Jeynreyn

Jeynreyn creates all kinds of fun items using felt & other materials. The passport felt protector is a bright, fun way to carry your important documents. The credit card holders are perfect for carrying in small bags, as well. Perhaps the most unique items are the microwavable heart warmers. The little cuties are filled with all natural ingredients & will warm your fingers for 20-30 minutes. Jeynreyn also creates hand warmers that are plush rabbits & you could win one in the July giveaway. But hurry...contest ends at midnight CST!

Two Tinas

Know what's better than one Tina? Two Tinas! Ok, that was a tad lame. But this shop is anything but. It's no wonder why Two Tinas has received so much press coverage by all kinds of media outlets. The My Name blankets are the perfect gift for any newborn. Made using super combed cotton, these blankets are custom sewn with hand appliquèd letters. Also available are the beautiful initial blankets created using designer prints. Talk about the perfect stylish accessory for any wee one! Today is the last day to enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a custom initial blanket from Two Tinas.

Whimsy Kisses

Whimsy Kisses has an extensive collection of handmade and carefully chosen items ranging from accessories to vintage costume jewelry. The felted pouches are the perfect way to organize your handbag & protect small items. This shop also has lots of great items for children including aprons & play capes. My brother would have LOVED these growing up! There's also a nice selection of artisan crafted jewelry. I am especially drawn to the black etched shell necklace. Don't forget to enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a soft olive green large fluffy bunny!

Sam McLean Designs

Sam McLean Designs is a fun shop specializing in quirky clothing for ladies and girls, as well as fun felt food. Children of all ages are sure to love the Scrumptious desserts & the yummy banana cream pie. I absolutely love the print on the Seaworld toddler apron & the Catch of the Day skirt is perfect for summer. Enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a Felt Food Set from Sam McLean Designs of your choice.

Pippalily

Victoria Turner is a mother & entrepreneur who is committed to offering practical parenting tools with style. Pippalily is a great source for baby slings that won't compromise your style. The slings are available in a variety of beautiful fabrics, as well as styles. Pippalily also offers convenient gift sets that include a diaper clutch, baby blanket and a toy strap. Don't forget to enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a toy strap from this terrific company!

Passed Presents

Occasionally, we have all had a hard time finding a great present for someone we care about. Passed Presents recognizes this & is dedicated to simplifying gift-giving by offering fun and stylish presents that are exquisitely wrapped. July's gift of the month immediately caught my eye since my wedding is less than two weeks away. The Wedding Day Survival Kit includes 30 must-have items inside a reusable train case. What's really handy about this site is that they have categories set up by recipient. For instance, there is a great section full of gifts perfect for kids & teens. TheArtLab Fashion Studio & ArtLab Car Design Studio are two fantastic gifts that you could win in the July Giveaway! Enter today!!

Fawn & Forest

According to their website, Fawn and Forest was founded on the belief that good design should be enjoyed by the entire family. It's easy to see that they have achieved their goal when looking at the well-curated selection of modern & eco-friendly baby and children's products they offer. The furniture section includes uniquely designed pieces, such as the Goodnight Glider & Fundy Play Table. There's lots of terrific home dècor items that adults, as well as children, will appreciate. I would love to have my own Binth octopus pillow. Or how about the adorable giraffes Stella & Petey? The selection of toys is overflowing with terrific items, including the cuddly woodland creatures called Woollyhoodwinks. Enter the July giveaway today for your chance to win a Woollyhoodwink of your choice!

Bitsy Bear

Bitsy Bear offers a unique selection of children's goods amongst other terrific items. The Rockin' Onesies allow your wee one to crank up the volume & cut loose in a silky soft organic cotton ensemble. This terrific shop also offers stylish swaddle wraps that enable you to soothe your baby to sleep. And what mom doesn't deserve a treat of her own? The trendy reversible aprons are the perfect accessory for any busy mom. Don't miss the Bitsy Bears for which the shop is named. Made with ribbon tags and luxuriously soft fabric, these toys are sure to become your child's favorite. Enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a Bitsy Bear of your own.

