Southern Souvenirs

Southern Souvenirs: featuring different elements of the South and Southern culure... I hope you all will enjoy learning a little more about the South and why so many of us feel lucky and proud to call it home!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Thank you ALL so much who entered to win things (some of you everyday!) from all of the incredible artists that were featured during Feelin' Lucky! I will be flooding Southern Flair with winners tomorrow because I am WAY behind on announcing all of the luckies who won the AMAZING goodies from the Etsy artists (I am totally jealous of some of you... ok - ALL OF YOU!)!

A HUGE THANK YOU to all of the WONDERFUL and TALENTED Etsy sellers that made Feelin' Lucky possible!

I hope you all stick around with me and keep reading and KEEP COMMENTING, even though I won't be posting a question everyday, I would still LOVE to read what ya'll are thinking, feeling, whatever! Thanks again and I love you all!!

xoxo,

A

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 31 - sewgreen}

Sew Green - Nikki
Etsy shop: http://www.sewgreen.etsy.com

Item
Eco Friendly Coffee Sack Apron, good for gardening, cooking, painting, fashion, and a barista's fave attire!

Bio
Nikki works for a University, coordinating their recreational sports facility. When students find out she loves to craft, they often giggle. She works really hard on her own personal fitness, creative hunger and friendships. She usually crams in crafting and television watching at the same time. Her favorite way to craft is to "rescue perfectly good trash and turn it into a treasure."

Favorite Materials
fabric

To win this eco-friendly apron, leave a comment answering the following:

How many pounds of paper does an average American use in a year?

I know I probably use more than some but less than most... ha!

winner will be announced April 7th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 30 - ilovepinkdots}

I love pink dots - Tiffany Paige

Etsy shop: http://www.ilovepinkdots.etsy.com/

Item

Set of 4 Pink Linen Napkins with Dark Gray Metallic Anchor.These napkins were rescued from the thrift store washed, ironed and hand screen printed lovingly from my house to yours.

Bio

I love pink dots is a Chicago-based design and screen print shop run by Tiffany Paige out of her live/work studio in Pilsen. Tiffany holds a BFA in Visual Communications and has held numerous graphic design and art director jobs over the years. Her true passion however is scouring thrift stores for linens and fabrics she can print and sew giving each hand made/reclaimed item new life. She participates in many crafty sales around Chicago including Department, the Pilsen Community Market and the Pilsen Artist Open House. When she's not busy thrifting and/or printing you can easily find her zipping all over town on her Stella scooter or Dutch bicycle.

Favorite Materials

found linens and fabrics, recycled and reused and repurposed, vintage, antique, anything screen print related, vintage clothing patterns, ink in every color

To win this nautical napkin set, leave a comment answering the following:

What's your favorite thing to do at the beach?

Mine is lay out for the entire day and then grab a bite to eat at a local seafood place and be lazy!

winner will be announced April 6th

BTW - sorry I had some technical difficulties getting this post up on the 30th! but it's up now!

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 29 - timberlineltd}

Timberlineltd - Ginny
Etsy shop: http://www.timberlineltd.etsy.com

Item
A set of organizer bags made from the highest quality wool in the world manufactured by Pendleton. All have zipper closures with zipper pulls made from leather cording and glass crow beads for added interest.

Bio
Ginny has loved sewing all her life. Nothing gets her more excited than a brand new piece of fabric. She especially loves the Pendleton wool fabrics and quality tapestry fabrics. She will always go the extra mile to be sure her customers are very happy. She also hopes they will bring repeat business to her!

To win these Pendleton-inspired bags, leave a comment answering the following:

Ginny lives in a log home in the woods in north central Wisconsin, where do you live?

I go to school at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA but I live just outside of Atlanta!

winner will be announced April 5th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 28 - re4mado}

Re4mado - Rossana
Etsy shop: http://www.re4mado.etsy.com

Item
Handprinted coaster set

Bio
Rosanna is a self-taught photographer specializing in alternative photographic processes, specifically Polaroid SX-70 manipulations, emulsion transfers, and digital infrared photography. The Polaroid SX-70 manipulations were created by projecting a slide image onto Polaroid time zero film using a Daylab unit. As the film was developing, the image was manipulated using a sharp tool, thus giving it a "painterly effect." Polaroid discontinued time zero film in 2005, so each archival print is very unique and truly a collector's item. The emulsion transfer process involves placing Polaroid 669 film in very hot water to "lift" the emulsion layer from the photographic paper. The emulsion layer in then transferred onto tile or watercolor paper and manipulated to give it a wrinkled effect. Her digital infrared images were created using an infrared filter on her camera. The filter turns anything with chlorophyll white so the result is a summer scene which looks like a beautiful winter scene.

Favorite Materials
bamboo skewer, Polaroid time zero film, double sided tape, super white notecard stock, epson paper

To win these cool coasters, leave a comment answering the following:

Any upcoming vacation plans?

I am taking a family trip to San Diego at the end of May! Yay! Kind of a graduation present...

winner will be announced April 4th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 27 - dryan327}

Purple Toes Jewelry - Donna
Etsy shop: http://www.dryan327.etsy.com

Item
Ruby Jeweled Watch Component Brass Floral Steampunk Ring
This is an awesome ring. It has all it's parts, gears, wheels and ruby jewels, with the gold stem. The ladies watch is from the 30's-60's but has all it's parts and they work and turn and move. If you are into Steampunk, you know how hard it is to get a watch apart without stripping out the gears, stems and wheels. I purposely only embellished this one with the brass oval floral adjustable ring. It makes such a great statement, it didn't need anything else.

Bio
Donna loves hand-crafted jewelry and watching her daughter paint her "toes purple"… hence, “Purple Toes Jewelry”! She creates jewelry of all kinds mostly from Vintage Glass Beads, Hearts, Roses, Pearls, Charms, Pendants and Vintage Filigree Wraps. She is currently featuring Steampunk pieces and is donating a Steampunk Ring to our little March Madness! If you don’t know about Steampunk (which… I didn’t), it one of the most rapidly growing popular arts on Etsy and is essentially the working with watch parts to create fabulous jewelry!

Favorite Materials
Heart, Animal, Vintage, Glass, Antiques, Lucite, Swarowski, Crystal, Beads, Gold, Silver, Brass, Filigree

To win your piece of Steampunk leave a comment answering the following:
What is the name of your favorite nail polish color?

mine is Bubble Bath from OPI

winner will be announced April 3rd

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 26 - shesells}

Shesells - Amy Agles
Etsy shop: http://www.shesells.com

Item
This garden flower locket necklace looks just like something that would have been discovered in your aunt's jewelry box. It is made of vintage findings; the brass locket and lucite daisy cabochon date from the 1960's. And these great finds are paired with a vintage-look brass link-and-bar chain necklace and a golden-brass butterfly. This necklace is arriving just in time for spring and its coming out party is here at Southern Flair. (Winner's choice of any of the five daisy colors.)

FUN FACT
Tradition says, the only person who can put a picture in a locket is the original owner of said locket... betcha didn't know that!

Bio
Amy is fairly new to the jewelry design world, but not to dabbling in art. She has painted (watercolors) and made mosaics for years. She started making jewelry as gifts for her oldest daughter and her friends last spring and the response to her Etsy shop has been so positive that she didn't have to look for a job. This IS her day job! She loves what she does - from discovering incredible vintage findings to putting together little wearable bits of whimsy. She has "ah-ha!" moments just about everyday when someone finds that just right something for themselves or their sweetheart... or for their mom or their daughter. She is also planning on adding some things for the fellas this spring!

Favorite Materials
vintage found objects, old beads and findings, charms with a story, antique lace, trims, buttons, and millnery supplies, silver, brass, semi precious gems, revived jewelry parts

To win this adorably-sweet daisy adorned locket, leave a comment answering the following:

Who's picture would you put in YOUR locket?

I would put my baby brother and my two little sisters because I love them more than life itself and I don't get to see them enough, so I would like to have a little reminder of them with me all the time!

winner will be announced April 2nd

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 25 - tweedylane}

Tweedy Lane - Bryn
Etsy shop: http://www.tweedylane.etsy.com/

Item
This is pretty pleated pouch is made from a light lime green canvas and is lined in brown. It is a beautiful shade of green--not too bright! Great for those small items that get lost in your big purse. I like to keep one for lipsticks, balms and gum. Also good for storing jewelry when you travel.

Bio
Bryn has been sewing and designing since she was a child. She has always enjoyed working with her hands. Beautiful fabrics and colors inspire her and she enjoys making useful, everyday things beautiful. She has a degree in Costume Design. She also has three little boys, so she works whenever she gets a chance... a few minutes here and there. Her husband will soon be a Chaplain in the Army, so they'll be back in military life. Bryn and her husband both grew up in the military and sort of miss the community. (Lots of people think they are pretty weird to be excited about getting back into the military!) They are looking forward to the unique opportunity to help soldiers and their families. Military Chaplains spend much of their time providing counceling for the soldiers and their dependents. Bryn is excited for what her furture holds and plans to continue her craft as long as she can!

Favorite Materials
fabric, paper, indian saris, pashmina shawls, chocolate, butter

To win this gorgeous buttery-color pleated pouch, leave a comment answering the following:

What's your degree in and where'd you get it?

BS in Textile & Apparel Merchandising from Louisiana State University

GEAUX TIGERS!

winner will be announced April 1st

(can anyone please explain to me HOW IT IS ALREADY ALMOST APRIL!?! - this year is FLYING BY)

Ad Space FOR SALE!

