Indie Gift Guide ♥ For Him

Here's a little gift guide for the men in your life! I don't spend a lot of time looking at guy stuff on Etsy, so this one was a little hard for me. Part of the criteria for making the list is the item has to be something I know someone on my personal shopping list would like. So I had to dig beyond the "man bags" and fake moustaches. :) From stately looking bookends (pair it with a new book), to a belt that doubles as a bottle opener, vintage cards for poker night, or a mod little clock so that he's always on time (wishful thinking), you're sure to find something to please!

1. Nine Flies Ringer Tee via Flytrap.
2. Woody Flask by MoxieandOliver.
3. Vintage Ship Bookends at HighStreetMarket.
4. Fergus Scarf at Fluur.
5. Atco Pocket Binoculars by NellieLovesVintage.
6. Cologne at GarnetandMoss.

7. Leather Macbook Case at Fullgive.
8. Bottle Opener Buckle via MetalLogic.

9. Bicycle Espresso Cups at AceroStudio.

10. Man Stuff Beanie by Miss Indie.

11. Art Deco Cards at MaryGraceThomas.

12. Retro Sphere Clock via FishboneDeco.

Get Inspired.

Thanksgiving is almost here! We'll have a nice long weekend with our girls and a delicious meal tomorrow with family. Also, my oldest turns 6 on Friday, so we have a lot to celebrate!

On a side note...for all those shopping this weekend, there will be some deals in my little shop Black Friday(27th) - Cyber Monday(30th). Details will be posted in my shop, at the top of my shop announcement. For those following me on Twitter, I will be posting deals there as well.

I hope you all have a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

xo,

Lindsay

Image Credits: 1. Flower Garland, 2. ice cream sandwich, 3. Hung by the doorway with care, 4. Zimtsterne (2/4), 5. giving, 6. A little Hambly Home Decor Thang., 7. Winter Berries, Modern Fine Art Photograph, 8. Red Manzanita Bird and Branch (inspiration photo), 9. Candy Cane Heart Bokeh

Pretty Quilt.

I so want to make a quilt. I've never sewn anything that large and I really have no idea where to begin. Collecting fabric, maybe? That sounds like fun. This one is beautiful and I love the way it looks in her bright sunny room. I think it would be so rewarding to spend nights working on it, then spend years snuggling under it. :)

Summer Quilt by Ann StewArt.

Sugar Rush.

Please, someone hand me my credit card and a pair of sweatpants! I tend to forget about the edibles catergory over at Etsy. (This is probably a good thing.) However, there are some seriously talented candymakers/bakers setting up shop over there. Do go have a look!

1. Hazelnut Chocolate Whisky Sandwich Cookies by WhimsyandSpice.
2. Marshmellow Sampler by WhimsyandSpice.
3.Chewy Butterscotch Fudge Bars by BlissCandies.
4. Fleur de Sel Caramel by Calabasascandyco.

Indie Gift Guide ♥ Home Decor

There are so many wonderful home items on Etsy! It was very hard to narrow it down to twelve pieces. Think of how much use these things get in our everyday lives. That's exactly why they would make such great gifts. Pyrex bowls, priceless in the kitchen! Wrap them up in something pretty and attach some of your favorite recipes on these cards. Glass decanters, perfect as a vase or store water on your bedside table. How about writing a sweet note to your giftee, roll it up, tie it with some ribbon, and put it in the decanter. Sort of a message-in-a-bottle for the holidays. The blanket might be more than you would spend on the average gift, but it can be made in custom colors and is really an heirloom quality piece. Perfect for the young couple who has opted for a winter wedding. They can spend their first winter together cozied up under it, then pass it onto their kids later in life. I did include lots of vintage items in this round-up, because I feel lots of people appreciate things that have had a previous life, and just need a new place to call home. Take a look at the curio cups. They are each hand-thrown and come in a re purposed soda crate. I can so these in a studio or crafting room, each cup filled with pins, bobbins, beads, etc.

