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Fall Catalog Favorites: Poetry, Wrap London, Sundance
Poetry has done it again. Another gorgeous, artistic print blouse for Fall! I bought a similar one last year, so how on earth can I justify buying this one? See this Cotton Printed Blouse Here Fall colors are my favorites, and this pattern is so artistic! I think this blouse will eventually find its way
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Poetry: Fabulous Fashion from England
Occasionally a clothing catalog will get it just right: the clothes, the models, and the locations all working together flawlessly. Stylish but not campy, understated but not boring. Tonight I was delighted to discover Poetry, whose clothes are elegant and intriguing. Take a look at this coat, which combines blocks of solid color with diagonal
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Huichol artisans of Mexico take beaded jewelry to the next level
I recently saw some floral earrings on Etsy in the Huichol style, and was intrigued by this Mexican folk art and wanted to know more. But I wasn’t preapared for what I would discover in a keyword search for Huichol jewelry: a profusion of multicolored, lavish beadwork, great blooming flowers, stunning imagery. Collars and bracelets
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The Perfect Finishing Touch: Handmade Silver Charms from Ayla’s Originals on Etsy
For the past 26 years, Ayla’s Originals has been the go-to bead shop in Evanston IL, filled with quality beads, charms, and findings. I always know I will find natural stone beads and supplies of the highest quality when I shop there! Ayla and Joe Pizzo are amazing resources, and I can ask them any
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Mission-Style Lamps and Lighting on eBay: Simple, Natural, Stunning
I am a longtime admirer of Mission Style lamps and home decor. Most products in this style are extremely expensive, handmade by artisans from the finest quality materials. So I was delighted to discover this moderately-priced Mission Style ceiling light on eBay, displaying a beautiful, asymmetric pattern of budding branches and round glass gems: Mission
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Affiliate Marketing: a better way to monetize your blog
UPDATE 6/11/2022: Content updated to focus on affiliate marketing specifically for blogs. We have all seen the sketchy-looking ads at the bottom of even the most reputable blogs. The ads that proclaim “Follow this 1 tip to reduce your belly fat” or “#1 weird tip to get rid of toenail fungus.” Not exactly what you
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DIY Project: Ankle Bracelets for Ballet Flat Shoes
I love how ballet flats look, but unless they have a strap to hold the shoe onto my foot, I just can’t wear them. The shoe will ride up and down on my heel, and I will tense my foot and curl my toes, trying to keep the shoe from falling off. So I have
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Before & After – My Vintage Dresser Transformed by Orchid’s True Blue
When the time came to downsize my mother’s vintage Berkey & Gay dresser, I immediately thought of artist Kandi Jamieson of Orchid’s True Blue. Kandi refinishes and paints astonishing murals on furniture in her Evanston, IL backyard studio. She turns practical pieces of everyday furniture into works of art, and I have long admired the
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The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project
It recently dawned on me that there is a pattern to my behavior as a creative entrepreneur. Whenever I am making jewelry or engaged in any other creative work, I tend to go through five distinct steps: The 5 Steps of Any Creative Project Get an idea for a creative project. Work like mad to
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Shop Small on Garmentory, the Online Marketplace for Indie Designers & Boutiques
Have you ever noticed there is a depressing sameness to most shopping malls in the U.S.? The same stores, the same brands everywhere. Consistent products for the most part, made with reliable quality, but what if you want something a little more exciting? I made a great discovery this weekend – Garmentory! This is an
Design Hunter's Journal
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