Etsy's Most Wonderful Things!

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

2007-12-04T08:59:00.000-05:00

We know. Your bff is a sweetheart, but she can be a little, um... picky. But don't worry. We know she'll just love this stylish courier bag from Sweetgum Handbags. Made of faux suede and repurposed vinyl, this roomy bag also has tons of pockets so she can keep all that stuff she carries around neat and organized. (Organic Squares Courier Bag, $45.00)

Featured Seller: Madelaine

2007-12-01T09:31:00.000-05:00

Madelaine is a brilliant, sixteen-year-old photographer. We interviewed her recently about her life, her work, and lots of other good stuff:

Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Madelaine. I'm a sixteen-year-old photographer and digital artist living in Thomas, West Virginia. I collect matchbooks and matchboxes. And I occasionally wear fake mustaches.

Your photography is so beautiful. How did you get interested in photography?
Thank you. I remember showing an interest in photography in 2004, that Christmas, my step-dad bought me a little point-and-shoot to use. I joined deviantART and started uploading there. My photography, through many comments and feedback, evolved from bad snapshots to real art, with one camera upgrade in between (Canon 350d).

My brother is a web designer which led to interest in and access to photoshop. That started the chain reaction the led to my digital art.

What's a typical day like for you?
Waking up around 11, checking etsy, addressing envelopes, writing thank-you notes and packing prints. Just about everyday I visit the post office to check my mail or send out some prints, or both. After the post office, I usually stop in for tea at a local café. I have school on Tuesdays and Thurdays, so those days are usually spent taking notes.

What's your workspace like?
Well, when it comes to the subjects and location of my photography, almost all of it is within walking distance of my house. For editing and digital art, I have my computer on a very crowded desk. It's crowded because I write things a lot on scraps of paper, and it just adds up. Plus, I'm lucky enough to own a 12x18" Wacom Intous tablet, but it takes up a lot of space.

What did you have for breakfast?
Nothing. I have very strange eating habits, which means I eat when I'm hungry and don't when I'm not. It works for me, I guess.

What music are you listening to right now?
Raphaël by Carla Bruni. She has a stunning voice. I love her music.

Best advice you ever got?
Never ever give up.

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

2007-11-23T12:55:00.000-05:00

Got a gearhead in your life that you love to death but hate to shop for? Don't worry. We're sure he'll find Snowcone Collective's Analog vs. Digital tee quite enjoyable. This limited edition graphic tee is available in S, M, L, and XL, so you can be sure it'll be a perfect fit in more ways than one.

See? Problem solved. (Analog vs. Digital Graphic Tee, $18.00)

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

2007-11-21T11:01:00.001-05:00

Need a ton of gifts for all those friendly faces in your life? You know: the school crossing guard who has a cheery "Good Morning!" for you, even when it's six below outside? Or the cashier at the grocery store who doesn't make a face when you try to sneak eleven items onto the Ten-Items-Or-Less aisle? And what about that nice neighbor who doesn't pitch a fit every time your kids' soccer ball ends up in her yard?

Well, we think Purusha's sandalwood soap would be a perfect gift for any or all of these lovelies. It's handmade with lots of good stuff like avocado and olive oils, and scented with sandalwood, clary sage, sweet orange, jasmine, and vetiver essential oils. But we especially love that its beautiful, minimalist look lets you make a fuss without being too fussy. (Sandalwood Soap, $5.50)

HOLIDAY GUIDE 2007

2007-11-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

Holidays getting you down? Don't know what to get that couple who has everything? How about some awesome art to brighten their day? "Circular Reasoning", by Amy Giacomelli just might make you the hit of the season. It's done in professional grade acrylics on three gallery-wrapped 100% cotton canvases. Or, you can keep it for yourself and invite everyone over to your place. That's okay, too. (Circular Reasoning, $220.00)

Take-Out Time

2007-11-05T09:28:00.001-05:00

We love lorenabarrezueta's cheeky new Gourmet Collection. Created to look like disposable take-out tins, these fine porcelain dishes are a step above. They are oven and dishwasher safe, and come in a boatload of bright colors. (Square Meal Dish, $55.00)

Give A Hoot

2007-10-15T10:27:00.001-04:00

Skullknockers are: skeptical two limbed creatures that inhabit small corners of living space across the northeast; prone to hugs and murderous looks.

