Twisted Wax

Years ago, when there were handcrafted consignment stores in our area, I remember marveling at beautiful tower candles similar to these. Not having seen them since, I was pleased to run across this family business on etsy, creativecandlelight, (shop has been empty for some time now, but you may be able to contact them there) which is keeping this art form alive.

One who makes candles is known as a chandler, and for several hundred years the art of carving candles has produced exquisite works in wax. The base candles are dipped again and again adding the layers of color, which will later be revealed by the master’s carving skill. They work quickly while the wax is warm, completing their masterpieces in a matter of minutes.

These wonderful sculptures are created in Canada and ship to the United States. Whether for a wedding or a birthday surprise, they would be happy to take a custom order in your special color combination. Be sure to stop by their website (seems to be gone) where a host of waxwork delights can be found including candlesticks and novelty candles. I particularly like the frog and the penguin, and when I first saw the lighthouse, I thought it was a dalek!

The Eyes Have It

This interesting and impressive ArtFire shop, DesertRubble, has a very unusual, eye-catching jewelry collection. Lynn has tried her hand at a variety of creative outlets over the years, developing a wide range of skills that she has put to very good use. She now turns her artistic passions toward exploring the wonders of polymer clay, which she has done with the skill of a master.

Be sure to stop by Lynn's blog to read a very candid discussion regarding her style, and where she feels she fits in the artistic community. Whether she calls her work Industrial Surrealism or some of her work falls into one of the Punk varieties, Goth, Steam, Industrial, or Cyber, it doesn't matter to me; I just know I like what I see.

Lynn creates her awesome steampunk visions in Arizona, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you are interested in a custom piece, please contact her, but be aware that all of her art works are unique and although she may create one similar, an exact replica is not possible, always assuring you of a one-of-a-kind treasure!

   

Floral Lampwork Beads

Introducing an original and inspired lampwork bead shop, BlissfulGardenBeads, on ArtFire. Heather has been designing and creating lampwork beads for over a decade. This self-taught full-time artist takes her primary inspiration from the beauty of nature, and bouquets of rose and tulip beads grace her shop. Her delicate and feminine creations are available in a wide range of colors and combinations.

If you are looking to create one-of-a-kind heirloom quality jewelry, you have to start with unique and exquisite beads, and this is definitely the place to see an unparalleled selection. Each beautiful bead is by itself an exceptional handcrafted work of art, and no two beads will be identical. I am amazed at the complexity of her designs, and can appreciate the skill and steady hand it takes to create them.

Heather masterfully fashions her bead flower garden in Washington State, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook.

      

Quilted Christmas Balls

Here is a new Etsy shop that sprang up just in time for Christmas, HolidayOrnaments (shop appears closed). Leanne is a stay-at-home mom who has found a very charming creative outlet. In her shop, you will discover many fabulous ornaments for your tree in a vast array of colors and designs. These elegant decorations will become treasured family heirlooms and are sure to be enjoyed for many years to come. If you would like to order a quilted Christmas ball in your favorite colors, please contact Leanne. If this year slips past to quickly, order your ornaments ahead for next year. These eye-catching delights would make perfect birthday presents for anyone throughout the year, and your thoughtfulness will be remembered each year as they decorate their tree.

Leanne works her Christmas magic in Florida. I thought about making these one year and got as far as the Styrofoam balls, but time got the better of me and I never got started. It takes several hours to put one of these gems together, after you know what you are doing. These will also make stunning Easter decorations.

Time For a Change

Here's a charming shop that combines a love of painting with practical time keeping pieces. RFForeverClocks is a delightful Etsy shop where you will find the cutest clocks ready to grace any room in your home. Whether you are looking for a table clock, wall clock, or one to sit on the bookshelf, you are sure to find the perfect artistic piece here.

