CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Wrap Star! Letterpress Buckle With Ribbon

casasugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:30:39 -0800

When you're no longer stuck on stick-on bows and curling ribbon doesn't make the cut, spend a few bucks on the DSharp Letterpress Buckle With Ribbon ($7.50). This large oval belt, comprised of letterpress red striped printed paper, will replace your fussy bows in a cinch. The buckle arrives with ribbon, and that's all you'll need to dress your gifts: Just slide through and pull. No tape required! We all know a belt can easily transform a basic outfit, so why not use one to dress up your solid gift wrap or some brown packaging? Instant style.

Etsy Find: Chroma Lab Fruit Stripe Dresser

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

I love people who aren't afraid of color. Take, for example, Laurel's Rainbow Bright Home. Thanks to her fearlessness of color, her home shouts personality . . . the kind of style that simply can't be replicated. But, given that I like my color in small doses, I'd be more likely to fill my house with items like the Chroma Lab Fruit Stripe Dresser ($480). Its turquoise acrylic satin polyurethane topcoat is certainly bold, but its slivers of watermelon and lemon color are hidden until you open the drawers. The colors aren't always competing for attention, but you know they're there.

Etsy Find: Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet

casasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:15:35 -0800

My Etsy Finds normally fall under the categories of crafty things, textiles (napkins!), or artwork. But it's rare to find a furniture piece that's not just a reupholstered ottoman. So, I was surprised to come across this Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet ($129). Quite the unique, modern piece, it's a small vanity cabinet with an extending side mirror, three interior storage cubes, an interior cork board, and door-front knobs to hang jewelry from. The cabinet is also fixed with a light bulb to illuminate while you're applying makeup or trying on jewelry. The cabinet can be attached to a wall or rested on a table. It's certainly not for a traditionalist, but for those with a contemporary home, it's a wonderfully functional piece to own.

Etsy Find: Matryoshka Doll Ornament

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:27 -0800

Somehow Matryoshka dolls are still trendy after a year, but I suppose that's because they're so darn cute. I couldn't pass up the Saidie Matryoshka Doll Ornament ($9), which will bring a bit of traditional Russian kitsch to your Christmas tree this holiday. The original Matryoshka illustration was printed with a Gocco onto linen fabric, hand sewn, and stuffed. I love how the embroidered ribbon adds an additional little touch of ornamentation. If dolls aren't your thing, Saidie also sells sweet birdcage and bird on a branch ornaments.

Gift Guide: Handmade Gifts For Indie Girls

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:30:19 -0800

Last year, many of you told me that you were making or buying handmade gifts. Many of you also took the handmade pledge. So, if you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind gift for a special someone in your circle of friends, I thought I'd round up some of the best handmade gifts I've come across, using, of course, my favorite purveyor of everything DIY and handmade, Etsy.
These gifts are great choices for all of your independent-minded, design-savvy friends and family members who are looking for something as unique as they are this holiday season.

To see my handmade finds,

Etsy Find: Sharon Montrose Photographs

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 11:00:38 -0800

I just came across these Animal Prints ($25) by photographer Sharon Montrose, and I'm totally smitten. The LA-based shutterbug snapped these real live animals, who mostly "live happily at a small California Zoo," perched in front of a white backdrop on hardwood floors. The details are truly amazing, and I applaud her for getting these zoo dwellers to stand so still! There's something so human about these images that I love; Montrose brings out each animal's personality with just the click of a button. Oh, and did I mention that the price is right?! What do you think?

Etsy Find: Tiny Shoe Advent Calendar

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:00:01 -0800

In my house, we hung an advent calendar each year, made of miniature gift bags filled with candy. I think it's a fun tradition for children that fosters their excitement for Christmas — as if they weren't already bursting at the seams. Although it's obviously a religious tradition, the countdown calendars can be used for all sorts of celebrations, like birthdays or even the election! That is, if the calendar itself isn't specifically Christmas-y in theme. For example, the Great Craft Disaster Advent Calendar ($45) is composed of 24 tiny fabric slippers, although Christmas fabrics in particular weren't used. Considering that I love anything mini, I can't get enough of this calendar! Each slipper has a numbered tag on it denoting the date, or the number of days left in the countdown. What do you think?

