gift guide-for her

Last year I separated the "for her" gift guide into 3 separate posts: under $25, $25-50, and $50-125. Since it's already December 15th, I thought I'd combine all three into one big juicy post. Starting from the least expensive group:

$25 and under, clockwise from top left:

1) Set of 15 Bangles, $24.00, Kiskastyle

2) Doily Coasters, $19, Uncommon

3) Holiday French Macaroon Sampler, $19, IHEARTtart

4) Porcelain Feather Ornaments, $12-$18, Jayson Home and Garden

5) French Envelope Tray, $16.00, Jayson Home and Garden

6) Desk-it Weekly Post-it Notes, $8.00, Poketo

$25-$50, clockwise from top left:

7) Large Embroidery Hoop Chalk Board, $45.00, BlissInATeaCup

8) Paper Gold Bowls, $24-$68 Up in the Air Somewhere

9) Felted Grey Stones Set, $36.00, Delica

10) Willow Vine Lanterns, $38-$48, Jayson Home and Garden

$25-$50, clockwise from top left:

11) Forever Flower Garland, $48.53, EmmaLamb

12) Doily Napkins Set, $36.00, Soraam

13) Roost Copenhagen Carafe, $31-$40, Velocity Art and Design

14) Knitted Boot Cuffs, $30, VintageofNow

$50-$125, clockwise from top left:

15) Small Porcelain Lace, $75.00, ForestClearing

16) Felted Wool Nesting Bowls, $86.00, BlackBirdDesignHouse

17) Custom Sketch Portrait Print, $65.00, Kiki and Polly

18) Birdhouse Clock, $78, Decoylab

19) Heirloom Recipe Card Box, $125, Rifle Paper Co.

gift guide-kiddos

The gift guide today is focused on handmade for the kiddos, with a few earth-friendly manufactured items thrown in for good measure :) The first assortment leans toward the buddies, and the second is a bit more pink.

1) Mellow Monkey Handmade Crocheted Plush Toy, $45.00, Bumbleday

2) Clementine Natural Modeling Clay, $10.99

3) Owl Hat with Ear Flaps, $32.57, IraRott

4) Squirreled Away Lamp, $88.00, Anthropologie

5) Moose Hat, $48.00, Oeuf

6) Hand Screen Printed Owl Toy in Teal, $31.00, RobinAndMould

7) Dollhouse Pillow, $110, Cakies

8) Pinky the Mouse Finger Puppet, $9.00, CynicTheLamb

9) Brown Amigurumi Bear, $40.00, LueandSue

10) Tea Set for Two, $40.00, Greenizmom

11) Little Lamb Wool Hat, $40.00, SweetPeaToadTots

12) Studio Skinny Crayon Set, $12.90, Sustainababy

gift guide for the guys

Hi there. How did the weekend treat you? I barely left my house except to go on a snow walk with my family. We were busy Christmas-ing (tree trimming and holiday card-prepping) nesting, and cleaning--"sweeping the corners" as my husband likes to say. It feels good to cross so many things off the list in such a short time. I plan to start and finish my Christmas shopping within the next week, and I thought I'd share some things that stood out during my time online. Here's the first one, for the dudes:

Clockwise from top left:

1) iPad/Netbook Messenger Bag, Grey Tweed Wool, $98.00, Stash

2) iTouch Stand, $17.00, YourNestInspired

3) iphone Amplifier, $85, Koostik

4) Mid Century Modern Original Paintings in Grays, Copper and Yellow, $98.99 FocusLineArt

5) Metal Industrial Card Catalog, $20.00, Antiquarium

6) Makr Horizon 3 Wallet, $110.00, Brooke Farm General Store

7) iPad Sleeve Merino, $59.00, PackAndSmooch

8) Slim Wood Business Card Holder, $55.00, YourNestInspired

9) Stanley Thermos, $30.00, Brook Farm General Store

10) Original Peace4you Upcycled Messenger Bag, $275.00, Peace4you

11) Vintage Archery Arrow Duo, $15.00, BDVintage

12) Shoe Shine Box, $18.50, Timetravelers

tuesday's top 12: tea cups

I prefer coffee to tea but you can't deny the beauty of a teacup. I think I like the idea of tea more than I like the actual drink but nevertheless, here's my top 12 teacup-inspired picks:

