Back In Time

Contributor Post by Mary from StockLaneStudio

The Etsy CIJ team is full of vintage and retro treasures.  From Art Deco mirrors and vintage recipe boxes to finely preserved antique music programs. Adorn bright retro dresses with brooches and pendants that brings us back to the ‘good ol’ days’ or evoke cherished memories.

Mairi from mairidesign says

Pop ‘back in time’ each day as you put your make-up on in this Art Deco style mirror. A century ago this style captured the hearts of our grandparents and, with bold geometric patterns, it continues to add a touch of decadence in today’s modern homes.
Those reminiscing about the “good old days” can’t help but remember how popular this pin up girl was back in her day! This adorable scarf pendant slide is the perfect gift for a gal who knows how to have fun. It adds a touch of whimsical class to any accessory collection!

Bevan Blackshaw from TimberDimensions says

Brooches were once popular items of jewellery to enhance an outfit. As with all things they seem to be making a resurgence, My timber brooches are made from offcuts of rare and beautiful timbers. These will last for eons. The finding is screwed, not glued to the timber and I use findings of the highest quality that I can find. Truely a beautiful thing that takes you back to a time gone by.

I found this lovely and unique recipe basket at an estate sale. Inside were some blank recipe cards, but no old recipes. To find some old recipes would have been the icing on the cake…but this cake would have to go without icing for now…Do people still use recipe boxes or do they just save recipes on their social media or their computers, iPads, or Smart Phones? The recipe box may be a thing of the past.
From a time when travelling by ship was the only way to get to where you wanted to be. From the Cunard Steamship Gallia. this 1883 this shipboard concert program speaks to the entertainment of the day and the fund raising efforts of the time. That it has been preserved and survived all these years fascinates me.
I love fashion ! But fashions from the past has such a wonderful story to be told. Although this dress is not vintage it is inspired from the times of the past 1950 I call it my “I Love Lucy” dress. I remember watching that show with my family and laughing so much!

Marjorie Scenna from mscenna says

I love all things vintage and each of my creations starts with a vintage piece or two. This repurposed picture frame has fun retro style and features a collection of vintage buttons and jewelry parts. It’s the perfect way to display a photo or keepsake with special memories!

It happened 40 years ago. My parents went to my brother in Switzerland at Christmas. I was left alone on a holy night. When they came home with a nice woolen bed blanket as a gift.This cushion is made of this bed cover. It is a retro style.

Great Teacher Gifts

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Teachers have to deal with so much in a day, that they deserve much praise and some great gifts.

Some great ideas for gifts are: Gift cards, gift baskets, volunteer your time and so much more.

What do you have in your shop that would make a great teacher gift.

Karen from timetalentjewels says small children enjoy giving teachers flowers, why not give their teacher a fun set of stacking bracelets (stacks of flowers). Beautiful colors of corals, melons and fuchsia along with silver what fun bracelets! Enjoy!

Set of 3 floral stacking bracelets

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio said our zipper pouches are perfect teacher gifts. Perfect for holding all those little stickers that are passed out throughout the day. Durable and easy to wash, they’re the perfect take anywhere pouch for field trips or conferences. The perfect size for organizing electronic gadgets like memory sticky, SD cards and earphones. And they’re perfect for holding that gift card to be included with your teacher appreciation card.

Pencil pouch

Elisabeth from LizPOriginals states most teachers love to read a beautiful bookmark and a gift card to bookshop will make a great gift and can be used over and over again.

Pink gemstone bookmark

Cristal from DesignsbyCristal says this is one of my biggest sellers and it’s bought by teachers themselves. Teachers can be a trusted source of advice for students weighing important life decisions. Educators can help their students pursue higher education, explore career opportunities and compete in events they might otherwise have not thought themselves able to. Students often look to their teachers as mentors with experience and knowledge, and, as an educator, you will almost definitely be asked for advice at some point during your career.

Teacher lanyard

Cindy from Cynhumphrey said every teacher needs a clipboard to keep organized! They constantly have some sort of list or pile of papers they need to keep in order or review. This decorated clipboard will stand out above all others! It’s a one-of-kind conversation piece that the teacher will be able to treasure, in her classroom, all year-long.

Decorated clipboard

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit states our personalized pen sets make the perfect gift for teachers from our Etsy shop. Choose to include either a twist ballpoint pen, rollerball pen, mechanical pencil, or a letter opener to make your gift complete. Enter any text and choose any font we have available to make your gift unique. Gift wrap available for gift giving made easy @DesignstheLimit.

