The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet is posting a little late. I had a bad day at work yesterday and was just too crabby to do anything, hence my choice from sdg ART on etsy. I should probably have this on a T-shirt as a warning.

Click on the picture to check out some not so crabby plaques and lovely jewelry by sdg ART.

Crabby Diem, 

5x7 Original Art and Hand Penned Calligraphy Wall Plaque

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Copper Kiwi Creations on etsy.

From Copper Kiwi Creations Bio

"Hi, I'm Kelli and I run this shop with my mom. Right now our store primarily offers our paper flowers and work in polymer clay.

I have loved working with polymer clay since I was young, and have recently gotten back into it. There is just so much you can do with it! A lot of my work is inspired by the style of Christi Friesen, who does amazing work in polymer clay.

My creations focus on nature, and especially animals. I hope you enjoy our store and come back to visit every now and then, as we are always growing!"


Dragons are my favorite people. Especially hand sculpted ones like this adorable little guy. Click on the picture to see more of Kelli's wonderful creations.

Dristi the Dragon (green 001) - Polymer Clay Figurine

Handmade Artists Forum Blog Ring - Featured Artist

The HAF Team featured artist for this week is Jolene of Kitzbitz Art Glass, a glass artist I've featured on my blog before.

From kitzbitz's Bio:

"I am am facinated by the flow and movement of glass in the flame and am a UK based lampwork beadmaker, glass artist and jewelry designer. I am also proud to be a member of the Frit Happens Forum Etsy Street Team and the Handmade Artists Forum Etsy Street Team."

These beads are absolutely stunning. I'm so fascinated  by the patterns and colours in lampwork beads. How do they make them look like so amazing? I wouldn't want to make anything out of them I'd just want to stare at them. Click on the picture to spend some time staring at more of Jolene's work.

Mojito with violet roses - lampwork bead set

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow Etsy Blogger PurrPrints.

From PurrPrints Bio:

"I love cats and ink, and I never agreed with the idea that all cat artwork must look like mass-produced cracker-barrel-style kitchiness. I use a combination of hand-drawn, digital, and print techniques to produce my range of work; I also create cat-free artwork, viewable in the "art without cats" section of the store (but shh, don't tell my kitties I'm not always drawing them)."


I won't tell your kitties if you won't tell mine I'm looking a other kitties on the internet. This is such a fun picture I keep coming back to look at it again and again. The design is inspired. Click on the picture to see more "uncommon cat art" by PurrPrints.

Sabrina and Friends. 5x7 black and white print, 

other sizes available

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Intentional Stones on etsy.

From IntentionalStones's Shop Announcement:

"Meditation becomes art as we listen to the language of the stones.
This Holiday Season: Free shipping on all items!
For more on the work we are currently doing, please check out our blog at http://intentional-stones.typepad.com"

I chose this necklace to feature because azurite is one of my favorite stones and this is such a beautiful design.  Click on the picture to see more fabulous designs from Intentional Stones.

Azurite Wrap Pendant

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Artrageous Clay on etsy.

From artrageousclay's Shop Announcement:

"One of a Kind Handmade Ceramic Beads - I hand shape and form each of these handmade ceramic beads, creating a one of a kind focal piece.

I love to create one of a kind pieces that nobody else has. It is my greatest joy to see someone wearing something that I've created"

Wow! These are so unique and unusual. You see something different from every angle. You could look at them over and over and still see something different every time. Click on the picture to check out more one of a kind creations from Artrageous Clay.

Burgundy Ceramic Face Bead

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Schin Illustrated on etsy.

From schin's Shop Announcement:

"♥ Hello! Welcome to the gentle world of my art.
Here you can find my original artwork as prints, bookmarks, necklaces and note cards.

♥ I am featured as front cover artist for The Peppertree Magazine Winter 2009 and back cover artist for ImagineFX #50 Fantasy Issue.

Each print is made professionally and signed by the artist (me!). They are matted and sturdy for extra protection, and is all ready to be mailed out to you (and I ship every business day)."

