Business Card Bailout

I recently received an email from Jenny from Painted Tongue Press. She wanted to let our readers know about a special deal that their letterpress studio she works with is offering right now. Until December 15th, Painted Tongue Press is offering 100 letterpress business cards for just $70! They're lovingly calling it their bailout package. There are 6 designs and 6 colors to choose from with a wide variety of styles. You can see the designs and the promo for the package at their blog at blog.paintedtonguepress.com. Thanks Jenny!

English Garden

(Image Credits: Top Row; In Style Weddings, Project Wedding, The Knot, Romo Fabrics: Middle Row; Kirsten Boike, Project Wedding, Clarissa Grace: Bottom Row; The Knot.

Vintage Cloud Phone

Something light and fluffy for a Sunday. Love this! Late '80's vintage cloud phone. From domestikate.etsy.com out of the charming rural SE.

Candy Bars

As I gather my candy bar inspirations thought I would publish some of the lovely images I have found, I love the set up of the top photo with the lighting and the bags here in the second image, can imagine leaving with a bag stuffed full of lots of goodies!

More great handmade deals to be had!

Save 25% OFF EVERY ORDER - NOW thru DEC 24th at Night Owl Paper Goods! Use code: POPPY2008!!!



Update: We've also added the ones that left comments in our comments section at our last post!

l'atelier said...
The {NewNew} Etsy team, a group of independent designers and artisans located in the New York City area, is having a big Thanksgiving sale! You can visit here to see all our great offers.

Vanda said...
I have a 10% off running in my shop - YAYPOPPY at checkout at shop.paraphernalia.nu :)

Rita vindedzis said...
I've got my One of a kind original art cards at 50% off (regularly $10) now $5 each.
As well as paintings, mixed media, and collage. Everything is original (no prints) and always free shipping to Canada and the U.S.
redbanana.etsy.com

Sharon said...
I've got a Holiday Sale going on! Details in my Etsy shop announcment:
sharonmontrose.etsy.com

Brittany Noel said...
I sell jewelry and other items in my Etsy shop and am offering 20% off everything in my shop Friday through Monday. Stop by!
willowfibers.etsy.com

Rachel said...
20% off all items at Vintage Songbird through Monday, Dec. 1st!
vintagesongbird.etsy.com
housewares + accessories

jenny lee said...
I'm offering free shipping worldwide on everything (paintings, mixed media, & prints) through Monday 1st December and I've marked down several items!
dictioncanary.etsy.com

Janine said...
Hi - UPPERCASE is offering 10% orders over $25. Enter the code "thanks2008" and receive 10% off orders over $25. Valid until Tuesday.
shop.uppercasegallery.ca

Karin said...
Postbag Messenger DISCOUNT from $80.00 NOW $70.00. Grab one while you can.
stiksel.etsy.com

susy said...
yes. i have a nice discount available in my shop. friday through tuesday of next week.
you can find out more about it by heading here

Good things come to those who believe

And the winner of the Dido (Sony/BMG & Poppytalk giveaway) (drum roll............) is Susan of 29Black Street, from Nova Scotia! Congratulations you have just won a stainless steel water bottle, re-usable shopping bag, and an autograph copy of Dido's last album "Life for Rent". Please email us at poppytalkblog@yahoo.ca with your mailing address so the people at Sony can mail it to you!

This print (above) from Susan's Etsy shop we found after perusing her blog. We thought it was so fitting....

A Spanish Affair

I found this fabulous wedding on www.amorologyweddings.blogspot.com, with such wonderful ideas for a spanish themed wedding. I love the way they have added in black and reds details on the fans, the stationery and the bridesmaids and mixed these colours with a teal. You cannot see it here on this board, but the bridesmaids all have teal shoes on, divine!

Surface Printing Workshops - Bookhou, Toronto

As we wait patiently to see Bookhou's new Studio and Shop opening this month in Toronto, we noticed on their site they are advertising some upcoming workshops in their new space come December. Surface Printing Workshops are going to be offered at Bookhou's new studio/shop which looks like a great way to spend the day making gifts for friends and family for the upcoming holidays. This workshop will give you an opportunity to explore techniques that are easy to do at home and to make a bunch of gifts. Click here for more details.

