Wednesday, June 23, 2010

ck silver - Timeless Beauty

This week’s featured artisans give their pieces the most wonderful names: Sweet Patriotism, Midnight Rendezvous, Blue Whimsidot, Floating Down the River, Musical Delight. I love it! …And I’m slightly jealous – naming products is not easy for me.
Champagne Sunset Sterling Silver Bracelet

The talented woman of ck silver are a mother and daughter team who enjoy working with silver, pearls, Swarovski crystals, and semiprecious stones. Although they each have their own style, Cindy and Marilyn’s pieces work together seamlessly to form an elegant collection of silver jewelry.
Elegant and whimsical, ck silver’s Whirligig line of earrings is fabulous! I really like the Champaign Swirl design, made with silver wire and fresh water pearls.
Champagne Swirl Sterling Silver Earrings

I love jewelry that has architectural interest and ck silver’s Victorian Elegance necklace caught my eye right away. Swarovski white pearls and Swarovski emerald crystals combine on sterling silver to create a unique presentation that is sure to get noticed whether you wear it with your jeans or evening gown.

One last thing I have to share with you – this silver-y spiral-y ring. The spiral is one of my favorite shapes and this silvery swirl is just lovely! I think if I was a super hero this would be my power ring.

Head on over to ck silver's shop on etsy where you will find many more wonderful selections. Silver matches everything and you are sure to find something for yourself or that special girl!

Check out ck silver’s blog to read musings on life and share in some great handmade finds.

Conect with this artist:
Shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/cksilver

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Just the Goods

I recently met a fellow bath and body artisan with a philosophy I really dig. Just the Goods from Winnipeg creates luscious Vegan body goodies free of petrochemicals, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial fragrances, dyes and flavors. And to do away with wasteful packaging most products are shipped in a refundable or reusable glass jar. In addition, Just the Goods products are super affordable, giving you all the reasons in the world to try out some of these natural treats.
This product really excites me! (Yes, sometimes it really is the little things in life.) All natural, Vegan Toothpaste made from vegetable glycerin, calcium carbonate, kaolin clay, coconut oil, and neem oil. Fantastic! AND – wait for it …. you can get it in flavors! Peppermint, cinnamon, anise, clove, or orange essential oil can be added per your whim.
Life sometimes happens all at once and in the hectic-ness lately I totally forgot to offer suggestions for Father’s Day gifts! Bad Marie. It’s a little late, but here is the PERFECT gift for the men in your life. Well, at least the ones with facial hair:
Vegan Shaving Cream Solid

Vegan Shaving Cream Solid comes in the manly scents of Chai Spice, Patchouli + Tea Tree, and Rosemary + Lemon. Yum!
You even have the option of purchasing a wooden shaving brush with your order.
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This Vegan Moisturizing Face Wash for combination skin highlights Just the Goods’ talent with the art of natural chemistry:
“Kaolin, grapefruit, and rosemary absorb oil, pineapple exfoliates, tea tree disinfects, and just the right amount of shea butter moisturizes without clogging pores.”



Vegan Moisturizing Face Wash
What’s that you say? You have dry skin? Just the Goods has a moisturizing face wash for you, too!
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This is just the most awesome thing ever – your choice of 4 samples from Just the Goods for $2.70 + shipping!! Perfect for people like me who have a hard time making a decision or for those who want to test the waters before diving into a full size container. Or tuck all four into a gift basket for that hard-to-buy-for friend.

Connect with this artist:
Website: http://www.justthegoods.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/justthegoods


Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Unique Designs by Ms. P - Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

In my quest to find unique, thoughtful, and budget-conscious gifts I have found another artisan to share with you…

Unique Designs by Ms. P on Etsy is the place to pick up hand-crafted jewelry personalized by birth month. Paula, the creative soul behind Ms. P will customize a piece for you or someone special with Swarovski crystals in your chosen birth-month colors.
Ms. P has Family Bracelets crafted from a blend of freshwater pearls, bi-cone Swarovski crystals, and silver plated findings. The crystals can be all of the same color, or create a truly one of a kind piece by including the birthstones of the whole family. This would make a truly thoughtful gift at an affordable price.


Or how about earrings showing off your branch on the Tree of Life? Dangling from a bead depicting the Tree of Life are custom designed branches of sparkling Swarovski crystals representing your family.

My Branch Earrings

Connect with this artist:

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Alexander's Designs Hand Crafted Jewelry

Alexander's Designs jewelry is hand made by Jenny and Skip Alexander. This couple designs and creates several lines of jewelry and offers supplies for the Do-It-Yourselfer. They work with Swarovski Crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter, and gold. 18 inch Swarovski Crystal Necklace with Sterling Silver Accents


The Alexanders are involved in all facets of the jewelry making process, including making original lamp work beads, fused glass and borosilicate glass pieces. Skip also does his own metal work.




And here is the kind of thing I LOVE: A handmade, OOAK (one of a kind), personalized gift for under $20. Send Jenny your photo, artwork, logo, written message, or any image and Alexander’s Designs will make it into a fused glass pendant!

This image was drawn by the Alexander’s 13 year old cellist:




You can choose the colors of the glass, too!
Image on a Pendant

They can also put your fused glass on a money clip, perfect for (ahem) Father’s Day.




Check out the Alexander’s blog for a peek into their artistic process, upcoming shows they are attending, and their review of other artisans.



Connect with this Artist:

http://www.alexandersdesigns.com/

http://www.classicallysimple.etsy.com/

http://www.beaderydestash.etsy.com/

http://www.alexandersdesigns.blogspot.com/