2008 was an excellent year for Funky Finds. We started our monthly newsletter, Funky News, in March. And in July we launched The Shops @ Funky Finds.
Valerie Jesswein is the creative mind behind VMJESS, a shop featuring handmade camera straps. Each strap is constructed using eye-catching & fashionable fabrics. I love the floral Grace strap, as well as the geometric Cocoa Squares. And sports fans are sure to love the sports-themed designs. Valerie's straps also fit on many cell phones and come with a key ring so they can also be used as a key fob. This is the perfect accessory for your newly received holiday gifts!
Droopy Knickers is a fun company that offers funky apparel for kids, as well as a few pieces for moms. Their popular designs are sold by retailers all over the US, Europe and Japan and have been featured in Cookie Magazine and more. The mom & baby gift sets, featuring organic tanks & tees, make unique baby shower gifts. For those of us who graduated in the 90s & earlier, the future class designs may make you feel old, but will definitely look cute on the wee ones. If you're looking for a bargain (who isn't?), then be sure to check out the Droopy Knickers Etsy shop. All tees are on sale for only $20 each! An added bonus is that you will receive free shipping when you mention Funky Finds in the notes to seller section.
Did you know that coffee is the second largest commodity in the world? In turn, 800,00 tons of burlap are discarded every year. ReJAVAnate takes burlap from coffee roasters that would otherwise be sent to landfills & creates reusable & completely biodegradable tote bags. They also work with The ARC, an organization that serves individuals with developmental disabilities, by employing over 140,ooo members to create the bags by hand. A wonderful option that is offered is custom logo printing on the burlap bags, making them a wonderful way for individuals, as well as organizations, to make a statement about reducing paper and plastic bag consumption. ReJAVAnate's sister company BuyGreen is a wonderful source for finding all of the green earth products you need, including eco-friendly clothing & solar powered lights to name a few.
Jennifer Squires is offering a new set of fresh photographs captured in Greece. This contemporary photography collection is comprised of scenic photos, detail shots, and architectural imagery. Some of the more notable photographs include two impressionistic pieces; Farther Than the Eye Can See, blurring the lines between where the earth ends and the sky begins; and Greece #250, illustrating the unique way that the towns on the island of Santorini cling to the edge of the caldera. The gritty black and white photograph Weathered, and the simplicity of Greece #217, bring to mind a simpler time by highlighting the architecture that is typical of the Greek Isles. These fine art photographs will compliment dining rooms, living areas, bedrooms, and offices, and can be produced as large as 24x30 inches or as small as 4x6 inches. See more of Jennifer's work on her portfolio site.
Amy Costin is a creative mum that creates the handmade pennants & string flag sets found at Giggleberry Creations. These fun and unique fabric banners are a great way to decorate a nursery, bedroom, play area, party or even a craft show tent. What girly girl wouldn't love the pink cupcake flags? And I would LOVE to have the sock monkey flags to hang in my craft room! Boys aren't left out either. Amy has a nice selection of pennants for them to choose from as well. And she also creates colorful & fun pillow cushion covers. These can be easily taken off to be washed and changed out as you wish.
Lealand Eve is an artist & illustrator who opened a shop in Sayville, NY, with her partner Nathan King called Lealand Eve Boutique (52 South Main Street). After graduating in 2002 from Pratt (Brooklyn) with a BFA in fashion, Leland took a liking to illustration and began a freelance illustration career. She has worked on several children's books, magazine illustration and a game for Wizards of the Coast. Lealand became more interested in her personal works and wanted to cut the illustration out, but was unsure how she could make a living as an artist and get her work in front of people. In the spring of 2008, the retail shop was opened & began selling home dècor, personal accessories and jewelry. The wall space is utilized as gallery space to show off both Lealand's artwork and the work of other emerging artists on Long Island. If you're unable to visit the shop in person, you can do some shopping online. I love all the unique dinnerware, especially the Sapling silverware set. There is also a nice selection of items for men.
