The Gypsy's Pinwheel

GYSPY MIA

2008-02-25T17:44:00.001-08:00

As promised page correction's are to be stared as of 3.4.08 with a bulk post to follow. As most of you know all content as of now has been posted as rough draft only. With the high rate of reader's I will be up to par by the first week of March.

-Gyspy

To your health- items that center your body and mind

2007-11-30T21:51:00.000-08:00

What a crazy world we live in today! Just thinking about it can drive you nuts- so I'll spare you and get to the good stuff, oh do we have good stuff! Relax, make a cup of tea, get cozy and ready to read- I have found the products that will put your mind at ease, and your wardrobe woe's!

What more could a girl ask for than a store filled with goodies aimed to center your mind and body, not to mention center your fashion chi? Not much more I say! Well a lovley lady by the name Danielle is bringing you all this and more just one click away at the Pixy Patch. Click the link to visit and keep reading for more info ---> http://www.pixypatch.com/index.html

Pixy Patch is a great resource for herbal bath and beauty items along with hand made hippie clothing. Getting back to nature starts here!

Herbs have a multitude of medicinal purposes ranging from the occasional upset stomach to aiding in the cure of some diseases. Danille has used her knowledge of herbs to bring you quality items aiding in the banishment of headaches and cramps along with great body products to help you look and feel your best. One sniff of her delightfully patterned headache pillows, filled with a blend of organic rosemary, lavender and peppermint will have you back in the game in no time flat. Her hot/cold packs containing a blend of lavender, flax seed and rice will sooth sore muscles, calm painful cramps and even keep your bed warm when those cold nights come calling.

Your body is a temple and the Pixy Patch has the items to treat it as such. Try the bath teas to add aromatic skin softing goodness to your water. With such a variety of blends your sure to keep one as a staple for years to come. Not sure what you'll like? Try all 5 blends, it's only $3.00 per, each good for one use. Once you find the one you just can't live with out, stock up on a jar good for 6-8 baths for $15.00. Can you say spa night?

The Pixy Patch also offers high quality bath salts! Comprised of Dead sea pink salt and Hawaiian red sea salt (Alaea salt) this product help smooth and regulate the moisture levels of your skin, promote healing , providing pain relief from eczema, psoriasis, rheumatism, arthritis, and muscle strain. For more specific information on why this bath salt is claimed to have several healing effects, please see the bath salt page. Salts available in the following aromas- patchouli, cranberry vanilla, peppermint, lavender, sandalwood and creamy orange. Price- Single use- 3.00, Full size- 20.00

Another way to use salt to promote health is by using it in the form of a scrub.
From the pages of the Pixy patch- "Salt scrubs are a circulatory stimulant that removes dead skin cells and dirt, leaving the skin soft and glowing! They encourage the skin to secrete sebum, a natural skin oil." Nothing wrong with helping nature along ! Danielle also states these scrubs should not be used on the face or neck. Although this product is not 100% organic because of the addition of rosemary oil extract, a preservative, it's still a wonderful find! Sample size for this product is $5.oo, full size $20.00.

Ladies everywhere have sought after smoother skin for decades. A product that seems to have found it's way in to millions of homes just for this purpose is coco butter. Danielle has made application easy as pie by packaging this wonderful soft skin resource into a nifty bar. Danielle says pressing the bar against your skin will melt the butter bar just enough to lightly coat your skin.
Rub on dry winter skin, or use it to help maintain that tan! When used daily you may soon see those stretch marks fade away and expecting moms can help prevent them with a daily rub on her belly! Travel size priced at $4.00, 4 oz bar is a steal at only $6.00.

Another way to get your coco butter fix is right in your tub with Danielle's milk bath. Made of organic cocoa butter and milk powder to quinch your skin along with sea and epsom salts to condition. This milk potion also includes essential oils for a light sent. This product is also available in a Vegan friendly formula made with soy milk powder. Scents made available in- peppermint, vanilla, orange, patchouli vanilla and original. Single use priced at $3.00 with full size price at $17.00.

