Funky News

Don't forget to sign up for the Funky News! This monthly newsletter will be published once a month and issue #1 debuts this Friday, April 11. Sign up now for your chance to win a Funky Finds tee!

First Friday Art Trail Recap

Friday Joe & I traveled out west to Lubbock, Texas, to attend the First Friday Art Trail. This monthly event showcases works of art created locally in unique galleries, studios, and other venues in Lubbock. Attendees can follow their own trail or ride a trolley which makes continuous runs between downtown stops. This free event is open to the public, with many venues providing Hors d'oeuvre & drinks. We met several talented artists, jewelry designers & photographers along the trail.

We had the pleasure of meeting several vendors at Alderson Mercedes on Texas Avenue. Evan Sanford is a talented artist who has been painting for many years, but only recently began selling her work. Her impressionistic style is captivating. As Evan says, put a little art in your world. (Pink Gerbera painting pictured)

Sarah Timmons, the talented jewelry designer behind Pink Street, was set up across the way from Evan. Many of her pieces are created by incorporating vintage bits, as seen in the Key To My Heart necklace, which I love. Local boutique T.C. Elli's recently purchased the bulk of Sarah's fabulous pieces, so keep checking back for new items in her Etsy shop. (Bird on a Wire Earrings pictured)

I also enjoyed meeting photographer Liz Parke at this venue. Liz only recently began pursuing photography full time, but you can see that her collection is very diverse and strong. Many of her photos reflect the character of the West Texas area. I especially love Liz's animal photography.

We ventured on to the Tornado Gallery also located in the Depot District. I had the pleasure of meeting Lynnette Wilson, director of the Family Guidance & Outreach Center of Lubbock. This wonderful organization was selling artwork created by area children to prevent child abuse & neglect. In recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Center will be hosting the 10th Annual Blue Ribbon Rally: Car & Bike Show. We had the chance to purchase raffle tickets at the Tornado Gallery to win a 2008 Harley-Davidson Road King.

After leaving downtown, we stopped into Cactus Alley. We discovered several new shops featuring lots of unique goodies. This was also the location where the Lubbock Craft Mafia members were set up. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Emily Johnson of The Crafty Hooker who began crocheting at a very young age. Emily's spring & summer collection is full of versatile designs ranging from sleeveless tops to stylish shrugs that are beautifully made. (Emily pictured wearing Eclectic)

Although Jan Brownlow of Arty Dominoes was not in attendance, her terrific altered domino pendants were. You can email Jan for more information about her jewelry designs if you would like more information.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Hub City. It was a great opportunity to meet some really talented & friendly artists and designers. If you are ever remotely close to the West Texas region, I urge you to attend this monthly event.

YappyHappy

A personalized miniature driver's license for your pet may sound a bit strange, but this site is called Funky Finds after all! Deanne, founder of YappyHappy.com, began making these unique dog tags when she was unable to find a quiet, lightweight tag for her small Chihuahuas. The custom-designed tags not only look cool, they're more functional than ordinary dog tags. While most dog tags include only a name & phone number, these include everything found on a standard driver's license, including your pet's photo. If your beloved pet is ever lost, these tags help him or her have a greater chance of making it home safely. Encapsulated within a thick laminate, these tags will be impervious to almost any condition your doggy can throw at its way. These great designs are also available in keychain and magnet form - a perfect gift for pet lovers! My absolute favorite products is the PetMat. This fun & functional product is a larger version of the YappyHappy dog tags. These mats are water resistant, fade proof and over the top! Whether your dog is big or small, YappyHappy's products are the perfect way to identify your pet.

K is for Calligraphy

As a youngster I remember being obsessed with calligraphy for a lengthy period of time. Several Christmases and birthdays I asked for a new calligraphy set & couldn't wait to get to work practicing this fascinating form of art. Of course, I never came close to creating the beautiful writing style you will find at K is for Calligraphy. Katy, who is the K in K is for Calligraphy, never expected to be a self-employed professional calligrapher. But with enough encouragement (or nagging) from her mother Katy decided to take a class. You can see that she has a unique look about her work. I love the cards featuring lyrics written in calligraphy, such as Magic Woman. And the tags would be an impressive embellishment on any gift. Katy has also created larger-scale projects like the Just Married sign pictured here. See more samples of Katy's work on Flickr.