Rosemarie stays very busy, maintaining a second Etsy shop, RFColorfulCreations. There you will find various treasures including whimsical works done with polymer clay. I decided to lead this feature with her crafty clocks, but I am also impressed with her line of decorated treasure chests, which would make wonderful jewelry or keepsake boxes.

Rosemarie creates her art in New York and will ship internationally. She has a Facebook fan page where her latest creations pop up, and she can also be found on Artfire. If you are looking for a unique gift, Rosemarie’s shop is a wonderful place to browse.

Gourdgeous Art

That's exactly what you will find at this charming Artfire shop, Simplygourdgeousart. Gourd artist Hilary Bell has created a line of delightful gourd birdhouses. She skillfully paints these one-of-a-kind gourd canvasses making each an eye-catching garden display, certain to become the artistic focal point of your backyard. Your little friends may not appreciate the artistry that has gone into decorating these homes, but the increased property value will certainly have them squabbling over the real estate.

Hilary has spent nearly a decade crafting with gourds, and thoroughly enjoys it! She creates impressive gourd bowls, bird feeders, and Christmas ornaments among other outstanding gourd items. She also enjoys working with glass and creates lovely magnets. Another passion is handcrafting wooden buttons out of fallen tree branches. What an exciting addition these rustic buttons would be to a hand-knit sweater.

Hilary works in Florida, ships internationally, and can also be found on Etsy. If you have a particular color or design in mind, she would be happy to take a custom order. These painted treasures are absolutely fabulous!

Hanky Pysanky

Beautifully decorating eggs in an intricate design, pysanky, is another incredible ancient art form. For thousands of years all manner of bird eggs have been elaborately adorned. Ukrainian eggs are found in an enchanting Etsy shop, Suzy6281. Here you will find a wide range of standard chicken eggs and the larger goose eggs, at about 4 inches, each with an unbelievable artistic pattern. These impressive eggs can be displayed year round or make a wonderful unique collectors piece for your Christmas and Easter decorating.

The creativity of this artist does not stop at decorated eggs. She has other delights in her shop and makes wonderful bread dough ornaments to add bright and cheery charm to any Christmas tree. One could be personalized as a special teacher’s gift. Suzy also has a line of pine cone fire starters in a gift basket that will make a fetching display piece next to the fireplace. As a special bonus, check out her blog for a how-to on making these useful yet elegant pine cone decorations.

Suzy works in Georgia and ships internationally. The time and care it must take to complete one of these egg designs is unimaginable for me. I decorated blown eggs one year with my kids, but we used crayons and glue with glitter. Well packed away or proudly displayed, these eggs will be around for many, many years. Anyone holding a one-of-a-kind art piece like this must be filled with wonder at the process and marvel at its design.

Window on the World

This Artfire shop, PetsInGlass, transforms simple pieces of colored glass into heirloom quality artworks to be passed down for generations. Inspired by her genuine love for animals, Joan has focused her stained glass artistry on dogs. Whether displayed on a wall or hung in a window, these incredible works of art make an eye-catching focal point for any room. When someone is doing exactly what they are meant to do, it is very evident in their work, and Joan’s work is magnificent!

Whether mosaics, bevel clusters, etched or dichroic glass designs, Joan’s full range of glass working abilities can be found on her website. I really like the green parrot and the Celtic knot. If you have a few minutes and would like to see pet pictures transformed into remarkable stained glass artworks, check out her YouTube video. The picture she is using for her bio is Eric, and Elizabeth the cat is in the banner. A portion of every stained glass sale is donated to one of two non-profit organizations: The Magic Bullet Fund or Blue Ridge Assistance Dogs.

Joan masterfully pieces her creations in North Carolina and ships to the United States and Canada. She has a Facebook fan page, where newly completed pieces will pop up. If you would like a beloved pet immortalized, or if you are interested in a non-pet custom piece, please contact Joan, she is ready to brighten your window on the world.

Checkmate!

