Fabulous Etsy Finds: Valentine Gifts

Oh Etsy how do I love you, let me count the ways.  One) You are always unabashedly yourself.  Two) Your quirky style helps me discover interests I never knew I had.  Three) You encourage creativity by providing a marketplace foe artists from all walks of life.  Four) I can always find something with you that brings me joy for less than $20.  Five) You make Valentine's Day more beautiful with your funky, cool awww-inspiring finds.  Have a look at a few lovely creations that I want to give/get this Monday.

Vintage Pale Rose Ring



$22



Yoda In Love Card

$3.50

 Love Birds Necklace

$18.50

Lovey Owl Print

$10

Yes Or No Slap Bracelet

$25

Rustic Barn Carving

$12.50

Initial Ring

$18.99

Mustache Glasses


$26

Valentine IPod Sleeve

$10

\

Friay's Fab Etsy Finds: Retro Roses

When I think of rose-themed jewelry, it reminds me of the accessories that I use to wear in grammar school. Those irreplaceable treasures that I would wear to bed every night. Even though they probably only cost a few dollars, they made me feel special and girlie and just plain pretty. And maybe that's why this fashion is making a comeback. The classic rose takes us Generation Yers back to a simpler time when all we had to worry about was how to work a Pogo Bal and what time Saved By The Bell came on. Whatever the draw is, I'm hooked. Its elegant playfulness allows the rose motif to work with almost any outfit. But like anything totally 80's, having a unique touch is the key to making its retro allure work. Luckily when it comes to individuality, Etsy's got you covered. Here are a few finds that will have you rocking it like its 1989.

Vintage Inspired Rosebud Earrings

I could wear these little beauties every day of the week. They come in a variety of colors, but I am digging this rich red hue. They are individually handcrafted from polyclay and sell for $13. Right now the seller, Mr. Jason, is offering a BOGO on all of his earrings.

Rose and Glass Beads Necklace

There are so many color and style variations to choose from on this necklace. The ivory and turquoise struck a chord with the vintage lover in me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but for some reason this piece reminds me of the movie, My Girl (one of my childhood faves). And I imagine that it would make me feel just so dainty and feminine. It comes with matching glass earrings and sells for $44. As an extra bonus, shipping is free.

Olive Roses Antique Brass

I daydream about wearing this sunny little bracelet. The roses are soft and delicate while the metal is fun and whimsical. And the sheen from the beads dresses the whole thing up. I love the oversized, ornate details. So often bracelets tend to lack the pizazz found in other articles of jewelry. This one sells for $15.

Antique Brass Adjustable Ring

This bubble gum hued ring makes me want to throw on a Debbi Gibson record and dance my heart out. I can't help but smile every time I see it. The warm pink tone and the fluttery petals seem like they can melt away any gloominess that's bringing down your day. It sells for $10.25.

Wedding Trends: Bouquet Decorations

Now we move onto a truly pretty element of the wedding: the bouquet. Today I'll only be talking about the bouquet decoration. As weddings become more original and couples take more charge with their own DIY touches, each detail of the wedding is becoming more ornate and thought out. Proof of this is that bouquets themselves have decorations now. They can span from simple white satin ribbon enveloping the flower stems or more intricate designs including feathers, pearls or photographs. Designs are differing greatly as originality and uniqueness abound. No matter what though, the overall trend is a return to classic elegance and intricate, yet simple designs. It's a rejection of clean cut modernism and a new emergence of old-fashioned simplicity and delicate beauty.

One piece finding its way into the majority of bouquet adornments is jewelry. This is a wide field, but because it is a classy occasion, usually only high-end and sentimental jewelry is used. A classic item now being repurposed for the bouquet are pearls. They make for a beautiful decoration that match any color and most designs. Obviously, it would be hard to pull them off with fabric such as linen, but anything is doable if you use some ingenuity and true design expertise.

Another classic and sentimental element returning is the brooch. I think I love this adornment the most, because it can work on any color and on minimal or ornate designs. It's also an old-fashioned touch that never goes out of style and a perfect way to add your 'something old'.

A new way of incorporating jewelry into bouquets is to simply tie a small bracelet around the bouquet. It can be gorgeous if done well. Bracelets with hearts dangling from it around your bouquet will only add to the sweetness of the day and the simple elegance of the ceremony.

As originality increase, so does the use of new decorations. One design beginning to become popular is the use of feathers. This is a new and truly unique bouquet design, and actually has quite and old-fashioned feel. It beckons the feel of the days when boas and feather headbands were popular in the 1920's. For a very classic elegant feel, this is a great option.

Lastly, no matter what the theme of your wedding is, be sure to include the season into your motif. If you incorporate your bouquet in this, use elements specific to the season (and possibly the location). For spring, use flowers that are in bloom. For summer, a homey, unique option is to use small amounts of wheat. For fall, use leaves changing colors or dark berries. And for winter, consider using pine branches, ornaments, or ivy. The season doesn't need to rule wedding motifs, but it shows consideration for your date and location to use elements of both.

As I said above, bouquet designs are increasing in originality all the time. One thing that I've realized above all is that regardless of motif or wedding colors, white always wins. The majority of bouquets that I see involve white lace, ribbon or other fabric. I love seeing new ideas, but also homage to traditions. This may be due to the return of old-fashionedness, but above all, for bouquets, the trend is white in some way. A truly imaginative bouquet would be to find a new way to include the traditional white, but that seems almost impossible :-)

Bouquets are one of the details of a wedding that is entirely the design of the bride, and is becoming a showcase for her personality and style. Use ideas, but truly use your originality to make them your own, and just remember that white and elegance never go out of style.

Want to see your wedding highlighted on Inspiring Pretty? Just submit it to us for review here. Then be sure to check out our new Wedding of the Week every Saturday!