AbiLu Creations

London-based jewelry designer Abigail Bruford creates unique pieces that are designed with a collective vintage rock feel, which any magpie would be drawn to. AbiLu Creations is a great source for a wide-range of fun accessories. The vintage charm necklace is an enjoyable collection of pieces, including a calming blue quartz tusk, a vintage brass soldier, and a red rose. I also like the silver Swarovski Crystal hearts necklace made up of five multi-colored hearts. Abigail has also created several different necklaces with guitar picks and guitar charms, the perfect gift for musicians. The music-themed earrings are also very cool. Browse through all the offerings to find pieces ranging in style of pirate’s booty to grandma’s jewelry box.

Ladies Night at MoveStudio

If you live in the DFW area, mark your calendar as Friday night marks "Ladies Night" at MoveStudio in Dallas. Mix, mingle, dance, shop and more from 7-10 pm. This is an affordable way to spend time with your girl friends & to make new ones as the event is only $5! Wine, snacks, chai and chocolates to sip and savor will be provided. Learn some hot new moves for the dance floor with Exotic dance, belly dance and hip hop mini-lessons. Other fun happenings include beautiful Anahata Goddess Wraps demos and discounts, door prizes, exclusive 10% discount on all Abundance Boutique purchases, as well as chair massages, Tarot readings and other treats for the body, mind, spirit. Space is limited, so reserve your spot!

ANTLER

ANTLER, another online magazine, recently debuted its first issue. The publication focuses on composing a collection of beautiful, inspiring ideas and designs from all aspects of life. The magazine comes in the body of a fashion magazine, but also looks for ways to inspire through art, design, literature, and culture. Publishing solely online helps reduce their carbon footprint, but also makes ANTLER accessible to readers from all corners of the globe. ANTLER is not only for a source of amazing fashion, art, culture and beauty, but will enchant and inspire as well.

Sublime Stitching Upcycle Contest

Sublime Stitching is currently hosting an Upcycling Contest. Show the Sublime Stitching staff how creative you can get by re-purposing that would-be trash as a crafty treasure! All types of crafting are eligible for submission. Fabulous prizes are being provided by Amy Butler, Fred Flare, and Mixtape Zine! The contest will be judged by Autumn Wiggins of Crafting a Green World and full details can be found on the Sublime Stitching blog. Also, don't miss the super cool project Vintage Lamps Hoodie. This project is easy to do, and makes use of Sublime Stitching's Glow-in-the-Dark thread in a most inventive way.

Funky Finds Turns 3!!!

Today marks Funky Finds' 3rd Blogiversary! It has been such a treat to feature so many talented & funky artists, crafters & designers from around the globe. I have enjoyed getting to know many of the people I have featured, as well as my loyal readers, online. None of it would be possible without all the talent I come across or without the loyal audience that continues to follow Funky Finds year after year. Thank you to each & everyone of you! ~Jessica D.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, the Funky News, and be entered to win a newly designed Funky Finds tee! Three winners will be chosen and current subscribers will automatically be entered to win. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Sunday. March 29.

SugarLust

SugarLust features the work of Portland-based artist Christina who likes to work with reclaimed and vintage material. I love the funky vinyl accessories that are embellished with cute appliques, such as the bright octopus coin purse. The vinyl messenger bags are durable water resistant pieces that you can carry anywhere and everywhere. There's lots of great designs to choose from ranging from a cute squirrel to cut out robots. Notice that the bags are all lined with coordinating fabric that adds a punch of color. And, if you're looking for a unique men's gift, treat your guy to a reclaimed tie that is detailed with unique vinyl designs.

Squid Ink Kollective

Squid Ink Kollective is an awesome Texas-based screen print shop run by dynamic duo Lynnea Edwards & Brian Maclaskey. Squid Ink is all about cute animals, funky colors and handmade goodness - all my favorite things! Their hand-drawn images showcase whimsical creatures, including narwhals, which I happen to be rather fascinated with at the moment. Narwhal Rides Again is a fun design that I recently purchased & think is fantastic! I also love the Pod of Narwhals design that is available on bamboo/organic cotton blend shirts. And I am very interested in learning how I can get my hands on a Squid Ink purse covered in narwhals! Meet Brian & Lynnea in person at the upcoming Funky Finds Spring Fling on April 25.

