CupCake FabuLous

CupCake FabuLous is a Dallas-Fort Worth area business that specialize in cupcakes ONLY! Owner Meleah Pocock decided to take her love of cupcakes and creative ideas to the public in 2007 and CupCake FabuLous has been growing ever since. The flavor list is extensive including classic flavors like chocolate and red velvet, as well as specialty flavors. Prince Charming, made with butter cake batter, sweet brown sugar, butterscotch chips and a touch of caramel, is a sinful combination Joe and I both enjoyed, as is the Vanilla Cherry Chunk. Also on the menu are designer cupcakes that are decorated with various candies and gummies. The special for the month of May is buy three Dozen of ANY size (Mini, Regular, and Extra Large) CupCakes and get your 4th Dozen FREE! Check out all the yummy photos, but be careful not to drool on your keyboard! CupCake FabuLous currently only delivers to the DFW area; however, they will soon be accepting mail orders.

*GIVEAWAY: Listen up DFW readers! Enter now for your chance to win two dozen cupcakes (delivery included). Simply visit the CupCake FabuLous website & leave a comment on this post noting which flavor you'd most like to try. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Saturday, June 6. CupCake FabuLous currently ONLY delivers to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, areas.

Jayda

Jayda, a previous find, recently launched their newly designed site that now serves as the portal to all their brands. JaydaWedding is the place to find eco-friendly wedding & shower invitations and favors. JaydaBaby has a wide selection of green baby announcements & shower invites. Order your baby announcements from the Classic or Luxe collection & you will receive a free matching baby bag. And JaydaEvent covers just about every other occasion you can think of, including moving, birthdays and holidays. Don't miss the eco-chic gift bags complete with rewritable gift tag.

Chunky Chooky

Chunky Chooky is the place to find funky threads and cool things for small people. Cath Young, an Australia-based designer, uses recycled fabric from a furniture upholsterer and some vintage fabric, plus wool felt & scraps of discarded clothes to create fun softies & happy pants. Imaginative children & adults alike are sure to love humorous creatures like Raver Riley. And who could pass up the sweet face on Clementine von Vanderbeetle? My favorite design may be a Wabbit named Camilla that is made from a mixture of recycled upholstery fabric, cotton and recycled denim. Of course, my favorite part is that she has a felt carrot in case she gets hungry. And what about those happy pants, you ask. They are children's pants that are designed to grow with your child - no zippers, no buttons. Made with a generous waist, they will fit for a long time and can be utilized as little shorts next season.

Lisa Falzon

Lisa Falzon is a 26 year old artist and illustrator currently living in Ireland. Her artwork has a fantastical feel to it, invoking the imagination & senses. Jailbreak, one of my favorite pieces, depicts a girl with a monkey-wrench breaking a leopard out of captivity. I also love the portrait of Queen Elizabeth titled The Queen and the Explorer. Lisa also creates beautiful wearable works of art, such as the Secret Lovers and She caused an Eclipse necklaces. While some of her work is a bit dark, such as Jumpin' Jack Me, each piece is captivating nonetheless. For more information, as well as demonstrations, check out Lisa Falzon's blog.

Simboli Designs

Leslie Simboli's parents designed funky retro zodiac posters in 1969 which she is now selling online. The design duo, Joe and Gerry Simboli, are 83 and 74 years old respectively and still creating. Although the zodiac posters were designed decades ago, they have a modern feel that can still be appreciated today. All of the posters are signed by the designers giving them extra appeal. Take your pick from all of the Zodiac signs, except Gemini. All are very limited, all are original and all feature bold colors and distinct psychedelic style. These posters make excellent birthday gifts that can't be found in every boutique.

Tumbler and Tipsy

Tumbler and Tipsy is a new environmentally-friendly fashion line that encompasses both the environment and style. Using recycled vintage clothing and unbridled creativity, this new line embodies the true meaning of going green fashionably. Their women's collection includes several reconstructed cardigans and blazers embellished with vintage military patches. The men's collection also includes cardigans & blazers, as well as vests. Be sure to check out the Look Book for unique ideas & ensembles created by designer Michael Kuluva.

