Jewelry maker April Whited bought the clasp for this complex beaded bracelet in the belief it was sterling silver, only to find out that it was zinc-plated metal alloy…

The result is a not-to-be repeated price cut on the beauty, which would normally go for $89 but is now selling at a bargain $29… through http://thebeadingheart.etsy.com.

- Posted by Victoria from www.OriginalJewels.com

We’re constantly tempted to spend up on the gorgeous goodies we blog and usually have to resist the temptation.

Oh, but when it came to these, I just couldn’t say no! And, selfishly, I got my own set of these origami paper decoupaged fridge magnets before sharing the news with all of you…

You can buy anything from a single letter for $1 to a whole set for $20… via http://bloodandgold.etsy.com.

- Posted by Victoria from www.OriginalJewels.com

Ah, yes. The delicate smell of liquid paper, ball point pen, and the guy who sits in front of you with the flatulence problem. The taste of bad cafeteria food and daydreams of summer nights past. To help you or a loved one get through it all, here’s some stationery that’ll definitely brighten up their day.

Nut and Bee rock. Where else will you find stickers depicting the various moods of egg ($2.75 for 24) and stationery ($5) showing fleeing marshmallows and puffy angora? Nowhere, my friend.

Special bonus: Bookplates ($3.75 for 12) to tag your exercise books.

And then, there’s the small object. The sheer cuteness of this stuff (as well as its creator, Sarah) is overwhelming.

Perhaps you’d like some stamps to make your notebooks and stuff all pretty ($24 for 4 Little Sweeties):

Or some iron-ons to make your shirts, school bag, hat, or shoes all cute
($6 for 3 disgruntled crafty kids iron ons).

Special mention goes out to Sarah’s amazing artwork (check out those cute prints!)

-As always,
Amanda

Why is there a certain magnetism surrounding a guy who crafts? Is it the sheer boldness at defying social norms? The admirable quality of the creative thinker? I’m not too sure. Maybe it’s because you don’t end up spending as much money on craft supplies.

Here are some goodies brought to you by your friendly neighbourhood crafty guys.

Chris has a line of clothing called xom over at etsy. Each shirt is hand-drawn by him. The colours of the shirt make it really striking, and I love the simple scrawl of the graphic. Only $15.

Thommy Douglass makes a line of clothes called Andrea, after his mother (aw!). This dress makes me melt mainly because of its empire waist, and the fact that it’s made out of no-hassle jersey fabric. $68 at etsy.

August is National Catfish Month. You know what that means- time to spoil yourself, your special ones, and that very special pet in your life with some handmade goodness! Ok, ok, I know that this post has nothing to do with actual catfish, but at least I generously supplied you with an excuse to check out some really cool stuff!

This post is all about crafty DIY kits. It’s a neat way to learn a new skill, as well as to share a craft with someone else.

Lindsay Streem Designs offers this crocheted earring kit. They come in bright, vibrant colours, so you’re assured to stand out from a crowd. Or at least have your grandmother inspect your ears in approval.
$6.00 at plain mabel.

Crafty alien over at her etsy shop offers a kit for one of the most drop-dead cute creatures alive- no, it’s not your grandmother, it’s a Siamese Kitty knitting and felting kit! And it’s only $8.00! Sweeet.

And lastly, but not leastly, My My Distro’s offering a sale on their jewelry kits. Imagine, a one-of-a-kind piece for only a dollar! You should hurry, this one’s not going to last.

-Amanda

(Why did I mention the word grandmother twice? I think I need a physical).

There’s this inexplicably fuzzy feeling you get after you do something really good for someone. Your self-esteem soars; you want to share the magic with everyone. With Clothing for Charity, this ‘something good’ may actually have the ability to change someone’s life, forever. A significant portion from all sales is donated to various organizations in need.

To make it even better, each piece is handmade and remarkably well-designed. There are t-shirts and dresses for guys and girls, as well as a line of accessories coming soon. Prices start from an amazing $19.

To check up on updates, as well as see the people who benefit from C4C, check out its blog. The organization also accepts donations apart from those made from clothing sales.

Do yourself a favour, as well as someone else!

Picture this. It’s night, and a girl on the brink of pubescence has just had her first date with a boy. He walks her to her door, leans in for a kiss, and says in the most graceful of tones- “Ew! What is that smell?” She suddenly learns that fate, as well half a bottle of her mother’s perfume, do not necessarily make the best combination.

Fortunately, for the rest of us, there’s Lushbox. Luca, who moonlights as a self-professed “bath product peddler”, incidentally makes the yummiest organic bath products around. Treat yourself to rich, creamy vegan whipped frosting in flavors like birthday cake or almond biscotti, or try her body fragrances in deliciously grown-up scents, reminiscent of your favorite cocktail. She also makes body scrubs, soaks, lotion bars, and even some rather witty t-shirts for complete self-indulgence.

Oh, and by the way, the identity of the girl you just pictured shall remain nameless. You know- in case you were wondering and all.

-Amanda, hello_veronica

This lavender-scented candle set in a vintage Crown Staffordshire English teacup is really far too elegant to be called shabby chic…

It would make a gorgeous addition to your home or gift to someone special.

Once the 100% soy candle is burnt, the vintage container remains and can be used after a simple soap-and-water wash.

Chicago-based creator Sandra Stein started making candles in vintage cups, bowls and other containers after the idea came to her - literally, she says - during a dream.

Find more delightful candles at http://ScentimentsBySandra.etsy.com

- Posted by Victoria from www.OriginalJewels.com

Every now and then, we come across something truly different - and this is one of those days!

This intricate butterfly pendant preserves the transient beauty of the short-lived creature by encasing it in glass with silver alloy.

Maker Neile Cooper, of New Jersey, says that the butterflies used in his work are farmed then collected when they die of natural causes.

This pendant ($120) is made from a Vanillae butterfly and comes with a sterling silver chain, although other examples of Neile’s work start at $55.

Available from http://Neile.etsy.com

- Posted by Victoria from www.OriginalJewels.com

If work is boring you to death, we suggest this Day of the Dead skull mousepad to put some life back into your office!

The “Mexican Sugar Skulles Muertos Mousepad” is the work of Arizona-based Sonia Apodaca-Harms, whose work also includes many other things Mexican such as jewelry and magnets.

The mousepad also comes in turqoise or red for a reasonable $12 and is available from http://VistaLatina.etsy.com.

- Posted by Victoria from www.OriginalJewels.com