Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Give A Gift Of Oxygen :)

Air plants & succulents are easy to grow and maintain.
If you are or know a plant killer, these are the kind to have in your home.
Plus, there are a multitude of fun, unique planters to house them.

Handmade & vintage are just the way to display your green thumb (or lack thereof - Ha!)

Sapphire Gin Bottle Planter by Bottle Gardens

Vintage Beetle Planter from Bloom Funstore

Ron the Dimetradon, Toy Planter by Plaid Pigeon

High Heels with Heart Stockings Planter by JMN Pottery

Air Plant Crystal Planter by Earth Sea Warrior

Did you enjoy these eclectic planters? Leave a comment, share on your Facebook or, better yet, pick one up as a special one of a kind gift for this holiday season.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Extraordinary Workshop Of Oddities

I found this wonderful shop, Extraordinary Workshop Of Oddities, through an Etsy team.
And I fell in love immediately with their whimsical, weird & fun creations.

I spoke to Vani, aka Lyla Estrella, one of the artists behind EWO . . .

CQ: What is EWO?

Vani: We create inspirational bags, trinkets, unique toys with a soul, pin buttons, funny bowties, bracelets, baggies, scrunchies and other things for teenagers, kids, women, men, pets.


CQ: Why handmade?

Vani: We’ve always been creative, and we always wanted to make the world a better place. That’s how and why we created Extraordinary Workshop of Oddities.

CQ: Who is behind EWO?

Vani: There are three artisans in our shop. I am Lyla Estrella, and I am representative of EWO in USA. I can describe myself as “Insane Dreamer Who Wants To Change The World”. Everything I do is for animals. It is my purpose to make their life better here on this planet.

Proud Vegan Piggy Poe, Stuffed Pin Button

I am a volunteer, vegan, musician, animal rights activist, writer, artisan and a fighter. I care a lot about nature and I believe you should always be true to yourself and fight for your dreams and for what you believe in.

I believe in magic, fairies and unicorns, kind and bold hearts, in beauty of rain and real Santa Claus. I believe in music because it’s my life’s elixir.

Rocky Sebastian Orangeade, Stuffed Keychain

I love tattoos and piercing, orange and turquoise colors, vanilla perfumes and seaweed. I am a mix of dark and bright clouds, enjoying and finding my inspiration in both of them.

CQ: You said that there are three artisans. Who are the other two?

Vani: Yes. There are 3 artisans in the shop - Lyla Estrella (me), Roma Mistress and Lana Viazul’ka. They represent EWO in Ukraine. We all create odd things with our Oddities and do management stuff.


Roma makes bowties, oddities’ art, fabric bags and bracelets. She is a Fighter of Dreams. She wants to inspire people on achieving their dreams and aspirations. All her drawings are inspirational, sincere and odd. Just the way she is.

Yellow Flower Organic Linen Bow Tie by Roma Mistress

Lana makes knitted odd goods and bracelets, too. She is a Warmth Creator and likes to stand out from the crowd. That’s why everything she’s making is unique, warm and odd. Of course :) Lana wants to help homeless children and children who need special care.

Knitted Bow Tie Clutch by Lana Viazul'ka 

CQ: How do you support animals?

With every sold item, our odd workshop gives one handmade toy for animals in a shelter and provides a can of cruelty-free food to animals on the streets.

CQ: Where do your donated toys end up? 

Vani: As for charity, right now we donate toys to For Animals Inc. shelter in NYC. For Animals is dedicated to eliminating companion animal homelessness. They do so much for animals, not only cats (considering to be a cat shelter, they also save opossums, chicken, dogs and all kinds of animals who come across and need help). Visit them to support!

Charity Photo, Instant Download, Donation To Help Homeless Cats & Dogs, EWO

CQ: You volunteer your time and food. Where does this happen?

Vani: We buy food for stray dogs and cats in Mariupol, Ukraine. There’s no shelter there yet, so all we can do is to feed animals and protect them by providing warm clothes and possible temporary shelter. Also we help to do a TNR program there.

Charity Photo, Instant Download, Donation To Help Homeless Cats & Dogs, EWO

Did you enjoy the journey into their world? Share your favorite EWO item in the comments.
Please stop by their shop, like their Facebook, follow on Pinterest, spread the word of their oddness.
And, in the words of Extraordinary Workshop Of Oddities, be odd & do kind.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Saturday, November 8, 2014

Lavender XOXO

Lavender caught my eye, so I searched for it throughout my online world.
This is what I found. May you enjoy it as much as I did.