Sin in Linen creates hot stuff for your boudoir. Their products will replace your boring linens with adventurous patterns sure to add pizzazz to your home. Their designs, inspired by pin-up, tattoo and alt-pop culture, are available as sheet sets, duvet covers, shower curtains and kitchen items. The black forever tattoo sheets are perfect for any wild child. And for those who are a bit tamer there's the embroidered swallows set. The Kiss Kiss Bang Bang sheets are also a personal favorite. Sin in Linen also has some great throw pillows, such as the heart pillow. And why not add some excitement to your kitchen as well with the tattoo pot holders & placemats?
Mary Ann Abbott is a woman who wears many hats. She is an English teacher, a thrifter, a generous & talented shop owner with not one, but two Etsy shops. Magpie Mary showcases Mary Ann's thrift good & vintage finds, such as vintage glass lotion jars. Her other shop, A Very Mary Design, is where she shares her love of vintage supplies, as well as handmade items she has created. My favorite items are the so-called ugly monsters she creates by recycling materials & embellishing them with buttons & hand-embroidered details.
Thank you to everyone who entered the See Kai Run Big Blog Giveaway! We appreciate everyone's continued support of Funky Finds & we have lots of terrific giveaways lined up for 2009, so be sure to check back often. Congrats to the following winners!
I am not a big fan of the cold dreary weather we have been experiencing here in Texas. I thrive on bright sunshine-filled days. That is why Jennifer Ladd's lovely bright creations really caught my eye today. Jennifer creates bags, purses, and baby items that lean toward simplicity, sleek lines, and modern design. The bright colors and bold, hip prints add excitement to each piece. The Christmas Joy baby booties are absolutely adorable! The floral laptop bag is a stylish, yet functional, accessory. And I would LOVE to have the painter's palette clasp clutch purse for myself! The bold & bright clutch purse is another bag I wouldn't mind adding to my collection. If you need a last minute, but terrific gift, Jennifer offers gift certificates in various denominations.
1. Rose Valley Soaps has a great selection of fun and funky holiday soaps. I especially love the Christmas ducky soaps!
Talia, the talented jewelry designer behind Piedra Studio, creates one-of-a-kind and limited-edition jewelry that combines old and new materials, including vintage filigree with gemstones, German glass and gold vermeil, gold-filled chains with lucite and more. The Classic necklace is one of simple elegance that combines cream colored, freshwater coin pearls and black faceted Czech glass. The earrings made using copper filigree discs & garnets are also beautiful accessories. And the Mist necklace, featuring silver freshwater coin pearls with gray shell "donuts" and marbleized Italian ceramic beads that are hand-wrapped with sterling silver wire, is another alluring piece. Treat yourself to a beautiful piece of Talia's jewelry this holiday season!
Blu Jay Studio features the fun & funky original art created by independent artist Erica Aubin. She says that the mission of her work is to provide affordable and uniqe pieces for women that express feelings of power, confidence, and joy. I Am Passionate is an original mixed-media collage created on the cover of a vintage book. This piece reminds me of my dark-haired mother who is a talented musician. Being the animal lover that I am, I really like LOVE animals. Don't EAT them. Erica uses a variety of mediums from paint and canvas to beeswax and vintage LPs. The result is uniquely fun pieces, including the piece titled Kitty Costume. You can see more of her work on Glitter & Grunge and on her blog.
Goody Green Bags are reusable bags for the style conscious and environmentally friendly shopper. The bags are made from non-woven polypropylene - a coated, water resistant material that is lightweight, durable, fire resistant and washable, and are available in a variety of eye-catching patterns. Goody Green Bag was selected as the official "loot bag" for the American Music Awards in November & were distributed to over 100 VIP Celebrities. They will also be part of the 2009 Oscar and Golden Globe pre-parties as an effort to encourage celebrities to take a simple step towards saving our Planet. I really like that these bags fold up nice & neat making them easy to stow away until you need them. Products are currently discounted by 15%, so grab yours quickly!