Image from flickr

I am still looking for some lovely sponsors for this little blog...

If you are interested in advertising your business, blog, etc. on Southern Flair, please send an e-mail to ads@classicsouthernflair.com

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 24 - oliviamoon}

Olivia Moon - Susan Pitts
Etsy shop: http://www.oliviamoon.etsy.com

Item
Wouldn't this pendant be perfect trinket for a for anyone who enjoys a good book, or just anyone!? Mirrored back for keeping lipgloss in check!

Bio
Susan Pitts is from South Carolina and has two teenagers, two dogs and a cat. Her son, Kevin, is a freshman at Auburn University and her daughter, Leslie, is a freshman in high school. Her house is pretty quiet these days and she is able to work full-time on her pendant making...which she loves! Susan loves thumbing through old papers of any type and has aquired an extensive collection of vintage postcards....many of which were given to her by her grandmother, Olivia Moon.

Favorite Materials
vintage papers from atlases, dictionaries and old letters. Vintage postcards, solder,glass,mirror and German glitter glass

To win this pretty pendant, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite read?

Don't get me wrong, I love a good book, but I LOVE magazines: Lucky, the late Domino (still really sad about this...), Country Living, LIVING, Southern Accents and InStyle are my must-reads each month!

winner will be announced March 31st

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 23 - ernstandthistle}

Ernst & Thistle - Karen
Etsy shop: http://www.ernstandthistle.etsy.com/

Item
These luggage tags are hand-cut and assembled from a thick dark brown genuine leather. They are tool punched then whipstitched taut with a tan waxed cord. Durable metal grommets and a heavy-duty, antiqued brass beaded chain make up the loop to attach to your suitcase or bag.

Bio
Modern Functionality + Eco-Friendliness + Old World Charm = Ernst & Thistle
Ernst & Thistle is a Richmond-based design duo made up of local artists Lynalise Woodlief and Karen Wolfe. From their ateliers in the James River Basin, they design and hand-make vintage inspired home décor, accessories, and gifts with an eye for detail and old world craftsmanship. They developed a knack for authentically aging reproductions from their combined 20 years experience in the local film and media industries. With this and a mélange of varied art degrees, many of Ernst & Thistle's pieces are an ode to simpler times, truer ideals, and lost artisan craft. Eco-responsibility is an inherent component of their work; therefore, vintage, pre-used, salvaged and upcycled materials are used where possible (in the packaging, shipping materials and the products themselves.)

Favorite Materials
found, botanicals, fragments, linen, organic, recycled, salvaged, copper, typography, orinthology, vintage, antique, jute

To win these vintage-inspired luggage tags, leave a comment answering the following:
What color is your suitcase?

mine is ugly and black, but I am hoping to get a really nice set of luggage for graduation
this set is so gorgeous

winner will be announced March 30th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 22 - insanejellyfish}

Insane Jellyfish - Erin
Etsy shop: http://insanejellyfish.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.makingitcreative.com

Item
I Heart Sushi ID bracelet

Bio
Erin lives in Albuquerque, NM with her husband and her cat. She loves finding new ways to use words in her jewelry. HER favorite sushi rolls are unagi and spider rolls.

Favorite Materials
solder, gemstones, glass

To win this Japanese inspired bracelet, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite sushi roll?

mine is anything with spicy crawfish (not "real" sushi, but delicious!)

winner will be announced March 29th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 21 - misnopalesart}

MisNopales Art - Jose Pulido
Etsy shop: http://www.misnopalesart.etsy.com/

Item
Totebag screenprinted with the Raccon & Umbrella design. Use this nifty little bag as a shopping bag alternative to plastic shopping bags. Raccoon with Umbrella is also available as a T-Shirt for both Men and Women, see other listings.

Bio
Jose is an illustrator from southern California who enjoys various forms on printmaking, especially screenprinting and linocuts. He has a degree in illustration from California State University Fullerton and has been drawing and creating things since he was a small child. He sketches out all of his ideas in his handy dandy sketchbook and doesn't know what he'd do without it. He particularly enjoy drawing animals and calaveras.

Favorite Materials
ink, watercolor, silkscreen, linocut, gocco, printmaking

To win this funky tote, leave a comment answering the following:

Jose is never without his sketchbook, what are YOU never without?

bobbypins

winner will be announced March 28th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 20 - monkeybeetle}

Monkey Beetle - Sherry Knight
Etsy shop: http://monkeybeetle.etsy.com

Item
American Flag Embroidered Cloth Napkin - Set of 4

Bio
Sherry Knight had always had a passion for crafts. She's always loved embroidery. As a little kid she started with hand embroidery and now has progressed into machine embroidery. She loves to do embroidery on napkins; it’s a great way to personalize your tablescape for any occasion or everyday. She also love to crochet, loom knit, and make candles. She is new to Etsy as she only discovered it about three months ago, but loves the appreciation for handmade. Her shop “Monkeybeetle” is for the love of my two kids.

