Snazz up your dorm room.

Back to school is just around the corner. And you know as well as I do, just as soon as summer vacation is here it's gone again quick as can be. It arrives even sooner for students heading back to college or leaving home for the first time. One of the worst things about college is the tight space they have to live in. But just because they have to squeeze all of their things into a tight spot doesn't mean they can't personalize it to make it their own. Creative planning and even more creative accessories make for an amazing space that spells fun even when homework is spelling disaster.

my corner of the shoebox, originally uploaded by ke_cupcake.

There's no time like the present to get a head start on shopping for back to school. Here are my top picks for handmade accessories from etsy that are sure to make a sad dorm room into a sweet one. 

1. Magnetic Pen, Pencil or Chalk Holder, $5 from Moore Magnets
2. Corona Cigar Pillow with White and Gold Band, $50 from Sofa Garden
3. Postage Lamp, $99 from Pilot Design
4. Sweet Fabric Potted Plant in Green Damask, $35 from Jane Joss
5. Hand Stamped Random Fabric Bookend, $34 from Joshua By Oak

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Modern Retro Eye Candy

Retro styles with a modern twist are a popular decorating trend right now. Their bright colors and fun designs make them the perfect eye candy for your home decor choices. From clocks to pillows and everything in between, here are just a few choices for accessorizing your home.

1. Polopolo Large Tissue Box Cover, $30 from Yokomono Studio
2. Set of 4 Coasters in Brown Retro Designs, $15 from Artis
3. Contemporary Cha Cha Bird Wall Clock, $32 from Kuzniart
4. 18 inch Lime Diamonds Pillow Cover, $17 from Meringue Designs
5. Vintage Mid-Century Modern Starburst Plates, $15.99 from Kibster Vintage
6. Circular Frame in Retro Blue and Brown, $40 from In the Frame
7. Mid-Century Modern Atomic Eggbeater Clock, $125 from The Sassy Crafter
8. Upcycled Mod Retro Jello Mold Hanging Pendant Light Fixture, $35 from Boots N Gus

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Tuck it into a case.

Cases are a part of everyday lives. We use them to keep our items safe or to store our goods. But just because they're a necessity doesn't mean they have to be boring. Here are a few fun, handmade cases that are both bright and beautiful!

1. Ones and Twos Pocketbook Slash Checkbook Wallet, $55 from Quiet Doing
2. Framed Lipstick/Lipbalm Case, $35 from Zest 4 Colour
3. Roses and Ring Pill Box, $18 from Deco Alley
4. Large Oil Cloth Makeup Bag, $18 from Lucy Blaire Creations
5. Hello Kitty Pancakes Contact Case, $16 from Deco Alley
6. Sunglass Case - Ovals on Brown, $30 from Oktak
7. Leather Eyeglasses Case - Double Leaves on Branch over Olive Green, $14.95 from The Fig Leaf
8. Card Cruncher Card Organizing Wallet in Black Mod Pods, $15 from Jenna Lou Designs

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Sparkling Bliss Handmade AquaMist Beaded Hoop Earrings Giveaway

Enter to win a pair of lovely, handmade AquaMist Beaded Hoop Earrings from Sparkling Bliss. This pretty pair of hoop earrings was designed and quality hand-crafted with loving care by jewelry artist Michelle Hynek. Created using an array of aqua blue faceted glass beads, each bead has been securely hand wire wrapped onto silver metal hoops. Size measures a little over 1 inches wide. Earrings are valued at $18.

Sparkling Bliss is run by designer Michelle Hynek out of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Her indie business evolved from her love for designing jewelry and creating wearable art. Each piece is made with great care to assure fine quality. She has been designing and selling her work, both online and privately, for four years.

When not in her studio, Michelle loves spending time with her husband of three years and their rescued kitty "Buckets." Though she went to school for dental hygiene, she realized that she prefers life as an Indie artist. Her love of crafing began when she took her first crayon to the wall and has been hooked ever since. In addition to jewelry making, Michelle also enjoys graphic design, and banner and collage sheet creation which she sells in her other  shop, Simply Banners.

To enter this contest, simply visit Sparkling Bliss and leave a comment with your favorite item from Michelle's shop. This contest will end on July 11th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. It is open to worldwide to one person per household ages 18 and up. 

For additional entries you may complete the following tasks for one additional entry each. 

