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.
Nov
26
etsy
SPEND SOME TIME with me
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.
Nov
20
etsy
ON THE ROAD again
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.
Nov
18
etsy
WOOD GRAIN prints for everyone
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.
Nov
14
etsy
TUT TUT it looks like rain
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.
Nov
13
etsy
HANDMADE holiday gift guide 2008
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!
Nov
12
etsy
PLACEMATS on the go
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.
Nov
08
etsy
FABULOUS flowers
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.
Nov
07
etsy
A HOUSE is a home
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.
Nov
04
etsy
VOTE for something
It doesn’t matter for what, but PLEASE go out and vote today. The lines might be long, it might be cold, you might be tired, you might even be late to work. Tomorrow none of that will matter! The only thing that will have matter is if you stood up for yourself and your beliefs.
I came across this great poster pre-order today. Once the 43rd president is deterimed the poster will be complete! These portraits are super cute and come in some great colors. Perfect for the classroom or living room!
