The Chanel tattoos are setting hearts afire. It wasn’t just them — Rodarte and Jean Paul Gautier also sent their models down the aisle in ephemeral ink for SS2010 — but Chanel’s versions caused the most heart-thumping cases of gotta-have-it.

Hand-drawn bits of artistry by famous makeup artist Peter Philips gave fashion’s evergreen anglomania a run for its money, spawning what the brand rather proudly called “decalomania.”

If you’ve got a beating heart, you’re probably dying for these too. But just in case you haven’t swiped your visa at Chanel.com yet, or can’t wait for these items to hit the store in early March, I’ve got some waiting for you right here.

Now, transfer tattoos don’t last forever, so even if you get past the $75 sticker shock, you might not get around to wearing them all. That’s why I’m breaking up these five sheets of gorgeous designs. Five winners, one sheet each. Which equals odds you’ve gotta love, right?

Oh, but there’s more. I’m a pretty big Chanel fangirl myself. So, to add some vitamin C, one of those five winners is going to get extra-drenched in fabulosity. For that special lady (because we’re all ladies in the Chanelniverse), I’ll be throwing in a copy of the eminently entertaining Gospel According to Chanel, a fresh new tube of Chanel’s new Coco Rouge in gorgeous shade Gabrielle, and two sweet little sampler tubes of Chanel #5 and Allure Homme. Squee time, ladies!

Ready to enter? Just leave a comment below, giving me your top three favorite sheets in order of preference. They’re all numbered above, to make it easy-peasy for you. I’ll do my best to accommodate the winners’ preferences; conflicts will be resolved by random selection. But if you have no preference and love them all, just tell me your favorite flower.

For extra entries — and you know you need them — read the rules and details below.

I bought a book off Amazon for quite a lot of money, one probably not printed much more than 200 times, authored by some woman  who apparently spent her life traveling nearby states and collecting obscure folk patterns. It was a wondrous book, full of beauty. Then I moved one state north, sold the book, and promptly shed the whole business.

Credits: Partridge print, folk chicken on barn wall, cake topper. Hand-painted cake, invitation, save-the-date. Fox and rabbit cards, tote bags.  Double heart lovebirds cake topper, detail of Dutch art calendar, “Year of the Ox” print. Polish paper chandelier, folk art cake, save-the-date. Small Union Pair, Lovebirds tissue banners, Polish paper collage bride and groom.

Fortunately, my fickle flirtation doesn’t reflect the state of folk art in weddings. In fact, it’s growing only stronger, as more  talented stationers become available and brides explore greater subtleties within broad genres like “rustic.”

And lucky for us, too. Folk art is incredibly charming, personal and bold. It seems to defy the kind of  derivation and cookie-cutter effects you see in other styles, and it’s just in time for today’s paper craze in weddings. From scherenschnitte (a German type of traditional cut-paper design) to wycinanki (the Polish version), folk art likes to flow in three dimensions and wild primary colors.

So above, what grabs you the most? Personally, I’m hard-pressed to choose, I truly love it all.

The mannequins were dressed head-to-toe in a dramatic spectrum of grays, from dark charcoal blouses to pale-gray tights. Against this monochromatic background was a pop of warm, nude-colored sandals. Amazing, how two colors — which if you break it down to basics, are really desaturated versions of pink on blue — can be so heart-stoppingly sophisticated and charming.

This palette gets its anchor and drama from the darkness of charcoal gray. That’s the hue that shows off the rosiness of the nude tone, a color to warm us up no matter where the wind chill registers.

Credits: Bouquet, shoes, shawl, cake. Dress, hairband, invitation. Bride, save-the-date, brooch. Urban couple, flower girl, shoes, couple in the park.

If so, you were right. Because around the time 2009 rolled over into the new decade, Etsy shoppers found themselves growing remarkably more confident, and demanding more from designers they found there.

In a general way, Google Insights backs this phenomenon up. The phrase “Etsy weddings,” which includes more specific variations such as “Etsy wedding rings,” has trended up dramatically. Maybe  not quite with equal ferocity to “DIY weddings”, which rocketed up as the economy sputtered, but they’ve been waltzing to the same tune. From the chart, you see an unusual dip over the 2009 holiday season, but an even more impressive climb as 2010 begins.

Etsy Brides Are Early Adopters

This chart’s a dead giveaway to where Etsy brides lie in the buying cycle. Patterns like this, primarily coastal, are a clear sign that shoppers have just started to get their feet wet, and the market is poised to grow a great deal.

If, in contrast, the interior was all darker blue, it would indicate saturation and suggest that the Etsy wedding market was reaching maturity.

Breaking it Down

So, what specifically are brides seeking for on Etsy? Here, Google Insight delivers again. As shown below, brides  most often search for invitations, wedding gowns, and jewelry. (We can safely attribute the phrase “etsy blog” to the popular destinations Etsy Wedding Team and Etsy wedding).

Now we know at a basic level what  brides are hoping to find at Etsy. Clearly, there are preferred items, like invitations, gowns and jewelry, and things they might be typing in less often, such as “table flowers” or “candelabra.”

Getting More Detail

The  number of searches on Etsy weddings is actually fairly minimal compared to mega-searches like “Megan Fox” or “American Idol,” which leads to limited granularity. That means, it’s not easy to find what more specific key phrases brides are typing in.

