So I don't know nearly half as much as I use to about fashion and designers. I still enjoy it, I just don't read about it as much. I just know what I do and don't like.

And so I've come across this embarrassing annoyance..I shop at forever21 now and then, and I was once very confident in my ability to identify a lot or all of the knockoffs. But now, sigh, now I fear I am unaware of many of them. So I am asking you, reader, if you can tell me if a couple of my recent purchases are knockoffs or not. I just want to know haha.

I cropped this photo. I was going to post the whole thing (with my face) because who cares everyone has bad photos and maybe you'd get a good laugh..but I decided that I would probably regret it later and that I have no other real evidence to prove to you that I don't always look like that photo used to show. Is it possible to look good with bangs in the wind?? And why does the sun cast horrible shadows on me and make me squint in a way that you'd think I was in a great deal of pain. Sigh, it's probably the same face I had when I saw the photo.

haha ok but the point is, this photo was taken on Sunday at the flea market. I hadn't been to this one since probably 9th grade. It was decent and didn't have as many socks and hippie stuff this time, though they were still there. I got a few treasures along with a pair of lamps, one shown in the photo, and I'm really excited about them. I have a HUGE collection of vintage lighting. Seriously. I'll have to get a photo one day when I get organized. Lighting and textiles - I cannot get enough of them. Makes sense that my new light shades combine the two! ;)

Anyway, I am so glad it's flea market season again. I am so happy walking around looking through pretty things and eating a hot dog and roasted nuts. Good times.

Have you seen The Red Balloon? It's available right now free "on demand" through Comcast cable if you use that for your television. This is a favorite of mine..I remember when my brother and I first watched it..I was probably in 2nd or 3rd grade and my Mom checked it out at the library. There is a movie out now, The Voyage of the Red Balloon, that references and expands upon the original..not sure how it is..haven't tried to see it as of yet. Have any of you?

So, Tuesday was the first official day that I felt back to normal. James came over and we just hung out and watched a movie. ..Friday I came downtown and on Sunday James became sick. AWFUL. So I'm at his place helping him. Not much for me to do while he sleeps. I don't have any materials here to get work done..and now my tummy is starting to feel squirmy but I can't tell if I'm getting sick again or if I'm just nervous about the things I have to get done. And the weather is back to being just crummy! Cold and rainy and possibly snow/freeze on the pavement. Not enjoyable. The weather has been so off since October! I can't remember when it was, either October or November, but we had a 70 degree day in there somewhere out of the blue.

I just hope James doesn't stay sick as long as I did. We both have a lot on our list of things to do right now. But maybe things happen for a reason.

HELLO!
James told me to edit this post because people don't want to read about how sick I get and not showering because of being sick. So here are some quick facts:

Today I've gotten on the computer for the first time since Wednesday night. I awoke at 3:30 am Thursday to a horrrrrrrible stomach ache. I don't get sick very often at all, but when I do, I DO. I was very surprised by it, if I get the flu, it's usually in the winter. Anyway, it was bad, bad, bad but I feel ok enough to sit at the computer today, though nothing much else (just nap).

So did you feel the earthquake?? Our windows rattled.

I wanted to mention also that last Monday, Jan at PoppyTalk featured Nice on her blog! This was really wonderful because she'd never seen my shop before.

Wow all this typing really wore me out hahah. Might go to bed soon. wasn't a very coherent post!

I made a Muxtape, too.

http://Nice.Muxtape.com
(Even though I can't always hear it with my Firefox browser.)

The one I have up now works well with chilly rainy nights. ..Hoping soon they become warm rainy nights.

What an incredible response I have gotten to these light shades! Thank you everyone, so much! My heart is swelling!! These truly are a labor of love, so your feedback feels extraordinary.

Thank you especially to Holly of Decor8 for featuring me Monday on her blog. That was amazing (a whole post about Nice!). I'm still trying to figure out how she knew my nickname is Cake! hahah If you didn't know until yesterday, when my brother was too young to call me Caitlin, he settled for Cake.

A huge thank you to Abbey, of Abbey Goes Design Scouting, for featuring me twice today! First, and second.

Also a thank you to Craft Zine's Blog for featuring the shades as well.
Really.

And last, but most definitely not least, thank you Anabela of Field Guided, for featuring them first! You can see her post right here.

PHEW!! Amazing. man oh man oh man..

F I N A L L Y !
It took forever to take, load, and choose photos for these shades. Have had a busy week on top of it all, but they are finally here! The project that has been pushed on the back burner for over a year has finally taken form! I thought I would be able to debut them at last year's Renegade Fair but they took a back seat...I even mentioned them in this post about what to expect at my booth! Sheesh. Anyway, they have just been added to the shop. :)

I've been meaning to make sure you all know that Fred Flare is now taking submissions for this year's Next Big Thing! I'm excited to see this year's crop..let me know if you do it! The deadline is May 2!

ok so my deadline didn't work out this time...i swear i am almost done with what i am excited to show you... hopefully monday evening..tuesday morning at the lastest! here's hoping monday is sunny and no more snow for crying out loud..sunny so i can take photos of the secret. here is a sneak peak.

