Cultivar hairpieces and bouquets are ideal for brides, bridal parties or the Main Line fashionista who wants to embrace her inner Coco Chanel. Photo courtesy of Mary Kate Timbers (kateslens.com)

Katie Reim came about the idea of using recyclable materials for hair pins and Victoriana headpieces in February 2009 while recovering from brain surgery. One year later, Reim has a clean bill of health and a successful Etsy shop. Reim is also a local artist with a line of perfectly charming illustrations of some of the Delaware Valley’s most beloved landmarks and events. I chose Cultivar, Reim’s booming accessory business on Etsy, as party of AML’s ongoing series, Etsy Phavorites. Her gorgeous clips, headbands and pins are irrestible and so SJP, I knew my AML gals will appreciate the selection!

Each piece of the Cultivar collection is constructed by hand using cleaned, recycled fabrics (mostly acquired at a Philadelphia Salvation Army) and buttons, in addition to new and reclaimed beads. Want to check out the designs in person? Look for Cultivar pieces at Manayunk’s new chic boutique, The Little Apple.

Reim designs custom bridal bouquets for approximately $125 that will never wither and can be cherished as a family heirloom.

Etsy Site: cultivar.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: In February ’09 with Cultivar-Reim was bedridden while recovering from brain surgery and started making fabric flowers on the couch to pass the time. Before she knew it, her living room was full of one-of-a-kind fabric flowers. Reim describes her thirst for creativity as “creative A.D.D.”

Company Slogan: Blooms Cultivated from Recycled Fabrics

Publisher’s Pick: So perfect for Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July and beyond is ‘Picnic in the Park,’ a hairclip and brooch priced at $26.

Price Range: $8-$85 and up

Etsy Sales: 898 to date

Current Items for Sale: 91

Hometown: Originally from Maryland, Reim currently resides in Roxborough

Blooms for Brides: Katie regularly creates custom headpieces for brides and bridal parties for summer garden weddings, or for those brides looking for a funky twist on a reception hair piece. “I really enjoy working with brides; it can be a lot of fun. We also offer coordinating fabric boutonnieres, headbands for flower girls as well, you name it.” Since she is shipping around the country, Reim asks the brides to email her pictures of the dresses, floral arrangements and consults on the wedding locale and colors to construct the appropriate pieces.

Picnic in the Park, perfect for Memorial Day and Fourth of July, is handmade with reclaimed fabrics and an antique scarf. It can be worn as a brooch or hair clip. $26

Reim’s Etsy Experience: “Etsy is a wonderful community, all the artists want to help and support each other out-as opposed to viewing each other as competition. I regularly get feedback from other sellers and advice, which has been great,” said Reim.

Giving Back: Reim gets satisfaction out of supporting the Salvation Army, stopping by weekly to find shirts, cool buttons, beads and fabrics to ‘tear up’ and ‘cultivating’ them into her one-of-kind pieces.

Kudos: Reim’s portfolio and talents can be seen on her website, katiereim.com. She boasts a 2006 Golden Addy award in illustration from the ad club of New Orleans.

Other Interests: Reim is a professional freelance illustrator (katiejeannereim.etsy.com) when she is not focusing on her other love, painting. Her whimsical interpretations of the Manayunk Bike Race and Philadelphia landmarks (Boathouse Row) are reminiscent of famed children’s illustrator Richard Scary.

Obamalot: The nation’s first lady, Michelle Obama, has been lauded for her feminine fashion sense that includes designs with floral appliqués and accents. So, Cultivar’s feminine accessories are right in step with the nation’s most prominent style figure. Last year, Mrs. Obama sported a vintage green paper maiche flower pin (on a Jason Wu canary yellow sleeveless sheath) while in Rome www.mrs-o.org. Cultivar’s one-of-a-kind cloth flower pins offer the same chic look for the Philadelphia fashionista.

