Emma Walsh Design

Emma Walsh is a very busy & creative gal. While studying Architecture and Interior Design, Emma creates all sorts of things ranging from housewares to bridal accessories as a way to generate some income. She also creates jewelery using materials found in op shops and vintage stores, combining them with new elements. The Isabelle necklace features elegantly tangled chains and beads resulting in a "wow" statement piece. The lacy bracelets are perfect for brides, as well as those wanting to add a delicate accessory to their ensemble. Emma also has a Felt shop that showcases some of her artwork, as well as accessories. Visit Emma's blog and Facebook page for more information. (pictured: grandeur - silver beaded applique bib necklace)

IndieGenius

Julie McCollough Kim is well-known in the world of fashion designer & craft shows, especially in Texas. In 2005, Julie opened Make Shop & Studio, a DIY studio & boutique in the Bishop Arts District of Dallas. She began hosting the Urban Street Bazaar & co-founded The Pin Show, two events that shoppers & artisans have come to love and demand. That's why everyone was shocked & saddened to hear that the last USB will be held October 2nd & 3rd. But, of course, we had to know Julie had something bigger & better up her sleeve! She didn't disappoint announcing the opening of IndieGenius.

Julie knows that many designers & artisans have dreamed of opening their own boutique, but long-term leases, extensive overhead, staffing, and finances have been roadblocks along the way. This lead to her decision to evolve the outdoor event into a full-time micro-boutique marketplace. Think indie street market with air-conditioning.

IndieGenius will be housed in a 5,000 sq.ft. space in the heart of Dallas' trendy Bishop Arts District. Slated to open for shoppers sometime in October with a Grand Opening on the first Thursday of November, you can expect non-big box holiday themed events like Anti-Black Friday, where shoppers can meet the designers of these non-mass produced products.

"IndieGenius is giving North Texas' independent fashion designers, artists, modern crafters and independent retailers a low-investment, out-of-the-big-box venue for opening their own boutique, vintage shop or supply outlet," said McCullough Kim. "With IndieGenius, we're working to create a permanent, six-day-a-week marketplace for indie designers and the shoppers who've loved them enough to chase them around for the past five years!"

So no more waiting around for the next craft show to purchase handmade goods in person! Come October, shoppers will be able to stop in at their leisure to pick up unique wares in Dallas, Texas. If you're interested in opening a space at IndieGenius, more information can be found on the website.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: The Philadelphia Collection
WHEN: Through Saturday, October 2
WHERE: Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: INDIEana Handicraft Exchange Fall Mini
WHEN: Friday, October 1; 5-10pm
WHERE: Harrison Center for the Arts, 1505 North Delaware St., Indianapolis, IN

WHAT: Bead Fest Texas
WHEN: Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3
WHERE: Arlington Convention Center, 1200 Ballpark Way, Arlington, TX

WHAT: St James Court Art Show
WHEN: Friday, October 1 through Sunday, October 3
WHERE: Historic Old Louisville, Kentucky

WHAT: Art's Goggle
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; 4-10pm
WHERE: Near Southside, Fort Worth, TX
ETC: Printable map and program

WHAT: Horseshoe Craft and Flea Market
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; 8am-3pm
WHERE: 4345 W. 46th Ave., Denver, CO


WHAT: Stitch Rock
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; Noon-6pm
WHERE: Old School Square, 51 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach, FL

WHAT: The Fort Worth Stomp
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; 4pm-1am
WHERE: Pearl's Dance Hall, 302 West Exchange Ave., Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Marie Reed Learning Center, 2200 Champlain St. NW, Washington, DC

WHAT: Maker’s Market
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; 9am-Noon
WHERE: Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park & Arts Center, 13480 Dowell Rd., Dowell, MD

WHAT: Freret Market
WHEN: Saturday, October 2; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Intersection of Freret St. & Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, LA

WHAT: Make's Urban Street Bazaar
WHEN: Saturday, October 2, Noon-8pm; Sunday, October 3, Noon-4pm
WHERE: Bishop Arts District, Dallas, TX

