Annie Vought

Okay, okay. I know it’s been a lifetime since I actually found some time to post. But once I saw the work of Annie Vought, I knew I had to have a little Experts homecoming. Vought, an Oakland-based artist, finds beauty in what sadly seems to be a vanishing art: the handwritten letter. She meticulously handcuts the correspondences, removing all negative space to showcase the forms of the individual letters themselves.

From Vought’s site:

The handwriting and the lines support the structure of the cut paper, keeping it strong and sculptural, despite its apparent fragility. In these paper cutouts, I focus on the text, structure, and emotion of the letter in an elaborate investigation into the properties of writing and expression. Penmanship, word choice, and spelling all contribute to possible narratives about who that person is and what they are like. My recreating the letters is an extended concentration on peoples’ inner lives and the ways they express their thoughts through writing.

These delicate, intricate pieces are somewhat reminiscent of Jill Sylvia’s amazing ledger work. Clearly, we Experts swoon over the art of cut paper.

More images after the jump.

via Colossal

Continue reading Annie Vought

Etsy Schmetsy: Shark Week!

We know, we know. It’s been about 400 million years since we did a Schmetsy, which is fitting since that’s almost as long as our fine, featured, fearsome finned friends have been kicking around. In honor of those strong, shrewd stewards of the sea (and everyone’s favorite annual event), this week’s Schmetsy celebrates Shark Week!





Row 1: Monster Shark Can Cozy by Handamade; Great White Shark Silhouette Necklace by ANORIGINALJEWELRY; Tiny Felt Hammerhead Shark by nicolaluke

Row 2: Handknit Shark Mittens by ifallthraindrops; San Jose Shark Attack Boutonniere by frittsrosenow

Row 3: Shark Tote by biancasbaby; Double Chain Gold Shark Tooth Necklace by Emmarose1231; Shark Punch T-shirt by sharpshirter; Jaws Bird Handmade Felt Bird by TweetandTweed

Row 4: Shark Bottle Opener by berkleyillustration; Cute Shark Felt Pin by LuluLyna

Row 5: Shark Masks Print by MATTY8080; What Are You Doing For Shark Week Button by allisonbook; Simon The Shark Pet Sleeping Bag by rikarika

Etsy Schmetsy: Teeny-Tiny, Itty-Bitty Wee Schmetsy

I’m not sure what to say, other than, “Oh. Em. Gee. Look at all of these crazy-amazing, adorable, eensy-weensy things.” So, please, look at them. And enjoy.





Row 1: Hand-Blown Glass Miniature Erlenmeyer Flask by kivaford; Dollhouse Miniature Stew Pan by cottageminiatures; Natural Primitive Miniature Wood Town by saysthetree

Row 2: Miniature Golden Girls TV Set by LDelaney; the ERIE by CatalogHouses; Miniature Antique Brass Cake Stand by AiClay

Row 3: Whole Grain Bread and Butter Set by amanspeak; Miniature Dollhouse Books by scbflr72; Micro Mini Felted Cardinal In Nest by gotcrowcreations

Row 4: The Little Baker Necklace in Antiqued Copper by bellehibou; A Tree and a White Bike in a Tiny Bottle by tinyworldinabottle; Tinyment (A Tiny Metal Tenement) by finchandfouracre

Row 5: A Dish of Thai Food Miniatures Freestyle Handmade by DefineStudio; Pickled Onions and Fruit Chutney Miniature Food Handmade by sarahmaloney; Small Basket of Crusty Bread by CJMiniatures

Etsy Schmetsy: All Tied Up

Who doesn’t love a good bow tie? From traditional to whimsical, classy to playful, this assortment includes something for everyone looking to add a little dapper to his or her day.





Row 1: Harvest Checks Bow Tie Dog Collar by SillyBuddy; Poindexter Props on a Stick by sarahedesigns; Boy in the Orange Bowtie Canvas Print by kikiandpolly

Row 2: Rust Bow Belt by darlingtonia; Cutesy Bow Tie in Blue Stripe by RikkiB; Father and Son Silk Bow Tie Set by Appleandivy

Row 3: Kitty Scout Portrait Altered Vintage Plate by BeatUpCreations; Gold Bow Necklace by diamentdesigns; Fraternal Lop Bunnry Rabbit with Tassled Fez and a Bow Tie Illustration Beautifully Upcycled Dictionary Page Book Art Print by collageOrama

Row 4: Felt Bowtie Cupcake Toppers by KnockKnocking; Sterling Silver Bow Necklace by BluHour; Puffy Yellow Bow Pillow Cover by secdus

Row 5: Soft Black Tan Leather Bow Tie Bracelet by threehorses; Men’s Grey Wool Houndstooth Bow Tie by KnotNow; So Super Dandy Bowtie Collar by alexandragrecco

Etsy Schmetsy: Valentine’s Day, Schmalentine’s Day

It may seem a wee bit premature, but it’s that time of year again. That simultaneously adored and dreaded day is just around the corner. That’s right: Valentine’s Day. We hope you’ll enjoy this smattering of treats for your sweetheart or yourself. And for those of you without a main squeeze, we Experts would just love to be your collective valentine.



