A Wild Right Hook

I was struck by the incredible beauty of the crocheted mandalas found in CAROcreated on etsy. I had never seen such extensive use of overlay stitches before and the result is amazing. This shop is filed with hooked wonders, and I really like the crocodile stitch used in one of the owl patterns. Having written crochet patterns myself, I know the immeasurable time through trial-and-error that goes into this creative process. This is the first crocheted sea urchin and sand dollar I have ever seen, and they are perfect!

There is so much in this innovative shop to discover. This artist also has a line of handcrafted waldorf inspired Kawaii dolls perfect for any collector. Patterns are also available for a beary cute line of bears.

This beautiful artwork comes from Germany and is sent internationally. Should you have a custom doll request or any questions, please contact the shop. If you are ready to hook a unique gift for someone special, be sure to check in with this artist from time to time for wondrous new crochet patterns. Keep in mind that there are differences in crochet nomenclature, so you may have to translate the pattern before you get started.

Classy Clutches

You will feel like a princess with an elegant clutch designed by Briana from FoxburyAndCo on etsy. Working from an impressive super stash of gorgeous fabrics this lady will make your handbag an eye-catching outfit accessory. Her bags come in a variety of sizes and styles, with all aspects open to customization. Pick your silk dupioni lining from the color choices found on Flickr.

Briana loves to sew in Virginia, ships internationally, is found on Facebook, and recently started a shop on zibbet. She also has a line of beautiful baubles, necklaces and earrings ready to complete your royal touch. Here is the perfect shop to find bridesmaid accessories and gifts.

Painted Blades

Drawn to a nontraditional canvas selection, this self-taught artist has been answering the painter's call for over 3 decades. I found Linda's shop, Mountain Crafts, on Blujay and was struck by her beautiful paintings on saw blades. I thought, 'What a nice clock for my husband's workroom', and found that her wonderful art is available in clock form. A prolific painter, her pleasing images also grace gold pans, magnets, and hand saws. I think one of her Brazilian agate nightlights would be perfect in the hall.

Although Linda may paint a scene multiple times, no two will ever be exactly the same, giving each work of art a unique character. Linda loads up her brush in Colorado and ships internationally. She has gotten a start on Facebook and etsy. Her website contains the breadth of her artistic offerings, and her blog is new this year. Be sure to contact her if you see something you like but prefer a different canvas.

A Leaf Artist

Retirement hasn't slowed this artist down, but given him the time to devote to his passion, preserving, promoting, and protecting this ancient leaf art form from extinction. MuseumShop is the place to go on etsy for unusual works of art made from rice straw by artist Rajan 'Ray' Koshy. Where to begin on one of these portraits? It certainly isn't a paint by the numbers project. Variations in the straw's hue are ever so skillfully blended together to produce mind boggling masterworks.

One of his building masterpieces is sure to be a conversation piece, proudly displayed at an architectural firm. With my three boys you know I'm partial to felines, and there is a grand selection of cats and dogs ready to impress any pet owner. The array of work is very impressive; a Greek soldier, steam engine, the Taj Mahal, famous people, and stately sailing ships to name but a few. You will want to stroll down the aisles of this shop to marvel at what a true artisan can do with rice straw. If you are looking for a vignette of this scarce art form, Ray has a line of birds on cottonwood leaves that would make a wonderful introduction to rice straw art.

The glue he uses is called gum arabic, which is also known as acacia gum. It is an edible sap harvested from two species of acacia trees. When he has time for painting, Ray chooses an unlikely canvas, a cottonwood leaf skeleton. Just look at the beautiful parrots! Ray gleans rice straw from the fields in Texas, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. I am in awe of the amazing artists and their incredible creative works that I find on my quest for Discovered Treasures!

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!

Stained Glass Menagerie

Discover a wonderful world of colors and imagination in this stained glass shop, TYorkStainedGlass, on ArtFire. This artist has a passion for stained glass, and her fanciful creations will astound you. Frogs, owls, penguins, fish, roosters, and dolphins along with a host of other fantastic creatures are sure to please. There are so many whimsical sun catchers to choose from. A charming cat face can be made in the colors of your furry friend.

