There are some really cute gift ideas in the Kids category of the Cloud9 Holiday Gift Guide. WinklePots & TinyGreenApples handcraft items that are just tooooo cute for the little ones! Be sure to use their coupon codes to get a sweet deal, the expire TODAY, so shop fast! And check out the rest of the items in their etsy shops…they are full of cutesy-wootsy, super-duper kiddo gear!

Winklepots: Making cute an understatement since March 2006.

My name is Holly and the idea to create unique, hand-painted clothing for children came from the desire to have one-of-a-kind items for my own kids. I began designing and painting clothing for my daughters, only to find them in demand amongst my friends.

Before long, my business was born. I expanded into coordinating hair accessories, then added clothing for boys. I’m excited to expand again, the latest addition being stylish adult tees for women.
All items are hand-painted and no two are alike. It’s original art, worn for everyone to see.

Zen Buddha Tank Top – Size 4 – $38.00

By winklepots.etsy.com

This sweet Zen tank top will have you saying

“Ohmmmmm, I’m so freakin’ cute.”
This cotton/spandex double layered tank top is painted in golds and browns with a Buddha image.

Adjustable straps. Size is small, girls 4.

Machine washable. Soft fabric paints will not crack or peel.

Items laundered before painting.

Smoke free environment.

*Mention coupon code: WinterWinkles08, you’ll receive $2 off a purchase of $10 or more and $5 off a purchase of $50 or more.

Hi,
My name is Monica, I’m a stay home mom of a 4 yr old girl and a 5 yr old boy.
They keep me busy all day!
I love creative new items, specially pretend play items and personalized gifts. I’m always thinking about new items. I have hundreds of ideas in my mind. I wish the days had more hours. So many ideas, so little time!

Personalized Pretend Play Cupcake Apron Great Gift. $16.00

By tinygreenapples.etsy.com

Personalized Pink girls apron. 20in L X 15in W.
Embroidered with a cupcake and your grils name.Very cute.

Great gift!! Also great instead of goody bags for that cooking birthday party!

Please convo me with any questions or special requests.
I can get different apron colors and bigger sizes.

It can also be embroidered with just the name or a different design or different colors.

Please allow 7-10 days to have your special apron ready to ship.

*Mention you found us in the Cloud9 Holiday Gift Guide in notes to seller box!

The Featured Vintage Etsy Shop in My Holiday Gift Guide: is Tialey Vintage! I bought a great top from them last month. Great gals…check out their shop to see some awesome vintage finds.

Tialey Vintage (pronounced: tea-alley) is a small independent business that has been selling online since 2003. It is family run by the mother and daughter team of Cathleen & Shawna with over 20 years of previous experience in the fashion industry. We absolutely love what we do!

Whether you wear vintage from the top of your hat all the way to the tip of your peep toe shoes; simply carry a classic Kelly handbag or fill your house with retro decor, we are your one stop online shop for hand selected items from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s, 1970s and 1980s for stylish, retro gals & guys looking for good design, fun fabrics and cool colors.

We ship WORLDWIDE to vintage buyers around the globe!

The selection is always changing as we search far and wide for the best vintage treasures.
Come on in & Have fun! Put some vintage into your Style!

Also stop by www.myspace.com/tialeyvintage and be our friend.

Cotton Candy Pink Chevron Circles Knit Top S $17.00

by tialeyvintage.etsy.com

•DESCRIPTION•

Cotton candy pink, light weight vintage top in a unique Chevron pattern – a double row of open circles gives a sheerness to the knit striped pattern. It has a small ruffled neck and comes with a matching cord tie belt, missed for photos. Top is not lined – model is wearing a camisole top, not included.

•DETAILS•

Measurements are taken with the item flat and then doubled for bust, waist and hips. For a proper fit compare these measurements to a similar item you know fits.

BUST: 32″ flat, not stretched – 81.28cm
BOTTOM: 34″ flat, not stretched – 86.36cm
LENGTH: 22″ shoulder to bottom – 55.88cm
SHOULDER: 13.5″ – 34.29cm
SLEEVE: 22″ – 55.88cm
FABRIC: 100% polyester knit – has a little stretch
LABEL: Cintura
FITS LIKE: small
CONDITION: Excellent condition – tiny snag near inside of elbow.

Here are 2 amazing independent fashion designers that are featured in my Holiday Gift Guide.

