Dear Indie Fixx readers,

I am sick today…I watched my 16 month-old niece earlier this week and she was sick…so now, of course, so am I. I’m not up to finding cool stuff to post for you today, so please help me put and tell me about your cool finds. Just post your latest and greatest indie finds in the comments and I will be sure to check them out.

Yours,
sniffle, sniffle
Jen

Wren Eleven, one of most favoritest shops, has created a coupon code just for Indie Fixx readers. It is good for 11% off of any order and expires July 28, 2007. Just enter code: indiefixx-07 at checkout to redeem.

I have another blog and shop to share with you. Looking for cute stuff for you and your home, then you must visit Cuteable. Written by Sion Lee, Cuteable is one of my latest addictions, like I need anymore. I just can’t resist cute, you know that! Sion also has a shop called Ubiki and she creates and sells simply modern art, which is simply right up my alley. Great, another new addiction. Be sure to check out Cuteable and Ubiki, you won’t be able to keep from getting hooked either.

I was doing a bit of housekeeping today and adding a few blogs to my Good Reads section of links, which I’ve been a little remiss in updating lately. One of titles I added was Creature Comforts written by Heather, the shop owner of Wren Eleven. Creature Comforts is a bloggers blog and is one of those blogs that you can while away the afternoon with, while Wren Eleven is one of those shops that is reminiscent of a time when life was simpler, everyone wrote thank you notes, women wore pillbox hats, men wore three piece suits, and people referred to each using the titles Mr, Mrs, and Miss. Or wait, maybe I’m describing the Doris Day movie that I just watched…either way you will love Wren Eleven. I just love Jezebel Stationery and was pleased to discover the line carried at Wren Eleven as well as designs by Danielle Maveal Jewelry and Pink Loves Brown among others.

Look what I discovered in the Summer 2007 issue of Venus—Cursive Design by designer Sarah Fox. Her delicate designs are created using lace discovered at the fabric store which is then stiffened and made into the most delectable designs. This isn’t your stuffy grandmother’s lace and I really don’t think I’m going to be able to look at lace quite the same way again.

Do not miss out on your chance to win the beatutiful Cayman Pearl Earrings by Quarry Jewelry. To enter, check out the Indie Fixx Summer Shopping & Gift Guide and tell me what you think MY favorite item or items are in the Guide and leave your guesses in the comments for this post. I will pick one lucky random commenter to win the prize. The contest ends Friday, June 29th at noon EST. You do not have guess correctly to win! I will contact the winner by the end of the day on the 29th.

Although I have travelled the indie-crafting corners of the web quite extensively these past few years, I have never quite seen someone combine the 1880s and the 1980s as well as Kristin Townsend of Mood Swing Studio.  Choose from the Recycled Vintage Jewelry Collection with designs named after 1980’s song lyrics, the Storybook Charm Collection which is a cross between Victorian England and a Beatrix Potter story or the 1980’s inspired Pop Culture Ornament Collection.

I saw this Red Porcelain Flower Necklace by Pottery by Tasha Mckelvey on Saturday at the Pile of Craft show and I just can’t stop thinking about it. I really gotta say that the it is just stunning in person. Made from handmade porcelain flowers and sterling silver chain, this is definitely one of those pieces that will get everyone asking, “Where did you get that?”

I just came across Littleput Books thanks to Trunkt and I have to say I am smitten. I love their Scrabble Tile Pendants. Made from scrabble tiles and gorgeous printed papers each pendant is strung on organza ribbon and comes with its own coordinating decorated tin—just perfect for gifting and safekeeping. They also create the cleverest journals from Scrabble, Monopoly, Chutes and Ladders and Candyland boards. I’m thinking of those Scrabble Journals as gifts for a couple of people for the holidays, which I am getting a jump start on by shopping in June. There are also photo journals and the cutest Perfect Little Put Books, which are folded accordion books wrapped in hand dyed silk ribbon. Write a poem or draw a picture, for the perfect little keepsake gift.

I was really blown away yesterday by the Pile of Craft show in Baltimore—Baltimore really is a frickin’ cool place. The guys and gals of the Charm City Craft Mafia really did an excellent job organizing and promoting the show…you all deserve a round of applause for doing such a good job. I was totally overwhelmed and happily surprised by the overall quality and talent of the participating vendors. If you were lucky enough to attend, excellent for you! If you were not lucky enough to attend yesterday, don’t worry several little birdies told me that there is a holiday craft show in the works. I sure hope so and I will be there one way or another…with bells on!

