Just launched: Ship&Shape's "Be Mine" collection

Minneapolis-based e-retailer Ship&Shape has just released its second collection, "Be Mine." Just in time for prime Valentine's Day shopping, the limited-edition collection features a romantic selection of curated, handmade goods by Twin Cities artists and designers - from the overtly love-themed, like the ceramic mug sets with the phrase "I love you" written out in various languages; or more subtly sweet, like ruffled cotton bloomers and a porcelain lace collar. Each item is available in ultra-limited runs of about five a piece, so get them while they're hot.

Here's a sampling of the goods for sale:

Urban Jungle Scarf by Beth Chekola

Porcelain Lace Collar by Erin Smith

Valentine Mug by Ginny Sims

Turquoise Dangle Earrings by Molly Erickson

Cotton Bloomers by Rachel Blomgren

Window Moons by Isa Newby Gagarin

Visit www.shipandshape.com for more.

Launching Sunday: SHIP&SHAPE

In the increasingly viable world of e-retailing, more and more local designers and entrepreneurs are abandoning traditional brick-and-mortar for something with a bit further reach. One could count the success of (former) Minneapolis knitwear designer Annie Larson, who landed features in national magazines and an exclusive collection for Madewell on the strength of her e-shop. Now, her longtime pals Erin Smith (of SISBRO Design), Annika Kaplan and Maddy Nye (of MN&Co) are joining forces to open their own e-shop, SHIP&SHAPE. The e-shop will have a focus on limited edition handmade goods from themselves and 15 of their crafty friends, including Larson and Voltage 2010 standout Rachel Blomgren, with quarterly collections launching every season. The store launches with "Ornamento," a pop-up shop on Sunday at Honeycomb Salon (Noon-4 p.m. 3504 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis.)

The shop owners shared with me some preview images of their holiday 2011 collection to get your appetite going:

Local arts/fashion mag Crooked Teeth releases third issue

Upstart local arts and fashion magazine Crooked Teeth has just released their third issue, and it features street photography blog Minneapolis Affair, digital photography artist Sohail Akhavein, stylist/blogger Shannon Licari of Dirty Hair Halo, and local jewelry designer Annika Kaplan. Click through below to view.

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

Next weekend: The Walker's Local Artist Jewelry Mart

Just in time for Mother’s Day shopping, the Walker Shop is back with another installment of its popular Local Artist Jewelry Mart. The day-long trunk show showcases one-of-a-kind pieces by nineteen local jewelry artists and designers from the Twin Cities - most of which are not usually carried at the Shop.

I have long been a fan of Lauren Neal's Carrier Pigeon line, which is muted and minimal yet detailed and quietly bold. Each piece seems to carry a story. She does all original castings in gold and silver. I am really digging this silver ring.

Renee Larson is known for her whimsical, vintage-inspired designs.

Lefthand Originals by Larissa Loden are always fun and quirky. She designed a very cool line exclusively to go with designer Ivan Idland's collection at this year's Voltage - expect to see some of those pieces at the sale.

I hadn't yet heard of Annika Kaplan, but I really love this edgy, minimalist design.

Tia Keoubounpheng's minimalist, modern silvercocoon line is regularly carried at the Walker Shop, but expect to see some of her bolder, statement pieces in molded plastic.

Other designers featured include Brittany Foster of BMF Jewelry, Tasha Rae Tatro of Tasha Rae Jewelry, Mel Tudisco, Rebecca Wicklund, Yen Chee, Bridget Clark, Britta Kauppila of Britta Lynn Designs, Marisa Martinez of Meztiza Designs, Lauren Nicole, Liz Oie, Sarah Sitarz of Sarah Michaela Designs, Jill Smith, Molly Spilane, and Helen Wang.

Bonus: If you "like" the Walker Shop on Facebook, you can receive 20 percent off all Walker Shop purchases April 27 to May 4. Walker members always receive 10 percent off at the Walker Shop.

Details: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday, May 7, in the Walker’s Medtronic Gallery, 1750 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, 612-375-7633, shop.walkerart.com