Artesia

Lotua Mira

2010-07-02T17:47:00.000-07:00

We have moved! Which explains why my weekly post is so late this week. Coincidently, this week’s featured shop also acquired new digs at the same time. Lotus Mira from Washington DC is newly relocated but that hasn’t slowed this talented artisan down. Heck, she is even working on a masters and a law degree in addition to everything else.

Indian Hand-Painted Tile Images Four Paneled Bracelate

Lotus Mira specializes in art pieces that are truly one of a kind. Images are floated between thin panes of glass and then framed with lead-free solder. Many of the pieces are double sided, giving the lucky owner a two-for-one deal.

Vintage Malaysian Stamp Soldered Pendant

Many of Lotus Mira’s pieces are wearable art. One can chose from pendants, bracelets, and earrings. Also available is a selection of collage art framed in solder and wire. Lotus Mira gives dimension to these collages by layering the images in several panes of very thin microscope slide glass. Brilliant!

Faery Door

Right now, Lotus Mira is running two fabulous specials:

1.) The first five people to buy a four-paneled soldered bracelet will get a matching one inch soldered pendant free.
2.) Check out Lotus Mira’s website to see how you can get 20% off your next order

And yes, you can combine these offers to get a supper deal on a matching bracelet and pendent set!

Connect with this artist:

www.lotusmira.com

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lotus-MiraGe-Ephemera/330807772723

Blog: http://lotusmira.blogspot.com/

ck silver - Timeless Beauty

2010-06-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Amethyst Dream Sterling Silver Earrings

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.

Victorian Elegance Sterling Silver Necklace

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.

Sterling Silver Swirl 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

Blog: http://cksilver1.blogspot.com/

Just the Goods

2010-06-16T10:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Vegan Toothpaste
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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.

Four Samples of Vegany Goodness

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Connect with this artist:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/justthegoods

Blog: http://justthegoods.wordpress.com/

Website: http://www.justthegoods.net
Twitter: http://twitter.com/justthegoods

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

2010-06-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Family Bracelet - Emerald/May

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.

Family Bracelet - Ruby/July

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:

http://www.uniquedesignsbymsp.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/myuniquedesigns

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Paulas-Designs/101827829866580

Alexander's Designs Hand Crafted Jewelry

2010-06-02T19:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Dichroic Glass Pendant

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:

Bass Clef Fused Glass Pendant

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.

Cicada Money Clip

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/

JujuBee Jewelry - Making it count

2010-05-26T11:12:00.000-07:00

One of the silver linings to these tough times is the reminder of what is really important. We get the chance to ponder where we want our money to go and what purchases are truly meaningful. For me, buying local and artisan goods is a priority. Today I found a jewelry artist who not only hand makes her items, she also donates her time and talent to Threads of Love.

Threads of Love is a Christian non-profit organization whose members sew, knit, crochet, and embroider items for preemie babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units all over the country. JujuBee Jewelry has joined the Treads of Love ranks as a designer and maker of Memory Bracelets and Anklets.

Memory Bracelet

One of the unique collections available in JujuBee’s shop are her signature Day-to-Night Earrings. These are a fabulous idea for the girl wanting to be efficient with her time and money. Simply switch out the daytime dangles with the dramatic going-out-for-the-evening set and Voila! You are ready to go.

If the two-for-one deal of the Day-to-Night Earrings is still just a little more than you can handle right now, JujuBee has an even sweeter deal for the DIY types out there. She offers a Day-to-Night Earring Tutorial Kit that includes a 5 page tutorial and all the materials to make your own set for less than half the price!

And for the really budget-minded, Jujubee offers her tutorial for just $3.00. And since it is an e-book, there is no postage to pay.

Obviously, Jujubee Jewelry has put a lot of thought into the items she makes and the people who will cherish them for years to come. You can learn more about Jujubee and her art on her blog.

