The Storque

How-Tuesday: Pair of Bears From Felt Me a Smile

2010-02-09T16:01:00-05:00

One thing I always find worth celebrating is anything that merits a warm, cozy bear hug. Flipping through the pages of Felt Me a Smile by Toyoko Sugiwaka was an inspiring reminder to appreciate all that I hold near and dear, make time to dream up heartfelt handmade creations, and uncover the joy in the details of day-to-day life.

This week's needle felting How-Tuesday project might melt the hearts of even the most steadfast Valentine's Day cynics with instructions on how to make tiny bears locked in what Toyoko calls "the world's happiest posture."

Purchase Felt Me a Smile from Amazon or an independent bookseller.

Make something for someone with a feeling of warmheartedness — this will surely make you smile. That smile can hopefully be passed on to your "someone." Smiles are coming. If you smile, your mind opens automatically. If your mind is open, you will appreciate every little, good thing. Take care: the little things are easy to overlook in daily life.

Materials & Tools:

Natural grey and white wool roving
Felting needle
Sponge
Sewing needle and thread

Instructions:

1. Draw pieces of wool from the roving about 13 times and roll it between your palms to make a ball.

2. Hold the ball in your hand and poke the top with a felting needle until it is flat. Rotate the ball and continue for 15 minutes to get a small ball.

3. Roll the ball between your palms to make a longer shape.

4. Poke the felting needle around the ends of the shape to round them.

5. Poke the felting needle around the neckline to form the head and body. Hold the head firmly between your fingers and poke to create the shape.

6. Hold the body upside down and poke in a line across the end to divide into two legs.

7. Pull legs to make them longer. Hold leg between two fingers and poke in all directions to form the shape.

8. Stretch the body a little by pulling it with your fingers. Poke in a line across the neck and nose.

9. Make ears and arms, like this:

a. Draw a little grey wool from roving, hold one end and roll twice to create a small round shape.

b. Holding both free ends of the fibers, place the shape on the sponge and poke it in a circular pattern until it is flat. Turn it over and repeat.

c. Roll one end with your fingers to make it pointed. Continue poking until you have a triangle shape.

d. Leave about 3/8 inch of loose fibers for attaching to the head.

10. Attach ears and arms to head and body, as seen below. (Note: The photos for steps 10a through 10d are from the Fluffy Kitten project of Felt Me a Smile. That's why the critter looks more like a cat than a bear.)

a. Pick up a few fibers from the base of the head and the top of the body.

b. Hold the head and body together and use the felting needle to poke the fibers you picked up to the inside.

c. Spread out the unfelted wool at the end of the ears and limbs in a circle, and trim it back to 3/8 inch long.

d. Hold the limb in place and use the felting needle to poke the fibers into the body.

11. Take a little wool on your finger and poke it into place to create the nose and eyes.

12. Gently hold the body to make a curved back, then poke it. Sew each bear's hands to the other's body.

13. Pass needle through the body to the other side before cutting off the yearn. Squeeze bears together to shape.

Reprinted from the book Felt Me a Smile by Toyoko Sugiwaka, copyright 2010. Thanks to Toyoko and the good folks at Potter Craft for sharing this project with us.

More How-Tuesday Posts | Supplies Category | Needlecraft Category

Etsy Love Stories: WieberArt

2010-02-09T14:01:00-05:00

I have been lucky enough to meet many wonderful artists while selling on Etsy, but one person who I instantly connected with is Grace Wieber. Her personality is infectious, her humor is adorable and above all, her willingness to support and promote other artists' work on Twitter and her blog is truly inspiring. Grace and her husband Will, the duo behind WieberArt, answered some questions for the continuing swoon-worthy series, Etsy Love Stories.

Tell us about yourselves!
Will is a generous, patient man and in my honest opinion, an inspiring artist. I believe our sons, Gregory and Vincent, attest to this fact. They too have pursued careers in the arts. Will studied painting at the School of Visual Arts, and I taught Italian for five years while dancing with Andre Evglesky Ballet. Unfortunately, I had a terrible ski accident (a no-no for a dancer) and left teaching to regroup and raise our family. I continued to choreograph instead of perform and it was during this time that I decided to study fashion design. In the 1930s and 40s, my father and his brother owned Bellanca Embroidery, where they made embellished evening gowns and handbags for the high-end fashion houses and department stores. These influences weighed heavily upon me. We moved to the West Village in the 1980s, and I took the plunge, designing men's parachute nylon-ripstop jumpsuits and pants for boutiques on Fire Island. Will has exhibited at the Annual Art Festivals at the Pines, Huntington, Montauk and in showrooms and galleries from Chelsea to Soho.

