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.

Wood & Wool Stools

[Image credits: Wood & Wool Stool flickr]

I love these recycled stools with crocheted covers by Ingrid Jansen. The image on the left shows a wedding stool that she's recently completed. Isn't that such a lovely wedding present? And such a great craft nook under the stairs!

Snug

[Image credits: Snug blog and shop. Found via Here Comes the Sun]

When I saw these photos yesterday, I thought to myself, "Why didn't I think of that before?!". Aren't those the best placemats ever? I rarely find practical ones that I like, but these certainly fit the bill. I adore the cut-out tree. I can imagine it at various scales: small for hanging necklaces.. and as a really big minimalist Christmas tree! I wish a had a saw as I'd love to make some of these trees and paint them fun colours... Hmm.. maybe I could use the workshop at university.......

Favourite dresses

1sr row L-R: Wikstenmade, Marie Emily, Darling Dexter
2nd row L-R: Postlapsaria, Green Olives Design, Green Olives Design

These dresses are all handmade by the lovely girls modelling them. There's something magical about creating a garment from scratch; specifically to your measurements. This is a skill that I would love to learn one day. I don't have a sewing machine so the most I can do is cut of the bottoms of dresses and skirts (sometimes I get a bit too scissor-happy) and dye clothes new colours. But I dream of making the perfectly fitting dress in a rainbow of colours. These dresses are such eye-candy for me.

Triangulation

1. mrsporkchops, 2. ashleyg, 3. maranon, 4. mamanxuxudidi

I was unaware that I'd become so obsessed with triangles until I had a look through my recent flickr fav's! Aren't these images fun?! They make me feel really happy - especially the 4th :)

Yesterday I received a sweet comment from City Girl Chicago to say that she's learning more about my tastes and as soon as she saw the images in the last post, immediately knew it was my style. It's so funny because before I started this blog I only vaguely knew what I liked - I just couldn't pin it down. One of the things that I'm enjoying most about blogging is seeing how my tastes develop over time. It gives me the opportunity to take a step back and analyse the things that visually stimulate me. I've definitely become more confident with colour. A couple of years ago I always gravitated towards green (I still have far too much of it in my home, but at least it feels leafy and fresh..!) but now I'm drawn towards yellow, red, purple, orange...

Has anyone else had the same experience since starting their blog? Do share!

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!

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.

Essimar's "Pink Mess"

[Images: Essimar]

Recently I've been totally in love with all things Essimar, and I'm especially inspired by her pink paper experiments. I think these images are so poetic and such fun!

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]