I found this print while participating in the Tradeaholics January Trade Event. The colours are so rich and vibrant it's just alive with colour. I wish I had somewhere to hang a small print but my walls are crammed full now, I love artwork. Click on the picture to see more of Schin's fabulous work.

8x10in print. The Brief Glimpse.

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow Steampunk Artists of ArtFire Guild member Highwater Studios.

From  Highwater Studios Studio Announcement:

"Welcome to Highwater Studios!!!!!
We are a husband and wife team who have fallen in love with making lampwork beads and poison bottles, and handcrafting amazing jewelry. All of our glass has been cleaned carefully and is kiln anneaned here in our studio-we make all the glass for sale here. We use fine silver, sterling silver or raw brass."

I love the whole idea of these poison bottles, beautiful and deadly. The perfect accessory for any Femme Fatale. And I so love lampwork glass. Click on the picture to see more creations by Highwater Studios, some deadly, some not but all beautiful.

Elemental Earth---Lampwork Poison Bottle

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes all the way from Sarajevo from Sub Rosa Fashion on etsy.

From subrosa123's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to the Sub Rosa atelier! Browse our collection of unique and handmade garments, and feel free to send us a convo for any inquiries you might have! :)

I design various handwoven and crocheted garments guaranteed to make people noticed and break the monotony of the world of style. I accept custom orders via Alchemy. All items can be made-to-measure. 20% of the profit from the sales of these items goes to a Kosovo refugee camp. Please read the shop policies and feel free to ask about any item you see!"

Isn't this gorgeous?! And it's my favorite colour! I think it would be so fun to wear. Everything in this shop is totally unique and beautiful. Click on the picture to see what I mean.

Multicolor Crocheted Boho Cloak

Handmade Artists Forum Blog Ring Featured Artist

This week's HAF's featured artist is Lynwood Jewellery on etsy.

From suzedablooze's Shop Announcement:

"Lynwood Jewellery handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings, in sterling silver and semi-precious stones and beads. We create jewellery that is eye catching and unique, for women who appreciate individuality. We work in sterling silver, even our findings are made of sterling silver and we use semi-precious stones and occasionally Swarovski crystals too.

All of our sterling silver jewellery is hallmarked with our makers mark (LJ) You can read our blog here:

http://lynwoodjewelry.wordpress.com/

You can see us in our workshop here: http://www.lynwood-jewellery.co.uk/workshop.htm"

What a stunning combination. This is truly an eye catching piece. I just love Swarovski Crystal and yes I'm attracted to shiny things. Click on the picture to see more eye catching designs from  Lynwood Jewellery.

Valentine Necklace 3 Swarovski Hearts in a Fountain Sterling Silver and Jasper Beads OOAK

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Wickedgems on ArtFire.

From wickedgems Bio:

"I have been making jewelry and slowly perfecting my techniques since 2006. I have had a very positive response to my unique jewelry here in the US as well as all over the world! I am a mixed media artist and have been so since i was a child. I live in the great Southwest, and my four (soon to be 5) children and my husband are my inspiration!"

Wow! She has 5 children and still has the time, and strength, for not only this shop but 5 more on etsy! Just thinking about it make me want to lie down. Be sure to click on the picture and check out her shop. She has some seriously wicked things but this is one of my favourites.

NEW Burlesque style Jasmeen miniature corset necklace

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Chiwaluv Amigurumi Critters on etsy.

From chiwaluv's Bio:

"Nuts about anything Cute, I love to crochet and knit, love animals, love to make my items for Other people.

I've been crafting and drawing since I could hold a pencil. I remember learning to crochet When I was in 4th grade, my first project was a rug for my bedroom.

I have been obsessed with crafts of all kinds, my whole life! I welcome new ideas, and I am excepting custom orders.

I enjoy bringing my craft to you and would hope it touches your heart and brings a smile to your face...at that moment I am complete as an artist.
Utah born and raised."

He is so cute and the cigar just makes him perfect. I've been trying my hand at crocheting amigurumi animals just lately. Trying being the operative word, not having much success, suck being the operative word. Maybe I should leave it to the experts like Chiwaluv. Click on the picture to see more of her expert work.

