Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Theme Thursday: Keeping Warm
Although my region is experiencing a below average amount of snowfall so far this season, our cold temperatures are not letting us forget that it is winter! Cold weather is not unusual in Upstate New York, but it can be a struggle to stay warm during these brutal months. Fortunately, if you experience the chill of winter, there are some great seasonal handmade items on Etsy that can help keep you warm.
RainyDayArt offers this hand knit Classic Grey Hat with Pink Stripes. It fits most adult heads and is machine washable in the gentle cycle.
This hand knit Black Opal Traveler Shawl, made by FoxyGknit, is currently on sale. It is a versatile piece that can be worn to the office or to a soccer game, and it is perfect for traveling. It is soft and tailored and the colors will match with many things already in your wardrobe.
If you like nature-inspired handmade items, check out these Cattail Hand Warmers by RagamuffinDesign. They are made with 100% wool and lanolin oils to help keep them water repellent.
Northwoods stitch pattern was used to make the unique textured pattern in MagdaleneKnits' Cafe au Lait Crocheted Scarf. It's narrow design makes it practical for wearing outside in the cold or as a fashion accessory.
RainyDayArt offers this hand knit Classic Grey Hat with Pink Stripes. It fits most adult heads and is machine washable in the gentle cycle.
This hand knit Black Opal Traveler Shawl, made by FoxyGknit, is currently on sale. It is a versatile piece that can be worn to the office or to a soccer game, and it is perfect for traveling. It is soft and tailored and the colors will match with many things already in your wardrobe.
If you like nature-inspired handmade items, check out these Cattail Hand Warmers by RagamuffinDesign. They are made with 100% wool and lanolin oils to help keep them water repellent.
Northwoods stitch pattern was used to make the unique textured pattern in MagdaleneKnits' Cafe au Lait Crocheted Scarf. It's narrow design makes it practical for wearing outside in the cold or as a fashion accessory.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Music Monday: The Dog Days Are Over
In honor of a new year, I'd like to feature videos of Florence and the Machine's song, "Dog Days are Over." The original video was made in 2008, and is a low budget video, but actually is my favorite of the two. In my opinion, you can get more emotion from the song in this version. The characters in the video bounce around and dance in the woods like I'd like to do whenever I hear the song. The original video below will take you to another website for viewing.
The second video (2010), is of better quality, but in my opinion, it lacks something.
I can't claim to understand the true meaning and theory behind her song, but I have my own personal interpretations. I love most of the music by Florence and the Machine, she reminds me of being in Ireland which, is where I was introduced to her music when I heard "Cosmic Love." She has a unique voice, passion, and talent.
Original Video:
(Clown alert if you are afraid of them)
Newest Video:
What would you like to leave behind in 2010? Are your Dog Days over? Can they come back again?
The second video (2010), is of better quality, but in my opinion, it lacks something.
I can't claim to understand the true meaning and theory behind her song, but I have my own personal interpretations. I love most of the music by Florence and the Machine, she reminds me of being in Ireland which, is where I was introduced to her music when I heard "Cosmic Love." She has a unique voice, passion, and talent.
Original Video:
(Clown alert if you are afraid of them)
Newest Video:
What would you like to leave behind in 2010? Are your Dog Days over? Can they come back again?
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Music Monday: Raise Your Glass
Getting ready to toast to 2011? I'm sure that "Raise Your Glass," by P!nk, will gain even more popularity this week leading up to the New Year. It's title alone gets you ready for a champagne toast but if you look beyond the bottom of your glass, the lyrics and rhythm are inspiring, particularly to those who don't quite fit in with the rest of society. The video is odd in nature and has a lot going on throughout, but if you can get past the shocking elements and a couple of swears, you may find inspiration in "Rosie the Riveter," a same-sex wedding, or a couple of geeks breaking it down at a high school dance. Besides being an anthem for the underdog and a push for acceptance of all people regardless of race, class, or sexual orientation, the video also demonstrates P!nk's support for animal rights. Raise your glass, bottle, or carton of milk to 2011, love, life - whatever your cause is!
Here are some cute things on Etsy that remind me of this video:
Rosie the Riveter Wall or Laptop Decal by RebelGraphX
Tuxedo - Animal Awareness Bracelet by Beadedtail
(a portion of proceeds in entire shop are donated to animal awareness charities)
Here are some cute things on Etsy that remind me of this video:
Rosie the Riveter Wall or Laptop Decal by RebelGraphXTuxedo - Animal Awareness Bracelet by Beadedtail(a portion of proceeds in entire shop are donated to animal awareness charities)
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Theme Thursday: Festivus
In my opinion, one of the best episodes of Seinfeld was the one about Festivus, a made-up sitcom holiday based on a true story. In reality, the fake holiday was "created" by the father of a screenwriter for Seinfeld, but in the episode it began with George's father, Frank, in a store fighting over a doll that he wanted to buy for his son. The doll was destroyed, and Frank realized that Christmas was way too commercialized and was getting out of hand, sentiments that lead to the holiday Festivus.
