Scoutie Girl

extraordinary spatial awareness

this industrial engineer capitalized on her skillset by trade and her passion for all-things-designed to create her striking sterling silver collections. as she explained, both vocations are essentially the same thing: designing 'little architecture.' when you look at her jewelry through that lens, it's easy to see how she manipulates shape and space into a structure that evokes mood and movement. she also offers necklaces, rings and earrings. try to contain yourself! Indie Artist: Andrea Panico

$178-242 from pico

showy blossoms

the word 'winsome' came to mind as soon as i saw these lovelies. so refreshingly pretty and simple, these floral paintings are part of a new series by this talented artist. the vivid hues evoke happiness, while the casual stillness of each one is very calming. perfect alone or in a grouping - there are 4 others in this series. each print is 7" x 7" and printed on 8.5" x 11" velvet, fine art paper; signed and titled beneath the image in pencil with a white border for easy framing. found via creative thursday. Artist: Cathy Nichols

$28 from cathy nichols

friday scout out: dog-day afternoon

1. ribbon & webbing collars from pattern & paw, $11-19
2. copper pet tag from by nicola, $30
3. all natural biscuits from barkin biscuit, $7.50
4. commissioned paintings from abby creek studios, $275 and up
5. digital art print from marjorie weiss, $35-90
6. uptown messenger bag from bowchies, $125

lovebugs lost and found

a sweet note from this supremely talented artist led me to her lovebugs. these little guys and gals were created from found objects and repurposed construction leftovers - can you see some 'things' in there? an educated and accomplished artist, she created 1500 (yes, 1500) of these lovebugs for an installation at the Fuller Craft Museum, which is pictured in the bottom-left corner here. i can see a few of these hung for a smaller, unique collection of funky wall art. please, please, please visit her website to see all that she has going on! strong style and imaginative items - wait til you see her latest collection of handcarved necklaces. love all of it! customizing available. Artist: Hilary Pfiefer

$45 from bunny with a toolbelt

what goes around comes around

spotted these amazing notecards on the orange beautiful blog, the Scoop. each design is meticulously hand-drawn by the artist, who worked as an architect before she launched her stationery collection. i am in complete awe of the detail - tiny line after tiny line! her designs give a heavy nod to Mother Nature through her subject matter as well as her choice of raw materials: all of her paper projects are Forest Stewardship Council Certified (responsible forestry) and use as much post-consumer recycled content as possible. sets come in sets of 5, 8 and 10, with a choice of natural white or kraft stock. the bottom 2 images are from a collaborative collection of doodles {doodlespark} mailed back and forth over many years from mother to daughter, each one progressively adding to the design. how cool is that! truly, she has a great reverence for the circles and cycles of life - the loop. Artist: Elissa Barbieri

$15-25 from loop

polka-dotted pottery

looking through my "hearts me" page in my etsy shop is a recent favorite activity b/c i often find artists like this that i might not have otherwise (even tho she's quite accomplished). another fave is when i love the artist's work sooooo much that i can't decide which items to feature - such is the case here. she has been handcrafting multi-funtional pottery for over 10 years. her pieces are uniquely charming and energized, with a nod toward the unexpected. a gamut of spectacular items are on-hand as well as made-to-order, including bowls, vases, dinnerware, servers, mini-bowls, nesting bowls, cups, pitchers - all microwave/dishwasher safe. her husband is also an etsian, with his own line of original BBQ sauces, howling wolf. Indie Artist: JD Wolfe

$24-72 from jd wolfe pottery

nurtured nature

these pieces knocked me out of my seat! "how the heck does she make these?" i wondered as i stared gape-mouthed and drooling on my desk (sorry for the imagery). this artist had her soul fused with Mother Nature at an early age, and it now fuels her striking and incredibly original jewelry designs. made from precious metals and pebbles, rocks, stones and quartz, each piece is snapshot of "improbable beauty." really remarkable. she's able to customize pieces for you, too, if you have a special rock or two (i've kept every rock my son has ever given to me...hmm). thanks to her devoted & proud *husband* for his note about his wife's work! Indie Artist: Andrea Williams

