Paper + Pudding

Esther Lee of Paper + Pudding creates unique, one-of-a-kind cards that you can't find at your local Hallmark store. Mac users are sure to love the Apple of My Eye card complete with keyboard. I always have a hard time finding cute cards that aren't TOO cute for men and I think the Shirt and Tie set fits the bill. I also like the colorful Rainbow Happy Buntday card and the Get Butter Soon card is pretty darn funny!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congratulations Elaine!: Paper + Pudding is giving one reader six cards - two Apple of My Eye cards, two shirt & tie cards, and two happy bot-day cards. To enter, visit Paper + Pudding and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Wednesday, March 3.

Paw Paw's Workshop

Ray Gillespie of Paw Paw's Workshop is a crafty retired man that creates fantastic woodworking crafts. With over 50 years of woodworking experience, Ray creates a variety of goods that are perfect for any space. Pet owners are sure to love the 8x10 frames declaring a Spoiled Rotten Dog (or Cat) Lives Here. If you want to get a bit more specific, you can specify the breed of spoiled pup that lives at your home. Ours has one very spoiled Labrador! The Boxer key / leash holder is a great accessory that will help you stay organized. And, if you're looking for something non-pet related, you don't want to miss the beautiful pair of wooden Spiral Mahogany Candle Sticks.

Liza-Jayne Jewelry

Jewelry designer Liza Lentini has turned pasta into wearable art. This isn't like the pasta jewelry you made as a kid. Her new collection Italia, L’Amo Lentini, features treasured symbols of Italy, elegant olive leaves and pasta. All pieces are cast in sterling silver and wrapped in 18k gold. Lentini, a Boston native, grew up in an Italian community where one’s heritage was a strong part of their identity. In designing the collection, she considered what for her was the most prominent symbols of the culture. She chose the olive leaf, not only for its treasured oil, but also for its goodwill symbolism. For the pasta charms, Lentini selected four petite pastas and cast directly from their form. “They really capture the best of both worlds,” the designer says. “They’re as fun as they are pretty.” The pasta pendants are now available through The Shops @ Funky Finds. And, they all ship for FREE!

This Week's Events

WHAT: The Pin Show
WHEN: Thursday, February 25; Doors open at 8pm
WHERE: Union Station, 400 S Houston St., Dallas, TX

WHAT: Handmade Nation Screening
WHEN: Thursday, February 25; 7pm
WHERE: MICA, Falvey Hall, Brown Center - 1301 W. Mount Royal Ave., Baltimore, MD
ETC: Free & open to the public!

WHAT: Launch Party for Deep Down Clothing Line
WHEN: Thursday, February 25; 7-9pm
WHERE: Parts & Labour, 1117 South Congress, Austin, TX

WHAT: The WonderCraft: Grand Opening at The Art Pad
WHEN: Thursday, February 25; 6-9pm
WHERE: The Art Pad, 4520 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX
ETC: Free drinks & munchies. Goodie bags to the first 25 guests. Photo booth by Lucinda Lewis.

WHAT: Friday Night at The Crucible
WHEN: Friday, February 26; 6:30-9:30pm
WHERE: The Crucible, 1260 7th St., Oakland, CA
ETC: Free Admission. Adult beverages will be served.

WHAT: Attleboro's Winter Craft Fair and Art Sale
WHEN: Saturday, February 27; 6-10pm
WHERE: Ground floor of Attleboro City Hall, 77 Park St., Attleboro, MA

WHAT: Clutter City
WHEN: Saturday, February 27; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Norwich Arts Centre, 51 St. Benedicts St., Norwich NR2 4PG, United Kingdom

WHAT: Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage
WHEN: Saturday, February 27 and Sunday, February 28; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Micheltorena St. Elementary School, 1511 Micheltorena St., Los Angeles, CA
ETC: Event is held the last weekend of each month.