Etsy Find: Cinderella Pumpkin Napkins

casasugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 12:00:49 -0800

When it comes to pumpkins, we often think of jack-o-lanterns and pumpkin carving at Halloween, but the gourd-like squash is stylish all season long. There should be nothing preventing you from decorating with pumpkins until Christmas comes along . . . then poinsettias and fir trees can have their heyday. I'm smitten with these Cinderella Pumpkin Napkins, a set of four olive-green cotton napkins each embroidered with a freshly harvested pumpkin, recalling Cinderella's Fairy Godmother's coach. Their warm-colored palette is ideal for Fall. If not these, you should pick up an alternate set because by now I hope you all adopted cloth napkins in lieu of paper!

Etsy Find: Mr. Casual and Miss Noble Placemats

casasugar — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:30:48 -0700

The Petek Guven Mr. Casual Placemat ($49) and Miss Noble Placemat ($49) are two cheeky characters well-trained in etiquette, who'll give your guests a good laugh before they're served the first course. Each placemat has two slits on each side which work as fork and knife holders; so unfortunately, the placemats cannot accommodate the silverware required for a seven course meal. I love how Mr. Casual sports a watch, and Miss Noble a bracelet: it adds personality! What do you think? Are they too whimsical for you, or just playful enough?

The Card Shop: Thank-You Cards From Two Trick Pony

casasugar — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:30:44 -0700

Laurie Mee and Carrie Siegel, the co-owners of Two Trick Pony, create delightful card designs that are screen-printed by hand on 100 percent post-consumer waste recycled paper with water-based inks. I love the retro look of their designs, and the straightforward perfection in the cards' sentiments.

Since I'm in the middle of writing thank-you cards to our wedding guests, my eye was particularly drawn to these thank-you cards ($16 for six cards and envelopes). They're graced with a simple, pretty design rendered in perfect Autumnal shades. I find that everyone appreciates a thank-you card now and then, be it for a dinner party or a random act of kindness. Why not stock up so your generosity can run rampant?

Etsy Find: Argyle Midcentury Shelving Unit

casasugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:00:34 -0700

I'm not much of a prepster, but I've always appreciated the graphic goodness of argyle. The diamond checkerboard pattern has a unique three-dimensional quality that's simply eye-catching. But, don't get any ideas: I won't be sporting an argyle sweater vest any time soon. I'd certainly integrate the Lunar Lounge Argyle Midcentury Shelving Unit into my apartment, though! The multifunctional storage system can store all types of media and decorative items and also serve as a room divider (great for a studio), allowing privacy without adding a visual heaviness to the space. Although it's a midcentury design, I think it still looks modern and fresh.

Inspired: Maui Dozing

casasugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 04:30:05 -0700

I love the balance of glorious, warm tones in Etsy seller Laura Marie W's Maui Dozing (sold) oil on canvas painting. The combination of orange, green, lilac, and yellow is such an unusual one, but it really is breathtaking. The painting's landscape itself is actually what hit a soft spot in me, though. While I assume this is a Hawaiian scene, to me it summons memories of the dusty, purple, country roads that I spent many Summers cruising along in Vermont growing up, dotted by tractors in wide open fields set against a regal mountain backdrop. To see my ideas for creating a room around this painting,

Etsy Find: Ottoman Empire

casasugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Etsy seller Spruce Home, a design studio based in Austin, TX, has upholstered this ornate, wooden-based ottoman in Amy Butler's Nigella Primrose fabric, giving it a vibrant, modern update. The Ottoman Empire ($425) stands 14 inches high with a 30-inch diameter, the perfect size to use as a round coffee table, or set with a tray or some shelter books on top. Not only do I adore the aqua and cool green fabric used, but it looks like it'd be super comfortable used as a stool, foot rest, or even a dog bed! If this ottoman isn't for you, Spruce has a handful of other beautifully upholstered pieces available in their shop. Need a cane back chair? A striped sofa? A set of modular Herman Miller chairs? See what else they've got in store when you

Etsy Find: Felt Flower Button Bouquets

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:16 -0700

If the fleeting beauty of a fresh floral bouquet isn't what you had in mind for your wedding or other celebration, you're in luck. Etsy seller Princess Lasertron makes custom bouquets from hand-stitched felt and vintage buttons that will last well beyond your ceremony, and perhaps your five-year anniversary. But you needn't be tying the knot to take one home. The one-of-a-kind floral arrangements look just as good set in a glass vase on your dining room table, as they do with your Vera Wang. Prices run from $60 to $250.