Modish Shoppe

Friday marked two important anniversaries for Modish. Two years for the blog and one year for the Modish shoppe which features handmade goods by various artists & designers. Modish is celebrating this occasion by offering free shipping in the shoppe through Thursday, April 10. Enter Happy1st in the promo code field at checkout and shipping will be waived.

Voz Clothing & Art

Jackie Sepulveda of Voz Clothing & Art paints like there's no tomorrow! She turns vintage & forgotten purses into works of art you can carry. The Hip Hop Showers clutch is a wonderful marriage of new wave and vintage style. I love the edginess of the skull & roses art featured on the vintage gold shopper bag. And the love grenade is just too cute & sarcastic for me to pass up! Jackie occasionally has other accessories available, such as the polka dot & anchor shoes. Check out all the cool pieces Jackie has flung paint on.

Shopping + Charitable Causes = Brilliance!

Michele Glick is a talented vegan artist & jewelry designer. Her paintings & drawings of animals express her love for nature & all living things. Michele's dedication to animal welfare & rights is evident in the fact that she started & runs the wonderful group Etsy for Animals. This group is comprised of artists & crafters interested in helping animals, many donating a portion of their sales to animal charities. Many of the members also donate products to the Etsy for Animals shop with 100% of the shop's proceeds going to charity. Michele is also a member of many other great Etsy groups including VeganEtsy, Cruelty Free Etsy, Etsy for Charity, and Etsy Veg. Supporting these wonderful artists is a great way to show support for many important causes.

Kryzia Kreations

Magical forests and the creatures that reside in them are only a few of the popular myths and legends that surround nature's beauty. These magical beings come to life in the new Wild Whimsy jewelry collection at Kryzia Kreations. Owner & designer Christina Paluszek has taken her love of nature & transformed it into wearable pieces of art by combining hand-carved sterling silver & semi-precious gemstones and pearls. This series of necklaces, bracelets and earrings includes finely etched trees and vines, inquisitive little fairies, a bird's nest comforting a tiny white egg, and even a charming spider resting in its web. Every detailed piece completely hand-fabricated by Christina. Her other collections are equally enchanting & can be found at various high-end art shows around the country, as well as in small boutiques.

ASPCA Volume 2

I've said it many times before & I'm sure it's apparent by looking at my site (especially my logo!), but I am an avid animal lover. Animal rights are very dear to my heart. I am always thrilled to direct your attention to organizations, designers & businesses who work to better the lives of animals world wide. Holly McCaig, Nancy Comelab, Emily Merritt, Michelle Coleman, Amy Hutchinson, Amy Wolff, and Shabby Miss Jenn are seven talented designers who worked together to create a fabulous digital scrapbooking kit. All the proceeds from the sale of this kit are being donated to the ASPCA. This kit is only $7.99 and will be on sale through April. There's also two great desktop calenders available for free download. Be sure to GO ORANGE on April 10th, as well.

Rose & Duke

Jessica Fields Dunlap learned how to crochet and embroider as a child during summer programs in the public school system in New York. Jessica began selling her handmade jewelry and painted t-shirts as a teenager on the streets of New York City's East Village. She now has her own business, Rose & Duke, named after her great aunt and uncle. I adore the trees & little deer onesie that is appliqued using Japanese fabric & vintage ric rac. Jessica's embroidered designs are all fabulous, as well. And I would love to have a tasty pink popsicle tee for myself! You can also purchase pieces customized with your child's initial or name. As you can see, Rose & Duke is a premier place to find unique & fabulous children's clothing & accessories. Many thanks to Jessica for donating a gift certificate for the children's goods giveaway!

Giveaway Winners, Funky News, & much more

The children's goods giveaway was a huge success yielding 4,555 page loads in seven days! Thank you to all the readers who entered the giveaway. And a huge thank you to all the fabulously funky businesses who donated products!! I ended up having sixteen winners due to the amount of products I received. Congratulations to the following readers: Kittenskorner, bketler, tokenabc, lace, Ania, kimi, Rachel, Katie, Erika, Autumn, twitchy fingers, Doreen, Andrea, lith Silvermane, Bunny B, Good & Crazy.

ETA: I have tried emailing tokenabc (Betty N) several times & it keeps being returned undeliverable. If you are reading this, please email me your mailing address. Thanks!

Be sure to visit the April giveaway page for a preview of items that have been donated so far. The theme this month is home decor. Feel free to link to the giveaway on your own blog or website using the code below.



