BS Art Studio

BS Art Studio is a fantastic source for unique artwork that will enhance anyone's home dècor. Building Blocks 5 consists of three large encaustic paintings. The paintings made using oil paint and wax create an unequaled appearance. The Art Mixer is an art panel that is designed to become a part of a set. This allows you to start collecting smaller pieces to create the perfect set. Artists Beth and Shelby are also happy to take requests for specific color combinations. Don't miss the sale section for your chance to purchase original pieces at incredibly reasonable price. And this is the last call for you to enter the September Giveaway ending at Midnight CST! You could win a $50 Gift Certificate from BS Art Studio.

Jessica Doyle

Jessica Doyle has long enjoyed working in the arts and design industries. And it's no wonder as her artwork is fantastic! I don't know much about Sea Urchins, but the Sassy Sea Urchin Jessica has created is one of my favorites. Her drawings seem to take an ordinary thing, such as a little fish, to an extraordinary level. The Nameless Ones series in red & blue are vibrant & radiant works. Hurry! Enter the September Artwork & Photography giveaway by Midnight CST for a chance to win an 8x8 print titled Amelia (Avocado Edition).

The Happygirl Shop

The Happygirl Shop is home to Miz Kelly's fabulous artwork created at Camp Indigo Soul. Obviously, since this is Funky Finds, I love the print titled Funk. Chaos is another beautiful, colorful piece that I am drawn to. And what could be better than an eye-catching piece that reminds you each time you see it to be Happy? Check out the Camp Indigo Soul website for more fun information about Kelly & her work. And don't forget to enter the September Artwork & Photography giveaway by Midnight CST for your chance to win two prints of your choice from The Happygirl Shop.

Shawna Handke

Shawna Handke has been an artist for as long as she can remember. Her earliest memories as a child include spending time creating artwork and reflecting on the people who surround her. The scribbles sketches she has created are original drawings that tell stories of stereotypical women, those who dig through dumpsters & more. Some of my favorite works of Shawna's include the painting Flowers for a Child and Mysterious Family. Currently all of Shawna's original art, as well as her shirts, are on SALE. Prices have been reduced by at least 25% because this artist is preparing to move. Enter the September giveaway for your chance to win a print and an original drawing by Shawna Handke.

Miss Sugar Pops

Rachel Hart creates unique items that have lots of spunk & pizazz. Inspired by her daughter, Rachel strives to make the best, the trendiest, and the cutest things for your little Sugar Pops to wear. Miss Sugar Pops showcases apparel & accessories, as well as distinctive art dolls. Lushy Plushies are modern day rag dolls that are made from scratch using a pattern hand drawn by Rachel Hart. Each funky doll is numbered & signed and are great for play or display. I love Ellie's colorful tutu dress. And Zelda Boo is the perfect gift for a young girl this Halloween. Be sure to enter the September Giveaway for your chance to win your choice of a Lushy Plushy from Miss Sugar Pops.

Unravelling

Susannah Conway is a writer and photographer based in the UK. Her shop Unravelling is full of beautiful images that capture the essence of happy days. Something as simple as hair blowing in the wind and raindrops on glass invoke a strong emotional response. The photograph titled Dipping allows the viewer to feel whisked away if only for a moment to a warm, sandy beach. Some of Susannah's photographs are also available in postcard form. Enter the September Giveaway for your chance to win an 8x10 or 8x8 print of your choice ($35 value).

Zukzuk

Helen Acraman is the creative force known as Zukzuk. I love her fantastical, bright & cheerful works of art. Martin's Chair Collection features Martin the rooster's beloved collection of chairs. This unique piece is one of a Limited Edition of fifty. I especially love the images of Magical Jewel Bears that are saturated with color. And who can honestly say that aren't drawn to the Zukzuk Banana Car?! This unique work brings a huge smile to my face. Check out Helen's blog for regular giveaways & more. And don't forget to enter the September Artwork & Photography Giveaway here on Funky Finds for your chance to win your choice of TWO prints from Zukzuk!