The Card Shop: Welcome to Your New Home Card

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:36 -0700

I'm not big on sentimental central quotes on cards, but I couldn't resist the adorable mod living-room design on this Welcome to Your New Home Card ($4). I wouldn't mind moving right into this living room; you know I adore the lime green and raspberry color scheme. It's pretty much the perfect housewarming card for all those hip new homeowners you know. Mod is where the heart is, isn't it? And so is heavy, textured cardstock . . . oh, I do love stationery.

Etsy Find: Hand-Printed Pillow Cover

casasugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 05:30:27 -0700

One simple way to perk up your endless Summer is by bringing color into your home. But that needn't mean repainting your walls, or letting your kids go wild with finger paint. A vibrant accessory here or there will surely suffice. And I'm a staunch proponent of happy, colorful homes, so I say there's no reason you should have to tone down come Fall. If your home is in need of a little pick-me-up, consider the Kalla Hand-Printed Pillow Cover ($30). This cute, natural fiber pillow cover has a modern, geometric green leaf pattern that'll keep things lively before and after the leaves turn. Not ga-ga for green? The cover is also available in orange, pink, and blue.

Etsy Find: ELO Vinyl Record Clock

casasugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

I came across yet another furnishing for your man's hipster dude haven and couldn't resist sharing. No true hipster dude would willingly ruin a valuable record like ELO's Time, but if it were unusable, he might hang it on the wall as a clock. The Electric Light Orchestra Vinyl Record Clock ($25) gives new life to some good tunes too scratched to enjoy, with a handsome set of white clock hands. I particularly like how the clock hands mimic the yellow and pink spotlights on the record label (and I've always had a soft spot for ELO). What do you think? Would you give this clock the time of day or is it just not your style?

Etsy Find: Belt Buckle Frame

casasugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Since I recently suggested you repurpose your belt buckles as frames, when I came across a belt buckle for sale used in the same way, I couldn't help but share! The Domestikate Custom Belt Buckle ($26) was originally used to hold polished rock and gemstone pieces, and it has a D-ring on its back side, so it can actually be used as a buckle or just as a decorative frame. I love its 1970s Western theme, and think it just begs for a black-and-white cowboy image inside. The seller will print your photo to size and set it in the frame with a plastic protection sheet in front. Pretty neat, huh?

Etsy Find: Open Tulip Serving Platter

casasugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 08:30:59 -0700

Considering that it's August, the tulips in your garden have likely already come and gone. But that doesn't mean you can't still enjoy them! The Gleena Shop Open Tulip Serving Platter ($55) is just the thing to keep Spring eternal (you know how I love endless seasons). The asymmetrical platter is slip-cast porcelain, embellished with a delicate open tulip decal, and glazed on the inside only. It's food and dishwasher safe, but personally I'd just love to use it as wall décor. Ah! Botanicals get me every time.

Etsy Find: A Gnome For Your Home

casasugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:00:21 -0700

Wall stickers may be waning in popularity, but I still have a soft spot for any stickers made in particularly fresh designs. This Gnomes and Mushrooms Decal ($16) is one of the cutest things I've seen in a long time.
I have a keen affection for gnomes as it is, but when they're reinterpreted in solid black, they take on a surprisingly modern air. This easy-to-apply vinyl sticker is also available in many other colors. Where would you give these gnomes a home? Bathroom? Living room? Bedroom closet?

The Card Shop: Hello Everyday Stationery

casasugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:00:37 -0700

Sometimes I think there's not enough "dropping a line" in the world. Good old-fashioned notes, updating your friends on what's new in your life, and asking about theirs. Yeah, there's prolific Facebook wall and Myspace commenting, but a part of me feels that that's all for show. How about a bit of private conversation every once in a while . . . the kind you can't delete from your inbox? I hope the Invita Paper Studio Hello Everyday Stationery ($10 for 6) will inspire a little more of that. How can you argue with a hand-written "Hello" and a trendy pale yellow and gray palette?

Etsy Find: Massey and Rogers Lampshades

casasugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 09:15:34 -0700

Etsy is an abyss of handmade items, selling hundreds of wonderful things from all over the world (as evidenced here). But I must admit, there's a lot of detritus to siphon through. So, when I came across Massey and Rogers lampshades, it was a breath of fresh air. Designed by two textile designers, Barbara Massey and Helen Rogers, the shades are hand screen-printed with charming fabrics inspired by vintage buttons, garden birds, and urban landscapes in a well-curated palette. Suitable for pendants or lamps, these lampshades will add a touch of vintage charm to your home, and maybe a bit of bird love. Prices range from $110 to $150.