Fortunately, that’s where the Google Search-Based Keyword Tool comes to our rescue. There, we discover that — putting aside niches like “medieval gowns” for the time being (though they’re very popular on Etsy!) — brides specifically on Etsy’s site are combing listings for things like:

• wedding gowns in materials like cotton (720 searches last month)
• and hemp (80 searches),
• and in styles and eras like 1950s (461),
• 1960s (115)
• and mod (66).

In invitations, they hope to find:

• Save-the-dates and Save-the-date magnets (1000 and 1500 searches, respectively),
• Plantable wedding invitations (540),
• Printable wedding invitations (540), and
• Photo invitations (385).

“Unique” also ranks very high in Etsy invitation searches.

Finally, for jewelry, Google reveals a bridal preference for:

• Design-your-own engagement rings (12,000) and wedding rings (440),
• Diamond engagement rings (280) and wedding bands (337),
• and styles and materials like “braided” ( 155), “pave diamond” (125), and “black titanium” (125).

Why Etsy?

It’s actually a little surprising to see the enthusiasm for buying involved and high-ticket items such as wedding gowns from a source as decentralized as Etsy. Yet, the chart below shows that interest in gowns and invitations have clearly shot up in 2010.

Why are brides so willing to make that leap, and buy an item that typically eats up 5-10% of their total budget from a designer whose reputation is far less established than someone like Carolina Herrera or Jenny Packham? We asked some of Etsy’s top sellers in wedding gowns for their thoughts.

Brides go to Etsy because “they get to work directly with a designer,” said Monique of ouma. “Some of my customers come to me with a vision that’s inspired by one of my listings, and then they get to customize the details and colors.

“I think they’re looking for something unique, rare, carefully crafted, not mass-produced … and they like the thought of supporting a small business.”

Designer Holly Stalder agreed, saying “Brides shopping on Etsy are  intrigued by the idea of something made just for them.”

And as for the mad rush to Etsy invitations?

“Brides are looking for something new and fresh, but trying to save money at the same time,” said Teresa at Appleberry Ink. “I think the brides get more attention from us individual artists as opposed to working with a sales rep at the larger retail places.

“I also love color and brides seem to be leaning more toward wanting colorful things too. For too long it’s been ivory or white paper with raised lettering. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but it’s not very exciting. There will always be those who go the ultra-traditional route … it’s just not for everyone.”

Beyond the Search Terms

We’ve examined this trend from the search side, but now let’s take a look at what brides are actually buying, talking about and “hearting” on Etsy itself, using Wedsy, an independent service that shows Etsy bridal items with the most attention and buzz.

Looking at some of the top wedding gowns on Etsy, we see these are ambitious dresses, with both pricing and style spanning a wide range. All are custom, and high-end materials dominate, such as silk chiffon, crepe and French lace.

On one  hand you have the stylistic minimalism and affordable price point of a J. Crew gown, though with perhaps more romantic fabrics (”Calla Lily”), and then in contrast, a $5,000 three-piece fantasy with a tulle overskirt (”Love in the Mist”) that can be embellished with crystals for another $1000, gorgeously photographed by Stephanie Williams.

Styles range even further with Stephanie Madesh’s dramatic, even slinky, body-con design.

In invitations, the botanical-eco theme is immediately apparent, with many of the top sellers featuring recyled paper and nature-centric designs. An indie vibe is also upheld with ethnic references, like mendhi and Oriental patterns.

Wrapping Up

As a final cheat sheet, if you’re  an Etsy seller who wants a point of reference for the market, remember to:

• Check Google Trends for your meta-category (wedding invitations, wedding rings).
• Check Google’s Search-Based Keyword Tool for deeper searches within your category.
• Check Wedsy to see what’s getting the most attention.

In short? Etsy wedding sellers have a lot to look forward to. In 2010, brides are poised to pull the trigger on more elaborate, custom and high-priced items with greater confidence. Their goal? The ideal indie-couture experience … at a value-conscious price.

Parrot tulips are like a cross between prom girls and circus performers. They’ve got crazy, flamboyant colors with rich marbled streaks, and their petal edges range from flapper fringe to double-ruffle ribbon. Thus, the endless temptation to pair them with feathers and ruffles, and most of all, spring.

Sometimes I find more conventional tulips a bit too architectural-looking by themselves, especially as “cottage flowers.” But these odd beauties belong to a whole different world. So in their honor, here’s a springtime board bursting with parrots, peaches and sunshine.

Credits: Cake with sugar parrot tulips, beautiful bride in ruffled shrug, raspberry shoes, basket of peaches. Double-ruffle satin ribbon, cottage-style plate, mint green cake with floral cascade, books & flowers centerpiece, basket of hair ornaments. Lovely engaged couple, bespoke skirt, outdoor tablescape, bouquets.

What are we talking about? One of Apryl Mott’s beautiful little wire tree toppers, that is. Apryl has generously put up a special little topper, with its colors and design selected specifically for this contest — so it will coordinate beautifully with any wedding, from winter to summer.

Let’s take a close look at this keepsake. It sells for $28, which is kind of ridiculously little and would never happen if not for Etsy. You’ve got white and clear floral beads fluttering in beautiful twisted wire branches, all of it set on a light-reflecting patterned mirror. Squee! This topper is ideal for a small-to-medium sized wedding cake, such as one with a 5″ top tier … or perfect for a spectacular bridal shower cake. It measures about 5 inches tall by 5 inches wide, with a 3 x 3 inch mirror base.