1. Fan Sparkling Bliss (Sparklingtwi) on Facebook. Leave a comment with your Facebook username.
2. Follow Sparkling Bliss (Sparklingtwi) on Twitter. Comment with your twitter username.
3. Follow Sparkling Bliss' Blog. Leave a comment stating that you're a follower.
4. Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @soapdeli in your tweet so I keep track of your tweets. Leave a comment that you've tweeted.
5. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post.

Can't wait to win and just have to have something right now? Swing by Sparkling Bliss and use coupon code SOAPDELI in the notes to seller when you check out and receive 10% off your purchase. The discount amount will be refunded once you have paid or you may request a revised invoice. 

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Ever so white.

Who says white has to be boring? These handmade ceramic finds give white an interesting twist! Whether they're functional or decorative or just for fun, these pieces are not only vases and bowls and home decor but works of art.

1. Mint Magnolia, $60 from Villarreal Ceramics
2. White Sake Set, $66 from Bunny Safari Pottery
3. Porcelain Mixed Nuts, $45 from KG + AB
4. Small Textured Vase, $195 from Element Clay Studio
5. Medium Carved Bottle, $120 from Sara Paloma Pottery
6. Nesting Scallop Bowls, Crazed Copper, $150 from Element Clay Studio
7. Ceramic Eco Travel Mug - Babys Breath, $30 from Yevgenia

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Wedding Place Card Holder/Favor Tutorial

This tutorial was written by and is reprinted courtesy of Kat's Krafts.

Need a cute, fun, inexpensive idea for wedding favors/place card holders?

These fun embellished clothespin magnets are the perfect idea; they're super simple to put together and look great!
(Watch for them on theknot.com's upcoming do-it-yourself blog!)

Also, if you're not keen on doing-it yourself or don't have the time, I'd be happy to put together a custom order for you. Check out my etsy shop - katskrafts.etsy.com

Materials Needed

Clothespins

Magnets

Mod Podge

Diamond Glaze (or hot glue)

Decorative paper

Ink Pad

Ribbon (optional)

Scissors/paper trimmer

Small foam brush

Step 1

Trim decorative paper to just smaller than clothespin side. You will need 2 strips of paper for each clothespin. Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge along each side of the clothespin (using the foam brush) and adhere the paper to it, pressing out any air bubbles.

Step 2

Using an ink pad and a light touch, distress the outer edges of the clothespin. Allow to dry.

Step 3

Spread another thin layer of Mod Podge over the clothespin sides, to seal, making sure to cover all of the paper edges. Allow to dry. Apply a second coat, if desired.

Step 4

Adhere the magnet to the back side of the clothespin using Diamond Glaze (recommended) or hot glue. Press firmly until the magnet is secure, or the magnet will be attracted to the metal of the spring and may rip your paper. The best position for ease of use as a magnet is just above the spring. Neodymium magnets offer the strongest pull and can be ordered online from many reputable sellers.

Step 5

Tie ribbon onto the clothespin, or embellish any way you see fit! (Other neat ideas include rhinestones, a monogram, or silk flower with button center.) These work wonderfully as place card holders and are a fabulously fun and functional wedding favor!

Kat's Kraft's is home of the Wedding Cootie Catcher where you'll find fun and unique wedding favors, place cards, menus and programs.

Each cootie layout is as unique as the couple they are designed for. They are personalized with everything to suit each couple's theme from the paper (there are over 50 colors available!) to the font, the design, and the wording, to the outer names/images, etc. Personalized with questions about you and your fiancé, your guests will be delighted to get to know more about you two as a couple while they mingle with others. (ex.- Where did the bride and groom meet?) This is perfect for that time when they are waiting on you at the reception venue as you take those all-important wedding photos. Another fun idea is to use these as “dares” to get the party started! (ex.- Ask a stranger to dance.) Learn more about these unique and fun favors at Kat's Krafts.

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And the doilies ate my sofa..

When I think of doilies I think of the doilies used by my grandmother on the side table. I really had no idea that doilies could be used in such creative ways as they are represented here. These doilies are definitely NOT my grandmother's doilies. And they're definitely not meant to be hidden on a side table to protect it from being scratched by the living room lamp.

And the doilies ate my sofa.., originally uploaded by amyla174.

doily postcard, originally uploaded by carole-ish.

doily whatnots..., originally uploaded by dottie angel.

yellow doily dress, originally uploaded by pinning down clouds.

