iCandy - Pink and Pumpkin

Click image to enlarge

Happy Friday everyone! Today it's all about PUMPKIN {of course} and hot PINK! A color combination you can never quite get tired of, right? Sit back and enjoy and have a super Fall weekend!

1. Necktie - Me and Matilda, $21.99
2. Web Belt - AME Creations, $15.99
3. Invitations - April Ink, $26.00
4. Earrings - Fuss Jewelry, $86.00
5. Paperclip Bookmark - My Lil Pumpkins, $5.00
6. Knit Purse - Bean Baggs, $25.00

iCandy - Warm and Fuzzy Edition

Click on collage to enlarge

Happy Friday! It's finally feeling like Fall, at least today here in the deep South. Aren't you just so excited to break out your favorite sweaters? Today's iCANDY is all about the warm and fuzzies! Stay warm and have a great weekend!

1. Felt Necklace - Maisy and Alice, England $18.00
2. Felt Party Garland - Erin Dollar, CA $12.00
3. Ring - Karlita, Belgium, $20.00
4. Knit Neck Warmer - Tickled Pink Knits, NY $79.00
5. Lovely Bunch Headband - Lou and Lee, $19.00
6. Wool Felt Pouch - Stephanie Monroe, NY $18.00

iCandy - Severance Celebration Edition

Wall Decal from Whirlibird

Happy Friday everyone! and for me it's super HAPPY! Today's iCANDY feature is meant to be inspirational and is very near and dear to my ♥ this week.

You see...for the past few years, well actually ever since I first started InkSpot Workshop in April, 2008, I've secretly had a bad case of Severance Package Envy! InkSpot Workshop has been my side business, while I have been a full time Medical Sales rep for a large medical device manufacturing company (can't name until after the end of the month). It seemed like a rare occurrence for medical device sales people to get laid off in this industry so when other internal people in my company would get severance packages I would secretly feel envious and wish it were me. It's not that I didn't like my job of 9 years or the people and customers I worked with, it's just that I really wanted to be making pretty paper goodies instead:) I never meshed my two worlds together (paper and needles) but there were several sales calls when I just wanted to shout at the nurses...."hey ladies, you think this iv catheter is neat? let me show you my line of stationery" :)

Then there was the tremendous guilt! The guilt of having a very good sales job, the type of job people always had their friends call you about to see how they could "get into the business" but wishing you didn't have. The guilt from having a very good job that you really didn't want, but were so good at doing, when so many other people in the country are losing jobs left and right. The guilt from cutting your day short to take care of customer's invitation orders, when you could have made one more sales call. Ugh! guilt is really such a burden. I won't even mention the toll leading a double life was taking on my family.

On Wednesday of this week my secret wish came true! My company like so many others out there had to reduce head count in order to make a profit for the shareholders and you know what? I completely understand that. It's one of the risks you take working for a large, publicly held company. When I got the call (along with 24 others) I seriously was doing a tap dance while on the call. The sky got bluer and the trees instantly got greener and I felt like the hugest weight ever had been lifted off my chest. I could now stop living this double life and be truly dedicated, 100% to growing InkSpot Workshop! I must also mention the fact my husband who also is in medical sales is super supportive and has made me feel at ease about this decision. Of course he enjoyed my paycheck which contributed 50% to our total income but he also has seen InkSpot Workshop grow, plus my stress associated with keeping a double life and knows if anyone can make a business work, it's ME!

Right now I want to leave you with the inspiration that living your dream CAN happen, not to mention watch what you wish for because someone obviously is listening:) I plan on writing a Part II on this subject where I give some advice for those of you currently working and help you to plan your "exit strategy" now that hind sight really is 20/20. I understand not everyone is fortunate enough like me to receive a severance package after 9 years of service, so I'll try to make sure that post comes from a different perspective.

Oh Happy Day! Thanks to all of you who have made InkSpot Workshop a profitable success and all of this possible for me. Guess you could say....SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A LITTLE SHOVE TO DO WHAT YOU L♥VE!

