Flea Market Madness

My name is Felicia and I'm a flea market addict. There, I said it. What's worse is I got my husband hooked too! There was a time before I injured an ankle that my husband and I would spend most every Sunday at a Southern California flea market. The first Sunday of the month was the Pasadena City College market, the second Sunday was the famous Rose Bowl flea market, the third was the Long Beach Flea Market (my personal fav), and the fourth was our Sunday to rest (unless the Ventura Flea market was going, of course). I swear, it was the only thing that could have gotten my butt out of bed before the sun was up! But with my inability to walk for long distances my flea marketing days are, if not completely gone, then seriously dampened. Thank goodness for online shipping and Etsy! I've found many vintage goodies shopping on Etsy and within the CCCOE there are a number of sellers that specialize in vintage alone (CCCOEr's - make sure you tag your listings with CCCOE Team). Here are some goodies I've found recently while browsing through the Vintage section: This vintage Mexican tooled leather purse in KMalinka's shop takes me back to summer vacations spent with the aunts in El Paso. They used to cross over to Juarez to buy these (back in the 60's when it was still safe to venture there). If I were more of a purse person (backpack, anyone?) I would totally have this one in my arsenal. Many times the best vintage finds are those that you no longer use for their originally intended purpose. This camera has a great silhouette and is a sculpture in its own right. Carried by SlothArt. Alyssa of Oldetymenotions is a great supplier of antique buttons and other vintage goodies. I used to collect antique buttons once upon a time and I'm sure if I hadn't gotten over THAT addiction that I would have been Alyssa's best customer. Alyssa not only sells the antique buttons but she creates wonderful jewelry from them.

Dustdesignco uses a circa 1950's Los Angeles Transit Authority token in a way the original commuters never dreamed would look so good. I wonder if these were for the iconic "Red Car" my mom used to talk about.

I love when vintage components are used to create contemporary pieces. Nan of Nansglam uses a vintage skeleton key to good effect by creating a necklace with a sense of mystery.

This post was contributed by CCCOE member, Felicia of Maid of Clay Ceramics (in her very first blog post EVAH

Lucky Magazine March 2011’s minimalism “What I want now!” page is what inspired me to blog.  Sleek and to the point is where fashion is pointing us this spring and I thought I would give it a little CCCOE team spin.

Hoop Earrings Handmade in Argentium  by Aubepine

Elegant and understated these earrings illustrate minimalism perfectly.  No fuss, just gorgeous jewelry. These earrings will class up any spring outfit with a touch of class and sophistication.


Pleat Purse by salvageshop

This purse screams minimalism.  Clean lines and muted color create this one of a kind purse. I love that the seller uses salvaged leather, this was once a upholstery sample and now it is a sleek and chic purse that was meant to be seen.

Man Bowl - Licorice Glaze by Shula (ClayMystique)

Understated, dark, and simply gorgeous, this bowl is another one of my favorites.  No frills, just simple. Named the man bowl; this woman cannot wait to get her hands on it. 


Minimalist Wedding Dress Organic Hemp, Bamboo or Cotton Jersey by Murielle (MurielleKnitwear)

As I was researching this topic I was happy I stumbled onto this dress.  I spent last year wedding dress shopping with my now sister-in-law and everything I saw had too much going on....this does not;  to me it is perfect. Simple and elegant it lets the bride shine. 


Black Onyx Stretch Bracelet - Spin the Black Circle by AnKaLi

Once again the item showcased is simple with not a lot going on.  Monotone in color, no clasp, nothing is there but the Black Agate Beads that create the Bracelet. 

The author, Carrie of  AnKaLi Designs is a resident of South Pasadena, CA. She enjoys bead weaving, jewelry design, photography, skydiving, and spending time in the California sun.

Chocolates and Roses

It's in the stores. It's in the ads on TV and the radio. It's almost inescapable. Valentine's Day is coming.

It's time to buy chocolates and roses for your sweetheart...

What would be better than chocolates? How about chocolate-scented soap? Try some by Bathing in Luxury, The Skin You're In, and A Slice of Delight.



Or better yet, chocolate-themed jewelry might be just the right thing. You can find earrings from La Dona Boutique, a ring from Vintage Fusion Jewelry, or a bangle bracelet from cserpent Designs.


But what's Valentine's Day without roses? I prefer the kind that live forever like these: a choker by BunnyBear Designs, a necklace by Willowglen Workshop, or a crocheted ring by Simpletruths.



Or how about some other rose-inspired items? Here are some lovely candles by Forest Candle Studio, rose covered coasters by Ree Creates, or rose magnets by Perfectly Paper.

One of these is sure to be the perfect gift for February 14th.

All pictures link back to the items on Etsy. Today's post brought to you by Liz at Zizi Rho Designs.  

Travel Blues

Getting that restless feeling yet? Thinking about some far away place? Well here are a few picks for those of you who get the travel bug now and then   ............

