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 really like small things. Things that are adorable and stylish but don’t take up too much room. These hand stitched samplers fit the bill, and get an extra gold star due to their woodland themes. I love all the work from Miniature Rhino, there is something a bit quirky about all the creations but they all have sentimental roots. I can’t wait to see what they have in the new year.
The clock radio went off this morning and Mariah Carey started singing that lovely christmas song of hers ( a guilty pleasure ) and it put me in the Christmas Mood! These little trees from Cary at little love blue are dying to be added to your holiday celebration this year. Not only does she make some amazing little pieces but she is also amazingly sweet, throughout December she is donating 20% of all my shop proceeds to the March of Dimes.
I know I say it a lot but I have to have these vases from Pretty Random Objects. I have had my eye on them for quite a while and they now have a pre-order for their large squirrel vase. I not so secretly want an entire family of them to live in my apartment but would be very happy with just one to call my own. They remind me of the adorable bird vases from J. Mendicino available at Three Potato Four. Which would look great paired up with the squirrels as well. Maybe this year I will have a very woodland Christmas.
I remember one year for mothers day we had to make “coupons” to take home to our moms as a gift. These coupons could be used for “one free hug”, “washing the dishes”, “walking the dog” and other easy chores. Last night I ran into these great chore cards from Heidi Burton. I absolutely love her humorous illustration style and think these guys would make great gifts all year long.
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!
