I am in the mood for vintage finds. A little shop full of fantabulous vintage goodness called Whimsy Love has been calling to me. Run by a stay-at-home crafty mom, this boutique has a diverse offering and I’ll share a couple of my favorites…

Fork Easel: $9.95/ea:

Vintage Button Bouquet: $21.00:

Jumbo Pinwheel: $12.00:

Rockin Record Tray: $10.00:

Vintage Animal Noisemakers: $20.00:

The newest addition to Jessica Rust Designs‘ personalized dinnerware line is lovely. It is perfect for those couples celebrating their spring or summer wedding. A set of 4 eight-inch vintage Love Bug plates made of high-end porcelain can be personalized for that special touch. You can order them with or without the gold. Also available are matching mugs and a dessert set.

Love Bug Plate Set: $85.00:

Love Bug Dessert Set: $125.00/4 8-inch plates and set of 4 nine ounce mugs; Love Bug Mug Set: $55.00/4 nine ounce mugs:

Hunting. I understand that there are many people and many cultures that grow up hunting. It is a sport for some, a way of life (survival, perhaps?) and cultural thing for others. Do I enjoy the idea of hunting or watching it being shown on television? Not a fan. I am an animal fan and do think that this is a much better alternative for your walls to the “trophies” that some may display.

Here are the new papier mache animals at Stray Dog Designs. All of these art pieces are handmade by artisans in Haiti.

Deer with Flowers: $290.00; Giant Crab: $480.00:

Ferdinand: $375.00; Pig: $150.00 (for white) or $180.00 (for color):

Okay, so let me just share with you some of the awesomeness that is Fred Flare…

I used to love reading books about Madeline as a child. Check the shirt: $24.00:

I do love my music, as do I love my iPod. So, you can see why I think these are pretty funny…500XL GIANT Earbud Speakers: $60.00:

Ice cream, anyone? No electricity required. Just some ice and rock salt in one end, ice cream mix in the other and let the playing begin!
Play and Freeze Ice Cream Maker: $34.00:

AND caffeine.  MadeBy Paddy has created a set of six tripled layered felt coasters with embroidered icons on them.  Now, if you’re a computerholic like I am then you’ll find the icons on each of the coasters to be quite familiar as they can all be found on your keyboard.  If you favor one icon over all others, let him know and Paddy can customize a set just for you.  Great feature - you can clean these in the washing machine and iron them out!

Set of 6 Embroidered Computer Icon Coasters: $30.00/set:

check the shop for more color options and his site for all the custom wallets

Sprout Studio.  If you don’t already know Jenifer, you should.  I was fortunate enough to have met her at a craft fair in San Francisco’s Mission District in late 2007.  She is a sweet and talented gal who creates everything from jewelry, wearables, art and even fabulous glass magnets (I have a few on my fridge!).  These are the goods I’m lovin’ at her shop…

Plastic Fantastics: $24.00/each:

Mum & Orchid Bobbies: $9.00/each; Nordic Times Magnet Set: $12.00:

Mr Owly Itty Bitties: $18.00/set; Kindness Moods Large Glass Necklace: $33.00:

Sprout-About Wheel Stick: $85.00:

Seriously. No jokes, it’s the last. I just wanted to hold out until this gift was opened to share this with you. I know I said we don’t normally celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I couldn’t resist a little something anyway for the husband. I got an adorable little card with a doggie on the front to go along with this:

Yup, got it custom made by DolaMakes. I asked Lola to take the Shout It Out Love Hand Painted Dish Set design and create some mugs for me. She and Don did an amazing job and they turned out beautifully. After moving and settling in we realized that we didn’t have anything for our coffee or tea. I was able to stall and hold the hubby off on purchasing any since I had something special in mind. Do you love them? Check out the other hand-painted wares at DolaMakes for gift ideas.

There’s always something fun going on at Fred Flare. Here are my current fun picks…

Rain Parade Mini Umbrellas: $30.00 each:

Roller Skates: $70.00:

Mini Vacuum Friends: $20.00 each:

Retro TV Alarm Clock: $30.00:

My three picks (all by Growing veip) from Plasticland’s Sweetheart Shop…

Baroque Coat of Arms Picture Frame: $26.00:

Black Velvet Flocked Iris Mirror: $42.00:

Bouquet of Flowers Oval Picture Frame - Aqua: $22.00:

ps - Orders over $50 receive Free UPS Ground Shipping (excludes orders shipped outside the U.S.)

It’s almost here…next Thursday, all! Here are a few more fun things you can get your sweetie or maybe for yourself.

Love Buckle by Fosterweld: $25.00:

I Really Really Do Print by Hide n Seek: $9.50:

My Heart Bleeps For You Mixed Media Robot Figurine by Always Amy: $11.00:

Giant Heart Babydoll Tshirt by Deadworry: $22.00:

Strawberry Shortcake Bag by Paco & Lupe: $85.00 (Canadian dollar):

The Parts of My Heart Card by Armato Design: $4.00:

I can honestly say that I am a small business and indie craftsperson supporter (hey, that’s why Mixed Plate exists!). 100%. If it means I have to pay more for something that is handmade compared to a cheaper version from a big box shop I will ALWAYS go handmade. Not only does that mean you are going for a unique and great quality product, but you are also supporting your fellow creative types. That being said and while this blog is usually indie…I walked into Anthropologie the other day. I’m not sure if I should feel bad about this or not. I didn’t buy anything there, just looked. I have to say that there’s a lot of cute and pretty there. May I share with you?…

Acorn-Sweet-Acorn Birdhouse: $38.00:

Alphabet Glasses: $6.00/each:

Owling Sake Pot: $24.00 - $28.00:

Through-The-Woods Dishtowel, Bird: $18.00:

Wind-In-Her Sails-Cardigan: $118.00; Flower Seller Squareneck: $68.00:

Wye Valley Dress: $148.00; Seafarer’s Map Skirt: $118.00:

Coxswain Cardigan: $118.00; Funnelneck Sweater Jacket: $128.00:

That’s it for now before I get carried away.

Yeah, the title of the post is a bit silly. Too bad. I am in love with pretty much everything at Nesta Home. Rustic designs, stars, silhouettes….ah….

Red Silhouette - 8×10 Oval Framed Illustration: $20.00 (sale price!):

Birdie - 3 Iron Star Set: $25.00:

Painted Rusted Iron Stars - 4 Star Set: $23.00:

Beers on the Wall - 16×20 Fine Art Photograph: $35.00:

Natures Shape - 16×20 Fine Art Photograph: $45.00:

Alright, now that I’ve shown you almost all that’s in the shop (trying to show restraint), go on and check it out for yourself. By the way…can I please have a chair like the one in the last photo?