I host weekly drop-in chess at our library and teach anyone wanting to learn. It is the game you will play your entire life! I was therefore very struck when I ran across this incredibly unique chess set, and applaud the ingenuity and creativity of AutumnSteam (closed), a fascinating Artfire studio specializing in steampunk jewelry. The wing nuts on the bishops bring a smile.

From Washington to Texas, this artistic family travels from show to show living the gypsy life and sharing their inspired creations along the way. Autumn still manages to maintain her online presence despite their traveling schedule, and can also be found on Etsy. Most of her artistic pieces are one-of-a-kind and cannot be reproduced. I think the copper flower pendant is particularly stunning.

They are roaming somewhere in the Western United States, ship internationally, and have a host of information on Autumn’s blog. As you know, I have a blue bias, but The Blue Evidence Book does look like it would make a wonderful steampunk scrapbook or journal. Congratulations on an interesting shop Autumn and Andrew, and keep creating!

Exploring Micro-Macramé

Now I know about macramé, and even took second place in the County fair one year for a large plant hanger, but I had never heard of micro-macramé until running across this charming ArtFire shop, Annika. After looking at a piece’s construction, I am reminded of friendship bracelets, but this jewelry designer has taken a unique twist on things and produced a line of incredibly attractive and artistic wearable art, incorporating beads and stones in her knotting. I am very impressed with her use of color and texture.

Annika is the author of Micro-Macrame: 30 Beaded Designs for Jewelry Using Crystals and Cords, which also has a British edition. She offers an autographed copy of her book along with a special treat. What a delightful Christmas present this would make for a crafty person on your list. If you are familiar with macramé knots, you may enjoy the challenge of The Aspen Choker, a fully illustrated how to PDF found on her website.

Annika knots up a storm in Washington, ships internationally, and has a website where you will find more of her amazing work. If you are interested in a custom-designed piece for a special occasion, please contact her and she will be happy to make your dream piece a reality.

The Joy of Quilling

This Discovered Treasure introduces us to another ancient art form sometimes called paper twirling. Have you ever rolled up your straw wrapper at a restaurant while waiting for your order to arrive? Quilling is the art of rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper then arranging them artistically. You probably weren't very impressed with your straw wrapper, but joanscrafts on etsy has definitely been rolling and shaping up a creative storm with impressive results.

After nearly 30 years of quilling experience, Joan still loves what she does, and this joy is apparent in the wide range of colorful creations available in her shop. There are eye-catching greeting cards and a line of masterfully crafted shadow boxes that ensure her striking art pieces will be proudly displayed for many years to come. A love of birds and butterflies has inspired her to create colorful and delicately winged creatures, each individually boxed and ready to be given as charming gifts. Her exceptionally crafted Christmas ornaments include a line of fabulous snowflakes.

Joan twirls her paper arts in Pennsylvania and ships internationally. If you have an idea for a special piece, please contact her. She will be very happy to work with you on a custom order. Joan will be creatively quilling for many years to come. What will she quill up next?

Cold Porcelain Flowers

A professional crafter for nearly 30 years, Norma of RosePetals, on ArtFire, painstakingly shapes each of her spectacular floral sculptures petal by petal. Necklaces, earrings, hair ornaments, and brooches are all artfully fashioned in a magnificent array of colors, each one a unique handcrafted treasure. Be sure to see the decorated pedestal candles and wedding cake toppers, which would also make an eye-catching table display.

She started her career with salt dough, moving to bread dough shortly thereafter. Perfecting her bread dough roses for over 20 years, she recently began creating with cold porcelain and the results are stunning! She now calls on her wealth of experience to create heirloom pieces in cold porcelain. Norma continues to produce her signature bread dough roses, and the special recipe she uses insures that her roses are hard, very durable, and bug resistant.

Norma's garden grows in New York, she ships internationally, and can also be found on Etsy as DoughRoses. She even accepts wholesale orders for her beautiful jewelry. This is an artist to keep an eye on as she launches into a new medium with overwhelming success!