Hotelle Motelle is an up-and comer’ that caught my eye on Etsy.com. And Little Houses has been a long-time favorite of mine. (The show is still an favorite of mine too…Little House on The Prairie, ah, be still my heart. The bonnets, the pigtails….I thought I WAS Half Pint when I was a little girl. LOL!)

Check out their shops for even more fashion-filled goodness!

I love nature, simplicity, drawing, colour / color, cats, boys, sewing and painting, books, learning, gardening, having fun, spending time with family and friends, snowboarding, chick flicks, project runway, order and organization, clean paintbrushes, power tools, fabrics, fabrics and more fabrics, hunting for fabrics, vintage finds, curling up under the blankets, a beer every now and then, tequila (but only the good stuff), burritos, turquoise, and my great boyfriend!

Death by Chocolate $54.00

by hotellemotelle.etsy.com

This soft, roomy top creates the perfect silhouette. I love the billowy sleeves, which can be worn long or can be pulled up to create a short sleeve.

Polka Dot features in chocolate and apple on the shoulders give it just the right amount of interest.

This top is made to order, and available in XS, S, M and L Convo me if you have any questions!

Sleeve length is 16″ Body length is 25″

*Mention you found us on the Cloud9 Holiday Gift Guide

in notes to seller box at checkout!

Little Houses was created in my East Vancouver apartment in 2006. I have a love for anything and everything created by hand. I make everything from full garments, to hats, wallets and accessories. Everything you see is constructed by me from sketch, to pattern, to garment. I have recently moved to Montreal and am loving all the new inspirations this city has!

Visit my blog at: www.littlehouses.typepad.com

The Normanville $295.00

by littlehouses.etsy.com

This coat is made of 100% Wool. It has a large cozy hood to keep your head warm all winter!

This coat is not lined, if you would like it lined, please convo me for details.

Sizes are S, M and L.

**Please specify size when ordering**

Small
length-20″
shoulder-shoulder-14.5″
Chest-34″

Medium
lenth-21″
shoulder-shoulder-16.5″
chest-36″

Large
lenth-22
shoulder-shoulder-18.5″
Chest-38″

*Mention you found us on the Cloud9 Holiday Gift Guide

in notes to seller box at checkout!

I will be doing featurettes for the Premium listings in my Holiday Gift Guide. Please be sure to check out the sites of these amazing artists! They have offered some FABULOUS deals & discounts that are exclusively for YOU, my readers.

Handcrafted metal art made in the USA.

All of our products are handcrafted using a combination of ancient blacksmithing techniques and modern fabrication methods.

Bottle Opener Buckle in RUST $25.00

By metalogical.etsy.com

You’ll never be unprepared with our bottle opener belt buckle!

This buckle is hand crafted from 1/4” steel. It is heated in a forge and the bottle opener shape is hot cut by hand with a chisel. It is then bent in a press, welded, finished with our RUST patina, and sprayed with a durable clear coat. Our steel belt buckles are tough and built to withstand a lifetime of use.

Measures 2” X 3” and fits a 1.5” – 1.75” belt. This listing is for a buckle only and does not include a belt. Please see our other listings if you need a belt to go with your buckle.

*Mention you found us on the Cloud9 Holiday Gift Guide

in notes to seller box at checkout!

Inspired by the art of light, custom, one of a kind and limited edition jewelry is meticulously crafted by our skilled hands only, and sometimes vintage jewelry is carefully restored.
We take pride in each handcrafted piece, made with a quality that cannot be matched by machines. Explore, enquire, enjoy! ~Al and Caroline

Unpredictable $3,500

By beyondtherockz.com

Designed into this ring is the volcanic origin of the diamond, and I used 20.7 grams of 18K yellow gold with flashes of 18K rose gold and 18K green gold. 19 round diamonds throughout its satin finished surface 1.70ctw, like crystal-clear perfection to the naked eye and ranging from VS1/GH to SI1/GH.

*Receive free shipping within the U.S. when you mention CLOUD9.

Check out the rest of the Gift Guide here, and get something for EVERYONE on your list this year!!!

And I will offer 15% off your purchase of $50.00 or more in my shop, when you mention coupon code: BLOGLOVE
Shop here:  

Treat yourself or choose a gift for that special someone in your life by purchasing a handmade, limited edition piece of “wearable art”. There will be a drawing for door prizes, wine, cheese & holiday treats and more!

And a portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the Nest organization: Nest is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of women in developing countries. The mission of Nest is to support women artists and artisans in the developing world by helping them create sustainable entrepreneurial businesses.

