Feature Friday: Emily Gray Jewels

Etsy is a fantastic place. There are so many incredible artists in all mediums. Because I am a jewelry artist, I am obviously drawn to looking at jewelry. I am blown away by the talent of some of these artists. Today's feature is one of those incredible designers: Emily Gray Jewels.

Emily's designs are breathtaking, beautiful, and in high demand! Emily calls herself an incurable romantic and the femininity of her pieces shine through. Her wire wrapping skills are to be envied especially being self-taught. She uses beautiful gemstones and fine metals to create her works of art. This is one of my favorites.

I love the simple color palate mixed with an intricate design makes for such a cohesive piece.
These earrings take my breath away. The luscious berry colors clustered together like grapes waiting to be plucked on a warm summer day. Heaven!

This necklace is just fantastic. The skill and time she must put into her work is astounding.
This bracelet is so springy. The warm yellow paired with the shades of purple is beautiful.

Emily has many other fantastic designs in her Etsy shop and I highly recommend you stop by. If not to buy, then to put a smile on your face and admire a true artist.

Feature Friday: Paper Cakes by Rachel

I love paper. I'm a scrapbooker and I love going to the craft store and look at the aisles of printed paper. I love the patterns, colors, and textures. People can make the most amazing things with paper. Everything from cards, to flowers, to cakes. Today's Friday Feature is Paper Cakes. Never heard of a paper cake? Neither had I until I met Rachel on Etsy.

Rachel makes these incredible party favors out of paper that look like cake. If you saw this cake, you would never guess that it isn't made form eggs, flour, and frosting. I'm not sure it I should be disappointed or impressed! I'm going for the later.

Each piece is an individual party favor that can be filled with candy, toys, or any other small trinket. These cakes make a beautiful centerpiece and double as a party favor. How fun! Rachel makes all her cakes to order so you can get any size color or embellishment you want. These cakes are perfect for any party occasion - birthdays, showers, or girls night out.

Perfect for the upcoming summer baby showers.
Unless you looked close you wouldn't know it was paper. This will impress your party guests!

M&M filled cake. Need I say more. Yum!

Go visit Paper Cakes by Rachel and order a lovely one today. Tell her I sent you.

Feature Friday: Marie's Cosy Cushions

I am on a home decorating kick. I troll the decorating blogs for fun ways to liven up my home and make it more "ours". I have a large number of items that are awaiting being spray painted as soon as can find a time to get to the store to buy spray paint. I have also recently become obsessed with pillows. I love them. Big, little, patterned, solid, bright, dull. I want them all. My husband has joked that he is surprised we are not currently swimming in pillows because I talk about them often.
"A red pillow would look great on the living room chairs."
"What we need are some pillows to rest on the trunk."
"Pillows would add some great fabric and softness to the room."
"I love these pillow to go on the storage bench I don't currently own, but want."
See, it's a problem for me.

So when I found Maire's Cosy Cushions, I fell in love. It was all I could do to not purchase everything in her shop. So instead of blowing my mortgage payment on puffy love, I will send you there instead. All her items are made to order. These are the ones I really want. The ones that would coordinate in my living room so perfectly.

I also love these organic tree pillows. What a great way to bring the outdoors in.

Who wouldn't love a flower pillow? I know I would!
And if the pillows weren't enough, she also makes wall art in the same fabric as the pillows! How cool is that. I made something similar for my office but it was made from scrapbook paper and Styrofoam, not fabric and canvas. This is the real deal!

So if you haven't seen this great shop from England, go check out Marie's Cosy Cushions. You'll be glad you did.

Feature Friday: Crystalyn Kae

There are so many incredible artists out there I wanted to start a feature to showcase some of their talent. (I try to not make it all me, all the time!) Most of these artists are people I have met or found online. I think handmade can use all the applause it can get. So, without further ado, I give you this week's featured artist: Crystalyn Kae

I first found Crystaly Kae when looking for a green handbag. I have decided that I want something bright green for spring. Off to Etsy I went searching. This is the bag from CrystalynKae I found.

I love it! I love how it combines the two greens, has pleating with the pattern peaking through. I love that the print gives it just enough to create some interest but is not overwhelming.

A bit about the artist: Crystalyn lives in Seattle and got her BA in Apparel Design and Textiles from Washington State University. She makes gorgeous bags that are sold in boutiques around the country as well as on Etsy. Her style is a mix of classic with a sophisticated touch of modern in the details. It's apparent why she has been featured in many magazines. Here are a few more of her great bags. I wish I could afford one in every color! Go check out her Etsy shop if you haven't discovered her yet! You can also find her on her website.