found paper co.

new home!

2010-08-02T21:01:00.002-04:00

Psst...I'm back from my longer than anticipated break and sharing at a new blog. Check it out here!

affordable treats for world travelers.

2009-11-18T14:34:00.003-05:00

I am in the middle of packing boxes and all of the other fun stuff associated with moving, but wanted to share some reasonably priced gifts for any friends or family who spend plenty of time traveling - whether for fun or work. Happy Holiday Shopping!

$5 and Under

1. SpaGoddess; 2. junkdog; 3. everyjotandtittle; 4. GreatScottVintage

$10 and Under

1. oddsnblobs; 2. TheModShop; 3. skyparlor; 4. GreatScottVintage

$20 and Under

1. moxiethrift; 2. spacedogstudios; 3. XOHandworks; 4. ionesAttic

where, oh where did i go?

2009-11-16T14:04:00.002-05:00

You might be wondering where I have been. The short answer is, in bed. I was feeling good and everything was going great. Then I got a little bit of a sore throat that quickly turned into a full blown lay-in-bed-and-do-absolutely-nothing-for-a-week illness. I couldn't be more grateful to be back up and running!

Time for some more exciting news. I'm moving to SAN DIEGO!! I was born and raised in the Bay Area and went to college in San Diego. As much as I've enjoyed my short stay in Connecticut, I think I'll always be a California girl at heart and can't wait to be back. I'm looking forward to Sunday mornings at the farmer's market, picnics in Balboa Park, and plenty of Mexican food.

Before I got sick I put together a few more Holiday Mixed Paper Journals. I have been looking forward to adding them to the shop and was finally able to take some pictures today. If you are interested, you can pick one up right here. There are only a handful and these will be the last ones for the season!

Sadly this will be my last week in Connecticut. I'll be headed home early next week for Thanksgiving, and taking off from there to take on the move to San Diego. As a result I will be closing the shop on Friday, November 20. I am hoping to reopen before Christmas but much will depend on how smoothly the move goes. Cross your fingers for me! If you have your eye on something for a Christmas present, be sure to pick it up this week in case the shop doesn't reopen up in time!

friday favorites.

2009-11-06T09:55:00.003-05:00

1. SaysYou; 2. KisforCalligraphy; 3. honeyteacup; 4. metalsmitten; 5. BrightWallVintage

On the list for this weekend:

Email some old friends.
Little more Christmas shopping (almost done!)
Sneak in another Starbucks holiday drink.
Finish a few more Christmas Mixed Paper journals.
Organize craft room a bit (ongoing struggle!)
Perhaps cheap Sunday night bowling.

What's on your schedule for the weekend? Good things, I hope!

first hint of the season.

2009-11-05T11:53:00.003-05:00

I recognize it is ridiculous to judge the seasons based on what drinks Starbucks is serving, but having my first Gingerbread Latte of the season did make it feel like Christmas is just around the corner. I am in no way recommending you overlook Thanksgiving and the remainder of Fall, but some parts of Christmas do require you to think ahead...like advent calendars!

While advent calendars are mainly reserved for children, I see no problem still enjoying the fun of counting down to Christmas as an adult. My mom and I take the advent calendar one step further. We buy each other 24 itty bitty gifts, wrap them all up, and exchange piles on December 1. For the next 24 days leading up to Christmas we each open up one present. It may seem a little excessive, but it is actually pretty easy to come up with 24 little presents without breaking the bank (especially if you shop at thrift stores and flea markets year round) and the time spent opening a gift together each evening is really special.

If you are ready to bring back to joys of an advent calendar this year, here are a few good options out there on Etsy.

thymbyldesigns, $58

Aren't the dolls on each pouch the sweetest? I also love how the traditional red and green is mixed in with teals and oranges and yellows.

pilosale, $76
This one reminds me of my childhood. We had a wall hanging with a little stuffed bear who traveled throughout the printed house in search of Christmas. Each day he moved to a new room. Ours was very bright and colorful, but this natural version would fit in perfectly with minimalistic decor.

jodii, $58
I love the primary colors used in this one as well. You could easily continue to use some of the pouches throughout the year for storage and organization.

nuvonova, $70

Wouldn't it be fun to hide one of these bags each morning and your kids search for it? I think it would be a wonderful way to start each morning, especially if there was a little treat tucked inside each one!

If you are the crafty type and want to make one of your own, there are plenty of handmade supplies on Etsy to get you started.

everyjotandtittle, $4.50

Classic tags made famous by Ali Edwards who used them in her December Daily journal. A definite favorite.

halffullmartini, $3.50
I am a big fan of the kraft brown background and the variety of shapes.

ormolu, $4.50
A great deep red, and you could use the little blank space on the bottom to jot down a small special note about that day.

maythird, $4.50
Simple, but in the best way. Perfect if the rest of your design is a little more complicated.

Disappointed by the empty Mixed Paper Journals section in my shop and inspired by the upcoming holiday, I put together some Christmas Mixed Paper Journals. I have two completed so far, with a few more coming soon.

The journal on the right has already been spoken for, but the one of the left is available right here.

Update: Both journals are now gone. Thank you for your support! I have a few more journals in the making. If you would like to reserve one, feel free to email me at foundpaper@gmail.com.

After all of that Christmas, I feel like I need to surround myself with pumpkins and apple cider to soak up everything that is lovely about November before it's gone!

affordable treats for cooks and bakers.

2009-11-04T07:39:00.000-05:00

For the month of November I'll be changing up the "affordable treats" feature a bit. Each week will focus on gift ideas for a certain person on your shopping list. This week is for the cooks, bakers, and anyone else who enjoys hanging out in the kitchen. I will admit that I'm not a superstar in the kitchen, but I'm slowly learning and still love that patchwork apron!

Be sure to share if there is a certain theme you would like to see in the next couple of weeks! Perhaps you always have a hard time coming up with gift ideas for your friend spends all of her free time traveling, or your cousin who constantly has her nose in a book. I'm up for the challenge!

$5 and Under

1. katieblairdesigns; 2. wonderthunder; 3. LittleValley; 4. CupcakeSocial

$10 and Under

1. thevintagemoderngirl; 2. oddsnblobs; 3. Mybb; 4. backgarage

$20 and Under

1. pinupbetty; 2. Brookish; 3. monicaejewelry; 4. disconsolator

shop update!

2009-11-03T12:49:00.002-05:00

I spent much of yesterday taking product photos to ensure a packed shop for the next couple of weeks! A small glimpse of what has recently been added and coming in the next few days.

One of my favorites is a new paper pack - Children's Illustrations Paper Pack! I put together these paper packs after coming upon many vintage children's books with torn up covers, but lovely illustrations saved inside. The illustrations come from 15 different vintage children's books. A few of my favorites - Katie the Kitten (1949), Nurse Nancy (1952), and Butterball the Little Chick (1955).

new week, new shop - holiday prep!

2009-11-02T07:36:00.002-05:00

If you hang around the Forums on Etsy it won't take long for you to stumble upon a post from a new seller asking about the much talked about "holiday rush." If you sell a product that makes the perfect stocking stuffer and promote it like crazy, you may well find yourself flooded with orders. Other shops might not see such an influx of sales. Either way, now is the perfect time to prep your shop for the holidays. It doesn't take much to make the holidays run smoother for both you and your customers.

Get organized now! Don't wait until things get busy before you decide to get organized. You will save a lot of time, and your sanity, if you take a little time to get things in order now.

1. corrnucopia; 2. SweetLoveVintage

System for organizing products. Nothing will kill the excitement of making a sale more than not being able to find the product you just sold. Nor will you enjoy the next 20 minutes you waste tearing apart your home before you finally find it tucked away in some corner. Set aside a special area for your products - some shelves, a draw or two, maybe a whole closet. Once something is made and photographed put it in your special area right away. Label your drawers and boxes to best suit your product - according to color, by category, or divided by size.
Packaging supplies in one spot. You might not think twice about having to run to your office for scissors and grabbing tissue paper from your craft room, but that is a lot of wasted time going back and forth if you are packing orders a couple times a week. Think about everything you use to pack orders and keep it all in one place.
Routine for packing orders. What works for you might not work for someone else, but what is important is that you come up with a process for packing orders that fits into your schedule. You might want to split it up - print or address shipping labels in the morning, write Thank You labels during your lunch break, and wrap products after dinner. You may prefer doing it all at once after your kids get to bed. Either way, coming up with a routine will help keep you from becoming overwhelmed during the holidays, and may even allow you to have a friend or family member to take over for a few days if you get sick but don't want to have to close your shop.

Plan your packaging. Many sellers, myself included, often underestimate the time it takes to wrap and and package orders. Some pre-planning can cut down a little of this extra time.

1. LittlePaperDog; 2. PaperLeaf; 3. cutiepie company; 4. DaisyMaeDesigns

Signature wrapping. I have mentioned before that consistent wrapping can help brand your shop. Take some time to experiment with a few different styles to see what suits your products best. Knowing beforehand how you will wrap your products allows you to make sure you have all of the necessary supplies on hand, and saves time if you can package assembly line style.
Research beforehand. Don't list an item until you have a box to ship it in and estimate the shipping costs! You might be really excited to list the vintage globe you just found at the thrift store, but hold off until you find a box to fit it in, track down bubble wrap/peanuts/foam to keep it secure, and weigh it all for a realistic shipping quote. If not, you may find yourself searching high and low for that perfect box before you can mail an order, or losing $20 when you charged $10 to ship but the post office charged you $30.
Consider gift wrap. If you like to keep your packaging simple, consider offering a little extra during the holidays. Add a note to your Shop Announcement and Product Descriptions that you offer wrapping with a gift tag if the customer is buying it for a present. Not everyone will take you up on it, but some may. It's up to you whether to keep it complimentary or charge a small fee.

Stock up. Time is always in short supply around the holidays and never a good time to run out of something. If you are able to put together extra inventory now, definitely do it.

Extra products. It won't be long until Gift Guides start popping up on blogs, magazine articles, and Etsy. If you lucky enough to be included in one you may have a surge in sales! It would be oh so disappointing if you weren't able to take advantage of this momentum because you don't have enough products to stock your shop. Always have some extra on hand, but no need to go overboard.
Extra photos. It doesn't matter how many products you have available if you don't have good pictures to list them in your shop. Getting good photos during the winter months can be difficult due to time constraints (parties, decorating, wrapping, oh my!) or bad weather / lack of light. Take advantage of free days with good weather to stock up on your product photography. (I need to take my own advice here!)
Extra shipping supplies. You don't want to have to delay shipping or pay $0.89 per bubble mailer at Staples because you ran out of shipping supplies and are waiting for your next order to come in the mail. Seriously consider purchasing your shipping supplies in bulk to save money and ensure you always have some on hand. Storage can be an issue so offer splitting an order with a friend or colleague who also sells online. A few good resources:

http://www.royalmailers.com
http://www.uline.com
http://www.nashvillewraps.com

Communicate with your customers. Communication is always important when you have an online business and don't have face-to-face contact with customers, but even more so during the holidays. During the holidays keeping a customer informed on how long an order will take to arrive and how it will come packaged will likely mean the difference between a very happy and a very disappointed customer.

1. foundpaperco; 2. gremlina

Custom Order Deadlines. Set a clear deadline on the last day you will accept custom orders with guaranteed delivery for the holidays. Be honest with yourself and your customers. You don't want to spend the next two months staying up until 2am cranking out custom orders. Don't be afraid to set an early deadline if need be. I have seen shops with deadlines in early November and it encouraged me to place my order already.
Shipping Deadlines. Make sure customers know how long before an order is shipped and the approximate transit time for your method of shipping. A customer may think 10 days before Christmas is plenty of time, but that gift may not have a shot of arriving on time if it takes 7 days for an order to be shipped and another 7-10 days of transit time due to Media Mail shipping. Keep in mind mail has a tendency to slow down during the holidays.
Packaging. A product that is wrapped and ready for gift giving may be a selling point for last minute buyers or those who simply don't like wrapping presents. If your packaging is strong, be sure to mention it in your Shop Announcement and consider including a packaging shot as one of your five item photos.

