Palimpsestic Style || Guest Stylist



iceland photograph by pruginko

It's been an exciting month for the blog. We have added lots of new content, but I love our Guest Pinner/Stylist Series. It lets us get a glimpse of how someone with amazing style turns that into a creative outlet like an Etsy shop. I think Jenn's board really shows us how her everyday style show's up in her own creations. 



1. birch house by 2by2
2. washi tape by wishywashitape
3. let the light in by tastes orangey

Jenn's Etsy Favorites:
She's a sucker for wee houses, owns the washi book tape and someday hopes to own an original painting by Clare Elsaesser.



knowledge is power by Sasa Nikolic
elko cabinet from Anthopologie

In Jenn's own words:
I have stacks like this at home. Beautiful and sad.
I don't even have a place to put this, but I'd FIND one, I want it so. Eiko Cabinet 


adventurer map garland by Palimpsestic
Thanks Jenn for sharing your style and being our first ever Guest Stylist on Pinterest!  
If you love Jenn's style be sure to follow her here and check out her shop Palimpsestic.
Next month Nanako of Pig & Fish will show off her style. Until then.


Etsy Birthday Gifts for Mom!



1. Lavender Purple Czech Glass Beaded Earrings by Lunarbelle
2. Silk Travel Scarf by By Cinne Worthington
3. Laminated Cotton Zipper Pouch by oktak
4. Raspberry Vanilla Handmade Soap by Blushie


Today is my mom's birthday and so I thought I'd put together a list of items inspired by what my mom would enjoy.  Earrings are always a hit and since purple is my mom's favorite color, I picked out these lavender purple czech glass bead earrings by Regina of Lunarbelle - just the right shade of purple!  Since my mom likes to travel a lot, giving a light and easy to pack gift will insure that it gets used and enjoyed often.  That's why I love the silk scarf by Cinne of By Cinne Worthington - not only is it travel friendly, but it's simply gorgeous!  Now, zipper pouches would make anybody smile as they're so great for organizing a variety of items.  My mom and I both have a collection of pouches for almost every occasion.  Aki of oktak has such a shop full of colorful and cute purses and pouches - I selected this zipper pouch for the retro style fabric and bold colors.  And finally, my mom always loves to have a selection of handmade soap on hand - some for the guest bathroom, some for herself.  I know she'd love the scent combo of raspberry and vanilla in this vegan friendly soap by Megan of Blushie.  Sounds delicious!

What would your mom enjoy for her birthday?

  

Color Focus: Coral, Coral, Coral


It seems like everywhere I turn I see coral. Ok maybe not literally, but it's out there and I find it inspiring. I guess it reminds me that Spring is just around the corner or maybe it's the fact that I don't really like pink, but when you add a bit of orange to it I love it!  The best part for me as a color lover is that it mixes so well with mint or navy blue. I think those color combinations are absolutely scrumptious and look good every Spring no matter the year. Of the five shades above, I think number 3 is my favorite. Do you have a crush on coral?

Color Focus Favorites:
1. Elena Dress || TKarambol
2. Orabella Lace Earrings || Branchbound
3. Stay Awesome Notepad || Toodles Noodles
4. Stoneware Bird Sculpture || Studio by the Forest
5. Chinoiserie Floral Pillow Case || Giardino


Etsy Studio Visits: Meet Orly of Orly Design


Today we're going behind the scenes to get to know Orly Pittel of Etsy shop Orly Design!

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Hi, I’m Orly Pittel—46 years old, happily married, a mother to 3 teenagers, a dog and a cat.  For the past 10 years we are living in a quiet village in the center of Israel.  Until 4 years ago, I worked as a lecturer of computers networking in a collage and in my free time I create with a variety of materials, something that started many years ago as a young girl.  I grew up in a very creative home, my parents owned a small factory for handmade knitting, I was always surrounded by creating and innovation
energy.  I guess this passion for art started back then.

Once I discovered ceramics I totally fell for it, it didn’t take long until I decided to leave the teaching job and focus on ceramics art.

