Beautiful Bugs

Take a good look at these creepy crawlies and you will have a surprise; they are made from fabric, paper, and other rescued materials. Regina has done an incredible job handcrafting these insect displays. Her shop, Vidogo, is found on etsy and means small in Swahili. Inspired by the creatures she found in her garden, she embarked on her insect art with passion.

No creatures are harmed in the creation of her faux taxidermied subjects. A shadow box would make a great gift for a teacher, a budding bug collector, or any entomology enthusiast. They will certainly be an eye-catching addition to any room. Look at the size of that moth. Can you imagine a (huntsman) clock spider?

Regina crafts her beautiful bugs in California and ships internationally. Visit her Website and find her on Facebook. The screen door warning critters are an amusing idea, and magnets will not harm the screen. Custom and wholesale orders are welcome.

Jewelry Circuit

The kraken has been released at this recycling monster of a shop, theBlueKraken, on Artfire. The leaf brooch caught my eye, as the color reminded me of the elven cloak pins from Lord of the Rings, and I had to investigate what green stone the leaf was made of. To my surprise it was a computer circuit board! Amanda takes the unwanted bits of technology that we casually toss out without a though and turn them into amazing wearable art. This innovative artist is certainly running far out front on the recycled jewelry circuit.

Amanda has a line of guitar picks sure to delight any musician or guitar pick collector. If you know someone in the tech world, a circuit board tie clip or pendant is sure to bring a smile. Be sure to see the butterfly pendants. I marvel at the colors and her mastery of silversmithing. She works with hard drives too, nothing goes to waste with her creative mind.

This recycling wizard is master of her craft in North Carolina and ships internationally. You can also find her on Facebook, and will want to bookmark her shop for more great artistic art works from this upcycling genius. If you have a piece in mind, possibly sets for a bridal party with a high tech theme, be sure to contact her for custom work.

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!

Pillow Fight

My monkey will pounce your panda. These are just two of the charming pillow designs being tossed around at peanutbutterdynamite on etsy. I once crocheted a set of spiral pillows that reminded me of Christmas ribbon candy, but at this amusing shop you will find a captivating collection of crocheted pillow faces. And if you are looking for a fun play rug or bed topper, the perfect pals are waiting on their website to grace any play area. All are expertly crafted from 100% acrylic yarn.

Your dear pet would look smart snoozing on their special spot with a buddy blanket. These wonderful creations emerge from sunny California and are shipped worldwide. More unexpected pieces from this delightful family business can be found on Facebook and at their website. Nothing says 'You're special' like handmade, and what a special toddler or baby shower gift one of these coordinated pillow and rug sets would make. This shop simply exudes cuteness!

Sugar Lace

Were you ever told not to eat paper as a child? Well here is paper you can freely eat and enjoy! The sweetsocietybakery shop found on etsy has a wonderful selection of lacey delights to accent your culinary creations. Edible decorating paper comes in many colors, and it can be sweetened or not. These charming designs will add visual appeal and kick up the simplest dishes a notch. Watching them magically dissolve in a liquid is great fun!

The sweet treats come from California and are shipped internationally. Special requests are welcome. Order a thoughtful garnish for a baby shower, wedding, or any special event you wish to make memorable. There are so many possibilities!

Cross My Heart

Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of embroidery and Gail at CrossStitchCards on ArtFire has a line of greeting cards that incorporates these elements in her exceptional designs. Her enchanting cards will certainly be treasured and their cherished messages reread over the years. Some of her cards even have removable cross-stitch ornaments that can be used year round as thoughtful reminders of your kindness.

Gail has a passion for cross-stitch and has been making superbly stitched art for many years. The peacock avatar she is currently using is magnificent. Her exclusive cards are certainly not for the casual well-wisher, and a disposable store card is good enough for that. A handcrafted card designed by Gail lets the recipient know you are genuinely thinking of them by your unique card selection.

Gail precisely counts her stitches in California, ships internationally, has a website, and can be found on Facebook. I stitched an announcement when my first was born, and it took such a long time to finish. I understand the countless hours she invests in her art work. If you are looking for a card to truly convey your heartfelt sentiments, visit Gail for a cross-stitch treasure!

