Funky Finds

Luca Bleu

2008-07-18T12:40:00.006-05:00

Luca Bleu has a wonderful selection of handpicked items for moms, babies, and children ranging from clothing to nursery furnishings. This is also a great place to find unique baby shower gifts as each purchase includes stylish packaging and handwritten notes. The toddler girl's clothing section is full of fabulous ensembles, such as the Autumn Street Marine Skirt that is appliquéd with vintage fabric. The Little Doe Tee is another adorable piece that any child will look adorable in. The Diapering section includes many unique products like the Pee-pee teepees & stylish wipes cases. And what little princess doesn't need some bling? The crown bling pacifier clip is too cute!

CeeGee Jewellery Design

2008-07-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

CeeGee Jewellery Design is a British business located in the heart of the English countryside. Their handcrafted & one-of-a-kind designs offer consumers an alternative to the homogeneous mass-produced jewelery that is readily available. These reasonably priced, high-quality items feature semi-precious gemstones, crystal and stunning Murano glass. The recently launched line of beautiful lampwork jewelery is made up of limited-edition pieces created using handmade beads from various talented UK glass artists. Each of these little gems is a work of art in its own right, ensuring exclusive designs that are sure to be treasured for years. CeeGee ships globally & offers free UK shipping when ordering online.

Little Pies & Heddyjack - The Shops @ Funky Finds

2008-07-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

As I mentioned on Wednesday we launched The Shops @ Funky Finds. I hope you will all take some time to visit the shops that have opened up so far. Just so you know, we do not take your credit card information through our site. All transactions go through the secure PayPal site. This insures that there will be no violation of privacy and no issues of theft.

Little Pies is one of the latest shops to open. Amanda creates yummy homemade doggy treats that are available in a variety of flavors. My Chihuahua Abigail has had the privilege of enjoying some of Little Pies' treats in the past & loved them.

Heddyjack is another fantastic shop that features organically designed jewelry made of stone and wire. I absolutely love the beautiful Emerald Valley Turquoise ring, as well as the Royston Turquoise Ring that is equally appealing.

Visit the other great Shops that are open & check back often for new Shops opening!

Creative Thursday

2008-07-17T06:38:00.004-05:00

Creative Thursday began as one day a week that was set aside by Marisa Haedike to be creative. Now a full time artist in Los Angeles, Marisa creates colorful paintings & illustrations. Her Etsy shop is full of gems I would love to own, such as Jackalope and Friends. The characters she creates, like Lewis & Oscar, are all so sweet & innocent looking. Listen to Marisa's take on many subjects during her regular podcasts and learn more on her main website.

The Shops @ Funky Finds

2008-07-16T09:56:00.004-05:00

Today is a very exciting day at Funky Finds! If you subscribe to the Funky News, then you have already read the announcement...we have launched an online marketplace called The Shops @ Funky Finds. The Shops keep with the theme of Funky Finds by saving small businesses money on the sales they make. We charge a small monthly fee for use of the site; however, there is absolutely no charge from Funky Finds for each individual sale. Loading products is a quick & easy process & all transactions go through the secure PayPal site. I hope you will all visit the shops that have already opened up, including Freckled Nest, Designing Diva, and Sweet Harvest Farms. I also have a shop that is stocked with Funky Finds promotional items. And if you are an independent artist, crafter and/or designer, I hope you will consider trying out our Shops for a month or longer!

Melbangel Crafts

2008-07-16T06:29:00.006-05:00

For years I have said I was going to learn to crochet so I could make tons of adorable little figures. Of course, I haven't even had time to attempt it yet. But that doesn't stop me from ogling adorable items such as the ones Amy of Melbangel Crafts creates. Her Etsy shop is full of crochet patterns that range from crocheted desserts to Blythe dolls accessories. The thin crust pizza looks good enough to eat, as does the colorful banana split. You can also purchase the pattern for Monkey Mosie, an adorable amigurumi crocheted toy.

All About Baby

2008-07-15T14:21:00.004-05:00

All About Baby is a great source for baby gifts, as well as parenting tips, ideas & stories. One of my favorite items are the exclusive polka dot, hand-painted frames for babies and kids. These canvas frames are available in five designs and are very cute & trendy, not to mention affordable. The personalized children's robes are also adorable. And of course I love the bold, colorful gift case full of goodies including a hooded baby towel, a toddler-size bib & a soft white cotton washcloth. Have a look at all the fabulous & unique items All About Baby has to offer.