Also, I will be debuting the Funky News in mid-April. This will be a once monthly newsletter you can sign up to receive via email. The newsletter will include information not found on Funky Finds, including discounts, craft show information, designer calls, and much more. Sign up now to be entered to win a Funky Finds tee! (seen modeled by Joe & me here) One winner will be chosen at random & announced in the April newsletter.

Thank you all for your support & loyal readership! Jessica

Kokoleo

KB VanHorn is the creative force behind Kokoleo, a unique shop featuring a variety of handmade goods. There's something for just about everyone at Kokoleo. The children's clothing section is full of wonderful designs. I love the sundresses that are made using vintage materials & the tee and skirt sets are adorable. KB also creates terrific personalized items ranging from tees & aprons to banners. Grownups will find plenty of items at Kokoleo, as well. The All Tied Up top, created using thirteen ties, is fabulous! Thank you to Kokoleo for donating several items to the children's goods giveaway. I will be announcing all the winners later today.

Tiny Sprouts

Tracey of Tiny Sprouts began stitching at a young age. Her business venture began with her quest to create a personalized, unique gift for a friend's baby. The collection of embroidered clothing she creates are special pieces designed to reflect each child's unique personality. The Welcome Home set is the perfect way for any loving parent to bring their child home from the hospital. You can also purchase onesies and coordinating outfits hand-stitched with your child's name or a special phrase. I especially love the girly tee & skort set, as well as the lounge sets with embroidered pants are adorable. Don't miss all the great accessories, too. Tiny Sprouts has generously donated a $35 gift certificate for the children's goods giveaway. Hurry & enter now as the contest ends at midnight CST!

Wild Dill

The products Wild Dill carries are either created using recycled materials or are organic, fair trade items made in the USA or Europe. Their product line ranges from children's clothing to unique toys. The organic Ants in the Pants tee is adorable, as are the reversible hoodies. And of course I absolutely love the gnome tee! Any little girl would look precious in the Random Nicole Organic Elephant tank top. Wild Dill also carries beautiful organic bedding for children. The lions are fantastic! One lucky reader will win a $35 gift certificate to use at Wild Dill in the children's goods giveaway. Be sure to enter soon...the contest ends tonight at midnight!

Hiccup Inc.

Hiccup Inc. creates children's decor that is modern & hip. The wooden pull toys are a new take on the old toys many may remember from their own childhood. You can also purchase wooden shapes to decorate your child's room or nursery. I love the wooden picture frames that are available in a variety of pattern & color combinations. And the wooden blocks are the perfect item to spice up any nursery. These decorative blocks are also available in piggy bank form. Check out the Hiccup blog for more information about their upcoming appearance on Martha Stewart's show. Also, be sure to enter the children's goods giveaway by midnight CST for your chance to win your own Schoolyard theme decorative baby block.

Marmalade Ink

Marmalade Ink creates artfully unique invitations & announcements. Alicia Johnson & Pascale Pace work together to design & produce products you are sure to adore. I received samples of all their designs & can tell you firsthand that these are quality products. My favorites include the Rock Out party invitation, as well as the beautiful Blossom announcement. Marmalade Ink also has available personalized thank you notes and note cards. This is a great way to teach your child the importance of thanking those who are generous to them. I especially love the personalized lined stationery pads. Each sheet includes your child's name along with one of your photos. What a great way to encourage your child to write & be creative! Enter the children's goods giveaway for your chance to win a lined stationery pad for your child.

Rudechix

Rudechix has to be one of my favorite finds of all time. Their sarcastic & somewhat rude designs force you to laugh regardless of how offensive (or non-offensive) you find them to be. Rudechix has something for everyone including women, men and children. I have seen some of the children's products in person & can attest to the high-quality materials & print job. These are definitely not your run-of-the-mill baby designs, but they are funky & entertaining. There's even cute designs for baby surfers! Enter the children's goods giveaway before midnight CST on March 31st for your chance to win several Rudebabies tees for your wee one.

