I recently discovered Tammy Marinuzzi through roadside scholar. I love the little characters she creates and the expressions and emotions they wear! Have a look at roadside scholar's post, and Tammy Marinuzzi's Website for more.

Oh, abandoned buildings. Be still my heart! I love love love abandoned buildings, homes, towns...you name it. Part of my childhood was spent at my mom's house, up on a hill in the 'middle of nowhere'. Rumor had it that once, a town was up there, with a post office and homes. The hills were filled with orchardists and farmers. But supposedly, after a few natural disasters, people moved to other towns where the land was not so volatile. We used to spend our summers playing outside, making forts and climbing in trees. As we got older, we would sneak over to other properties across the fields and explore old abandoned homes, look at books that were stashed underneath them (always wary of spiders and snakes), and make up stories of who must have lived here, once upon a time. There was an old house that was leaning...it must have been a beautiful home in it's day. I'm sure it has toppled by now, and I know it was very dangerous to be climbing around in it.

But, back to the point. I just discovered "Spirits of the Abandoned", a website and now a book, of photographs of abandoned places. The galleries on the website are wonderful, and I cannot help but wonder at the circumstances that took place, and the fact that someone out there must still own the land these buildings are on. There are always stories, and the mystery constantly awakes my imagination. Explore! (but, carefully)

via The Broken Plate
images from Spirits of the Abandoned

You can now find my Copper Leaf Earrings in the Etsy Metal shop, along with loads of other beautiful pieces made by the people that are part of our team!!!

I am absolutely loving this new line of "wall wear" by Janick of Nea Wear. Janick hails from Canada and outside of her work as a graphic designer, she creates handmade jewelry, fashion, and accessories. Check out her Etsy shop, website, and blog! A lot of the "wall wear" has already sold, but there are still quite a few left :)

via sub-studio design

Abilene Post Earrings


Don't you just love these? I got these from Brooke Medlin of gemmafactrix last week, and they just arrived today! I absolutely adore Brooke's work and her use of unusual and found objects paired with bright or oxidized sterling silver.

A good friend of mine used to have a tee pee in his back yard, with a chair and futon bed inside. It was heaven, with the exception of the bugs. I have always loved the beauty of camping in summer...the fresh air, the closeness to the world around you, the beauty of the night sky. So when I saw this post over at poppytalk, it transported me back to that time. Summer has finally arrived and I am looking forward to a small camping adventure next weekend, although it won't be nearly as fabulous as this.

image via poppytalk

I am a true lover of mixed media pieces like this one by deadbird. I found this originally on poppytalk. It reminds me of a Cornell Box, originated by Joseph Cornell.

I'm absolutely loving this Anger Release Machine by Yarisal & Kublitz. The website has a lot more interactive pieces, which are amazing. I personally don't have the patience to make such mechanical pieces, but definitely admire those who do!

via roadside scholar

Bloesem is actually a blog, which I love. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you're probably familiar with my love for Australia. Right now, Bloesem is doing a "world tour" with guest bloggers from around the world.

Melbourne is one of my favorite cities in Australia--it's vibrant and intriguing and kind of reminds me of Portland a bit. Go check it out over at Bloesem, plus all the other places they've visited!

For an inside look at my studio, head on over to Etsy Metal's Blog to check out the little tour of my studio!

This little beauty was featured in Etsy Finds just the other day. Wing is part of my Paralucia spinifera series, which was inspired by an endangered butterfly indigenous to Australia. It's common name is the Bathurst Copper Butterfly, and it is endemic to Bathurst, Victoria. There are only a few left, and they live on certain bushes. This can be found in my Etsy Shop.

Yes, it's true. You'll be seeing me using a lot more stones in the future. I can't help it! I have so many, and they all need good homes :)

These wonderful earrings feature gorgeous marquise shaped Labradorite stones, reminiscent of little leaves hanging from branches. New to my Etsy Shop.

New in my Etsy Shop! I've had a bunch of these beautiful Turquoise stones that my step dad gave me years ago, and finally figured out what to do with this one! It's a gorgeous Turquoise and a really fun ring!

I finally finished it! This double finger ring features a treasure from my childhood--a small carved wooden horse stolen from my father's desk. I have carried this horse around with me since I was little, in a little baggy so I wouldn't lose his head (it was broken). Etsy Metal recently had a wood theme for our June Challenge, and after thinking about twigs and sticks, I remembered that this little guy was hiding in my desk! He is now saddled and ready for lots of adventures, with his head glued on :)

It was such a beautiful day today! We had sun for the first time in like two weeks.

Whilst going through my "hearts" today on Etsy, I discovered Yoola. Artist Yael, hailing from Israel, is an industrial designer and has the most wonderful crocheted items in her Etsy shop. I especially love the pomegranates she creates, as well as her necklaces and earrings. Have a look!

These beauties are now available in my Etsy Shop....

Some people may have noticed my lack of posting the last couple weeks. Life has thrown some strong curve balls my way and it's taken a lot of processing to get through it. But I feel like I am, and that I'm finally on my way back up the hill. You will be seeing much more from me soon.

On another note, I will now be posting regularly on the Etsy Metal Blog on Mondays and Thursdays. Keep your eyes peeled!

I discovered Laura Walker's buttons through Etsy, originally, but saw a wonderful feature on sub-studio design blog recently and saved it. Have a look through her Etsy site...I can't wait to start collecting these! Since I don't knit or sew, I could see them ending up as wall decorations or in jewelry.

Gregory Buntain is an industrial design student at Pratt Institute. I came across these wonderful carbon salt & pepper shakers (I would love to have these!) on the sub-studio design blog. There is a more in-depth post on notcot.org. How fitting are these to be on a jeweler's dining table?!

I absolutely love this piece by Reina Mia Brill. Head on over to roadside scholar to get a better dose, accompanied by an interview. And of course, stop by Reina's website!