How did you hear about Etsy?
Our son Gregory knew about Etsy; several of his girlfriends were participating. He had told me a few years ago to join but our heads were not in the right place. We were still raising our children and getting them through college and out the door.

How long have you been in business as a team?
It was a dream of mine from the very beginning of our relationship to be in business together. It took maturing on both of our parts to finally realize this vision. In 1996 while still living in New York we decided to open a decorative finish business. When our familial obligations were winding down, Billy took me to Florida where we continued the business and on April 19, 2009 we went live on Etsy.

What's the best part about working together?
Work is play and play is work. We're still like kids, we just like being together. Even if we are separated by a studio wall, it's just great. I have also opened a shop called CrazieGracie. It's a form of therapy for me until I dig deep again for those new ideas.

Anything difficult about working as a team?
Difficulties have been ironed out over our 30-year relationship. As it is for most people, everyone wants to be the boss. Well, we all know that to work as a team, there can only be one captain. Sometimes, I get to be the leader. Most times, I am fine with him heading up the team. I have his respect. He knows that he can trust my instincts and when I get out there, I let him reel me in.

How do you keep your business and personal life separate?
When you are self-employed, it all runs together. We try to be flexible and structure time for our personal
lives. We make sure to get out and take walks, play tennis, and stay fit and healthy. It's during these outings that we reminisce, vent and revitalize.

What are your Valentine's Day plans?
This may sound cliché, however, every day is Valentine's Day around here.

What are your future Etsy goals?
We are enjoying our experience with Etsy and look forward to building relationships and having continued success. We wish we had heeded our boys' advice to get online sooner. Leaping from the stone age into the cyber age, Etsy has proven to be a viable avenue for all sorts of opportunities.

Thanks to Will and Gracie for sharing their story.
You can see some of their creations below.

More Valentine's Day Posts | Etsy Love Stories | Art Category

Etsy Finds: Knot a Typical Affair

2010-02-09T11:28:00-05:00

These days tying the knot doesn't mean being stuck with your mother's tastes and beholden to your father's pocketbook. Weddings have become a deeply personal expression of a couple's identity and there's no place like Etsy to find inspiration. Today's Etsy Finds collection shows off some of our most unique nuptial themes. With DIY, handmade and retro vintage treasures it's easy to make your fantasy wedding a reality. Take your sweetheart on a shopping spree through past wedding Etsy Finds, and of course, don't miss our outstanding Weddings category!

Once Upon a Time

Flights of Fancy

By HeadCaseByG, $18.

Once Upon A Time Ornament

By aspoonfulofcharm, $4.

Burgundy Hood

By BarbwireandRoses, $250.

Thumbelina Shadow Puppet

By IsabellasArt, $20.

A fairy tale dress...

By Carolinasoma, $128.

Fairy Wings in Black and Mauve

By UpfromtheAshes, $160.

Homespun Love

Rosy Lily Top Denim and Silk

By attiladesign, $305.

Wooden Doll Cake Toppers

By theenchantedcupboard, $65.

Bubble Bead Headband

By littlehoneypies, $10.

Twenty Kisses Brooch

By pipandemily, $35.

Waste Not Want Not Clutch

By rejenerate, $69.

hand embroidered elephants card

By bybelinda, $4.50.

A Dark Romance

Gothic Silk Marie Antoinette Gown

By RomanticThreads, $795.

Mia - Feather Hair Clip Fascinator

By VieModerne, $36.

Milk and Honey Cameo Soap Bar

By Essenceofgaia, $4.20.

BLACK ROSE Gothic Perfume Oil

By MeenasMagickals, $4.

Candle Holder/Vase Block

By blackbrocade, $24.99.

Fifteen Tiny Keys

By missemilygene, $30.

Green Dream

Floating Away...

