Cinemagraphs by Jamie Beck

Have you all seen these moving images, coined "cinemagraphs," by New York City photographer Jamie Beck? They are pretty awe inspiring to look at and take the concept of an animated gif up quite a few notches in my book.

How amazing would something like these be for wedding memories, birth stories, and other landmark life moments? I'd just love to be able to get one or a few made in this style as a promotional photo for my jewelry line.

Could this be the next wave in photography? They seem to be in a category all their own. Find more cinematography and inspiration over on Jamies Beck's Tumbr.

Etsy Finds: Vintage Love

I came across these two stunning finds while in the midst of my daily Etsy "finding." I'm looking at Etsy content throughout the majority of the day for my work in merchandising, so when something stops me in my tracks, I know I've just got to share.

1. How clever is this repurposed vintage locker console? I've been dreaming about using vintage lockers as creative & decorative storage options but would have never thought to turn one on it's side. It's the little things like these that seed mainstream trends - yes you can call me on that one when these start popping up everywhere!

2. I've already got a thing for vintage dress forms. Lately, I've been on the hunt for an antique version with a solid bust just like the one above. It retains all of the vintage character but still leaves a clean palette for jewelry & styling photos. Too bad this one's reserved but I'm happy to keep the hunt alive.

Vintage 60's Industrial Shop Chairs

Someone seriously needs to purchase these vintage industrial shop chairs I found on Etsy this past week. They've been dangerously eating at me ever since I laid eyes on them - aren't they just gorgeous? I think they'd be perfect in an open floor plan, used as bar stools, or addition to an artist's studio. I've seen so many similar remakes cropping up across mainstream retail - but you just can't beat the real deal.

The description even notes that they've been kept in a temperature controlled storage unit since their production - sigh. I'm seeing another case of "non-buyer's remorse" in my future...

Such a Thing as "Non Buyer's Remorse"?

I am so relieved someone finally purchased this antique industrial laundry cart off Etsy. I had it in the favorites of both my Etsy accounts and kept coming back to spy on it. While I would have loved to have made it mine, it can haunt me and my itchy fingers no longer.

Until I meet your long lost relative Mr. Antique Industrial Laundry Cart...

Last of the Antique Letterpress Sticks

I just received the final antique wooden letterpress sticks in a lot that I have been collecting over the past year. While I wish there had been more variety in the letters from the remaining batch, I know their scarcity only makes those available that much more special. I adore their worn down, stained, one of a kind nature and can just imagine the printing projects they were in use for back in their hay day.

I'll be repurposing these letterpress sticks into the initial necklaces I carry in the shop. They will be available here once complete and you can get a further look into the process of how I make them in this previous studio post I put together.

What projects are you working on this weekend?

Trendspotting: Trompe l'oeil Stockings

Building upon last year's polka dot hosiery trend, this year's versions are taking it a step further. In keeping with that nod to the past - these hotter than hot stockings are boasting trompe l'oeil garters, exaggerated lace, and larger than like polka dot patterns. It appears a short skirt and coat falling just above the hemline are the perfect pairings for these showstoppers.

What do you think about these accessories - would you try them on for size and where would you wear them? I'm thinking they would have been perfect in my early 20's (restaurant years) and might be better suited for a First Friday nowadays.

Looks via Lookbook.nu
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Bow Stockings
Garter Stockings
Lace Stockings
Thigh Highs
Polka Dots
Garter Triangles
Lace Hosiery
Classic Polka Dots
Large Polka Dots

New York Jewelry Finds

I'm back down south from a whirlwind week in New York filled with both work and play. By day I got to enjoy being able to work in the DUMBO Etsy offices - always great getting to work face to face with my creative coworkers - and by night I spent time eating and drinking my way through the city with Tim while catching up with many of my friends who still live in the city.

Always must stop destinations in my free time are the jewelry supply warehouses stocked row upon row of little plastic cubbies filled with vintage, dead-stock, and raw brass findings, chains, and oddities. This trip I was able to stock up on findings, bring back a couple sold out designs, and came across some brand new (to me) vintage stock including the whistles, canisters, chains, and perfume lockets below.

I'm looking forward to working with these and the other new components I discovered while in the city. Stay tuned.

Take a Break With Gifted Magazine

One of my favorite indulgences is curling up on the sofa with a glass of red and my latest magazine. I'm the type that likes to read the entire issue in one sitting - it feels like such a treat.

Earlier this week I was delightfully surprised to see the launch of Creature Comfort's online holiday magazine and gift guide, Gifted. It's chock full of Etsy designers, new bloggers I could add to my reader, holiday gift ideas for everyone, DIY projects, tutorials, and simply inspiring images all around - the whole piece of work is an obvious labor of love and just visually pleasing to *virtually* page through.

If you need a diversion throughout the day today or if you're more like me and want to take it all in at once - Gifted will make for an unexpectedly nice weekend read just in time for holiday inspiration and planning.

Trendspotting: Blazers are Back

I've never been a blazer kind of gal, but I'm starting to wonder if this just might be the year.

Piggybacking on the menswear looks trending as of late, these simple cuts and clean lines might sway me into the land of the fashionably preppy.

Looks via:

Black Leather Jacket: Lookbook
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Studded Collar Blazer: devaniweaver, Etsy
Gray Capped Sleeve Blazer: Urban Outfitters
Blue Fitted Blazer: wanderlustvtg, Etsy
Black Riding Jacket: Lookbook
Black Fitted Jacket: Urban Outfitters
Gray Blazer: 13bees, Etsy
Pink Blazer: H&M, via Lookbook
Gold Balmain Jacket: knight cat

A Little Creepy Inspiration

I'm digging the off beat provisions over at Papier Valise this time of year.