On the day I officially quit my day job I set a milestone on my calendar, I took all the things we had in our garage (including the cars...) and converted it into my studio, as time passed by this has become the place I always dreamed about.




I literally live and breath this art all day & everyday, sometimes I dream about it at night... this is the result of working so close to home... and especially to your heart.

My working hours are way out of the nine to five format, some days last too late at night, on the other hand I get the chance to have lunch with my kids when they get back from school and also meet my friends for breakfast every once in a while, something that is easy to get used to...

Normally I sculpt during the morning time, everything is so quiet and you can hear the birds singing I have to admit that this is the most pleasant and relaxing music to work with. When the birds are not around I just listen to the radio (not talk shows, music!). Anyway, I have the 2 cutest colleagues that
keep me company.




I can summarize my inspiration in two words: Nature & Colours, that in most cases they blend with each other.

I like to take long walks, I try to catch the nature's shapes, textures, colors and sounds, even on a walk with the dog something can catch my eyes and I get back to the studio full with inspiration.  Almost every item I create is somehow related to nature, animals, birds (lots of birds!!!) butterflies, trees, leaves, flowers, acorns, oceans and lakes and more.  And the colours, I'm addicted to colours... there are colours combination with so much happiness and joy, visiting a flowers nursery or even the food market always fills me with new ideas.




When I’m not creating in the studio or struggling with leaving the computer :),  you’ll find me having fun in the kitchen... I really like to cook and bake - my kids are my “master chef” judges...




Creating ceramics is a long steps process, you can’t think of a new idea, create it and get immediate results... it simply doesn’t work.  The steps are much slower, you sculpt the new idea, wait for it to completely dry, first firing in the ceramic kiln, wait for the kiln to cool, glaze the item, second firing, and then wait again for the kiln to cool down.  This process can take sometimes up to 2-3 weeks, it depends on the size of the creation and the weather, on winter months, the drying process is longer.

I admit, waiting for the kiln to cool down is the hardest part in my work.  I’m a kind of person who likes to see immediate results and this indeed challenges me....





When I create in the studio, I use lots of tools I have purchased and collected during the years.  The most used tools I use are stamps which I make by myself or purchase.  I love to combine it in my creation. Each interesting texture I see becomes a new stamp to work with. I don’t think there is even one button or jewelry in my home that hasn’t become a stamp... Actually it’s a bit risky to be around me, if you pretty enough - i guess I’ll use you as a stamp as well :)




One more thing that I jealously keep is my grandmother and my mother’s laces which they knitted by themselves (and still do). The lace patterns combine beautifully in the clay and the option to stamp a design which was created in the family many years ago makes me happy.






If you already know my Etsy shop, you probably know that most items are for weddings. The reward when working with brides to be is awesome... I get excited again and again when a couple chooses my items for the most important day of their lives :) Knowing that when they cut the wedding cake at their big day, everybody looks at the cake topper (after the bride of-course...) that I designed and created by myself, and that wonderful couple which allows me to be a little part of their special day makes me feel great!

I want to take this opportunity to share with you that I’m so proud to be a part of this wonderful team. I need to say that a considerable part of my shop’s exposure is because of the team.  Actually, I met a very professional and talented woman in the team which helped me a lot with business and marketing planning for 2013. Because of her advice, my schedule, plans and goals are much more organized. Thank you so much Meagan Visser.  And... The team managers, Big Thanks... and as I already told, you have made this team a one big family!!








On Trend | 2013 Home Decor Trends



If you know me I can't get enough of interior design magazines, home decor blogs, and HGTV.  I wouldn't call it an addiction, but I find the whole home design process stimulating.  Once I see a new trend or design all I can think about is how I can do that in my own home. I am very pleased with some of the design trends for 2013 and am happy to share a few of my favorites with you. The great news is that all of these fab items can be found on Etsy. Enjoy!