Personalized maplewood pen set

Judy from JAMsCraftCloset says this framed cross-stitched ‘Teachers Are Special People’ wall art would make an awesome gift for that special teacher. I can see it hanging in the classroom near the teacher’s desk. It is a good reminder to students, parents, and other teachers.

Framed teacher cross stitch

Niatta from NiattaCrochet said searching for a great gift for teachers and baseball team moms my customer stopped on this listing. Ever since she became my most valued customer, gifting and stashing many colors of this design and even asking for variations with more colors, to match individual preferences. I loved it when she stashed 2 blue ones for her future daughters-in-law, having two boy kids, aged 8 and 10 years old!

Crochet coin purse

Marjorie from mscenna states this key chain is the perfect apple for the teacher! A retro inspired key chain featuring red and green vintage beads and an apple charm, a great gift for a fun loving teacher!

Red apple keychain

Przemila from CanisArtStudio says owl – a symbol of wisdom and science. Hand-painted wooden box – pencil case or glasses case.

Hand painted pencil case

Heather from MooseintheMint said this is a personalized thank you card, so you can chose the wording that suits, and it’s blank inside for you write an individual message. The initial key chain is a small personal gift – teachers must run out of space!

Thank you Initial key ring

Carrie from FantasyBubbles16 states every teacher should have soft lips. It’s hard to talk and teach when you’re lips are super dry. Our Lip Butter feels amazing and leaves lips silky smooth.

Root beer vegan lip butter

Marta from GottliebTextiles says this is a very practical gift that will fit in any home. So if you do not know your teacher well, you won’t go wrong with this one. Everyone washes dishes at home thus the dish cloths will be in use.  Moreover, pretty ones with floral embroideries on.

Embroidered kitchen tea towels

My Best Friend

Contributor Post by Mary of Stock Lane Studio

Bestie, BFF, pal, peep, soulmate, kitty or pup, best friends come in all forms. They make us laugh, help us cry, helped make us who we are, and will never be forgotten.   From your little furry tail-wagging pal, to your husband or wive, your perfect bridesmaid, or your bestie who is miles away, Etsy Christmas in July has a great selection of  best friend gifts.

Przemila K from CanisArtStudio says:

The dog is the symbol of the best friend and many people love dogs and have their pets. Portrait of your favorite pet is a perfect gift to express friendship. This is a very good gift for every occasions and souvenir for many years. I paint oil paintings and draws as well. Today I want to present my offer of Pet portraits – large size pastel drawing the whole silhouette on the scenic background!

Caroline from SoyCandlesbyCaroline says:

Best friends are always together near or far. I think the beauty of a best friend is being able to feel connected to them when you have not talked or seen them in a long time.

Candles are a great way to show your best friend you are thinking of them while you are not together! A bff candle allows the flame to still go strong when the other is not in the room and lets your friend know you are always there!

Gifts that can be both useful and appreciated are the best ways to express thoughtfulness in gift giving and an understanding of your friend’s needs. We have the perfect gifts to make a house a home, with personalization.
Choose any of the products we have available depending on your best friend’s needs and personalize your purchase using any of our designs, the fonts we have available, or submit your own images to turn your gift into a personalized keepsake to be treasured and put to good use in good company.
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Sand Carved Engraved Sangria Carafe

Thank you for this opportunity to share my bff craft.

We all need a friend or two whom we can call our ride or die. So to me friends are like flowers they grow with each passing day and when you find a gem like this, you end up picking them over and over again!

Best Friend Lanyard And Keychain

Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey says:

 My best friend loves dragonflies so I thought it was only fitting to let her inspire me to create this scarf pendant. Dragonflies have been a subject of intrigue going way back in time. I find this fitting for my best friend. She too intrigues me! I think all best friends seem to have an intriguing or fascinating quality that draws us together.

The fascinating thing about this scarf pendant though is that the floral button is interchangeable! Simply replace it with any other special snap button (which can be purchased separately in many jewelry stores) and you have a whole new look resting on top of the dragonfly! Now that is intriguing!

Interchangeable Dragonfly Scarf Pendant

Mairi from mairidesign says:

For many, their life-long best friend is their mother. When we sadly lose our best friend, she leaves a gap in our lives that can never be replaced. The butterfly is recognised as a symbol of hope, and with my iridescent butterfly plant decoration, I include this poem…

“A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment, its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel lucky to have seen it.”

Iridescent Butterfly Pot Plant Decoration

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Let’s Go Galactic

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

Let’s go Galactic! The team is taking us on a journey into space with their celestial and sci-fi inspired beauties. You’re sure to become starry-eyed browsing this gift guide.

