Painted Glass

Colorful flowers on hand painted glass vases had me exploring SylwiaGlassArt on etsy. She uses ceramic, porcelain, and glass paints to decorate each piece freehand making them unique works of art. Be sure to see some of her vase pictures showing the beautiful stained glass room glow when a tea light is used. You can special order the perfect tea cup or coffee mug for mom or dad. All the kitchenware I looked at was microwave safe, but to give your painted work of art a long life, hand washing is advised. I found the serving bowls with holes for chopsticks very interesting.

You know how passionate I am when it comes to recycling. Sylwia hand paints Tabasco bottles with little houses giving them a second life of beauty and usefulness as decorative art works! She uses other rescued glass bottles for her colorful creations. In her shop, her favorite style of bottle to paint has a Sunflower design, but she can paint yours with any design you fancy, and has many vase and bottle styles available.

Originally from Poland, Sylwia now calls California home where she paints her pretty pieces. She ships internationally and is found on Facebook. If you see a pattern you like, but prefer other colors or a different shape, be sure to contact her for a custom piece. Sylwia's love of flowers and nature takes her outside with her camera, and you will find photography in her second etsy shop SeeWorldThruMyEyes.

Chinese Knotting

The butterfly first caught my eye at SarahCollection on ArtFire, as I wondered what it was made of. This artist has taken the traditional art of Chinese knotting into the 21st century with her innovative animal key chain designs. The turtles are adorable. There are frogs, spiders, ladybugs, and an unusual shrimp key chain. She has tutorial kits available too.

Sarah has knotted beautiful jewelry pieces in the Chinese tradition, and she uses Chinese knotting techniques to make lovely Celtic knot earrings. Keep an eye on this shop as she is always trying fresh designs and pushing her knotting skills to create new wonders. Be sure to see the pig! Her peaches remind me more of hearts or strawberries.

Sarah knots her colorful cords in Hong Kong, ships internationally, and has an etsy shop. More of her unique creations are on her website, where you will find a tutorial for the dragonfly and rose in the DIY Zone. Try your hand at some of the knots in the Knots Tutorials. She has so many lovely pieces, but if you are interested in a different color or combination, be sure to contact her.

Clean Sweep

This shop on zibbet, Skagit BroomWorks, is doing their best to help you clean up. Kevin and Sarah Miller have a passion for traditional broom making. Their brooms are made from 100% North American broomcorn, which provides many years of use. Each of their brooms is constructed by hand using the same methods used by the Shakers in the 1800's . Special orders are not a problem, and if you have a favorite handle, they will dress it with the perfect broom.

I have been around plenty of corn fields, and couldn't figure out where the broomcorn came from. It turns out it has nothing to do with corn at all, but is a common name used for sorghum, which includes various species of grasses, and is apparently very good for making scrubbing and sweeping devices. Did you know that hanging a broom to dry after sweeping a damp surface will prolong its life?

 The Miller's have a well swept store in Washington State, which I understand smells wonderful and is a great place to pick out your own broom. They ship to the United States, are found on Facebook, with a larger shop on etsy. Find a lovely picture of this remarkable team on their website, where you can order from them directly. They even take phone orders. Pure beeswax candles is another undertaking for their shop, and you will find a great selection of sizes.

Pony Up

When I first saw one of these colorful pieces, I wasn't sure what it was. I though a work in cross stitch or plastic canvas, but now I know another spectacular use for pony beads. These pretty beaded banners are found at SherryRidge, a relatively new shop on etsy. Bead by bead these artistic wall hangings are created. The cat in the window looks like my Panther. These beaded works of art can grace a wall inside or decorate an outside space. The look of depth translucent beads give the fish in Under the Sea is amazing, and would make the perfect gift for anyone who enjoys a fish tank or trip to the aquarium.

Claudine and Jim have a range of beautiful works in their shop perfect for Mother's Day, Father's Day, and birthdays year round. There are also a few counted cross stitch seed packet completed pieces available. I know the hours that went into creating these lovely stitched works or art, and they would be so pretty framed for wall display.

