Bandanit!

I've really been into bandanas lately. But not the typical square piece of paisley spotted cloth tied around a cowboy's neck thing. I'm much more into the modern interpretations of this iconic accessory. I love Christopher Shannon's bandana inspired Ts and tanks but at $100 a pop and not being US made (a very important requirement for me) I've been hesitant about shelling out the cash. So you can imagine how glad I was to discover Rik Villa via Is Mental. The LA based and produced line has reworked bandana garments ranging from tanks ($40) to kilt pants ($115) at a great price point. I'm debating if I should go with a Tank, a T, or a pair of Shorts ($65), OR all of them! Whatever I decide, I'll satisfy may need for bandanas and my wallet will only be the slightest bit lighter. A win win!

Etsy Shop: Artisan Wall Tiles

These are some of the coolest prints I've ever seen. You can get them as removable fabric wall decals  from Etsy shop Artisan Wall Tiles. These digital prints are original patterns designed by Jack Denst in the 1960s. I'm obsessed with all of them!

Etsy Shop: Stellar Quilts

I'm obsessed with these extraterrestrial quilts by artist/space traveler, Jimmy Mcbride. The juxtaposition of hand-crafted homespun quilts and high-tec images of outer space are a unusual but beautiful pairing. Well done space voyager! Buy a quilt at Etsy Shop Stellar Quilts.

Etsy Shop: Homestead Leather Works

How great are these leather goods from Etsy Shop, Homestead Leather Works. All the items are guaranteed to last a lifetime, meant to last decades not years. I'm particularly fond of the navy belt and rust colored leather lunch bag. Everything is shipped for free in the US and can be customized in 9 different colors options.

Minnow Bathers

I'm in love with Canadian swimwear label Minnow Bathers! Created by Karen Donaldson and Vanessa Warrack the two designers bring vintage silhouettes together with modern geometric prints, florals, and my favorite wood grain (see below). The label, only three seasons old, holds stockist mostly in their home town of Toronto, but don't be disappointed, Minnow Bathers sell many of their uber-cool swimwear through their Etsy shop. 

Below are the wood grain drawstring briefs that I'm coveting for only $60 and above a really cute front cut out floral one piece only $135.  I've been looking for some more swimwear for this summer and I'm so glad to have found Minnow Bathers! Thanks to Jessica over at the Shiny Squirrel for leading me to my new favorite swimwear brand. See more after the break.

Etsy Shop: Rib & Hull

Etsy Shop Rib & Hull specializes in making quality handmade ipad and Mac Book Pro protectors, but the real stand outs are their totes.  From nautical stripes to coral dipped cavas, Rib & Hull has something for everyone and at an affordable price.  Use discount code "SUMMERTIME" for 10% off your purchase at check out.   

Etsy Shop: The Utilitarian Franchise

The Utilitarian Franchise has awesome silk screened pillows and wall hangings.  The subject matter of the prints include some of my favorite things like deers and octopi. Check out the large selection HERE.

Etsy Shop: Hide the Good Scissors

Etsy Shop, Hide the Good Scissors sells these cute geometric animal embroideries in hoops crafted in Kansas City. Prices start at $25 for the little bird to $50 for the larger animals. I think these are great examples of modernizing a traditional medium.   

Found via Design Crush

Etsy Shop: Julie and Co.

Japanese Temari Embroidered Thread Balls

Etsy shop Julie and Co. crafts Japanese Temari embroidered thread balls that can be used as Christmas tree ornaments, pin cushions or even just a hand ball. Japanese Temari began as a method of creating toy hand balls for children from old kimonos. The practice evolved and became a decorative art favored by the wealthy Japanese women. Now women from Michigan i.e. Julie and Co., hand craft decorative balls for people like us to marvel at.

Etsy Shop: kim e-m

I've been very interested in quilts. Kim Eichler Messmer's hand dyed cotton quilts just fuel may desire to start making quilts myself. Kim's quilts are available to buy at her Etsy shop Kimem. Her monochromatic color blocking reminds me of Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll's debut collection from 4 years ago.

Etsy Shop: Hollandsworth

Girlie pins

Bearded boys magnets

More bearded boys

Jordan Grace Owens' Esty shop Hollandworth sells hand-made paper art including pins, magnets, papers dolls and prints. Owen's illustrative style is quirky and fun. Browse the one of a kind illustrations here.