Solstice Glass

Mark Hamilton of Solstice Glass has been creating lampwork borosilicate art glass since 1997. Each glass pendant is custom made when you place your order ensuring that you receive a new, hot-off-the-torch, unique piece of hand blown glass jewelry. All of Mark's pendant designs are small works of art that are beautiful and eye-catching. The monarch butterfly on a deep cobalt blue background is a gorgeous design, as are the colorful vortex pendants. The magnifier pendants are unique in that they have a rounded out front creating a lens-like effect that magnifies the metals and colors appearing to be three dimensional. Other favorites of mine include the turtle and mushroom pendants that are fantastic.

Thrusti Kicki Grabbi

Owner Susan Mattice describes Thrusti Kicki Grabbi as an ongoing enterprise which embodies many of the personal principles she holds dear, including sophisticated sensuality, light-hearted mirth, innocent naughtiness, playful mischievousness and feminine empowerment. Her product line features cards that are display images that remind one of the Victorian era at first glance, but with much more humor than is typically seen. Couples will have fun letting go of their inhibitions and playing a round or two of Truth or Dare. And why not treat yourself or a friend to some NAUGH-TEA served using the Thrusti Kicki Grabbi tea set?

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Want to win a tea set and four greeting cards from Thrusti Kicki Grabbi? Simply visit Susan's website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Monday, March 30.

Unconventional Ida

Unconventional Ida showcases the original artwork created by K Smith. Ida will take you on an adventure introducing you to the many townspeople, enchanted ones, and monsters that she meets. The Twins is an interesting image featuring Siamese twins connected at the neck. Ida has vibrant dreams about strange characters, including the girls that appeared to be scary at first, but all they needed was a little cotton candy and they were the sweetest girls ever. I especially like K Smith's illustrations that are drawn on pages from books, such as A Flutter Thing, Like A Dying Bird. For those looking for smaller affordable works of art, see the journals and ACEOs.

Jane Joss

I love finding artists that create items that are out of the ordinary & that's just what sisters in law, Alyssa and Joslyn Krismer, do. Jane Joss features fun, original floral designs using the finest materials. Each piece is individually crafted and each design is carefully chosen to reflect the designers' style and complement yours. Sweet Leaves are fabric floral arrangements made with beautiful designer fabrics. I love the cheerful blossom blue branches, as well as the perfect purple branches. These arrangements are the perfect home decor item for those who don't exactly have a green thumb, or even for those looking for something unique & interesting for their home. Alyssa and Joslyn also take custom orders if you have something specific in mind.

MaruMaru

MaruMaru features the work of Honolulu-based designer Michelle Kowalsky. Her jewelry designs are sweet and girlie without being childish. The lavender cameo necklace is a beautiful design, as is the asymmetrical hummingbird necklace. The bright sunglow yellow flower earrings are the perfect accessory for spring and summer. And what stylish woman doesn't have a special place in her heart for Breakfast at Tiffany's? Pay homage to Audrey Hepburn with a lovely charm pendant.

Thread Hounds

Thread Hounds is a cool shop featuring threads for humans, as well as hounds. Our Chihuahua, Abigail, would look precious in the striped heart tee. And I love the bright pink & black tee with images of bling for the high-maintenance pooch. If you love your pet so much you want to coordinate your ensembles, why not pick up a pain tee for both of you? Or, if you're especially adventurous, you can both wear a flea bag tee! Check back often for new designs created by Los Angeles based clothing designer Cari Sterling.

Sweet Tooth Vintage

Sweet Tooth Vintage is a great online vintage shop based in Philadelphia. Best friends Veronika and Jennifer met in high school & were brought together by their shared interest in all things kitschy, sparkly and above all one-of-a-kind. They started Sweet Tooth Vintage in the fall of 2008 as they wanted to share their unique vintage and antique clothing, accessory, and houseware finds with others. Their clothing collection includes pieces dating from the 40's to the 80's with an emphasis on the 60's. The 60's Gold and Silver Brocade Coat is a sophisticated piece perfect for parties. I also like the vintage 70's corduroy navy belted dress with ruffles. This shop is the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind pieces of the past. Check out Sweet Tooth's MySpace page for more info.

