Do you love wood?

I know I do!  The look, the feel, even the smell of wood. Something about it just appeals to my "nature" self. Wood is used to make so many things that we need in daily life. I know that when I buy something handmade from wood, it has been done so with loving and caring hands.

Artfire Artisan Mad Moravian offers some absolutely gorgeous turned wood pens and keychains in his studio.  Now the only choice I have to make is which one is my favourite!

Baron style rollerball pen in Sunset Orange Spalted Maple

Desert Ironwood key chain with hidden compartment


What would you choose???

Thank you Ladies!

Sending out a huge thank you to Kim from VaBeachQuilter for the lovely feature on your blog! 

If you like to support handmade, aspiring artists, here is one blog you Don't want to miss.  Every week Kim features someone new, and trust me, there are some awesome artisans featured!


I have also been included in this wonderful blog written by Emms.  A truly lovely lady and tallented artisan in her own right. I look forward to reading her blog on a regular basis!  Thank you Emms!

Cat blogs and forums

Have you ever done a search, looking for blogs and forums about cats?  Wow, so many choices out there!  It is very difficult to find what I am looking for, exactly, and google search really does not help. 

I guess what I am looking for is a forum and some really cool blogs, where people can talk about their cats. Nutrition, care, what kind of things they like to buy for their cats and so on.  Any ideas?

Handmade organic catnip toys

I have recently came up with three new series (lines) of catnip toys.

The first one I call the Nipper Napperz. These are 2-in-1 catnip toys, that can be used as a toy, and after your kitten is all tuckered out from the kicking and scratching, she can use it as a blanket and take a nap!  I used the Log Cabin quilting style, 2 layers of polyester batting, and filled them with my very own, extremely potent organic catnip. While sewing the two outer layers of cotton fabric together, I also sewed in the batting to prevent bunching of the batting. Then I machine quilted a square in the center, also to help keep from bunching.  They measure about 7 inches square (17.8 cm).  I currently have two of these available in my studio on Artfire. 

Nipper Napperz 2-in-1 catnip toy blanket


The second series are my Zombie kitten catnip toys. Adorable little toys, measuring approximately 5 x 3.5 inches (12.8 x 9 cm), made with cotton fabric, poly batting and filled with my organic catnip. These are available in my Artfire studio, Etsy shop, and in my shop JewelzCreatives on a new website for Canadian Handmade called Zaybia. 

Zombie kitten organic catnip toy

The third series are my Peek a Boo catnip toys, which are adorable little "faces" peeking at the world. These measure 5 x 3.5 inches (12.7 x 9 cm) and are made from cotton fabric, filled with poly batting and my catnip.  These can only be found in my Artfire studio.

Sapphire, Peek a Boo organic catnip toy

Christmas in July sale on Arfire starts today!

Remember this sale only runs from today, July 12th until Sunday July 25th! Here are 3 more wonderful studios for you to check out.




On Pens and Needles

Husband and wife team, Don and Jan started “On Pens and Needles” after Don retired from the military and Jan retired from nursing. They combined Don’s love of woodworking and Jan’s love of embroidery and sewing to make a variety of handmade wood and acrylic pens and jewelry as well as embroidered and sewn items for baby and the home. Recent additions to their shop include scrapbooking embellishments, gift tags and pre-cut quilt pieces. Custom orders are always welcome!
 
Special 15% off purchases over $10 during TWOCIJ.


Use coupon code OPN Christmas in July
 

Acrylic Pen - Olympian Elite2




Mad Moravian


I just love the look and feel of wood, it seems so alive! Mad Moravian works both in wood and in stained glass. (He also offers some gorgeous chain mail) He has been working with wood for over 20 years, and has a very good feel for it. He says that it is the discovery of the hidden shapes and patterns that lie within the wood and its grain that delights him, and it is what keeps him creating. "Each piece of wood has a different story to tell. Some tell their story pleasantly. Some tell theirs explosively, refusing to be captured in a pen or bottle stopper", he says. "The wood often determines what happens".


From pens to bottle stoppers to key chains, he surely has the perfect gift for that special someone!

15% off sale for TDOCIJ using coupon code JICODT.