Etsy Shop: Mud Puppy

Modern White Baby Head Vase

Modern White Baby Head Vase

Modern White Baby Head Vase

Modern White Baby Head Vase

I am in love with these Modern White Baby Head Vases with beautiful air plants (sold separately) available at Etsy Shop: Mud Puppy. They're cute, disturbing and white, three of my favorite qualities in anything. Mud Puppy also offers other beautiful ceramic housewares such as Hanging Air Plant Pods (below). Shop now it's all so affordable too! (Head Vase on $40 and Hanging Pod $32)

Hanging Air Plant Pod

Carrie Bilbo

Silver Geometric Ring

"This bold and edgy ring is part of Carrie's newest "Twentyten Collection." It combines a geometric shapes with Carrie's usual organic style to create a fabulous wearable ring. Made from silver with a steel wool finish and an inlayed pumice stone."


Get your first piece from Carrie Bilbo's newest work created to accompany the twentyten's Spring Summer 2011 collection. Visit Carries Esty Shop to buy this ring and shop here past work.

Etsy Shop: Mimi Kirchner

Mimi Kirchner

Mimi Kircher creates one of a kind handmade fabric dolls from vintages fabrics. I especially love her tattoo men and women made from flesh toned toile de jouy. These dolls are adorable but don't come cheap, retailing between $200 and $250 a piece. Check out her Esty shop HERE.

Etsy Shop: Karen Hilton Designs

Patriotic pillows with a twist

These cotton and felt pillows form Etsy shop, Karen Hilton Designs, make patriotism (British or American) fun. Based in the UK pillows ship to the US free of charge.

Etsy Shop: Alexandra Ferguson

Demanding pillows made of recycled plastic felt 

I thought I was done with clever slogans after the House of Holland tees hit their saturation point a few years ago. However, Alexandra Ferguson's clever phase appliqued pillows are perfect for mothers to send to there children at college, or just to remind yourself to do those annoying chores like doing the laundry and cleaning your room. Each pillow is made from recycled plastic felt about 4 plastic bottles per pillow. The pillows can also be customized to match your home decor.

Etsy Shop: Moon Raven Designs

Small silver bear claw pendant necklace $20, Bronze 3D whitetail deer antler pendant necklace $45, Life size bronze mink jaw pendant necklace $39, Bronze chicken foot pendant necklace $135

Sterling silver bighorn ram skull pendant $125, Polised bronze eagle claw necklace $165, Bronze imperil elk antler pendant necklace $50, Sterling silver wolf claw pendant necklace $84

These animal skulls, antlers and claws from Esty vendor Moon Raven Designs are just awesome. They are completely on point with designers like Pamela Love and Surface to Air creating simular designs. However, MRD has an advantage with prices starting at $20 (small bear claw). At these prices you can get a different necklace for everyday of the month.

Etsy Shop: Carrie Bilbo Art Jewelry

(1) Cicada wing pendant, $140 (2) Gold cone ring, $140 (3) Twig ring, $100 (4) Moth necklace, $140 (5) Moth necklace with braided chain, $160

I've known Carrie Bilbo for a very long time before she ever made her first box ring years ago. But one thing hasn't changed, she's still doing amazing work. Bilbo's craftsmanship and attention to detail is unmatched. Her Jewelry is a blend of sleek and organic, combining natural elements with modren shapes and forms. I am extremely excited for this fall when Bilbo's newest work will be revealed along with the twentyten's Spring 2011 collection during New York Fashion Week. I already have a shopping list of pieces that I desperately need. Shop for Carrie Bilbo Art Jewelry at her Etsy shop.

Etsy Shop: Folded Pigs

Set of 4 bone appetit 9" dinner plates, $64

Creepy crawly cockroach teacup, $15.

Deco handle skull and cross utensils, $15.

Folded Pigs sells some great repurposed ceramic restaurant ware. Each piece is refired to 1990 degrees to ensure fusion of each cleverly designed decal. All cups, dishes and bowls are also dishwasher and microwave safe. I look forward to buying my set of Bone Appetit dinner plates in time for Halloween.