$100-200 from bound earth

friday scout out: cherry blossoms

1. set of 10 blank cards from oh man creations, $8
2. porcelain mug set from Jessica Rust Designs, $45
3. fitted, silkscreened tee from ahpeele, $28
4. "Pale Earth" print from Julie Beck, $24
5. chiyogami candle set from gamiworks, $15
6. glass & wire necklace from photoglassworks, $25

tell her what she's won, Chuck

remember the pay it forward giveaway from a few weeks ago? if not, one of my favorite painters held one on her blog, where i won the top painting "fiesta cup" - i was (and am) so happy with it! it arrived today, packaged so gently and sweetly, matted and ready to frame! i have another grouping of mug paintings that will welcome the "fiesta cup" with open arms, especially if she's the partying type!

i posted about Linda O'Neill's work a year ago, and she's become a good blog friend in the time since - i think she was one of the first to reach out and make a connection - so grateful for that! she is very, very well known for her pet paintings - they are beautiful. her work spans an impressive range of styles, with one consistent thread being the vibrant, bold palette that gives her paintings a lively, happy spirit. (she's also a dog person, and that gets her some points, too!) enjoy. thank you so much Linda!! Artist: Linda O'Neill

$20-75 from abby creek studios

implosion pendants blow me away

another commenter from today, and voila - here's her dazzling art! (see how fast that can happen sometimes!) these pendants are created from borosilicate glass and the flame of her torch - i love that fire is the critical element in manipulating them into their form. aren't they spectacular?! each pendant is 1" in diameter, and all are kiln-annealed for strength & durability once the creative process is complete. they are strung on gunmetal or sterling silver ball chains - lengths can be adjusted on request. she also features vintage skeleton key necklaces with glass ring charms and other semi-precious charms - delightfully unique. Indie Designer: Paula McDonough

$29-35 from the venerable bead

captured nature

*love* when someone comments on this blog or on daisy janie, and it leads me to their striking works of art. such is the case with this photographer. she has a great eye for capturing intricate and delicate pieces of nature - sometimes in an abstract but very inspired way. her fascination with the character of her subject matter comes through in each image. great range and exploration. fine art prints on archival paper in many sizes, all signed and dated. Indie Photographer: Diana Stith Brennan

$20-50 from d.s. brennan photography

"it's not what you look at that matters..."

"...it's what you see." - Thoreau   wow. wow. wow. when i find artwork like this, i am so glad i have the opportunity to share it here. these paintings are what appealed to me the most (love groups of 3, love the juxtaposition, love the tone). her range is quite expansive and her talent is what most of us only dream about - must see! these paintings are from her "three trees" series, where she experimented with deep-toned hues, composition and layering to achieve the subject's personality. all are 6" x 6" x 1.5", edges are painted - ready for framing. Artist: Julie Beck

$50 from julie beck

pretty psyanky eggs

using traditional & non-traditional techniques alike, this artist takes the idea of Ukranian psyanky eggs in a whole new direction. intricate detail and unusual designs create a modern yet timeless feel - something much, much more than a holiday decoration (which may be typical of psyanky - i'm not sure?). this fine craft has always stopped me in my tracks b/c i know how challenging it is to do...plus there's always the chance of irreparable damage from the egg cracking or breaking! ugh. here, each egg is finished in several coats of high-gloss varnish to add sheen as well as durability. no egg tossing games tho!

$19-32 from twisted poppy

caroline blum giclee prints

one of my favorite artists, Caroline Blum, sent a "happy spring" note yesterday about some of her lovely work. she is offering 6 of her paintings as giclee prints - each one is a top-quality reproduction on an equally top-quality stretched canvas. free shipping, too! sizes vary from 14" x 18" up to 31" x 31" depending on the print. the vibrant whimsy of her paintings pulls me in like a beacon everytime! thanks for your note, Caroline! see previous posts here and here.