2013 Home Decor Trends
1. mod is back and black and white shows it off so well
Kentucky Wall Art || Perrodin Supply Co.

2. hanging planters and green walls- bring the outdoors in
Faux Bois Planter || L and M Studio

3. I haven't seen so much floral since the 80's, but this trend is now more modern with white backgrounds and poppy colors. Keep this one simple.
Peony Art || The Haunted Hollow Tree

4. go bold and bright- you can't go wrong especially when you color block
Color Block Pillow Cover || Jillian Rene Decor 

5.  midcentury and brass- they are perfect together
Midcentury Teapot || Project Sarafan

6. stripes are a staple in design- go horizontal this season
Horizons Key Holder || Pig & Fish


Our February Elite16 Etsy Style Guide Winner IS...


Party Crown
$10.00

EDIBLE Butterflies The ...
$9.95

Sterling Silver Black F...
$95.00

Urban Wanderer Map Garl...
$24.00

Modern Wedding Invitati...
$4.05

Bah Bah Black Sheep //...
$10.80

Vintage Mini Dress Cont...
$65.00

25 - 2" inch White...
$2.50

50 Place Cards, T-Shirt...
$80.00

6' Mixed Gold Glitt...
$14.00

Geometric Butterflies ...
$48.00

SALE - Large Rubber Sta...
$12.00

Ovenex Muffin Baking Ti...
$17.00

Pink Vanilla Cupcakes
$44.46

16" Cake Stand / W...
$180.00

Laser Cut Lace Cupcake ...
$12.00

Congratulations to Aki of Etsy shop oktak for her winning collection titled You're Invited!  Golly, who doesn't like to be invited to a party - big or small, it's always fun!  On the 17th of February, the Elite16 celebrated it's 2 year anniversary and we used this as an opportunity for some creative fun time by using it as our challenge theme.  On the 16th of each month, we invite our group of talented Etsy shopping guide curators to create some collections around a set theme.  This month, the theme was about celebrating and we had almost 90 beautiful guides for folks to browse and enjoy.

Choosing one winner can be daunting, but we actually have such a good time reviewing all the submissions that it becomes quite a joyful process.  When choosing a winner and our honorable mentions we always look for not only overall style, but creativity in execution and title.  Aki's winning collection has a beautiful balance of shapes which lead your eye through and then she pulls it all together with her choice of color palette.  Plus, we loved her cute title!  Fun and lively, we're ready for the party any day, Aki!

***

As always, we like to highlight some of our favorites.  Mind you, there are always many who deserve a shout out so be sure to check out all the collections!  In this collection below by Cloth and INK, Helen uses soft peachy pink and linen tones to create a feminine and romantic mood.  Can you guess what kind of celebration we're getting ready for here?   Yes, that's right - a wedding!  If you're planning a wedding this year, Etsy is filled with wonderful handmade and vintage items - if you can find them!  Etsy can be a bit overwhelming and that's why our curated shopping guides make life a whole lot easier, don't you think?  Helen has just created a mini Etsy wedding guide, so if you know anyone who's tying the knot this year - pass this spring wedding collection along!

'C-e-l-e-b-r-a-t-i-o-n' by ClothandINK


Dress Romantic Bridesma...
$99.99

T10 Brass Organic Love ...
$46.00

Linen pleated Clutch Pu...
$27.00

I LOVE YOU Mini Pennant...
$8.00

Wedding favors Love ho...
$108.00

Large Rose Headband, he...
$50.00

Large Gray Peony Flower...
$18.00

Rose Branches Wedding I...
$18.00

Antarctic Love - set o...
$8.00

Wedding Bling Ring - Ha...
$9.00

Champagne wedding shoes...
$199.00

Lily of the Valley Flow...
$13.00

LOVE XO Vintage White P...
$12.00

Wedding Gloves, pink la...
$35.00

50 wedding favors brida...
$110.00

Personalized Ribbon 4 y...
$10.00


We always look forward to seeing how each style guide curator uses the monthly theme in their collection.  There are so many ways to be creative and we enjoy the energy and spirit of everyone's submission! As our theme this month was inspired by our 2 year anniversary, we thought this collection by Carolyn of Romy and Clare was very clever!  You'll notice a pattern here below - 2 of everything; a creative way to visually express and celebrate turning 2!  Each one of her selections has a twin so the other will never be lonely; one for me, one for you!  Great twist on the theme Carolyn - well done!

