Here's a dose of cute for you to make up for the return to work after the long weekend: Katherine J. Lee prints her adorable illustrations onto all sorts of homegoods for some really sweet, sustainable decor.

Organic cotton napkins, tea towels, pillow covers and more are printed with her clean, playful designs using nontoxic, water-based inks. And did I mention that they are adorable? I can just see the tea towels below brightening up my kitchen.

I love this line that Katherine adds to her listings, which just about sums up what we're all about here:

"In purchasing this item, you are supporting fair wages for skilled artisan work, and helping to keep the earth free of pesticides. Thank you for shopping with a conscience!"

Yes, thank you.

Can I introduce you to my new favorite jewelry shop? Ever since I stumble across the agate slice necklace above, I have been smitten with Raw Elements Jewelry.

Not only are her designs lovely and the settings dramatic, but jeweler Rachel Dropp has created her line to be socially responsible, getting all resources from well-respected metal and mineral suppliers who practice business in an environmentally responsible way.

Rachel's designs comine gorgeous stones (don't you love the druzy above?) with reclaimed metals and a whole lot of natural inspiration, crafting some truly beautiful wearable art.

There is something a little magical in Crafts2Cherish's shop photography, isn't there? Or maybe it's just the fact that the wool accessories they craft are just so beautiful. I'll be honest: I am by no means a flower person. I steer clear of flowers in most respects, particularly accessory-wise. But these... these make me reconsider my personal vendetta against the pink and feminine.

Susanna and Lily of Crafts2Cherish create these stunning accessories using only the highest quality natural and sustainable materials. Raw wools are selected specially for each piece and dyed with low impact, environmentally-friendly dyes in their Ireland studio. The wool is then hand-carded and hand-felted to create uniquely beautiful jewelry designs.

I adore the red rose pin above—not only is it just a great statement-making piece, but how wonderfully perfect would something like that be as an alternative to the traditional prom corsage? Or for your bridesmaids or mother of the bride? Not only would they be stylin', but they would have a flower that will last a lifetime—not just a day—to remind them of that special occasion.

I have a big crush on today's Shop O' the Week... I just cannot get past the loveliness that is Kiva Studio. The designs, the textures, the gorgeously staged photos... yum, what a perfect little shop!

Bethany of Kiva Studio forges all her jewelry from salvaged metals—tarnished copper pipe is transformed into glowing new adornments with her hands and hammer. All of the jewelry in Kiva Studio's shop is crafted from at least 75% reclaimed material.

You already know that I love when something new is crafted from something old. But in a case like this, where metal is literally reforged from scrap building material into beautiful treasures, well, there's just something incredibly powerful in that. Lovely work, Bethany!

Lately, I've been pretty excited whenever a new item from tangente appears on the site. Her eco-friendly fashions are so summery, fun, and look so amazingly comfy that I'd be remiss not to throw a spotlight on them here.

tangente's clothing is crafted from yummy sustainable fabrics like bamboo jersey, ramie and tencel. My favorite pieces? Her summery halters, made with recycled scarves for the ties. Check out the lovely vintage Vera one above. Swoon.

I really love that more and more designers are not only picking up fabrics like bamboo as a sustainable alternative, but are making truly fun, wearable, lovely pieces. Any of these would make a great staple in a closet, don't you think?

I get so excited when I see independent designers out there launching their own fabric lines. And extra excited when those designers decide to come share their work here on cosa verde!

Dotty Logic features organic cotton fabrics designed by Jasonda Desmond. Her first collection (of 16 lovely patterns!) is inspired by the seashore. Seagull feathers, waves, sand and driftwood... so perfect for summer. She has such a lovely style—a little bit modern, a little bit retro—and a great use of color. I would love to see these in a modern beach house—a lively alternative to the ususal beach rental decor of red, white, and blue sailboats and adirondack chairs. I can't wait to see what Jasonda releases next.

