Masquerade Ball

The intricately cut leather work of masks and headbands can be found at a breathtaking Artfire shop, Tom Banwell Designs. If you want to make an impression at a masquerade ball, your unique designer leather mask will be found here. Bugs, Beatles, butterflies and bunnies are all found in an array of colors. You will enjoy browsing through this shop as each page presents with unexpected delights. Look at the span of the horns on that goat helmet!

A serious steampunk fan will discover a range of unparalleled leather helmets and masks guaranteed to be the hit at your next steampunk event. Tom also has a line of distinctive steampunk top hats. The Victorian cut work on the riding hat is amazing. Be sure to get a look at the plague doctor’s mask, my daughter’s favorite. Long ago, it was thought that bad smells would make one sick. Masks like this would be worn with potpourri in the beak protecting the wearer from plague.

This husband and wife team tools in California, ships internationally, and has an Etsy shop. More steampunk items can be found on their Facebook fan page. If you have a special request, Tom enjoys the challenge of a custom order. I like the simple elegance of the Celtic knot headband. This was such an interesting and fun shop to write up!

Wrap It Up

Jewelry has to be one of the hardest markets to sell in, and the creative innovation that sets these artisans apart is even more important to their success. Flightfancy is a zibbet shop that is unquestionably forging their path in the jewelry world. I find the unmistakable Victorian influences very appealing, but there is also a playful side with contemporary designs that are sure to be fashionable for many years to come.

Coming from a crafting family, Theresa had the benefit of growing up surrounded by creative influences. Envisioning her own unique designs and then wrapping wire to explore her visions has led to necklaces guaranteed to be admired. Colors and designs fill this incredible shop; each piece is a true one-of-a-kind art treasure. Visit her ‘Wrapped in Black’ collection for some wonderful color contrasts.

Theresa crafts her gorgeous adornments in Washington, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. She is also willing to create a custom piece just for you.

Totem Painting

I was familiar with the storytelling and artistic expression of totem poles, but I had never heard of totem painting before I ran across this amazing artwork. The extraordinary visual delights of Barb Kowalik can be found at BaDKowalik, a zibbet shop(closed). Whether you are looking for an original acrylic painting or a print, you will be pleasantly surprised with the selection of unique totem artwork available. Her work is also available on T-shirts and high top shoes!

On Saturday, she and her husband can be found at their local farmers market offering her artworks as well as canned goodies. I just can't imagine strawberry jalapeno barbecue sauce, but it must be a memorable taste combination. Barb also delights in jewelry creation, and I was very impressed with the Dutch spiral weaving found in her Green Goddess Bracelet.

Barb keeps a busy schedule in Canada, ships internationally, and can also be found on Artfire(closed). Be sure to stop by her website(closed) and go through the jewelry gallery where I found a spectacular blue butterfly. If you see something you like, but would like it to reflect your own personal flair, please contact Barb for a custom order.

Treasures from Nature

Having a bird breeding business will certainly give you insight into the perfect birdhouse, and a creative array of colorful little bird abodes can be found at HouseofGourds, an Etsy shop. Kathy even grows her own gourds, which also turn into eye catching feeders. Retirement hasn't slowed this artist down and she keeps a busy schedule with local craft fairs in addition to her online business.

If you are looking for a pet turtle that won't wander off, you will be happy to discover her line of painted pet rocks. I find the coral snake very striking. How does that old rhyme go...Red next to black is friend to Jack; red next to yellow will kill a fellow. Kathy unfortunately discovered poison ivy upon moving to Wisconsin, but this has led to the creation of her soothing poison ivy soap, which she also sells locally.

Kathy crafts in Wisconsin, ships to the United States, and can also be found on eCrater. Please contact her if you are interested in a custom order or would like information on wholesale. Be sure to stop by her shop as this creative soul has other treasures waiting to be discovered.

All Tied Up

I was struck by the simple elegance found at CLineCreations, an Etsy shop. After riding the C-Line in Brooklyn back and forth to work, this artist enjoys relaxing with inspiration, her paints, and brightly colored Chinese silk cords. Jess has taken traditional Chinese knotting techniques and brought them into the 21st century with her own creative twist. She not only crafts hair ornaments in a wide array of beautiful color combinations, but she designs custom silk cord jewelry that is sure to be admired.

Her other passion is traditional Chinese brush painting, and she has several inspired artworks ready to be a calming focal point for any room. Wanting her artwork to be accessible, she has created a line of hand-painted cards. What a welcome treat these uniquely handcrafted cards will be with your message inside. If you would like a set of cards, contact Jess for a bulk rate.

Jess ties her knotted creations in New York and ships internationally. If you see a style of knotting that you like, but prefer a different color, please contact her and she will be pleased to make a custom order if the color is available.