1) Tea Cups and a Rose, $18.00, HeyZee

2) China Cup and Saucer, $22.00, SwirlyGarden

3) Bunch of Pretty, $20.00, Pinecone Camp

4) Beggar Blue Print, $20.00, Kiki and Polly

5) Art Print Parakeets Teacup, $10.00, KimberlysTeaCottage

6) Teapot, $15.00, Sollinero

7) Pause, Vintage Tea Set, $42.00, GloamingDesigns

8) Tea, Reproduction Fine Art Print, $20, Michelemaule

9) Mini Goals Chalkboard, $35.00, MaryKateMcDevitt

10) Cozy, $30.00, CuffeShop

11) Tea Cup Party Favor Boxes, $12.50, CactusAndOlive

12) I like Tea Print, $18.00 315thomas

tuesday's top 12: succulents

This week's top 12 was inspired by LeeFee Studio's succulent photograph from the Art Wall Porch. I love the colors, texture and just want to jump into the image and touch those petals. I'm a sensory person, what can I say?

It was easy to find 11 other "succulent-themed" items on the web that caught my eye. From top left:

1) Rosettes in Green, $17.00, LeeFee Studio

2) Cactus Garden Mirror, $3.00, PaperSparrow

3) Wood Routing (Succulent 2), $40.00, Deav

4) Succulent Bouquet, $90.00, Floricultcha

5) Living Succulent Wreath, $39.00, Norpigt

6) Tiny Tiny Terrarium, $5.50, Tortoise Loves Donkey

7) Designing With Succulents Book, $19.77, Amazon

8) Cactus and Succulents Sandwich Plate, $24.00, Villarreal Ceramics

9) Hens and Chicks Echeveria Succulent Garden, $38.00, Monkeysalwayslook

10) Silver Two Finger Succulent Ring, $600.00, GretchenWalker

11) Deep Green Sea Airplant Orb, $40.00, Stilllily

12) Succulent Textured Tile, $195.00, ElementClayStudio

last minute printable dad's day cards from ed nacional

Notice the clever "tie" -pography? These printables can be purchased and printed lickety-split from Ed Nacional's online shop. There's 12 total designs to choose from, all with the clever tie-typography. Got a dad? Get a card.

father's day card round-up

I'm guessing today would be about the last day you can order a card online in time for Father's Day. If you haven't been to your local stationery shop yet--let me just tell you, the pickin's are slim and will only get slimmer. Here's a few that caught my eye lately online:

Handsome Hardworking Hubby Father's Day Card, $4.50, Paper Source

Father's Day Striped Card, $3.75, Pixelimpress

Happy Father's Day Camper Card, $3.25, Michelle Brusegaard

Letterpress Father's Day Card, $4.00, PrintforLoveofWood

Love You More Than Mom Card, $3.50, Gramkinpaperstudio

Daddy Issues Father's Day Card, $4.00, witandwhistle

I just bought one of the above, more to suit my taste than the Mister's but he'll love it just the same. Can you guess which one?

tuesday's top 12: father's day picks

Just in case you have a father, a grandfather or a husband, I've put together a list of 12 things I think my father, grandfather or husband would love on dad's day. No, there will not be a steak-brander or a monogrammed chef's hat but yes, there will be a set of cuff-links.

1) Custom silhouette art of a special photo by Jenny Lee Fowler

2) Stock your fridge and shelves with his favorites. My husband loves Skittles, Sprite, butter-pecan ice cream and hint-of-lime Tostidos. My dad likes radishes, buttermilk, and crispy oatmeal cookies. Image: Amazon.com

3) A linen pocket-square or hankie from Miniature Rhino, for that summer wedding on the calendar.

4) This contraption may save a few marriages. Just whistle and the keys will announce where they where carelessly tossed.

5) Would dad like some time to hobby? Sign him up for a local woodworking or small engine class. Image: Bed, Bath and Beyond.

6) A "doubles" lesson would be cherished time spent together. My husband has been wanting to try this stand-up paddling for a while now. Image: Seabreeze.com

7) Does he have a dream car? More importantly, are you rich?

8) If you answered #7 with "yes" then "no" find a photograph of his dream car and have it framed.