"Festivus" is a nondenominational winter holiday that is celebrated on December 23rd, according to that episode. You still may hear it be referred to as a "Festivus for the rest of us," and some fans of pop culture continue to recognize the holiday today.
There is no Christmas tree for Festivus, just an undecorated aluminum pole, which has "an appropriate strength to weight ratio."
George took the holiday a step farther by creating donation cards for a fake charity called The Human Fund, on the premise that it would be better to donate to charity than to exchange Christmas gifts at the office. After being called out by his boss, who donated $20,000 in "money for the people," George agrees include him in the so-called Festivus dinner to try to further cover up his charitable lie.
The Festivus festivities begin with dinner, which is followed by the Airing of Grievances, a tradition that allows you tell your family how they have disappointed you in the last year.
Airing of the Grievances is followed by the Feats of Strength, clearly George's least favorite part of Festivus, in which Frank chooses someone to wrestle with - the episode ends with the sounds of George screaming.
Throughout the episode there are references to a "Festivus Miracle," similar to what most would call a Christmas Miracle. How does your family celebrate the holidays? Do you have an unusual tradition?
"Festivus" is a nondenominational winter holiday that is celebrated on December 23rd, according to that episode. You still may hear it be referred to as a "Festivus for the rest of us," and some fans of pop culture continue to recognize the holiday today.
There is no Christmas tree for Festivus, just an undecorated aluminum pole, which has "an appropriate strength to weight ratio."
George took the holiday a step farther by creating donation cards for a fake charity called The Human Fund, on the premise that it would be better to donate to charity than to exchange Christmas gifts at the office. After being called out by his boss, who donated $20,000 in "money for the people," George agrees include him in the so-called Festivus dinner to try to further cover up his charitable lie.
The Festivus festivities begin with dinner, which is followed by the Airing of Grievances, a tradition that allows you tell your family how they have disappointed you in the last year.
Airing of the Grievances is followed by the Feats of Strength, clearly George's least favorite part of Festivus, in which Frank chooses someone to wrestle with - the episode ends with the sounds of George screaming.
Throughout the episode there are references to a "Festivus Miracle," similar to what most would call a Christmas Miracle. How does your family celebrate the holidays? Do you have an unusual tradition?
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Monday, December 20, 2010
Music Monday: Winter Song
It's very short notice, but if you didn't already know, tonight (technically early tomorrow morning) there will be a unusual occurrence. A lunar eclipse will begin around 1am Eastern time, and one "bite" at a time, the moon will slowly slip into our Earth's shadow, and if there are clear skies, the moon will turn a creepy orange around 3:17am, with the show ending around 5am.
This is a special lunar eclipse, though, as it falls on a full moon on the winter solstice, which hasn't happened since 1638. And perhaps another reason it is special is because it also falls on my birthday. Not just any birthday, but a milestone birthday. Some see the lunar eclipse as a bad omen, some ancient documents connecting disasters like famine with the lunar eclipse. Others see the movement from complete darkness back into light as an opportunity for personal transformation. National Geographic has an interesting article on this event.
Perhaps there are some positive personal transformations in my future, or maybe a cool picture! Who's staying up with me? Weather report has my local skies clearing up around the time of the eclipse from cloudy to mostly cloudy, unfortunately.
I leave you with a video of "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson in honor of the first day of winter.
This is a special lunar eclipse, though, as it falls on a full moon on the winter solstice, which hasn't happened since 1638. And perhaps another reason it is special is because it also falls on my birthday. Not just any birthday, but a milestone birthday. Some see the lunar eclipse as a bad omen, some ancient documents connecting disasters like famine with the lunar eclipse. Others see the movement from complete darkness back into light as an opportunity for personal transformation. National Geographic has an interesting article on this event.
Perhaps there are some positive personal transformations in my future, or maybe a cool picture! Who's staying up with me? Weather report has my local skies clearing up around the time of the eclipse from cloudy to mostly cloudy, unfortunately.
I leave you with a video of "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson in honor of the first day of winter.
This is my first of hopefully many Music Monday, an effort to pay more attention to my woefully ignored blog. Please stay tuned for Wordless Wednesdays and Theme Thursdays as well.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Something for Everyone
With three shops, it would be hard NOT to find something to buy from Linda of Pruitt Handcrafts! She is a talented crafter, breast cancer survivor, and grandmother to 25 lucky kids! Her talents extend from quilting and sewing to jewelry and scrapbooking.
