lately i've been stalking...

...carrie bilbo's jewelry store. do you ever find things, or a collection of things by a designer, and no matter how many times you look at them, they never seem to get old or lose their beauty and interest? that's how i feel about some of the jewelry from carrie's shop. i first found her shop when i noticed one of her cone rings; it was love at first sight. i love that her jewelry is simple in its styling, but each piece has so many details and really makes a statement; each piece of her jewelry is more like an accessory in its own right.

do you have stores or designers that you just can't get enough of? what or who are they? i'm always drawn to designers that use metal in various forms. maybe it's just something i do to torture myself because I WANT A KILN SO BADLY, but until i have one, i'll enjoy looking at what everyone else is making.

oh, and i've just recently started watching true blood after hearing so many other people talk about it. it took me a few episodes to really get interested, but i finished the last episode of season one, and i can't believe that character died (the one who was in andy's car at the end...i didn't want to spoil it for anyone who hadn't seen, if there is anyone other than me)! i loved him!

wishlist wednesday!

Today it's all about carrying my goods in style. While I've got a whole closet full of bags, everything from vintage straw clutches to leather messenger bags, I continue to use the same two tote bags, one made by me and the other purchased many, many years ago. When I find the perfect replacement, I'll know it. This wish list was inspired by this first bag that I discovered in an Etsy Finds email:

From the top: bag by zhenunleathers on Etsy, duffle bag by thebritboutique on Etsy, tote bag by christystudio on Etsy, oversized doctor satchel from modhuman on Etsy, leather snap wallet by sewlutionsbyamo on Etsy.

As you may have noticed, I've been revamping my blog, so I figured it was time to add a button (over to the right). Any thoughts? I love your opinions!

carefully curated...for my liking

I'm never able to keep track of when the treasury spots are opening, and on the off chance I DO happen to get one, I'm at a complete loss. All the hype gets me nervous and worked up so I forget what sort of treasury I wanted to make to begin with! Anyway, I was looking through my favorites today (because sometimes I just feel like buying stuff), and I thought, "Danielle, I do believe this looks like it would make a nice treasury." So, here it is, kids.

I'm too lazy to make all the shop names links, but here they are starting at the top left: littlebyrdvintage, anticovalore, contrary, lostandfawned, littlebyrdvintage, mkendall, olivevintage, storybookcharm, dkim, knittwits. Of course I hope these sellers have success and sell lots, but then again, I wish they would stay for sale until I could get them all :)

etsy favorite: randomness

While I'm relaxing by the clam pool, listening to the birds (it's a hard life, I know) I thought I'd share some items from my favorites. I do wish I could buy them all, but window shopping will do for now!

vase from redhotpottery

print from jennifersquires

necklace from lienrebecca

etsy favorite: vintagesoapcompany

Rub a dub dub, it smells pretty in my tub! Okay, so maybe that's a little corny, but in all honesty, I don't think my bathroom has ever smelled so good during and after a shower. I'm hooked for life, and I think I may be an addict of soaps and lip balms from Vintage Soap Co. The husband and wife team make soaps that smell so good I want to eat them, and as an added bonus, they're both so friendly, you really want to buy their soaps regardless of the delicious scents! So far I've used citrus lavender, lemongrass rose geranium, rose and tangerine. I can't pick a favorite! In addition to the sweet aroma, I stopped using lotion after starting on the "Vintage Soap Co. regimen" as my skin is so moisturized from my shower. Yes, I'm in love!

cocktail anyone?

After receiving a very old and very large mother of pearl ring from my Grandma's jewelry box, I've become slightly obsessed with beautiful, bold cocktail rings. Although I do love jewelry (as I should since I make it), I find myself sometimes wearing nothing more than Grandma's old ring as it commands attention all by itself. While it will always remain my favorite, I'm in the market for a new ring, and here are some of my favorites.

Ring #1 from 2007musarra, Ring #2 from jillian1984, Ring #3 from Moon Faces.

treasury hunt and new favorites

These are some of the items from the two treasuries I recently created. It's nice to have a reason to just sit and try to find lovely items on etsy!

Starting from the top left corner and going right:

#1 by katetowers. #2 by Kristybee. #3 by elizandaxel. #4 by barbdunshee. #5 by therunnybunny. #6 by ojmjakon. #7 by 5eizen. #8 by dsbrennan. #9 by nitca.