So how do you enter? Sashay over to Apryl’s shop, and pick out your favorite item. You might drool over her elaborate Large Wire Tree Toppers, crafted with gemstones and Swarovski crystals, for example. Or those strangely affordable tree favors.

Then there’s the birthstone trees, bristling with beautiful amethyst and peridot “leaves.” Or, you might like the maple leaf and snowflake gift tags, made from metallic cardstock and perfect for Wish Trees.

Once you’ve browsed around, come back here, and tell us what you liked best in Apryl’s shop. Want more than one entry? Check out the contest details below.

Good luck everyone!

Congrats to Kathryn who posted comment #43 and won the tree topper! And thank you to everyone else who entered and took the time to browse Apryl’s lovely shop!

Because of this, I’ve always wanted to be able to go straight to those items that people are really digging. The hearted items. The items people are linking to and loving. The stuff that tops the charts.

Etsy doesn’t have an easy way to get to this, but we do. And I love Valentine’s day just as much as I love weddings, the Big V being my own anniversary date, not to mention a great excuse for a party in the dark of winter.

Because of all that, here is the stuff I love best  out of what you love best at Etsy right now, for Valentiney Brides. Look below, and see if you don’t find a few killer gift ideas for your maid of honor. Your favorite bride. Yourself.

Credits: Heart pillow, heart clutch. Flower fascinator, white vase. Sparkly cuff bracelet, felted heart pebbles. Tulle skirt, ornamental hair comb. Rustic “LOVE” sign, poppy brooch.

Check below for the 100 most popular handmade Valentine-themed wedding items on Etsy as of this posting.