Skullknockers is: a really cute shop where you can find lots of awesome critters like this one-of-a-kind guy who's made from new and used materials, hand-stitched, stuffed with t-shirt scraps, and completely huggable. (Pumpkin-head owl, $77.00)

Just Dreamy

2007-10-10T12:30:00.001-04:00

No, they don't really smell like dragon's blood (or maybe they do; how would we know?) Anyway, these incense sticks from Dreamland Incense are warm and exotic, with notes of amber, vanilla, sandalwood, and other good stuff. (Dragon's Blood Incense Sticks, $2.50 for 15)

Easy Chair

2007-10-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

We really like the clean lines of Lunar Lounge Design's modern/retro furniture, including this beautiful slipper style chair. It's built on a hand-crafted wood frame, and upholstered in a vintage burnt orange twill fabric. (Slipper Style Chair Bokz Lounge, $269.99)

Oh, The Cuteness!

2007-09-28T08:41:00.001-04:00

We just can't get enough tinymeat (heh, heh), and this cute little iPod case is why. It features Lil Matilda (by Florida artist Helena Garcia) and fits all 5G video iPods. (Lil Matilda 5G iPod Case, $12.00)

Eye In The Sky

2007-09-26T07:18:00.001-04:00

Working with nothing but paper, cardboard, and a surgical scalpel, artist Nicholas Manion of nickolya creates intricate works of art he terms "2D/3D sculpture". This one features the London Eye, painstakingly sliced from thick white cardstock; but don't miss the items he's crafted from international currency as well. (Large Art Card- London Eye, $30.00)

Snug As A Bug

2007-09-24T09:08:00.001-04:00

Fall is finally here, and that means chillier nights and cozier bedding. So snuggle up the kiddies in Doodlebug Finery's Flower Explosion blanket. It measures a generous 24" x 36" and features a cheery floral print on one side and fuzzy plush chenille on the other. In between is a layer of premium cotton batting. Yum. (Flower Explosion Blanket, $43.00)

Mister Roboto

2007-09-04T17:13:00.001-04:00

We loved these tags even before we read Robo Boy's shop announcement: "...my name is Connor and I am seven years old. I like robots and Lego. My mommy won't let me have a lemonade stand everyday (she says people won't get out of their cars when it's snowing and stuff.) I want to buy more Lego so I opened this shop..."

Okay? Now go get some of these neat little tags so the kid can buy some new Legos. Sheesh. (The Original Robot Giant Circle Gift Tags - Domo Arigato, $1.50 for four)

Here, Kitty Kitty!

2007-08-20T11:28:00.001-04:00

This porcelain bowl from Circa Ceramics features stripes of chartreuse and avocado, plus the cutest kitties. It measures approximately 8" wide by 2" high, and it's food, dishwasher, and microwave safe. What more could you want? (Fortune Kitty Lo Bowl, $45.00)

Don't Skirt The Issue

2007-08-14T12:34:00.000-04:00

The birds on this cute skirt from Basho Apparel are printed on green cotton fleece in yellow ink. It's available in small, medium, large, and extra large. And it's yummy. (Release From Four Skirt, $30.00)

Just Peachy!

2007-08-13T13:43:00.000-04:00

We love these dainty earrings from BrightonMoon. Freshwater pearls and lotus flowers carved into peach averturine swing from hammered hoops. (White Lotus Earrings, $22.00)

Room With a View

2007-08-06T11:44:00.002-04:00

Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? Vladmasters are handmade viewmaster disks. Our favorite is the Fear & Trembling set (dinner parties can be perilous!) featuring four disks, storage box, and a mini-CD soundtrack. (Fear and Trembling Vladmaster Set, $20.00)

Off The Cuff

2007-08-01T16:57:00.001-04:00

The wood used in Garnish Home's cuff bracelet is actually American Black Walnut recycled from the furniture industry. It measures 1 1/4" wide by 1/8" thick , and comes packaged in a jewelry box with an artist bio. (Walnut Bracelet, $51.00)

Swing Set

2007-07-30T14:09:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we love what you say as much as what you make. This great little tee from the medium control is described as "inspired by the endless childhood hours flying on the tire swing, leaning back so far you think your head is going to catch ground." Wheeee! (Swinger T-shirt. $20.00)

Book 'Em

2007-07-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

We love this great little journal from Huey. It's got lightly lined pages and a sweet beaded bookmark, so you can write or draw to your heart's content. (Hardcover Beaded Journal, $15.00)

This Little Light of Mine...