I did make a few purchases…you know me. I finally bought a pair of those Ceramic Gingko Earrings by Pottery by Tasha Mckelvey that I’ve had my eye on for a long time. I also bought a series of four prints from bee’s knees studios, which are just totally the bee’s knees. I love my new Rainbow Silk Button Bracelet from Tiger Lily Shop. I had my eye on a tote bag from Flicka Bags that sold out before I could buy it and I almost bought the Silver Bromeliad Earrings from Beth Pohlman, but I restrained myself at the last minute. Now, I am sorry that I didn’t buy them, because I’ve been thinking about them all day and how I’d love to wear them out to dinner tonight. I also exhibited some restraint when I visited the Imogene booth and that was only because if I had purchased everything that I liked, I would have cleaned them out. Imogene is just one of those online indie shops that I routinely check out, because I always find stuff that I love. I do really like these Wooden Apple Earrings by Melissa Noonan at Imogene.

Overall it was just such a fun day, but I am so beat today. I met lots of new peeps and saw a lot of old peeps and that is always so worthwhile. Thanks to all you who stopped by to say hello and show me some Indie Fixx love. You are all the greatest!

CONTEST!

I’ve got another surprise contest for you! One lucky winner will win a pair of earrings from Quarry Jewelry, the ones pictured above in fact. Aren’t they just beautiful and perfect for summer? This contest is a little different from the last one. To enter, tell me what you think MY favorite item or items are in the Indie Fixx Summer Shopping & Gift Guide and leave your guesses in the comments for this post. I will pick one lucky random commenter to win the prize. The contest ends next Friday, June 29th at noon EST . Make sure to include your email when leaving your comment or else I won’t be able to contact you. Don’t worry, you do not have guess correctly to win, but I will be able to tell who reads this blog regularly. I will contact the winner by the end of the day on the 29th.

Congratulations to Suzy Lorenzen who won the last Indie Fixx Summer Shopping & Gift Guide contest!

Remember the Wonderland Retreat shop at Esty created to help indie crafter Alison Gordon of Wonderland Q deal with her medical bills? Well, Alison has made a full recovery and now has a full-time job at The Sampler with medical insurance! According to Alison, she was able to “…take care of just about every non-insurance bill that i had to pay” as a result of all your generosity in donating items to and buying items from Wonderland Retreat. I’m proud of all of you!

So, let’s do it again, people. The Wonderland Retreat shop is back open with the proceeds to go towards helping the Wymans pay off current and future medical expenses for ELijah’s kidney transplant. Elijah had his transplant and is recovering, but really needs our help with recovery expenses, expenses that can reach upwards of $210,000, not mention the medications and care he will need to maintain his transplant for the rest of his life. Plus, since he has a pre-existing condition any future insurance premiums are gong to be pretty hefty.

How can you help? Check the shop out, donate an item, buy something, spread the word about the Wymans, or make a cash donation.

This is just some of the cool stuff you will find at the Pile of Craft show in Baltimore this Saturday, June 23rd. You will also find me hawking my wares as well. Sponsored by the Charm City Craft Mafia, the show is to be held indoors at St. John’s Church, which is located at 2640 St. Paul St., from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

If you live in the Baltimore/DC/Philly area, be there or be like totally square. This is your chance to shop for cool indie stuff for yourself, get a very early start on your holiday shopping (something I am already doing), or just mingle with some super talented artist types.

I’ve personally already started shopping and I’m not even there yet. I’m totally serious. I’ve made a couple of purchases that I will be picking up at the show. I’ve highlighted a small sampling of the participating vendors, but there will be over 40 indie vendors there with something for everyone—jewelry, tees, pottery, monsters (not real ones, but the stuffed kind), funny cards, prints, bags, craft patterns, photographs, random fun stuff and more.

Bella Luccè is a completely decadent line of bath and body products made from the most exotic ingredients the natural world has to offer. I absolutely adore Bella Luccè products and I have been a customer for a couple of years now. My recent indulgences are the Georgia Peach body wash and lotion and the Peruvian Chocolate body wash. I am not normally a body wash kind of gal, I usually stick with bar soap, but I am completely sold on the Bella Luccè body wash now. The body wash left my skin silky smooth and so amazingly soft, like no bar of soap or other body wash ever has. Plus the other body washes I’ve tried, just do not agree with my baby sensitive skin. The Bella Luccè products are made with high quality natural ingredients and do not contain the harmful chemicals found in many store bought bath and body products, which can cause reactions in those with sensitive skin. In addition to not containing yucky chemicals, Bella Luccè products are luxurious and luscious. I always imagine that I am getting a little taste of the treatment rich folks get at those high-end spas, but at prices I can afford and I don’t have to leave the comfort of my own spa (my bathroom).

Since summer is upon us, we are all showing a little more skin and exposing that skin to the sun, so it is really important to remember to take care of your skin. Treat yourself or your friends and family to a little luxury with Bella Luccè. Be sure to sign up to be a VIP
and earn points towards future savings and receive extra special exclusive discounts and special offers. Plus, make sure to join the mailing list for your chance in the monthly drawings to win a Bella Luccè gift box.

