They Sell Seashells...

As I sit here, looking around my office/studio with its coastal theme, there's no doubt that the ocean has a special appeal to me.  I've always been fascinated by water and the many types of marine life it holds. In fact, at one point, I considered a career as an oceanographer, inspired by the voyages of the Calypso and the work of Jacques Cousteau as he led expeditions to explore the depths of our planet's oceans.  I didn't actually get to see the ocean until I was well into my 30s, and a walk along a beach, picking up shells and exploring tidal pools is still one of my favorite ways to spend a day. 

Seashells are one of life's little pleasures, and as my grandchildren can attest to, I have a lot of them.  Okay, maybe not quite as many as I once had, thanks to said grandchildren sharing my love of them and almost always leaving with a new piece from my collection to call their own. I love seashells... what can I say?  These little bits of calcium (with just the smallest amount of protein thrown in) are beautiful reminders of the artistry of natural life, once having formed the exoskeleton of animals who have perfected a way of creating and enlarging a shelter for themselves through a relatively simple process.  Human architects and engineers should be so talented!

The beauty of these shells is not lost on artistic minds... and their use of shells to inspire, adorn and decorate continues to produce beautiful, imaginative, and even functional pieces of art... I invite you to explore these seashell finds!

Seashell Wreath in Pink and White from JustShellin

Watercolor Seashell Note Cards Set of 8 by SusanWindsor

Seashell Table Lamp by EastVillageArtisans

White Spiny Oyster Seashell Frame

Sterling Silver Gilded Seashell Necklace - Siren's Song from MysticWynd

Seashell Pillow by CoastalSeasons

The Mermaid's Dream Seashell Box by SuziesSeashellWorld

Seashell Soap Collection by EsscentsSoap

Starfish and Seashell Bouquet/Boutonierre Set by SLYCreations

Lovely, aren't they?  I hope you liked them and that you'll take a moment to visit these shops to see all of the wonderful things you can find! I'll be back tomorrow with some felted fashion accessories, so be sure to stop back by. Until then... have a blessed day!

Cooling Off Period

I've been hearing about "first frosts" from a lot of my family and friends over the past week... Brrr... I guess it IS that time of year for most of us though (although, it's pretty rare to get a hard frost here in the Valley of the Sun).  Cooler weather means it's time to start anticipating colder weather though - those days when you want to stay warm wrapped up in comfortable (and beautiful!) - accessories like hand knit or crocheted hats, scarves, shawls, earwarmers, legwarmers, mittens, and gloves.

Luckily for you, I know a LOT of knitters and crocheters who would love to have you as a customer!  Today, I'm sharing the work of some of my friends and teammates whose lovely work is perfect for keeping you warm on those frosty days - and perfect for upcoming holiday gift giving.  Without further ado, enjoy these fabulous accessory finds!

OakliesFashions is a great shop filled with a beautiful assortment of hand knit and crocheted fashion accessories and jewelry.  I love this "Winter Skies" Ruffled Scarf, but there are so many other great finds there, it was really hard narrowing it down!

I've known Anne Quinn of HatsByAnne1942 for a few years now thanks to Etsy.  A retired teacher, Anne considers herself an "Artist with Yarn".  Self taught in the art of crochet, she develops her own patterns and as you can see in this lovely orange hat and scarf set, she's still a very good teacher, even if she is her only pupil now!

You can tell that Christy over at PoppyandPurl likes to have fun with her hand knit hat designs.  While she offers a great selection of "regular" accessories, you'll also find some adorable fruit and veggie hats available in both adult and children sizes.

Don't like to wear hats, but hate having your ears get cold?  Worn by skiers for years, wide headbands like this Crocheted Sage Headband from MariesCrochetCorner are a great alternative. You'll also find a wide assortment of other crocheted accessories for everyone from newborns to grandparents and everyone in between.