2007-07-16T16:09:00.000-04:00

Bet you never knew that maryink makes a brilliant assortment of silkscreened votive holders. Snap up a few for your next outdoor party, and it's sure to be a hit! (Silkscreened Votives, $16.00 for two)

Green Day

2007-07-09T09:43:00.000-04:00

Okay, we know you animal lovers enjoy the plastic grocery bags for their poop-retaining properties. But it's time to go green, people, and that means it's time to shun the plastic bags for a more eco-friendly alternative. Luckily, Etsy has tons of handmade canvas totes. Now, go buy one of the lovely totes you see here, or find your own -- and make all your neighbors green with envy (hur hur)! (Market totes from top: Supa, Cascade Lemonade, Pink Posie Designs middle: bvann, Nest Pretty Things, Fort Cloudy bottom: Artsicle, Modern Charm, bagonebagshop)

Shiny Happy People

2007-07-04T17:05:00.000-04:00

Cat Bishop is known for stacking fun, vintage-y cameras, clocks, and kitchenware in a way that practically brings them to life! Well, now you can also find those anthropomorphic little guys available as 8" x 10" matte prints. And that makes us very, very happy. (Fred and Ed Original Art Photo Print, $14.00)

Sweet Treats!

2007-06-29T17:17:00.000-04:00

This adorable kids' baking set from nanaCompany includes an apron, six delicious-looking playtime sugar cookies, and a little wooden spoon, all tucked inside a cute orange and pink case. (Sweet Treat Gift Set, $40.00)

Indie Love

2007-06-20T09:11:00.000-04:00

Etsy's own Lz Rocks! (octarine) has just embarked upon an exciting new indie adventure. Here's what she recently told us:

Tell us about 517521.

We are an indie department store that sells a vast array of new, vintage, and artist-made goods. We are on the first floor of the old G.C. Murphy building in Bellevue, Pa. We are hoping to open the basement (which used to contain the pet and toy departments) theatre/lounge in a few months.

EJ and myself (Lz) saw a vague ad on Craigslist; a week later we had ourselves a huge store and a whole lot of work to do. Andy started the store, then moved to Arkansas. Sam is just insane, but in the best possible way, and he helps us stay optimistic. This is the space of my dreams and I am so lucky to have the opportunity to try and make it work.

How would you describe the "vibe" of the store?

Eclectic. There are so many different things here, it is impossible to take it all in at once, but most people fall in love the minute they walk through the door.

What do you think your greatest challenges will be?

Raising funds to restore and improve our fabulous old building and keeping this huge space clean!

You'll be selling lots of artist-produced items. What items are you most excited about?

LemonCadet's yeti panties are incredibly cute and come with tiny plastic yeti combs! I'm also expecting lots of paintings and photography, as well as a ton of gorgeous handmade jewelry (including my own!) I'd love to get more handmade clothing ASAP.

It sounds like a very creative space. What else is going on in the building and the neighborhood that you find interesting?

The Creative Treehouse on the second floor of the 517521 building is a shared studio space with a darkroom, photo studio, spaces for client meetings, and so much more. It is a fantastic space with huge windows and wood floors (I can hear someone up there right now, probably doing something cool.) For a very reasonable monthly rent, artists get their own key which allows them 24-hour access to the Treehouse. They have their Open House on June 30, and I am really looking forward to working with them for future events.

Down the street, there is a great hot dog shop called Frankfurter's, a super swank restaurant called Vivo, and the best neighborhood coffee shop ever, Affogato (be sure to stop by for their Sunday pancake buffet!) The friendly, walkable neighborhood of Bellevue has lots of other great shops and restaurants, but if you're looking to booze it up, you'll have to bring your own: the church-going founders of the town made it so there are no noisy bars to add traffic and crime, but many establishments have BYOB nights, so you always have exactly what you want to drink.