Playing With Wood

Following in his father's footsteps, this master carpenter and cabinetmaker has spent a lifetime perfecting his woodworking skills. He is now having fun designing and making a unique line of wooden toys perfect to enhance any little one’s imaginative play. Whether you are looking for a drill, toaster, sewing machine, push Penguin, or carving turkey, you will find it at SSWoodcraft, an Etsy shop.

This lovely jewelry box caught my eye with the charming tumbling block quilt pattern on top. There is a birdhouse that looks like a big die. How unique would that be hanging from a tree? He has created a very popular line of handgun shaped walking canes, and carries extra canes in his car because people ask to buy the one he's sporting when he's out and about. My favorite is the colt 45. You will also find boot jacks, ceramic tile trivets, and scroll saw artwork.

His magical workshop is in Montana, and he ships to Canada. It was hard to pick two pictures to feature for this shop because he has so many interesting and unique creations. Stop by and take a look. It sure feels like Santa's workshop to me! I'm sure we have discovered one of Santa's suppliers.

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.

Just Add Beads

Welcome to Beadcharmed, an Etsy shop by T. A. Gozeski, whose goal is to share her passion for beading with the world, and I believe she does it very well. I ran across this eye-catching beaded box with the horse design and just had to see the rest of the shop. She crafts a wide variety of bead adorned boxes and sees her creations as "treasured boxes to hold treasured things."

In her shop you will find an assortment of beaded boxes, including pillboxes, and jewelry. But the wonders don't stop there! If you are looking for a unique dollhouse miniature, then you won't want to miss the zebra or the cat, two of my favorites from her amazing collection of beaded miniatures.

T. A. Gozeski beads her original artworks in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and can also be found on her website. This shop is full of one-of-a-kind treasures sure to make charming and memorable gifts.

Woolykins World

Now it's time for some fun in the imaginative world of Woolykins. Jennifer has created a fanciful shop on Etsy to showcase her unique needle felted wool creations. The names and little stories she creates for each piece really bring her one-of-a-kind creatures to life. No two masterpieces ever turn out quite the same, assuring you that each is an exceptional collectible artwork.

She also has very vibrant fantasy animal notecards to cheer up anyone’s day. Jennifer can be found working her creative magic at two other Etsy shops: WoolyGeeks, where you will find more wooly creations including Mario shrooms, and JenniferHayesArt, which features original paintings and mixed media art.

Jennifer discovers her little friends in Ohio, and ships internationally. Have you seen a little one that is tugging at your heartstrings for adoption? Although these felted creatures are well constructed, they are not intended as toys for children.

Turning Wood

Uncovering the hidden beauty in a block of wood seems like an impossible task, but here's an Artfire shop (shop has closed-go to his website) that performs this task with great regularity. Steve of Steveswoodartanddesign has discovered his passion, working with wood, and makes one-of-a-kind bowls, candle holders, and specialty items. He not only can find the beauty in a single block of wood, but he glues different woods together to create elegant collaborations of color and grain.

If you would like to have your wooden artwork made from a specific wood, or in a particular pattern or finish, Steve will be happy to work with you in creating your vision. Trained in graphic design as well as woodworking, he is up to the challenge. Each of his unique art pieces is numbered, hand signed, and dated.

Steve crafts the heirloom pieces of tomorrow in California and ships internationally. His unique creations are found on his website.

For the Love of Dogs

I discovered the portrait of a playful border collie, and could hear him panting. What an amazing likeness! Introducing the heartwarming acrylic paintings of a mother and daughter team, LarkStudios, found on Artfire. This shop has an alphabet of dog breeds available, and if your favorite isn't listed, just ask. Their work is available as original paintings, prints, and very charming and affordable necklace pendants sure to please any pet lover.

Dottie is a prolific artist who has truly discovered her calling and specializes in painting dogs. Daughter Lara handles the business side of things, and paints when she can. Whether your beloved pet is a puppy, horse, or goat, you will be very pleased with a custom portrait that captures their likeness and your friendship for all time.

This fabulous team paints in Oregon, ships internationally, and is just starting on Facebook. You can view more of their amazing work and get instructions for custom orders on their website. There is just something about the way Dottie captures the eyes that really brings life into her painting.

Gourd Artist Lynn Thomas

Throughout history gourds have served utilitarian purposes, and apparently, they can be carved and worked with just like wood. Today's focus is on a member of a cooperative, Catskill Mountain Artisans Guild (closed), an Artfire shop promoting artisans from the Catskill Mountains. Lynn is a gourd artist who finds the gourd to be the perfect artistic medium.

Each gourd is uniquely created by nature, and Lynn works to uncover its hidden beauty transforming it into an exceptional work of art. Gourds are extremely lightweight, and much sturdier than they appear. With an endless array of shapes and sizes available, she will continue to push the creative envelope and develop new techniques and designs.

Lynn crafts her beautiful gourds in New York and ships to the United States. She takes special orders, and you can see more of her amazing work at her website. You'll want to keep an eye on this artist as she has only been working with gourds for a few years with impressive results.