I hope you enjoy the selection I've put together for you! This one was so much fun I think it might warrant a round two! I've been posting additional finds on twitter, if you want to follow me over there. Also, I've put up a link on the right-hand sidebar, where I will catalog all the gift guides for easy access. Happy Monday :)

1. Pyrex Bowls at FindingFabulous.

2. Cork Top Serving Glass via Olive Vintage.

3. Science Decanters at Finding Fabulous.

4. Antique Farmhouse Kitchen Utensils via Retrovertigo.

5. Fabric Basket by Bloomsong.

6. Stripey Wool Blanket by RocketandBear.

7. Vintage Melamine Cups at Toffie.

8. Curio Cups in Wooden Crate via IllyriaPottery.

9. Chrome Task Lamp at Hindsvik.

10. Papered Deer by Rubyslounge.
11. Cross Pillow by Enhabiten.

12. Queen Anne's Lace Towel at LottaHelleberg.

Linen Dolls now in Shop.

The little dolls are now in shop! Each gal in made from linen and stuffed with bamboo fiber (super-soft and eco-friendly). The figures were drawn with free motion stitching and accented with hand embroidery, vintage buttons and lace, glass beads, etc. Meet them here.

*Update Hooray! The girls are out and about. See them here and here. A couple of the ladies are off to Australia, the U.K., and Missouri. Those little jet setters. :)

Also, new prints .

Gone Weekending.

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, but I can't stop thinking of Christmas. This weekend we'll gather around a pot of hot apple cider and make some decorations. Nothing brings a family together like glitter and glue :) Monday I'll have another gift guide ready for you, this time for the home! I also hope to photograph the dolls I made (edition of 9) and get those into the shop. Last but not least, after a little nudging I'm on twitter, and you can follow me by clicking the link in the righthand sidebar. I hope you all fabulous weekend! See you on Monday :)

xo,

Lindsay

Photo via mistflowerphoto.

Style Obsession.

Plum + Tweed Blazer + Riding Boot + Oversize Bag + Hat = Love This!

Image via pod1buzzz.

Indie Gift Guide ♥ Wearables for Her

Okay, so I almost titled this post, a dozen fabulous bags I want! However, for the sake of variety, I went beyond handbags :) These gifts are for the best friend, sister, and rad moms in your life. You know, the one who appreciates little details, handmade charm, and artisan quality? Again, these are all from Etsy, which is proving to be a treasure chest of goodies!

1. Cochineal Pink Scarf by Ecologicalartist.

2. Poetry Handbag in Grey at Bayanhippo.

3. Bundle Line Earrings via Kathiroussel.

4. Vintage Wool Blazer at MissModish.

5. Eco Toes in Plaid by Infusion.

6. Morchella in Forest Green at Morelle.

7. Ivory Ivy Scarf via Trendyknitting.

8. Plum and Olive Boho Hat by SparrowCollective.

9. Yellow Gecko Tote at DrikaB.
10. Simple Stackable Rings by EsDesigns.

11. Vintage Cat Eye Frames (with adorable stars) via Vintage50seyewear.

12. Newsboy Cap at ModusHats.

Indie Gift Guide ♥ Kids.

Yesterday the girls and I took a rather uninspiring trip to the toy store. After an hour of browsing, the only thing they had on their wishlist was an etch-a-sketch and a kaleidiscope. Apparently Santa has his work cut out for him this year. So, I decided to browse Etsy for some sweet gifts/stocking stuffers. My girls would be thrilled to find any of these items under the tree. To be honest, I would like it too! These shops are all full of colorful goodness, sure to appeal to any child. Please take a moment to support these indie artists! Also, if you have any handmade finds you'd like to share, feel free to leave a link in the comments :)

1. Reuseable Snack Bags at BebelooshMini.

2. Newsgirl Beanie by Pdxbeanies.
3. Vintage Globe Bank via KitofParts.

4. Oilcloth Smock by TheGoodShipLollipop.

5. TicTacToe via PaperDaisyDesignCo.

6. Teatime Pouch at Alliebeans.

7. Personalized Lip Balm by SkinDeep.

8. Flip n' Match Game via Petitflaneur.

9. Kitty Egg Crayons at Kittybblove.

10. Squirrel Brooch by Humblebea

11. Complete Alphabet Print Set via My Etsy Shop.

12. Kawaii Mushroom Eraser/Sharpener at Missmacau.

For the Sweet Tooth.