We are thrilled to be a part of See Kai Run's BIG BLOG GIVEAWAY! This wonderful company is generously giving away over 140 pairs of shoes from their current Fall Collection all over the internet before the end of the year.
See Kai Run's sister company, Eleven, offers the perfect next-sized shoe for every occasion. Eleven's shoes are perfect for toddlers through early school age children (age 3-8) as they offer independent styles and forward colors 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, and all shoes feature easy on and off.
For an extra entry, mention this giveaway on your blog or website & leave the link in the comment section. Below is a list of the shoes up for grabs.
My Good Greetings offers eco-friendly custom photo greeting cards. The company, which launched in September, prints all their cards, envelopes and address labels on 100% recycled, FSC Certified papers. From printing to packaging and delivery, the company strives to be as green as possible. The wide range of product offerings includes birth announcements, custom invitations, and holiday greetings. I especially like the custom thank you cards that are a great way to teach children the art of writing thank you notes. And don't fret if you didn't get all your holiday cards out, send a lovely new year's greeting card instead!
If you're realizing that it may be too late to write & mail all of the holiday cards you intended to send, why not consider e-cards instead? FlyGreetings is a new company that specializes in unique, designer e-cards. The company's goal is to create visually pleasing "cards" that appeal to a more sophisticated aesthetic, one that makes both sender and recipient look good. These aren't your typical cheesy or vulgar e-cards we see all too often. New designs are released on a weekly basis by this family-run company.
One of my favorite parts of Christmas is hanging all our handmade stockings on the mantle. Here's a few of my favorites that I have come across this season.
Maartje, also known as Tizz, is a crafty girl from Holland. Her shop, Tizzalicious, features handmade accessories Tizz describes as Kawaii, Kitsch & Rockabilly. Cute and Colorful are also words that describe her work. Her collection of necklaces feature amusing charms that range from cookies to tea pots. I love the necklaces created using padded felt hearts, as well. Receive a 10% discount by mentioning Funky Finds at checkout. The discount is valid in all three Tizzalicious shops - Main site, Etsy and DaWanda. Tizz also makes a variety of plushies that are adorable. I want Bunny Boo Boo!
If you are in the North Texas area, you may want to check out these events happening in the next few days.
Friday, December 12: The 2008 9x12 Works on Paper Show at the Fort Worth Community Arts Center features artwork that may be any size, as long as it is on or of paper and can be mailed in a 9”x12” envelope. This year’s exhibit features artwork from most of the United States and several other countries. Artists of all ages have responded with small original paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, collages and other works on or of paper. All artwork is on sale for $100, and the artists will receive 80% of every sale they make. Local artist Chickenbilly will be there, so be sure to stop by!
Saturday, December 13: The F6 Gallery in Arlington, Texas, will be having their Art "Gift" Show from 7-11pm. I have not been to this gallery before, but I'm looking forward to checking it out. They were voted Best Gallery of 2008 by Fort Worth Weekly.
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Polly & Prince is a terrific London-based company that showcases beautiful accessories designed by up & coming London designers. The winter collection features products in every price range & gift wrapping is free, making this a premiere place to do some holiday shopping. There are multiple handbags in a variety of styles to choose from. The silver Mariposa clutch is a beautifully unique accessory, as is the silk clutch featuring a hand-drawn illustration that is digitally printed onto 100% silk. I especially love the home dècor items, namely the Mannequin in Maroon wall hanging. The collection features pieces created by numerous designers, including Anna Lou of London, Miss Budd, Emma Gordon, and Oliver & Grace. Polly & Prince also ships their products worldwide. Spend over £30 sterling on the site (minus postage and packaging costs) and you will receive a free Freshly Baked Shortbread candle (worth £8).
Cara and Mark, along with their cute little puppy Bettie, have a fun indie craft company called Sew Bettie. The creative duo recently released a new line of 100% cotton fabrics that was designed in their Chicago studio. Each fabric design is printed in a limited edition of 100 yards and comes with a certificate noting the edition number. The fabrics are sold by fat quarters (about 18" by 21") for $9. The polka dot bulldog print is absolutely adorable! And you can even request custom designed fabric. Now THAT is funky cool! Don't miss the great patterns & tutorials or the DIY Crafty Kits. Receive a 10% discount with coupon code FUNKY.
