Something Old . . . Something Blue

Speaking of Etsy purchases, I just received this vintage Fireking milk glass mug yesterday from http://www.kultur.etsy.com/. Couldn't resist the "H." It's a little smallish for my tea - I like a huge cup of tea . . . English breakfast, whole milk and sugar - same thing twice a day. But I like small cups for coffee or it might be home to some of my art supplies or a tiny succulent. Anyway, thank you Kultur; I love it!


A friend at work said to me yesterday, "there's something weird yet undeniable about shopping." We were discussing how happy it can make you feel to find something special for yourself, especially if it's a bargain or something that seems like it was made just for you. Trust me, I'm not one who shops very often so I was kinda floating on air yesterday as a result of an economic stimulus outing. I had just picked up some blank needlepoint canvas and some yarn when I decided to pop into a consignment shop next door. I have sold some things before, but didn't realize that I actually had some credit. Hello Blue Suede Shoes!! And it's like they were free; like I found money on the sidewalk!It's too cold here right now to wear them of course, but Andy and I are headed to Naples, FL in couple of weeks to cook for the Naples Food & Wine Festival - just the thing for the "resort casual" dress code.

Trade Show

One of the greatest things I've experienced so far since starting my Etsy shop is being asked to do trades. Just before Christmas I recieved two requests to exchange my fabric bird ornaments for something of my choosing on another Etsy member's shop. I was thrilled and so flattered that a fellow crafter would be interested in my birds - and I was so excited to pick out a unique, hand-made goodie for myself. Laura of http://www.blueterracotta.etsy.com/ sent me this fabulous fabric brooch in exchange for my "Blueberry Bird."

This is her description of it:

This bird was inspired by an ancient Mexican clay stamp. This is my rendition, in one of my favorite blue cotton fabrics. He's made from cotton decorator fabric with a felt backing. He has blue wire legs and a metal brooch clasp is securely sewn to the back.He's 4 1/2 inches long by 3 inches high, including his legs. (11.5 x 8 cm)

Laura is an American living in Lyons, France and included in the package she sent were some amazing chocolates . . . melt in you mouth edible velvet. I was very giddy to get a treat from France. Thank You Blue Terracotta! Also, I must do somes props . . . she's got these wonderfully creative new bird pillows on her shop right now so check them out (if anyone feels the need to gift me with one that would be okay).

The next is from Lisa of http://www.berkshirehostess.etsy.com/. She sent me an absolutely gorgeous scarf in exchange for my "Antigua Bird" and another bird friend made from the same Guatemalan fabric. She writes of the scarf:

This scarf is a dream to wear! This baby alpaca yarn is lightweight, warm and snuggly!! The colors are beautiful with variations of blue – teal, sky, ocean, gray – and a bit of twig brown to bring it back down to earth. I hand knit this scarf in my favorite stitch – seed stitch – to give the variegated colors lots of texture!

I really love this scarf - no itchy neck and the colors are great for me. So, in both instances, it was such a win-win situation and I've had etsy conversations with both women since the initial transaction and it feels good to be able to share in this way. I wish I could set up an entire website that is entirely based on trading. We could call it White Elephant. Hey, that's not such a bad idea . . . hmmmmmmmmmm.