Handmade, Valentine-Themed Wedding Items

	(1) Blooming Red Heart Pillow – 14 x 19 inch $92 Nobody has ever measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold. ~ Zelda Fitzgerald [ ... more]
	(2) 10 PERSONALIZED HANDMADE MOTHER’S DAY BIRTHDAY SHOWER TEA POT PARTY INVITATION STAMPIN’UP SPRING EASTER $50 Custom Hand-Made Personalized Green & Pink Teapot Invitation Anyone for Tea? Available, 10 darling Custom Hand Made Prett [ ... more]
	(3) White Bottle Vase handmade stoneware pottery $24 This bottle is hand thrown and glazed in a soft matte white with another white at the neck that gives a burst of subtle textu [ ... more]
	(4) 2010 Calendar Pillow by Le Papier Studio $40 This is our LAST ONE…so hurry on buying it. Our 2010 Calendar Pillow will make the most elegant gift. Add a touch of col [ ... more]
	(5) 10 HANDMADE MOTHER’S DAY BRIDAL BABY SHOWER BIRTHDAY TEA CUP PARTY INVITATION NOTECARDS STAMPIN’UP SPRING EASTER $55 Your guests will love these Personalized Custom Hand Made Pretty Pink Tea Party Invitations with decorative Envelopes. Some [ ... more]
	(6) Peacock Feather BUTTERFLY Pure Luxury Handmade Dupioni Bridal Silk Gift Guide Featured Clutch FREE SHIPPING $80 Gift Guide Featured Clutch: http://www.etsy.com/gift-guides/255 See more clutches in my LUXURY CLUTCH and WEDDING SECTION [ ... more]
	(7) Light beige luxurious crocheted IRISH LACE SCARF $450 Long light beige crocheted lace scarf. Measurements are with out fringes 80 inches long and 5 inches wide (200cm*12,5cm). [ ... more]
	(8) Carroline .Clear Swarovski Crystals bracelet with clasp ( gold) $87 This nice bracelet is done of 350-450 4mm Bicones of Swarovski Crystals.It is a beautiful accessory for a bride to wear on he [ ... more]
	(9) Serving Bowl in Red,Turquoise, and White handmade stoneware pottery $29 This stoneware serving bowl was thrown and altered into an organic ‘flower’ shape. It is glazed in a soft semi-matte white wi [ ... more]
	(10) FEATURED ON THE FRONT PAGE OF ETSY Valentine Candy Hearts Tutu for Girls, Teens and Women Fun, elegant and whimsical feminine look ENTIRELY SEWN NO KNOTS ON ELASTIC $40 Happy Valentine’s Day tutu! A full length tutu, 26" long, on little girls or a delightfully soft and feminine skirt for [ ... more]
	(11) SUMMER – Handmade Chalcedony Gemstones, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver $29 Handmade Chalcedony Gemstones, Swarovski Crystals and Sterling Silver Oh, the beauty of summer! This handmade necklace ha [ ... more]
	(12) Steampunk Bracelet – Sterling SIlver Antique Watch Parts Dangle Bracelet – Ornate Etched Engraved Segments and Rubies Galore – CUSTOMIZED WITH YOUR PERSONAL TOUCH – THE ONLY DANGLES BRACELET OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD From the ORIGINAL CREATOR edmdesings $275 ** UNIQUE DESIGNS IN STEAMPUNK JEWELRY ** edmdesigns always strives to create the most innovative and striking Steampunk j [ ... more]
	(13) felted heart pebbles in pink set of three / valentines day and wedding decor / SALE $12 These hand-felted, merino wool hearts in hot pink are a little sweet, and a little spicy. Needle and wet felted with love. [ ... more]
	(14) Bernadette, Hair Comb, Star Bright Elegant Occasion, by KD Design Studio, antique, rhinestone, wedding, bride, bridesmaid, special occasion $35 Rhinestone and silver metal hair comb Starlight Star bright first star I see tonight, wish I may and wish I might have bea [ ... more]
	(15) felted heart pebbles / white valentines set of three / wedding table decoration / SALE $12 These hand needle felted, Waldorf inspired white wool heart ornaments are pure and sweet. Needle and wet felted with love. [ ... more]
	(16) Organic Petal Rim Bottle Vase in White handmade stoneware pottery $21 This romantic wheel thrown stoneware bottle vase has a rim altered into organic shaped petals, and is glazed in a Satin White [ ... more]
	(17) Large cream silk rose fascinator, Wedding, bridal, bridesmaid, prom or ball, romantic valentines gift $90 This large silk fascinator has been made using pure cream silk and pure silk dupion, Its a real statement piece because of it [ ... more]
	(18) Whisper Knit Panties – Pink Undies Valentines Day $35 Pretty panties handmade in a very fine cotton yarn. Soft baby pink with a scalloped crochet edge in fuschia pink. There’s e [ ... more]
	(19) CLEARANCE Size 29 Electra Designs Corset Burlesque Gothic Steel Busk Cincher French Blue Underbust Black Lace Tight Lacing Waist Lolita Victorian EGL Valentines Holiday Wedding Vampire Burlesque Pinup Steel Nouveau $144 Regular price $299, on sale for $144! Steel Boned Heavy Duty Underbust Corset Waist size 29.5" (75cm) closed We rec [ ... more]
	(20) LOVE Shabby Cottage Romantic Valentine or Wedding Signs Vintage Style 26 x 14 $45 Beautiful, romantic "LOVE" sign done AGED & DISTRESSED SAND LETTERING on a CREAMY IVORY sign. The exquisite letteri [ ... more]
	(21) AND THEY LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER for your December / Christmas or Valentines Day Wedding 24 x 12 $43 Wonderful sign, "And they lived happily ever after…" created especially for your December / Christmas or Valentin [ ... more]
	(22) WINTER SALE WAS 25 Poppy Red Brooch Pin Corsage $13 This beautiful poppy brooch corsage handmade with best quality silk satin fabric. The brooch measures 4.7 inches (12 cm) [ ... more]
	(23) Ruby Red Silk Happy Valentine Sale Luxury Clutch w/ Pearls $40 Priced down…… This fabric is so rich and tactile, you will not want to put ir down…………………. Beautiful an [ ... more]
	(24) LOVE Shabby Cottage Romantic Valentine Signs 22 x 8 $35 Peaceful…soothing…"LOVE"…done in CHIPPY & DISTRESSED CREAMY IVORY with AGED SAND LETTERING & delicately swirl [ ... more]
