Weekly Word Picks - Masquerade

What an appropriate theme for this festive day! Happy Halloween everyone!! Today's word is...

MASQUERADE

Valentino Haute Couture Fashion Illustration - JessicaIllustration // Tatted Sequin Lace Mask - TotusMel

Colombina Leather Mask - AlishasEmporium // Coque Feathered Shoulder Collar Wrap - AISHAX

Black Ringmaster Tail Coat - herlbd // Raven Masquerade Mask - gringrimaceandsqueak

For the complete treasury : Masquerade

This week's word was chosen by the lovely Jennifer from SimplyInvitingCards.

So what should next week's word be? Suggest by posting in the comments below!

For a list of words already suggested, please refer to this post.

A Nod to Halloween

We don't exactly celebrate Halloween in Malaysia. There are the costume parties scattered here and there in clubs and pubs, but we don't do the whole trick or treating thing over here. Which is sad actually, I wish I could do it at least once when I was a little kid, it look like so much fun on TV. :(

Nevertheless, I do enjoy looking at all the Halloween decors and handmade crafts on Etsy!

Black cats!

Skeleton Cat Halloween Ornament - KillkennycatArt // Black Cat Cupcake Toppers - wishdaisy

Scary Zombies!

Zombie Gardener Stake - VonChandler // Zombie Repellant Soap - rudeandreckless

Alluring Vampires!

Vampire Fangs Sign Party Decor - SlippinSouthern // Vampire Girl Mug - MaidOfClay

Wicked Witches!

Vintage 1960s Sexy Witch Dress - FabGabs // Halloween Witche's Brew Mug - squackdoodle

Masquerades!

Bat Woman Mask - 42shab // Plague Doctor's Mask in white leather - TomBanwell

And last but not least, perhaps the best part!

Yummy Treats!

Chocolate Filled Pumpkins - andiesspecialtysweets // Gourmet Marshmallow Chocolate Bats - madysonsmarshmallows

Around the World - San Diego, CA - Madden Photography

What is better than a good photography shop, is a constantly updated photography shop with new photographs! Especially one that follows the changes of the season. Madden Photography is one of such wonderful shops, I simply adore her autumn pieces! The gentle hues of her photos, almost pastel-like, is what I love most about it. Everything just look so clean and fresh! Plus... who wouldn't love that Ukelele Surfer Santa photograph? It would be awesome as a greeting or postcard!

Deep Within the Armoire

Deep Within the Armoire, the name has such a mysterious tone to it, and so did the shop! There is just an unmistakable tone of surrealism and mystery to all her photography, even with a hint of the innocence of a fairy tale. Each and every single of her photographs, especially from the "Strange Reality" series, seems to tell a story of their own, a story of a girl escaping something. Unintentionally, I somehow managed to arrange the photos above to somehow tell a story too! But I must stress, that it is indeed, unintentional.

The Lone Guardian

Ginger, my long haired orange cat, is very territorial! Once a young kitten walked pass my front gates and she chased the poor thing away, clawing and biting. One back alley cat came into my yard once too, probably looking for food. She hissed and scratched and scared the poor thing away as well.

Despite all those, I still love her! She keeps all the mice at bay. :)

But she's so shy though! I can't seem to get a photo of her where she is looking into the lens!

Around the World - San Diego, CA - REDSTARink

Now that we're done in Phoenix, Arizona, our second stop in US is San Diego in California! And it looks like San Diego is a very promising city for fantastic handmade wares! I might need to do more than just 4... ;)

First off we have REDSTARink with her simple, bold and modern paper goods. I love the thoughtfulness that she put into her designs, especially with her notebooks. The shape and size was so well thought out to suit the notebook's purpose. The prime example is the elongated shape of the Long list notebook, which is perfect for well.. your long to-do list. ;) Also, the design for her Bills Calendar is just so clever! The way the elastic band goes across the letter S creating a $ sign is just pure genius! Aside from fantastic notebooks which as you can see I totally adore, she also makes pretty awesome cards, art prints and gift tags.

Crazy about Vintage Suitcases

Vintage Tweed Striped Suitcase - havenvintage // Large Samsonite Suitcase - OldGreenCanoe

Vintage Hardside Monarch Suitcase - everyeskimo // 1940s Travel Suitcase - adVintagous

I confess, I have a thing for vintage suitcases. Especially those with tweeds and stripes! Although they might not be very practical in the modern times, (what with the existence of luggage wheels and all) they still look mighty stylish to be carried around. :) I have two vintage suitcases myself, which maybe I should show you one day.

Weekly Word Picks - Whisper

This week's word had an unexpected turn out. :) The word is...

WHISPER

Strapless Ball Gown - vuedesign // Whispers Confessions of Love Bracelet - NewFashionedWhispers
Whisper on a Breeze Bridal Fascinator - hairbowswonderworld // Whispering Wind - kristakeltanen
Whisper, Dainty Hydrangea Bobbies - gardensofwhimsy // Blush Tulle Pom Pom Ring - NestPrettyThingsShop

So soft and pretty! For the complete treasury : Sweet Whispers

This week's word was chosen by the gorgeous Stephanie (who is also the lady in this first picture!) from LaCocoRouge.