Dates and time:
December 10-6-10 pm
December 13 12-4 pm
December 14 12-4 pm (FULL)

Bookhou Studio and Shop: 798 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Ontario

Happy Black Friday!

Here's an amazing great black friday handmade deal! RE-SURFACE design is offering 50% off everything in her Etsy shop! Click here to see more!



If you have a handmade Black Friday deal, feel free to leave a comment in the comments box for our readers!

Art Sale!

Irena Sophia, an illustrator who makes these lovely girl portrait prints (perfect for a little girl's or powder room) is having a sale in her etsy shop starting today (Nov 28th - Dec 31st) - 20% OFF on all orders of $60 or more and free shipping on everything else.

IrenaSophia.etsy.com

scenes from sweden

Photo: Lois Lemaire.
Love the look of all these images we found online at skonahem.com this week. (Above) A unique binder-style calendar.


Photo: Morten Holtum
Organic vessels hold poppy pods and dried hydrangeas on a cozy window sil.


Photo: Morten Holtum
A black modern stool contrasts against an antique white table.

101 Reasons to Buy Handmade

We asked artists, designers and shop keepers 101 reasons to buy handmade this season, this is what they said. (We want to reach 101 - so please email us with your reason and we will add it to the list)! Thank you. Click here to read more...

1. Help contribute to establishing a new economic model

2. With the exception of postage cost - contribute to decrease in fossil fuel erosion (purchasing mass produced products generally come overseas - barging it all over, production costs etc, sweatshops, fair labour et al.)

3. This new wave of craftspeople are using recycled materials. this is CRUCIAL. there is too much stuff in the world already.

4. Purchase from artisans/craftspeople who ENJOY creating their wares. the object holds that positive energy and it spreads.

5. Support the artisan directly. the artisan needs more support for their vocation - more than most.

6. Support local community. thus building.

7. Buying from craftspeople is a conscious decision. people need to be more conscious of spending of where their hard-earned money is going, changing hands etc. this contributes to the bigger picture.

These first seven by Sonja Ahlers, Makeitawesome.etsy.com

Click here to read more reasons.

New affordable art {afternoon version}

A fun print this afternoon from the folks at Lizard Press. Handprinted using a letterpress, using transparent ink with a touch of blue. $14.

Clarissa Grace Ready to Wear

Finally the oh so romantic Clarissa Grace has gone ready to wear. The pieces are divine, with unusual and detailed touches. For the full "Love Comes Softly" Collection visit the website. Below are my absolute favourites (though it was almost impossible to choose just the five I have here). Also, for more reading, there's a very interesting interview with Clarissa Grace by Amy-Joe Tatum over on her blog, Bride Chic. Check it out.

(Image Credits; all Clarissa Grace.)

Monogram Mania

Everything is coming up monogrammed at weddings! You could put it on anything so why not? It's a lovely way of personalising your decor. You could also simply use the one letter (the initial from the groom's last name) if you plan to take your future husbands name, kind of like a symbolic way of two becoming one. More ideas to come so look out for the posts!

Banners line a dance floor with the new couples last intial. monogrammed on each. Makes a great back drop for photos and adds some black tie class to the reception decor.

A classic three tier square cake has the grooms first initial, the new couples last and the bride's first on the right.

Little transparent packets filled with rice become a talking point with guests with the addition of a monogram sticker with the bride and grooms first initials. Carry the monogram through the wedding by adding it to invitations, favour boxes and wedding programs.

(Image Credits: From Top to Bottom; The Knot; Pink Frosting; The Knot; In the Now.