1. Collage Poster - Green Nest, $14.00
2. Super Mug - My Other Little Shop, GA $23.00
3. Silver Pendant Necklace - Lisa Hopkins, IN $68.00
4. Notebook - Honey Design Books, New Zealand, $6.50
5. Matchbook Doodle Pads - Monkey Mind Design, CO $6.00
6. Wall Decal - Whirlibird, IL $24.50

iCandy - Initial Edition

Click to enlarge

Happy Friday everyone! Where the heck have my iCANDY's been the past 2 weeks? So sorry to be so remiss in my duties. I've been super crazy with visiting company and traveling and next week I will have to miss a posting as well since we'll be out of town AGAIN! No worries, it's smooth sailing after that, at least for just a couple of weeks:)

This week it's all about the initial monogram. Sometimes a full 2 or 3 lettered monogram is just a bit stuffy, a single letter can be more casual. Enjoy the lineup of pretty goodies found from some of my favorite Etsy sellers, including yours truly!

1. Pasta Alphabet Plate - Just Noey, London $33.50
2. Circle Monogram Vinyl Decal - Circle Line Studio, Nevada $26.50
3. Linen Folio Stationiery Set - InkSpot Workshop, Georgia $36.00
4. Initial Bead Bracelet - Charlie and Marcelle, California $15.00
5. Block Letter Initial Necklace - Christina Kober, Georgia $74.00
6. Burlap + Linen Pillow - Letter Perfect, Washington $68.00

iCandy - Winter Wonderland

Baby it's HOT outside!

Happy Friday! Thought we could all use a little cooling off today so I hand selected this icy roundup.

Enjoy and Stay COOL

Don't forget to enter our
Hump Day Giveaway
must enter by Midnight tonight!

1. Winter's Whisper Hair Pins - Divine Sweetness, Philippines $14.00
2. Silver Satin Flowerbelt - Mojo Spa Style, IL $22.00
3. Pearly Acorn Necklace - Sparkle Peach, TX $23.00
4. Leafy Trail Bracelet - FlightOFancy, Australia $22.00
5. Silver Petals Wristlet - Designs By Ambiana, WI $29.00
6. Mint Blossom Earrings - Linkel Designs, MI $12.00

iCandy - Deep Blue Sea

Happy Friday everyone! Today's iCANDY is all about the Deep Blue SEA! and as I post this I am on my way to Amelia Island, Florida for a little family beach weekend getaway and lots of ocean time.

It was fun pulling all of these dreamy sea inspired items together and I hope you find a few new favorites to ♥ too!

PS. Don't forget to enter our Hump Day Giveaway from Naturallogic
or your chance to win a $25.00 gift certificate from InkSpotWorkshop hosted by Oh My Handmade blog, or even a set of your very own Personalized Popsicle Note Cards for Boys or Girls from This Crazy Life blog.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

1. Coptic Stitched Journal - Angela Wehrle, RI $24.00
2. Owl Bag Decor - Iliziv, $10.00
3. Czech Postage Stamp Ring - Foxglove Accessories, IL 40.00
4. Jean Bobby Pin - Bunny Baubles, FL $8.00
5. Blue Dog Bone Pet ID Tag - Metamorph Designs, CA $15.00
6. Butterfly Mobile - Naked Angel, TX $14.00

iCandy - Sugar Cookie Edition

Happy Friday Everyone! Did you also know it's National Sugar Cookie Day? As well as the day before my Birthday? Cookies are way better to celebrate than getting older :)

I had so much fun gathering up this bunch of iCANDY for you today! Aren't all of these little works of art? As I type this I'm munching on one of these cuties {in pink to be exact, thanks Deb}, trust me it's hard to bite into something so stinkin' cute, but it sure was perfectly crunchy and tasty!!

All of these talented cookie artists have shops on Etsy and ship directly to your front door. Have fun and go ahead and treat yourself to some sugar cookies, it is a National Holiday after all!!

1. Owls - Whimsical Originals, GA $42.00
2. Monogram Dots - Sugar and Flour, WI $30.00
3. Onesies - TS Cookies, WI $36.00
4. Sunshine Starfish - Sunshine Bakes, CA $26.95
5. Hello Miss Daisy - Pastry Girls, IA $8.00
6. Surfboards - Lori's Place, FL $32.99

iCandy - Just Peachy Edition

Live from the peach state of Georgia, I am bringing you a very special iCandy collection....is your mouth watering yet?