Not artistic enough to create your own keenly crafted doily project? Then check out the following handmade products created by other artisans who just so happen to have a knack for creating imaginative projects with doilies.

1. Doily Coasters, $14 from Uncommon
2. Handkerchief Linen Boxer Short with Cotton Lace Trim, $38 from Sandmaiden
3. Kirie 02 Bamboo Clock, $78 from Decoylab
4. Doily Mini Book Kit, $23 from Every Jot and Tittle
5. Yellow Linen Flat Bottom Zipper Pouch, $24 from Lou Lou Bell
6. Olive Green Summer Garden Pillow Cover, $42 from Tuuni
7. Crochet Doily Necklace, $22.50 from Handsome & Lace

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Upcoming events for soapy shopping opportunities.

This Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26th, 2010 Shades of Color will be in the lobby of the Sheraton Inn in Roanoke for the Business Women's Association from 7:30am - 4:30pm selling handmade shea butter soaps and shea butter and goat milk lotions from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. 

Additionally Shades of Color will be attending the Salem Fair this year. Look for Shades of Color in the Salem Civic Center at Booth 51 from July 1st to July 11th, 2010. Shades will be selling all current inventory at the Salem Fair from summer dresses to scarves as well as the handmade bath and beauty line from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. During this event the shop on Market St. in downtown Roanoke will be closed.

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RockABetty Beauty Eye Shadow Trio Giveaway

RockABetty Beauty is a fun and fabulous shop that sells handmade eye shadows and lip conditioners that are sexy, yummy, and good for you! All of RockABetty's products are skin-loving, non-toxic and safe. They only use the best ingredients, when creating their wares including naturally occuring micas and oxides, cosmetic grade (face, eye and body safe) glitters, and thick, natural butters. They also stay away from ingredients like Bismuth Oxychloride and chemical preservatives, both of which can irritate the skin.

RockABetty Beauty is run by a 27 year old with a healthy obsession of all things fabulous. With a love for creating her own makeup and a huge passion for color, she started making vegan mineral makeup when she couldn't find the right shade of black for herself. After in depth researching mineral makeup and ingredients, she began shopping around for the absolute best products to use to make her own eye shadows. Once her friends fell in love with the quality and fabulousness of her products, she decided to turn her hobby into a full time business. And that is how RockABetty Beauty came to be.

Ready to try some of these rockin' eye shadows? Through June 23rd, 2010 you will receive  a free Pot Sticker Eyeshadow Primer with the purchase of any 3 or more full size Lid Luster Eye Shadows from RockABetty Beauty. But even better, you can enter to win your choice of  any three eye shadows from RockABetty Beauty! That's an $18.75 value. To enter, simply comment with the choice of shadows you'd like to receive from RockABetty Beauty if you win. Additionally you may complete the following tasks for one additional entry. 

1. Follow RockABetty Beauty on Twitter. Comment with your Twitter username.
2. Follow RockABetty Beauty's blog. Leave a comment stating that you're a follower
3. Follow RockABetty Beauty on Facebook. Comment with your Facebook name.
4. Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @soapdeli in your tweet so I keep track of your tweets. Leave a comment that you've tweeted.
5. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post.

This contest is open worldwide to those age 18 and up and will end on July 5th, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. RockABetty Beauty - Where every gal's a pinup.

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A Bright, Bold Kitchen

Bright, colorful kitchens are becoming more and more popular. There's no reason for  this often used room not to reflect your own lively personality. This lime and turquoise kitchen designed by Jonathan Alder for House Beautiful takes the traditional white kitchen and then adds some punch with two fun colors not usually found in homes. I in turn found a few items on etsy that added a little twist on his selections.

1. Large Green Stem and Leaf Lampshade, $75 from Jeanne McGee

2. 12 oz. Cup Royal - Dodger Blue/White, $30 from Circa Ceramics

3. Diamond Pattern Milk Glass Vase, $25 from My Hanalie Home

4. Lime Blobby Bottle Stopper, $48 from Loki Monkey

5. Wishbone Chair Linen Cushion in Green, $50 from Treasury Designs

6. Lime and Turquoise Kitchen/Colorful Kitchens (2 of 28) from House Beautiful

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Plant a little love.

Gardening doesn't have to be a chore. Bring a little bit of green inside with these fun containers and easy to grow plants.

