It’s a Small World

A Lincoln Log set first caught my eye from this charming shop. Little did I know at the time it wasn’t much bigger than a dime. Childhood memories are found at TheTwelfthDimension on ArtFire in miniature. With over 30 years of experience in the world of miniatures, Brenda is ready to assist you in finding the perfectly 1/12 scaled items for your little dream house. I can’t imagine working on these petite pieces, but if you would like to fashion your own furnishings, she also has kits available.

Brenda also has a vintage shop on ArtFire, AtticTrunk, where you will find full-scale treasures from the past. I found her international collection of toy sewing machines very interesting. I remember the milk bottles and the wire bottle carrier from many, many years ago when the dairy used to deliver to our porch.

Brenda handcrafts her tiny treasures in Wisconsin, ships internationally, and can also be found on etsy. If you have any questions or need help in locating a special item, please contact her. Her miniature creations are not toys and are meant for collectors 13 and older.

  

Basket Weaving 101

I remember taking a basket weaving class one summer, and the results were disappointing. It is much harder than it appears, so when I ran across Baskauta on ArtFire (which has closed), I was impressed. Amy has created a selection of fabulous traditional baskets as well as a beautiful Carolina snowflake for your Christmas tree, and a wonderful cross for Easter.

Amy has enjoyed creating handmade treasures since she was a little girl. Today, a background in anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology has given this artist a passion for basketry. After learning how to make a Cherokee twilled basket, she has been twisting reeds ever since. If you have a basket or weaving design in mind, please contact her. She loves working on custom orders and is up to a challenge. Get your heirloom Easter basket order in early!

Amy weaves her wonders in Las Vegas and ships internationally. You won't want to miss her Facebook fan page, where she has hundreds of old photos of Native Americans and their basketry. You will find more of her creative designs at her Etsy shop, where she also has amazing birds made with birch bark or paper.

Temari Balls

Temari is a Japanese symbol of perfection, and temari balls are given to celebrate special occasions. After looking at the intricate designs found at BagleyJones on Etsy, it is hard to believe that most of these are created using a single basic embroidery stitch. The Blood Red Chrysanthemum is simply stunning. Here is another traditional art form I must try some day.

This lady also loves to knit and you will discover a variety of lovely handknit hats and scarves in her shop. She designed some unique scarves with fun fur accents, and the purple grape toddler hat is absolutely adorable. She didn’t get the hang of knitting until she realized she was a left-handed knitter. I wonder if that could have been my roadblock.

She needles her treasures in Washington State and ships internationally. She began a tradition in her family and makes wedding temari balls in the bride’s wedding colors. What a glorious remembrance they must be. Placed proudly on display, these designs will marvel their recipients for years!

Candid Camera

Finding a wonderful photo at NatureVisions (closed), on Artfire, has brought back fond memories of quail darting about outside my kitchen window. Unfortunately, they are long gone. Daughter Erica’s photography in this mother and daughter shop is remarkable. I have enough trouble photographing stationary items in my light box. I can’t imagine getting everything set outdoors to capture a critter before it disappeared. That coyote looks friendly, until he goes after your chickens!

Nancy is the other half of this nature inspired team, creating paintings and sculptures. You won’t want to miss her 3-D wall hangings of carousel horses, true one-of-a-kind creations, and perfect for any collector. She has also brought to life a fun and fanciful Mystical Mouse™ line of little friends, which are sure to bring a smile and brighten anyone’s day.

Nancy and Erica pursue their crafts in Utah, ship most items internationally, and can be found on Facebook. An informative bio of this dynamic duo can be found at their Etsy shop, where you will also find links to their other Etsy shops.

Let Sleeping Cats Lie

I have three pillows on my desk overlooking a garden window; one for each of my boys to watch the birds and squirrels, but they are not as fancy as this charming quilt block pillow, by BlueBirdGardens, an Etsy shop. Charlotte will make your kitty in whichever color you like. It can even be personalized with a name. And if you would also like the matching quilt, you are in luck; this is the shop to visit.

For over a decade Charlotte has been piecing together precious heirloom quilts. Whether you are looking for an old-time favorite or have been inspired by a modern design, she will work with you to create your dream quilt. Stop by her very informative website for all the custom order details, and while you are there, explore all the quilt possibilities and huggable dolls. She even makes quillows!

Charlotte sews these treasures in Missouri, and will ship internationally. She can also be found on Facebook. Her stippling looks great. The random fluid motion is something I haven’t quite mastered.