Roller Derby Dreams [Part 2] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

So all you Roller Derby wanna-be babes, like me, we have covered a lot of Fabulous finds in Part 1 of this post. We started with “The Jammin Jewelry” and moved on to “The Blockin Bags“, and amazing array of hand-made, unique, and one of a kind items from all over Etsy, and all with a nod to Roller Derby Divas. We now roll on to “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor“

The Whipin Wearables

Va-Va-VOOM Ruffle Butt Hot Pants in Pink – Made to Order by Anna Wilkerson, xANNABOTx on Etsy.

Pretty Girls Turn Heads Roller Girls Break Necks Roller Derby shirt on Alstyle Apparel by Derby Love, blacksheepsk8 on Etsy.

Hand crocheted newborn baby roller derby rollerskates with flower by Charlie Farley, Lottie’s Creations on Etsy.

Skate Scarf and Arm Warmer Set in black and white by Erica, Caustic Threads on Etsy.

Roller derby shorts, The Maple leaf – Canadian flag by Nichola, knickerockeroller on Etsy.

i heart derby girls roller derby shirt by Lyn Hooley, Replica Chicago Inc. on Etsy.

Pair of lime green roller skate patches (more and custom colors available) by Clare, Dolly Cool on Etsy.

Big Girl Panties Magnet or Button – You Choose by Tamara Kraft, Pithitude on Etsy.

The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things

Jammer: 8.5 x 11 magenta on textured white by Heather Webster, Donutdisco Prints on Etsy.

Movie poster Whip It 12×18 inches print by Claudia, Claudia Varosio on Etsy.

11X14 Tattoo Inspired Roller Derby Tribute by Whim Factory on Etsy.

Pop Skates by Lauren Kurtz, ElPonyP on Etsy.

Derby Doll – 8×10 giclee pinup print by Jen Oaks, Jen Oaks Illustration on Etsy.

Retro Roller Skates Photography – TTV Fine Art, roller derby photography , green, red, white on rustic chair – 5×5 by Megan, Jade Eye Photographer on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl Print by Matt Mulford, Mulford Arts on Etsy.

Bonnie N. Collide, Nine to Five Roller Derby Comic by Monica Gallagher, Lipstick Kiss Press on Etsy.

The Derby Decor

Roller Derby girl theme cushion by Gail, ANTEMACCASSA on Etsy.

Roller Derby Mug or Planter – Vintage Disco Skate Ceramic Cup by Tiffa, Hippopo Vintage on Etsy.

Derby Love gift card set. by Infrared Studio on Etsy.

roller derby legs window/car decal by Neil, beepart! on Etsy.

Don’t you just love living vicariously through a little shopping therapy? In this case window shopping as it were. Next time you need a little reminder of how truly tough and cool girls can be, just think about the women of Roller Derby.

NOTE: Official Whip It Theatrical Release Poster above. Directed by Drew Barrymore. Staring Ellen Page, Kristen Whig, Juliette Lewis. Released in 2009.

Roller Derby Dreams [Part 1] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

OK girls, it’s time to fess up, how many of you have harbored dreams of Roller Derby stardom? I know I have. There is something so bad-ass about the women who Whip It. There seem fearless, fierce, and wild. At one time or another we have all wished we had a place to go, a secret life, where we were strong and powerful, where we had the camaraderie of kindred spirits, where we could let off some steam. We may never actually have the guts to do it, but we can all dream of a night of Roller Derby action. If you haven’t seen it, you need to have a girl’s night where you order up Drew Barrymore’s Whip It (2009) on your Netflix, and live vicariously. I promise you will love it, Ellen Page is brilliant and it is a girl-power fest.

Redhead Rollergirl by Rhoda Perdition on Etsy.

Now that you have a little Roller Derby love-in going on, you will naturally want to have some wonderful trinkets and reminders of the romance. And that’s where Etsy comes in to this little story. There is a whole set of fabulous creators that celebrate Roller Derby babes, culture, and fans. Whether you are a Blocker, Jammer, or Pivot, you’ve got to appreciate some home spun fandom. Here is a Fab sampling of some of my favorite Derby delights.

