Modish

Shop handmade this weekend!

Here's a run down of some of the craft fairs and handmade shopping events happening this weekend! (click the pics to be taken to the sites for more info!)

Gift on Grand- this Saturday, Dec 15th in Williamsburg, Brooklyn

New York Creates' Holiday Crafts Fair, this and next Friday and Saturday, in Brooklyn

Bazaar Bizarre this Saturday, Dec 15th, in San Francisco <- I might be there depending on how much work I can get done before then!

Take a peek at the Indie Craft Fair Guide for even more upcoming craft fairs happening in Portland, Canada, DC, Seattle and more!

HUGE Handmade Holiday Giveaway!!

It's here, it's here, the HUGE HANDMADE HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY is here!  "Why so HUGE?" you ask.  Because this giveaway is for TWO separate gift boxes EACH WORTH OVER $675!  WOAH!  "Why is she still writing in all caps?" you ask.  BECAUSE I'M EXCITED and you should be too!  You can enter to win one of these wonderific heaps of handmade goodness below and will receive it just in time for Christmas so you can (if you feel like sharing) dole some of your winnings out as gifts!  So come on, let's get to the winning part!

To enter the giveaway contest: check out at least one site from a giveaway contributor listed below, from either of the gift boxes. (Remember, for this contest, you're checking out the sites listed below, not the sponsors on the right hand side)- scope their site out and find an item you think is interesting, unique, or that you'd love to give for a gift this year- then, leave a comment on this post letting us know which site you visited and share a link to an item you found there that you like!  That's it! 

• You can visit one site or visit a bunch- just share one link per comment- (ie: if you visit 5 different shops, you'll enter yourself 5 different times with 5 different comments and increase your odds of winning!) **And please paste the link into the actual BODY of the comment- the "URL" section is for your own website, if you have one.
• You'll have until Wed, Dec 12th at midnight (PST) to look around and post a comment (entries posted after that will not be included in the contest) <- moved up cut-off due to the overwhelming response this giveaway has received already!!
  
• on Thursday, Dec 13th, TWO winners will be chosen randomly from all the commenters and notified by email!  (so check your email if you've entered!)
• And yes!  International residents can enter to win too (although you won't receive the giftbox by Christmas at this point...)
  
• And no, you can't enter to win a specific gift box, but they're both so amazing, I hope you'd be thrilled to win either one!

So, check out all of the goodies you now have a chance to win and share all the fun stuff you find at the contributor's sites with the rest of us! 

HECKUVA HANDMADE GIFT BOX #1 (click pic for larger view)

Becky Kay Designs- fabric handbag
Eye C Treasure by Anh- first kiss necklace
Rachel Austin- original mixed media map painting
Be Green Shop Green- organic reusable shopping bag
Distinque- princess headband
Oprikka- darling clutch bag
Rosie Music- original art print
Sparkle Plenty- long wooden hair sticks
Cherry Creek Designs- hearts on fire coral and turquoise earrings
Bella & Lina- colorful cosmetic bag by Becky Oh!
Ellen Ikemoto Design- asymmetrical beaded necklace
Relished Ravin- foldover snap wallet
Emma Lynne- sepia collection notecards
Rae Beth Designs- blue sunstone & sodalite bracelet
Sugar Plum Invitations- letterpress holiday cards
Three Ring Circuits- recycled circuit board earrings
Silverknuten- pearl & garnet earrings
Love in Vintage- 2 small cards
Sheila D- corduroy pouch
Smashing Darling- men's monster mash undies
Dolphin Daze- Celtic knot hand painted pendant
Retro Robot- handmade fabric bracelet
Pixie Potions- scallywag soap
Oblinaknit- large pink make-up case
Sparkle Thots- mars bracelet
I Love 2 Create- merino wool scarf creativity kit
Paper Treasure- beaded earrings
Art Created- set of sterling & pearl earrings + perfume sample
Eclectic Elements- 4 pair earring assortment
Wolfie & the Sneak (at modishoppe)- color it yourself book

Oh, but that's not all...