Make yourself a list of what you need to prep your own shop for the holidays, and try to mark off a thing or two every day. Best of luck for lots and lots of sales this holiday season!

friday favorites.

2009-10-30T07:49:00.000-04:00

1. CrazyBoy; 2. opendoorstudio; 3. solsticehome; 4. jessitaylor

Half handmade and half vintage to start off the holiday weekend! Have fun, but be safe. Eat candy until your stomach hurts. Don't smash any pumpkins. (That's just mean.)

coffee made special.

2009-10-29T09:45:00.003-04:00

Even though I can't imagine taking the time to decorate your coffee each and every morning, something about these coffee stencils makes me smile. Wouldn't you like waking up to a special cup of coffee with "I Love You" on top?

If you're up for the challenge, you can buy your stencils here for $10 each.

affordable treats.

2009-10-28T08:31:00.001-04:00

Another week of fun finds that won't hurt your pocketbook, inspired by Fall which seems to be in full swing by now!

$5 and Under

1. maythird; 2. InvitaPaperStudio; 3. pinklilypress; 4. marygracethomas

$10 and Under

1. fimvintage; 2. BRadleyBB; 3. boygirlparty; 4. SwankyLadyVintage

$20 and Under

1. EverythingLovely; 2. satisfactory; 3. roundabout; 4. madebyhank

wish list!

2009-10-27T08:06:00.001-04:00

Most years I have no problem coming up with a wish list for my December birthday / Christmas. Truth be told, I love stuff. This year has been much different. I certainly don't need much, and there isn't even much I want.

My mom and boyfriend have been asking for a wish list so I sat down and forced myself to come up with a few ideas. I didn't come up with much, but everything on the list is something I could use and would really enjoy.

Typewriter Serviced

I found a vintage teal typewriter similar to the one above at an estate sale this summer. It is in excellent condition, but needs the space bar fixed and maybe a new ribbon. I haven't gotten around to finding a place to have it serviced, so this is a perfect addition to my wish list!

Vintage Mugs & Starbucks Gift Cards

Now that chilly mornings have arrived, I crave coffee each and every day. I would love a collection of special vintage mugs for coffee at home, and Starbucks gift cards for coffee on the go. My current favorite vintage mug says, "He Who Hoots with the Owls at Night Cannot Soar with the Eagles in the Morning." Love it!

Personalized Jewelry

I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but love simple pieces with a special touch. AlvinaAbramova has a lot of neat initial necklaces, and these stack rings from bddesigns are some of my favorites.

Hand Mixer

You know you are officially an adult when you start putting kitchen gadgets on your wish list. My limited cooking skills don't require much, but I could use a decent hand mixer for baking cupcakes and muffins.

Izze Sparkling Juice

Yup, there is also food (or drinks, rather) on my wish list. I am a big fan of Izze Sparkling Juice (blackberry and clementine in particular!), but don't buy them too often. It is more of a special treat. A stocking full of juice sounds good to me!

Warm Socks and Slippers

Warm, cozy socks and slippers are winter essentials that I like to replace each year. I don't have any specific ones picked out, but can usually count on Target and Urban Outfitters for good socks. This pair of slippers from Target has great reviews with an even better price tag. I might have to ask for them specifically.

That's about it right now. Have you put together a wish list yet? If so, share what's on it! I could use a few extra additions to mine!

new week, new shop - Sky Parlor.

2009-10-26T10:58:00.003-04:00

Welcome to the last week of October! Another month that came and went in record time.

With the return of the "new week, new shop" series this week, I'm excited to introduce you all to Sky Parlor - a vintage shop on Etsy run by the most fun and interesting couple! Sit back and enjoy the interview with Ranessa and Jason, including a whole bunch of photos. Once you're done reading, check out everything that is available in their shop right here.

#1 - Who is behind skyparlor? Please introduce yourselves and tell us a little bit about your vintage Etsy shop.
The dust bodies behind Sky Parlor are lovers Ranessa Allen (29) & Jason Moore (24). Sky Parlor was sprung into birth due to our mutual love of treasure junking whether it be thrift stores, salvage yards, estate sales, or antique shops. It is quite strange though, because neither of us like our home environment to be cluttered-we try and keep a minimalist yet eclectic look-so rather than continue to purchase things for our own keeping(which believe you me, is quite difficult) we decided to open up Sky Parlor to let our obsession run rampant without having to live in a perpetual treasure junk land. We chose the name Sky Parlor because of its 1940s origin- sky parlor is a jalopy way of referring to an “attic”. We found it appropriate.

#2 - What catches your eye as a good addition for the shop while shopping? Are you drawn to certain colors / certain eras / certain type of goods?
Well, we would have to say it depends on our mood. If we wake up feeling nautical, we are going to go on a determined venture to find some driftwood, or a seafaring captain's hat. There are days that are golden , where we find lovely peculiars at random- but it seems as though there is always a common thread that unites our purchases for a day, whether it be color, decade, or sheer oddity. We also like to ensure that everything we choose is mutually selected. There is a split of “okay, you pick your 5 treasures, and I pick mine”. we have never left empty handed! I couldn't bare to trudge home with a desire unfulfilled. I suppose ultimately you can say that we find ourselves resuscitating things that may be on their last breath so that others can enjoy them with an eye of renewed beauty.

#3 - Do you collect anything for yourself - something we won't find in your shop because you're keeping it?
The question we would have answered even if it hadn't of been asked! You have no idea how difficult it is to part with our findings. Know this: everything that we purchase for Sky Parlor is something that we want for ourselves! Our style code is so multi-dimensional that we feel that we will be able to net up people on all points of the spectrum. When we return from a shopping venture, we find a place for each item in our home. When guests come over, it is literally as if everything in our home is for sale! We find that if we are able to display the items, we are in some way allowed to revel in our quasi-ownership of them. It also aides us in not having to scramble to find an item once it is sold-it is simply right there-whether it be atop the mantle, or residing on the wall. We do, however, have a trunk for an over accumulation of junk-things that just won't fit in with our decor-as I mentioned before, we try to maintain a spacious environment that flows.

#4 - Many customers praise your packaging in your feedback. Would you be willing to share some secrets to your packaging? What makes it stand out in the minds of your customers?
Well, we attempt to treat each package as one would an overly doted upon child-we spoil it. We also draw up our own version of a letter of authenticity-much like you would receive at an auction. We tie in bits of truth with fantastical fiction and abracadabra!-the customer has a lovely backstory for their newly found friend. We feel that this might be what our patrons delight in the most. It is all so very personalized.

#5 - Skyparlor has gained significant success in the short time since it opened. [Congrats!] Any tips or advice for others who would like to start up their own Etsy shop?
Well, we know from our own standpoint that passion is essential. When someone has a fiery passion, they want an outlet for it. When one has a desire to paint, you need canvas. When one has a desire to make music, one needs a voice, an instrument. We have a strong desire to build a junk empire-and Etsy has been our canvas, our instrument to do so.

Special thanks to Ranessa and Jason for giving us a glimpse into Sky Parlor! If you are now a fan of their shop or enjoyed peaking into their home, be sure to leave a quick comment for Ranessa and Jason.

friday favorites.

2009-10-23T09:39:00.001-04:00

1. modernradar; 2. roundabout; 3. meplusmolly; 4. Hettle; 5. CatherineMarissa

I couldn't narrow it down to just four, so there is an extra one for you this week! I have been asked by a couple of people for a birthday / Christmas wish list, so I think I'll spend part of the weekend picking and choosing fun things I'd love to receive. What is on your personal wish list? Any shops / items you think I should check out? I'd love to see what everyone else is asking for this year. Please share!

scrap pack challenge projects, part two!

2009-10-23T08:03:00.000-04:00

This second set of projects comes from April. She can be found all over Etsy - with a handmade, photography, and vintage shop! Add in two kids and a dog and it becomes clear she is a very busy woman!

Mini Journal and Matchbook Notepad

> adorable stocking stuffer for doodlers and list makers
> would be fun to make inside pages from mixed papers / ticket stubs / mini photos

Square Thank You Cards
> perfect to slip in with orders if you sell on Etsy
> change up the greeting to match your needs

Vintage Paper Collages
> has plans to turn into Thank You notes for her vintage shop
> can frame for affordable and one of a kind art

Halloween Gift Tag

> attach with a clothespin to a brown lunch sack filled with candy
> secretly sneak in your child's lunch for a surprise Halloween greeting

Many thanks to April for her super cute projects! To learn more about April and her shops, check out her blog.

I was really excited when I came up with the idea of the Scrap Pack Challenge, but think I enjoyed it even more than I expected. If you feel the same, let me know and I'll put together another challenge. Perhaps a Game Pack Challenge or Found Paper Pack Challenge?

scrap pack challenge projects!

2009-10-22T16:46:00.003-04:00

Do you remember the Scrap Pack Challenge? About two weeks I sent Scrap Packs to two readers. The only thing I asked in return was for each to play around with the paper and send me pictures of their projects. It's time to see what each of them made!

This first set of projects comes from Kellie of every jot & tittle. Her projects make me want to drag out my box of scraps right away.

Paper Leaves
> perfect for a garland or to fill a pretty bowl
> add a string and use as a gift tag

Pencil Wrapped Pencils
> sweet gift for coworkers (tied with a strip of pretty fabric)
> tutorial here

Mini Notecards with Envelopes
> write encouraging notes for your children and tuck in their lunch
> scribble a sweet message and leave around for your loved one to find

Leaf Bowl with Pendant
> necklace made with strips of paper and Mod Podge
> bowl tutorial here

Cupcake Flags
> attach cute little flags with toothpicks
> makes a sweet treat even sweeter

Paper Bow
> personal favorite!
> tutorial here

Paper Topped Jar Lid
> lovely way to give a little collection of fun things as a gift
> tutorial here

Pretty amazing, huh? Special thank you to Kellie for taking on the Scrap Pack Challenge! If you aren't already a major fan of her Etsy shop, check it out here and her blog here.

Check back tomorrow for more projects from April!

If you are inspired and want a Scrap Pack of your very own, look no further than right here!

affordable treats.

2009-10-21T17:04:00.003-04:00

I started my Christmas shopping this week! Have you? I love having most of my gifts purchased by early December, so I can spend the rest of the holiday season picking up extra little things here and there but with no stress. I plan on doing most of my shopping on Etsy this year - no need to leave the house, plenty of unique things you won't find at the mall, and really great values.

Convinced to start your own Christmas shopping on Etsy yet? If so, start with these budget friendly finds!

$5 and Under

1. piebirdpress; 2. yourwishcake; 3. elhernandez; 4. FiniRibbon

$10 and Under

1. thesequinedshoe; 2. MODERA; 3. contraptions; 4. jeeta

$20 and Under

1. jenn3star; 2. KristinaMarie; 3. madevisual; 4. roundrabbit

up, up, and away.

2009-10-19T09:46:00.002-04:00

[LucyMaude]

Sadly my adventures in California have come to an end. I am currently on an all-day long flight back to Connecticut! Shipping for the shop and blog posts will return to normal as of tomorrow.

P.S. - The "new week, new shop" feature will return next week with one of my favorites! Be sure to check back in.

friday favorites.

2009-10-16T09:12:00.001-04:00

1. emilymaysparks; 2. WoolyBison; 3. PunkyJane; 4. jenscloset

Hope you had a wonderful week! I had plenty of fun visiting my parents and brother in Northern California this week, and headed down to Southern California tomorrow morning. I went to college in San Diego and looking forward to hitting up some old favorites. Hope you are all able to visit a favorite bookstore or coffee shop this weekend!

affordable treats.

2009-10-14T08:13:00.001-04:00

Normally I might complain a little about coming to California in hopes of a warm and sunny trip, and ending up with the season's first storm with lots of rain and plenty of wind. However, I've seen the pictures of snow already starting in other parts of the country so I'll keep my mouth shut.

