wood wall

I think this is wonderful.  Not sure if I'd love it in a home with small children (hello splinters??) but I think it adds such a quirky fun element to a room...warms it up.  Woodgrain is so beautiful. via Poppytalk

butterfly wings

Wow. That's really all I can say....I've never seen such a thing...and I can't stop looking at them.

These earrings are MADE FROM BUTTERFLY WINGS! I know...crazy beautiful right? They are handmade by artisans in Peru, from butterflies that have died naturally in butterfly farms...

"Not only does this provide needed income for the farmers and silversmiths, but also helps prevent deforestation by offering alternative income in the amazon, and education about delicate ecosystems, creating sustainability and helping preserve wild butterfly populations."

Go check out the delightful handmade lovelies at Seven Hopes United, a globally involved fair trade market.

ferny affection

Ferns - by Groundwork (a delightful Etsy shop)

This beyond beautiful print has been saved in my FAVORITES section on Etsy for months. Literally, months. It's sold out now, which is the hugest bummer I can imagine (at the moment) and I'm kicking myself in the shins for missing the op to own it.

I really need to start jumping at these things. Or maybe I should really wait until I am employed to make fun purchases. Hummm...

I tell you what - even though this print is sold out, I will never delete it from my "favorites" tab. Ever.

what do your hands smell like?

Right now, mine has the hint of Rosewood-Orange from the Soap of the Month Club at Strawberry Hedgehog.

from the blog:

Valencia orange essential oil is a bright and cheerful scent. Steam distilled from the peels of the orange it offers great aromatherapy to uplift and energize. The rosewood is an almost spicy scent. It is steam distilled from the wood of an unfortunately now rare tree in South America so I do not use it lightly....The rosewood oil is traditionally used for everything from acne to wrinkle prevention and treatment to boosting immunity. The scent is intoxicating and has the benefits of being strengthening and soothing. I have also added a hint of rose otto oil for a slightly more floral sweetness and a touch of rosewater.

The floral, woody, and subtly spicy character of the rosewood with the uplifting, green scent of orange makes for a fantastic combination.

Get your own. This bar's mine.

tom's shoes

When I saw that AT&T commercial featuring Tom's Shoes, I had no flippin' idea it was a real company. But it is. And I'm terribly in love with their rad shoes, and their beautiful purpose. For every pair of shoes they sell, they GIVE a pair of shoes to a child in need. I'm becoming more and more in love with companies that do more for our global community. (it doesn't hurt that Blake Mycoski, the founder and chief shoe giver, is quite a cutie!)

cruiser dreams

via Star Guitar

I can't honestly say that I would use it if I had one, but every time I see one I want it. I might ride it to the library. Maybe to Hob Knob Cafe. Perhaps to the Basilica downtown, or the Art Museum for free Thursday evenings. Maybe.

beGreen pod

How cute is this lil thing? Fits on your keychain...and when you need her...cablam! she's big and perfect. From Green Mountain Energy for a mere $12.95...read below how amazing this is.

For each BeGreen Pod purchased, one native tree is planted in an ecosystem restoration project in the United States. You'll also get a reusable bag that can help avoid up to 330 plastic bags and 32 paper bags annually! Choosing reusable bags over disposable bags helps prevent about 21 pounds of CO2e emissions each year. What's more, the BeGreen Pod is made out of 100% recycled polyester.

strawberry hedgehog

strawberry hedgehod's soap club delivers a tantalizing bar to your door monthly!

The more you and I get to be friends, the more you will understand my absolute devotion to the handcrafted arts. Seriously. I find it to be crazy luxurious to use, own, consume products that were created by an impassioned individual.

Hence, my love and adoration for strawberry hedgehog, a local handmade vegan soap shop. No really, have you ever fallen in love with soap before? The owner, Tracy (totally rad chicka btw), has a booth at the Farmer's Market I frequent and now I'm hooked. HOOKED I tell you.

Soap for Hope Collection donates 50% of each sale to various Cancer charities = amazing.

Her packaging is beautiful, the soaps are lovely to look at and their heavenly aromas are to die for. Check out her shop...and her blog (hello yummy-looking vegan recipes)

*side note - they sell LOADS of handmade pleasures on their site: pretty jewelry, face products, yada yada..check it out.