9) Ah yes, the cufflinks. These really are special, complete with a silhouette of his child or a grandchild.

10) Every guy needs a good stylish man bag.

11) Does he have a chore he doesn't love? Surprise him by doing it yourself or do what I do and hire a service. Image: Fairway Lawns.

12) This one is last but probably the most important: schedule time with your dad, grand-dad or husband. It's what he wants the most, trust me. Image: Graffeo Coffee.

tuesday's top 12: april showers and may flowers

Happy May, everyone! May is my 2nd favorite month of the year next to June so I was really excited to flip the calendar this month. Up today are my picks for showers and flowers. Enjoy!

1) My Red Umbrella Print, $20.00, Caramba

2) Magnolia Fine Art Photographic Print, $35.00, Jennifer Squires

3) Delicate Fine Art Photograph, $35.00, HeyZee

4) Grass Fine Art Photograph, $25.00, Sweet Eventide

5) Magnolia's in Bloom Fine Art Photograph, $25.00, Sweet Eventide

6) Rain Cloud, $18.50, Almapottery

7) English Summer Necklace, $14.50, TheMagpie'sDaughter

8) Garden of Live Flowers, $20.00, Corella Illustration

9) Monseur Hulot Print, $85.00, Matteart

10) Lovely Fine Art Photograph, $35.00, HeyZee

11) Lovely Spring Fine Art Photograph, $40.00, HeyZee

12) Galoshes and Skirt Print, Jen Hewett $25.00,

tuesday's top 12: mother's day picks

The countdown is on! If you missed it, check out my top picks for Gocco'd Mother's Day cards on the Save Gocco blog. This collection is more gift-oriented for your mother, your grandmother, your wife or yourself.

1) Custom Portrait Painting of your wee-one, from $275.00

2) A spring posy picked from your garden, FREE! (Image: Virdigris Jane)

3) Cornucopia of Discovery Print, $30.00, Laura Mae Dooris

4) Small Stoneware Bottle, $40.00, Sara Paloma

5) Black Carved Wood Bird, $15.00, Jayson Home and Garden

6) Paynes Ombre Coffee Cozy, $11.00, aemcdraw

7) Oversized Custom Silhouette Portrait, from $30.00, Simply Silhouettes

8) I.D. tags for your herb garden, $5.00/set, StudioDelve

9) Washing all the outside windows for your mommy or your honey, FREE! (Image: atf300)

10) Crocheted Pouf, 120 Euros, Le Souk

11) This one is a pipe-dream but has been on my "some day" list for so long: a pair of turquoise blue vintage Murano lamps, $3,995.00, 1st Dibs

12) Good Garden Pocket Moleskine, $10.00, Juniperberry

last call for valentines

Would you rather receive a Valentine made with love or by factory? That's what I thought! I already put together three Valentine-themed assortments earlier in the year: 1, 2, and 3. I thought I'd send V-day off with a big bang and throw out one more pretty collection. With 6 days left, you've got just enough time to make sure you don't leave your honey feeling blue when all (s)he needs is a little pink, purple and/or red. From top left to bottom right: 1) "The Tree in the Summer" print, $10.00, Anna Maria Potamiti 2) Tree Climbing screenprint, $30.00, Love Little 3) Soldier's Hope print, $25.00, Laura Mae Dooris 4) Forever print in pink, $20.00 Ameliamae 5) You Plus Me print in coral, $20.00, Ameliamae 6) Lighthearted photographic print, $70.00, Jennifer Squires 7) Live What You Love, $30.00, Hijirik 8) Clearly Love Valentine, $5.00, Paperday Studio 9) Ducks at Sunset, $25.00, Lucy Snowe 10) Queen of Hearts, $18.00, Khristian A. Howell 11) Pink Day print, $20.00 Kiki and Polly 12) Cotton Candy, $35.00, Jennifer Squires 13) Night Owl Clock, $30.00, Decoylab 14) Red Coliseum Print, $25.00, Laura Mae Dooris 15) 2 Crazy Bunnies in Love card $4.50, 2ndComing 16) Little Red Bird at Sunset, $25.00, Lucy Snowe