By Stilllily, $40.

Apron Dress

By KTGinc, $766.

beanstalk eco-friendly invitation (25)

By kissandtellcards, $116.25.

Watercolor Dreams Crown

By gardensofwhimsy, $28.

Textured Leaf Earrings

By SigaliotJewelry, $32.

Dipping dish - leaves in chartreuse

By hopejohnson, $18.

Champagne Toast

Creme D'or Champagne Gown

By colorada, $800.

ANGELA BRIDAL CAPELET

By DCCFORMALSTYLE, $250.

The Harrelson Suit

By MicheleNassaney, $995.

Vintage 1930's Wedding Hat

By yellowfield7, $350.

Fluer de Choker

By vintagecityclassics, $110.

Champagne Toast Fondant

By TwoSugarBabies, $13.

Woodland Fantasy

Orange and Red Mushroom House

By thepinkkoala, $9.

bird with eggs in nest headband

By hootvintage, $25.

Shrubbery Pom Pom Plush Plant

By glamasaurus, $20.

POMPOM POLLINIS size 6.5 /7

By KirstyMcKenzie, $177.

12 Griffith milk glass spice jars

From ModishVintage, $139.

Rainbow Light crochet dress

By rubypearl, $268.

Goin' to the Chapel

Pink Heart Birdcage Veil

By HeartFeltByAviva, $40.

Vintage 60s Red Velvet Dress

From studio1950, $75.

Champagne Diamond Solitaire

By wireddesign, $140.

Invitation Set - Recycled/Vintage

By revelry, $12.95.

Vegan Vamp altered vintage gloves

By aprilevening, $18.

Vintage Cake Topper

From ItsyBitsyVeil, $10.

An Art Affair

look 02 theLELALAMBone

By blushless, $2900.

Pop Tab Masquerade Mask

By obsequies, $5.67.

Spiked Necklace Beach Punk

By Starrbeads, $68.

Gourmet Apples

By DessertedPoint, $8.

Font Lessons Zine

By TFRice, $1.

ladder cup

By villarrealceramics, $32.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Handmade for Haiti: Threadbanger's Corinne Leigh Teams Up With Planting Peace

2010-02-09T10:38:00-05:00

We've known Corinne, our friend over at Threadbanger, for some time now, but we didn't know that before Threadbanger, she helped start a charity in Haiti about six years ago. She has joined back up with her friend and founder of Planting Peace, Aaron Jackson, to help Haiti in the wake of the earthquake.

They've put out this call to crafters. Specifically, they are asking you to donate handmade blankets, washcloths, and plushies for kids. If you have other ideas for useful items, contact Corinne at tips@threadbanger.com.

More Haiti Posts | More Craftivism Posts

Anti-Valentine's Day

2010-02-08T15:24:00-05:00

Do the couples canoodling at sunset make you want to hurl yourself off a cliff? I plan on celebrating my singledom this Valentine's Day with some bacon-infused whiskey and a 6 a.m. dance party. Check out the Related Items below for the warm embrace of cynicism, independence, and self-love.

Items Tagged "Anti-Valentine" | Etsy Love Stories

Etsy Finds: Opposites Attract

2010-02-08T12:00:00-05:00

We often say that a match is made in heaven, but not every pair is a result of familiarity: opposites attract! (Think Democrat James Carville and Republican mate Mary Matalin.) Today's Etsy Finds collection is a Valentine ode to the odd combos that, when paired, produce sweet harmony. In many cases we cannot think of one without the other!

Discover more ideas for your complement in the Valentine's Day Category and with Valentine shopping guides on Etsy's blog.

Sweet and Sour

SWEET LEMONADE LIP BALMS

By BalmMom, $3.50.

I Love Sour

By inkdesigner, $10.

Man and Woman

Tax Man Novelty Pincushion

By sewsewsuckurtoe, $8.50.

red stripes Tattooed Lady doll

By mck254, $225.

Ebony and Ivory

Triple strand black rope headwrap

By LELETNY, $60.

Classic Cream Coat Free

By yystudio, $368.

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Made for Each Other Pillow Set

By diffractionfiber, $59.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Necklaces

By BabyLovesPink, $19.50.

