Up & Coming Trends: Mushrooms

Is this incredible or what?...seriously, I didn't know mushrooms like this really existed.  But I found it here, and it certainly looks real.  I know I titled this post "Up & Coming Trends" and while I don't claim to be a trend setter or even a trend finder, I really think mushrooms are on their way to being hot.  Don't believe me?  Check out what I recently found on artfire and other fun places.

Artfire:  I found a whimsical and fun little accessory at Puppycatmeow.  It is a mushroom hat!...just like the  one in the picture.  You really have to check it out!  It is so truly adorable.  This Missouri-based artisan is a mom to two little ones and makes all sorts of fun hair accessories/hats.  Go check her out and let her know I sent ya!

Also over at Artfire is PetitPoulailler, a studio based in New Jersey.  If you like collecting vintage prints, then get over to this studio right away.  I'm totally crushing on lots of things I saw, but the mushroom prints are amazing!  I really like the 1943 Beefsteak and Orange Cap Mushroom lithograph and the 1884 Antique Mushroom -Green Brittlegill- Botanical Engraving.  Absolutely gorgeous and perfect for the budding botanist or mycologist in your life.

I'm not into amigurumi or anything of the sort.  But when I found Knot Sew Cute I kind of changed my mind.  I want to point out that technically this isn't amigurumi and this little mushroom is truly functional.  Tara from British Columbia, the artisan, calls this a catch all and she has designed this PDF pattern and lots more.  I *heart* felted objects and this one is no exception.  This artisan has patters for toys and hats and slippers...all felted.  Go look and see if you don't fall in love with something at Knot Sew Cute.

Who couldn't love fabric with little mushrooms on it?  I don't know who...cuz I'm totally crushing on these pieces from bytinster! This one is my absolute favorite with its mushrooms of greens, blues, and oranges. This artisan from Taiwan has so many adorable pieces of fabric, I'm not sure how any one could ever choose.  If you need or just want some cutey patootie fabric, you must look at bytinster first.

My last little stop at artfire brings me to the studio of TishaTooDesigns.  This artisan from Colorado may only have a few things at the moment...but Oh My Doodness!  Go and see if you don't fall in love with this baby toadstool hat.  I can just picture The Bean wearing it.  Can we all say Stinkin' Cute? 

The Long Thread is a blog I follow regularly and Ellen never disappoints me.  I have learned how to try many different crafts by reading her posts. She has a great tutorial for making mushrooms using paper mache'. What a great rainy day project for kids!

And what would a post about mushrooms be without mentioning a recipe for stuffed mushrooms? When we hosted the appetizer portion of our church's progressive dinner, Mike and Sandy brought some delicious stuffed mushrooms.  Why is it I only eat these on New Year's Eve?  So I decided to check out Rachael Ray...and what do ya know?  She has a recipe for Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms!  I haven't tried it yet, but I certainly plan on it.  I mean, they've got to be good if Rachael wrote the recipe...right?

So look at the recipe, whip some up, and then sit down and look at all the stinkin' cute mushroom "stuff" out there.  You won't be sorry... promise.

I Love....Green!

Green is my favorite color.  I'm not sure when my love of green started, but I have embraced it completely.  I thought I would do an artfire and etsy search of "green vintage" and here are the lovelies I found.

First up is Calico Vintage on artfire and this adorable green prairie dress.   I know I'm aging myself, but I will readily admit I grew up watching this show.

I loved everything about this show and these books.And I still do.  I remember my cousin had a dress similar to the one at Calico Vintage.  If this dress would fit me today...I'd snatch it up.  The $33 price tag is definitely worth it.  Melissa is from Ohio, and like me, loves everything vintage.  Go visit all the great items in her shop.

Next I stopped by the studio of Sarrah from Michigan.  Her studio, Potato Face, is full of kitschy, one-of-a-kind items.  I found the Percy Ring in my search and fell in love with it.  I love that it is made from a vintage earring!   I found adorable owl earrings, button-stacked rings, and felt finger puppets.  There are lots of great items to be found at Potato Face so go check it out.

I then found these totally far out, mod go-go boots at Capricorn One Vintage.  There is no way these would ever fit my wide feet, but man if they did...I would be dancin' like Goldie Hawn on Laugh In.  There were some other fantastic items in this Spokane, Washington-based seller's studio.  I found an owl pin made with rhinestone eyes that is stinkin' cute, some June Cleaver-esque aprons, and some fabulous Art Deco jewelry.  Go visit the Capricorn One Vintage studio and see what treasures are waiting for you.


Well, that's all for now.  Please visit these studios and have a look around.  They have fantastic finds and if you love vintage like I do.... I know you'll find something you like.

Monogram Me!

According to Merriam Webster's Online Dictionary, a monogram is defined as "a sign of identity usually formed of the combined initials of a name."    For the last several years, monograms have been popping up all over the place.  They have always been popular on shirts, handkerchiefs, and stationery.  However, now they can be found on purses, jewelry, shoes, and as art.

 When I got married last year I started my own little obsession with monograms.   I took the last name of Rose a year and a half ago and so I have been on the look out for that unique "R" that may be lurking here or there.  When I got married, Starla made our cake for us (THANKS!)  and the top was a monogram "R" in the center with a  "K" on one side for BunBun whose name happens to be Ken and a "C" for me on the other side.   I don't have many in my collection yet.  In fact, I have 3 to date.  One is a silver Christmas ornament decked out with rhinestones, one is a black and white graphic magnetic "R" I picked up at Tar-zhay for $1 and the other is a wooden R I found and covered with Wallies from the Dollar Tree.

So I thought I would take a look around Etsy and Artfire and see what other artisans and craftisans were doing in the way of initials and monograms.  Here are a few that I found.

YellowDogStudio over at Etsy is one of the first places I stopped.  This studio focuses on reclaimed, recycled, and restored items.  In the shop owner's words, "The material I use is reclaimed, recycled from a previous life or discarded and heading for the landfill. Very little goes to waste as smaller and smaller projects are created to minimize the waste."  This is something I believe in as well.  I especially liked the "R" that this shop offered.  It's made from aged cedar and reclaimed plywood.  It is a white "R" on  a black background and would fit perfectly in my primitive decorating scheme.  Go check it out for yourself!


Inspirations by Faith is another Etsy shop I found.  This shop owner offers more than just monograms and there were lots of items in the shop I liked.  But what really caught my eye?  This wood plaque that is customizeable to your specific intial.  Faith Morgan, the shop owner, has elevated a lowly letter to a work of art with the use of aged-looking background paper and the right paints.  The lovely ribbon hanger gives it the perfect touch of class.  Faith also promises a quick turnaround time once you have placed your order.  I have already added this shop to my favorites.  Make sure you do the same.
 
themixshop over at Artfire is stocked full of fabulous finds.  Eclectic and vintage items are this shop's specialty.  I found lots to like here.  What I fell in love with were these adorable tiny initial charm necklaces.  While not vintage, they have the vintage look to them and they would look great with tee shirt and jeans or dressed up for a night on the town. Go take a look and I'll bet you find something you love at themixshop.
 
Kountry Girl Boutique is an Artfire studio whose owner lives in Florida and loves polka dots.  (My kind of girl!)  Everything in this studio is adorable and perfect for the initial/monogram lover.  I especially like the Intial with Scroll Door Sign.  The black with ivory scroll design is simple yet classy.  Your choice of paint color for the initial lets you make sure it fits in with your decor.  The letter"P" featured in this example is a lovely mint green and I do love green.  Head on over and check this studio out today!
 
Affordable Cake Toppers   is one of the last Artfire studios I stopped by.  If I didn't have an uber-talented friend like Starla, I would have headed here to get the top for my wedding cake.  These toppers are classy and lightweight.  The aren't made from plastic or wood.  They are metal and the prongs used to attach to your cake can be removed.  Once the prongs are removed you can display your new monogram in your home.  Three styles of monograms are available from this shop based in Michigan.  There is the plain metal, the vintage with crystals and the custom with crystals.  They are all gorgeous and would fit perfectly for a special anniversary cake as well.  My personal favorite is, of course, the vintage with crystals.  It just exudes elegance and class.  This is definitely one shop you want to visit if you will be needing a cake topper in the future.
 
I'm in love with monograms.  I put them on my Christmas wish list and I have been busily making initial Christmas ornaments.  (THAT post to follow soon!)  If you don't yet have a love/obsession/addiction with monograms, I hope by stopping by these shops and studios will at least spark an interest for you.  They are a simple, classic, artsy way to add a little personal touch to your home.