Sometimes even when you're indoors and out of the cold, it's still a bit chilly - especially in those office environments that can be quite drafty. A stylish shawl is the perfect way to hold in some body heat! I came across this Olive Green, Blue, and White Shawl from Yarn Pumpkin - love the colors and the breathability of the weave. Prefer a different color or weave - you'll find a great selection of options at this shop!

I still love to wear mittens in winter weather, so when I ran across this lovely pair of Hand Knit Mittens in Aubergine from designbcb, I knew I wanted to include them in today's post. I think mittens are comfortable and cozy, and yeah, I just like the way they bring out the little kid in me!

How cute are these Santa Inspired Red Fingerless Gloves from SibelDesign?  So perfect for keeping your hands and wrists warm and your fingers free to do finer movements, these adorable gloves would be perfect to wear anywhere, and you'd be showing your fun-loving holiday spirit as well!

Legwarmers continue to be a fashionable accessory since they were introduced as a way for dancers and aerobics enthusiasts to keep their legs warm and prevent muscle cramps back in the 80s. These stylish red legwarmers by NATgirona combine knitting with crochet trim for a beautifully warm design.

Have a favorite team, business name, club, or nickname?  Now you can have it displayed proudly in a Custom Beanie by fibremom.  Wouldn't it be cool to have matching caps for that next family ski trip or that backwoods hike of your nature photography club? Of course you'll find a great variety of other accessories available there too!

Keep your look neat and tidy with a fabulous neckwarmer like this Hand Knit Cranberry Red Chunky Neckwarmer from FoxyGKnits. Stylish, comfortable and easy to put on, these are ideal when you want the warmth of a scarf without the length.






Of course this is just a small sampling of the wonderful variety of handknit and crocheted accessories you can find on Etsy, Artfire, or any of the other handmade marketplaces.  Buying handmade is a wonderful way to support small businesses and we all know how important that is these days!

Happy Shopping - and Blessings!

Creative Costumes

Halloween costumes are getting more amazing every year.  When I was little, we had those tacky costumes with the thin hard plastic masks and the one piece how-do-I-get-into-this-without-ripping it jumpsuits.  The other option was typically some burnt cork smudged on your face to give the effects of being a hobo or a football player.  I usually opted for some old clothes or fabric scraps out of the storage trunks in the basement - and while they never fit right, they were perfect for creating everything from a pilgrim to a nun to a Japanese geisha girl.

Today's kids (and adults) have a bazillion more options, and I'm happy to share some of my favorite costume finds from Etsy here with you today.  Even if you haven't decided on what to dress up your little munchkins (or yourself) as for trick-or-treat night yet, there are still shops that are accepting orders and shipping adorable costumes. Maybe you'll find the perfect costume today! Enjoy!

Robin Hood, The Huntsman from Snow White, Link from Zelda - whatever you decide, this costume from arainydayplay will work perfectly!

One of my favorites for sheer cuteness appeal, dress up your toddler this sack of potatoes costume from TatersPlace.  Chances are good, it'll be an instant hit and definitely the only one in the neighborhood!

Sushi costumes continue to be one of the latest crazes in Halloween attire.  Your baby or toddler will look good enough to eat in this Baby Sushi Costume from TheWishingElephant.

TheCostumeCafe is still serving up some adorable Halloween costumes for infants and toddlers too.  I think this Strawberry costume is not only enchanting, but it's made to fit comfortably over clothes so your little one will be cute and warm on that often nippy Halloween evening.

Your young guy or girl can be a little geeky, a little scary, and a whole lot of unique in one of the costume capes from pipandbean.  My favorite is this Deep Sea Angler Fish costume!

This too-cute "Cornucopia" Scarecrow Halloween Costume by fwcreations4all is just one version of a time honored favorite that is still available and perfect for a country themed Halloween party or event!

Tutu dress costumes continue to be popular and the AGNUS The Witch Halloween Costume Tutu Dress Set from taddletellshop includes a dress, hat and broom so you won't have to hunt them down separately.

