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.

Dot Matrix Art

Who remembers the zipping sound of a dot matrix printer as it advanced line by line? I am amazed at the incredible art created one tiny dot at a time I discovered at PearlesPainting on etsy. There are no zipping sounds in this self-taught painter's studio as she precisely places each dot. Swirls, waves, and arches appear as I gaze at the dots Pearle has patiently painted on Christmas balls. Each of her ornaments is a unique work of art, waiting to grace your tree for many years. What an unexpected treat one of her Christmas decorations would make. You will be remembered each year it hangs on their tree!

Pearle loves to create beautiful works of art and embellishes pepper mills, vases, chairs, salt and pepper shakers, creating designer, one-of-a-kind works of art. Some of her designs are available on small canvases or bits of wood for year round display. Next to the dots, I find her leaf designs to be captivating. She also has a line of hand painted designer jewelry; a delightful array of necklaces, pendants, and earrings. Be sure to see the delicate butterfly earrings, which were inspired by her daughter. Pearle has walnut and egg ornaments too, so take a peek down the aisles and be amazed at the wonders she has been working on.

Pearle paints with pinpoint accuracy in Massachusetts, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. Find more by this prolific painter on her blog. She is a true kindred spirit and passionately believes in recycling/upcycling, breathing new life into rescued materials. If anything sits still for too long, this inspired artist is likely to give it a pointed makeover!

Origami Dolls

My daughter has made little Japanese dolls for me to slip into cards and letters, so I was delighted to find Christina's shop, Umeorigami on zibbet, where the traditional handcraft of folding origami dolls is flourishing. She has included some modern touches, and a magnet can be added to any doll. Using the finest papers directly from Japan, her little works of art come alive. What a lovely surprise finding one of treasures tucked in a card would be.

Taking paper folding beyond dolls, Christina enjoys exploring the possibilities of origami. She has designed a line of distinctive earrings and necklace pendants. When I first saw a pendant with beading, I thought it was a special Christmas ornament. Take a look at her very unique and interesting boxed accordion cards.

Christina folds the fancy paper in California, ships internationally, and is found on Facebook. A website will show off more of this artist's work, which includes photography. Be sure to see the creative Star Wars doll set.

She has a shop on etsy, and although it is not currently stocked, you can see past work being enjoyed by her patrons. This busy lady has a second shop, origraphix, on zibbet where you will find graphic designs. If you have a custom order, be sure to contact her.

Fun Hand Puppets

I have stumbled upon another of Santa's secret satellite workshops on zibbet. A grand selection of hand puppets can be found at mpace. You will keep little ones engaged in creative storytelling while flipping between two expressions on the Two-Faced line, or memorize them with the more ornate Storyteller puppets, who really know how to spin a yarn. Creative word play from an early age is a wonderful way to build vocabulary and spark imagination in the wordsmiths of tomorrow. If you would like more actors in your production, be sure to see the animal finger puppets.

Now a great-grandma, this lady has been putting smiles on children's faces for many, many years with her bright and cheerful play toys. After a stroll down the aisles of her shop, I discovered a host of friendly dolls ready to be confidential, lifetime friends. Doll lines in this shop have fun names like Knot-A-Paperdoll, My New Friend, Baby-to-Go, and Uppity Down Dolls. To cheer up a child battling leukemia, be sure to see the thoughtful selection of Kancer Kids dolls with their colorful hats and fancy footwear.

A designer purse is waiting for your little lady in the Miz Pursey's Cupcake line. Each cupcake is individually frosted assuring a unique, one-of-a-kind accessory. The fun doesn't stop there, and Harriet the Hair Accessory Queen will keep hair accessories organized on a dresser top.

These delightful dollies are lovingly crafted in Washington state and ship internationally. Find her on Facebook with more of her precious creations on etsy and her website. Her aim is to make a child smile with a toy to be treasured, so be sure to contact her with your special request.

Beautiful Henna

Whether cultural, artistic, rebellious, or temporary, tattoos have been a part of human history for thousands of years. Beautiful henna art work is found at Surinder's shop, AllAboutHenna, on etsy. Faryal and Sheetal join her to bring the art of henna alive. After looking through examples of this impressive body art form, I am in awe of the intricate designs drawn free-hand by master artists! The personal nature of this art seems to speak of the love that goes into creating each piece.

Fresh henna powder is available if you want to mix paste yourself, or ready-to-use cones can be sent to US addresses. Creating one of these elaborate designs can be as easy as following the lines if you trace an outline with a steady hand. Visit their shop for a variety of reusable henna stencils, which make for quick and polished results. Candles are also decorated with these intriguing patterns. Be sure to see the amazing detail in the close-up photo of the painting Desert Waves. It reminds me of the zendoodle art form we discovered March of last year.

These talented ladies mix it up in Texas, most items ship internationally, and they are on Facebook. You will find more about this art form on their website. If you are in their neck of the woods in Texas, you can book one of these incredible artists for a lot more than face painting at your special event. Custom orders are welcomed and encouraged. This is the perfect body art, expressing your artistic creativity without committing to it forever!

Insect Art

For several years, one of my sons was interested in bug collecting. We had a net, killing jar, and pin boxes, so I found BugUnderGlass on etsy fascinating and couldn't pass up showing it to you. Kevin is an artist biologist with a passion for education, conservation, and sustainability. He has a burgeoning business creating museum quality art pieces by mounting farm-raised insects. What a thoughtful gift one of these taxidermied specimens would make for a budding entomologist or teacher.


Kevin composes insect dioramas sure to bring a smile, and he has blank note cards depicting several of these scenes, making his art very accessible. The motorcycle riding Weevil Knievel is my favorite. He has also developed a unique line of butterfly wing jewelry. You will marvel at striking butterflies professionally mounted for display, and I find those hovering over a map background very appealing.

Kevin is in my neck of the woods in California, ships internationally, and can be found on Facebook. He is also an official San Francisco Green Business, and has a well designed website. There are many interesting things to see in his well stocked shop, with more being added. Did you know moths could be so colorful? Be sure to stop by and enjoy the walking stick, scorpion, and cicada among other beauties!