I am the first to admit that I find plastic flowers a little on the tacky side.

OK. A lot.

So it is no surprise that Torontonian Sui, Li has captured my attention with her dreamy crochet flower creations.

These aren't your typical rose blossoms crocheted in ruffled layers.

Sui Li's Lilies, Plum Blossoms, Sunflowers and Baby's Breath are so exquisite and so obviously crafted with great attention to detail and a generous helping of love, that you'll never think twice about by-passing the flake plastic flower section at your local craft supply store again!   

The indie jewelry market is huge, so designers need to really strike out on their own and create pieces that show off their particular styles of they want to set themselves apart from the crowd.

Katherine from Meristem Creations has, indeed, created a piece that shows off her artistry and is like nothing else out there.

Created in the theme of "a rose amongst thorns", this oxidized metal necklace, A Crystal Amongst Metal,  is a gorgeous frame within which an exquisite web of wire showcases a single fuschia swarovski crystal.

Smaller crystals in pink & green are dotted along the necklace chain, which is entirely hand-formed and soldered to create a piece that is both delicate and dreamy.

There are no thorns when it comes to this lovely piece of wearable art, and Katherine's other work is just as intricate and lovely. 

Photo: courtesy of Meristem Creations 

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If the bulbs aren't yet budding in your neck of the woods, this Spring Flower Necklace from Resinated Goods will keep your jones for fresh blooms at bay.

A single pressed daisy is suspended in transparent resin and shows off the perfection of nature quite clearly.

Want to flaunt a little more of Mother Nature's handiwork?

Go for the double whammy with this Spring Grass Bangle or Spring Grass Necklace!

I am a notorious list-maker.  Even when it comes to grocery shopping! I tend to get a little (ok…a lot!) flustered when I have to dodge other shoppers, and kids, and carts at the local grocery store, so I do my best to plan ahead so I can get in, get my food stuff, and get out as quickly as possible.

When I saw this Menu Planner from Jot it Down, I knew that I wasn't alone, that there are, indeed, other (over)planners out there!

I literally do this already - first, think up the meals I am going to make every night, then I jot down ever ingredient I will need to make said meals.  I also take it a step further by writing the groceries down according to geographical location in the store so I won't forget anything.

Some people may see that as a little excessive. I see it as getting through another shopping trip without smashing anyone with my cart.

Jot it Down also has a This Week planner, and a great Babysitter chart, as well as lots of other vibrantly sweet paper treats - some complete with sprinkles!

Photo: courtesy of Jot It Down 

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Do you enjoy IC Style? We'd love to hear your feedback! Post a comment, send us your rave reviews, or let us know what else you'd like to see in the blog! 

So, on January 1st, you fully intended to be more organized this year. But all the day planners at your local bookstore were so boring to look at, that it completely sapped all your energy at getting your life in order.

Well, it may be March, but it's never too late, and indie designer luminarie's Compose Yourself 2008 Planner will use a bit of whimsy and femininity to help you get your ducks in a row.

With pages for each day, a tabbed monthly overview at the beginning of each month, and spaces for AM and PM appointments, luminarie's 6"x6" square planner is printed on silver acid-free, 75% recycled-content paper that gives off subtle glints of silver shimmer, and makes staying organized fun.

Go figure! 

Photo: courtesy of luminarie 

If you love the urban look of army surplus but still want to show off your softer side, indie designer Deadworry offers an array of colorful bags that combine both.

The Owl Field Bag comes in 7 colors, and the Owl design which is hand screened onto the 100% cotton canvas gives the bag a lighter look.

I particularly love how by simply changing up the ink color gives the Owl a completely different expression. 

From the inquisitive Owl on the Putty bag to the mischievous Owl on the Smoke bag, you can color co-ordinate your bag to your outfit - or your mood.  

Photo: courtesy of Deadworry 

Are there times in life when you wish you had said exactly what was on your mind?

Well, if you can't muster up the cojones to express yourself, let ScotiaMade do it for you!

See a coupla' cuties at the pub on St. Paddy's Day and need an excuse to get a little frisky?

These St. Patrick's Day mini notes give you a free pass to get your flirt on.

Did that guy at the office park in your spot - again?! Slip one of these Mature Mini Notes on his windshield.

He won't dare to do it again, unless he wants a smackdown! 

ScotiaMade has a slew of other mildly-risqué-yet-totally-hilarious notecards, including these ones that show the Truth About Easter Eggs.

You'll never look at the Easter Bunny the same way again! 

When it comes time to dress up their abode, there are some people who want to get in, get out, and be done with it. But sometimes, it pays to be a little particular about what you put on your walls.

Bode22 has a fresh take on the classic timekeeper with their plate clocks. This Black Flower Clock combines the stark contrast of black & white, yet it still has a fresh and delightful look with its curving vines and flourishing buds.

If you are the type of person who likes to savour every moment while searching for that home accent that suits your taste just so, let Bode22 show why taking time to find that perfect bright, bold design is totally worth it.

Photo: courtesy of Bode22 

There's something about the smooth pages and the sleek look of the Moleskine that screams sexy.

So, I knew I needed an equally sexy cover that would also keep my precious journal safe when I toss it into my bag and head out about town. 

And while I've seen some pretty cool fabric ones here and there, there was no way I could pass up one of Artisan Graham's undeniably fetching handcrafted creations.

I first fell in love with the Monk Journals, with their leather straps and silvertone embellishments, while browsing Etsy. So, I knew exactly who to turn for to when I was looking for a snazzy cover that would keep my memories safe.

Artisan Graham was a great designer to work with. I gave him my ideas, and he turned them into a gorgeous item that I will cherish for years to come.

Plus, the smell of leather makes me weak in the knees! 

While I may have come to the Moleskine a little late in the game, I am quickly making up for lost time. With my first one well on its way to becoming half-full, and the purchase of a snazzy custom leather journal cover to keep my scribblings safe and secure, I am already looking for my next indulgence in the Moleskine family.

Now Moleskine lovers can go for something a little more modern with one of these cool engraved versions by Engrave Your Book. This Take Time journal in their artist series shows off the Victorian charm of beautiful clockhands, and is lasered onto a pocket Moleskine.

The coolest thing is you can even have your own artwork custom engraved on your choice of most Moleskine versions: ruled, squared, plain, address book, storyboard, music and reporter - all in either pocket or large sizes. The possibilities are endless! 

The only problem you (or I) will have is deciding what to get engraved first! 

Photo: courtesy of Engrave Your Book