Favorite Materials
cloth, thread

To win these pretty & patriotic napkins, leave a comment answering the following:

What do the colors red, white and blue, mean to you?

To me, they represent the freedom and liberties we have a Americans and what a privledge it is to be an American

winner will be announced March 27th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 19 - greenwichletterpress}

Greenwich Letterpress - Amy Salvini-Swanson & Beth Salvini
Etsy shop: http://www.greenwichletterpress.etsy.com

Item
Pretty letterpress card packs (Thank you & Happy Birthday)

Bio
Greenwich Letterpress is owned and run by sisters Amy Salvini-Swanson and Beth Salvini. Our shop specializes in custom letterpress printing as well as being a proper stationery store featuring unique and handmade paper goods and gifts. We also have our own line of greeting cards. Our shop is located in Manhattans West Village. Amy went to school for English, but happily found her way into the world of Graphic Design and is mostly self taught. Beth went to school for painting and has a fine art degree. We both grew up in a creative and artistic household and our parents had a big influence on us and aesthetically our shop and our mission come directly from that upbringing.

Favorite Materials
letterpress, soy based ink, fonts, paper, Gocco, felt, paint, illustrations and clip art

To win these sweet cards, leave a comment answering the following:

From what classic novel are there also sisters Amy and Beth?

winner will be announced March 26th

more winners coming soon...

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 18 - fionamink}

Fiona Mink - Wendy Doss
Etsy shop: http://www.fionamink.etsy.com/

Other Etsy shops

Studio Gems

Parisol

Item

"Lucky Star" earrings - tiny vintage 50s brass lockets with teeny pink rhinestones set into an embossed starburst detail and adorned with mesh bows.

Bio

Wendy Doss is the curator of Fiona Mink Jewels. As she was rummaging through a dusty canister of old buttons found in the attic of her Connecticut childhood home, her mother quipped “you really do love old things!" Wendy adores finding once beloved antique treasures to incorporate into her recycled & repurposed one-of-a-kind and limited edition antique artisan jewelry. A vintage piece of broken jewelry left sitting in a drawer getting dusty can be redesigned into something special. Collecting is a passion in her family that can be identified back to her great aunts, Judy and Carol, who loved attending auction houses in NYC in the 1940s and 50s. Wendy's one-of-a-kind and limited edition lovelies are adapted from vintage jewelry or buttons... Forgotten treasures are searched, revived, salvaged, reinvented, recycled and remembered. They are cleaned, repaired, reworked, and refinished. Wendy's hope is that her customers appreciate the imperfections that age brings; a good part of their appeal can be apparent in the patina and time worn character. Her pieces have a past life, a history, which only makes them more interesting. Each piece Wendy creates has a story to tell...

Favorite Materials
antiques, findings, patina, history

To win these sweet little beauties, leave a comment answering the following:

If you could live in another time period, when would it be?

I would want to live in 1940s Hollywood and be a famous All-American pin-up!

winner will be announced March 25th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 17 - johnwgolden}

John W. Golden: Vintage techniques made modern – John Golden
Etsy shop: http://www. johnwgolden.etsy.com

Item
The Enlightened Fireflies print. A jar of fireflies lights the night in this whimsical image. This image is #1 in a series by digital artist John W. Golden. Image is reproduced on archival paper and is 8.5" x 11".

Bio
John has been involved in art since he was 11 or so, "way back in the 70s". In that time, he has created a large catalog of work in photography and illustration, and his commercial work in design and animation has been seen on Cartoon Network, Animal Planet, Nickelodeon, CBS, TNT, TBS, PBS, and TechTV! He creates all his work digitally, mostly starting with a blank screen and using the mouse or a pen and graphics tablet to create an image. He uses scans in his collage work, but everything else is painted or drawn within the computer. He’s not the only talent in the family! He also shares an Etsy shop with his wife featuring customizable art for kids called Mot and Dot. Check it out: http://www.motanddot.etsy.com

Favorite Materials
computer, resin

To win this cool print, leave a comment answering the following:

What's your perfect summer night?

mine is winding down with friends and family around an open fire, after a long day in the sun

winner will be announced March 24th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 16 - washedupmermaid}

Washed Up Mermaid - Katie
Etsy shop: http://www.washedupmermaid.etsy.com

Item
Made EXCLUSIVELY for "Feelin' Lucky", this super comfortable black silk headband, named Peacock Queen, comes with a cluster of trimmed peacock feathers and is topped with a full peacock feather in the center.

