Glimmering Handiwork

Upon encountering the striking individuality of the jewelry craft of The Baker's Wife, our featured shop of the day, a handful of Wordsworth’s verses composed above Tintern Abbey seemed appropriate: Once again do I behold these steep and lofty cliffs/that on a wild secluded scene impress/thoughts of more deep seclusion; and connect/the landscape with the quiet of the sky. The lines of well-crafted jewelry, like the winding river that inspired Wordsworth's epiphany, have a way of reflecting and interpreting the beauty around them in captivating ways. It might be in the dulcet radiance of the Honey Ring, the woodland shimmer of the Broadleaf Earrings, the jumbled synchronicity of the Bittersweet Necklace or perhaps the coiled power of the Palmetto Bracelet. It might be in any of the pieces crafted by this shop, really, because the one quality that seems to most commonly fit the pieces in this shop is uncommonality.

Inspired by natural themes, cultural touchpoints, and other instantly recognizable motifs, The Baker's Wife’s creations range from conventional with a twist to downright bold, but never leave the margins of practicality. Her handmade cards, adorably refreshing, fit this description as well—and really, who couldn’t use a nice pick-me-up card these days? But enough with the rambling praise, and on to a great giveaway. Wishing Willow readers will be excited to know that The Baker's Wife is offering a pair of Sakura Earrings to the winner of today's drawing. To enter, visit BakersWife.etsy.com, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in an additional post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, or follow us on Twitter, and "tweet" about the giveaway. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. Contest ends 3/17/09.

A Long-Legged Legacy Lives On

No one in the eighties or nineties inspired a love-hate relationship quite like Barbie. On one hand, she was to be hated for her figure, her hair, her clothes, and her generally 'far more beautiful than me' airs. On the other hand, how much can one really hate a doll that mutely acquiesces to a dozen wardrobe changes a day, never once so much as frowning upon her eight-year-old owner’s undeveloped tastes? We left her behind, but for certain talented and creative photographers the likes of Michelle Brusegaard, a little part of her lived on in the dresses we kept, wishing they were just a few hundred sizes bigger so we could wear them ourselves. Brusegaard’s enviably original photo gallery of vintage and handmade Barbie dresses in various poses and patterns, ranging from the floral elegance of Royal Mod and the soft femininity of Yellow and Grey to the stylish simplicity of Another Pretty Dress (black and white) and the radiant, sweet innocence of Peaches and Cream, is a must-see for anyone who loves to see a fresh idea fleshed out just right. And for what it’s worth, the photographer’s beautiful non-Barbie compositions, not to mention her many and various paintings, prints, and other media, are well worth discovering on their own (I mean really, who is this talented?)

Of course, anyone who subscribes to Wishing Willow knows we’re loved for our giveaways, and no first-of-January feature would be complete without offering a unique and lovely calendar as a prize. Thus it’s serendipitous that Michelle has agreed to offer the winner of this drawing one of her own original Desk Calendars, simply for taking the time to browse her online collection. To qualify, visit Made By Michelle Brusegaard, then come back here to tell us about your favorite item in Michelle's shop. Tell us in a second post if you subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 1/09/09.

We have a winner! Kate who said, "I am overwhelmed by how much I love everything Michelle has made! I think I'll go with the super stationary set so I could have a variety of designs!"

Carded Optimism

Pleasing to the eye, intriguingly textured, and even a little nostalgia-forming. If the image that springs to mind is that of a sweet holiday treat, you’re getting warm in a hurry. The wordsmiths and graphics wizards of Sycamore Street Press, based in Thomas Edison’s home state of Ohio, specialize in literary soul food cooked on a most unconventional stove, a flatbed letterpress that gives each graphic printed on its greeting cards and prints a textured antique appearance and feel.

From heartwarming cards featuring French felines purring their thanks or artsy elephants trumpeting a birthday greeting to near-the-edges art prints like The Return of the Sea Freak, the team of Kirk and Eva Jorgensen seem far less boxed in to any one genre, and far more squarely in touch with the arrhythmic pulse of vintage printing connoisseurs, than would be possible for any mass manufacturer. That’s another way of saying that these people can take a few chances to make you smile, and they gladly take advantage of that freedom. Frame mats, calendars, even gift tags; the catalog available from Sycamore is a sweet obsession indeed, and well worth the time spent perusing its treasures. To find that card that makes the recipient say “where DID you find this?”, or, simply to browse Kirk and Eva’s eclectic, exceptional work, stop into their shop Sycamore Street Press on Etsy.

Reviving a Forgotten Art

It’s hard to believe there was time long ago, before e-mail, instant messaging, posting and texting swept through our culture like an electronic nor’easter, that people actually sat down and wrote out messages by hand. The evidence is there, of course, in the carefully scripted, exquisitely crafted letters you might find in your grandparents’ attic, but even so, the concept is so foreign to us that letter-writers are now revered as specialists. If Avie Designs has anything to say about it, however, the practice of sending one’s love in longhand will not go gently into that good night. Offering a line of tasteful yet chic cards for any occasion, Avie encourages us all to take that extra moment to communicate with true class, utilizing such designs as the Shady Afternoon, Mayson, and Chevron Valley stationery sets to dress our messages with both flair and care.

