Tafa Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Handmade Purple Pom-Pom Scarf

When I saw this pom-pom scarf by Berniolie this morning, I instantly fell in love with it.  Then, I read a little bit more about the maker and found out that her day job is costume design for the circus!  Now I love it even more! She has many other designs available in her  Etsy shop, and if you're the kind who likes to make it yourself, she has a very popular pattern shop! 

Pom Pom Scarf by Berniolie

You can read more about her and see more of her work by visiting her on the her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Vintage Flower Art Deco Chair

This week's Etsy pick comes from the workshop of Jeanne Connolly of Vintage Renewal in Denver, Colorado.  By re-upholstering and painting vintage furniture and accessories, she makes fresh, modern home decor that is both useful and fun.  There are so many things in her shop that would love to come and live at my house, but I think my favorite is this 1940's era chair re-covered with an overblown floral print.  Love it!

Vintage Flower Art Deco chair by Vintage Renewal

You can read more about her and see more of her work by visiting her on the TAFA List, on her website, and at her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Patchwork Quilt Kit

Let's face it, most of us TAFA people are makers.  We see things that we like in a shop and the first thing we think is, "Hmmm, I could make that!"  Not because we don't appreciate the original artist's work, but because we just can't help it!  That's why I like this patchwork quilt kit by Monika Kinner-Whalen of My Sweet Prairie.  She makes it easy to "make it yourself!"

Patchwork Children's Quilt Kit by My Sweet Prairie

Of course, if you don't have the patience to make your own quilt, she has many handmade quilts and art quilts available in her shop for you to purchase as well!


You can read more about her and her work by visiting her on the TAFA List and on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Thread Art Wall Hanging

The TAFA Team Etsy Pick this week is from Danny Mansmith's shop, SCRAP.  Danny is a self-taught artist who uses thread to draw his art.  I love this one, the waiting spirits, in particular!  His shop is eclectic and fun, full of art in a variety of mediums.

"the waiting spirits" by Danny Mansmith

You can read more about him and his art by visiting him on the TAFA List and on his Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Oversized Boho Tote

I'm totally obsessed with the bags from Dazzling Lanna!  Using vintage textiles from India and Northern Thailand, two friends based in Thailand and Switzerland, have created the most amazing handbags.  Hmmm...my birthday IS coming up, maybe I should get myself a little something!  They're also having a 10% off sale through the end of June.

Boho Tote by Dazzling Lanna

You can read more about them and see more of their bags by visiting them on the TAFA List, on their blog, on their website, and on their Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Red and White Handwoven Tea Towel

Something about summer makes me think of red gingham.  Well, I think about red gingham quite a lot actually.  But seeing this red and white handwoven tea towel  by Thistle and Rose Handweaving out of Centerville, Utah, I think SUMMER TIME!  (Can you tell that I'm very excited that it finally looks and feels like summer out here in N. California?)  Martha Witcher, the creative force behind Thistle and Rose is a self-taught weaver and her Etsy shop is filled with beautiful utilitarian handwoven pieces for the home.

You can read more about her and see more of her work by visiting her on the TAFA List, on her blog, and on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Dupioni Silk Mini Quilt

This week's Etsy pick is from Victoria Gertenbach of Silly BooDilly out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  Her work is heavily influenced by the area in which she lives (check out her beautiful photo blog called Worn and Weathered) and antique work quilts of Japan (Boro).  In some of her most recent work (already sold!), she uses fabric to mimic the weathered look of the paint of an old barn.  Genius!

Dupioni Silk Quilt by Silly BooDilly

You can read more about her and see more of her work by visiting her on the TAFA List, on her blog, and on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Felted Wool Coaster and Bowl Set

This week's TAFA Team Etsy pick of the week is Patty Benson of Papaver Vert from Alameda, California.  I have to admit, I've been loving her work for quite awhile, and actually own some pieces of it (lucky me!), so the hardest part for me this week was choosing which one of her felted pieces to feature.  I chose her coaster and bowl sets as they showcase a range of her beautiful colors and her great design sense. Head over to her Etsy shop to see more!

