Bargain Hunting 101

After the craziness of the holiday season, I needed a break from selling at shows and bazaars. But then I came across this event that promises to be just so much fun: Bargain Hunting 101! All the designers, artists and boutiques will have their wares drastically discounted - what a bargain indeed!

Since I haven't been before, I had to rely on how the organizers describe this fashion blowout on their website:

"Bargain hunting is an opportunity for shoppers to find rare, one-of-a-kind, samples and limited run clothing, furnishings and more. Shoppers can expect to see apparel, art supplies, home and garden furnishings, local designs, unique fashions, premium denim, handmade hats, and other fabulous accessories all at discount and clearance prices. Bargain Hunting is a bi-annual sale hosted by many locally owned boutiques and artists who sell their high quality wares at rock bottom prices."

Sounds like a blast to me! So I signed up to sell Cecily Ink products – and to shop the other vendors, of course! Here's just a sampling of what you'll be able to find at steep discounts:

Lots of fashion such as Atomic Daylight:
Olio United:
Hazeldrops Eco Fashion:Moxie:
Accessories from the likes of Queen Bee:
Jewelry such as Handmade Julz:
And even fine artists such as Hadley Hutton:
Sian Alexander Art:

For more info and a complete list of vendors (including yours truly with amazing savings!), check out the Bargain Hunting 101 website.

BARGAIN HUNTING 101:
This Sunday • Feb 1 • 12-6 pm
at the Crystal Ballroom • 1332 W Burnside, PDX 97209

valentine's round-up

While you still have more than two weeks to figure out how you'll spoil your S.O. this Valentine's Day, it's never too early to get started! And Etsy makes it super easy to find just the right way to say "I love you!" I thought I'd share this round-up of Etsy finds that made my heart go pitter-patter – look for the full list of Etsy shops at the end of my post.

Sweets are always sure to please – like these deliciously darling sugar cookies:


Of course, a love note is a must:


And even if you have a hard time saying the right thing, just spell it out plain and simple with this gorgeous photo print...


...or Scrabble tile pillow set:


Cuddling up in bed is extra special when it's filled with loving style and comfort:


Sometimes it's hard to express exactly how you feel, so here are a few items that can eloquently do the talking for you:


Or if your feelings require a bit more punch (of red) to emphasize your passion, try one of these love tokens:


And last but not least, instead of a teddy bear, try one of these little cuddlies to show how much you care:


If any of these lovelies inspires you to do some Valentine's shopping, just check the list to find the corresponding Etsy shop:

1 – Sweet Pies Delights
2 – Little Brown Pen
3 – Sherri Conley
4 – Pillow Happy
5 – Chakra Pennywhistle
6 – Drawing Room
7 – Paloma's Nest
8 – Rae Dunn
9 – Mudgoddess
10 – Funky Recycling
11 – Mireio
12 – Cotton Bird Designs
13 – Mudgoddess
14 – LoRi la Tortuga
15 – Cotton Bird Designs
16 – Girl Savage
17 – Maisey Handmade
18 – La Pomme
19 – La Pomme
20 – La Pomme
21 – La Pomme

on the hunt

While I love nothing more than scouring antique shows, estate sales, and flea markets, sometimes I just need a little shot in the arm when I can't get out of the house... so I get my fix on eBay (of course!) and Etsy.

And some Etsy sellers really know how to get to you by staging and lighting their photos so beautifully! Case in point: Blue Bell Bazaar. Just take a peek at this gorgeous little sampling:


I love the clock face on the left... may have to snap that one up! I don't know whether it's because I have a "big birthday" this year or whether I'm just feeling affecting by passing time, but lately I've found myself drawn to old clock and watch faces. May have to act on that by putting some fun mixed media and assemblage pieces together soon... stay tuned!

international trade

This past holiday season, I've exhibited at so many craft shows and bazaars that I'm quite happy to take a little break. However, one perk to selling your own line of products at these events is that sometimes you can barter for things rather than pay cash. I was able to collect quite a nice stash of goodies and gifts this way without spending a single dime – a very nice bonus in this tough economy!

Well, not too long ago, I entered into my first online barter with a fellow Etsy artist. Quite a bit different process, since you can't touch and feel the product you're trading for – all you have to go on is photos. Not to mention, this barter took place half a world away: Lene with Cool Citrus Basil lives in Singapore!

But it was so worth the wait and anticipation! Just take a look at my newest treasures:


I love how she lined the pencil cases with fun fabrics that coordinate with the zipper colors.


If you want your very own pouch, buttons, or notebook, simply visit her Etsy shop. And no worries, Lene's international shipping rates are very reasonable – they don't really seem any higher than domestic shipping!

change is in the air...

Everyone is getting very excited about this year's historic Inauguration Day. Like me, you've probably been invited to at least one viewing party, and what better hostess gift for this momentous occasion than an Obama Paper Doll set? Have a little fun dressing up our new First Family in some fabulous frocks:

You can buy your very own set from Dover Publications (yes, the little girls are included as well, although I did not see a puppy). And a big thanks to my friend Michele for passing along this fun tip!

on my next day off...

...I simply must try this fun project I discovered on Cheeky Magpie's blog:


She even lists a complete tutorial so have at it, y'all!

props to a prop stylist

I recently came across the website of Phyllis Asher, a prop stylist based in New York and fell head over heals in love with her amazing style.


Her style is simple yet so powerful in the way the colors, shapes and textures work together. Not sure who the photographer is on these shots but s/he deserves some props as well! Check out her full portfolio on her website!

january wallpaper

A few days late, but finally it's up: January's desktop wallpaper for your computer! Download yours for free here – and while you're there, don't forget about the amazingly fabulous, mega-savings sale of 50% off EVERYTHING on my website through Monday, January 5 at midnight PST! Just use coupon code PDXpicks at checkout (cannot be combined with any other coupons).