	(25) Romantic Celebrations Vintage Slide Lamp Shade … great wedding present $35 The theme of this lamp shade is weddings and anniversary parties! See couples just married to couples celebrating their 50th [ ... more]
	(26) Sweetheart Hoop Earrings – Open Heart Love Peace Large Charm – Gold Brass – Valentine Jewelry Gift – Handmade by Mary Jane $30 These sweet heart hoops are so STUNNING! Made from handfordged brass hardware, these sweet and delicate yet bold earrings [ ... more]
	(27) Valentine Lace Romantic Tutu in Shimmering Delicate Peach Tulle 26 inch length 26 inches to the floor for little girls. Wonderful for a flower girl or shabby chic ultra feminine look for women and teens. READY TO SHIP $45 This delicate romantic tutu is in shimmering 54" palest peach tulle with an double faced cocoa satin ribbon waist. For t [ ... more]
	(28) YVETTE’S BET Las Vegas Inspired Black and White Handmade Feather Fascinator $24 This piece is a beautiful handmade black and white spotted Guinea feather fascinator I call "The Yvette Bet", a rem [ ... more]
	(29) 6pcs BUTTERFLY LIGHTS PARTY WEDDING BIRTHDAY BBQ DEC $100 Types of Plugs FOR THIS LIGHTS SET IS 2 parallel flat prongs – "American" type OTHER CONTRIES WILL GET TRAVEL AD [ ... more]
	(30) Purl Two Necklace – Freshwater Pearl on Sterling Silver $27 These two sweet, creamy white freshwater pearls are double drilled and flat on the back. They are hand wired with sterling si [ ... more]
	(31) Sweet Pink Heart Shaped Hand Blown Glass Vase $85 Every boudoir needs something in pink, and this handblown Little Lovely fits the bill! Inspired by the Charming Pussywillows [ ... more]
	(32) Victorian Valentine Charm Bracelet Sale $90 The inspiration for this charm bracelet came from a Victorian Valentine. The silver plated bracelet is adorned with dozens of [ ... more]
	(33) Master Collection Rio Fukuda 03 – Handmade Sweet Needle Felt Wool Present – Japanese craft book $26 Rio Fukuda is the Japanese needle felt wool dessert master. Her design and technique are original from self-studies. She has [ ... more]
	(34) handmade Ruffle butt BLOOMERS black with RED AND WHITE ruffles cute like Minnie Mouse great to wear alone as shorts or under my retro polka dot apron dress great for Valentines Day weddings or special occasion Valentine $16 These are great ruffle butt bloomers!! They have 3 rows of ruffle trimming on the butt. These are great to wear under a dress [ ... more]
	(35) THE SCARLET EMPRESS FREE SHIPPING Wedding or Special Occasions Full HANDMADE Bolero Front Page Featured $198 FREE SHIPPING! Made to order! SEE MORE WEDDING STUFF IN MY GREAT WEDDING SECTION: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=718 [ ... more]
	(36) Valentine Day Hammered Heart Necklace with a Jade Stone Pendant in Antique Silver $20 Antique Silver Hammered Heart Necklace with a Jade Stone Pendant. Timeless. Lobster closing The antique silver chain ad [ ... more]
	(37) Handmade Miniature Tin Toys Canbot Robot – LOVEFIRE BALL Red Valentine ’s Day $75 No Screw! No Glue! Only Cutting and Folding! You are looking at a handmade Collectible – FIRE BALL This is a 100% Handm [ ... more]
	(38) DIY handmade Felt Wool Elephant Lovers Kit Package (tool included) $15 The design of the Elephant Lovers is so cute, there are some details like little bag and hair ribbon. This is the ideal craft [ ... more]
	(39) Handmade Hearts Me Card – Princess Roses Series $5 This handcrafted Hearts Me card from "Princess Roses Series" is perfect for expressing your thoughts to someone spe [ ... more]
	(40) Wedding Sign I LOVE YOU 19X18 Perfect WEDDING or VALENTINES COTTAGE Handpainted and Handmade $46 Love is Sweet and so is this Beatufiul Sign! Another Family Attic Original Design. It would be perfect Cottage decor for anyo [ ... more]
	(41) Handmade silk scarf-tie bikini knickers $35 These sumptuous knickers evoke the circus have a scarf tie at either end, allowing you to adjust them for the perfect fit. [ ... more]
	(42) Painting – - Sweet Birds – - Valentine Love Birds $40 Cute little birdies…capted in a heart of fabric. With glitters, ribbons, roses and more.. Size 30×40 cm / 12×16 inch [ ... more]
	(43) BUTTERSCOTCH AND HONEYSUCKLE Handmade Feather Fascinator $22 Golden FALL colors. The COAL burning under the leaves. AUTUMN raises her velvet head. This piece is a beautiful honey an [ ... more]
	(44) ATHENA’S ALCHEMY 18K Gold Handmade Feather Fascinator $6 Inspired by Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, war, the arts, industry, justice and skill, I bring you an old school bobby [ ... more]
	(45) Squirrelly Love $30 These two squirrels are in love, plain and simple. But, they know that they have to work together to maintain their relati [ ... more]
	(46) SEXY APRON -SNAKE SKIN and LEATHER- NEW YEARS SALE- FREE SHIPPING $23 Serve your sweetie up some warm dessert in this apron and he’ll always want to help you in the kitchen!!! He might even of [ ... more]
	(47) PDF Embroidery Pattern – The Wedding Party $4 Love is in the air…and the Wedding Party would like to help celebrate that love! This embroidery pattern includes Wishful W [ ... more]
	(48) Beautiful Christmas decoration ,arrangement ,bouquet,quilt top, patch, christmas, valentine, ornament birthday anniversary baby shower, birthday party beige glitter shimmer $0 After making the basic yo-yo,adjust the gathers downards off center to from an oblong shape. Finish by inserting the needle a [ ... more]
	(49) Exotic Poppy Luxury Clutch… Silk Lined….Happy Valentine Sale $60 This stunning clutch features an exotic fiery Poppy in vibrant shades of red, deep orange, chocolate brown with a touch of go [ ... more]
