I love elfa...before/after studio shots

You know what your room looks like when you decide to clean the closet, get everything out and have it in piles around the room, and then decide you are too tired to finish?

Well, that was a pretty good visual of my studio before its storage makeover. It was a mish-mash of whatever we had left over...2 old desks and a printer stand that's wobbly.

Now I'm an IKEA girl at heart, but unfortunately the closest one to me is 569 miles away...a little too far to drive, and for large purchases I need to see the product before I buy.

So last summer I got the elfa catalog and quietly waited until this January for their twice-yearly sale to snag my 30% off.

Let me just say, it was soooo worth the wait....absolutely love my elfa shelving. Nine feet of glorious counterspace and 30 wire-mesh drawers that hold an incredible amount of supplies.

The upside....kind of like when you get a new bike. You really want to keep it nice and new, so I have been making a concerted effort to keep things clean.

Finally my studio feels more like my minimalist style.

My newest ring obsession....the pebble stacking ring from Spiral Stone

I have always wanted to visit the other side of the world, mainly the coastline of Australia and New Zealand. I am definitely a "beach" person at heart...I have simply always loved the majestic zen feel about it.

So as I was perusing the ring section of Etsy (a very bad habit I have), and I happened upon this most amazing ring. Besides the beautiful handcrafted work and gorgeous combination of dark/light stones with silver, I also loved the story behind it.

This one-of-a-kind ring, a little piece of wearable art, was created from small pebbles that the Australian artist collected on a "recent visit to a wild and stony beach along the rugged coastline of New Zealand".

As fate would have it, she had made it in my exact size, so it was basically meant for me. It arrived today and I couldn't love it more.

If you love her naturally organic yet modern style, I'd recommend taking a look at her blog and reading about her inspiration, as well as visiting her amazing shop Spiral Stone.

Happy Australia Day! (Jan. 26th)

Etsy reveals....Designs with Attitude

The last installment on my Etsy Christmas gift spree.....figured I can still write about them since I haven't even finished writing my thank-you notes. Emily Post would be mortified, but I digress.

So what do you get the guy who has everything AKA my dad, especially when what he really wants is $$$ camera equipment. Well, you get him something that works well with his other love....wine.

Saw this beautiful blue glass wine stop at the shop of Design with Attitude-Distinctive Creations in Glass and it fit the bill perfectly. Think I might have found a new theme for Christmas gifts for my dad.

Etsy reveals....LvoffStudio

So people think because I create jewelry, I wouldn't want to wear jewelry made by someone else, but the exact opposite is true when it comes to rings.

I am not a collector by nature, but suddenly I find myself searching for uber-cool handcrafted rings every time I'm on Etsy. It has become a bit of an obsession and could easily become out of control if it wasn't for me purposely keeping a low Paypal balance. :-)

This blue Peruvian opal ring is one that my mom spotted when I made a comment on Twitter about how much I loved it...and I had also put it in my favorites.

I was so surprised when I received it for a present, because I had actually been disappointed when I saw that it had sold. I remember thinking that person was lucky. But who knew that lucky person would be me.

Check out the great shop of LvoffStudio for some really amazing work!

First anniversary....

Well, it's officially lime green modern's first anniversary!

Just wanted to say a quick thanks for all the great support all of you have given me this year on this exciting endeavor.

I have started an official newsletter...so if you would like to get the scoop first on special sales for subscriber's only, feel free to sign up in the newsletter box on the right. (Promise they are very occasional and I definitely keep addresses to myself!)

*******Blowing out candle now!*******

Etsy reveals...Duct Tuff

So I really wanted to do much of my holiday purchasing on Etsy....but I also know the average teenager really wants cold hard cash. After a quick search I found the perfect gift for my nephew.

Enter the duct tape wallet. Yes, it really is made entirely out of duct tape. Super cool, and when you tuck some cash into the new wallet, well, I thought it made a great gift.

I liked it so much that I also bought my husband an all black one and he loves it!

Check out the great shop of Duct Tuff for an innovative twist on the old wallet.

Etsy reveals...Daily Sip Studios

"I am located in Chicago, where I live with my husband, and our three wine fridges."

Now how can you not buy from someone with a great sense of humor and an amazing modern style?

This is the third gift in my Etsy reveals series...a gift to my brother and his wife. I heard through the family grape vine that they wanted dishes, so I got them a gift card to one of their favorite shops so they could pick some out.

But I wanted something a little more personalized to put the gift card in....enter these super cool cards. I chose the blue/yellow/gray combo, had their names added, and it was perfect!

There are many amazing choices for your modern stationary cravings at Daily Sip Studios. I know I'll be back, but next time, it will be for me. :-)

Thanks again Kimberly!

Etsy reveals...Muse Silk Paintings

So we are on to the second gift reveal of my Christmas gift buying extravaganza on Etsy! Now that the recipients have their gifts, I thought I would share some great shops with you guys.

These colors instantly grabbed me...beautiful hand painted swirls in turquoise, coral, olive green, to name a few.

What's cool about this piece is not only is it art work, it's art work to wear. I chose this scarf for my mom as a Christmas gift from the great shop of Muse Silk Paintings.

I love the organic feel of her work and my mom loved her scarf! Thanks again!

Etsy reveals...Drawworm

So this year I decided to buy Christmas gifts for my family from Etsy to support handmade artists. (Minus the Barbies, Legos, and Wii must-haves for my nieces/nephews and my own kiddos). :-)

Couldn't reveal them until now on the off chance that one of them reads this blog!

First up, the most amazing drawing of my kids (a gift for my mom and dad) from Drawworm. I simply emailed her the photo and received the most incredible drawing. It was so spot-on...I was truly blown away. I had it framed and it was a huge hit!

It took her 6 hours over 3 days to do it and she sent me "progress" pics to make sure I liked how it was coming along. If you would like to see this exact picture in progress, check out her blog post.

If you want a fabulous drawing for yourself, take a look at her amazing Etsy shop.

Thanks again Drawworm!!