Lou Patrou

New York artist Lou Patrou signed his first Art License earlier this month with Music Skins, a manufacturer of device covers for laptops, phones and gaming devices. Music Skins is producing two of Patrou's designs; Flames, a spectacular patternous watercolor, and derivatives from his black & white Tall Faces series of three large graphite drawings he showed last year in New York City. Lou's online shop features his artwork in various forms, including prints & tees. I love the piece titled Dog and Bones.

Handmade Boutique Giveaway - CLOSED

The Coffee Haus Downtown, a local hot spot in Arlington, Texas, recently opened a Handmade Boutique featuring handcrafted items by a number of talented artisans.

To celebrate the opening of the boutique, The Coffee Haus Boutique is sponsoring a giveaway! The assortment of goodies includes items created by the artisans listed below.

TO ENTER: You may enter multiple times by visiting each artist's site & leaving a separate comment for each noting your favorite item created by each artist AND your favorite coffee or tea beverage.

Cut Out and Collect - Octopus and Cupcake Zipper Pouches
Egg Press - Letterpressed Thank You Card
HomeStudio - Owl Family Scrabble Pendant
Texas Tarts - Vinyl Record Earrings
Tara to the T - Feather Hair Barrette

*Bonus Giveaway for Locals: If you are in the Arlington area, enter to win a $10 gift certificate from the Handmade Boutique. Simply leave a comment & note that you are a local.

Giveaway ends Tuesday, March 24 at Midnight CST.

Paper Cloud

Paper Cloud is a lovely shop that features the work of husband and wife team Matthew and Ariana Broerman. Their line includes home decor items, as well as apparel, and they have expanded their current line with more designs, patterns, and sizes. My favorite items are the beautiful hand-printed throw pillows. The fresh designs will lend a cheerful touch of spring to any home. Paper Cloud is also the perfect place to find unique lampshades that are hand-printed on linen and backed with paper. The only problem is that it's so hard to decide which one I like best! You will find similar alluring designs printed on linen journals & women's tees.

LC Beads 2 Wear

LC Beads 2 Wear features terrific accessories created by Marilani Huling. Her Shop is full of unique pieces that will set you apart from the crowd. The Off Center necklace is an interesting asymmetrical design that utilizes palmwood & black horn. I especially like the nature-inspired pieces, such as Let's Fly Away and the feathers/leaf earrings. Be sure to browse through all the beautiful pieces LC Beads 2 Wear has to offer.

Luck 'o the Irish

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style with these green finds!

1. Twisted Fusionz's Green With Envy necklace is gorgeous!

2. The green sapphire earrings by Heddyjack are terrific St. Patrick's Day accessories.

3. Show your Irish pride with an adorable St. Pat's plaque hand-painted by Dreaming Giggles Design.

4. I love the earrings that feature vintage brass shamrock stampings and vintage glass beads created by Robin's Egg Blue.

5. What could be more festive than a green embellished tee from ME2 Designs?

6. The green and blue book clutch from Nerdbomber is the perfect green accessory for your St. Patty's Day celebration!

7. Keep your wee one warm with an Irish baby pixie hat created by Burry Babies.

8. Add a splash of green to your home with needle felted wool acorns from truLuxe.

9. You're bound to have lots of luck when wearing a hand-stamped Luck necklace from Silver Enso.

10. Embellish your libations while celebrating St. Patrick's Day with Irish wine & beer charms by Knick Knack Patty Shak.

Gorjana

Gorjana is a Yugoslavia-born jewelry designer that began creating unique accessories at a very young age. After moving to Canada at the age of seven, Gorjana quickly adapted to the fast-paced North American lifestyle. While browsing through her online look book you will find pieces that are unique, sophisticated, and eye-catching. What is especially noteworthy is that Gorjana created a necklace on behalf of the United Soybean Board, with 100% of the $45 proceeds from each necklace being donated to the Women Heart organization. The Heart 2 Heart necklace is currently being sold at both gorjana.com and shopbop.com. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women and soyfoods are recognized for their role in an overall heart-healthy diet. Treat yourself or someone you love to this signature pendant with a giving nature.