In honor of all the amazingly juicy Georgia peaches we've been enjoying this Summer, I thought I'd share some with you:) Now do you have Georgia on your mind? Oh and before you take a bite, each one of these talented artists is from {where?} you guessed it - GEORGIA-

Enjoy and have a wonderful 4th of July weekend

1. Organic Cotton Facial Pads - Easy Baby, $4.50
2. Tea Box Journal - Useful Books, $17.00
3. Hand Wired Paper Flower - Fern Tree Flower, $8.50
4. Peach Blossom Necklace - Tied Up Memories, $36.00
5. Hand Spun Yarn - Springtree Road, $29.75
6. Baby Blanket - Orange Berry Baby, $45.00

i Candy Crabby Cancer Edition

It's officially crab season and I'm setting the record straight... Cancers are not CRABBY! In fact, I'm just about the cheeriest person I know, same goes for all the other Cancers I know and L♥VE!

This week's iCANDY is dedicated to all of us late June and July Birthdays, a sort of "tribute" to us Canceronians. My birthday is July 10th {although I stopped celebrating once I hit 40} my BFF's is July 16th, so funny how most of my favorite people are also fellow Cancers. Maybe everyone out there gravitates towards their own astrological sign? Now that would be an interesting study.

Enjoy and go out and hug a Cancer this weekend,
much easier than a crab:)

1. Pillow Cover - Styled Spaces, FL $22.00
2. License Plate Art - Recycled Art Company, FL $149.00
3. Rhinestone Brooch - Fantasyard, CA $19.99
4. Galvanized Tub - Brody and Ma, CA $28.00
5. Small Giclee Print - Jenn Ski Art, NH $29.00
6. Crab Bowls - Artz Folk, $60.00

iCandy - 78th edition

Happy Friday! Today's little lineup doesn't have any particular theme, just some lovely goodies I found on Etsy that I think are simply pretty!

I hope you enjoy InkSpot Workshop's weekly iCANDY
and find a few new artists to ♥

1. Recycled Wood Sign - WD Design + Photography, Minnesota $34.00
2. Tiny Treasures Fine Art Photo - Hey Zee, Arizona $35.00
3. Candy Bouncer Yarn Wreath - Knock Knocking, Texas $70.00
4. Eyelet Lace and Rose Quartz Flower Ring - Kathi Roussel, NY $165.00
5. Le Poire Collection - Dear Jes, Colorado $22.00
6. Custom Embroidered Frame Purse - Ok Tak, New York $72.00

iCandy - 77th Edition

Happy Friday! I just ♥ how RIANBOWS have made a comeback and we are seeing them pop up everywhere, not just during Pride week. Rainbows can't help but make you smile and if you were a 'tween in the early '80s like me, they should make you feel somewhat nostalgic.

Let's go back to 1980, when I was just 12 years old and completely obsessed with everything rainbows. I had rainbow sheets, window decals, earrings, stickers, clothing (including my Mork from Ork suspenders, now I've really dated myself) and the list goes on. My obsession carried itself over into my note writing aesthetic (remember writing notes to all your friends? the pre-cursor to Twitter and Facebook) and I would make sure to use a different colored marker for each paragraph, of course in the natural order of rainbow law red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple. Look, I'm doing it again!!

Someone out there, please tell me I wasn't alone? Considering all the rainbow stuff that was carried at Spencer Gifts in the mall, right next door to Chess King and Merry Go Round, I'm going to assume I wasn't? Oh how I wish I were back then..... now.

Time for my trip down memory lane to end... thank you for letting me digress and I hope you find this week's edition of iCANDY equally uplifting:) ENJOY!

1. Duct Tape Rose Bouquet - Ruby Larene, California $22.00
2. Party Poms - Pom Love, Oregon $6.00
3. Messenger Bag - Craftie Robot, Texas $20.00
4. Crochet Scarflette - Yarn Message, Italy $28.00
5. Zipper Pouch - Hand J Star Creations, New York $10.50
6. Origami Box Shade - WhimsiDoodle, Maine $20.00

iCANDY - 76th edition

Happy Friday! I'm really loving my pics for this week and you want to know how I found them? For you fellow Etsy lovers, there's a new feature that I simply ♥. When you are logged into your Etsy account, click on "your Etsy" then "Favorites" and lastly the tab that says "Suggested Shops". Based upon all the goodies you have chosen as your favorites, Etsy will select other shops that you might like. Fun! Enjoy the lineup and perhaps a few new favorites of your own.