It may sound silly, but I'm really proud of designers like Jasonda, who find a way to produce and distribute their own fabrics. Like so many things, I feel like the tools have gotten so much better for designers of any kind to get their work out there, seen, and used. I can't imagine how exciting it must be to ship fabrics of your own design off in little bundles, dreaming about the lovely things stitchers around the globe will turn them into!

I am absolutely enchanted by the work of Nicole from BabongoHome. Each mobile she crafts looks as though it would be wonderfully magicaly to live with—butterflies or leaves floating in the slightest breeze, or woodland creatures that look as though they have just stepped out of the world's most colorful forest.

The shapes on each mobile are created from fused plastic bags, giving each animal his own unique coloring and turning those icky used shopping bags into something truly beautiful. Animals are cut out, strung together in strands and hung from a fallen branch—all ready for a nursery or playroom.

While perfect for kids, I  love that these designs aren't babyish. They would be lovely in a child's room, but would add a bit of sophisticated whimsy to a home without children as well. The animal shapes have a vey modern feel — especially the reindeer above — that would work in any contemporary home. All in all, I am smitten. How about you?

Name: Alicia Colina-Ashby
Shop: La Alicia
Blog: http://la-alicia.blogspot.com
Location: Irving, TX
Hometown: Austin, TX

What do you make, and how are your products environmentally-friendly?
I make accessories for women with recycled paper including; purses, pouches, earrings, necklaces, bobby pins, headbands and barrettes. Looking forward to launching a line for men next year. I also make home accessories like clocks, vases, keepsake boxes, lampshades, and paper art. I use out-of-date magazines, maps and junk mail—mostly what mainstream society labels as "trash".  Cigar boxes are another thing I enjoy "reusing"—they lend themselves to so many different uses.

Why did you start making earth-friendly goods?
I got sad to see things that could have a second life go to the landfill—so wasteful. It seemed like common sense to me to reuse what was available. I was making earth-friendly goods before it was trendy and I'm so happy to see so many people embracing a greener lifestyle.

What is your favorite material to work with? Why?
Paper. I love the texture, smell and potential that every already-used sheet holds. Using magazine pages is really fun too because you're never exactly sure what sections will show when you're done folding it. Discovering those little spots peeking out is part of the fun of watching a creation take shape.

What's your favorite thing you've ever made? Why?

My Sweet Travels clock. I first heard about Turkish Delight in the children's book, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. The pretty texture-y pink paint plus the lingering fantasy of the book in my mind—it became a little symbol of whimsy with a functional purpose. It was hard to part with and now lives happily in Australia.

Give us a link to one of your favorite resources for running your business:
I took an e-seminar called "Flourish" that was presented by Stephanie Fizer. The course was a take it at your own pace set up and presented through a blog with videos. It was great to post questions and have them answered directly by Stephanie who is now happily a full time illustrator as well as hear the questions of others.

Give us a link to one of your favorite handmade artists:
I recently discovered the handmade paper from Simply Inviting Cards—the colors are gorgeous and there are lots of textures to choose from. I'm currently stalking the berry colored sheets and the toasted peach package—I see lots of yummy foldable potential in them.

What's your #1 tip for living greener?
Do at least three good things for the earth everyday. (*bonus points for more than three)

For example, I use a food-grade stainless steel water bottle to avoid the plastic ones and carry water with me. I take canvas bags to the grocery on my weekly trips and combine trips in the car to minimize excessive driving.

What's your #1 tip for crafting greener?
Well, I love to re-purpose and up-cycle.

#1 TIP: Have a swap with other crafties once in a while. Pack up your odds and ends that you haven't used and don't plan to use and trade. Everyone walks away with new inspiration and new materials. No money spent. It's a time to chat and catch up and talk about the potential of the materials.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
To grow two more hands. That would mean that I could fold twice as much paper. I guess that would look kinda odd, huh?

If you have anything else you'd like to share... please do!
I recently started taking a Hula Hoop exercise class at Hip Hazel Hoops and I love it! I think trying new things and feeding your brain is the best way to keep a constant supply of fresh ideas.