$100-225 from one willow studio

organic silver jewelry

is it too early to start a birthday wishlist for december? rec'd a note from this designer yesterday and could not believe my eyes! these are my fave four pieces here, but truly, it was a challenge to narrow it down! her pieces have a modern, organic aesthetic that goes well with the materials she uses: recycled argentium silver (requires fewer chemicals in the metalsmithing process) and linen cords (a sustainable plant fiber). pieces are hammered, twisted, shaped and nestled by hand - results are delicately simple. her biz name "solsida" means sunnyside in swedish...she's got that going for sure. thanks for sharing, Catherine! Indie Designer: Catherine Beringer

$42-68 from solsida

birthday loot

my birthday was dec. 23rd, and i was one lucky chica this year! seems a blog about fabulous handmade goods is akin to a grade-A, spit-polished birthday list...not bad! these are items or designers i've featured previously, and i am so happy to be their proud owner now.

wool felt and fabric rings from greigh's layne. just what i need to keep my fingers warm on this frigid morning! the handstitched needle work is unbelievable. to see creativity and perfection take such a tiny, tiny form is very inspiring! see original post here.


etched and oxidized silver necklace from please bloom. the detail is striking. i love this design my husband picked b/c it reminds me of my family: papa bear, mama bear and baby bear (who is now 10!). and i love being reminded of the "circles of life." good stuff. see original post here.


glazed stoneware from liz kinder. my photos don't do her work justice, but - trust me - they are lovely. the strokes and palette are bold but harmonious. a signature style for me. my MIL was kind enough to peruse Scoutie Girl to find my post about liz's work, and she purchased these bowls at redelephantgallery.com. what a score, if truth be told - thank you riva!


letterpressed thank you cards from deluce design at modishoppe. i purchased these myself in anticipation of sending out a few once my bday and the holidays had passed (glad i didn't jinx myself). first letterpressed item i've ever owned - i don't know if i'll be able to go back to the land of lasers! see original post here.

a good cup of joe

this time of year, i can usually be found making a second strong pot of coffee in the late afternoon. the first cup of the day is habitual; the second is purely indulgent - i want the perfect blend, the perfect sugar:milk ratio (or maybe eggnog), the perfect sitting spot, the perfect mug. these mugs would do the trick. i can see how my hands would wrap just so around the bottom of these to draw a little warmth - now who's got the biscotti? this artist is extremely talented, and her porcelain pottery stands alone. not a thing i didn't like! visit her regular site here or her etsy site (below). Artist: Lois Aronow

$35-55 from lois aronow at etsy

gourds, really.

in consideration of Thanksgiving, i was searching for art that would pay homage to mother nature's bounty - and here you have it: gourd art. i found an array of styles, vessels, animals, but these were by far the most intriguing and well-done. this artist searches for just the right hard-shelled gourd and brings out its 'personality' by carving, burning, staining, painting and weaving. here, these birds come to life with their delicate handcarved feathers. she uses glass eyes, copper feet and beaks fashioned from handcarved wood or horseshoe crab tails! i appreciate the originality and detail...a lot of passion in her work. Artist: Mindy Hawkins

prices vary at mindy hawkins gourds

coming full-circle with 180

back in january, my 4th post ever was about this really cool serving bowl made from repurposed metal washers. i loved it then like i love it now. i found it at realm dekor doing google searches. and as much as i love jewelry, it seems lately like that's ALL i get suggestions about...so i've been googling like mad to find more non-jewelry indie artists (and who are bold enough to have a website of their very own), like i had in mind when i started Scoutie Girl. i KNOW you're out there...show yourselves...ollie ollie all come free!

ready for the 360? i rec'd an email from tammy roy of one eighty designs about placing a free banner ad for her new site (did you know they were free?). so i checked out her site, and there was the whole sha-bang: beauty & duty, stretched convention, economy of materials, not jewelry, not etsy...just awesome recycled art!! and i saw thee very serving bowl i had been reminiscing about...and this is post #184 (did you do the math?) how freaking cool is that? 180 posts between then and now + one eighty designs.

tammy's art is ab-fab, which is made in part or entirely from reclaimed metal from salvage yards. as she goes about constructing her pieces, she draws inspiration from the clean lines of modern art as well as an intrigue with shape, form and unusual objects. does that pendant lamp rock or what?! i hope you enjoy her eco-inspired, industrial art as much as i do. Designer: Tammy Roy

Q: what was your favorite find on a dumpster dive and what did you make with it? [see comments for answer]