Miss Pretty Perfect

2010-05-19T11:36:00.000-07:00

Bags with personality!

For years the only bag I ever carried was a backpack. Even when we were in the diaper bag stage, I packed all the girls stuff in, yup, a backpack. Goodness forbid I should own something as girly as a purse. However, I have to admit I now own (and use!) a matching collection of bags that includes a tote, overnighter, purse, make-up bag, wallet, and laptop case. Yes, they match! All in the same pattern.

Miss Sasha Sling by Miss Pretty Perfect

I even created the Vida Bonita line of lip balms to match a famous line of bag patterns.

I want to introduce you to an amazing artisan hand bag line: Miss Pretty Perfect. The styles is this line are all named after strong woman worth admiring. Each style comes in several fabric patterns and you can coordinate all your pieces or mix it up to match your different looks.

Miss Nina Petite Messenger Pouch by MPP

La Toya Stevens, the strong woman behind Miss Pretty Perfect is a talented fashion designer based out of North Carolina. Before striking out on her own she worked as a sewer for a private label handbag designer in Union Square.

Dr. Quinn Travel Bag

This is one of my favorite styles: the Miss Amelia Overnight Bag named after the queen of travelers herself, Amelia Earhart. This hobo has a 39” strap to wear across your body while toting your gear across town or across the Atlantic.

Check out the roomy inside complete with four pockets:

The Miss Rosa Gathered Wristlet was inspired by another memorable strong woman: Rosa Parks. Can’t you just picture Ms. Parks sitting on that infamous bus with one of these clutches by MPP on her lap?

Check out Miss Pretty Perfect’s Blog for glimpses of retired and upcoming styles, features of other artisans and special promotions.

Miss Wendy B. Messenger Bag

Connect with this Artist:
Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/missprettyperfect
Blog: http://missprettyperfect.blogspot.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/missprettyperfect
Twitter: http://twitter.com/toiyah

Polymer Clay Gifts for Teacher by Ardna's Sac

2010-05-11T09:21:00.000-07:00

It’s that time again – the flowers are blooming, the pools will be opening soon, the ice cream truck is stocked. School is almost over for another year.

Today I have ideas for elegant and affordable gifts from Ardna’s Sac to thank your child’s teacher for all the hours of hard work they invested in your student.

Ardna’s Sac is the shop of polymer clay artist Cassandra. I love the way she came up with the name for her shop. Can you figure it out? The answer is explained in her profile.

How about an Apple for the Teacher? This super cute button is the classic symbol for teacher embossed with a star and stripes. Any teacher, male or female would be proud to sport this badge.
$3.00

If your educator is likes jewelry, then add this necklace and earring set! Gray circle beads and two types of red beads lend an air of sophistication with a touch of fun – the perfect combo for the perfect teacher.

$14.00 - for the set!

Teachers spend HOURS (believe me, I know!) correcting papers and writing notes. How about a one-of-a-kind refillable pen all ready for the next year? This Blossom Pen is sure to make those late nights of grammar and division sheets a little brighter.

$7.00

So what are you waiting for? The prices are right and the thought will definitely count. Head on over to Ardna’s Sac on Etsy.com and start earning your brownie points!

Also, check out Ardna’s Sacs Blog for clay tutorials and reviews of other artisans.

Moon Angel Art

2010-04-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

Once in a while you come across an artist who is able to express what you yourself already feel/know/resonate with. My favorite band is my favorite because they play the music that was already in my head. Similarly, I recently was introduced to a visual artist that has the amazing ability to convey not only beautiful images, but also the feeling and life-magic behind them.

Moonangelnay offers the most amazing photos! This artwork is so bright and whimsical it lifts the heart and makes the day seem brighter just by being there. Naomi, the soul behind the art has found a way to combine two of my favorite visual art types: nature and abstract to capture the soul image of her subjects.