Last but definitely not least we get to what ties Pixy Patch all together, the clothing! Before I get started on why I love Danielles clothing so much here is what Danielle has to say about her handiwork straight from her page-

"Most everything I design first starts out as a draft on paper and then grows into the finished piece you see here. I am very patient and pay much attention to detail. I will never sell anything that I myself would not wear! Most of my inspiration comes from nature and the beautiful colors she provides. I use both new and vintage materials as it is stated in the description of the item. All seams are first sewn on my singer sewing machine, then serged on my singer ultralock #14sh654 and then pressed. I prewash all of my fabrics to prevent bleeding and shrinking. All of my appliques are hand drawn & cut, heat bonded, and then satin stitched into place. All loose threads are then pulled to the back and knotted. This ensures your applique will not fray!"

The above paragraph explains it all- why I love her store and why I do this in general. The dedication small business owners put into their stores. They strive to put their best work out there and enjoy what they do. This is what makes the Pixy Patch and many other stores so amazing- and it's the reason they deserve our support!

Danielle's clothing is simply put- breath taking. Her collection includes skirts, dresses, pants, tops, bags and children's clothes. Each holds it's own unique design and each beautifully crafted. A true testament of what handmade items bring to the table. Most of her items include some type of patch work, giving her pieces a "Made with love" feel. The best way to understand the true beauty of her work is to see it yourself. Her prices are excellent, everyone will find something within their price range.

In the gallery you will find pieces of the past, items you have already missed. Don't worry- Danielle was kind enough to leave a note letting you know to contact her in the event you would like a similar piece. Thank you Danielle!
Custom orders have specific guidelines so please visit the link below for more info.

http://www.pixypatch.com/custom.html

For payment, shipping and return information please follow this link

http://www.pixypatch.com/policies.html

I want to give a big thanks to Danielle for producing these great items, and having such dedication to her craft! Her products are inspiring and I know you will enjoy her shop! When you buy that prefect patchwork dress or order those custom pants don't forget to tell us about it here!

Pill boxes are not just for holding your crazy pills- Hat is the word!

2007-11-29T07:46:00.000-08:00

Pill box hats. Forget your grandmothers clothes- wear her hats! After your done shopping for your oh-so-wonderful vintage from my last post, you may be feeling like somthing is missing from your wardrobe. Somthing feels...left out?

Thats where the hats come in! Any respectful lady knows a hat pulls your whole outfit together- espically vinatge onsombles! When in need for this cute, stylish accessory there's only one place to turn to- Humble Bumble B! A wonderful, one woman powered online boutique whose niqhe is retro hats, one's we know and love. Not to mention other great items such as purses, jewelry and "Please pinch my cheeks!" baby clothes.

So welcome to the world of the Humble Humble B! Visit it's link below and keep reading for more information!

---> http://www.humblebumbleb.com/

As I tend to do, I can tell you how great this site is (it really is!) but it's always better to see greatness with your own two eyes. I'm not the only one spreading the word on these great hats- check out this you tube Thread banger video all about Humble bumble. Here you will learn how to make these simple yet sopsiticated hats- You can watch it here
---> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7ADk96d8Qc
* As you can see they are already at 9,037 views lets get it up to 10,000!

Upon entering the site you will find a simple, colorful display. To your right you will find several categories allowing you to easily navigate the site and choose your merchandise. You will find options for pillbox hats, Fascinator Hats, flight caps, handbags, rock-a-baby clothing and jewelry along with a bonus gallery where you can view the wonderful items you have already missed out on. Don't be sad, there is plenty Bumble to go around!

