[uhp-steyt fan-see] - adjective

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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Nov
18
handmade
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
handmade
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
handmade
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
08
handmade
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
handmade
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
05
handmade
DRESS UP your coat.

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!

Nov
04
handmade
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!

Oct
21
handmade
AND IN THIS CORNER weighing in at…

We all know the presidential election is right around the corner. The race is about to tighten and both sides are going into overdrive. EVen though the televised debates are over and we are heading into the final stretch doesn’t mean its even close to over. I think both candidates still have their boxing gloves on and someone is about to get K.O. I thing yeehaw’s letterpress presidential and vice presidential heavy weight championship letter press posters ( phew long titles ) have the right idea.

Oct
15
handmade
MY FAVORITE BOOK SHELF for my favorite books

I love a good book. Last week I just finished reading one of my favorites (the perks of being a wallflower) for close to the 12th time. Since I read so much my bookshelf is overflowing and my favorite books are getting hidden by bigger newer books. Now I never meant for this to happen, my favorite books are near and dear to my heart and I in no way want them to feel neglected. I want them to feel like part of the family.

And that is why I love the idea behind the custom bookshelf by Mineisclouds. You can take your favorite books and make them the center of attention in any room. And all of your favorites will be lined up and the same height so no one will feel more important then the next. I’m all for equal rights for favorite books. 

Oct
13
handmade
HOW TO FALL IN LOVE with a bag

Like any self respecting city girl who lives in a shoe box, I have entirely too many bags. This is just a fact that I have come to live with, and I don’t see things changing anytime soon. With that being said i bring you my new 4 favorite bags (Only 4? — well I have to draw the line somewhere.)

Octobers favorite Bags

1. Polar Bear Parade    2. Mockingbird clutch    3. Birds on Wire    4. Caramel Tote

I love tiny animal prints and the Polar bear parade bag ($68) handmade by retrofied satisfies my wishes without being too kid-like. I love the added bonus of the key clip inside the bag, as i hate having to dog around for my hefty janitor sized keys when I finally make it home at night. 

Continuing on my animal print kick the Mockingbird Handbag ($75 CAN) from prickly pear is just wonderful. Its simple enough for a night out, or everyday use. Its also shallow so I know i would never been hunting for things way down at the bottom.

I have wanted the bird on a wire bag ($68) by puckish for at least 4 years. Its stitched and screen printed in yellow against a brown bag and is screaming your name. The bungee cord straps, and polka-doted lining make this bag really unique. 

The handmade classic tote in caramel by madebyhank is definitely my personal favorite. It’s big enough to carry a few books, a couple magazines, keys, gum, wallet and maybe even my corgi. I’m such a sucker for bags big enough to lose myself in, and this one is a must have.

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