Not your Grandmas Needlepoint

Not your Grandmas Needlepoint features whimsical one-of-a-kind canvas design and needlepoint kits. Laura Hughes began illustrating ideas in needlepoint using her photographs as inspiration. She says her inspirations stem from pop culture and sixties psychedelia, which gives a nice twist to this traditional craft. I like that Laura's website showcases her original illustration next to her needlepoint version. The Bunny Mushroom piece is a perfect example of her psychedelic style! When ordering, you will receive a one-of-a-kind, hand-illustrated unfinished canvas with fabric markers. All canvases can be custom "kitted" with threads for $50.00. Laura also has an Etsy shop featuring mini kits and note cards that display images of her needlepoint & illustration work. Receive $5.00 off a mini kit (value $25.00) with coupon code FUNKY615. Expires June 15.

i heart my laptop

Jessi Almstead is a girl in Queens with a sewing machine and a dream (as well as an obsession with fabrics and fabric shopping), which many of us can relate to. Jessi creates handmade laptop sleeves that are unique and custom made. The pin stripe sleeve is a classy way to carry your beloved laptop to meetings and work. I really like the gray wool gabardine sleeve that sports a striped bike appliqué. These laptop sleeves are a practical way to add a touch of handmade design to your daily lives. With the ever increasing popularity of laptops and the low availability of mini laptop covers, new solutions to the simple need of protecting them become more relevant. Jessi's laptop sleeves meet that need while remaining charming and unique. And, in some cases reversible!

Eleven Collection

I have previously featured See Kai Run, a children's shoe company, several times. Their sister company Eleven Collection carries on the same tradition of flexibility and good looks, but for the older set. The Portland-based, family-run company offers shoes that are perfect for toddlers through early school age children (age 3-8). Little girls will love the Anya Mary Jane's available in pink-fuchsia embellished with intricate chartreuse flowers. The Trainers are perfect for your high-energy, active child. And oh how I wish the pink & black Josie pair were available in my size! Eleven's shoes offer independent styles in unique color combinations and feature soft leather uppers with flexible, durable rubber soles for superior traction. With no break-in period, the shoe's cushioned insole makes each step a comfortable one. Exactly what every parent wants (or should want) for their little one!

Tracy's Treats

Tracy Artman, owner and founder of Tracy's Treats, Inc., creates fantastic body care products that I had the pleasure of sampling. She says her company was born out of her own personal skin care needs, as she has extremely sensitive skin. Most of us now know that the soaps and lotions that are widely available in the marketplace do more damage than good to our skin. Lucky for us, Tracy has worked hard to formulate products that will be a true treat to your skin. My favorite product that I sampled is the pink sugar scented whipped shea butter. This luxurious product is similar in consistency to whipped cream and a little goes a long way ensuring that you will definitely get your money's worth. The shea butter lotion hearts, Tracy's signature product, are perfect for moisturizing your hands, cuticles, elbows, knees, and feet. I am addicted to lip balm & Tracy's all natural lip balm is one I will definitely continue to come back to. Tracy's Treats now offers 14 unique and handmade skin care products, so treat yourself today!

*GIVEAWAY: For your chance to win organic whipped shea butter, a shea butter all natural lip balm, a single shea butter lotion heart and a room spray from Tracy's Treats, simply visit her website & leave a comment on this post noting which product you'd most like to try. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Saturday, May 30.

Milk & Cookies Photography - Cookies & Water Photography

Sabrina Helas is a talented photographer who contributed to the Paws for Charity art book project I featured in April. She began Cookies and Water Photography in 2005 focusing on pet photography. In 2008, Sabrina began Milk and Cookies Photography, her unique child photography business. Her portfolio is full of photographs that capture the pure joy & innocence children possess. The same is true for her pet photo portfolio that captures the free spirit & love that pets embody. It is no wonder that Sabrina was chosen to contribute to the Paws for Charity book, as well as being recognized as one of the best portrait photographers in Los Angeles by Fox LA. Sabrina is generously offering Funky Finds readers a $50 credit for her photography services. Expires August 30, 2009. Check out Sabrina's blog for more information.

