Playing with Numbers

Now that dreaded tax returns have been filed, here's a collection of marvelous finds from etsy.
Actually, it was not fun "playing" with those tax numbers, but I enjoyed creating this playful collection.
You can check out these items and see what a wonderful mix of handmade, vintage and supplies that these Etsy shops offer.

What's an Etsy Treasury?

Etsy treasuries are collections that feature various Etsy shops and their merchandise. Customers and Etsy shop owners may create a collection of their favorite items or create a themed collection to let others learn about the many fabulous handmade items offered on Etsy. It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many wonderful artisans offering such a fabulous array of handmade goods in addition to some vintage items.

Featuring Robin's Flight

With a talent for crocheting and sewing, Robin of Robin's Flight opened her shop on Etsy to offer her lovely and unique bags, wallets, organizers, and card or gadget holders. What began as a hobby eventually evolved into Robin's Etsy shop. Like the robin in the children's book, Ickle Bickle Robin," Robin decided to "fly" on her own and explore the world of creating and offering her handmade items in her own shop.

Robin loves to crochet and sew and also finds the process of creating patterns and designing enjoyable. " I like the pattern creation most-- putting it all together and watching it turn from yarn and fabric into something functional and pretty." Of the many items that Robin has created, among her favorites are an espresso and cream belted bag and the red and brown buckle handle bag that also serves as her avatar. They have a classic appearance and are unique at the same time.

As a shop owner, Robin's love of crafting, organizing, and being flexible are qualities that help to strengthen her success. "My ability to go with the flow lets me be flexible and not get too bent out of shape when things don't go the way I expect, in my shop and in life in general." With that kind of optimistic attitude, Robin's Flight should soar! You can see more of Robin's crocheted and sewn merchandise at Robin's Flight on Etsy.

Gyotaku, Art of Japanese Fish Printing

Gyotaku is the ancient art of Japanese fish printing. Japanese fisherman would make prints of their fish as a record of their prized fishing catches for the day. Gyo means "fish" and taku is "rubbing." The fish is inked and traditionally was printed on thin washi paper. Besides being a letterpress printer, I also am a paper maker and have tried my hand at making gyotaku prints on my handmade paper, but my initial results were not very promising. Today, there are many gyotaku artists who reveal the awesome beauty of fish and other sealife through their work. The photos above are gyotaku prints from Etsy shop owners: GyotakubyNaoki ( http://www.etsy.com/shop/GyotakubyNaoki) and Odessa Kelley (http://www.etsy.com/shop/odessakelley), and fishfanatic (http://www.etsy.com/shop/fishfanatic).