Row 1: Felt Arrow Cake Flags by hankandhunt; Star Map Embroidered Print by selflesh; “ac is cupid” Greeting Card by katefunk

Row 2: “I Heart Your Guts” Hand-Printed Card by desTroy; Belle and Sebastian Limited-Edition Silkscreen Poster by strawberryluna; “Do You Like Me Circle Yes or No” Sweetheart Cuff Bracelet by vsc83

Row 3: Bee’s Knees Pillow by SewEnglish; Handcut Hearts Garland by PaperPolaroid; “You & Me Are In Love” Print by virginiakraljevic

Row 4: Cat and Dog Greeting Card by Juliapott; Hand-Embroidered Smitten Handkerchief by bobetsy; Foxy Love Bowl by SongandBranch

Dalton Ghetti

You may have already seen Dalton Ghetti’s amazing work, but it is absolutely worth seeing again. Ghetti, a Brazilian artist living in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has been carving the tips of graphite pencils into incredible, microscopic sculptures since he was a child. The artist uses only razor blades, sewing needles and excellent lighting (no magnification!) to create these intricate miniature masterpieces. A carpenter by trade, Ghetti carves the pencils in his spare time.

“The pencil has been kind of like a challenge to myself. I can do anything really big, but the small stuff is really difficult, so I was like, let me see how small I can go.”

“When I’m inspired, I can sit down and things just flow. You can’t force yourself to do those things. I do it just for fun, it’s pretty much like a hobby, a kind of meditation work that I do,” says Dalton.

See more of Ghetti’s awe-inspiring work, as well as credits, after the jump.

Continue reading Dalton Ghetti

Etsy Schmetsy: Stay Gold, Ponyboy.

There’s something about gold. I’m not sure if it’s the brightness of the color, the sheen of the metal, or the cheer that either brings. For this week’s Schmetsy, we give a shout out to all things golden.




Row 1: Good Boy Golden Ring by Fleathers; Tea for One Print by yumiyumi; Golden Urban Set of 5 Rings by AurumJewelry

Row 2: Early Golden Bantam Heirloom Organic Corn Seed by Thebearfootshaman; Buddy Holly Print by modernanthem; Upcycled Tray by thecatalog

Row 3: Soleil Cowl Merino Wool and Cashmere Neckwarmer by TickledPinkKnits; Handy Tools Earrings by dobleele; Kinies Classic Goldenrod Bag by Kinies

Row 4: Be Wise Be Handy Vintage Owl Magnifying Glass Necklace by soradesigns; Golden Delicious Print by amandakindregan; Golden Yellow Baby Girl Felt Booties by sunflowerexpress

Etsy Schmetsy: Etsysaurus Schmex!

This week’s Schmetsy pays tribute to a group that is somehow simultaneously terrifying and lovable: dinosaurs!




Row 1: The Kid’s Table Archival Fine Art Print by WildLifePrints; T-Rex Dinosaur Print by berkleyillustration; RAWR 2 Fine Art Print by UrbanPinkPhotography

Row 2: Jurassic Dinosaur Terrarium by terradctl; Dino Hunting – Dinosaur on Plaque by Jadesun; Hanging Pterodactyl Necklace by BrainsandBeauty

Row 3: Handmade Felted Brontosaurus by FeltedFriends; Ruzgar the Pterodactyl Wool Felt Plush Doll by nonesuchgarden; The First Thanksgiving Original Collage by unusualcards

Row 4: T.Rex Organic Maple Wood Teether by littlealouette; Dinoclasm Passport Case by Mikeatron for Tinymeat; Dinosaur Toy Necklace by pinkavenger

Etsy Schmetsy: Go, Cats!

Most of us Experts are cat fanciers (and lovers of fancy cats), so here’s an homage to our feline friends. Love a cat, people!

1-1_fluffykitten1-2_origamiearrings1-3_catgirlnecklace
2-1_suitcasebed2-2_modcatbed2-3_notebook
3-1_whitekittenring3-2_inefelinering3-3_kittygentlemanring
4c-1b_nestkittens4c-3_keyboardcat4-1_kittygirlpin
5-1_partyhat5-2_pharaohhat5-3_beret

Row 1: Fluffy Kitten Print by animalsincolor; Silver Origami Kitty Earrings by AllegroArts; Cat Girl Gold Pendant Necklace by kerenasaf

Row 2: SnuggyLuggage Vintage Upcycled Repurposed Suitcase Pet Bed by ThePopStopsHere; Retro Modern Pet Bed by likekittysville; Kitten Awesome Pocket Journal by nowvember

Row 3 (Rings): I’m All Ears – The White Kitten Ring by TheGoldenPlague; Ine Ring – Feline by HouseofJanis; Kitty Gentleman Ring by soradesigns

Row 4: Nest of Kittens by edisonrex; Keyboard Cat Embroidery by RachelMckay; Cat Disguise Felt Pin by hanaletters

Row 5 (Cat Hats!): Pet Party Hat by xmoonbloom; Pharaoh the Cat by shan329; Meow-La-La Mini Wool Classic Beret by ToScarboroughFair

Etsy Schmetsy: Summertime Carnival

The long days and warm evenings of summer always make me want to go to a carnival. This week’s Schmetsy is inspired by the iconic revelry of these festive affairs.

1-1-balloons1-2-merriment
2-1-apples2-2-catncrow2-3-corndog
3-1-ferris3-2-cyclone3-3-rideticket
4-1-knife4-2a-yeehaw4-3-icecream

Row 1: Balloons Photograph by JEberl; Merriment Necklace by umbrellastand

Row 2: Caramel Apples Photograph by alicebgardens; Funny Cat ‘n’ Crow Rollercoaster Note Card by 3crows; Felt Corndog by BeckyM

Row 3: Ferris Wheel Letterpress Set of 5 Folded Notes by paperlovelypress; Cyclone Original Aquatint Etching by piroteki; Jubilee Ride Ticket Thin Wood Cuff by ruthmikos

Row 4: The Knife Juggler Print by Roadside; Pink Careless Love Carnival Letterpress Print in White Letterpress Vignette by YeeHaw; Blue Ice Cream Print by inventorysupply

Blog Widget by LinkWithin