2014 Calendar Roundup

There's only a little over 3 months left in 2013, so that means it's time to start thinking about a new calendar for next year!  I've picked out just a few of my favorites to share with you.  Even with my smart phone, I still love hanging up a calendar and writing in meetings and dates. Don't you? Plus, it's like a rotating art collection for your workspace. Bonus!

2014 Calendar Roundup: (l-r, t-b)
oversized wall calendar designed by 1canoe2
flowers desk calendar designed by semi sweet studios
paris calendar designed by the paris print shop
wall calendar designed by mademoiselle yo

Get Organized by REorganizing in 2013 - Etsy Style!

1. Oak and Steel Desk by hedge house
2. 2013 Letterpress Calendar by one canoe two letterpress
3. Oatmeal // Wood Colorblock Container Cube - Leonamiana by sea and asters
4. Grass Mail Holder and Key Rack by Red Tile Studio
5. Stay Awesome Notepad by Toodles Noodles
6. Vintage Brown Gooseneck Desk Table Lamp by Anna Lou Vintage
7. Minimalist Solid Oak Wall Clock by Design Atelier Article

We opened our Etsy shop Pig and Fish in February of 2011 and thus began our adventure in the world of becoming an online retailer.  Our new home had the perfect layout for our studio and office - a wood shop in a separate building, a spacious finishing studio where pieces are assembled, and a beautiful office space with 9 foot ceilings.  So, here we are about to hit our 2 year anniversary and it's a perfect time to not only celebrate, but to also reflect upon what's been working and what needs to be upgraded.  I'm putting our office on the list.  Here's why.  Even though the space is awesome with a funky old metal filing cabinet, a handmade desk, printer, pens, paper, paper clips - something's still missing & I think I've figured it out.  I haven't 'owned' the space - meaning it's strictly a work space where I get the work done and not a personalized work space where I enjoy getting the work done.  See the difference?  For 2013, I want to work on making the space really cozy and welcoming - a space that encourages productivity, but also enjoyment.  I've created a virtual office with my selections, all of which can be viewed here.  

So, I'd love to hear about your office - is it functional, practical, inspiring??  Let's hear it!  

Dorm Wars on Etsy | On Campus vs. Off Campus

Can you believe it's August? I can with our sweltering heat. August has never been my favorite month for two reasons.
1. In Texas, it's just plain HOT. The type of heat where the AC must be on and fans are a must have. Go outside and it's even hot before the sun comes up.
2. Back to School. It's been a few years since I have had to fill up my backpack and go and buy some used text books and I can't say I really miss it. If only Etsy had existed when I was college student!

I feel that I was pretty lucky back in my college days to have lived off campus. I started my college life in an apartment about a mile from campus and I never looked back. 

For those living ON campus, Caroline from a Dark Ride shares her Dorm Style.
Basic Black +  a Pop of Color

1. Vintage Desk Lamp | LoVintageFinds
2. Porcelain Pendant | LandMStudio
3. Tote Bag | BayanHippo
4. Vintage Quilt | PaisleyMagic
5. iPhone 4 case | AmandaRaeK
6. Vintage Alarm Clock  | TimelessFindsVintage
7. Air Plant Pod | seaandasters

Whether you live on or off campus the key to making your new space work is making it feel like home.  Etsy makes it easy to take your space and make it your own and on a student budget no less. Being stylish doesn't mean spending lots of money. Always invest in solid basics (couch, bed, dining table) and then have fun with your accent pieces and accessories.

Jenn of Palimpsestic takes us OFF campus to a studio apartment.
A hint of mid century elements + red, white and blue palette keep it fresh and inviting.

1.  Vintage Eames Chairs | castandcrew
2.  Pendant Light | FiligreeCreations
3.  Desk Caddy | TheDesignPallet
4. Blue Car | TheParisPrintShop
5.  Mail and Key Holder | PigandFish
6. Letterpress Coasters | redbirdink
7. Screen Printed Pillow Cover | ClothandINK

So who won this Dorm War? I think both options are great since they are budget friendly + transitional. Both of these designs can evolve with you as you hone your decor style.  I can't stress enough how helpful Etsy + non-dialup internet would have been back when I was a freshman.
Remember the most important thing in design + decor is have fun!