A full collection of Cultivar’s designs can be found on Etsy.com at cultivar.etsy.com. Her other Etsy sites include katiejeannereim.etsy.com and a line of t-shirts, cirrusskooter.etsy.com. Katie’s professional portfolio can be viewed at katiereim.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

Fly Like an Eagle
From Robson’s personal collection, an extra large 48" vintage cast metal wall eagle, $125

Interior designer Kelly Galvin Robson has a love of everything vintage. Her prolific Etsy site is brimming with irresistibly preppy, distinguished home accents-from an old set of German framed bird prints to cocktail glasses, Vera linens, milk glass, a vintage large brass horse head door knocker, McCoy pottery and more. If you are a fan of the AMC series Mad Men (the Golden-Globe winning series which depicts the lives of a group of Madison Avenue advertising executives in the ‘60s) then you will fall in love with High Street Market’s uber-chic retro collection. “I love the Philadelphia area, and I just love the creativity here among the design community. When I worked for a very high profile interior design firm in L.A., our clients always challenged us to find these amazing, one-of-a-kind pieces. They were not interested in hiring us for a living room that ended up filled with mass produced items. Every day there was the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of discovering special items for their home,” explained Robson.

But, Robson, an Orange County native, found the scarce amount of L.A. flea markets impossible to source regularly for those perfect vintage treasures. So when she and her husband moved to Bucks County a little over a year ago, she was thrilled. “I love how easily I can go to a bunch of flea markets and antique stores in one afternoon here. It was not that convenient in L.A., they were not that prolific and just working through the traffic was nuts! The Philadelphia suburbs are a treasure trove for me as a designer.”

Robson scours suburban Philadelphia flea markets regularly for great treasures for her booming Etsy shop.

Robson’s prices are also very competitive, substantially less than a local antique store. “Keeping my price (points) at a certain level has been the key. I could raise my prices but then I would be losing my customers and not offering the great value that High Street is known for,” explained Robson. And Robson’s taste has a charming country feel-in a mod Ralph Lauren way. She emphasizes that, in the current economy, clients don’t want to take risks with home design and prefer to keep it classic. “I know what I like and I have been in this business long enough to know what will stand the test of time for a home. I do like a little bit of an edge with my home accents—classic pieces with detail, interesting color palettes, something that makes a statement,” explained Robson.

One of the best parts of High Street Market’s line is her comprehensive collection of vintage Vera table linens (not to be confused with known designer Vera Bradley) which she will be circling back into her Etsy store come spring. Vera Neumann started designing linens during World War II—and is best known for her bold table linens and striking silk scarves. Neumann was an artist turned textile designer who created a booming business with her husband and who once employed designer Perry Ellis. “I adore Vera’s line-it is so timeless. She has these bright bold colors, geometric patterns and graphic images that are so appealing.”

Large sized pink depression glass square serving bowl on a pedestal, $56

Etsy Site: highstreetmarket.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: April 28, 2008

Price Range: $18 and up

Sales on Etsy: 1,942

Current Items for Sale: 134

Blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Email: highstreetmarket@gmail.com

Hometown: Orange County, Los Angeles

Current Residence: Bucks County

Age: 27

Occupation: Interior Designer

Undergrad: American History, University of San Diego

Graduate: Interior Design, UCLA

Freelance Interior Design Consulting Business: Kelly Robson Design

The Name: Robson and her husband lived on High Street in the Lehigh Valley for a few months when they first landed on the East Coast, thus the name inspired her Etsy shop, High Street Market.

Blog Love: If you want to find some amazing design inspiration, just take some time to visit Robson’s blog, highstreetmarket.blogspot.com. From a shout out to fellow Etsians who just landed commercial deals with a Robson retail favorite Urban Outfitters, to her personal win at landing a stunning Windsor Chair at a yard sale, Kelly has created a warm and welcoming space filled with constant inspiration, whimsy and breathtaking taste.

Vintage Frog Box, $34
Robson suggests this is perfect for keeping taller items together (like q-tips in the bathroom, or business cards in the office).

Thanks for the Memories: “When I was growing up, my grandparents entertained in such style. When we would go over to their house in Orange County at Christmas, and everything was meticulously set up-the ice bucket on the wet bar, the different dishes to hold the condiments. Everything was sterling or silver plated and everyone was allowed to use them, the children included. We have these amazing wine glasses in my family that were inherited from my great grandmother; they are stunning and a family heirloom, of course. But, we use them all the time. There is never a second thought about saving them for a ‘special occasion.’ It’s something I just believe in, making use of these wonderful objects.”

L.A. Confidential: Robson hails from Los Angeles, and brings a wealth of design experience as she worked for one of the premiere interior designers, who shall remain nameless, in the city of lights. She is still retained on a consulting basis with them.

Movie Buff: “When I watch a movie, I am obsessed with the set décor. I find myself not paying attention to the storyline sometimes because I’m too enamored with the vintage wall paper or the wicker furniture on the porch! I am always looking for inspiration and paying attention to details and design.”