Lil Lady Bows

Lil Lady Bows features Liliana Leahy's beautiful handmade hair accessories. The Lavender Garden Kanzashi Hair Pin is a gorgeous satin accessory. Each petal is hand-folded with care and topped with a black pearl. The floral hair pins are available in a variety of colors, including chocolate and pink, my personal favorite. These pieces are a simple way to add elegance to your everyday hairstyle. Lil Lady Bows also offers the cutest hair ribbons for little girls, including Tortie the Turtle. The rainbow flair and green red dot stacked bows are also adorable accessories for little ones.

Yoo Foo Shop

In October, we traveled to Austin, Texas, to attend Maker Faire. We were lucky enough to meet Jennifer Syfu of Starving Artist Bazaar and Karin Yusba of Blossom Shop, two Phoenix-based artists. These talented jewelry designers are now collaborating on pieces that can be found at Yoo Foo Shop, a play on both of their last names. Each piece is created using Jennifer's lampwork glass beads and jewelry designs by Karin. I love the Converse necklace accented with Moonstone rondelles, as well as the stunning Peace on Earth necklace. The Icicle Necklace, featuring a Czech faceted crystal drop, is another eye-catching piece. I especially like the combination of the modern looking lampwork beads on the antique-like cooper chain used to create the Flower Girl necklace. It's great to see how these two artists combine their talents to create beautiful and unique accessories.

The Soap Seduction

The Soap Seduction features soaps, bath and body products, and candles handcrafted by Patrice. If you want to pamper or indulge yourself or a loved one, this is the place to shop. The Neapolitan Shea Butter Soap is a delicious mix of Chocolate Truffle, Strawberry Cheesecake and Coconut. I am dying to try the seductive Orange Blossom Honey soap, a blend of sweet orange blossoms and wild mountain honey, that sounds heavenly. And how wonderful are the chocolate donut hole soaps that look good enough to eat? Patrice also offers body scrubs in a variety of scents. Follow her blog and save 15% on all your purchases all the time!

Handmade Parade - Sacramento, CA

If you will be anywhere near Sacramento, California, this weekend you need to attend the Handmade Parade. Funky Finds is a proud sponsor of this wonderful event that has been organized by Glitter & Grunge owner Claire Bone. Handmade Parade is a bi-annual craft show that promotes handmade goods by independent artists and crafters. Each event contributes a portion of the monies raised at the door to local arts education groups. You can view the list of participating vendors on the website which includes our local favorite Tara to the T!

Saturday, May 23, 11am - 5pm at Giovanni Hall
1333 58th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Daisy Daydreams

If you're anything like me, you love sweets but definitely do NOT need the extra calories. Lucky for us, we can have our sweets and never gain a pound thanks to Daisy Daydreams. The beautiful felt cakes are created by Amanda Kirby and would make even Marie Antoinette's mouth water! The embellished strawberry & chocolate cakes are lovely works of art. These designs are available in a variety of color, I mean flavor, combinations. I also love the adorable felt animal cracker cookies. These are the perfect gift for newborns that are too young to enjoy sweets just yet. And the pretty felt cupcakes make wonderful party favors that won't blow your guests' diet plan.

Ana Laura Perez

Ana Laura Perez is an Argentina-based jewelry designer, artist and illustrator. Ana says she bases her designs and art on memories, movies and art she loves, and her Russian roots. Her jewelry line consists of necklaces, bracelets, and pins. Her collages are also very intriguing, juxtaposing animate objects, such as a zebra, with inanimate objects, such as a wine goblet. Ana also creates lovely pencil and watercolor pieces, my favorite being the giraffe. Learn more about Ana Laura Perez's work through her blog portfolio.