	(50) You Make My Heart Soar handmade Valentine’s Day card and envelope $6 The hearts on this card look like they are in flight. A very simple handmade card, perfect for telling your love how much th [ ... more]
	(51) PEACOCK PRINCESS Handmade Peacock Feather Fascinator Bobby Pin $15 Simple and stunning. A hand curled frond of deep vibrant peacock feather atop a lovely bobby pin. I’ve had so many reques [ ... more]
	(52) ROMANTIC LOVE SIGN HEART Shabby Cottage Valentine or Wedding Signs 10 x 12 $29 How sweet is this…."Every time I follow my heart it leads me back to you…" This sign is done in CREAMY IVORY an [ ... more]
	(53) Le Petite Fleur Jardin (Coral Red) $27 A beautiful acrylic carved hot coral red flower (1 inch) which is then linked to natural turquoise stone (3/4 inch)with under [ ... more]
	(54) Dark Red Rose and Pearl Bridal Flower Girl Basket $79 This stunning flower girl basket is made of dark red silk sweetheart roses of very high quality. The basket is covered and l [ ... more]
	(55) Handmade Hearts Me Card and Money holder- Princess Roses Series $5 This handcrafted Hearts Me card from "Princess Roses Series" is perfect for expressing your thoughts to someone spe [ ... more]
	(56) Loves Me Loves Me Not handmade Valentine’s Day card and envelope $6 No need to pluck the petals of this flower. Your hunny is sure to love you when you give them this beautiful handmade card. [ ... more]
	(57) Dr. Seuss Love Quote Handmade Card $3 In love? Then share how you feel with that special someone. This card features an adorable quote by Dr. Seuss, on 110lb bri [ ... more]
	(58) Aqualicious Flower Serving Bowl 16 oz handmade stoneware pottery $23 This stoneware serving bowl was thrown and altered into an organic ‘flower’shape. It is glazed in a soft semi-matte white wit [ ... more]
	(59) KIDS IN LOVE – 14 vintage animal Valentine images – Digital collage 32 $3 A collection of 14 colourful and super cute vintage Valentine images featuring illustrations of boys and girls. Images range [ ... more]
	(60) Medium cream silk rose fascinator, wedding, bridal, bridesmaid,prom or ball, romantic valentines gift $90 This medium size silk fascinator has been made using pure cream silk and pure silk dupion, it measures 5 inches across and 3 [ ... more]
	(61) CERAMIC CAKE TOPPER WEDDING COUPLE HANDMADE HANDPAINTED SH M0020 $40 ♥.•´`..•♥.•´`••.•♥.•´`••.•♥ A Sweetie couple doll Topper cake double function as salt and [ ... more]
	(62) LOVE SECRETS – rose quartz, and sterling silver charm necklace $56 This necklace is made with a bezel set,smooth rose quartz and two sterling silver charms. The key is a Victorian style, with [ ... more]
	(63) Shabby Sadia $30 A beautiful acrylic carved lime light pink flower (30mm) adorned with a golden brass swallow which is then linked to natural [ ... more]
	(64) Love Birds card hand cut $10 Perfect for weddings, valentine, or just to say I love you, each card is individually drawn and cut by hand, a one of a kind [ ... more]
	(65) Silk Kimono Fabric Clutch/Purse/Black w/gold and silver Peacock Feather/Wrap available/Happy Valentine Sale $45 Breathtaking and elegant silk kimono fabric clutch features gorgeous Peacock Feathers woven in metallic threads in shades of [ ... more]
	(66) Red and Pink Waldorf Window Star Love Inspired Home Decoration All Natural Decor Birthday Anniversary Valentine’s Day Holiday Gift Romantic Bedroom Nursery Sun Catcher Naturalkids SHEteam home handmadeMN cic createability uwibteam Team Designstyleguide $9 Bring some beautiful color to your days! This Waldorf-inspired window star will brighten your windows. If you place your [ ... more]
	(67) Black White Silver Birthday Valentines Day Greeting Card $5 Beautiful white and silver paper, amazing Black Flocked Fleur de Lis, this card is elegant and beautiful. A handcrafted mu [ ... more]
	(68) Handmade Card – Flora Series $5 This series of handcrafted cards from "Flora Series" is perfect for expressing your thoughts to someone for Valenti [ ... more]
	(69) E05-FRUITY STRAWBERRY HANDMADE FELT BROOCH -BY BETTY $13 This is for a fruity & juicy strawberry handmade felt brooch that i have individually designed and hand crafted. The brooc [ ... more]
	(70) E25 – BLUE VELVET – VINTAGE BUTTONS HANDMADE NECKLACE – one off design $25 * FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL* BLUE VELVET – vintage buttons handmade Necklace I have designed this from some of very pretty vi [ ... more]
	(71) PEARL WEDDING EARRINGS $34 These earrings are so lovely They were made using swarovski white 8mm pearls and silver plated diamont’e rondelles, a 10mm s [ ... more]
	(72) Wistful Earrings $20 They float effortlessly, and linger like a memory… • white vintage lace ruffle • rosy pink faceted Czech glass bead [ ... more]
	(73) Tea For Two Handmade Tea Set by Bunny Safari $88 Tea For Two sounds so nice and proper doesn’t it? Well it doesn’t have to be stuffy at all. Don’t we all like to have after [ ... more]
	(74) Black Gothic Wedding Day Bride and Groom cake topper OF ELEGANCE $18 Are your ready for a one of a kind Black Wedding Day? Uniquely black and elegantly Gothic,this duo will add perfection to t [ ... more]
	(75) Silk Dupioni Purse/Clutch/Bag / Peacock / Happy Valentine Sale $25 Beautiful, softly shaped ruby red Silk Dupioni clutch features a fun filled embroidered Peacock with luxurious feathers. One [ ... more]
	(76) PUNK ROCK SORBET Blue Pink White Cream Handmade Feather Fascinator $14 A dollop of ICY white whipped cream. 2 two scoops of SWEET pink and DEEP electric blue sorbet. KICK this PUNK piece into li [ ... more]
	(77) Silk Dupioni Clutch w/Peacock Feather / Embroidered / Happy Valentine Sale $40 A Paulownia original,,,,Beautiful and elegant, softly shaped ivory Silk Dupioni clutch features a gorgeous embroidered, with [ ... more]