WHAT: Lancaster Fall ArtWalk
WHEN: Saturday, October 2, 10am-5pm; Sunday, October 3, 11am-5pm
WHERE: Lancaster, PA (see map for participating galleries)

WHAT: Design Harvest
WHEN: Saturday, October 2 & Sunday, October 3; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Grand Ave. between Damen & Wood, Chicago, IL

WHAT: First Sunday Arts Festival
WHEN: Sunday, October 3; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Downtown Annapolis, MD

WHAT: Crafty By Nature
WHEN: Sunday, October 3; 9am-4pm
WHERE: Shupp's Grove, 607 Willow St., Reinholds, PA

WHAT: Philly Swap 2010: A Swap O Rama Rama Event
WHEN: Sunday, October 3; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Building 543 @ URBN Philly Naval Yard, 5000 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA

Out of Print Clothing

Books on Shirts. Shirts on a mission. Out of Print Clothing designs unique shirts that are inspired by classic novels such as Catcher in the Rye and Invisible Man that are mostly out of print. The idea behind Out of Print Clothing, however, is what makes these fashion forward tees so special. Out of Print Clothing recognizes the power of fashion and the importance of literature and books across the globe. Apart from raising awareness of books and their beautiful cover artwork via their tees, one of Out of Print Clothing’s main missions is to breach the reading gap that exists in different parts of the world. Out of Print Clothing has partnered up with Books For Africa, an organization that seeks “to end the book famine in Africa.” For every shirt that Out of Print Clothing sells, one book is donated to children in communities that do not have access to them at all. This is a great opportunity to nab a cool tee featuring your favorite title while helping a wonderful cause.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Pippirose! Out of Print Clothing is giving away one tee of the winner's choice. To enter, visit Out of Print Clothing's website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, October 3.

The Funky Finds Experience - Vendor Preview 2

Today we continue previewing some of the 120+ artists, crafters & designers that will be participating in The Funky Finds Experience in November! If you missed it, check out vendor preview 1 here.



1. Fill-in-the-Blank Greeting Card by Blank You Studio

2. Candles by Blessings Candles

3. Howdy from Texas Letterpress Greeting Card by blue eye brown eye

4. Dog Plate by BoG Productions

5. Stationery by Caroline Creates

6. Hearts and Eyes by Catherine Page Snow

7. Pleated Handbag by childsPLAYdesign

8. Nativity Set by Christie Cone Ceramics

Sommer Designs

Sommer Designs was founded in 1999 by designer Carrie Sommer. She began the business as a web design studio catering to small businesses, but eventually changed direction and morphed into the design & manufacturing of women's accessories. I have been a fan of Carrie's work for some time & was sad to hear the recent announcement that she is closing her business. Now all her remaining inventory is listed on Etsy. This is a great time to begin your holiday shopping or pick up something nice for yourself because you deserve it! The aprons make wonderful housewarming and hostess gifts. And who doesn't need an eye-catching handbag? Pick up a couple of zipper pouches and get organized. Carrie also offers a variety of necklaces and earrings. I especially love the clear crystal beaded swallow necklace that will compliment just about any outfit. Stock up on these great items before they're all gone!

Hip Fusion Designs

Hip Fusion Designs has been selected to partner with two national breast cancer organizations, Living Beyond Breast Cancer and the Young Survival Coalition. Neida, the designer behind Hip Fusion, is committed to raising as much money as possible for these two important organizations by donating her labor and allocating 50% of her sales to these organizations. Since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this is the perfect time to begin thinking about this important cause. For Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Hip Fusion Designs created two signature jewelry pieces, the limited-edition LIFE bracelet and Philly LOVE necklace (pictured). There are many more beautiful designs in the breast cancer awareness line, such as hot pink beaded earrings. Visit Hip Fusion Designs today & support these terrific charities when purchasing lovely accessories for yourself or a loved one.