Bio
Creator behind Washed Up Mermaid, Katie - age 24, lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, though she was born and raised in lovely wine valley of Napa, California. She has always been interested and involved with the arts. That being singing/music, dance, theater, art, and creating things of her own. She started making handmade headbands and hair accessories in the summer of last year. Ever since she was little she wanted to have hair accessories that a mermaid might wear. Sticking seaweed in her hair when she was around 7 years old seemed like the greatest idea. So she decided to create headbands with shells, starfish, and artificial plants that are normally used in aquariums. Then she expanded into making flower and feather headbands that everyone might enjoy! So when she found Etsy her whole world opened up. "It's like the world's craft fair online!" She was able to create and share her work like nowhere else. She really enjoys what she does and hopes to keep doing it!

Favorite Materials
shells, starfish, glass, artificial plants, feathers

To win this gorgeous peacock feather headband, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite sound in nature? (animal sounds count too)

mine would have to be the ocean at night when it's calm and quiet - *sigh*

winner will be announced March 23rd

Washed Up Mermaid is offering a promotion to ALL Southern Flair readers for the month of March! If you include the promo code "Southern Flair" in their "message to buyer" on Etsy upon check-out, you get a FREE peacock+flower hairclip with your purchase!
(color/stlye of flower may vary)

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 15 - crackeddesigns}

Cracked Designs - Tara Scheuerman
Etsy shop: http://www.crackeddesigns.etsy.com
Website: http://cracked-designs.com/Main.html

Item
Cracked Design sampler pack of super-cool notecards!

Bio
Cracked Designs is a handmade greeting card and design company based out of Milwaukee, WI. They have been around for 2 years now and love making awesomely clever cards! Cracked Designs strives to create unique cards that are unlike other cards out there and always work hard to come up with designs that are better and better. All of their cards feature everything from photo cut outs to hand drawn doodles and are of course, always handmade! Cracked Designs is fueled by Tara Scheuerman with the help of her husband, Adam. Tara graduated from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in 2005 and always dreamed of filling her life with art, design and photography. She started Cracked Designs to fill that dream and bring quirky and unique cards to the indie craft scene. Her hope is that her cards make you smile!

Favorite Materials
paper, photographs

To win this sweet montage of cards, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite sweet treat?

Considering I have a serious sweets problem, I love just about anything and everything, but I have a special place in my heart for cupcakes!

winner will be announced March 22nd

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 14 - artfulbeginnings}

Artful Beginnings - Kati
Etsy shop: http://www.artfulbeginnings.etsy.com/
Website: http://www.artfulbeginnings.com/

Item
These fun lavender pillows are printed with the letters of the alphabet or with some pretty flower designs. Pillows are about 3.5 by 3.5 inches, the outside is 100% silk, and there is a cotton layer on the inside. They are filled with delicious smelling dried lavender buds. I use different silks to print the letters and images on, such as crepe de chine, silk noil, dupioni or silk broadcloth. Backing is hand dyed silk in a coordinating color. (Winner choose color & letter)

Bio
Kati has a degree in Textiles and a background in Graphic Design. A couple of years ago she decided to start her own company, Artful Beginnings LLC. As a mom she is always surrounded by amazing artwork - on the fridge and in piles on the shelf, the walls and everywhere else. Her original idea was to custom print kid's artwork on silk and then turn it into scarves, table runners, pillows and others. After a chance conversation with a friend in a wedding related business she thought Kati should develop some wedding designs as well. Kati loves doing custom work, and coming up with new ideas to incorporate custom printed silks into celebrations and everyday objects. She haa a (very) small studio in Vermont, and creates everything by herself, from her business cards to her logo and website and every design she has. She uses clipart for some of her designs, which she likes to manipulate and combine. She recently started doing some watercolors and oil pastels as well. She hopes to expand her business and have employees, but right now it's just her and the occasional help of family!

Favorite Materials
silk

To win these pretty sachets, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite flower?

mine is a daisy

winner will be announced March 21st

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 13 - majestyinc}

Majesty Inc. - Julie Morrison
Etsy Shop: http://www. majestyinc.etsy.com
Website: http://www.majestyinc.ca/

Item
One strip of side-cut bacon beside a lovely sunny-side up egg. Bacon keyring is red and white, with some stitch detailing, made of Naugahyde vinyl so you know it's super durable! The back is RED GLITTER and is oh so sparkly.... Measures 4 inches by 1 1/2 inches. Egg keyring is white and yellow, (mostly due to the yolk) and is made of Naugahyde vinyl. Super Durable and this egg is VEGAN for sure! The backside is SILVER GLITTER and very shiny. Measures 2 by 3 inches.

Bio
This is too funny! When asked Julie what she wanted my readers to know about her and her shop, this is what I got: “Everything is made by my little elves that come out at night while everyone else is sleeping. Unfortunately, my place is inhabited by "sewing" elves, and not "cookie" elves. Wish I had moved into a tree trunk instead. But they wear the cutest little shoes you have ever seen.” HA! She’s funny AND she’s Canadian! Julie says the long, hard, cruel winters give her lots of time to design new products. When she started designing MAJESTY, she decided that she didn't want to make anything that came from an animal, so she uses Vegan Vinyl to make everything. She is also a proud member of the "Cruelty Free Etsy" Team. Vinyl is truly amazing, and it comes in so many fun colors... she says she is only limited by her imagination.