Robson’s Etsy Favorites:

13 Bees (“This gal used to work for Gucci, now she sells vintage clothing on Etsy.”)

Virginia Geiger Jewels (“Perfect wedding accessories!”)

Alicia Bock (“I am a huge fan of her photography.”)

The Leather Store (“Handmade leather handbags…gorgeous!”)

Dog Art Studio (“Custom dog portraits…so darn cute!”)

Publisher’s Pick: Vintage black Halls ironstone ball jug pitcher, $48

Mad Taste: Robson’s taste, although classic, is also very en vogue at the moment as the popular AMC series Mad Men has inspired a resurgence of interest in all things ‘60s. Think Sinatra in his heyday and what Ol’ Blue Eyes would be reaching for at his living room bar…come happy hour.

Future Plans: “I love having my Etsy shop, but maybe a few years down the road I would love to develop my blog into my ‘virtual’ brick and mortar store. That is what everyone is doing in L.A.; they are always on the cutting edge of what is working in business. I have customers who come to me for freelance design consultation and then buy on my Etsy shop—and they are from all over the United States. That is the new wave of commerce and the way business is headed, especially in interior design. You can’t limit yourself to a geographic region and it’s just better business not to-my customers from Etsy have been from Austin, Texas, Australia, New York City, and San Francisco. Make the world your client base! That is the beauty of Etsy…and beyond.”

A full selection of Kelly Galvin Robson’s collection can be found on her Etsy store, highstreetmarket.etsy.com. Kelly’s decorating tips and trends are available on her blog: www.highstreetmarket.blogspot.com

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com

In the upcoming New Moon movie, Jacob Black gives Bella Swan a dream catcher for her birthday. Fallen Hearts’ pewter pendant with turquoise colored enamel accents, $24.

If you have not been privy to the media buzz surrounding this Friday’s release of New Moon, the second installment of the Twilight saga, then well, you must be living in a cave. Although considering New Moon’s storyline is based on a troubled vampire, perhaps a cave is a good place to emerge from just in time for the November 20th theater debut. The highly anticipated flick is based on author Stephenie Meyer’s four book blockbuster—of which 70 million copies have been sold and subsequently translated into 45 languages across the globe. Last November’s Twilight earned $70 million in its first three days and has since grossed close to $400 million worldwide.

With her Twilight-inspired Etsy store Fallen Hearts, West Philly jewelry designer Desiree ReDavid (pronounced Ree’-David) has tapped into the tens of millions of Twilight fans, known collectively as a Twilighters. Starting her sensationally successful jewelry line was, as ReDavid explained, “a happy accident.”

The movie, New Moon, is expected to draw over 100 million fans to theaters starting this Friday, November 20th.

Working in a used bookstore in Havertown two and half years ago, Desiree befriended a regular customer who encouraged the Delaware County native to discover the Twilight series of novels. “I had not heard of it before, I went out and bought the book and really enjoyed it. I really did not know it had such a popular following. Within a few weeks, I had read all three books (the series is now a four part saga) and I was intrigued by the part of the series where Bella was given a bracelet,” explained ReDavid. A little bit of online research turned up a few interpretations of a Twilight-inspired line but the budding designer did not think they hit the mark.

So, ReDavid made herself a one-of-a-kind bracelet and a couple of customers who came through the bookstore commented and asked where they could purchase the piece. Desiree decided to put a few early pieces up on Etsy last fall to test the market and she had three sales in a matter of minutes. A few months later, she quit her current job to invest her time and talents in Fallen Hearts. Now, a year later, she boasts 1,000 sales and a very promising future. “I’ve had so much encouragement from my family and friends. It’s very exciting, what has come from the store. This is something that I don’t know when it will end so for me right now as an entrepreneur, it is a great time to flourish and enjoy this success.”

Etsy Shop: fallenhearts.etsy.com

Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/FallenHeartsJewelry

Twitter: twitter.com/FallenHearts

Renesmee Locket, $30
Inspired by the necklace that Bella Cullen gave her daughter, Renesmee, for her first Christmas is the most popular piece in the Fallen Hearts line.

Time on Etsy: April, 2008

Sales: 1,000

Price Range: $9-$50 (approx)

Selection: Over 150 pieces of stunning Twilight inspired pieces make this Etsy shop quite tempting for New Moon fans!

High School: Friends Select & Homeschooled

Hometown: Colwyn Borough

Current Residence: West Philadelphia

Custom Pieces: Twilight fans can order customized, one-of-a-kind treasures working with ReDavid and their artistic vision.