Eiffel Tower bracelet by DesignsbyTami

This beautiful cuff bracelet by DesignsbyTami brings us to Paris France. A resin art piece of jewelry made with an image from a vintage Parisian travel postcard in a soft mint green color ...... Ooo la la

Venice Italy print by Photopia

What about romantic Venice Italy, this gorgeous 8x8 fine art photography print is titled "Merchant of Venice".  This is only one of many prints of Italy that you will find at Photopia from San Francisco.

Llama earrings by Tania Cavenecia Torres

These colorful llama earrings take us down to South America. A pair of vintage hand painted ceramic beads from Peru with llamas and the Andean sunset behind them .

China print by LeeSmith

 A 12x18 fine art print of China in amazing colors. A reconstructed digital painting done with painting and layering. Lee Smith has other colorful abstract photography from her travels.
 

So I hope one of these places inspires your travels and if you'd like to take a closer look all pictures and links are clickable

Love Is In The Air

Whether you love it or dread it, Valentine's Day is fast approaching. If you are looking for a gift for you honey bunny or simply an excuse to treat yourself, check out what the CCCOE Team has to offer: For Her: Red Heart Valentine's Day Ring by pila1290 You're Cute Conversation Heart Necklace by LoveYourBling Card Holder-Black/White/Hot Pink by ocstylescreations For Him: Recycled Stone Brewery Beer Bottle Glasses Mixed Set by bottlehead Cash Register Key Of Your Choice Cuff links by KD Design Studio Pocket Wallet Pouch-Chocolate Tweed by jackandbeedesigns. May you spend the day with someone or people you love!

Happy Birthday Aquarius!

Hi! This is gonna be the start of my new monthly series, hope you enjoy it! If you are celebrating a birthday and can relate to some of the characteristics let us know by leaving a comment! Aquarians are born January 21 thru February 19. They are symbolized by the Water Bearer. The Water Bearer is a sign of hope for the future which is perfect for Aquarians as they are interested in making the world a better place.

Repurposed Game Tile Charm by backroomcreations

Aquarians are very strong thinkers and good problem solvers. They are straight forward people and very opinionated. Their colors are electric blue, bright pink and grey. Aqua blue colors promote their earring potential.

Sterling Silver Charm Necklace - Blue Wish by kynerasjewels

Aquairans love to be surrounded by friends though they also appreciate the opportunity to be alone to recharge. They are very independent and enjoy traveling.

Luggage Id Tag-Blue Flowers by jackandbeedesigns

There are two sides to the Aquarian. They can be shy, sensitive, gentle and patient or they can be enthusiastic and lively with a tendency to be exhibitionists.

Two Hearts as One - Black and White Necklace by NiteOwlStudios Famous Aquarians include Mozart, Oprah Winfrey, John Travolta, Michael Jordan, Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

Naturally Beautiful in California

Hello! My name is Gwendolyn Garcia, and I am known as shop owner GwendolynForever on etsy! This is my first time writing a blog for the CCCOE Team! Since I make and sell handmade herbal skin care in my etsy shop, I decided that this would be a great opportunity to get to know others on my team who are interested in pure and natural skin care products, too! In a team of 600, I was bound to find some lovely products, and here they are! Sacred Water Soap Company An all-natural soap that will sooth and soften without irritating sensitive skin. Calming Lavender scent is derived from all natural pure essential oil, making this soap the perfect way to start your day! Tanza Botanicals A pure and gentle facial salve made with herbs and essential oils that are known to Sooth, Nourish, and Restore your skin gently. Yogurt base ensures gentle exfoliation and moisture. Perfect for dry or mature skin.

Pacific Paradise Soap

Salt and Sugar scrubs are wonderful, because they leave your skin so soft and moisturized that you don't even need to use lotion when you're through! This all natural scrub is made with super skin nourishing oils and is scented with all natural lime and ginger essential oils, making it an uplifting and luxurious way to start your day! Skin Your In This product is a great way to end a stressful day. Coconut milk for a moisturizing soak, Colloidal oat for skin soothing and smoothing, and Buttermilk and Goat's milk for gentle lactic acid exfoliation, skin-friendly fats and proteins, and pH balancing for happy skin! Available in two scents: Vetiver Bay & Lime, or Lavender Vanilla! Aroma Fields Goat's milk is great for the skin: It contains fats and proteins that are easily absorbed by your skin, and it produces a very low-alkaline soap, making it more pH balanced and good for your skin. The end result is a soap that will not irritate even the most sensitive of skin. This unscented Goat's Milk Soap is perfect! Scent By The Sea Enjoy one of these exotic and inspired scents by Scent By The Sea. A wide variety of hand-crafted perfume oils to transform and transport your senses! This lovely perfume boasts "a straight magnolia/white floral shot with a green herbal chaser" and is blended into an unscented oil base! Lovely! I hope you enjoy this selection of natural products hand-crafted by various member of the CCCOE Team! Until next month!!!