Hellboy Sackboy

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from another fellow Canadian Les Tricots Du Coeur on etsy.

From LesTricotsDuCoeur's Shop Announcement:

"You'll find in my shop handknitted garments and accessories made with only the best available yarn. The large majority of my creations are OOAK (One Of A Kind), made with luxery wool, such as Peruvian and Uruguayan wool, handspun and/or handyed fibers.

Every creation in this store is hand knitted with love by me, in a smoke-free environment.
Custom work is welcome!"


What a gorgeous scarf/shawl! I love the colours and you can wear it so many different ways. She has so many beautiful scarves and hats and right now they are 20% off. Click on the picture to see the rest of the shop, there will never be a better time.

PETIT CHALE - OOAK Mixed Colors Merino Wool Hand Knitted Shawlette Scarf

Featured EtsyBlogger JANUARY 2010

It's time again for the featured etsyblogger. This month it's Erika from Nico Designs.

From Erika's Bio:

"At Nico Designs we create each item with design, style and functionality in mind. We strive to create handbags that are eco friendly by utilizing a combination of new, repurposed, recycled or upcycled materials. We use 100% cotton fabrics and not the earth and baby harming vinyl or PVC used in other diaper bags. As we strive to understand our role as stewards of our planet we will adapt our manufacturing to be as lean as possible. This means we use our scraps/remnants in other projects or donate them to keep them from a landfill."

In Savannah's description it says "she has over 75 hats and even more shoes" but how can she has so many shoes when she has no feets?! Guess it's just a girl thing. Click on the picture to see more of Erika's lovely and unusual creations. You can also visit her blog at Nico Designs on BlogSpot

Savannah the Horse Lover

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow Canadian and fellow Handmade Artists Forum member Allure Renaissance Charm on etsy.

From cheli387's Shop Announcement:

"The Gift that Gives Back

A special thanks to all my customers. Due to your purchases I was able to donate to the CANADIAN BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION.
I will continue to contribute a percentage from my sales to the Breast Cancer Foundation ...all year long

Wishing you a Happy and Healthy year

***YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE***
****************************************************************

Get Chic- in- A - Click

My unique designs will always turn heads the minute you enter a room.

You'll be always complemented and what does a girl need more?

My jewelry pieces are Sophisticated, One-of -a - kind and exquisite. All handmade in the an array of chain mail weaves.
I will be honored to custom make the jewelry piece according to your desire especially for your need.
You can choose the gemstones, the metal and weave. I will design and make it.

I am sure that you will treasure owning them.

Thanks for visiting my gallery
Cheli
Jewelry Artist/designer,"

Cheli's work is so beautiful I had a very hard time choosing one item to feature but I so love the look of amber. A huge amount of work and patience must go into making these. I'm sure I'd give up before I finished even one piece. Click on the picture to see all her amazing designs and remember they are also supporting a good cause.

Byzantine amber and sardonyx chainmaille bracelet

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Skeleigh on etsy. After yesterday's post you'll understand why I chose to feature this shop today. Her cause is near and dear to my heart.

From skeleigh's Bio:

"I have been making jewelry and rosaries for 13 years now. For a few years I did it for a living, selling on eBay and in my local community. In 2006 my ten-year-old son was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died on August 31, 2008. I am now making jewelry to raise funds for, and awareness of, pediatric brain tumor research and to help other families still fighting this hideous disease."

Skeleigh's designs are beautiful and vibrant and full of life and hope and they couldn't be for a better cause. I'm going to buy something for all these reasons. Click on the picture to see all of her fabulous designs and please choose something for yourself or a loved one.

Purple Orange and Green Floral Origami Glass Tile Pendant CHILDHOOD CANCER RESEARCH

Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival

It's time again for the monthly Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival. This month's topic is:
Now that 2009 has come to a close, what will you remember most about last year?

This is a difficult question for me. The answer is not a happy one. If you've been following my blog since July of last year you may already know why. 