Anything else?

If you happen to be in the Pittsburgh area, please stop in and say hi! Call 412.223.2552 to check store hours. If you are interested in consignment - handmade or vintage - email me at mmmmLz@gmail.com :)

Anatomy 101

2007-06-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

bonspielcreation has tons of stuff you'll want, including this zippy little leather purse. At approximately 5 1/4" x 4", it's a great size for change, cards, or even your cell phone. (Skeleton Wristlet, $18.00)

Knit Wit

2007-06-15T09:23:00.000-04:00

This yarn from Knit! comes in the most cheerful orange we've ever seen! It's 137 yards of beautiful hand-dyed, 100% Peruvian wool. Start now and you'll have an awesome scarf before the first autumn chill! (Orange Colored Sky Hand-dyed Yarn, $16.00)

Spice It Up

2007-06-11T14:06:00.000-04:00

This spice kit from purposedesign contains fifteen exotic spices like sliced dried ginger, curry leaves, cut lemongrass, herbal curry blend, and sliced turmeric. Each spice comes in its own glass-top container and it's all stored in a handsome brushed aluminum box. Oh, yeah, and did we mention that it's freakin' awesome? (Large Southeast Asian Organic Spice Kit, $34.99)

Loop-de-loop

2007-06-08T09:59:00.001-04:00

We love all things simple and modern, and that's why we love these earrings from Elisa Shere Jewelry. A beautiful, one inch hand-hammered loop hangs from a sterling silver earwire. What could be simpler than that? (Big Loop Earrings, $20.00)

Yo Ho Ho!

2007-06-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

Just in time for the summer party season, it's Supa's skull-and-crossbones table runner. The three black skulls silkscreened onto a 13" x 36" light blue runner would dress up any table in a totally piratey way. (Arr Handprinted Table Runner, $15.00)

Soap Opera

2007-05-31T08:47:00.000-04:00

What could be fresher after a long, hot day than a cool shower and an extra-chunky bar of Daisycakes Soap's bamboo soap? It's made from scratch, and blends the clean scents of bamboo, ginger, citrus and cedar. Aaaaah! (Limited Edition Elements of Bamboo Soap, $4.50)

Best Dressed

2007-05-24T09:55:00.000-04:00

Summer's coming, and this darling little sundress from Le Bouton is just the ticket for those balmy August days. It's made of cool, natural linen and is available in sizes 2T - 8. Sweet! (Easy Dress, $38.00)

You Saw It Here First!

2007-05-18T08:39:00.000-04:00

Yep, you saw it here first! A few months ago, we were the first to feature these beautiful dish towels from PataPri. Well, now she's featured in this month's TimeOut Chicago and we get to say we knew her when! You can pick up the issue on newstands right now, or you can take a look at the article here.

A Lotta Fluff

2007-05-17T08:57:00.000-04:00

This big rectangular pillow from joom measures 12" x 18" and features a cardinal and agapanthus flower in the cheeriest of oranges. Great for resting your weary head or perking up any corner of your room! (Orange Full Print Cardinal on Agapanthus Rectangle Pillow, $28.00)

Paper Paper Everywhere!

2007-05-14T17:16:00.000-04:00

Well, after much deliberation and hemming and hawing and wondering whether the mess was gonna be worth it, we spent the whole weekend creating handmade paper!

After hunting down every last scrap of junk mail and newsprint and construction paper we could possibly find, we were ready to begin blending, swishing, screening, patting, pounding, and hanging it out to dry. It took the better part of two days, but we did it; and we sure are pleased as punch with the results!

As you can see, we got some really beautiful pics out of the deal as well. There's something about stacks and stacks of colorful paper that just begs to be photographed! You can find some of the paper we created this weekend for sale here in our Etsy store. But we're keeping most of it for ourselves. We're stingy like that.