Favorite Materials
diamonds, vinyl, clouds, strawberries

To win this funky vinyl breakfast, leave a comment answering the following:
What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
(Never heard of Etsy?! Then tell us what your favorite breakfast is!)

my favorite thing about Etsy is that everything is handmade, creative and beautiful

my favorite breakfast is The High Flyer from the Flying Biscuit in Atlanta (or my dad's waffles)

Inspiration

Albertina Rasch Dancers

Simply gorgeous.

Coming Soon...

April 1st will mark the beginning of Southern Souvenirs! Each day in April I will feature a different aspect of Southern culture... I am really looking forward to it, as putting it all together has given me a little bit of an education! Until then... keep registering for all of the WONDERFUL items that are being featured daily for Feelin' Lucky! I am having the best time reading your comments and I know the artists are as well! Have a LUCKY day!

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 12 - shannongerard}

Shannon Gerard - Shannon Gerard
Etsy shop: http://www.shannongerard.etsy.com
Website: http://www.shannongerard.org

Item
If you can't grow a real one (or even if you can), a Plush Moustache is the next best thing. Pin this little Plushtache to your lapel for easy twiddling during conversational lulls. Keep it in your pocket for all day comfort. Sleep with it under your pillow and dream of hirsute companions. (Winner selects color)

Bio
Shannon Gerard hails from Ontario, Canada where she writes and draws the auto-bio comic series HUNG. She also makes artist's books about hope, faith and human frailty and spends at least 50% of her waking life crocheting plush sculptures. Recently though, she has been untangling herself long enough to start hand-printing books on a letterpress. Shannon teaches courses in print media and nano-publishing at the Ontario College of Art and Design in Toronto.

Favorite Materials
yarn, humor

To win this plush little 'stache, leave comment answering the following:

Facial hair or no facial hair?

I prefer none & have none... ha!

winner will be announced March 19th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 11 - pudge}

Pudge - Alexia
Etsy shop: http://www.pudge.etsy.com

Item
Blue Brit bag, it's smartness begs for documents! But you could add anything - camera, passport, lipstick, receipts etc...

Bio
Alexia has been traveling the globe since she was 8, because her father, a Pre-Columbian Art dealer, moved all throughout Mexico. Alexia also studied in Australia, France, England and Switzerland. She lived in Germany for 15 years where she was co-owner of the store Amber Lounge in Munich. She has an insatiable appetite for fabric so she started making her own fabric goodies. She likes to think that the pieces are influenced by all the yummy colors and prints that she has seen throughout "our little earth".

Favorite Materials
fabrics

To win this adorable document pouch, leave a comment answering the following:

What is the Queen of England's drink of choice? (and what's your fave?)

my favorite drink is a mint julep - but if I can't have that, a bourbon & diet will do just fine

winner will be announced March 18th

{brass & bridle leather}

Col. Littleton, purveyor of fine accoutrement, in the Americana Tradition

Col. Littleton's GUARANTEE

"How Long Will It Last? If we're talking about your favorite pair of jeans... maybe three or four years, depending on how many barbed-wire fences you cross. A good pickup truck... perhaps seven or eight years, unless the driver is under age twenty five. Then you can probably subtract a couple of years. Cheap boots.. maybe not even until the cows come home.

When I was a boy, I thought an all-day sucker should last all day. Mine never did. Sunday sermons and English peas, on the other hand, seemed to last an eternity. At fifteen, I thought the blonde in my history class would be mine forever. However, after a couple of weeks I was history in her book.

I guess I've always been partial to things with staying power. A good hat, for instance, seems to hold its own. A well-made leather saddle will outlast both your horse and your ability to get on it. Good upbringing seems to stick with you, and true friendships last a lifetime.

When I went into business, I wanted to make things that would last and become more meaningful as time goes by... things that would be around long enough to be handed down to your children and grandchildren and be cherished as family heirlooms. That's important to me.

So, how long will something last? If we're talking about a streak of good luck, sunny weather or a bull market on Wall Street... don't bet the family farm on what the experts say. But, I reckon If we're talking about a good friendship or a Colonel Littleton product, you can pretty well expect them to last for a long, long time.

And, if for some reason it doesn't, we'll make it right."

Sometimes you're reminded that people care about people and making something that is built to last. It's a tough thing to hold onto today, the truly important things in life, like family and friends and the time you spend with them.