Felted Wool Coaster and Bowl Set from Papaver Vert

You can learn more about Patty and Papaver Vert products by visiting her on the TAFA List, her website, her blog, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Embroidered Spring Cuff by Madrigal Embroidery

Sometimes, picking the Etsy Pick of the Week can be tough.  There are so many wonderful items from which to choose!  But this week, choosing this embroidered cuff made by Carla Madrigal of Madrigal Embroidery from San Francisco, CA, was an easy choice.  Just as the sun streaming through my window reminding me that it's spring makes me happy, this aptly named, "Wonderful Spring Cuff" also makes me smile.

Embroidered Cuff by Madrigal Embroidery

 
You can learn more about Carla by visiting her on the TAFA List, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Linen Pillow Cover with Stitched Houses

I love the look of drawing with thread.  For today's Etsy pick of the week, I chose this cute linen pillow cover by Jane LeBlanc of JML Studios in Deering, New Hampshire.  It's decorated with free motion stitched houses that illustrate her whimsical style. 

Thread Drawn Houses on Linen Pillow Cover by Jane LeBlanc of JML Studios

 Jane is a painter, illustrator and makes collages which can be seen by visiting her on her blog, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Turquoise and Linen Lariat

This week's Etsy pick might seem a bit surprising as this is a textile based group, and clearly this necklace, while beautiful, isn't a textile, right?  Well, take a closer look!  Susan Shinnick out of Iowa City, Iowa, created this lariat style necklace out of turquoise and crocheted linen! 

Turquoise and Linen Lariat Necklace by Susan Shinnick

You can read more about her and see more of her work, including her many hand-printed fabrics and for home and wear, by visiting her on the TAFA List, her website, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Tiny Baby Hare Soft Sculpture by Dragon House of Yuen

With Easter coming up this Sunday, this week's pick was easy, what with all the bunnies hopping around the shop of Dragon House of Yuen.  Annette Tait creates her animal-inspired art in Edinburgh, Scotland. And what's best about buying her cute (but not too cute!) bunnies is that a percentage of her proceeds goes towards helping rabbit and animal rescue organizations around the world!  For more details, read her profile page on Etsy.

You can read more about her and see more of her work, by visiting her on the TAFA List, her blog, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Button Necklace by Gilgulim

I love jewelry that is fun and whimsical, and this necklace fits the bill!  Using folded fabric and buttons collected by her mother and grand-mother, Hagar Arnon Elbaz created this one of a kind necklace for her shop, Gilgulim. 

Buttton and Folded Fabric Necklace by Gilgulim

Hagar creates beautiful, unique, planet-friendly pieces from her studio in Beit Shemesh, Israel.  You can read more about her and see more of her work, by visiting her on the TAFA List, her blog, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Hand Printed Lavender Sachets

Whoops!  Did you notice that the Pick of the Week was missing last Thursday?  Sorry!  I was on vacation in New York City, and while I thought I would be able to do it while I was there, I got completely overwhelmed with all the things there are to do in the city!

So after all the grey of New York City in March, it makes me happy to see a little spring greenery.  I found these Chartreuse Sage Sachets in the shop of Lotta Helleberg from Charlottesville, Virginia.  Everything in her shop is wonderful!  Using all natural materials, she creates lovely hand-printed fabrics and uses them to create beautiful and simple home goods.

Chartreuse Sage Sachets by Lotta Helleberg

You can read more about Lotta Helleberg and see more of her work, visit her on the TAFA List, her blog, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Handmade Felted Flower Bouquet by IngerMaaike

I don't know about the weather where you are, but here in Northern California, I'm ready to see a little spring sunshine. Since the world and the weather have been doing their best to be darn depressing, I was looking for a little bit of simple and pretty for this week's TAFA Team Etsy pick.  And, what do you know, a couple of clicks through the TAFA Team on Etsy shops, and I found just what I wanted.

Handmade Felted Flower Bouquet by IngerMaaike

These beautiful hand felted flowers are made by IngerMaaike in SørFron, Oppland, Norway.  They are so fresh and fragile looking.  Just what I think of when I think about the first flowers of spring.

You can read more about IngerMaaike and see her other felted clothing, scarves and home accessories on the TAFA List, or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Recycled Sweater Book Covers!

