Handmade Pottery, Vintage furnishings and Etsy Pillow Finds from U.S. and Beyond Inspire a Mid-Century Coastal Retreat
HAPPY SUMMER, everyone!
This is my favorite time of year in OREGON.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the beach.
Did you know that we offer E-Design?
E-DESIGN SERVICES BY SUZANNE/A WELL LIVED HOUSE
We had our client complete a questionnaire and then after a scheduled zoom call, with room dimensions provided, we presented a couple of floor plan options, two mood boards, and a list of items and resources.
This particular job was to help our clients spruce up their vacation home in Manzanita so it is Airbnb rental-ready, on a limited budget.
CHAIRISH is always a great place to look for designer pieces like this MILO BAUGHMAN sofa for a real statement piece. Just love the lines, length and style.
MILO BAUGHMAN SOFA, CHAIRISH
If a less expensive, new sofa is preferred, ARTICLE is having a great sale right now. Their prices include delivery, and are made in the U.S.
ABISKO QUARTZ WHITE SOFA, ARTICLE
This versatile ottoman comes in handy and is a deal for $300.
KAYRA OTTOMAN, ARTICLE
ETSY FINDS:
This company AFRIKESH ships from Morrocco and offers great rugs in custom sizes.
Loving the ceramic lighting by STUDIO HARON, out of Cornwall
The colors of this vintage pottery below inspired the mood for this home, and it would be fun to build a collection.
HAND MADE VASE, LADY BIRD VINTAGE DECOR
HAND MADE VASE, LADY BIRD VINTAGE DECOR
HANDMADE VASE, Etsy
Rachael Mid Century Chair by BRICK TIMBER, Etsy
MID CENTURY LAMPS, found on CHAIRISH
One of these fun shades would add life to the vintage lamps.
Both available via CREATIVE LAMP SHADES, Etsy.
We pulled some possible pillow combos together for the sofa:
We are having a 15% OFF SALE
ALL BLUE & WHITE
running now through the end of the month.
Sailing into Summer…
XOXO,
Suzanne
The Ukraine Crisis and Why Paying Attention to Art on Etsy Matters
I hope you all had a wonderful holiday weekend with your friends and family.
Despite Spring and a recent flurry of social gatherings, the stacking of tragic events these past few years still weighs heavy on us all. While I’ve been on a news diet lately, I’ve been feasting on the creativity flourishing on ETSY in support for UKRAINE!
Some and often all of the proceeds from art and crafts being sold by makers in the US, Ukraine and elsewhere around the world is truly a beautiful thing.
Just a small purchase of say a cross stitch pattern download or a digital print, by many, can add up to thousands of dollars in aid.
Never underestimate the POWER and IMPORTANCE of ART.
Here are a few items I found:
HOME DECOR
This Lithuanian linen vendor was clever in her solidarity…
VERVIDUS
Blue and yellow themed textiles can be found on sale by Ukrainain vendors on ETSY, in both contemporary and traditonal textiles.
VYSHYVANKA CARPATHIAN
ART on ETSY:
RUTZFAMILY
This ETSY vendor writes:
At 5 a.m. my two children, my wife and I woke up to rocket attacks on my city.
The Russian military began to destroy my country with heavy artillery, air strikes and other weapons of mass destruction. Whole city blocks have been flattened by Russian artillery and bombs, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital.
On that day, we lost our usual life, peace, stability, work, home. Our beloved Ukraine was invaded by the Russian army. Three million Ukrainian refugees, mainly women, children and elderly, fled their country.
I ask for your help, for help to the people who need it more than ever, for help to our children, women and men.
Today you have the opportunity to save us from the vile occupiers of the Russian Federation.
I don’t ask for much, If you are able to donate even $1, your money will be spent on medicine and protective gear for our army.
We want to survive. I believe in my army and my country! I want my children, my parents, the people I love to survive. And live in a country where bombs won’t fall on their heads every minute. May the whole world live in peace and understanding.
If you have the opportunity, please share this information through your social media, facebook, twitter… We must stop this war
Thank you ❤️
God bless you 🙏
Yarik Rutz 🇺🇦
Here is a madonna and child image reflective of the times.
Magnetfoto on Etsy
STUDIO TULLIA has its own version in the works, based on an image posted on Twitter of a Ukrainain mother in a subway station turned bombshelter.
STUDIO TULLIA
STITCHwithSUSIE on ETSY
This maker writes:
All profits from the sale of this cross stitch pattern will go to the British Red Cross Appeal. Stitch the flag of Ukraine to show solidarity with Ukraine at this time of war. #StitchforUkraine #StitchingforUkraine
MAURO OLIVIERA
This “United Nations 4 Ukraine Against War” collage by Mauro Oliviera is selling on CHAIRISH for $1,200.
OLGA MUZICIAN
Ukraine Mom/artist/illustrator living in PA who made this poster and wonderful mural.
And then there are loads of stickers available on ETSY…
DeliciousAccessories on Etsy
This artist writes in her product description:
Part of the proceeds from this purchase will go to support UAnimals and USA for UNHCR – the UN Refugee Agency. USA for UNHCR protects families being forced to flee from their homes. I can’t begin to imagine. Also, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are donation-matching up to 1 million dollars for UNHCR!
UAnimals supports animal shelters left with dwindling food and supplies due to the Russian invasion. Animal rescue holds a very special place in my heart. I am so impressed these volunteers continue to love and shelter these innocent, traumatized animals even though their own lives are in danger. Currently, they only have a Patreon page which I joined at the highest tier. I believe they are working on other methods of donations.
My heart is extremely heavy for the people of Ukraine. Sending an abundance of loving energy and financially wishing I could do so much more.
Politics always affects fashion.
The evolution of masks as an accessory remains a fascinating trend to watch.
DesignforSocialGood on Etsy
The supplier writes:
For every Ukraine flag mask sold, we will donate ALL PROCEEDS to United Help Ukraine. United Help Ukraine, Inc. is a charitable organization receiving and distributing donations, food and medical supplies to Ukrainian IDPs, people of Ukraine affected by Russia’s invasion into Eastern Ukraine and annexation of Crimea.
This artist has sold countless UKRAINE t-shirts since first listed on ETSY.
AEROTEES on ETSY
SnugglesandPeanut on Etsy
This Etsy vendor writes:
We have already donated over $12,000 from these bracelets! Thank you!**
**100% of our profits from these bracelets will be donated to World Central Kitchen, who already have locations set up in Ukraine and in the surrounding areas to feed those who need a warm meal. They are feeding people in shelters and on the borders, as well as other needed areas.**
BirdyShopFinds on Etsy
This Ukrainian artist below sells vintage clothing but has started producing and selling digital downloads like this one, which are evergreen and can be sold regardless of where the vendor currently is.
This Ukrainian artist sells vintage clothing but has started producing and selling digital downloads like this one, which are evergreen and can be sold regardless of where the vendor currently is.
WindfromthePast on Etsy
Seek out and hopefully purchase art in support of UKRAINE.
Art is often a catalyst for change, a repository of society’s collective memory. Every purchase helps.
BE WELL ALL.
XOXO,
SUZANNE
BLACK HISTORY MONTH & an ETSY ROUND UP!
A sample of powerful and fun embroidered stamps found on ETSY by BLOOM EMBROIDERY…
PREMIO EMBROIDERY also has a great selection of empowering embroidered stamps.
And some body candles by Lush and Lavish Home – an Etsy top pick!
A wonderful Black History apron featuring vintage buttons from the Civil Rights Movement, available from The TRINIGEE on ETSY.
Fashion can be more than an aesthetic statement…
Smudge sticks for cleansing…the burning of white sage is an ancient ritual known as smudging. It can be used to cleanse negative energy lingering in your home or office, or to cleanse your own spiritual body. Use the healing power of flower petals and sage to clear your mind, ground your energy and set intentions.
7 Chakras White Sage Smudge Bundle
Loving these Star Earrings…
A great resource for t-shirts…SEAMS TO BE SHIRTS
There’s a sale on…
This has been a popular pillow from STUDIO TULLIA.
Eighty thirty
This print on linen celebrates 80 years of the Maison Pierre Frey and 30 years of Toxic’s career as an artist. As one of the pioneers of graffiti art in the 1980s, he took the walls and trains of New York as “canvasses” for his early work. Like his peer Jean-Michel Basquiat, Toxic uses art to denounce discrimination and violence against the black community. He was named a major artist by the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2006. – Pierre Frey
TOXIC
And some vintage silk pillows, also on sale, in so many fun accent pillow and lumbar sizes with unique custom trim details, tassels…
XOXO,
SUZANNE
ETSY predicts 2022 will bring intentional buying, lagom, nature, and greater brand awareness
2022 DESIGN TRENDS
As someone whose been selling handmade designer goods online for over fifteen years, I’m used to researching trends, forecasted by countless “experts” for the upcoming year or season. While I don’t subscribe to the idea of having a totally trend-driven wardrobe or home, a touch of something reflective of our time always adds interest. It keep things from getting stale.
Wallpaper Direct
More marketing opportunities and online exposure for businesses comes from an awareness of current trends. Sometimes these predictions may fall flat and other times, take off.
You would be amazed just how much consumers are influenced by trends. More than you may realize.