This Cute as a Bug's Ear crayon carrier roll up caught my eye because my Great Grandpa Joe used to tell me that I was as cute as a bug's ear - such a puzzling expression that made me wonder how he's seen a bug's ear, and if it was really that much of a compliment. It is a cool little crayon caddy to roll up your kid's crayons for easy transport to maybe the doctor's office or baby sitter's house. This is featured in her shop Pruitt Handcrafts.
At Pruitt Designs, land of forever free shipping Linda sells her jewelry, lanyards, zipper pulls, and paper crafts. I love this zipper pull made with natural beads of wood, agate, and shell. Did I mention that it is always free shipping?!
Linda's destash and supply shop, Pruitt Supply, is where you can find scrapbooking supplies, beads, buttons, findings and more. Decorate your summertime memories with the Lady Bugs and Flowers Flatbacks.
She makes lovely jewelry, items for the home, or you can buy her supplies and make something over your own. Follow her life as a crafter and grandmother on her blog.
This Cute as a Bug's Ear crayon carrier roll up caught my eye because my Great Grandpa Joe used to tell me that I was as cute as a bug's ear - such a puzzling expression that made me wonder how he's seen a bug's ear, and if it was really that much of a compliment. It is a cool little crayon caddy to roll up your kid's crayons for easy transport to maybe the doctor's office or baby sitter's house. This is featured in her shop Pruitt Handcrafts.
At Pruitt Designs, land of forever free shipping Linda sells her jewelry, lanyards, zipper pulls, and paper crafts. I love this zipper pull made with natural beads of wood, agate, and shell. Did I mention that it is always free shipping?!
Linda's destash and supply shop, Pruitt Supply, is where you can find scrapbooking supplies, beads, buttons, findings and more. Decorate your summertime memories with the Lady Bugs and Flowers Flatbacks.
She makes lovely jewelry, items for the home, or you can buy her supplies and make something over your own. Follow her life as a crafter and grandmother on her blog.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Celebrate the New Year with Etsy
Everyone has their own way of celebrating the New Year - with friends at a party, a low key evening with someone special, watching the ball drop on TV or in person, or maybe just making a New Year's Resolution or two. Most people could agree that no matter how it's celebrated, there is usually a feeling of renewal and a hope for a year that is better than the previous one. However you plan on spending the holiday this year, the members of the EtsyBloggers Team have many ways to make your New Year's holiday special.
Are you attending a New Year's Party this year? If so, you'll want to look your best, so check out the Abalone Paua Shell Necklace by Lizswares. This necklace combines glass pearls with shell beads and a toggle clasp. She also has a matching bracelet and pair of earrings to offer!
Abalone Paua Shell Necklace
New Year's Day can feel like a chance for a new beginning and a fresh start, so just let go of last year's problems and look forward to new opportunities. Just crack open a jar of SpottedCowSoaps' Champagne Whipped Sugar Scrub, toast to a new year, and scrub 2010 away!
Are you attending a New Year's Party this year? If so, you'll want to look your best, so check out the Abalone Paua Shell Necklace by Lizswares. This necklace combines glass pearls with shell beads and a toggle clasp. She also has a matching bracelet and pair of earrings to offer!
Abalone Paua Shell NecklaceNew Year's Day can feel like a chance for a new beginning and a fresh start, so just let go of last year's problems and look forward to new opportunities. Just crack open a jar of SpottedCowSoaps' Champagne Whipped Sugar Scrub, toast to a new year, and scrub 2010 away!
If your New Year's Eve festivities include a fireworks display, keep warm with this New Year's Firecracker Handmade Knit Scarf, made by SusanNeedleHands. It features a mix of festive colors, including furry tinsel trim.
Handmade Knit Scarf - New Year's FirecrackerShare a smooch with your sweetie at midnight, or give them this Kisses and Hugs Pink Plush Heart by MadeByMelissa. If you are spending the evening alone this plushy will let you squeeze it tight.
Kisses and Hugs Pink Plush HeartRemember your resolutions beyond January 1st with PruittDesigns' Reminder Necklace - Hope and Love. This cute necklace will help keep you in touch with what really matters. I've shown the necklace that is made with pink cube beads, but there is also a green one in stock too.
Reminder Necklace - Hope and LoveSupport peace on earth and goodwill to all with JoeyandAleethea's Peace Ring of Cuteness. This sturdy ring is appropriate for any occasion but why not ring in the New Year with the cutest fingers in town?
Stay in contact with your friends and family, and wish them a happy and healthy New Year with these New Years Cheers Note Cards by Creative Lily. A simple way to send Cheers to your loved ones even if you can't spend the holiday with them.
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