One Red Robin

Jhoanna Monte Aranez is an extremely talented crafter & mother located in Melbourne, Australia. One Red Robin showcases the results of Jhoanna's talents, including illustrations & patterns. But her Peg Bears are amongst my favorite items created by this artist. Enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a one-of-a-kind Peg Bear of your own!

Pookie & Co.

Just like the website, Pookie & Co. plush toys are both eye-catching & fun to play with. Inspired by the birth of her first son, Marie Joxe-Colllins stitched the first Pooki in 2001. The French designer & illustator developed more characters over time resulting in the funny gang known as Pookiland. The bright-colored creatures, such as MamaLola, are sure to delight children (and adults) of all ages. The toys are made using soft polar fleece making them suitable for all ages. Enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a Pooki of your own!

Fluffels

Mariska Vos-Bolman of the Netherlands creates handmade soft toys that are sure to bring a smile to anyone's face. Fluffels are unique plush toys that are available in various shapes & sizes. The Love Devil, complete with a heart-shaped tailend, is absolutely adorable. And who could resist Bubbo's cute & somewhat goofy face? You can also purchase these characters in the form of keychains so you can tote them around at all times. Mariska also offers custom detail work & DIY kits. Enter the July giveaway for your chance to win a Poloko of your own!

*See where Mariska was recently mentioned on CraftGossip!

July Giveaway

Today kicks off the exciting July giveaway! This month we have fifteen wonderful Plushies, Softies & Toys to giveaway.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit each of the businesses listed on the July giveaway page. To enter, leave a comment ON THIS POST including a link to one of your favorite items from each shop (one link per comment, please). You may enter multiple times by linking to a product by a different designer in each comment. Be sure to leave your name AND email address or website link so I can contact the winners. If you are chosen as a winner & there’s no way to contact you, a new winner will be chosen.

Winners will be chosen on August 1 using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds, as well as Funky Town. If you haven’t joined our new interactive site, do so now! Users can post all sorts of content including specials, events, tips & techniques, images & much more.

The July Plushies, Softies & Toys giveaway begins today, July 25, and ends at midnight CST Thursday, July 31. Feel free to spread the word to all your friends so they too will have a chance at winning these terrific prizes, too!

The Ardent Sparrow

The Ardent Sparrow showcases Rebecca Wagler's fabulous jewelry designs. Located in Ontario, Canada, Rebecca is a new mom that has recently begun to explore the world of jewelry making while her little one naps. Her designs are so beautiful, you would not believe that she hasn't been doing this for years. I love the beautiful Cherry Lane necklace that features a cherry quartz stone. The Cherry Blossom Bliss earrings are another favorite of mine. Rebecca is close to making her 50th sale. To commemorate this milestone, the buyer making the lucky purchase will receive a free ring of their choice! Also, don't miss the BOGO SALE. Buy one ring, pair of bobby pins or barrettes and receive the second ring, pair of bobby pins or barrettes HALF OFF! TYPE "BOGO" in the "Message to Seller" for your refund. And...receive FREE SHIPPING when you enter "Funky Finds" in the "Message to Seller" section.

Pony Party

Rachel Denbow of Red Velvet Art has a new venture called Pony Party. This new shop is full of hand-picked vintage goodies that Rachel has found here & there. According to her blog, she will be updating her shop every day for the rest of the week and will take a break on the weekends to shop for more treasures. And to celebrate the grand opening, you can enter win one of three thrifted items of your choice! I would definitely be choosing the Green Silhouette Tip Tray if given the choice.

Gaga Goods

Kathryn Adler, Owner & Chief Smile Spreader of Gaga Goods, recently made the decision to give up her business in order to spend more time with family and to focus on new horizons. Because of this, ALL inventory has been liquidated at 50% off retail or more! The one-of-a-kind 100% cotton, made in the USA onesies and tees are now just $7.50. Talk about a steal! And their award-winning toys by eeBoo, Rich Frog, Mudpuppy and Crocodile Creek are priced well below wholesale in some cases. This is a great opportunity to stock up on adorable baby gifts at a fantastic price! Simply enter the coupon code summersmiles to receive the 50% discount. Gaga Goods is also offering a free gift for orders totaling $40 (after discount). Kathryn is currently looking for a new Owner/Chief Smile Spreader to carry on the business, so if you or someone you know may be interested in this business prospectus contact her as soon as possible.