Over in Moonangelnay’s Etsy shop you will find many sizes and mediums for these awesome pieces of art work
Photo Jewelry
Canvas/Artbox/Perspex
Sets/OFFERS/Deals/Gifts
5x7 Inch Prints
8x12 and 8x10 Prints
8x8 and 5x5 Square Print
ACEO 2.5x3.5 Prints
Collage Tile Sheets Cards/Calendars/Art

By offering such a wide range of products, Moonangelnay has made it possible for anyone’s budget to include fine art. Seriously, for just $2.00 you can get a collage sheet of 18 or more digital images to print out and use for your own artwork, scrapbooking, or those tile pendants that are so popular right now.

Not only am I enthralled with her artwork, I also adore Moonangelnay’s Blog. The week starts off with Monday Magic where fabulous Etsy artisans with less than 20 sales are given a boost. Every Wednesday she offers gratitude for the positive things that have manifested for her and her business. Tuesdays and Fridays are dedicated to featuring a fellow artist and Sundays focus on personal musings, happenings, and even tutorials!

Photablet Polymer Clay Photo Pendant

Connect with this artist:

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/moonangelnay
Blog: http://moonangelnay.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/moonangelnay

Artesia

Clever Crafter - Funky, Fun, Handmade

2010-04-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Aren't these fun? Each piece is hand made by the aptly named

Clever Crafter.

Guitar Pick Necklace

Clever Crafter loves creating and works in a variety of mediums including quilting, sewing, crocheting, cross-stitching, beading, and scrapbooking. Many of her wonderful creations are available in her etsy shop and I urge you to pop over and have a look. But be warned: Browsing the amazing variety of colors and styles there can be addicting!

Signs of Spring Beaded Necklace

I spent over an hour in this shop looking at the Beaded Jewelry, Button Bracelets, Button Earrings, Button Magnets, Guitar Pick Earrings, and Guitar Pick Necklaces. Clever Crafter's shop is the perfect place to pick out that one unique affordable piece or go all out and coordinate some Guitar Pick Earrings, a Button Bracelet, and a Guitar Pick Necklace!

Pearly White Button Earrings

Or how about a beaded necklace with these sweet button earrings?

Check out Clever Crafter's blog where you will discover new artisans every week. On Mondays one artist is honored to be Clever Crafter's featured artisan of the week. Every Tuesday a themed Top Ten list brings together several sellers from etsy.com. Fridays are my favorite because that means it's time for Lily Loves. Who is Lily? Why Clever Crafter's cat, of course! Lily picks 7 works by 7 artists to share with all of us.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Pengwen23

Connect with this artist:

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/clevercrafter

Blog: http://cleverscorner.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cleverscorner

Fish Princess

2010-04-13T08:49:00.000-07:00

I love art inspired by nature. It’s great to have those little reminders around to make you feel closer to the source when you can’t be there yourself. Fish Princess Designs has taken that concept a step further to create natural art that is wearable, so you can have a little piece of the great wide somewhere with you all the time!

Fish Princess Designs offers handmade jewelry crafted from beach stones, sea glass, freshwater pearls, fossils, as well as precious metals and semi-precious gemstones.

The creative soul behind Fish Princess Designs also loves fly fishing in the streams of Michigan. I mostly fish with lures myself, and as I gazed upon these copper earrings I couldn’t help but think, “I bet she could make some killer spoons”. With that knowledge of fish behavior mixed with her fabulous jewelry making skills, I’d put money on it.

Visit Fish Princess Design's blog for tutorials, giveaways, and a peek into the life of the fisherwoman behind the glamor!

Connect with this Artist:

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fishprincessdesigns

Blog: http://www.fishprincessdesigns.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/fishprincess

Flicker: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishprincessdesigns

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FishPrincessDesigns

Sunshine Award!

2010-04-12T14:24:00.000-07:00

Being such a young blog I am surprised and flattered to have been nominated for The Sunshine Blog Award by Paradise Purls . Thank you!

The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting this award are:

Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.