WHAT: Ipswich Indoor Bazaar
WHEN: Sunday, February 28; 8am-1pm
WHERE: Ipswich State High School, 1 Hunter St., Brassall, QLD

Jalouise

Jalouise features Krishala Burchill's unique fashions inspired by her passion for art, her love of community, and her own life experiences. Men can get in on the action with the Reflections tee or with a messenger bag featuring similar artwork. My favorite t-shirt is the long-sleeved flower design, although I also dig the pop art Freedom tee in bold red.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Deb K: Krishala is giving away a Jalouise tank in navy blue or grey - winner's choice. To enter, visit Jalouise and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Thursday, Feb. 25.

Dee's Adornments

Dee's Adornments features beautiful jewelry designs by Dee-Ann LeBlanc of British Columbia, Canada. Dee-Ann's funky items include memory wire bracelets and bent wire or memory wire earrings. I really like the multi-color Four Seasons bracelet, as well as the unique Timepiece necklace. If you're looking to add a bold punch of color to your ensemble, the High C bracelet is perfect. And I'm always a sucker for purple like the Purple Sabre Memory Wire Earrings. Receive a 10% discount when you mention Funky Finds in the notes to seller. Offer expires Friday, February 26.

Max Kauffman

Max Kauffman has kicked off his annual studio sale, which runs through Sunday, March 14th. You can access the sale via cyberspace and in person at 954 E. Bayaud Ave. in Denver, Colorado. If you are able to stop by in person, please call or email ahead to schedule a studio visit. Max has discounted some of last year's paintings, older pieces and prints, with freebies of varying degrees on purchases of $50 or more. Payment plans will also be available. One third of all sales will go to the people of Haiti via Doctors Without Borders. This talented artist is looking to help out in anyway he can, as well as inspire others to do the same. Check out Max's blog for additional information. pictured here Flying Below the Radar

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Parts & Labour's 6th Birthday Party
WHEN: Thursday, February 18, 9:00pm
WHERE: Rio Rita Cantina, 1308 East 6th St., Austin, TX

WHAT: reMAKE Fashion Show, SWAP O-Rama-Rama & Handmade Nation Screening
WHEN: Friday, February 19 through Sunday, February 21 - reMAKE Fashion Show @ 7pm Friday; SWAP O-Rama-Rama, Saturday & Sunday; Handmade Nation Screening @ 6pm Saturday
WHERE: Chicago, IL

WHAT: Handmade Music Night
WHEN: Friday, February 19, 10pm-12am
WHERE: InterAccess, 9 Ossington Ave., Toronto, Ontario

WHAT: 2nd Annual Leonia Winter Craft Fair
WHEN: Sunday, February 21, 10am-4pm
WHERE: American Legion Post #1, 399 Broad Ave., Leonia, NJ

{the type of girl tote}

Having once been described as "the type of girl who dots her i's with hearts," New York City-based graphic designer Tara took this as inspiration for a design that embraces the fun of being feminine. Her limited-edition tote bag embodies all the things she daydreams about - vintage travel posters, frivolousness, 60's movie fashion, polka dots, and more. The tote-ally sweet bag is made of heavyweight cotton canvas and is screen printed in two colors, black and red. Tara has generously offered Funky Finds readers FREE SHIPPING! Simply order through this special page to redeem the offer.

Ka Gold Jewelry

Ka Gold Jewelry features the work of designer David Weitzman. He released his first design, the Merkaba pendant, in 1998 as a symbol of healing and protection. David has continued to created dozens of jewels designed to inspire positive changes in people’s lives. As an avid nature lover, with a passion for both plants and animals, he uses symbols from nature in his work. The Flower of Life pendant is a beautiful, geometric design that contains a secret shape known as the fruit of life. I love the silver Mobius ring which represents the inner divine self. One of the most interesting designs, in my opinion, is The Butterfly Effect pendant. The butterfly effect is one of the terms related to the Chaos theory as coined by Edward Lorenz a meteorologist who discovered chaotic behavior in differential equations. See, Ka Gold Jewelry is not only beautiful, but also educational!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Megan! Ka Gold Jewelry is giving away a silver Mobius ring. To enter the giveaway, simply visit Ka Gold Jewelry & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite piece. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Friday, February 19.

