Etsy Easy to Find Something New
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Have you ever wanted to buy something unique and special for your friend, girlfriend, mother and even boyfriend but was tired of the same staple items shown in DailyCandy, the Gap, etc.?
The answer to that question is Etsy. It's a site devoted to the buying and selling of unique hand-made, one-of-a-kind items such as jewelry, magnets, bags, paintings, etc. A friend of mine actually bought two incredibly cute-in-a-cool-way, figurines for her wedding cake. So understand, you really can buy most anything on this site.
Some of my favorites include cupcake magnets (absolutely useless, but totally cute), the mini turntables (which can be used as cupcake toppers), and the I write button. Ah such little joys.
The site features special sections like Showcase, featuring top selling items and also Under $15 items for everyday uses.
Another site that's a little similar and perhaps more unisexual is tanksandairpplanes but looks like they are still getting a little more organized. Keep this site on your radar, especially if you're looking for a new laptop case like me.
Happy shopping.
Labels: ArtsCrafts, ShoutsOfAdoration
New Gems: The Most Serene Republic's Population
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
My first listen with the Underwater Cinematographer album quickly became an instant favorite to the ears. But I actually discovered them from a remix they did of a Stars song, "Ageless Beauty" which was on my playlist for quite sometime. Turns out The Most Serene Republic and Stars are both on the Awesome Art & Crafts label with others such as Phoenix, Feist, and Los Campesinos! to name a few. I love female/male vocal harmonies, throw in a violin, a trombone, with several guitars & piano, and you get a really awesome experimental sound unique in several layers mixed with some pop and electronics. Population continues their progression of beautiful instrumentals and contains tracks carefully crafted where you can comfortably listen to the entire album without lurking in fears of a "not-as-good" song. It really sucks when you buy a CD that has only a couple of good songs, but NO MORE atleast with TMSR. Check out their past albums and you'll know exactly what I mean.
TMSR's HIGHLY HIGHLY anticipated new album drops Oct. 2nd, unfortunately/fortunately the album somehow leaked on the internet. If you already have it, and you dig it, show your love to these Canadians, by pickin' up the CD here when it drops, you'll be glad you did. Also be ready to mark your calendars for their upcoming tour dates!
Bonus: Stars - Ageless Beauty (TMSR's mix) from the Stars "Set Yourself On Fire" re-interpretation album. More from their myspace. Also check out other awesome artists at Arts & Crafts.
Labels: ArtsCrafts, indie, Music
Cure the early week blues with some therapy...
Friday, August 17, 2007
Art therapy that is. If you're already feeling that unmistakable, undeniable feeling of "blah" (which often accompanies Mondays) then it's time to bust out the paint, construction paper and markers. One of the best things I ever did during stressful times was take out a blank canvas and paint whatever I was feeling. Though I am no art history scholar, I believe this was the idea behind the works of Expressionists artists such as Edvard Munch and played a bit part in the philosophy behind Vasily Kandinsky's paintings (my favorite artist of all time). My little rendition is pictured above. See, obviously I don't have very much technique, which means anyone can do this. And feel good about it!
Some graduate programs exist in the U.S., such as Pratt in NY, where students are taught art (and dance/movment) therapy skills. They in turn, can bring these techniques to different settings, helping people in geriatric homes, special ed programs, eating disorder clinics, etc. to express themselves in a way that is personally healing and fulfilling.
So who said abstract had to be weird? It's theurapeutic and good for you and for the world. So if you're feeling blue, paint it.
Note: If you have a clean table to use and don't mind it getting a little dirty, finger painting with chocolate pudding makes a great, tasty alternative.
Labels: ArtsCrafts, ShoutsOfAdoration
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