Mom Bond: Desiree ReDavid grew up in a creative family—her mother is a writer and artist. When she was 13, Desiree and her mom took a class at a bead shop on South Street. After a few classes at Moore College of Art and Design over the years to learn the finer points of jewelry design, Desiree took it upon herself to make jewelry as regular gifts for friends and family before launching Fallen Hearts.

Materials: ReDavid uses the finest quality metals along with real crystals, gemstones and glass beads. “There are many young girls who are part of the Twilight phenomenon so it was important from the beginning for me to make this line very affordable and high quality at the same time,” explained ReDavid.

Midnight in Forks ring, $20
Vintage Brass Filigree Blue Goldstone Ring

Customer Love: “I get emails every single day from Etsy clients who compliment me on the line. It really is truly amazing to have that kind of constant interaction as a designer,” enthused Desiree.

Favorite Part of Etsy: The blog, The Storque, is a must visit every day for Desiree.

Globetrotter: At last count, Desiree has shipped her jewelry to over 23 countries in the past year. “The Twilight craze is huge here in America, but it has international appeal. Every time I get an order on Etsy from a country that I have not shipped to, I get a little thrill. It’s really unbelievable.”

Best Seller: Renesmee Locket, $30

The Meadow: ReDavid’s bracelet called ‘The Meadow’ is a translation of an encounter between Bella and Edward’s intriguing afternoon swooning in a field. A pivotal part of the Twilight series, Desiree uses an antiqued brass chain chocked full with gorgeous beads and charms as her interpretation of this key chapter.

Publisher’s Pick: Liquid Topaz Twilight Inspired Crystal Drop Necklace, $20, with its rich amber crystal is a subtle nod to the series. ReDavid explained the inspiration for this piece: “Edward Cullen’s honey smooth voice and golden eyes are the inspiration behind this elegant necklace.”

A Handful of Desiree’s Favorite Etsians:

For art, www.etsy.com/shop/stilettoheights is one of my favorites. I have an original of hers and it’s just stunning.

www.etsy.com/shop/andreakett is a newer discovery, and I’m having such a hard time narrowing down what to order first. I want absolutely everything listed in this shop!

Looking at www.etsy.com/shop/wiggleperfume instantly makes me feel about ten times more flirty & fancy. Her perfumes smell just as good as they look, too.

www.etsy.com/shop/stitchandswash actually made the bag that Bella carried in the Twilight movie. She made me a custom bag in grey instead of brown and it is hands down my favorite ever. Stitch and Wash’s line is amazing quality, and the seller is fantastic to work with!

A planter from www.etsy.com/shop/giddyspinster is definitely on my ‘gifts to myself’ holiday shopping list.

www.etsy.com/shop/savor has the most delicious soap in the whole world.

And I fully intend to torture my cats with these awesome hats www.etsy.com/shop/ToScarboroughFair

A full selection of Fallen Hearts Twilight-inspired jewelry line, with over 150 pieces to choose from, can be found on ReDavid’s Etsy Shop at fallenhearts.etsy.com. To inquire about custom orders, email: desiree@fallenhearts.net.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series via: info@aroundmainline.com

Pearl Stationery’s charming line of trick or treat favor boxes, ideal for your chic Halloween party.

Philadelphia native Stephanie H. was invited to a card making class about a year ago with her cousin. It seemed to awaken her child within. Stephanie had a passion for scrapbooking, crafting and paper projects as a little girl—spending hours working her way through stationery kits and playing with stamps, construction paper and embellishments. And, thus, a few weeks after her class, Pearl Stationery-her popular line of high-end custom stationery-was born.

Now thriving on Etsy.com, an online store for artisans, collectors and hand crafters, Stephanie finds inspiration abounds from just her daily life. “I was riding the train into work one day this summer and noticed all the men in their business shirts that looked so crisp-white with the pinstripes. I thought the designs were very intricate and clean and summery, so my mind started thinking. A few weeks later, I put together a set of cards from that one thought. Inspiration can come from anywhere and with stationery, you can really go in so many directions-have fun, be creative,” enthused the young designer.

As part of her fall line, Pearl’s selection includes these autumnal shades accented by charming quotes from well-known authors, like Emily Bronte. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.”