A little creepy? Maybe. On par for the season ahead? Without a doubt.

Bear Rug

If you hadn't noticed the recent buzz around the Internet surrounding this C.S. Post & Co. bear rug, you're in for a treat. Repurposed from an antique Tabriz wool rug, it creates a little bit of a trompe l'oeil, no?

Very Clever.

Trendspotting: Studs

Each season as the stud trend comes back rearing it's rough & tough head, I've never seemed to consider the idea of incorporating them into my own style palette. However, as we get closer to fall, select versions of these softer interpretations cropping up are something I think I could get along with.

These stud inspired looks can be found via Etsy and Lookbook.nu.

Main Image, Studded Sweater: LookBook
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Pyramid Earrings: michellechangjewelry
Studded Headband: LouiseRose
Studded Vintage Flats: PrincessSamy
Studded Bustier: LookBook
Black Studded Bag: DesignsByLakouri
Grey Studded Wedges: LookBook
White Studded Bag: VerseauVintage
Black Studded Dress: LookBook

My Etsy World

Thought I'd share some of my more recent Etsy acquisitions. I live in a virtual Etsy world each day as I work and more and more my physical world is becoming one in the same. Tis a good feeling.

Fragment Light, anzfer
Oscillate Shirt, Thimble and Acorn
Letter M Vintage Milk Glass Mug, KupAndSaucer

Apron Style Farm Sink Love

Dreaming of an apron style farm sink, similar to this one on Poppytalk via Jenny S. Tackling the dishes would be much easier a task with such a pretty basin, no?

Antique Industrial Laundry Carts

As of late, industrial and commercial grade essentials of the past have been at the top of my decorating frame of mind. One detail I've been fixating on for months is an industrial size canvas laundry cart complete with casters. Not only would one be great for actually doing the laundry, but just think of all the unique storage solutions one of these babies could solve: bathroom towel display, cleaning supply cart, a magazine and afghan caddy for the family room...oh the possibilities.

Find a newer version in production carried at Restoration Hardware, or snag a rare antique original version right here on Etsy. Both versions have been made in the USA. Know where I can find more of these laundry carts? Let me know where in the comments, I'd love to take a longing look at other varieties.

Hand Painted Antique Porcelain Doll Parts

I get teased here at home for my adoration of vintage porcelain doll parts. It must have come down from my paternal grandmother's side, her house is literally filled with different dolls from all over the world -- the majority of them being creepy. Essentially, my fascination resonates with the limbs, and how I can re-purpose them into jewelry or art.

With this in mind, you can imagine how tickled I was when I stumbled across a limited stock of antique German bisque doll legs. I was told that similar to the Frozen Charlotte dolls, these detached parts were dug out pieces from the remnants of the doll factories in Thuringia, Germany and date between 1890-1920. I'm not a history buff when it comes to dolls, but the story seems pretty compelling if true.

I'm thinking they'll make curious little necklaces and am looking forward to spending some studio time with them. Until then, they'll be on display in my little collection ready for the cringes of passersby who just might not quite get it.

Trendspotting: Etsy Designer Vintage

If you weren't in the know already, I want to let you in on one of Etsy's best kept shopping secrets: designer vintage fashion. Vintage looks have been topping the best dressed lists across red carpets this season and won't be going out of style anytime soon; think classic, rare, and timeless. It's practically a cat fight to the checkout button in the marketing corner of the Etsy office anytime one of us comes across a newly listed vintage designer bag, dress, pair of tall boots or pumps.

Find the full post on sniffing out the designer brands in Etsy Vintage along with a smattering of my current finds on Kaboodle.com.

Etsy Vintage Pictured
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YSL Sunglasses: VintageStore123
Ferragamo Riding Boots: nstylevintage
Red Chloe Military Jacket: VonlenskaVintage
Hermes Silver Ring: BackThennishVintage
Ungaro Quilted Jacket: closetcaseVNTG
Roberto Cavalli Jumpsuit: closetcaseVNTG
Green Vogue Couturier Cocktail Dress: TimelessVixenVintage
YSL Polka Dot Dress: TavinShop

Trendspotting: Fingerprint Jewelry

One of this season's hottest jewelry trends emerging via Etsy designers is personalized fingerprint jewelry. You heard me right, there are an exclusive selection of jewelry designers working to preserve your own (or a loved one's) true fingerprint permanently in precious metals including silver, gold, and platinum.

These one-of-a-kind pieces are truly something unique that is sure to leave your stamp in time for generations to come. I'm seeing them being carefully created for events and special occasions like weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, Father's Day, and Mother's Day. There are even a couple versions capturing the paw or nose print of those furry family members!

See my full post on Kaboodle.com to find my favorite fingerprint jewelry designs on Etsy right now.

Glamour.com for Etsy

Check out the Glamour.com wedding themed post on Etsy today. This was a fun collaboration and was great working with Glamour.com on their creative scenarios for an outdoor affair.

Cheers to the wedding season ahead!

Nesting Robin Eggs

As you can see, we stumbled across a handful of the most pristine and delicate robin eggs you could imagine. Here's hoping the wives tale of the danger in picking up eggs and placing them back in the nest is simply that...a tale.

They were in the path of Tim's lawn mower and instead of running them over he stopped to place them lightly back in the nest with gloved hands (after grabbing me to come peek first of course).

Wish us luck with the sound of some chirping baby birds!