet accessories and toys
Rose McKay Designs - handcrafted jewelry
Fubabee - stationery, notecards and graphic design
Sans Map - handmade bags and accessories
Deborah Julian - unique notecards, print and fine art