Jessica Pisano Fine Art

Jessica Pisano grew up on the Island of Martha's Vinyard surrounded by beautiful landscapes. It is evident when looking at her work that nature made a great impression on Jessica. Her mixed media pieces include artwork mounted on antique tin panels, wood frames & wood panels. They are also matted or framed behind museum quality glass. Her images of various flowers are beautiful, as are the butterflies. The floral notecards are also a favorite of mine. Jessica's work has appeared in many galleries & exhibits, as well as selected public & private collections. Learn more about Jessica Pisano's work via her blog.

GIVEAWAY: There's still time to enter the September Artwork & Photography Giveaway! Enter for your chance to win a fine art print by Jessica Pisano.

Pretty Little Thieves

Pretty Little Thieves showcases Nancy Mungcal's matchless artwork. The drawings that have been collaged with found items are my favorite. Hi and Low incorporates felt, origami and found paper. We Are All In This Together is a colorful favorite of mine and My Squirrel Friends is fantastic. See more of Nancy's work & keep up with the latest news via the Pretty Little Thieves website. And be sure to enter the September Artwork & Photography giveaway for your chance to win a set that includes hand-printed artwork, a set of buttons, & an original ACEO from Pretty Little Thieves.

Scribble It

Scribble It creates decorative decals using high-quality vinyl that is pre-spaced & comes with a removable backing for easy installation. I love the holiday collection that includes easy to use Jack-O-Lantern face decals taking out all the mess & frustration of decorating pumpkins. The customizable last name wreaths are also terrific items for the holiday season. This great company also offers original scribbles, a collection of pre-designed phrases, quotes & sayings making it easy to decorate your space. Perhaps my favorite decals are the vintage wall art pieces, especially the vintage dress forms. The vintage chandelier is also very cool & is available in a variety of colors. Enter the September giveaway for your chance to win a vintage chandelier decal from Scribble It!

Ma! Motherhood With Attitude

Most mothers will tell you that they love their job of being a mom, but that it isn't all glitz & glamour. Ma! Motherhood With Attitude depicts motherhood as the chaotic, crazy adventure that it truly is. Janalee Chmel and Tiffany Hauber set out to create fun products Moms can relate to. Their shop is the ideal place to find distinctive greeting cards perfect for moms of all walks of life. My favorite card is the Top 5 List which indicates the top five (humorous) ways you know you are talking to a Mom. However, the notepads may be the wittiest products. I'm sure every Mom who has made a trip to the grocery store with precious toddlers in tow can relate to the statement, "Starvation vs. Grocery Shopping With Children - A Tough Call!" The newest offering from this creative duo are the build your own card sets. And why not brighten a friend's day with a free ecard? Enter the September Giveaway for your chance to win a pack of cards and two notepads from Ma! Motherhood With Attitude.

Barbra Ziemer Photography

Photographer Barbra Ziemer captures images that represent nature as a pure art form. Memory is a distinctive image that is printed on archival matte paper with archival inks. Can't you just feel the chilly winter air when looking at Oak in Winter? Barbra now offers fine art pendants featuring tiny archival images set under glass. Butterfly No. 4 is a particularly appealing piece. Learn more about Barbra and her work by reading her blog. And don't forget to enter the September Giveaway for your chance to win a photo of your choice from Barbra's shop.

Lolaness Design

Phebe Durand is the talented graphic artist behind Lolaness Design who specializes in web design. Through her website, you can purchase an Ecommerce site design featuring fashionable character art, as well as a shopping cart design that will be sold only once. This ensures that you will have a unique site that comes with 30 days of service from Phebe herself. While browsing her gallery you will see that this artist has a lovely feminine style. She has also created crochet patterns for items such as a button-down sweater, ruffle-butt diaper cover, and convertible booties. Enter the September Giveaway for your chance to win a notecard & envelope set from Lolaness Design.

Hilary Hitchcock Photography

Hilary Hitchcock is a talented photographer who has a way of photographing places & making you feel like you are there. Her images that were shot in Missouri are vibrant and detailed. Having grown up in a rural area, I especially relate to the photos Hilary took in Kansas. She has a terrific eye for making the ordinary look extraordinary. I would love to see the process in which Hilary creates Polaroid transfers & emulsion lifts. These images are hauntingly beautiful. Enter the September Artwork & Photography giveaway for your chance to win matted photographs from Hilary Hitchcock Photography.

Poof!