1. Matteo Cibic's Domsai Terranium, $150 from A + R Store

2. 50 Mixed Lithop Seeds, $8 from Plaid Pigeon

3. Tiny House, $14 from My House Party

4. Hen and Chicks Echeveria Succulent Hanging Terrarium in Glass Globe, $28 from Monkeys Always Look

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Drawstring Bag Tutorial

This tutorial is written by and is reprinted courtesy of Tangerine Kitty.

Shelby needed a small drawstring bag to carry part of her school project in so I thought I would do a drawstring tutorial while I sew the bag. Here is the finished bag:

Cute!!
So lets get started.

Supplies:
1 rectangle piece of fabric (size depends on how big you want the bag)
Ribbon (I use 2 yards of ribbon, cut into 2 one yard pieces.)
thread, sewing machine, iron, scissors
Safety pin
lighter or fray stop:

First before cutting any fabric I always wash/dry fabric, preshrink it.
Then iron it.

Okay for this bag I cut a rectangle the size of 14 1/2" w and 23"long.
Now fold it in half long ways....you should have a piece 14 1/2" w and 11 1/2" long now.
(You can do any size, smaller or larger!)

Iron again....

 To read the rest of this tutorial, visit Tangerine Kitty's Blog.

If you enjoyed this craft project, then be sure to check out Tangerine Kitty's shop for handmade purses, zipper pouches, key fobs, therapy pillows, aprons, fabric coasters, and more.

1. Lime Retro Medium Zipper Pouch, $9
2. Poppy Dots Therapy Pillow, $14
3. Brooklyn Handbag - Carnival Bloom, $36
4. Poppy Dots Magnets, $4

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A Little Spice in Your Home Decorating

Who says you can't be adventurous when decorating your home? I am absolutely in love with this fun, handmade cast iron bathtub couch. Not only is it functional but it's also a conversation piece perfect for a living room or den. Plus, the accessories you could pair with it are just endless.

1. Foldable Fabric Box, $17 from picciolo

2. Red Bird Retro Alarm Clock, $18.50 from Spirit Lala

3. Side Table, $750 from Wheeler's Studio

4. Honeysuckle Teal Blue Pillow, $24 from Wicked Mint

5. Ipanema Gourmet Coffee Sack Ottoman,  $170 from VelvetBean

6. Cast Iron Bathtub Couch, $1700 from Ruff House Art

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Fashion Forward

Exquisite handmade fashions to enjoy this summer season!

1. Coaba Top, $76 from Zelaya

2. Grey Grecian Yoke Top, $97 from LarimeLoom

3. Burgundy Wine Red Mini Dress, $49 from Patricia Valery

4. Jersey Shirt with Leaf Applique, $70 from Minx Shop

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Funky Monkey! Getting a Little Mug Action!

What better way to make your mornings bright than pouring that cup of java into a fun and exciting mug! These handmade mugs are wheel thrown with lots of love then decorated in exciting colors and designs to get you going no matter what side of the bed you woke up on!

1. Sassy Monkey Mug, $25 from Mud Fairy

2. Dog and Cake Coffee Mug, $35 from Barbara Donovan

3. Purrfect Black Kitty Cat Oversized Mug, $14 from Lenny Mudd

4. Vampire Ninja Sock Monkey Mug, $25 from Danmade Ceramics

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Orange Rush

Experience a summer rush of orange with these hot fashion worthy, handmade finds. Shop these dresses and accessories for a night out or just for fun.

1. Apricot Swirl Necklace, $610 from Scarlett Shoppe

2. Sweet Summer Dress in Cotton, $92 from Elvira Design

3. Tender is the Night Eco Friendly Bamboo Jersey Dress, $66 from Gina Michele

4. The Semi-Circle Wristlet, $25 from Pesky Cat Designs

5. Amber Landscape Earrings, $29 from KUKLA Studio

6. Summer Stacking Rings, $98 from Helene's Dreams

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Fashionable Aqua Accessories for Summer

Pools of aqua blue to remind you of something cool during the hot days of summer. These handmade accessories are both stylish and functional enough for everyday use.

