sweet nothings 2011 - take one

while my st. valentine's cards wait to be addressed and posted in the mail, i hustled up a few gently priced delights to share with you today.

1 - meet shop toast's newest debut - the very playful smit-tin filled with heart-shaped arare and pink gumballs. ($7)

2 - patagonia's organic live simply tees always make me smile, and a sweet little whale adorned with a flower lei sends just the right message to the little girl in your life. ($25)

3 - berrysprite's crocheted ipod cozy bear will charm sweeties with a kawaii crush. ($13)

4 - add a hint of old timey romance with space moderne's pretty in pink take on its always lovely handmade felt brooch. ($22)

will you be playing cupid with your favorite sweethearts this valentine's day?

a handmade holiday

partridge in a pear ornament + ginko song wine pocket

it's been a bit too long since the last etsy day post, and, while scouting for holiday goodness, i discovered that space moderne recently re-opened its etsy shop after a long hiatus. lucky for us, momi, the baltimore-based designer behind all this felted loveliness, has introduced a handful of new designs and stocked the shop with past favorites just in time for the holidays!

our space is too small to squeeze in a xmas tree but the handmade ornaments would certainly add a modern bit of indie cheer to your holiday decor whether you will be gathering round a towering pine or opt to hang a simple, festive garland.

wine pockets made to be gifted (and re-gifted), playful ipod cases, and whimsical vases complete the collection.

mod dot indie trees

scully bird clutch

bubble ball ornaments

almost all of the featured designs are currently stocked in limited quantities in the space moderne etsy shop so do hele over asap to scoop up your favorites in time to enjoy them this holiday season. (the exception is the delightfully wintry bubble balls which are from last season so if you covet a set do convo momi to see if she has any hiding in her stash)

p.s. readers near baltimore have a chance to say hello in person over the next two weekends when space moderne hits the local indie craft show circuit. click over to the etsy shop for all the details.

sweet nothings roundup

with valentine's on the calendar for next weekend, enjoy a show and tell of lovely goods to add a little sweetness to your day!

1 - maui jewelry designer kira ferrer hand stamps a secret message in the you are loved sterling bangle.

2 - delight your keiki with the crochet cuteness of berrysprite's red velvet cupcake.

3 - simply embellish's valentine note set asks to be sealed with a kiss.

4 - champagne toasts get some extra sparkle via space moderne's handcrafted wine tote.

5 - decorate your love nest with lisa brodinski's sweetly titled photographic blossom.

6 - honolulu jewelry designer stacey lee's pink tourmaline drops dazzle with glittering gold leaves.

7 - sweet love tags by simply embellish perk up valentine treat bags.

8 - indulge in gourmet cheesecake bites without waiting to be buzzed to your table.

9 - lilikoi fruit tints honolulu cookie company's yummy chocolate dipped shortbread hearts.

10 - design lovely turns the traditional valentine into a hawaiian love note (print your own here).

11 - craft your own st. valentine's surprise with a swath of denyse schmidt's county fair fabric (the pear tulip medallion is a pretty hawaiian quilt dopplegänger).

12 - style your sweetheart in a long sleeved aloha shirt from sig zane.

13 - candy grams go gourmet compliments of sweet paradise chocolatier's handmade confections.

14 - for the family man - anje design's engraved washers keeps your 'ohana close to his heart.

15 - warm island wood inlays offset sturdy metal in hawaiian titanium rings handcrafted tribal collection.

happy hale*days 08: budget edition

shopping on a budget can be a challenge but you can still gift stylish and thoughtful presents without breaking the bank. scroll down for a few finds under $30 that will make for a happy surprise on xmas morning.

1 - machine machine designer shannon hiramoto offers hand stitched hats ($30) with a vintage twist. (fyi - the honolulu-based label is now stocked at shasa emporium)

2 - baltimore-based momi antonio-barnes of space moderne crafts gorgeous felt goods from wine pockets to this lovely blossom brooch ($20).

3 - all of lunchbox clothing's charming illustrated tees, including this cute pueo design, are now on sale for $10!

4 - the berrysprite workshop has been busy whipping up handy zip bags ($8/each or 3/$20) in a mix of sweet patterns.

5 - stash your gift in a reusable tote ($5) rocking a design by artist heather brown to support a plastic free haleiwa.

6 - stop by one of honolulu jewelry designer stacey lee's upcoming appearances to scoop up minimalist gemstone necklaces priced just right ($20).

7 - go kawaii with len & jen's adorable bags ($10) perfect for toting groceries and sundries home from the market.

8 - french-made barrettes ($22) by laurent olivier mimic the graceful curves of traditional hawaiian quilt designs.

9 - scoop up a copy of the just released honuguide ($15) filled with deals from eco-friendly local businesses that tally up to a cool $3500. (fyi - pickup available at tomorrow night's ecolounge at indigo)

sister act II - space moderne

money tree * monstera * danish flowers

space moderne is the etsy outpost of designer momi antonio-barnes who opened up shop on the indie emporium to offer her small but stunning collection of handmade accessories online. like her sister, momi left the islands to attend college on the mainland where she launched a well received jewelry line while still in art school. after graduation, she made a stopover in miami before landing in baltimore which is the home base for space moderne, the little design house where momi continues the family tradition of making beautiful objects.

like the mid-century designers who inspire her, momi follows the philosophy of form follows function with a focus on construction and design details. simple objects like wine pockets and luggage tags have a minimalist aesthetic and pops of color allow the pared down designs to really shine. everything in the shop is perfect for gifting although i must confess that i am completely besotted with space moderne's entire collection and find myself coveting one of everything.

blue bird ipod case

sea kelp pillow cover

vine linen tea napkins

hibiscus clutch * monstera ipod case

and, island design fans will be pleased to know that many of space moderne's accessories are available in a modern remix of hawaiian style. if something catches your fancy but has already been sold, simply convo momi with a request and she will be happy to make one just for you (custom orders are also welcome).

click over to charm city craft mafia for a behind-the-scenes peek into space moderne's world.