To do this, Nest provides micro-credit loans to be used for the purchase of the supplies and materials necessary to begin and/or maintain art or craft-based businesses. The funds for these loans are generated by selling a unique line of clothing, accessories, art, and merchandise for the home (a.k.a. “nest”).

When you buy from Nest, you have not only have purchased a unique and beautiful item for yourself or your home, you have participated in a proven effort to better the lives of women all across the globe. Through our work, and your participation, women all over the world are able to plant their roots in a refuge filled with warmth, solace, comfort and joy. It is our sincere hope that Nest can help you create a home, both for yourself and women the world over, filled with energy, beauty and peace.

This will be a “Shop To Save The World” event: an evening full of fun, purpose, style, and shopping. Mark your calendars – See you there! Or shop online at Cloud9 or Nest!

style #830131

$128.00 {Buy it here}

Barose – of greenandchic.com

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Your entry won you the $30.00 Gift Card to use in the Cloud9 Design Etsy shop!!! Happy shopping!

11. gandcdotcom |  November 7, 2008 at 3:05 pm

I love the Swallows Tunic. It will definitely make a nice layering piece this winter! My Twitter URL is http://twitter.com/barose

Tree Of Life Princess Shirred Cap Sleeve Top (in black with white) Large $34.00

Chasing Butterflies Smock (in Petal with Metallic Blue) Large $38.00

Swallows Pinafore Tunic (in Petal Pink with Blue) Large $46.00

Swallows Pattern Sheer Longsleeve Top (in Butter w Violet) One Size $46.00

..0

Chasing Butterflies 3/4 Sleeve Dreamy Joni Blouse (in Antique White with Blue Metallic) $48.00

Please stop by to see the new Fall Collection at cloud9designstudio.etsy.com

If you tweet about the new fall styles, and leave a comment below stating which style is your favorite you will be entered to win a $30.00 Cloud9 Gift Card to use for your holiday shopping! Yay!

Please post your twitter URL in the comment so I can see if you tweeted. A winner will be chosen tommorow, Saturday November 8th, 2008.

Good luck!!!

~Amber

http://www.twitter.com/cloud9design

http://cloud9designstudio.etsy.com

http://www.shopcloud9design.com

I had a sweet note telling me that I was featured on Laundry today. It’s a kewl blog by another graphic designer.

She said “I initially fell in love with the custom illustration on the front but then I desired it more for its truly appealing message, “Serves as a reminder to do what you love. . . with your heart & soul.”. This shirt is truly a heart stopper!

And what she said got me thinking….back to a time when I had no clue what I wanted to do for a career…Well I did, but was scared to make the leap of faith and choose Art as a major…So I went with Mass Comm…

***

I remember drooling over the amazing imagery, art & architecture in my Art History classes in college, and the stunning visuals in my Cinematography class, learning how color affects us in my Color Theory class, and getting butterflies in my stomach when I developed and printed my very first black & white photograph in Intro To Black & White Photography….but I ended up with a Mass comm degree, that I don’t really use. But my minor encompasses almost every dream of mine. Art & Design.

I have always been an artist. I like to make things. I like to draw. Paint. Show my toddler son how the concrete driveway at our church sparkles like diamonds when the sun shines down on it. I’ve been known to stop on the side of the road just to snap a photo of intricate shadows on the ground. { { { { {Beauty} } } } } I adore seeking it. Creating it. And admiring it.

Where am I going with this…you ask? Well, I always had a dream to be an artist & do what I love. Well here i am today. Doing just that. I am blessed. Honored. Humbled. Amazed. And happy. I was never happy answering phones or doing mundanely repetitive tasks.

Now I work for myself, and create what I want, when I want, and I feel free. Free to let my creativity run wild. And it’s things like this blog feature that make it all worthwhile, when you feel like you wanna give up, or that you can’t possibly make a living doing what you enjoy….along comes an unexpected note that touches you to the core. If anyone “gets” my art or feels moved by one of my creations, then that is what it is all about. Art is love. Art is giving. Art is to be shared. Art is Heaven on Earth. Art is art.

“The artist’s world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.” ~Paul Strand

“The beautiful is that which is desirable in itself.” (Aristotle)

“Everything has its beauty but not everyone sees it.” (Confucius)

“There is no greater joy than that of feeling oneself a creator. The triumph of life is expressed by creation.” (Henri Bergson)

“To see a world in a grain of sand / And a heaven in a wild flower, / Hold infinity in the palm of your hand / And eternity in an hour.” (William Blake)

“Art is the path of the creator to his work.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)