Origami Dolls

My daughter has made little Japanese dolls for me to slip into cards and letters, so I was delighted to find Christina's shop, Umeorigami on zibbet, where the traditional handcraft of folding origami dolls is flourishing. She has included some modern touches, and a magnet can be added to any doll. Using the finest papers directly from Japan, her little works of art come alive. What a lovely surprise finding one of treasures tucked in a card would be.

Taking paper folding beyond dolls, Christina enjoys exploring the possibilities of origami. She has designed a line of distinctive earrings and necklace pendants. When I first saw a pendant with beading, I thought it was a special Christmas ornament. Take a look at her very unique and interesting boxed accordion cards.

Christina folds the fancy paper in California, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. A website will show off more of this artist's work, which includes photography. Be sure to see the creative Star Wars doll set.

She has a shop on etsy, and although it is not currently stocked, you can see past work being enjoyed by her patrons. This busy lady has a second shop, origraphix, on zibbet where you will find graphic designs. If you have a custom order, be sure to contact her.

Fun Hand Puppets

I have stumbled upon another of Santa's secret satellite workshops on zibbet. A grand selection of hand puppets can be found at mpace. You will keep little ones engaged in creative storytelling while flipping between two expressions on the Two-Faced line, or memorize them with the more ornate Storyteller puppets, who really know how to spin a yarn. Creative word play from an early age is a wonderful way to build vocabulary and spark imagination in the wordsmiths of tomorrow. If you would like more actors in your production, be sure to see the animal finger puppets.

Now a great-grandma, this lady has been putting smiles on children's faces for many, many years with her bright and cheerful play toys. After a stroll down the aisles of her shop, I discovered a host of friendly dolls ready to be confidential, lifetime friends. Doll lines in this shop have fun names like Knot-A-Paperdoll, My New Friend, Baby-to-Go, and Uppity Down Dolls. To cheer up a child battling leukemia, be sure to see the thoughtful selection of Kancer Kids dolls with their colorful hats and fancy footwear.

A designer purse is waiting for your little lady in the Miz Pursey's Cupcake line. Each cupcake is individually frosted assuring a unique, one-of-a-kind accessory. The fun doesn't stop there, and Harriet the Hair Accessory Queen will keep hair accessories organized on a dresser top.

These delightful dollies are lovingly crafted in Washington state and ship internationally. Find her on Facebook with more of her precious creations on etsy and her website. Her aim is to make a child smile with a toy to be treasured, so be sure to contact her with your special request.

Beautiful Henna

Whether cultural, artistic, rebellious, or temporary, tattoos have been a part of human history for thousands of years. Beautiful henna art work is found at Surinder's shop, AllAboutHenna, on etsy. Faryal and Sheetal join her to bring the art of henna alive. After looking through examples of this impressive body art form, I am in awe of the intricate designs drawn free-hand by master artists! The personal nature of this art seems to speak of the love that goes into creating each piece.

Fresh henna powder is available if you want to mix paste yourself, or ready-to-use cones can be sent to US addresses. Creating one of these elaborate designs can be as easy as following the lines if you trace an outline with a steady hand. Visit their shop for a variety of reusable henna stencils, which make for quick and polished results. Candles are also decorated with these intriguing patterns. Be sure to see the amazing detail in the close-up photo of the painting Desert Waves. It reminds me of the zendoodle art form we discovered March of last year.

These talented ladies mix it up in Texas, most items ship internationally, and they are on Facebook. You will find more about this art form on their website. If you are in their neck of the woods in Texas, you can book one of these incredible artists for a lot more than face painting at your special event. Custom orders are welcomed and encouraged. This is the perfect body art, expressing your artistic creativity without committing to it forever!