'Two' by romyandclare


Tea for two. 2 Vintage ...
$25.00

Shakespeare Journal and...
$27.00

Lovers - modern wood sc...
$1100.00

Pair of Vintage Boling ...
$279.00

large blue buttons, han...
$11.50

original contemporary m...
$40.00

TWO blank, 16 x 20 inch...
$32.00

Hunt Furniture chopping...
$40.00

Pair of antique Europea...
$990.00

victorian brushes
$24.00

french country shabby c...
$40.00

Coaster Set Natural Tum...
$5.00

Danish Modern Selandia ...
$9.50

Pair of Miniature Ceram...
$25.00

Pair of Art Deco Booken...
$220.00

Atomic pair of cups. Pe...
$39.00

As shop owners on Etsy, many of us work out of our home office.  That can mean that we start with a little nook in the house and then gradually move into the spare bedroom as our business begins to expand.  We might have to wrestle with some clutter that's built up in that room to make space - you know, it's that entrepreneurial spirit where you make what you have work!  There comes a point, however, when it's time to move out the bed and bureau to make room for your success!  Jillian of Jillian Rene Decor shows us how to do it in style with her home office makeover collection!  If you work from home, you'll be able to relate to the need to treat yourself to working in a space that flows and inspires.  Ready to move in right now, Jillian!

'Celebrate Success :: Home Office Makeover' by JillianReneDecor


COASTAL: mail holder po...
$188.00

Modern Stars iPhone 5 c...
$40.00

2013 resolution Spiritu...
$22.00

Extra-Long Personalized...
$20.00

Hand Painted Ceramic Co...
$25.00

Vinatge Industrial Milk...
$39.00

Modern Wood Desk Organi...
$49.00

6 six custom engraved p...
$13.00

Custom Return Address S...
$62.00

Five Balls of Vintage C...
$10.00

Vintage Industrial Desk...
$24.00

Dovetail Work Table - M...
$1200.00

Custom linen Organizer ...
$28.00

Vintage Mid Century Mod...
$269.00

Shabby Chic - Wood Sign...
$10.00

Maple Wooden Clock
$80.00


Let's finish off this amazing challenge with a "round of applause" - the title for the collection by Kathy of lovintagefinds!  We thought it would be appropriate to end this post with a collection that speaks not only to our 2 year anniversary, but to all the amazing curators who participate each month.  It is because of their talent that we are able to hold our monthly challenges and share their creations with all of you.  We firmly believe that our Etsy collections make a difference when it comes to the Etsy shopping experience and trying to find items that you love!  This round of applause goes out to everyone!  Thank you, Kathy!

'Round of Applause' by lovintagefinds


Urban Wanderer Map Garl...
$24.00

finished oversize GLOBE...
$110.00

Rustic handmade ceramic...
$7.00

Beautiful abstract hand...
$120.00

Porcelain stars - table...
$48.00

Boho Chic Unique, Styli...
$55.00

ceramic heart ornaments...
$14.00

Mint green photograph f...
$45.00

Handmade lamp, pendant ...
$45.00

Thank you stamp - .5 x ...
$18.00

Heart Gloves, Dark Brow...
$32.00

We Are So Good Together...
$50.00

CARD "Happy Birthd...
$6.50

Vintage Letter Dice- Et...
$5.00

Vintage Map Globe One W...
$22.00

Medieval illustration a...
$32.00

We look forward to seeing you again next month on the 16th.  Remember, as the winner of this month's challenge, Aki will be invited to be our guest stylist on Pinterest in March!  You've seen Aki's Etsy style, so stay tuned as we explore Aki's style outside of Etsy!  Our January Style Guide Challenge winner was Jenn of Etsy shop Palimpsestic and you should definitely check out her beautiful Pinterest board!

Thank you again for tuning in and shopping on Etsy!


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