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says: 

Our galactic line of prints and party signs are out of this world! The background design was a labor of love and I really put my heart and soul into the multi layered twinkly sky.

At SLS we love to customize and our personalized night sky prints and printables are a big hit. They are often ordered for nursery decor or baby shower gifts and can include sweet quotes or the new baby’s name. Party planners and parents also love to purchase printable or printed table signs and posters for girl’s and boy’s space-themed birthday parties. We can add the child’s name, age and a big birthday wish.

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Custom Printable art

Robots and aliens in space! These fun wallets make a great gift for boys to keep their change, gift cards, or earbuds. Brightly colored prints make a very memorable gift for any space or sci-fi lover! Created especially for science and tech minded kids!

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Gift for Boys Robot Wallet Case

Judy Merashoff from JAMsCraftCloset says:

National Geographic says…”Compared with the billions of other stars in the universe, the sun is unremarkable. But for Earth and the other planets that revolve around it, the sun is a powerful center of attention. It holds the solar system together; pours life-giving light, heat, and energy on Earth; and generates space weather.”

People are drawn to the sun and moon for their decorating purposes. This sun candle holder was a great find and would brighten anyone’s galaxy.

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Candle Holder Glass Sun

Raised on SciFy, Star Trek and the like you can almost always find at least one UFO in my shop! These sterling silver earrings were made with miscellaneous beads, and in the words of David Childress “Could this be some kind of Alien Spacecraft?”
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UFO Earrings Spaceship Sterling Silver

A galaxy of stars for your wrist. Actual photo of a galaxy transferred to a brass cuff bracelet.
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Galaxy Brass Cuff Bracelet

Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital says:

Starry skies were just catching my eyes – tv commercials etc. And of course for many years we have been fans – Star Wars, Battle Star Galactica, Star Trek – all fun stuff. So I decided to make a set of starry skies paper but instead of a full set of 12 x 12 inch papers, I decided to go with a few and make it stationery / journal pages instead.
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Stardust Printable Lined Journal Pages

Rita Szöllősi from RitzySelection says:

Three big pompoms make this cushion more sweet, making it a sympathetic alien spacecraft.

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Meditation Cushion, UFO pillow

What’s In Your Office Bag?

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Most of us when we go to work have a bag or some other container that has projects, items for the office and so on. If you work at home you most likely have a bin or such too.

We want to know what items you have in your office bag or something for an office.

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says our ‘Nursing’ door hangers are perfect for home and office. Small and portable, they easily fit into a purse or diaper bag, so keeping co-working abreast of what’s going on behind that door is child’s play. Keep one in your bag, one at home and one at the office. Take one just about anywhere you plan to breastfeed or pump.

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Baby sleeping door hanger

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit said the one thing that you should never be without is the one thing more powerful than a gun, a pen. Make sure to get your pen back every time with personalization. We offer a variety of pens including maple wood, rosewood, and bamboo and have both the twist ballpoint pens and rollerball ink pens too. Choose any font we have available to make your pen unique to your personality! We have a whole section of our shop devoted to office gifts for professional gift giving occasions throughout the year. Ship direct with gift cards and gift wrap available and make every gift giving opportunity a personalized gift experience @DesignstheLimit

Rollerball pen

Mairi from mairidesign states I like to dress my bag up with some lovely glass beads. I can attach these danglers to my keys, zips or handles, and fidget with them when commuting to and from work. On a stressful day, they can act as worry beads – beautiful and functional!

Pink glass beaded keyring

Cindy from Cynhumphrey says one thing that I always throw in my office bag when I get to work is my keys. Everyone has keys and this cute movable sexy cat key ring is a fun accessory to own! Perfect for any cat lover or lady with class!

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Sexy cat keyring

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter said I always carry some blank inside notes in case I need to write something down or need to leave someone a note.

Classic notes set of 6

Bevan from TimberDimensions states reading is education, education is growth. I always have a Book Bird close to hand so that I can keep up with the latest trends, comfortably.

Page holder

Przemila from CanisArtStudio says the business card holder is necessary for both your own business and at work. I made this small item, especially for the businesswoman.The hand-painted wooden case with little spring songbird in pastel colors is a nice addition to a woman’s handbag in every situation.

Of course, you can order another with your favorite bird or another theme.

Hand painted business card case

A Walk In The Park

Contributor Post by Mary of Stock Lane Studio

Parks are the fabric of small towns, big cities and everything in between.  They get us out, keep us active, bring us together and remind us that we’re part of something greater than our remote controls.  Parks come in all shapes, themes and sizes.  The smallest park in the world is only as big as the width of a telephone pole!  Do you know where that is?  Many of us have cherished memories of first bike rides, birthday parties and baseball games, barbecues, picnics, festivals, hikes and long walks with pets and loved ones.