New York based artist Anne Kristoff is a self-taught photographer, writer and mixed media collage artist. Her Etsy shop, Poof!, showcases Anne's wide array of subject matter ranging from discarded toys to beautiful flowers. It amazes me that I can be so drawn to photographs of such ordinary objects like typewriter keys and dandelions. See more of Anne's work on Flickr. And don't forget to enter the September giveaway for your chance to win your choice of any $25 print from Anne's shop.

D. S. Brennan Photography

Diana Stith Brennan's philosophy is that the true essence of a scene can often be captured best by photographing the details. D. S. Brennan Photography showcases her work that includes black & white & color photos, as well as beautiful viewfinder images. Crane Flies is a photo that captures the details of the insects' elegant, long legs and delicate wings. I love the unique photo of the Preserved Wetlands Plants, as well as the Young Giraffe. Enter the September artwork & photography giveaway for your chance to win a print of your choice, valued at $30, from D. S. Brennan Photography.

J.AUSTIN Ryan

J.AUSTIN Ryan is fantastic source for unique home dècor for anyone & everyone. Little boys are sure to love the skateboarding monkeys seen in several paintings, including City Lights. Rocket Dog is a terrific hand-painted piece featuring the coolest dog in the universe. I love all the wonderful works of art in the girls section, especially Love. Take a look at all the great pieces J.AUSTIN Ryan has to offer and be sure to enter the September artwork & photography giveaway for your chance to win a 12”x12” canvas painting (U.S. residents only) from J.AUSTIN Ryan.

TP Designs

I have had the pleasure of meeting Tamara Peterson of TP Design several times. She is as outgoing & personable as she is talented. Tamara's work includes terrific art & photography, as well as artwork you can wear. I love the Blue Cross painting that utilizes an unused cabinet door. Tamara will be displaying her work at many festivals this fall, so don't miss her posted schedule. And be sure to enter the September artwork & photography giveaway for your chance to win two photograph prints from TP Design!

Receive a 15% discount by entering the coupon code FUNKYFINDS in the "note to seller" box and Tamara will send you a revised invoice. Expires October 31.

thirteenthstory

thirteenthstory features Boston-based artist Jaye Frisina's work, art that is created on high quality Bristol board in ink, with the occasional color accents painted with acrylics. Her background includes working as a tattoo artist and most recently launching a new ninja cartoon, FIN, which brings together her art style and love of story telling. The diversity of this artist can be seen in the form of note cards, as well as thirteenthstory zines. Enter the September artwork & photography giveaway for your chance to win a print from thirteenthstory.

September Artwork & Photography Giveaway

Today kicks off the September Artwork & Photography giveaway! This month we have lots of fantastic pieces to give away.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit each of the businesses listed on the September 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 artist or photographer 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 October 1 using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds, as well as Funky Town.

The September giveaway begins today, September 22, and ends at midnight CST Sunday, September 30.

Jennifer Perkins' Jewelry Design Class @ Make

Today I had the pleasure of attending a jewelry design class taught by Jennifer Perkins of The Naughty Secretary Club at Make Shop & Studio. Make is located in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas, Texas, a funky cool historic area full of great shops. I am one of those people who has always sworn up & down that I would NOT get into jewelry making. It's too meticulous, too time consuming, just not for me - the list of excuses was a mile long. But after attending Jennifer's class, I am ready to being my great jewelry making adventure!

Jennifer is a laid back kind of gal that you feel like you've known forever even if you've only just made her acquaintance. She has a fun way of explaining her techniques while sprinkling her directions with her own terminology, my favorite being 'doodle,' as in "squeeze this little doodle..." She brought a large stash of beads, pendants & other jewelry making supplies for us to choose from. Each of picked out the items we wanted to use in making a necklace & a pair of earrings and we were given a handy bead design board to lay our piece out on. We then proceeded to follow Jennifer's instructions & began stringing our necklaces. Once we finished that assignment, we moved on to making a pair of earrings which I especially enjoyed.

My biggest challenge when starting a new hobby is knowing which supplies to purchase & how to use them. Jennifer's book, The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry has a terrific section explaining the various supplies & tools and tips on how to use them. I purchased the book today, so I haven't had much time to peruse it. However, at first glance I can tell you that the pictures & step-by-step instructions look to be well-written, detailed & easy to understand. The book is very well printed & is full of great eye candy. I would highly recommend taking a class at Make, a terrific shop & studio owned by Julie McCollough Kim. There is a wide variety of classes that are offered ranging from screen printing to sewing. And the atmosphere is so fun & relaxed. The only disappointing part about today's event was that it had to end. I was ready to keep designing & crafting!

Winner - The Naughty Secretary Club

A big thank you to Jennifer Perkins for donating a signed copy of her new book, The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry. The winner is....Claudia's Burning Ink! Thank you to all who entered. Check back Monday when our September giveaway kicks off. Preview all the wonderful artists who have donated items this month.

TamTam Design

TamTam Design is a fantastic source for stylish greeting cards, gift tags, note sets, and boxed greetings. This new social-expression company manufactures stylish high-quality greeting cards and stationery products that utilize environmentally friendly materials and processes. Designed by paper artist, young entrepreneur, and greeting card aficionado Tami Rasmussen, TamTam Design, introduces modern design-driven products to style-conscious consumers. I love the cherry blossom friend card that comes complete with ribbon, eyelets & glitter accents. Another favorite of mine is the puppy-adorned It's Party Time card. TamTam Design also has a nice selection of holiday cards, as well.

Little Duckling

Little Duckling offers a beautifully made and unique online collection of clothing for children aged 3 months to 2 years. Colorful and fun, the small collection is designed to give a new and individual approach to children's wear. As a mother and a designer with many years of experience in the trade, Rosa Wiland found that when it comes to baby and children’s wear it is extremely difficult to find unique clothes for your unique baby. The first collection, aimed at little girls, presents a rainbow of items including T-shirts, dresses, hats & more. Bold floral prints meet love hearts and stripes for a playful explosion of color. I absolutely love the hand-embroidered Frida cardigan with red denim jeans. Don't miss the sale section either. Receive a 20% DISCOUNT with coupon code NEWS (enter at checkout).

Martha Stewart - Blog Contest

Martha Stewart is currently having a blogging contest on her own blog. The winners will be mentioned on Martha's blog, a site that chronicles the craft guru's latest projects, events & more. (picture from Martha Stewart's blog) Check out the Martha Stewart website for tons of recipes, craft projects, and much more.

Wedding Finds

It seems unbelievable that Joe’s wedding & mine was well over a month ago. We were in full-on planning mode for so long, then, all of a sudden, it was over! I really wanted to incorporate a few funky finds into our wedding. Of course, it began as a small affair in Las Vegas, but ended up being a traditional ceremony in our church. But it worked out for the best & we had a ball.

About a month before our wedding, we met up with Kim for a photo shoot. We were thrilled that she was enthusiastic about incorporating our dogs, Abby & Bradley, into the photos. She took photos at several local parks & we were very pleased with the outcome. We framed many of the photos for display at our wedding reception to use as décor.

Jessie Olsen of Cakespy is a talented artist with a fabulous sense of humor. Her work depicts cupcakes doing every day activities, as well as other scenarios. One of my favorite pieces is the Sex & the City cupcakes! Jessie created a custom portrait of Joe and me with our laptop computers (Funky Finds can be seen on mine), our “pupcakes,” and enjoying the outdoors. We proudly displayed the framed illustration at our wedding reception & now in our home.

One of the first images I found online prior to the wedding was one of a wedding bouquet adorned with a ribbon & vintage brooch. I knew that Priscilla at Sweet Remembrance would surely have something perfect to use on my bouquet. And I was right! She sent me a beautiful rhinestone brooch & a large rhinestone button to use.

Originally I had planned on wearing a non-traditional dress that I purchased online from Delia’s. The pink & silver was the basis for our wedding décor and I really wanted to dress it up with custom designed jewelry. Randi-Sue Deckard, the jewelry mastermind behind Designing Diva, designed a gorgeous set of earrings & a necklace that matched my dress to a T. Although I ended up wearing a more traditional gown for our ceremony, I wore the pink & silver dress with Randi-Sue’s jewelry while traveling to Las Vegas for our honeymoon. I got many compliments on my ensemble & accessories!

I designed our invitations based on the silver & pink floral pattern in the dress from Delia’s. I actually had them printed at Office Depot & was pleased with the quality and affordability. I found Paperworks online and ordered white envelopes with a beautiful silver lining that were very affordable. I goofed when placing our order & chose a gold lining by mistake. I contacted customer service via email & received a quick response with a correction to our order. I was relieved!

I have always loved Chinese paper lanterns, as well as cherry blossoms. I really wanted to use paper lanterns to decorate our reception hall. I purchased solid pink and silver lanterns, as well as cherry blossom printed lanterns, from Asian Ideas that fit perfectly with our casual pink & silver theme. I also purchased Chinese takeout boxes from Uline, a great wholesale resource for packaging items, and used these for our favors. We filled the boxes with coffee bean sachets that smelled wonderful, as well as special fortune cookies purchased from Terry’s Village. We also purchased an autograph plate from Terry’s Village as an alternative to a guest book.

I thoroughly enjoyed finding all the small bits that made our special day even more memorable. If you’re looking to add a bit of originality to your wedding or another special occasion, purchasing handmade goods is a great way to do so.

Moto Rose Designs

Moto Rose Designs is a unique line of infant and toddler motorcycle wear. The original designs for motocross' smallest fans have been created by fans of the sport itself. Rose Bowen is the talented mom who creates the graphics and oversees production on this line with her husband. There's great items available for kids of all ages, as well as women. I love the tees made with Swarovski crystals that are also available in custom designs with the number of your choice. The onesies & bottles are also terrific items that show a great sense of humor, as well as spirit for the sport. Showcase your appreciation for motor sports in a stylish & fun way with products from Moto Rose Designs!

Magpie Mary

One definition of a magpie is a person who collects or hoards things. I try my best to avoid being a magpie, but when looking at my craft room some may say I'm just that. I guess most people have some "magpie tendencies." Those who do can relate to the wonderful Magpie Mary shop that is full of miscellaneous treasures ranging from rubber stamps to vintage game numbers. All the lovely items in the vintage jar of tiny things especially piqué my interest. And being the paper hoarder that I am I am extremely tempted to purchase the 60s magazine ads! Have a look at all the interesting & diverse items Magpie Mary has to offer. And receive 15% off (less shipping) until September 30 with discount code FUNKY9. Enter code in the "message to seller" section, check out as usual, and a reimbursement will be made through PayPal.

ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent

I hadn't given it much thought before, but it truly is hard to find masculine note cards. Joe has to use my flowery, girly stationery if he needs to write a note to someone. That's pretty lame! Apparently Kara Magrin felt the same way. Tired of parting with her boutique stationery, she enlisted her husband to help her design a line of manly cards. ManCards for the Thoughtful Gent offers a masculine-casual collection of folded note cards and envelopes that are perfect for sending to family, friends, colleagues and potential business clients. The cards are recreated from original artwork by Kara's husband Michael. I love that the cards come in a utilitarian style metal case. And these cards aren't just for men to use. They are perfect for women to send to men, as well.

LTDchix

Nina Frye and Cindi Schmitzer have seven kids under the age of 12 between them. In 2006, they traded in their everyday jobs to pursue the challenges of raising children. After having children these women realized that sometimes motherhood isn't exactly what they "dreamed" it would be! Their line of tees for moms, Living the Dream, depict a somewhat frazzled mom who manages to keep a smile on her face during all the different tasks of a mom's daily life - whether she is a stay-at-home mom or balancing the responsibilities of office and home. Their alternative, fun clothing line is custom designed exclusively for modern moms with a sense of humor. The 100% cotton shirts feature a variety of tongue-in-cheek illustrations depicting the daily trials of today's Mom. Living the Dream targets women contending with the fact that motherhood isn't exactly what they expected it to be. These shirts show Mom in a variety of typical situations -- buried in laundry, managing the chaos of grocery shopping with multiple kids, accepting the futility of housecleaning and cruising in her mini-van with all the offspring in tow. "These shirts are a fun way for us to laugh at ourselves and at the wacky situations we find ourselves in on a daily basis," Schmitzer says. Frye adds, "The Mom on our shirts is overwhelmed like so many of us can be. But she's happy, and she keeps the family going. She really is 'Living the Dream' - just not exactly the dream she expected." LTDChix is dedicated to continually adding unique designs, like the great Halloween tee. Receive a 15% discount by entering 14blog in the coupon code section at checkout (expires September 30).