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 10 - pillowhappy}

PillowHappy - Shellie
Etsy shop: http://www.pillowhappy.etsy.com

Item
Fun pair of pear bean bags (filled with popcorn kernels - Shellie's fave food) and measure 7" tall and 5" wide. They are made from recycled green linen table cloth and the stem is a small piece of soft chocolate brown fleece! The pair work wonderfully as bookends, paperweights or to lightly toss or juggle. There are also a nice addition to a mantel or windowsill!

Bio
One day Shellie was sewing a slipcover for her couch. One day turned into a week as she went a little "slipcover happy" and slipcovered virtually everything in her house. In the meantime, she needed to get some ideas of hers on "pillow" and her shop was created! She absolutely loves working with soft materials, and seeing that she is a self-proclaimed professional napper, you can understand her wanting to incorporate a pillow! She's definitely gone pillowhappy!

Favorite Materials
linen, fleece

To win this pretty "pear", leave a comment answering the following:

What would you like to have a pair of?

I would like a pair of Ray-Ban tortoise shell wayfarers! (hint hint)

winner will be announced March 17th

{Barbie turns 50!}

Go on girl friend!

Today, the original blonde bombshell turns 50! Congratulations Barbie!

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 9 - gardencris}

Carissa Black - Carissa
Etsy shop: http://www.gardencris27.etsy.com

Item
The perfect little pouch sized for change, credit cards, business cards, lipstick, or whatever little goodies you need to carry! Made from beautiful Amy Butler fabric. Has a zipper closure and a layer of batting for softness and a layer of interfacing for structure. The inside of the pouch is fully lined in coordinating fabric.

Bio
Carissa started sewing, as most people did, as a kid in home economics. She hated it! She hated following a pattern and hated following directions. She wanted to do it her way, her way was better! What got her into trouble then, has helped her to grow a successful business. She never uses patterns and loves to come up with new designs. She is the mom of two, very active, little boys. On the weekends, she is an intensive care unit nurse. Carissa loves her sewing as it gives her a wonderful outlet for creativitiy. She also thinks every woman and mom should have something that they do just for them and no one else. You can also find her on the web under her name, Carissa Black. She has the privelage of having my bags in specialty shops on the East Coast. She is also a proud member of FAM and the CT Etsy street team!

Favorite Materials
beautiful fabrics

To win this perfect little pouch, leave a comment answering the following question:

What do you do, just for you?

I blog - hence, this lil' mama!

winner will be announced March 15th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 8 - celestefrittata}

Celestefrittata - Chiara
Etsy Shop: http://www.celestefrittata.etsy.com
Blog: http://celestefrittata.blogspot.com/

Item
"What if a Wizard doesn't have an owl? Who carries his mail?
The Magical Owl Post Service is the answer! This Special Owl Posting Kit includes: notes, envelopes, mailing bags, postage stamps and labels!

Bio
Chiara is a 25 year old Italian student. She lives in the beautiful city of Genoa (northern part of Italy) where she is graduating in Marine Sciences. In her free time she hand-binds notebooks and runs her Etsy store, Celestefrittata Bottega. Her works have a magical vintage style and she loves using kraft waste paper to make promotional items such as mini paper lunch bags to package small items and thank you cards. Since she was a child she has always preferred cookware and flour to scissors and pencils and spent so many afternoons in the kitchen whipping cream and baking cookies. One day she started bookbinding and created her first "Magical Notebook", encouraged by the her unexpected sales she started creating more and dedicating a lot of time to her new hobby. Take a look at her shop AND visit her blog (if you join her newsletter you will receive a 10% discount on your first order)!

Favorite Materials
paper, glue, cardstock, inks

To win this HUGE package of goodies, leave a comment answering the following:

Who would you have an owl deliver a letter to?

I would send a letter to my little brother, Hayden, who's 4! He would love it!

winner will be announced March 15th

{latest find: motif hand soap}

All of you are aware of my love affair with Target... well, yesterday, I was in the soap aisle and spotted THESE little beauties! I am obsessed! Motif's motto: No more boring countertops! They couldn't have said it any better! And the scents - amazing! I chose the bottle with the pretty green label + even prettier scent - olive leaf and coriander! So fresh and clean! Did I mention it's only $3!! These perfectly package, subtly scented soaps would make amazing hostess gifts (pair with ANY decorative kitchen towel, fun colored spatula, WHATEVER!)! I'll definitely be heading back to Target to scoop a few more Motif hand soaps up!

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 7 - neworleanstiles}

NOLA Tiles - Nicolle & Chris Psilos
Etsy shop: http://www.neworleanstiles.etsy.com
Website: http://www.nolatiles.com

Item
NOLA ornament featuring replicas of the famous street tiles still (but had to find) in use today!

BONUS
NOLA Tiles is offering a promotion to ALL Southern Flair readers for the month of March! If you include the promo code "Southern Flair" in their "message to buyer" on Etsy upon check-out, you get a FREE NOLA magnet with your purchase!

