The Magic of Raku

For hundreds of years the raku style of creating and firing pottery has lead to a wealth of unique, hand formed pieces. The magic of raku is revealed after the second firing when the artist scrubs off the soot revealing the completed piece. This traditional art form is continued at WildfirePottery on zibbet where Sarah lovingly forms each of her art works by hand. Second generation to the pottery craft, Sarah uses her talents in the realm of artistic expression with her love of nature's abundance to produce a delightful array of animals. Penguins, puffins, starfish, playful seals, and fun owl rattles are waiting to be discovered in her shop.

If you haven't seen enough puffins, stop by her second zibbet shop, Theartfulbadger, for a selection of buttons and greeting cards. I do like her Celtic designs.

Sarah fires up the kiln in Canada, ships internationally, can be found on Facebook, and also maintains an etsy shop. You will find more of her charming sculptures on her website, and a very well done video will give you a peek in her studio as she explains her creative process. If you would like to hear this multi-talented lady fiddle away, check out this CBC television spot. My husband is a luthier, and the community Sarah lives in sounds amazing.

Parasols on Parade

To shield the powerful rays of the sun, parasols have been used for thousands of years. Here is an ArtFire shop, dbvictoria, that will have you taking a summer stroll in elegant style. Whether you are looking for Gothic Lolita, Steampunk, or simple Victorian, ruffles and lace gracefully dress up these sun blockers creating exquisite fashion accessories.

My daughter enjoys costuming in steampunk style and Victoria's parasols have wide appeal in this realm, as well as reminding me of the elegance of Mary Poppins or My Fair Lady. These parasols would also make exceptional photo props in any trendy studio.

Victoria also has a line of clever dust ruffle petticoats to add the perfect layer to your costuming. This artist then uses her talents in the jewelry arena, creating a line of beautifully beaded chokers among other charming pieces.

What is Victoria's secret? She is inspired by romance and beauty, and has a magpie's eye for shiny things.

Victoria designs in Washington State and ships internationally. More of her work can be seen on her website, and she is also found on Facebook.

Spider Webs and Dragonflies

This shop is full of webbed abodes that Charlotte would be pleased to call home. SpiderwoodHollow on etsy has a fascinating selection of carefully crafted spider web art and a host of little eight legged beauties waiting to move in. Copper wire and a soldering gun in the hands of this talented artisan won't have you reaching for a can or Raid. Ellen has truly created a friendly collection of exquisitely arrayed arachnids, painting glass and wire to produce unique works of art.

I smiled to see Ellen's dainty black flies remembering my dad saying - Flies spend half their life trying to get into your house, and the other half trying to get out. One of her embellished corner webs would certainly bring interest to the dull corner of a room or hall. Her colorful line of dragon flies is sure to brighten up a bookshelf or entertainment center, and a pair of lady bugs is ready to patrol your windowsill. You will want to keep an eye on this creative artist to see what creeps out of her workshop next!

The spinning is done in Washington State with worldwide shipping. If you have a creeping creation in mind, contact Ellen and she will bring your idea to life. Does your Christmas tree need a spider for next year, or do you know someone who will soon be on their own? Ellen has the perfect spider gift for them to continue the German tradition in the telling of the tinsel story.

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!

An Enduring Canvas

Here is another accomplished painter working with an unusual canvas - leather! LeatherFlair on eCrater combines the skill of leather work with the talent of a fine art painter. He merges the longevity and rugged beauty of leather with attractive imagery creating works of art sure to last the test of time. This amazing artist prepares each canvas by hand, familiarizing himself with its unique nature and grain pattern. Professional leather dyes are used to skillfully create lasting artistic pieces ready to enhance your living spaces. Works are signed by the artist and completed with a coat of moisture and UV protection.

Each stunning image is surrounded by a leather border to accommodate framing or cropping. If you are looking for the perfect piece of wearable art for the back of your leather jacket, be sure to view the B-52 Bomber or Wile E. Coyote. He also has a line of stunning leather bracelets with unique carved designs. I like the Black Cobra design. This leatherneck patiently works his pieces in Oklahoma and ships to the United States.

Pipe Dreams

A carved dragon found at FashionPipes on etsy is a far cry from the corncob pipes I remember from the Beverly Hillbillies. My dad had a very plain bowl pipe, and I still remember the scent of cherries. You certainly don’t have to smoke to appreciate the artistic beauty in an attractively handcrafted work of art, and there is a thriving community of pipe collectors looking to add a unique piece to their collection. Take a few minutes to peruse their extensive selection of hand carved pipe designs ready to beautifully grace any mantle display. 

You will also discover a variety of cigarette holders and long pipes, just like Sherlock Holmes’ from the movies. These pipes are skillfully crafted from pear wood in the Ukraine and ship worldwide. What a wonderful surprise gift a little carved treasure would make for Father’s Day or dad’s birthday. Who knows, one of these amazing pipes may even spark a pipe collection quest!

Heart Strings

My husband’s journey into building guitars began with a love of music, which grew into a desire to create the perfect instrument. Here at Celentano Woodworks on etsy, Paul has a fleet of stringed instruments available in unbelievable designs. He is a master craftsman and whether you strum, pluck, or just want to hang it on the wall for the incredible art that it is, your dream is found here.

Do you wonder what one of Paul’s guitars, mandolins, or ukuleles will sound like? This remarkable luthier has a YouTube video library showcasing some of his creations. Take a peek into this artist’s lair in the process of listening to his works of art perform.