See Kai Run

See Kai Run shoes are hand-crafted from soft quality leather with padded collars and a breathable leather lining. The flexible soles allow children who are beginning to walk lots of freedom to move while protecting their feet on all kinds of terrain. See Kai Run has just made buying the hip urban styles parents crave for their kids a little easier with the launch of its online retail site. The new site boasts all styles and sizes of shoes available from See Kai Run for the most complete selection out there. Consumers can find the freshest offerings, including 15 brand new shoes as part of the new Spring 2008 collection which debuted in February. Styles from previous collections are also available. Some additional featured highlights include gift certificates, gift wrap option, and free shipping on purchases of two pairs or more. To celebrate the site launch, See Kai Run is offering free shipping on all purchases through April 2008. Enter the children's goods giveaway now for your chance to win a pair of See Kai Run shoes for your little one!

2 Year Blogiversary!

I almost forgot...

Today is Funky Finds TWO YEAR blogiversary!

Thank you all for your support & loyalty. Cheers! Jessica

PakNak

PakNak is an awesome company that was started by two moms who create 3-D rubbery charms that are interchangeable and easy to attach to various surfaces. Naks are a fun way for kids to embellish their backpacks & other items without destroying them. There's a variety of designs to choose from that are kid appropriate & fun. The colorful flowers are perfect for little girls. I especially love the sweet snail. Boys & girls alike will enjoy the sports & animal focused charms. There's even a funky monkey named Martin! A gift certificate to Pak Nak would be a wonderful gift for any child, too. Funky Finds readers receive 10% offyour order when ordering through this link. Be sure to enter the children's goods giveaway by March 31st as two lucky winners will receive a set of five PakNaks each!

Preppy Mommy

My funky street team (aka Carey) discovered Preppy Mommy while watching the Today Show. Nicole “Coco” Quiroga is the founder and creative principal of this great company that creates beautiful yet practical accessories for baby & mommy. These hip & practical items are inspired by Coco’s own personal style and spirit. The binky clips are a handy & adorable way for your wee one to keep up with their pacifier. I myself do not have any children, but I imagine a bibkin would come in very handy in a pinch. For moms (and all women actually) Preppy Mommy creates punchy ribbon belts. These bright accessories are perfect for spring & summer. Also, the lanyards are an excellent way to keep your keys & identification at the ready. Win a lanyard in the children's goods giveaway that ends on March 31st.

My Plate-Mate

My Plate-Mate is a unique spill guard that promotes independence while minimizing messy spills at meal time. This uniquely designed product easily attaches to standard round plates for your convenience. I love that My Plate-Mate promotes advanced self-feeding with toddlers. It can also be used as an assisted eating aid for the elderly & those with special needs. Using My Plate-Mate at meal time will help your child successfully learn to use a utensil & increase their confidence & independence at mealtime. These products are dishwasher safe & made of FDA approved plastic. Be sure to enter promo code MESSFREE when ordering to receive a 10% discount. Enter for your chance to win a My Plate-Mate in the children's goods giveaway.

4 Little Fish

Olga St. Clair is the talented mother / children's designer behind 4 Little Fish. Her fun clothing designs are created using the finest shirts, fabrics and appliques. The mixed-pattern pirate tee is a whimsical design that is appropriate for any child. And the cow design is absolutely adorable! Stay tuned for Olga's spring & summer line that I have had the privilege of previewing...it is fabulously funky! Enter the children's goods giveaway for your chance to win your choice of two custom-designed shirts of your choice!

Knot Ending

Sara of Knot Ending has been crocheting custom items since 1998. The Paci Blankets she creates are a great way for children to keep up with their beloved pacifiers. Sara also designs crocheted dress up clothes that are WASHABLE! This is great alternative to dress up clothes that are scratchy, itchy & non-washable. The Flower Cup Hat is an adorable accessory. Enter the children's goods giveaway for your chance to win a paci blanket donated by Knot Ending.

March Children's Goods Giveaway

Today kicks off our March children’s goods giveaway! I received an overwhelming response from designers & have well over $1,000 worth of merchandise to give away. Fifteen lucky readers will receive three items each! Thank you to all the generous artists & designers who have donated their wares this month.

Giveaway Guidelines:

Visit the businesses listed on the March giveaway page that have donated prizes. Leave a comment on this post including a link to one of your favorite items. You may enter multiple times - up to 45 to be exact - 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.

This month’s contest begins Tuesday, March 25th & ends at midnight CST Monday, March 31st. Winners will be chosen on April 1st by using a random number generator & will then be notified by email & announced on Funky Finds.