Cold porcelain is a combination of white glue, cornstarch, water, glycerin, and cold cream, which is mixed together and heated on a stove or in a microwave. If you would like to give it a try, directions can be found online (search for cold porcelain recipe). The dough is messy, but easy to make. The ability to shape it with consistency, however, takes the skill of a master crafter.

Simply Lavender

It is refreshing to see a truly unique bead shop. Here is an artist who has taken her love of lavender and turned it into a thriving business. Let me introduce Andrea of Lavender Beads, an Etsy shop. Whether you are looking for English, Spanish or French lavender, you will find an amazing likeness of it here. There are over 200 varieties of lavender and 28 different species. Do you know a glass collector who would appreciate a truly unusual find? Be sure to see her lavender perfume vials.

Andrea works on a lavender farm, so she is very familiar with the different varieties of lavender. Your individually handcrafted lavender beads will come carefully packaged in dried lavender buds so you can make and aromatic sachet. Andrea also makes jewelry from the lovely beads she creates. If you would like to see some of her creations, please visit her other Etsy shop.

She works on San Juan Island off the coast of Washington state, ships internationally, and can be found on her website. She can take wholesale orders and has a trade friendly shop so if you see something you like, and have a shop of your own, please contact her. Living at the end of the long dirt road, keeping chickens and honeybees, sure sounds like a little piece of heaven.

A Mouse in the House

You won't need to set a trap for this mouse in your house. Welcome to Mumsey's Mouse House, a delightful Etsy shop filled with adorable little friends looking for a home. Each mouse is uniquely handcrafted and would be the perfect gift for any avid mouse collector. The mice are approximately 4 inches tall and the tiny accessories they hold add enormous charm, bringing their characters to life. Wherever did that little violin come from?

This shop was created from an artist’s passion. As mice began to fill the house and when friends began asking for them, it was time to set up a mouse adoption agency. Each one is crafted with love and attention to detail, and their little personalities seem to magically spring forth during the creation process. How charming a small mouse would be as a Christmas decoration, which reminds me of reading Santa Mouse during the holiday.

The mouse workshop is in the United States and mice are shipped internationally. Each MumseyMouse comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, which includes a picture of your special little visitor. The mouse’s name on the certificate can be whatever you like, further personalizing your selection. If you have a particular mouse in mind, please contact Mumsey for a custom order. These are not children's toys, and are at their best when proudly displayed.

I've Got No Strings...

‘I've got no strings to hold me down,’ might very well be what one of the marionettes from this amazing Etsy shop, AMCreatures, will sing one day. Alexander Mergold definitely works magic with polymer clay, and his lifelike creations are only missing the breath of life. Delight in the mechanical works as a hungry frog tries in vain to catch a meal, or enjoy the laughter as you bring a hand puppet to life. Whether you are looking for a marionette, tabletop puppet, or highly collectible doll, each of his unique artworks is an exceptional masterpiece to be treasured.

A number of incredible collectible dolls are based on operas. This artist takes the time to explain the opera his remarkable sculptures are based on. I haven’t understood the few operas I have attempted, but after reading Alexander’s description of ‘The Tales of Hoffmann,’ I ordered the video from our library and am looking forward to viewing it. The story line loosely reminds me of an old Star Trek episode.

If you are interested in supplies to craft your own sculptures, Alexander has a popular selection of tools that you may find very helpful. If only the skills to wield them were as easy to come by. He works in Toronto and ships internationally. Alexander’s Etsy shop holds a small sampling of what’s in store when you visit his website. You may jump with fright at the ‘Jack’ in the box, and who doesn't recognize the antics of Mr. Bean.

Masquerade Ball

The intricately cut leather work of masks and headbands can be found at a breathtaking Artfire shop, Tom Banwell Designs. If you want to make an impression at a masquerade ball, your unique designer leather mask will be found here. Bugs, Beatles, butterflies and bunnies are all found in an array of colors. You will enjoy browsing through this shop as each page presents with unexpected delights. Look at the span of the horns on that goat helmet!

