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.

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/

Miss Pretty Perfect

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

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

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

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

Handmade Love for Mother's Day (part 1)

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

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

Sugar Pine Boutique

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 Projects

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