Upcoming Events

WHAT: The Philadelphia Collection
WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 23 through Saturday, October 2
WHERE: Events held throughout Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Chicago Craft Social
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 24; 7-10pm
WHERE: Evanston Vineyard Church, 2495 Howard St., Evanston, IL


WHAT: 4-Legged Fashion Show
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 24; 6-9pm
WHERE: Lexus RiverCenter, 633 W. 3rd St., Covington, KY

WHAT: 32nd Annual TACA Fall Craft Fair
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 24 & Saturday, Sept. 25, 10am-6pm; Sunday, Sept. 26, 10am-5pm
WHERE: Centennial Park, 2600 W End Ave., Nashville, TN

WHAT: Halloween & Vine 15th Annual Halloween Collectibles Art Show
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 9am-2pm
WHERE: Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave., Petaluma, CA

WHAT: Liverpool's Big Vintage Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Liverpool Students' Union, The Haigh Bldg., Maryland St., Liverpool

WHAT: Market Day
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 9am-2pm
WHERE: 300 SW 5th St., Des Moines, IA

WHAT: Whole Foods Market - Laurelhurst Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 2-7pm
WHERE: 2825 East Burnside St., Portland, OR

WHAT: Fourth Wall Arts Salon
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 7-9pm
WHERE: Trinity Center for Urban Life, S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA


WHAT: Day In the District
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Fort Worth Cultural District

WHAT: FAB! Festival & Block Party
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 1-5pm
WHERE: East 4th Street between Bowery & 2nd Ave., New York, NY

WHAT: All About Uptown Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25; 11am-10pm
WHERE: Fairmount St. between McKinney Ave. & Cedar Springs, Uptown Dallas, TX


WHAT: 1st Annual Manayunk EcoArts Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 11am-7pm; Sunday, Sept. 26, 11am-6pm
WHERE: Main St., Manayunk, Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Strange Folk Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25 & Sunday, Sept. 26; 10am-6pm
WHERE: Community Park, 401 E. 5th St., O'Fallon, IL

WHAT: The Raymond Thunder-Sky Folk Art Carnival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25 & Sunday, Sept. 26; 11am-6pm
WHERE: Building Value, 4040 Spring Grove Ave., Cincinnati, OH


WHAT: World Maker Faire
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 10am-7pm; Sunday, Sept. 26, 10am-6pm
WHERE: NY Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Queens, NY

WHAT: Bust Magazine Craftacular at World Maker Faire
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 10am-7pm; Sunday, Sept. 26, 10am-6pm
WHERE: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY

WHAT: Old Pecan Street Festival
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 25, 11am-10pm; Sunday, Sept. 26, 11am-8pm
WHERE: E. 6th St. from I-35 to Brazos St. & N. side of 5th St. to S. side of 7th St., Austin, TX

WHAT: The Manchester Vintage Fashion & Textiles Fair
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 26; 10am-4pm
WHERE: The Armitage Centre, Mosley Rd., Fallowfield, Manchester, M14 6HE

WHAT: Crafty Conspiracy Craft Night
WHEN: Tuesday, Sept. 28; 7-9pm
WHERE: The Ruby Kitchen, 1263 Univ. Ave., San Diego, CA

Necklace Express

Necklace Express is a family-owned and operated business that has been going strong for over 25 years. This company boasts a very extensive product line that includes necklaces, earrings, and other accessories. The Hematite necklaces and earrings, made of mineral from of one of several iron oxides, are very unique & eye-catching. I especially like the heart in circle with blue stones. If you're looking for a little good luck, why not add a four-leaf clover piece to your wardrobe? And, if you are looking for a splash of color, visit the fashion necklaces section. Receive a 10% discount on any order by entering the code funkyfinds10 at time of checkout. (pictured: Semi Precious with Glass Beads - Purple Center)

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congats Flaming Star! Necklace Express is giving one winner an item of their choice. To enter, visit Necklace Express and leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item. For an extra entry, subscribe to the Necklace Express newsletter & leave a comment on this post noting you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, September 26.

The Funky Finds Experience - Vendor Preview 1

There's over 120 talented artists, crafters & designers that will be participating in The Experience, a 2-day handmade extravaganza. The event will be held November 6 and 7 in Fort Worth, Texas. Each week I will be previewing a few of the vendors. Visit their websites & let them know you will see them at The Experience!

