A good friend of mine (Sara Savat) asked me to create a “message in a bottle” invitation for a party she’s throwing next month. The theme is “Talk Like a Pirate” — how fun is that?! She’s hosting the party in honor of September 19, which is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. No kidding! You can even go to this neat website to learn all about Pirate speak, or watch this hilarious video about the 5 A’s! Arrr!

Anyway, this is what we came up with — a weathered scroll (the invite) stuffed inside a plastic bottle with a cork, complete with a treasure map, compass and skulls! Oh my!
This bottle of treasures arrived in my mailbox yesterday and I was so thrilled to see it all put together! Sara got creative and added sand, a sword and eye patch, then added stamps to the outside and mailed it just like that! No box, no envelope! It was so exciting to see this amidst all of the junk mail I get everyday. Seriously, wouldn’t you jump up and down with excitement if you saw this invitation inside your mailbox?

Interested in hosting your own uniquely themed party? You can see more of my custom work here!

Yes, I hate Helvetica, and I’m not the only one!
Stephanie von Franck of Frau von und zu sent me these lovely pics of her travels through Europe — notice she’s wearing an “I Hate Helvetica” shirt purchased from my Etsy shop! Way to spread the hate Stephanie!

I’ve sold several of these tees so I know that there are tons of Helvetica Haters out there. I also know there are some designers out there who love it! For fun, visit Veer’s website to enter their Helvetica Love/Hate Contest. Tell Veer why you are for or against Helvetica (the font) in 200 words or less and enter to win some cool prizes. This contest is in celebration of the documentary Helvetica. Read more about the film here.

My newest purchase on Etsy!

I love Appetite’s line of handmade screen-printed bags. This messenger bag is a beautiful deep green with a flowery fabric on the inside. It’s so roomy — there’s even a little pocket inside that’s perfect for my cell phone and keys! The quality of fabric and craftsmanship is great and I really adore the print that’s on the front and back. I’m already lusting after her Electric Red Shoulder Bag with Lilies.

If you see one you want, buy it quickly! I’ve noticed a lot of my favorite bags were sold right away before I even had a chance to click the “Add To Cart” button! If you live in the Portland area you can purchase Appetite’s bags at the Portland Saturday Market.

CraftaNostra, St. Louis’s only night time craft show! How cool is that?
Have a drink, enjoy the music and best of all, shop for unique handmade goods!

There will be vendors from the STL Craft Mafia and the Etsy-Lou Street Team (including me) so come and show your support! Visit CraftaNostra’s website for a complete list of vendors.

Admission is free and the party starts at 7 pm. Make sure to bring your friends!

CraftaNostra
Saturday, August 18
7 pm - 1 am

Hosted by CooperElla in Maplewood
2743 Sutton Blvd.
Maplewood, MO 63143
314-769-9180

This stunning necklace was made just for me by Silent Goddess. The pendant was hand-fabricated out of sterling silver and copper — even the clasp is hand-made! Laney was so easy to work with and the pendant turned out even more beautiful than I imagined. I can’t take this necklace off, believe me, it is gorgeous! If you have never seen her work, go now to her Etsy store now! Here you can see all of the wonderful pieces she has available. Another one of my favorites is her Dogwood necklace. Every day I am amazed at the talent I find on Etsy — Silent Goddess is the perfect combination of unique ideas and superb craftsmanship.