HOLY HANDMADE GOODNESS GIFTBOX #2 (click pic for larger view)

Liz Mathews- image pendant with gemstone drops
Kim B Designs- copper teardrop earrings
Kaching Design- original hand-painted art piece
A Planet 4 Creation- blue fish earrings
Art Created- set of sterling & pearl earrings + perfume sample
Three Ring Circuits- recycled circuit board pin
Kreative Knits- spiral scarf
A Punkin' Card Co (at modishoppe)- set of 3 notecards
Pixie Potions- soapcicle soap
Glittery Blue- champagne drop earrings
Dolphin Daze- Celtic knot hand painted pendant
Smashing Darling- up, up and away onesie
Urbanknit- batik zippered pouch
Mau Studio- funny bunny stationery
Fashion Accessories by Becka- reversible fabric headband
Retro Robot- handmade fabric wallet
Wolfie & the Sneak (at modishoppe)- color it yourself book
Krista Raak- ginger embellished handbag
Paper Treasure- beaded earrings
Love in Vintage- 2 bookmarks
Eclectic Elements- 4 pair earring assortment
Charming Sam- 1940's cone earrings  
Sheila D- reversible corduroy tote bag
Be Green Shop Green- women's organic tee
Rosie Music- original art print on wood
 Eye C Treasure by Anh- butterfly necklace
Bella & Lina- Becky Oh! wristlet
Sparkle Plenty- crystal linear earrings
Oblinaknit- hand-knit choker with shell

So, that'll give you plenty o' links to look at today, I gather, only this time, you're looking with purpose- the purpose of winning over $675 worth of free handmade stuff!  And I bet you might find some cool gifts to get along the way...

Well good luck to everyone and a very happy holidays to you from Modish!  Now, bring on the comments! 

2008 calendars...

Instead of a gift guide today, I bring you some calendars for the year ahead, all from etsy!  You've probably seen the long lists of beautiful calendars on all the other design blogs (that's why you didn't see them here) buuuuut, there's some new calendars out now and still plenty of time to get them before the new year so if you're not overwhelmed with your potential for next year's date keeping yet (I personally already have 3 new calendars for next year, but have plenty more wall space!) here are some of the latest releases for 2008!

{this chocolatey delicious calendar by happify}

{this beautifully illustrated calendar by Cedar Seven}

{the happy and colorful mini wall calendar by SusyJack}

{this super unique 3-D, letterpress calendar with 3 seasons, by Chad & Amanda}

{the slim and sleek calendar by Turtle Papers}

{the retro style there's no place like home calendar by oddball press}

{the wonderful creative thursday calendar, featuring her original artwork}

{the gorgeous limited edition calendar by Rosie Music}

{the wishes for 2008 calendar by Church Animals}

{and the sea inspired Poseidon letterpress calendar by Lizard Press}

Handmade Gift Guide: Eco-friendly gifts

When it comes to shopping, there really is no better pairing than something that's both handmade and eco-friendly, in my book.  It seems to me that the people who are conscious enough to seek out specifically handmade goods are the same people that seek out items that are good to the earth.  It is impossible not to take part in our consumer society without running to the hills to become a hermit, so I advocate, consume!  But consume consciously, moderately, and consider the effect that the items you're purchasing will have on the people who created them and on the world around us.  So, for anyone and everyone on your list, here are some gifts that are good to both their loving creators and our earth.  (You can also find lots more eco-gift ideas along with discounts in the modish gift guide!)

{Handmade organic fair-trade cotton shopping bags- big red bow at Keep Calm Gallery :: bag and tees at Be Green Shop Green}

{Handmade postcards made with vintage wallpapers and fabrics, by Present & Correct}

{bomber jacket and smooth jazz dress made from reclaimed thrift store clothing and dead stock fabric, by Ruffeo Hearts Lil' Snotty}

{cute wallets/coin purses made from salvaged vinyl banners, by bird vs. bird}

{keychains and jewelry made entirely from discarded and recycled elements, by Mollie Dash at Modishoppe}

{notecard sets made from vintage atlas world maps, tied with a vintage button, by Bombus}

