Spotted: Film & Fashion

In shades of grey: 1. and 3. Self-portraits (Esther from the Sticks) 2. Petit Ami (Elephantine) 4. In my heart of hearts tank (Neena Creates) 5. Mini vintage photos of Capbreton, France (La Pomme)

Love: Astier de Villatte

I know I've been pretty terrible about filling you all in on my recent trip to Paris. The whole experience was eye candy overload, and it's definitely taking me sometime to process it. However, I absolutely cannot wait to share my favorite shop with you any longer.

Astier de Villatte was hands-down, the MOST amazing, made-for-me store I've ever walked into. Think wispy, white ceramics so delicate and beautiful they're almost poetic, handmade notebooks, lush perfumes, scented candles and myriad other "fait main" treasures

I imagine if you read this blog we must have a few things in common, so the next time you are in Paris, you must, MUST, stop in this store. Trust me, friends, this is infinitely more enjoyable than dragging yourself up the steps at Notre Dame or fighting gum-chewing tour groups for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa.

I walked out with a few beautiful ceramic cups and bowls imprinted with pretty things like a greek-inspired crest, a pencil thin sunflower and a bohemian hobnail pattern -- and my favorite purchase -- the loveliest little ceramic bird who sits here at my desk with me.

Astier De Villatte
173 Rue Saint-Honoré
Metros: Palais Royal, Pyramides, Tuileries

Handmade Notebooks from Ruth Bleakley

Every design lover I've ever met has had a penchant for a great notebook. A penchant for jotting down ideas poolside, at midnight, or in the grocery line just seems to be one of our many wonderful quirks. Right now, I'm loving book artist and illustrator Ruth Bleakley's hand-bound, and hand-stamped creations. Shop here.

Retail Love: Loaded Trunk

It's easy to get disenchanted with the "global" look -- how often have we seen traditional crafts practiced over centuries -- amazing works of art you had to buy a plane ticket to get -- turn into mass-produced trends available at any Crate & Barrel?

Yes, the replicas can look pretty, but the specialness is gone. At the same time, there's something to be said for accessibility. That's why I completely adore Loaded Trunk, a wonderful boutique and online shop that purchases beautiful handmade goods from local artisans at a fair price, but saves you the $2000 plane ticket and three-day hike to get to them.

There's a lot to love in this shop, but my favorite things would have to be the magical Mexican bedspreads and the Turkish tinned copper.
(Mexican Bedspreads)

There are also richly dyed Turkish rugs, Indonesian ikat, vibrant Suzani pillows and cool and creepy Indonesian shadow puppets. Shop here.

(Indonesian shadow puppet, Turkish tinned copper, Thai cobra stapler, Yao ceremonial scroll)

Etsy Fave: Bird and Bear

Do you ever come across something that you love, but you can't fully explain why you love it? That's how I feel about these pretty embroidered linens from Etsy seller Bird and Bear. I love the simple sentiments and the wear and tear on the vintage linens, but there's definitely something else that I can't quite put my finger on.

These pieces are definitely on the pricey side, but seeing as each one is an original hand-embroidered piece of art, I think the prices are fair. Too keep it from being too granny-chic I would probably pin them inside a white shadowbox.

My Big, Fat, Hand-Crafted Valentines Day Roundup

I know it's not even February, but I'm already crazy-excited about Valentine's Day. Not just the fluffy, romantic stuff (although I do love a nice V-Day dinner date), but also about the cute tokens of affection I get to send to love ones.

To me, Valentine's Day is about more than celebrating your relationship with just one person (or however they celebrate the day in isolated polygamist communities --hair braiding competitions?), it's also a great time to say thank you to the people who make every day awesome.

I'm not huge on expensive store-bought gifts for this holiday. I prefer to get away for the weekend, or to receive something sentimental and from the heart. That's why I am smitten with the adorable valentines below -- they're sweet, thoughtful and almost one of a kind. What more could you want? Did I mention how cute they are?

Vintage:
Clockwise: 1. 1880s Valentine (Forgotten Papers) 2. and 4. Props from Bright Star 3. Circa 1920s Children's Homemade Valentines (Pink Grapefruit Style)

Pen and Ink:
Clockwise: 1. Custom Calligraphed Letter (Via Paddington) 2. and 3. Custom Love Letter (Linea Carta) 4. Regency Valentine with Swallows (Hello Handmade)

In Stitches:
Clockwise: 1., 2. and 4. Embroidered Valentines. Fave is "Elephant Shoe." Remember that?? (Pink Mist Industry) 3. "Be Mine" Cross Stitch and Embroidery Sampler (Julie Ellen)

Make, Bake or Grow:

If you're feeling really ambitious, nothing is sweeter than a valentine made by you. All are Martha-approved craft ideas. 1.Heart-covered Wax Paper for Baked Goods 2. Heart-Shaped African Violets 3.Quilled Valentine Cards 4. Paper Heart Wrappings 5. Quilling Stationery 6. Seed-Starter Valentine

Crafty:
Clockwise: 1. Be Mine Milagro Heart Ornament (Paloma's Nest) 2. Banner Necklace and Valentine (Monkey Puzzle) 3. Arrow Candy Container (D.Sharp) 4. I Adore You Bouquet (Emerson Made)

The Best of the Rest:

Clockwise: 1. I Love U card (Smith Letterpress) 2. Love all Lovely Card (UpUp) 3. Conversation Hearts Flamingo Postcard (Garden Angel) 4. Set of Six Arrow Cards (Stern Illustrations) 5. Ten "Do You Like Me?" Mini-Cards (Sweet Harvey)