There are beveled art works that will paint any room with a dazzling light show. If you are looking for a business card holder, there are beautiful styles and colors to choose from.

Visit the photos on their Facebook fan page to see the vast spectrum of this shop’s artistic expression. Larger glass art works are available. The 3D dragonflies are amazing. As you explore this artist, you will continue to be astounded at her artistic vision - birds and butterflies in every imaginable color combination!

The glass magic happens in Rhode Island. They ship internationally and can also be found on etsy. Special orders are encouraged and custom colors are welcome. The colors of stained glass never fade and these treasures will be enjoyed for many, many years to come!

Adventures in Quilling

It is my pleasure to introduce an extraordinary quilling studio, QuillingbySandraWhite, on Zibbet. With nearly 40 years of experience, this artist has distinguished herself in the quilling community by evolving the unique style we enjoy in her shop today. Sandy places a cutout of the shape she wishes to capture over a strategically quilled background. The quilling becomes the brush strokes adding a layer of texture and interest to her one-of-a-kind 3D masterpieces.

Sandy constructs traditionally quilled keepsake wedding invitations and birth announcements, and will work with you to create a beautifully framed, uniquely quilled remembrance. She has an exciting line of cards that combine the elegance of quilling with the beauty of handmade papers and are suitable for framing.


There are also stunning quilled Christmas ornaments that would make wonderful gifts. Your thoughtfulness will be remember each time they hang it up and marvel at its design.

Sandy’s creative corner is in New Hampshire, she ships to the United State, and has her own website. Like me, she sells on multiple venues and additional shops can be found on ArtFire, Bonanza, and eCrater, where you will find a collection of vintage craft magazines and books. To think the magic is all done with paper!

Gourdgeous Art

That's exactly what you will find at this charming Artfire shop, Simplygourdgeousart. Gourd artist Hilary Bell has created a line of delightful gourd birdhouses. She skillfully paints these one-of-a-kind gourd canvasses making each an eye-catching garden display, certain to become the artistic focal point of your backyard. Your little friends may not appreciate the artistry that has gone into decorating these homes, but the increased property value will certainly have them squabbling over the real estate.

Hilary has spent nearly a decade crafting with gourds, and thoroughly enjoys it! She creates impressive gourd bowls, bird feeders, and Christmas ornaments among other outstanding gourd items. She also enjoys working with glass and creates lovely magnets. Another passion is handcrafting wooden buttons out of fallen tree branches. What an exciting addition these rustic buttons would be to a hand-knit sweater.

Hilary works in Florida, ships internationally, and can also be found on Etsy. If you have a particular color or design in mind, she would be happy to take a custom order. These painted treasures are absolutely fabulous!

The Joy of Quilling

This Discovered Treasure introduces us to another ancient art form sometimes called paper twirling. Have you ever rolled up your straw wrapper at a restaurant while waiting for your order to arrive? Quilling is the art of rolling and shaping narrow strips of paper then arranging them artistically. You probably weren't very impressed with your straw wrapper, but joanscrafts on etsy has definitely been rolling and shaping up a creative storm with impressive results.

After nearly 30 years of quilling experience, Joan still loves what she does, and this joy is apparent in the wide range of colorful creations available in her shop. There are eye-catching greeting cards and a line of masterfully crafted shadow boxes that ensure her striking art pieces will be proudly displayed for many years to come. A love of birds and butterflies has inspired her to create colorful and delicately winged creatures, each individually boxed and ready to be given as charming gifts. Her exceptionally crafted Christmas ornaments include a line of fabulous snowflakes.

Joan twirls her paper arts in Pennsylvania and ships internationally. If you have an idea for a special piece, please contact her. She will be very happy to work with you on a custom order. Joan will be creatively quilling for many years to come. What will she quill up next?