{cozy wristwarmers made from re-claimed sweaters and embellished, by coo-koo-ri-ko}

{wonderful stuffed creatures made entirely from thrifted and recycled fabrics, by Lizette Greco}

{one of a kind ceramic planters with succulent gardens, by Greenware Design}

{retro camera robot sculptures by Cat Bishop}

{Ooh-la-la-lavender sachets made from vintage hankies, by BananaSaurus Rex}

Handmade Gift Guide: For the mens

Oh, the oft forgotten boys...I know I promised to write about guy's stuff on here more often, but I just don't come across it as much, I ignore it, I forget about it, I get distracted by pretty sparkly things easily, I'm sorry.  I truly am.  But I'm making up for it now with a gift guide dedicated just to the hubbies, boyfriends, dads, uncles and good friends in our lives who deserve a special little handmade something this season too!
**edited to add: Renee over at the guest blog has some more great finds for guys, here!

{one-of-a-kind vintage ties hand-screened with bright graphics by Tymbal}

{gorgeous handmade glass cufflinks by Starving Artist Bazaar}

{chic and eco-friendly wallets by db clay}

{keep calm and carry on hand-screened tees by Keep Calm and Carry On}

{one-of-a-kind hand painted steel belt buckles by Fosterweld, at night-lab}

{cozy and cool cycling caps by Built in Pittsburgh}

{hand-printed reed tee and wave scarf by Flux Productions}

{sage messenger bag by Moop}

{one-of-a-kind appliqued vintage ties by Sugar Lust}

{handmade felt fotopouch and eyepouch by working class heroes}

{lapiz and resin circular cufflinks by Nina Dinoff}

{Limited edition 3 penguins in a boat woodblock printed tee by Tugboat Printshop}

{when bad things happen to good people coasters by Mixed Species}

Handmade Gift Guide: Gifts under $25!

The following goodies are all handmade, all fun and colorful and all $25 and under- see, you can't go wrong shopping indie this season!  For more great gift ideas under $25 check out the modish gift guide and the gift ideas at modishoppe!

{peapod pocket by Peapod Treasures at My Bonnie and Clyde :: $15}

{vintage pillow covers by Absoluut :: $25}

{wool neckies by Marinade at Modishoppe :: $25 <- my friend makes these!)

{belt buckles made from vintage book covers by Maxine Dear :: $23}

{my precious sling pouches by Maki Squarepatch :: $20}

{mixtape and record screen printed flat notes by heatherjeany :: $12-14}

{forest fawn stud earrings by Figs & Ginger :: $20}

{organic lavender sachets by Inleaf, at Elsewares :: $16}

{grumpy raincloud brooches by Little Odd Forest :: $18}

{relax packs by Bon Bon Soap Company at the Indie Fixx Shop :: $14}

{sweetest thing post earrings by Manic Trout :: $15}

{merry mushroom purses by Kookii:Kooky :: $22}

Handmade Gift Guide: I felt that...

Felt is a can't-go-wrong-with material as it always ends up being cuddly and cute and tends to put a smile on anyone's face!  If you know someone that needs a snuggly little pick me up this holiday season or something to keep them warm in the winter chill, then consider some felty goodness- it makes for a wonderful gift!  Just take a look!

{an impossible to resist a-doe-able deer and Sonny the golden squirrel by Girl Savage}

{whimsical yet practical felt pouches by Jennifer Gibbs, at Zanisa}

{really contemporary and unique felt and silver jewelry by Colleen Baran}

{beautiful felted scarves by Alyson Fox, at the Reform School}

{adorable hand embroidered felt i-pod cases by Charcoal Designs}

{an oh so cute wee woody sprigs brooch by Keri Rounding, at Copacetique}

{cute little bloom hairpins by ginger & lime}

{classic styles with a modern twist, cute felt hats by RetroRepro Handmade}

{incredible and beautiful rose scarves in lots of wonderful colors, by Harlequin Feltworks}

Handmade Gift Guide: Gifts for workaholics

Is there a workaholic in your life?  Whether you're admitting your own workaholic tendencies or trying to help a workaholic friend, modish is here to support you through it; we have gift ideas that will make a workaholic's day, handmade gifts for the desk obsessed, the task inclined, the all-day chair planted.  Gifts that will make that poor humpback posture straighten up and near-sighted eyes be able to see more than the distance of their computer screen away.  Gifts that will help organize and inspire and add a little whimsy to their everyday.  Hi, I'm Jena, and I'm a workaholic.  I'm here to help. 

