Here are a few pics that I thought would make nice Mother’s Day gifts, courtesy of wonderful Etsy artists. Happy Friday!

1) Star Photographic Print by Muszka: $25.00; 2) Afrenzy Bobbs in Lipstick Red by In a Frenzy: $5.80; 3) Stephie Kooky Clutch by Shagpile: $45.00; 4) Words on Your Wrist Wooden Bangles by Paloma’s Nest: $18.00; 5) Mrs. Lemon Pocket Apron by Snappy Shop: $39.00; 6) Orange Hummingbird with Eucalyptus Rectangle Pillow by Joom: $28.00; 7) Lemongrass 50 Hour Soy Travel Tin Candle by Zendiva: $16.50; 8. Set of MOM Cards by Becka Boo: $4.00

Me and my iPod. We’re tight. I hardly leave the house without it. Now, I’m not saying that it’s appropriate to be “plugged in” all the time and I am not totally anti or anything. But I love my music and there are surely times when I need to be in my own world and, yes, block out what’s around me. I know there are great handmade options out there for my music buddy. I know this because I’ve featured them in the past and have even purchased one as a gift. I hardly ever gift myself and am ashamed to say that my iPod wears the ugly black case that it came with (I know, I’m embarrassed) but have to seriously reconsider after receiving an email from Debbie regarding her shop, Cute Cases.

Debbie founded her company in Autumn 2003 where she creates cases in a wide array of styles, colors and materials for all your small gadgets. She is a devoted Mac lover and makes unique cases for those of us who adore innovative and creative things (like Macs, perhaps?). Custom orders are also welcome for your Blackberry, cell phones, Zune, etc. Rest easy, your iPods, iPhones and any other gizmo that needs something to look fresh in can be found at Cute Cases.

Dark Romance: $30.00-$34.00; Mid Century Marvel: $30.00-$34.00:

Time out! Take a moment to learn more about our sponsor, Asian iCandy Store…

Meet JQ of Asian iCandy Store:

Name: JQ

Business Name: Asian iCandy Store

Where are you located?
Maryland

What is it that you design and create?
I work with independent designers to sell their Asian-inspired products in my online boutique, and also write design blog and newspaper columns in Chinese. So except creating graphic and web design pieces, I don’t have time producing any other design currently. But I hope to have a line of Asian iCandy original in the next few years created by myself.

How did you come up with your business name?
I named my favorite packaging design project in school as “icandy”. It’s a cute cosmetics line.

How did this all begin?
I helped Rip Studio selling Asian-inspired clothing and thought it would be nice to have a store providing all kinds of well designed Asian flavor products and focusing on promoting independent designers. So I decided to open an online boutique.

Who or what inspires you?
My Asian culture background and many talented designers I am working with.

What is your favorite indie purchase or trade?
I love the sushi pillow made by Cindy and Mel.

What t.v. shows are you currently hooked on?
Ugly Betty and waiting for the movie of Sex and City coming out.

What was the last movie you watched?
Becoming Jane

What’s your favorite food?
Sushi and Thai

What’s your favorite candy?
Shanghai White Rabbit Creamy Candies (my all time favorite since childhood)

Coffee or Tea?
Green Tea

What store could you walk around in for hours and be happy?
Trader Joe’s and the World Market(Costplus). I love the variety of international goods they offer.

Any pets?
No, but I would love to have fishes like nemo.

Favorite place to visit or place you’d like to visit?
I always want to visit France! During the last Christmas time, I lost my wedding band and one of my French customers found it in her package! So my wedding band had this French adventure before I do!

Favorite Holiday?
Easter

What do you secretly wish you could do/be?
I thought I would open a tea room. I worked in a coffee shop: The Prolific Oven in Palo Alto when I was in school. It’s a cute little shop serving coffee and delicious desserts. Since then, I dream to open a place like that but serving tea. ☺

Favorite piece of clothing?
Several pieces from Rip Studio. The design is so unique and original.

Do you speak any other languages?
Chinese and a bit Japanese in my past life

We’re already in 2008! Oh yes, so soon. What are your plans for the rest of the year?
Discover more Asian culture lovers and designers!

Thank you so much, JQ! Can’t wait to see what you discover next.

