Handmade Finds:

Well, since it's a celebrate-me-and-Natalie-and-America kinda week, I found it only fitting that this week's handmade finds were all inspired by my ever-so-slight longing for my home state, California. Any of these pieces would make a fine new addition to my home (or to Micha's back ;)!

Clockwise from top left: Miss you CA print by Hands workshop | California bear men's shirt by Zen Threads | Spiky Desert print by Nature and Urbs | CA flag tote by Sleep Afternoon

Handmade Finds: Stripes and Florals

The spring weather totally has me in the mood for stripes and florals. Here are a few handmade goodies that feed my craving, two for you, two for your home.

Stripes: I've been hunting high and low for new striped bedroom storage (to replace the classy giant Ikea bags I've stuffed things in) and a decent sized stripey bag to replace my current gym bag (since I carry it around with me so often, I'd like something a little less...bright pink and bulky), and I like the look and size of these cute striped storage containers and this shoulder bag. 

Florals: I'm totally lusting after this ranunculus ring but worried that I still may not be over my ring aversion (I definitely OD'd on them as a teenager in the '90s so rings make me feel about 13-years-old); and I'd love to gaze merrily at this calming tulip print when hanging around home on a warm, sunny spring evening.

Clockwise from top left: Storage basket by Alexia Claire | Ranunculus ring by Aarre | Striped shoulder bag by Bagy Bag | Tulip print by JK Photography

Handmade Finds: Nicole Uxa Kids

So in this week's edition of handmade finds, I absolutely have to tell you about the cutest new shop that our friend, Nicole, recently opened on DaWanda. Well, she's a very good friend of Emily's, so I like to think of her of my friend too. Plus, she has an awesome name. And is a pretty freaking fabulous seamstress, if I do say so myself. I fell in love with the little shirt she gave Emily for Charlie at her baby shower, so I was delighted to hear that she was opening a shop of kid's clothes!

Without further ado, here's Nicole Uxa Kids!

Clockwise from top left: girl's pink monkey shirt | boy's red train shirt (I love the little buttons!) | sweet heart hat (customizable!) | flowers-and-polka-dots bib with sleeves (isn't that genius? bibs with sleeves!)

I may have gone a bit overboard with the exclamation points, but wee little colorful things do that to me... I already have an item or two in my shopping bag to order for our next friend who's baby is due in February. So if you like fashionable kids and supporting small businesses (she makes it all herself, isn't that incredible?), go check out her store and put in an order! (and pssst! Shipping to the US is also very affordable and really wouldn't take too long to arrive at all - a couple weeks after shipping date, based on my extensive package-sending experience.)

Also, that's Nicole's adorable little girl, Maya, modeling most of the clothes. Isn't she just the cutest thing? (You may recognize her precious face from her appearance at Em's baby shower.)

Handmade Finds: Valentine's Treats

To start the weekend off right, here's a little round-up of a few goodies I found that could add that extra little touch of zazzle to an upcoming Valentine's Day soirée/date/evening in.

1. Who could resist the blunt sweetness of this print? {by The Big Harumph}
2. Wee crocheted hearts to spread the love around. {by Petite and Cute Design}
3. A love letter that can never be forgotten. {by YuCan}
4. Go ahead and tell that special someone what you really want. {by 5280bliss}
5. A cozy way to up the romantic factor of your morning coffee routine. {by Knotwork shop}
6. A sweet little card for those with good manners. {by the tigapigs}

Handmade Finds: Pops of Neon

 Ever since our neon Thanksgiving bash, I can't quite seem to shake my obsession with the neons-and-neutrals color combination. Each time I think I'm over it, new neon goodies pop up to beckon me back into a world of brightly colored bliss. Here a few Etsy and DaWanda picks I've had my eye on lately.

I wonder if I should just suggest painting our pink wall neon so we could commit to the color combo once and for all. My not-so-color-loving German boyfriend couldn't possibly say no to that, could he...?

Clockwise from top left: Mokka print by Mengsel Design | Berlin necklace by SNoU | Pillow by Pillowation | Regal chair by Jeux de lin

Handmade Finds: Winter Coziness

It's no secret I love grey anything (except weather) and these cozy, grey handmade goodies really caught my eye lately. I'm a sucker for anything that'll help keep me (especially my hands and feet) warm on chilly winter days and for bags big enough to stuff extra gloves and scarves in to make sure I won't freeze during my Christmas market visits.

Bag by Milloo | Wrist warmers by Kare Knits | Blankets by Samantha Holmes | Slippers by Ploonk!

Handmade Finds: Baby Room Prints

With friends all around me announcing pregnancies and showing off baby bumps (I think of this hilarious quote every time!), I've been thinking a lot about good baby shower presents. After all, I'm determined to bribe my way (with both presents and love) into favorite-aunt status with some upcoming little ones, so I have to start sucking up to them and their soon-to-be mommas early.

I find handmade items from small shops make the perfect presents for such an occasion, which is why I love scouring Etsy for ideas. And if you live anywhere in Europe, don't forget to check out DaWanda too. It's like Etsy for Europe (only not quite as sleek) and is particularly useful when you no longer want to deal with those awful customs fees that tend to sneak up on you when a package from the US arrives at your doorstep. (In Germany, the customs fee is a whopping 19%, which particularly hurts when you have to pay it just to receive a Christmas gift your mom sends you.)

All that to say, I'm thinking of doing a regular post series here featuring handmade goodies I find on Etsy and DaWanda for those of us who can't get enough of discovering new shops.

To start us off, here are some lovely prints I've been oggling that would make cute additions to any baby room.  

Whimsical, sweet, and colorful. Just what you need to win over a wee one's heart.

Clockwise from top left: 1) Alpine cow from Sally Boyle Applied Graphics; 2) I Love You So Much... from Yellow Heart Art; 3) Little Red Riding Hood by Sandra Ortuño Illustration; 4) Sail Boat by Urban Tickle.