Watergirl Designs

2008-07-15T06:30:00.003-05:00

Sharon Bass creates beautiful jewelry by combining crocheted wire techniques with natural and man-made elements. Watergirl Designs showcases her stunning designs that include pieces for women, as well as men. The colorful Key West necklace is aptly named for a beach front area considering its fun, bright colors. The crocheted steel necklace 'Joined' is impressive, as are the other crocheted pendants and bracelets. Don't miss the men's section for more great options.

by Mary Jane

2008-07-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Mary Jane Hunter's designs are influenced by her love of the Bohemian lifestyle & passion for vintage goods. Her Etsy shop, by Mary Jane, is full of beautifully crafted accessories. Inspired by the 1960's counterculture, these items are handmade using vintage fabrics, leathers, suedes, and other items. The beautiful braided leather headbands are a great remembrance of the times when peace, love & happiness were the main ideals. I especially love the colorful ribbon band decorated with daisies, hearts, daffodils, and vines. The main by Mary Jane website showcases the unique handbags & jewelry Mary Jane creates, as well.

Trouble/Tease

2008-07-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Trouble/Tease creates unique tshirts featuring subject matter ranging from UFOs to radioactive flowers. The two man operation of Troy Hicks and Stephano Diaz is located in Long Island City, NY, and all of the designs are bright, funky & fun. This Little Piggy Stayed Home is a great children's design that is different from the typical children's products I regularly come across. And, as a dog lover, I would definitely sport the Me & My Sweet Dawg tee. Check out all the cool unusual & weird designs Trouble/Tease has to offer.

Ring Around the Rosies

2008-07-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

Like many crafters I love buttons. I love ones that are brightly colored, oddly shaped, all of 'em! Ring Around the Rosies is an Etsy shop full of rings made using various buttons. The perfect accessory for funky fingers! The tops of the rings showcase cool buttons while the band is made using coordinating beads, as seen on the fuschia & silver ring. You can purchase button & bead bracelets as well.

Sol Sisters Handmade Originals

2008-07-11T05:00:00.001-05:00

Las Vegas artisan Krystal Hosmer creates handbags and accessories that are, in her words, funky, flashy and downright wild! Sounds good to me! Sol Sisters Handmade Originals features unique bags such as the Shades of Delirium Book Bag Tote that displays a print of an original illustration by Las Vegas artist Charles Holbert, Jr. My favorite bag Krystal created is the Edward Scissorhands patchwork bag. Not surprisingly, the bag has already been sold. All of the bags are made using high-quality fabrics, such as hand-dyed cottons and velvets, Batiks from Indonesia, indigo from South Africa, and custom tye dyed pieces from BenJamminKids.

Jennifer Squires

2008-07-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

Jennifer Squires's newest set of floral photographs are a great way to capture & display the feelings of spring & summer year-round. The bright pink Peony photograph is stunning. The collection also includes roses, a gerbera daisy, and more. These contemporary images will look great in dining rooms, living areas, bedrooms, and offices. Jennifer's photographs can be reproduced as large as 24x30 inches or as small as 4x6 inches. See her main website for more information.

Working Class Studio

2008-07-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

Forget about doing the dishes this summer! Kick back and relax around the table with Working Class Studio’s new paper plate and napkin collections. Working Class Studio, a division of the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), continues to expand its innovative home décor and stationery lines with exciting new products that allow you to step outside into summer with style! The new paper plate and napkin collections bring fun, color, and sophistication to the table and are ideal for poolside parties, picnics, and outdoor entertaining. Both collections consist of dinner and dessert plates, as well as dinner and beverage napkins. The bright & bold colors in the Brad Collection are fun for summer, while the the Leah Collection is a bit more sophisticated. Have a look at all the great products Working Class Studio has to offer ranging from melamine dishware to outdoor pillows.

Serendipity Crafts

2008-07-09T13:00:00.000-05:00

I have come across many wonderful products while searching for items for mine & Joe's upcoming wedding. Serendipity Crafts creates personalized guest book signature platters, occasion plates & more. The personalized plates are a unique way to add a special touch to any occasion. I especially like the custom, hand-painted portraits. Serendipity Crafts also creates personalized gifts, such as pin & earring sets. And don't miss the adorable LizzyBits. These personalized little people will make a charming decoration for a child's room or a novel gift for any bride and groom.

Primrose Design

2008-07-09T06:30:00.004-05:00

Primrose Design is currently having a blowout sale on their fabulous pillows made using vintage fabrics. Hungry as a Bear is a wonderful design & the Red Poppy is beautiful. This shop also has a terrific variety of lavender sachets made from vintage hankies, embellished tea towels, and genuine vintage aprons. All of these items would make great gifts for a variety of occasions. Be sure to check out Primrose Design's nice selection of vintage embroidery patterns, too.

