Lock & Key

Etsy Find: What Party?

Katie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:35:34 +0000

I first discovered What Party? a few months ago through Lindsay Robertson‘s tumblelog, and what a find it was! Stephanie’s Etsy shop is now one of my favorites, and love seeing the hilarious pieces she comes up with. She recently added the embroidery above to her shop, but it was reserved for a specific buyer. I loved it, though, so I contacted her to see if she could make another one. Not only did she do that, but she made my other favorite for me too:

I just completed my order, and I can’t wait to see them in person! They’ll be a great addition to my burgeoning gallery wall.

Hello again!

Katie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 04:09:10 +0000

It’s been more than a year since I last posted here, and that is largely because I discovered Tumblr and found that posting on my tumblelog there suited my needs well enough. It’s a great platform for easily sharing little things here and there, and I will absolutely continue to use it, but I realized that sometimes I want to do more, and decided this would be a great place to for that. So here goes nothing!

Great dining solution

Katie — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:55:31 +0000

I need to somehow recreate this.

Those benches are such a great idea for a small space.

Found at coco+kelley

Looking for a new sofa—finally!

Katie — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:40:06 +0000

Today I found out that my offer on a condo was accepted, so of course I’m looking ahead and thinking of all the things I need to buy over the next several months. (I won’t have much disposable income, so these expenditures have to be quite spread out.) One of my first purchases will probably be a new sofa, as the one I am currently sitting on is quite old, and…not the best color.

Lovely, no? And that picture is a testament to just how old it is. I was two in that picture!

So I’m looking for something different that can probably be slept on, because the condo only has one bedroom. Below are some that I’ve found at semi-reasonable prices.

This one folds down into a full-sized mattress. All of the reviews say it is quite firm, though, so it probably needs a feather or foam mattress on top for sleeping. Flex Sofa, CB2, $999 (also available in grey)

This one is definitely a cheaper option, but I’d have to see it in person to judge. I’m not a huge fan of slipcovers, though they have a version without one. This sofa also has a storage bin you can get for underneath, which is perfect for storing bedding and such. There are also other mattress and cover options. Beddinge Sofa, IKEA, $249-$379 (and $40 for storage box)

Ah, if only I could! Sleeper? Check. Microfiber? Check. Armrests? Check. This one has it all, but at too steep a price for me. It is nice to look at, though. Troy Queen Sleeper, Crate & Barrel, $1,399.

At least I have a while to think about it.

Another 2009 calendar

Katie — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 05:14:16 +0000

I am a huge fan of Yellena James (and have posted about her before), but have yet to buy any of her prints, because I just can’t decide which I like best! Now she has a new calendar available ($24), and even though I already bought a calendar for next year, I had to snag one. It looks amazing and I can’t wait to see it in person!

Gift Guide: For the guys

Katie — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 02:26:15 +0000

Belt buckles can be pretty neat, and this one is no exception. Multi-Font Belt Buckle, steeltoestudios on Etsy, $45

A nice cardigan is a safe bet (and I happen to think they look great on guys). Merino Cardigan, J.Crew, $39.99

What guy doesn’t like airplanes? Simple artwork to make a stylish space. Flying Higher Canvases, teaforbini at Etsy, $48

My parents have given my sister and I pajamas on Christmas Eve every single year of my life, so of course I think they’re a great gift! Boland Plaid Flannel Sleep Pants, J.Crew, $19.99

My dad is really hard to shop for. I always get him something last-minute because I just can’t come up with any good ideas. Luckily, my mom saw this popcorn popper on The Today Show this week, and it’s perfect for him. It’s an easy alternative to the electric popcorn popper that you just stick in the microwave and then in the dishwasher. For someone that tends to eat popcorn at least three times a week, I’m sure my dad will love it. Microwave Popper, Sur La Table, $20

Guys tend to think mustaches are awesome, while girls think they’re funny, so these glasses are sure to be a hit with everyone at his next shindig. Set of 4 Mustache Pint Glasses, BreadandBadger at Etsy, $55

All guys who watch Mad Men love it, and that’s just a fact, so you can’t go wrong with this under the tree. Other good choices might be: The Family Guy, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Dexter, and Entourage. Mad Men Season One, Amazon.com, $27.49

If I were a guy, I would wear these to work every day and stare at them during meetings at work. True Blue Bulls Eye Spirit Level Cufflinks, sherrytruitt at Etsy, $42

Need more ideas? This one at Design*Sponge is amazing (and informative)!

Nice things from Pottery Barn

Katie — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:42:49 +0000

I’ll admit that I actually didn’t know of Pottery Barn until the Friends episode “The One With The Apothecary Table” aired in 2000. Of course, I was 14 at the time and didn’t have a need to buy furniture and home décor, so I think I that’s a somewhat valid excuse. But ever since then, I’ve been a huge fan, and this year is no exception. Below are some current products from the store I love (and most likely can’t afford):

Bedford Photo Bookend, $19

Emery Clock, $29.99 (on sale!)

Faux-Fur Throw, $99 (on sale!)

Sullivan Rectangular Ottoman, $849

Chase Bedside Table, $399

Accessories at ModCloth.com

Katie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:26:18 +0000

There are a ton of really cute accessories at ModCloth.com. Below are some of my favorites, but there are plenty more (especially if you love owls and elephants)! Click on the collage below for links.

Etsy Find: Ukrainian Pysanky

Katie — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 23:41:32 +0000

Pysanka is the Ukrainian art of writing on raw eggs with hot wax using a stylus, or something similar, and then dipping them in a series of dyes. The symbols and colors used convey different meanings, such as joy and beauty for poppies, and fertility and health for the color green.

Last week I filled up my new Target-bought advent calendar with small ornaments so that each day I can hang a new one on my tree. I didn’t have a nice one for the large 25th day slot, so my mom gave me a pysanka ornament we had given my great-grandmother several years ago. It’s quite lovely, and now I am glad to have a special ornament that is representative of my heritage. (Coincidently, both my great-grandmother’s parents and my great-grandfather’s family left Ukraine at about the same time before the turn of the 20th century, and settled in North Dakota.)

Below are a few pysanky ornaments I found on Etsy:

By DandylionEggs, $30

By CarltonARTfactory, $15

By CarltonARTfactory, $35

By DragonflyTrail, $10 each

Update: Below is my fantastic little egg, by Char Thomas.

Etsy Find: More random Christmas ideas

Katie — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:43:48 +0000

Here are some more products I’ve seen on Etsy that might be good for someone on your shopping list. I hope to create some more specific “gift guide” type lists later on, but this will have to do in the interim.

Owl stuffed toys by katedurkin, $18.

Wood block photograph, no. 0089 by keriherer, $48

Answer to Life, the Universe, and Everything earrings by pawandclawdesigns, $18

Tree moleskine (laser etched) by modofly, $36

White Rabbit art print by berkleyillustration, $15

Don’t Be a Blowhole bookplates by onegoodbumblebee, $8