Peptogirl Industries

Amy Cluck is the creative force that is Peptogirl Industries. Amy is a busy girl having founded the Sacramento Craft Mafia, as well as the alternative craft faire Indie Sacramento. Her shop includes jewelry that is fun & hip, as well as vintage goods & more. The guitar pick earrings are sure to add a rock 'n roll edge to any ensemble. I especially love the red heart-shaped pair that includes red & white striped lucite beads. They would go perfectly with the Sweetheart necklace. In addition to creating her own line of jewelry & accessories, Amy is also one of the brilliant contributors to the newly launched Pimp Stitch. Check out all her fabulous embroidery patterns here.

Hulet & Hulet

If you can't tell by the name, Hulet & Hulet is a family affair. Patty Hulet works with her sister & daughter to create fine glass confections that look good enough to eat. These small works of art are made with the finest attention to detail. With over 250 chocolate & cupcake designs & color combinations available, you are sure to find something that you cannot live without. The glass Love cupcake is the perfect gift for any loved one you are sweet on & the textured chocolate cupcake is absolutely beautiful. Hulet & Hulet also offers a wide selection of chocolates ranging from classic chocolates to connoisseur chocolates. The Caffe collection is fabulous! You can even buy a box set of chocolates. Talk about the perfect, calorie-free treat. Don't miss the seasonal collections that are equally tempting.

Annie's Illustration

Annie Wilkinson's artwork includes fun pieces especially appropriate for children, as well as pieces adults are sure to love. Annie's Illustration is a wonderful source for affordable artwork that will suit any space. I would love to have an Elephant Friend of my own or even an Aardvark. See Annie's website for more information.

Haley's Handmades

Haley's Handmades is a terrific place to find greeting cards, postcards, invitations, and announcements for all your special occasions. What sets this designer's work apart is that most of the items incorporate poodle themed artwork. When custom ordering you choose the paper color you'd like, as well as the poodle color. I love the painting themed cards & the Bluegrass Poodles are fabulous! The Valentine's Day cards are a great way to proclaim your love or sending Christmas greetings. Another bonus is that five percent or more of all poodle card profits are donated to various animal organizations and no-kill animal rescue groups and shelters.

Sweet Harvest Farms

CJ of Sweet Harvest Farms creates soap that soothes, nurtures and hydrates your skin. The specially formulated soap leaves you squeaky clean while giving you soft, supple and moisturized skin. Also available is Homemade All Natural Doggy Soaps that repel fleas & leave even the thickest of coats soft, manageable & smelling wonderful. CJ's main website showcases an eclectic blend of primitive wares, Folk Art, collectibles and antiques. Check back often for new treasures!

Luca Bleu

Luca Bleu has a wonderful selection of handpicked items for moms, babies, and children ranging from clothing to nursery furnishings. This is also a great place to find unique baby shower gifts as each purchase includes stylish packaging and handwritten notes. The toddler girl's clothing section is full of fabulous ensembles, such as the Autumn Street Marine Skirt that is appliquéd with vintage fabric. The Little Doe Tee is another adorable piece that any child will look adorable in. The Diapering section includes many unique products like the Pee-pee teepees & stylish wipes cases. And what little princess doesn't need some bling? The crown bling pacifier clip is too cute!

CeeGee Jewellery Design

CeeGee Jewellery Design is a British business located in the heart of the English countryside. Their handcrafted & one-of-a-kind designs offer consumers an alternative to the homogeneous mass-produced jewelery that is readily available. These reasonably priced, high-quality items feature semi-precious gemstones, crystal and stunning Murano glass. The recently launched line of beautiful lampwork jewelery is made up of limited-edition pieces created using handmade beads from various talented UK glass artists. Each of these little gems is a work of art in its own right, ensuring exclusive designs that are sure to be treasured for years. CeeGee ships globally & offers free UK shipping when ordering online.