Rimrock View Studio

We have continued making upgrades to The Shops @ Funky Finds, in order to make the experience better for sellers, as well as shoppers. There's several new Shops that you do not want to miss, such as Rimrock View Studio. Jill Whitfill is the talented artist behind this shop that creates beautiful pottery. The blue bamboo lidded jar is the perfect place to store your treasures. I also love the mixed media salt cedar vase that actually incorporates pieces of cedar into the piece. Have a look at Jill's new website for more information & be sure to stop by her booth at the Funky Finds Spring Fling on April 25 if you are in the area!

Goods for Goodness' Sake

I love when shopping coincides with philanthropy and that's exactly what Goods for Goodness' Sake was created for. This shop donates 100% of profits to customer-selected charities through the sale of products created by small businesses. Goods for Goodness' Sake is a new way of shopping built on the belief that sharing just a little good fortune can go a long way. When you shop on GFGS, you support the charity of your choice with every purchase. As if that wasn't enough, you also support a group of very talented small business owners. The shop carries products including cards & stationery, adorable magnets & notepads, prints & more. Talk about shopping responsibly!

The Sweet Jelly Bean

Tori Correll, the master sweet maker behind The Sweet Jelly Bean, creates a variety of sweet treats. Nana's super secret recipe for pecan spice bars are drizzled with a decadent spice glaze that crackles in its final moments in the oven. Yum! And I would love to munch on the pecan praline cookies that are painted with a delightful buttermilk icing using a pastry brush. If you're looking for a treat made with chocolate, you do not want to miss the chocolate-covered Oreos. These decadent goodies are available with your choice of chocolate and toppings. Options include white chocolate, peanut butter, and marbled chocolate, as well as red hots and M&Ms toppings.

*Giveaway - CLOSED: Win a box of 8 chocolate-covered Oreos with your choice of toppings! Visit The Sweet Jelly Bean site & leave a comment on this post noting which treat you'd most like to try. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Wednesday, March 18.

Worn Free

Worn Free is a rockin' t-shirt company that blends rock 'n roll and fashion with a series of tee designs originally worn by legends like John Lennon, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa and many others. These shirts take the best designs of the 60s and 70s, some created by Beatles artist Alan Aldridge and underground cartoonist R. Crumb, to create comfortable clothing with history behind it. Worn Free has been an instant hit with celebrities and musicians worldwide, as well as my husband, Joe, who has the Glen Tilbrook Squeeze tee. Launched in 2005, Worn Free has a simple mission to resurrect the coolest shirts of all time and put you in the middle of pop-culture history. Rockin' chicks will dig the designs worn by Debbie Harry and Joan Jett. Also available is a cool Worn Free logo tee that has a nice vintage vibe to it.

Online Magazines

With the recent folding of many big name magazine, online publications seem to be the current hot ticket. We recently advertised The Shops @ Funky Finds in the latest issues of VivaLaModa magazine & N.E.E.T. Magazine. Both are run by talented, hard-working, and creative women.

VivaLaModa is a bi-monthly magazine created to show the fashionable handmade things that, as well as articles about green products, toys, decoration, product reviews and much more. This publication strives to support indie designers and crafters who make things with their own hands, as well as funky vintage items.

N.E.E.T. Magazine is the brainchild of UK-based editor Stephanie J, who hand-picks, designs and organizes everything! The magazine began in December 2005 as a quarterly, online publication, laid out in a magazine format - as a showcase for grassroots creativity. It showcases wonderful pieces contributed by talented people based all around the globe.

Lilliana's Barrette Boutique

I "met" Andrea Moreno online years ago through a scrapbooking website. We both live in Texas, although hours & miles apart, but have remained in contact via email through marriages, the birth of her daughter, and more. Andrea & her husband Thomas have begun selling handmade hair barrettes through their shop, Lilliana's Barrette Boutique. Their tagline is "We got spirit, yes we do. We got spirit, how about YOU?" Remind you of your good 'ol cheerleading days? They offer matching barrettes perfect for sports & spirit teams, gifts for little girls, party favors, and more. The duo currently creates two different styles of barrettes that range from $3 to $5.