Hippies and Squares

Wear A Rainbow Scarf

By BessetteArt, $38.

Vtg 1960s Navy Whale Ribbon Bag

From OldBaltimoreVintage, $26.

Yin and Yang

Yin N Yang Fairy Gnomes

By OOAKSculptures, $14.

Yin Yang

By lucanna, $185.

Nuts and Bolts

Chess Set, Modern Nuts and Bolts

By christyannbrewer, $199.

honeycomb of nuts in black buckle

By bykali, $25.

Butch and Femme

Original illustration-masculine suit-

By glamourouslove, $35.

Morgana Femme Corset

By MorganaFemmeCouture, $695.

Rose and Thorn

Thorns Not Included Soap

By DressGreen, $5.50.

Rose Thorn Cane

By TortureWood, $175.

Cats and Dogs

013 CAT AND DOG

By edart, $18.

Cat and Dog Love Print 5 x 7

By Juliapott, $12.

Sun and Moon

Porcelain Salad Bowl

By khphillips, $70.

Blue Moon of Kentucky studs

By JujuBySarah, $90.

Salt and Pepper

Mineral Bath Salts with Ylang Ylang

By PacificParadiseSoap, $5.

Astronauts Salt/Pepper Shakers

By modernfx, $30.

Lady and Tramp

1960s Ladies Olive Pillbox Hat

From VintageTimeMachine, $7.50.

Hobo bIndle notebook

By picklehead, $5.

Elephant and Mouse

Hard Cover Journal with Elephant

By Nicopapergoods, $32.

Moe the Mouse Keychain

By andreacorson, $45.

Angel and Devil

Guardian Angel

By AgiArt, $25.

Shout at the Devil Boot Destroyer

By heavymetallaundry, $225.

Ones and Zeros

Circuit Board/Topography Plate

By trudalakingglatz, $30.

Binary Code Ring District 9

By idlehandsdesigns, $58.

Messy and Tidy

Wild Berry Scrappy Scarf

By abhayafibers, $65.

felt tray

By MinceCo, $12.

Owl and Pussycat

The Owl Stool

By owlstool, $245.

I'm All Ears - The Golden Kitten Ring

By TheGoldenPlague, $84.

Fire and Water

Hanging Fire Red Paper Lampshade

By andreaslights, $50.

Tidal Wave crop jacket

By muirhughes, $55.

Bread and Butter

Mr. Fronch Toast

By plushteam, $20.

Stoneware French Butter Keeper

By flyingpignc, $32.

Snooki and The Situation

Never-Fall-In-Love-At-Jersey-Shore

By freelaurenmarsella, $25.

Muscle Man Necklace

By AprilWrightDesign, $16.

Thunder and Lightning

Thunder. intaglio.

By fantazerova, $80.

Lightning Strikes Twice Earrings

By darkponydesigns, $10.

Bees and Honey

Flight Of The Honeybee Terrarium

By doodlebirdie, $20.

Gourmet hand cut honeycomb

By carusohoney, $6.

Beauty and Beast

Nuno Felted Silk Blossom Wrap

By glamourjunkie, $225.

Specimen No. 60 (Goggle)

By specimen7, $18.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links:

Gift Guides | Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Quit Your Day Job: soulyyours

2010-02-08T10:52:00-05:00

Barbe of soulyyours spent over twenty years working in the public school system before leaving to take on her growing Etsy shop full time. While in the process of transitioning to a part-time schedule in order to plan ahead for the big leap, Barbe was let go like so many others this past June. Since becoming her own boss, Barbe can't imagine how she did it any other way.

How did you originally get into the business of making things?
I was volunteering with Hospice of Summa’s art therapy program, assisting Beth Wade, of Beth Wade Design, with activities for children having been touched by death. I was commissioned by a couple involved in the program to draw the logo for a 5K race, in memory of a daughter they’d lost; they wanted the caricature created in her image. Realizing the importance of symbolic mementos after having lost a loved one, I decided to design angel pins. After a lot of trial and error, Internet searching, and guidance by other artists, I stumbled upon precious metal clay (clay comprised of fine silver particles, water, and an organic binder that becomes 99.9% fine silver once fired in a kiln) and my first designs came to life! Since then, my pins (now retired), along with my other handmade original rustic jewelry designs, have been sold at juried art shows, galleries, and of course here on Etsy!