Link the nominees within your post.

Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I happily nominate the following deserving blogs:

1. http://rabbithollowprims.blogspot.com/

2. http://gilliauna.blogspot.com/

3. http://tribaltimes.blogspot.com/

4. http://shrimpsaladcircus.blogspot.com/

5. http://littleput.typepad.com/me/

6. http://akacontrariwise.blogspot.com/

7. http://marthahorman.blogspot.com/

8. http://zephiart.blogspot.com/

9. http://chatnoirstudios2.blogspot.com/

10. http://groovygrrl.blogspot.com/

11. http://www.peanutfeet.blogspot.com/

12. http://sweetharvey.blogspot.com/

All fantastic blogs! Please click through and check them out, leave them a comment or a follow! Thanks so much!

Handmade Love for Mother’s Day (part 2)

2010-04-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mother’s Day is May 9th this year – a date in the not-to-far-off future. I have started the hunting and gathering of wonderful handmade gift ideas for all sorts of moms. If your mother is more of a Mystical Mom or a Funny Mom, check this post for wonderful ways to say “I love you” in her language.

Today we have ideas for women who like food. Well no, that’s not quite right. These are gifts for moms who appreciate the value of fresh natural food given to us from the bounties of the Earth. Whether she likes to catch dinner herself or prefers to be pampered with goodies prepared by others, Swan Mountain Soaps has you covered.

Every Mother is unique so I am going to be offering several ideas over the coming weeks. Today I found hand-made gifts for the Outdoors Mom and the Gourmet Mom from Swan Mountain Soaps on etsy.com. You may remember me telling you about this wonderful artisan from Alaska a few weeks ago. If not, read about her here.

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For the Outdoors Mom:

Alaska Fishermans Soap

Swan Mountain Soaps says:

"Anise oil has long been used as an attractant for fish, and it masks the human scent on your hands. Our Fisherman's Soap is strongly scented with real aniseed essential oil, making this the perfect soap for any angler or outdoorsman!

Our Fisherman's Soap is made using the cold process method, with cocoa butter, coconut oil, canola oil, castor oil, and palm kernel oil. Each bar of soap weighs approximately 5-6 ounces."

Fisherman's Balm

Swan Mountain Soaps says:

"Not only is it great for rubbing onto the hands to soothe dry and cracked knuckles, or hands that have taken a beating in the great outdoors, but it can also be used as a lip balm! Some people rub a bit onto their line and/or fishing hook - be sure to check with your local fishing regulations before doing so.

Our Fisherman's Balm is hand made in small batches from cocoa butter, beeswax, olive oil, shea butter, Vitamin E, and aniseed essential oil. Each jar contains .25 ounce of balm. "

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Treat your Gourmet Mom to something unique:

Alaskan Gourmet Birch Beer Jelly

Swan Mountain Soaps says:

"Our Alaskan Birch & Beer jelly is one of a kind, totally natural, gluten-free, contains NO high-fructose corn syrup, and (we hate to admit) is non-alcoholic ... the alcohol in the beer is cooked out during the jellification process (yes, we just made up that word, but we like it).

We use wonderful extra stout beer, sap from our own birch trees here on our property near Wasilla, Alaska, organic fair-trade sugar, organic lemon juice and pectin. And that's it. No hidden chemicals, food coloring or preservatives. "

Alaskan Gourmet Birch Beer Mustard

Swan Mountain Soaps says:

"Our Alaskan Birch & Beer Gourmet Mustard is totally unique, and makes the perfect gift for the beer lover or bratwurst eater on your list. We start with extra stout beer, and add Alaskan birch sap which we tap from the trees on our property for a taste you won't find elsewhere. Then we add mustard flour, a hint of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, sea salt and other spices. And that's it - our gourmet mustard is all-natural, gluten-free, and fat-free. We add no preservatives or thickeners."