Lavender XOXO, Etsy Treasury, Curated by Corrinne Quinn

Source, Clockwise: BathroomPaint SamplesLiving RoomKitchen; Bedroom

Lavender Home Decor by Pin & Tack

Are you delighted with all of this lovely lavender? If so, share it in the comments.
And if you have your own lavender "thing," share that, too :)

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Monday, November 3, 2014

Handmade Monday #1

For this first Handmade Monday, let's be social via Facebook.
It's a wonderful way to become apart of a handmade artist & crafter's world.

- November is World Vegan Month -

When you like, comment and share a Facebook page, it becomes a part of your news feed.
This way, you can stay up-to-date on their happenings. Many shops don't just talk about themselves.
They offer other information - DIY, news, recipes and more!

Stop by these vegan shops' Facebook pages - Or follow Pin & Tack's FB page today.
(Make sure that you are signed into your Facebook for an easier time.)


Vegans Worldwide Etsy Team - Handmade, vegan goods by individuals not manufacturers.

And if you have (or know of) a vegan shop with a Facebook page, leave the link in comments.
Let's share with each other and be social - It's a fun way to support each other!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Sunday, November 2, 2014

A Classic Thanksgiving Menu

This could be your Thanksgiving dinner. All of the classic dishes made with love.
While they don't use any animal ingredients, they are still absolutely delicious!

Classic Thanksgiving Dinner Recipes

{ Appetizers }


Squash Soap, Appetizer, Thanksgiving Dinner

Did you read that? Slow cooker. Less work. Yep. I like that idea as well!


Cheese Platter, Appetizer, Thanksgiving Dinner

{ Side Dishes }


Green Bean Casserole, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner


Maple-Glazed Carrots, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner

Aren't those carrots lovely? Splurge just a bit. Buy organic.
They really do taste better from my own personal experience.


Bread Rolls, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner


Cranberry Sauce, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner


Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Side Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner

{ Main Dish }


Tofu "Turkey," Main Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner


Stuffing, part of the Main Dish, Thanksgiving Dinner

{ Dessert }


Pumpkin Pie, Dessert, Thanksgiving Dinner


Apple Pie, Dessert, Thanksgiving Dinner

I've learned that Thanksgiving dinner actually is a vegan's dream.
Most of the dishes use vegetable ingredients as their stars.
It's really only the seasoning that needs a few tweaks here & there.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Orange You Glad I Said Orange - A Refreshed Look #05

Orange has fast become one of my favorite colors. It started several years ago.
That's why I created this treasury in 2011, which shows only half of what I actually chose for it.

Orange You Glad I Said Orange by Corrinne Quinn

And orange is still one of my top color choices. Here is another collection of delightfulness.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

What's Up, ALDF?

For the next three months, Animal Legal Defense Fund is Pin & Tack's dedicated charity.
They work to create change for animals through legal means.




FBI Takes Animal Cruelty Seriously

What have you done for the animals lately? Share your volunteer work in the comments!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Travel The Pacific Northwest - A Refreshed Look #04

On July 5, 2011, I invited Etsyians to travel to the Pacific Northwest.
The journey involved artists and crafters in this fabulous region.

Sadly, the original treasury has since lost a lot of items.

Travel To The Pacific Northwest by Corrinne Quinn
But, luckily, there are still many people living in the area with handmade creations.

Travel The Pacific Northwest - Refresh #04 by Corrinne Quinn

And this time, YOU are invited to join me. Stop by the shops, favorite & buy.
Especially if they are local to you. If not, search for people near you :)

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Please & Thank You, Retro Revival Boutique

Let's get this out there before anything else.
First, this is not an ad. I didn't receive any money or free product.
As a supporter of handmade, I can't help but share my finds with others.

I paid for these two sets of earrings. And I'm very pleased with them!

~ Thank you, Retro Revival Boutique ~
(I will call them RRB in this post for short, by the way.)

Welcome to Night Vale Inspired Earrings
RRB was inspired by a podcast called Welcome to Night Vale.
I've never watched it, but I was captured by the weird yet pretty look of these.
They are just as wonderful in person - Excited to wear them out!