I haven't forgotten the adults!  This Bat Girl Corseted Halloween Costume from TheBohemianGoddess is fabulous - and today, for one day only (10/11/2012), it's on sale!

Calling all Dr Who fans!  Pay homage to your favorite doctor's favorite way to travel through time and space with this fantastic Doctor Who TARDIS Dress from repurposefulPUNK.

Can't forget about our furbabies, of course.  How about dressing up your cat or pooch in this fun-tastic Terracotta Terrier Chia Pet Dog Halloween Costume from LupitasChicBoutique? Love it!







Whatever you dress up as, or dress your little ones up as, be sure to have a safe, happy Halloween!  Happy Shopping - and blessings...

Hauntingly Fun!

Halloween is just three weeks away, but there's still plenty of time to shop for whatever you need to fill your Halloween with some hauntingly good fun.  From home decor for the inside and out of your your haunted house, to party goods and delicious treats for your trick or treaters, take a look at just some of the ghoulishly delightful finds available on Etsy!

Handpainted Primitive Paper Mache Egg with Crow for Fall or Halloween from OakleafHollow

HAPPY HALLOWEEN decorative primitive blocks from kshopa

Halloween Witch Wreath from DonnaHubbard

Fun and Spooky Halloween Cupcake Toppers - Set of 12 by MiLKKrafts Halloween Treat Bag Toppers - bags included from hdawnparratt Halloween Treat Gift Tags Little Pumpkin Vampire Set of 8 from AlwaysPrettyPaper



Pumpkin Pail Decorated Sugar Cookies (12) from goosiegirl10 PUMPKIN PATCH Dark Chocolate Bourbon Vanilla Fudge - 12 Pieces (1lb) from Jewelofthelion
Halloween Monster Cake Pops by SimplyPoshByMel

Aren't they all amazing?  Now go... shop!

Blessings ~

Shade Tree Studio

I belong to a wonderful group of people called On Fire for Handmade, who work together to help promote the handmade movement . Each Tuesday, I will be sharing a feature of one of our member shops and I hope you'll take a moment to stop by and visit this very talented artisan's shop!

Shade Tree Studio - Featured Artisan

Shade Tree Studio has beautiful Vintage Style Jewelry Creations that are beautiful works of Art!  Handmade jewelry: vintage style bracelets, artisan etched metal cuffs, one of a kind necklaces, pocket watches, vintage style rings, and glamorous earrings. Many have been etched, enameled, and aged by hand with artisan patinas; creating the feel and look of a treasured vintage heirloom. A Must Have for Every Jewelry Box!



You can find Shade Tree Studio on:

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Wanelo

Eco-Friendly Finds

Eco-friendly is always a tag I'm glad to see when I'm browsing for items to buy.  We have enough landfills filled with toxins and plastics and all kinds of other yucky stuff - it's always refreshing to me to find shops that take our environment seriously and shoppers who prefer organic over chemical laden, and reusable over disposable.

Today's topic is eco-friendly finds and these are just a few of the great items that fit that category - Enjoy!

My grandchildren love to pretend play and this year we entered the world of felted food. I think I'm probably more hooked on it than they are.  I don't think there's a food that I've looked for in a felted or crocheted version that I haven't been able to find somewhere.  The more realistic looking, and more adaptable the better - like this cheeseburger/fries/chicken nuggets extravaganza from CreationbyM. Looks good enough to eat!

What to do with all of those small broken crayon pieces?  Well, one way to not let them go to waste is to recycle them into bigger crayons like Caroline from LooneyJoonTees does. While she has a variety of shapes to choose from, I like the shape and look of these sweet recycled jumbo crayon hearts.

ImaginationKids offers a shop full of toys made from "sustainably harvested wood, AP Certified non-toxic paint, and ... homemade natural wood polish made from beeswax, jojoba oil, and essential oils." Sounds like a winner for anyone who prefers safe, organic, durable toys for their little ones. I love this bright and colorful rainbow stacker, don't you?