	(78) Red 6 Pointed Waldorf Window Star – Valentine’s Day Love Romantic Birthday Anniversary Wedding Gift – Montessori Homeschool School Classroom – Bedroom Nursery Holiday Decoration – Naturalkids Natural Kids Team Minnesota HandmadeMN SHETeam DesignStyleGuide $10 Bring some beautiful color to your days! This Waldorf-inspired window star will brighten your windows. If you place your [ ... more]
	(79) Handmade Card Especially for you – Love Grows $5 This handcrafted card from "Love Grows Series" is perfect for expressing your thoughts to someone special for Valen [ ... more]
	(80) WEDDING COUPLE CAKE TOPPER SALT PEPPER SHAKER CERAMIC HANDMADE GIFT AND DECORATION $40 ♥.•´`..•♥.•´`••.•♥.•´`••.•♥ A Sweetie couple Topper cake double function as salt and pepp [ ... more]
	(81) Heart Afire Pendant – Handmade Swarovski Crystal Heart Necklace $18 This stunning 17mm Swarovski Crystal Pendant is in the Crystal AB color, which magically changes with the light. Stunning nec [ ... more]
	(82) Emmaline – Hydrangea and Rooster Tail Feather Fascinator Hair Accessory $13 ♥¤´¨) ¸.·´¸.·*´¨) ¸.·*¨) (¸.·´Welcome ♥What you’ll receive: a high quality fascinator with red & bro [ ... more]
	(83) SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE – SPRINGS – Handmade Sterling Silver Earrings $13 These have to be the most fun of any of my sterling earrings! The spring section is very much like a basket suspended from a [ ... more]
	(84) Baby Feline Siamese I Love You Handmade Card $4 A beautiful handmade greetings card featuring a cut-out print of my line drawing of a baby feline Siamese kitten. This ca [ ... more]
	(85) Customised Anniversary or Valentine’s Day Cut-Out Heart Card $10 Order a 100% customised card for that special couple you know and bring a huge smile to their face on the special day! With t [ ... more]
	(86) Set of 10.Monogrammed Personalized for You…French Antique Silhouette Bird..Black…Favor Gift Hang Tag.. Journal.Card.Note.Shabby Chic.Wedding..VALENTINE…Birthday $8 Oh So French Chic! Set of 10 Personalized Favor Gift Tags Printed on Textured Canvas Cardstock. Each Card will be prin [ ... more]
	(87) Handmade Wedding, Valentine’s Day Card—Keys to My Heart $7 This gorgeous card would be prefect for a wedding or anniversary. It would also make a great Valentine’s Day card! The ba [ ... more]
	(88) Master Collection Rio Fukuda 02 – Handmade Sweet Needle Felt Wool Dessert – Japanese craft book $22 Rio Fukuda is the Japanese needle felt wool dessert master. Her design and technique are original from self-studies. She has [ ... more]
	(89) Holiday Ornament or Wedding Favor $12 Holiday Ornament or Wedding Favor: Ready to hang – three inch capiz shells painted with glitter and decorated in the traditio [ ... more]
	(90) VALENTINE HEART PALEST ROMANTIC PEACH LONG TUTU with Ivory Satin Ribbon Length 26 inches. Full length for a little girl, shabby chic feminine look for women and teens. SEWN NO KNOTS ON ELASTIC $40 This delicate romantic tutu is in shimmering 54" palest peach tulle with an double faced ivory satin ribbon waist. For V [ ... more]
	(91) CERAMIC WEDDING COUPLE DOLL SALT PEPPER SHAKER SH M0002 $40 ♥.•´`..•♥.•´`••.•♥.•´`••.•♥ A Sweetie couple doll Topper cake double function as salt and [ ... more]
	(92) ON SALE Custom personalized address self- inking rubber stamp with two love birds application – cute Valentines gift- style 1272 $25 The stamp is high quality self- inking and about 7/8" X 2-3/8" . Available colors are : black, red, blue, gree [ ... more]
	(93) Red Crystal Cube Sterling Silver Bracelet $32 Handcrafted with siam red Swarovski crystal cubes, sterling silver beads and a silver plated magnetic clasp. This bracelet ca [ ... more]
	(94) Orchids Peony Silk Kimono Clutch/Purse/Bag / see matching Wrap / Happy Valentine sale $40 Breathtaking and elegant silk kimono fabric clutch features a gorgeous background of Rinzu (Damask) Peony and Cattleya Orchid [ ... more]
	(95) Vintage Glass Pearl Bead Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring $14 Vintage glass pearl bead wrapped in sterling silver wire. The quality of this vintage glass pearl bead is so beautiful! It is [ ... more]
	(96) I Love You – Message In A Bottle Pendant – Ideal Valentine’s Gift $13 Are you looking for that perfect gift that will tell her/him exactly how you feel? They will treasure this unique and persona [ ... more]
	(97) WEDDING RING HOLDER for your WEDDING or CEREMONY or VALENTINES DAY Shabby Cottage Signs 5 x 5 $14 A most romantic remembrance of your special day is this… …WEDDING RING HOLDER to get your rings safely down the aisle [ ... more]
	(98) Henna Candles with Genuine Swarovski Crystals and Precious and Semi Precious Stones A Perfect Mother’s Day Gift Handmade Hand Decorated Hand Crafted Hand Painted Decorative Candle $25 Preety Peacock { This candle art was inspired by the beautiful and mythical bird Peacock. The Color of the Jewels used i [ ... more]
	(99) VALENTINE CLASSIC IVORY LONG TUTU – 26 inches to the floor for little girls. Wonderful for a flower girl or shabby chic ultra feminine look for women and teens. READY TO SHIP $45 Perfect for a Valentine portrait, dancing or a flower girl! Works well as a formal skirt for women as well with a slip added. [ ... more]
	(100) Luvbug – Custom Hot Pink and Red Tutu and Wings Set – Handmade Infant/Toddler Heart Embellished Ladybug Wings and 8” Laybug Tutu Set – newborn to 24 months – Perfect for Valentine’s Day, Portraits, 1st Birthdays $55 This listing is for one pair of handmade ladybug wings in our toddler size and a handmade ladybug tutu. This set is made with [ ... more]

