Artesia

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

JujuBee Jewelry - Making it count

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.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

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

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

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.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

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

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Fish Princess

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.