1. Post Earrings - Smashing, Cleveland, Ohio (My hometown!) $29.00
2. Rose Necklace - Crafts 2 Cherish, Ireland $150.00
3. Pinwheel Round Table Runner - Karen Thurman Design, Oregon $50.00
4. Pressed Flowers Pillow Cover - Ruby + Stella Home, Oregon $18.00
5. Party Pom Garland - Party Poms, Texas $40.00
6. Butterfly Ring - Minggus and Moob, California $5.85

iCandy - 75th Edition

Happy Friday! and happy I am today, for no apparent reason other than I {might} get to sleep in tomorrow? It's hard to believe this is my 75th iCANDY post and no surprise here, it's all about flowers. If you've been following iCANDY over the past couple years, this certainly isn't my first installment of petal mania and won't be my last {Scout's honor}. Who can resist all of this colorful talent found on Etsy? Enjoy.

1. Indian Summer hair Pins - Mia Beads, NY $21.50
2. Estelle Fascinator Hair clip - Ink and Button, IL $18.00
3. Hydrangea Bloom Pillow - DeDe Etsy Shop, MI $34.00
4. Curry Aqua Mum Cup - Yoga Goat, OR $28.00
5. Paper Flowers - Paper Platypus, FL $4.00
6. Floral Lampwork Ring - Brilynn, Lake Oswego $28.99

iCANDY - Mother's Day 2010

Favorite Foodzie Picks For Mother's Day

If your mom is half as sweet as this lineup, then I bet you turned out pretty well, right? This week's iCANDY is all about some last minute gifts you can easily pickup from my favorite artisan food site, FOODZIE. Enjoy and make sure to brush your teeth after reading this:)

1. Caramel Nut Bar - Bon Bon Bar, CA $15.00
2. Flower Cookies - Sharp Cookie, TX $6.00
3. For Her Tea Set - Tavalon, NJ $48.00
4. Sweets Gift Set - Valerie Confections, CA $70.00
5. Pretty In Pink Vanilla Marshmallows - Have It Sweet, CA $9.00
6. Mom Themed Sweet Box - Platine, CA $40.00

iCandy - 71st edition

Well... as you can see I'm up to some shopping. I'm in need of a cute, new purse for Spring and (trust me) it's a tough challenge with so many adorable finds on Etsy. I just can't get enough of all the floral appliques I'm seeing this Spring. They make me feel girly, even if I am middle aged:) I nearly bought out J. Crew last weekend from floral flip-flops, t-shirts to the most supreme floral ribbon belt ever! Now I just need some fun purses.

Here's a lineup of some of my favorites, won't you help me choose?

1. Rich Pink Flower Bag - Iroshka, England $85.00
2. Sunshine Garden Purse - Yen4Yarn, Wisconsin $34.00
3. Sweet Blossom Purse - Star Bags, Turkey $72.00
4. Pink Purse - Sweet Nola, Virginia $34.00
5. Bamboo Edged Wallet Purse - Kirevi888, Istanbul $39.00
6. Clutch Purse - Jennifer Ladd, Wisconsin $75.00

iCandy - 70th edition

Click Collage For Closeup View

Boy Oh Boy do I have Beach Brain today! Could it be due to the gorgeous Spring weather we are having here today in Atlanta? or because we are trying to get our Summer, beach family weekends set into our schedule? or could it be due to my addiction to the Real Housewives of NYC, where they are always in Hamptons?

I've never been to Nantucket or The Hamptons, so I think I'll put that on my list of beaches I'd like to spend a weekend. I've always dreamed about what it would be like to have my own little beach cottage getaway. I imagine how the salt air would smell as we drove up the driveway for the weekend, or how I'd decorate it (the cute little pantry boxes listed below would sit on my porch to welcome me) or how we would roast marshmallows over an open beach fire at night. Although my taste is more modern, I LOVE the idea of shabby chic for my beach cottage, even if it is a bit 10 years ago, who cares? Oh..... I'm so having a bad case of day dreaming going on today!!

iCANDY has had a few beach themes throughout the years, click here to see the last one. I hope you love this new beachy roundup as much as I do. ENJOY!