Want something classic that can be dressed up or down? See pill box hats. These hats are always apporiate and in style! The colors are rich, along with sweet patterns and textures- each a true winner! What about those who really want to stand out? If you can't get your kicks in just a plain pill box try a fascinator hat. Its all about classic style with a modern twist! Dawn a deck of cards on top of a great do', or bring a little spring to the cold winter months with a felt flower. You won't believe the way Bumble has incorporated her unique style with modern fashion. What if you just a simple girl reminiscent of simple times? Simplicity is calling in the style of a flight cap. At 10.00 dollars a pop, you get the long end of the stick. An amazing price for these works of wearable art.

Now if you find yourself crying at your keyboard, only because your weakness is not hat's but rather handbags, you're in luck. Bumbles handbags are just as fun and funky as her hats. The simple shapes of the bags make the fabric the focal point. Plaid and cute prints make a statement in a big way here, so buy one for your friend and yourself. At 15.00 bucks how can you go wrong? If you catch yourself loving the idea but not the fabric, see the bottom of the page for custom orders and other prints available.

To the moms scoping the fashion market today, what better way to show off your new baby than with a one of a kind jumper? Help jump start baby's fashion sense with these cool clothes. There is a style for everyone here, ranging from artsy to BoHo. You can be sure someone will be thankful for this hand-me-down for years to come. This handmade style racks in right at $25.oo, Baby couture without the price tag!

All in all you have here a dedicated lady bringing hats back one coustmer at a time. Help support her cause by telling your friends and family- A qoute taken from the Bumble site- "Real ladies wear hats!" True words to live by!

*Payments made by Paypal*

Vintage is back, cover yours in it!

2007-11-28T17:45:00.000-08:00

You make your way down to your local vinatge store only to find the perfect dress for dinner with your hubbie- to bad it has stains that can't be covered and tears in the fabric, no wonder it's only 20.00 bucks. (I know im getting some boo's right now so let me explain)

Vintage is back -big time. These stores are poping up everywhere right now and with good cause. There are so many beautiful vinatge fabrics out there and not to mention the fun shapes and styles of these clothes- you can find styles from cute and casual to old hollywood along with everything in between, but do you really know what your getting? What you find at most run of the mill vintage stores is fabric worth salvaging just enough to use in other projects- espically if you're a great seamstress. Don't be surprised! Most of the time you won't find quality vintage thats been taken care of and can be put to use for many years to come. So at this point you may think you're out of options, you can't sew and for poor you there is not one quality vintage store within a 100 miles radius of your home. Whats a girl to do?

ANSWER- Hit up http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/home.html

After you visit this site, I won't have to tell you why they have been voted best vintage site in Seventeen magizine's January Issue. From prom dresses to men's vintage, you won't need or want for that matter, to look any further. The line in fine vintage stops here.

This website is easily navigated with more eye-catching pieces than you can count. Each items picture comes with loads of information such as era, designer and if the item is "collectable." Listed also is the condition of the garmet, the size, fabric type and care instructions. Seems like Posh Girl Vintage has covered all their bases!

On the home page of the site you can find a disclamier stating that they sell out items faster than they can list, leaving several coustmers trying to purchance the same item at the same time. Do to this fact items are sold to the order that is first recieved. This is why I love the fact that they post comming soon items every week allowing time for the buyer to prepare for a fast buy. Sold items are also left up for a time period incase of a return.

What about price? If your a 10.00 dollar vintage store kind of gal, you may get a case of sticker shock while browseing the pages of posh girl but there are some things you have to keep in mind-

- These are one of a kind pieces, chances are you will never see one exacltly like it again.

- Price is also based on quality.

- This store is a two person bussiness, they have to make a profit from what they are selling. Thus they can't sell each item to you at the price they paied.

- Quailty vintage is a investment, pay for the quality, take good care of your item and chances are value will go up.

In my mind the prices listed are fair for each item. I belive the owners are commited to what they do and have a true nack and passion for selling vintage. So why not turn to them for your vintage needs? It's a great place to start or continue in your vintage collection.