Cherry Red Studio

Cherry Red Studio features funky kitschy jewelry & accessories created by Kathleen Binkley. I love the tattoo-inspired Kissing Birdies & Anchor necklace that will add a bit of rock 'n roll to any ensemble. The cameo style ring is quite a surprise when you realize it's a skull staring back at you! And the brightly colored fruity bracelet is the perfect accessory for warm months. Kathleen is currently running a special that is buy one, get one HALF OFF. Just put "buy one get one" in message to seller (Second item must be of equal or lesser value).

*GIVEAWAY - CLOSED: Enter to win a "Farmer's Market" hairclip and a pair of pink flower earrings. Simply visit Cherry Red Studio & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite funky design. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Sunday, May 24.

Michael Lynn Wherley

From 9- 5 Michael Lynn Wherley is a men’s wear designer. The rest of the time he is focused on developing his own original handbag and accessories line. His works are all one-of-a-kind and handmade with great pride and care for you to enjoy. I really like the unique shaped Fancy Bucks U tote. Michael's designs, such as the Totally Toy Time and Trinket hobo and Corny Knotted Sack, are so humorous and funky. You will also find hoodyscarves available in a variety of prints. Other favs of mine are the bright bamboo wristlet and the Charming U Tote. Check out Michael's Flickr to see more of his work.

Jessica Rust Designs

Launched in 1993, Jessica Rust Designs develops small-batch specialty ceramic products, ranging from furniture and bath fixtures to dinnerware and decorative objects. While the product line continues to evolve, it always reflects Jessica’s unique design sensibility, a combination of fluid organic form and clean, intuitive function. The custom silhouette plates make a unique & memorable gift item. For those of us who can't identify with mainstream dinnerware designs, Jessica offers several dinner plate selections. I especially love the Love Bug collection perfect for wedding registries and gifts. And for those who are especially funky, you do not want to miss the rockin' tattoo collection.

The Beautiful Project

The Beautiful Project features original illustrations, cheeky sentiments and a bit of whimsy created by graphic artist, illustrator and web designer Jeannette Ordas. You know you truly love someone when you think that even their farts are cute. We all know someone who could use someone to cheer them through a situation, so why not send them a Rah Rah Sis Boom Bah note card? Jeannette's illustrations are terrific, as seen on the Pink Party Elephant card. And, when you want to drop your favorite knitter a note, reach for the Knit Happens greeting card.

The Dog Coat Lady

It is great to see so many artisans using their talent to raise money for important causes ranging from Breast Cancer Awareness to Animal Rights. The Dog Coat Lady donates a portion of her profits to various animal rescue groups. Her focus has been on spreading positive propaganda to the masses with animal rights and shelter pet-themed buttons and magnets. Humans are the only voice animals have and we all need to speak for those who can't. As a Chihuahua lover myself, I could definitely use an I Love My Chihuahua pin! Many of the pieces of flair are humorous while raising awareness for important causes. Animal lovers, you do not want to miss the unique earrings. And Bob Barker would be very proud of the Spay & Neuter button!!!

Pretty Little Thieves

Nancy Mungcal of Pretty Little Thieves is raising money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. One of Nancy's friends lost her father recently and suddenly to Acute Monocytic Leukemia. She made a promise to herself to do whatever she could to help raise funds for research for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Nancy is joining her in fundraising with a section in her Etsy shop called Drawing For A Cure. Each original work of art in this section costs $15 with $10 of each sale going directly to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Nancy's campaign ends on June 3 with new art being added every day until the campaign ends.

Make Shop and Studio

Make Shop and Studio is a gem that can be found in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas. The studio offers a wide assortment of classes ranging from sewing basics to screen printing. I bought a sewing machine over two years ago & cannot for the life of me use it. So on May 19 I will be attending the Sewing Basics course and hope to come out with a new love for my machine! The store is owned and operated by Julie McCollough Kim who produces the Urban Street Bazaar, The Pin Show, AND creates her own line of beautiful clothing and accessories. So, even if you are not in the Dallas area, you can still purchase Julie's work online! If you ARE in the DFW area, I urge you to visit Make and take a class and/or shop the boutique that is full of funky products created by various local artisans.