Tell us about your previous working situation:
I began my full-time work experience in 1986. Its initial purpose was not one of passion, but a means to a nice paycheck and a sound retirement. After the birth of my daughter Chelle in 2007, it became very difficult juggling a full-time job, running a small business, and giving quality time to my family. I was exhausted by the end of the day. Wanting to accumulate a couple of more years towards my 25-year retirement before setting out full time on my own, I decided to go from a management salary to a secretarial salary within the public school system. I relished in the thought of fewer hours, long winter holidays, spring breaks, and glorious summers. Not unlike many other businesses touched by recent economic challenges, as a low woman on the seniority scale, I was laid off after a year of employment in June of 2009.

When you first started selling on Etsy, did you have dreams or goals of eventually quitting your day job?
Not at first. I didn’t really have a concrete plan of where I wished to take my business. I pretty much stumbled upon Etsy, and after getting up enough confidence, decided to post my first piece in 2006. After some time away, I decided to revisit Etsy in 2007— when my daughter was just a few months old, and I was seriously considering other career options. In 2008, I began making a commitment to Etsy, building my shop, and posting on a regular basis.

Did you do anything to prepare ahead of time? Feel free to give us the nitty gritty business details.
Working for the school system, I was already prepared to be without a paycheck during the summer months. Given a couple of months notice prior to my layoff, I made certain our family bills were in order and stocked away funds enough to cover expenses regardless of how my Etsy sales and art shows were going.

What are the most effective ways you have promoted and marketed your Etsy business? What's your best marketing tip?
I would probably receive a “D” in marketing...

Although, I’ve found that wearing my jewelry is probably one of the best free promotions!
Visibility at art shows has proven a huge marketing outlet for me, bringing in many repeat local customers, wholesale accounts, and commissions.
I absolutely love Etsy Treasuries! The luck of the draw with capturing one or being featured in one (thanks Kara of Knme) makes the home page is a sure marketing success!
Listing, listing, listing! For me, with the right mix of balance and timing, this has proven a sure way to increase my visibility and sales on Etsy.
I am a proud member of the Etsy Metal Clay Team, an absolutely amazing Team of fine silver jewelry artisans! The Team offers a wonderful support system, a wealth of resources, as well as an avenue for cross promoting.

What have you found to be an unsuccessful promotion?
On occasion I’ve purchased ads. I noticed little, if any, increase in sales. I’ve been a bit more consistent with blogging than I have been with Twitter, and I use Facebook mainly to keep up with friends.

Walk us through your typical workday.

6:00 a.m. — The alarm rings, and I make my way to my zen space and practice meditation and yoga.
6:30 a.m. — I indulge in a cup of coffee while catching up on news, emails/Convos, Etsy Metal Clay Team posts, and Facebook. Somewhere in the midst, I kiss Jeff goodbye as he leaves for work, and greet my daughter Chelle good morning. Then, it’s time for a warm milk sippy before breakfast (for Mommy, Chelle, and our Great Dane Moia) and getting dressed. While Chelle is playing, I prep dinner.
9:00 a.m. — A couple of days a week, Chelle visits her grandparents so that I can work uninterrupted. Eventually, she will be attending the Spring Garden Waldorf School part time; otherwise, she “helps” me in my studio (mixed with a bit of free play, coloring, play dough, and reading). I print out, fill orders and pop them in the mailbox for our wonderful USPS man to pick up (very convenient and saves gas). Early in the week, I design (make/finish jewelry), and towards the end of the week I complete administrative tasks (order supplies, research, marketing, finances, etc.)
11:00 a.m. — During lunch, Chelle watches PBS, and I check emails, relist items, and check out the Etsy Forums and blog.
12:00 p.m. — While Chelle naps for a couple of hours, I work hard at finishing any remaining tasks.
2:00 p.m. — Chelle wakes up and sits on my lap while we share conversation and a snack, and when the weather is nice, we enjoy a bit of play outdoors. Jeff arrives home shortly thereafter, and a few days a week, I’m off to teach my creative awareness through jewelry making workshops (Promise Project) to elementary age school children.
5:30 p.m. — I arrive back home for dinner and the majority of the evening is spent with my family, outside of relisting a couple of pieces.
7:30 p.m. — Bathtime and story for Chelle, followed by her bedtime.
9:00 p.m. — At last, some free time with Jeff! …and the computer, checking emails, relisting, Facebook.

