The Stained Glass Artistry of M. Skip Vasquez

Bold colors, pleasing design, and intriguing use of space, that's what strikes me as I view the unique stained glass artwork available at a new Zibbet shop, Skipsstainedglass. A true craftsman, Skip has been creating eye-catching, one-of-a-kind stained glass treasures for over 20 years, and loves using antiques and recycled materials in his windows.

Skip has also published a book featuring over 70 bright and beautiful full-color plates of his fabulous stained glass artwork. The book includes a discussion of materials and techniques, as well as individual descriptions of each stunning plate. The perfect book for any lover or collector of stained glass art.

He works in California, ships internationally, and can also be found on etsy. Read each item description, a free copy of his book may be included with your stained glass window purchase. What a treat!

Yoyo Bunnies!

I had never heard of crocheted yoyos before I ran across this shop. The only yoyos I knew of were made of fabric. The wonderful creativity of the artisan community never ceases to amaze me. I certainly enjoy exploring new shops every week.

Sherri loves to crochet, and this is very evident by the over 80 crocheted items you will find in her CraftisArt shop. Besides these adorable bunnies awaiting adoption, you will find dainty ballet slippers waiting for a princess, a roll-it-up checkers set, blankets, bags, a pizza hot mat, and so many other unique items that you will just have to take a peek. You won't want to miss Baby's First Teddy, another fabulous idea!

This shop has closed - but the photos are fabulous.

Vintage Handkerchiefs

Not too long ago I was watching a sewing show and they were using colorful hankies to embellish clothing. I remember thinking how beautiful the designs they used were, and wondering where to find them. That question is answered in a delightful new etsy shop, seafoamSAFARI.

Angelique has a very attractive selection of vintage handkerchiefs along with a few other vintage items. There are wonderful floral patterns in a bouquet of colors ready for any crafting project. Whether you give these as gifts or use them for clothing or pillow decorating, there is sure to be a hankie or two perfect for you.

As I am preparing this feature, a sale of seven hankies has gone through – congratulations! Here is another shop you may want to drop a heart on.

Portrait Artist Robin Zebley

I would like to introduce a new shop on CraftisArt, ArtandAnimals, where you can commission a portrait or pick up some beautiful note cards. I first found the playful squirrel, then a kitty with feed me eyes, but after I saw the retriever, I was a fan.

If you are thinking of having a portrait done, consider contacting Robin, a talented artist who is primarily known for her pet and children’s portraits. Using multiple photos, she can paint a single portrait to include several subjects, if your little ones won’t or can’t pose together.

You can also find her on Facebook. She works in Pennsylvania and ships internationally. A warm welcome to Robin!

Crocheted Wire Jewelry and Pop Tabs

Introducing a delightful shop on Artfire that combines the art of jewelry making with the love of crochet. Cindy’s Creative Crochet offers unique pieces crafted by crocheting copper and other wires to highlight chosen beads or stones. Each creation guarantees you of a true one-of-a-kind treasure.

What can you do with 93 aluminum soda can tabs and a love of crochet? Cindy has put recycling into action and fashioned this surprising wallet or catch-all for your purse. Crocheted with blue cotton thread and lined with matching blue material, the pop tabs make an eye-catching presentation.

Stop by her interesting shop where many creative designs await. Cindy would be delighted to customize any order. She lives in Canada and ships worldwide.

Meerkats and Star Trek!

Did I hit the jackpot of unique and wonderful with this shop find! Okay, I’m a big Star Trek fan, but you have to admit this is very creative and unusual knitting. Heather has recently opened a shop on Zibbet called NiftyKnits where she has an entire troupe of freestanding meerkats ready to be your best pal.

Looking for a superhero, a rock/film star, or a sports themed meerkat to give as a very special gift, she has you covered and is ready to accept any knitting challenge. She makes her own patterns so you won’t find these delightful creations anywhere else, and, understandably, her patterns are not for sale.

There is such a feeling of creative energy in her shop. She also makes several other designs like this striking spotted gecko. Heather is in the UK, but ships worldwide. You can also find her on Facebook. Pop in and explore all of her amazing creatures in this truly one-of-a-kind shop!

Fine Contemporary Art by Yogi Gray

The colors and joy of Spring have arrived! A new shop on CraftisArt recently opened its electronic doors. DistinctiveAbstracts offers cheerful paintings to brighten up a child's room, and bold pieces to add interest to any living space. These colorful art works come ready to hang, no frame needed.

There are beautiful florals, whimsical trees, and thoughtful abstracts with great design and movement. This shop is so full of wonderful paintings, but as I like blue, this is my favorite work. You can find more fine art options by visiting their online gallery.

The TARDIS protects your pocket electronics

Introducing an innovative new shop, CbSew, on CraftisArt that has a unique selection of gadget cases. The blue police box caught my eye right away. How perfect this would be for a Dr. Who fan.

Sherry individually crafts each case. Here is the secret behind the creation: a full color image is printed on the front and back, bonded to materials creating a vinyl-like exterior, and scratch free felt is used inside. She sews it all together and the end result is eye-catching.

She also makes business card holders so your cards won’t get dog-eared floating around in your purse or pocket. So many great designs to choose from, and she is always open to custom orders and requests. She ships internationally too. Happy sales to Sherry!

Origami Lite - Custom Paper Lamps

I ran across this shop several months ago and was struck by the uniqueness and beauty of these paper creations. Trained as an architect and graphic designer, Celina uses her love of origami to create amazing lamps that will grace your home with eye-catching appeal. She has several designs and sizes to offer, and can work in any color combination you desire.

Are you looking for an outstanding gift for a special person, or a surprise for the person who has everything? They don’t have one of these delightful creations! I imagine the incredible patterns of light these lamps must cast in a darkened room.

You will find Celina’s shop, ‘Origami-Lite,’ on etsy where she has had a shop for a year now. She is based in Los Angeles and does ship internationally. Another shop you will want to drop a heart on!