{Handy dandy pin + pockets by Sally Shim, at the Reform School}

{Some mini mushroom paper clips and a deco tape and ribbon holder by The Cupcake Girls}

{A Deer in Forest woodburned corkboard and Owl Cute Owl woodburned pencil case by Cabin + Cub}

{An octopus to-do list and polka dot letter pad by Boy Girl Party}

{Vintage fabric push pins by Bethany's Designs}

{A Little Otsu Weekly Planner, printed on recycled paper with soy based inks}

{the cutest stamp sets by the small object}

{A vintage bakelite business card holder and handmade wooden pen}

{Dessert inspired erasers by Edesse Designs}

{And for the super organized, mini file folders for 3x5 size goodies, by Donovan's}

Wrapping it up...

Oh so nice handmade gift wrap to give your presents more, er, presentation! 

Made from 100% recycled paper, these gift wraps from Blossom Creations are stylish and earth-friendly- you just can't go wrong!

Tie a red ribbon 'round the old Spruce tree...

I've found more ornaments that Mr. Tree would be lucky to have adorn him:

Handmade by Megan Auman from sheets of pressed steel, these ornaments would not only pretty up your Christmas tree this year, they'd also be perfect for wine charms or just to decorate your home somewhere.  Regardless, they'll surely be keepsakes for years to come.  Find more colors and nature inspired designs at Megan Auman Home!

Handmade Gift Guide: a girl can NEVER have too much jewelry

I used to be the type of girl who never really wore jewelry, until I started making it myself; I had to, of course, show off my own creations, but then I started to not leave the house without some jewelry on- earrings at the least, or some bangle bracelets or an eye-catching necklace.  Now I'm at the point of addiction and don't feel quite right without some pretty little thing adorning me, basically at all times.  For all the other women out there who feel the same, or just like some pretty jewelry to dress up every once in awhile, it's a gift you just can't go wrong with.  So, here's some of the most unique and luxurious jewelry I could find to make any lady feel all the more special. 

{An incredible anemone leaf cluster necklace and anemone earrings by Abigail Percy}

{A gorgeous, one of a kind, amethyst stalactite necklace by Natural Historie}

{A funky and awesome felt and crochet necklace by kjoo}

{Beautifully revamped vintage space age betty earrings and you are my nectar necklace by Pequitobun}

{The fused glass Saturn ring by Amy Burhoe and crocheted Virginia ring by Recycled Rings, at Cut + Paste}

{Eco friendly crysanthemum earrings and honey locust necklace by Prismera Design, at Modishoppe}

{The simple but oh so sweet Devendra necklace and palm leaf earrings by Erica Weiner}

{Fun and funky, one of a kind, after school special earrings by Mood Swing}

{The centipede bracelet by Sweet Thunder and the swim, swam, swum bracelet by Nek, both made from vintage pieces)

{Classic vintage intial necklaces by day-lab}

What's a Christmas tree without some sequins?

I just bought these pretty little, sparkly bird ornaments to decorate Mr. Tree:

But all these (and more!) still need homes!

Find them at The Paper Bluebird, it'll lift your wings!

Handmade Gift Guide: Gifts for Tech Lovers

Welcome to the first installment of what will be 2 weeks worth of all handmade gift guides!  Yahoo!  Starting with a type of gift that lies close to my ever-quaking geeky heart, gifts for tech lovers! 

As a techie, digitized, gadget freak, I can stare and drool for hours over ipods, cameras, computers and stereos, oh my!  Although the items themselves are of the large scale mass production kind, it's easy to find wonderful handmade accessories that'll keep them protected and let the owner's personality shine through!  Plus, lucky for us, it's a lot cheaper buying a handmade i-pod case than the i-pod itself, so don't be wary to shop for your techie friends cause even geeks like handmade goods! 

