mister postman sampler

{ letter to my love necklace by eclectic eccentricity }

i have been writing and rewriting a letter -- a real, honest-to-god, ink on paper letter. sometimes the best and only way to express yourself is by writing everything down, putting a stamp on it and hoping for the best.






{each photo links to its shop}

custom cut

Joe Bagley emailed me the other day to let me know about his fabulous paper cut illustrations, all of which totally took my breath away. He specializes in custom creations, offering a paper cut illustration of the chapel you were married in, the park where you met, or a pattern that reflects your culture. His Mexican inspired illustrations are absoluteley amazing, as well as his circular, more art deco inspired pieces. A custom piece would be an amazing gift, husband to new wife, vice versa, or even as a first anniversary present. Check him out!

locket? love it.

I had no idea when I posted about vintage lockets as "bouquet charms" a few weeks ago that it was actually a THING. As it turns out, there's a wonderful artisan out there in Etsy-land who specializes in the production of this adorable little tradition-in-the-making. Lost and Fawned makes customizable lockets for your bouquet, and then they'll turn your bouquet locket into a necklace locket, complete with a customizable chain. It's a complete locket experience!

toybreaker (tielab) redux, plus interview

{ poppy bronze and cream hand-silkscreened woven silk scarf }

since toybreaker is the current featured seller interview, now seems a good time to revisit since my first post and mention she's branched out into gorgeous, fair-trade, hand-screened silk scarves (my favorite is, of course, the red one). do check out the interview -- detroit-based (and cranbrook-educated!) bethany shorb does what she loves, makes beautiful things, takes enormous care with the environment and with sustainable sourcing, and does awesome custom work. giant etsy crush. check out her store: there's a discount for large orders/wedding parties.






more at toybreaker.etsy.com

tea tin centerpieces

When I saw these tea tins posted on Decor 8 (one of my favorite bloggers), I immediately thought of a post I'd seen on Oh Joy! (another favorite!) about a year and a half ago of a Martha Stewart photo spread, in which several tea tins were used to create a homegrown looking flower arrangement. Until I read Holly's post, I had not known that these tins could be purchased for so little (most under $3), I thought they had to be collected or purchased at antiques stores. Turns out, they're readily available online at Pearl River, and we can all have them for a bargain. I love it when that happens! Centerpieces? I think I smell centerpieces.

adorable!

I hope everyone enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend as much as I did! As much as I'm loving the PERFECT weather here, it's back to my computer for me.
If you're looking for a nice distraction to ease you back into work mode, check out these kitschy little baubles, each with it's own sense of charm. Perfect for a little "thank you" gift, or a meaningful (yet inexpensive) "thinking of you" gift. I love the dove hair pins, they'd look so pretty against dark hair! All at Eclectic Eccentricity.

remember what you love

{ '50s spinner brass heart from ragtrader }

just wanted to say this: i just had the best day ever. all my life should be this good. saw a dozen waterfalls and walked all over and ate my face off and laughed til i cried and sang along with beirut at mcmenamin's crystal ballroom here in portland, and i'm sad it's over. you have to go out on a limb sometimes, friends. go after what you love in this life, and hold it close.

happy memorial day, everyone --
xoj





{each photo links to its shop}

pouring in portland

{each photo links to its shop}

another fun vacation game: guess what it's doing on mine?
doesn't matter. it is *gorgeous* here.

in fact, am going to walk the dog, damnit. because hey: what could be better than... wet dog? ;)

satsumalynn: lush pdx letterpress

{ eucalyptus letterpress stationery }

yes, satsumalynn was in my little portland sampler, but i just cannot resist: oh, sweet letterpress. one day you will be mine. she prints stunning custom invitations (see the slideshow at satsumapress.com), and her shop's epigraph is perfect for it: " 'simplicity is an exact medium between too little and too much.' -- sir joshua reynolds". lovely.





more at satsumalynn.etsy.com