Hedgehog Denim Backpack by Rip Studio: $60.00; Under the Tree Print by a.t.Whim: $15.00:

Mood Bottle Openers by Poketo: starting at $14.00; Color Patterned Black Pocket Dress by Rip Studio: $48.00:

Chinese Red Lotus Scrunch Boots by Han Wu: $48.00; Peacock Feather Earrings by Peacock: $40.00:

Ah, Maker Faire…I HEART You! I am always impressed with how many talented folks there are and how many of them are so young, too! When I was in the room where the Lego trains and towns were located (see the photo below), the gentleman there mentioned that one of the boys that worked on the system was 12! There was so much creativity at the Maker Faire and it’s one of those places where I’m just in awe (and feel pretty dumb, too) and just want to take it all in. I can’t even begin to describe how much fun I had. I ended up going when it opened at 10:00am but think I’ll go a little later next year. Why? Well, because I should have paid more attention to the schedule of events. All the fire stuff and power tool racing took place in the evening. There’s always Maker Faire 2009, right? Anywho…here are some photos for you to enjoy (sorry it’s not in a better format. I just kept trying to put too many together to share with you all and it was taking forever).

Mmmm, cupcakes…

The Extra Action Marching Band. I made sure I planted myself in front of the stage prior to start time once I knew they were performing. Totally awesome!

Check out this band, Total Annihilation. Look at their outfits! They are just a young group and really rocked it…

One of the “rides” you could try out; Ah, now I know what to do with all those pens I own…

Let me know if anyone else attended. I think that’s enough on the photo front.

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:

Congratulations to Lilie over at A Planet 4 Creation. They are celebrating birthday number 3 and offering something special for you. Throughout the month of May enjoy 30% off the site (excluding sale and custom items). Simply use code “Birthday3” to receive your discount (offer expires May 31, 2008). Also, if you mention Mixed Plate in the Customer Referral area you’ll receive a free gift! Don’t you love that it’s AP4C’s birthday and yet you get presents?

Handcuff w/Key: $18.00; Owl: $15.00:

Crafters for Critters has announced that they will be closing temporarily after 4 years of so much giving. The shop will close on July 1 to reorganize and think of different ways to raise funds. They plan to be back in action in 2009. Help clear the shop out and save 75% off your purchase. Simply enter code “BUYSTUFF” in the shopping cart for the discount! Crafters for Critters, by the way, has already donated over $17,000 to animal rescue groups.

Lilac Glass Greyhound Pins by Happy Owl Glassworks: $9.00/ea:

Brown Cropped Jacket by Amet and Sasha: $10.00 (sale):

Guess where I’m going today…

Hells yeah!  updates to follow. 

Another week gone by. Happy Friday, loves!

1) The Brownie Photograph by NestaUSA: $7.00; 2) The Market Bag in Cranberry Red with Adjustable Strap by Moop: $93.00; 3) Classic Double Barrel by Ruffeo hearts Lil’ Snotty: $85.00; 4) Spread Love Rings by Yaelfran: $10.00/ea; 5) Let’s Ride Bikes Card by Daydream Studios: $4.00; 6) Orange Chairs with Twin Birds Pillows by Spruce Upholstery: $285.00; 7) I Love You and I Love You Too Owl Mug Set by Bailey Doesn’t Bark: $35.00

I was talking with a friend yesterday who was looking all cute in his tie. I shared with him that there are a few talented indies out there that screenprint some great designs on neckties. I may have featured a few in the past, but this is a special post and you gotta admit that these are way better than the ones you used to see your dad buy…

Cut Throat Necktie: $30.00-$50.00; Escape Artist, Antique Skeleton Key Necktie: $72.00 both by Cyberoptix TieLab:

Hive Necktie: $30.00-$40.00; Swinger Necktie: $30.00-$40.00 both by Cyberoptix TieLab:

Freudian Slip Necktie by Mythdemeanor: $35.00; Wee Little Umbrella Man Skinny Necktie by Satisfactory: $35.00:

Love this shirt! Silkscreened recycled cotton t-shirt by Cubist Literature:

French Love and L’alcool: $23.00:

According to the awesome Craig, the shirt’s text that is printed in French basically translates to: “I’ll be there for you always. And I’ll get you drunk when you’re sad.” L-O-V-E it!

Art makes me happy.  I love seeing people that are so creative take a vision and put it down on paper, canvas, etc.  I like to think I’m a creative person but I know that I am a terrible artist when it comes to drawing.  This probably explains why I am constantly posting about the artwork I find while perusing the net.  So I was pretty excited when Shannon Collins shot an email my way introducing her fun little store.

Shannon’s Etsy shop, youwannatalkjive, is full of prints that reflect her obsession with old yearbooks, antique board games, vintage women’s advertising, pop culture and her love for animals.  I enjoy the spin she puts on her pieces and the way they make you smile and giggle a bit.  Here are a couple of my faves…

Steve Zissou Print: $18.00:

Guy With Glasses Print (Vintage Game Series): $40.00:

Walruses Can’t Skateboard Print: $16.00: