It's time for Etsy Take Five Tuesdays. Would you like to visit some fun shops this week along with me? Good, take my hand and let's go. Here are five that I think you may like... Can anyone ever get enough positive affirmation? I doubt it. Their isn't enough sincerity in the world in my opinion - there's a difference between being nice and meaning it from the heart. I find that the best way to pull myself up when I'm feeling a bit heavy at heart is to rely on the strength inside. You know, that ever glowing light that no one can take away. That is why I appreciate the work of Sarah Gardner so much, her positive art reminds us that we're completely capable of finding answers within ourselves, of finding our inner hero.

When I hear the words "French" and "Illustrator" in the same sentence I feel a pattern of goosebumps form on my arm. There is just something about French illustration that has me at hello. Have you heard of Adolie Day? She has a lovely little Etsy shop and a new blog too, pouring with information about her art and life along with photos from art shows (like the one shown above) that she has been a part of. Not to mention her blog has some of the loveliest music to listen to as you browse... turn it up. Transporting!

Ladies & Gentlemen is the sweetest little vintage shop... I love their ornaments but I'd use this year round on tree branches. Ask my husband, I'm a branch addict -- always bringing them into the house to decorate or hang above the window to decorate with glass balls... We have a small spider problem when I first bring them in but I place them outside so they can run back to their little webs. I imagine that they're cheering, pumping their little spidey legs in the air (woot!) as I close the door, happy I spared their little life. I digress... Ladies & Gentlemen has the sweetest little decorative birds, animals, and fun shapes to play with whether you have a branch or not.

Morris & Essex has some great cards, folksy, modern, and I really like the homemade feel of the brown kraft paper. Fun! They are very warm and decorative, you can frame them to enjoy year round.

Village Clayworks, handmade ceramics by Catherine Reece, are totally sweet and make beautiful gifts I think. I especially like the little birdie vase.

I'm going to get dressed up now because we're going to a concert - yay! See you back here tomorrow.

(images from stores linked in this post)