Another week, another great Guest Star Blogger! This fun gal came up with an idea that I’m sure you’ll all enjoy. It’s time for us to get an education. Yes, we’re all being treated to vocabulary lesson. Our Guest felt that “Mixed Plate is all about the independent spirit in us”. So she has come up with “5 new indie words and definitions that define some of us in the indie community.” Awesome! Get your pencils and paper ready…

Alright…Here’s a totally fun one for you put together by Amy Steinberg of Charming Sam. Amy has a line of unique hand crafted jewelry that was started after the birth of her daughter, Samantha, in 2004. Her collection is created with materials such as gemstones, gold-filled and gold-plated pieces, vermeil, sterling silver, Swarovski crystals and other beautiful gathered items that she found from around the world. Charming Sam has been in amazing publications like O-The Oprah Magazine, In Style, Lucky and more. In addition to creating jewelry you can visit amysteinberg.com for Amy’s artwork.

Word: Etsyaholic
Definition: A person who checks the Etsy home page first thing in the morning to see the “Hand Picked Items” of the day and then continues to check back at least once an hour throughout the day to see “Recently Listed Items”. When’s the last time you were on Etsy?
Current Favorite Item on Etsy: Cupid’s Revenge Original Painting by A Fanciful Twist

Word: Indie-Blogaholic
Definition: A person who has at least 5 indie art/design blogs they read daily.
Current Favorite Blog: Mixed Plate & Charming Sam. Other favorites: Anything Indie, Wickedly Chic

Word: Indie-Artaholic
Definition: A person who owns at least 44 items from independent artists.
Current Covetable Piece of Art: Veiled Voodoo Hissy Fit on Canvas by Fain Hancock

Word: Alchemist-aholic
Definition: A person who has at least two drawers full of bath and body products from independent bath/body companies and uses them 1/2 dozen times a day.
Favorite Alchemist: mi SPA Favorite Scents: “yuzu & sake”

Word: Newsletter-aholic
Definition: A person who subscribes to more than 20 newsletters from independent artists, crafters, designers, etc. AND, reads them ravenously as each one comes through email.
Favorite Newsletter: Kids Craft Weekly

Alright. So I don’t know about you, but I can surely relate to one or two most all of these words. How about you?

Thank you very much to Amy for this fun and informative blog spot. Please visit Amy at Charming Sam.

Let me know if you’re interested in a Guest Star Blogger spot of your very own.

Today’s Guest Star Blogger post is a little different. In fact, it may vary from week to week. The response has been great as far as folks wanting to participate as a guest blogger. Along with the volunteers came amazing ideas of what they’d like to share with Mixed Plate readers. As I like to keep things fun and fresh, I thought I’d remain open as to what Mixed Plate’s friends would like to offer up. So, get ready for a fun feature each week by our Guest Star Bloggers!

This is Blythe Clair. She is the lovely gal who is the Vice President of PR over at She Unlimited (which is now the “Daily Confection, by the way). I love the honest editorials and stories they feature and you should really go and check it out. Blythe wrote us a great editorial about a company that she has actually seen, loves and is familiar with. Let’s learn more from our fabulous Guest Star Blogger…

Dan’s Jewelers

Dan’s jewelery showcases some of the best party jewelery that you definitely must posses if you do want to go incognito at a bash. They stock an amazing range of pendants, bracelets, rings, Body jewelry, key chains and cell phone accessories that are in vogue with the latest season. These pewter beauties are an absolute steal as they are an amalgamation of inspiration with impulse that sways in order to stay abreast of change. Dan’s has a cool range for you to feast on.

The Celtic Irish designs are drawn heavily from a variety of motifs that boasts of heritage and style. These intricate spirals, animal forms and zoomorphic forms make for great starters for conversation as well. If you wish to add a twist in the tale then its Gothic and black jewelery that you ought to be after. The devil skull beads bracelet embraces you with its anarchy statement. These bold daring pieces are sure to shake up the discotheque. Challenging taboos, as well as flouting convention is what pentagons, daggers, crucifixes, crosses emboldened in the form of Gothic jewelery is all about at Dan’s.

Next on the platter would be the mystical creatures that flaunt power and wealth. The dragon jewelry is nothing short of these superlatives. The blue crystal eye dragon pendant can literally pierce any one with its exuberant exoticism. Let your arms gather instant attention with the stylish Fire dragon pewter bracelet.