So what should next week's word be? Suggest by posting in the comments below!

For a list of words already suggested, please refer to this post.

Around the World - Phoenix, AZ - The Lonely Heart

We have seen a lot of Etsy shops that are category-specific, like jewelry shops, photography shops, bag shops etc etc. These are plenty on Etsy. But what about a theme-specific shop? The Lonely Heart I would consider to be in this category. They sell a variety of items, such as wall art, photography prints, wedding favors and even supplies and vintage goods, but with a single theme - Hearts and love. I find this to be very intriguing, as it is very rare for a shop to be so theme-specific. With that said, I love the wooden heart wall art with the barb wires, very symbolic and very cool. :)

Failed Specimens

Like all forms of arts and crafts, it takes time and lots of trial and error to get something right. And the path to perfection is a long and difficult one. It's no different with me and my pendants.

This is just one part of my failed specimens. Up until now, I still get a few spoiled ones every time I pour that cup of resin. So far I only had one batch that did not spill, seep into the paper, or riddled with bubbles.

The rectangle pendants are new, this is my first experiment. I have no idea what happened to it! Suffice to say, these are going to the dumpster. Such a pity, I liked the snow rabbit too. :(

This one I accidentally broke through the sealant while I was trying to remove a bubble. So the resin seeped into the paper. :(

It's such a waste, as these could not be sold or even given away. As someone who take pride in her work, I will never let someone have something that is flawed! So all these are going into the dumpster, or maybe I should just keep them for myself as a reminder, not to repeat these mistakes again.

Elle Moss Photography

There is just this really surreal beauty to Elle Moss's works, even with a hint of fairy tale-esque morbidity sometimes. Her professional control of colors, sometimes vibrant and sometimes not so, along with the hint of texture, makes her photos look like surreal paintings. It is no wonder that she got recognition from so many magazines worldwide, because her works of masterpieces simply deserve such attention!

Around the World - Phoenix, AZ - Blueorder

Do you have a friend who is crazy about retro and vinyl? Well I might have found the best place to shop for gifts for him/her. :) Using photographs of retro cameras, vintage record players, cassettes and other retro items, blueorder makes them into a variety of retro wall and table arts, coasters, pendant necklaces and even dry erase boards! How innovative is that? Appropriate too. Furthermore, their shop is very man-friendly. And we know how rare that could be with Etsy! ;)

Fall 2011 Pantone Color Trend Picks

Nothing like color study to train your observation skills. :) This is based on the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2011.


Bamboo Mustard

Harvest Gold Knitted Tuque Hat - JewelKnits // Sunny Day Earrings - dkjewels

Emberglow

Coral Peach Japanese Floral Fascinator - PetalMix // Emberglow Coral VW Bug - leedledee

Honeysuckle

Honeysuckle Felted Acorns - feltjar // Flying Ducks Ceramic Wall Art - PrinceDesignUK

Phlox

Beaded Phlox and Gold Bracelet - itsmemary // Tweed and Rick Rack Purple Clutch Purse - toriska

Cedar

Olive and Cedar Green Clutch Purse - EdensWake // Butterfly Macro Photography - TheShutterbugEye

Deep Teal

Modern Fiber Art in Deep Teal - cornflowerbluestudio // Revamped Vintage Sweater Poncho - PierogiPicnic

Coffee Liqueur

Mocha Chocolate Organic Soap - ElysianOrganics // Coffee Mocha Lip Balm - heartsandbows494

Nougat

Origami Lotus Flower - fishandlotus // 1960's Vintage Mini Dress - zwzzy

Orchid Hush

Vintage Prom Dress -  aiseirigh // Tree Branch Bracelet with Lavender Beads - heatherberry

Quarry

Denim Blue Lampwork Glass Earrings - GlitzGlitter // Prick Abstract Nature Photography - flandersfield

Weekly Word Picks - Mint

I totally adore this week's word! It is...

MINT

Honeydew Mint Lace Trimmed Maxi Dress - ButterToastBoutique // Minty Birds Earrings - beautyspot

Seafoam Green Wood Nursery Wall Letters A - OldNewAgain // Seaside Aura Blouse - FleetCollection

Mint Rosette Dress - kelseygenna // Fresh Mint - myheartscontent

Dreamy isn't it? For the complete treasury : Minty Dreams

This week's word was chosen by the lovely Kim from 1022SeaShellAve.

So what should next week's word be? Suggest by posting in the comments below!

For a list of words already suggested, please refer to this post.

Aelalabbe

In my opinion, no amount of western gore in horror movies can inflict the type of fear that the unknown and faceless-ness inflicts. These quietly eerie photos from Aelalabbe reminded me the classic horrors such as Sadako from The Ring (not the Americanize one, the original Japanese one) among other Asian horror movies. No excessive blood needed, just the unnatural and unknown.

