Monday, April 28, 2008 at 03:00 AM

Hello again everyone!  Thanks for coming by. This week I'll be mixing in some of my favorite Mother's Day gift ideas amidst my regular posts.  Keep an eye out for those if you are still in need of a special something for your Mom. xox Ez

{FIND IT}
-Hand Silkscreened Pillow Cover in Yellow from ModaMuse
-One of a kind Matchbox Tweeters by Abigail Brown
-Garden Tote - Summer Silhouettes from Three Potato Four
-Yellow Orchid with Loops of Grass from Jayson Home & Garden

Flickr Fix - "A Peaceful Repose"

Before I sign off for the evening, I just want to leave you will a mosaic of some of my recent Flickr favorites. Please follow these links to see the full-sized originals of each beautiful image:

1. have you forgotten how to fly?, 2. forsythia + sky, 3. warm comfort, 4. Day 283 - 27,891 Minutes, 5. Someone is in my spot, 6. maybe we shoot wide open to blur the ugly out of life.....even if just for a moment., 7. kicks, 8. 3., 9. Anaemia

Nineteen Seventy Three Gift Wrap

I love beautiful and well thought out packaging.  So when I came across these new gift wrap additions to the NinteenSeventyThree shop it was love at first sight.

Not only does The Good Life (the creators of the gift wrap featured here) make wrapping paper in the sweetest designs... but each one is printed on 100% recycled paper.  Now that's something to feel good about! Check out more of The Good Life gift paper and other styles at NineteenSeventyThree.

Blog Crush: A Print A Day

I have to tell you about my latest blog crush: A Print A Day.  Yasmine, a Bay Area designer & illustrator started her blog as a creative outlet and means to showcase her work.  Aren't we lucky!  I am so completely smitten!

Her pieces featuring lace, doilies, and tapestries are my absolute favorite.  I'm crossing my fingers that Yasmine will be selling her work soon.  Wouldn't you love to see her designs screenprinted on t-shirts, tank tops, totes, tea towels and more?!!!

Stop by A Print A Day for more inspiration... and while you're there be sure to download her free label and notepad designs (how chic).  Thanks Yasmine for your generosity!

Indie Fabulous...

Here are a few goodies from some of my favorite indie designers on etsy.

Handcrafted Yarn Wreaths (I own the one shown) by The Constant Gatherer, Handcrafted Ceramics by Diana Fayt of oneblackbird, Multibuck in Blue - Cushion Cover by Skinny laMinx

Anemone Outline Hoop Earrings by Abigail Percy, Burlesque Bobby Pins from Topsy Turvy Design, Garden Gate Earrings by Mud and Mint

Seaweed Art Pressing - 8835 by Alga-Net, The Fire in Her Eye photographic print by Equivoque, Painting by The Mincing Mockingbird

Linen Dress - Girl by Pamela Tang, Set of Two Ponytail Holders from Gazzu, Large Owl Gocco Print - limited edition by Matte Stephens of Matte Art

So what's the big deal about indie anyway?  I'm glad you asked (okay... nobody actually asked me, but maybe you wanted to ask, so here you go).  I couldn't have an eco-friendly post week without extolling the virtue of shopping indie.  There are so many great things about indie-crafted products... here are just a few:

1.  Independent designers (as a generalization) are more likely to be conscious of the environment and make choices for their product supplies based upon these values. 

2.  Indie businesses are more likely to purchase the supplies needed to create their goods through local vendors (or other indie businesses).  Buying local is a great way to be environmentally responsible, and it keeps money within communities.

3.  When you buy indie you are not buying some mass-produced merchandise that everyone will own with a few weeks time... but a unique, carefully crafted treasure that is very likely a one-of or few-of a kind piece.  And, hey... it's fun to be unique!

xox Ez