Little Pies & Heddyjack - The Shops @ Funky Finds

As I mentioned on Wednesday we launched The Shops @ Funky Finds. I hope you will all take some time to visit the shops that have opened up so far. Just so you know, we do not take your credit card information through our site. All transactions go through the secure PayPal site. This insures that there will be no violation of privacy and no issues of theft.

Little Pies is one of the latest shops to open. Amanda creates yummy homemade doggy treats that are available in a variety of flavors. My Chihuahua Abigail has had the privilege of enjoying some of Little Pies' treats in the past & loved them.

Heddyjack is another fantastic shop that features organically designed jewelry made of stone and wire. I absolutely love the beautiful Emerald Valley Turquoise ring, as well as the Royston Turquoise Ring that is equally appealing.

Visit the other great Shops that are open & check back often for new Shops opening!

Creative Thursday

Creative Thursday began as one day a week that was set aside by Marisa Haedike to be creative. Now a full time artist in Los Angeles, Marisa creates colorful paintings & illustrations. Her Etsy shop is full of gems I would love to own, such as Jackalope and Friends. The characters she creates, like Lewis & Oscar, are all so sweet & innocent looking. Listen to Marisa's take on many subjects during her regular podcasts and learn more on her main website.

The Shops @ Funky Finds

Today is a very exciting day at Funky Finds! If you subscribe to the Funky News, then you have already read the announcement...we have launched an online marketplace called The Shops @ Funky Finds. The Shops keep with the theme of Funky Finds by saving small businesses money on the sales they make. We charge a small monthly fee for use of the site; however, there is absolutely no charge from Funky Finds for each individual sale. Loading products is a quick & easy process & all transactions go through the secure PayPal site. I hope you will all visit the shops that have already opened up, including Freckled Nest, Designing Diva, and Sweet Harvest Farms. I also have a shop that is stocked with Funky Finds promotional items. And if you are an independent artist, crafter and/or designer, I hope you will consider trying out our Shops for a month or longer!

Melbangel Crafts

For years I have said I was going to learn to crochet so I could make tons of adorable little figures. Of course, I haven't even had time to attempt it yet. But that doesn't stop me from ogling adorable items such as the ones Amy of Melbangel Crafts creates. Her Etsy shop is full of crochet patterns that range from crocheted desserts to Blythe dolls accessories. The thin crust pizza looks good enough to eat, as does the colorful banana split. You can also purchase the pattern for Monkey Mosie, an adorable amigurumi crocheted toy.

All About Baby

All About Baby is a great source for baby gifts, as well as parenting tips, ideas & stories. One of my favorite items are the exclusive polka dot, hand-painted frames for babies and kids. These canvas frames are available in five designs and are very cute & trendy, not to mention affordable. The personalized children's robes are also adorable. And of course I love the bold, colorful gift case full of goodies including a hooded baby towel, a toddler-size bib & a soft white cotton washcloth. Have a look at all the fabulous & unique items All About Baby has to offer.

Watergirl Designs

Sharon Bass creates beautiful jewelry by combining crocheted wire techniques with natural and man-made elements. Watergirl Designs showcases her stunning designs that include pieces for women, as well as men. The colorful Key West necklace is aptly named for a beach front area considering its fun, bright colors. The crocheted steel necklace 'Joined' is impressive, as are the other crocheted pendants and bracelets. Don't miss the men's section for more great options.

by Mary Jane

Mary Jane Hunter's designs are influenced by her love of the Bohemian lifestyle & passion for vintage goods. Her Etsy shop, by Mary Jane, is full of beautifully crafted accessories. Inspired by the 1960's counterculture, these items are handmade using vintage fabrics, leathers, suedes, and other items. The beautiful braided leather headbands are a great remembrance of the times when peace, love & happiness were the main ideals. I especially love the colorful ribbon band decorated with daisies, hearts, daffodils, and vines. The main by Mary Jane website showcases the unique handbags & jewelry Mary Jane creates, as well.