{A sleek felt and leather laptop case by Working Class Heroes- handmade in Austria!}

{Cuter than cute iPod Nano cozy by Annamatic}

{Mousepads featuring artwork from tons of amazing artists, by My Favorite Mirror}

{Cassette tape and vinyl pillow covers for old school music lovers, by pOOm plastick}

{A furry fuzzy iPhone Monster by Marty Flint at Shana Logic}

{Cute enough to eat cel phone charms by Coonies Handmade Gifts}

{cozy felt iPod cases by Suezybees}

{modern laptop bags by Snap Design at Cut + Paste}

{A Super iPod that actually works!  Cuddle up with your music thanks to Electronic Crafts}

Decking the halls

(<-- Mr. Tree  His future's so bright, he's gotta wear shades.) 

I've been searching around this morning for some Christmas ornaments for our kitschy new Mr. Tree, and other wintery decorations because I'm feeling awfully nostalgic this year and have decided to decorate my house for Christmas for the first time since I moved out of my parent's house (some 7 years ago now...)  I'm always at other family member's homes for Christmas so never really felt the need to decorate before, but now that I work from home and spend lots of time here, not to mention the fact that I now have a little family of my own with live-in boyfriend and kitties in tow, I thought it'd be nice to add some holiday cheer to my office and the rest of the house this year.

Anyway, along my search, I stumbled upon these wonderful yarn wreaths from The Constant Gatherer and thought they were so unique and beautiful, I just had to share, even on a Sunday:

Made from yarn and string and bits o' things with vintage embellishments, silk ribbons and more, these wreaths are sure to add the holiday cheer I've been searching for...the only problem is deciding which one I want...damn these decisions!  Find these along with more wreaths and decorations at The Constant Gatherer.

Turkey Day Prepped?

With Thanksgiving and the myriad of other holidays coming up, I can see entertaining in your near future.  And luck has it that Etsy asked me to be this week's trendspotter and find some of the best picks for setting the table and making your guests feel at home, with the added bonus of a little autumnal flair.  Take a peek at my favorite finds and ideas for making your table look oh so inviting in the Etsy Storque!

Okay okay...

...so no "guide" for ornaments, but I just stumbled upon these ones and found them so cute, I just have to share them:

Handmade in Chile from felt, these adorable flying elephants would look just dandy on your crafty Christmas tree, or would be great as a cute keychain.  Only at Dita's Bazaar, along with many other precious finds for you and your home!

Holiday 2007 Gift Tag Guide!

Gift tag, oh, gift tag.  Why is there not a song dedicated just to you?  You're the icing on the cake, the cherry on top of the sundae, why, you're the tag atop the gift!  This season I think you deserve a little more thanks for all you do, so here is my poem, dedicated to you:

You tell us whom a gift is for and from whence it came; you make our eyes so large with joy when we flip you and find our name!  Without you gift tag, our gift giving joy just would not be the same.  Gift tag, oh, gift tag, why are you not as loved as a card?  What a shame!

To you gift tag, I say you're even better than a card- you're simple and sweet and you're all we need:

{Holiday Gocco Gift Tags by  Things are Better with a Parrott}

{Wee Folks Tags by CrowBiz :: Faux Bois Tags by Heatherlea}

{Relabeled mini labels by Remake}

{Monkey Gnome Gift Tags by Nut & Bee :: Tiny Tags by the Paper Princess}

{Log Slice Gift Tags by Small Stump :: Gift Tags by Shim & Sons}

{Clever Gift Tags by Every Jot and Tittle}

{Coffee stained, pumpkin spice scented gift tags by Dixie Creations :: Vintage Style Christmas Tree tags by Petite Pear Paperie}

{Holiday Gift Tags by Paper Relics}

{Faux wood and avocado tags by Casserole :: House in the Woods gift tags by Pink Bathtub}

{Prancing Reindeer gift tags by The Cutting Edge :: MauMau in Santa Hat gift tags by Mau Studio}

{Deer Pattern Extra Large Tags by Modern Printed Matter :: Happy Holiday Mini Notes by Ink & Wit}

{Holiday Deer Tag Cards by Nea Blossoms :: Jolly Santa Gift Enclosures at One Good Bumblebee}

{Happy Holidays Gift Tag Seals by The Small Object}

Holiday 2007 Card Guide!