1. Julieta Earrings, $84 from Elaine Haydon Jewelry

2. Tree Crown Earrings, $20 from Beauty Spot

3. Leather Mini Clutch in Aqua Blue, $32 from marketa

4. A Freshly Made Green and Aqua Upcycled Busy Jones Bag, $125 from Sparkly Jones

5. Aqua Agapantha Make-Up Bag, $10 from  Liesl Made

6. Midnight Luna Silver Adjustable Ring, $32 from caught red handed

7. Absolutely Aqua Vintage Celluloid and Swarovski Rhinestone Bauble Hair Pin Set, $36 from Originals By Lynnette

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A Crafty Weekend on the Roanoke City Market

It was a crafty weekend on the Roanoke City Market. The Science Museum of Western Virginia was offering free admission so there was face painting just outside their doors. My friend Linda Jo had her face painted in lovely shades of aqua blue. 

Here she is all made up sipping out of her jolly handmade mug. It has boobs. How fun is that!?

This is my friend, Dave. Dave worked on sewing a handmade gun holster while his wife, Kyle, sold their cheese platters made from recycled wine bottles. He's gotten quite good at his leather work lately and has been working on custom gun holsters, leather belts, and even leather purses for his wife.

Rudy Saunders worked on crafting a walking stick on the market while his wife Deborah sold some of their handmade jewelry, purses, and Rudy's handcrafted birdhouses.

Jerry took a break from selling his hand painted signs and cinnamon scented pine cones to play a game of solitaire. A sign stating "Running on Floyd Time" is a local favorite. 

This man, pictured above, is temporarily stuck in Roanoke and is trying to work his way back home to Florida by playing his songs. He was strolling the market on Friday taking the time out to sing for people who were willing to listen. Tips were optional. He swore to me he'd be famous some day and that he was going to copyright his songs. He played an awesome original for me called "Moonshine." He really is a sensational singer.

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Summer Style

Spring into summer with handmade, summer style! Here are a few of my favorite picks for looking hot while staying cool!

1. Ruffles Romantic Dress for a Hot Summer - Army Style, $75 from My Lola Fashion
2. Hei Halter, $75 from  L.J. Lambillotte
3. Organic Cotton Blend T-shirt with Petal Sleeves and Built Up V-Neck, $66 from Sandmaiden

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Lilly Queen Handmade Darlia Earrings Giveaway

I recently had the opportunity to interview Sara of Lilly Queen - a handmade jewelry shop on Etsy. Here's what she had to say about herself and her shop.

How long have you been crafting and what is the first thing you remember making?
Ive been crafting since as early as I can remember. I come from a very crafty family. My father can build whatever you need and fix just about everything. My mother is a watercolor artist, lampwork artist, and silversmith. My sister is also a lampwork artist and has her pieces shown in galleries all over Connecticut.

I first started making seed bead bracelets and selling them to my fellow 4th grade class. I also used to make those friendship bracelet out of embroidery thread and sell them at tag sales. I think Ive come quite a far way since those days.

How did you fall into selling jewelry?
Honestly I cant even remember. I think it all started with the friendship bracelets that we made at summer camp. Everyone always liked mine so I sold them for a quarter and it started catching on. Then people want custom ones, and beaded ones, and you name it I was getting "orders" for it. I guess it just stuck after that.

What are your favorite materials to use and what inspires your creations?
I love antiqued brass, its warm, its earthy, and for someone like me who hates to clean her sterling silver jewelry, you don't have to worry about it tarnishing. To me its also very shabby chic and romantic.

Inspiration comes from EVERYTHING, I don't think you can ask an artist (of any kind) what inspires them and get a straight answer. Nature inspires me, the colors of plants, foods, names of things...

Share one thing most people wouldn't know about you.
Just about 25 years old (June 25th is my birthday) and I still own my baby blanket and sleep with it ever night.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
My family :)

Sara has also been kind enough to offer up a pair of her earrings in a giveaway. Now through  June 25th, 2010 you can enter to win these delightful Darlia Earrings from Lilly Queen! The oval faceted glass beads of these earrings are looped to a czech glass clear round. These beads are then attached to a antiqued brass lever earwire. These earrings are approximately 2 inches long and are valued at $11. Contest is open worldwide.

To enter this contest, simply visit Lilly Queen and leave a comment with your favorite item from Sara's shop. 

For additional entries, you may complete the following for one entry each. Be sure to leave a comment for each additional action completed.

1. Tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to include @soapdeli in your tweet so I keep track of your tweets. Leave a comment that you've tweeted.

