Thinking of Spring/Summer

I know, we're in the middle of a snowstorm (at least those of us in the northeast). But that doesn't stop me from lusting after these summer-inspired necklaces by Lizzie Fortunato Jewels, designed by sisters Elizabeth and Kathryn Fortunato, from their Spring/Summer 09 collection, above. Conjures up visions of bare feet and bonfires on the beach...

I also am blown away by the colors and sculptural quality of the creations for VPL Victoria Bartlett, below, also from Spring/Summer 09. The origami cranes, just stunning.

Handle & Spout

Another fave from last weekend's MS Holiday Craft Fair, Handle & Spout makes fun, pretty things. I would love to have some of these hair pin flowers to wear to a party. And I could see the leather dot earrings becoming an everyday wardrobe staple. Simple, with a little flash! Note their subtle, clever take on the ubiquitous mustache trend.

Etsy faves

In honor of that holiday marketing invention, Cyber Monday, here are my picks from just a few of my favorite sellers. Buy handmade this season!


From top: Metallic linen pouches by Marketa, Crochet and felt cuff by kjoo. Below: Say it loud and proud with this HANDMADE pillow by
Going Home to Roost; Keep it cute with this cozy Squirrellicious iphone sleeve.

Back to School Shopping

Some cool items from Brooklyn-based design store The Future Perfect.

From top: Ceremony necklace, Freck Specs, Strict chair

Saloukee

Saloukee, also known as artist Sarah Louise Kelly, creates these structurally complex, beautifully stark jewelry pieces out of laser-cut paper, rivets, and ribbon. Trained in metalwork, she eventually became more fascinated with the preciousness of her paper models. One of these bracelets would look amazing with a simple black dress. You can check out more pieces on her website or online shop.

Sew Lovely

Gorgeous handmade items from UK-based designer Charlotte Alexandra.

My Little Drama

I first came across the amazing surface pattern design and illustration work of Swedish designer Maja Sten on Abduzeedo.com. She has since teamed up with her longtime friend, product designer Eva Schildt to create the whimsical jewelry that is My Little Drama.

A.S. I.S.

I met Angela Spencer at my friend Cheryl's art swap party back in May, and since then I've gotten to see what a talented designer she is, making fantastic crocheted jewelry among other things. Her newest pieces feature vintage sewing spools she found while digging around in her attic at home in England, here are her words on the piece:

"I've always collected sewing stuff since I was little don't ask me why. When I was home in April I dug around in the attic and found all my old vintage sewing spools and I decided they where just too pretty for them to stay in the attic. I crochet metallic cotton around the middle turning them into a decorative pendant."

I'm also lusting after her chain necklaces and her pink quartz necklace, which was featured in this month's Lucky magazine. See more of her wonderful work at http://www.luvasis.com/

Karin Kautzky Jewelry

My dear friend Karin, who is also a tremendously talented art director and graphic designer, is debuting her jewelry line here in NYC this summer after tons of time spent perfecting her craft in her home studio. Her work has a modern, fluid sensibility; I want one of everything, especially the stackable rings and amazingly detailed flower necklaces.
You can find more on Karin's work here: www.karinkautzky.com.