Heaven Sown loves Etsy!

We hate to say it, but we're just recently learning about Etsy. Yes, we've been living under a rock evidently. ...and for those of you who have been under a rock as well, per the 2nd gospel, http://www.wikipedia.org/ , Etsy is

is a website which provides the general public with a way to buy and sell handmade items. The site follows in the tradition of open craft fairs, giving sellers personal storefronts where they list their goods for a fee. It has been compared to "a crafty cross between Amazon and eBay"

There's a magnanamous variety of vendors selling hand made items that are unique and beautiful, so we thought we'd offer them some exposure here. From custom jewelry and fashionable bags to cloth diapers, invitations and monograms, you can find it all on Etsy.

Custom Silouhette Stationery

Decadent Designs Stationery

Yes We Can Canvas - GeeZees

Next to do....discover twitter and what the hoopla is all about. Stay tuned.

Add a little extra flair to your holiday tables!

Of course, red and green hues are customary this time of year. We like to change things up every once in a while and offer a little twist on the common, as Booker T Washington once said, "doing a common thing an uncommon way..." Here's a glimpse at one of our most recent holiday corporate events that we actually created the decor for. Coppers, silver, golds, and bronze shades...all warm wintery shades with just a touch of flair. The great thing about enjoying the holidays in 2008 is that there are sooo many color combos to choose from...so now you can coordinate your ornaments with your ribbons and wrappings, we can now all look like Martha! Let your imaginations run wild!!

Brown Paper Packages tied up with Strings...

Yes, these are a few of our favorite things! Don't you just love looking at all of the great gadgets and gifts out there for our perusing enjoyment? Even if you don't want to purchase, they're so fun to look at! So, as you try to find gifts for your loved ones and acquaintances that you don't quite know what to purchase for, here are a few options for you! Your child's awesome teacher

$:Custom stationery packaged witha pretty pen and stamps!...they seem to be the few people left in the world willing to write a casual note from time to time.

$:A nice office supply gift card so that he/she can purchase much needed supplies for the class. A friend who's purchased a home recently $:A baking pan filled with great goodies: papertowels, dishtowels, unique cooking utensils (think can opener, cheese slicer, potato peeler or masher), and your very best recipe cards inscribed on paint card samples (idea from Real Simple). $$: Keurig Platinum Coffee Maker + K Cups The great thing about this coffee maker is that its sheek, it makes coffee for your friends guests, even if the potential owner doesn't indulge, and is great for teas and cocoas as well.

Keurig believes that " the perfect cup of coffee means something different to everyone." So they've designed a system that offers tons of different "K-Cups" varieties so that you can enjoy your favorite flavor one cup at a time. Officemate / Casual acquaintance /Snack-Lover

Fairytale Brownies has some slammin' tasty victuals that will make ANYone happy to recieve. With flavors like Peanut Butter, Toffee Crunch, Espresso Nib, and Raspberry Swirl, your most difficult decision will be which flavor to choose from. To eliminate additional overboard debate, we suggest purchasing a sampler of their "magic morsels" or their Brownie Bunches for larger quantity discounts so that you can split up and package say, with a mug and delicately wrapped in cellophane paper...and no one would ever know the difference! They even offer a sugar-free option. Friend who likes personalized items Vinyl Thought provoking wall words gift certificate to tickle their fancy: $: There's a plethora of sites out there who produce these. Here are some of our faves: From Etsy: PopVinylStudio and Wonderful Graffiti:

and SingleStoneStudios, also featured on Etsy:

A new baby:

$: Cushy and unique, functional and reversible bib and burpcloth sets....what more could you ask for?!

$:Adorable long johns Tech savvy Techie

Beautiful Swarovski Crystal for everyone on your holiday list. I'm loving the USB memory key and the Ziggy ring. Happy shopping! USB memory key disguised as a lock. Polished stainless steel and Silver Shade crystals set in Ceralun(TM) with slide-out and hooking mechanisms. For 1 GB of data (about 250 songs or 1’000 photos) with password protection, high-speed USB 2.0 interface.

Susie Homemaker Desperate Housewife $: A certificate for baby sitter hours (where she can select the date and time) so that she can get out and attend to much need errands or pampering. What mom wouldn't want that!? $$:Williams Sonoma Greats! Adorable Chef-In-Training Robe Melamine Puzzle Tray Personal Embosser Acord Cakelet Pan Your lawn guy who makes your yard the envy of your neighborhood: $: A gift card that he can turn right back around into his business is always great appreciated. Lastly, but not least, for your wonderful husband in preparation for your NYE date night: $: Murano Cuff Links $$: Donald Trump Watch

Susie Homemaker Goodies

Just in time for the holidays, a few tips and treats that even YOU can implement for your own tabletops and buffets! We're all looking for not-so-labor-intensive designs that are festive and fun, so we thought we'd ablige you with some easy ways to embellish your home over the next few weeks.

Fresh Fruit Topiaries

You will need:

• 4-inch dry foam sphere or 12-inch dry foam cone

• Pedestal or footed container

• Florist clay

• Box of wooden toothpicks

• 1 bag of fresh cranberries or 2 1/2 pounds fresh kumquats

• Sprigs of nandina

• Gardenia leaves

To make: Step 1: Secure the round foam topiary to the footed container with florist clay.

Step 2: Starting at the bottom of each foam core, insert toothpicks spaced to size of the fruit.

Step 3: Pierce the fruit onto the toothpicks.

Step 4: Continue piercing the fruit until each foam core is completely covered.

Step 5: Add leaves to the top and bottom of the topiaries for desired effect, inserting the stems into the foam core.

Photo Credits: Fruit & Berry Topiaries

Candy Cane Vase

You will need:

• Glue gun

• Tall drinking glass

• Box of large candy canes, individually wrapped in cellophane

• Red ribbon

To make:Step 1: With the glue gun, gently glue a candy cane to the exterior wall of the drinking glass, pressing gently for 10 seconds to set in place.

Step 2: Continue this process until the glass is completely covered with candy canes.

Step 3: Tie the bright red ribbon around the glass and secure with a dot of glue

Photo Credits: Candy Cane Vase

Festive Mantel Decor

Spruce up your mantel for the holidays with evergreen garlands and clear glass containers filled with bold cranberries. Step 1: After filling the vases with cranberries (or small ornaments) add candles on top to create a pretty glow. Step 2:Take things further by suspending a galaxy of large ornaments. Pushpins in the ceiling will barely leave their mark. Step 3:Simple white stockings add to the crisp and sophisticated look of this festive hearth.

Photo Credits: Festive Mantel Decor

Evergreen Candles

What You Need: • Glass hurricane candle holder • Evergreen pieces • Spray adhesive • Pillar candles

Step 1: Prepare the glass surface by cleaning it with window cleaner. Then select any flat evergreen pieces you would like to use. Coat the greenery with spray adhesive.

Step 2: Wait a few seconds for the adhesive to get tacky and then attach each piece to the container with the ends hanging from the bottom of the container.

Step 3: Allow the greenery to dry for a few minutes. Then trim the bottoms with sturdy scissors, floral snips, or garden shears.

Photo Credits: Evergreen Candles

...and lastly a few more simple ideas who have an excess number of ornaments!

Photo Credits: Better Homes & Gardens