Fantastic Friday Finds - Etsy Greeting Cards!

Don't you hate it when you are running into the market on the way to a party and have to pick out a really cheesy card? I know I do! In fact, I wish I had the time to create hand-made cards for every birthday and holiday but alas, there are only so many hours in the day.

While browsing through the fun Etsy categories the other day, I kept finding just the most delightful, creative and beautiful cards from such talented artists. It was so addicting that I decided to put together another Treasury East to share my finds with you!

Perfect timing (Mother's Day is around the corner) to check out these shops and give her a really special card! Here are some of my favorites:

To view this ACTIVE treasury with links click HERE!

New Muselet on the Rise!

If you're a true fan (or Musie) of MUSE, then you know the secret to our blooming success is definitely our Muselet staff. Although they do get into trouble from time to time, and occasionally I wonder why there are small hoof prints all around the snack drawer, I could never run Muse Silk Paintings without the support of my amazing (and adorable) piglets.

Today I'd like to tell you a little story about our newest member!

Valentino was a small town pig

wearing his heart on his sleeve (errr.. tummy)

Looking for love in all the wrong places.

And then one day...

The answer to his dreams waddled into the room with a squeal!

She had fashion sense coming out of her ears.

She had a tail like no other...

...and knew how to make an exit.

And so we asked her to stay.

"Inspire us," we said.

"Oink!" she said.

We took that as a YES.

Ladies, Gentlemen, and Musies, introducing

*drum roll please*

The newest addition to the Muselet Staff !!

The one and only...

CHLOE

This perfect, pink plumpster already holds Valentino's heart (which by the way is made out of the same pink cashmere that Valentino was created from). Her main duties include providing Inspiration and Color Musings. She is so taken with Valentino, that she has even agreed pitch in to help him with the "Love Sprinkling" duties when we have large orders going out (too much work for one Muselet). Between Chloe and Valentino, now we'll be double sure that each scarf will have overflowing love packed in!

Please join me in welcoming Chloe to our MUSE family! We are all thrilled to have her here (there are squeals going off everywhere), but no one happier than Valentino. As you can see, he is already helping his new partner-in-crime and SOW-mate up the corporate ladder.

Friday Fashion Finds - Aloha Summer!

A very dear friend of mine has decided to move to Hawaii in pursuit of the ultimate artists' dream, and to explore all the romantic islands have to offer. From the stretching white sands, swaying palms, gorgeous flowers and yes, I believe there really is magic in the Hawaiian air, I have no doubt it will be the adventure of a lifetime!

Seeing as Elle also feels Hawaiian accessories will be a fun trend this summer, and how I'm just trying out my wings with Etsy's new Treasury East feature it seems like the perfect time create this tropical/surf Treasury. I dedicate today's post to my dear friend's upcoming Hawaiian journey.

To view this active Treasury (with links to all these fun Aloha items) click HERE!

To my friend, you know who you are ~ sending all my love, and wishing luck, fortune, and never-ending creative inspiration to follow you everywhere.

~A.R.

Friday Finds - Mother's Day Gift Ideas

Did you know that Mother's Day is fast approaching? Mark your calendar for May 9th and don't be caught unprepared! Today I am sharing a few fantastic shops with unique and handmade gift ideas - enjoy!

Just look at the detail of this beautiful, sunshine Mother's Day card! Super sweet, hand decorated cards can be found at FallingStarLane. So much variety, and like a little gift shop in the stars, also carries jewelry, wraps, and all sorts of goodies!

This eighties MOM necklace is absolutely fantastic! Shop this piece, along with a cascade of gorgeous vintage treasures at Heidi9983. The shop selections are super chic and I sort of want everything in it!

Ahhhh Spa Day.. Why leave home? Pamper mom with this refreshing home-spa "cake". Shop more unique cake gift sets at this delightful store called Hold the Flour.

These are Salt & Pepper shakers - can you believe it? OK so they are actually not available, but this talented glass artist, Gwendydd from SuperNovaGlassworks is happy to create another pair for the art lover, who wants to add just a little dash of color and beauty to their table. So beautiful!

Wear your heart on your sleeve, or, err.. on this hand made iphone/touch sleeve is just as good :). So cute, this repurposed sleeve is the perfect gift for the modern mom, and will remind her that your heart goes with her everywhere! Find a variety of colors and patterns here at BelviDesigns.

There is always the classic bouquet, but this beautiful bouquet will never wilt! So warm, comforting, and the perfect accent to a loving home. It reminds me of a country cottage on a summer day. Shop this lovely arrangement along with many other STUNNING designs here at FloresDelSol.