Susan-Sharon Passmore from MsPDesignsUSA says:

Our dog loves to go for walks, and play in the park! If there’s a squirrel, he’ll chase it! If there’s another dog, they’ll play! Throw a ball or a stick? He brings it right back, or not! A walk in the park is the highlight of his day.

When we created this quilt pattern, we got to thinking- What other activities would dogs enjoy at the park, if they had a choice? What if a dog could learn how to roller skate, or take a ride on his bicycle? This whimsical design is the end product of our creative thinking!

Puppy Dog Park Appliqué

Our local park is very close to our home. It’s not unusual to hear crowds of people cheering on the local school sports teams as they play their games or see children play on the various pieces of equipment that were placed there in the park for their enjoyment.

However, parks aren’t just about the children! Our dogs love the park too! It’s their chance to “socialize” and get the latest doggy news! In honor of all the other dogs who love to walk in the park, I’d like to show off my dog sewing pillow panel. Our dogs each have their own pillow they rest on after a long walk in the park!

Nautico Creations from Nauticaocreations  says:  

Nothing is better than a walk in the park. It helps ground me after time behind a computer, driving in traffic, etc. The calm of wooded areas and listening to the chirping of the birds is especially nice.

This arrangement with the twig vase reminds me of the woodlands and some flowers that might be growing there. unlike a formal arrangement, this one seems just a bit wild and natural to me.

Purple flowers in Twig Vase

Mairi from mairidesign says:  

A walk in the park brings to mind the wild meadow flowers that spring up wherever they like. The resilient poppy is one such flower that loves to display its gorgeous reds in our local park.  These stained glass poppies will cheer up even the dullest of days as they capture the light to share their ruby hues with you.

Poppies Suncatcher

Przemila K from CanisArtStudio says:  

The best memories of my childhood are related to the park. In the park, I started to ride my first bike and the park was a favorite meeting place with my friends. These were wonderful moments spent walking with the dog and friends “of the dog”. This is where my dreams about setters started and today I know that dreams come true. For all lovers of long walks, I have a hand-painted clock with one of my favorite dog breeds – Irish setter. Of course, it’s possible to order a similar clock with your favorite motif.

Wall Clock with Painted Dog

Cristal Hughes from DesignsbyCristal says:  

Since I’ve chosen to make walking in the park a daily part of my life for heart health I love seeing the flowers in particular daisies blooming and the birds chirping away.

With the weather in GA being so warm this enjoyment has come even earlier this year but the one thing my memory doesn’t like to recall is the pollen that comes with the blooming flowers. However, this hasn’t stopped me in fact it motivates to me get out more to explore different parks just to see the beautiful flowers and the sound of all God’s creation.

And oh, by the way, the Smallest Park in the World?   That’s Mill Ends Park in Portland, Oregon, USA.  Concerned Portlanders decided to spruce up a lonely old telephone pole hole in the 1970’s and it’s been a fun city feature ever since.

Daisy Dog Collar

Marjorie Scenna from mscenna says:

When I think of walking in a park I immediately think of birds and flowers and shades of green for grass and trees. This repurposed trinket dish combines a green bird and vintage floral tea cup in shades of pink, both reminiscent of things and colors you might see while walking in a park.

Bird Theme Trinket Dish

Rita Szollosi  from RitzySelection says:

In the most beautiful parks there is always a fishpond! In this small fishpond, an orphaned fish floats. But do not be sorry little fish, soon the other fish will come!

Decor Patchwork Throw Pillow

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter says:

I love to walk in the park when Spring is blooming. Beautiful flowers and bright colors all over. Here is my newest tag set that reminds me of Spring flowers in the park that are so special to see when you take a walk.

the BEST ever / BFF / Mom / Gift Tag Set

Items Of The Week: Supplies

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Must Haves

Contributor post by Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey

Oh I love that! I have to have it! I think we’ve all said that at one time or another.

Perhaps it was finding something in a department store. Maybe even at a craft fair! Wherever it may have been, I asked our team members what they were passionate about in their shop. The following items are a representation of what they love.

Karen Hafel from TimeTalentJewels says:

When browsing in my shop there are oodles of must haves but to me there is one that stands out the most and that is the “Lucky Strike Orange Wool Felted Clutch Handbag.” I find this little handbag to be so exquisite, knowing all the time it takes just to make one. This one especially has all the detail of the fine beading that not all my other purses have received.