Despite the wet weather, I have been enjoying many meals of Mexican food, mornings spent with coffee and antique fairs, and quality time with the family. A few other good things:

$5 and Under

1. hooraydesignshop; 2. FlourishBathBody; 3. somethingshidinghere; 4. inkpainter

$10 and Under

1. runamok; 2. OldSchoolStationers; 3. ThePaperAddict; 4. Kultur

$20 and Under

1. MiaBeads; 2. BROOKLYNrehab; 3. PinkSaguaro; 4. thebrickkiln

telegram stop.

2009-10-13T14:32:00.003-04:00

It should be no surprise that I am a big advocate for handwritten cards and letters. However, these vintage inspired telegrams are on a completely different level. For $4.70 you can type in whatever message you wish and your receipt will receive a telegram that looks like the one above. You also receive an emailed copy of the telegram that was sent to your lucky friend or family member. I am embarrassed to admit I almost want to send one to myself! They're that neat.

If you send two or more of the same telegram you can take advantage of their bulk discounted rate of $3.75. Wouldn't these serve as perfect invites for a special birthday party or wedding?

Want to send your own? Check out the website here.

new week, new shop - darling savage.

2009-10-12T08:37:00.007-04:00

If you are like me, you are probably obsessed with little bags and pouches to hold your make up / loose change / random junk that accumulates in your purse. Darling Savage has put together a line of bags, purses, wallets, and clutches made from beautiful fabrics with special little touches, such as a perfectly placed button or coordinating liner pattern.

The creativity behind this up and coming Etsy shop comes from Havilah. She describes the style of Darling Savage as eclectic, feminine, and eco-conscious. She once used all new materials for her work, but recently switched over to primarily reclaimed and vintage fabrics. Now your little bag is not only helping you, but helping out the environment!

Havilah is another self taught sewer, like Amy of PonderandStitch. She learned a few basics from her mother and picked up some good tips from her grandmother, but honed her skills mostly by making mistakes and then learning from them. She acknowledges that while this method of learning takes some patience, it is the most rewarding. A lot of Havliah's work is done on the sewing machine you see below - a model purchased by her grandmother in 1958 which she inherited and is still going strong!

Havilah runs her shop from Portland, Oregon - a mecca for crafty talent. She has managed to carve out a space for her craft and business within the one bedroom apartment she shares with her boyfriend. Despite what these photos of her work space show, Havliah admits to being quite the mess maker. Thankfully she has an understanding boyfriend who is willing to overlook the piles of fabric scraps and other causalities of her crafting.

If you are in the market for a little bag and want to check out Darling Savage, head on over to here:

Etsy: www.darlingsavage.etsy.com
Blog: www.darlingsavage.com

Don't forget to please take a minute and leave an encouraging comment for Havilah!

drumroll please.

2009-10-09T15:09:00.001-04:00

Congrats on winning the giveaway from AMradio! You will be receiving an email from me shortly. Starting making up your mind between the super cute ring holder and classic travel clock.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and AMradio for her generosity!

friday favorites.

2009-10-09T08:37:00.002-04:00

1. mothermaighi; 2. justingeer; 3. happydayvintage; 4. gizmos; 5. 100percent; 6. MrsKensington; 7. Thrush; 8. leVintageMaison; 9. TheCottageCheese

I couldn't limit it to just four, so here are nine of my favorite vintage finds from the past week. Hope you enjoyed the week filled with vintage! Take some time to scour your favorite flea market / thrift store / garage sale this weekend for your own vintage finds. I'll be sure to share with you if I find any of my own!

a helpful hand.

2009-10-08T17:52:00.005-04:00

If you have ever wanted to search for your own vintage finds but didn't know where to look, here are a few resources that might be able to help you.

The Thrift Shoppper
Enter your city or zip code and this website will list all of the thrift shops in your area. It gives you the store's address, phone number, and hours. You can even read ratings for some shops, including scores based on selection / organizing / pricing / cleanliness. Definitely a great place to start if you are new to an area, or want to see if there are any stores worth checking out while you are traveling.

Yard Sale Treasure Map
I really like the concept behind this website. You enter your address and it maps out all of the yard sales within a certain distance from your home. You can specify what day are you are interested in (Thursday - Sunday), how far you are willing to travel, and what type of items you are interested in. Unfortunately not a lot came up when I searched near my house. Either the website still needs time to grow, or people just aren't having garage sales near me this weekend!

Garage Sales, Yard and Estate Sales by Map
This website is similar to the one above. I don't like the design as much, but it seems to have more sales loaded into its database, at least for my area. Worthwhile to check out if you want to spend a morning hitting some garage sales in your neighborhood.

I know I highlighted repurposed vintage ideas a couple of posts ago, but had to include one more. Have you seen this from Ready Made yet? It's a vintage suitcase turned rolling bar! Impressive. You could easily adapt the idea to make a small bookcase or display shelves. You can find instructions here if you are up to the challenge!

last chance for vintage giveaway!

2009-10-08T08:47:00.003-04:00

Love either one (or both!) of these charming vintage finds? If so, be sure to enter the giveaway generously offered by AMradio! If you win, you can choose either as your prize! You have until tonight at 8pm EST to enter, and all it takes is a quick comment on this post. Good luck!

(vintage) affordable treats.

2009-10-07T12:31:00.003-04:00

Everything is $5 / 10 / 20 and under. Everything is vintage. Everything is oh so charming.

$5 and Under

1. tparty; 2. ArtbyheatherSupplies; 3. tippleandsnack; 4. elizabethwrenvintage

$10 and Under

1. SquareFormat; 2. 26olivestreet; 3. sadieolive; 4. skyparlor

$20 and Under

1. tweedandrelics; 2. ethanollie; 3. bouquet; 4. spacejam

headed home!

2009-10-07T09:32:00.004-04:00

On Friday morning (early, early!) I'm hopping on a plane to fly back to California to pay a visit to the Bay Area (home) and San Diego (college home).

As a result, I will be temporarily closing the shop for a little over a week. If you have your eye on anything, please place your order by 9pm EST tonight! I will reopen the shop on Sunday, October 18 and start shipping on Tuesday, October 20.

The computer is coming with me so the blog posts will continue, perhaps with a little less frequency.

for my international friends.

2009-10-06T17:12:00.001-04:00

before and after.

2009-10-06T15:20:00.004-04:00

Before: metal flower frogs used to hold flower stems in place to create the perfect bouquet
After: can hold pens / pencils / paint brushes upright, and display your favorite bits of vintage paper

Before: wood hangers to hold clothing of all sorts
After: casual way to display your favorite piece of art without any causing any damage to the piece

Before: lonesome plate or tray that is the only one left in a set
After: used to organize your desk supplies, and put by your front door to catch your keys / pocket change / phone when you walk in

Before: industrial wood ruler to take measures and then fold up for convenience
After: show off your favorite pictures / postcards / greeting cards / flashcards by slipping them in the grooves

Before: suitcases that hold your possessions while traveling the world
After: with the help of added legs or wheels, side tables that also provide plenty of storage

Before: metal milk crate used to deliver farm fresh milk
After: wall mounted shelf to hold books, blankets, or collection of your choice

Before: random cups / mugs / glasses lining the shelves of thrift shops
After: charming holder for hand poured candles

new week, new shop - AMradio.

2009-10-05T10:19:00.004-04:00

Since starting the "new week, new shop" feature, I have wanted to include a vintage shop. I was thrilled when Melissa of AMradio agreed to share what goes into running a vintage shop and plenty of pictures of her studio where most of her work gets done and her inventory is stored. (Don't miss the giveaway at the end of the post!!)

Tell us a little about AMradio.

I am compelled by artistry and find the visual beauty it brings to a space irresistible. I started my career by going to college and became an interior designer. For the past few years I have longed to get out from behind the desk and find a creative outlet which fulfilled my need to be more hands on. Etsy presented this door of opportunity to me.

This summer I opened my store AMradio to allow others to find both original and rescued vintage items to add to the personal story of their home. I believe decorating a space to be an intimate experience which tells others about who you are and where you have been. I choose vintage because I feel there is a unique, emotional connection for people to draw upon, such as childhood memories, the search for simplicity of life, and efforts to reuse and eliminate waste.

How long have you been collecting vintage pieces? Was there any person in particular that drew you to start?

For as long as I can remember I have been inspired by vintage. It provides me with a sense of familiarity, fondness and respect for the past.

Much of my inspiration for rescuing and repurposing vintage comes from my 99 year old grandmother who lived the hardships of the Depression era. She was taught early on in life to not waste and find ways to give an otherwise useless item new purpose. One of her trademarks was making quilts, pillows, and dolls from donated bags of used clothing. Something we now consider trendy, she has done for decades. I would like to think I could carry on her tradition.

How often do you shop for AMradio?

It's never challenging to find time to purchase for the store. I'm delighted to be out mingling with my fellow vintage loving shoppers. At least 2-3 tames a week I hit the abundance of estate sales, thrift stores, and flea markets here in the Midwest. I also make a point to be adventurous a few times a month and go on road trips to explore other communities in search of those hidden treasures.

What catches your eye as a good addition for AMradio while shopping? Are you drawn to certain colors / certain eras / certain types of goods?

I draw inspiration from the uniqueness, style, color, and possible story which exist behind each vintage piece. I stay conscious of cost as to keep pricing reasonable within the shop and try not to get caught up in the branding or whether they are antiques.

I am rather eclectic in my taste and feel this mindset is beneficial to the shop. Everyone has their own preferences in style and I try to provide products which offer a little something to all.

Do you collect anything for yourself - something we won't find in AMradio because it's staying with you?

There is no specific item I collect but I do have an infatuation for vintage reference books, clocks, desk lamps, gumball machines, maps, and chalkboards.

A few recent vintage finds have found their way into my collection. There is a compact Hermes Rocket Typewriter in a beautiful robin's egg blue and a 1904 lithograph by HM Ward on an aged parchment in muted colors. Both are kept with me in my studio. Although, I hesitate to say they will never be listed. I have a constant need for fresh looks and updating my decor so these could very well end up in the store someday.

Your styling and photographs help AMradio stand out from the large pool of vintage shops on Etsy. How do you come up with your styling ideas? Do you have ideas in mind when you start to photograph, or play around until you find something that works?

Great photography is the most critical part of marketing my Etsy shop. The visual experience is the first opportunity I have to make a positive impression with the Buyer and also gain exposure within the Etsy marketplace. I strive to best represent a product's potential through vignettes, grouping it with other props similar in style. This approach hopefully inspires creativity in the viewers and helps them see how it could work in the spaces of their home.

Most of the displays are very organically composed. I try not to assume how the item should look in the picture, but allow the item's presentation to develop through trial and error. I take multiple shots at various angles, always trying to better the picture by reworking the placement of objects. Sometimes I will even pull coordinating items from my store inventory to stage within the photo to increase the possibility of my items being viewed.

Don't you want to go out and decorate your whole home with vintage right now? Melissa is graciously giving away a charming piece to one lucky reader! The winner can choose between this super cute cat ring holder, or sophisticated red travel clock.

To enter, visit AMradio and come back to leave a comment of your choice! Tell us what your favorite vintage find is, what you think of Melissa's styling, or anything else on your mind. Giveaway open until Thursday, October 8 at 8pm EST. Open to everyone, including our international friends!

vintage week!

2009-10-05T10:09:00.005-04:00

I love handmade, but this week will be entirely devoted to vintage! The "new week, new shop" feature will focus on a vintage shop. There will be a bunch of vintage affordable treats. You'll find plenty of ideas to repurpose your vintage finds. And, of course, there will be a giveaway!

friday favorites.

2009-10-02T10:09:00.003-04:00

1. orangepoppy; 2. BrightWallVintage; 3. yellowgoat; 4. MaggieWhitley

Sadly it rained last weekend so there was no flea market, and it looks like it will be raining again this weekend. I just don't think I'm ready for weather in the 50's with lots of rain and fog. Thankfully I'm going home to California for a visit next weekend! Despite a "cool down", it's still in the 70's and 80's with plenty of sunshine. I can't wait for the sun, a Chipotle burrito, and some garage sale-ing with my parents who seem to know where all of the best sales are!

affordable treats.

