The July Inventory

It is so very uplifting to see raw talent. The era of the tradesman, my Grandfather's time, has passed us by. Or has it? Perhaps not everyone has a trade specific job title, but I would certainly call the makers of these fine crafts "masters of their trade". The true artisan may still have a day-job. Here is some inspiration for the times, a loud warning call that the discerning eye will not be trumped by the mass market. You and I know that the element of handmade or the independent works some psychological wonder in us, and we instantaneously feel rich and whole inside...regardless of whether the goodness and the science are really there.






I was downwind from the camp and the odor
of their soup drifted to me. These people might have been
murderers, sadists, brutes, ugly apish subhumans for all
I knew, but I found myself thinking, "What charming people, what
flair, how beautiful they are. How I wish I knew them." And all
based on the delicious smell of soup. 
John Steinbeck "Travels With Charley"

Cobra Necklace by Pamela Love - $195 at BonaDrag.com

In Dreams by Retrospect Photo - $25 on Etsy

Hand Dyed Tank by Hier Apparel - $45 on Etsy

Pyrite Crystal Hair Pins by Ball and Chain - $35 on Etsy


Fool's Gold is one of my new favorite semi precious stones.
Particularly if it is heavily faceted as in the case of these
hair pins. 

Sparkly Facets Silky Blue Necklace by MiniCyn - $67 on Etsy

Mermaid Straight Leg Yoga Pants by Purusha People - $66 on Etsy


Purusha has such amazing washes and dyes, very  professionally done.
And I adore these straight leg yoga pants, great for posture visibility
and your yoga instructor can more easily point out your unraised knee caps.
Sigh.

Mason Jar Votive Lantern by Pigeon Toe Ceramics - $30 on Etsy


A mason jar fad is sweeping through Etsy and I'm a fan.
Finding a Blue Ball jar at the Edison Granary was like
walking in on a little honest slice of America.

Vintage Brass Patriotic Card Case by Two Art Directors - $28 on Etsy

Lichen Embellished Purse by Elin - $92 on Etsy

George Washington Portrait on Etsy- No Longer Available

The Road by Al Brydon - $30 on Etsy

Bodkin La Nina Bustier - $185 on Bona Drag

I love Bona Drag.  I promise myself all the time that I will eventually
own something from them because their collections are so on the money.
This bustier is dyed using a Japanese Shibori technique.

Golden Heptagram Necklace by PoleStar - $68 on Etsy

Cardamom Marshmallows by Whimsy and Spice - $6 on Etsy

Etsy has a large variety of perishables with some very creative gourmet inspirations.
Try Rose and Vanilla, Fresh Strawberry and Dark Chocolate Marshmallows.

Bellows Silk Tank by Hier Apparel - $100 on Etsy

Prairie Pheasant Earrings by Owlita - $84 on Owlita.com


True, these are quite steep for feathers.  But I intend to make a much
more subtle pair for a fraction of the price (did you know you can get an entire pair
 of Hungarian Partridge wings for $4 dollars?) because the idea of
using rooster neck hackles is too good to pass up. The model above is
wearing two pairs...which is really like wearing two small birds. I admire
her courage.

Studded Capezio Ballet Slippers by Bona Drag - $48 on BonaDrag.com


Whether you do professional, recreational, or fitness dance, these
ballet slippers are sure to separate you from the pack...provided you don't
 mind the risk of a poke during your ronde de jambes.  Leastways, they
are unique...the practical application of this idea would be to make
a pair yourself...though it would be a little heartbreaking for me
to deface mine.