A little obsessed with...{ lavender }

Ever since I picked up this fabulous lavender sea salt spray, I can't get enough of this yummy scent. Check out some of my recent finds:


1. If you get headaches, then stock up on this soothing, lavender scented balm from Cozy Moments on Etsy. Just rub a little on your temples and drift away into a relaxing sleep.
Headache relief balm, $5.50 for a 2 ounce container.

2. This hand-wrought silver locket not only has a beautiful image of lavender on the front, but it's filled with a little tuft of real lavender, so it smells as good as it looks. Perfect for everyday wear.
$155 from Jean Designs on Etsy.

3. Obsessed is an understatement for how I feel about this super tasty, farm-made, lavender pepper. Since it arrived at my house, I've been using it on everything- fish, pizza, eggs, pasta, salads. It's made from a blend of rosemary (another one of my favorites), basil, parsley, and of course, lavender. Get yours from Blossom Farm's artisan herb shop on 1000 Markets.
Lavender Pepper, $4.49 for one, one-ounce container.

4. My successful gardening experience this summer makes me want to keep growing herbs through the winter. I added this aromatherapy kit from Red Envelope to my list of must-buys.
Aromatherapy kit with lavender, chamomile and lemon balm, $44.95. Includes white pots and organic soil.

A little obsessed with... { rosettes }

I think I may have taken my obsession with rosettes a little too far. I have three nearly identical shirts in three different colors (see Silence & Noise top below). But I can't help it. This feminine trend is all over the place- on runways and celebrities (pictured above left and middle, Koi Suwannagate Spring 2009 RTW and Sarah Michelle Gellar, far right), in stores and best of all, in the hands of some very talented emerging designers and indie artisans.

A few of my favorite rosette picks:



Top (left to right):
Clustered Petals Dress, $188 by Shine at Anthropologie
Tattered Cosmos Sandals, $118 by Miss Albright at Anthropologie
Rosette bubble top, by Silence & Noise, in stores at Urban Outfitters

Bottom (left to right):
Your Dream Wedding necklace, $79, by Flora Bond on Etsy
The Gypsy Clutch-Hip and Funky Day or Night Floral Delight-Flower Rosette, $34,50 by Bohemian Gyspy on Etsy
Romantic Gathered Shirt, $79 by Mimi's Designs on Etsy

A little bit obsessed with artisan lampwork glass

I really love artisan lampwork beads. Really, really, really. I stumbled upon them a little less than a year ago while perusing for jewelry supplies in the pages of Etsy. I was immediately captivated by the intricate, swirling colors and designs created by such talented artisans. So, of course, since I was on a supply hunt, I snapped up a bunch of these delicious beads (see a small selection from my collection in the picture to the left).

Most of my collection consists of borosilicate beads. Borosilicate, more commonly called boro beads, are made of Boron, a very hard glass that can also include a variety of metals. Boro glass creates extraordinary bright colors and it appears especially saturated in natural sunlight and less bright indoors. But whether in natural or artificial light, boro beads are fantastically beautiful and talented lampwork artisans bring out their most vibrant shades.

For more about boro beads, visit the Artbead Divine Jewelry blog on 1000 Markets where Mary of Sandcastle Jewels writes a very interesting explanation. For a history of lampworking, visit another blog post on the Artbead Divine Jewelry blog by Sharon of Bijoux Jardin.