A Place To Bark

I've posted about Bernie Berlin who runs A Place to Bark, a no kill foster and adoption rescue dedicated to the welfare of animals, before. I recently read an entry on her blog that I wanted to share with all of you, as I believe together we can help save many lives. Joe Frazz, one of the newest additions to the creative team at A Place To Bark, is a photographer that has donated his time & photos to animals in need since 2005. Photographing animals at three local shelters where he lives is a regular part of his life. Joe recently committed to giving up a month to follow his dream and raise awareness for animals in shelters across the country by creating a Visual Anthology to share with the world. On the Name Your Dream Assignment website, you can read about Joe's mission to make a difference for those who have no voice for themselves. And we can all help him to make his dream assignment a reality by signing up (it's a quick & easy process!) and voting for his assignment. Simply click on "Pic" on the left side of the page under the number of current "pics." Joe also published a photo book titled Good Dog! A book of friends. The book includes 44 pages of beautiful color photos & quotes & a limited number of books are available for purchase with proceeds benefiting A Place To Bark. The books cost $17.95 (includes shipping) and will be available March 20. Payment can be sent via PayPal to aplacetobark@aol.com. In the message to seller, include "Purchase Good Dog Book" and your mailing information.

Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes

Today marks the debut of Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes, a new site that works to promote indie businesses. Created by the founding Divas of SweetDelight.ca and editors of the popular Delightful Divas In Business, the sample boxes offer a unique avenue of advertising for independent business owners in Canada and the USA, and promises to be one of the most fun and effective bi-monthly promotional campaigns on the web today. Best of all, it is free for e-tailers to participate. All you have to do is send in your samples and let the Divas take care of the rest. These boxes are filled with approximately 10-15 (sometimes more) sample-sized products and will be mailed directly to the front door of hundreds of consumers who otherwise would never have known about your business. The Sweet Delight Divas know the importance of good promotion and advertising and that is why they are committed to helping other entrepreneurs build their businesses, reach their goals, and get the recognition that they deserve. Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Boxes cater to a targeted audience, which puts your products into the right hands and helps to drive more traffic and potential sales to your site.

Now listen up shoppers! Are you a trendy gal who loves to “try before you buy”? If so, then this box is definitely for you. You'll be able to sample unique handcrafted items from a variety of contributing online businesses before committing to the full sizes. You'll receive sample-sized bath and body products, candles, jewelry, fashion accessories, and more. If it's glam, girly, and gorgeous it will be be found in the Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Box. Take one peek inside and you'll know why they call it Divalicious. There are many of companies already lined up to participate in the first-ever Sweet Delight Divalicious Sample Box...and yes, boxes will be going fast! Promote independent businesses and be a part of the ever-growing Diva-Movement by purchasing a box or by being a contributor. Don't forget that when you buy a box, your name will be entered into a draw to win a sample box from the next campaign.

See Kai Run - Big Sale!

See Kai Run is having their biggest sale ever! You can save up to 50% on nearly 70 of your favorite styles, including shoes from the Smaller (baby booties size 0-18 months) and See Kai Run (first walkers for kids 6 months to 3 years) lines, as well as their sister company Eleven (kids 3 - 8 years). And if that's not enough, you also receive free shipping on orders of $60 or more! Sale ends March 12 and all sales are final during this special sales event. No price adjustments on prior purchases. Now you can follow See Kai Run on Twitter, too.

Tara to the T - Dress Giveaway!

To celebrate the launch of Tara Tonini's new Sky Girl line, she is having a fantastic giveaway! Simply visit her myspace or website and sign up for her e-mail list. One lucky winner will be drawn from the e-mail list on March 31st and will win a FREE Sky Girls dress of their choice. That is a $60.00 value and you receive a brand new, funky design! Sky Girls is a 1960's inspired stewardess line of dresses that are flirty, fun and very colorful. Be sure to watch the video posted on Tara's blog showing her line at The Pin Show we attended on February 26. Check out all the designs on the Tara to the T website.