2009-09-30T11:29:00.002-04:00

Quick thanks to everyone who has entered the giveaway over at oh, hello friend! All of your comments have made me smile. I am also incredibly appreciative of the kind feature Liana posted at Mixed Plate. Check it over here if you have an extra minute.

I received an order earlier this week from someone who was purchasing some vintage playing cards for a friend. She asked me to send the gift directly to the friend without any note to add a little mystery. How fun is that?! Wouldn't you just love to find a surprise sweet treat in your mailbox? If you have a few extra dollars this week, consider sending your own mystery gift to a friend who could really use it. Any of these affordable treats would do!

$5 and Under

1. beanuh82; 2. wheelerstudio; 3. TinkerTiles; 4. squirrelintheattic

$10 and Under

1. vintagesuburbia; 2. tinyshoppe; 3. blancucha; 4. simplesongdesigns

$20 and Under

1. AliciaBock; 2. theloveshop; 3. cutiepiecompany; 4. wiyomu

another giveaway opportunity!

2009-09-29T10:36:00.003-04:00

I'm thrilled to be the giveaway of the week over at the oh, hello friend blog! Up for grabs is a 100 Page Mixed Paper Journal - Travel Edition.

To enter, head on over to her blog and leave a comment. Giveaway is open until Monday, October 5 at 8am PST. Good luck everyone!!

P.S. - I added a Sale Section for vintage finds at extra great prices!

new week, new shop - tips, tricks, and a little advice.

2009-09-28T10:36:00.002-04:00

The regular "new week, new shop" feature will return next week (with a fun twist!). This week I want to share a few tips and tricks for starting up an Etsy shop. It is easy to get your shop up, but can be a disappointment when you don't have sales coming in every day.

I am by no means an expert, but have been on Etsy for a few years now and picked up lots of advice along the way. Now it's time for me to share that advice with you.

1. Put together a plan. To have a successful shop you need a banner / avatar, shop policies, products listed, promotion, packaging ideas, and shipping plans. Rather than tackle this all at once, set goals for yourself and then break those down into mini goals. Finishing your mini goals will give yourself a sense of accomplishment and keep you on track. Consider actually writing down your goals and mini goals. Being able to physically cross them off can be extremely motivating.

2. Capitalize on what you're good at. If you are a good photographer, focus on photographs that will make your products stand out in a search and get you on the Front Page. If you have impressive graphic design skills, focus on a striking shop design, professional packaging, and eye catching promotional materials that will create a strong brand identity. If you are a social butterfly, attend craft shows and talk up potential customers, utilize Twitter, Facebook, and other social networking sites, and approach store owners about carrying your products.

[26OliveStreet; barkingmaddison; timberps; ohsogood]

3. Know when to ask others for help. You will save money by doing everything yourself, but be honest with yourself. You probably don't have the time and talent to successful accomplish everything - graphic design, photography, promotion, taxes... I knew I needed help with my shop banner / avatar. I found a graphic designer on Etsy, gave her my ideas, and she created the design for a very reasonable fee. Knowing it was time to reach out to others saved me a lot of time and gave my shop a more professional appearance.

4. Create a brand. Branding isn't something that should only be left to the big box stores. Jot down words that represent the products you want to sell and the feeling you want to portray. Incorporate this style into all aspects of your shop - banner / avatar, photography styling, packaging, and promotional materials. Consistency is key.

5. Deliver a pretty package. Some might not agree with me, but one of the reasons I shop on Etsy is knowing my order will be packaged with care and will be pretty! I am more likely to purchase from a shop (and pay a little extra) if I know my order will come looking professional and like the owner put in some effort. For me this is what sets independent shops apart from the big box stores. This is especially true now, when I am starting to look for gifts to give at the holidays. It doesn't have to take a lot of money to make your packages look good. I wrap all of my orders with kraft tissue paper, red baker's twine, and a red label. Simple, but reflects my brand and looks better than just thrown in a bubble mailer.

6. Communicate with your customers. Answer questions promptly. Acknowledge custom order requests, regardless of whether you can fill them or not. Thank customers for their order and let them know when it will ship. This may seem like common sense advice, but I cannot tell you how many times I have placed an order and never heard from the shop owner. I have even contacted a shop about purchasing an item from their Sold Section, was told she could likely accommodate the request and needed to check on her supplies, and then never heard back. That is an easy way to lose a customer that was ready to purchase from you.

7. Ship quickly. This is another simple one. Think about how you feel when you place an online order. You are probably anxious to receive your products, and might need them by a certain date to use as a gift. Try to get all of your orders in the mail within a couple of days. You can utilize Paypal and automatic shipping centers at the post office to lessen the burden. If you know it will take you awhile to ship your orders, be clear and up front with your customers. Be sure to let them know how long it will take to ship in your Shop Announcement and Product Descriptions to avoid disappointed and frustrated customers.

8. Listen to what others are doing, but stick with what works for you. It is a good idea to take into consideration what has and hasn't work for others. The vast majority of sellers will say paying to be in a Showcase did not produce extra sales so save your $7. (Sorry, Etsy!) However, just because a seller in the forums reports $500 in sales after sending out a newsletter doesn't mean you should rush to put out your own newsletter. There is a long list of reasons why a newsletter may have worked from them, but won't work for you - long list of newsletter recipients, many repeat customers, certain price point, experience with newsletter design... Think about your shop and your customers, and the best ways to reach them. It may take some trial and error.

9. Make yourself visible. Unfortunately you can't just set up your shop, list your products, and watch the sales roll in. You can easily be lost in the sea of Etsy shops if you don't work hard to be seen. Spread out your listings over a few days so you will be closer to the front of searches. Email blog owners whose blogs you enjoy reading to introduce your shop for a possible feature. Pass out business cards to friends and family, and ask they pass them on to others who might enjoy your shop. This is something you will have to continue to do to continue growing your shop and customer base.

10. Be professional. Some people are a little apprehensive to shop on sites like Etsy because they don't know what to expect. Make sure to include all relevant information in your Product Descriptions - measurements, materials used, care instructions, and such. Clearly list your shipping times and method of delivery. Explain your return policy if a product arrives damaged or the customer simply doesn't like it. These are the little details that aren't always fun, but will relax your customers' possible fears.

That should certainly give you a starting point, but definitely isn't all the tips / tricks / advice out there. If you have your own Etsy shop, or just like to shop on Etsy, please share your own words of wisdom and what makes you return to a certain shop over and over!

friday favorites.

2009-09-25T09:15:00.009-04:00

1. SweetgumHandbags; 2. Christinas; 3. jaimers; 4. ShelbyEvans

[The Secret Message Stack Rings (#4) are already on my Christmas Wish List. I told my boyfriend I was giving him extra time to come up with a romantic and witty message to have engraved!]

Greetings from New Jersey! My boyfriend had a job interview in New Jersey this morning, so we made the drive from Connecticut yesterday afternoon. It was an "interesting" trip, including some nice traffic on the George Washington bridge and getting lost once we got to New Jersey despite having written directions and a GPS. Good times.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you, to everyone who signed up for the Scrap Pack Challenge! I wish I could send one to each and every one of you. Instead I had to pick just two of you at random. And the winners are...

I will be emailing both of you shortly. Check back in a few weeks to see all of the fun creations they come up!

in case you missed it.

2009-09-24T11:09:00.009-04:00

A few fun posts / websites / products that I found recently that you might be interested.

#1 - 10 Dollar Drawings (via Ponder & Stitch)

Do you want a piece of original art, but just can't afford it right now? If you choose the image and pay $10, this artist will provide with you an original drawing done on a 5"x7" piece of brown paper bag. I love this opportunity, and think it would be awesome to wrinkle the paper and then flatten and frame. An instant "vintage" art piece.

#2 - Pocket Town Print (via Oh Joy!)

I don't have much to say about this one. I just love this print. Perhaps you do too?

#3 - Cards for Kate

I am guessing a lot of you that read my blog love playing with paper and creating handmade cards. The next time you pull out your supplies, consider making an extra card for a extra special cause. Kate is a 5 year old girl who was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Jennifer McGuire, a big name in the scrapbooking world, is collecting cards for her and her family.

#4 - My Last Polaroid

As the expiration date for the last remaining Polaroid film looms, these guys want you to share the very last polaroid you take. Really interesting idea, with a really interesting gallery for you to submit yours and browse others.

#5 - Kraft Notepad (via simplesong)

I always love getting a new notepad. Somehow everything feels fresh and full of possibilities. I don't think I have ever seen one with kraft pages like this one. Of course Anthropologie would think of it!

P.S. - Last day to enter the Old Sweet Song giveaway and Scrap Pack challenge!

affordable treats.

2009-09-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

Just want to say quickly how excited I am that so many of you are interested in the Scrap Pack challenge! To be honest, I was a little worried I would be playing the game all by myself, and that would have been no fun. You have until tomorrow night to enter if playing with paper scraps is your idea of a good time. I know it is for me!

Now onto my weekly favorites, all under $5 / $10 / $20.

$5 and Under

1. christopherpines; 2. lauredesigns; 3. vintagesupplyco; 4. AntiquesGaloreGal

$10 and Under

1. alisontauber; 2. ohhellofriend; 3. TheFigLeaf; 4. paperandtwine

$20 and Under

1. SweetLoveVintage; 2. AlvinaAbramova; 3. larkpress; 4. BrightWallVintage

[I can't decide which is cuter - the owl or elephant?!]

anyone up for a fun challenge?

2009-09-22T15:12:00.004-04:00

I made a bunch of Scrap Packs for the shop today. As I was digging through my vintage map / ledger paper / sheet music / scrapbook paper scraps, I was thinking about all of the neat projects that could come from these bits of paper. I was planning a few projects for myself to work on because, believe me, I still have plenty of scraps left! However, here is where you can come in.

I want to send a free Scrap Pack to one reader, and in exchange see how many fun and creative projects you can come up with! Scrapbook pages, cards, tags, collages, treat bag toppers, mini notepads, little cupcake flags... Here are the details:

Me: I send you a Scrap Pack, along with a few extra goodies!

You: You play with paper until your heart is content! All I ask is that you send me a handful of the pictures of the projects you have put together to share. No hard set time limit, but let's shoot for about 2 weeks after you receive the pack.

Interested? Leave a comment with your name and email. If you have a shop or blog, leave that info too! I will pick a lucky crafter on Thursday night around 9pm EST. If there are multiple folks interested, I might pick two people!

new week, new shops!

2009-09-21T07:31:00.002-04:00

According to The Storque, 186,000 new members joined Etsy in August. If even 10% of these new members are sellers, that is almost 20,000 new shops in one month! With so many new shops popping up on Etsy, rather than focus on one shop this week, I want to share a group of really wonderful up and coming shops with you.

PalmerAndSons

Perfect for: heirloom quality leather pieces, including suitcases and other bags to hold your belongings while you are on the go and leather cuffs to keep you stylish each and every day.

reconstructingideas

Perfect for: art prints that draw inspiration from the past to create a style that is modern and romantic.

lemonadehandmade

Perfect for: simple yet interesting jewelry designs that can be worn every day, or dressed up for more swanky occasions.

natalya1905

Perfect for: warm and cozy finds for the cooler months ahead, such as knitted moccasin slippers and crocheted hats.

friday favorites.

2009-09-18T11:45:00.007-04:00

1. amandaarcher; 2. AnnyMay; 3. ALTernativeDesigns; 4. corrieberrypie

Sometimes I love a lot of color (especially if it's yellow or green!), but other times a little white and gray is just perfect. This group almost reminds me of the overcast and cloudy day we had yesterday (in the best possible way).