Toys and children's crafts aren't the only things that are ecofriendly, of course. There are some beautiful and functional items that really do their job in helping to balance the strain we put on our eco system.  I know quite a few people who swear by such items as these wool dryer balls from CleanSypria. You'll receive a wonderful education on the benefits of using dryer balls in shopowner Tara's product description, so be sure to check them out!

There's something uniquely beautiful about the grain, texture, and imperfection of rough wood... it's earthy, it's one of a kind, and whether it's a storm damaged or fallen tree, there is still magic to be made with it.  Robert Goforth of downtoearthwoodworks is one of those artisans who can bring that magic out in the wooden cutting boards he fashions from just such pieces.  Whether you prefer a more traditional clean cut board or a one of a kind rough cut board like this one, you'll be sure to love knowing that you've given new purpose to something that might have otherwise become firewood.

 I love crocheted face scrubbies - they're wonderful for sensitive skin, environmentally friendly since they can be washed and disinfected over and over again, and when you can buy them in colorful assortments like this set of crocheted cotton yarn scrubbies from RadiantApparel, they are a great deal too! Perfect as an addition to a spa gift basket or as a gift all by themselves, treat yourself or a friend to a set soon! 

Nothing goes to waste at PrairieThreads.  Shopowner and artisan Laura even uses her fabric scraps to created beautiful coiled fabric bowls like this Galaxy Purple Round Coiled Bowl / Basket. I think it would make a lovely hostess or housewarming gifts - maybe filled with some delicious rolls or muffins from your kitchen!

You can be fashionable and eco-friendly too, as these last two featured items attest to.  First up is this fun and fashionable Jersey Tshirt infinity Necklace by Scrapbugs. Perfect for a comfortable touch of color, and a trendy gift option too!

 Another reclaimed wood product, this BFF keychain set from StarlightWoods is not only eco-friendly, but your BFF is sure to appreciate the humor (and truth!) behind the message on the wooden charm.  Of course, if you prefer a differ message, there are a variety of sayings to choose from. (I have to admit I love the one that's shown in the product photo!)




Of course there are many, many, many more ecofriendly items to choose from, but I hope you'll take a moment to introduce yourself to the awesome shops featured here.

Be sure to stop back by tomorrow when I'll be sharing some of my favorite handmade Halloween decor items from some very talented artists and artisans.

Have a blessed day - and happy shopping!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

With the holidays just around the corner, you'll probably be thinking about getting your home ready for all of those holiday guests, holiday feasts, and just having the right ambience to be able to really enjoy your time however you're spending it. Sometimes just a few small changes can update your decor into something amazing.

If you're fortunate enough to have everything exactly the way you like it already, consider a thoughtful home decor gift for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner host, or perhaps your newly wed children, nieces and nephews, or anyone else who's close to you.

Here are a few of my favorites available on Etsy right now!

Fill in that empty space on that wall with any number of delightful wall decor items:

Original Art Print "The man who makes no mistakes..."
from Typomaid

Saxophone and Music Notes Wall and Home Décor Silhouette Paper Cutout
by BoldFolds

Square Mosaic Wall Mirror by GreenStreetMosaics

Add some knickknacks to that shelf or table...

Crochet Basket in Toffee and Light Blue Satin Cord by lissabeecreations

Shabby Chic Antiqued Trinket Jewelry Box in blue by speckleddog

Old World Map Travertine Coasters from PrayerNotes

Update your pillows, table linens, or kitchen towels...

Tapestry Pillow Cover by WhiteOakRoom

Burlap and Lace Table Runner by atouchofburlap

Oven Door Dress Towel by Woopsadaisies

Whatever you choose, don't be afraid to let it reflect your personality and inner spirit!

Have a lovely day and be sure to come back tomorrow for more handmade love...

Blessings ~