On July 20th 2009 my 25 year old niece, my brother's only child, passed away from brain cancer. While her passing was the most painful thing to happen to our family the story of her battle with this horrible disease has touched a great many people. Here is a link to an article she wrote after recovering from surgery and still undergoing chemotherapy. I think you'll enjoy reading it.

Meeting Sarah Grand 

'A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam.

And for a brief moment it's glory and beauty

belong to our world.

But then it flies on again, and though we wish

it could have stayed, we feel so lucky

to have seen it.

Fly, our little purple butterfly, fly. Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over... she became a butterfly.'

Handmade Artists Forum Blog Ring - Featured Artist

This week's featured artist is Heather's Haven. I know first hand how fabulous her work is since she was my secret santa on the Handmade Artists Forum. So I thought I'd share with you the beautiful gifts I received from her.

Look at this beautiful doll! I can't imagine the amount of work that went into it. I love it so much, it's just amazing.

You can find her shops on

Heather's Haven on Etsy
and
Heather's Haven on ArtFire

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Tangled Flocks on etsy.

From TangledFlocks's Shop Announcement:

"From our pampered flocks to you - home grown, hand spun and handmade: seriously soft home grown and hand processed fibres, hand spun yarns for your special projects, hand knits to keep you warm and felted sculpture to cuddle up with - go ahead - indulge yourself."

I've been experimenting with needle felting lately, though I haven't made anything as beautiful as these. It's a lot of fun when your not stabbing yourself. It's amazing what you can create. Click on the picture to see more amazing and beautiful creations by Tangled Flocks.

Mare and Foal Felted Sculpture

Handmade Artists Forum Blog Ring - Featured Artist

The Handmade Artists Forum has just launched a Blog Ring. Each week there will be a new featured artist.

The first featured artist is Seedlings: Jewelry Because on etsy. I'm a little late with my first post, Seedlings should have been featured last week but better late than never. So here she is.

From seedlingsjewelry's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to Seedlings: Jewelry Because, handmade jewelry created by Sharon Paradiso - inspired and created from natural materials (including recycled, eco-friendly and fair trade materials where possible). 20% of your regular purchase goes to Heifer International (heifer.org). For the Mo-Stache, that goes to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

In 2009 we raised US$345 for Heifer International and US$180 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Read more about the causes in our "Because" at our blog, http://seedlingsjewelry.blogspot.com"

Beautiful earrings for a good cause. Click on the picture to see all of Seedlings fabulous creations and if you see something you want remember that your purchase will help fund a very worthy cause.

The Grapes - earrings of green and aqua Czech pressed glass teardrop beads. Free shipping in the US.

The Grand Design

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from 2harrisons Unique Boutique on etsy.

From 2harrisons's Shop Announcement:

"*****WELCOME to 2harrisons Unique Boutique****

I design and make unique pieces of jewelry, using sterling silver, copper and brass,gemstones, freshwater pearls, genuine Swarovski crystal, lampwork and other glass beads. I also love making new wearable pieces using vintage jewelry parts along with shiny, modern components for very unusualy items you won't find just everywhere.

Because I have time to shop estate sales for the occasional incredible bargain,I can offer great prices on vintage jewelry items. If you love vintage, rhinestones, the old plastic forms of jewelry, check back often to see what's been added."

I love the look of vintage jewelry pieces combined with new components. That's probably why I do it so often ;) This is such a beautiful richly coloured necklace. I can see it looking wonderful with so many different styles and colours of clothing. Click on the picture to see more beautiful new and vintage creations.

Wings Collage Necklace. Warm Rich Colors for Fall..

One of a kind

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Be Adorned Jewelry on etsy.

From BeAdornedJewelry's Shop Announcement:

"BE ADorned Jewelry offers a variety of handmade jewelry collections made with the finest materials including Semiprecious Gemstones, Freshwater Pearls and .925 Sterling Silver. BE ADorned has a great selection of Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings for casual and elegant occasions at affordable prices.