What do you enjoy most about not having a day job? Is there anything you miss?
I love being home, I love spending these irreplaceable moments with my baby girl — it feels so natural! I have my social moments, but I love my space and serene moments — the flexibility to draw from within. I certainly don’t miss the drama and tension of deadlines. I love living my passion! I love not feeling sacrificed.

What's the hardest part about running your own business?
It did take some time adjusting to the inconsistent paycheck after 20+ years! But, it’s been a true lesson in priorities, and being able to joyfully live without spending just to spend. The comments of others who don’t necessarily perceive what I do as “real work,” because I enjoy it and because I do so from the comfort of my home, can be frustrating. Creating balance can be a challenge — trying to “leave work” in the evenings/weekends to fully be in the moment with my family and friends. Not being so hard on myself when I feel I’ve accomplished less than I should have on any given day. Although the Internet creates a world of opportunities unlike any other, with that comes the pressure as an entrepreneur to hop on every digital tool/marketing bandwagon. There is only so much time in one day… really.

If you could go back in time, what advice would you give yourself? What advice would you give someone else?
Not to wait for the universe to make the decision for me. My sister had been encouraging me for years to set out on my own. Now that I have, it’s hard to believe that I did it any other way. Never let the fear of others determine the path that you are meant to take. It is never too late to start dreaming about what you want to be when you grow up.

What goals do you wish to accomplish in the coming year for your Etsy business?

Finding new, economically viable ways to market my shop.
Presenting new collections I’ve had on the back-burner for a while.
Happy customers, healthy sales!

Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I can’t say enough about how wonderful Etsy is! Not merely a place to display and sell your wares, but a wonderful community of support and resources! The world seems a bit cozier being able to connect with so many wonderful people! Thanks for taking the time to learn a bit more about me!

Thanks to Barbe for sharing her story. You can see some of Barbe's beautiful work in the Related Items. Check out previous Quit Your Day Job posts here.

UK Edition: Greetings From Etsy's UK Blogger

2010-02-08T07:45:00-05:00

Hello and a very warm welcome to the UK Edition of the Etsy blog! My name is Amity, I'm an Etsy addict, and it's such a pleasure to meet you all.

Etsy and I go way back. I've been a seller since 2006, when I started out selling my photography on cards and postcards. Along with my changing passions, my business has morphed and shifted through several incarnations up until today, which sees me crafting fine silver jewellery most days of the week.

In a very short while you'll be hearing more from me as I report on all things Etsy UK and the creative scene at large throughout The Kingdom. I will soon also be joined by Matt and Benedikta in Germany and Amelie (a.k.a. AmelieFrenchie) in France as we grow our little European corner of the blog.

I couldn't be more thrilled to be on board. It feels like a real privilege to be joining the Etsy team, and it's so exciting to be reaching out to the UK — and global — community. I'm looking forward to having many of you take part and get involved. Who knows where it will lead us, but I can't wait to find out.

Help me feature you!
We're currently asking all UK sellers to tag each and every one of their items with the tag UK. We're working on improving our geographical search features, but in the meantime this helps me to find your beautiful wares when I'm trawling UK items under a specific theme. We also strongly urge you to fill out your geographical location on your Etsy profile so you show up in Shop Local results.

Get Involved!
Do you have a story or an interesting idea? Is there a UK holiday we should be covering? Please let us know in the comments section below.

Bookmark the UK Edition Featured Column!

Etsy Finds Decor: Repurposed Retreat

2010-02-07T11:00:00-05:00

This weekend's Get the Look: Decor is inspired by Sandra Soss's Chicago home and studio. Staying true to her self-proclaimed bricolage lifestyle, Sandra’s home is a compelling amalgamation of collections, artwork, thrift shop treasures, found objects and donated furnishings that are constantly rearranged and repurposed.

Sandra also runs two successful Etsy shops, bricolagelife and daisychainvintage. When her hands aren’t full of “glue, threads, camera or onions” she blogs about her various art projects, home life, cooking and decorating at Bricolagelife.