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And for those of you who love hand-made soap: Rejoice! Swan Mountain is hosting a give-away contest on the Swan Mountain Blog. Click on over there to enter and you may win a bar of Secret Garden soap! Go right now – you don’t want to miss out on snagging a free hand-crafted , from-scratch, vegan, beautiful bar of soap for yourself (or maybe your mom – she doesn’t have to know it was free.)

Connect with this artist:
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/swanmountainsoaps
Blog: http://swanmountainsoaps.blogspot.com/

What kind of mom do have? Let me know and I'll scout out some handmade gift ideas for you!

Artesia

Handmade Love for Mother's Day (part 1)

2010-04-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

O.k. I know it’s not even Easter yet, but I’ve started thinking about Mother’s day gifts. Hey, if Christmas shopping can start before Halloween then I can look around at Mother’s Day stuff a month out.

Everyone wants to be the golden child with that perfect thoughtful present for Mom, making the sibling’s offerings look like opps-I-almost-forgot-but-found-this-generic-randomness-on-my-way-over-to-do-my-laundry.

Every Mother is unique so I am going to be sharing a range of ideas over the coming weeks. Today I found hand-made gifts for the Mystical Mom and the Funny Mom:

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Meaningful Artwork by Waterwaif

Connect with this artist:

Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/waterwaif

Blog: http://waterwaif.blogspot.com/

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/waterwaif
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewaterwaif

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Funny Mother's Day Cards by Dandee

Connect with this artist:
Etsy shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/dandee
Blog:http://www.sewdandee.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sewdandee

Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61194295511&ref=ts

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What kind of mom do have? Let me know and I'll scout out some handmade gift ideas for you!

Artesia

PoppyLuxe Designs

2010-03-31T11:31:00.000-07:00

PoppyLuxe Designs has a knack for combining new and found items to create one of a kind pieces that are just right for gifting to the special people in your life. Especially if that special person is one who appreciates the green nature of up-cycling and handmade items.

Making Memories Decoupaged Picture Frame

PoppyLuxe Designs has a shop on etsy.com where you can find picture frames, trinket boxes, glass items, switch plate covers, and plaques. Kimberly, owner of PoppyLuxe, will even customize items to your specifications.

Ready to Love Again Picture Frame

PoppyLuxe Designs creates one of a kind artworks using a variety of mediums. Though decoupage is the inspiration behind many of the items you will find in this nifty shop, it soon becomes obvious that this artist has a few other tricks up her sleeve.

You Gotta Have Faith Jewelry/Trinket Box

This is one of my favs:

Flower Burst Switch Plate

For inspiration, check out the PoppyLuxe Designs blog where Kimberly shares her creative process and the on-going quest for groovy items to up-cycle into her fabulous creations. She also features fellow artist from time to time with lots of pictures to share her finds!

Connect with PoppyLuxe Designs:

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PoppyLuxeDesigns
Blog: http://poppyluxedesigns.blogspot.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/PoppyLuxeDesign
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fresno-CA/PoppyLuxe-Designs/373312192942?ref=nf

PoppyLuxeDesigns is also the Featured Artist at: http://boostingetsyshopsteam.blogspot.com/2010/03/featured-artist-poppyluxe-design.html

You Need Soap

2010-03-23T09:29:00.000-07:00

Artesia does not make soap. The world is probably a better place for it. However, I have found a wonderful soap maker on etsy.com for your artisan soap needs: Swan Mountain Soaps. These soaps and body products are full of the stuff your skin loves: butters, oils, and healing herbs.
Christina of Swan Mountain creates cold pressed soaps and natural body products from scratch, often including the gifts from nature found near her Alaskan home. Her five kids and supportive husband often help with the harvesting, packaging, and testing. Three cheers for Test Monkeys!

Glacier Blend Shampoo Bar

Swan Mountain Soaps are absolutely gorgeous! The photos are lovely, too. It is no wonder Swan Mountain made the Front Page of etsy.com twice last week!