Candid Camera

Finding a wonderful photo at NatureVisions (closed), on Artfire, has brought back fond memories of quail darting about outside my kitchen window. Unfortunately, they are long gone. Daughter Erica’s photography in this mother and daughter shop is remarkable. I have enough trouble photographing stationary items in my light box. I can’t imagine getting everything set outdoors to capture a critter before it disappeared. That coyote looks friendly, until he goes after your chickens!

Nancy is the other half of this nature inspired team, creating paintings and sculptures. You won’t want to miss her 3-D wall hangings of carousel horses, true one-of-a-kind creations, and perfect for any collector. She has also brought to life a fun and fanciful Mystical Mouse™ line of little friends, which are sure to bring a smile and brighten anyone’s day.

Nancy and Erica pursue their crafts in Utah, ship most items internationally, and can be found on Facebook. An informative bio of this dynamic duo can be found at their Etsy shop, where you will also find links to their other Etsy shops.

Colorful & Delicate Glass Magic

Get ready to see the wonders of a master glassblower. Here is an amazing zibbet shop, Glasmagie, which means glass magic in German. I came across the glass cat as my introduction to this fantastic shop full of colorful and amazing glass works and soon discovered an abundance of exceptional glass creations.

The pink elephants remind me of Horton in the Dr. Seuss classic, Horton hears a Who, but in this shop you will find elephants in a range of charming colors. Keep your eye out for playful dragons, dragon snakes, delicate butterflies, and little hummingbirds, each one truly a unique creation.

Karo crafts her glass artistry in Germany, ships internationally, and can be found on her blog, where you will see her at work in demonstration videos - a definite must see! Never missing a beat with the flame and colorful glass sticks, it sure looks like a lot of fun.

French Beaded Flowers

The traditional art of crafting French beaded flowers blooms at BuddingCreations an Etsy shop. This delightful shop captured my notice with a beaded hyacinth, but there are many amazing flowers to choose from in a rainbow of colors. If you are looking for an unforgettable wedding bouquet with unique sparkle, Danielle will create an heirloom keepsake you can display and treasure forever. She has several styles to choose from and will make extraordinary flowers for your perfect day.
Danielle's creativity doesn't stop at flowers that never wilt or fade. Get ready for fantastic looking houseplants that don't need water, and be sure to see the trumpet vine with an incredible hummingbird. Her favorite color is blue, and her shop sports a beautiful blue butterfly barrette, which can be made in any color.

Danielle fashions her beaded beauties in Florida and ships internationally. If you see a design you like, but have a different color in mind, contact Danielle and she will be happy to work with you.

Doily Heirloom Art

I can appreciate the many hours of work that go into the beautiful works of crocheted art found at Doily Mania, an ArtFire shop. I had never seen the delightful bumblebee pattern before, and there are some eye-catching shapes and color combinations. Butterflies, chicks, and bunnies can be found among the flowers, palms, and pineapples. Zagorka has devoted years to her mastery of the crocheted arts, and her skill is very evident in the heirloom quality items you will discover in this amazing shop.

This mother daughter team works beautifully together. Zagorka is the creative genius behind the crocheted treasures and her daughter, Gloria, handles the computer and business end of things. If you see a pattern you like, but would prefer a different color or size, contact Gloria. They are happy to take customer orders.

Zagorka wields her magic hook in Idaho and ships internationally. More stunning crocheted artwork is found at their etsy shop. They have a new family member, Riku, and his pictures are on their Facebook fan page.

 

Elegantly Crafted Pop-up Cards

Tired of the mass produced store card selection? Give a card they have never seen before, a very unique card that truly says ‘You are special to me!’ A new shop on ArtFire, PeadenScottDesigns (closed), has just what you are looking for.

It is hard for me to pick a favorite with so many creative thoughtful designs, but it would have to be the butterfly, perfect for Mother’s Day, or the nursery room for welcoming a little one at a baby shower.

If you have a custom idea in mind, contact Rebecca and she will be happy to work with you. She can also be found on etsy and facebook. Just think how special that card will be when their name pops up!