You know those pants? The ones with the zip-off legs? Those pants that look like they'd be a good idea, but as pants they look awkward, and as shorts they still look awkward. You might think the same standard of awkwardness applies to a dress, but Sarahbeth Larrimore of Unabashed apparel can work magic. In its long form, the dress has a row of detail that fits in brilliantly with the rest of the dress. It is also the stopping point for the slit in the front, so it doesn't look out of place. It has the same purposeful scrunchiness (I'm sure there's a more designery word for that) as the shoulders and midriff. It fits in so well, in fact, that I did not even realize the bottom part could be removed until I saw the next photo. It blew my mind. The Unabashed apparel Sapona River collection will be available in March. Photos by Jana Busbin. This month's advertising contest in the category of "business savvy" was all about banners. Entrants submitted their shops, and I judged banners based on a variety of criteria, including overall clarity, text, balance of composition, reflection of shop contents, and how much the banner would inspire the viewer to continue on into the depths of the shop. Jewels by Johanna scored the highest overall. The color palette of the banner echoes each of her product listings, and the text is clear, crisp, and tasteful. Jewels by Johanna is headed up by Johanna Shaw of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. Johanna's work is showcased in her Etsy Shop and on her Main Website, but the most complete selection of her work can be seen in her Photo Gallery. Johanna's Curling Themed Jewelry (pictured below) is my favorite. Spring is here. Blossoms are bursting forth on the trees. I wondered just yesterday what it would look like when the rosemary was blooming, and there it was. Tiny and lavender, in case you wondered. It appears as though it has finally warmed up a bit in North Carolina as well, though still raining, where my good friend Sarahbeth has just launched the new spring 2010 line for Unabashed Apparel. Captured by brilliant photographer Jana Busbin, Sarahbeth's organic daily wear collection boasts fairly traded organic hand-dyed fabrics, as well the impeccable classy style of a sassy southern woman. • Shop • Blog • This month's craft category advertising contest had several winners; there were so many talented entrants, I just couldn't choose. Winners receive a month of free advertising on this blog. This is one of the lucky winners: Olga Kononova of Neroli Handmade Artisan Jewelry has been making things with her hands her whole life. She grew up in Russia, and now lives happily in California. Olga's unique designs are sure to delight. Visit her Etsy Shop. This month's craft category advertising contest had several winners; there were so many talented entrants, I just couldn't choose. Winners receive a month of free advertising on this blog. This is one of the lucky winners: Maria of Giertta refers to her jewelry as "Scandinavian Sleek." Maria is originally from Sweden, buy just recently moved to Australia. A qualified gemologist with the Gemmological Association of Great Britain, her favorite gemstones with which to work are tourmalines. Visit her Etsy Shop, Website, and Blog. This month's craft category advertising contest had several winners; there were so many talented entrants, I just couldn't choose. Winners receive a month of free advertising on this blog. This is one of the lucky winners: Chriss Smith of The Art of Zen... Crochet loves working with natural fibers and repurposed items in her crocheted work. Chriss seeks materials that are eco-friendly or that enrich the lives of those who are disadvantaged. Chriss is currently running a giveaway (details on her blog) in honor of Earth Day, 2010. The hip and classy looking hat below was made from gently used repurposed t-shirts. Visit her Etsy Shop and Blog. This month's craft category advertising contest had several winners; there were so many talented entrants, I just couldn't choose. Winners receive a month of free advertising on this blog. This is one of the lucky winners: Lori of Lori Citsay Jewelry is a self-taught jewelry artist / metalsmith. Her beautiful designs are somehow simultaneously delicate and sturdy. This particular piece unleashes my imagination as I struggle to decide what that little rosy spot could represent. Lori has shops on Etsy and 1000 Markets. Cozy is a good way to put it. Each time I read Alicia Paulson's blog, Posie Gets Cozy, I find myself snuggled on the couch, enveloped in the fluffiest blanket in the house. Soft, cool, winter afternoon light spills across the room, and I seem to be getting something done while doing nothing at all. At least that's how it feels. Alicia has a way of harnessing a perfect afternoon, replete with just the right amount of crafty inspiration, good food, present loved ones, and relaxing pace with her brilliant writing and beautiful photography. Alicia's shop, Posie: Rosy Little Things is where you can find many of her patterns, or you can check out her book, STITCHED IN TIME: Memory-Keeping Projects to Sew and Share. An excerpt from the blog post titled: "Knitting" "In a strange way, I love knitting more than any of the other crafts I do. Its stitches have been harder won, and are somehow more precious to me. The fact that my dad might have thought it was cool is precious to me. I never do it for "work," the way I do sewing or crochet or embroidery designs; knitting is only for me, and only ever will be." (Photo below from the same post). This month's "Yellow" advertising contest was a photography competition with a theme of "winter." Entrants were asked to submit photographs of ice, snow, bare trees, winter wildlife, or anything they do in winter to keep themselves warm and their spirits up. The winning entry was submitted by Alina & T. The win includes one month of advertising on this blog. Alina & T is a relatively new shop on Etsy, and is operated by Alina of Sofia, Bulgaria. Alina's jewelry is whimsical and modern; it is feminine without being too girly. Learn more about Alina & T on both Facebook and Twitter. Alina's winning photograph: This delightful little bit of winter was taken in the town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic (South Bohemian Region). It is known for its medieval castle and well preserved old town, and the photo is taken looking out from that castle. The river you see is Vltava, the same river found in Prague. My good friend, C. Bay Milin of Brooklyn, took advantage of the snowpocalypse 2010 with this brilliant shot, among others. I love Bay's photography; it is refreshing to see the world through his eye. I want to see the winter world through your eye, too. Do you have your own great winter photo? Enter my advertising contest. The best winter photo submission will win a month of free advertising on this blog. There's just one more day before the deadline! |
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