View more photos of Sandra’s home on Flickr. Check out the Etsy Finds below for creative decorating ideas to transform your home into a cozy retreat filled with meaningful collections and objects.

Treasures - signed reproduction print

By KatHannah, $21.

Vintage Rand McNally World Globe

From impulseART, $26.

Vintage 1940s Folding Oak Wood Chairs

From sevenbc, $120.

The Emperor Seat, gorgeous stool

By StilNovoDesign, $185.

pair of green metal boxes

From ImSoVintage, $19.

cards for Grandma

By tushtush, $50.

instant collection - ceramic bowl set

From thewildplum, $12.

Vintage Nesting Hen Covered Dish

From DowntownGirlVintage, $15.

Snowdrops

By reyaveltman, $55.

Pine Tree Key Rack

By yellowcanoe, $38.

Oscar Wilde Prayer Candles Set

By DeadMenTellingTales, $30.

Porcelain Pods

By DTerryDesigns, $22.

Orange Chair House

By CornflowerPress, $48.

Vintage Equestrian Horse Pilliow

By amye123, $16.

Saint Tammy Prayer Candle in White

By sweetheartville, $20.

Teensy Vintage Banner Trio

By monkeypuzzle, $20.

Mosaic Table

From DecktoutHome, $219.

Vintage Kitschy Souvenir Pillow

From thebackwardglance, $14.

Chernushka

By Mystectvo, $2400.

Conifer Plate

By mernim, $40.

Cottage style Paper Mache Boxes

By thebrokenhouse, $21.98.

Vintage map handmade Lamp shade

By theoldlampshed, $56.

Cork Bulletin Board - Wood Frame

By LaffyDaffy, $23.

Western Meadowlark.. a pretty print

By candacejean, $12.

Fern and Gloria Original Watercolor

By vivstrauss, $170.

General Electric Oscillating Table Fan

From vintageonthemake, $50.

I Heart HOPE - Obama Poster Print

By WilliamDohman, $14.

Custom Map Tray - Large

By CarolinaCottage, $40.

Green Cheese Tray/ Desk Accessory

From thevintageholicfrog, $18.

Sea Green Gooseneck Desk Lamp

From funretro, $7

Inside Out Collection - Happily Ever After

By RomanekDesign, $20.

An Irish Toast to Your Coffin Poster

By VictorianLowbrow, $13.95.

Marimekko Mini Unikko Pillow Cover

By ModDiva, $27.95.

Set of Books Proust Locke & Maugham

From tigerluxe, $43.

Floating Fern Farm - Original painting

By unitedthread, $25.

Plant an Idea

By elsita, $25.

Mini Goals Chalkboard - Today I Will

By MaryKateMcDevitt, $33.

Recycled Map Treasure-Cigar Box

By HocusFocus, $18.

Painted Turquoise Plate Shelf

From pattispolkadots, $28.

Strawberry Pitcher

From autumnalways, $16.

Looking for more styles and interiors? Check out our video series, There's No Place Like Here, where creative types show us their unique spaces — infused with their aesthetic and filled with the treasures they collect. Get involved and show us your amazing space in this Flickr pool.

Check out other Get the Look: Home Decor Editions.

Looking for more Etsy Finds? Try these links: Guest Curators | Trends | Gift Ideas

Need a daily fix of Etsy Finds? Sign up for the Etsy Finds e-mail! Conveniently delivered to your inbox!

Etsy Finds: Revenge of the Nerds

2010-02-06T11:35:00-05:00

Geek is the new chic, did you hear? With technology trail blazing the next frontier and gadgets becoming an essential part of the daily routine, it's time to embrace our inner dork and geek out over the Etsy Finds below. For more nerdtastic inspiration, peruse Etsy's Geekery Category.

Working vintage headphones

From CompositeModern, $45.

The iPhone Cheese-Case

By Antjes, $35.

1930s RARE Antique Remington

From joevintage, $525.

Headphones pillow

By SoapStudiooos, $35.

Vintage Shuron Horn Eyeglasses

From Vintage50sEyewear, $67.

You Are The CSS to My HTML Tee

By PopandShorty, $25.