Children's Goods Giveaway

Do you have children or know someone who does? Then spread the word about the huge children's goods giveaway that begins tomorrow, March 25h! You can preview all the fabulous businesses that have donated prizes on the March giveaway page. There will be multiple winners, so stay tuned all week for your chance to enter!

If you'd like to link to the giveaway on your website, here's the code:

Chicken Pox Designs

Never before have chicken pox seemed so appealing! Chicken Pox Designs is a great place to find bright, fun accessories. I love the crimson & chocolate brown Nympha pouch, as well as the Princess makeup bag. The retro looking Roxanne card case is also a lovely accessory. This crafter also has a supply shop, Mitten Crab Supplies.

BUST Magazine Spring Fling Craftacular

BUST Magazine is excited to announce the first ever Spring Fling Craftacular
set to take place on Sunday, April 27 at The Warsaw in Brooklyn! After three years of enormously successful Holiday Craftaculars, BUST is ready to spring into step with their first ever Springtime craft fair and '90s themed dance. They're bringing the party back to Brooklyn with over 50 vendors, DJs, dancing, & drinks.

The editors are handpicking the most unique and talented crafters they can find from across the country to sell their wares from 11am until 9pm at the Warsaw in
Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Not only will they have the best in DIY shopping in
town, but the Craftacular DJs will be spinning your favorite jams from the
'90s for a Spring Fling dance that is too cool for school!

If you would like to participate as a vendor, applications are now be accepted. There are no exceptions as to who can apply & all types of wares will be considered including hip handmades, accessories, housewares, vamped up vintage clothing, knitwear, silk-screened items, cosmetics, paper goods, handbags,
cards, and whatever else your crafty canny brings to the table.

My Treasure Box

My Treasure Box offers custom and pre-made scrapbook albums for personal use, gifts and favors. These handmade scrapbook albums can be custom made for life altering events such as a wedding, birth of a baby, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, retirement, appreciation, holidays and more. Also available are scrapbooking kits to help you create your own memorable books. Treasure your life's journey!

White Paw Craftworks

Christine Gregory of White Paw Craftworks has been busy making stuffed bunnies of different sizes since February. These adorable little buns have raised lots of funds that are being donated to the House Rabbit Society in support of their Make Mine Chocolate campaign. Sadly, many unwanted Easter rabbits will fill local rabbit rescues & humane societies once the novelty has worn off. The goal of this campaign is to break the cycle of acquisition & relinquishment by educating the public about the responsibilities involved in keeping a companion rabbit before a purchase is made. Christine's stuffed bunnies are a wonderful alternative & will make a great gift for any loved one. The Lucky Irish Bunny is my favorite! In addition to these adorable plush animals, Christine also creates beautiful crocheted hats & scarves, as well as being a talented artist. Check out her blog for more information & updates.

AH Jewelry

Audrey Hu is the talented independent jewelry designer behind AH Jewelry. Although AHJewelry is most known for its feather line worn by celebrities and featured in magazines and TV shows, there are many different types and styles for all occasions to fit every mood and outfit, day or night. The Tropical Paradise collection is designed for fun in the sun with pieces that will dress up any summer outfit. The Charming collection is for those sentimental reasons or just for everyday. And for those who like it bold, yet subtle, there is the Barely There collection. For those who want a bold statement that is noticed from afar, the All Meshed Up collection, inspired by vintage mesh jewelry from the 30's and 40's, is sure to please. Regardless of your style, AHJewelry has something for every occasion.

Anchovies

Shannon Phillips became fed up with infant clothing featuring phrases such as "my mom is hot" and "I'm a boob man." Shannon's graphic design background helped her develop her own products & led to her opening a baby boutique called Anchovies. The name may throw you at first, but it's fitting for a company where the small things in our lives make the biggest impression. Her apparel designs feature bright, fun graphics that will play up your child's personality & enable them to stand out among a sea of sameness. Anchovies also features handy items such as diaper totes, blankets, and bibs. And I absolutely love the "pickled to perfection" packaging that is available when ordering gifts!

Spark

Spark, a clothing & accessory line, was launched in 2005 by Megan Poss. Described as girly but with a punky edge, her designs have become very popular. The newest collection is made up of iconic vintage images in a softer palette of buttery yellow, cotton-candy pink, and robin’s egg blue as seen in the jewelry designs. I especially love the puff-sleeved tees featuring birdcage & chandelier images. The small bags are perhaps the most adorable products. The pink & black plaid bags are my favorite! In addition to the online shop, this collection is available in stores across Canada.

