Scoutie Girl

felted coasters

i prefer a coaster that actually absorbs the drink sweat and doesn't just displace it like a metal or wood surface. these wool felted coasters are just the ticket! no more secondary puddles to clean up. completely handmade from 100% merino wool. each design starts with a hand-knit and felted base that's about 4-1/2" square. then each detailed design is needle felted into place. a lot of work! price includes set of 4. AND she sells her patterns for these right on her site, so you can make your own while you're sipping your microbrew. Designer: Kirsten Orzechowski

$45-50 from crazy dreams studio

what's old is new again

magnificent necklaces reconstructed from neglected costume jewelry. vintage lucite, pressed glass, carved wood and enameled metal are the staples found in these mod designs. each piece is truly one-of-a-kind b/c the individual components are salvaged likewise. love the asymmetry and dimensionality achieved - shows a lot of passion and craftsmanship went into it! if you're a vintage-mod or a mod-vintage, these are for you. designer features bracelets and earrings, too. great prices! Designer: Kristen Billings

$21-27 from buzzbuzzdesigns

tress tamers

what silly billy wouldn't love these sweet ponytail holders with sock monkey motifs! made with ouchless elastic bands and cotton fabric; sizes vary from 7/8" diameter to 1-1/2" diameter. many other fabric options from holiday to pet to floral. designer features jewelry as well. Designer: Michele Davis

$3.25-3.75 from mjd boutique

shed some light on the situation

recently rec'd a note from caroline of my bonnie and clyde about her indie shop. she features scores of indie designers working in photography, home decor, accessories, clothing, stationery, jewelry and some making incredible indie music. here are a few contemporary and stylish lampshades from her site. handmade from linen-laminated polystyrene, they're great for a space in need of a statement...entryway tables, mantles, shelving displays. the coordinating lamp bases are chrome-plated, nickel-plated or charcoal black, depending which shade style you choose. all are made-to-order. Designer: Julianna Holowka (a fellow pennsylvanian)

$200 from my bonnie and clyde

va-va-va-voom vases

these modern yet primitive vases stopped me in my tracks! eye-catching designs, striking hues and chic textures make each piece curiously alluring - the result of a passionate artist who is at one with his work. he describes working with clay as a sort of symbiosis, as each shapes and molds the other (can you say that about your work?). this palette is a common thread in his work, which also features serving bowls/platters, orbs, mugs and other fine art. absolutely worth a look around! Artist: Timothy Foss

$100-175 from timothyfoss.com

casual daily totes

how about these fresh carry-alls in charming cotton fabrics! overall design is handy and functional for an on-the-go lifestyle. they're roomy with lots 'o pockets inside and out. super-soft but rigid & durable to keep your shoulder intact when you pile all your goods in there. the shoulder strap is 23" long so you don't have to remove it to get in & out quickly. nice to see some unique, uplifting fabrics, too! individually handmade; lots of other sizes and fabric selections! Designer: Laura Z

$110 from laura z

lady vs. nature

one word: thorough. from design to description to execution, it's like reading a who's who of beaded jewelry. not only are the pieces *gorgeous*, but i also felt like i was getting a mini-education on the various types of gemstone jewelry beads. (the designer is a self-professed bead-aholic so she certainly knows what she's talking about.) these necklaces and earrings are from her "alloy & earth" collection - a rich mix of nature's finest stones with man's best mixed metals. combinations are striking and truly perfected! many, many other wonderful pieces available...she's inspired so look out! Designer: Kristen Berge

$28-132 from coquitodesigns.com

a place for every pin and every pin in its place

i've been hemming a lot of pants lately, and out of concern for the barefooted members of my family, i need a pincushion. these babies would do the job and then some! they are carefully handstitched from felt, some pieces of which are super tiny...all of the stitch embellishment is done by hand, too. how does she get every stitch so perfect?! each one is about 2-1/2" tall and 3-4" in diameter and is weighted on the bottom with dried lentils. she also features mini-pincushions and adorable pillows.

$14 from loose string at etsy

first coast art spot

kelly warren, jewelry designer extraordinaire from happy shack designs, recently launched a very cool brochure website called first coast art spot. like many indie designers, she's been on the art/craft show circuit for years and has met many, many other super-talented artists and designers in various media. kelly came up with a way to bring all these creative people together for a collaborative venture - in the name of greater exposure for their work and mutual support in the biz. at first coast art spot, it's like a stroll through an art show...without the hassle of parking and fighting crowds! it's relatively new, but kelly said artists are contacting her everyday to become a part of first coast. if you're looking for artwork, mark it and check back often to see what's new. if you're an artist, consider joining to get your work seen by a larger audience! innovative idea, kelly! thanks for looking out for your fellow artists! best of luck!! below are some examples of the charter members' work...

	happy shack designs lampwork, crystal, gemstone and pearl beaded jewerly. for this item: $52
	great blue heron studios acrylic & canvas fine art and photography for this item: $5500 for original; $250 for signed prints
	eli silas designs mixed media wall art for this item: $60
	pockets of sage handmade fabric handbags for this item: $30
	jac ceramics original, functional pottery for this item: $30

clean up your act

does chlorine and/or salt water have your skin in tizzy? i've been searching for skincare products that are all-natural and handcrafted, and i rec'd this nice note from tory of frost fish cove soaps. (maybe next time i should be looking for a winning lottery ticket!) she makes small batches of soaps, lotions, balms and scrubs, from essential oils, natural butters and waxes that pamper your skin! who doesn't need that?! lots of yummy and refreshing flavors to choose from. wedding favors available - a very cool idea!

$2-15 from frostfishcovesoaps.com

sassy, sexy and stylish fabric handbags

these fabric handbags are so delightful for this time of year! sweet fabrics, chic styles and superb details...especially the classic frame styles on the top! sizes vary so you're sure to find one just right for your next night on the town. these two designers have been BFFs since grade school and teamed up to bring you their version of a handmade fabric handbag that's as unique and original as you are! as a handbag designer myself, i can tell there's a lot of care and time put into these bags to make them just right. great results, ladies! other mentionables: customizing available and lots of other styles, including a very cool fabric lunchbag! Designers: Kathryn and Nell

$22-56 from kathrynell.com