Alaska Rain Soap

One of the many wonderful product lines Swan Mountain offers is their Scents and Sensibility line of perfume oils. These olfactory treats are inspired by some of Jane Austin’s characters: Elizabeth, Jane, Charlotte, Georgianna, Emma, Harriet, Elinor, Marianne… and Mr. Darcy of course!

Swan Mountain Soap’s blog is a fun place to learn more about Christina’s products. You might even learn a bit about yourself if you take her Soap Personality Test. Go ahead – it’s fun!

http://swanmountainsoaps.blogspot.com/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/swanmountainsoaps

What's Better Than Bubble Bath?

2010-03-19T10:49:00.000-07:00

Today is the day I FINALLY add Bath Bliss to my etsy store. I have been making this product for a while now and the time has come for it to go out into the big wide world.

Bath Bliss is a bath powder that when added to running water fills your tub with mountains of fluffy foamy bubbles and....get ready... colors the water! Yup! My favorite is purple water with clouds of snowy white bubbles. Mmmm....

The test monkeys LOVE taking a bath when this bath powder is added to the water. They especially like it if they get to choose the color. I usually have blue, green, purple, pink, and orange on hand. (Technically I have yellow too, but well, it just doesn’t seem right to sit in a tub of yellow water…)

I envision some of these making their way into Easter baskets in a few weeks. The pretty pastel colors are very spring-like and how can you beat the fun of a colored bubble bath?

Sugar Pine Boutique

2010-03-15T10:29:00.000-07:00

Today I want to introduce you to an artist of many mediums who currently works with two of her favorites: hand crafted soap and creative sewing projects. Sugar Pine Boutique is a wonderful shop on etsy to find gifts for the eco-savvy in your life. Browsing around Sugar Pine Boutique's etsy shop and blog one finds natural handmade soap, bath accessories crocheted from sustainable plant materials and even upcycled materials turned into hip fashion statements.

Hand Crafted Soaps

This 7 oz Green Apple Soap that comes with a peach colored bamboo and cotton handmade washcloth.

Creative Sewing P rojects

The Schweet Tote is a cute 10"x8"purse just the right size for your daily necessities: keys, water bottle, wallet, phone, kid's snack or a book.

Sugar Pine Boutique on etsy has cute gift sets that come packaged and ready to give to your special someone.

The set comes with hand made soap and a bath accessory made of aloo. Aloo comes from a nettle-like plant in the Himalayan Mountains that is harvested and spun into yarn. It is eco-friendly, sustainable and makes an excellent exfoliatant. The gift 'box' is constructed from soft flannel and recycled vinyl or remnants.

Sew Creative Me is Sugar Pine Boutique's blog where you can get a glimpse into the artist's life and follow her creative process. While your there, check out the origami boxes that your handmade soap can come packaged in- so cute!

Sew Creative Me - http://sugarpineboutique.blogspot.com/

Sugar Pine Boutique - http://www.etsy.com/shop/SugarPineBoutique

The Beauty of Lightkeeping

2010-03-10T20:40:00.001-08:00

Some artisans have a natural ability to express love and joy in their work. One such being is Anastasija, of Lightkeeping. She creates the kind of jewelry that lends a certain subtle energy to the wearer.

In her Etsy shop awaits a collection of jewelry made from lampwork beads, Czech glass, semi precious stones, wood, felt, clay and metal.

You will find a spectrum of colors and expressions from elegant to whimsical.

Snatches of poetry and bits of pretty prose grace several of her product descriptions adding to their mystique.

"Looking through the light morning mist, she spotted the most beautiful butterflies sitting on yellow flowers, whose leaves and stems were encased in drops of dew, how lovely she thought to herself, such beauty!

Another fun twist to her shop right now is the Etsy Ireland St. Patrick's Day 2010 Treasure Hunt. Light Keeping is one of 13 shops taking part in this fun game that ends in a fabulous prize for the luck winner. It's easy to play, head on over to Lightkeeping's shop to get started: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lightkeeping

(Did I mention St. Patrick's Day is my Birthday?)