Speaking of florals, this hand painted, silk square scarf is a gorgeous fashion accent she can wear so many different ways for Spring, and really all year round. Abstract paint daubs give the impression of blooming meadows from a dream, and sure to be a big hit! Find this, and many other lovely scarves at my MuseSilkPaintings store.

Give back a little snuggly comfort and warmth to mom with this hand woven, wool throw. Generous in size, and such an elegant texture! Find it along with so many more hand woven treasures like blankets, scarves, and towels here at WarpedandWonderful.

Money doesn't grow on trees, but her fantastic jewelry can shine on this one! This jewelry tree is a beautiful home decor piece for wall mounting, which doubles as the perfect place to store her hanging jewelry. I love the curves and the swaying branches, along with the clean, modern lines. Find it, along with other inventive hand made displays here at LcMollica.

Guest Blogger: Suzanne Says it with Style

Dear Friends,

As you may know I'm away this week, so I have asked one of my dearest friends in the world (and who has EXCELLENT taste I might add) to share with us some new ways to send notes, the old fashioned way. :) Introducing the talented, lovely, Suzanne from sublime paper goods!

I'm so delighted that Suzanne has chosen to bring you 10 stylish ways to say all those things you've been meaning to:

1. Rowan Tree notebook from Orla Kiely
2. Flowering twig pencil from Anthropologie

Clockwise from the top left corner:

3. Maple Seed Pods stationary from Satsuma Press
4. Letterpress Tree cards from Sunlit Letterpress
5. Silver Birch stationary from Satsuma Press
6. Birds of a Feather stationary from Satsuma Press

7. audrey note set from sugar paper

8. Vintage-style, eco-friendly Merci cards from Machin Bidule Truc Chouette

9. Chrysanthemum note cards from Sunlit Letterpress


And they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so for all those times:
10. Barbara Wiggins of London vintage crackle photo albums, available here

Thanks so much for letting me stop by, and happy Friday!

Sing-A-Long! ~ Good Friday Finds

So I'm not sure what has gotten into me lately.. maybe it's the thoughts of Spring, or the Easter holiday upon us. Today I have this song stuck in my head, and it has me thinking of running along green hills and so, why fight it? Today's Friday Finds are inspired by the song from the classic movie "A Sound of Music".

Come on and sing along!

Do "a deer, a female deer"

1. deer printed vintage day dress by Thrush

2. Doe a Deer Ring II by Audreylaine

3. Zooey vintage sewing chair by Hazelandhunter

4. Dear-oh-deer Fawn Stud Earrings by IshyJewellery

Re "a drop of golden sun"

5. Sunset Necklace by Jzdesigns

6. Golden Sun Woodgrain by MuseSilkPaintings

7. Ray of Sunshine. Golden headband. by romanticvintage

8. Bright as the Sun - Bridal Hair pins by sibodesigns

Mi "a name I call myself"

9. Antique Wrought Iron Hall Tree by MountainsideTreasure

10. My Favorite Hangout fine art print by dianalemieux

11. Keep Your Secrets... Leather Journal Necklace by NewPreHistory

12. PIG OUT PROFITS by ropatt

Fa "a long long way to run"

13. Curiosities necklace IV - run rabbits run by marysgranddaughter

14. Far Away Places tee by EveryLittleCounts

15. Running with lines pure linen slip dress by annyschoo

16. Run Quickly - Original Drawing by swanbones

So "a needle pulling thread"

17. Sew - A Needle Pulling Thread chair by MesBellesChoses1

18. Monopoly thimble game piece ring by oakboston

19. Girlie Apron - Suzie by sweetthings3

20. Stitcher's Earrings - golden needle ear threads by markaplan

La "a note to follow so"

21. Euro French Paris Singing Bird stencil by maisondestencils

22. Sterling Silver Music Note Guitar Pick by AndrosCreations

23. G-Clef with Fish Hook Accent by Manaiaolangi

24. Music Note Ring by SarahSmithDesigns

Ti "a drink with jam and bread."

25. Alice's Little Teapot Antiqued Brass Necklace by factorygirlashli

26. Pagoda Tea Palace Cosy by tara74

27. Agari (Green Tea) Bracelet by carolyntillie

28. Celadon Industrial Teapot by timseeclay

And that brings us back to Do! (scroll back to the top and enjoy all over again). Hope you enjoyed today's Good Friday finds, and wishing you a wonderful holiday filled with love, family, and of course Music!