313 N. Bishop Avenue, Dallas, TX 75208

Monday & Tuesday - Closed

Wednesday - Saturday 12p - 8pm

Sunday 12-4pm

This Weekend

Etsy Dallas Spring Bash
When: Saturday, May 16th
Time: 11am-5pm
Where: 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas
Cost: FREE!
Website: etsydallas.com

The Etsy Dallas Spring Bash will be held at South Side on Lamar in Dallas, Saturday from 11am to 5pm. There will be a free raffle, as well as a Make & Take table where you can let your imagination run wild. Other noteworthy tidbits include the fact that the show will feature over 50 local artists and crafters, hand-spun tunes from DJ John Durbin, a picture perfect Vanity Stand, and free swag bags for the first 50 shoppers! Admission is FREE.

Hot Rods and Hells
When: Saturday, May 16th
Time: 4pm-Midnight
Where: 3025 Main, Dallas
Cost: $15 (covers workshops)
Website: myspace.com/hotrodsandheels

Hot Rods and Heels is a festival and celebration of all things vintage! This event brings together vendors, fashion designers, makeup artists, models, burlesque performers, entertainers, and fans in one amazing location in the heart of Dallas.

Doors open at 4pm. Shopping is from 4-8pm
5pm Workshop: Pin-up style Hair & Make-up
6pm Workshop: How to Shimmy
7pm Workshop: Corsets 101
8-9:30pm: Burlesque Performances
9:30-10pm: Intermission
10-11pm: Burlesque Performances
11pm-12am: Award Presentation

Designs by K. Cayetano

Karen Cayetano Leano is a young designer that offers women personalized, handmade jewelry inspired by luxury designers Chanel, David Yurman and RJ Graziano. This sophisticated, trendy line combines pieces such as silver/gold chain links and beautiful beads, creating bold necklaces that make a statement, as well as quaint styles that compliment, rather than make, an outfit, for the more subdued fashionista. The beads are carefully hand-selected by Karen during her frequent trips to Asia, Europe, and throughout the country. The 2009 New Styles section features beautiful pieces perfect for spring & summer months. Browsing through the Best Sellers section you will see the luxurious work Karen has created.

*GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a Modern Vintage necklace by visiting Karen's website & leaving a comment on this post noting your favorite design. The necklace has a mix of chains with various silver finishes. Accent stones consist of glass pearls and fresh water pearls to give it a vintage feel and twisted moon stones to give it a modern look. Perfect for both day and night looks. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Monday, May 18.

Butterscotch Lane

Butterscotch Lane features Wendy Idele's photographic prints, many of them mounted on wood, as well as a collage series made using vintage wallpaper. All of her art is about Wendy's love of animals and nature. Dreamland is an interesting print depicting a girl and a deer in the woods. What makes these scenarios so alluring is that they are created using small plastic figurines or toys. Of course, I'm always going to be a sucker for anything monkey, such as the Red Monkey Print. I especially like the photographs that are mounted on wooden blocks. Deer with Sparkles is a whimsical piece that would be a fun addition to a child's room or a creative space. And you don't want to miss the adorable collage prints like Meowzers The Cat! Receive a 15% discount when you mention FUNKY509 in the special instructions area when placing your order. Discount will be given in the form of a Paypal refund after purchse is completed. Valid through May 2009.

The Altered Muse

Less than a year ago, Pam Grayson opened an eclectic and funky shop in Fort Worth. The Altered Muse is a great place to find unique pieces created by various artists, as well as vintage ephemera. Pam also invites different artists to teach an assortment of workshops. All classes are held on Tuesdays from 7-9pm. Below is a run down of the upcoming workshops that will be held at The Altered Muse. I will be attending Renea Hipp's wood block class & hope to see you there!

All Classes are $30 & include all supplies (with one exception below). You may bring anything that you want to personalize your art with (especially paper). Pam's healthy snacks and adult beverages always included.