I also want to share these with you today:

I'm so, so excited to share this sneak peak with you guys! These are part of my newest group of mixed paper journals - travel edition! I found a vintage travel journal last weekend that had really fun papers, but a less than desirable cover that was falling apart. I deconstructed the book, and used the pages in these journals. Some of the pages include: "Places Visited", "Friends to Write To", "Articles Purchased", and "Expenses".

Each journal is filled with the vintage travel pages, ledger/graph/lined paper, vintage maps, as well as airmail and glassine envelopes to hold small mementos. I can honestly say these are my favorite mixed paper journals yet!

There will be a total of 6 available - 3 red and 3 blue. There are both 50+ page ($18, 2 per color) and 100+ page ($30, 1 per color) versions. I hope to have the first few up in the shop by tomorrow or Sunday. If you don't want to wait, email me (foundpaperco@gmail.com) and I'll set up a special order for you!

UPDATED: Added to the shop here and here!

want some free paper?

2009-09-17T13:55:00.006-04:00

If you want a chance to win some vintage paper, head on over to Old Sweet Song. I put together a special 30 piece paper pack for one lucky reader!

It is comprised solely of vintage paper, including a handful of old flashcards and an airmail envelope. You have one week to enter! To enter, go here. Best of luck!!

affordable treats.

2009-09-16T07:49:00.002-04:00

Is it too early for me to suggest thinking about Christmas (!) and stocking stuffers (!) when you browse this week's affordable treats? If you ask my mom who has her Christmas shopping done by the end of September, she would say absolutely not! Just think about picking up an early Christmas gift or two. You'll thank me once December arrives...

$5 and Under

1. olipocket; 2. cOveTableCuriOsitIEs; 3. clementinepress; 4. ohmydeerlove

$10 and Under

1. MomWaldsPlace; 2. jodii; 3. petitepaperie; 4. SkylarkVintage

$20 and Under

1. CeceStCroix; 2. bluevalentinepress; 3. 26olivestreet; 4. upintheairsomewhere

thank you!

2009-09-15T16:07:00.003-04:00

I really adore shopping on Etsy because there is a good chance your order will arrive in a lovely package with a little extra something thrown in. I never expect anything extra and certainly don't think all sellers need to include anything more than what the customer ordered. However, it's hard to deny the excitement over finding an extra postcard or such tucked in your package. It almost reminds me of a little "random act of kindness".

I wanted to return the favor with my customers so I took an hour or so and put together some mini paper packs to include with orders. Each has a handful of vintage papers along with a flashcard and savers stamp. I wrap my orders with kraft tissue paper and red baker's twine, so the yellow and orange mixes in nicely.

I have already used a couple, and look forward to surprising future customers with all of the rest!

new week, new shop - Floridity

2009-09-14T09:27:00.002-04:00

Welcome to another week! If you're having a slow morning, perhaps the jewelery of Floridity will wake you up a little.

Floridity is next up in the new week, new shop series. It is a sweet little jewelry shop full of one of a kind polymer clay pieces. Barbara, the artist behind the shop, describes her jewelry as organic, romantic, and sincere. Take a peak at a sample of her work, and you will quickly realize she has mastered one skill in particular - successfully blending lacy, feminine designs with chunky, substantial beads.

Barbara began making jewelry in high school after being introduced via an art class. In college she majored in painting, and later brought these two talents together through her polymer clay beads. Each piece is hand stamped, distressed with paint, and sanded to produce a pre-loved look. Each necklace is finished with a mix of new and vintage findings and beads, and comes with an affordable price tag. Most necklaces range from $20 - 40 each.

Barbara calls Western North Carolina home in the summer, and Cocoa Beach, Florida during the rest of the year. While in North Carolina she lives in an apartment built inside a steel barn. Her workspace is inside the barn itself, and includes a gigantic table measuring 6'x10'(!). While in Florida she doesn't have the luxury of so much space. She carves out a work area in her kitchen and shares an office with her partner Mike.

If you are a fan of Barbara's style but make your own jewelry, you are in luck. In addition to finished pieces, Barbara also offers her handmade beads on their own. Most beads range from $5 - 10 each.

To learn more about Floridity and purchase a piece, check out:

Etsy: http://floridity.etsy.com
Blog: http://secondsurf.blogspot.com

friday favorites.

2009-09-11T08:29:00.001-04:00

1. katieblairdesigns; 2. maryink; 3. katherinehandmade; 4. jwhite2

It's cold and rainy today, definitely making summer seem like a thing of the past. The weather is supposed to clear up by Sunday, so hopefully I'll be able to make it to the flea market and perhaps a garage sale or two. Anyone with big plans for the weekend? Plans to celebrate the very last days of summer?

nyc mixed paper journal.

2009-09-10T10:14:00.003-04:00

I took a little trip to New York last month and just finished a mixed paper journal that holds all of my pictures, tickets, brochures, and other mementos. Here is the finished product:

If you want to make your own to celebrate a recent trip or other special event, follow these simple steps.

Step #1: Collect tickets / brochures / postcards / other paper along the way.

I saved everything that I came upon while I was away, include stuff that's free (ticket stubs, pamphlets) and stuff that I bought (postcards, maps). I would rather have too much to work with rather than wish I had saved a certain little piece of paper.

Before I left for my trip, I put an envelope like this in my purse to hold all of the paper I accumulated along the way. If you use a purse that's slightly large like me, it fits easily and keeps your paper from getting lost or damaged. Every time you are handed a piece of paper, just slip it in and don't think about it until you get home.

Step #2: Document your trip on a variety of mixed papers.

I included little bits of information on the sights we visited, as well as other vintage papers relating to New York including a page from an old dictionary and atlas. You could plan ahead and bring the blank pages with you to fill out as your trip goes on so you don't forget any important details. I wasn't that organized, so I filled mine in once I returned from the trip.

Step #3: Label your photos.

I view these mixed paper journals as somewhere in between a plain photo album and an all out scrapbook. I like to add a little something extra without going over the top. I used a lot of labels and tags on my photos, as well as simple alphabet stickers. I also kept plenty of photos plain - probably around 1/3 with labels and 2/3 without.

You might notice I used both landscape and portrait style photos. I also used a mixture of color and black and white photos. The idea behind these mixed paper journals is to gather your memories in a fun and easy going manner. No need to be strict about which photos you can and cannot include.

Step #4: Combine your travel ephemera, mixed papers, and pictures.

I combined mine in chronological order. It makes the most sense to me and easy to flip through and remember the trip. However, it's up to you how you want to put yours together.

You're done!!

A few extra notes:

For the cover I created a collage in Picasa, a free photo editing program from Google. I uploaded and printed it along with my other photos.

I usually use two binder rings to hold together my mixed paper journals. I added an extra ring for this one simply due to its size. It's packed full with over 40 photos, 20 written pages, and plenty of tickets / maps / brochures / postcards.

It might be a little tough to see, but the journal includes three index tabs which I labeled "1", "2", and "3" to correspond to the first, second, and third day of our trip. This helped to organize my very large journal.

affordable treats.

2009-09-09T06:44:00.003-04:00

Another group of lovely little things for $5 / $10 / $20 and Under. Anything strike your fancy?

$5 and Under

1. olivemanna; 2. RUBYrecycled; 3. hooraydesignshop; 4. letterfest

$10 and Under

1. palomasnest; 2. greenchairpress; 3. katieblairdesigns; 4. lenoreeightyfour

$20 and Under

1. washimatta; 2. amerrymishap; 3. seasprayblue; 4. kalliART

apple picking.

2009-09-08T12:02:00.002-04:00

We had plans to head over to a little beach town in Rhode Island this Labor Day weekend. Then the dreaded cold struck our house. We didn't feel like making the trip with all of our sniffles and sneezing. Instead we went apple picking!

I am sure this isn't a big deal for many of you, but neither of us had ever been. We found Lyman Orchards online and thought it would be a quiet little farm. Boy were we wrong! There was a stream of cars going in and out, both a sunflower and corn maze, and a grocery store complete with a bakery pumping out apple pies and apple cider donuts. Mmmm!

We came home with a bag of apples, an apple cider donut (for me!), homemade pot pies (for him!), and fresh apple cider. I am looking forward to warming up the apple cider on the stove with plenty of spices. Definitely a warm welcome for Fall.

We'll be going back next month to pick pumpkins and more apples. If you're in the Hartford / Middlefield area, I would recommend you take a trip as well!

new week, new shop - PonderandStitch.

2009-09-07T07:36:00.001-04:00

I am really, really excited about this week's up and coming shop - PonderandStitch. PonderandStitch is full of textile jewelry, little bags, and the occasional piece of clothing. It has easily become one of my new favorite shops. Everything is made with fabric and buttons, mostly of the vintage variety. I love how Amy, the face behind the shop, described her vintage materials - "pieces that had a life before they came into my possession."

Amy is someone you would want to have as a friend - creative, crafty, and oh so nice. She is a self-taught sewer, plays acoustic guitar, and has a collection of the most lovely vintage things. I don't know what I would ask her for first - to teach me to sew or take me thrift store shopping with her!

Amy taught herself to sew a little over a year ago, using books and a lot of trial and error. All of her work is done in her sewing room that always has a stack or two of books and fabric laying around. In the background you will hear a stream of acoustic music coming from Pandora, likely a little Simon and Garfunkel and Jackson Browne.

Without question, my favorite item in her shop is her Postcard Sentiment Cuffs. The idea behind these bracelets is pure genius. Amy scours her vintage postcard collection, many from the early 1900's, for special greetings sent long, long ago. She then hand embroiders the sentiment on the cuff, along with a postmark with the actual date the postcard was mailed! You even get the actual vintage postcard when you purchase one of these bracelets. Love it!!

She is currently sold out of the Postcard Sentiment Cuffs (no surprise!), but seems pretty open to custom orders. If you ask nice enough, I think she might make one just for you.

If you like the natural, vintage, girly style of PonderandStitch you can see more here:

Etsy: http://ponderandstitch.etsy.com
Blog: http://ponderandstitch.blogspot.com

Don't forget to leave Amy a quick comment if you like her work. It only takes a minute and is sure to make her day! Sounds like a good use of your time to me!

P.S. - Amy is running a "Weekend Deals" sale that ends today, September 7. Just enter "weekend deals" in the Notes to Seller during your purchase and you will receive 15% off via a Paypal refund. Everyone loves a sale!

friday favorites.

2009-09-04T09:38:00.000-04:00

1. audreysmith
2. MushkaDesigns
3. wunderlust
4. findingfabulous

Isn't the California pendant just perfect? I wouldn't mind wearing my hometown around my neck every time I get a little homesick. Don't worry if you're not a California girl, though. She can make any state, and will customize with a word or two for free. Love it, and the rest of this week's friday favorites!

If you're in the U.S., hope you enjoy the unofficial end of summer this weekend! Perhaps you have a trip to the beach, or a family get together planned. If you're outside the U.S., make it a lovely weekend nonetheless!

out and about.

2009-09-03T17:14:00.003-04:00

Just want to take a quick moment to share a few absolutely lovely treasuries I'm thrilled to be a part of. If you have a minute, visit one (or all!) of them and leave a little comment.

Chosen by skyparlor

Chosen by terminy

Chosen by RoughGem

Thank you to everyone who has ever put found paper co. in a treasury! I try to check each one out and leave a comment. If I've missed one, my apologies! All are truly appreciated.

affordable treats.

2009-09-02T08:12:00.003-04:00

These "affordable treats" posts continue to be some of my favorites. Each week I search through Etsy and am shocked to see what just $5, $10, or $20 can get you. Everyone loves a "just because" gift. Perhaps today is the perfect day for you to surprise a loved one with a "just because" gift?

$5 and Under

1. gemmabear

2. undoneclothing
3. pinklilypress
4. pinksewingroom

$10 and Under

1. summerland
2. elizabethwrenvintage
3. michelemaule
4. gelinciginevi

$20 and Under

1. carambatack
2. stelabird
3. theprettynest
4. YsabellesLaboratory

almost time for fall.

