Friday's Fabulous Finds - More Signs of Spring

With all the beautiful signs of spring outside today, and with Easter coming up, I'm having a hard time narrowing down this week's Fabulous Finds to just one theme...so I'll call this "more signs of spring". I'm loving any artwork with trees and birds right now, plus any decor or gifts with an Easter theme, so the next few weeks may just be sprinkled with plenty of both.

Cherry Blossom Triptych - one panel in detail

All three panels of Cherry Blossom Triptych

I fell in love with this Cherry Blossom Triptych before I even realized it was a triptych...three seperate panels that create one large picture. These are limited edition prints by askey illustration. Get this - you get all three for $50 total! They are just beautiful. In addition, askey illustration has many, many other fun and funky prints that I love...with names like "Red Shoes" and "Do you like my shoes?", how could I not? Be sure to check out their full selection.

Easter Chick Tussie Treat Cones

You've got to admit...these Tussie Treat Cones are pretty adorable. Made by Sweet n Shabby Roses, they come in a set of four. I like the idea of these at each place setting for your Easter brunch, or perhaps hanging on strategic doors in your home with treats inside...or maybe a gift for coworkers or child's teachers on Good Friday.

Original Mixed Media Cross - 8x10

It's difficult for me to find images of the cross that I really love - but this is one of them. I really like this original mixed media artwork by doodlingart, complete with a vintage button in the center. I'd be happy to have it hanging on the wall year-round.

Dusk-lit Gathering limited edition print

Morning Song limited edition print

I had the hardest time choosing which prints by OlaDesign to feature today, because I find all of her work to be quite beautiful. These are limited edition prints of her original artwork. They are only $20 each but if you buy two you get the third one free! So I would probably choose this one:

Spring Signals limited edition print by OlaDesigns

Antique Brass & Rhinestone Cross Necklace

Some of you may have noticed by now that I seem drawn towards jewelry that is vintage or made with vintage elements. I actually love trendy jewelry too, but jewelry on Etsy is special because not only is it handmade, but many of the pieces are one-of-a-kind...and as much as I love my Nordstrom Rack, you can't find these pieces there. Take this gorgeous piece by Angel Hearts, for example. I love the antique look of the cross, and of course the sparkly crystal. (You had me at "Rhinestone".) Browse through the rest of the vintage jewelry by Angel Hearts...lots of fun stuff.

"Early One Morning" original 5x7 collage

"Here I Am" original 5x7 collage

Aren't these original collages by littlestflower just so sweet? They have a really charming and vintage feel to them...but manage to feel fresh too. They come framed for...um...$8.

There it is for this week, folks. I had such a hard time narrowing it down to only six vendors this week, because there are just so many talented vendors on Etsy. (Oh, and I love to shop!) Some of you have wondered if I sell on Etsy. I don't - I just love to promote those who do. I really love promoting art that is original, beautiful, and affordable. If you are curious about other items I love from Etsy, I've got an extensive "favorites" collection that is ever-changing and expanding. You can check it out by clicking on "nourts" in the right sidebar under "Today's Etsy Favorites". And no, I don't get any credit if you purchase any of the items listed there...I just pick what I like and list it there in case you want to browse. I've often dreamed of owning my own retail store where I could sell beautiful things like this...but for now...I'm mommy...wife...redesigner...and couch-shopper. So enjoy the efforts of my virtual shopping!

head to A Beautiful Abode

We are all sick in this house, for yet another day (will it ever end?) and so just a quick post for today. One of my favorite new blogs, A Beautiful Abode, is written by someone I consider to be a new friend and kindred spirit - finally, someone who cares as much about decorating and good design on a budget as I do! Shauntelle is a fairly new blogger, like myself, but she has a fabulous blog that I definitely want my readers to check out and add to your "must read" list.

Today she featured an interview with someone who is not a designer but probably should be. Regardless of your decorating style, she has lots of great tips for saving money while designing or redesigning a room. Be sure to check it out!

Confessions of an Interior Redesigner

Prepare yourself for something shocking. I desperately wanted to try and pass this bedroom photo off as belonging to an anonymous client, but I just can't. It's mine. It's MINE, okay? Aww, man. I can't believe I'm posting this for all the world to see. But, I'm hoping you can take away a few tips...

BEFORE

First, my number one dilemma: too much jewelry and not enough storage. Okay, too much jewelry isn't a dilemma (can one ever have too much jewelry??) but the storage issue definitely is. My number two dilemma (some would argue this is actually number one): I'm naturally messy. Two major strikes against me. Add to that, a sadly neglected bedroom. I'm my own best (or worst) client! AFTER
The Victorian dresser is not really my style, but it's one of my few family heirlooms, so I hold onto it for sentimental reasons. It works better with fresh artwork on either side. Now my bedroom is no longer Where Lamps Go To Die (note the two lamps in the BEFORE photo), and there's plenty of room for all my jewelry. It's a lot easier to keep it neat now, and this makeover cost less than $20! Here's how I did it:

Thank goodness for Ikea!! I purchased three of these boards with knobs on them for $1.99 each and hung them on the wall next to the closet. Plenty of storage for all my necklaces!
I also bought a beautiful green glass mosaic box at Home Goods for $9.99...mostly because it's pretty...but it works great for all my bracelets. (Sorry, I forgot to get a close-up of this.)