Jamie Noel

Jamie Noel creates jewelry in what she calls a vintage entertainment theme. You are sure to find a fun piece you love in Jamie Noel's shop that is circus, boardwalk, puppet, and/or game related. I love that her unique designs are interactive in that they have elements about them that move. The puppet theater pin is a perfect example with all it's moving parts. I love the Zoltar fortune telling necklace reminiscent of the machine shown in the movie Big. And the Aristocratic Dog dexterity game piece necklace is a terrific accessory, as well as a source of entertainment! Check out all the wonderful designs Jamie Noel has available.

Coral Camellia

Coral Camellia is a wonderful children's boutique featuring exceptional designs. My favorite products are the coordinating outfits featuring artwork by various artists. I especially love the Piano Girl onesie with diaper cover and the three piece Friend Owl set. The children's dresses are equally adorable. Also note that all hats & jewelry are currently 25% off.

SuZanna Anna

I came across SuZanna Anna's artwork today while browsing Etsy. The match blox are such an interesting concept, allowing you to mix & match to create your very own personalized collection. You'll see in the listings sample photos of grouped blocks in various locations. I would love to have a grouping of these great pieces in my home. SuZanna Anna's artwork is also available in the form of pendants which come on a lovely velvet cord. Check out all of the great pieces available & put together your own collection today!

{sweeter than me} bridal

Kristin Friesen's Etsy shop {sweeter than me} bridal is the perfect place for brides to find unique handcrafted designs for their special day. I love the Roxy earrings consisting of sterling silver hoops covered with tiny Swarovski crystals. The Maria necklace is a stunning piece featuring a large sparkly flower. All of Kristen's designs are gorgeous & she is more than happy to create custom pieces for your perfect day.

Go Green!

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Rebecca Thoms Hanley has organized a two-day GO GREEN Sale with some like-minded Etsy shops who feature recycled materials predominantly in their work. There are six shops participating, including Rebecca's shop, BananaSaurus Rex. The sale runs this Sunday and Monday, March 16 & 17, and each shop will have deals. For example, BananaSaurus Rex will be offering 25% off the listed price of everything in the shop for these two days. Other participants include 2ReVert, Airport Road, dismantled, Maiden Love, and Perpetualplum. Check them all out today and be sure to shop on March 16 & 17!

Moxie Photo Design

Leah Daehling's shop Moxie Photo Design is a hodge podge of vintage clothing, supplies, photographs & more. She recently marked down her vintage clothing section, including the sunny spring jacket. The One of A Kind section is full of eclectic & interesting items ranging from decorative clocks to large wooden letters covered in vintage images. You can also purchase magnets that feature photos that Leah took in various locations.

Funky Chic Designs

With spring on the horizon I am itching to refurbish my wardrobe with some new accessories. Funky Chic Designs is a great place to find funky handmade purses & other accessories. I've never carried an A-Line style bag before, but the English Countryside purse looks fabulous. A Burst of Spring is a cheerful bag perfect for the upcoming season. If you're looking for something a bit edgier, take a look at the Rock Star bag. Of course, Diva Doggies is a print that is hard to pass up in my book. Adorable! Check out all the cool items Funky Chic Designs has to offer including yoga mat bags and wristlets.

Teka and Zoe

Michelle Mahler is the talented designer behind Teka and Zoe. She has created an eclectic mix of beautiful jewelry designs using various unique beads & stones. I especially love the necklaces, specifically the colorful Greek washer bead & silver piece. And the Japanese 6 into 1 chain maille pendant is extraordinary. I could go on & on naming all the fabulous earring & bracelet designs I'm pining over. Instead, I will let you go peruse all of the great pieces Teka and Zoe has to offer. And be sure to stop by the Teka & Zoe Etsy shop, too!

Yellow Owl Workshop

Yellow Owl Workshop features limited edition cards, announcements and stationery designed by Christine Schmidt. All her works are created from her original drawings & each handmade screen print is signed and numbered. This San Francisco based studio is a great place to find works that are as perfect for display as they are for use in correspondence. In addition to cards, Christine also produces gift items such as journals and canvas bags. And, if you're in the area, Christine welcomes studio visitors by appointment.