May 19 - Renea Hipp - Workshop will include collaging altered blocks (2). One 2" and one 1-1/2". She will also deemonstrate how to do embossing and stamping on the blocks. All images, glue, blocks, embossing powder and use of stamps is included. You may want to shrink some personal images to the block size to add, but if not she has plenty to choose from.

May 26 - Carrie Gunning - Carrie's first class was a tremendous success. Her workshop on this date will be mixed media collage, but on a bigger canvas. Because of the multitude of supplies and the larger canvas, this class will be $40. You will not be disappointed. Carrie will be in Chicago in June presenting her art to Country Living Magazine as an entrepreneur.

June 2 - Michele Mayfield - Michele is an Altered Book teacher. She is going to do a class on altered crosses. Included in this class will be the cross, beads, jewels, ribbon, images, and other supplies you will need. You need not bring a thing to this workshop.

June 16 - Michele Mayfield - Altered Books. Several people have already signed up for Michele's two classes, so please let Pam Grayson know asap if you are attending.

In the very near future, The Altered Muse will be hosting a workshop where you can color and pour your own soaps. You will be able to choose from birds, seashells, or robins egg soap. Also, for all of you that attend at least one of the workshops up until June 16, Pam Grayson will be giving a FREE workshop on June 23. All goodies will be included!

The Altered Muse, 4318 W. Vickery, Fort Worth, 817-319-0112, Open Monday - Saturday 12-6pm

Girl Tuesday Jewelry Design

Rachel Cecere is a designer that specializes in fun and funky sterling silver jewelry. Girl Tuesday features her designs that were created because the jewelry that she wanted to wear didn't really exist. Rachel is a newcomer to selling online, as her shop recently opened on March 3rd. The unique barbed wire hoop earrings are hand-formed and forged from 20 gauge sterling silver wire. If you want something that's less pointy & perhaps a bit sweeter, there's the lovely cherry pendant. Rachel has created many beautiful necklaces, including the double heart lariat and the circle & jade lariat. And, if you're looking for a bit of color, don't miss the beautiful Esperanza Earrings. Receive a 10% discount when you enter FUNKY10 in the "message to seller" section at checkout. Rachel will send you a revised invoice reflecting the sale price.

ZNE - Liquidation Sale

ZNE, a site where mixed media and indie artists connect, is having a total store liquidation. Their collage packs are filled to the brim with vintage and new goodies, many one-of-a-kind. The packs are listed on Etsy and they are going fast. For every three collage packs purchased, you will receive one free! And, if you’re a ZNE Member, you will receive a $1 refund for every pack purchased. The packs are just $2-$4, so everyone can take advantage of this incredible sale. Vintage paperie, vintage sewing products, vintage toys, vintage dolls, vintage tickets, poker chips, collage sheets, foreign and vintage text, vintage labels, vintage embellishments - they have it all! And, if you're interested in purchasing packs in bulk (30+ packs), you will receive a generous 50% wholesale discount. Simply let ZNE know you are interested in the wholesale discount & go from there.

Deluxe Oklahoma City

If you live remotely close to Oklahoma City, you don't want to miss the Deluxe indie craft bazaar. The event will take place Saturday, May 9, from 12-6pm. Admission is free and the event will be held at the State Fairgrounds Centennial Building in Oklahoma City. The first 50 customers will receive goodies bags & there will also be door prizes, including gift certificates to RED Prime Steak and Cheevers Cafe. Other things you don't want to miss include craft demonstrations, the Central Oklahoma Polymer Clay Guild meeting and demonstration from 1-4pm, and a free Seed Exchange with local blogger Urban Garden Hoe from 4-5pm. Check out the vendor list before heading out.

Bowerbird Design

Holly Ford of Bowerbird Design creates one-of-a-kind jewelry that is both vintage and contemporary in concept. Using mixed materials, old and new, her creations have both a quirky twist and a dose of nostalgia. The Farrah earrings featuring lucite stars & gold-tone spirals are reminiscent of the days when Farrah Fawcett was especially popular. The Hollie Hobby pendant is on my list of favorites as I was a big Hollie Hobby as a child. As a matter of fact, I still have the sheets to prove it! I also love the intricate Rose de Noir Vintage Cameo Necklace. Check out all the funky items this Texas-based shop has to offer.