2009-09-01T08:40:00.001-04:00

I will have to wait another three weeks or so to say "Happy Fall!" to you all, but it's already starting to feel like summer is almost over. It's the first day of September. We have temperatures in the low 70's. Rumor has it Starbucks is starting to serve Pumpkin Spice Lattes. That sounds like the start of Fall to me!

To welcome the change in seasons I made some Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes this weekend. I followed this recipe. I hesitate to even call it a recipe because it only has 3 ingredients, one of which is boxed cake mix. However, it's quick and easy and the results weren't too bad. I would suggest adding a fair amount of milk to keep the batter from being too thick. Even with the milk, you will end up with something in between a cupcake and a muffin. I like to call them Muffcakes. (You can convince yourself it's okay to eat one for breakfast when you think of them almost like a muffin!)

If you're looking for a way to celebrate Fall but aren't the cooking type, just turn to Etsy! I've seen plenty handmade and vintage finds lately that incorporate leaves and other elements from the outdoors, feature warm and rich colors, and otherwise have that Fall feel. Here are a few of my favorite:

1. maydaystudio
2. PeteandPaul
3. madebyanna
4. nestables
5. flutterbudget
6. LuxJewelry

I don't have plans for a lot of holiday items in the shop, but you will see a few sneak in here and there. Sets of these Halloween inspired BINGO markers will be in the shop today.

new week, new shop - dahlhaus

2009-08-31T10:55:00.009-04:00

Welcome to another week!

After a brief break, I am excited for the return of the "new week, new shop" series with dahlhaus, an Etsy shop with the most gorgeous ceramics and pottery. Heather Dahl is the artist behind the shop, and both sculpts and hand paints each piece. All of her work is modern and simple, with just a touch of retro thrown in. I am a big fan.

Heather has been working with clay for nearly 16 years now, after being introduced to the art via a ceramics and painting course offered at her local college. She continued to pursue these arts and graduated from the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Designs in Vancouver. After taking some time off to play mother to two adorable boys, now 5 and 7, Heather began slowly easing back into the art world. She eventually found studio space, applied for a Self-Employment Program to secure funding, wrote a business plan, and is now pursuing her art as a business.

Heather creates her lovely pieces in her own studio space that is a part of a larger studio shared by other crafters and artists. She has 300 square feet all to herself, and shares a sink and kilns with six other ceramic artists. While she wouldn't mind a little extra natural light, she still recognizes how lucky she is to have her own little space in the heart of Vancouver (and at an affordable rate!). Take a peak at her studio space, along with some pieces in the middle of the creation process.

I can't believe it's almost time to start looking for gifts for those on your Christmas list, but tomorrow is September. If you're ready to get some early Christmas shopping done, a piece from dahlhouse just might be the perfect fit.

To learn more about Heather and dahlhaus:

Etsy: http://dahlhaus.etsy.com
Website: www.dahlhausart.com
Blog: http://dahlhausart.blogspot.com

friday favorites.

2009-08-28T09:13:00.003-04:00

According to weather.com, we have a "100% chance of rain" tomorrow, heavy at times. The bad news is that means I will probably spend most of the day inside. The good news is that it will be a good excuse to bake some cupcakes, do something crafting, and maybe sneak in a little online shopping. Hope you all have a drier weekend, or at least some good indoor plans!

1. zoetropa
2. dazeychic
3. Peaches4me
4. corrupiola

new! new! and more new!

2009-08-27T09:24:00.007-04:00

The shop was starting to look a little sad and lonely, so I spent a good chunk of yesterday taking photos, uploading photos, and editing photos. Lots of new vintage finds have already been added, with more to come today, tomorrow, and this weekend. Take a peak:

Vintage Folding Ruler
[I always love when I find vintage folding rulers. They're perfect to display your favorite vintage paper along with special photos.]

Vintage Tree Playing Cards
[These vintage playing cards are some of my favorites. They remind me of a photography background you may have found at a Sears Portrait Studio in the 1970's.]

Boy Scouts Book and Official Membership Card
[I love what's inside this old scouting book - an official membership card taped to the first page, tons of activities to earn badges, and a little writing from the original little boy owner!]

Vintage Game Pieces
[I collect these vintage game pieces until I have enough variety to put together several sets. I really love the different dominoes and Scrabble letter cubes.]

Vintage Game Paper Pack - Edition 2
[Includes some vintage favorites from the pack, as well as some vintage game pieces not previously available!]

i'm back!

2009-08-26T16:23:00.006-04:00

After taking a few days away from the computer to tour New York and say goodbye to my mom, I'm back! I'm busy photographing new vintage finds and adding to the shop, but wanted to take the time to share this week's affordable treats. Lots of blues and greens for under $5, $10, and $20!

$5 and Under

1. yourwishcake
2. twotrickpony
3. creativista
4. FGMoriginals

$10 and Under

1. shagpile
2. marjiew
3. dozi
4. QuirkyvonCute

$20 and Under

1. carolinableu
2. mywireempire
3. summersville
4. CameraSHYphotography

friday favorites.

2009-08-21T08:17:00.001-04:00

Hope your week was a good one! If not, feel free to treat yourself to one of these friday favorites. Each is perfectly lovely.

1. beauchamping
2. luckymebeads
3. Onestonenewyork
4. redrubyrose

recent finds.

2009-08-20T08:17:00.000-04:00

With my mom in town, we have been spending a good amount of time rummaging through thrift stores, visiting antique shops, and walking through the flea market. I have acquired a pretty good size pile of new vintage finds from the past week or so.

Lovely aqua twine to wrap packages, and fun books and magazines, including an old medical dictionary.

Always love finding vintage flashcards. These are from the 1960's.

Three more globes to add to my collection! I am having a hard time picking out my favorite - either the bright blue and green guy in the back, or the medium sized one in the front.

Not surprisingly, all sorts of vintage paper. The California map is full of gorgeous pictures and colors, and the black cat is perfect for Halloween. Most of the paper will be in the shop in the upcoming weeks!

Have you found much lately at your vintage shops and outdoor markets? What's your favorite recent find?

affordable treats.

2009-08-19T07:44:00.000-04:00

If you are anywhere in New England, you probably experienced the heat wave over the past few days and deserve a little treat! If you are elsewhere, I am sure you can come up with your own excuse to treat yourself to a little something. It will only cost you $20 and less!

$5 and Under

1. pocketstudio
2. KellysVintageGoods
3. KimmyS
4. yourwishcake

$10 and Under

1. ReneeGoodRocket
2. SparklePower
3. patncake
4. brownpigeon

$20 and Under

1. avie
2. ohhellofriend
3. littleglowinglights
4. ModishVintage

bon voyage!

2009-08-18T08:10:00.009-04:00

I'm off to New York City early tomorrow morning for a quick 4 day trip! I have a few posts already lined up for the next few days, so still plan on checking in for your weekly affordable treats and other fun posts.

A little travel inspiration as I pack my bags...

ethanollie

justingeer

jolipapier

nouveaudesigns

sherrytruitt

PrairiePeasant

katydidpapergoods

new week, new shop - krecklo

2009-08-17T08:24:00.000-04:00

Happy Monday! In order to help you ease into another week, I want to introduce you to krecklo, a fun and creative shop that features purses, bags, and accessories made from mainly second hand fibers. I always ask those who I feature in this series to describe their style in 3 or 4 words. Jessica, the owner of krecklo, had the perfect answer - "plain Jane with flair." Her designs are simple, but made special with her interesting selection of fabrics. It was her line of Poppy Pouches that first drew me to her shop, made from denim, courdouroy, and houndstooth.

Jessics does her sewing in Toronto, which she has called home for the last eight years. She shares a place with two crafty roommates who were more than happy to convert their living room into a craft room! It's a lovely little room to create in, complete with a skylight and small balcony letting in plenty of natural light.

While I first fell in love with Jessica's Poppy Pouches, she has plenty of other designs that are equally great. If you are looking for a wristlet, make up bag, or full size purse I highly suggest you take a peak at krecklo. You'll be doing yourself (and the environment!) a big favor!

Please be sure to take a moment and leave Jessica a comment if you're a fan of her work! I'm sure she would love to read each and every one.

friday favorites.

2009-08-14T17:13:00.002-04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful week, and have plenty of fun weekend plans! My mom is in town visiting, so the shop and blog might be a little on the quiet side next week. Lots of antique shopping and eating out to be done!

1. thebigblackcloud
2. foundling
3. patncake
4. crackeddesigns

affordable treats.

2009-08-12T07:18:00.005-04:00

Color is great, but sometimes a little black and white is all you need, especially when it's under $5, $10, or $20.

$5 and Under

1. PaperEclectiques

2. TheWhimsicalMuse
3. kazalis
4. twoangelsinparis

$10 and Under

1. eptivity
2. tinahdee
3. MIXKO
4. withwallpaper

$20 and Under

1. kelleystreetvintage
2. jewelrybynatsuko
3. XOHandworks
4. hijirik

mail love - prismpop.

2009-08-11T10:42:00.001-04:00

My favorite part of Etsy is that placing an order means you get mail! Nothing beats finding an Etsy package mixed in among bills and junk mail, especially when it's wrapped extra special.

Last week I received a great package from prismPOP - a shop with really fun postcards and other art prints.

I really love their address labels, plus they're made from recycled fibers!

DIY Postcard: This postcard showcases YOUR art. How great is that? My drawing skills are lacking, but I know I can come up with something pretty funny to send to my brother who already knows I can't draw.

DIY NYC: I picked up a couple of these to send to family during my trip to NYC next week. I know it's kind of cheating to purchase vacation postcards before the vacation, but I figure it's okay since prismPOP is based in New York. I love that you can fill in your own message.

found paper co. on the front page!

2009-08-11T07:22:00.000-04:00

I came home from a lunch date at Whole Foods yesterday to find out that found paper co. made the front page of Etsy! Since I wasn't home, I don't have a screen print from the front page, but am able to take a peak at what it looked like via Craft Cult.

Thanks, Etsy!

new week, new shop - CakeEaters.

2009-08-10T07:21:00.011-04:00

Good morning, everyone! Hope you all had time this weekend to relax and prepare for another week. I want to start this week by introducing you to CakeEaters, the next shop in the "new week, new shop" series. CakeEaters is run by Katie, a crafter from the Chicago suburbs, and features a collection of hand embroidered wall hangings. Katie describes her work as nostalgic, playful, and eclectic. Take a look:

What makes CakeEaters special is Katie's ability to successfully merge vintage and modern. I often think of hand embroidery as an old school art, and the colors and materials used by Katie feel like they come from the past. However, her designs are modern and totally different than most embroidery out there. You don't often see embroidered rompers, but I love them!

It's obvious each piece is made with love and incredible care. I am a fan of the buttons that make their way into many of Katie's pieces, and the way she marks each piece on the back. Both details make each piece feel that much more special.

Katie is a crafter on the go, who doesn't limit her work to time at home. She takes her work with her everywhere! You would be hard pressed to find a time when she doesn't have an embroidery hoop and sketchbook tucked in her bag.

While I understand trying to get crafting time in whenever you have a free moment, I think it would be difficult to pull yourself away from a studio like Katie's. It's absolutely packed with inspiration! There's books. There's vases. There's art prints. And don't forget about all of that color. Similiar to her work, her studio is full of vintage and modern pieces. Be sure to click on the pictures below to check out all of the goodness in Katie's studio.

Katie is a jack of all trades when it comes to crafting, also dabbling in drawing, silk screening, and sewing. She informs me she has plans to expand the offerings in her shop to include illustrations, posters, and possibly even some apparel. I would love to see these other talents in action, but for the time being I'm content with her lovely and one of a kind hand embroidery pieces.

If you're a fan of Katie's work, make sure you visit CakeEaters and leave an encourating comment here!

friday favorites.

2009-08-07T06:49:00.003-04:00

Loving the light blues, teals, and greens lately. Hopefully you will too!

1. emmapardos
2. AAliciaAccessories
3. bluebell
4. mywireempire

Anyone with exciting weekend plans? Hope it's the best, whatever you decided to fill your time with! I may make the trek to IKEA. I haven't been in a few years. Any favorites I shouldn't miss?

coming soon.