A Breath of French Air

Image Credits:

1. Black 5 Tier Candleabra from Universal. 2. Black Glass Votive Cup from Universal. 3. Clear Glass Single Tea Light Candle Stick from Universal. 4. Black and Silver Striped Paper Table Runner from Only Weddings. 5. Bridal Gown by Karen Willis Holmes. 6. Bridesmaids Dress by Alex Perry. 7. White Peony Bouquet from The Knot. 8. Monogram Cake from Deliciously Decadent Cakes. 9. Perfume Bottle Favour from A Piece of Paris. 10. Table Number from The Knot. 11. Tulips from Flowers of Sorrento.

new affordable art {morning version}

Today's morning version of our "new affordable art series" is from Vancouver-based Cabin + Cub. The above piece is a media collage made from vintage book illustrations, paper ephemera and ink illustrations. It is original and one-of-a-kind paper-backed on wood veneer and sealed with protective coating. She also has some new notebooks we noticed too that we couldn't help but share (in a whale or singing bird version).

Happy Thanksgiving!

For our American readers: The smell of turkey and warm cranberries wafts through the air, as doorbells and phones ring with expectant guests and families. There is only everything to be thankful for, and we all collectively pause and look around at all we have - the warmth of tight friends and our families (and for us; you- our readers) - and acknowledge how fortunate we are. Happy Thanksgiving!

Folk Family Vintage Tin Tray from NewDuds.etsy.com

My Holiday Wishlist

A little wish list of mine. From the top left (going clockwise): Rolleiflex Mini Digital Camera, Urban Outfitters; Woodgrain Notebook, Curiosity Shoppe; Monika Slippers from Toast; Fair & Square Pillow from ReForm School; Stencil 101 Bookk by Ed Roth at Urban Outfitters; Olivetti Typewriter, Urban Outfitters; A Year of Mornings, Princeton Architectural Press; Peppermint Hand Mirror, Urban Outfitters.

jennifer graham

Beautiful black and white ceramic pieces (inspired by embroidery patterns) by Stratford, Ontario potter, Jennifer Graham. Her work was recently highlighted in the December issue of House and Home where she explains how she translates her love of textiles into her ceramics. {Photo's from jennifergraham.com}.

jennifersgraham.com.

A few handmade guides & round ups for the season!

POPPYTALK HANDMADE GIFT GUIDE
We've created a Poppytalk Handmade Gift Guide from all the talent we have this month in our curated online Holiday Market! Separated into different categories, we've got it covered from accessories all the way to vintage! Click here to see!

2009 CALENDAR ROUND-UP
We've collected the best handmade calendars we could find! There's so much to choose from, one is bound to find something that fits their decor and needs! See more here.

HOLIDAY CARD GUIDE
This is a four-part guide to all the beautiful handmade, letterpressed, gocco'd and illustrated holiday cards out there! We're astounded at the amazing designs! Click here to check it out!

ORNAMENT ROUND UP
A fun selection of mostly handmade holiday ornaments! View here.

Signature Cocktails

The best way to introduce a little personality into your wedding (and save on the liquor bill!) is to have a signature cocktail. Try not only using the tastes of both of you together to create your own design but also try making a name for it by putting your names together ala "Brangelina". Having a basic beer and wine package supplemented with a signature cocktail is more than enough to keep your guests happy.

Here are some ideas to get you started.

CHOC PORT FLIP

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 1)
80ml (1/3 cup) pouring cream
50ml port
1 egg
2 tsp chocolate-flavoured topping
1/4 tsp icing sugar mixture
3-4 large ice cubes
1 tbs pouring cream, extra
Ground nutmeg, to serve
Chocolate cream wafers, to serve

Method
Place the cream in a bowl. Use a balloon whisk to whisk until soft peaks form. Place port, egg, topping, sugar, ice and extra cream in a cocktail shaker. Shake until combined. Strain into a 250ml (1-cup) capacity serving glass. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve with wafers.

CREAMY MOCHA COCKTAIL

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 2)
160ml (2/3 cup) thin cream
80ml (1/3 cup) amaretto liqueur
80ml (1/3 cup) Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur
2 tbs Tia Maria coffee liqueur
1 cup crushed ice
2 tbs chocolate topping

Method
Place the cream, amaretto, Baileys, Tia Maria and ice in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth. Pour evenly among serving glasses.
Place the chocolate topping in a small plastic bag. Cut a small hole in 1 corner of the bag and drizzle the top of each drink with chocolate in a zigzag pattern. Drag a toothpick vertically through the zigzag pattern to create a slightly marbled effect. Serve immediately.