Scrap Book

2007-05-14T10:08:00.000-04:00

This stunning blank book from KupoKiley's shop has been constructed with genuine Japanese kimono remnants and is, as she says, "ready to hold your sketches, dreams, desires, or dirty little secrets!" (Stars and Silk Book, $18.00)

Rice Is Nice

2007-05-07T09:55:00.000-04:00

Set the Asian mood with Montezuma Mudd's handmade rice bowl set. Each set includes two 4" tall bowls and two pairs of chopsticks. (Stoneware Rice Bowls with Chopsticks, $21.00)

As Featured On The CRAFT Blog...

2007-05-07T09:04:00.000-04:00

We'd just like to send a great big thanks to Natalie for featuring our little blog at CRAFT last week.

If you haven't yet experienced the fabulousness that is Craft (and their sister magazine, Make) this is where you drop everything you're doing and hightail it down to the local bookstore. Find them and read them from cover to cover. They're seriously awesome and filled with tons of crafty goodness!

Anyway, this blog got a mention, as did both YoakeUK's Etsy shop and our own Sugarcube Design shop. What a rush!

Did You Heart Your iPod Today?

2007-05-04T10:37:00.000-04:00

We just found this fabulous little iPod case in YoakeUK's shop! It will keep you happy with it's brilliant colors, and it will keep your iPod happy with it's snuggly protection. Definitely a win/win situation! (Lime/Orange Felt iPod Shuffle Case, $9.00)

Buckle Up!

2007-04-27T12:12:00.000-04:00

This sleek Frame Buckle from 20VoltHand is handmade from 1/2" by 1/8" steel, is TIG welded and measures 2 1/2" x 4". And if that's not heavy-duty enough for you, it comes with your choice of a black or brown belt. (Frame Buckle With Belt, $45.00)

Orange You Glad?

2007-04-26T09:22:00.000-04:00

Bake something warm and yummy! The beautiful, brightly-colored casserole dishes from Cinderelish are all the inspiration you'll need! (Orange Casserole, $20.00)

To A Tee

2007-04-17T17:24:00.000-04:00

Toge means "thorn" in Japanese, but this comfy-soft handscreened tee from Ahpeele looks anything but prickly; we think it's just perfect! (Toge Sheer Top, $38.00)

Wash n' Dry

2007-04-16T18:14:00.000-04:00

These lovely, modern kitchen towels by PataPri are hand silkscreened on 100% linen. But there are so many beautiful designs, you're going have trouble choosing just one. (Shippou - Kitchen towel, $14.00)

Don't Worry, Be Happy...

2007-04-16T16:50:00.000-04:00

The prints from ArtofAndrewDaniel always make me happy. No more room on your wall? Don't worry -- he's got greeting cards, too! (Imaginary Floral Landscape Print, $15.00)

"Show Me Your Etsy" Photo Contest Results

2007-04-10T11:11:00.000-04:00

Well, the first-ever "Show Me Your Etsy" Photo Contest is over, and it was loads of fun! We think we had a good run for our first try at a contest (hopefully, we'll have even more entries next time). You can take a look at all of the entries here.

Since there was only a total of six entrants (c'mon people!) and five prizes, we've decided to award everyone who entered. So, a big thanks to abitabite, heavenhelpus, highlyAtomic, ThePaintedTiger, allisonsphotography, and tangerined for all of their hard work and Etsy goodness. You'll be receiving your notecards soon!

Red-y Or Not

2007-04-10T11:03:00.000-04:00

This fire-engine red band from Marstinia is a-ma-zing! It's made of copper and fully enameled on the interior and exterior of the ring. Rustic and elegant, all at the same time! (Red Enamel Ring, $40.00)

Show Me Your Turtle's Belly!

2007-04-07T08:45:00.000-04:00

Here's a look at another entry to the "Show Me Your Etsy" contest. Thanks, heavenhelpus!

There's only two days left to get your photo in! Hurry!

Yippee!

2007-04-02T16:05:00.000-04:00

Yes! We've got our first entry to the "Show Me Your Etsy" Photo Contest! It's from abitabite and it's quite, er, cheeky!

Jealous much? Want to enter your own photo? What's stopping you? See below for details.

No Purple Dinosaurs!