Cabrara style pen in sunset Orange Spalted Maple


 
 
 
VaBeachQuilter


V.A. Beach quilter takes a lot of pride in her work, as you can clearly see while browsing her studio. She has been machine quilting for almost 10 years, and has made a number of quilts for local MLB players and their families. She even had a custom ordered quilt mentioned in an article by Seth Livingstone, reporter for USA Today Sports.
 
Xmas in July 15% off of total order through July 15th. Coupon: JULY
 
Just take a look at this wonderful quilt. I am sure some child will be very happy to receive their personalized quilt for Christmas!

Yo Gabba Gabba Custom Order Quilt

Only one more day until the Artfire Christmas in July sale event!

Are you ready?  I certainly am!

At  RockBug  you can find fun dog apparel, re-usable shopping bags and some very unique jewelry. Rockbug will be offereing 10% off during the Christmas in July sale event. 

I am particularly fond of this necklace, what do you think?  Isn't it adorable!!?

 Tri-color wood cavy chain necklace with silver beads





 
 
Shields Photography  I just love fine photography, and this studio certainly offers some of the best I have seen in a long time.  They say a picture says a thousand words, and I have to agree. So, I will let these speak to you for themselves!
 
 

Frozen Stream 12x18 Fine Art Photography Print





 
 
Sewing Happy Place  offering a variety of hand sewn articles such as mini wallets, cell phone bags and tissue cozies, you are certain to find the perfect gift in this studio.  If you are looking for vintage sewing patterns, you may wish to check out those sections as well. Lots to choose from!
 
 

Card Keeper/ Mini Wallet/ Case / Folksy Artsy Dutch

And the excitement builds...

Only 3 more days until the Twelve Days of Christmas Sale event on Artfire.com!

As promised, here are four more studios for you to visit.

The Bookmark-et  makes custom bookmarks for all occasions, save the date magnets, beaded bookmarks, and magnetic verse cards.  She will have a section in her studio all set out for your convenience while Christmas shopping.

Now, isn't this adorable? 

Christmas in July - Snowman and Friends Verse Magnet




Marcelle Bijoux  who has her own line of designer clothing (has her own website for these) and jewelry, offers a wonderful mix of colours and textures in her jewelry studio .   Each of her original designs is carefully created one at a time, giving every handmade piece it's own unique character. All of her items come in a pretty gift box ready for giving.

Copper & Unakite Harvest Swirl Teardrop Earrings


Katie Jeans Handcrafted Jewelry designer of very unique handmade jewelry, created using the highest quality materials such as sterling silver, semi-precious gem stones, glass and crystal beads.  She accepts wholesale orders, and offers free shipping to US and Canada. 

Katie's studio is a definate must in your shopping tour!

 
 
 










Red Quartz and Black Onyx Three Strand Necklace




Ecclectic LadyLand offers a variety of handcrafted jewelry and Christmas ornaments in her lovely studio.   I particularly love this set, aren't they adorable?  Lots more sets available, so check them out in her Christmas in July sale section. You do not want to miss these!

Christmas Tree Ornaments, set of 5, Santas and Bears



 
 
Jewelry by AnnMarie  Loves to make jewelry and it certainly shows in her work. Bright, colourful and so many to choose from, I do not know where to begin.  AnnMarie is putting her whole studio on sale for this Christmas in July shopping event, but if you want to see some really special items, check out the Artfire Christmas in July section.  You will be glad you did so!

Clear Glass Pendant Necklace




 

Bits & Peaces  Just loves to quilt, and it certainly shows in the quality of her work.  She mainly does rag quilting, however she also offers the more traditional style as well. Just look at these wonderful Christmas stockings!  Custom requests are most welcome in her studio, and also makes place mats and table runners in the same style. Strip Quilting. Stockings can be made with or without a name attached to it, done in a simple satin stitch. !




 

Patchwork Hodgepodge Christmas Stocking Custom orders

4 more days until the Christmas in July sale event on Artfire!

Rose Tree Creations who loves yarn and to crochet, has the most adorable creations I have seen in a long time. Her handmade crochet Christmas ornaments are a must for anyone who wants to give the special child(ren) a special gift that will last for years to come.

