Shop Profile: Ink Whimsy.

Let's put it this way--the term "paper goods" doesn't do Ink Whimsy's Etsy shop any justice. With so many colorful and imaginative notebooks, paper garlands, recycled map envelopes and stickers to choose from, we're thinking paper greats may be the more appropriate description.

Patterned notebook, $5.

Vintage map sticker seals, $4.50.

Color burst paper garland, $9.

Pennant notebook, $3.50.

Set of 10 vintage map envelopes, $11.

Part of our week-long "Colors" series. More finds all this week!

Color Study: Phlox.

"Emberglow" and "orchid hush" are two of the more melodic hues mentioned in Pantone's Fall Color Report. But we're in love with "phlox"--a deep orchid with enough confidence to live up to its bold namesake.

Shoulder bag, from Ikabags.

Necklace, from Pole Star.

Photograph, from Raceytay.

Vintage jean shorts, from Dotto.

Collection of stamps, from Quilrdil.

Lavender Loveliness.

Alexandrite necklace, from Waterwaif.

One of our favorite jewelers, Waterwaif, is currently running a "Christmas In July" sale. Enter code CIJ20 and save 20% on your order!

Color Study: Turquoise.

Vintage book, from Fish Legs.

Felted acorns, from Sewn Natural.

Paint chip bunting, from Natasha Early.

Ceramic plate, from Dahlhaus.

Original collage, from Catwalk.

Theme Of The Week: Colors.

Turquoise, pink coral, blue curacao, avocado green, lavender...we can't get enough color. Even Pantone, the color identifying/matching guru, crowned "honeysuckle" their 2011 color of the year. Bold choice, Pantone--bravo!

Meet (and embrace) Pantone's color of the year, 2011.

This week, we're bringing you a little pop of color. Each day, we'll match up our favorite handmade and vintage Etsy finds with our favorite Pantone colors--how awesome is that?! Fabulous finds, bold colors...you can't go wrong with that! Even the black and white lovers will appreciate this one.

What's your favorite color? Tweet us @blackbirdtees and let us know!

Vintage Living Room Finds.

Indian rug, from Lackluster Co.

Gooseneck lamp, from Hindsvik.

TV antenna, from Callooh Callay.

Framed silhouette, from Haven Vintage.

Stadium search light, from Daily Memorandum.

Vintage Geekery.

Royal Future 600 typewriter, from Gallivanting Girls.

Chemistry molecular model, from Cathode Blue.

Original 1980 "Star Wars" action figure, from Born In The 70's.

"Kreskin's ESP" board game, from Oopsee Daisies.

Shark teeth fossils, from Mary's Home.

Vintage fuses, from Time Passages.

Vintage Bathroom Finds Under $25.

Mid-century scale, from Leaping Lemming.

Glamour slippers, from Pure Vintage Clothing.

Set of 3 Life magazines, from Melinda Milkshake.

Celluloid travel nail kit, from Rowan Vintage. 

Hand mirror, from All Things White.

Favorite Vintage Find #2 - The Whiskey Label Lot.

I love drinking whiskey. I love taking in the smell of a freshly poured glass of whiskey, on the rocks (just 1 ice cube, please). It's actually quite relaxing--and enjoyable.

Labels, lots and lots of labels.

On a recent trip to the Oregon coast, Jody and I visited a local antique mall (surprisingly void of shoppers). After a few minutes of private perusing, we happened upon a huge lot of unused, vintage whiskey labels. I was instantly drawn to how amazingly cool the fonts and colors were:

I scooped up the entire lot and happily paid the modest asking price. Honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do with them. But they were simply too beautiful to pass up. And when it comes to vintage finds, I go with my gut.

Eventually, I sold them all through my Etsy shop. I was sad to see them go. If I ever find more, I'm keeping them. Aside from being extremely collectible, they'd make great little framed art pieces.

Do you have a favorite vintage item that you've lost (or sold) over the years?

Vintage Garage Finds Under $25.

Tennis rackets, from Circle The Square.

Unopened can of Wilson tennis balls, from Estate Hound.

Oil can, from White House Grey Barn.

Pair of wrenches, from Bright Wall.

Metal toolbox, from Basic Brown.

P-Push It Real Good.

Vintage salt and pepper shakers, from Tom Laurus.

Favorite Vintage Find #1 - The Paymaster Check Imprinter.

Most of my Goodwill treasure hunts are fruitless. Piles upon piles of Ikea leftovers, stacks of outdated picture frames and mounds of throwaway office and computer junk typically dominate the shelves. But every once and a while, a diamond is unearthed.

Does vintage get any more beautiful than this?

Meet my diamond--the Paymaster check imprinting machine. Virtually unused, scratch-free and brilliantly aqua, this beauty instantly caught my eye. In an ecstatic and somewhat anxious state, I swooped her up in my arms and sprinted to the register. The Paymaster was mine!

Have you had a similar treasure hunting experience? What's your favorite vintage find?

Vintage Kitchen Finds Under $25.

Fondue forks, from The Vintage Apartment.

Enamel sauce pans, from The Wishing Wardrobe.

Refrigerator magnet, from Vintage Woods.

Plastic egg cup set, from Mister True.

Griffith's milk glass spice jar set, from Suesuegonzalas.

Are you a fan of retro, vintage awesomeness? If so, tweet us your favorite vintage Etsy finds @blackbirdtees. We love discovering new, er um, old things!

Part of our week-long "A Vintage Life" series. More vintage goodies all week!

Theme Of The Week: A Vintage Life.

I've always been drawn to vintage. In high school, argyle v-necks and shinny wingtips were my fashion weapons of choice. I was basically a 17 year-old version of Kramer. I even got my hair permed! But that's a story for another day...

The infamous "Kramer" painting.

These days, my love for vintage is bordering on obsession. My apartment is filled with vintage treasures: office supplies, kitchen doodads and various off-the-wall furniture finds--many of which are still highly functional. To me, there's nothing better than vintage chrome, steel or faux wood. Give me something old...something with a story to tell.

Vintage Seth Thomas speed read clock, from The Fancy Lamb.

So out with the new, in with the old! This week, we're celebrating everything vintage. We'll bring you budget-friendly finds for the kitchen, bathroom, living room, garage and more--all for under $25 bucks! We'll even share a few of our all-time favorite thrift store vintage finds. Trust us, if you're a fan of vintage, you don't want to miss a single minute!

Have you spotted an awesome vintage item on Etsy? If so, tweet us the link @blackbirdtees. We may feature it in this week's vintage series!

Shop Profile: Le Animale.

"Walralope" Moleskine notebook, from Le Animale.

We love "Le Animale". Self-described as quirky, fun and unique, Le Animale's shop features one-of-a-kind notebooks, animal art, miniatures and more. And even if you don't know what a "walralope" is, we're pretty sure you'll find something you love. Trust us, there's awesomeness abound in this shop!

This Is Not A Test.

Guinea pig brooch, from Memo Shop.

The Magnificent Seven (Cats).

Salvaged cast iron coat hanger, from Monkey and Squirrel.