I found a really nice jewelry designer: MrsThunder!

Don't you just love meeting nice people? I know I sure do! I was recently introduced to Mrs. Thunder when she sent me a conversation on Etsy to let me know that she'd included my Halloween Green Apple n Black Unisex Handknit Scarf for Wicked Elphie Elphaba Fans in her first treasury ever, entitled Misunderstood and featuring all things green & black witch.

I especially like her quote, "Jewelry is meant to be worn, not put away until the next big fancy dress party comes along ;)"

I've included a few of her jewelry pieces here. My favorites are the "sets" of earrings, bracelet & necklace together. I've never noticed that before on Etsy and I think it's a really nice touch! Nice to meet you, Mrs. Thunder.

An Exceptional Jewelry Design Artist: LB Jeweled

With LB Jeweled, the hardest part is picking a favorite! Each piece is a unique, inspired design using only the finest quality materials.

I *thought* my favorite was the conch shell pendant...but then I saw the colored teardrop necklace...and then the artful arrangement of the different greens in the beaded necklace...decisions, decisions!

This Texas-based online jewelry boutique is worth checking out! And if you have the time, please also visit their latest "Absolutely Amazing!" treasury, which includes my Chocolate Sparkles See Through Handknit Scarf.

I have a fascination with...

...photographs from days gone by. I have even collected old photographs of people and places I knew nothing about. I can stare at an old photograph for hours, trying to imagine if the photo was realistic (if some of the reality had been lost in translation), wondering how it felt to be there, discerning details such as temperature and time of day.

What a pleasure it's been to discover, then, Marianne of Clancy's Classics. I really think that Marianne's Etsy shop announcement explains her work & vision best:

"Welcome to Clancy's Classics, offering art prints and cards from original photographic glass negatives, my original polaroid transfers and my collection of fine art vintage photographs.

I have been collecting glass negatives ranging in size from 2X3 inches to 8X10 inches for many years. I have traversed the globe to find images printed on glass which I then scan and tint and make into wonderful prints for framing and cards to send, keep or frame.
MY polaroid transfers were created from 1970-2004 and I have really started to feel re-invigorated and stunned by the subtle colors and hues that these images have.
I will offer them as cards and prints.
I also have a large collection of images from the 1910s and 20s. I call them Americana Snapshots.

I have recently decided to offer some of my original vintage images as I have boxes of them everywhere and some are really wonderful for collage or altered books or a myriad of art projects and expressions..or if you are a purest.. just for the love of the vintage image itself...

Each photograph has a story and I love trying to figure that story out.. I think that mystery is what has kept me in my great joy and love of the vintage image! Also my dad was always carrying around a camera with slide film or movie film in it so our large family of 11 couldn't go anywhere without a few photos for the memory. I think I have loved photos of any kind all my life and I just can't stop myself! Thanks dad!!

I love them all and hope you will too!"

The Pleasing Art of Jessica Doyle

I'm heartened by Jessica's prints and originals. I love gardening--or, rather, putzing in the yard, wandering around in my gardening gloves, just being "in the moment." Jessica's pieces feel organic to me. They remind me of the sun on my face, dirt in close proximity, the smell of a crushed leaf.

Her process is palpable. We're constantly reminded to, "Just be" and to let the present surround us, embrace us. When I look at Jessica's work, I have no other choice. I'm not only placed firmly in my own present, I'm also transported to her present when she was making the piece.

If this all sounds a bit too much...it's nothing I can explain. I'm just wondering: Do you feel it, too?

Quality Bath & Body from Astrida Naturals

Would you like expertly packaged, luxury-grade bath & body products made with 100% raw shea butter? Then please visit Astrida Naturals, shipping to you or your loved one's home from Chicago, Illinois. And it's really no wonder that Maia of Astrida's work looks good enough to give away as gifts: her other business is Media Move graphic design!

Here's more information about shea butter, one of nature's miracles, from Astrida's profile:

My name is Maia and I am the creator of Astrida Naturals. All of the products in my shop are handcrafted by me especially for you! I specialize in creating products that are made with unrefined shea butter.

UNREFINED SHEA BUTTER INFO

How does shea butter benefit my skin and hair?

Regular use of unrefined shea butter produces softer, smoother healthier skin and is safe for all skin types. Shea butter is a natural source of vitamins A, E, and F. These antioxidants help the skin to retain its natural elasticity, absorb moisture from the air, and help prevent premature wrinkles by boosting collagen production.

Shea butter contains natural UV sun protection that is estimated to be around an SPF 6. Daily use of shea butter on the face and body reduces sun exposure, which in turn slows down the rate of aging. Shea butter also acts as a natural mantle against elements of cigarette smoke, smog and chemical pollutants in the atmosphere.

Shea butter can also help your hair. It provides moisture to dry or damaged hair from the roots to the very tips, repairing and protecting against weather damage, dryness and brittleness. It also absorbs quickly and completely into the scalp to rehydrate without clogging pores. It is particularly beneficial for processed and heat-treated hair, and is an excellent treatment for dry scalp.

Unrefined Shea Butter is known for many benefits:

Known to help heal:
Sun damaged skin and burns
Scres and blemishes
Small wounds and scrapes
Helps to prevent and relieve diaper rash
Relieves itching insect bites & stings
Relieves muscle fatigue, aches & tension

Use for skin care:
Absorbs quickly into skin leaving it smooth and soft
Increases elasticity
Moisturizes dry and chapped skin and lips
Helps to reduce wrinkles by boosting collagen production
Helps to reduce and prevent stretch marks and fade scars
Relieves eczema
Minimizes razor bumps and can be used as a shave cream

Use for hair care:
Heat slightly for a hot oil treatment
Dread maintenance
Scalp moisturizer
Protects hair from environmental elements
Prevents hair breakage


Please visit Maia's latest treasury, which includes one of my favorite new designs, Red & Pink Delight Rose & Crimson Handknit Scarf!

Kindred Spirit Alert!

Kelly of Lean Dog Pottery and I are both members of the wonderful Etsy Veg team, part of Etsy's handmade community (your place to buy and sell all things handmade)!

We also agree on the statement that Kelly makes in her shop announcement: "Sometimes I can't sleep at night because I am thinking about new things to create!! :P"

Kelly and I also both love the complementary color combination of violet & yellow together; she's even made an EtsyVeg Team treasury all yellow and purple! Thank you, Kelly, for including my Solid Gold Yellow Sunshine Handknit Scarf in your collection!

You can check out the treasury through today, and also find Kelly (including where the name Lean Dog Pottery came from) in her blog. Kelly is also a member of the California etsy team and has a flickr account to check out, as well!

Fun with WhimsiDoodle!

I think we could all use a little fun in our days, and Jen of Whimsidoodle is here to provide!

Jen shop is full of community and family, her supply sources are reputable and she supports her fellow New England artists. To read more about this wonderful designer from Maine, please see her online Profile and her new blog.

Meanwhile, please enjoy these most definitely fun items from her online gallery (I'm especially enjoying "Whimsi's Onesies" cards, tee hee)! Thanks, Jen, for being a shining light for all of us and for making your fellow artisans a Green & Brown treasury (including my Autumn Twilight Harvest Ribbon Scarf is Blue Yellow Brown Burgundy Copper for Fall Holidays).