10% of all sales through the month of January will be donated to ~ Women for Women International
http://www.womenforwomen.org/"

I love natural stones and dragon agate is one of my favorites. I've never seen a stone quite like this before though. What a fabulous pattern, it really is one of a kind.  Click on the picture to see all the beautiful gemstone jewelry by Be Adorned and when you find something you want, and I know you will, remember that a portion of the sales go to a good cause.

Geode Dragon Agate and Black Onyx Necklace

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Outrageous Rags on etsy.

From Outrageous Rags Bio:

"I love to sew and I've been doing it for over 40 years. For a number of years I specialized in elaborate costumes for people involved with Renaissance Festivals. And, of course, I sewed for my children when they were growing up. Most recently my daughter and I have been operating a business on eBay specializing in clothes for plus-sized ladies. Now I'm going to enhance that by adding some new lines......I'm going to try creating things that are a little "off the beaten path".......things you might not run across in your local clothing store. For starters there will be an assortment of clothing with a celtic design. I'm also going to begin offering capes and ponchos. I hope you'll see something you like and that you'll visit my shop often."

Isn't this gorgeous? I love Celtic designs, must be in my blood. There are so many fabulous designs and patterns in this shop it took me a long time to choose just one. Click on the picture to see everything there is to choose from.

HANDWOVEN CELTIC DESIGN TUNIC/CAFTAN

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet come from Stygian Chains on etsy.

From StygianChains's Shop Announcement:

"Stygian Chains, the place for handmade chainmaille. I make jewelry, clothing, costuming, and odd little things like pouches and footbags or juggling balls.

"Welcome. Please, please, do come in. Feel free to have a look 'round Don't be shy now."

"See something you like? Or maybe something you might like if it were a little different? You're welcome to tell me. Or if you're looking for something special, something made just for you. I can do it all from a strong steel hauberk to a fair silver bracelet."

Everything in my shop is hand made from the ground up, ring by ring. I do not use lengths of stock chain. Every ring is opened, woven into place, and closed by hand. Rings in most metals will be wound and cut by hand as well."

This is so unique and lovely, and so much work. What a fabulous gift this would make. It's never too early to think about Valentine's Day. ;)  You won't find anything more appropriate for the the chainmaille enthusiast in your life.

Open Heart Chainmaille Necklace in Copper

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from fellow HAF Team member Knits by wlsm12.

From knitsbywlsm12's Shop Announcement:

"I have many hobbies which one of my favorites is knitting. Some of my other favorites are sewing, birdwatching & photographing birds, scenery or just anything that catches my eye. I like to cook and I only bake once a year.
As far back as I can remember, I always loved crafting. My grandmother was a seamstress, cook and gardener, who passed her traits to my mom, so I guess that's where I get it from. I like to experiment with different styles and yarns and colors. I have made my own gifts for years."

Now this is what I need for these cold Canadian winter days and nights. Burr it's been chilly! This would at least keep my head and neck warm and it would look great too. The colours are fabulous. Click on the picture to all the warm and wonderful creations by Knits by wlsm12.

Cowl Hoodie Neck/Head Sock Unisex Neckwarmer Warm Wool Blend Camel Tweed with Brown trim

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from TangoCatGems on ArtFire.

From TangoCatGems Studio Announcement:

"Welcome to TangoCatGems and thank you for visiting my Store . My jewelry and art work is inspired by Nature, with a touch of magic. I hope you enjoy your time browsing through my creations"


This bracelet is stunning and I can personally attest to the quality of this jewelry. I just received my order from TangoCatGems, a bracelet and wire wrapped ring, and I love them. They are beautifully made and even more stunning in person. Click on the picture to see all the wonderful creations in TangoCatGems shop. Oh, and  love her avatar too.

Amethyst Poppy Wire Wrapped Bracelet

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow Trading Post member and fellow Canadian Gillian Beads on ArtFire.

From Gillian Beads Bio:

"Welcome to my Artfire shop!!

***************************************************

A dentist by day...a lampwork and jewelry artist by night, and evenings, and weekends, and well yes, very early in the mornings too! I love glass!