Naughty Secretary Club - Giveaway

I am already looking forward to next weekend! Saturday, September 20, Jennifer Perkins of Naughty Secretary Club will be guest instructor at Make Shop & Studio in Dallas, Texas. Jennifer’s philosophy is if it can be drilled, painted, glued, or bent, make it into a piece of jewelry. Students will learn her special tips & tricks in a fun jewelry design class. Following the class, Jennifer will be having a book signing for her new book The Naughty Secretary Club: The Working Girl's Guide to Handmade Jewelry. I hope to see you there!

GIVEAWAY (ETA: Contest is now closed): To celebrate this event, Jennifer has donated a signed copy of her book for one lucky Funky Finds reader! To enter, leave a comment on this post about your favorite jewelry design on the Naughty Secretary Club website. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Friday, September 19.

Polkadot Papoose Baby Sling Winner

The winner of a baby sling from Polkadot Papoose is....Rosie and Derek! Congratulations!

EFA Artists Helping Animals Birthday Bash

EFA Artists Helping Animals is a team of more than 500 animal lovers with individual shops on Etsy. The EFA Team Store is a cooperative and all volunteer shop that donates all profits to the EFA Animal Charity of the Month, an animal charity of choice nominated by an EFA member. Since the opening of the EFA Team Store in September 2007, the store has provided over $4,200 of charitable relief to animal organizations! To celebrate this amazing accomplishment along with their 1st Birthday, EFA members are offering a 20% off coupon valid from September 15 to 30. This coupon is redeemable at the EFA Team Store as well as over 150 EFA member stores. Each shop has its own unique coupon code; however, any coupon code can be used in any EFA member’s shop. In fact, there is a contest for the members who bring in the most sales for their code. For example, the code for Moon’s Harvest is “MOON.” For more information and a list of participating stores, see the EFA Artists Helping Animals website.

September profits of the EFA Team Store profits will be going to the Highland County Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that serves a very large rural area in Ohio. EFA member, Tammy, who volunteers at the shelter, nominated the organization. Tammy says, “This shelter cares for all the stray, sick, injured, and ‘throw-away’ animals in my area. Although more people have been dropping off animals, fewer people have been donating. They do not like to turn any away, but without help they may have to. They are not just in need, they are in desperate need!” Members of EFA can contribute items from their individual shops for sale in the EFA Team Store, with 100 percent of the profits going to the Charity of the Month. In addition, many members of EFA donate 10 to 100 percent of their sales or profits to either the EFA Charity of the Month or other animal charities. As of June 2008, EFA members had donated almost $10,000 to various animal charities in the United States. This is a great opportunity to get a jump-start on holiday shopping while contributing to a very important charitable organization.

JustaGirl Creations

Lin is a full-time mom, a part-time substitute teacher, and a talented jewelry & accessories designer. JustaGirl Creations showcases her stunning pieces such as the hand-woven beaded bracelets. The Vamped copper & beaded bracelet is a particularly terrific design. Lin also creates attractive cell phone charms that make great gifts. Have a look at all the fantastic items JustaGirl Creations offers.

Saari Design

Regina Saari is the hard-working & talented mom behind Saari Design. In business since 2001, Saari Design offers unique, high-quality handmade gifts that are reasonably priced with each item being made to order. Many of Regina's designs are perfect for babies, such as the booties and bibs. I love the rockin' red vinyl glitter bib! There's also great items perfect for your beloved pet like the faux fur beds. And while you're at it, why not treat yourself to a stylish faux fur apron? I'm also digging the Christmas stockings available in a variety of cool patterns. Custom orders, special sizes and wholesale inquiries are always welcome at Saari Design. Receive a 15% discount with coupon code funkyfinds. Expires November 15.

Wishful Thinking

Wishful Thinking is a great shop full of unique vintage finds. Owner Melinda loves spending hours browsing antique stores & bringing home something from the past. I share her love for antique shopping, as many of you do. It's fun trying to imagine who bought something as extraordinary as a cast iron jackass. The tall milkglass vase is a timeless piece that will look beautiful in any space. I have always been a fan of the classic Winnie the Pooh & would love to add the book by A.A. Milne to my collection. Wishful Thinking is a great source for distinctive vintage & antique items. Check back often for new additions in the shop.