- Design: Studio Giancarlo Valle
- Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson/OTTO
Image credit: Future PLC
It has been one of my obsessions, partly from studying art history and design, to look at objects within their historical and stylistic context.
Collage by David Vo
Societal patterns, as well as social, political, and cultural shifts inevitably impact design and fashion. And fashion is often ahead of interior design and more outrageous, so its especially fun to watch.
Dries Van Noten
ETSY, one of the platforms I sell on, has a podcast for its vendors (approx. 4.4 million!), that discusses how to market handmade goods, what to sell in the upcoming seasons, and how to prepare for 2022, based largely on their 81.9 billion buyer searches.
I’ve been gearing up to coach newbie Etsy sellers in the new year so I’ve been researching Etsy quite a bit over the last several months. Here are some of their observations based on consumer buying and search patterns.
2022 DESIGN TRENDS
1. SHOPPERS ARE MORE INTENTIONAL THAN EVER
Consumers care more about who they are buying from; the brand behind the company, what they stand for, who they employ, where they get their raw materials and manufacture their goods. Social media is providing greater transparency and allowing for companies to tell their story.
2. LAGOM
Etsy is calling it out…
What is Lagom?
‘Not too much, not too little. Lagom’
The translation of the Swedish concept of lagom is “enough, sufficient, adequate, just right.” While hygge is all about staying in with family (and potentially never changing out of your cashmere pajamas), getting cozy and chatting with friends in a coffee shop, basically taking the time to enjoy a moment of contentment (whatever the weather), lagom is all about moderation. Rather than seizing the moment (of hygge, if you will), it’s about living a frugal life with just enough possessions; everything functional and a life in balance. – Country&Townhouse
‘Lagom encourages us to create a happy life by choosing to live a balanced and fruitful existence.’
source: lookea.me
FROM THE ABOVE BOOK; Ten simple ways to de-clutter your home
- Create a de-clutter to-do list, crossing off each task as you complete it.
- Dedicate ten minutes each day to one task (baby steps, my friend).
- Go one room at a time and organize items into three boxes: keep, donate and throw away (never a ‘maybe’ box – speaking from experience!).
- Follow the ‘one in, one out’ rule – for everything you buy, one thing goes.
- Fill a bin bag a day with items you no longer need.
- Reduce the area where clutter can accumulate – dedicate a container for toiletries or a folder for paperwork. If new items don’t fit, then it’s time to re-think what’s in the area and get rid of something.
- Take out all the items in your wardrobe. Remove hangers and then put everything back in order of preference. Anything that doesn’t have a hanger goes.
- Create a memory box or use an accordion organizer for your kids’ drawings and other treasured items.
- Keep a basket or bag by the stairs or in a spot that accumulates clutter and slowly fill it with items. Once it’s full, sort through and put everything back where it belongs.
- Stick to the ‘one-touch rule’ for paperwork: sort it as soon as it arrives by recycling, or taking action.
Taken from Lagom: The Swedish Art of Living a Balanced, Happy Life by Niki Brantmark
3. VINTAGE/UPCYCLING/RECYCLING/RE-USE
‘Upcycling, recycling and using sustainable materials where possible is the way to enjoy the home comforts you love, without taking too much from the planet.’
Tejo Remy Rag Chair for Droog Design, 1991 – 1st Dibs
Vintage sellers are having their moment
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALYSSA ROSENHECK, Domino
Joann Palmisiano, vintage skirt turned pilllow, Rock Your Rental
4. ABSTRACT SHAPES, WIGGLES &CURVES…moving beyond mid-century
5. CURVY, SCULPTURAL UPHOLSTERY
According to a recent VOGUE article on design trends,
“A curved form is subconsciously read as safe, friendly and welcoming. With everyone feeling a bit precious I think those softer shapes and angles will still be a big trend in 2022 in furniture as well as architecture.” –Sarah Sherman Samuel
“More gracious and sensual shapes, curved edges and deep, luxuriant seats.” -Martyn Lawrence Bullard
6. EMERALD GREEN
Emerald green is a longstanding jewel tone that is always relevant.
ETSY has announced it as their color of the year!
Balance, harmony, nature
Pairs great with metallics
Image credit: Little Greene
What do you think? I think a lot of it is incredibly creative, colorful, hopeful, informed, fresh…should be fun to see what’s in store for 2022!
XOXO,
SUZANNE
TURNING TOWARD BLACK & WHITE
Hello Folks,
I’ve been revisiting black and white as well as moody, darker florals and grays lately. Black and white pairs with just about any color year round but resonates with me in the cooler months as colors deepen.