$55-110 from one eighty designs

mood lighting worth creating a mood for

whether you're going for a relaxed evening for 2 or a classy extragavaganza for 20, these votives will add a nice touch. finished in a white matte glaze with burnt brown edges (that look like they were gently torn by hand), they'll go with sooo many decor styles - i don't think you can go wrong. pale pink glaze inside sets off the candle flame with a warm glow. approx. 5" across by 2.5" tall. artist creates wheel thrown bottles and vases with silhouettes inspired by the urban landscape around her. all lovely. she has a gallery site here: sarapaloma.com. and you can buy her items at her etsy site listed below. most pieces are made to order and take 3 weeks to ship. Artist: Sara Paloma

$34 from sara paloma

exceptional art

my son takes piano lessons at a local art institute, and they feature monthly installations of various artists' work. sometimes individual collections, sometimes from local high schools. i'm always astonished by the talent - i literally run into the gallery like a kid in a candy shop so i can get lost in their work. this past month featured the extraordinarily talented Bruce Becker. these images hardly do justice to the scope and breadth of his work b/c it is completely unbelievable! he paints large scale (think 3ft by 5ft) canvases that are like zoomed-in snapshots of a scene. i backup to get the whole image, then stand 6-inches away to absorb every stroke. the realism is captivating. what's missing here is the drama of the positive/negative space...so bold yet so smooth.

although he displays and sells his work worldwide, he actually lives about a mile away from me. his website reveals that he does a lot of charitable work as well, where he auctions paintings for fundraising. in addition, i discovered a goosebump-inducing, true story about a painting he did of an Amish schoolhouse bell (we live very, very close to the heart of Amish country in PA). so moved by the bell that he felt compelled to begin painting it immediately. what he didn't know was that the tragedy of the Amish school shooting in Lancaster County was unfolding at. that. exact. moment. the chilling coincidence moved him further to offer his signed-prints of his schoolhouse bell painting to raise money for the construction of a new schoolhouse and the healthcare of the families affected by the shootings. the response to his gesture was overwhelming. he went local, then national on ABC. and he still offers them for $30, if you're interested

$2500-3500 from beckerartist.com

to swear or not to swear

sad but true: my nickname in college was 'trucker mouth.' not much has changed. i'm a big fan of swear words, but i'm an even bigger fan of (1) outrageously well-done designs like these and (2) an artist bold enough to call his biz 'swear jar design.' ALL of his work is un-freaking-believable! a silversmither with an array of influences from architecture to nature, he works with german silver (aka nickel) and resin enamel to create stunning combinations with balanced, delicate details. excellent translation of ideas! collection includes buckels, pendants, cuffs and earrings.

$125 from swear jar design

the nature of silver

using real twigs, acorns, maple seeds and bark as the models from which to handcarve wax molds, these gorgeous pieces of jewelry take the "inspired by nature" philosophy quite literally. the twin sister silversmithers who are the beauties and brains behind these creations make each one from sterling silver using a wax-casting method and some clever ideas of their own. they also feature pretty seaglass & silver pieces as well as a line of funky/edgy design motifs. please inquire for prices and availability of individual pieces. Designers: Kerry Alice and Heather Collins

$35-200 from twigs and heather

make a spectacle of yourself

if you're wild about your eyewear, you have to check this out. these specs are individually designed and handcarved out of a block of wood to the exact proportions of your face - ensuring a completely original look and truly perfect fit. extremely durable exotic hardwoods are used; you can also have a pair created from an old vinyl record if you like - your imagination is the only limit on the final design! the more i read about the process and the inspirations, the more i was floored by this stunning use of materials! keep up the good work! Designer: Scott Urban

from urban spectacles of wood

the age of a tree

i've always been wild about kandinsky's circles, and i'm sure that's why these paintings yanked me into their orbs. so mesmerizing, so perfect, so....circular. from the artist's "tree rings" series, each painting is 6" x 6" and done in acrylics on MDF. they are ready to hang. the series is limited to 500 pieces, and at under $10, they won't last long. i would buy a bunch of them, and hang them as big, modular piece. the possibilites are endless! Artist: Tracy Melton

$9.99 from focuslineart at etsy

'scapes for an escape

urban elements balanced with earthy hues and shapes create a very pleasant freestyle blend. bold use of color, layering and texture add dimension and movement. i can see these paintings displayed in so many different settings - with each style of decor and lighting lending a unique energy to the paintings. some paintings are 6" x 6" original miniatures on 3/4" bamboo; others are 16" x 16" signed, limited edition giclee prints. 1-2 week turnaround time. Artist: Flora S. Bowley