Funky Five: Who Dat?

1. Who Dat Headband by Little Birdie

2. Who Dat Necklace by Hip Fusion Designs

3. Who Dat Champ Now Ya'll Onesie by Uh Oh Mama

4. Who Dat Nola Fleur de Lis T-Shirt by Circular Accessories

5. Huge Shabby French Cottage Fleur de Lis Sign by The Back Porch Shoppe

Hambly Limited Edition Prints

Allison & The Hambly Screen Prints Staff recently returned from winter CHA, and they have some limited edition prints for sale from their newest release. Visit Hambly's online store to purchase them while supplies last. Free shipping for U.S. addresses only. Calendars excluded from free shipping. Retail orders only.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Valentine Trunk Show brought to you by The Gypsy Wagon

WHEN: Wednesday, February 10, 5:30-8pm
WHERE: Veritas Wine Bar, 2323 N. Henderson, Dallas, TX
ETC: Folk Art, Local Jewelry, Gifts, Sussies for All, 1/2 Price Wine

WHAT: Handmade Nation Screening
WHEN: Friday, February 12, Screening at 7pm, Directors Q&A after screening
WHERE: Rock Paper Scissor Collective, 2278 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA
ETC: Admission is a sliding scale of $7-$10 at the door.

WHAT: An Affair of the Heart
WHEN: Friday, February 12 through Sunday, February 14
WHERE: Oklahoma City Fairgrounds, Oklahoma City, OK
ETC: Admission is $6 - good for all three days.

WHAT: Renegade Handmade's Valentine-Making Workshop
WHEN: Friday, February 12 and Saturday, February 13 - 12-5pm each day
WHERE: 1924 W Division St., Chicago, IL

WHAT: Valentine Craftacular
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 10am-4pm
WHERE: High Noon Saloon, 701 E. Washington, Madison, WI

WHAT: Brooklyn Indie Market's Valentine Fling
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Starting Artists, 211 Smith St., Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Twin Cities Maker "Minne-Faire"
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 2-6pm
WHERE: Hack Factory, 3119 E 26th St., Minneapolis, MN
ETC: Art Show & Party 7-11pm

WHAT: Indie Craft Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 1-6pm
WHERE: Cinema Paradiso, 503 Southeast 6th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL

WHAT: Indie Banditas Traveling Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 9am-5pm
WHERE: 370 Brien Dr. SE, Bainbridge Island, WA

WHAT: Cards, Scarves and Emotional Scars
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 12-3pm
WHERE: VIX Emporium, 5009 Baltimore Ave., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: "Let Me Count the Ways" Opening Reception
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 6-10pm
WHERE: Vox Sacramento, 1931 H St., Sacramento, CA

WHAT: Sono Flea Market
WHEN: Saturday, February 13, 1-8pm
WHERE: 19 North Main St., South Norwalk, CT

WHAT: Vignettes Valentines Sioree
WHEN: Sunday, February 14, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Vignettes, 4828 Newport Ave., San Diego, CA

WHAT: Crafters Smackdown 5
WHEN: Sunday, February 14, 1-5pm
WHERE: Congregation Beth Sholom, 7525 E. Northern Lights Blvd., Anchorage, AK

Blugrn Design

Wondering what to get for your honey, your friend, or yourself this Valentine's Day? Blugrn Design has a few HOT favorites that will do the trick.

FOR HIM: For the Guy that likes to accessorize, cuff links will dress up Mr. Fancy Pants in a fun way. Choose from fossilized nautilus shell, colorful silk brocades, and more.

FOR HER: Braille pendants available in sterling or 14k GF. Pendants can be customized with any name or word. Or purchase a ready-made design with words like love, xoxo, peace, loved or the classic love IS blind.

FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL: Custom puppy silhouettes in sterling silver. Don't see your breed or have a mixed breed? Send in a picture and a custom silhouette will be created for you. You can also have your Pup's name stamped on the silhouette for free!


JUST FOR FUN: Valentines... Luchador style. Mini notes or 4x5 cards detailed with a touch of sparkle. Sure to bring some fun to anyone that's lucky enough to receive one.

Tiny Hands Jewelry

In my opinion, everything is adorable in "mini" form. Mei of Tiny Hands Jewelry seems to be on the same page, specializing in custom miniature food jewelry. Her line features items like cupcakes, pancakes, waffles, sushi, shortcake, and lots more. Mei has recently released a number of new products, some of which come scented with delicious scents like maple butter cream and chocolate banana. Yummy! You can purchase these little foods, all less than an inch in size, in the form of charms, bracelets, and rings - all of which are sure to add whimsical interest to your wardrobe. Check out Mei's blog for contest info, updates and more.

Gifts From Cupid

1. Deep Red Heart Necklace by Blue Forest Jewellery

2. Vintage Valentine Notebook by Timeless Totes

3. The Key To My Heart by Art Mind

4. Show Me Your Heart Necklace by Holly's Designs

5. Sutured Heart Necklace by Idle Hands Designs

6. Hugs and Kisses Pillow Set by Sofa Garden

7. Canvas Cotton Tote Bag by TrulySanctuary

8. Falling in LOVE Ceramic Dish by New Moon Studio

9. In Love Heart Necklace by Hello Again

10. Conversation Heart Necklace by Christina Kober Designs

11. Free Amigurumi Heart Pattern Roxycraft

12. Charm Bracelet Tutorial by Ornamentea

13. Valentine Bath Gift by Me Too Lord

14. Chemistry of Love Earrings by Freeforged Jewelry

15. So Loved Handmade Tile by TileSmile

gorjana sale

Ileana's Designs

Ileana's Designs features a variety of beautiful jewelry designs to choose from. Designer Ileana Bonilla's favorite mediums include pearls and natural materials, as seen in her offerings. The Garnet Rain Bracelet is a lovely design made up of garnet rondelles and pale lavender freshwater pearls. The Midori Sour Bracelet will add a nice punch of color to your wardrobe and the Classic Necklace in Pink is sure to impress. And, if you're looking for a nice ring to add to your jewelry collection, don't miss the Golden Rose.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed: Ileana is giving away a beautiful Pearl Confetti Necklace made of Pearls and Sterling Silver. To enter, visit Ileana's Designs and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at Midnight EST, Sunday, February 7.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Crafting from the Collection
WHEN: Thursday, February 4; 6-7pm
WHERE: Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: Metro Market
WHEN: Friday, February 5, 6-10:30pm and Saturday, February 6, 12-4pm
WHERE: Metro Space Gallery, 119 West Broad St., Richmond, VA

WHAT: Cabin Fever
WHEN: Friday, February 5, 6-9pm and Saturday, February 6, 11am-7pm
WHERE: 460C Harrison Ave. at Thayer St., Boston, MA

WHAT: Star Pop & Salty Not Sweet's Valentine's Day Celebration
WHEN: Friday, February 5 through Sunday, February 7
WHERE: Star Pop, 15813 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, OH

WHAT: Hip Happening Valentine's Show
WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Sellwood Masonic Temple, 7126 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR

WHAT: Freret Market
WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 12-5pm
WHERE: 5030 S Liberty St., New Orleans, LA

WHAT: I Made It! Mine
WHEN: Saturday, February 6, 12-5pm
WHERE: Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave., Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: Spread the Love Valentine Workshop
WHEN: Sunday, February 7, 1-3pm
WHERE: Studio Lune, 680 - 70 Arthur St., Winnipeg, MB
ETC: Create two heartfelt projects using vintage table cloths, hankies & ribbon. Registration $15.