2007-04-02T15:57:00.000-04:00

These hemp washies from Lookitmama are so sweet and un-fussy! One side is hemp fleece, the other side is a pretty cotton print. (Hemp Washies, $8.00 for three)

The First-Ever Sugarcube Design "Show Me Your Etsy" Photo Contest

2007-03-30T10:42:00.000-04:00

Okay, here's the deal: I'm looking for pics of the Etsy logo stuck on the craziest, craftiest, most subversive places you can think of. Use your imagination, because pretty much anything goes. Wallpaper your room with it. Stick it on your dog. Plaster it to your mama, for all I care. Just don't do anything illegal, and don't tell them I sent you.

If you don't already have one, you can find a copy of the logo here. Pics should be .jpg's no larger than 500 x 500 (that's pixels, folks, not inches), and must be submitted by 7:00 pm DST on Sunday, April 8, 2007 (it was going to be earlier, but lots of you asked for extra time) to me at entropymail@yahoo.com.

Enter as many times as you like. All entries will be posted as I receive them. Five winners will be chosen at random, and will be announced on Tuesday, April 10th. Each winner will receive a free Sugarcube Design Trifold Notecard Set. Now get going!

>>NEW! Now you can also post your entries directly to the "Show Me Your Etsy" Flickr Group! Now it's easier than ever to enter!<<

Zippity Do Da!

2007-03-30T09:12:00.000-04:00

These zippered purses from Florspace are so retro and cute! They're made of Japanese printed cotton twill with a red cotton interior. Toss in a lip balm, your Etsy business cards and a couple of coins and you're good to go. You're definitely going to need more than one of these! (Red Train Mini Zippered, $6.50)

Relax...

2007-03-27T09:52:00.000-04:00

...with a hot cup of TeaNoir's Tart tea. Tangy hibiscus flowers and Yunnan black tea infused with organic grapefruit and ginger essential oils, plus pieces of ginger for an extra kick! Mmmm... I feel better already. (Tart Tea, $7.50 for 4 oz.)

In A Flap

2007-03-26T13:36:00.000-04:00

Such clever little notecards! Scribble your message and lick the flap; no envelopes necessary! Set contains three stripes and three flowers, and also comes in pink. (Tri-fold Blue Notecards, $5.50 for six)

Gone To The Dogs!

2007-03-23T08:50:00.000-04:00

Why should we have all the fun? Check out this leash from TheModernPet's shop and Fido will be trotting around in style! (Pebble Beach Dog Leash, $24.95)

2007-03-20T09:25:00.000-04:00

Coptic binding. Wooden boards. Creamy hemp paper. Goldleaf-sprinkled endleaves. Yes, I lust after this notebook from NinaJudinBooks. Enough said. (Luxury Notebook in Wooden Covers - Small, $50.00)

Feeling Blue?

2007-03-20T09:10:00.000-04:00

This serving bowl from MSPottery is dishwasher and microwave safe, and would be great for serving pasta or salads. But I think I'd just place it on my kitchen table and stare at it. Beautiful! (Cobalt Blue Serving Bowl, $28.00)

2007-03-14T10:53:00.000-04:00

It's the newest addition to our collection! A gardenful of mod orange flowers printed on crisp, white cardstock. Set includes six 3.75" x 2.25"notecards and six matching envelopes. They're tiny; just the right size for tucking in a business card! (Mod Orange Flowers Notecard and Envelope Set, $4.50)

Pack Up And Go

2007-03-14T09:59:00.000-04:00

This messenger bag by Angela Liu Designs is constructed of a sturdy denim canvas twill paired with the fabric of your choice (check her shop for a wide selection of prints). You have to lug your stuff around anyway -- why not do it in style! (Design Your Own Large Messenger Bag, $90.00)

Spring Fever!

2007-03-13T10:08:00.000-04:00

I just found this beautiful little handthrown porcelain bowl by Foldedpigs! The handpainted green grass on the outside and orange glaze on the inside really make me long for warmer days! (Spring Fever Little Grassy Bowl by Foldedpigs, $12.00)

Welcome!

2007-03-11T19:45:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Sugarcube Design's spankin' new blog! It's dedicated to great design so you'll see lots of wonderful Etsy shops featured here, as well as the best of the artsiest and craftiest items I can find.

Enjoy!