Trouble/Tease

Trouble/Tease creates unique tshirts featuring subject matter ranging from UFOs to radioactive flowers. The two man operation of Troy Hicks and Stephano Diaz is located in Long Island City, NY, and all of the designs are bright, funky & fun. This Little Piggy Stayed Home is a great children's design that is different from the typical children's products I regularly come across. And, as a dog lover, I would definitely sport the Me & My Sweet Dawg tee. Check out all the cool unusual & weird designs Trouble/Tease has to offer.

Ring Around the Rosies

Like many crafters I love buttons. I love ones that are brightly colored, oddly shaped, all of 'em! Ring Around the Rosies is an Etsy shop full of rings made using various buttons. The perfect accessory for funky fingers! The tops of the rings showcase cool buttons while the band is made using coordinating beads, as seen on the fuschia & silver ring. You can purchase button & bead bracelets as well.

Sol Sisters Handmade Originals

Las Vegas artisan Krystal Hosmer creates handbags and accessories that are, in her words, funky, flashy and downright wild! Sounds good to me! Sol Sisters Handmade Originals features unique bags such as the Shades of Delirium Book Bag Tote that displays a print of an original illustration by Las Vegas artist Charles Holbert, Jr. My favorite bag Krystal created is the Edward Scissorhands patchwork bag. Not surprisingly, the bag has already been sold. All of the bags are made using high-quality fabrics, such as hand-dyed cottons and velvets, Batiks from Indonesia, indigo from South Africa, and custom tye dyed pieces from BenJamminKids.

Jennifer Squires

Jennifer Squires's newest set of floral photographs are a great way to capture & display the feelings of spring & summer year-round. The bright pink Peony photograph is stunning. The collection also includes roses, a gerbera daisy, and more. These contemporary images will look great in dining rooms, living areas, bedrooms, and offices. Jennifer's photographs can be reproduced as large as 24x30 inches or as small as 4x6 inches. See her main website for more information.

Working Class Studio

Forget about doing the dishes this summer! Kick back and relax around the table with Working Class Studio’s new paper plate and napkin collections. Working Class Studio, a division of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), continues to expand its innovative home décor and stationery lines with exciting new products that allow you to step outside into summer with style! The new paper plate and napkin collections bring fun, color, and sophistication to the table and are ideal for poolside parties, picnics, and outdoor entertaining. Both collections consist of dinner and dessert plates, as well as dinner and beverage napkins. The bright & bold colors in the Brad Collection are fun for summer, while the the Leah Collection is a bit more sophisticated. Have a look at all the great products Working Class Studio has to offer ranging from melamine dishware to outdoor pillows.

Serendipity Crafts

I have come across many wonderful products while searching for items for mine & Joe's upcoming wedding. Serendipity Crafts creates personalized guest book signature platters, occasion plates & more. The personalized plates are a unique way to add a special touch to any occasion. I especially like the custom, hand-painted portraits. Serendipity Crafts also creates personalized gifts, such as pin & earring sets. And don't miss the adorable LizzyBits. These personalized little people will make a charming decoration for a child's room or a novel gift for any bride and groom.

Primrose Design

Primrose Design is currently having a blowout sale on their fabulous pillows made using vintage fabrics. Hungry as a Bear is a wonderful design & the Red Poppy is beautiful. This shop also has a terrific variety of lavender sachets made from vintage hankies, embellished tea towels, and genuine vintage aprons. All of these items would make great gifts for a variety of occasions. Be sure to check out Primrose Design's nice selection of vintage embroidery patterns, too.

Anatomy of a Skirt

It is apparent when looking at Erin Wilk's creations that she is very creative & has a great sense of humor. Anatomy of a Skirt showcases the fabulous robot pouches she creates. And how about the terrific whale pouch? I love it! And of course the gnome pouch is another one of my absolute favorites. Erin's latest project, Robot a Day, features a new robot Monday through Friday. Trying to take her work a step further, Erin came up with this concept that she describes as "a bit art project, a bit geeky, and hopefully a bit silly too!" Check the site daily for wonderful new creations.