2009-08-06T12:58:00.007-04:00

Sorry for the late post today! I took advantage of the sunny morning to take some pictures for the shop. My room is overflowing with so many lovely vintage finds, but I need pictures before I can share them with all of you. A few things ready to be added today and tomorrow:

Vintage Pick Up Sticks

[I love vintage toys, especially those that still have their original packaging.]

Vintage Price Tag Pack

[Red, white, and blue (and a little black!) price tags.]

Blue Plaid Vintage Cookbooks
[The plaid love continues...]

New and Vintage Paper Rounds

[So many projects using these paper rounds to share with you guys!]

Vintage Folding Ruler
[I absolutely adore the red stripe across the bottom.]

affordable treats.

2009-08-05T09:30:00.001-04:00

You did it. You survived another month. July came and went oh so fast! You deserve a little treat for keeping up. Just keep it on budget.

$5 and Under

1. Little DevilDe signs
2. Yardleigh
3. FunktionalSpa
4. ohmycavalier

$10 and Under

1. hellotenfold
2. thewheatfield
3. kitschcafehandmade
4. CherriSue

$20 and Under

1. dixiediy
2. TDNCreations
3. barkingmaddison
4. mysweetiepiepie

vintage sheets.

2009-08-04T14:32:00.014-04:00

Despite one or two classes as a child and a grandma who was an amazing quilter, my sewing skills are quite limited. Lately I've been wanting to improve of these skills, especially after seeing so many people make amazing things out of vintage sheets. I see gorgeous vintage sheets at thrift stores all the time, and only wish I could make a purse / pillow / skirt / apron as lovely as one of these:

pinsandthimbles

lbd340

charmingvintage

bethwhitcomb

If you do have the skills, check of these fun bundles of vintage sheets waiting to be made into something special:

twinfiber

FrugalAdeline

reannalilydesigns

rope

grand prize giveaway winner!

2009-08-03T13:01:00.004-04:00

To wrap up Customer Appreciation Week I placed all orders placed during the week in a giveaway and chose one grand prize winner. She will be receiving the "ultimate paper pack" - including a Scrap Pack, Game Paper Pack, Ledger Pack, and Mini Paper Pack!

grand prize giveaway: ultimate paper pack

And the winner is...

Browneyed27!

You will be receiving an email from me soon!

(The "new week, new shop" feature will return next Monday!)

giveaway winners!

2009-08-03T12:23:00.015-04:00

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who participated in Customer Appreciation Week! I hope you all enjoyed playing along as much as I enjoyed putting it together. I truly appreciate everyone who takes a minute to read my blog, leave a comment, and stop by the shop. And now onto the giveaway winners...

giveaway #1: instant vintage flashcard collection
Comment #29:

haley said...
i collect miniature anything, i love setting up little worlds!

giveaway #2: my favorites

allisonia said...
My favorite poet is Jane Kenyon and my favorite accessories are the rings buy from my travels :)

giveaway #3: back to school bundle
Comment #1:

Kellie said...
I love those old school composition books too! But my favorite back to school product is pens and pencils. Just can't seem to get enough of them!

giveaway #4: travel pack

sarah said...
Patzeria Perfect Pizza-the BEST pizza place you'll eat at! It's a tiny little place but the guys behind the counter make you feel like you've been coming there for years. They have a delishious variety of pizza, calazones, and stromboli.

giveaway #5: found paper packComment #6:

Christina said...
Would love to be entered!
I watched "No Reservations" last night at home. It was ok. Some cuteness, some predictability. :)

You will all be receiving an email from me soon! Allisonia and Kellie - please email me at foundpaperco@gmail.com with your shipping address. I don't have an email for you guys!

customer appreciation week giveaways!

2009-08-01T10:22:00.000-04:00

giveaway #1
giveaway #2
giveaway #3
giveaway #4
giveaway #5

customer appreciation week - giveaway #5

2009-07-31T10:40:00.000-04:00

I thought there would be no better way to wrap up the Customer Appreciation Week giveaways than with the first product ever added to the found paper co. shop: found paper pack - edition 1. It is filled with 25 pieces of new and vintage paper, including some of my personal favorites. Edition 1 is limited to 12 packs, and I'm down to a handful. If you're interested, get Edition 1 before it sells out and Edition 2 is introduced!

To enter, simply leave a comment. Any comment you want - fun weekend plans, a movie you recommend, favorite shops you want to share, etc. Anything that comes to mind!

Entries will be accepted through Sunday, August 2 at 12noon. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 3.

friday favorites.

2009-07-31T08:11:00.000-04:00

It was hard to narrow it down to just four, but I sure wouldn't mind any of these.

1. m aryink
2. ouma
3. chromalab
4. SoSheSews

nyc.

2009-07-30T10:17:00.004-04:00

My lovely mom (or Mama, as I call her) is coming to visit in a couple of weeks and we are taking a trip to New York for a few days. I started planning our itinerary and have a lot of the standard touristy places done - Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, and such.

I am hoping to fill the rest our time with some lesser known places - fun stationary or art shops, cute cupcake places, good vintage shops, yummy restaurants... I am hoping some of you might have a few suggestions. In exchange, you will have a chance to win this vintage travel bundle:

Included:
> vintage New England road map (beautiful inside!)
> vintage Aviation booklet with tips on dealing with flying nerves
> 2 vintage San Francisco postcards

To enter, simply leave a comment with:
> favorite spot in New York City (popular or not)
or
> best travel tip
or
> favorite vacation spot

Entries will be accepted through Sunday, August 2 at 12noon. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 3.

customer appreciation week - giveaway #3

2009-07-29T11:33:00.001-04:00

Even though I've been out of school for a little while now, I still get excited for this time of the year when the bins fill up with back to school supplies. I always treat myself to a few, because you never know when you might need a new pack of markers or crayons!

Today's giveaway is a collection of school supplies, both new and old. Included:

>teal composition book
>vintage yellow ruler
>2 classic yellow pencils
>mini black composition book
>vintage yellow box of staples
>vintage gold protractor
>pack of vintage letter tabs

To enter, simply leave a comment with your favorite back to school supply. Are you a graph paper junkie? Do you scoop up the pens and pencils? Entries will be accepted through Sunday, August 2 at 12noon. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 3.

affordable treats.

2009-07-29T10:15:00.001-04:00

The summer heat (and humidity!) has finally started to kick in out in Connecticut, inspiring sunny yellows and oranges. See anything you want to treat yourself (or a friend) to?

$5 and Under

1. onelatenight
2. TwoPoodlePrints
3. loverlyink
4. EliteElishi

$10 and Under

1. PrettyinPosies
2. lilE
3. shopkim
4. leilaanne

$20 and Under

1. goodbloom
2. PianoBenchDesigns
3. sweetshorn
4. erinjaneshop

my favorites.

2009-07-28T11:54:00.005-04:00

Let me start by explaining this post was inspired by a trip to Target last week where I spotted these in the candy isle:It's FaveREDS - only red (and pink) Starbursts! Starbursts are one of my favorite candies (kid candy, as my Mom calls it), but I only really like the red and pink ones. For our first Valentine's Day together, my boyfriend gave me a vase filled with only red and pink Starbursts. I can only imagine how many bags he had to dig through to fill it. If you feel like me, I would suggest you hunt down these special Starbursts right away- watermelon, cherry, fruit punch, and strawberry.

My excitement over the Starbursts reminded me how the smallest things can make your day. A few other favorites that make me incredibly happy:

1. red and pink Starbursts
2. being surprised
3. digging through the ads in the Sunday paper
4. this quilted pouch
5. Sunday morning farmer's market
6. making lists - to do lists, shopping lists, idea lists
7. Regina Spektor
8. jeans / t-shirt / sandals weather
9. this half graph / half lined composition book
10. little "no reason" gifts
11. Blistex Silk & Shine lip balm
12. blog: Vintage Rescue Squad
13. aqua blue and kelly green
14. emmapardos' etsy shop
15. collecting scraps of pretty and interesting paper
16. Balboa Park in San Diego
17. drinking from a mug rather than a glass
18. owls
19. vintage buttons
20. How I Met Your Mother
21. picking up friends and family at the airport
22. pretty packaging
23. lunch at Whole Foods
24. little notebooks for my purse
25. getting up early (especially if it doesn't involve an alarm)
26. vintage maps / globes / atlases
27. these green sneakers
28. morning walks
29. broccoli (yup, I'm serious.)
30. Baggu reusable bags (I have persimmon, but love the new stripes.)
31. flea markets / tag sales / thrift stores
32. graph paper
33. black and white photobooths
34. homemade vanilla milkshakes
35. back to school supply shopping, regardless if I'm in school
36. Airmail envelopes
37. old bottles turned vases
38. plaid, especially red plaid
39. Potato Shack in Encinitas, California
40. the perfect white tee
41. vintage sheet music
42. Tori Amos
43. color combo: gray, yellow, and orange (check back tomorrow!)
44. Seattle, Washington
45. red baker's twine
46. Izze sparkling juice, especially Blackberry
47. birthdays, even if it isn't mine
48. joettamaue's etsy shop
49. stripes
50. sending and receiving mail

I wish I could giveaway one of each on my favorites list. However, I just don't know how to package and mail the perfect weather. Instead I put together a group of my favorites I can mail to one lucky winner.

You will get to experience each of my bolded favorites:

>red and pink Starbursts
>Blistex Silk and Shine lip balm
>3 greeting cards, including one made by me!
>dozen vintage buttons
>little vintage notepad for your purse (with the best graph paper pages!)

To enter, simply leave a comment with one of your favorites - person, place, product, whatever! Entries will be accepted through Sunday, August 2 at 12noon. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 3.

etsy nominee!

2009-07-28T11:15:00.005-04:00

I just received an email from Etsy letting me know my 50+ Paged Mixed Paper Journal was nominated for the Back to School Supplies contest this week!

I would be oh so grateful if you took a minute to place your vote! All you have to do is go here, and click on the green button that says "Go Vote!". Thanks so much for the nomination (I think it was from one of my readers!), and for any votes you send my way!!

Update: You should be able to vote by going directly to this link!: http://www.etsy.com/voter_list.php?ref=voter&room_id=61

customer appreciation week - giveaway #1

2009-07-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

Vintage flashcards are one of my favorite things to collect, so I thought they would be perfect for the first giveaway of Customer Appreciation Week. I picked through my flashcard collection and chose a set of 18 - all vintage and most not even available in the shop.

Here is a peak at some of my favorites included.

To enter, simply share something you collect. Perhaps you have vintage vase collection, or pick up every aqua green teacup you find. Entries will be accepted through Sunday, August 2 at 12noon. Winner will be announced on Monday, August 3.

customer appreciation week!

2009-07-27T09:44:00.010-04:00

I am happy to announce this week is officially Customer Appreciation Week! I thought about putting together something special to celebrate found paper co.'s 100th sale, but it came and went before I had time to organize something. Instead the entire week will be devoted to:

I want to start with the free gift with purchase. All orders $10 and over (before shipping) placed between today and Sunday, August 2 will receive a:

Each pack measures a little over 4"x6", and can be used in scrapbooking, to make handmade cards, or to create your own mixed paper journal. To receive your Mini Paper Pack all you have to do is place your $10+ order. That's it.

new week, new shop - akka design

2009-07-27T07:27:00.014-04:00

Happy Monday! I am so excited to introduce you to akkadesig n, the next shop in the "new week, new shop" series. Let's get straight to some pictures:

Love it? The creative force behind akka design is Laura, who was born in Northwestern Spain and currently lives in Dublin, Ireland. Her shop is chocked full of textile jewelry created from gorgeous fabrics, ribbons, and yarns. Laura describes her style as "vibrant, colorful, and fun." I think her style suits summer perfectly. For the time being, you will find mostly brooches and hair clips, but Laura assures me you will find a series of necklaces and bracelets coming soon. I can't wait.