There’s a hot, hot, hot Tuesday Temptation sale going on at Linda Trent Jewelry. Buy one piece of jewelry at regular price and receive a second item of equal or lesser value for FREE! That’s too good an offer not to check out, especially when it’s for Linda Trent Jewelry designs! My choices are the Rose Bud earrings and the Everyday Scared bracelet.

I love a nice big bag. I usually have trouble fitting everything I need in a little bag, especially since I usually carry around a book or magazine wherever I go, b/c I hate to wait and that’s a good way to get your reading done and pass the time. I always want to look stylish though and this Marshmallow Dots bag by Buttertart looks practical and stylish at the same time. It’s large at 12″x14″ and I love the tabbed bangle closure. If something that big isn’t quite your thing or you want something even bigger, there are other really cute styles. I like Teal & Chocolate, Chocolate Fondue Electric Tangerine and Cherry Pie as well.

It’s my birthday! Yay, it’s finally here! I love my birthday, if you can’t tell. I love life and want to savor every moment of it, especially my very own special birthday. I also really like presents…so, here’s what I got so far from my Birthday Wish List.

Kurt Halsey embroidery pattern at Sublime Stitching, Amaryllis print from Pencil Shavings and the Ella Jean Glass Necklace from Daa Glass from my wonderful hubby. Plus, the Birdie Earrings from Sprout Studio from my friend Toni. Thanks you guys–you’re the best! I will be sure to let you know what other indie goodies I get.

As far as festivities go, my sister took me out shopping today and bought me some DQ. Thanks, Kate! I love you! The hubby and I are going to watch a movie tonight and snuggle on the couch drinking some pinot noir…plus, we are going out to lunch tomorrow for Indian cuisine. Tomorrow evening my friends, Adele and Lisa, are taking me out to dinner and margaritas and Sunday my brother and sister-in-law are taking us out to dinner. Plus, my friend Monica is going to be at the Pile of Craft show in Baltimore on Sat and we will be going out after that. I have one very busy week of of bithday celebrations planned.

Thank you to all of you who have emailed and left comments about my kitty. I am doing much better today…I know Thundercloud had a good life and I’m glad that I got to know her. Plus, I have two other kitties who are are trying their best to make sure that I don’t stay sad.

My kitty Thundercloud passed away. She was a rescued feral cat who was more comfortable living outdoors than indoors, but in the cold winter and hot summer she would come inside. She never did get much used to kitty litter, but preferred to sleep in the litter box and pee in the toilet. She used to love to take walks, not on a leash or anything, but whenever she was around when we went for our evening constitutional, she would follow along for the entire walk.

She was usually a very grumpy cat and more likely to swat at you than to rub up against your leg, but I loved her. She and I understood each other. She was a wild one and was way past her allotted nine lives. In fact, about two years ago she was poisoned somehow and almost died. The vet said, “At this point, she’s either going to live or die and it’s up to her.” She did live, but that life or death episode took a lot out her and she was never quite the same old Thundercloud. She was more likely to not take a walk with us, but I still loved her.

Every three to four months she would go missing for a week or two at a time, and every time I thought, “This is it for Thundercloud,” but each time she made her way home…usually after I blanketed the neighborhood with flyers and went around knocking on doors. This time she had been missing for five days, before our neighbors found her curled up under their grill. They thought she was asleep, but she wasn’t. At least she didn’t go off somewhere and leave us wondering. She was only eight years old, but in her rough-living life that was more like sixteen.

I’m going to miss my Thundercloud. You were aptly named and just like a summer thunderstorm–beautiful and brilliant, dangerous and mesmerizing, yet over before you know it.

Some more pics of Thundercloud.

Come surf the Indie Fixx Summer Shopping & Gift Guide…the water’s fine. The Guide is filled with all the coolest, I mean hottest indie shops and products. You will find summer bling, hot accessories, stuff for cool kids, goods for your very own sandcastle, products to pamper your skin, cards and journals to help you keep in touch and occupied on the beach, and more. Whether you are shopping for yourself or need some gift ideas, the Guide has what you are looking for. Be sure to check it out and all the very cool participating shops.

Plus, there’s a surprise contest! One lucky winner will win a pair of earrings from My Sunset Road that came in the last Sampler I received. To enter, tell me your favorite item that you found in Indie Fixx Summer Shopping & Gift Guide and comment below. I will pick one lucky random commenter to win the prize. The contest ends noon on June 19th (this was extended  since I’ve had some issues with my site being up and down today). Make sure to include your email when leaving your comment or else I won’t be able to contact you.

*Sponsored post*