1. Painting by 3 Bears Studio

2. Tutu Hair Bow Holder by Add A Lil Charm

3. BOO Halloween Bag by Alphabulous

4. Cedar & Oak Jewelery Box by Anderson Woodworks

5. Leather Cuff Bracelet by Armed With Style

6. Peace Quote Box Purse by Arrowsarah

7. Photography by Artistic Solutions Ink

8. Girls Dress by Aunt Jane's Dresses

I will be back next week to preview more great artisans that are participating in The Experience. And, be sure to save the date for the 3rd Annual Funky Finds Spring Fling to be held March 12, 2011!

Funky Five: I Love My Dog!

1. Dog Scarf by Pawty Time Treats

2. Pet Tents by Rock Meadows Designs

3. Cherry Dog Collar by lizziebees

4. All-natural Dog Soap by Sweet Harvest Farms

5. Doggie Tee by Humorous Hounds

J&K Kreations

Jaynie and Kim make up the J & K in J&K Kreations. This crafty duo creates a wide variety of items, including greeting cards, invitations, and party favors. You will find unique invitations for baby showers and birthday parties. The customizable candy wrappers make great wedding favors, as well as birth announcements. J&K Kreations also offers beaded key chains and adorable bottle cap necklace sets. And, if you know an adorable little girl, you will definitely want to give her an adorable headband!

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Wine & Art Walk
WHEN: Thursday, September 16; 6-9pm
WHERE: The Village at Fairview, NE corner of US-75 & Stacy Rd., Fairview, TX

WHAT: Textile Arts Center Official Opening Party & Inaugural Gallery Exhibition
WHEN: Friday, September 17; 8-11pm
WHERE: 505 Carroll St. (off 4th Ave.), Brooklyn, NY

WHAT: Trinity Valley Quilters' Guild Quilt Show
WHEN: Friday, September 17 & Saturday, September 18, 10am-5pm; Sunday, September 19, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Amon Carter Exhibit Hall at Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster, Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: Outdoor Craft Store
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 9:30am-4pm
WHERE: Park Ave. & Dartmouth Ave., Swarthmore, PA

WHAT: The Philadelphia Designers Market
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 11am-6pm
WHERE: 123 South 17th St., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Whole Foods Market - Laurelhurst Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 2-7pm
WHERE: 2825 East Burnside St., Portland, OR

WHAT: Bazaar Bizarre @ JPOP Summit
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 11am-6pm
WHERE: Japantown, CA

WHAT: Mini I Made It! Market at WYEP’s Rock the Block Party
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; VIP 6-11pm, General Admission 8-11pm
WHERE: WYEP, 67 Bedford Sq., Pittsburgh, PA

WHAT: Deep Ellum Outdoor Market
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 11am-5pm
WHERE: 2820 Indiana Blvd., under covered parking lot at Elm St. & Malcolm X Blvd., Dallas, TX

WHAT: Dallas Green Festival
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 9am-2:30pm
WHERE: Texas Discovery Gardens, Fair Park Dallas, 3601 MLK Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX

WHAT: Little Green Dresses Book Release Party
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; 9pm-Midnight
WHERE: Stitch Lab, 1000 South 1st St., Austin, TX

WHAT: Clark Park Arts & Music Festival
WHEN: Saturday, September 18; Noon-9pm
WHERE: Clark Park, 43rd & Chester Ave., Philadelphia, PA

WHAT: Birdville High School PTSA Craft Show
WHEN: Saturday, September 18, 9am-5pm & Sunday, September 19, 11am-4pm
WHERE: Birdville High School, 9100 Mid-Cities Blvd., N. Richland Hills, TX

WHAT: Linvilla Orchards' Arts and Music Festival
WHEN: Saturday, September 18 & Sunday, September 19, 9am-5pm
WHERE: 137 W. Knowlton Road, Media, PA

WHAT: Melbourne Festival of the Creative & Performing Arts
WHEN: Saturday, September 18 & Sunday, September 19; 10am-5pm
WHERE: Melbourne, Derbyshire UK

WHAT: Indie Mart
WHEN: Sunday, September 19; Noon-6pm & after party, 6-8pm
WHERE: Alamo Square Flea Market - Scott, Fulton & Hayes Streets, San Francisco, CA