I just love working with glass and am primarily inspired by the natural world around me. All my lampwork beads are lovingly handmade by me, Gillian Soskin, in my home studio in London, Ontario, Canada.

I design my own jewelry using my lampwork beads and commercial beads such as Swarovski crystals and semi-precious stones."




I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love lampwork beads. It's great to find such a talented artist so close to me. I live not far from London, Ontario. Plus she's a member of the Trading Post. Hoping maybe she'll want to trade with me sometime. But even it she doesn't I still want to show off her beautiful creations. These are so gorgeous. Click on the picture for more fabulous designs.

Sagebrush Swirls...Handmade Lampwork Bead Set SRA

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from The House of Mouse on ArtFire.

From TheHouseofMouse's Bio:

"Hi! My name is Anna, I am 28 and I'm originally from England. I have been living in The Netherlands, Europe since 2003. Every little Mouse in my store is individually hand made, unique and looking forward to being adopted into your home. I am constantly making more mice, there is a new character in my shop at least once a week. Please come by again to see the new mice sitting on my shelves."

I have a steampunk dragon so why not a steampunk mouse? Anna's little mice are just irresistible. Click on the picture to see them all.

Sebastian the Steampunk Mouse

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from The Goblin Trader on etsy.

From The Goblin Trader's Bio:

"Items are the creations of husband and wife team, Kate & Jeff James.

Jeff’s is inspired by mythos and tribal societies. He is drawn to monolithic forms, ancient alphabets and petroglyphs. He strives to capture the gesture of his characters in his figurative sculptures. The musicians are not just frozen in position, but are in the processes of creating. His dragons take flight and his goblins are ornery.

Kate James enjoys the fantasy of being part of the merchant class at the Renaissance Fairs over the summer. She is proprietor of the Amber Scents booth selling oils and her handmade aromatherapy necklaces."

This makes me want to start keeping a journal, except my horrible handwriting would ruin it. How perfect this would be for a book of spells. Click on the picture to see all the wonderful enchanted designs at The Goblin Trader.

Purple Dragon Journal w/ Fireball by JTJames

The Handmade Tweet

The first Handmade Tweet for 2010 comes from Spellbound Wings on etsy.

From SpellboundWings's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to the enchanted Etsy Shop for Spellbound Wings-- Animal, Fairy & Fantasy Art & Gifts by Melissa Dawn! All the paintings, prints, and handcrafted gifts you see here are designed, painted & handcrafted soley by myself-- you are buying directly from the artist :)"


I'm starting off the new year with one of my most favorite things, cats. This print is so alive I swear I can feel just how soft she is. The colour is so rich and vibrant and sapphire just happens to be my birthstone. I received on of Melissa's lockets for Christmas this year and I love it. I hate to take it off. Click on the picture to see her other fantasy designs, they're just as gorgeous.




Fairy Cat Compact Mirror-- Birthstone Fairy Cats -- Sapphire

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Circe's House Handmade Jewelry on etsy.

From Circe's House's Bio:

"Whitney is an Art Institute of Chicago-educated writer and jewelry designer/beader whose interests include bead embroidery, beadweaving, painting, books, animals, and psychology. Her beadwork has been sold and displayed at art shows and artisan markets in Chicago and Kentucky. She also occasionally hosts beading classes. She recently began teaching writing at the University of Kentucky, after living and teaching in Chicago for six years. She lives with her husband and three great cats."

Wow! What a gorgeous cuff! I love the colours. I can't imagine the amount of work that when into this and all of Whitney's creations. Click on the picture to see more of them. 

Fearless Bead Embroidered Cuff on Etsy--Luxury Bead Embroidery by CircesHouse, with Swarovski Crystals

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow HAF Team member Rojagato Designs.

From rojagatodesigns's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to my shop! Most of the jewelry sold in my shop is new and 100% hand-beaded by me, but I do offer vintage pieces.

AFTER CHRISTMAS / YEAR END CLEARANCE! ALL 2009 HANDMADE JEWELRY IS REDUCED BELOW WHOLESALE! 50% OFF REGULAR RETAIL PRICES!"