WATERMELON MAI TAI

Preparation Time
5 minutes

Ingredients (serves 8)
500g peeled watermelon, chopped
125ml (1/2 cup) Golden Circle pineapple juice
125ml (1/2 cup) white rum
60ml (1/4 cup) triple sec liqueur
1 tsp grenadine
Crushed ice, to serve

Method
Place the watermelon, pineapple juice, rum, liqueur and grenadine in the jug of a blender and blend until smooth.
Divide the ice among serving glasses. Pour over watermelon mixture to serve.

Notes & tips
Note: Make this recipe just before serving.
Tip: To make this drink suitable for designated drivers, omit alcohol and increase the pineapple juice to 1 cup.

(All Images and Recipes are from Taste.)

Relax, Relax, Relax

Chillout areas have become such a popular trend amongst brides. No longer are they simply saying yes to the standard room layout which most venues provide. I think this may be due to the fact that, in Queensland especially, outdoor weddings have become more in style and with this the opportunity to really start from scratch and create your own room (or area) arrangements. And why wouldn't you include a chill out area? It encourages your guests to mingle and to enjoy all facets of the day that you have put so much love and energy into. But I think it's not just great for the guests. A photo of a quiet moment captured between the bride and groom lounging in a private corner when they've actually had the chance to stop and look at one another (a rare moment and one most couples get) would make the perfect last page in your wedding album.

(Image Credits: From top to bottom; The Knot; In Style Weddings; Malabar Fabric; The Knot; Beth Helmstetter; Table Jewels)

New affordable art {afternoon version}

A sweet original mixed media piece from New York's Cathy Nicols. Made using paper and acrylic, and painted on wood, named "Better Together", this piece is a great bedroom addition.

Poppytalk Handmade Gift Guide: Accessories

Paperiaarre - Table 145 & paperiaarre.etsy.com
Showpony - Table 152 & showpony.etsy.com
Tortilla Girl - Table 82 & tortillagirl.etsy.com
Lu Summers - Table 109 & summersville.etsy.com
Popa and Mox - Table 3 & popamox.etsy.com
Mosey - Table 136 & mosey.etsy.com
Little Black Rabbit - Table 104 & littleblackrabbit.etsy.com
Ouno Design - Table 142 & ounodesign.com
Jill Bent - Table 85 & jillbent.etsy.com
Chikabird - Table 73 & Chikabird.etsy.com

Poppytalk Handmade Gift Guide: Housewares

RE-SURFACE Design - Table 149 & resurface.etsy.com
Stiksel - Table 158 & stiksel.etsy.com
Nea - Table 139 & neawear.etsy.com
Brenda Rose - Table 32 & andfurthermore.etsy.com
Edward Foley - Table 171 & edwardfoley.etsy.com
Ink•lore - Table 174 & inklore.etsy.com
Papaver Vert - Table 143 & papaververt.etsy.com
Brooklyn Rehab - Table 22 & BROOKLYNrehab.etsy.com
Shanna Murray - Table 151 & twotrees.etsy.com
Henry Road - Table 74 & henryroad.com

Handmade Sales & Deals (This weekend)

Songbird Collection, Dolan Geiman

We're getting a heap of emails about the sales to be had this weekend (one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year) - and so without further a due, we give you the low down in the handmade world that we're aware of:

Dolan Geiman - All items in Dolan's store are being marked down by an additional 10% to the already on-sale prices - making it a "Super Sale" for them. In addition, they're offering Free US Shipping (Sorry Canada!) and a Free Gift (Hooray Canada!) with all orders over $100.


Owl on Page, E. Soule

E. Soule - Starting today through to the 29th, E. Soule is giving 25% off all prints, cards, notebooks and "Letting the Horses Loose" series (items that are already marked down).




Night Owl Paper Goods - is offering discounts and $5 shipping on all U.S. orders. Lots of deals to be had!




Kate Banazi - 10% off hand silkscreened prints and goods at katebanazi.bigcartel.com with the code - Sale08 at checkout.



If you have a sale this weekend, feel free to leave a comment in the comments section, and spread the word! Thanks!!!