Elegance, undisputed class and attitude are what the stainless steel range of pendants, bracelets, and rings has to offer. There is absolutely no doubt as to why they are sought out so much in world of fashion. Bask as a diva with the diamond cut white gem stone ring or simply get ready to walk down as a classic fashionista with the simple yet perfect accomplice for your belly - The blue crystal spider belly ring.

If its ethnicity that you are after then look no further than the Native American jewellery featured here. It’s authentic, trendy and affordable too.

The best thing about Dan’s jewelery is that there is something to suit everyone. You will find it so versatile that it complements almost all your outfits in your wardrobe. Don’t blame us if you just don’t feel like taking them off.

Anarchy Rocking Silver Tone Pewter Pendant Necklace; Giant Dragon Head Silver Tone Pewter Ring; Celtic Pattern Butterfly Silver Tone Pewter Pendant Necklace:

{Anarchy Necklace: $9.74; Dragon Head Ring: $9.84; Celtic Butterfly Necklace: $8.77}

Thank you so much to Blythe for taking the time to share Dan’s Jewelers with us. Don’t forget to visit Blythe at the new Daily Confection.

Something new and fun is starting at Mixed Plate…

Now, I can’t take the credit for this because the fabulous Taryn Hipp of MY MY came up with the idea. She offered to be a guest blogger for us and shared some of her current favorite handmade goodies. It’s really a great group of items she chose, so I hope you’ll enjoy.

This is Taryn Hipp. Her shop is called MYMY. Since June 2004, Taryn’s store has showcased many talented independent artists, crafters and zinesters from the United States and around the world. MYMY has recently opened up in the form of a brick and mortar store in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. That’s right! You can now find the unique handmade goods that Taryn sells both online and in person.
Awesome!

Here are the wonderful Taryn’s Guest Star Blogger Finds…

Quilted Birdie Tote by A Minor Thread:

This tote is constructed from vintage and recycled materials. The patchwork bird on the front is so sweet - how can you resist? The bag measures 12″ x 10″ with 31″ straps. There is 1 inside pocket. $45.00

Hand Carved Wood Mustache by Something’s Hiding In Here:

Ever wanted a mustache of your very own? Maybe you couldn’t, or shouldn’t, grow one. Here you go, then. This ’stache is carved from poplar, stained ebony. Measures approximately 1.5″ h x 6″w x .5″d with an 11″ handle. A perfect little disguise on the go! $45.00

Hot Pads/Potholders for Bicycle-Lovers by Girls Can Tell:

What a cute little item for the kitchen of that bike lover you know (hey, that may be you!). Bicycle diagram screened potholders come in a set of 2 and have a ribbon loop for hangin’. These 9″ square hot pads/potholders are machine washable. $9.00/set of 2

One and the Same Print by Sunberst:

Awwwww…Here is a print of an illustration of two girls hugging with a butterfly. This print comes on 20 mil. matte canvas paper. The size is 8″ x 10″ with approximately 1″ white border all the way around (making it about 10″ x 12″). Print is signed and numbered by the artist. $18.00

Pink & Rust Superhero Utility Belt by Fabric Horse:

Oh my! The things I could do if only I had this Superhero Utility Belt! There are pockets for all sorts of treasures - your tools, your phone, sketches of your brilliant ideas…anything, really! This belt is light pink, rust, tan, grey and black & white limited edition oil cloth. Made of a combination of nylon cordura and waxed canvas. This means it’s super sturdy. Fun! $120.00

Unicorn Card by Pinecone + Chickadee:

I believe in unicorns. Do you? Whether you’re a dreamer, believer or non-believer this card is a beauty. This is a 4.25″ x 5.5″ card with the image screenprinted by hand on recycled paper. The inside is blank so you can write anything your heart desires in there. $4.00

Thanks so much, Taryn! I think I’ve just fallen in love with a couple of shops I’ve never had the pleasure of seeing before.

If you’re interested in being a Guest Star Blogger and sharing your finds with Mixed Plate readers, shoot me an email. Taryn chose the goods and I added some comments (you can provide the comments if you’d like). Hey, if you have any other ideas as a guest that you’d like to do, I’m open…let me know! I’d love to have you!