One look at the DIY website Etsy proves it: Homemade crafts have come a long way since Nana's crocheted doilies. Though there are plenty of failed attempts at creativity represented on the site -- Regretsy, anyone? -- they're balanced by pieces that are original, inventive, and aesthetically stunning. And many of them come from our own backyard.
These Miami vendors were chosen for their unique approach to the homemade item, incorporating spunky elements and makeshift glam. After all, beneath all the diamond-encrusted panache strutting about Miami, there's got to be an understated longing for the simpler things in life.
JennaDickes
Jenna Dickes Deleo's clean, tongue-in-cheek illustrations look like they
belong on Urban Outfitter tees... except her prints run from three to
twelve bucks.
There's a sexy-zombie-lady drawing who resembles "white
knight" Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight, or drug lord Gus from Breaking Bad
(both of whom have just had their faces partially blown off in an
explosion). There's also a rocker version of Hermoine Granger, who
resembles Danny in the opening credits of Grease before he tames his
mane with copious amounts of hair gel. Pop culture references all
around.
Jenna also inked up some holiday greeting cards with plenty of Miami snark -- "Merry Christmas,
Bitches" and "Suck It, 2011", respectively -- that she offers to mail out
for you with a personal message written inside. An artist who also
takes care of tedious holiday rituals? We love her.
Funkyou
Funkyou intertwines kitsch, creepy and cute with its line of oddball accessories.
First we ogled extensively at the line of skeleton hand hair barrettes
and brooches. Shop owner Liana describes the product as follows: "This
pin reminds me of those zombie films where their hands pop out of graves
as they try to grab that unfortunate soul that has wandered too close."
You know, she makes a valid case here. In a city like Miami, it's never a
bad idea to take the offensive and step out with proper armor to
protect oneself from the various creepers lurking about.
We also dug her mini plastic gun rings and real brass key earrings (hey, you'll never lose 'em).
DefiantDecals
The DefiantDecals home deco shop is run by a mother and daughter duo. The pair make custom vinyl decals that jazz up a wall space, car
or computer. We particularly love the set of gargantuan hanging spiders
that would look bizarre and awesome in a living room (just so long as
it's not the hangout for cast members of The Craft).
Another set of funky decals, meant for the refrigerator, entice with
phrases such as "nibble," "yum," and "enjoy." As if we needed any more
temptation.
GetWaisted
This boutique's swag channels over-the-top Miami glamor at a price we "little people" can afford. Its line of custom-made bolero shrugs are as insane as
they are gorgeous. Think: the cast of Alice in Wonderland in its own
fashion show.
Moving on to the handmade feather earrings: There is so much plumage
involved that you run the risk of taking flight if you sport these
babies around South Beach or Bayfront on a windy day.
There are scores of earring designs, and far more goodies, to browse
through over at the GetWaisted Etsy shop.
designedbyDiana
Shop owner Diana Buznego's retro-inspired aprons look like they belong
in Anthropologie, or whatever other domestic boutique we can't think of
because we don't cook. We could pick up a spatula just for the sake of
wearing one of these aprons, though. And you could totally wear the
gorgeous ruffled waist aprons as a skirt if, well, they didn't just
cover the front half of your body. Better stick to the kitchen.
-- Grace Stainback
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