Paul strings his tuneful treats in North Carolina, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. The lizard is a show stopper. If it has strings, this musical magician can bring the design of your imagination to life!

Taming Temari

The traditional art of Japanese thread balls has its modest beginning as an ancient recycling project. Not wanting to waste precious kimono remnants, Japanese women fashioned balls for their children to play with. Over the centuries these toys evolved into prized possessions given to commemorate important events. We enjoy this incredible art form today at suzik on etsy, where you will find an impressive collection of colorfully decorated temari balls.

Susan creates her balls in the time-honored tradition, not relying on Styrofoam forms, making each of her handmade creations a true one-of-a-kind treasure. Some of her balls even have rattles, although these decorative pieces are not intended for children’s play. Whether hanging from a Christmas tree or proudly displayed in a curio cabinet, these beautiful works will captivate onlookers for many years.

Susan wraps her wonders in Louisiana and ships internationally. If you see a design you like, but prefer a different color scheme, please contact her. She is also very familiar with Feng Shui and can coordinate the perfect colors for your living space. This unique art form is still on my list of things to try one day!

Foaming Flowers

With a rich family heritage, this Artfire artisan at Gingers-Garden is continuing the ancient tradition of soap making. Irena grew up mentored by traditional soap makers, and although she no longer has to save rainwater, grease, and lie, she takes great care in selecting the ingredients for her products. I am impressed by her scope of work, colors, shapes, patterns, and scents. Her novelty soaps, flowers and fish, would make lovely stocking stuffers and hostess gifts, and are too pretty to use! In looking at her photos, it appears she has quite a soap dish collection as well.

Irena is a licensed holistic health care practitioner, and also finds time to teach. Besides the marvelous myriad of bar soaps, she offers soothing shower gel, and shaving soap. I found the Sleepy Time aroma inhaler an interesting idea. There are lip balms, body scrubs, and lotions. Take a few minutes and explore this interesting shop.

Irena brews her batches in California, sends to Canada, and can be found on Facebook and at her website. If you would like to try one of her handcrafted soaps, Irena has a reasonably priced sample soap offer, which will get you whatever she is working on. She is able to take special and wholesale orders. How charming would little soap thank you gifts be at a wedding, shower, or birthday party? If you have any questions, please contact her. She loves to talk soap shop!

Frostless Flakes

I live by San Francisco and we have been dusted with snow a few times in the last 60+ years. Those who live where it regularly snows may not consider my experience anything close to snow. I found a husband and wife shop, grahtoestudio, on etsy, with the kind of snowflakes I prefer. As individual and unique as the real thing, these handcrafted wooden flakes will grace a Christmas tree for many years. Ash, hickory, koa, teak, walnut, and zebra are some of the domestic and exotic woods transformed by Stacy’s table saw and router. The ornaments are finished with lacquer to show off the natural color and grain patterns.

This shop also offers a selection of bold and functional hair combs, forks, and sticks from an array of premium woods and antler. These designs are ready to grace your stylish updo, holding long hair with ease. Curly koa is stunning and my husband would love to make a guitar with this wood. Stacy is a true wood whisperer and works magic on a lathe, bringing forth wondrous bowls hidden in blocks of wood. Their new line of hand and pocket mirrors is making its debut.

Stacy and Kim collaborate in Utah, send internationally, and can be found on Facebook. If you are not sure how to use a hair fork, several videos can be found on their blog. Do you fancy a particular wood, pattern, or embellishment? They are happy to take custom orders. This is the perfect way to own a piece of exotic wood!

Kick Up Your Heels

This fine arts artist works on an unusual canvas – shoes! LoveMirandaMarie on etsy embellishes shoes with her beautiful drawings. Here, commonplace shoes have been touched by an artist and magically transformed. You may be hesitant to wear these works of art out of the house. Imelda Marcos surely would have appreciated the matchless beauty of Miranda’s fancy footwear, as any true collector would.

A newcomer to etsy, Miranda hasn’t been able to contain her creativity to shoes, and you will also find a retro-style painted handbag. Visit her blog for an insider’s glimpse at her creative process, and follow as her pieces come to life.

Working with gently used canvases, she is a true upcycler! This fashionable footwear comes from Arkansas, and ships worldwide.

If you have a design idea or would like to commission a themed piece for a special event, Miranda Marie is the one to see. She will turn the ordinary into the extraordinary!

Of Mice and Rabbits

I am struck by the sheer charm and attention to detail found in this very special doll shop, DollsAndBunnies, on etsy. Here you will find an entire colony of unique mice, each dressed to impress. There are bunnies and bears, and other cuddly animals waiting for their forever home.

Ella has been knitting and sewing her delightful dolls for many years. A large family of children and grandchildren has given her plenty of experience. With nimble fingers and loving patience she fashions those little arms, legs, and tails. The effort she puts into each of her pieces is not only demonstrated in their superb construction and detail, but also by their presentation portraits.





If you are looking for an understanding friend, a class of young ladies has just completed finishing school and would make excellent best friends. The Dorothy doll very much reminds me of the Madeline series of books. Ella also crochets a line of cupcake pincushions that would brighten any work area, and you can order one in your favorite colors!

Ella crafts her dolls in Israel, and ships worldwide. Just look at all those precious little faces. What a delightful surprise one of these wee ones will be peeking out from under a tree Christmas morning!