WHAT: Beach Street Local Market
WHEN: Sunday, September 19; 10am-2pm
WHERE: 3789 N Beach St., Fort Worth, TX 76137

Shabby Apple

Shabby Apple is an online boutique featuring women's dresses, skirts, and apparel. The site also features workout wear and recently added a line of vintage-inspired swimwear. The site has such a wide variety of apparel to choose from that there is something that will satisfy just about every style and taste. I love the pleated green Tres Jolie summer dress that is fun and flirty. The magenta L'Opera dress is beautiful and the Cider dress is perfect for transitioning into fall. If you are in the market for fashionable maternity wear, Shabby Apple has a great selection. This site has so many offerings that they even offer a unique bridesmaid collection! Receive a 10% discount by entering the code Funkyfinds10off.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats FENNOfashion! Shabby Apple is giving one lucky winner their choice of one of eleven women's dresses (see links below for options). To enter, visit Shabby Apple & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite dress. For an extra entry, become a follower of Shabby Apple's blog, then leave a comment on this post stating you have done so. This giveaway is limited to United States residents only. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, September 19.

Winner may choose one of the following dresses:
Tuxedo III - Barefoot In The Park - Pretty In Pink - Duck Beach - 24K
Baja - Anchors Away - Nine to Five - Five to Nine - Circo - L'Amour

Original Youth - The $1 Challenge

Sarah Zamora of Original Youth is a Texas-based artist that we had the please of working with in March at The Funky Finds Spring Fling. Her artwork is terrific, she has a great outgoing personality, and she is very active in her community. That's why I wanted to share this video Sarah recently posted on YouTube and Facebook. Bravo TV is currently holding casting calls for the second season of their reality series "Work of Art: The Next Great Artist." Sarah is trying to raise enough funds for a plane ticket to New York City for the September 25th casting call to be held at Brooklyn Museum. Please watch her video and, if you feel compelled to help her out, donate a dollar or more to help Sarah go after her dream. Also, you can meet Sarah in person at The Funky Finds Experience in November! Her fabulous artwork is featured on the event website's homepage.

The Refinery

Kelly Graves of The Refinery designs jewelry that is printed with a 3D carving machine, carved out & painted by hand, then sanded and polished. The result is beautiful jewelry that has a natural & earthy feel. If you're looking for a unique statement piece, the cherry wood Billie necklace fits the bill. I love the gold-tone Pocahontas necklace (pictured) that is carved with the image of a feather. The Laurel necklace features an image of a chandelier adding an air of sophistication. Kelly also creates a line of modern dog tags that are printed on solid oak. Check back in the coming months for a new collection from The Refinery just in time for holiday shopping!

Little Mave

Victoria Owens of Little Mave creates vintage-inspired pretties for babies and girls. The one-of-a-kind pieces are simple & classic. The 100% organic cotton tea shorts are so cute & comfortable making them perfect for everyday wear. The day bloomers are inspired by old-fashioned bloomers or pantaloons and are available in a variety of colors. I also love the frilly bubble cheeks diaper covers that will look precious when worn by any little girl. Follow Little Mave on Twitter for updates, fall previews and more.

Funky Five: Autumn

1. Autumn Leaf Earrings by Sassy to Classy

2. Little Pumpkin T-shirt by Planet Pudge

3. Autumn Tree by Andrea Schmid

4. Autumn Harvest Fruit Wreath by Stylish Stems

5. Happy Autumn Plate by Misty and Sandy's Personalized Gifts

Upcoming Events

WHAT: Fashion's Night Out
WHEN: Friday, September 10
WHERE: NYC - See interactive map

WHAT: Indie Craft Parade
WHEN: Friday, September 10, 6-9pm; Saturday, September 11, 9am-5pm
WHERE: Historic Huguenot Mill, 101 W. Broad St., Greenville, SC

WHAT: Handmade In Bloom
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Kamberra Wine Co., Cnr Northbourne Ave. & Flemington Rd., Lyneham, ACT

WHAT: Lone Star Craft Association Craft Show
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 9am-5pm
WHERE: Cheeratorium, 4954 Benbrook Blvd., Benbrook, TX

