Giveaway & Poppytalk Special from Futurowoman

Futurowoman Fotographie is having a prints giveaway!



Enter now through 11/25 to win free prints, perfect for holiday gifting or for yourself! Click here for rules and to enter!



Also, throughout November I'm offering a special for all Poppytalk Handmade supporters! If you buy anything from Futurowoman Fotographie at Etsy, mention "Poppytalk" at checkout and I'll send you a free 5x7" print that will beautifully compliment whatever you've purchased!



Thank you for supporting analog photography!
Cheers, Nancy (aka Futurowoman)
shop: http://futurowoman.etsy.com
twitter: http://twitter.com/futurowoman
blog: http://futurowoman.blogspot.com
flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/futurowoman

new critters at fivetrees

This time of year, I don't know what to work on first. I have so many ideas swirling around in my head. I want to make huge luxurious scarves. I want to embroider a little wooded cabin with birch trees in the foreground. And I have all of these cute little guys in my head who want to get out into the world. There's never enough time in the day. . .but I've obviously defaulted to cuteness recently. Check 'em out at fivetrees.etsy.com

Folk Art Pottery Inspiration

I don't know about you, but I've been loving Amy Azzarito's Past & Present blog posts over at Design Sponge! The little history lesson put together with a practical DYI project for your home really appeals to my love of research, books, and practical application!
Over the past couple of weeks I've been doing a little research and application of my own in my ceramic studio. My historical connection came from a book called Pennsylvania Dutch American Folk Art. I've had this book in my collection since my great-aunt sent me some of her own pottery tools and books as inspiration to a then starting out potter. Pennsylvania Dutch Pottery (with a mug example from the book) is often recognized by it's floral motifs and patterns carved or 'slip-trailed' into clay. I used some of these motifs as inspiration for trying out a mono-print technique that I had learned during a workshop with the author of Ceramics and Print, a book all about printmaking techniques onto clay.
To read more about my own 'Past & Present' project, you can read about it on my blog. Two of the six vase forms have recently been added to my Etsy Shop and Poppytalk Table. They would make a lovely vase, a holder of kitchen utensils and even glow like a lantern when a tealight or candle is placed inside!
www.dahlhausart.com
www.dahlhaus.etsy.com
www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery35

New at blackbird letterpress

Hello there from Blackbird Letterpress! The holidays are indeed upon us and I want to share some of our new and holiday items and a special treat just for the Poppytalk community.

The printshop is about one mile from the mighty Mississippi River that is crossed over by a mighty bridge. The 2010 letterpress calendar- Bridge Birds is printed in a very limited edition of 20. Each is 11" x 17", two color linocut, handset type, with tear away calendar pages, all 100% recycled paper. Two new cards are up continuing the lovebird silhouette series, based on original papercuts, Breathe Lovebirds and Spiderlily Lovebirds.



Straight up for the holidays, we have beetle gift tags (great for kids and big people alike) and flock of birds gift tags, ready to liven up any package. The set of 8, Bear of Peace cards, is also based on an original papercut. The cards are letterpress printed in 2 colors on 100% cotton paper and come with 100% postconsumer recycled envelopes.


A TREAT for you: For Poppytalk readers, mention "poppytalk" in the message to seller box and receive 20% off your order, good until November 20. (we'll reimburse you via paypal)

Visit our table at poppytalkhandmade.com

shop: blackbirdletterpress.etsy.com
blog: blackbirdletterpress.tumblr.com. See what we've been up to this summer-especially the Old Maid card exchange, participated by 30 letterpress printers from around the country. Scroll down to see the cards. (fellow poppytalk exhibitor, Roll & Tumble Press, joined in the fun as well)
web: blackbirdletterpress.com

Happy Monday and happy season to you!
All the best,
Kathryn

New "Happy Holidays" Cards in my Shop!

by Stephanie Levy



Just wanted to let you in on the news: I have now added 2 sets of holiday cards to my shop featuring my original collaged artwork and hand-stamped lettering!