What is most fun about this little handbag is the compliments you will receive and the people will wonder where did you get that. And you will just carry it with pride knowing you have that one of a kind and no other like it! That is what I like most about my little shop and my items that I make! Enjoy!

Wool Felted Clutch Handbag

Marta Gotliba from GottliebTextiles says:

One of the items that I believe is a must-have is a zipper purse for small things. How many of you ladies have tried to find something in your bag without success. Lipsticks, credit cards, coins, earphones and other stuff wondering around and making a big mess in your bag. What a nightmare! Now, this purse is a lovely solution for that mess. It will help you to keep your bag nice and tidy, therefore is a must have for sure.

Bicycle Makeup Bag

Richard and Tatiana from  DesignstheLimit says:

Just SHUT UP & TAKE MY MONEY is the response every seller wants to hear when making a pitch and we have a number of items which we will be listing throughout the year to make you say just that. We specialize in creating top shelf bar ware including deep sand carved decanters which never fail to amaze our customers and their gift recipients.

Choose any design in our portfolio, select any font we have available, or commission an inspired design for any occasion, destination, or celebration. We never include an invoice and offer additional gift services including gift wrap and elegant gift cards for shipping direct.

Bar Ware Decanter

Mairi from mairidesign says:

Everyone ‘Must Have’ beer! For those of us who love a refreshing glass of amber nectar while relaxing with friends and chatting about the week’s goings on, this is the most perfect catcher of the sun to behold. And it won’t add an extra bulge to your beer belly! Go on, you know must have it.

Beer Stained Glass Home Decor

StockLaneStudio from StockLaneStudio says:

So easy to print out yourself and keep on hand for whenever and wherever you need it, our PRINTABLE quiet sign is simple for it says it all. Customers love this sign for quick baby shower signs or cards for new moms, quiet signs for spas and boutiques or even digital announcements. Perfect teen room or dorm room door signs!

Printable Quiet Sign

Items Of The Week: Traveling In Style

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Little Boy Blue – Pantone Fashion Color For Spring 2018

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Color trends are a wonderful way to celebrate the seasons!

According to Pantone one of the top colors for Spring 2018 is Little Boy Blue.

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Little Boy Blue

With the expectation of the clear blue sky, Little Boy Blue is no longer for little boys only. Suggestive of expansiveness and continuity, this azure blue shade reassures us with its promise of a new day.

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Little Boy Blue

Members of the Etsy Christmas In July Team have been inspired by the color Little Boy Blue! They have created items in their shops reflecting this inspiration! Here are a few!

Sherri from ButterflyFeetDigital says:

I love shades of blue. I wanted to put together a set of digital paper with blues and greens because I love love love the way they go together. Hence, this set:

ButterflyFeetDigital

Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says:

Strong, bright and energizing, Pantone’s ‘Little Boy Blue’ is definitely not just for little boys! We used a blue sky background for our funny, quirky quote art to evoke a positive vibe. This affordable printable word art makes a great addition to dorm rooms or first apartments, but since it’s digital, you can also send it as a cute text or email addition to artist friends or lovers. What color are you feeling today?

StockLaneStudio

Judy Merashoff from JAMsCraftCloset says:

I love painting on glass. I also love taking something vintage and adding my personal touch to that item. Here is an example…vintage little boy blue mugs with hand painted floral accents. I also love having something unique as a decor accent in my home. Here’s yours…

JAMsCraftCloset

Mairi from mairidesign says:

The Little Boy Blue hues in these sky coloured beads are definitely singing out for the season’s promise of new longer days that are fast approaching. I’m ready for spring, are you?

mairidesign

Nancy Duncan from EponasCrystals says:

The beaded bracelet is made with aquamarine chip beads and golden Czech glass beads. The aquamarine stones are the color of the blue sky and is the birthstone for March. This blue is also one of Pantone’s colors of the year, Little Boy Blue.

EponasCrystals

Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey says:

Blue is one of my favorite colors, in case you couldn’t tell by some of my shop branding! This one-of-a-kind sun visor clip was inspired by my blue car and love for bling. I am a firm believer in “bling” everywhere.

The concept of this item is simple and fun. I chose the ohm symbol because that is associated with stress relief and peacefulness. Sometimes you need that while driving! Or, at least I do!

Cynhumphrey

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter says:

This ribbon is in the Little Boy Blue color. Great to add that wonderful Blue touch to many crafting projects or to add this fun blue to your package when gift giving. Will add a special touch to so many things.

ThisandThatCrafter

If you’re on Pinterest here is the Little Boy Blue board!

While you’re on Pinterest please follow the Etsy Christmas In July team!