Anirtak

Toronto-based accessories designer Katrina has opened a new shop called Anirtak. At first I was puzzled by the name, but now I get it! It's Katrina spelled backwards. Clever, huh? Her designs have a similar humorous and fun feel to them, such as the feminine silhouette necklace. The Nautical Adventure necklace featuring an adorable seahorse charm & blue glass bead is another favorite of mine. I also love the angel wing lariat and sweeping swallow necklaces that have a tattoo vibe to them. Receive free shipping on jewelry through March 13. Simply enter "Funky Finds Loves You" in the "Message to Seller" box and check out as usual. Shipping charges will be refunded within 24 hours of purchase. Supplies not eligible for free shipping.

Flapper Girl Creations

Christine B. of Portland, Oregon, creates a fun line of vintage-inspired jewelry and accessories. Flapper Girl showcases her creations described as a little retro, cute, fun, and well-crafted. Her Etsy shop is the perfect place to find adorable embroidered coffee cozies. I love the vintage eye glasses and the pink bicycle! Christine also creates unique vintage-inspired tulle aprons that are so cute & sassy.

*Giveaway - CLOSED: Win an embroidered coffee cozy from Flapper Girl Creations! Visit Christine's Etsy shop & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Thursday, March 12.

Steampunk Fashions

Although there is no singular definition of steampunk fashion, there are defining aspects. Steampunk is a historical-based eclectic blend of old world items paired with contemporary pieces. Many also associate goth, punk and industrial styles with the SP genre. According to Wikipedia, steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used—usually the 19th century, and often set in Victorian era England—but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H. G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.

The steampunk fashions & accessories I found on Etsy typically incorporate watch and clock parts, corsets, and feather embellishments. MadArt Jewelry features pieces created by award-winning metalsmith Madelyn Smoak who uses silver, copper, brass and found objects enhanced by using textures and patinas. The Steampunk Bling Necklace is created using an antique safety pinion from a defunct pocket watch, vintage rhinestones, a metal washer that completes the steampunk vibe. Machinist goggles are also staples in the world of steampunk fashion.


SteamPunk Magazine is a publication dedicated to promoting steampunk as a culture, as more than a sub-category of fiction. The publication praises a time before the domestication of electricity when beautiful, monstrous machines lived and breathed and exploded unexpectedly at inconvenient moments. A time where art and craft were united, where unique wonders were invented and forgotten.

This is most likely the root of the DIY aspect that is so evident in steampunk fashion. 19 Moons offers original Steampunk, Neo-Victorian, Retro & Industrial designs. Designs like the clockwork seahorse are imaginative & captivating mechanical pieces.

If you are interested in trying your hand at creating your own steampunk accessories, there are many sources for unique supplies, such as Etsy and EBay. Time Travel Tea Party offers antique skeleton keys and watch faces.

I encourage you to attend The Brass Ball on March 13 if you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to see Steampunk fashion up close & personal. The DIY fashion show will feature the new spring collection of Lip Service clothiers along with stylist & accessories designer Tara to the T's creations. Steampunk vendors will be on-hand selling jewelry and other items, so don't forget your cash!

Zygomatics

Bright, fun and smiley. Those are the immediate things that popped into my head upon discovering Zygomatics. Chloe, who is originally from Switzerland, creates handmade accessories and jewelry reminiscent of kawaii (Japanese cuteness). I love the sweet kawaii lollipop earmuffs made with felt and adorned with beads. The Mr. Cloud hair clip will brighten up any outfit and bring a smile to your face. If you're looking for large, unique accessories, you need a huge ice cream felt pin! And, of course, no funky wardrobe is complete without a smiling banana brooch!!

Avril Loreti

Avril Loreti designs modern home decor and accessories that adds that extra little bit of creative thought and design sensibility to your life. Her shop features items that make great gifts for the hostess, the design savvy friend, and anyone who loves to treat themselves to a little accessory. Avril's designs are clever and cheeky - a perfect combo! I don't quite know why, but mustaches are always a source of humor, especially when printed on colorful handkerchiefs. The wine ring and lipstick prints are also very amusing designs. And why not treat your design savvy friends to a set of Birkin Bag or designer chair cocktail napkins?

