Uniquely handcrafted items make thoughtful and lasting gifts
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Bringing exposure to wonderful artisans whose shops have gone unnoticed or under appreciated.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

More MicroMacramé

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/BarbsMacrameandMore
I discovered BarbsMacrameandMore on ArtFire with her gorgeous beaded micro-macramé earrings. I never got beyond plant hangers with my macramé, and continue to be amazed by the delicate beauty of this micro cord twisting art form. There are necklaces and other macramé works available in her shop. Barb does make decorative plant hangers, which is the only way to keep my cats from gnawing on house plants.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/BarbsMacrameandMore
Her creative energies follow her to the beach where she enjoys spending time collecting sea shells. Barb turns these into clever ring dishes and interesting shell candles. I love the smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing, and Barb's shell art is a trigger for that happy place.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/BarbsMacrameandMore
Barb has been learning the art of yarn twisting from her mother, Martha, who loves to crochet. You will find colorful baby blankets and lap blankets in her shop, which can be fun statement pieces for the wheelchair bound. Her mom has crocheted angels as well as other items in the shop. Be sure to see the lovely bunny, perfect for Easter, among Martha's handmade items.

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/BarbsMacrameandMore
Mother and daughter twist their treasures in Louisianan. Contact Barb for international orders. You can find her on Facebook and she maintains a presence on etsy and zibbet. Macramé or crochet, if you see something you like, but prefer a different color, be sure to contact her for a custom order.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Origami Roses

http://bloomyroses.ecrater.com/
Money doesn't grow on trees, but in this shop it can be found blossoming in flowers. I found this interesting origami rose made from dollar bills at BloomyRoses on eCrater. They make flowers that will last long after fresh cut flowers have withered. I find their selection of chocolate roses particularly tempting. In addition to a variety flowers, there are red 3D origami hearts for Valentine's Day, or anytime you want to show your affection.

http://bloomyroses.ecrater.com/Flowers are made to order, ship internationally, and are customizable. Pick your flowers, colors, and arrangement for a very special occasion. Simple paper never looked so good!
http://bloomyroses.ecrater.com/

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Shells and Scales

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaRifficCreations
Sea shells and fish scales come together is artistic harmony at this etsy shop, SeaRifficCreations.
After attending a Shell Show and viewing awe inspiring, award winning creations, the creative spark was ignited in this artist. Jodi went home and got to work with her stash of shells collected over the years. It didn't take long before her husband was hooked too. After wading in the water at local craft fairs, this married team have brought their unique creations to an internet audience so everyone can appreciate this unusual art.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaRifficCreations
They enjoy long walks on the beach, picking up shells of course, and with the help of an obliging fisherman, they have a supply of fish scales to use in their lovely art pieces. You don't have to worry about smelling like a fish wearing one of these beautiful flowers. The scales are carefully prepared for creative use showcasing their natural beauty, and no odor remains.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaRifficCreations
This husband and wife team enjoy creating from the bounty of the sea in Florida and do ship to Canada. She is new to Facebook, and getting a website up and running. These unique hair clips and floral table decorations would make wonderful additions to a nautical themed wedding.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

String Art Earrings

http://www.zibbet.com/GilliansLocker
You may remember this artist from etsy, but GilliansLocker has now found a home at the handmade marketplace zibbet. I was struck with the delicate beauty of her Peruvian string art earrings. I remember thread art projects on black velvet many years ago, but haven't taken notice of this art form in earrings until now. With the precision of Charlotte, this lady weaves colorful webs to grace your lobes.

http://www.zibbet.com/GilliansLocker
As with many creative folk, Kathie's inventive spirit has her creating with different materials including paper, paint, beads, yarn, and currently she has been exploring the wonderful world of polymer clay. You will find sculptures, tube beads, and an interesting eyeball bracelet among other treasures in her shop.

Kathie strings her beauties in Colorado and ships world wide. You can find her on Facebook. She welcomes custom orders, so if you envision different colors, be sure to contact her.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Nose Cozy

Have you noticed a nip in the air or tried in vain to pull up a scarf to protect your freezing nose, then a
nose cozy is just what you need. Look no further than
auntmartymadeit on etsy for the most fun and fashionable nose warmers hands down. This could be the perfect finishing touch for a spectacular Halloween costume, or just what you need to spread smiles on the bus in the morning; definitely a great conversation piece. Honestly, have you ever seen anything like these fanciful creations before? I am constantly amazed at the creative imaginings of the artistic community.
With decades of experience putting an end to cold noses internationally, this lady really 'nose' her stuff! The endless selection will astound you. Pick your favorite holiday or color, and there is a nose cozy for you. What a wonderful surprise gift for the hard to shop for one on your list.

Aunt Marty creates her nose menagerie in Alabama and ships world wide. You can find her second shop at CrossesofFaith with a beautiful selection of Christian cross art pieces, with a nosy presence on zibbet and Facebook.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Birch Bark Beauties

It has been a long time since I saw bark curling from a birch tree. I was delighted to see birch bark creations at WowWeeCreations. Ken and Donna Wooten share their love of art and creating beautiful, useful treasures in this interesting etsy shop. Here you will find wooden ornaments, bowls, and boxes, along with unique jewelry and crocheted items.

Ken is skilled at bending willow and birch bark to his artistic vision. Working with a scroll saw, he cuts out a variety of pleasing designs as ornaments and focal points for his baskets. Wood burning, or pyrography, enhances the beauty of these pieces. His wood working talents produce one of a kind art pieces that can take days to finish, and are sure to be cherished additions to any room decor.

This crafty team comes to you from Idaho, and ships internationally. Donna takes care of the business side of etsy and is inspired by her love of crochet to hook a wide range of fun and useful items. Her big blue fish reminds me of Jonah and the whale, and would make a great gift with the book for a very engaging story time.