Gashapon…And where can I get one!

I am completely addicted to all things cute! It's really no secret, and the Japanese… know cute. I have stumbled upon something new to love, and obsess over. It's called a Gashapon Machine. Basically, it is a cooler version of our toy vending machines with better surprises inside, somewhere along the lines of KinderSuprises.  

Gashapon or Gachapon is made up of two sounds: "gacha" for the turning of a crank on a toy vending machine, and "pon" for the sound of the toy capsule dropping. (Wikipedia) 

In simpler terms, adults probably love them just as much or, in my case, even MORE than kids.

This Gashapon Machine can be found at welovemomiji.co.uk. It is actually at their shop but for online purposes they will drop in some coins and send you, your surprise. I know not as exciting as actually doing it yourself, but just look at what's inside!

Photos:welovemomiji.co.uk

Visit welovemomiji.co.uk to see more of the delightful surprises inside.

Orla…you will be MINE!

OK! So I have seriously wanted an Orla Kiely Bag, since… well Forever! Well here is what's inline for Spring 2009! And this one I will get! I promise to wash the dishes everynight, take out the trash and… oh wait, that only worked with my parents. Hmmm…I'll have to come up with a better plan.

Photo: Print&Pattern

It's the same delightful Orla Kiely pattern, only this time the background is a lovely linen, crosshatch detail. I think that is what I love about it the most!

Seriously Cute!

I just stumbled, literally, stumble!, upon this adorable site, Inspire Company. Not only is the blog amazing and the Featured Artists section inspiring, but I found a couple of little items I simply MUST have! Take a look.

       

Images: Inspire Company

Bella Dia… It certainly is!

Thank goodness for this gal! I still have shopping to do, so needless to say I haven't even begun to wrap gifts yet! Bella Dia has compiled what seems like an endless list of FREE gift tags! Bless her. All these wonderful artists sharing their work, with deligthful tags for you to use til your heart's content. Just remember to give credit where credit is due and drop them a line to say thank you.

Gift Tags:theblackapple.typepad.com

Light, Lovely and Inspiring... corid at etsy.

I found this absolutely amazing illustrator via etsy front page this morning, and I am in love with every print she has to offer. They are light and whimsical, dainty and precious. Her illustrations are carefully drawn upon vintage textbooks, maps, and handwritten vintage papers, then set upon maple plywood.

She admits to loving anything "shiny or sparkly"... we could be friends! Visit her blog to get a look at the sweetest Christmas tree ever, adorned beautifully with her very own ornaments. I am inspired to make my very own next year (I'd better start planning now). I'll hopefully get some Christmas cash to buy one of her pieces by the New Year. I have my eye on fruitful labor.

     

Images: corid.etsy.com

Lovely Little Finds No.6

I'm back, it's been a long long time since my last post. I tend to get caught up in all things Holiday. My New Year's resolution will definitely have something to do with this blog. 

I have made some lovely discoveries this morning via Etsy front page and Twitter. 

I'll start with this adorable bit of breakfast food. I am in love, love, love with felt and all the amazing things people are doing with it. These strawberry pop tarts are from BeckyM at etsy. She has some lovely little foods, including bow tie pastas and Red Velvet Cake slices, all beautifully made.

You can learn more about Becky and her creative process at the little red suitcase. The Little Red Suitcase is a delightful blog I came across via Twitter (thanks for following). Visit, and enjoy the crafter interviews. I'm sure there will be many great things to come on this excellent blog, now one of my favorites as well. Thanks Becky and ColoredSprinkleGirl for being so lovely.

Photos: BeckyM.etsy.com

Join me in Buying Handmade for the Holidays!

Buy Handmade Video from Etsy on Vimeo.

I have made a pledge to buy Handmade for the Holidays! We are definitely on a tight budget this holiday season, so for the very few gifts I have on my list this year, I will be buying handmade. It's a great way to support talented Indie Artists and Crafters. Not to mention and you can find some really unique items for anyone on your list. etsy is by far the place to shop! 

♥ Happy Holiday Season Everyone!

Lovely Little Finds No.5

 

etsy, etsy, etsy… It's all about etsy!

Everyday I come across something(s) new. These adorable little frocks come from Funky Little Monkey. Not only are they super cute but they're SUPER practical. Sue has created a dress that grows with your little one. It goes from a dress, to tunic, to shirt and they're reversible! Quite niffty… wish I had a little girl to get all dolled up in one of these pretty little pinafores. Plus, I just love the word Pinafore :)

Look for matching hair clips from Delightful Trinkets, Sue and I are putting our heads together for more lovely little finds. It's fun to meet such talented and creative people. I heart etsy!

Cupcakes Week ❉ October 20-26

Who doesn't love cupcakes and who wouldn't want to donate to a good cause. Visit cupcakesforacause.org to find a participating bakery near you and create your own e-cupcake to share with a friend!

Inspiration No. 2

I am obsessed with all things vintage! And right now it's all about shoes. I found these pretty babies on the cherry blossom girl. Alix has the most beautiful photographs. She is cupcakes, tea parties, fairy tales and sweetness all wrapped up in one! Visit her blog to learn a bit more about her. 

Lovely Little Finds No.4

Thanks to Greenlee. I heart her!!!

OMG!!! Winter Songs

You wont be disappointed. 

