Valentine's Day isn't just for lovers....gifts from local Etsians

For the cat lover. Card by DeborahJulian

I never liked Valentine's day as a single person. To me it was just a reminder of how single I was and all those thoughts of why am I alone...boo hoo.  Now that I am married there is pressure to do something on Valentine's Day.  And when we do celebrate I feel as though I am being obnoxious to those who don't have anyone. Ok obviously Valentine's doesn't work for me either way.  However coming from a family of 5 kids, my sisters and my parents would always send Valentine's to us.  As an adult living in the same city as one of my sisters, I would find a Valentine gift at my door that morning. It always made me smile or laugh and feel loved.  Valentines are for everyone, not just lovers.

Here are a few gift ideas for your friend, your sister, your brother, your child, your parent....all from members of Etsy New York.

For the bicyclist an embroidered notebook by KotoDesigns

for your friend, lavender sachet in embroidered pouch by Nordeasoaperie

for the techie friend, ipad sleeve using vintage fabrics by Fritz and Fraulein

hair clip by Brooklyn Owl

from SimplyNu slate coasters with eco backing

for the Hello Kitty lover, a credit card holder by PinotbyLyn

for the friend who is always late, Vanilla Green Tea clock by Newyorkclocks

There are so many gifts to choose from the Etsy NY Team. Just go to etsy.com and in the search box type etsynyteam.

Get shopping, you have 7 days!

Tracey Toole

http://www.etsy.com/shop/traceytoole

http://traceytoole.blogspot.com/

Shake it like a Polaroid

I love photos...I can't resist snapping them and everywhere I go I am capturing something...

Did you know that The {NewNew} has some seriously talented photographers on the team…? These adventurers capture the moment in their fine art prints that range from street art to landscapes to still life and even underwater photography, their photos are sure to impress.

...here are some of my favorites, sure to put a smile on your face!!

Deborah, from DeborahJulian.etsy.com, took this photo in Prague and it has been shown in galleries in NY and NJ.



Kelly, from kgudahl.etsy.com, took this lovely photo in Sheep's Meadow in Central Park on a stunning summer day!

Kelly, from ApertureAgog.etsy.com, captures NYC street art and graffiti in her fine art prints. I love this photo for reminding me...'It's OK'.

Terence, from ZahnerPhoto.etsy.com, focuses on underwater photography who says his vision is "preserving fragile, fleeting moments of natural beauty".

Angel, from AstrOdub.etsy.com, captures the beauty of what she calls "...ordinary and forgotten buildings..." around NYC. She says she takes photos of "anything that makes me stop dead on my tracks".



Jennifer, from bubbaandboo.etsy.com, creates modern hip wall art using photos she takes around NYC. This one "B is for Bike" is so vibrant and fun!
Want to see more work by these and more {NewNew} photographers? Search on Etsy.com using the keyword 'newnewteam', then narrow down by category choosing Art -> Photography.

Or, click --> here !!

Thanks!

Corey // Sans Map

Handmade Bags & Accessories

First Mondays Giveaway - Father's Day Edition!

Congratulations to Gina R of Smithtown, NY, the winner of last month's Mother's Day Giveaway giveaway, which included a necklace, a set of stationery and a pillow! This month, we have an amazing collection of items geared more towards the testosterone-producing types of humans. See below for rules and good luck! For the outdoorsman, a category that includes those grueling trips to the post office, an ear-warming handmade helmet hat by Projects by Carm. The genius of this little guy is that it can be worn as is or under a bike helmet. Carm specializes in knitting, crocheting and felting and uses these techniques to make all sorts of functional and adorable items. Click here for one of my favorites! Have you seen this show on Animal Planet called "Must Love Cats"? This cute guy travels the country to report on all things feline and even sings original songs about the cats he meets. I love this show. And if you feel the guy in your life "must love cats" then this print by Deborah Julian is just the ticket! Cats are definitely Deborah's muse - take a look at her reinterpretations of famous paintings that are made vastly improved - as is everything - by the addition of cats! To round up this month's Father's Day offerings, Letters That Wow has contributed a framed, personalized sports-themed artwork! You choose any 3-8 letter name and any theme in LTW's shop. What a great addition to an office or den! The winner of this giveaway will be announced on Monday, May 2 and our new June giveaway will be posted! To enter: 1. Make sure you are a follower of this blog. 2. Your comment is your entry. Only comments received by April 15 will be eligible. 3. One entry per person, but if you tweet, blog or facebook about this giveaway it gets you additional entries. Post a LINK back to your personal post right here in the comments section. 4. Winner picked at random. Winner must ship to USA address only (sorry!). 5. Items will be shipped individually. Best wishes. LuCrafts