In addition, Avie's shop features a number of items that speak volumes about one’s social savvy, with no need to inscribe a single word beyond those printed. For example, an up-and-coming artisan or independent reviewer might announce herself on Flourish Website Cards. A mom who appreciates the value of networking with other moms might carry a few Apple Calling Cards with her, for those squeezed-between moments when numbers are hastily exchanged. Or, someone giving the gift of literature to that prodigious young nephew might personalize it with a Trees Bookplate, and affix a Sparkle Holiday Card to the present. Whatever the occasion, it’s clear that Avie has your image in mind with these thoughtful and inspiring ideas. And as for ideas, entering today’s giveaway might be the best yet. Today's winner will receive their very own Bright Stripes Stationery Set ($20 value.) To qualify, visit Avie Designs, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 12/03/08.

**We have a winner! CutieFruity/TaylorFam who said, "I like the Blue Tiles Stationery Set. It sure would come in handy!"

Postcards from the Age of Innocence

A question to ponder: If, like the scientists who recently figured out how to bring wooly mammoths back from extinction, we could manufacture a product line that embodied all the qualities we loved in our storybook characters, what would these include? The irrepressible optimism of Christopher Robin? The gumption of Curious George? The adventurous spirit of Beatrix Potter’s loveable woodland protagonists? Fortunately, there are certain artists and artisans of exceptional talent who are already in the business of such engineering, a wonderful example being Mandy Sutcliffe of Belle and Boo. Belle, a lively, charming little brown-eyed girl, and her bunny friend, Boo, are oft-appearing subjects in the prints, cards, tags, and other items sold at this delightful shop, but it’s really a community of children in general who inhabit the fluid landscapes of these images, and especially girls.

Consequently, just about anyone who’s held on to any part of the “little girl” in her will instinctively gravitate toward the likes of Serenity Pink and I Like Your Bow, the Belle and Blue Fly a Kite print, or Little Belle Hugs Boo Pink. The object that sends you back to that special place might be something as simple yet precious as a Boo Tag for the birthday party gift you’ve been wrapping, or something as transcendent as My Favorite Place in Winter/Spring/Summer/Autumn. Whatever memory you care to recover, you can be sure the art of Belle and Boo will send you there with a touch as personal as the cup of tea Mandy offers on her Etsy page to anyone who cares to drop by the flat. And to get your collection started, Mandy and Kate of Belle and Boo are offering a set of Meet Me at Mike’s Badges to the lucky winner of today’s giveaway. To qualify, visit Belle and Boo, then come back here to tell us about your favorite product. Tell us in a second post if you happen to subscribe to Wishing Willow, since our subscribers receive an extra entry in the contest. To post without a Google account, just click “anonymous.” Be sure to also leave your email address. The winner will be chosen randomly. Contest ends 11/28/08.

Visit www.belleandboo.com to view the full collection.

**We have a winner! windycindy who said, "Hi, I love her site. The "Ella and the Now Dove" Tags are adorable!The "My Favourite Spot in Autumn" Picture is also a favorite of mine!"**

Playing in Shadows

Like many women of her day, my mother kept bundles of stationery on hand at all times because, as she would say, “you just never know.” Births, deaths, marriages and divorces, cancers and Christmases and kindnesses that no self-respecting lady would leave uncarded; the endless rotation of these constants, like a fine office whirlwind, spun my mother into action. Those memories of finding her so often at her desk, head bowed as if in observance of sacred liturgy, her hand scripting a letter of encouragement on thick-stock paper or a thank-you in some elegantly embossed notecard, have always made me wonder what happened to the practice of card-giving. I suppose, like most things, it has gone the way of specialization—an obligatory discipline still practiced at gift showers, but widely considered no more than a cute hobby preserved by Emily Post groupies. Frankly, I think it’s a shame that we’ve forgotten what a thoughtfully-composed card can really accomplish.

Fortunately, however, not all have forgotten. Thanks to Megan Nutley, creator of Silhouette Blue Stationery, it’s still possible to find that darling card that says “I’m thinking of you.” Illustrated from vintage photographs, these tastefully-designed cards present simple, rustic and recognizable silhouette images of everyday life, with the options of personalization and custom color available on almost every design. Bicycles or popsicles, birdcages or tree etchings, the choices are many and the appeal consistent. The only challenge is deciding which design best suits the occasion. And speaking of occasions, Megan is committed to making sure you never forget another one—so much so that she will present a beautiful 2009 Silhouette Desk Calendar, featuring her artwork, to the winner of this giveaway. To qualify, visit Silhouette Blue, then return here to tell us about your favorite product. Wishing Willow subscribers receive a second entry, so be sure to let us know in a second post that you subscribe. (If you do not have a Google account, just click “anonymous” to leave a post.) Contest ends 10/14/08. Happy posting!

**We have a winner! Ms-Texas who said "Very lovely items - I like the Morocco Personalized Stationery Set. Very unique." Please email us to claim your prize.