Giveaway Coming Soon!

Hello everyone! So… in an attempt to gather more followers and make more friends with the same interests in design, I have decided to host my own giveaway this month. Not to mention that I am completely shameless, and not above bribery. 

There is a positive side to this as well, in addition to the giveaway. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month I am planning on doing a fundraiser to raise monies for the Kapi'olani Breast Center in Honolulu. Kapi'olani Breast Center provides FREE Mammograms for women with little or no medical insurance or minimal income.  I lived in Hawaii for almost a year and was shocked at how many women live at the poverty level and are without regular healthcare. I'd like to be able to give back to a community that I called home. There are many women who will benefit form this free service and money from donations to the Center can make a difference for a woman in need. 

I lost my Aunt Martha several years ago. She was far too young at 52 to lose her battle. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of her… so I'd like to honor her and others who have lost their battle, support those who continue their fight and hopefully find a cure for this horrible disease. 

Mahalo! Details will follow shortly.

Lovely Little Finds No.3

I absolutely had to share this lovely little tune. It is "If a Song Could Get Me You"

by Marit Larsen. She is absolutely adorable and so is her little red piano. Enjoy!

Lovely Little Finds No.2

Dominique Rouzier, as seen on Design Mom 

Something looks vaguely familiar here. I can't seem to put my finger on it… but they're lovely none the less.

Inspiration No.1

I have to say that one of the things that most inspires me is Japanese Design. Not only do I believe they are on the forefront of design in technology and architecture, they just seem to make everything "small and cute"! That most impresses this girl and lover of all things cute. Most of the beading I am in to lately comes from Japan and their vintage cellulose beads and cabochons are to die for. So lately I have been scouring the web to find Vintage Japanese beads, and with my upcoming trip to Hawaii I am planning my bead shopping days wisely. Luckily, I'll have my little friend Lisa (who's never been and quite the crafty girl) there to conspire with, so the boys can't complain about having to take us here and there.

I came across japancraftjournal.blogspot.com. And although it's authors Kristine and Leslie reside in Australia they have been quite a big help. I have delved deep into their blog and visited their links that brought me serendipitously to many other resources. The print to the left is a sample from their blog. So off I go to continue my search and plan my itinerary.

Lovely Little Finds 

No.1

I could get lost for hours on etsy just looking at all the pretty little things, so as part of my blog I have decided to add Lovely Little Finds. 

This past weekend I was ever so fortunate to "stay home", I know… I know… it was heavenly. No swim practice, no baseball, no birthday parties, barely even a little cleaning to do… nothing! So I wasted my days away (between catnaps) searching through the endless treasures on etsy. I came across these beautiful pieces. I had to look twice, it looked like real lavender. Glass, it's glass…truly amazing! I felt immediately compelled to contact the artist, Andrea Kiernan and ohh and ahh over her amazing lavender.

Thank you! I really enjoy making them. This time of year, when the lavender is in bloom at the farm where I work, inspiration abounds! I am starting to get a nice bead collection on display on my other site lavenderbeads.etsy.com check it out if you have the time!

Andrea

Andrea has been featured in Bead & Button, Bead Unique and Bead Styles magazines, as well as Bead Review 3, and well deserved! Visit Andrea's etsy shop where you'll find an abundance of lavender beads in many shades. I have my eye on this little beauty… It's the perfect shade of light blue and absolutely adorable. Hmmm… someone may be getting one of these Lovely Little Finds for Christmas!

 

Thank you Andrea!

Berry Happy

It was a very successful Summer Berry Workshop! I was so pleased with how well everyone did. Only a few berry mishaps but everyone completed perfect little berries. My wonderful little friend Myra took pictures which I will steal, I mean appropriate, from her blog. I was sweating buckets… but I don't think it was nerves… honestly. 

I think everyone made some new friends which made the evening a success in my mind :) If you had a wonderful time or you missed this workshop, have no fear, I am already planning on holding another one, in October (TBD). I am hoping my trip to Hawaii at the end of this month will bring some inspiration and ideas from my friends at The Bead Gallery in Honolulu!

Thank you, to Steve at the Neighborhood Cup, the sweetest and most perfect host ever! He treated us to some very tasty panini's and excellent coffee! You're the best Steve, and we missed you Jenn!!! 

No promises, but…

For my upcoming workshop I would like to have a few of my own items for sale. I'll bring along a few of the pieces I have right now and depending on how this weekend goes maybe a few more surprises. I still plan on having extra Summer Berry Kits for sale for $15. If you know ahead of time that you'd like to purchase a kit, and have a particular color you'd like, please let me know and I'll be sure to have it on hand. Please put in you request by this Friday, August 29 if possible. :)

If you have any questions or need any other details, please do not hesitate to email me at imviado@mac.com.  

See you soon!

~Ivy

Fresh Picked!

My very first beading workshop! I can hardly believe it. 

I hope you'll join me.

xoxo~Ivy

OMG… they give these things to just anyone!

Okay, so I my arm was twisted by my Web savvy friend Myra…well really it wasn't even a full revolution. So… I am now the proud owner of my very own blog, Delightful Trinkets. I feel the need to go out and celebrate. But I promise to use it for good and not evil… most of the time :) And I also promise to use spell check, (i.e savvy)