Around the World - Phoenix, AZ - KT Jean

Do you love nature inspired wedding dresses? I know I do. :) KT Jean Designs creates some of the most romantic and elegant wedding dresses, some even with the free spirited touch of the bohemian style. My favorite part though, is that she makes short wedding dresses too! How cute is that? :D I also love that she keeps her photographs consistent and true to it's natural theme, just beautiful!

Holiday Sale Starts Now!

It's mid October! And it's SALE time! :D Us international sellers on Etsy need to start early since we have an early shipping cut off date. Use the coupon code HOLIDAY11 during checkout and get 15% off your total order! I will be listing tons of new items over the next few days, even weeks if I am allowed to. Lots of new pendants. So watch out for it, or you could follow me on Facebook too for more frequent and faster updates. :) Shipping cut off date for all Holiday orders is December 1st, 2011. So plan ahead and make your order before then!

Don't forget to enter the Gift Vouchers Giveaway too while you're at it. There's nothing to lose, and you might even win something. ;)

Greens

I do love taking nature pictures. :)

All photos taken in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco.

Around the World - Phoenix, AZ - Moderncat

After going around the European region for more than 2 months, the Around the World series finally traveled back to the US region. The first stop we're making is in Phoenix, Arizona! Let's see what handmade items the city have to offer us. :)

If you're a cat lover and a cat owner, you're gonna love this shop! Moderncat Studios sell stylish cat treats and cat toys. Sick of the less than satisfactory designed cat toys from pet shops? Never fear, for Moderncat is here, just a few clicks away! Selling a variety of products such as colorful catnip-filled pillows, (both big and small, some even with a rattle!) luxury cat beds, cat lounge and scratchers, as well as little cat toys, you're bound to find something that will go along with your mod home decor. ;)

I'm actually tempted to get some for my cat too, but I'm not sure if my old little granny likes toys... at all. Thus far she had shown no interest in any of the toys I offered her, she only likes the brush!

Holiday Giveaway!

I have a Shadowbox Gallery on Etsy Stalker this month! And I am having a giveaway there! :D Head on over and enter the giveaway and if you can, enter daily even. Because if I get the most comments for my Shabowbox Gallery this month, I get to have the next month's Shabowbox Gallery for free! :D So help me out a little okay? Plus you got nothing to lose by entering the giveaway, you might even get lucky. ;) Click on the image on top or click here to go to the giveaway page!

Weekly Word Picks - Shelter

Inspired by last week's Shelter Dog photograph, this week's word is...

SHELTER

kona - susansabophotography // I Love Cats Accent Heart Charms - ChubbyChicoCharms

Don't Shop Adopt Pinback Button - BarrelofMonkeys // Calico Kitten Photo Print - 9LivesPhotography

Bulldog Fine Art Photography Print - eringarrisondesign // Cat Original Shelter Pet Drawing - Lundberg

Yes, save a life, adopt an animal from the shelter and save them from the fate of euthanasia! I am a proud owner of a rescued cat myself. :) For the complete treasury : Give Them a Safe Shelter

This week's word was chosen by Elizabeth from mimi and lucy.

So what should next week's word be? Suggest by posting in the comments below!

For a list of words already suggested, please refer to this post.

Around the World - Romania - Pebs

What I love more than pretty jewelry are jewelry with a meaning to them. Etsy shop Pebs that is running by a landscape designer from Romania is one of them. Their tagline 'Preserving Romania Flora' explains their shop clear enough. Certainly, they are not the first resin jewelry shops that preserves real dried plants, but the fact that they are from Romania is key. :) It is still a fairly new shop with a couple of sales right now, but if she keep expanding and adding new items, I foresee her being very successful in the future!

How Steve Jobs Affected the Handcraft Industry

I'm sure everyone had heard of Steve Job's passing two nights ago. It was a sad sad day, and a great loss to many. His work and his words inspired many, and affected a lot of people's lives. Without him, there will be no Apple, without Apple, there will be no Macbooks, iPods and iPhones. And certainly if there weren't Macbooks, iPods and iPhones, these handmade artisans wouldn't exist...

iPad2 moleskin style case and MacBook Air Moleskin Case by PadandQuill

1940's Mint and Cherry Vintage Book Dock Charger and The Vampire - Dracula Book Charging Dock by inbook

Brown and blue vintage wool plaid iPod/iPhone case and Grey herringbone iPad Case by mariforssell

iPhone wallet case Leicester and 13 inch Macbook Pro Sleeve Hampshireby packandsmooch

iRetrofone Classic Deluxe - Gold and iRetrofone Steampunk by freelandstudios

So much class and style! Steve Jobs not only changed the technology industry, but he affected the handcraft industry as well. We may had lost a legend, but his work and legacy will live on. You will always be remembered as a legend, rest in peace Steve.