I don't know about you, but I know that I can use all the positive energy that is available. Bumpies are mini "bumper" stickers that are perfect for celle phones, iPods, MP3 Players, and other devices. Each one displays a positive thought or quote, such as Gandhi's quote "Where there is love there is life." These little cuties, that are printed on waterproof vinyl with removable adhesive, make great stocking stuffers. Unlike cell phone skins which are fitted to specific phone models, Bumpies fit on most cell phones, so you can give them as gifts without having to know the exact details about someone’s phone. I could go for reminding myself daily that "it is well with my soul."
This week Joe and I have had a lot of fun product testing the SNIF Tag. This is the perfect item for pet owners who have wondered what their dog is doing during the day, or if the dog walker showed up and took Fido out for the right amount of time. The SNIF Tag is a small, stylish and comfortable tag that easily attaches to your dog's collar. It records your dog's daily movements and social encounters then uploads them to your online profile. We were able to set up our kit in a short amount of time. Once you set up the dock and connect it to your internet, you are ready to set up you & your pet's profile online. This enables you to network with other pet owner's, including those in your area. Our Labrador, Beau Bradley, has already made friends online!
I think the SNIF Tag would be especially beneficial to urban pet owners that walk their dog's frequently & visit dog parks. By seeing fellow pet owners online, you are able to begin meeting those who live in your neighborhood, as well as those who own the same breed as you do. The starter kit is comprised of the SNIF Tag, the SNIF wireless base station that charges the tag, additional customizable lenses & rim, and a connection cable - everything you need to get started. The initial price also includes a one year premium subscription to the online pet activity monitoring service and social site. This is definitely a funky, unique item or gift idea for pet owners.
JuJups offers unique 3D figurines, including 3D Christmas ornaments made using a photo of your choice. Receive 15% off with the coupon code "xmas15jujups" (good until December 15th).
Samantha Vanderwyst, talented artist, wife & mother, loves all things creative & handmade. As an artist and illustrator, Samantha sells her wares under the name PipoDoll. What I love most are the one-of-a-kind PipoDolls that are individually created, as are the clothes, hair and various other embellishments. There are also plush art dolls that are hand-drawn using high-quality illustration markers. You can even purchase adorable ornaments that are printed with Samantha's fantastic owl illustration. I think what intrigues me most about this artist's work are the vibrant colors she uses in her pieces. You can also purchase Samantha's work on Dawanda and don't miss her talented husband's work.
Tedde is a premier contemporary bear store you are sure to love. The Tiny Teddes are a rainbow-colored set of six micro mini bears. These little cuties are made of soft fleece and are hand-painted. The collection of bears is full of one-of-a-kind designs that are sure to appeal to a variety of people. The embroidered Chubbtwins are adorable and who wouldn't love 4 Eyes? And don't forget to feed you Tedde scrumptious edamame by Eon! Be sure to add an adorable felt heart to your cart before checking out, too. Receive 15% off with coupon code FUNKY (good through 1/31/09). 
Daisy Princess Paperie brings a splash of graphic design and shot of fine art to your paper collection. The stationery designs allow you to keep your girlfriends in the loop with sophisticated notes that are anything but stuffy or plain. Letters for Keeps, a collection that benefits Alzheimer's research, encourages you to send your love through the written word. The sets include a collection of 15 individual notes and envelopes packaged in a reusable leather pouch. For those who like to be prepared in case a great networking opportunity arises, there's a variety of calling cards. And Daisy P now offers boldly-patterned art papers that encourage you to create, wrap and scrap. The collection, boasting 18 eye-catching prints, ensures that there is something for everyone's taste. The papers are printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based inks ensuring that they are reducing their carbon footprint. 