Etsy Find: High Tea Spoon Cabinet

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:45 -0700

I've written about many common types of storage and even some that have stumped you. But, never a spoon cabinet. Only the Aussies (OK, and maybe the Brits) would designate an entire cabinet on the wall just for their spoons. I'll overlook this absurdity given my interest in the Tim Neve High Tea Spoon Cabinet ($45). The silverware storage unit received a modern update with a bold graphic illustration print used as a backing and a finish of glossy black paint, making it scrumptiously delightful. So, for those of you who have a vintage spoon collection, you can rest assured that you won't look one bit Granny for it — (even though you kind of are).

The Card Shop: Letterpress Wedding Card

casasugar — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:30:46 -0700

Shopping for gifts is one of my favorite activities; I even prefer it to shopping for myself (probably because I'm too easy to please). Finding the ideal gift for a friend is a challenge that I really enjoy. So, when it comes to shopping from a wedding registry, I get kind of bummed. The Sycamore Street Press Letterpress Wedding Card ($4) washes all those tears away with a nice dose of dry humor, reading, "Spoiler Alert. Someone got you a toaster." Its light turquoise ink and envelope, heavy card stock, and Victorian dancing lady add an elegance not typically associated with your average jokester card, making it the perfect fit for such a momentous occasion.

Casa Verde: Nick Stagg's Turned, Reclaimed Wood Bowls

casasugar — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:00:06 -0700

Woodworker Nick Stagg lives in rural Oregon, where he operates Moonraker Turning from his farm-based studio. Using reclaimed wood whenever possible, Nick shapes rough pieces of wood into beautiful, turned wood bowls, vessels, and vases. I recently had the chance to ask Nick about the craft of woodturning, and he explained the ins and outs of the craft. Also, check out his shop to order some of his beautiful turned wood pieces.

CasaSugar: When did you start woodturning?

Nick Stagg: I started woodturning in 2003 after seeing some turned tool handles in someone's shop and I thought that I could do that! I had an old, inferior lathe and poor tools, but was able to make some small oil-filled lamps for family members. Shortly after that I upgraded my lathe and slowly purchased better tools and continued to turn. I joined a woodturning club and checked out all the books and videos I could from the library and spent my spare time trying to improve. As time passed, I've hosted instructors from Engalnd and Australia in my shop to give classes to other turners. I'm now confident enough that I can offer help to beginning turners and, perhaps, make their journey into the woodturning arena less painful than mine!

To hear about how Nick makes his turned wood vessels,

Etsy Find: Mecedora Low Rocking Chair

casasugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 05:30:08 -0700

I never think to look for furniture on Etsy, so I was delighted to come across this awesome chair in my search for an Etsy Find. The Mecedora Low Rocking Chair ($875) is handmade from 1,000 feet of woven cotton rope and a stainless steel frame. It may not have plush cushions but looks pretty darn relaxing (and fun!) to me; it sits low to the floor and has a wide stance so you can rock very far back without tipping over. I like how the rope has a natural tone to it; anything bright might overpower the random pattern of the seat and backrest weaving. What do you think? I'm sure many of you will pass on this one, but for those of you with perhaps a midcentury-modern home or a minimalist loft, it could work wonders.

This Just In: July Is How-To Month at Etsy

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:30:55 -0700

I'm excited to report that July is How-To Month over at Etsy! You know I love my How-Tos and my DIYs, so I'm eager to see what they've got in store. Etsy's mission is to transform us all into crafting royalty and to that end they will host 25 live tutorials, preempted by an article letting us all know what tools and materials will be needed ahead of time. They will also feature videos, podcasts, and accompanying How-To articles for a lot of their workshops. Some of their great workshops include Print Gocco, Metal Etching, Beginner Sewing, and Glass Etching. Check out their list of workshops and tell me if you've tried any of these techniques, and which ones you'd like to learn!
Source

Etsy Find: Chalkboard Placemat

casasugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:00:29 -0700

Although the Bushel and Peck Baby Chalkboard Placemat ($9) is described as "a great item to bring to a restaurant to keep your child occupied while you wait for your food," I don't think it needs to be reserved for children. Doodling never goes out of style. And, it might even come in handy for taking notes during lunch conferences, or you could sketch silverware on there for a trompe l'œil effect. If you like the look of it, and the fact that it rolls up, but don't think you'd ever use the chalkboard side, you can DIY an oilcloth placemat instead. What do you think?

