GIVEAWAY: Unrepeatables

Self-professed nail polish fiend Erin Sheehy-Norton is the creative force behind Unrepeatables. She describes her jewelry designs as unpredictable and witty, two things we strongly value at Funky Finds! Erin creates one of a kind nail polish jewelry, collage pendants, and wearable beaded art. Both her website and her Etsy shop showcase her unique AND sparkly accessories.

The nail polish jewelry is hand-painted using nail polish under glass. I purchased a red & silver ring from Erin at the Funky Finds Spring Fling in March and always receive compliments on it! The look is very similar to this pink & silver ring  (pictured below) that is SUPER funky.

Erin, an Austin, Texas, resident will be participating in many art & craft shows this fall. This month, she will be selling at Market at Snack Bar in Austin, a five-day outdoor market. You can also find her work at The Art Garage in Austin on October 27th. In November, Unrepeatables will be participating in The Girlie Show in Oklahoma City and Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience in Fort Worth! If you are unable to shop at one of these events, don't worry. You can shop online!

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Dawn! ***

PRIZE: A pair of skull and crossbones nail polish heart rings ($30 value). These hearts are 35mm across, both are Zoya glitters (one in Nova, the other in Astra) and are paired with a China Glaze crackle called Cracked Concrete.

TO ENTER: Like Unrepeatables on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

EXTRA ENTRY: Visit Unrepeatables website or Etsy shop & leave a comment noting your favorite item.

ENDS: 9pm CST, Wednesday, October 17.

byMarta

Marta Berk of byMarta creates unique and original wearable art. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Marta is a painter & illustrator who creates low brow whimsical characters in oil and graphite. Currently, Marta sells her art as Giclée prints that she prints using archival inks on professional archival paper, as well as wearable art jewelry and hair accessories.

I adore the bright, cheerful designs Marta creates. The hand-crafted Peace Bird locket (pictured) that includes a small key charm is lovely. This image is also available in the form of an adjustable bracelet, as well as bottlecap hair clips.

The mushroom art (pictured) is a perfect example of Marta's whimsical nature which I love! This great illustration is available as a print, as well as magnets, hair bow, and necklace.

To learn more about Marta's work, visit her blog and her Facebook page.

SPECIAL OFFER: Receive a 15% discount on all merchandise with coupon code FF15OFF. Offer expires September 27, 2012.

GIVEAWAY: Robbie Jenkins

Robbie Jenkins is a mixed media artist who describes herself as a quirky girl with an eye for imagination. A self-taught artist who was born & raised in Oklahoma, Robbie says her belief is that we all possess an innate ability & desire to create. Fascinated by transient tokens of varying eras, Robbie’s art draws together mementos of times past, nostalgia of old-world eras that spark the imagination, with a twist of humor. She has participated in numerous art exhibition shows, selling her art internationally, as well as to boutiques & museums. Also an accomplished silversmith, Robbie has been making dictionary pendants (pictured) for 20 years. Combining her desire to recycle & repurpose, her vintage dictionary pendants have become one of her most popular items. They are an inexpensive way to express oneself while eco-friendly. You can meet Robbie & purchase her unique work in person next weekend at Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience. She is a super cool, crafty & funky gal, so you don't want to miss the opportunity to make her acquaintance if you can help it!

*** GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Mo & Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys)! ***

PRIZE: Two lucky winners will receive a vintage dictionary pendant of their choice!

TO ENTER: Visit Robbie's website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite item.

ENDS: 9pm CST, Saturday, November 19.

Yvonne4eyes Card & Art Manipulations

Like it or not, Halloween is just around the corner! Yvonne4eyes Card & Art Manipulations offers several unique Halloween cards that will delight those of all ages. I love the Halloween Haunting eye chart card, as well as the Trick or Treat design. There's several other Halloween greetings, including the Raven and the rib cage (pictured). In addition to the Halloween designs, Yvonne offers a variety of cards, tags & wearables. I have a Blink of an Eye pendant & get so many compliments each time I wear it. Visit Yvonne's main website for more info & be sure to attend our November event, Funky Finds: A Holiday Shopping Experience, to shop Yvonne's wares in person!