The cards come in sets of 6 and are individually printed on velvety archival matte paper with non-fading pigment inks, which are guaranteed to retain their brilliant colors for a lifetime.



Because of the high quality, archival printing process, these cards are also suitable for framing and can also be used as holiday decor for years to come.



Give your holiday cards a unique and handmade touch this year!

I'd like to invite you to come by my shop and gallery to see more of my card sets, calendars, limited edition prints, and lots of original artwork for under $100. I have some great gift ideas waiting for you there :)

shop: www.stephanielevy.etsy.com
gallery: www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery134

Visit my blog to see work in process, and sign up for my newsletter to get discounts: www.stephanielevy.blogspot.com

xoxo
Stephanie

Letterpress Imprintables for the Holidays

Armato Design and Press is offering a number of different cards customized with either letterpress or digital printing. Above is a letterpress flat card. This card is personalized with your choice of color, font and message beautifully letterpress printed on 100% cotton paper and includes white envelopes and self-adhesive photo corners. 50 cards are $95.

The rest of the cards shown can be imprinted digitally or in letterpress. Bulk cards (30 or more) sell for my wholesale price of $2 a piece. Letterpress personalization is an extra $85, digital personalization in black ink is an extra $20. If you have questions please feel free to contact Amy at amy{at}armatodesign.com or check out my Etsy shop.

Giveaway, Pistachio Press Calendar

Hello friends!  I wanted to stop by to let you know that I'm hosting a calendar giveaway on my blog.  One winner will receive the full 12-month calendar and a second winner will receive the tear-away calendar.  Both are letterpress printed and the imagery is inspired by vintage china patterns. To enter, please leave a comment on my blog telling us all what you your favorite part of fall is (mine is that I have an excuse to make and eat soup!). The contest will end on Monday, November 9th at midnight (EST) and I'll announce the winner on Tuesday, November 10th.

website: pistachiopress.com
blog: whichonesareweeds.blogspot.com
poppytalk table: gallery 112
shop online: pistachiopress.etsy.com
flickr: flickr.com/photos/pistachiopress

new fivetrees embroidery

busy finishing new embroidery pieces. i can't get enough of caterpillars--brightly colored or monochromatic, so those are cropping up everywhere in my work of late.

In fact, my "hey there!" caterpillar (pictured below) is the first embroidery piece to make its way to poppytalkhandmade. The rest will slowly but surely appear on the fivetrees shop.

Trick-or-Treatzone!

We're super-excited to share work from our Halloween-inspired show currently at The Curiosity Shoppe, entitled Trick-or-Treatzone. The show features ghost paintings on vintage postcards, classic monster silhouettes on science textbook pages, and haunting phrases printed on patterned paper – and our opening party last Friday included holiday-appropriate details like "spooky brew" and candy corn of course!

The show is up through November 22nd, but in case you can't make it in person, we're making the show multiples available at our table. We hope you'll check out our fall makeover and we wish you a very Happy Halloween!

Tiny Treasures...

By Mai Mckemy The Sparrow's Nest


There is something magical about holding a tiny wonder in the palm of your hand. We are fascinated by details captured in miniature scale. Even our electronic devices reflect that fascination, as they shrink in size year after year. Who can deny the awe of holding a small purring kitten, or a teacup-sized puppy in one hand? Why do we grasp a baby's fingers, and tickle its tiny, perfect toes? What is it about the miniature that draws us in, and beckons us to investigate further? What inspired the dedication of control that was executed to assemble such a microcosmic feat?



I've begun to explore this fascination in a series of tiny woodland-themed "terrarium" necklaces, each encompassing its own enchanting details. I have been filled with utter joy in replicating such enthralling details, and seek to represent creatures and plant life in charming dioramas. I have one design for sale currently, and am working on additional designs to introduce soon.

I wish to delight those who wear one of my tiny little microcosms in a glass vial, strung on a delicate sterling silver chain. I hope to bring back some of that child-like wonder we all had, when the world was new and bright and there was yet much to discover. (And I've got a secret: there is always something beautiful left to discover still!)