These two have their needles flying and beads bouncing in Texas and ship to the United States. I can just imagine how much fun my boys would have chasing beads around the floor. They already pitch in to help me sort buttons from time to time. I'm sure we can expect more creative works from this artistic duo, so check back to see their new shop offerings.

Petting Zoo

Make you smile cuteness on every page; that's what you will find at MelodysMiniArt on ArtFire. The captivating eyes of mice, bunnies, kittens, and puppies among other endearing animals will ensnare you as you travel through this delightful petting zoo. Prints of her original art works are available as bookmarks, blank note cards, and ACEOs (Art Cards Editions and Originals) at very affordable prices. The serious art collector can choose from her originals to grace their wall.

Melody's artistic abilities are matched with her deep passion for the protection of animals, and a portion of every sale is donated to an animal charity. I laugh at the fantasy cat with wings. My boys are mischievous now. I would never be able to put anything out of reach if they had wings. Some of her works are available as wearable pendant art. I do like the tuxedo cat necklace. It reminds me of my beloved cat Chris, who we lost last year.

Melody draws her furry friends in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. A greater selection of her work is found on etsy. Explore her website ,where you can find hanging ornaments and order signed copies of the children's books she illustrated. My girls are quite artistic with a pencil, and I am in awe at even the mindless doodlings, which could be framed, of such talented individuals. My drawing skills are limited to a game of hangman.

Hooked Fish

After finding these amazing fish earrings on Dawily, a handmade zibbet shop, I looked into the process of creating these colorful copper art pieces. I was watching a YouTube video when my son walked in and said, “Don't you think that's a little extreme?” I assured him not to worry, and it was only research for my blog. I believe it was the torch that had him a little worried. All of the wonderful colors you see in Dave's shop are created by heating the copper just right. There are no paints or dyes used to color these pieces.

From what I have seen, heating copper is a lot like cooking steak. It keeps cooking after you take it off the heat, so planning the right color takes spot on timing. Being able to create similar designs with the torch requires a master's touch. Years of experience, and a love for his art, are evident in Dave's beautiful copper creations. I was drawn in by the fish, but there are so many earrings, pendants, and bracelets among other interesting copper items to see here. All the edges have been buffed smooth, and clear lacquer gives a protective glossy finish.

Dave heats his copper in Canada and ships internationally. His studio must be a warm sanctuary in the nippy North. He has a shop on etsy with a larger selection of his impressive art. Be sure to read his etsy shop announcement for more information on his creative process as well as his frequent buyer program.

More MicroMacramé

I discovered BarbsMacrameandMore on ArtFire with her gorgeous beaded micro-macramé earrings. I never got beyond plant hangers with my macramé, and continue to be amazed by the delicate beauty of this micro cord twisting art form. There are necklaces and other macramé works available in her shop. Barb does make decorative plant hangers, which is the only way to keep my cats from gnawing on house plants.

Her creative energies follow her to the beach where she enjoys spending time collecting sea shells. Barb turns these into clever ring dishes and interesting shell candles. I love the smell of the ocean breeze and the sound of waves crashing, and Barb's shell art is a trigger for that happy place.

Barb has been learning the art of yarn twisting from her mother, Martha, who loves to crochet. You will find colorful baby blankets and lap blankets in her shop, which can be fun statement pieces for the wheelchair bound. Her mom has crocheted angels as well as other items in the shop. Be sure to see the lovely bunny, perfect for Easter, among Martha's handmade items.

Mother and daughter twist their treasures in Louisianan. Contact Barb for international orders. You can find her on Facebook and she maintains a presence on etsy and zibbet. Macramé or crochet, if you see something you like, but prefer a different color, be sure to contact her for a custom order.

