Sandsational

Artistically encouraged as a child, this geologist-trained teacher has taken her love of nature down an unexpected avenue, and we discover Heidi's charming sand painting at NaturalEarthCraft on etsy. Sand from around the globe, in all its natural glory, is the only paint this artist uses to capture a zoo of animals and appealing landscapes, including waterfalls. She mixes sand just as a painter mixes paint to obtain the right hues. Her sandy art is finished with an acrylic fixative so there is no shedding.

Some of Heide's incredible works of art come with a stand for display. Some pieces are also captured on canvas bags and blank note cards.

Designing with sand is not enough for this creative rockhound, and she enjoys jewelry making with natural stones. She has a line of beautiful eyeglass chains, earrings, and necklaces. I marvel at the multicolored Indian agate pendant; such a beautiful stone!

Heide's groundbreaking art is unearthed in Ohio, she sends internationally, and can be found on Facebook. What a wonderful avatar! Find more of her marvelous talent on her website, including a video showing her creative process. Give her a shout if you are interested in donating sand from your part of the world to her earth toned pallet. If you are interested in immortalizing a loved one in the sands of the world, she is eager to design a piece just for you!

Kimekomi Eggs

Here is a beautiful Japanese folk art, which dates back several hundred years, and is wonderfully continued at Ornament Designs on etsy. Alyx works with smooth foam egg shapes to create designer Easter egg decorations that will last a lifetime. Her gorgeous patchwork eggs are available in a host of colors, patterns, and trims; some with sparkling sequence. If you are interested in a particular pattern and color, she will be happy to create the perfect egg for you!

Kimekomi seems like temari's little sister. The kimekomi technique on tucking fabric in a groove was first developed to dress wooden dolls with fabric scraps.

Like temari balls, kimekomi balls make uniquely designed Christmas ornaments, and Alyx has a selection of these in her shop. If you would like to make your own, she has kits available, which can be customized for color preference.

Alyx is in the groove in Japan, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. A wealth of information on the kimekomi style of crafting can be found on her website, where instructive videos are also available. I'm going to add this to my 'try it someday' list. I warn you; she makes it look very easy!

The Designer's Ark

These delightful creatures aren't available two by two, but limited runs ensure a unique selection on plush creations at stuffedsilly on ArtFire. Monkeys, dragons, and silly monsters are among the wonderful selection of original designs perfect for a birthday surprise. Lisa even has bunnies, ducks and chicks ready to go on an Easter basket ride. Each comes with a numbered tag including their official birthday!

With an education in fashion design, Lisa went to work in the fashion industry only to discover that her true passion was as a toy maker. She develops her patterns, which have continued to evolve over the years, with great attention to detail. Do you have an idea for a little pal, or maybe prefer a different color? Contact Lisa and she will be happy to work with you to make your custom one-of-a-kind toy.

Lisa will craft your new best friend in Canada, ship internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She has a website as well as an etsy shop where more of her endearing creations can be found. Lisa hopes to make you smile with her fanciful works. I believe we have discovered another one of Santa's satellite workshops.

Rock Painting

Put on your hiking boots, grab your walking stick, and explore the NatureTrail on etsy. Well worn river rocks are this artist's canvas of choice. Shelli paints the most amazing pet rocks with tile paint, which cures to her stone canvas. Her unique treasures are then finished with tile sealant, making a very durable work of art. Guinea pigs, hedgehogs, cats, bunnies, and birds are among the ark of friendly animals captured on stone.

The pièce de résistance has to be Shelli's one-of-a-kind blue dragon mom with her babies. Undertaken as a challenge to create an art piece with scales, I believe she has excelled in the task. This marvelous work of art is now waiting for a dragon aficionado to add it to their collection. Shelli has taken her artistic talents to canvas, capturing the perfect pair of owls peering down from their tree branch. She also has a selection of Scrabble tile pendants sure to delight any animal enthusiast.

Shelli dresses the rocks in Colorado and ships most items internationally. Explore her past sales to see more examples of her incredible talent. She welcomes requests, but due to the nature of her canvas selection, no two art works are ever the same. She can even immortalized your dear pet on a rock or canvas. After a meal, my cats seem to sleep like stones for hours!