Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Must Love Dogs


What could be cuter than a beagle puppy, even if he's snatched a calla lily from the neighbor's yard?  This little guy is actually a polymer clay bead made by Nancy of http://nanjodogs.etsy.com  He's shown here in a bracelet with other beads as an example of how he might be used in your own jewelry.  The detail on this bead is amazing!  Please visit her shop for this sweetheart and other breed of dogs and puppies.  Enjoy!

Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day Parade

We've never been so close to a Memorial Day Parade before!  Our little village always has a small parade, but we thought it was scheduled for later in the morning.  As we were driving earlier down our main drag, the police pulled us over to the side so that the parade could pass!!  Now, you must realize that our parade consists of two squad cars, the high school band, the Girl Scouts and Brownies, the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, a Color Guard, three village officials and two fire engines...a total of a five minute parade.  Nevertheless, it was an up close and personal experience that exemplifies the true spirit of small town America.  God bless the USA!

Friday, May 20, 2011

Dreaming of Down Under

The Etsy Bloggers team carnival is featuring a "down under" theme.  It is a place I've always dreamed  of visiting!  Isn't it funny how we romanticize far away places?  But I have the feeling that the southern hemisphere offers much more than I can imagine!

Right now, as we move
 into the spring and summer months here in the northern US, they are preparing for the winter season.  So, I'm featuring some of my fingerless gloves which ship free...even to "down under"!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Presenting...LindaB

There's something special about pearls and something extra special about this ring of pearls found at .http://lindab142.etsy.com/   You'll find a wealth of individually designed and crafted jewelry in her shop at very reasonable prices.  What also strikes me about her shop isthat she designs not only for a variety of tastes, but also people of different faiths.  What a joy to see her bring folks together with lovely items!

Monday, April 11, 2011

Library Love

For as long as I can remember, libraries have been one of the great joys of my life.  From my first picture books in the children's section to the stacks of the University Libraries and far beyond, they have enriched my life more that I could have ever imagined.  The Etsy Bloggers challenge to write about public libraries has also given me the opportunity to tell about my latest read which, of course is available at your local library.  And in a nutshell, run, don't walk to your nearest to your nearest public library to get your hands on The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  If you must download it to your electronic device, do it as well!  It is a fascinating read that will make you smile, giggle, cry and become angry all at the same time.   And it will leave you wanting for more.  It's the best book I've read in many years!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

There's something "mystic" here...

Generally, jewelry is not my passion, but there is something about the creations of Karen at http://mysticwynd.etsy.com that speak to me in a poetic way.  Her passion for designing and making each individual piece in her shop is evident even at first glance.  The ring that I'm sharing with you here shows an incredible elegant simplicity.  Please visit her shop for the piece that speaks to you.  Whether your taste is floral, ethnic, fantastical, whimsical or spiritual, you'll find something that you can't resist!  You'll be pleasantly surprised at her reasonable prices and free shipping as well. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Diamonds are forever...

...at least according to James Bond!  As we can look forward to April, the month of diamonds, I thought I'd share a different kind of diamond with you:  the diamond stitch.  Not long ago, a bride contacted me to commission a pine needle basket which will carry the Stefana (Greek wedding crowns) at her approaching wedding.  After some research, I found that the number three is important in many Greek ceremonies, including a wedding.  The center of the basket begins with two walnut slices tightly joined to symbolize the bride and groom.  Then three circles of stitches surround them, two in chain stitches and the center in the diamond stitch so that the sparkle of their love will always be chained together. 

After she received the basket, she was gracious enough to send a photo of the basket with the stefana inside.  These stefana are especially precious to her as they were worn by her parents as well.  I've included her picture as well as one of the basket before it was mailed.   I'm thrilled that she is so pleased!