Etsy weekend shopping… Wood Elements carries “heirloom-quality” biscuit cutters. They are hand turned and finished with a mineral oil that is safe for contact with food. The biscuit cutter also works well for cutting a circle shape into cookie dough.
They are 3 inches high, with a 2 1/4 inch diameter. They are carved from cherry wood. Each cutter is handmade and one of a kind.
Cherry is abundant in North America which explains its notoriety defining such America styles as Shaker and Mission woodwork. Classic and rich, cherry is a yellow wood that deepens to a mahogany color when exposed to …read more

I collect teapots and I’m always looking for something new to add my collection. Take a look at this unique pot that I found at Romy and Clare’s Designs at Etsy.com.  It doesn’t have your typical squat, round shape, instead it reminds of a pregnant lady. See how it has her swayed back and rounded front? 

Pear Funky Teapot – $84
by Romy and Clare Designs
The Pear Funky Teapot is a generous size 9×11 inches and it’s painted a deep, glossy black with fresh, green pears.
Our Pear pottery collection was inspired by nature. Its bold graphic look is sophisticated yet still fits a …read more

I’m a huge Etsy fan but normally I just browse their eco-goodies and green baby gear. Then I got to wondering, “Hmmm, maybe they have some cool garden finds.” They do. Check out these awesome handmade garden picks.

With fall on the way this is the best birdhouse find ever. The Folk Art Primitive Saltbox House `Two Nesting Birdhouse features sweet little pumpkins, fine detailing, and a rustic look without looking overly cute. I love it.

The Rustic Garden Shabby Chic Wooden Twigs Potted Plant Container is simple but so nice. Good for indoor or outdoor planters and made with twigs from …read more

I was watching a cooking show this weekend where the host uses 5 ingredients per dish. It’s a pretty good show, but what caught my attention was that she was actually acting like a real cook. No long sleeves down hanging in the food. Her hair was pulled back. She was wearing an apron.
The first thing I do when entering the kitchen is to pull my long hair up and back. Nobody wants any of that in their food. Yuck. I push up my sleeves and make sure that nothing is going to interfere with my work. I don’t use …read more

YAVA Glass was a featured shop at Etsy this weekend. They offer eco-friendly glassware. “YAVA G l a s s specializes in taking recycled beverage bottles with screen-printed labels and converting them into decorative glassware.”
Here are some examples of what YAVA has available…

Recycled Rolling Rock Beer Bottle Coasters
Set of 4 for $30
These coasters are made from “kiln-fired” bottles. They measure 3.5 inches by 3.5 inches.

Recycled Bubble Up Soda Bottle Glasses
Set of 4 for $28
Set of bottle glasses measure 4.5 inches tall and can hold up 8 ounces of beverage.
More glasses, coasters, and spoonrests available in other recycled bottle styles including …read more

Would you believe that I still don’t have even a card for my dad? Eek, nothing like waiting until the last minute.  In case you have been busy, busy, busy and are also without a gift in hand, here are are a few gifts for dad, courtesy of the artisans of Etsy…..

Round Stein
$20
Beer-loving dads like mine (one of the traits he passed on to me) will appreciate their own handmade stoneware beer stein.  It is guaranteed to hold 16 ounces of your favorite beverage and it’s dishwasher safe. You can find this mug at the Burning Willow Pottery Shop. Take …read more

Earlier today someone asked me what I’d be getting the husband for Father’s Day and to be honest I haven’t got a clue. My husband isn’t your typical dad, he doesn’t wear ties or any of that other “Father’s Day Gifts” type of dad. Instead he likes BBQ, but no aprons, he likes anime but not something I can just go and grab off a shelf as we have over 200 different DVDs that I have no clue if he’s seen. He doesn’t fish or any of those type of sports. So finding something just for him will be something …read more

When most crafters and artists think of Etsy, they think of a place to sell finished work.
But did you know that they also have a needlecraft supplies section as well?  You can find anything from hand-dyed fiber to vintage cross stitch patterns in there.  It may take some browsing but there are definitely some treasures.
Check out some of the goodies I found – yummy!

Hand-dyed inspiration pack of fabric, thread and lace from The Rainbow Girl.

Vintage fabric yo-yos from Art, Joy, Stuff.

Hand-painted silk/rayon/tencel thread from Yarntopia Treasures.
images: Etsy

I love stools. Maybe it is because I am not on the tall side, which means I am always a few inches too short to reach the cereal or the curtain rods. Stools let me get stuff done. Or maybe it is because they are so functional and attractive. Whatever the reason, I do know one thing for sure. The stools I’ve been seeing on some of the handmade sites, like Art Fire and Etsy? Droolworthy!
On Art Fire, I am a big fan of Still Novo Design. This artisan makes some of the most amazing recycled wood stools I have …read more

I love Etsy’s handmade gifts. This site makes it easy for you to give special gifts instead of cookie cutter stuff that you’ve seen a million times before. Here are five fun Father’s Day gift ideas I found while I was browsing around today:

Dads tend to get fancy pens a lot, but this handmade cigar pen is really unique and quirky. If your dad isn’t over run with pens, he might appreciate this one.
If you have a dressy dad who is a nerd at heart, these Star Wars Lego cuff links are sure to get a laugh.
A custom copper keyring …read more