Klimbim

Klimbim, a German slang word for useless extra or fuss, is a small label from Berlin featuring unique, handmade jewelry. Here tightrope walkers, cyclists, cowboys, nuns and other motley characters all play a dangerous game dangling on silver chains & neck wires. The characters, such as the Sherrif, are hand-painted & situated upon a silver pendulum that swings freely on a delicate sterling silver chain. The beautiful angel is perfect for watching over the recipient; however, my favorite is the man on a bicycle. (pictured)

Funky Five: Purple Power

1. Original Bracelet by Acai Jewelry

2. Purple Heart Pendant by Sketch Customs

3. Purple Princess Feather Earrings by Pretty Vagrant

4. Purple Iris Necklace by Beach Moms Designs

5. Social Butterfly Baby Onesie by Shirt Girls

Jewelry - Part 2

Larkspur Studio features funky jewelry created by Amy DeVoe. Her hand-painted pendants are my favorite! See more of Amy's work on Facebook.

Lindsay Designs features colorful glass jewelry designs that are bold, yet very wearable. Lindsay Field offers a variety of accessories, including necklaces, earrings & more.

One of my favorite booth set-ups belonged to Maggie Younkin of maggie may i. She gives new life to game pieces by turning them into eye-catching accessories.

I love perusing the repurposed jewelry designs by Mary's Madness. Old silver spoons & other items become interesting accessories when embellished.

Paper Jewelry by Ina Crowe is another "upcycler" who creates beautiful earrings using bits of paper. A much more fashionable way to recycle paper, wouldn't you say?

Peculiar Pieces offers beautiful jewelry designs created by husband & wife duo Betty & Stanley Scott and sister Scheretta Scott. Their designs will enable you to make a lovely statement.

Designer Maureen Kirchdoerfer of Release Me Creations creates what she describes as styles that are funky, unique, gothic punk, and glamorous. You know you're intrigued, so check it out!

Deb Ragsdill of Relics Re-Invented puts a new modern spin on heirlooms. Her hand-crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry creations & crosses are created using broken china & glass, funky hardware, found objects & elements of the past.

Robbie Jenkins is always one of my favorite artists to interact with. Her quirky personality shines through in all her creations. She offers pendants that are always popular at events, as well as mixed media & metal artwork.

Silverlicious offers eclectic styles of hand-crafted sterling silver jewelry made from hammered wire mixed with sterling silver beads and semiprecious stones. Patricia Ann Gray's designs are consistently beautiful!

Terri McAshan of Stained Glass Creations specializes in hand-etching original designs inspired by nature & music on fused glass. The results are gorgeous one-of-a-kind creations.

Martha Latta is THE original Sunday Afternoon Housewife! Her variety of Scrabble tile, poker chip & glass pendants feature various eye-catching images. She also offers several online workshops & downloads that are aimed at helping small indie businesses grow.

Designs by Taylor2u

Designs by Taylor2u features a unique line of affordable handmade jewelry & accessories created by Texas-based designer Erica Taylor. As a self-taught jewelry artisan, Erica is inspired by the reality of motherhood, the every day occurrences in life & enjoys working with different mediums, such as antique maps, recycled buttons & vintage crystals. Her custom recycled & upcycled designs, such as the chandelier crystal prism map pendants (pictured), are beautiful. You can show some love to your hometown with a map charm or dream of faraway exotic lands while wearing a travel destination glass tile pendant. In addition to the beautiful pendants, Erica offers rings, hair accessories, cuff links, and more. Designs by Taylor2u is a great source for unique gifts for others or as a treat for yourself!

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats don't eat beads! Designs by Taylor2u is giving away one custom vintage chandelier map prism necklace (pictured). To enter, visit Erica's Etsy shop & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite design. For an additional entry, "like" Designs by Taylor2u on Facebook & leave a comment on this post noting you have done so. Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Saturday, March 26.