Hello! I'm sure everyone is off for a weekend of fun..I just wanted to stop in and say that I'll have something new to show you all early or mid this coming week. I am VERY excited as it's something I have been working on for over a year! It's one of those projects that you've had in your head for even longer than that, but had to keep pushing it on the back burner for whatever reason. Finally, I'll be able to share a few with you!
<3

A little bit longer than 24 hour sale!!
Now until Friday at 8pm central.
EXCLUSIVE TO BLOG READERS, FlICKR FRIENDS, AND MAILING LIST SUBSCRIBERS <3

This post and commentary on Annie's Imogene blog is amazing.. I guess I've kinda been living in my own world..never stopped to think there might be tension between generations..skill levels..education levels..etc, etc, etc. of crafters. I just am so happy to see so many people creating. Why does everything have to be critiqued and dissected? Why can't we just love what we love and understand that others may love some things we do not but that is ok and hey we can still love each other?? It was strange reading her post after a dinner talking about where the world is going and all those sorts of things.

Also I have been watching this journey of North Korea through Vice magazine tv. It's been years and years since I last read Vice, so I'm not exactly in tune with what they are doing..but James showed me this over the weekend and well, maybe you'd like to see it also.

Totally surprised to see my Mod Cabin Clock on Etsy's front page today!
Very excited..to my knowledge, it's the first time I've made it to the front. :) :)
Thanks to MonsterFashion.Etsy.com for including me in her treasury!

I was inspired to take new photos today of my wood burnings.
You can see the rest in the shop and through Flickr.

New Vintage Items Added to the Shop <3

Well, The Wire is over. Series finale was tonight.

Well the last Happy Birthday banner available has sold! I don't plan to restock the banners for a few months as I'm busy getting ready for craft fairs. I wish I had little elves as employees; they'd love working so much that the idea of a pay check would be an insult! haha. Maybe one day..when I have kids. Jokes, jokes!

There are just a few Hooray banner styles available.

Yesterday was James' birthday. We were having a nice day, until about 11pm..we were driving and his car's tire rods broke (I think)..it was kinda nuts..thankfully we were at a stoplight and it happened when we started to move again (rather than moving at a much greater speed), as when this happens you have no control over your steering whatsoever. Car repairs suck.

Anyway, despite this, he had a nice bday. One of the things I got him was a shirt from Timberps..

The beard is a maze. We haven't attempted it, yet.

And while I was at it, I got one for myself..

Introducing the...



I'm so excited to share this with you! The Illuminated Memo Board! It includes many of my favorite things in one: doilies, pretty patterns, and little notes. It works with a dry erase marker, so it will keep up with all of your important messages from "don't be late", to "I'm sorry," to "I love you so much!" and on and on. Each one is made to order (pick your pattern!), so hurry and get on the list! Head to the shop!

<3
Caitlin

I'll be introducing a new product very soon!! I'm very excited over here.. : )
Stay tuned!
Join the mailing list in the upper left corner, or subscribe to the shop and blog feed to be first to find out.

I thought I would show you a few Etsy finds I have been sneaky enough to snag up without the help of RSS feeds hahah. I purchased these a while ago, separately, but both from the Etsy shop Amateur Efforts.

I love this embroidered piece. The colors are great and I really love that it is not complete.
The lines of the embroidery pattern add depth and make it feel more modern.

And this tray is so cool. I love it to pieces. I'm sure it will inspire some painting soon.

I love to sell and buy vintage, as I am sure you've noticed throughout this blog. I cherish great vintage finds just as much as handmade pieces. I feel almost honored to provide an appreciative home to vintage items; I love that they have a story (whether it's one that was passed down, or one that I have imagined), and that they have lasted through the years and still capture an interest. Etsy has fast become a great vintage community, and it is wonderful that there are so many people with a good eye willing to share their treasures. It's very difficult for me to resist buying everything I love! ..Stupid tight budget!

I am the biggest moron. I had no idea you could RSS feed Etsy shops. When did this even begin? I have totally noticed the icon but I guess it didn't ever phase me?? That is, not until tonight when something I wanted was sold out and I had that little thought bubble appear, "what if you could rss feed etsy shops?! HOW I WISH." and I was literally staring (but not focusing) on that RSS icon.
I've got so many shops I want to subscribe to! ...This is totally going to challenge the tight budget I'm on!
Click here if you'd like to subscribe to Nice.Etsy.com ; )

This concept is pretty neat, via Labour of heart. Delicate and necessary.

Today I happened upon the surprise that this blog has been listed on Bloesem's Recently Discovered list! How exciting it is to see my logo on her page! It's very possible that most, if not all of my visitors, are already familiar with Bloesem... but if you aren't, I urge you to head over!...and also check out the equally wonderful Bloesem Kid's!