I'm completely sick of Halloween candy and tis' the season for homemade treats. Okay, it's always in season around here, who am I kidding? These came from my favorite recipe site, Allrecipes. You can find them here. I made a half batch and it produced a dozen plump cupcakes. The only switch I made was to leave out the pecans, because I didn't have any on hand. I tossed a handful of raisins in the bowl instead. They were delicious!

Find other yummy cupcakes here.

Photo Copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

Wishing.

Just a few shots from fellow bloggers, and a reminder to myself, stay the course and eventually we'll have a view like this. Wishing for the countryside today...

Photos via Nestled In and Pia Jane Bijkerk.

Yesterday I took a much needed night-out-of-the house. I went shopping, which I don't really like, believe it or not. My wardrobe is dominated by black, grey, white, denim, stripes and ruffles. And now, even more so...ha! I was in search of a couple of hats, (tis' the season of frizz and static for my hair), but no luck on finding anything to fit my melon. Anyone else with an oversize head have a suggestion?

Photo via Luphia.

More work in progress...

Eventually I'll start adding these to my etsy shop , the originals and as prints. The sewn gals will also be making their way over.

On another note- if you visit my esty shop, in the lower right hand corner you will see a button to subscribe to my shop's feed. Apparently, this will notify you when new items are added to the shop. Of course you can always check here, but if you prefer something in your inbox, it's something to look into.

p.s. Does anyone find facebook shop updates to be helpful?

Feed Your Soul...for Free!

Where have I been? It could possibly be that I am the only person unaware of this, but just in case, I thought I'd share it here. Jen over at IndieFixx has pulled together a free art project called Feed Your Soul. Each month a few very talented artists offer a piece of work, free to download and print. The print above is by Lindsey Carr, and it's currently hanging in my bathroom. There are tons of terrific artists participating, go check it out!

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

Wee Tree.

Okay, so I know it's a little early to be thinking Christmas decor, but....I stumbled across this photo in my inspiration files and started thinking about our tree. We usually put up our 6' faux evergreen, but I'd like to have a real tree, maybe just once. Last year we went to the tree lot, and they were all enormous (we have no room for that) and most of them had $100+ price tag. I kind of think the small scrappy ones are charming, and it wouldn't require me to re-arrange the furniture just to fit it in. How much trouble do you think one could get into for stopping alongside the freeway with a handsaw? I'd wait until dark...

Photo via Bo Bedre.

Paperdoll.

Ink + Watercolor + Paper + Fabric

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

Gone Weekending.

We're expecting some nice weather this weekend. Perfect for raking leaves, which is a bit overdue around here!

Hope your weekend is lovely too.

xo,

Lindsay

Image courtesy Vogue Nippon via Coco+Kelley.

Trio of Dolls.

A few more dolls I've been working on. Some pocket sized, with a string for hanging, others with pencil sized legs :)

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

Picture Perfect.

Just because I like it.

Image copyright Rodney Smith via English Muse.

Pillow Cover.

I'm on the task of making new covers for all of our throw pillows. They all have plush down inserts, so I see no reason to replace the whole cushion. For the first one I used some organic cotton fabric I had leftover from this project. Then I made the black graphic in Photoshop, and printed it onto transfer paper, trimmed the edges and ironed it on. I'm thinking of trying our silhouettes on the next one.

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

DIY.

While visiting the beautifully re-designed Creature Comforts yesterday, I stumbled upon Ez's post about Mae Wall Stickers. Also included in the post was a link to free printable wrapping paper from Mae. I immediately thought of some coffee cans I've been saving. They're perfect for storing away rolls of tape, batteries, and tubes of paint. I printed the freebies on cardstock, trimmed the edges, and affixed them to the cans with some clear tape. You could also use spray adhesive, but I figured with tape I could swap the papers out more easily in the future. This was a super easy project, that took only minutes and cost absolutely nothing! Head over here for more crafty inspiration!

Photo copyright Lindsay Brackeen.

New Work.

Papercut + Embroidery + Vintage Lace + Ink