From the monthly archives: August 2007

altered

By On · Add Comment · In accessories, etsy, USA

Last month I featured scrapbooking over two different posts (can you remember who were the great fingers behind those crafts?). Since then, I have discovered even more fabulous scrapbook artists. Yes, artist. I mean, when you can take a simple, plain white tin / paper / book and alter it into such gorgeous keepsakes, surely you deserve the recognition?

Scrappy Innovations has a collection of wonderful designs that will make the memorable occasion, well, even more memorable. Browse through the store and be taken by the charming Mr and Mrs paper crafted purse and bling book. A handmade item, the purse is decorated to be a wedding keepsake. Even better yet, it comes with the “bling book” which fits nicely into the purse. The empty pages provide a beautiful means to archive wedding photos and the purse, to showcase them all.

Not keen on wedding keepsakes? Look further and discover similar concept items that work great for baby showers. Baby boy or baby girl altered tins are a sweet momento for the parents (and relatives) as they come stocked with papers for loved ones to write messages to the lil one.

Browse the store for something that suits. Sure takes the fuss out of looking for a personalised gift. Something other than the common gift registry I would say.

cards that go moo

By On · Add Comment · In accessories, admin, etsy, USA

The weather’s been kind of gloomy over here in supposedly sunny Singapore so its very difficult to restock the Sparkle Thots store as the pictures taken are so WARPED. So that’s on hold. Still, there is going to be a special treat being sent out to all on the mailing list pretty soon, by 31st Aug, so now’s a good time to get yourself on the list. Either head on down to the main store page to log in your mailing address or just leave a comment here.

Back to the topic at hand. I am sure that since its inception a while back, the little moo cards have made their way into your hearts (and pockets). Either decorated as namecards or as a handy dandy photos. Whichever way it goes, the odd size is both its bane and its boon. The 100 pack comes in a plastic box that is cumbersome but the small dispenser (that appears to be given only when they have free promo samplers of 10 cards) is way too fragile (paper packed)… so enters this pretty piece.

The MooPocket has a few variations but my favourite is still the original. This sturdy fabric lil contraption holds 15-20 cards and with the option to choose your favourite prints, lends cheer and loads of colour to the wardrobe. Perfect for those who are using the cards to publicise their etsy store. Or to highlight the photos you have already printed with Moo. The design reminds me of the fabric cases for the ipods. Except downsized.

Maybe you should get some and stock them up with a random yet different mix in each pack?

Portmanteau

By On · Add Comment · In home, UK

Got the heads up via Cuteable…

Portmanteau, meaning “carrying receptacle”, is a series of beautiful clay creations made by Brenda Wholey. Her hands add a magical touch to turn clay into handbags that can be used as vases or simply displayed to marvel at their beauty. She custom makes them accordingly, signing them individually. You are indeed paying for a real work of art.

back in a minute

By On · Add Comment · In admin

Many many things happening at the back end of Sparkle Thots…

Watch for it. For the latest news and special deals, join the mailing list. :) Indie designer reviews return tomorrow!

figs and ginger

By On · 1 Comment · In accessories, USA

No, not the actual food. But the jewelry. Drawing inspiration from the forest, this couple designs a gorgeous line of jewelry that is beautiful because of the clean silhouettes. Although appearing pricey, you do recognise the skill required to make each piece. None of the 3 for $10 sweatshop variety for you. No, most certainly not.

Top picks are…

By the way, check out their stockists to get their full range of jewelry. The etsy store and official website is not “complete”.

planted with love

By On · Add Comment · In etsy, illustrations, USA

Guess you can tell I am on a prints-lust but with designs these gorgeous, I am sure that you would not mind. Was looking through the list of contributors to the Sampler and am absolutely taken by the selection offered by Lizard Press. Never mind the funny (at least to me!) name, their cards are anything but gross. Instead, they have a delicate flourish, very feminine and rich looking.

What sets them apart from most other printers is perhaps their range of notes to grow on and sea notes series. The notes to grow on features a selection of 4 beautifully illustrated cards with a small packet of seeds. The sea notes series features a bird’s eye view from the Berkeley Marina printed in a lovely shade of baby blue.

Home of the Sampler

By On · 1 Comment · In directories, Uncategorized

Woohoo! Have gotten confirmation that I will be in for the next round of the Sampler…! Tralalala…! Will be submitting a selection of some new designs that will be released in store come September. So do watch for it.

Oh wait… what is the Sampler you say? Its a simple concept really. So simple its ingenious. Basically its like a Christmas present that comes round once a month packed with goodies from Indie businesses. Ok, the official “taken from website” write up puts it as “a super fun marketing & promotional tool for indie businesses. Each month, independent crafters, artists, shops, zines and record labels who run web-based businesses send samples and promotional materials to a contribution pool. All the samples are photographed, posted to the site and then are portioned out, put in little packages and sent off to Sampler Subscribers, other Sampler Contributors and members of the Media all over the world!”

But, its kind of lengthy so head on down to the gallery and discover some great samplers that have been sent in over the months!

Modish Delight

By On · Add Comment · In admin

Have you heard of Modish? Well, if you have, you would have known that Sparkle Thots has been donating items to the monthly giveaway for the past two months (and for a few more upcoming months!)… and that Sparkle Thots is having a special 15% discount for you. Just enter the item I had donated and get a 15% discount at check out. Select “invoice” payment and wait for your revised bill.

Not yet a reader? Head on down to Modish to discover the buzz.

Also, now’s a good time to sign up for the mailing list at Sparkle Thots… there’s going to be a bumper mailer special coming up! Quick pass the word around… :) Offer ends 31st August.

things are better with a parrott

By On · 1 Comment · In home, illustrations, USA

Sarah Parrott’s banner says it all. Indeed, things are better with a Parrott. Her etsy store is choc-a-bloc full of amazing illustrations reflecting the seasons. While stuck in tropical Singapore (which is ironically pouring with rain right now…), it is always a welcome thought and sight to see the diversity of nature.

As US enters into fall, her selection in store is changing. Watch out for her new releases printed on cards and such. Lovingly printed on her gocco, her cards are so beautiful that you would be hardpressed to use them. Get the prints, frame them up and you bring a touch of style to the room immediately. Better still, get her prints as the seasons change to be in tune with nature. Her designs all feature a distinct attention to detail, something I am sure you will appreciate.

My selection? These two… Left : Queen Anne’s Lace / Retro :: Right : Autumn Leaves

zoe whimsy!

By On · Add Comment · In children, etsy, illustrations, USA

Looking for a nice print to dress the walls up? Zoe’s original watercolour illustrations are just right. With the light colours painted into her drawings, they come alive with much character. Perfect for a little girl’s bedroom or as a wall feature. Or get them printed as cards.

Her designs ranging from fairies to children to animals, all come alive with her magic touch. Fall in love with the childlike drawings. Age really is not a limit.

Have her do a custom illustration and have something uniquely yours.