 

The Office Collection: Etsy Father's Day Gift Ideas

It's almost June and that means Father's Day is just around the corner.  Are you still searching for that perfect gift for Dad?  Relax.  We are here to help you shop for one of a kind gifts for that one of kind guy.  Whether he has a private study at home or prefab cubicle in the corporate world, he will definitely appreciate any of these office must haves. These unique + functional gifts will put a smile on his face and actually be put to good use ( no ugly ties or socks here). Father's Day is June 17th. Click here for more Father's Day gift ideas: Father's Day Finds.

My Office picks for Dad:
Dad Coasters | One December
Desk Caddy | The Design Pallet
Genius Mini Pennant | Palimpsestic
Smoky Bay Fiber Art | Homesteading Roasters
Rio Mail Holder | Pig and Fish
Vintage Desktop Cabinet | bonnbonn

An Elite 16 Welcome: Etsy Shop Cloth and INK

Current Shop Favorites:

1. Printed Organic Pillow $41

2. Tea Towel Set $22

3. Organic Storage Basket $28

4. Hand Printed Eco Pouch $16

When was the last time you went for a walk in nature or stopped to really observe your surroundings?  Urban + natural landscapes inspire the drawings that become the basis for the designs used in the home decor products found in Helen's Etsy shop Cloth and INK.  But Helen's love of the environment does not stop with inspiration alone.  She is committed to sustainable practices and uses environmentally friendly inks which she uses to hand print her unique designs on organic hemp + cotton.  By using single color prints on these natural materials, Helen's product line has a fresh + modern feel.  From lamp shades, throw pillows to zipper pouches - bring home a stylish new look that feels good from all angles!

Learn more: http://www.cloth-ink.com
Friend Helen: http://www.facebook.com/clothandink
Follow Helen: http://twitter.com/#!/clothandink
Get Blogged: http://www.thedesignhatch.tumblr.com

NEW solutions to Organization!

Organizational solutions are a welcome addition to any home environment because we all know - if you live in a space, you're bound to have 'stuff'.  Let's face it, 'stuff' is what makes life fun...until it gets out of hand and starts behaving like a chaotic mass of color, texture and form.  But you don't have to let 'stuff' become chaos - you can give it a home within your home so you can all live together in harmony.    And when you're feeling overwhelmed - make a list!  It's all about being organized.  Has the 'stuff' in your life become such a roadblock that you don't even know where to begin?  Not to worry - let us help  you navigate the many cool organizational solutions on Etsy with some hand picked items!   Just click on any of the items below to begin your journey to organizational bliss.  Cool!

RIO: retro modern mail lette... PIGandFiSH $55.00	Recycled Metal and Magnet Ha... TheSteelFork $8.00	Bird Pottery Rustic Straw Br... OceanSwept $22.00	LINOCUT PRINT - ORANGE Radio... thebigharumph $20.00
Vintage Stamps Bookmarks / G... broleskine $4.50	Chalkboard Paper Weight - Na... littleshopofph... $7.50	Day Planner blue Fleur des L... nauli $17.00	upcycled bookcover chalkboar... lauraclauson $14.00
Vintage Wire Form bonnbonn $9.00	chalkboard blocks from recla... MeMakeStuff $5.00	Linen Box Dandelion on Nubby... hoganfe $29.00	Vintage Industrial Metal Fil... lovintagefinds $26.00
LA PRINTERS FAIR Preview- Sa... PrintMuseum $35.00	Adjustable Journal Bandolier... cleverhands $25.95	Chalkboard Tablet: Reclaimed... PegandAwl $22.00	teak roll top storage contai... AMradio $29.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Magnetic Spice Rack - Aqua B... saltcityspice $24.00	1980s Notions Container Dentwood $6.75	3-Tier Desk Organizer Caddy ... seelamade $45.00	Kitchen Hook Board bluebirdheaven $52.00
ALBUS: contemporary modern w... PIGandFiSH $55.00	Industrial Toolbox/Caddy lovintagefinds $49.00	Set of 3 Crocheted Storage B... maricatimonsin... $24.00	box Kitten Kitty Cat linen B... hoganfe $30.00
ForgetME Not Notepad Clutch ... modmomME $25.00	UPCYCLED: hanging wall stora... sterlingtrails $40.00	Vintage wooden rustic organi... AnnaLouVintage $18.99	Primitive Rustic Wood Egg Cr... bonnbonn $41.00
Chalkboard Jar Collection TheVintageParl... $28.00	Fabric Laundry Bin, Containe... preciouselaine $23.00	Dusty Green Suitcase Side Ta... RusticDuck $95.00	Wood Rustic Chalkboard Drawe... missebis $55.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.