Appreciation for all things beautiful is lovingly expressed and shared on Lightkeeping's blog http://lightkeeping.blogspot.com/ . There you will find a collection of beautiful handmade items and Etsy treasuries chosen by Lightkeeping and fellow Etsians.

This Treasury includes a lovely piece by Lightkeeping:

Lightkeeping is the place to find that "just right" gift for any aged woman in your life. And don't forget Lightkeeping's blog for those moments of eye candy zen we all need for sanity and inspiration.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lightkeeping
http://lightkeeping.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/lightkeeping

Easter Basket Finds on Etsy

2010-03-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Easter Sunday falls on April 4th this year and now is the time to start thinking about goodies for the kiddo’s Easter baskets. When I think about gifting, I also think about where those gifts come from, how meaningful they are, the quality of the workmanship, and the message of love I am trying to convey buy choosing the proffered item.

Here are five fabulous ideas for Easter basket fillers found on Etsy.com. They are all handmade and will inspire hours of creative play.

Bunny Crayon by TALKTAGZ

This cute guy looks yummy but he is really a 5 ½” x 3 ½” re-colored crayon! He is a nice size for little fingers and comes packaged for gift giving. TALKTAGZ carries a selection of cute re-colored crayons in a rainbow of colors for you to chose from.

Three Pocketdolls by German Dolls

What could be sweeter tucked into a basket or ready to pop out of a colorful egg? These Waldorf style dolls to fit in larger-sized plastic eggs for Easter and then your little one’s hand and pockets for continuous comfort and play. German Dolls has Pocketbabies in over 40 velour colors and 4 skin tones and will chose three special ones to fill your order. They are 2.5-3” tall and Oh, so cute!

Mini-Stacks by Sidewalk Sensations

One of the sure signs that spring as arrived is chalk-wielding children on the walkways. Inspire your kids with a Mini-stack of sidewalk paint in colors of your choosing. Yes! Sidewalk PAINT made from non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your kids, pets, and environment. Each Mini-Stack by Sidewalk Sensations comes with a one inch paint brush and is tied with a tulle ribbon to match the colors.

Play Clay by An American Daisy

What about Easter candy, you say? Don’t worry, An American Daisy has you covered with yummy vanilla candy your kids can PLAY with! The soft dough comes in nine colors for you to chose from so you can get the wee one’s favorite colors or match the basket theme. To make things even sweeter, An American Daisy will include a roller, sculpting stick and a cookie cutter for each ball of Play Clay.

Mini I Spy Bags by The Crafting Corner

How about a toy that improves fine-motor and reading skills AND can entertain a child in a quiet-play situation? These Mini I Spy Bags are 5”x5” of soft material filled with treasures hidden in nontoxic pellets that can be found through a small viewing window. It’s like an Easter-egg hunt you can take with you! The Crafting Corner has I Spy bags in over 70 different fabric patterns so there is something for everyone.

Meet Taylor House!

2010-03-02T14:01:00.000-08:00

Chaucee is a crafty gal who loves to haunt vintage shops near her town. She has combined these two loves and created Taylor House on Etsy.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/taylorhouse

At Taylor House you will find knitwear made from luxurious extra-chunky yarn. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling just looking at her cowls and scarves.

Taylor House also carries vintage accessories like purses and groovy vintage leather belts.

Taylor House’s blog is a fun read at http://thesearched.blogspot.com/ were she shares some of her great finds and currently has a giveaway promotion were you can snag some super cute wearable art!

And guess what? She even does custom orders – Taylor House made for you.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/taylorhouse

A New Adventure!

2010-03-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Whee!! Artesia officially has a blog. The learning curve is steep on this one, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it shortly. After all, Facebook and Twitter were once unknown territory but are fast becoming old stomping grounds.