Wine on the Roof

East Lake Pet Orphanage is a non-profit pet orphanage at White Rock Lake in Dallas. Saturday at 7pm they will be hosting their 8th annual benefit for the pets at East Lake. Wine on the Roof will merge pets, wine, fashion and fine dining on the roof at East Lake! The event will allow the orphanage to continue their primary mission to rescue, rehabilitate and place deserving stray and abandoned dogs, cats and other animals into permanent, loving homes. This year's event features wine selections from The Dallas Morning News "Gold Medal List," paired with a delightful menu. A themed "Project Runway" fashion show will showcase many adoptable pets in handmade Canine Couture & Feline Finery by local fashion designers, such as Texas Tarts and Harrilu. There's also a dazzling silent auction and a raffle that will literally take you away. A donation of $55 per person ($60 at the door) is requested and all proceeds benefit homeless pets at East Lake Pet Orphanage. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 214-342-3100.

East Lake Pet Orphanage, 10101 East Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75230

Zoë’s Bag Boutique

Karen Norback is the handbag designer behind Zoë’s Bag Boutique. Many of her functional bag designs are one-of-a-kind. I especially like the whimsical paper dolls zipper bag. The Morphin Messenger Bags feature removable flaps so you can have as many flaps as you want and change the look of the bag every day. With almost 500 fabrics to choose from, there's certainly something for everyone. Karen also creates mini wallets & purse organizers, zippered tote bags, and checkbook covers. Custom orders are welcomed.

*GIVEAWAY: Enter to win a Morphin Zeldina messenger bag - the body and winner’s choice of one flap. Simply visit Zoë’s Bag Boutique & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Tuesday, May 12.

Piedra

Piedra combines vintage and new materials to create gorgeous high-quality jewelry using only 14K gold-filled, gold vermeil and sterling silver chains & wire. The filigrees are vintage copper and bronze, originally made in the USA in factories that have been around since the early 1900s. Designer Talia Inbar recently listed new pieces inspired by royal palaces she visited while in Europe. The Versailles vintage filigree and pearl earrings will make you feel like a princess dressing for a royal ball. The Victorian gold chain necklace is a a delicate and extremely feminine necklace. And you don't want to miss the earrings that are infused with summer’s hottest colors, such as lemon yellow and cobalt blue. Become one of Piedra's Facebook fans or Twitter followers & receive 15% off through Mother's Day. You can also receive a 15% discount when you type coupon code "FUNKY" in the note to seller section at checkout.

Planet Mom Tshirts

Planet Mom Tshirts offers items for women and men, with a heavy emphasis on motherhood. All Moms know that you have to have a sense of humor to get through some of the trials & tribulations motherhood throws their way. That's why the Lead Actress in a Comedy is the perfect gift for such Moms. If you think Moms know best (or want to score points by saying so) then Planet Mom has the tee for you! They also offer the perfect gift for Moms that blog. And, the personalized "Voted Best Mom by (kids' names)" tee is sure to be a hit for Mother's Day.

BananaSaurus Rex

BananaSaurus Rex features beautiful things designed by Rebecca Thoms Henley geared towards post-modern Bohemian mamas and retro-stylish babies. The souvenir hankie pillows will add vintage comfort to any room. Each pillow case is one-of-a-kind and fits an 18x18 pillow insert. Now that many shoppers are toting their own reusable bags to the market, why not treat Mom to one that is stylish & functional? The market totes are available in a variety of fabric styles. Of course, we know that all Moms could use a little R&R and the lavender eye pillows are perfect for just that. Buy something for your Mama (or any Mama you admire) and receive a coupon for 25% off your next purchase (good until December 31, 2009). Type MAMA in the Notes to Seller when you check out.