The Jammin Jewelry

Derby Chicks Rule Brooch in Rainbow by Amanda Whitelaw, Hungry Designs on Etsy.

Silver Roller Derby Winged Skate Necklace by Lauren Grace, Lauren Grace Jewelry on Etsy.

Blue Locket Necklace Roller Derby Queen Vintage Locket by Birds of Oregon on Etsy.

ROLLER DERBY Ring Solid Sterling Silver. Best Derby Accessory, Apart From Your Skates and Protective Gear by Glam Rock Emporium on Etsy.

Rainbow Socks Roller Girl – Roller Skating Scrabble Tile Pendant – Silver Plated Ball Chain Included by Michelle, Creations by M on Etsy.

AWESOME KITSCH ROCKABILLY ROLLER DERBY SKATE NECKLACE by LuliCool on Etsy.

White Resin Roller Derby Love Pendant by Jaime Johnson, Hard Candy Tattoos on Etsy.

Roller Derby Jammer Star BOTTLE OPENER with Keychain 2-1/4 2.25 Green and Black by Amanda Maria Edmonds, amepix on Etsy.

Custom Personalized Pendant – Your Name surrounded by glitter by High Strung Bead on Etsy.

The Blockin Bags

Fuchsia Bird and the Hand Power Skate Tote by Flat Track Revolution on Etsy.

Roller Derby Skates Reusable Natural Cotton Canvas Grocery Tote Bag (Choose Your Ink Color) by Linthound on Etsy.

roller skate clutch – “roller derby disco queen” : hot pink skates on black & white stripes by Kirsten Rangel, Snap Dragon Style on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl on Girl Action Heads Are Gonna Roll Skating Pinups Cigarette Case or Wallet by SweetHeartSinner Creations on Etsy.

I heart roller derby – Zach Trover for Tinymeat, Wallet by Michael Wood, tinymeat on Etsy.

Roller derby mini messenger bag, mini messenger with pockets, hurt in a skirt, The Falcon by Karen, Zoe’s Bag Boutique on Etsy.

Flask – 8oz. – Hell on Wheels – Stainless Steel by Trixie and Milo on Etsy.

Want More? Of course you do! Check out “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor” in Part 2 of this post!

Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays – Let The Games Begin

If you’ve read them, you get it. If you haven’t read them, what the heck are you waiting for? No, I am not talking about the *shudder* ever popular sparkling vampire meets girl meets wolf sappy teen pulp series that shall remain nameless, yes that one. I am talking about a series of books that redefines Teen Fiction as a genre, and doesn’t wrap up in the end with a shiny pink bow. I am speaking of The Hunger Games, the must-read three book series by Suzanne Collins that is soon to be a must-see movie scheduled for release in late March of 2012. Wednesday’s are all about the things that fall under the heading “geekery”, and today… book geeks shall rejoice!

I read, a lot, and I have read a lot of Teen Fictions. The Hunger Games is unlike any series of books I have read before, it presents a cruel vision of the future where the vast difference between the classes is for some, quite literally, a matter of life and death. Before this becomes a book review, something this blog is not about, I need to say that praise for these books, and the passionate following they have garnered is absolutely well placed. As I said to my 14 year old niece in a recent “book club” phone call, these books are not about happy endings, they are about reminding us to appreciate the good things in life, the people we love, and about the horrors of war.

They are not for everyone, particularly every teenager, but if you love The Hunger Games series, or love someone who does, you will understand the flourishing market for items that remind readers and fans of their heroes and the messages these books highlight. I would go further to say that handmade, one-of-a-kind [OOAK], and unique items are more likely to delight true fans of the books. Forget the licensed and mass marketed items that will no doubt be flooding stores soon. I believe Katniss Everdeen, the hero of The Hunger Games trilogy of books, would be the first to tell you that it is the rare finds that are often are the ones worth having.