because good things come in 3's

I had so much fun putting the last 2 Valentine-inspired collages together that I just couldn't stop there. This last (for now anyway) assortment is still composed of Art Wall artists and still composed of love. From top left to bottom right: 1) Spring Blooms Nature Print, $28.00 USD, NatureMandelas 2) The Wait Original Mixed-Media Painting, $250.00 USD, MicheleMaule 3) Do All Things With Love Customizable Print, $30.00 USD, Vol25 4) Quiet Evenings Print, $18.00 USD, Jess Gonacha Swift 5) Magnolia Bud Original Drawing with Collage, $225.00USD, Rachel Robertson 6) Love is Magical Print, $20.00, Vol25 7) Thrive Ceramic Wall-Hanging, $360.00 USD, Studio Delve 8) Animal Alphabet Silkscreen Poster, $50.00 USD, Petit Collage 9) Summer of Love Limited Edition Print, $375.00, Ricki Mountain 10) Emma III Embroidery, $40.00 USD, Mary's Granddaughter 11) Pink Rocking Chair Block Print, $10.00, Nydam Press 12) Branch and Bird Art Quilt, $19.00 USD, Candied Fabrics 13) Three Water Towers Print, $20.00 USD, Michele Maule 14) Original Collage, $45.00 USD, Magic Jelly 15) East Original Painting, $100.00 USD, Kelcan 16) Roses Letterpress Print, $10.00, Lot9Press

i'm in the mood for love....part 2

One day later and I'm still in the mood for love, or maybe I'm in the mood for MORE love. This is the second of 2 Valentine's Day inspired assortments. From top left to bottom right: 1) Balance Encaustic Painting, $110 USD, lvhdesigns 2) Inspired by Phillip Lim, $200 USD, Dallas Shaw 3) Cora Hand-Screened Print, $19.00 USD Jen Skelley 4) Marguerite Daisy, $24.00USD, NatureMandalas 5) Birch Forest #11 Original Gouache Painting, $200.00 USD Lisa Congdon 6) Dreamer Camera Gocco/Collage, $18.00 USD, Leigh Wells 7) Winter Lovebirds Original Silhouette Papercutting $50.00 JennyLeeFowler 8) Fridays Child Fine Art Print, $35.00, Alicia Bock 9) I heart typewriters print, $20.00 USD, Vol. 25 10) Intimate Wedding Fine Art Photographic Print, $35.00 USD, Jennifer Squires 11) Pink Lilac Photographic Print, $28.00 USD, NatureMandalas 12) Perceptions Limited Edition Print, $18.00 USD, Jess Gonacha 13) Bicycle Block Print Card, $4.00 USD, Nydam Press 14) Specimen 1, $29.00 USD, Wondercabinet 15) Sweet Treats Pink Gocco Print, $10.00 USD, Orangebeautiful 16) Monsieur III Print, $30.00 USD, Blancucha

i'm in the mood for love....part 1

Once the holidays are over, there are two things I look forward to as the winter days begin to drag me down: 1) vacations and 2) Valentine's day!  The bright and cheery pinks, purples and reds of the "season of love" can really help elevate my mood.  This pretty assortment is one of a 2-part collection of Valentine-friendly pieces made by Art Wall artists.  Are you ready to get romantic?
From top left to bottom right: 1) Peony, $35.00 USD, Jennifer Squires 2) When I Think of You, $18.00, GretchenMist 3) 3 AM Hubigs, $25.00, LauraMaeDorris 4) Pink Dahlia, $24.00, NatureMandelas 5) Trees, $45.00, Dolan Geiman 6) Tree Climbing Screenprint, $30.00 USD, LoveLittle 7) Love Letterpress, $20.00 USD, Lot9Press 8) Afternoon Walk, $20.00, Decoylab 9) Pink Signed Fine Art Photograph, $35.00, Alicia Bock 10) Custom Couple Silhouette, $40.00 USD, Jenny Lee Fowler 11) Pink Typewriter Screenprint, $7.00, Michele Maule 12) Debutante, $200.00 USD, Isa Catto 13) Box Series, BE, $40.00, lvhdesigns 14) Dusky Rose Bird on Flowers, $20.00, Sugarloop 15) Flora Wall Wear-29, $55.00, Neawear 16) Unicorn Gocco Print, $10.00, GrumbleToy