I collected some artwork that we picked up in Italy a few years ago and unified them all by painting the frames white.

I heart spray paint!

I added a few silver accessories, because it's usually a fairly dark room and could really use anything that will reflect light.

affordable and beautiful chandeliers

I'm currently working on re-doing my dining room, but I have an interesting dilemma. It's technically a living room that I am currently using as a dining room, which means there is no overhead lighting whatsoever. To give it that proper dining room look, it really needs a chandelier. If budget were no object, I'd simply hire an electrician to come out and wire it for a chandelier. Since I'm short on funds, though - which is nothing new - I've been researching non-electric chandeliers that hold good old-fashioned candles. I've been loving what I've found and decided to share some of them with you. The best part is that almost everything I've pictured below is under $50! (For price and details, click on the photos.)

...and then I got a little distracted and started finding other kinds of chandeliers...on pillows, walls, and curtains...

Friday's Fabulous Finds - Signs of Spring

This week, you can tell I have two things on the brain: the coming of spring, and the color aqua. So, in celebration of both, I bring you this collection from Etsy. Grab a cup of tea, and possibly your credit card, because these delightful finds just might call your name. As always, I only list artists whom I feel have entire shops worth of fabulous finds, so be sure to browse through everything else these artists sell. (And a warm welcome to Claudia's readers from The Paris Apartment!) Enjoy, everyone, and happy Friday!

"Seeds of Freedom" print by vol.25

"Proud" original illustration by vol.25

I love this "Seeds of Freedom" print by vol.25. This shop has been in my favorites for quite some time, so I'm happy to get to feautre them now! I typically try to feature artwork that is not only pleasing to the eye, but quite affordable as well. That being said, if you would like to splurge a little, I included this original illustration by vol.25 entitled "Proud" because it's breathtaking and I just couldn't resist. "Glowing Pod" vintage fabric pillow cover


I really like all the fun vintage pillow covers that Absoluut makes, and am especially drawn to this one for its color palette. What better way to "go green" and also have a one-of-a-kind accessory than to use a throw pillow handmade with vintage fabric? If you need more than one or a custom size, just inquire and they'll be able to work with you.

"Invocations of Spring" fine art photographic print by Irene Suchoki

"Spring Magnolia" fine art photographic print by Irene Suchoki

I fell in love with Irene Suchoki's work almost immediately upon discovering Etsy, and am excited to feature her now. Her exquisite photographic prints appear more like paintings, and they are just so artistic and dreamy. (Read her story of her work appearing on Extreme Home Makeover: Home Addition recently, too - it's fascinating!)

"Joy" dragonfly necklace by Glittery Blue

"Framework" earrings by Glittery Blue

I just discovered the shop of Glittery Blue, where vintage jewelry and objects are transformed into jewelry for today. Most of them are one-of-a-kind, and while the prices are extremely reasonable, the workmanship is beautiful. Can you believe this dragonfly necklace? (And the framework earrings don't exactly fit my "aqua" color scheme, but I just had to show them to you anyway!)

"Honeydew" print by Yellena

This dreamy print by Yellena is almost fantasy-like. It's just a celebration of color and form, and it reminds me of spring. I really haven't seen anything else like this artist's work and I like how unique and complex it is. (This would make a really fabulous textile, by the way.)

So that's it...have a fabulous weekend, friends. I'm home sick, so get out and do a little shopping or go to a movie for me, and I'll live vicariously through you! :-)

Favorites: A Little Girl's Bedroom

A friend of mine recently decorated her four-year-old daughter's bedroom based on this collection from Land of Nod. The Land of Nod is one of my favorite places for children's bedding and decor (in fact, my girls' room is done in their Ooh La La! collection). Anyway, I was so taken with what Lauree did in her daughter's room that I asked to come and photograph it! Lauree's style is country, and you'll see that translates into a feminine bedroom that is not too frilly or overdone. It's a story of "saves and splurges" that all add up to a very charming bedroom.The bedding was a splurge, but Lauree saved money by recycling an old family bunkbed, which they cut down and painted white.
One of my favorite parts about the room is the color on the walls...it's a little more vibrant in person than it is in these photos, but it's just so sweet. It's a good tip to find some kind of "inspiration piece", like a pillow, curtains, or a rug, that you'd like to base the room upon before you purchase paint for the walls. That helps you choose a color that will compliment your theme nicely, as Lauree did here.
The dresser was, again, an old family piece (not an heirloom, though) which was painted white to match. The chair originally belonged to Lauree's mother-in-law, and her grandmother made the quilt on the chair. This braided rug came from TJ Maxx, of all places! The walls are decorated with pages from a reproduction "Dick and Jane" calendar, framed in pink. Lauree did a great job of pulling this room together without going overboard. It is still simple and sweet, perfect for an equally sweet little girl. Thanks, Lauree, for letting us peek into your home!