A Parliament of Owls

Who's hiding in the fruit bowl? It may be a grape sized owl from LuaTuomi, on ArtFire, where you will discover the most amazing little owl charms, each with their own name and back story. Individually made, these wee ones are painted in vibrant colors and fanciful plumage patterns not found in any Audubon Field Guide. Lua must work with brushes the size of a cat's whisker and paint the size of a mist drop to create these dainty works of art.

Hand carved and painted by Lua's inspired hand, these one-of-a-kind treasures are sure to get a double-take hanging around your neck or proudly displayed under a glass dome in the curio cabinet. Any one of her necklaces would make a wonderful surprise for an owl collector!

Lua's owls are roosting in Finland and migrate internationally. Her domain, www.luatuomi.com, currently points to her ArtFire shop. Drop by her Facebook fan page and check out the photos for more owl friends. Be sure to see the owl reading a book, and the photo snapping owl!

Lovely Lampwork

I discovered the most beautiful glass perfume bottles that remind me of cocoons at BeadworxAZ on etsy. Jodi is a full-time artist who very efficiently turns her talents toward lampwork. She has an outstanding array of dainty vessels in a rainbow of colors made from Italian glass. She also creates eye-catching focal beads and jewelry. She christens each of her beloved works of art with a name. I adore the Tidal Moon pendant in fantastic blues, and the lively Fire Dance in red, orange, and yellow.








Her creative talents don't stop at lampwork as Jodi crochets, works with polymer clay, leather, and wood burning. Hanging one of her sun catcher wind chimes will certainly attract the magpie looking for nest adornments. Be sure to see her embellished driftwood faery wands, and one-of-a-kind bejeweled knitting needles.

Jodi works her magic in Arizona, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you are in the Gilbert area, ask about her teaching schedule. She enjoys custom orders and is trade friendly with other etsy shops. If you are ready to indulge a love of the sparkly, spend a few minutes strolling through her fanciful shop.

Box it Up

I have a wooden treasure box I picked up in Calgary many, many years ago, and it still smells of cedar. Beautiful keepsake boxes to last several lifetimes are found at BoxTower on ArtFire. Alexandra has a love of huskies and an eye for the intrigue of Celtic knots, incorporating them in many of her works of art. She uses wood burning (pyrography) skills to create amazing designs then expertly colors them in with oil pencils and wood stains. Her unique boxes are then sealed for an enduring finish, protecting the color and design.

Alexandra's delightful boxes come in a range of shapes and sizes; hearts, flowers, triangles, and stars among the traditional squares and rectangles. More shapes will be coming soon. She recently introduced a line of bookmarks, which are the perfectly affordable way to own a little piece of her incredible talent. The Siberian Husky is charmingly simple in its design and sure to delight any lover of the breed.

Alexandra heats it up in Illinois, sends internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you have a shape, color, and design in mind, be sure to contact her. An elegant wedding day, anniversary, or precious memories box for a newborn will be treasured a lifetime. Surprise dad this Father's Day with an exceptional box for his deck of cards or checkers!

Egg Hunting Baskets

When I collected eggs, I never had as fine a basket as you will find at northernpinestudios on ArtFire. Any one of Cheryl's designs is sure to impress the hens, and they may even try to nest in it if you set it down too long. Come to think of it, I never had a fancy apple basket when I ventured into the orchard to get apples for pie. Don't be fooled by the splendor of these colorful woven beauties. With over 3 decades of experience, this artist weaves working baskets that are just as useful with a dried flower arrangement.

Cheryl has several heart shaped baskets to choose from for special Valentine gifts. The mini heart baskets would make lovely engagement party or wedding table decorations. Of course, she has a host of charming Easter basket candidates to delight young hearts year after year. If you have a treasured basket that needs loving repair, she may be able to work magic in her repair clinic.

Cheryl tangles the reeds, grapevines and sea grass in Michigan, ships internationally, and can be found on etsy. I like the blue snowflake wall decoration very much, and you know how I adore blue things. Stop by her Facebook fan page and marvel over the lively photos of Egg Gathering Baskets; more impressive examples of her craft. If you have a style or color combination in mind to match a wedding or special event, be sure to contact Cheryl. She is happy to weave the ideal basket for you!