Gifts for Music Lovers!

I've been looking around Etsy for gifts for some of my music loving friends and family members. Musical images make great artwork, as well as unique jewelry and accessories.

Below are some of the fun things I found while searching for musical items!


Visit these Etsy shops for more great gifts this year!

Las Guitarras by ZuppaArtista

Owl Ipod Touch Case by EvelynX

Love Wood Cello Pendant by DanielKim

Set of 3 Songbird Series by AnimalHouseArt

Piano Music Pendant by PinkTopHat

Musical Mountains by KatieDidItGlass

Saxophone Original by Marnold

Beatles Wall Art by WallDecors

The Composer Print by MerrellArt

Go Orange For the Season!

In honor of you know which holiday, I decided to browse Etsy for orange things today. And I was delighted to find some beautiful things in this often underrated color!

This is the Gilbert Skirt from Renneslechateau on Etsy . It is such a sweet little skirt, made from soft pumpkin colored corduroy and I think it would be quite versatile.












Here is a Crocheted Scarflette from Beebun . It has a cute scalloped edge and can be worn several ways. I love the little flower detail!

















This is a Sweater Cowl Hoodie from CastCouture.
I love the color and the shape! It has inbuilt pockets in the paneled body and a cowl neck hood.
















For something unique for the season, don't miss this Strap Wrap Chameleon Shrug by Malam on Etsy . It has extra long, flared sleeves and can be worn in a variety of ways. It is made to order to fit your size.

Visit these Etsy shops for a splash of great color for your fall wardrobe!

A Gift and A Vicarious Tour!

I could not resist buying this book for my sister's birthday. She is an avid knitter. And since our family is of Italian descent, it seemed like the perfect fit!


Of course, I also couldn't resist flipping carefully through it before mailing it off to my sister and I'm glad I did!




The book is called "Knitting in Tuscany" by Nicky Epstein. Along with some of her original patterns, the author presents tips and travel recommendations with beautiful photography and interesting commentary on the history of knitting in the region.

A glass of wine is always a welcome break!

I adore this beautiful knitted, wool version of Pinocchio! Author Carlo Collodi was born in Florence.

Siena is a beautiful, medieval city in Tuscany.

This is a knit wreath based on a terra cotta coat of arms for the Wool Guild. "On your wall, it declares your affiliation with the International Order of Knitters."

I found this book beautiful and inspirational. I couldn't begin to accomplish most of these projects, but I would love to wander around Tuscany and imagine doing them. I know my sister will love it!

To the Emerald City!

I attended a lovely wedding this past weekend. In place of the traditional Bridal March, the bride's entrance was accompanied by the playing of "Over The Rainbow." It was beautiful and it made me nostalgic for one of my favorite movies of all time. I found some wonderful things on Etsy while searching for "The Wizard of Oz"!



I love this limited edition art print by Robert David Bretz! It can be found in the Etsy shop, PaintAllNightStudios.

This primitive hand-painted sign from SawdustNStitches takes you back to a simpler time, and of course, to a place that is "over the rainbow"!

I always loved Glinda, The Good Witch, and imagined her as my very own godmother! This cross stitch pattern is available from Glenniz on Etsy.

These finger puppet characters from Weeknit are so cute, and would provide lots of storytelling fun!

I think it's time to schedule a family movie night and watch this wonderful classic again!

CottonColors Is a Lovely Etsy Find of the Day!

CottonColors is featured as the Lovely Etsy Find on the blog, Lovely At Your Side! There are some beautiful dresses featured today as well. Visit this blog for some handmade loveliness!

Bring on The Cool Days and Hot Colors!

The vivid colors of Fall!

Each season, Pantone surveys the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the 10 most directional colors. These are the colors in the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall, 2009. I love deep, vivid hues and the diverse palette shown here. American Beauty is gorgeous, saturated and lively! I adore the rich, dark shade of blue that is Majolica Blue. For neutrals, I am most drawn to Iron and Honey Yellow. This is a really beautiful palette, although a little light on the greens for my taste.