What a spectacular necklace and for such a great price. You must have a look at her shop for some awesome deals. Now is the time to buy. Click on the picture to see all the great deals and designs from Rojagato Designs.

BRONZE CURLS - 

Swarovski Crystal Necklace and Earring Set

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Blue Bayer Designs on etsy.

From Blue Bayer's Bio:

"Blue Bayer is a self taught New York-based artisan. He has traveled the world living solely from his work for the past 20 years.

His signature series, Assemblagio, is a kaleidoscopic journey through the landfill of classic Americana, personal ornaments comprised of found objects, television tubes, clock gears, turn of the century tin-type photography. The results are completely one-of-a-kind accessories that pit the seriousness of Victorian jewelry and the elegance of Art Nouveau, against the hard edges of the SteamPunk aesthetic and the kitsch of street vendor culture. Enhanced by modeling clays and aging solvents, these pieces seem as if they have been excavated from any decade of the last century."

What a fabulous locket. It really appeals to my love of dragons. Blue Bayer sells some truly unique and wonderful designs. Click on the picture to check them out.

Orange Dragon Snake Eye Locket Unique smaller version.SteamPunk Eye of Protection. On a nice chain. Lotr. Made by hand in NYC. Comes to you in a gift box.

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Decarlo Woodworks on etsy.

From decarlo's Bio:

"Hi, welcome to my shop! I've been woodworking for over 25 years and have made unique items for many people. The conversations always start with, 'you know, I've looked everywhere for this and just cannot find it'. I usually say, 'draw me a picture or if you can bring me a picture of something close to what you want'. After hashing out the details, I make a workable drawing to figure materials and what the final cost would be. In the end they get exactly what they were searching for at a resonable cost.

Check out my Etsy store and for more items I have made go to my website decarlowoodworks.com ."

This is such a great idea! It would be great anywhere but it's especially perfect for a small apartment. Think the opening would have to bigger for one of my cat's though. Click on the picture for more great designs by Decarlo Woodworks.

Cat Litter Box / Cabinet w/Shelf

A Little Shameless Self Promotion

Time for a little self promotion. I'm having after Christmas sales in both my Etsy and ArtFire shops. Everything in both shops are marked down by 20% from now till January 9th. In addition all items in the Sale section of my Etsy shop are now 30% off.

Now is the time to purchase that special something that you wanted for Christmas but just didn't get. Or maybe you are looking for somewhere to spend that money you got for Christmas. I'll be adding more items through the next two weeks so check back often.

Etsy Buy Handmade cjgrand

cjgrand

Sell Handmade

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow Canadian Marta Pasierbek from Passion Made Beauty on etsy.

From martapasierbek's Shop Announcement:

"Things I do, I do for pleasure. And it make me very happy to see that someone take pleasure in seeing creations of my imagination.
I invite you onto a journey to picturesque world, where you can find unique hand made objects, which will appeal to anyone looking for a perfect gift."


OK a box for boxing day may be a little cliché but my mind is too fried to come up with anything more original. Besides isn't it lovely? The butterfly handle is stunning. I'd be happy to receive anything that was boxed up in this. Click on the box for more beautiful painted and decoupaged items from Passion Made Beauty.

Butterfly...jewelry...trinket...box...

The Handmade Tweet

The Christmas Handmade Tweet comes from Midnitemuse on etsy.

From Midnitemuse's Shop Announcement:

"Hello, and Welcome to my Shop.
I'm a new comer to Etsy and thrilled to be here. I've sold for years on ebay and had a blast. Etsy however feels like more my cup of tea. I'm a crafter, and artist by nature, and this place fuels my passion!

I hope everyone that comes to visit can embrace their Darker side...either just for fun, for hobby, or for Passion!
Liberate yourself and enjoy."

I couldn't have just any old Santa for my Christmas day feature. In case you hadn't noticed I'm not so much into the cutesy snowman jolly santa kinda stuff. This is more my kind of Christmas. What are the holidays without a little blood and carnage? Well at least that's my childhood memories. Click on the picture to embrace your darker side. There's no turning back now!

