A Taste For Fresh Etsy Shops.

Etsy's "Taste Test" is an excellent way to find the perfect, personalized (...insert any noun here...). Simply pick your favorite items and let Etsy do the rest. The end result is a targeted collection of handmade and vintage goods geared to your specific tastes. Seriously, it's shopping made ridiculously easy.

We take the taste test weekly and love what we find. And better still? Many of our results are often magnificent fresh shops, like these:

Drawing, from Ruth Waters Illustrations.

Crocheted wrist warmers, from Maybe The White Dog.

Set of 3 vintage brass candlesticks, from Goree Lane.

Woven magnet, from Symbolic Interaction Studio.

Using Etsy's "Pounce" To Discover Fresh Shops.

On Monday, we mentioned Etsy's "Pounce" feature and how cool of a navigational tool it is--especially when looking for undiscovered shops (i.e. shops without a sale). Today, we did a little pouncing ourselves. Here's what we found:

Crochet number poster, from The Crochet Factory.

Illustration print, from Julia Staite.

"Opening" photograph, from Elemental Eye Photo.

"Simplify" embroidery, from Soul Seeds.

Fresh Shop: One Story Studio.

We're loving One Story Studio, a fresh Etsy shop out of Portland, Oregon. But what's not to love about beautifully-minimalist and slightly geometric art prints?

"Thirteen Kites", $20.

"The Conductor No. 1", $35.

"Story of Giovanni No. 7", $50.

"Grounding", $25.

So pay a visit to One Story Studio and get some eye-catching art for your home. But hurry...especially if you want to be the first to own one of their prints. We have a feeling this undiscovered shop won't stay undiscovered for too long!

Theme Of The Week: Fresh Etsy Shops.

So many "fresh" Etsy shops (aka, shops with fewer than 50 sales) struggle to get out of the gate. And speaking from experience, it's extremely tough being the new kid on the block. That's why it's such a great feeling when you discover a new shop that's headed in the right direction.

Watercolor drawing, from Francesca Lancisi.

But how to find all this new talent, you ask? First and foremost, you'll want to keep your eyes peeled for each of our "fresh shop" posts this week. That goes without saying, right?! But in the meantime, you may want to check out Etsy's "pounce" feature. It's a super easy way to find a slew of awesome, undiscovered shops!

More "fresh" finds all this week!

We're On Vacation!

It feels like an impossible dream, but we're finally going on vacation. No Etsy, no blogging, no social media, no cable tv...and hopefully, no stress!

We'll be back on Monday, August 29th. Until then, we'll be here:

Crater Lake National Park.

Vintage Fall-Themed Decor, From Kibster Vintage.

I just discovered Kibster Vintage yesterday. Their wonderful Etsy shop is packed with mid-century modern and Danish modern finds from the 50's through the 70's. And their minimalist photography technique really highlights the inherent vintage beauty of each piece.

There's so much awesomeness to discover, including these Fall-themed goodies:

Mikasa plate, $25.

Mid-century modern salt and pepper shakers, $12.

1970's Thermos, $12.

Midwinter mug set, $15.

Orange Fall Blitz.

Today's finds were featured in one of Jody's recent Etsy treasuries. I like the subtle orange touch--easier on the eyes than the typical all-out pumpkin bonanza. Mostly though, I like the fact that her treasury was titled, "Mod Pumpkin". That's just plain cute!

Candy corn dress, from Little Ticket.

Geometric pillow, from Mazizmuse.

Bicycle photo print, from Raceytay.

"Spectrum Series" print, from Atomic Lodge.

Perfectly Pumpkin.

For some reason, we only eat pumpkin pie around the holidays. Sure, it's probably at its freshest in the fall. And yes, I suppose its a slightly weird dessert choice in the summer. But other than social morays and seasonal restrictions, why wouldn't one want to enjoy a spicy, warm slice of pumpkin pie...every day...no matter the occasion?

Orange plaid pumpkin pincushion, from Sea Pinks.

Theme Of The Week: Autumn Preview.

Fall is my favorite time of the year. Instantly, memories of jumping in to piles of raked up leaves come rushing back to me. And the taste of warm pumpkin pie tickles my taste buds.

Giclee print, from Eloise Renouf.

What's not to love about a cold, Autumn day? The kind of day where a cup of hot cocoa heats up your bones, and a wool scarf keeps your neck cozy, insulated and warm.

"Uniscarf", from Yokoo.

This week is all about the comforts of Fall: accessories, decor, foods, movies and more. So bundle up, grab a seat by the fire, put some water on the boil and ready yourself for this week's chill bump-inducing "Autumn Preview"!

Tolling Of The (School) Bell.

I remember passing by my elementary school during the summer, wondering what the next grade would be like. What will I learn? Who will my teacher be? And perhaps, most importantly, will we play kickball during recess?

"Rosemount School", from Bree, Ree.

Back To School - Teacher Finds.

Embroidered apple, from Sometimes I Swirl.

Vintage mod organizer, from Go Go Berlinette.

Vintage cat eye glasses, from I Found Gallery.

Doily coasters, from Uncommon.

The Written Word.

Vintage 1940's books, from Pink Shirts and Car Wrecks.

"Pssst..." mini notecards, from Sparrow Nest Script.

Dry erase board, from Blue Order. 

Chalkboard letters, from Hattie's House.

Electives.

French:

Gold mirror brooch, from Jennifer Loiselle.

Film History:

Vintage Paul Newman hanger, from Shaving Kit.

Advanced Mathematics:

Winged fractal print, from Bonnie Bruno Photography.

Botany:

Terrarium, from Wendiland.

Stay Sharp.

What's better than a pencil? A big pencil! And what's better than a big pencil? A coat rack shaped like a big pencil! Seriously though, what an awesome "Back To School" find.

Pencil-themed coat rack, from Old New Again.

Even Morrissey Went To School.

Engraved pencils, from The Carbon Crusader.

Art School.

Photography:

Photograph, from Irene Suchocki.

Sewing/Embroidery:

Embroidered textile canvas, from Laura Amiss.

Origami:

Paper swan, from Ruti's Roots.

Printmaking/Letterpress:

Letterpress card, from Letterpress Delicacies.

Numbers Game.

Vintage flashcard garland, from Sushipot Parts.

Upcycled flashcard notebooks, from Saratops.

Library card notebooks, from Crab Apple Design.

Vintage set of 20 flashcards, from Artful Vintage.

Head Of The Class.

Geometric notebooks, from Present and Correct.

Chalkboard map, from Shop Dirtsa.

Notebook ponytail holders, from Tsura Li.

Reclaimed pine desk caddy, from Peg and Awl.

Theme Of The Week: Back To School.

August is here and the summer is dwindling. Last-minute vacations are in the works. School supplies are stockpiled on the living room table. New outfits are being planned (and re-planned). In short, the end is near...

Art print, from Mommy Makes.

But fear not, jaded youth! All this week, we're bringing you the biggest, brightest and bestest "Back To School" finds!  It'll be so awesome, you'll be itching to get back in that classroom...we promise!