I am looking forward to seeing how these colors will show up in both fashion and home decor this fall. It looks to be a colorful season ahead!

Tuesday Trends: Butterflies!

Every season seems to have its favorite creatures. This spring, butterflies are making a big splash of color everywhere! Here are some butterfly themed items from Etsy artisans!

Black Butterfly Scarf by http://www.modsilk.etsy.com/

Butterfly Pendant by http://www.naturalatheart.etsy.com/

Butterfly Jewel in the Poppies Shirt by http://www.ahpeele.etsy.com/

Jamie Floral Headpiece by http://www.ambergypsie.etsy.com/

Butterfly by http://www.walltherapy.etsy.com/



Visit these Etsy shops for this year's beautiful butterflies!

Color Me Happy!

It's well known that color affects our moods. It can have a strong influence on how we feel, both mentally and physically. If you're redecorating or simply freshening up your decor with some new accessories or a complete paint job, keep in mind how certain colors can affect you and your well-being!




If you're looking for peace and tranquility, blue may be the color you need in your home. The soothing shades of sky and water represent harmony, unity and security. It has been shown to slow the pulse rate and lower body temperature.


Green is named as a favorite color by many people. It represents nature,
health, renewal, youth and fertility. It's calming and is considered by
many to have a healing quality.











Yellow is a joyous color and represents happiness, optimism and
imagination. The color of sunshine, it can add a bright note of hope and
inspiration to your home!










Brown is warm and earthy. The color of wood, stone and earth, it is neutral and can be used with lots of other colors. Found so frequently in nature, brown represents stability and simplicity.









Red is an energetic color! It increases the heart rate and raises blood pressure. While it may not be a great choice for wall color, red accessories can add a pop of interesting color to a room! It creates a strong first impression, so don't shy away from red!









(If this red room looks familiar, you are probably a Real Housewives of NYC fan. It's the recent redo of Alex and Simon's living room!)

A Mother's Day Reminder!

Don't forget Mom this Sunday! Here are some of my favorites from Etsy artisans that I think any Mom would love!







Big Love Sea Glass Locket
http://www.seafinddesigns.etsy.com/







Home Is Where My Mom Is
http://www.mudhutt.etsy.com/









Love Clutch
http://www.ikestaedt.etsy.com/

Mermaid Mother Print

http://www.joojoo.etsy.com/

Tuesday Trends: Choosing Artwork to Brighten Your Home!

Spring is here and that always brings out the desire to liven up our living spaces! Adding artwork to your home is a great way to bring in color and pattern. Art sets a tone in a room and can be a focal point in your room's design. Choosing the right artwork and the best place to display it can really bump up the appeal of your living space!There are a few trends in art this spring that are worth noting. Bold colors and patterns create a striking visual and draw the eye.














This painting, Tree Rings, by Focuslineart on Etsy has a great balance of color and pattern.



















The trend toward green living conserving our resources has increased the popularity of art with a focus on nature. Here is a Filigree Tree print by Meartdesign on Etsy. I love the delicate branches and tiny birds on the peaceful green background!


















Here is a beautiful original that combines the nature theme with a bold color palette and geometric designs by Edenfolwell on Etsy. It is painted on wood and I think it has a wonderful earthy feel with a contemporary twist!

Choosing artwork is a very personal endeavor. You will want to select pieces that you will enjoy looking at for a long time. Take some time to browse these and other Etsy artists to bring some color and pattern into your décor.

CottonColors Featured on Maggies World Blog!

Maggie is a wonderful Etsy friend with a lovely blog where whe writes about her life and interests. She has included my shop, CottonColors, in her "Inspirations" feature series!
Visit her blog at www.maggiemagsart.blogspot.com

Today is Etsy Day!

April 24th is Etsy Day!