This selection of Hunger Games inspired items would be a dream come true for any fan, and make a perfect Valentine’s gift or birthday present. This is a something that means something more than yet another mass produced something. That is a lot of somethings. Call it geekery, call it being a book nerd, say that it is fanatic fandom, but you just have to love someone who loves to read.

All items featured here were found on Etsy, and all details and links can be found at the end of this post. Whether you are a fan of the books or not, you can certainly appreciate the appeal of these beautiful, handmade, and OOAK items. Enjoy, and pick up a great book that you can get lost in today. May the odds be ever in your favor.

1. Golden Hunger Games Katniss Everdeen Mokingjay Pin by  Ryanrunsriot, A Weary Wandering Etsy Shop.
2. Vintage Linen Czech Military Bag, Hand Painted Mockingjay – Hunger Games Inspired by Cindy, CLP Studio on Etsy.
3. The Hunger Games Inspired Rue’s Lullaby Hand Stamped Silver Necklace With Charms by Shelby Issac, shelbyissac on Etsy.
4. Hunger Games Books Fringe Charm Bracelet by sophiesbeads, Sophie’s Beads on Etsy
5. Mockingjay Headband in Double Braided Leather by Michele, quirk shop on Etsy.
6. The Hunger Games – Katniss Arrow, Mockingjay, Freshwater Pearl and Key Charms – Ladies Working Watch Necklace by Twilight Eyes Studio on Etsy
7. Hunger Games Altered Book Purse Featuring a Mockingjay, Suzanne Collins by Erin Strauss, Make Believe Books LLC on Etsy
8. Hunger Games 74th, Filigree Mockingjay Katniss Necklace by Jackie, geraldsbargains Movies & Books That INSPIRE on Etsy

Teeny Tiny Tuesdays – Wee Patisserie

I am the kind of girl that never says no to a great cheesecake. I never kicked a cookie out of bed, and I have never tossed a cupcake wrapper without making sure I got every last crumb of yum. Yes I love my sweets. Sweets rank right up there with my other loves, such as fun fashions, cheeky geeky goodies, and itty bitty joys. When I this eye-catching creation by DIVINEsweetness on Etsy came up in a recent search, I knew I had to share it with my fellow Fab Foragers.

This amazing Crimson Red French Macaron Ring is just one of the amazing hand sculpted polymer clay accessories created by Ciara of DIVINEsweetness. It measures just 3/4″ in size, but is big on style and would make the perfect gift for your Valentine, priced well under $20 USD. Macaroons are all the rage with the fashionable set, they are stunningly attractive to look at, and divine to eat, and what better way to show your appreciation for this member of french pastry royalty than by wearing it on your finger for all to see.

Perhaps cupcakes are more your pastry of choice, well Ciara makes a toppling plate of those as well, aptly named the Marie Antoinette Cupcake Ring. Named for the Queen associated with lavish excess, you can have your “cake” and wear it too. Handmade from Polymer Clay with decorative touches of pink sugar dragees, sculted roses and flowers, displayed on a ceramic look plate on an antique serving tray. the total height of the tray is just 1″, and the ring is adjustable to fit practically any finger.

Beyond her delightful selection of rings, Ciara also crafts some downright sinful looking earrings, like these Cherry Cheesecake Frenzy Earrings. Beautiful in their bright Cherry loveliness,these handmade sweets are made to look like the real thing, and they do! Sugary sweet cherry sauce dripping over lovely white New York Style Cheesecakes with Graham Cracker Crusts, and all packed into the size of just 1/2″. Gold hooks let them hang just over an inch from your delicate earlobes.

For the man in your life, or for yourself if you wear French Cuffs, DIVINEsweetness offers not only your morning pastry fix, but also your morning caffiene fix with her lovely cufflink sets. Snap up a pair of Croissant in the Office Cufflinks, or the equally charming Coffee To Go Cufflinks. If I were buying them for myself, I would be just as likely to snag both pair and make a mixed set for an instant chic breakfast. One to keep, one to gift – WIN WIN!

