1. not exorbitant or extravagent by city standards, however in a rural setting (like upstate new york) it is in fact, quite fancy.
2. a wonderful blog dedicated to art, design and other things that are indeed upstate fancy.
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I am really loving these adorable pillows from Shanna Murray. They have such a warm calm energy to them and such a simple minimalist design. Although they have a bit of a country feel I think they would look quite nice in my big city apartment as well. These pillows have such wonderful illustrations that you don’t have to hang on a wall and forget about. Very fresh.
I am giving away one of my original handcut pieces over at the {newnew} blog. Head over and check it out. They have a lot of great things going on over there as well. And if you are in NEW YORK on December 6th, you should check them out at their Handmade Cavalcade at the Knitting Factory. Pick up some gift for that special person on your list from some of the best artists and crafters in the NYC area.
So this holiday I have been toying with the idea of doing a few mini presents instead of one large present for my sisters. They are 2 of the most athletic girls I have ever met and I am proud that they are my sisters. A few times a year they find themselves in a new state or new country competing with their field hockey road team against some of the best teams out there. I think these super creative travel journals from cracked designs would be the perfect way to keep track of their trips. I have always been fascinated with maps and pins and the cover of this little journal has it all. Perfect for a 2 week trip, or a few mini trips. I wish I thought of this one myself.
I love these prints from Golly Bard. I have had them on my list for quite some time and they now come in 2 wonderful colors-ways. Derived from an original watercolor painting these prints would look great in a hall next to each other or very playful in a kids room. She also has some wonderfully unique characters that live inside her prints just waiting to have a cozy house to call home.
It’s been pretty dreary in New York for the last 2 days. I normally love rain, but I was hoping for a nicer weekend to get out and take some pictures for reference for the new shadowboxes. During my rain search today I stumbled upon these fun illustrations by Ward Jenkins. Although they are digitaly colored they evoke the sense of child-like watercolors that always catch my eye. I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us. You can check out his website as well.
Well it sure did take a while, but it was worth it. The holiday gift guide is up and running here at upstate fancy. Take a peek at the most unique handmade items around and start checking the naughty and nice off your holiday list. Don’t forget, even if an item is sold there is probably a new one listed in the shop, or send these great artists a note and let them know you have to have it for your special someone. Happy holidays, and tell them upstate fancy sent you!
I was thinking about Christmas gifts today and did a search on etsy for place mats for my stepmother and her family table. Haven’t really made up my mind about anything but I came across these Montessori inspired children’s mats that are to die for. It would probably be embarrassing to put one of these in your kids lunchbox, but I would probably do it anyway. The country garden mat is my favorite, but there are quite a few to peek at from Owl and Pussy Cat.
The flowers in Marilu’s Etsy shop are quite simple and very unique. Her zipper flowers are a beautiful take on the traditional Kanzashi flowers of Japan. I seem to be on a roll with finding unique brooches this week, but rest assured she offers more than just a pretty pin. Her simple elegant felt flower necklaces would be perfect on anyone, and at only $12 would make a great secret santa gift.
Matt’s parents have just sold the home he grew up in, so he wanted to do something special for them as a christmas gift to remember the home the family grew up in. We didn’t want to do the traditional watercolor portrait of the house but did want something beautiful and artistic. Thats when we found Julie from Julie B creative. She is an amazing artist and the perfect style we were looking for. She has been kind enough to share progress photos of the painting and I wanted to share them with you.
This week was the first time I was forced to wear my winter coat. I’ve been thinking of getting new buttons for it to jazz it up a little. It’s the same coat everyone else has, Black pea coat, black buttons, cute but boring. Today I came across these unique brooches by Sarah from CraftyFolk. Hailing from the Great state of Oregon these brooches are one of a kind, hand-painted little pieces of art! I love her whimsical style and a sense of the forest meets fashion. These little guys would be sure to snazz up any coat!