Not Without My Handbag

Not Without My Handbag recycles vinyl album covers, keyboard pieces & more to create fashionable & unique accessories. The bags utilize interesting album cover artwork from albums that were either damaged, discarded, or of limited value. The keyboard jewelry & keychains are made using the key of your choice on decorative wire with glass beads on a ball chain. Also available are the cool album label coasters and recycled wallets.

Beads in the Belfry

Beads in the Belfry is a great source for unique jewelry & accessories. Nina Jackson's original designs are perfect for those who've gone quite batty for baubles. I love the iridescent teal pearls used in the Pearly Blue Teardrops pair of earrings. The sterling silver designs, such as the In Bloom flower ring & the Kalimba necklace, are all terrific designs as well. Have a look at all the beautiful pieces Nina has created & note that custom orders are welcome.

Dawn Alice Designs

Dawn Alice Rogers creates one-of-a-kind figures that are made with loving attention to detail. She refers to her pieces as "art with a soul" which is understandable when looking at the faces of each of her creations. Renwick is a nature-inspired character that is sure to bring love and life to any room he is sitting in. Penelope is a beautiful sculpture that wears a gorgeous deep purple jumper with green velvet accents. Dawn Alice has another Etsy shop that showcases her wooden tiny dolls, as well as children's apparel.

Independence Day

Happy Independence Day America!!!

Gene Straus Designs Weaving Studio

Gene Straus Designs Weaving Studio is located in nearby Euless, Texas. Specializing in handwoven rugs, Kelly Stewart & Kenny Nix create one-of-a-kind unique pieces. All of their rugs are woven with recycled materials, such as discarded wool selvages, blue jeans, clothing, fabrics, and leather. The patterns & colors are all beautiful & aesthetically pleasing. Kelly is a originally from New Mexico, so many of the designs have a Southwest flavor that is perfect for many homes & businesses. It is great to see such talented designers keeping the ancient craft of weaving alive.

Cuore

Mika opened her Etsy shop Cuore, meaning 'heart' in Italian, after many exciting career opportunities. After receiving a degree in design from the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles, Mika was a Women's Accessories designer at Paul Frank Industries for years. Last year she was also a finalist in Fred Flare's Next Big Thing contest. Even without knowing about Mika's interesting & exciting background, it is apparent upon first glance of her products that she is a very talented & creative designer. I love the sweet Skunk with cupcake pillow, as well as the Lovebirds pillow. Mika also creates the most adorable Boston Terrier miniatures that make the perfect adornment on any accessory. Of course, anyone who designs cute hedgehogs & sweet acorns is a star in my book!

The Grateful Thread

The Grateful Thread is an awesome small business located in London, England. Jami & her fiancè Nicolas are the creative masterminds behind this funky & unique shop. I love the handmade plush guitars they create, as well as the vinyl-inspired LP couch cushions. Their Etsy shop showcases the rockin' wall clocks built using genuine playable 12" LPs. But my absolute favorite items are The Monsters of Rock. Honestly, what rockstar wannabe wouldn't want a cool plush band of their own!?

Ron and Joe

Recently I had the opportunity to try out Ron and Joe's order process for creating a custom Many Parts O' Me tee. I decided to create the tee for Joe as a surprise & had fun choosing nine graphics that describe his unique personality. I was a bit apprehensive at first seeing that Ron and Joe have over 400 Art Part images to choose from. But their system is actually very easy to navigate. Within minutes I had the graphics picked out & my order sent on its way. The turnaround time was very fast & Joe loved his new tee! Ron and Joe also sell their Parts images, as well as letter parts. The company is currently having a June July Jubilee where you can save 10-35% off everything on their site.

June Giveaway Winners

Congratulations to the following winners of the June Goods for Pets & Pet Lovers giveaway. Thank you to all the readers who commented. And a HUGE thanks to all the talented & generous designers that donated items.

Hawkeyegirl, Doreen, dolls123, crystal, Joe the Pro, sbonetsue, Helen, and two Funky News subscribers!

Craft Artists Life

Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club fame recently joined Craft Gossip as the new Craft Artists Life Editor. I was thrilled when Jennifer emailed me saying she would like to interview me! Read the full interview here.