Since her launch last year with her incredibly affordable line (over half the price less than any retail or custom stationery store), Stephanie, 23 and a Lansdale native, has prospered with her business [keenly] referred to in short as P.S. or Pearl Stationery. Stephanie is very inspired by the seasons, especially her weekend jaunts down to the Jersey shore. “I found this Martha Stewart anchor punch and I just worked around it, and created something my own. I love the shore, love summer. Handcrafting is back, and Etsy obviously is providing this cool technology to support the resurgence of this industry. People get great delight in sending something handmade and when someone takes the time to send a friend or loved one a card, thank you note…it is special and something that is really appreciated.”

Etsy Site: pearlstationery.etsy.com

Started on Etsy: March 2008

Price Range: $1.50 and up per invitation/item

Sales on Etsy: 90

Email: pearlstationery@yahoo.com

Hometown: Lansdale

Age: 23

High School: North Penn

College: DeSales University

Occupation: Events Editor

Invite your guests in style with Pearl’s understated, yet elegant, Thanksgiving invitations.

A Sale Down Under: An Etsy customer from Australia recently a placed an order with Pearl Stationery. “That really made me excited to think someone in Australia, on the other side of the world, appreciates my stationery and will be using it to send thank you notes to their friends! It’s pretty cool,” said Stephanie.

Attention to Detail: Every piece of Pearl Stationery is handmade and created by Stephanie herself-every ribbon is hand tied, every embellishment glued by hand, every stamp perfectly centered and placed on her invitations, every piece of paper meticulously handled when it comes off the printer. “I am very careful and precise with all my products; it is my name behind it. It’s time consuming but that is what my customers expect and appreciate.”

Spook-tackular Selection: Halloween parties are right around the corner, and Pearl Stationery has created the coolest invites around. Wow your guests with the shabby chic look of Pearl’s classic-meets-contemporary Trick or Treat invitation. The original design is custom printed with hi-definition ink on smooth pumpkin orange cardstock & hand-embellished with mini Swarovski crystals. Pearl’s line comes with a matching black linen envelope. Stephanie recommends writing the recipient’s address on the front using a white gel pen (not included) for a chic look. $2.50 per, 5 x 7. Visit Pearl Stationery.

Etsy Love: “I am always amazed by the talent on Etsy, I find myself getting caught up in the photography, the pottery—really everything. Etsy gives me, as a handcrafter, this awesome appreciation for people with so many levels of talent.”

Seaside Heights: Pearl’s seasonal lines are just what Main Liners and consumers alike, who appreciate a creative eye and great value, are looking for. Her summer barbeque and nautical-themed party invites are simple, clean, and preppy and have wide appeal.

Send seasonal sentiments this fall with this series of greeting cards, hand stamped inside in chocolate ink with the greeting “Warmest Wishes.”

Publisher’s Picks: We can hardly wait for Turkey Day here at AML, one of our favorite holidays. So, we are ordering Pearl’s Rustic Leaf Table Setting Set-an adorable Menu and Place Card Duo for Thanksgiving Dinner. The holiday line boasts ever-so-slightly distressed edges and chocolate brown ink on smooth ivory stock card. It is not only chic but super affordable, one menu and one place setting is only $1.50 for the pair!). Visit Pearl Stationery.

Bridal Bliss: Stephanie’s customized wedding invitations are one part of her booming Etsy-based business. One of her favorite brides had a Hawaiian-themed wedding with a magenta and black color scheme. “I did not want something in your face ‘Hawaiian’, it was very fun to work with a cool, contemporary color theme of black and hot pink and make it work in a sophisticated fashion,” explained Stephanie.

My Best Friend’s Wedding: Stephanie’s best friend is getting married in July 2010, so she is working closely with her for an elegant, custom invite. She will work with local brides within the greater Philadelphia region to develop stunning, yet affordable, wedding stationery. “I really enjoy working with brides and having that one-on-one interaction. They take their invitations very seriously so it’s a rewarding creative process for me.”

In The Works: Pearl Stationery can provide Save the Date cards, Holy Communion invites, bridal and baby shower invitations and more. Stephanie will be expanding the line to include other selections this fall, due to customer request, including some custom family party invites for Yours Truly!

A full selection of Pearl Stationery’s custom stationery and invitations, from wedding to holiday themes, baby announcements and more can be found on her Etsy site at http://pearlstationery.com. To inquire about custom orders, email: pearlstationery@yahoo.com.

Know a great Etsy vendor that’s based in the Delaware Valley? Send us their link for consideration for our Etsy Phavorites series. Contact: info@aroundmainline.com