What girl doesn’t love a bit of glamour? Especially when it doesn’t cost and arm and a leg.  This week I’ve put together a collection of a few of the shiny baubles I’ve been eying off on Etsy.  The most expensive item in this group comes in at a whooping US$45 – that’s a bargain!

1.  Clear Sky Ring 2.  Volatile Earrings 3.  The Queen Ring 4.  Handmade Swarovski Ruby Fuchsia Drop Earrings 5.  Vintage Glam Red Jewel Sterling Silver Earrings 6.  Volcano Swarovski Crystal Ring -

Do you ever have one of those weeks where you feel like the universe is conspiring against you?  I’ve just had one of those weeks.  It’s been horrid!

Work has been hideous and drama filled, I’ve had to go for one of the worst possible infertility tests I can imagine and the results of those tests haven’t been great.  It’s meant that all week I’ve been looking forward to Friday with blind abandon.  Not because anything special was happening on Friday; just because it meant that my work week was over.

I cannot explain the relief of driving out of the work car park on Friday and heading for home.  On the drive home I daydreamed about getting home, changing into my jim jams and climbing into bed with another great book from Kinley MacGregor and forgetting all about the week that was.

Turns out the universe wasn’t done with me just yet… Thinking nothing could raise my spirits from the funk they were in I hadn’t counted on getting mail.  I got home to find a parcel on my doorstep and overseas mail in my mailbox.  Score!  Nothing makes me as happy as receiving mail!

Last week I had ordered lettering for the sides of my Derby helment.  I wasn’t expecting to get them until the middle of next week… at the earliest.  But here they were, waiting for me.  Yippie!  I grabbed my helmet, prepared the surface and stuck them on.  I love them!!!

I ordered them from Frank’s Sister on Etsy.  I was nervous about ordering them without being able to see them, but Frank’s Sister didn’t disappoint.  They look perfect.  They’re in great condition and are exactly what I wanted.  I’m so happy.  I can’t wait to hit Derby training on Sunday and show them off!

(I just noticed myself in the reflection of the helmet… lucky I had pants on!!!)

Time to turn my attention on to the parcel.  It was from Victoria Mason; artist extraordinaire.  I have been in love with Victoria‘s work for well over a year.  I even featured her work in a Friday Fancy last year.  But I hadn’t made the leap to buy a piece yet.  Then I saw her latest creation featured over on Kootoyoo.  I wasn’t lucky enough to win the necklace on offer, but I did have access to email and now I had Victoria‘s contact details I thought I would take a punt and get in contact with her to see when they would be available.

She was amazing.  Really friendly and helpful, just wonderful.  I feel really blessed that I was able to order one of her prototypes.  I expected to have to wait for ages to get one as they are so new, but no I was able to order one straight away.  Then a double shock – it arrived on Friday.  I wasn’t expecting to see it until next week.  I opened the parcel and fell in love.

This photo doesn’t do it enough justice.  It’s absolutely stunning.  It sparkles.  The detail in the crocheting is amazing.  Just beautiful.

I’m so happy with it, especially because it’s a combined birthday gift from my parents and HUBBY.  I feel like it’s something that I’ll be able to cherish for years to come and hand down to our children.  It totally made my week.

Needless to say I still got into my jim jams and climbed into bed with another great book from Kinley MacGregor; just I did it with a smile instead.

On Tuesday night I passed my White Star♦ assessment for Roller Derby.  For me, passing my White Star assessment is massive so to celebrate I’ve found some Roller Derby inspired items for today’s fancies.

1.  White Stare Recyclery 2.  Super Derby Roller Skate Teatowels 3.  Roller Derby Hand Stamped Necklace 4.  Whip It Necklace 5.  Roller Derby Skate Tattoo 6.  Roller Derby Words

♦  There are official skill levels in Roller Derby to help maintain safety in the game; they’re called Stars and the white is the first level star.  There’s four levels of Stars at this stage.  The next Star I need to pass is Yellow.  Yellow Star means that I’ll be able to start serious contact and basic scrimmaging.

1. Wren’s Nest Studio 2. Bornagain Books 3. Made by Plushka 4. Alison Jackson Jewellery 5. Prim and Pretty

Today Miss Alivicwil and I got up bright and early and headed into Shop Handmade‘s Grand Opening.  I’ve been quietly anticipating the opening of this store.  Being the sucker for handmade that I am I couldn’t wait to get in there and see amazing products up close and personal; and it didn’t disappoint.

The shop space is light and airy and full of wonderful displays. The staff are amazingly helpful and full of smiles which just makes the shopping experience even more enjoyable.  It’s a great space.