ZOMBIE CLAUSE Christmas Ornament-
Limited Edition

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes all the way from Istanbul from Shiny Days on etsy.

From ShinyDays Bio:

"Welcome to my etsy shop...
I hope you'll like my listings, because they are all made of love.

All of the pieces are hand crocheted or hand knitted with great care, in a smoke-free, pet-free home. Never been worn. (Except modeling)

All orders are beautifully packaged for immediate gift giving."


Aren't these adorable?! I never wear plain socks. Why should I when you can find ones as cute as these? She has adorable slippers too. Click on the picture to see more.

All unique pattern handknitted socks

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Bead a Bead Jewels on etsy.

From BeadaBeadJewels's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to Christine Perry's gallery of original artisan jewelry, featuring heirloom quality wearable art in a variety of colors, sizes, styles and themes.

~For lovers of fine quality everywhere~"

What a rich beautiful necklace. I've always loved tiger's eye. She also has earrings to match, as well as many other beautiful designs. Click on the picture to check them out.

Tiger's Eye Necklace

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from Clutch That on etsy.

From ClutchThat's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to Clutch That! My name is Rosemary. I offer high quality clutch bags. I specialize in Peacock fabrics and designs but also offer many other styles. Each bag is made by me with the greatest attention to detail. Custom listings welcome and monogramming is available. Please read my policy section for more information."

All of Rosemary's bag are so elegant. How perfect to take to a New Year's Eve party. Click on the picture to check out all the beautiful colours and designs she has to choose from.

Peacock Blue Clutch with Handbeaded Detail

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes all the way from Amsterdam from Barbwire & Roses Leatherware on etsy.

From BarbwireandRoses's Shop Announcement:

"Barbwire & Roses is a small two-man venture who create leather items ranging from armour to agenda's and bags to magician's aids. Other than leather the occasional prop or casting may be found such as 'spell-books' or a half-face animalistic mask made of latex. Our foremost passion however, is leather.

We have catered for the larp-industry, reenactment market and specialised corporate requests. One of the main features of our items is that they need to be both beautiful and practical."

I love medieval costumes, especially when they're leather. Click on the picture and check out the other views of this armour, the embossing on the back is amazing. Be sure to browse around for other great creations by Barbwire & Roses Leatherware.

Green leather armour with celtic dragon embossing

The Handmade Tweet

The Handmade Tweet for today comes from Sandra Healy on ArtFire.

From Sandra Healy's Bio:

"I've been carving animals since 1975. As my skills developed, so the style evolved. As my knowledge increased, so the species multiplied until now I make over 250 of them. I studied art in college, but my main skills of carving with knives and chisels, and airbrush painting are self-taught."

Is this not one of the cutest things you've ever seen? It amazes me how someone can take an ordinary piece of wood and bring it to life. All of her adorable animals have such personality. Click on the picture to see what I mean.

Emperor Penguin Wood Carving

The Handmade Tweet

Today's Handmade Tweet comes from fellow HAF Team member Red Fox Jewelry.

From redfoxjewelry's Shop Announcement:

"Welcome to Red Fox Jewelry. Look around. Stay awhile. Kick off your shoes, and check out the merchandise. As you can see I like to offer new and different techniques and items all the time. I also like doing things just a little different than everyone else. So I hope that you will find something here that trips your trigger, so to speak."


I love wire wrapped stones and this one is fabulous. The pink wire works great with the leopardskin jasper. Click on the picture for more beautiful creations from Red Fox Jewelry.

Pink Leopard Beetle Wirewrapped Leopardskin Jasper Cabochon Pendant with Pink Aluminum and Sterling Silver Wire

Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival

It's time again for Etsy Bloggers monthly Blog Carnival. This month's topic is "What are your favorite color combinations? What do you create using those colors?"

I love warm rich earthy colours and since most of my creations are made from found items, especially watches, I use a lot of brass, copper and patinated metals.



Even in my stone jewelry I tend to choose warm coloured stones like amber and carnelian and then wrap them in copper or brass.