{eco-friendly wooden holiday cards by Night Owl Papergoods}

Here's the first of what will be many many gift guides for you for the upcoming holiday season.  I'll do cards today, gift tags tomorrow, ornaments the next day and there will be recipient specific guides coming up the following week and occasion specific guides the week after!  Phew! 

{Egg Nog & Rum card and Yeti Momma Card by Pinecone + Chickadee, at Cut + Paste}

So, for now let's just focus on the beautiful cards that are available this season for Christmas, Hanukkah and non-denominational wintery greetings alike!  I usually don't have (or should I say, "make") time to send out cards, but this year, this year I'm gonna do it!  There are so many beautiful ones to choose from, here are some of my personal favorites, sure to make your recipients feel special and spread the holiday cheer.

{nutty friend card and reindeer xoxo card by wonting}

{Deer of Mine Sparkle Cards by Stacey Winters}

{Chestnuts by fugu fugu press :: Holiday Squirrel by Greenwich Letterpress :: Joy cards by Susy Jack :: Holiday Ostrich by Spruce Avenue}

{Jellyfish Christmas and Lemur Christmas  by Sub-Studio}

{Comfort and Joy Pomegranate on recycled paper by Paper Menagerie}

{Happy Hannukah by O Plus D ::  We Get 8 Nights Card collection by l. j. monchik :: Shalom Vintage Dove Card by Pepperina Press :: Happy Chanukah by Egg Press}

{love and joy and silent night letterpress cards by paperedtogether}

{love and winter wish cards by Liquid Sky Arts}

{Holiday Bird card by Dog & Pony Show :: Holiday Stocking Postcards by Marmee Craft :: Noel cards by heatherjeany :: Holiday Deers Card by Turtle Papers}

{meet me under the mistletoe by Sidepony}

{Homeless Gingerbread Man by the Great Lakes :: Gumnut Greetings in green by Tsk Tsk :: Happy Holidays landscape by 12Fifteen}

{Christmas Greetings Card and Happy Holidays Note set by Paper Relics, at Modishoppe}

{Have a Delightful Winter cards by Underdog Ink}

The shopping season has begun!

Although I am the type that buys Christmas gifts the week before usually, I realize that many of you in shopping land are much more planned than I, so in an effort to help you get some shopping done early (and motivate myself to do the same!) and buy handmade this season, here's some places you can do it!

Modishoppe, of course!  I'm always adding new stuff into the shoppe, in fact, new gorgeous bags by Queen Puff Puff and pillows, bags and belts by Jenna Rose were recently added.  I'm planning on getting as much new stuff as possible in by Dec 1st so you'll have plenty of time to shop!  Check in often!

Modish Holiday Gift Guide!

It's about that time, dare I say it, to start thinking about gifts for the holidays so that means that it's time for the Modish Gift Guide!  Our talented and crafty modish sponsors have come together to show off their finest handmade creations, vintage finds and independently designed goods to give you gift ideas that come from the heart- and, with coupon codes, discounts and free gifts included with each, you can find something special that's not going to break the bank!  The Modish Gift Guide makes it easy to shop indie this season, just take a peek at some of the gift ideas you'll find there!

There's gifts for her and for him, gifts for your poochie and your little one, gifts that will make a home more homey and that a teenager will actually love, gifts that are one-of-a-kind and jewelry that sparkles and shines, fun stocking stuffers, great finds under $20 and last but not least, eco-friendly gifts that show you care about the earth as well as the recipient!  With so many amazing gift ideas you'll be able to find something for everyone on your list!  So, start perusing, start thinking about what to get for who, and be sure to shop indie this season!