Have you ever visited Etsy? If not, you should check it out. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items of all kinds! It is a great place to shop and connect with artisans and crafters who love to create! If you love vintage, Etsy is the place to find lots of great retro and vintage treasures! Today is a great day to discover something beautiful and unique!

Buy Handmade!

Click Below to Visit Etsy

Etsy Has the Colors of Spring - Part 2!

The Pantone Color Report for Spring shows us some wonderful color combinations to add to our wardrobes!

Last week, I looked at the first half of the report and found some lovely items on Etsy in those vibrant hues.






This week, I am looking at the more sedate colors in the second half of the Pantone report.

I looked on Etsy to find examples of the sophisticated shades of green, lavender and slate gray. I hope you like them as much as I do and visit the Etsy artisan's shops shown here!




Dark Citron - Tiny Olivine Green Crystal Earrings http://www.shysiren.etsy.com/
Lavender - Eggplant and Lavender Wedding Garter http://www.peterenedesign.etsy.com/
Vibrant Green - Afrenzt Pinbacks Green http://www.inafrenzy.etsy.com/
Slate Gray - Montmartre Painter's Bubble Dress http://www.tortillagirl.etsy.com/
Rose Dust - Bauble Earrings http://www.leavesofglass.etsy.com/

Just Doing My Job, Ma'am!

A sweet Etsy seller named GladRaggz decided to feature one of my pillow covers today after we "met" in the Etsy forums! Visit her blog, http://www.carpetbaggercreations.blogspot.com/ !

Etsy Has the Colors of Spring!

The Pantone Color Report for Spring 2009 shows us a great collection of colors that will be popular this spring! I love the Palace Blue, Super Lemon and the Lucite Green!

All of these colors have a subdued, sophisticated feel, without being dull or drab!






I searched Etsy for some items to represent the colors from the Pantone report and I found some beautiful things and some new favorite artisans!

I concentrated on the first five colors this time. Next week, I will be looking for some interesting things in the colors of the second half of the report. Visit these Etsy shops for some new spring color!




Fuschia Red - Petticoat Skirt with Lace - http://www.malam.etsy.com/
Salmon Rose - Sorbet - http://www.farafield.etsy.com/
Palace Blue - Cotton Tank Top - http://www.cottonfields.etsy.com/
Lucite Green - Lifeguard Necklace - http://www.potatoface.etsy.com/
Super Lemon - One Shoulder Bikini - http://www.harajuku.etsy.com/

Lavender Love!

I made these little sachets for a friend's birthday. The French lavender in them smells so wonderful and I was really happy with how they turned out.

My friend has such a sweet, gentle spirit and I think these little birds are just her style!

CottonColors Is Featured!

Artist Karen Fields has featured CottonColors as her Favorite Etsy Shop of the Day! Visit here to see the feature as well as Karen's bright, colorful artwork!

Morning Glory!

I am not a morning person. I love to sleep in. But, every now and then, I wake up extra early for no apparent reason and it makes me wish I could always wake up with the sunrise. That is definitely the most peaceful and reflective part of the day. When everyone else in the house is still sleeping and you have the whole day before you, there is so much to look forward to and so much to be thankful for.
I am resolved to try to get into the early morning habit. I need that time to myself. It helps me start my day with an entirely different attitude!
A lady I worked with for many years used to say "Morning Glory!" with a bright smile every day when I would arrive to work. I really want to start enjoying the glory of the morning!


Photo by Indy Kethdy

Some new things!

I finally had a whole day to sew as well as a break from the almost constant spring migraine/sinus headache I have been dealing with. Here are some of the things I have been working on!

The pleated design makes a cute clutch or a great full size handbag! I think I am going to have to hide my new bags from my teenaged daughters if I ever want to get them listed!

CottonColors in Exemplify Magazine!

My Etsy shop has been recommended in the Christian Women's magazine "Exemplify" in an article titled "Creating a Sanctuary With Personality". The article gives advice for decorating your home with beautiful, unique fabrics that inspire!