Foxy & Winston

Foxy & Winston has a very nice selection of note cards designed by illustrator Jane Buck. I'm not particularly a fan of rats, but there's something quite cute about the fancy rat birthday girl. As previously mentioned, Mother's Day is right around the corner on May 10. So, why not tell Mom how lovely she is with a nice most lovely duck note card? Other fantastic designs include the Galapagos Tortoise that is sorry and Maude the Pug who wants you to cheer up. Learn more on the Foxy & Winston blog.

The Humane Society of the United States

Is your Mom, Grandma, Aunt or other special lady in your life a dog lover? My Mom is & I know she would love the Little Charmer dog necklace offered by The Humane Society of the United States. This piece was designed by jewelry artisan Mark Poulin & is fully encased in a sterling silver frame. The Momma's Pocket Pup Necklace, also designed by Mark Poulin, is another adorable piece. And I absolutely love the Dog Mom necklace! It reminds me of the Carrie necklace seen on Sex & the City that character Carrie Bradshaw wore. Of course, it's not all about the women, even though Mother's Day is on the horizon. Male dog lovers will greatly appreciate the sterling silver Paw Print cuff links.

Thank you to all the Spring Fling vendors & attendees that made our charitable raffle such a success. We raised $340 for the Humane Society of North Texas and eight dogs were adopted at our event!

My Plate-Mate

My Plate-Mate features products are geared to make life and meal times easier for families. As a learning tool, My Plate-Mate’s unique design helps little ones successfully scoop food onto their utensil with ease. This promotes independence and minimizes frustrations for youngsters trying to master self-feeding. As a spill guard, My Plate-Mate prevents food from falling off the plate while a child eats. Parents will love that there is less of a mess to clean-up from the table and floor after meals. Plus there is less food wasted. Since My Plate-Mate fits onto any 8” – 9 1⁄2” round plate, it is able to be used anywhere. My Plate-Mate is recommended to be used by toddlers and can continue to help the messiest of eaters through the age of 6. This product is a great learning tool as it helps children successfully learn to use a utensil, promotes confidence and independence. They are also convenient as they are easy to clean, dishwasher safe, and easy to transport. My Plate-Mate is made in the USA of FDA approved food grade plastic. It is free of lead, bisphenol-a (BPA), phthalates, PVC, and polycarbonates. Not sure what all those terms mean, but you don't have to worry about it as they are not in these products!

*GIVEAWAY: Since Mother's Day is in less than one week, we thought it would be fun to giveaway a product from My Plate-Mate & make Mom's life a tad bit easier, at least at mealtime. Simply leave a comment on this post telling us why you need a spill guard. Winner can choose from blue, white or pink. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Friday, May 8.

Beades & Bags

It was a pleasure meeting Danielle Murphy of Beades & Bags at the Funky Finds Spring Fling. She & her husband brought their adorable pooch, Riley, who was happy to sport a Funky Finds pet tee. She looked adorable AND funky! Danielle creates beautiful beaded rings available in a variety of color combinations using various beads & other pieces. The Simple Rose ring features a clay rose bead set among dyed fresh water pearl beads. If you are feeling lucky, check out the black & white ring that incorporates a small dice bead. I wish I would have had the Nothing's Better Than Green ring to wear at the Spring Fling as it would have matched my Funky Staff tee perfectly. And for those who are especially funky, don't miss the industrial Wrap It Up design.

Blueberry Freckles

Veronica Milan recently opened an all new printables shop offering fresh and funky designs. Blueberry Freckles offers economical pieces that can be printed numerous times and reused for various projects and occasions. Pay once and they are forever yours! I hope that my loved ones will purchase the printable birthday invitations for my next birthday as I love monkeys. You can also purchase adorable invitations for the next baby shower you throw. The stationery section is full of designs perfect for a variety of styles and interests. Knitters, hedgehog enthusiasts, and others will be happy to print their own customizable stationery. Other pieces offered by Blueberry Freckles includes bookplates, note cards, and scrapbooking embellishments.


*GIVEAWAY: Want to win three PDFs of your choice? Enter by visiting Blueberry Freckles and leaving a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight CST, Wednesday, May 6.