Flower Power: 8 Products That Put Spring in Our Step

With spring officially here, it's natural to think about, well, nature. Flowers are sprouting from the ground and trees, and into the imaginations of artists, crafters and photographers. And why not? They offer bold colors, beautiful shapes, and a full cast of quirky personalities to draw from. Here are eight examples of flower power:

1. This necklace, featuring nine different flowers, will make almost any outfit look fresh. On a 16-inch brass chain, it's created by Tamar at Nest Pretty Things.

2. The male version of a necklace is the necktie. C'mon guys, break out of the blue stripes, and take a look at Cyberoptix Tie Lab's "Ties that don't suck". The Sakura design features cherry blossoms in silver ink on a range of base colors.

3. Lots of us like to photograph flowers, but Oregon photographer Maleah Matthews casts a spell on her nature images, making them look like they're from another world.

4. Karen Faulkner makes it look so easy to capture the lightness, movement and shape of her subjects. We're pretty sure we'll leave the watercolors to her, though.

5. What little girl could resist this crocheted cloche hat, made with love by the Boise Beanie Company? They're handmade in cotton for age 5 up to preteens.

6. Floral designer Flores Del Sol works with preserved flowers and moss to create eye-catching arrangements. This one features yellow craspedia (billy buttons) set in an elegant turquoise vase.

7. Another way to bring nature inside is by using wall decals. PopWall offers all kinds of tree and flower designs, in a rainbow of colors.

8. Designer/illustrator Maiko Kuzunishi came up with this clock design, which is inspired by kirie – Japanese paper-cutting art. The face of the clock is done in ivory acrylic and set on a bamboo base. Check out her Decoylab for more innovative designs.