Sweethearts candy impresario, Necco (originally very waspishly called by its full name, the “New England Confectionary Company”), did a survey sometime last year asking online contributors what they’d like to see next  in pastels.

In addition to an overwhelming wave of “tweet me,” other favorites included “bite me” — from Twilight fans, duh! — “text me” and “love bug,” the latter an apparent homage to a Jonas Brothers movie of the recent past that, thank the sugar gods, I remained blissfully unaware of. Bite me ultimately failed to make the cut, given its potential to offend the last three remaining non-Twihards.

Can we all breathe a collective sigh of relief that Necco, unlike so many other media authorities, didn’t memorialize the avert-your-eyes faux pas, “TWITTER ME”?

Note that if you want to be sure of a little cachet and slipping a TWEET ME to your favorite technophile this year, you may want to get your paws on more than one bag, since this magical phrase only appears about once in 80 candies.

But they’re costly, kinda. Exhibit one: let’s take a look at Brides‘ last entertaining “one look, two prices” feature. I’m sure you’ve seen and enjoyed this: they feature two similar bouquets, one costing $150 and one $325 because the latter features out-of-season peonies and a to-die-for bouquet wrap, but both, almost equally lovely.

Or they show us a super-spendy cake, and  a simpler model in the same spirit that costs $400 less. Fun stuff. Last issue, you might have noticed, covered ring pillows.

Here’s what they had to say about that: a bride has a choice. Buy a reasonably-priced pillow for $40, and you get a mass-market creation in (gasp!) that ubiquitous “bridey” stuff: white satin polyester. Or, go boutique for $90 and enjoy some finer touches: rose-colored linen, frolicking yards of grosgrain, hand-finished details.

Of course … shhhhh … you and I know a secret that cancels out the pain of this Sophie’s Choice. We don’t have to settle for made-in-China, or plunk down a benjamin for something a little nicer.

We’ve got Etsy.

Let me introduce you to 5eizen (pronounced five-ee-zen), the brainchild of designer Irene Lam, whose ring pillows would make garden statues weep with longing.

The fabrics you’ll find here range include satins in bright aqua and royal purple, dupioni and pleated silk, red and pale blue toiles. Designs weave in and out as they’ve caught … or lost … her fancy, but you can see her unifying style at a glance.

5eizen has  only been around since 2009, but already, Irene’s managed to catch the eye of Martha Stewart, Modern Bride and Wedding Bells. Best of all, right now you can get one of her stunning pillows with handcrafted organza and tulle blooms  or delicate copper leaves for about $55-$60, proving you don’t have to trade exquisite looks for value.

And frankly? These cubic beauties knock both of those aforementioned pillows out of the ballpark. Sorry, Brides. 
Where to find them

In fact, don’t you think that just about every fascinating thing you see on a wedding blog should be followed by a giveaway? Well, in the world of my head, it is. And in this case, the real world’s playing along, too. Yay!

So, what’s the prize? One of my favorite wedding books of all time.

Oh, great, a book. I can hear you groaning all the way from here in upstate New York. I know, there are some pretty tepid wedding books out there getting a lot more hype than they deserve.

On the other hands, there are true classics: ones you’ll find yourself turning to long after the cake crumbs are swept off the floor, because the pages are so darn beautiful, and the design tips so very intuitive, and the principles so relevant for every bit of entertaining you do forever-after. This is one of those books.

Karen Bussen, when she’s not planning spectacular weddings or spicing up Epicurious with a little guest content, writes books that are somewhat ahead of their time. In fact, long before the economy started to stink up the place, she realized brides were simply starving for ways to bring their weddings under control. They wanted to make a huge visual impact and personal statement, without throwing all that money randomly at stranger-vendors and hoping for the best.

Karen tells you how to do just that. Her style’s decidedly modern, but powerful. She’ll show you how a genius use of color, simplicity and repetition will just knock your guests over when they enter the room, without forcing you to honeymoon in a refrigerator box. As a planner who started with florals, she’ll show you how to put the “wow” in your flowers, but only use one or two varieties of blooms. She’ll empower you to handle most of this yourself, but tell you when it’s best to get a professional involved.

In short, if you want some effective DIY in your wedding but don’t want to waste four nights in a row cutting out microscopic flags for toothpicks, Karen’s your woman. And now, one lucky reader will get “the next best thing to Karen planning your wedding herself” for free!

The Details: to enter this contest, leave a comment below describing what “DIY” part of your wedding you’re the most anxious about. If you’re not doing anything yourself, just tell me how much you like cupcakes. A lot? Hardly at all?

For an extra entry, click this link to go to Facebook and follow this blog. Then come back and leave an extra comment with your name, saying you followed it. And/or for another extra entry, post about this giveaway on your blog or site linking back to this one, and leave an extra comment showing where you posted.You do not need to post your email in the body of the post — and don’t, so you don’t get hit by spammers — but you do need a valid email in the private field, so I can contact you if you win. Also, to keep shipping costs reasonable, this contest is only open to the US and Canada. Canada, because I love Canada.

So, you can have up to three entries. Be sure to leave an extra comment for each extra entry so you get the credit!

A winner will be chosen randomly at … you guessed it, Random.org. Since this is the first contest, it’s still a little up in the air, but for now let’s say it will end at midnight EST on Tuesday, February 2nd.  Best of luck everyone and have a fantastic weekend!

Jennifer Short was the winner of our first contest. Jennifer, thanks for entering, and I hope you enjoy this awesome book!