Button Beaded Earrings
Funky, vintage style. Love it!
Both sets were well-made and they shipped very fast.
I'm already looking over RRB again for more :)

Clockwise, left to right: 1. Summertime Beaded Bib Necklace; 2. Exotic Bird Necklace; 3. Mod Golden Triangle Dangle Earrings; 4. Vintage Buttons Crocheted Bib Necklace 5. Purple Filigree & Red Crystal Chandelier Earrings
When you are in search of jewelry, I recommend Retro Revival Boutique.
I enjoyed my experience and I'm sure you will, too!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Why Is Natural Light Best?

Why is natural light best? This is why.

Mini Distressed Clothespins

Uuuhhh . . huh. Okay.

The colors are so sunny & bright.

Can you tell what's going on here?

But you'd have to take my word for it.

Yep. That's what I thought. Use natural light.
It helps with the pictures. That is all.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Gray - A Refreshed Look #03

It's not always black and white. Sometimes, it just gray and it can be beautiful.
I chose gray for an Etsy treasury on June 1, 2011 because I believe its such a lovely color.
Or is it a "non-color"? Here is the original treasury - missing a few as happens over time.

Gray by Corrinne Quinn

And here is the newest treasury, inspired by this one and the color gray. Enjoy!

Gray - Refresh #03 by Corrinne Quinn

Do these make you see gray differently? What's your favorite gray creation?
Share your thoughts in the comments.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Friday, October 10, 2014

Friday Flash Sale #7 - Featuring The Newbies

I've recently introduced a few newbies into the shop.
Clothespins & clothesline. And that's what today's special is all about.

- FLASH SALE FRIDAY -

Imperfection seems to abound, so I've put together larger batches of my Imperfect Beauties.
They are still lovingly created with paint and brush, then tucked into a muslin bag.

Cream & Cranberry Distressed Clothespins Variety 12 Pack - Imperfect Beauties

Orchid & Denim Distressed Mini Clothespins 12 Pack - Imperfect Beauties

Peacock & Rain Cloud Distressed Mini Clothespins Variety 12 Pack - Imperfect Beauties

Since you need something to hang the clothespins from, there are two new clotheslines as well.
They can also be used in crafty projects, such as crochet or knitting or tying tags to gifts.

Gumdrop Pom Pom Clothesline - 5 Yards

See select listings of clothesline for a special offer. You could save 50%!
While supplies last and only through October 31, 2014.

Mahogany Fringe Clothesline - 5 Yards

Now, let's get to what you have been looking for :)
With any order of $10 or more, receive a free mini journal, handmade with a vintage Alice image.
Leave a note at checkout with "ALICE" to receive. Limited quantities and one per customer.

Free gift with purchase of $10 or more. See this blog post for details.

There are a few different images and colors. You will receive one of my choosing.
Time to be surprised! Stop by Pin & Tack and enjoy a little handmade delight.

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Throwback Thursday: November 19, 2011 (Freebie & Tutorial Included)

SOLD on November 19, 2011! I called it "Lavender Rain Drop."
This piece is perfectly whimsical & delightfully cute.
And I'm here to show you how to make this mixed media art.

Lavender Rain Drop, Mixed Media Art by Corrinne Quinn


{ Materials }

Mini 3" Canvas
Eco-fi felt
Paint, two colors
Jump rings
Beads

{ Tools }

Paintbrush
Glue or glue dots
Nose Pliers (or similar)





How To: Lavender Rain Drop Mixed Media Canvas Art


Lavender Rain Drops, Mixed Media Art by Corrinne Quinn


This mixed media can be done anyway you want. 

- Use patterned paper instead of paint for the background.

- Use burlap or other fabric for the cloud. Scraps are perfect for this!

- Create seed bead strangs, hang buttons or found items.

The end result is only limited by your imagination!




If you make your own, please share it. I've love seeing your own project.
And I also give you a freebie, too: Lavender Rain Drop Gift Tags.
Print a single tag or a set. Simply click the photo below.

Free Printable Gift Tags - Personal Use Only. Do Not Share, Edit or Alter.
These tags would look lovely clipped to a gifting using these Pin & Tack clothespins.
Enjoy and share photos of your projects or uses please!

With blessings & joy, yours truly . . . Corrinne Quinn