After becoming fed up with having to drag out her sewing machine and set up her supplies each time she was in the mood to create, Laura carved out herself a little craft corner in her bedroom. Regardless of its size, it keeps all of her materials in one space and allows her to focus. Because she is dealing with limited space, Laura keeps her supplies tidy and organized - employing plenty of containers and keeping things color coordinated. Here is a glimpse into where her lovely pieces come to be.

I loved her response when I asked her to describe her workspace. She said, "As for the tidiness, I always say that I am tidier with my ideas than with my things." I was a little confused at first because her area looked pretty clean to me! However, she went on to explain she allows herself to take everything out and make a mess while she is in the middle of creating one of her pieces, but cleans up and puts it all way when complete. Good advice I should probably listen to!

Do you love Laura's work, but worried about high international shipping charges? No worries. Laura is offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for a limited time. Don't miss out.

coming next week!

2009-07-24T12:22:00.002-04:00

>daily blog giveaway
>all orders put in grand prize giveaway
>free gift with purchase

giveaway winner!

2009-07-24T10:32:00.005-04:00

The Random Number Generator always works, but isn't quite as fun as actually picking a name out of a bowl. I wrote down each entry on a piece of paper and picked from a fun pitcher I picked up at a thrift store last weekend.

(Yes, I am wearing more plaid...)

And the winner is...

Congrats, Mandaleighta!! You will be receiving an email shortly. Thanks to everyone who played, and Lisa for offering this gorgeous giveaway! Don't forget to visit whimsyandink if you haven't already!

friday favorites.

2009-07-24T09:32:00.002-04:00

Is it possible to have a favorite set of favorites? If so, this would be it! It really is a lovely bunch.

1. Kreativlink
2. tuttistudio
3. 3squares
4. onelifejewelry

giveaway reminder

2009-07-23T10:16:00.000-04:00

Enter here. It only takes a quick comment!

affordable treats.

2009-07-22T08:14:00.006-04:00

It's already Wednesday again, which means only two more days until the weekend and more affordable treats! Even if you only have 5 bucks (skip your Starbucks drink, bring in leftovers rather than buy lunch...) you can pick up a handmade treat for yourself or a friend.

$5 and Under

1. wildanimus
2. KisforCalligraphy
3. CraftyDad
4. smutopia

$10 and Under

1. simplesongdesigns
2. boygirlparty
3. PomLove
4. theboldbanana

$20 and Under

1. Cabin
2. dalinda
3. smallstump
4. SweetLoveVintage

in search of wall art.

2009-07-21T16:27:00.007-04:00

I have quite a few blank walls in my apartment, and think it's time to fill up a few. I always go back and forth because I will be moving in a few months and don't want to put too much time or money into something that's going to be coming back down rather quickly. But, I see no reason to not pick up a few pieces, and maybe get creative and make a few myself.

Here are a few of the contenders that I am considering:

from Ork Posters
(This one reminds me of back home in California!)

from hijirik

from dazeychic
(Make sure to click and zoom to read this one!)

from farouche

from rollandtumblepress

I think I may end up getting one or two prints, and mix them up with some framed vintage maps and personal pictures.

I'd love to hear any opinions on the ones I've chosen so far, or options I haven't see yet! Post any links you might have - either from shops or pictures of your own home if you're willing to share!

new week, new shop - whimsyandink

2009-07-20T08:02:00.013-04:00

Sorry for the lack of "friday favorites" last week. I was under the weather, but back up and running after a few nights of going to bed around 8pm. Nothing a little sleep can't fix! You can be assured "friday favorites" will be back this week.

Next up for the "new week, new shop" feature is whimsyandink. Lisa Rios fills whimsyandink with clutches, rings and earrings, and lots of screen printed treasures. She describes her style as fresh, feminine, and eclectic and I compltely agree. What initially drew me to whimsyandink was the use of color - both bold and subtle. The rosette earrings come in a rainbow of shades, and her clutches are made from really fun patterns. The screen printed journals and sacks are black on natural cream and kraft for a vintage feel. Prepare yourself to want to make a purchase or two!

As you can see, Lisa incorporates screen printing in so many of her lovely products. I was thrilled when she offered to show some pictures from this process for crafters out there like me who love the look, but have never tried it themselves. It's a delicate process that involves positioning the screen, applying the ink, and lifting the screen without smudging the image!

Like many, Lisa doesn't have a bright, airy studio with perfect storage and perfect lighting to make her creations. Instead you will find her scattered throughout her Southern Californian apartment - her sewing station taking over her dining, her screen printing and jewelry supplies dominating her living room, and all of the rest stashed in her bedroom closet. Despite not having the ideal studio, Lisa proves you can still have a gorgeous work space. Take a peak into where she creates.

Lovely, isn't it? Now for the best part. Lisa was kind enough to offer one of her screen printed sacks with a beautiful silhouette to one lucky reader. I already purchased one last week to hold a special little present. I love them!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this post. Let Lisa know what you think of her work. Pass on any advice for an up and coming Etsy shop. Share your favorite product from Lisa's shop. Its up to you! Entries will be accepted up until Thursday evening at 9pm EST and announced on Friday.

lumberjack plaid.

2009-07-16T08:52:00.000-04:00

I have been buying a lot of plaid lately. My boyfriend likes to call it lumberjack plaid. Whether or not it looks like I should be carrying an ax, I am a big fan.

I am smitten with this plaid dress I got last weekend for $16.99! I never would have thought I would like red and purple together (especially as a plaid!), but somehow it works. (Yes, it's pretty wrinkly right now, but let's be honest. I'll probably wear it with the wrinkles rather than get the iron out...)

Continuing on with the plaid, check out these plaid finds from Etsy. Settle in, there are quite a few of them!

from daniellebags
These memo pad holders would be perfect for shopping lists - small and compact, and won't get crumbled in your purse.

from refreshaccessories
This plaid pattern is probably my favorite, and I love that this bag was made from an old skirt.

from mamacateyes
Can't you see these envelopes holding little love notes tucked in a packed lunch or suitcase?

from Thrush
The brown makes this a little more subdued yet equally fantastic piece.

from ballandchain
I never knew silver plaid existed, but I like it! A lot.

from pommesfrites
I usually don't like purple, but for some reason it really works as a plaid. Sweet little magnets.

from calloohcallay
I wouldn't mind if it rained every day if I had this 1930's umbrella. I love the olive green.

from jessjamesjake
I don't sew, but this vintage fabric makes me wish I did!

spotted: mixed paper journals.

2009-07-16T07:47:00.000-04:00

I have been chosen for a few treasuries, and even made the Front Page of Etsy before. Each time I was thrilled. However, I have never made it into a Gift Guide on Etsy before...until now! I browsing the Back to School Gift Guide because I love school supplies and such, even though I am a grown woman. I was shocked (in a great way!) to see my Vintage Flashcard Mixed Paper Journal featured. Here it is:

Thanks, Etsy!

mixed paper journals.

2009-07-15T14:41:00.014-04:00

I mentioned yesterday I was working on some BINGO cover mixed journals. Two are finished and ready to be shared!

I always start by trimming lots and lots of paper - scrapbook paper, ledger paper, graph paper, blank paper, vintage dictionary pages, vintage children book pages... You get the idea. Then I gather lots and lots of bits and pieces - manilla tags, vintage flashcards, vintage playing cards, receipt forms, index cards... Again, you get the idea. Here is a little bit of what went into this round of mixed paper journals:

Rainbow of Scrapbook Paper

Plenty of Vintage Paper
Paper to Be Written On

Fun Extras

I then spread out all of the paper and make a big mess putting together 50+ and 100+ page piles. I ended up with enough paper for 6 journals this time:

Ready to to Mixed Paper Journals

The final step is to hole punch all of the pages, load all pages onto the binder rings, and add the BINGO card cover. I am still working on a few - it takes awhile to hole punch 50+ or 100+ pages per journal! I have a 50+ Page journal up in the shop now, and a 100+ Page journal to be added tomorrow.

50+ Page Mixed Paper Journal

100+ Page Mixed Paper Journal

Custom mixed paper journals also available! Interested in a certain color label, or different number of pages? Perhaps you only want scrapbook paper and blank sheets, or lined paper and vintage book pages? Email me at foundpaperco[at]gmail.com and I'll put something special together just for you!

affordable treats.

2009-07-15T08:00:00.005-04:00

You made it half way through the week already! Get yourself (or a dear friend) a little treat whether you have 5, 10, or 20 bucks.

$5 and Under

1. CariKraft
2. heatherjeany
3. accentonvintage
4. electriclime

$10 and Under

1. kaylah7
2. FreckledNest
3. sycamorestreetpress
4. 2pear

$20 and Under

1. ethanollie
2. ethora
3. Hettle
4. goodbloom

shop update.

2009-07-14T13:04:00.007-04:00

I can't complain about the weather in Connecticut the last week or so. All of the sun has allowed me to get lots of photos for the shop. You can expect to see at least 3 new things each and every day! Here is a peak at what you might find:

Today I'm working on a set of mixed paper journals with BINGO card covers. Before found paper co., I had another shop on Etsy and these were my best sellers. A few of these journals from my past shop:

I am hoping to finish up the new set of journals today, and will share some pictures later today or tomorrow!

flea market finds.

2009-07-13T10:45:00.000-04:00

I was once again able to go to the flea market, making it two weekends in a row! I think I enjoy the drive to the flea market almost as much as the flea market itself. When I lived in California going to the flea market involved driving on a generic freeway and parking on a side street near an industrial park. Going to the flea market in Connecticut involves meandering through tree lined country roads and pulling into an old fashioned drive in movie theater. There is what the drive to the flea market looks like. (The iced coffee was for the drive to the flea market, and the Gatorade was to refuel after the flea market!)

There is always lots to discover at the flea market, as long as you are willing to search and dig and then wash and clean. Here are a few of my favorites from this week.

I usually hit up the flea market with my partner in crime (otherwise known as my cooperative boyfriend). However, I was flying solo today so I decided to drive around and see what else was in the area. The estate sale I was looking for fell through, but I saw a sign for another flea market!

Excited for two flea markets in one day, I pulled into the lot, but it wasn't quite what I expected. #1 - The sign said it was indoor and outdoor. There was no one outside. (Those two cars in the background were at the restaurant in the back of the parking lot.) #2 - The indoor portion appeared to be in this large, scary warehouse (see below). Since I was there I gave it a try and peaked inside. It only took one peak for me to realize it was more of a death market than a flea market. It was a massive room piles of junk everywhere, but no people. Needless to say I did not enter to further investigate. I still have no idea what was going on, but wish I had snapped a picture inside for all of you to see. Creepy!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and enjoyed some flea marketing if that's your kind of thing!

new week, new shop - The Cozy Farmhouse

2009-07-13T07:45:00.001-04:00

I love Mondays because they bring along a new week, a fresh start. I decided to start each Monday with a brand new feature called "new week, new shop". Each week you'll be introduced to a up and coming Etsy shop (50 sales and under) and the fun owner behind the shop. Why not start your new week with a little treat for yourself from one of these up and coming shops? I promise you'll be tempted!

Up first is The Cozy Farmhouse! You may recognize one of her gorgeous flower pins from last week's "friday favorites". She gathers fabric flowers and dollies, along with some thread and tulle, and creates the most lovely hair accessories. Her self-described style is chic, feminine, and vintage-inspired.

The creator behind these hair pieces is Ann-Marie of Southern California. A quick glimpse at her inspiration bulletin board below will tell you a lot about her - her fondness for 1950's aqua, love for scrapbook paper, and affinity for travel. I know we would be best friends based simply on her love for Chipotle burritos. (Sidenote: How could Connecticut not have a Chipotle? It's a shame.)

I know her flower pieces are meant to be worn in your hair, but I think I like just seeing them on display! You would definitely want to leave yours out on your desk or dresser when not in use.

Still not sure if you need one of her pieces? Check out these product close ups and you'll be convinced.

For more of The Cozy Farmhouse, check out her shop and blog.