Hey Diddle Diddle from Sassyshades

Finding an attractive lampshade is often difficult ~~ but no more. Sassyshades uses an eclectic mix of textiles and trims to make each lampshade unique, individual and one of a kind. Using vintage, recycled or combinations of old and new material Sassyshades has a whole selection of both whimsical and classical designs that are beautifully hand made. Check out the shop here.

All Things Scottish

Thanks to matryoshkasbysallie on Etsy who included my Scottish Paschendale Scarf in her treasury on all things Scottish. Sallie has a really lovely shop on Etsy featuring matryoshkas (hand painted Russian style wooden nesting dolls). Sallie resides in Albuquerque and with a lifelong interest in art and a college major in Russian, she has long been a matryoshka fan .

It's All About Alice

It's all about Alice in this lovely treasury from lillianamarie who has included, from my shop, a vintage children's book illustration by Marjorie Torrey of Alice and the Cheshire Cat. Check out lillianamarie's very chic hair accessories on etsy.

Featured in An Etsy Treasury

Thanks to Bellalulu on etsy for including in her featured treasury one of the items in my shop ~~ a vintage 1940's book about Peggy's Pokey and her farmyard pets. This book has 12 beautiful color illustrations and black and white line drawings by Corrine Malvern. It's the first time that one of my items has been featured in a treasury. What's a treasury? A treasury is a member-curated gallery of short-lived lists of 12 hand-picked items each. Members can feature their favorite items, items selected on a theme, or just whatever they like. Check out Peggy's Pokey here...http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20542127

Trendwatch ~~ Make Your Own Gifts

I've been sewing my own clothes for years and knitting sweaters, hats and mitts. While making it myself is economical I also enjoy the design process and the chance to be creative. The appeal of making handmade goods is spreading. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, retail sales in crafts and related supplies is increasing. More people are doing a do-it-yourself Christmas because of the economic downturn and because people appreciate making things themselves. We're becoming more interested in sustainable living and realizing the health benefits of crafting as a major form of stress reflief. Even people who don't have the time to create their own gifts are buying handmade gifts directly from artists on sites like etsy.

Who Doesn't Love a Givenchy Dress?

This is a stunning dress design for evening or red carpet wear. This dress has perfect lines that emphasize body length, shoulder and neck. The dress is fitted and lined and falls above mid-knee. It has a foundation to ensure a proper and forgiving fit and a right side front seam. The ruffle can be made in the same material as the dress or in a contrast material.

Givenchy's long history and success has been closely associated with a famous clientele including: Lauren Bacall, Babe Paley, Greta Garbo, Elizabeth Taylor, Marlène Dietrich, Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, Princess Grace of Monaco, Wallis Simpson and Audrey Hepburn.

This dress pattern was sold on http://www.sandmarg.etsy.com/.