Blessings, Mai McKemy http://4thesparrowsnest.etsy.com

The Simple Secret Necklace (By Corrieberry Pie)

Inspired by simpler times...

Simple Secret Necklace
Corrieberry Pie on Etsy
Corrieberry Pie Blog
Corrieberry Pie on Poppytalk

Gifts for the tough people on your list

Armato Design and Press offers a line of letterpress personalized stationery and mini calling cards which are perfect for the loved ones on your list, especially those who seem to have everything. Here are just a few of the designs offered. You get to pick which design is perfect for your special someone and then choose color and font to go with it. All of these designs are listed in at my Poppytalk table, others are available from my Etsy shop. And, as always, I am happy to talk to you about letterpress printing your custom design or coming up with a design just for you.

Giveaway / New Sycamore Club Print at Sycamore Street Press

If you are familiar with Sycamore Street Press, then you'll know that we collaborate with a different artist each month to bring you a limited edition letterpress print. We print one edition of 100 prints and that's it. We will never reprint them. They're available for individual purchase, or at a discount as part of a subscription. We call this project the Sycamore Club. Click here to see all the prints we've made for it so far.


This month's rodeo themed artwork is by the talented graphic designer, Jamie Tallerico. I love the subdued retro colors, and I can totally picture this print in a little boy's room, a home with vintage 50's inspired decor, a rustic cabin, etc.... Click here to find out more about the artist and the print, or to see more photos.

To enter the giveaway, leave a comment on my blog. I'll choose a winner at random next Monday, November 2nd.

Thanks!
Eva

blog: evajorgensen.blogspot.com
website: sycamorestreetpress.com
shop: shop.sycamorestreetpress.com
twitter: twitter.com/sycamorestpress
flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/sycamorestreet
facebook

O Bella Earthwear - nature inspired jewelry

by Betsy of O Bella



O Bella officially launched it's nature inspired jewelry line [earth wear] on this months Indie Love Market.

These pieces are based on the idea of creating beautiful, natural art to wear out of items found in the earth. Each necklace is given a name reminiscent of a unique location or object in nature. My heart is in the mountains, and when I wear these necklaces, I carry around the mountain mindset no matter where I am... even in Flatlander Florida. It's a chance to take a piece of nature and use in it everyday life. I hope it reminds you of the essence, beauty, and wonder of the mountains and nature.




Each stone was collected by me from the lakes of northern Idaho [following state and park guidelines of course!], paired with complementing or contrasting beads made from natural materials [african recycled glass beads, stoneware, horn, wood, ceramic], hung on hemp, and secured with hand-forged raw bronze clasps.





I'm thrilled to participate in this months market alongside incredible handmade artists. Feel free to browse through my table for other necklaces and handmade items [including natural soaps and knits] or stop by my etsy shop!

~ Betsy

Etsy: www.obellanaturals.etsy.com
Poppytalk: www.poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery119
Blog: www.obellanaturals.blogspot.com

Hello Handmade launches winter wares!

Well, hello there! Betsy and I have been waiting all year for this season to roll around again, and now it is finally time to unfurl our spread of winter wares!

Our etsy shop re-opens its figurative doors today! First up are the 2010 Laureled Tea Towel, and our Tannenbaum Specimen Chart. Then, at the end of November some downloadable items, such as an advent calendar, bunting, and ornament with follow. We hope you're as excited as we are about our winter wares!

We're both really excited about today. Each time we have launched something new has been exciting, but after having finally had the opportunity to work side by side this summer the feeling is unmatchable! What a joy to have such a wonderful, kind, talented, and hilarious partner!

Cheers, everyone!

xoxo, Shanna

mothers and daughters - the connection series by mary's granddaughter

My new series "connection" explores the different stages in the relationship between mother and daughter. As my own daughter grows and prepares for college I've become intimately aware of how quickly time passes.

connection no. 2

connection no. 3


connection no. 1

All the pieces in this series are embroidered on antique homespun linen and framed in vintage metal embroidery hoops. The little antique arms were excavated from the grounds of an old doll factory in Thuringia, Germany.