Bio
Established in 2008, www.nolatiles.com is a project conceived by Chris & Nicolle Psilos on the idea of using historic New Orleans street tiles as a basis for art and home décor. This whole thing really evolved out of their love for New Orleans. Using such a unique piece of the city as a basis for their work makes it extremely enjoyable to create the pieces. Getting started was an extremely intimidating process because they really never considered themselves “artists” and basically taught themselves everything through trial and error. They spent lots of time researching many different processes until they decided on their final items: coasters, magnets, plaques and ornaments/displays. Everything is created in their home and all “raw materials” (with the exception of the heavy duty magnet paper) is purchased over the counter at stores/markets around the city. The most crucial ingredient is the actual picture of the letter or number that they're using at the time. They literally took thousands of pictures and filtered them down to about 50 or so different images that they use. Even though they've only been at this for less than a year, they can say with confidence that they now DO feel like “artists” and are working tirelessly to improve the items they create!

Favorite Materials
new orleans heritage, ceramic, slate, magnets

To win this piece of New Orleans history, leave a comment answering the following:

Can you sum up your idea of New Orleans in one word (or short phrase)?

I would (of course) say, "Laissez les bon temps rouler!"

winner will be announced March 14th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 6 - blulima}

BluLima - Sharon
Etsy shop: http://www.blulima.etsy.com

Item
An 8x10" print featuring metallic gold, aqua blue, royal red and black inks. Titled - "On gossamer wings"

Bio
Sharon is a 37 year old Histotechnologist from Nebraska (she makes microscope slides for Veterinary Pathologists.) She has a BFA in sculpture and art history and has done everything under the sun-from ceramics to welding to glassblowing and now is addicted to printmaking. She's married to an amazing guy who runs his own business (with help on the books from her), Coffee Emergency, and is a master coffee roaster. Yum! Together they are raising two kitties and a very agreeable Wire Fox Terrier named, Otis. Sharon's only desire is to have more time to create the ideas that flood into her mind and the unlimited energy it would require.

Favorite Materials
paper, paint, canvas, found objects, photocopies, coffee, steel, copper, rust, junk, ink, graffiti

To win the unique print, leave a comment answering the following:

What is the most creative use for duct tape you can think of?

Mine is a prom dress - which I have seen! A girl from my high school wore a duct tape (and electrical tape) prom dress and her date wore the same type of tux - it was one of the coolest/weirdest things I have ever seen!!

BTW - There is even a scholarship contest associated with Duct tape prom wear!

Check it out: http://www.stuckatprom.com/contests/prom/

winner will be announced March 13th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 5 - outoftheblue}

Out of the Blue - Jerin
Etsy shop: http://www.outoftheblue.etsy.com
Blog: http://outofthebluedesigns.blogspot.com

Item
A pair of pretty driftwood earrings accented with tiny jewel-tone beads. LOVE THESE!

Bio
Jerin lives in a small town on the Texas Gulf Coast with her husband and two children. Her background is in accounting. After 10 years of working in the corporate world, she decided to leave it all behind and take a leap of faith into the world of a stay-at-home mom. It didn't take long before she realized she needed a creative outlet to save her sanity! She purchased some books about basic jewelry techniques, bought some supplies, and began to get a feel for what kind of jewelry she wanted to design. She had always loved anything vintage and had fond memories of playing dress up with her grandmother's old costume jewelry...so she naturally gravitated to vintage-inspired jewelry. She loves interesting found objects and vintage components that seem to have a story to tell and turning them into fun and feminine jewelry that her customers will enjoy. She wants her customers to feel they own something very special and just for them... not something that hundreds of other people are going to be walking around wearing. Her customers are a major source of inspiration and she strives to provide the best service possible to them!

Favorite Materials
old keys, rhinestones, solder, shells

To win the gorgeous driftwood beauties, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

Mine is an antique gold locket that has been passed down from my great-great-grandmother

winner will be announced March 12th

{Feelin' Lucky: Day 4 - pinkbathtub}

Pink Bath Tub Designs - Noelle Griskey
Etsy shop: http://www.pinkbathtub.etsy.com
Blog: http://www.pinkbathtub.blogspot.com

Item
These special recipe cards are individually hand printed and are perfect for your treasured family canning recipes, to give as a hostess gift or for a housewarming. They feature original art all inspired by a simple Ball Mason jar.

Bio
Noelle's work comes from an appreciation for the little things in life. She is constantly inspired by the world around her. Her intention is to transform the ordinary into something aesthetic and distinct. Her paper goods are individually hand printed, using her unique hand carved blocks made from her original designs.

Favorite Materials
paper, ink, stamps

To win these pretty recipe cards, leave a comment answering the following:

What is your "secret" family recipe (or just your fave)?

(of course, you don't have to give the recipe - just what the yummy food/dessert is)

Mine is a special pork rub my dad invented to season his DELICIOUS pork tenderloin!

winner will be announced March 11th