WHAT: Second Saturday Art Fair
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 10am-4pm
WHERE: Historic Downtown San Juan Capistrano, CA

WHAT: The Crafterlot
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 5-8pm
WHERE: Blue House, 1026 South Main St., Ann Arbor, MI

WHAT: The Dallas Flea
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 9am-4pm
WHERE: South Side on Lamar, 1409 S. Lamar, Dallas, TX

WHAT: Firehouse Gallery Sept. Art Show Artist Reception
WHEN: Saturday, September 11; 6-10pm
WHERE: Firehouse Gallery, 4147 Meadowbrook Dr., Fort Worth, TX

WHAT: Brandywine Festival of the Arts
WHEN: Saturday, September 11, 10am-5pm; Sunday, September 12, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Wilmington State Parks, 1001 North Park Dr., Wilmington, DE

WHAT: Renegade Craft Fair
WHEN: Saturday, September 11 & Sunday, September 12; 11am-7pm
WHERE: Division St. between Damen & Paulina, Chicago, IL

WHAT: Festival @ 51
WHEN: Sunday, September 12; Noon-4pm
WHERE: The Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd., Rye, NY 10580

WHAT: 5th Annual UH Arts Open
WHEN: Sunday, September 12; Noon-5pm
WHERE: Historic Annex Building Grounds, 2100 Normal St., San Diego, CA

Wild Life Prints

Jeff Friesen is an award-winning photographer that has been published in a variety of magazines. He says that, along with everything else, his work has changed since the arrival of his daughter. Last winter, he began photographing little dioramas made from his daughter's toys and leftover bits of various home renovation projects. He then used the resulting prints to decorate their apartment. With much encouragement, he decided to open an Etsy shop, Wild Life Prints, featuring affordable prints. I love the brightly-colored Dirty Duck image that would look great displayed in one's bathroom. The Cultured Cow is one of my personal favorites, because Bessy is obviously at home around nice artwork. And, it's always nice to see a woodland creature, such as a raccoon, tidying up their living space! Learn more about Jeff and his work on his main website.

* GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats misscaseylee! Jeff is giving away three 8"x10" prints (winner's choice - a $60 value). To enter, simply visit Wild Life Prints & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite image. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, September 12.

Hey Cary Ann

I have a slight obsession with buttons (ie: I'm a hoarder), so I was especially delighted to discover Cary Lopiccolo's button jewelry designs. Growing up with a father that was a professional silversmith jeweler, Cary says jewelry has always been a part of her life. She decided to name her online shop Hey Cary Ann, because she was named, by hippie parents, after The Hollies' song. After spending time scouring dusty thrift stores, estate sales, friends' attics and online for unique buttons, Cary then repurposes them into groovy jewelry. I would never guess that the Black Filigree Flower earrings are vintage buttons - very classy! And the Yellow Crush bracelet is sure to lend a nice punch of color to any wardrobe. If you're looking for a touch of hippie yourself, check out the red Kyoto bracelet (pictured). Cary's designs are colorful, fun and simple, making them easy to wear with any outfit.

Gorjana Sample Sale

I recently featured jewelry designer Gorjana Reidel's lovely work. If you liked what you saw, you definitely don't want to miss the invite-only Private Sample Sale that's happening today, September 2nd. The sale features over 30 styles that are up to 65 percent off retail price. Stock up on beautiful jewelry, leather wrap bracelets, and handbags!

Magpie Mary + Very Mary Vintage

In celebration of September, here's a sweet discount offer for all you Funky Finds readers! Receive 30% off all merchandise (less s/h) for the month of September when you mention the code FF in the "notes to seller" during checkout from both Magpie Mary and Very Mary Vintage. This is a great opportunity to stock up on craft supplies, such as vintage Bingo cards and ephemera. And while you're at it, be sure to pick up some funky vintage home decor. I love the really retro salad set and the toadstool trivet. Then, stock up on some vintage duds for your fall wardrobe. The grey wristlet bag will go with all your ensembles and the big red bow pumps will add a much-needed punch of color. And don't miss the great hand-stamped necklaces so you can tell everyone just how vampy you really are!