Funky Five: Be My Valentine

1. Shiny Headband by Mary Poppins Presents

2. Owl Always Be Near Pendant by Sunday Afternoon Housewife

3. Love Birds Card by Caroline Creates

4. Be My Valentine Tile by Tilesmile

5. Red & White Necklace by Blackbead's Treasure Chest

Funky Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

1. Hand-knit Socks by Prudy's Country Crafts

2. Pocket Mirror by Miss Snappy

3. Vintage Dictionary Pendant by Robbie Jenkins

4. Handmade Soap by Soap Addict

5. Six-pack of Magnets by Kate Grenier Designs

6. Chandelier Tags by Astonishing Handmade

7. Archie Pendant by Handmade Hooligans

8. Pocket-size Presents at Maker Shed

9. Bookmark Belt by You-Niquely Created

10. Hair Wrap by Vintage Rose Wraps

Funky Gift Guide: Women's Jewelry

1. Picasso Lentil Ring by Don't Eat Beads

2. “BeCharmed” Collection by HipFusion Designs, Inc.

3. Sacred Heart Necklace by Acai Jewelry

4. Tequila Sunrise Bracelet by Fitzy Sparrow

5. Polar Earrings by Freeforged Jewelry

6. Pink Zebra Cross Pendant & Earring Set by Laughing Crafter Studio

7. Hand-blown Glass Pendant by Solstice Glass

8. Athereal Feather Necklace by Revel Designs

9. Fleur Earrings by Emma Alison Designs

10. Lady Peacock Necklace by Release Me Creations

Zedena Designs

Zedena Designs features unique enamel, glass & metal jewelry created by Melissa Williams Netherton. This handmade jewelry line includes pieces that are both whimsical & bold. The wax seal pendant, available in silver or bronze, will make wonderful gifts this holiday season, as will the enamel floral initial pendants. If you are in need of accessories for all those holiday parties, the Filigrana floral earrings will certainly fit the bill. And my personal favorite is the sweet & happy speckled enamel seahorse necklace (pictured). Various colors, patterns, chain materials and chain lengths are available in each collection. Receive a 10% discount on all purchases with coupon code Funky10 (expires December 1, 2010). Also, orders shipped within the United States receive free shipping through January 1, 2011.

The Funky Finds Experience - Vendor Preview 8

Only FOUR DAYS 'til The Funky Finds Experience!

1. Circle Scarf by Modest Ambition

2. Earrings by Moonvine Designs

3. Pendant by Mystic Angel Creations

4. Necklace by Neke Designs

5. Yoga Fibers by New Harmony Studios

6. Artwork by NV ArteWear

7. Artwork by Original Youth

8. Magnets by Pantherkraft

9. Pleated Pouch by Paper & Fabric

10. Sewn Button Card by Paper Cuts, Texas

11. Butterfly Photography by Paula Whatley Photography

12. Necklace by Peculiar Pieces

The Funky Finds Experience - Vendor Preview 7

Countdown to The Funky Finds Experience has begun! The handmade extravaganza of the year is just five days away! Whether or not you're able to attend, you can visit most of the participating artists, crafters & designers online.

1. Dichroic Pendant by Laughing Crafter Studio

2. Little Bird Soaps by Lil Anniebell's Soap Co.

3. Halloween Woof Dog Collar by lizziebees

4. Bridal Photograph by Love Through Lens

5. "Moonshine" by Luna Azul Studio

6. Hair Accessory by Mane Tamers

7. Jewelry Box by ManUCraft

8. Art Doll Kit by Mary's Madness

9. Wall Flower by Metal Urges

10. Watercolor by Mini Masterpieces

11. Taylor Purse by Mint 2 Sew

12. Watch by Mistura Timepieces

Sunday Afternoon Housewife - Giveaway

Martha Latta of Sunday Afternoon Housewife has been crafting since she was a teen. Having used the moniker Sunday Afternoon Housewife to cover a variety of ventures, Martha now creates fun (and funky) jewelry, screen printed apparel, and, as I mentioned last week, is now offering helpful online blogging workshops.