1. Antique Shelf - Vintage Chic Furniture, NY $125.00
2. Nantucket Breeze Print - Kim's Cottage Art, $12.95
3. Flower Serving Bowl - One Clay Bead, NC $47.00
4. Pantry Boxes - The Broken House, NJ $21.98
5. Spring Balsam Fir Sachets - Sewn Natural, Canada $22.00
6. Beach Umbrella Photograph - Alice B. Gardens, MI $12.00

icandy- 68th edition

Happy Friday everyone! Today has me feeling all retro, french, carnivally inspired. There is just something so dreamy about everything that is retro and french, could it be those muted colors? or the surreal feeling these pictures of rides evoke? Today's grouping really makes me feel like I've stepped into a dream and I don't want to wake up for fear I'll have cotton candy sticking to my hair:) ENJOY!

1. Retro Popcorn Bags - Hey Yo Yo, Wisconsin $3.50
2. Colorfun Macarons Print - Pink Leaf Online, Boston $10.00
3. Le Manege Print - Serpentine, Reims $20.00
4. Heart Like A Wheel Photo - Bomobob, Canada $25.00
5. Vintage Stamped Carnival Tickets - Vintage Bliss, AZ $2.00
6. It's All So Amusing Print - Retrospect Photo, CA $20.00

iCANDY - 67th Edition

Hello and happy Friday everyone. Today I'm feeling pink, pinky and pinker! Not exactly sure why, but I find these fresh picks from some talented Etsy sellers to fill my needs today.

ENJOY!

1. Swallows Pillow - Atelier Pompadour, Italy $40.00
2. Crayons Fine Art Photo - Cameralight, FL $25.00
3. Tops - Goose Grease, NY $9.00
4. Dragonfly Bowl Set - Shebbo Design, Turkey $35.00
5. Petal Tree Table Runner - Anna Joyce, Oregon $46.00
6. I Want To Be Someone Else Photo Print - Maria Kallin, Sweden $7.90

iCANDY - 66th edition

I'm giggling as I bring you this week's iCANDY, tongue-in-cheek! Most of you know my {day} job is in the medical sales profession, meaning I'm out schlepping things that make you say "ouch" when I'm not making InkSpot Workshop paper goodies. This week the "job" has really been getting in the way of all things creative around here:)

Just for kicks and giggles, I did a search on Etsy for medical devices and here's what I found. Trust me... there were some very strange things for sale and I'm still not sure what people would do with neon filled syringe hair barrettes? Perhaps I should suggest this to my company's marketing department? For sure I am going to suggest we start making OR soap with syringes in them, so the surgeon's can have squirt gun fights after they scrub up! That soap is a RIOT.

1. Acrylic Syringe Necklace - Cupcakes and Mace, New Zealand $16.00
2. Miniature Hospital Room - A 4 Table, AZ $45.00
3. Catnip Syringe Toy - Oh Boy Cat Toy, $12.00
4. Prep Wash Soap w/Syringe - Amanda Louise, OH $6.00
5. Brass Charm Earrings - Brash Design, MI $5.50
6. Syringe Tie - Crescent Wench, IN $35.00

iCANDY - Valentine's Edition

This heart warming collection is sure to bring a smile to your face {or heart}
Why do we wait for Valentine's Day to celebrate red/pink + hearts?

Check out other ways to spread the love at InkSpot Workshop

PEACE LOVE GIRLFRIENDS
PERSONALIZED VALENTINE's KEEPSAKE COLLECTION
PERSONALIZED SWEETHEART CARDS
CUPCAKE LOVE

1.) Love Journals - Mooshchen, Australia $35.00
2.) Mini Conversation Heart Cookies - Sugar and Flour, WI $20.00
3.) Tiny Piece Of My Heart Card - Slim Arts, CA $1.00
4.) Have A Heart Wallet - Get Felt Up, OH $20.00
5.) I Love You Magnets - Lily Pottery, SC $15.00
6.) Felted Wool Bowls - The Fuzzy Monkey, TX $18.00