BLACK, WHITE & GRAY
I am pretty happy with the new palette below but planning to add some softer, textured notes and grays to the mix in the coming months.
The Bunny Hutch fabric by Hunt Slonem for Lee Jofa has been really popular as has the FAUNA (the black spots) by Kate Spade for Kravet. The other coordinates below work with everything and the iconic CHIANG MAI DRAGON in SMOKE is so fresh in this new color way even though its from the 20’s.
Here is how the pillow collection is looking. You may shop the full BLACK & WHITE COLLECTION with all custom sizes at my website.
Ready-mades and bargains are ready to ship right away and available at my ETSY STORE
This is another palette I came up with that adds more color and vintage wovens and needlepoint to the mix.
This pillow is a vintage Guatemalan woven pillow with embroidery. I only have a couple left.
Pendleton Woolens in various black and whites are always a beautiful addition.
How fun are these fringe-laden pillows made from Pendleton Mill scraps!
RESEARCH
I’ve been looking at some of these fabrics below – what do you think?
SONORA adds a sophisticated boho vibe and some gorgeous texture.
This is more a natural linen color that also adds warmth and great texture to the mix.
VENTO
And here are some of the darker patterns I am loving right now:
CHAMBRAY in CHARCOAL on linen
AURORA DAMASK on linen
BINARY EMBROIDERY
OWLISH in BLACK by Kate Spade
EXOTIC BUTTERFLY in BLACK by Joseph Frank
ANTELOPES in JADE by Paul Poiret from the 1930’s
ANTELOPES in COBALT 
FANTASY FOREST has a vintage vibe that is fun:
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Nobody does black and white quite like http://www.asheleandro.com/
And, Nobody does black and white sketches quite like ALBERT HADLEY:
I love this black and white print:
FERNS LINOCUT PRINT by MAGPRINT on ETSY:
And is she beautiful or what?
From House of Fabulous
I want the butterfly dress:
GIFT ITEMS
I’ve also been adding some gifty items like this pouch using THE BUG CHICKS LOTUS Fabric for $14 for the holidays
and this SHANGHAI PEACOCK fabric in a glasses case below for $24
And this Clutch purse in Chiang Mai Dragon for $24
I hope you are warming up to FALL and getting ready for all the festivities coming just around the corner. We are about to start decorating for Halloween and planning to do a Day of the Dead shrine this year. Ill share it with you on INSTAGRAM
While Spring/Summer are my favorites, I love Fall but I start to get down about the rain and lessening of light for the next several months in Portland. Thanks as always for reading and let me know your thoughts about the collection.
ORC SPRING 2018 WK 4 – DINING ROOM MAKEOVER
WOODLAND MOTIF
I came across this Woodland Hush Pattern on ETSY last night and decided to go for it. I feel it is finally moving me in the right direction. It will be used on one wall behind the dresser as an ACCENT WALL. As much as I love a palm motif, the more I thought about it, it wasn’t a great fit for the Northwest. And I really had a number of other factors that made it difficult to achieve – costs, time frame, etc. The fact that it has a deer family featured that is a metaphor for ours: parents with twins, was nice, too. I found it while searching for an evergreen stencil and decided to use it for the accent wall behind the dresser.
This pattern is provided by:
and needs to be installed with a pattern roller
and a foam applicator:
I haven’t looked at a tutorial yet. One step at a time.
I still love this gorgeous palette by ABH INTERIORS
I also really love this wallpaper of swallow tails by JOHN DERIAN that I considered for awhile. What a pretty color palette.
WALL COLORS…
TREE STENCILS
This past weekend at the coast also provided some inspiration as I was studying sky colors and tree silhouettes.
And still thinking about adding a tall tree stencil or two, but will have to see how far I get after I finish painting the walls. It has to be done right and may be too much.
LIGHTING
I also selected the 9 LIGHT 2 TIER CHANDELIER by HEISS. I can’t seem to transfer an image of this off of their site so you have to go to this link above to see it.
It was a compromise. My husband wanted glass shades rather than fabric shades for the chandelier and after lots of searching finally found this one. It was a great price on sale at less than $400 including shipping. I think it is transitional enough to feel more modern yet still work in our 100 year old house. And the oil rubbed bronze it not too formal which suits our family.
UPHOLSTERY
I also think I am going to go with this leopard velvet on the chairs, because to me it is a durable neutral. I know there aren’t any leopards in the northwest and I know my husband will hate it, so lets see if I can get away with it…
So, I am painting this weekend and really hoping to finish. That’s where I’m at. Way behind and feeling a lot like this:
Be sure to check out the other GUEST PARTICIPANTS:
As well as the DESIGN STARS. We are getting down to the wire here folks.
Thanks for following along as always.