Temporary:Secretary

Temporary:Secretary is a bright, cheerful and fun shop that is full of amazing products from all over the world. The new collection of garments includes cute designs like the poppy skirt. Temporary:Secretary's eye-catching imagery & silly product descriptions are sure to put a smile on anyone's face. I love the great accessories, such as the Sailorette Rosette Bow Brooch & the Love Letter Necklace. The best part is that the majority of the modern & unique products are under £20 and are available for worldwide shipping! Have a look at all the interesting items Temporary:Secretary has to offer.

Knot Heads

Knot Heads are bendable wires covered in soft fabric that are easy to use and allow you to create a variety of unique hair styles. These innovative accessories are long-lasting, washable & work especially well for those with thin or brittle hair. Knot Heads come in a 4" short style and a 25" long style, as well as various colors & patterns, allowing for endless possibilities. There's even a color of the month selection that comes with a 12-page style guide. The Perfectly Paisley Knot Head is my favorite! The greatest part about Knot Heads is that they won't rip your hair like rubber bands or jab you in the head the way bobby pins often do. Also, these cool items make terrific gifts & fit within any budget. Check out all the possibilities these bendable hair accessories allow for.

Swirlyarts

Lynsey is the owner of Swirlyarts, as well as the editor of Cuteable, one of my daily reads. She recently began creating a range of chicken shaped doorstops, most of which are made out of repurposed fabrics. The doorstops come to you flat with a handy zipper so that they can be filled with rice, sand or beans. The bright felt details and button eyes are fun touches to these unique designs. Gertrude is an eye-catching & fun creation, as is the striped cheeky chicken. Lynsey also welcomes custom & wholesale orders.

Wendy Rae Leaumont

Wendy Rae Leaumont is a talented artist & designer located in Louisiana. Wendy's portfolio includes a variety of work, including web design and altered art. This section of her work is what initially caught my eye. Her Halloween altered art is absolutely fantastic! Wendy has also created many lovely Artist Trading Cards, as well as illustrations & murals.

Polkadot Pappoose - GIVEAWAY!

Polkadot Papoose creates versatile & comfortable hand-crafted baby slings that are sure to make moms' lives easier. Available in a wide variety of designer fabrics, the slings will certainly appeal to mothers with various styles. Studies have shown that babies carried in slings cry less, show enhanced visual and auditory alertness, and are socialized more quickly and more effectively. The reversible Sylvia sling is a gorgeous accessory that will compliment your wardrobe while making a difference in your child's life. I also love the darker colors used in the Sayuri sling.

GIVEAWAY: Polkadot Papoose would like to give one lucky Funky Finds winner a sling of their choice! Visit their site & leave a comment on this post telling which sling is your favorite. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST on Friday, September 12. Also, Funky Finds readers will receive 20% off with promo code Funky.

*ETA: Giveaway closed. Congrats to Rosie on winning!

A Little Character

A Little Character is a fun place to find unique bits of *funk-tastic-ness* created by Tracey. All items are handmade & original works of art. You'll find everything from zombie magnets to superhero pickle ornaments. If that isn't unique, I don't know what is! Inkspot the Kitty is a fun piece and the jack 'o lanterns are perfect for autumn.

Greighday Vintage

Amber of Greighday Vintage is a master at rescuing, recycling & re-purposing vintage items. She gives such items new life by turning them into unique accessories, such as fabric cuffs. I especially love the jewelry pieces that include various vintage items. The Bella Bracelet & the Paris Is My Home necklace are both terrific designs. And the Claudette Countess of Time necklace is fabulous. Have a look at all of Amber's great designs.

The Stork Store

The Stork Store is a fantastic shop specializing in baby items & gifts. The personalized nostalgic wood room signs feature vintage illustrations & can be personalized with your child's name and favorite saying. Wall letters are another great way to decorate a child's space. If you are looking for a unique gift for a child, have a look at the personalized step stools & chairs. I love the hanging wall plaques, as well.

Monica Burnett

Monica Burnett learned to crochet at the young age of four. Over time she honed her craft & began making funky cool hats & other accessories. I love the Be Mine beanie featuring a beautiful heart outlined in lace. The open knit hats are lovely, especially the ones embellished with buttons. Monica also has a collection of smaller hats perfect for the wee ones. She also designs & creates unique headbands, mittens and scarves.