Cloud 9 and a half

One of the best things about having a store like this and making things for other people to enjoy is when they take a few minutes out of their day to write a note telling me how I made their day. When creativity is being elusive, it's a much needed lift.

Karina,

I absolutely LOVE my necklace!  Words cannot describe how excited I was today to open my package -- something similar to a child at Christmas, I imagine.  I've already received so many compliments on it.

Thank you so so so much!  I absolutely adore everything about it!  Leaving feedback shortly.

-Alyssa

Seven Deadly Sins

I've come across a couple of ways that people are having fun with the traditional concept of the Seven Deadly Sins.

trixiedelicious' vandalized vintage plates are equally fun for a dessert party or as tongue-in-cheek wall art. The hand-painted text is food safe, though hand washing is recommended, and each plate comes with a display hanger. The store has two sets available at the moment. The set pictured is currently listed at $135 plus shipping. And if you feel the need to round out this set with a set of the Seven Heavenly Virtues, she's got you covered there, too.


Charm bracelets are always fun and never go out of style. This one by justbedesigns is a playful take on just what those seven deadlies might get you into. This is substantial and definitely a conversation piece. At an adjustable 8 inches, each one inch cabochon labeled with a sin has a corresponding pewter charm. Seven Deadly Sins Charm Bracelet is listed at $43 plus shipping.

MercuryPotions is in the midst of formulating a line of scents for the Seven Deadly Sins, and there are currently four available. At $6 plus shipping for 5ml, this is a very affordable (and less obvious!) way to have fun with such a taboo subject.

 WRATH LUST   ENVY   VANITY

Gray Skies and Brown Coats

Part of me loves things that are structured and timeless and there's another part of me that loves things that are falling off my body when I wear them. The two don't mesh well and I have a closet that reflects those divergent moods. Woe is me.

However, nothing bad has ever happened to me for loving London Fog. When it comes to jackets, they merge everything. I love jackets and coats and even though I live in one of the warmest states in the continental US, I hoard jackets like they're going to save me from an impending nuclear holocaust.

This one reminds me of several of my favorite characters: Columbo, John Constantine, and Castiel from Supernatural. Someone get this, so that I don't have yet another coat. Do it for me. Available at Etsy store IKAHN.

Getting Personal

Despite the economy this holiday season, people are still going out and finding wonderful gifts for their loved ones. Some are heading toward the more traditional route this season. They're getting personal.

I read the NY Times article about Etsy recently, as I imagine most of the community did.

Overall, I liked the honesty of the article. It reflected the experiences that I have had so far and also of those whom I've read about who have been there much longer and are much further along in their success with a personal business.

Just one aspect rubbed me the wrong way: the tone was a bit trite. It overexposed the potential issues of a self-run business without spending equal time on the benefits that these same business owners undoubtedly listed in their interviews.

Is it hard work? Yes, it can be. But it doesn't have to be on any particular day. Sure, there's requirements on your day, as there would be anywhere in any position. There's also so much more freedom. And sure, things get mundane, as with any job. But it's not the aimless inhumanity of a cubicle job where it's difficult to see the benefits of your extra labor. Here, the benefits hit my bottom line: I can see my hard work paying off anytime I do the books.

Spending 15 minutes to 1 hour every day rationalizing my every decision and reporting how effective I was that day never seemed very effective, to me. Now, I don't have anyone leaning over my shoulder asking me why I am saving my trip to the Post Office for the afternoon instead of going first thing in the morning. I'm not counting my time anymore. I'm making my time count. That's truly liberating.

I hope this is the genuine return toward things that are handmade by a real person who fully realizes and values the importance of each customer and each product they create. It's a great positive energy to have around you. Why would parents want to succumb to this year's Tickle Me Elmo when the kids will play just as much with Stringfellow's Bunnies instead, for half the money?

I guess we're not all as broke as we like to think - or feel - that we are. It's not that. Etsy is booming. Homemade artistry seems to be booming. Both purchasing those small lot items and buying the supplies for those items is sometimes not a cheap endeavor. But, it's not just about the money anymore, for the buyer or the creator. We have money, most of us. We're just being more selective. We want quality, a unique experience and a good deal. I'm excited to be a part of it with Archimatta, in our own small way.

Happy Holidays,
Karina

The tree is my favorite part.

We got so busy last year that we didn't do any decorating at all. I'm so glad to have a tree again this year! It's hard enough in the Texas weather to get into the spirit sometimes, but seeing the lights and the candles... it's all I need.

My family has always been crafty and we have tons of ceramics. I think when Granny moved into retirement, my family gave me all the Three Kings sets. I counted four including her old nativity! I did find room for them all, but everything has to be at least four feet off the ground to avoid the Great Wagging Tails. It is packed with the season around here and I love it. :)

Collector's Weekly Interviews Carole Tanenbaum

If you love vintage and have aspirations for your collection, especially the current trends for brooches, stacked necklaces and chunky bracelets, read this article and then go look at The Collection.

Hello there, internet.

Hi, I'm Tink. I make stuff, usually some form of paper art or works on canvas. If it is an idea that has anything to do with sewing, I usually try to make Glitch do it.

I also enjoy sitting around collecting things. You name it: links, ideas, stuff. It becomes unmanageable. Sometimes things have to go to make room for more things. That's where you come in!

This is my dog. I might talk about her a lot. She's a Great Dane and her name is Magna. She is a rambunctious putz and a destroyer of worlds. She loves Bunny. Far be it from me to interfere in that romance. She also loves to give high fives, usually after destroying worlds.

I'll pop in every now and then and tell you what I'm working on or share the craziness Maggie is up to.

Ciao!