Photos courtesy of Shop Handmade

The store was still in party mode from the opening night event that was held on Thursday night.  There was even a selection of delectable handmade goodies from pARTy cakes.  I was dying to have a shop handmade cookie and it was bliss.  It literally sparkled.  I’m seriously considering putting in an order of my own.  Totally yum!  Alivicwil got to realize her dream of having Persian Fairy Floss, or as one of the lovely ladies compared it to ‘camel hair’.  (In consistency *not* taste!)

Alivicwil and I both purchased ourselves little treats.  I picked up two delightful buttons from Made by Plushka – a little hedgehog and a squirrel.  If I wasn’t on a shoestring budget I totally would have gone nuts in there.  In fact, I’m already planning my return trip.

So if you’re in Canberra and looking for something special head into Shop Handmade, you won’t be disappointed!

Shop Handmade is located on City Walk in Canberra’s CBD, Allara St on the corner opposite The Canberra Center.

This week I’ve found a new online store to spend hours drooling over artist items; Supermarket.  It’s a similar principle to Etsy, only it seems to be trying to grab that designer yuppie dollar.  I spent a fair bit of time cruising the site and I noticed a lot of cross-over from Etsy.  But it’s still worth checking out, and so today I bring you five items from Supermarket that I’d love to add to my stash.

1.  Galactaray II Raygun Print – Inspired by the first CRDL bout of the 2010 season; 2010 A Skate Odyssey.  I love the bold brash colours and the icon geek item.  It’s very cool.

2.  Leather Origami Ring – This ring is so cool and it’s made of leather but looks like ribbon.  Every handshake would be like a present.

3.  Hookmaker – This is so cool and I have a long list of things that I would love to use these to do in our house.  Imagine a big wall of these.  It would be so cool.

4.  Numbered Pool Ball Ring – I adore this ring.  The colours and the fact that it’s made from an actual pool ball carve it’s own place in my heart.  I would love one of these… if only I could find the US$160 it costs.

5.  Poison Ring – I want this ring.  It’s so cool and reminds me of The Phantom.  I would love this so I could mark all my enemies. *wink*

Image source: Lovely Mariquita

How gorgeous are these felt animal brooches from Lovely Mariquita?  I want them all!  These so many variations and styles to choose from, this is a mere handful of all the ones I would love to give a home to.

I think it’s the cartoon style eyes that really make them special.  They remind me of a teddy bear I had growing up.  If I only had to pick one item I think it would have to be a deer… although the raccoon is cute.. and so’s the little squirrel… and the birds… Oh don’t make me pick just one!

For those of you living under the rock Alice in Wonderland opens in cinemas this week and I cannot wait! It’s been awhile since I got excited about a movie coming out and I’ve been waiting for this one for months.

And it seems I’m not the only one.  All over the internet there are homages to Alice in Wonderland popping up from Etsy to Cakes to blogs.  One of my favourite blogs, Confessions of a Net Addict, has put a wonderful spin on the topic.

Turning her wonderful style and talent to the task, Miss Addict has developed looks inspired by each of the characters.

These collections are funky and cool and all the great things in life.  The colours are bright and vibrant and totally reflective of the traditional look and feel of Alice in Wonderland only with a modern stylish twist.

I love them all and would kill to be able to wear a third of the things listed.  (Not to mention afford them!)

If you, like me, are lusting after all things Alice in Wonderland at the moment do yourself a favour and head over to Confessions of a Net Addict!

Thanks to Miss Addict for permission to use her wonderful collection.

Here’s my favourite Handbags and Shoes from Anthropologie. I’m loving the mix of bold colours with the always fashionable black. It’s a mix of office smarts and beach side casuals. Hope you enjoy.

A. Pigtail Hobo B. Stone Skiffing Hobo C. Javanica Tote D. Foliage Unfolding Bag E. Necktie Tote F. Midnight Sky T-Straps G. Carved Celadon Heels H. High Seas Wedges I. Peek Through Petals Clogs

Wanting something that glitters?  Or maybe you’re just looking for a stylish way to be sun smart. These items from Anthropologie might be just what you need.

A. Frozen Facets Brooch B. Jeweled Stream Necklace C. Unabashed Parrot Earrings D. Conte Crayon Wrap E. Drops-of-Night Posts F. Rubus Flower Necklace G. Topiary Hat H. Padgett Cap I. Hexagonal Bloom Bucket Hat

With the weight coming off I’m starting to eye off some fashion pieces I would love to add to my collection. I love how Anthropologie have put a modern twist on some vintage classics. I’ve even managed to find a stylish version of the flanno shirt, although it still might be too upmarket for the likes of Queanbeyan.

A. Zardozi Aari Bolero B. Rippling Pond Jacket C. Vanilla Bean Blouse D. Cecily Tunic E. Into The Night Blouse F. Sprinkling-Of-Pink Jacket G. Buds & Stripes Top H. Vermillion Flurry Blouse I. Pleasantly Plaid Buttondown J. Floating Fronds Blouse K. Look-Sharp Tunic