Etsy Find: Marimekko Throw Pillow

casasugar — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:00:14 -0700

We all know that Marimekko is too darn hot right now. It's made appearances in the Sex and the City movie (in Carrie's apartment), at H&M stores worldwide, and in major retail catalogs such as CB2. I'm personally loving the color and pattern on this Marimekko Red on Red Pillow ($19), from Etsy seller WhiffletreeFarm. Made from Samovarri, a pattern designed for Marimekko in 1970 by Maija Isola, it's 100 percent cotton and made in Finland. It would make a dramatic splash when displayed on white sofas. Where would you use them?

Good, Better, Best: Handcrafted Pillows For Ring Bearers

casasugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:15:21 -0700

If you're including a ring bearer in your wedding, you're probably looking for a beautiful, classic pillow for him to transport the rings upon. While you can always find a satin-and-lace pillow at a bridal shop, why not make your pillow a little more unique? I've rounded up some hand-crafted pillows and one even more unique choice for your ring bearer in this Good, Better, Best.

Good: This Handmade Silk Pillow ($36) can be customized with the couple's initials. It's a perfect, understated pillow for a classic couple. You can also specify the ribbon color and embroidery stitch, or even send in your favorite ribbon or flowers to use on the pillow.

For two more choices,

Etsy Find: Dessert Please Cake Plate

casasugar — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:00:39 -0700

You may not know this but Etsy, the online marketplace for handmade goods, also sells vintage items. When they first introduced vintage, I whined a little, saddened that it would no longer be 100 percent handmade. But, when I come across vintage items like this Dessert Please Cake Plate ($65), everything is okay in the world. You'll be hard pressed to find anything like this milk-glass beauty elsewhere, and if you do find a mass-produced version, retailers like Anthropologie will charge you upwards of $150 for it. I'd normally say that the combination of the rose garland, butterflies perched on top, raised polka dots, and teardrop doily plate are a bit too much, but this cake plate has a sort of Victorian, old-world charm that beguiles me.

Etsy Find: Rae Dunn Little Bee Dish

casasugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 09:15:43 -0700

Reeled into a great local sale a few weekends ago, I treated myself to a pair of small Rae Dunn dishes that read "EAT" and a larger one with a chartreuse border, perfect for serving up cheese and crackers for a party of two. They've since become a favorite possession of mine. So, I was ecstatic to come across Rae Dunn's pottery in Etsy. This Rae Dunn Little Bee Dish ($25) is also fit for a bit of Brillat-Savarin and apricot compote, but would dole out a bar of lavender soap in the bathroom equally well. If bees aren't your thing, perhaps a little chicken, pig, or crown dish or her "Home Sweet Home" plaque would be more your speed — they're all solid, handmade, and one of a kind.

Love It or Hate It? Tattoo-Inspired Tea Towels

casasugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 06:15:12 -0700

Do you love this True Love Embroidered Tea Towel ($19)? Or is it a little too tattoo-tough-looking for you?

Love It or Hate It? Tattoo-Inspired Tea Towels

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Wedding Planner: Bridal Shower Thank You Gifts

casasugar — Thu, 15 May 2008 05:30:52 -0700

If you're planning a bridal shower, you're probably scouring your local shops looking for cute, inexpensive party gifts for your guests. These Cherry Blossom Gift Tins (10 for $22.50) are a great find. I don't know a lady out there who doesn't love pretty, small tins and boxes that can be used for stashing everything from earrings to sewing pins or change. There's just so many uses for little, pretty containers. These Japanese chiyogami (old-paper) gift tins would be a gorgeous, colorful, and unique keepsake tin for your party favors. You could fill them with something small and heartfelt, such as flower seeds, decorative small soaps, or chocolates. It's definitely a unique party favor that everyone will appreciate.