a peak at my favorite pressie

Here's a little clue about my favorite Christmas present this year. Yes, the hubs was sneaking around on my gift guides and noticed my singled-out love for the Fuji Instax Camera. I've had a total of 4 instant cameras in my lifetime including an old school land camera I scored for $10 on Ebay because the seller misspelled "poloroid," a cutie-pie i-zone, and a late model Polaroid (note correct spelling) from before they were endangered. The latest addition is certainly the most stylish in my collection. It has a few limitations: it's basically a point and shoot with little user control. It does sport 4 settings for different light situations, but really it's just fun to have around in a digital age when nothing much (in my house anyway) makes it to print. What was your favorite gift this year?

mini gift guide: dudes!

Aw, I couldn't leave the boys out. Here's a very edited selection of handmade goodies for the guys in your life. From top left to bottom right: 1) iPod/iPhone Docking Station, $68.00, Woodtec 2) Buffalo Nickel Cufflinks, $24.00, Cufflinks 3) Plywood Faux Bois Woodgrain Ring, $90.00, Ball and Chain 4) Set of 3 Hand-tied Flies, $6.75, Mountain River Flies 5) Shaving Set, $24.50, Mountain Mama Chic 6) Beach Stone Keychain, $20.00, Stepping Stones 7) Monogramed Leather Keychain, $9.50, Jeeta 8) Exotic Wood USB, $59.00, Woodventure 9) Letterpressed Calling Cards, $100, Ruby Press

gift guide 4: kiddos!

This particular gift guide was the most fun for me. I really enjoyed going back to my "roots" as an online merchandiser this week--playing with the image placement and color distribution of each assortment, but the kids stuff is just more fun, no? This group is a random mix of price points, gendered toys and all around eye-candy. From top left to bottom right: 1) Scalloped bunting, $32, My Favourite Dress 2) Spanish Alphabet Stuffed Felt Letters, $40, MiChiMa 3) Little Birdie and Flowers, $32.00, Emilie Friday 4) Hello Giraffe Organic Bib, $13.50, Nell Smith 5) Toadstool Trinket Box, $20.00, The Small Object 6) Car Bingo Game, $28.00, Pilosale 7) Favourite Shoes Gocco Print, $22.00, Magic Jelly 8) Wood Car and Truck Set, $23.00 9) Orange Dot Digger, $55.00, Elsie Marley 10) RVA Girls Paper Doll Set, $12.00, Red Velvet Art 11) Jungle Boogie Print, $20.00, Sugarloop 12) Pinwheel Girl Print, $45.00, Petit Collage 13) Aquatic Cowboy Screenprint, $30.00, Jen Skelley 14) Cloud Mobile, $45, Madeleine Sargent 15) Horse Clock, $18.00, Decoylab 16) Greta is Not Amused Textile, $125.00, Mary's Granddaughter

gift guide 3: $50 to $100

This is the 3rd out of 4 gift guides I'm sharing this week. This assortment is everything you might want under your tree in the $50-$100 range. BTW, I put the camera in the first row because I really want it! (HINT) From top left to bottom right: 1) Large Vintage Frame Corkboard, $87.00, Blue Bell Bazar 2) Fuji Instax Instant Camera, $85.00, Adorama 3) Rosewood Ring with Birch Lining, $85.00, Stout Woodworks 4) Miniature floral original painting, $80.00, Wondercabinet 5) Laptop Sleeve, $68.00, Byrd and Belle 6) Multicolor Crochet Scarf, $85.00, Subrosa123 7) Little Legs Textile, $65.00, Lauramiss 8) Custom Portrait Silhouette Plate, $50.00, Dolamakes 9) Letterpress Starter Kit, $70.00, Scrapbook.com 10) Natural Rainbow Moonstone Necklace, $82.00, Annekiel 11) Imperial Trellis Pillow, $65.00, Decorative Instincts 12) Faux Bling Scarf, $108.00, Littlepurls 13) One-button Neck Warmer, $55.00, Knittles 14) Sterling Acorn Necklace, $60.00, Gur Kimel 15) Branch Earrings--Gold Plate, $50, Nervous System 16) Charcoal and Curry Lap Quilt, $52.00, Red Velvet Art