Simply Elegant: Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks 2.24.12

Sometimes I feel like a bit of elegance is in order. True, there are days that need a pair a jeans and a sweatshirt but then there are those days that nothing will do but elegance. Something sleek and fantastic, done to perfection, something that stands on its on. Not that's how I am, far from it. Maybe all that Oscar talk is getting to me. Anyway, here are my picks for the week.



Silversmith's Ring by Mark Kaplan



Handmade Leather Black Envelope Clutch by Lou Collection



Black Ostrich Feather Evening Bag Clutch Purses with Rhinestone Trim by SherriWeeseDesigns



Retro A-line Dress by MGD Clothing



Celtic Woven Kumihimo Pearl Necklace by PearlWeaver

 


Falling Leaves Watercolor Print by TheJoyOfColor



Pale Yellow Porcelain Vase with Burnt Orange Roses by RoberaPolfus

 Well, those are my faves. Which ones are yours? As always, vote for your favorite. The choices are on the upper right.




Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff



MissEileen vintage



Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns



GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns



Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 2.10.12

It was a hundred years ago (give or take a decade or three),  that the Mr. asked me to marry him (feels like that sometimes). Two days before Valentine’s Day he surprised me with a ring from a Cracker Jack box and told me to close my eyes while he put it on my finger. I was laughing so hard that I didn’t noticed he switched the ring and placed a diamond ring on me instead. I still have the Cracker Jack ring and still laugh about it. Don’t wear it, though…..  Anyway, Valentine’s is approaching and this is the time for romance. It is also the time for the wedding plans to begin. A wedding is so much more than the dress. It is the details, the little things, that make a wedding special. Here’s some ideas for weddings from the wonderful artists at Etsy.

BTW, there are lots of fantastic artists at Etsy however I try to find new and overlooked artists who just need a little more exposure because their work is fantastique (didn’t know I could speak French? Me, either, lol). So take a look at what I found. I think you’ll be seeing these artists again in the future, maybe on the front page.

A touch of handmade elegance to cinch the waist. Beautiful!                       Crocheted Flower Wedding Dress Belt by Sapti

These little guys are so cute!                   Black and White Birds Wedding Cake Topper by Indigo Twin Weddings

 

Here’s an alternative to the traditional pillow for the ring bearer to carry, a custom made plate to carry the rings. Later, the plate can be used or displayed. It’s lovely!                        Porcelain Engagement or Wedding Ring Bowl by Sumiko2

                          Wedding Mailbox Card Holder by One Hip Sticker Chick

 

For those of us who love the country, or rustic look, check out this ring pillow. Fabulous!                           Woodland Burlap Ring Pillow by Glowing Girl

Beach weddings are so popular, especially down here in FL. This candle would fit right in.

                      Beach Wedding Starfish Candle Vase by Pink Pelican Designs

Finding new and original ways to number the tables is always a challenge. Here’s a wonderful way using wine bottles from Homes and Weddings.

           Wine Bottle Number Holder by Homes and Weddings

 

And, last but not least, a sign to make sure the guests find the right place.

                                   Wedding Sign by Splendid Events

 

Well, that’s some of the things I’ve found on Etsy this week. These eight are wonderful and would make a wedding all that much more special. Do you have a favorite amongst the eight? Vote!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

M and M Vintage Potpourri: Vintage Jewelry and more

Nurses Have Patients Brooch

The winner of the Nurses’ Week edition of MissEileen’s Etsy picks was MnMVintagePotpourri. Here is the interview.
Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
Hi, I am Micki from Spokane Valley, Washington. I have 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 1 cat named Ladybug. I also have a sister who is an artist who paints and sculpts.
What are your favorite materials? I also like to sew, knit, and crochet.

Norleans Japan Hand Painted Porcelain Fruit Pitcher

Are you a collector? What do you collect?
I’ve been a collector since my 20’s. I started with McCoy pottery and then moved on to jewelry. I love the feel of vintage, the unusual design, the nostalgia of each piece.

Antique Celluloid Manicure Dresser Set

What is your favorite era or decade?
My favorite era is the 20s and 30s. I love the Art Deco look.
Do you decorate vintage style?
I decorate with a mixture of abstract art on the walls and a few vintage furniture pieces to create a clean, uncluttered look. I have a curio cabinet for special items, specifically my collection of beautiful cat jewelry. They are wonderful.

Warner Black Rhinestone Cat Head Brooch and Earrings

What is your favorite color combination?
I love earth tones. I find them soothing and mellow.

Lucite White and Blue Bracelet

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration or influence?
I was influenced by my mother. She is also is a collector and collected teapots and china. We would collect together. She helped guide me when I started collecting pottery.

Sarah Coventry Ring in Opal and Purple Rhinestones

Why should people buy handmade and vintage? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade and vintage items?
People should buy handmade not only to support artists but to find one-of-a-kind, original items not available in stores. People should buy vintage because there is a history to each piece, the nostalgia of the item. Old jewelry is more unusual than today’s.


Hand Crochet White Doilly 14 inch

 What have been the most valuable lessons learned from others?
I found the more work I put into the store the more I get out of it. The more items I list and the more I talk to people the more I sell. You get out of it what you put into it.

What are the Web addresses for your work?
On the web I sell through Etsy, my shop link is MnMVintagePotpourri. Locally I sell at a little shop near my home.

Take a moment and visit MnMVintagePotpourri. Check out the vintage jewelry and items. They are lovely.

Made in Japan: Maruyama Company

Growing up I heard of many things made in Japan. Although some people didn’t think much of Japanese goods back then, I had an appreciation of them due to a father who spent time in Viet Nam and sent stuff home with the Panasonic or Sony name. I knew about electronics but didn’t think much of ceramics, that is until I went to an auction or two and learned how special the Occupied Japan mark was on an item.

While doing my rounds of my favorite thrifts and junk shops I came upon this exquisite figurine.

Vintage Maruyama Colonial Lady Porcelain Figurine Occupied Japan

This colonial beauty is marked “Maruyama Made in Occupied Japan.” Of course I grabbed it up. Not only is it a beautiful figurine, it is in amazing condition without chips, cracks, or crazing. The occupation was in the late 40’s making this beauty over 60 years old. I should look so good when I’m 60.

Being the nosy person I am I tried to research the Maruyama Company. I didn’t find much but I did learn that the Maruyama Company was a leading manufacturer of Japanese ceramics until they ceased production in 1989. Japan has a long history of porcelain art dating back to the 1600s.

Beautiful work.