Origami Roses

Money doesn't grow on trees, but in this shop it can be found blossoming in flowers. I found this interesting origami rose made from dollar bills at BloomyRoses on eCrater. They make flowers that will last long after fresh cut flowers have withered. I find their selection of chocolate roses particularly tempting. In addition to a variety flowers, there are red 3D origami hearts for Valentine's Day, or anytime you want to show your affection.

Flowers are made to order, ship internationally, and are customizable. Pick your flowers, colors, and arrangement for a very special occasion. Simple paper never looked so good!

Shells and Scales

Sea shells and fish scales come together is artistic harmony at this etsy shop, SeaRifficCreations.

After attending a Shell Show and viewing awe inspiring, award winning creations, the creative spark was ignited in this artist. Jodi went home and got to work with her stash of shells collected over the years. It didn't take long before her husband was hooked too. After wading in the water at local craft fairs, this married team have brought their unique creations to an internet audience so everyone can appreciate this unusual art.

They enjoy long walks on the beach, picking up shells of course, and with the help of an obliging fisherman, they have a supply of fish scales to use in their lovely art pieces. You don't have to worry about smelling like a fish wearing one of these beautiful flowers. The scales are carefully prepared for creative use showcasing their natural beauty, and no odor remains.

This husband and wife team enjoy creating from the bounty of the sea in Florida and do ship to Canada. She is new to Facebook, and getting a website up and running. These unique hair clips and floral table decorations would make wonderful additions to a nautical themed wedding.

String Art Earrings

You may remember this artist from etsy, but GilliansLocker has now found a home at the handmade marketplace zibbet. I was struck with the delicate beauty of her Peruvian string art earrings. I remember thread art projects on black velvet many years ago, but haven't taken notice of this art form in earrings until now. With the precision of Charlotte, this lady weaves colorful webs to grace your lobes.

As with many creative folk, Kathie's inventive spirit has her creating with different materials including paper, paint, beads, yarn, and currently she has been exploring the wonderful world of polymer clay. You will find sculptures, tube beads, and an interesting eyeball bracelet among other treasures in her shop.

Kathie strings her beauties in Colorado and ships world wide. You can find her on Facebook. She welcomes custom orders, so if you envision different colors, be sure to contact her.

Nose Cozy

Have you noticed a nip in the air or tried in vain to pull up a scarf to protect your freezing nose, then a

nose cozy is just what you need. Look no further than

auntmartymadeit on etsy for the most fun and fashionable nose warmers hands down. This could be the perfect finishing touch for a spectacular Halloween costume, or just what you need to spread smiles on the bus in the morning; definitely a great conversation piece. Honestly, have you ever seen anything like these fanciful creations before? I am constantly amazed at the creative imaginings of the artistic community.

With decades of experience putting an end to cold noses internationally, this lady really 'nose' her stuff! The endless selection will astound you. Pick your favorite holiday or color, and there is a nose cozy for you. What a wonderful surprise gift for the hard to shop for one on your list.

Aunt Marty creates her nose menagerie in Alabama and ships world wide. You can find her second shop at CrossesofFaith with a beautiful selection of Christian cross art pieces, with a nosy presence on zibbet and Facebook.

Birch Bark Beauties

It has been a long time since I saw bark curling from a birch tree. I was delighted to see birch bark creations at WowWeeCreations. Ken and Donna Wooten share their love of art and creating beautiful, useful treasures in this interesting etsy shop. Here you will find wooden ornaments, bowls, and boxes, along with unique jewelry and crocheted items.

Ken is skilled at bending willow and birch bark to his artistic vision. Working with a scroll saw, he cuts out a variety of pleasing designs as ornaments and focal points for his baskets. Wood burning, or pyrography, enhances the beauty of these pieces. His wood working talents produce one of a kind art pieces that can take days to finish, and are sure to be cherished additions to any room decor.

This crafty team comes to you from Idaho, and ships internationally. Donna takes care of the business side of etsy and is inspired by her love of crochet to hook a wide range of fun and useful items. Her big blue fish reminds me of Jonah and the whale, and would make a great gift with the book for a very engaging story time.