And a great big hello to new readers wandering over! Welcome! <3

Dear people who love winter,

Do you still love winter come late February and so forth? What in the world inspires you to love winter so much? Every year I just want to sleep all day and inspiration only comes in short spurts. Crummy, crummy winter time. I need sun and to be able to go out and not feel sloppy in the same boots over and over in the same sloppy snow. Each year seems to be more and more challenging. I like it here, but I wonder if this isn't the place I should live. I've always thought I enjoy the Midwest because of the changing seasons..I enjoy autumn, and when it finally becomes springtime, but these blah months right before spring, so much time is wasted! I think I could appreciate sunny warm weather all year round and not let it go to waste.

One of my favorite parts about Tim and Eric, is the Brules Rules segment:

I just went a little ballerina-happy at an Etsy shop called Tea Cup Design. She had a few styles I hadn't seen..this one cracks me up! Look at that pose! haha It reminds me of Ann Miller's character in one of my favorite movies, You Can't take it with You. Here, you'll see..

Vintage Shop Update!

Just a friendly reminder, if you wish to order an I Love You banner, I'd suggest ordering it before Friday the 8th so it will make it in time for your Valentine's Day! <3

Do any of you have definite plans yet? For whatever reason I've never been big on dining out on Valentine's. I guess I prefer to stay in rather than be around others? ..I kinda wouldn't mind going to see a movie this year, but I'm not sure there's anything we feel like seeing. I'd love to hear what you enjoy doing on Valentine's!

I noticed that you can now view more items per page in Etsy shops. Got me wondering, how do you (yes, you dear reader) shop..

Do you use the Gallery view, as seen here:

Or the List view, as seen here:

Cathy of Douglas & Hope has just begun a blog! She's a very busy shop owner, as well as a mom of twins, so any glimpse she has time to give is appreciated haha. She just posted a photo today of the Fitzroy shop window. Can you spy my Mini Deer Plaque amongst all of the other eye candy? (click to enlarge)

Sigh. I seriously hope I can one day get to this shop. Have any of you been? Do you live in Australia or did you visit?

Hello! I'm sorry for not posting much. I'm a huge bore over here. Working on things all the time.. Finishing up some custom orders..Not that what I am doing is boring... just doesn't make for exciting talk at this point!

I recently joined LastFM. Just decided to I guess. Feel free to add me.

I've been wanting to make a post about Christmas gifts hahaha.. Just cos some of the things you may like. I know it's late and maybe a tad silly, but I'm at a loss of ideas to post about today anyway!

I didn't swear in to the Handmade Pledge, but most of the gifts we gave and received are connected to making things!

Things I gave James Boyfriend (that you might be interested in):

Winter Suspicious print from The Good Machinery Etsy shop. I love this print so so much.
I got one for my best friend also.

A Buddha Machine, which as the site says:

The Buddha Machine is a little plastic box that plays music.

Specifically, FM3 constructed nine drones, varying from two seconds to 42 seconds, which repeat endlessly in the listener’s ear until the “track” is switched to the next drone (or the two AA batteries run out).

The machine has its own built-in speaker, in case one would like to fill a room with the drones, but there is also a headphone jack for more personal meditative experiences. There’s a switch on the side that allows for traversal of the tracks, and a DC jack (though an adapter is not included) for those who would like the Buddha Machine experience be truly endless.

It's pretty cool..the one I got him was very Twin Peaks sounding haha.

A Diana+ camera. I can't wait to see his photos.

A weird little book David Lynch put out..Just something to have haha.

I gave my brother, Douglas:

A gocco printer! He's been wanting one for a while..it will be a lot of fun.

A few things I got:

The Fawn screen print by Wonting.

Grain - patterns book and CD

And a scroll saw! hahah

I've added some new vintage items to the shop!


..and there's a nice interview and post about Lush Bella on Decor8 today!

Kerry of Lush Bella has just put out a beautiful little book of her photographs. I instantly snagged one for myself..I love her work. Love it. It's such a visual treat- her work is simple in the sense that her compositions capture the trinkets in just the right place, just the right colors, just the right intrigue. I completely appreciate her prints as I have a great love for small treasures..ever since I was young I've held on to random beautiful bits..tiny lipstick samples, the case belonging to a lost deck of cards, a favorite bead, the tag belonging to our Christmas tree...

Kerry captures the same essence found in her photographs, in her jewelry collections as well. Lovely, delicate, and timeless pieces (which have also been sold at Anthropolgie!). Kerry really is the whole package; I've found, through correspondence, that she has a personality to match her work. She is very kind and warm and thoughtful with her words. I'm sure you'll understand when reading her book..it translates as if she were sitting beside you telling the stories behind her finds, engaging the reader with questions and little challenges. I think you'll really enjoy it.

You can find Lush Bella's prints in the Etsy shop, and the jewelry collection in her online boutique. Pick up I Spy right here.

And p.s. I'm the Caitlin she mentions on the front flap! You can imagine my excitement! <3

Well, the shop has a new look to it. I decided to update it to match my business cards. Does anyone have any suggestions on how in the world to make your shop icon look ok on the main page??? I can't stand how it gets scrunched up. Why can't it be the same size that it appears in other areas of Etsy?

So I haven't decided if I should change the header to this blog to go with the shop's new look. I still like the current one a lot..and I've had it since I first joined Etsy in 2005. Below are the fabrics I used to make it..