Anatomy of a Skirt

2008-07-08T12:38:00.003-05:00

It is apparent when looking at Erin Wilk's creations that she is very creative & has a great sense of humor. Anatomy of a Skirt showcases the fabulous robot pouches she creates. And how about the terrific whale pouch? I love it! And of course the gnome pouch is another one of my absolute favorites. Erin's latest project, Robot a Day, features a new robot Monday through Friday. Trying to take her work a step further, Erin came up with this concept that she describes as "a bit art project, a bit geeky, and hopefully a bit silly too!" Check the site daily for wonderful new creations.

Not Without My Handbag

2008-07-08T06:35:00.003-05:00

Not Without My Handbag recycles vinyl album covers, keyboard pieces & more to create fashionable & unique accessories. The bags utilize interesting album cover artwork from albums that were either damaged, discarded, or of limited value. The keyboard jewelry & keychains are made using the key of your choice on decorative wire with glass beads on a ball chain. Also available are the cool album label coasters and recycled wallets.

Beads in the Belfry

2008-07-07T13:06:00.003-05:00

Beads in the Belfry is a great source for unique jewelry & accessories. Nina Jackson's original designs are perfect for those who've gone quite batty for baubles. I love the iridescent teal pearls used in the Pearly Blue Teardrops pair of earrings. The sterling silver designs, such as the In Bloom flower ring & the Kalimba necklace, are all terrific designs as well. Have a look at all the beautiful pieces Nina has created & note that custom orders are welcome.

Dawn Alice Designs

2008-07-07T05:00:00.000-05:00

Dawn Alice Rogers creates one-of-a-kind figures that are made with loving attention to detail. She refers to her pieces as "art with a soul" which is understandable when looking at the faces of each of her creations. Renwick is a nature-inspired character that is sure to bring love and life to any room he is sitting in. Penelope is a beautiful sculpture that wears a gorgeous deep purple jumper with green velvet accents. Dawn Alice has another Etsy shop that showcases her wooden tiny dolls, as well as children's apparel.

Independence Day

2008-07-04T01:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day America!!!

Gene Straus Designs Weaving Studio

2008-07-03T12:51:00.003-05:00

Gene Straus Designs Weaving Studio is located in nearby Euless, Texas. Specializing in handwoven rugs, Kelly Stewart & Kenny Nix create one-of-a-kind unique pieces. All of their rugs are woven with recycled materials, such as discarded wool selvages, blue jeans, clothing, fabrics, and leather. The patterns & colors are all beautiful & aesthetically pleasing. Kelly is a originally from New Mexico, so many of the designs have a Southwest flavor that is perfect for many homes & businesses. It is great to see such talented designers keeping the ancient craft of weaving alive.

Cuore

2008-07-03T06:51:00.005-05:00

Mika opened her Etsy shop Cuore, meaning 'heart' in Italian, after many exciting career opportunities. After receiving a degree in design from the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles, Mika was a Women's Accessories designer at Paul Frank Industries for years. Last year she was also a finalist in Fred Flare's Next Big Thing contest. Even without knowing about Mika's interesting & exciting background, it is apparent upon first glance of her products that she is a very talented & creative designer. I love the sweet Skunk with cupcake pillow, as well as the Lovebirds pillow. Mika also creates the most adorable Boston Terrier miniatures that make the perfect adornment on any accessory. Of course, anyone who designs cute hedgehogs & sweet acorns is a star in my book!

The Grateful Thread

2008-07-02T13:00:00.000-05:00

The Grateful Thread is an awesome small business located in London, England. Jami & her fiancè Nicolas are the creative masterminds behind this funky & unique shop. I love the handmade plush guitars they create, as well as the vinyl-inspired LP couch cushions. Their Etsy shop showcases the rockin' wall clocks built using genuine playable 12" LPs. But my absolute favorite items are The Monsters of Rock. Honestly, what rockstar wannabe wouldn't want a cool plush band of their own!?

Ron and Joe

2008-07-02T06:35:00.003-05:00

Recently I had the opportunity to try out Ron and Joe's order process for creating a custom Many Parts O' Me tee. I decided to create the tee for Joe as a surprise & had fun choosing nine graphics that describe his unique personality. I was a bit apprehensive at first seeing that Ron and Joe have over 400 Art Part images to choose from. But their system is actually very easy to navigate. Within minutes I had the graphics picked out & my order sent on its way. The turnaround time was very fast & Joe loved his new tee! Ron and Joe also sell their Parts images, as well as letter parts. The company is currently having a June July Jubilee where you can save 10-35% off everything on their site.