The Card Shop: A Botanical Bridal Shower

casasugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:00:40 -0700

I love this set of bridal shower invitations ($14.50 for a set of 12), in part because it reminds me a little of my recent trend alert. The design is simple, classical, and absolutely beautiful. Just send in the details of your bridal shower, and within a few days you'll have your invitation sent to you. You can specify numbers of invitations, and they'll be printed on 100% recycled card stock with matching envelopes. I have a bridal shower coming up myself, and I think I may have found the perfect card . . .

Etsy Find: Decorative Adhesive Labels

casasugar — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:00:41 -0700

For those of you who don't find organizing traditionally fun, I bring you Remake Decorative Adhesive Labels ($5 for 16). Filing away your utility bills? Organizing your pantry? Slap these beauties onto your file folders or flour, sugar, coffee, or even makeup jars, and getting your house into shipshape might actually be fun, or at the very least, chic. This set has an aqua, chartreuse, turquoise, and periwinkle color palette, but other colors are available if you're not looking for a cool palette. What do you think? Do you dig them? I think I might have to go on a Spring cleaning binge, just to make use of these purdy things . . .

Etsy Find: Lavender Relaxation Eye Pillow

casasugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:30:33 -0700

If the botanical patterns of this Lavender Relaxation Eye Pillow ($9) weren't enough to have you reaching for your wallet, let me tell you that it's filled with flaxseed and lavender buds to send you into deep relaxation mode. It's the perfect way to soothe the tired eyes of blushing brides who are stressed from all the wedding planning they've been doing, or just those lovely hard-working single gals! Whoever wears it will look super-cute as they're snoozing away; it's available in a variety of patterns, including Amy Butler fabrics, if you're a fan of hers. But, watch out soon-to-be weds, don't sleep through your ceremony!

The Card Shop: Blue Lupines

casasugar — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:45:25 -0700

Make a friend's day by sending a "just because" card. One of these simple, pretty Blue Lupine Cards ($12 for a set of eight cards) from Etsy seller Blomma will brighten a mailbox with its simple, silhouetted flowers and pretty blue tones. They'd also be great for a dinner party invitation or as thank you notes for a new bride.

The Card Shop: Screenprinted Bird Thank You Card

casasugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 06:30:53 -0700

Next time you need to say merci beaucoup, let the birds do the legwork. These Screenprinted Bird Thank You Cards ($3.50) from Etsy seller Sarahparrott825 come in an exquisite robin's egg blue and are blank inside so you can personalize your message. Each card is accompanied by a brown 100% recycled envelope and packed in a celo bag.

Etsy Find: By Order of the Management Series

casasugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 08:15:04 -0700

Fitting for So Fresh and So Clean month, these three prints ($20 each) are part of Artist John W. Golden's original "By Order of the Management" series of digitally made signs reproduced to look like letterpress prints. He created the series after realizing there are some things parents tend to repeat over and over, but he says, "many of these parental mandates are good rules for adults to live by too." They're a fun, cheeky, and helpful reminder to keep on top of your chores. And, smaller than 6 x 10 inches, you'll have room for less demanding art.

Etsy Find: Block Print Bunny Stuffie

casasugar — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:08:04 -0700

In anticipation of Easter, I figured I should throw some more rabbits at you. Well, not literally, but figuratively anyhow. If any rabbit pillow could be cool, the Art Goodies Block Print Bunny Stuffie ($14) most definitely is. No simperingly sweet pastel colors in sight, just a hip regal rabbit who likes to hop around, eat carrots, and chill on your favorite couch or chair. Easter baskets are so over; Mr. Bunny Stuffie is the ultimate Easter gift. You'll appreciate his cool attitude year-round, not just on March 23.

Etsy Find: Pink Dixie Lavender and Spice Sachets

casasugar — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 05:00:15 -0700

Leave your garments smelling so fresh and so clean with this set of three Pink Dixie Lavender and Spice Sachets ($10). Filled with cinnamon, cloves, coriander, rosemary, and some other spices, and made with flirty, feminine, textiles, these sachets will keep you calm and happy, and intoxicate passersby. The set is a much-deserved treat for yourself after all your hard cleaning work this month, but would also make a lovely housewarming gift for any of your gal pals.

Etsy Find: Embroidered Tea Towel

casasugar — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 05:15:07 -0700

One of my favorite recent gifts was a set of hand-embroidered tea towels my mom sent me. I love the time and effort that goes into crafting embroidered gifts, which probably also explains why I'm so in love with the whimsical Easter Bunny Baked You a Cake tea towel ($13) that Etsy seller Cornflower Creations embroidered. First of all, for that amount of embroidery, this towel is a total steal. And the pattern itself is cute, colorful, and a perfect gift for that friend who's invited you over for Easter-egg hunting.