If you are in the Dallas area, don't miss the Dallas Indie Experience this weekend! First up is Stand by Your Man: A Tribute to Bonnie & Clyde featuring fashion by Tara Tonini of Tara to the T & paintings by Joey Seeman. (Friday, December 5th, 7-9pm; 411 N. Tyler Street)
And Sunday is the second annual Deck the Halls! Funky Finds is excited to be a sponsor of this show that will feature everything from vintage inspired hats, pottery, handbags and silk screened shirts to custom gift wrapping and handmade jewelry. Santa will be on hand from 1-3 pm for photo opps. And adults can sip on a holiday cocktails from Absinthe Lounge. The first 50 guests will receive recycled swag bags and the whole shebang is free! (December 7, 11am to 6pm; South Side on Lamar - 1409 South Lamar, Dallas 75215) 
Andrew Newman relocated his design business from Manhattan to Cape Cod in 1993. Cape Card showcases Mr. Newman's limited-edition prints, as well as greeting & note "cods." The humorous designs depict fish & crustaceans in out-of-the-ordinary situations, such as fancy weddings. And, of course, Pugs on the Half Shell will definitely catch your attention. Perhaps my favorite products are the holiday cards. The Christmas Cod, available in print or card format, is quite interesting, as is Codpeace. The Rosh Hashanah Cod greeting card is another fun way to wish someone a Happy New Year!
If the words savvy, sassy and sweet describe you & your style, then you will love SavvyGirl & Company's jewelry designs. Cydney began creating beautifully handmade and contemporary jewelry in 2002. Her blog showcases pieces that are made using stones, genuine crystals, pearls and sterling silver, as seen with the Smores necklace. My mother would love the Red Ginger necklace made using genuine dyed Raspberry Red turquoise stones. What I love most about Cydney's designs is that she creates accessories that are so unique & extraordinary, such as the Shanghai Sahara necklace. The Chinese polished yellow turquoise are gorgeous! SavvyGirl & Co. is also the place to have a custom piece created just for you or a loved one.
Pendantic is a great source for handmade pendants and pendant earrings, mainly created from up-cycled materials. As a child, I was a fan of the Mr. Men and Little Miss series created by English author and illustrator Roger Hargreaves. Here you will find pendants featuring these fun illustrations, such as Little Miss Helpful. There's other humorous pieces, including A Salt with a Deadly Weapon, as well as cool domino pendants. The clearance section is a great place to find affordable holiday gifts, or to justify treating yourself! I think I need the red spotted hoop pendant that is festive and fun.
MatiLou features the beautifully whimsical artwork Anne Cresci creates. Her product line includes her illustrations on a variety of items, such as posters, postcards, stickers and more. The 2009 calendars gives center stage to twelve special images. Fashion Princesse is the perfect example of this talented artist's romantic chic style. This shop also contains several items perfect for the holidays, including the Christmas coloring book & the MatiLou MiniDoll that can be used as an ornament year-round. The iron-on transfers that allow you to embellish your choice of items are also terrific!
Congratulations to the winners of the November Holiday Goods giveaway!
Joanna Goldman is a talented artist that specializes in oh-so-cute character designs. The Let's All Go to the Lobby Christmas card set is a great design reminiscent of those funny dancing concessions seen before movies. Another great character Joanna has created is Eli the Elephant who is ready for the holidays! The card sets that include handmade envelopes are a great buy. And, if you're looking for something truly unique, check out the custom light switch plate covers. Receive FREE SHIPPING when you email Joanna (joannagoldman@gmail.com) the the coupon code FF001. She will send you a revised PayPal invoice without shipping costs.
Heather Rice, owner of Faith Creations, handcrafts a variety of unique jewelry. Her line includes pieces that can be customized with a photo of your choosing, as well as those that incorporate initials & other baubles. I really like the fun and colorful initial rings, too. The photo pendants and bracelets are nice sentimental designs that make perfect gifts for moms, grandmas, and others. Heather also designs pieces that are a little more light-hearted and funky...just the way I like it sometimes! The official Faith Creations site is still in the works; however, if you would like to get in contact with Heather she can be reached via email at casaderice@att.net.