$90-125 from petaline

protozoan marvels

if you read SG on a regular basis, you know i'm a sucker for a pendant (among other things). these lampworked glass gems are right up there with the rest. so much mojo coming from them...like they're going to predict my future (hope it's not foreboding) or maybe a genie will appear from behind the fog curtain. either way, they're certainly charmed with incredible dimension and movement that comes from labor-intensive, hands-on manipulation with hot glass. 1" in diameter with either gold or sterling silver accents. this artist is as complex as her work, which makes them all the more impressive. lots of glass jewelry styles, including rings, bracelets and hairpins. Designer: Jennifer Syfu

$75-85 from starving artist bazaar

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

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

cuff links that rock

when i see the work of frances smersh, i want to be the character elaine benes as she pushes jerry seinfeld back two feet and shouts with incredulity, "get out!" her designs (frances not elaine) just knock me for a loop every single time! these cuff links are perfect for a special father's day gift. with pigmented concrete, cork, fresh water pearls and sterling silver mixed and matched in complete harmony, they are stylish yet masculine, striking yet accessible. frances and her husband john own a fabulous store in seattle, with all sorts of mod selections from furniture to handbags and back. must, must see! their website sends a nice vibe as well, and you can purchase from there if you happen to be somewhere other than seattle! Designer: Frances Smersh

$98-148 from clickdesignsthatfit.com

caroline blum summer sale

caroline blum's paintings are so incredibly refreshing...very vibrant, happy and wide-open! i've posted about them before, and i'm thrilled that she contacted me recently to tell me about a summer sale she's having. the sale includes originals as well as giclee prints of some of her more popular pieces. the sale runs through July, and she'll be adding pieces ongoingly...stock up before she sells out!

$90-1050 from one willow studio

magnificent pottery

what an incredible range of work, from the chosen clay media to the finishing glazes. but the same sense of style and balance is pervasive from one collection to the next. i would be thrilled to own anything from this still-emerging-yet-accomplished pottery artist. she's self-deprecating to boot; her bio is great reading! and she's a philadelphia girl (now anyway!). PA is glad to have her. Artist: Liz Kinder

$34-170 from lizkinder.com

bloomin' silver jewelry

g-o-r-g-e-o-u-s sterling silver jewelry! organic forms and accents are completely in sync with the symbolic look of the etched patterns. the oxidation adds the final aged appearance. this jewelry single-handedly brought me out of the blog-posting doldrums! thank you! these metalsmith'd items are limited edition and one-of-a-kind. very cool earrings and rings, too. Designer: Please Bloom

$46-64 from please bloom at etsy

groovy glass for your duds and digs

these glass belt buckles and serving platters capture the essence of beauty & duty (my own coined phrase). combining time-tested glass techniques, mid-century designs and current technology, the final pieces are retro-trendy and super-sophisticated. they both make excellent display pieces to finish an outfit or a room (work it!). each piece is handmade w/ a multitude of steps that only a very patient & dedicated individual could get through (including a triple dose of kiln firings - one at 1450 degrees {hence, the company name.}). you can buy the buckles right off the site, but the platters are a "contact us" item. a hand-distressed belt is included with each buckle. can't wait to see more from this artist! Designer: Mark Joiner

$162 (belts) from fourteenfifty.com

bird is the word

fantastic detail achieved on these block-printed kitchen towels! i love the fact that the birds' species are identifiable - that they're not just silhouettes. the design blocks are linocut, and individually printed on the towels. 100% cotton, absorbent and completely usable (not just a pretty face!). other mentionables: the proprietors of this website are an extremely talented pair, and make the *most* amazing jewelry. check it out here. they also have lots of other mod & artistic wares. Designer: Lisa Price

Ten percent discount when ordering four or more towels. Enter coupon code: TOWELS

$16 from clickdesignthatfits.com

hand-tooled leather

rec'd a great tip from this etsy seller yesterday (thank you). she specializes in hand-tooled leather accessories. displayed here are some of her necklaces - isn't the detail amazing? once the "relief" is carved into the leather, she hand-paints her pieces to boost the dimensionality of the final design. incredibly artistic results. it's very refreshing to see a different craft medium, too. silver box chains are included. she also features wrist cuffs, belts, larger necklaces and some other cool stuff - very wearable art. Designer: Allison Sattinger