*GIVEAWAY - Closed - Congrats Cheryl! Sunday Afternoon Housewife is giving away a fun prize pack (pictured) that includes a candy sprinkle pendant, a scrabble tile pendant, a Sunday Afternoon Housewife magnet & a spot in the December Blogging Workshop. There are three ways to enter this giveaway!

1. Visit Sunday Afternoon Housewife's website & leave a comment on this post noting your favorite product.

2. "Like" Sunday Afternoon Housewife on Facebook, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so.

3. Subscribe to Sunday Afternoon Housewife's newsletter, then leave a comment on this post noting you have done so. (Scroll down - under upcoming events)

Giveaway ends at 9pm EST, Sunday, November 7.

Designs by Taylor2U

Erica Taylor creates a wide variety of cool accessories. Her Etsy shop, Designs by Taylor2U, features hair pins, jewelry & more. I'm always using bobby pins to clip back my "in between" bangs, so why not do it with style using some lovely embellished pins? There's lots of beautiful colors & patterns to choose from, such as the purple, pink & turquoise mix. There's even a set especially designed for brides! I also love the pendant that is designed with an antique optometrist lens & other charms. So unique! And women aren't the only ones who will find accessories here. Check out the spinning propeller cuff links in silver. (pictured - Festive Days set)

The Funky Finds Experience - Vendor Preview 5

Check out this week's featured artisans that will be participating in The Funky Finds Experience next month! Previous Vendor Previews: #1, #2, #3 and #4

1. Silver & Yellow Geometric Hand-Painted Tie by Gynx Designs

2. Purple People Eater Pendant by Handmade Hooligans

3. Black and White Branches Aline Dress by Harrilu

4. Texas Bred by Howard Dubois Art

5. Sweet Tooth Embroidered Towel by Jazzy Threads

6. Lampwork Bracelet by Jewelers on the Boulevard

7. End Table by JoeArt

8. “Triste” Encaustic Giclee Print by Junanne Peck

Funky Five: Halloween

1. Witch Earrings by Sassy to Classy

2. Dracula by The Clay Boss

3. Halloween Bottlecap Necklace Set by J&K Kreations

4. Witch Kitty Cat Ornament Pendant by The Snippets

5. Spider Halloween Card by Caroline Creates

LuckyBird Studio

Founded by Providence resident Kim Turner Clark, LuckyBird Studio is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. To pay tribute to her beloved little state, Kim has created a line of handmade jewelry featuring bold, original graphics that uniquely represent this area. The rez-o-rama paper series includes pendants, earrings, rings and cufflinks made from metal, paper & resin. These accessories are affordable, yet frivolous, & make life just a little more colorful and Rhody-centric. Several designs are available, including Map of RI, Map of Providence, the RI Anchor and the bright red heart of Providence. The Rhody-line is available online & at local events and various retail venues, including Rhody Craft 100, a seasonal shop in Hope Artiste Village dedicated to selling only locally handmade art and craft. RC100 is open every Saturday from 10am-2pm, November through May, alongside the ever-popular Wintertime Farmers Market. RC100 also produces events including the twice yearly Craftopia, a super-duper day of indie art, craft, food & music. The next Craftopia, featuring 65 eclectic artisans, will be held Sunday, November 14, 2010.

Handmade Hooligans

Handmade Hooligans is made up of three crafty chicas in Texas - Katie, Andrea and Wendy. The trio creates glass pendants using found art from old magazines and books. When I saw Harry (pictured) from Harry & The Hendersons, my heart skipped a beat! Isn't he the cutest? Comic fans will enjoy pendants featuring favorites like Archie and Super Heroes Unite. Other pendants are adorned with interesting graphics perfect for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and classic movie lovers. Handmade Hooligans welcomes custom orders and you can keep tabs on these gals via Facebook. And be sure to attend The Funky Finds Experience in November where you can purchase Handmade Hooligans' products in person!