Taste Test Results...

I tried out the new Etsy Taste Test feature and it showed up some really lovely things. But I wish I could access the list of items I selected in the first place! These are my top picks out of the list it generated for me...

1 Nature Design
2 Peeko Apparel
3 Taylor Ceramics
4 Lunasa Designs
5 The House of Hemp
6 Studio KMO
7 Elephantine
8 Clamlab

Etsy Favourite: Ninainvorm

[Image credits: Ninainvorm's etsy shop and blog]

I came across Nina's blog a few weeks ago, and then last week she was on the Etsy front page as a featured seller which reminded me of her fresh and wonderfully light-hearted creations. As well as making colourful collages, she screen prints her designs onto vintage tablewear: the triangle-print jug and sugar bowl are my favourite items in her shop. She has the most beautiful craft area... I especially love the yellow and blue lamps.

Carving my initials

[Images: Prints of original artwork by Carving my Initials available on Etsy]

Aren't these pictures enchanting? Some of the markings look ambiguous and make me wonder if they were intended to be part of the picture when the artist started the piece, or are they test sketches that were used to decide on the final composition? I love the gradient of soft colours in the last picture layered over the pencil.

Etsy favourite: Restless Things

[Images: Restless Things. Found via: Loafing Odysseys]

I adore these paintings by Olivia Jeffries. I love the contrast of the sharp geometric forms against the soft texture of the aged paper, and how the original text on the page is incorporated into the composition.

This is how Olivia describes her work on her Etsy profile:

"My creative process is continually influenced by my fascination for used paper; I enthuse about working on a surface that has already been given a sense of purpose in a previous incarnation. Letters, books or journals for example are detached from their original role and are combined with imagery drawn from unexpected perceptions of beauty. Drawing and the use of line is intrinsic to my exploration of the barely tangible traces of life."

Etsy favourite: Spinthread

[Images: Spinthread]

Each of these gorgeous necklaces by Spinthread is a little work of art. The embroidered pendants are backed with delicate lace and each piece comes in its own jewellery box. It was virtually impossible to choose my favourites, as they're all beautiful!

There was once a little brass mouse...

...who was looking for a little friend. I discovered him in a charity shop a few years ago. I'd hoped he was unique, but his brothers are scattered across Etsy. Nevermind, I still love him. I'd like to get him a vintage brass kitten to keep him company: the baby one in the third picture is my favourite.


[Cats from Etsy: Old Baltimore Vintage, The Pink Room, Olive Vintage, Old Baltimore Vintage]

Etsy favourite: Yellow Goat

[Images: Yellow Goat]

This jewellery by Yellow Goat is so pretty and whimsical. The paper aeroplane earrings are my favourite, but I'd happily wear it all.

Etsy Favourite: Foret Blouses

[Images: Foret]

I don't know what I love the most: the beautiful blouses or the way they're photographed against the colourful backdrops! Stunning.

Etsy favourite: Essimar

These gorgeous cards are made by Essimar - the colourful and minimal designs are so fresh! And aren't these handbound notebooks made from recycled envelopes adorable? There are dozens of stunning silkscreen prints available from her etsy shop.


[All images: Essimar]