A serious steampunk fan will discover a range of unparalleled leather helmets and masks guaranteed to be the hit at your next steampunk event. Tom also has a line of distinctive steampunk top hats. The Victorian cut work on the riding hat is amazing. Be sure to get a look at the plague doctor’s mask, my daughter’s favorite. Long ago, it was thought that bad smells would make one sick. Masks like this would be worn with potpourri in the beak protecting the wearer from plague.

This husband and wife team tools in California, ships internationally, and has an Etsy shop. More steampunk items can be found on their Facebook fan page. If you have a special request, Tom enjoys the challenge of a custom order. I like the simple elegance of the Celtic knot headband. This was such an interesting and fun shop to write up!

Wrap It Up

Jewelry has to be one of the hardest markets to sell in, and the creative innovation that sets these artisans apart is even more important to their success. Flightfancy is a zibbet shop that is unquestionably forging their path in the jewelry world. I find the unmistakable Victorian influences very appealing, but there is also a playful side with contemporary designs that are sure to be fashionable for many years to come.

Coming from a crafting family, Theresa had the benefit of growing up surrounded by creative influences. Envisioning her own unique designs and then wrapping wire to explore her visions has led to necklaces guaranteed to be admired. Colors and designs fill this incredible shop; each piece is a true one-of-a-kind art treasure. Visit her ‘Wrapped in Black’ collection for some wonderful color contrasts.

Theresa crafts her gorgeous adornments in Washington, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She is also willing to create a custom piece just for you.

Totem Painting

I was familiar with the storytelling and artistic expression of totem poles, but I had never heard of totem painting before I ran across this amazing artwork. The extraordinary visual delights of Barb Kowalik can be found at BaDKowalik, a zibbet shop(closed). Whether you are looking for an original acrylic painting or a print, you will be pleasantly surprised with the selection of unique totem artwork available. Her work is also available on T-shirts and high top shoes!

On Saturday, she and her husband can be found at their local farmers market offering her artworks as well as canned goodies. I just can't imagine strawberry jalapeno barbecue sauce, but it must be a memorable taste combination. Barb also delights in jewelry creation, and I was very impressed with the Dutch spiral weaving found in her Green Goddess Bracelet.

Barb keeps a busy schedule in Canada, ships internationally, and can also be found on Artfire(closed). Be sure to stop by her website(closed) and go through the jewelry gallery where I found a spectacular blue butterfly. If you see something you like, but would like it to reflect your own personal flair, please contact Barb for a custom order.

Treasures from Nature

Having a bird breeding business will certainly give you insight into the perfect birdhouse, and a creative array of colorful little bird abodes can be found at HouseofGourds, an Etsy shop. Kathy even grows her own gourds, which also turn into eye catching feeders. Retirement hasn't slowed this artist down and she keeps a busy schedule with local craft fairs in addition to her online business.

If you are looking for a pet turtle that won't wander off, you will be happy to discover her line of painted pet rocks. I find the coral snake very striking. How does that old rhyme go...Red next to black is friend to Jack; red next to yellow will kill a fellow. Kathy unfortunately discovered poison ivy upon moving to Wisconsin, but this has led to the creation of her soothing poison ivy soap, which she also sells locally.

Kathy crafts in Wisconsin, ships to the United States, and can also be found on eCrater. Please contact her if you are interested in a custom order or would like information on wholesale. Be sure to stop by her shop as this creative soul has other treasures waiting to be discovered.

All Tied Up

I was struck by the simple elegance found at CLineCreations, an Etsy shop. After riding the C-Line in Brooklyn back and forth to work, this artist enjoys relaxing with inspiration, her paints, and brightly colored Chinese silk cords. Jess has taken traditional Chinese knotting techniques and brought them into the 21st century with her own creative twist. She not only crafts hair ornaments in a wide array of beautiful color combinations, but she designs custom silk cord jewelry that is sure to be admired.