2. Follow Soap Deli News Blog. Leave a comment that you're a follower.

3. Become a fan of Lilly Queen on Facebook and comment with your Facebook username.

4. Follow Lilly Queen on Twitter and leave a comment with your twitter name.

5. Blog about this giveaway and leave a link to your blog post.

Can't wait to find out if you're a winner? Use the code SOAPDELI when checking out at Lilly Queen and you'll receive a 10% refund through paypal after you pay.

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Greenway Festival 2010

Roanoke is having it's first ever Greenway Festival this Saturday, June 12th, 2010 from 10am - 2pm along the Roanoke River Greenway. This covers Wasena Park, Smith Park, and River's Edge. There will be lots do with many educational activities for the entire family. You will also be able to enjoy free canoe rides, frisbee games, fishing lessons, presentations, live music and entertainment, as well as food and retail vendors. Shades of Color will be present for this event selling an assortment of soaps and lotions from Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen. So if you're in attendance for this event be sure to stop by and see what she what's available for sale!

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Handmade Luxury

When you think of handmade, you may think instantly think of crafts or baked goods. But the handmade culture is so much more than that. Handmade is also high end, luxury, and fine arts. Handmade is for everyone regardless of your income bracket or background. Following are just a few luxury items handmade by etsy artisans that I fell in love with.

1. Custom Handmade Luxurious Knit Capelet, $145 from Tickled Pink Knits

2. Large Whirl Serving Plate, $195 from Kim Westad

3. 18k White/Yellow Gold Ivy Leaf Earrings, $475 from Patrick Burt

4. Inessence Clutch Linen, Silk and Lace Handmade Purse, $86 from Plus 1 Design

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Shoebox Dollhouse Craft Project

This craft project was created by and is reprinted courtesy of Sparkle - Rama.

Shoebox House Complete 001, originally uploaded by sparklerama.

I'm making a dollhouse out of a shoebox.

I wanted to make a simple dollhouse that would be easy for kids to recreate (maybe with some help from an adult).

I'll share some of my process and tips along the way.

ShoeBox Dollhouse 001, originally uploaded by sparklerama.

I wanted to make a simple dollhouse from an old shoebox. (I think my hiking boots came in this box).

I wanted a 2 story house, so I added a floor/ceiling in the middle. 

ShoeBox Dollhouse 019, originally uploaded by sparklerama.

Painting the walls (I left the back walls unpainted as they will be "wallpapered".

Dollhouse Sofa (mini tutorial), originally uploaded by sparklerama.

Making a sofa for my "ShoeBox dollhouse"

Step 1

Make a sofa shape out of cardboard.

Dollhouse Sofa (mini tutorial), originally uploaded by sparklerama.

Step 2

Cover with fleece (or quilt batting, or an old sweatshirt).

I did not cover the seat part of the sofa with fleece as there will be a cushion there.

Dollhouse Sofa (mini tutorial), originally uploaded by sparklerama.

Step 3

Cover with fabric.

Dollhouse Sofa (mini tutorial), originally uploaded by sparklerama.

Step 4

Add a cushion and some throw pillows.

For the rest of this craft project, please visit Sparkle - Rama's full tutorial on flickr.

If you enjoyed this craft project or are just a fan of miniatures, be sure to check out  Sparkle - Rama's online shop for miniature toys, gifts and collectibles.

Featured above:

1. Micro Mini Tiny City, $18

2. Bear In A Box Tiny Pocket Friend, $25

3. Pretty Floral Dollhouse Pillow Set, $5

4. Micro Mini Tiny Birdie, $6

5. Bunny in a Box Tiny Spring Diorama, $21

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Doxie Love

I am all about my miniature dachshund. His name is Jasper and he is definitely one of the big loves of my life. He'll be a year old in August and he is just the sweetest and friendliest of dogs I know. For those of you who own a mini doxie yourselves, I'm sure you understand exactly what I mean. And that could be why there are so many handmade products out there in tribute to these adorable little fellas.

I found some wonderful products all dedicated to doxies in one shop in particular on etsy whimsically named Persnickety Pelican. I couldn't help but fall in love with these adorable finds. What about you?

1. Secret Garden Decorative Square Dachshund Pillow, $24
2. Summer Popsicle Doxie Whimsylicious Dachshund Coin Purse, $9
3. Garden Doxie Whimsical Woolies Felted Soap, $15
4. Doxie in the Garden Maze Set of Two Supersized Dachshund Potholders, $16

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