While Ciara’s DIVINEsweetness Etsy Shop offers primarily food related jewelry and accessories, she also has some lovely miniatures of tiny animals, nature scenes, and other whisical items. Every piece is handmade, making them all one-of-a-kind [OOAK], and having slight differences in color and design that add to their charm. I personally am partial to the wearable sweets, like this great Just a Spoon Full of Ice Cream Sundae Necklace, but all of Ciara’s minature work is exceptional. Tuesday really is the perfect day to appreciate the little things.

Link: DIVINEsweetness by Ciara on Etsy.

Strange Stuff Saturdays – Kooky Creatures

It’s hard to define what makes something truly strange, or at least strange enough for a Strange Stuff Saturdays post. What I might think of as strange may be quite ordinary to someone else, and knowing when something goes beyond strange and into disturbing territory is similarly a personal perspective. I am willing to bet, however, that we can all agree on the items in today’s showcase. These are truly odd in the most fabulous sense; they are whimsical, creative, upcycled items that rarely are found outside a child’s toy box. The circus has come to town, so to speak.

Decorative figure Boxer – The Strange Planet created by The Good Machinery, in Rimini, Emilia Romagna, Italy. These bright and whimsical animals will bring a punch of color to any room or work-space. Check out this Etsy Shop for some truly stunning upcycled toy animals and collect a menagerie of fabulosity.

Bring the prehistoric back to life by snagging yourself a Run 2 The Wild Live Dinoterrarium. These uniquely upcycled dinosaur toys feature glass mini-terrariums with live Kentucky Moss inside. They can be opened for watering and include full care instructions. Berea, Kentucky resident and Etsy Shop owner Kourtney has created a truly Green use for these colourful dinosaurs.

Even though it is just past the holidays, some ornaments can be displayed year-round and this shimmering hippo is one of the above. Meant to adorn your festive tree, and tied with a ribbon, yarn, jingle bell, and star charm Little Plastic Menace offers this Bronze Plastic Hippo Ornament and other wonderful decorative beasts. Just one of Barbara Hart’s Etsy Shops, you just have to see what this Buffalo, New York artist is up to.

LizAArt, another Etsy Shop, offers necklaces, wall-hangings, scarves, folk art and more in a variety of styles from the ridiculous to the sublime. This Leaping Lizard Necklace features three plastic wrigglers, and a bounty of beads in Jasper, Unakite, and Howlite. Definitely a statement necklace if I ever saw one. I am just not certain what that statement is exactly. And speaking of Jewelry, check out the images and shop lists below to spot more of this quirky wearable strange stuff.

Gold Fishey Go Earrings by Pussycat [Hot Chick Psychics] on Etsy.

Gold Crush Dinosaur Necklace by Lapineau on Etsy.

Camel Brooch by Plum August on Etsy.

Puppy Necklace by Ultra Horse on Etsy.

Purple Turtle Ring by PURPLEGUN on Etsy.

Half a Bandit Earrings by Uncle Fun on Etsy.

The final fab item for this Saturday is really attractive, and that is a scientific fact considering it uses magnets. Upcycled plastic animals become magnetic photo or memento holders with the help of Gallivanting Girls Vintage Home on Etsy. Check out this The Wolf Vintage Animal Magnet Photo Holder and others like it and bring new meaning to the term “Animal Magnetism”.

While we have all likely all spotted a little boy walking his toy dinosaur through his mother’s garden or been *cough* entertained by the little girl trotting her rubber horses up the arm of your chair as you wait in for your doctors appointment. Maybe you have watched your own children toss around plastic sea creatures in the tub. The genius here is turning these items from toss-away plastic or rubber toys and thinking fabulously outside the box, instead turning them into sculptural art, functional and funny terrariums, or terrific and whimsical wearables. It may just make you think twice about passing up that 25 cent plastic giraffe at the next yard sale or swap meet, and there is nothing strange about that at all.