Her other passion is traditional Chinese brush painting, and she has several inspired artworks ready to be a calming focal point for any room. Wanting her artwork to be accessible, she has created a line of hand-painted cards. What a welcome treat these uniquely handcrafted cards will be with your message inside. If you would like a set of cards, contact Jess for a bulk rate.

Jess ties her knotted creations in New York and ships internationally. If you see a style of knotting that you like, but prefer a different color, please contact her and she will be pleased to make a custom order if the color is available.

Playing With Wood

Following in his father's footsteps, this master carpenter and cabinetmaker has spent a lifetime perfecting his woodworking skills. He is now having fun designing and making a unique line of wooden toys perfect to enhance any little one’s imaginative play. Whether you are looking for a drill, toaster, sewing machine, push Penguin, or carving turkey, you will find it at SSWoodcraft, an Etsy shop.

This lovely jewelry box caught my eye with the charming tumbling block quilt pattern on top. There is a birdhouse that looks like a big die. How unique would that be hanging from a tree? He has created a very popular line of handgun shaped walking canes, and carries extra canes in his car because people ask to buy the one he's sporting when he's out and about. My favorite is the colt 45. You will also find boot jacks, ceramic tile trivets, and scroll saw artwork.

His magical workshop is in Montana, and he ships to Canada. It was hard to pick two pictures to feature for this shop because he has so many interesting and unique creations. Stop by and take a look. It sure feels like Santa's workshop to me! I'm sure we have discovered one of Santa's suppliers.

Colorful & Delicate Glass Magic

Get ready to see the wonders of a master glassblower. Here is an amazing zibbet shop, Glasmagie, which means glass magic in German. I came across the glass cat as my introduction to this fantastic shop full of colorful and amazing glass works and soon discovered an abundance of exceptional glass creations.

The pink elephants remind me of Horton in the Dr. Seuss classic, Horton hears a Who, but in this shop you will find elephants in a range of charming colors. Keep your eye out for playful dragons, dragon snakes, delicate butterflies, and little hummingbirds, each one truly a unique creation.

Karo crafts her glass artistry in Germany, ships internationally, and can be found on her blog, where you will see her at work in demonstration videos - a definite must see! Never missing a beat with the flame and colorful glass sticks, it sure looks like a lot of fun.

Just Add Beads

Welcome to Beadcharmed, an Etsy shop by T. A. Gozeski, whose goal is to share her passion for beading with the world, and I believe she does it very well. I ran across this eye-catching beaded box with the horse design and just had to see the rest of the shop. She crafts a wide variety of bead adorned boxes and sees her creations as "treasured boxes to hold treasured things."

In her shop you will find an assortment of beaded boxes, including pillboxes, and jewelry. But the wonders don't stop there! If you are looking for a unique dollhouse miniature, then you won't want to miss the zebra or the cat, two of my favorites from her amazing collection of beaded miniatures.

T. A. Gozeski beads her original artworks in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and can also be found on her website. This shop is full of one-of-a-kind treasures sure to make charming and memorable gifts.

Woolykins World

Now it's time for some fun in the imaginative world of Woolykins. Jennifer has created a fanciful shop on Etsy to showcase her unique needle felted wool creations. The names and little stories she creates for each piece really bring her one-of-a-kind creatures to life. No two masterpieces ever turn out quite the same, assuring you that each is an exceptional collectible artwork.

She also has very vibrant fantasy animal notecards to cheer up anyone’s day. Jennifer can be found working her creative magic at two other Etsy shops: WoolyGeeks, where you will find more wooly creations including Mario shrooms, and JenniferHayesArt, which features original paintings and mixed media art.

Jennifer discovers her little friends in Ohio, and ships internationally. Have you seen a little one that is tugging at your heartstrings for adoption? Although these felted creatures are well constructed, they are not intended as toys for children.