Twinkle

Twinkle presents handmade jewelry that is fun and playful, yet elegant at the same time. The Spring / Summer '08 collection will have you eagerly waiting for the coming months. Available in a variety of colors, the Amazonite & Smoky Glass necklace is beautiful. The Amelia necklace, which features a three leaf pendant, is another awe-inspiring design. I love all the gorgeous earrings, including the peridot & amethyst drops on the Grapevine pair. And the Swallow is a symbol of love & loyalty any stylish woman would proudly display. Have a look at all the wonderful designs Twinkle has to offer.

Robyn's Nest

Robyn's Nest is a great place to find lovely handmade accessories & embellishments. Some of the pieces, such as Lenten Rose, can be used for a number of things including hair adornments & appliques. There's also many great designs like the Make a Wish pin that are created using felt. And I love the detail in the hand-embroidered piece Pink Lily of the Valley. Have a look at all the beautiful pieces Robyn's Nest has to offer & add a little embellishment to your life.

The Pin Show

Wanted: Designers, Make Up Artists, Hair Stylist, Fashion Stylist, Buyers, Sponsors and Volunteers!

The Pin Show is an event that will be held in Dallas, Texas, on July 10. This event, founded by Rachel Nichelson and Julie McCullough Kim, will feature independent fashion and accessory designers showcasing over 200 Fall/Winter 2008 looks on the runway. The Pin Show will provide emerging fashion designers, photographers, artists, stylists and retail buyers a platform to launch their independent work into the fashion industry. Regional boutiques and buyers will also have the opportunity to view these independent lines during one showcase and give them a chance to meet the designers personally to discuss future opportunities. In addition it will provide the public a unique fashion experience that is generally reserved for high end designers and their clients.

The Pin Show is currently accepting applications from independent designers who create clothing, handbags, shoes, jewelry and accessories. The deadline to apply is April 1. You can download the application on The Pin Show's website. For more information or to schedule an interview with Julie McCullough Kim and/or Rachel Nichelson, please call Julie at 214-845-0881 or email info@thepinshow.com.

Custom Made for Kids

Custom Made for Kids creates colorful and contemporary-looking personalized storybooks for children. These books are unique in that you incorporate details about your child into the story. I received a sample copy of The First Adventures of Incredible You, the award-winning keepsake storybook, and can tell you first-hand that this is a fabulous product. The book is full of vibrant illustrations & the print quality is superb making it a great gift for young children.

There are over 20 places in The First Adventures of Incredible You where details about a child, his/her family, friends, favorite places and family traditions can be seamlessly incorporated into rhyming verse. There is also a dedication page so the child will always remember this special gift came from. Custom Made for Kids creates books that are memorable keepsakes both children and parents alike will cherish for a lifetime.

Any child would love to receive this custom gift this Easter, but you must order by March 14th to receive your book in time. Receive 15% off by entering coupon code funky15 when checking out. Stay tuned for the children’s goods giveaway later this month for your chance to win a personalized children's book valued at $40!

Just One More Book!!

Just One More Book is a podcast that airs three times a week. During that time you'll hear a discussion about well-loved children's books, as well as weekly interviews with authors, illustrators and experts and enthusiasts in the areas of children's literature and literacy. There's also listener-submitted book reviews from time to time. This podcast, which recently celebrated its 300th episode, is working to build a lively, interactive community linking children's book authors, illustrators, readers and publishers. Busy parents and educators can now discover great read-aloud children's books while they are busy doing the many tasks that would otherwise rob them of the opportunity to research great children's books in more traditional ways. Episodes range in length from 5 to 25 minutes and can be played directly from the web page or downloaded to a portable mp3 player, such as an iPod, for listening on the go. This is a wonderful, modern way to reconnect with children's literature & spread your enthusiasm amongst children.

Craft for China

Melissa Robertson is currently accepting donations for her second arts & crafts fundraiser, Craft for China. Artists & crafters can donate their goods to the fundraiser to be auctioned off on eBay. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Love Without Boundaries, a nonprofit organization that helps Chinese orphans get medical care, nutritional care, foster care, educational help and much more. During the first fundraiser over $600 was raised and Melissa was able to sponsor two little girls from orphanages in China. Emma was able to have a foster family and Gracie was able to attend preschool. Her primary goal of the second fundraiser is to retain another year of sponsorship for the girls, as well as an additional child. The Craft for China site if full of beautiful photographs of Gracie & Emma, as well as updates Melissa has received & more information about getting involved.