Love Shack: Romancing Your Walls

casasugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:58 -0800

Looking to add a final touch of romance to your home this month? Then don't forget your walls! By adding a new print to your home, you can easily change the mood of the entire room. If you're thinking about adding some romantic prints to your wall, Montreal-based photographer Irene Suchocki is an excellent choice. Irene's photos capture a sense of mystery and beauty in her subject, whether she's turned her lens to a flower or a common park bench. She says that she enjoys "creating little poems for the eyes."

Irene's work has appeared on numerous book covers, magazine spreads, and in exhibitions at festivals such as Sundance. Best of all, her prints are quite affordable, ranging in price from $25 to $185. Take a look at the gallery and see if anything catches your fancy.

Source

Etsy Find: Set of Four Screenprinted Dishcloths

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:58:06 -0800

The Michelle Brusegaard Set of Four Screen-printed Dishcloths ($20) are a simple solution for updating your kitchen and prettifying your Love Shack. Screen-printed in a black, leafy pattern on a white dishcloth, they'll complement any décor scheme, and serve as a gender-neutral housewarming gift. Very absorbent, they'll also get the job done, and can be washed repeatedly. No more excuses for a sink full of dishes! If red and black is your thing, Michelle Brusegaard also sells a set of red napkins printed with the same pattern.

Get the Look: Low-Key Heart Art

casasugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:00:27 -0800

If you want to spruce up your Love Shack this month, but you're not the type of decorator who digs pink hearts and red Valentine's Day cards, then you might compromise with some of these low-key art pieces that communicate your love of good design and art, but your reluctance to play this holiday over the top.

For my fave heart art finds, just

The Card Shop: I Love You More Than . . .

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 05:00:31 -0800

. . . Mondays. More than garbage, hangovers, and the stinky dishes in my sink. Or, more than sunsets, crème brûlée, and expensed vacations to Bora Bora. However warm, fuzzy, and fond or cold, hard, and cruel your feelings are towards that (un)special person in your life on Feb. 14, the In-vita Paper Studio I Love You More Than . . . Card ($3) says it all. Actually, it lets you say it all. Just don't get too carried away. You can never go wrong with short and (un)sweet.

Artist of the Day: Annie Swincinski

casasugar — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:15:46 -0800

Artist Annie Swincinski hails from State College, Penn., where she keeps busy working in watercolor, printmaking, and charcoal drawing. A graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, much of her current subject matter involves flora and fauna. Of her work, Annie says, "I especially delight in translating my natural environment into the bold graphic forms and patterns that dominate my work. I just love the medium and all forms of printmaking. There is so much chance and mystery involved. I am never able to tell what my final work is going to look like. This is a great exercise and a freeing moment for me because I am naturally a very controlling personality. I am most easily influenced by the current trends in home decor and textile design. I love the repeating patterns and simplicity found in the current market and would love to one day launch my own line of home decor." Annie's art is available on her Etsy site, so if you see anything you like, go buy it and support a talented artist! Source

Holiday Card Guide: PressaRussa's Star-Quality Cards

casasugar — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:15:02 -0800

This set of holiday cards ($12.50) from PressaRussa in Louisiana includes four letterpress flat note cards with coordinating envelopes. The text has been shadow printed in red and black to read "MERRY CHRISTMAS." I love the addition of the simple blue star in the upper left hand corner of both the card & the envelope. Another thoughtful detail is the cards' decorative rounded corners. The images are hand printed using vintage movable type and image cut on an antique 5 x 8 letterpress. All note cards are packaged in a clear sleeve and wrapped with an actual cigar band. Check out the rest of PressaRussa's humorous and well-designed cards on their site!

Holiday Card Guide: Swedish Greetings

casasugar — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 08:06:55 -0800

Inspired by the Karl-Erik Forsslund poem "The Tomten and the Fox," these cards ($10 for a set of six) from Etsy seller Owlfoot read "God Jul!" which means "Merry Christmas!" in Swedish. This blank card was illustrated by Bonnie Wildwood and handprinted with a Gocco printer. This would be a fun card for any Swedes or Scandinavians in your life, or anyone who appreciates a good folktale.