Nonpareil

I love the creativity that goes into repurposed goods. To be able to envision a cute little purse from an old, funky jacket is pure genius…The creative part of MY brain totally doesn’t work that way, so I’m always impressed.

I you read the Storque, or check Etsy’s home page regularly, then you might already know about found by nicky‘s fantastic bags and things. Almost all of her pieces are made from other items…right down to the zippers! I especially love the bag with the little flowers {above, right}.

I adore the jewelry from Maine’s Quench Metalworks. Let’s just say that you were wondering what kind of gift to get me…you know, just in case you didn’t know. Then, you might consider the fabulous butterfly necklace {bottom, right}…or the ring {top, left}. That’s just the nice kind of person I am…helping you make these difficult decisions easier!!

You can learn more about the artist, Jen, here. Follow her blog here. Fan {or, “like”} her on Facebook!

I was searching for a new gym bag the other day {maybe having a cute, new bag would motivate me to workout!!}…and I found the super-cool bags by Ragged Edge Gear. Their bags are made from Kevlar, the same fabric that bullet-proof vests are made from…the fabric is also used as sails in racing sails for sailboats. We’re talking durable!

I’m crazy about the two bags on the right…especially the little toiletry bag. I’d go to the gym daily if they were mine. Really, I would!

My mom used to do enamel work…before I was born, and up until I was a toddler {and could potentially get WAY too close to a hot kiln}. I’ve always wanted to learn how, but have to make a point of asking for a lesson next time I visit my parents…my mom still has the kiln!

I think the enamel jewelry from Angela Gerhard is beautiful. I love her color combinations, and the craftsmanship is exquisite. I’m totally in love with the bracelets {center, left}. Just gorgeous.

PHEW! I took a much longer break than I had intended…I’ve been paying the price for having a ton of fun while on vacation…I have had a nasty cold for the past week…Bleh.

Amazingly, while we were in Sedona, I did ABSOLUTELY no shopping. NONE. Zilch. Zippo. It’s hard for me to believe, really. We just hiked around the beautiful red rock, cooked gobs of food, drank wine and hot-tubbed under the stars….

I DID find a wonderful online-jeweler who is BASED in Arizona…does that count?! I’ve been a fan of Starving Artist Bazaar for years, and her work has been featured on pretty much EVERY indie blog out there…but I just had to share too! I love lampwork beads, and especially the pieces she creates!