I was looking for something green for today's TAFA Team Pick of the week, St. Patrick's Day edition, and came across this cute paper-back book cover made by Emily Ugolini of Nothing But String in Southern California, US.

What if you don't want anyone knowing you're reading a steamy romance while riding on the subway?  The perfect solution, an eco-friendly book cover! 

Book Covers by Nothing But String

I love used books!

This is a green product, in more ways than one! Hee, hee, hee!

You can read more about Emily and see some of her other amazing work with fine thread Irish crochet on the TAFA List or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

Affordable Original Art-AND I’LL PROVE IT!!!-Asian Art And Quilts-Barbara Harms

I live in Oregon, home to hippies, yuppies, up and coming professionals, many well to do , artisans, and yes, many of us regular middle class folks. There is a great cultural scene here. Much diversity from Portland to Eugene and every city in between. With all the different lifestyles, most of those folks have at least one thing in common. They appreciate original artwork and one of a kind objects of desire. And who wouldn't? You have an original one of a kind item on the one hand and on the other hand a print or copy with a zillion others just like it flooding the market/ Which would you choose if money was not a factor? Most people would prefer the original. But, the biggest reason why many don't even consider buying original artwork is the perception that it is very expensive and out of their reach .

But I have a news flash for you, a lot of original art work is more affordable than you imagine. To prove my point - a little comparison online shopping.

First up are some framed prints from a couple of popular stores.

A framed print costing $179.00 from Target.where there were limited choices vs huge number of original art available at this price.

Bed Bath and Beyond had a print on stretched canvas frame selling for $99 , and another example for $219. Wouldn't it be money better spent on a wonderful, unique creation? How about...

Work from team TAFA members!
Betty Busby, an acclaimed artist, has several beautiful pieces starting for around $120.00, and there are dozens upon dozens of other great artists selling comparatively priced works, beautifully designed and executed. Click to see just a few including: Terry Aske - Diane McGregor - myself Barbara Harms or check our artist members who sell their work on Etsy.com or their own websites.

Am I making my point? I could go on and on, but you get the idea; why buy prints for roughly the same price as original works of art? Your choice, but if you can afford to buy an art print at a dept. store, you can afford original art for same output of deniro! Original art collector? Yes, you can!

I love sharing my thoughts and art on my own blog, and have written further on this subject and others. Please click over to read more.

Submitted by Barbara Harms/AsianArtAndQuilts

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Suitcoat Purse

I admit, I'm a sucker for reclaimed textiles, especially when they're done in a clever fashion.  The work of Heather Lair from Gimli in Manitoba, Canada does just that.  In this piece, she's turned a wool suit into a purse using the collar as a handle.  How cute is that?!

Suitcoat Purse by Heather Lair Designs

You can read more about her and her process on the TAFA List or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Billie Holiday, Lady Sings the Blues Photo Fabric Art

Since February is Black History Month, it's only fitting that we end our Pick of the Week this month with the fabulous work of Diana Bracy from Las Vegas, Nevada.

Billie Holiday Fabric Photo Art by Diana Bracy 15" x 22-1/2"

Her amazing portrait of singer Billie Holiday is made using a technique she's perfected over the past 6 years turning photos of iconic people into fabric works of art.  Making her pieces can take her anywhere from 20-800 hours!

You can read more about her and her process on the TAFA List or on her Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.

TAFA Team Etsy Pick of the Week: Colin's Creatures

This is the second week of our new feature here on the TAFA Team Blog in order to highlight one of our talented TAFA members.  This week's Etsy pick is from Colin's Creatures out of Asheville, North Carolina.  Looking at his Etsy site this morning put a big smile on my face.  His little animals are incredibly detailed (at only 5" tall) and they all seem to have so much personality!

Norsk Kvit Sau by Colin's Creatures

You can read more about him on the TAFA List or on his Etsy site. 

*Etsy Pick of the Week feature by Stacey Sharman from Peppermint Pinwheels.  Every Thursday, we will post one item from a TAFA Team affiliated Etsy store. In choosing a Team member photo, we will be looking for beautiful, Etsy Front Page worthy photos.