All the best,
Cindy (mary's granddaghter)

visit me at:
Poppytalk
my shop

Tea Party Necklace (By Corrieberry Pie)

This charming little necklace is quite nostalgic and quirky in the best way possible.
(And so very Alice In Wonderland-esque. Come quickly March!)

www.corrieberrypie.etsy.com
www.corrieberrypie.blogspot.com
Corrieberry Pie on Poppytalk

check out my new 2010 calendars

by Stephanie Levy



"swedish retro"



"caribbean kitchen"



"designer chairs"



"schoener wohnen"

I'm excited to announce that I've created a series of hand-drawn calendars for 2010! I have six different images to choose from; you can see my entire series in my shop and here at the Poppytalk Handmade Market this month.

These calendars are just right for brightening up your favorite spot, your kitchen, your workspace, or anywhere you'd like all of 2010's dates at a glance.

Each calendar is printed with non-fading, archival inks on velvety matte paper, which makes your favorite image suitable for framing in 2011!

Thanks for looking and here's to a great 2010!

Visit my shop
Visit my Poppytalk gallery

Give the eco-gift of furoshiki this holiday season

According to the Clean Air Council, an additional five million tons of waste is generated during the holidays in the United States, four million tons of which is wrapping paper and shopping bags. As a mother of two young daughters, I am very concerned with this news and am hoping you will consider using the centuries-old Japanese tradition of furoshiki to wrap your gifts this year – it’s easy, elegant and eco-friendly!


History of the Furoshiki

For centuries, Japanese citizens have used square pieces of cloth called "furoshikis” for a myriad of practical and ornamental applications – nearly everything from transporting goods to decorating gifts. Historians believe furoshikis gained popularity during the Edo Period (1603-1868) when public bath houses became fashionable. Japanese citizens would carry their clothes and personal belongings inside a wrapped furoshiki and then use it as a bath mat. This is how the furoshiki got its name: “furo” meaning “bath” and “shiki” meaning “to spread”. The furoshiki played an important role in the development of Japan’s sustainable society during Edo times and emerged as a highly celebrated custom for wrapping gifts.

Furoshiki Artistry

When I first discovered the art of furoshiki, I was awestruck by its elegance and how, when effortlessly tied and knotted any furoshiki can transform a great gift into an exceptional keepsake. I learned that in Japan much about the gift-giving experience centers on the presentation. Great care and joy go into selecting just the right furoshiki fabric and the best wrap technique to honor each gift-giving occasion. With so many colors, patterns, and fabric choices available, furoshikis afford gift-givers the ability to add a personal touch.


Give the Eco-Gift of Furoshiki this Holiday Season

Whether you brave the crowds or cozy up to your computer for your shopping this holiday season, I encourage you to choose an eco-friendly gift wrap option like furoshiki to green your gift-giving. Furoshikis can be easily tied to create a stunning package begging to be untied! Encourage gift recipients to “wrap it forward" as an eco-bonus.

Cheers and Happy Holidays,
Mandy

News from Dolan Geiman

After a little hiatus from Poppytalk Handmade, we're thrilled to be back and hope everyone enjoys our shop in the current Indie Love market. We have a couple news items to report:

This weekend, Dolan is participating in an art show & fundraiser in Nashville, TN called artclectic. Show information is available at artclectic.org. The artist line-up is incredible, featuring many of our friends and favorite artists from the art fair circuit. Don't miss it!

Next, check out some of our favorite new releases:

Fall Foliage BOX PRINT reproduction: view item >>
DG MINIS Band Practice Collection Trumpet and Drums: view item >>
Finally, we're counting down to 400 sales in our Etsy shop with a special drawing. All buyers between now and 400 sales will be entered to win this DG MINI Set. The current sales counts is 393 so join in on the fun with a pre-holiday purchase!
website: http://dolangeiman.com
Etsy shop: http://dolangeiman.etsy.com
blog: http://dolangeiman.blogspot.com
Poppytalk Handmade: http://poppytalkhandmade.com/gallery88