Presents for Pirates

Presents for Pirates is a fun shop featuring handmade notecards & stationery embellished with pirate ships, owls, and (my favorite) gnomes. The pirate treasure map notecards coupled with handmade recycled map envelopes are very clever. And I really dig the heart's on fire design. This shop owner takes custom orders, as well, if you have something in mind. And, don't forget, pirates deserve presents, too.

Manto Fev

Manto Fev is a great source for alternative art supplies perfect for collage, assemblage, scrapbooking, and more. If you are looking for vintage, unusual, and the just plain odd, this is the shop for you. The extensive collection of ephemera includes vintage redemption stamps, store tags and signs, and more. There's tons of embellishments to choose from, such as fun plastic pieces and miscellaneous charms. The flea market section is the place to find unique things like jewelry & vintage trim. The stocked items change constantly, so check back often.

Button Soup Jewelry

I love collecting buttons & occasionally use them in scrapbooking. However, I never would have thought to use them to create unique jewelry. Button Soup Jewelry did think of it & the result is fantastic. The Midnight Lime button & bead necklace combines navy blue & lime green vintage buttons with light lime green glass beads on dark blue wire. The Little Brassy vintage button necklace is a piece that can easily add interest to and dress up any ensemble. Amongst my favorites are the ocean and Tuscan colored button & bead necklaces. And don't miss the terrific button earrings and pendants Button Soup Jewelry offers.

Snappy Shop

Snappy Shop features handmade aprons that will add a helping of fun and whimsy to your time spent in the kitchen. I love the lavender apron that has an adorable bumble bee pocket with sparkly wings. The hand-painted vintage camera apron would make the perfect gift for the shutterbug in your life. And who wouldn't love the sexy and flirty Mrs. Salad Bowl? These funky retro designs can also be found on kitchen accessories, such as pot holders.

Wrap Couture

It's one thing to buy a fabulous gift for someone & giving it to them in a plain gift bag you bought at the last minute. It's a completely different story when the gift wrapping shows that you put a lot of consideration into the presentation, as well as the present. Wrap Couture is the premier place to find the perfect gift wrap for any special occasion. Designer Jenna Birnstihl can customize your gifts to be as individual as you or the person that you are giving to. Her portfolio shows many lovely examples of unique gift wrapping that will awe any recipient. Jenna's services are perfect for Bachelorette gifts, Corporate gifts, Window Displays, and more. You spent all of that time finding the perfect gift; why not give them the whole package?

Backspace Records

I discovered Backspace Records through StartupNation's 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition. This “artist friendly” independent record label with a diverse roster of artists is a label that is open, honest and fair with its artists, has a philanthropic component, and makes great music for families. Run by the dynamic husband and wife team of Ben and Kimberly Rowell, Backspace Records boasts a critically acclaimed blues artist, an indie/rock/pop artist, and a children’s music artist to name a few. Ben is a member of another unique outfit on Backspace called The Baby Grands, which writes and plays what he calls “alt-rock for kids that won’t drive the adults crazy.” Another inspiring element to Backspace is that a portion of the label’s profits will go towards organ donor organizations. The motivation behind this is that Mack Lindsey, the Rowells’ business partner, is a recent heart transplant recipient. Learn more about mompreneur Kimberly Rowell through an interview she did with Bizzie Mommy.

Spunky Sprout

Spunky Sprout is a one-stop shop for modern, unique and colorful products for kids & parents with fabulous style. The product list includes exceptional, must-have lifestyle gifts from Europe and America for the sophisticated family. The mini wall hanging clock featuring a horse illustration is a fun and functional item for the home. Spunky Mamas will love the beautiful accessories and clothing that includes stylish maternity wear. I love the girly butterfly ballet sheet set and the wooden monkey made in Denmark. Spunky Sprout is a great source for items for your little sprout, as well as fresh furnishings and enlightened décor.

*Giveaway - Closed: Win $50 worth of children's books from Spunky Sprout! Visit the Spunky Sprout website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Friday, March 6.