$29-37 from sunny rising at etsy

striking silhouettes

these wall hangings remind me a lot of the old folk art scherenschnitte. what has always amazed me about this art form is the margin for error: very, very slim - one extra snip or cut, and the entire work would be for naught. in that same vein, these balsa wood illustrations are individually hand cut and delicately finished with wood stain for depth. each piece is one-of-a-kind and ready to hang. 10" x 8". other mentionables: fantastic block-printed cards and canvas wall-hangings. a lot of talent! Designer: Patricia Zapata

$79 from alittlehut.com

tile that talks

sentiments on ceramic. these white earthenware tiles are hand-rolled, individually embossed with a design and stamped with a word that compliments the design. wire & beading finish off the tile, so it's ready to hang on your wall. the 2 featured here are my mindset always! others include: home, hope, friend, dream, soar, inspire, shine and more. i would display them in groups of 3 or 5 or even 9! at this reasonable price, you can afford a few! one-of-a-kind for sure! Designers: Linda & Jon Burke

$8 from burke design studio

flair for your hair

these vibrant and cheeky clip-style barrettes are just the thing for giving your mane some panache (and keeping the Spring breezes from having the last laugh!). color, pattern & texture play nicely together in this very functional form. they're made from a rubbery, soft, molded material by an artist who was fascinated by this material's properties for creating unique fashoin accessories. great for young and old alike! designer also creates hip belts and other hair accessories just for girls! Designer: Jules Sherman, Yosifa-Penina

$9.00 from smashingdarling.com

Yosifa-Penina and Yosi-girls passionately supports: K.I.D.S., Girls Inc. and Locks of Love.

want to know what fabulous looks like?

wow. wow. wow. wow. this is not your ordinary handmade handbag...this beauty is HANDSTITCHED (as in 'Ma Ingalls'). no sewing machine involved - can you believe it?! this find really made me kick my heels up b/c it's gorgeous yet hip, fun yet sophisticated, of-the-moment yet timeless. you can't lose. exterior is made from ultrasuede; interior is lined in silk. silk thread details and cotton embroidery (done by hand, too). it's petite at 7 1/2" x 7 1/2" x 4 1/2". many, many other equally stunning designs and a really sharp, witty website. Designer: Kate Kudirka

$375 from kundalinibags.com

lampwork necklaces

i'm a huge fan of lampwork beads; what's not to like?! it takes great patience and skill to turn bits of colorful glass into these spectacular gems. this designer is also a fanatic, and she creates her jewelry from lampwork beads handmade by artisans with whom she has personally connected. (these are not imported beads!) she then creatively pairs them with swarovski crystals and czech glass on sterling silver or 14k-gold chains. showstoppers and casual selections available in an array of colors. bracelets and earrings, too. Designer: Kelly Warren

free bling friday starts this friday, 5/4. every friday, happy shack designs will be giving away a pair of earrings! she'll post every friday on her blog, and all you have to do is send an email to win!

$45-120 from happyshackdesigns.com

an affordable red lotus

it may not go from 0-60 in under 5 seconds, but this red lotus is proabably a better place for a handwritten note! and it's certainly in your price range! these lotus flowers were block-printed one-by-one from a block that was hand-carved stroke-by-stroke. each set includes 3 cards (with pretty rounded corners) and 3 coordinating envelopes - all wrapped in a red band. cards are 4" x 5.5". each image varies due to the printing method. thank you for introducing a new motif in indie-land! Designer: Jenna Lou Dauer

$6 from jennalou at etsy

a delicate flower

graceful details characterize these magnificent, hand-blown glass flowers. individually created, each one offers its own eye-catching look. they're very tricky to make, but the artist has done an exquisite job with variation in hue and saturation. enough artsy talk...they're just really stunning! display them together, alone, in a flower pot, as a centerpiece - i'm sure you'll come up with something. artist specializes in glass and all of her work is great! (don't miss the pendants!). Designer: Allison Kreft

see allison's Q & A

$30-48 from allison kreft at etsy