If you find yourself with a peice of vintage that you no longer want, but isn't ready for the can- Posh Girl also buys vintage. They are very specific on their buying procedures so please check this FAQ list for more information. (Also check this FAQ list for any other common questions you may have)

FAQ- http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/FAQ.html

I hope you enjoy looking through this site as much as I did! When you make your first purchase from Posh Girl don't forget to tell us about it here!

One quick tip before I go!- When shopping for vintage either online or at your local shop- Know your correct measurements. To find out how to measure yourself properly, grab a friend and check out this website
---> http://fashion.about.com/cs/tipsadvice/a/allaboutfit_3.htm

A new twist on that family picture- Glass etching

2007-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

With the holidays coming up there is bound to be at least one person on your list who you have no gift ideas for. Sometimes it just seems like a person has everything, or maybe your relationship just isn't what it used to be- and you have no clue what they would like. Well, I have the solution. Take that favorite picture of grand maw at the beach and have it etched in glass by Raven arts and graphics! Read below for more information then click this link to visit the site-http://www.ravenartsandgraphics.com/

Being a one man business this artist from Louisiana will etch your photograph in glass with great skill, keeping the life like qualities that the original photo possesses.

The artist describes his work as "Artwork in glass that always unique to your individual needs." A promise that you can see will be kept after just one view of the galleries.

One of this artists beautiful portraits would be a wonderful addition to any home. His great attention to detail beings a unique quality to his art work. You won't be disapointed!

(Payment is available through paypal.)

To kick things off- Lets make a pledge! The BUY! handmade pledge...

2007-11-28T14:29:00.000-08:00

So, hopefully at this point you have added my blog to your online favorites :) and are waiting so kindly for my first online boutique review! It will be up and running first thing tomorrow morning! But for now why not take a look at these two awesome ideas that have come to life (even one where you can shop to your hearts content via many, many sellers)

Take a look-

First I would like to ask you visit this page and take the handmade pledge. It's a pledge that you will help support handmade items and their creators buy buying handmade items in place of major corp. goods. Sure, you can't replace them all, but next time your gift hunting for a loved one or yourself, buy it handmade. Even your next dinner can include local produce, hey, growing food is about as handmade as it gets!
Wanna sign? Do it here
---> http://www.buyhandmade.org/

Second item in this post is the ever growing Etsy- a great place to buy *and sell* all that is handmade. Etsy over 100,000 sellers strong, is full of fun and life. Their mission- "To enable people to make a living making things, and to reconnect makers with buyers." Their vision- " Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice:Buy, Sell, and Live Handmade."
Now how can you argue with that?

Etsy is home to thousands of items all from diffrent sellers. Some even set up shop with Etsy, constantly adding new items. The site is easy to navigate, and has several easy ways to search through and for items. A interactive color chart allows buyers to choose a color and see all items within that color range. A interactive drag and throw item line allows buyers to view newly listed items in multiples. Even with these new ways to shop, Etsy still has a good old search box for buyers with simplisity in mind.

Surely with Etsy, you can find something you didn't know you couldn't live without, but something you never even knew was out there (Yes, it's fate)

Wanna buy or sell handmade with Etsy? Visit them here
---> http://www.etsy.com/about.php

The senario of the shopping settle

2007-11-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

You make your way to your computer with the goal to walk away with a fab new purse and that special peice of jewelry you have been wanting to buy your daughter. Hours are spent looking for hip online boutiques and nifty shops for that perfect item. In the end you head to E-bay buying a nock off purse and a oh so boring necklace , both witch you hope look better in person. If this story sounds familer- don't fret... You are surly not alone.It happens to all of us.Were no shopoholics. We're woman who know what we want, just somtimes can't find it. That's why i'm here to help. Here you can find my reviews on nifty online boutiques and shops. Find the best handmade goods and ones right off the assembley line. Even a few hint's tips and tricks on making your own treasures and how to find them a new home.So read, enjoy and find that item that you didn't know you couldn't live without!