A Alicia Accessories

May 10, 2009 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

Anna Alicia’s etsy shop is filled with fantastic clusters of felt flowers to adorn everything from your clothing to your home. Each bloom is made by cutting individual petals and sewing them together, then assembling the flowers into an elegant mass.

Of her work, Anna Alicia says, “I wanted to make something that could really change an outfit but that could also be worn in lots of different ways. I’m hugely inspired by Japanese craft, in particular Kanzashi flower hair accessories, and also by vintage fashion and jewelery.”

I love the delicate sculptural quality of the pieces, but by far my favorite aspect of her work are the fantastically unexpected color combinations she creates. “[They] are key to my designs, and I’m always intrigued to see which are most popular. My color inspiration comes from all over — painting, fashion, nature…” she says. Keep ’em coming — your pieces inspire me!

Shop Local: St. Louis

April 23, 2009 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

Full of little shops and restaurants and seemingly very supportive of the handmade scene, St. Louis is on my short list of cities to explore. In the meantime, here are a few of the talented folks who make the city their home.

Wallpaper Patterned Scarf from the Bungaloo

The Bungaloo is a screenprinting studio plastering everything from tee shirts to journals with its intricate and beautiful designs. Each piece is screenprinted by hand and totally fantastic!

Bella Luna‘s etsy shop boasts a bevy of pampering goods — from candles to lotion and soaps. Owner Shannon began making soap as a gentle cleansing alternative for her children who suffer from eczema and has branched out from there!

Mr Owlie - Brass Owl Pendant Wearing Monocle Steampunk Necklace by INdosteam

INdosteam is full of jewelry made from bits and pieces found at flea markets and vintage shops. The designs are inspired by the steampunk movement with an asian influence. I love this little owl!

Cocktails & Crafts

April 3, 2009April 3, 2009 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

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I don’t have much time today, but I wanted to let you all know about a fabulous show happening this weekend that will feature etsy sellers from the Madison area. Here are just a few of the crafters involved:

Bare Tree Apparels Tasty Fish T-shirt — Owner and creator Sauls screenprints are the perfect combination of innovative design and superb craftsmanship. — Bare Tree Apparel's Tasty Fish T-shirt — Owner and creator Saul's screenprints are the perfect combination of innovative design and superb craftsmanship.

Bare Tree Apparel’s etsy shop

Little Dandelion Studios Little Bushel — Jess baskets are perfect for easter and upcoming summer picnics! — Little Dandelion Studio's Little Bushel — Jess' various styles of baskets are perfect for Easter or upcoming summer picnics!

Little Dandelion Studio’s etsy shop

Whimsey Houses Sunshine and Blue Skies — — Whimsey House's Sunshine and Blue Skies — Whimsey House is chock full of jewelry made from vintage buttons, beads and findings. Every piece is so intricate, you could get lost!

Whimsey House’s etsy shop

Shop Local: Chicago

February 10, 2009 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 1 Comment

You know who’s awfully crafty? The folks down in Chicago. I could probably blog for a year about Chicagoans’ handmade goods, but here are a few of my faves:

I crochet here and there — I’ve made several blankets and more scarves than I can wear in a winter — but that’s nothing compared to five trees fiber arts. Amy’s shop is full of assorted neckwarming devices, of course, but what really sets her apart are her clusters of crochet bowls and stuffed critters. Something for Mom and Baby in the same shop — love it!

five trees Maxwell — five trees' Maxwell

Also using fiber — this time of the fabric variety — is cookoorikoo. I love this necklace made of fabric yo-yos: now that is a statement piece!

cookoorikoos partly sunny yo-yo necklace — cookoorikoo's partly sunny yo-yo necklace

And one more for the kids: Les Tissus Bows. Handmade bows, nursing necklaces, children’s decor and more all handmade by owner Heather. I just love the fluffy hand-trimmed tutus — enough to make any terrible two-year-old look like an angel!

Les Tissus Bows tutu — Les Tissus Bows' tutu

Shop Local: Madison

January 27, 2009January 27, 2009 ~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

Shopping local is probably one of the easiest ways to go green. It also supports and gets you involved with the community in which you live. To that end, I’m starting a new series to highlight artists and craftspeople from communities across the nation. And I thought I’d start with my current residence of Madison, WI.

Susan is the woman behind Art Kitten handmade journals. Any of her hard cover, coptic bound journals are perfect for the writer or designer in your life, or for anyone who wants a beautiful place to jot down a note!

Satsuma Luxury Cold-Processed Soap with Shea and Cocoa Butters

Mad City Soaps are made in small batches with olive oil and both shea and cocoa butters. They smell as beautiful as they look! Sue also offers a bevy of parfumes, creams and scrubs if you’re not the bar soap type.

Known for a clean, modern design sensibility, Pravina Studios creates gorgeous bags perfect for everyday use. Each one is meticulously crafted from high quality textiles, including some limited editions employing vintage fabric. Owner Diana says “Creating things people like and want to use is very gratifying.” I can’t help but agree.

Would you like to see a feature about your hometown or a place you love? Simply leave a comment and I’ll get right on it!