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(My bad, haven't posted here in forever... Hockey playoffs are going on, and well, yeah. Heh.)
Hmm this isn't straight-up DIY, but it's just so awesome I HAVE to write about it.
Leonard Nimoy has an Etsy shop. Yes, that's right, Spock himself has his own shop on Etsy. It's pretty recent, so it only has a few shirt designs up now, but it features his photography (he's actually quite good, and posts a lot of older photos he's taken on his Twitter account).
I mean, I don't think I even need to give an explanation for Mr. Nimoy. He does have a team to help him with the orders, so he doesn't deal with everything himself, but I love the concept. He has a series of photographs taken of normal people with secrets, which are demonstrated on the back (right side) of each shirt. The front has "SECRET SELVES" screened on two lines, and the left sleeve has a smaller screen of Leonard Nimoy's website.
I actually ordered the Superman one for myself, and it came pretty quick! Each shirt is a slub cotton tee from Alternative Apparel (so the stitching on the hems are a little questionable for me, but only because I've never seen that kind), meaning it's lightweight and perfect for summer. Each order comes in a flat-rate envelope, wrapped in tissue paper, with a Leonard Nimoy Photography sticker to keep it closed, plus a handwritten Thank You note (by one of his helpers) that has a Spock LLAP stamp on it.
I wasn't lucky enough to take advantage of this, but if you follow him on Twitter, he also does random promotions where if you're one of the first 10 or first 25 people to buy a shirt, he'll send a signed photo (1st 10 of his sales when the shop opened, I think) or he'll sign the shirt. He just did the signed shirt one a few days ago, and there was so much demand, he wound up signing 25 more on top of the original 25. Pretty crazy! But then, if a shirt were signed, I would frame it, rather than wear it. Too cool!
I'm seriously considering Dinosaur Girl as well, because these shirts are so insanely comfortable. It's a really nice twist on the basic white tee (and looks amazing with jeans, of course), so if you feel "lazy," just toss it on, and you still got some style going. While supporting Mr. Nimoy's photography! I think part of the proceeds also goes to some good cause, though I haven't found out which yet... But check it out! You know you want to!
So I admit, I almost yelped when I clicked on Dedalo's shop and saw what was offered. I couldn't help it, it was just that awesome. I don't know about you, but I'm not the best present shopper/giver (especially when it comes to guys), but hey, if they need a pair of cufflinks (or even a tie clip or a signet ring), Dedalo is probably your best handmade bet. His weapon of choice? Sterling silver.
I was looking at a sharks-related treasury (couldn't help it, I got sucked in by the shark thing, darn my hockey team) on Etsy, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the shark cufflinks--which really looked a lot like the art on our backup goalie's mask. They are, for lack of better word, AWESOME!
I love how he admits that he's a dude and loves designing jewelry. He knows who he is! Props to him for that. More props because he makes some cool cufflinks. And I have not seen a lot of cufflinks that I like. Just putting that out there.
Anywho, he's got stuff for everyone. Gamer geek? Covered. Classic styling? Covered. Alternative baby? Covered. (Ha see what I did there? Well... Maybe not if you don't listen to Reel Big Fish. Heh.)
Favorites!
For your rock star, a retro-style microphone.
Or, if he's more of a Rock Band/Guitar Hero star, well, it's a guitar.
Closet D&D geek? Keep his love for the game subtle with these dragon links.
And for all those alternative boys, pilot skulls (which are pretty badass, by the way).
Or (another one I looooooove), a modern twist on a classic blank, the ArcTan option.
Is he a Linux fan, instead of those other OS's?
And then, for good measure, a couple examples of his other work (non-cufflinks):
Love this open-cut, rounded, thick ring.
And this puzzle-like bracelet. (It's like a Chinese finger trap! For your wrist!)
This amazing seller, Markhed, I actually found out about from one of Etsy's Storque articles, the one featuring Valentine's Day. For this article, Etsy selected the Baby Franken Heart necklace (which is adorable) for all those singles out there who have had their hearts broken. I was immediately drawn to this piece, because it looks flexible, but also the heart is actually in pieces, and they sewed it back together.
I put up the LOVE studs as well because they're so cute and understated, and I have this thing for hand-stamped jewelry right now.
Anyway, what really sucked me into Marie's world of design was her collection of pinup/circus pendants. Well, that and the fact that she hand cuts, solders, hammers, etc. every piece she creates.
The Swinging Pinup is my personal favorite. Even though it's a silhouette there's still so much detail, and it's really as if she's in motion! Amazing. The Tightrope Walker is definitely a close second, though, I really love how she came up with how to connect the pendant to the chain itself. And then there's the Trapeze Artist (Marie's apparently an architect, so all of this is kind of a departure from that).
And then going in a completely different direction is the Tangled Lotus Necklace. It is straight-up AMAZING. The oxidized state of the metals and the natural looking tangles makes me think of the whole "bedhead-on-purpose" look. It's a very raw, organic piece, and the lotus blossoms just make me love it even more. (Did I mention that she hammers and solders everything herself? Yeah.)
And because this talented woman has so many cool ideas, here are some other noteworthy necklaces:
Fish Skeleton -- And yes, it IS flexible!
Winged Heart Tattoo -- LOVE this take on the classic tattoo design, particularly the oxidized details.
Sweetheart Birds -- Sitting together on an extended branch, with a blue pearl detail. She also has a Birds on Swing one.
Butterfly with Music Background -- Love this one because it's butterflies meet Chopin meet cameo meet clear pendant. Recycled materials FTW!
I've always been a fan of handmade jewelry, but so often you find pieces uses cheap plastic charms (not that these are bad either, but they wind up being less unique). As such, I'm usually super excited to find work with so much thought put into it.
Untamed Menagerie is one such seller. Well, I should say sellers, plural, since it's a mother and daughter team, and the shop contains creations from both of them. I haven't had the pleasure of dealing with them yet (I had my eye on the lotus blossom necklace, since it was also priced well, but alas, it sold out).
So instead, I've just been looking through their work, going "Wow, that's a really cool concept!" or "You can tell they really put thought into how to make this work." Their main materials are cable chain, stainless steel, and black acrylic; their designs appear to be laser cut.
This is especially true of the hummingbird necklace, which is one of the prettiest things I've ever seen. Aside from necklaces, they also make rings, earrings, and brooches, so they're not just a one-trick pony.
Based on their profile and description of each of their design styles, I'm guessing the lotus blossom and hummingbird are both the mom. So the Carpe Noctembrooch, in which case the "leash" is more of a droopy chain, give a classic twist to a modern, alternative idea.
Other pieces of note:
Alice-inspired necklace -- "We're All Mad Here," indeed!
Melancholy Lashes necklace -- The swirls are so delicate and detailed, I can't help but wonder what the inspiration for the design was. piece is the daughter's work, another one I love. The concept of a bat as a balloon (or pet), and using the chain as the string (leash) to keep it close to the girl is so different! It makes me think of a Threadless tee, but for your neck. Pretty cool, no? Oh, and it can also be made as a
I've known about Evilneedles for a while now. I think I actually learned about her through other sellers' links (which is really how I found a lot of the DIYers I'm love with today).
When I first discovered Patricia, she was known for bad tee reconstructions. She did a lot of off-the-shoulder tops, hoodies, and baseball tees. She stopped doing this to create more of her own designs, not just shirt recons, but still makes some clothing for artists like the Reverend Horton Heat, The Dresden Dolls, and Amanda Palmer. Although she no longer reconstructs band tees (and doesn't take requests for them), she has started selling patterns for her more popular ones.
So, I've seen her style evolve, and boy, do I LOVE where it's been going. She's still creating feminine, yet alternative pieces, but they're not so alternative that you'll get strange looks everywhere you go. They are all everyday wearable, and some of her designs are evening-appropriate as well.
Her designs range from rockabilly and country, to clubbing, or just everyday casual. She also makes tote bags and coin/make-up purses, so she gets as much use out of her scraps as possible. Talk about one talented woman!
Her pieces are available in some local Florida boutiques (where she's based), but she also keeps prices for many of her designs competitive with actual stores. If you're on her mailing list, or you're a repeat customer, sometimes you get special surprises in her newsletter, like random discounts for her shop! She likes to reward people who actually reads through her news, which makes me an even bigger fan than I already am.
Her work is very high-quality, versatile, and I've been pleased with every purchase I've made from her. Although she may not seem as chatty as some other sellers, I think it's due to the high demand of her work, which keeps her busy busy!
Things I'm in love with:
Teal Flounce Dress -- I'm not going to lie, I've had my eye on this baby ever since she first made a midnight blue version. I love that it takes the recent trend of ruffle tiers, but doesn't over do it (i.e. doesn't make you look fat).
Abbie Ruffle Trim Twill Vest -- I was lucky enough to get the last one! And at half price! I love love love this one too, and it really shows her range as an independent designer. Everything about this was high-quality.
Black/Gray Striped Butterfly Back Top -- I've only had one word for this ever since she started selling it: A-MA-ZING. Period.
Camo Cargo Skirt -- I'm not a huge fan of camo, but the design of this skirt makes it so unbelievably feminine that I can't help but like it.
(There'd probably be more on the highlight list, but she's sold most of the stuff in her shop. She said in her newsletter that she's working on her spring/summer collection though! She included some sketches and I can honestly say that I'm happily looking forward to it.)
Another seller I've bought from is LB Accessories. I have a thing for checkbook wallets, and was curious to see if anyone handmade them (aside from the duct tape ones, or the ones made of cardstock then laminated or something). Lo and behold, my searches paid off!
My eye was immediately caught by a wallet that looked sturdy, would remain closed, and had a nice embroidered design in colors that I love. And then it was caught by another. And another.
Luckily for me, they were all from the same seller. Not only does this talented lady embroider plain fabrics for her wallets, she also uses pretty prints! (See the pink/black one above--that's currently my favorite non-embroidered one. And I'm trying to talk myself out of buying it. Curses!)
She even uses a magnetic clasp to keep the wallets closed, AND the interior is even more impressive than the exterior. There are a fair number of card holders PLUS an ID slot, not to mention a zippered slot for coins and whatnot. Everything's interfaced so it shouldn't flop around (except where it's supposed to).
I actually bought this one as a belated birthday/Christmas present for a friend last year, and so I've yet to see one of these wallets in person, but they look so professional, I had to give it a shot! I just love the vibrant linings she uses, too. I was a huge fan of the one I bought as a gift, and this embroidered teal/purple/gray with navy blue design.
Have I mentioned that she also makes small messenger/cross-body bags? I mean, I wish the (messenger) bags that I make looked this good.
Patty (the gal behind the operation) is a super sweetheart and is another one of those sellers who really cares about customer service and satisfaction. She promptly answers any questions you might have, and does her best to accommodate your needs. (It was easy for me, since all I needed was a lack of invoice.) One of these days, there WILL be an LB wallet in my hands. Mmhm.
(No list of highlights in this one--they're all in the body of the text!)
I surfed over to Etsy to search through my favorite items/sellers for a non-gamer feature, but was stopped when I saw the front page. Every day, Etsy has a different theme for this, and today? ROBOTS!
If you know me, you know I love all things robots. I'm not sure if this attachment started when I was on my high school's robotics team, or when I first visited the Tech Museum (back when it was new!), or way earlier. Who knows? But robots are awesome. And can also be very cute.
And if you know me, you also know that I have a short attention span, and can get very easily distracted. Which tends to happen when I see anything cute-robot-related. Fortunately for you, I found a new seller to write about, yay!
Two Sugar Babies, created by Charynn, is a shop full of fondant cupcake toppers, which can also be used for cookies, cakes, or whatever else you want to put an edible decoration on! She creates designs for various events (such as holidays), or just cutesy animals. The melting snowman topper is one of my favorites, since it's something I've never seen before. (And I watch a lot of Food Network and TLC cake shows. Trust me.) Given the amount of work that must go into assembling each topper, at $1 each ($12 for a dozen), it's not bad! And if you make your own cupcake, then you don't have to go out and by a $4 cupcake!
My favorites (besides that robot up there, duh):
T-Rex topper -- This is quite possibly the cutest T-Rex, EVER.
Tiger topper -- Hey, it's the Year of the Tiger! Why not?
Autumn Pumpkin 3D topper -- She doesn't just do 2D! (There's a 2D turkey too.)
Sock Monkey topper -- Who doesn't love sock monkeys? I for one love the one that's in all the car commercials airing during the Olympics.
And last, but definitely not least, the Penguin topper. Squee!