She will be offering daily specials during this event, so pop don't forget to pop by her studio and see what she has for the children on your list!

Green Monster Head Crochet ornament



SarasinArt Jewely artist who loves all things natural. She incorporates various beautiful natural things from all over the world into her jewelry, and is sure to have something for everyone in her gorgeous studio.

Now just take a look at this wonderfully earthy piece, sure to look awesome during your evening out with friends.

Picasso jasper soocha jade black onyx necklace bracelet earrings set

Andrus Gardens Quilts , browsing through this studio is like taking a long nature walk. Using nature to inspire art, she handpaints or sunpaints her own fabrics creating the most gorgeous colours you just cannot find in any fabric store.

During this Christmas in July sale even she will be offering 20% off selected items. You may want to bookmark this studio so you don't miss out on Your favorite piece!

Seafoam Blue Green Mixed Ferns Sunprint Art Quilt




Chamorita Essentials offers handmade mineral makeup, homemade soap, body lotions and facial care products. She does not do any testing on animals, instead tries them out on herself and a long list of friends and family who believe as she does that natural handmade is the way to go, most especially with bath and beauty products.
She will be offering 10% discount for her Christmas in July selections during this event.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scarlett Eyeshadow


 
Remember, this event runs from July 12th - 25th!  See you tomorrow with more great studios from Artfire.com

Only 5 more days til the Christmas in July event on Artfire!

Dianes Dangles has found the best stress reliever and loves to share the results.  Using her skilled silversmithing techniques with a love of color, she creates these wonderful pieces of jewelry for all to enjoy. 

During this Christmas in July event she is offering 10% off Sterling silver pieces, and the rest of her studio will be from 20% to 30% off

Seraphinite Green Gemstone Sterling Silver Pendant

Gingerbell's Gifts Offers a wonderful selection of goodies in her studio from bath and body, to jewelry to candles.  She is sure to have something for everyone on your list!

During this even Gingerbell's is offering free shipping on all jewelry purchases

Chistmas Tree Gift box Ornament

Flame Fly Creations creater and designer of custom jewelry and leather items for over 25 years, is offering a wonderful selection of Christmas gift ideas for under $20 USD.

Check out this stunning Necklace!

Triple copper glitter rose charm necklace

 Grammie's Krafty Kabana Loves to crochet and it certainly shows in her wonderful selection of handmade goodies in her studio.   Show someone your love by giving them the gift of handmade!

Medium Handmade Twilight Black and Pink Purse

Come back tomorrow for some more wonderful artists, from Artfire.com!

More Artfire Studios participating in Christmas in July event

The ever trendy Blue Green and Pink jewelry designer loves to create jewelry for all ages. Here is just one of her gorgeous pieces that will be available in her studio for the Christmas in July event on Artfire.  She is offering 15% off during this event.

Glass ball necklace

Mothers Love Jewelry From the love of being a mother and being able to work at home creating her gorgeous jewelry, offers something for everyone.  Here is just a sample of her stunning creations.  During this event she is offering 20% off for her customers.

Crystal Pearl Bridal Set

MJ's Kraze A wonderful selection of paper crafts. She will be offering a "Buy one get free shipping " special for the Christmas in July event. 

I just fell in love with this particular one!

Black and white Peace Christmas Card

Maggie McMane Jewelry Designs Jewelry artist with a passion for colours and luxury, you certainly do not want to miss checking out her studio for some gorgeous pieces. 

Ruby Antiqued Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings

Don't forget to pop by tomorrow and see what else I have for you!

The countdown to Christmas In July on Artfire begins

With only 7 days until this event starts, here is a preview of 4 studios who are participating. (In no particular order!)

Customizedjust4you, a lady of exceptional talent!  Crafting and selling her wonderful creations before she was 8 years old, she is certainly not only gifted and talented, she is also very passionate about her work. As you can see when you browse her studio you can just tell that anything you choose to purchase as a gift for someone will be of the highest quality and full of the love and care she puts into everything she does.

During this event she is offering to pay the shipping fees for anyone in the USA who buys one of these fabulous quilted postcards.

Off to Grandma's House Quilted embroidery Postcard

Julie Clark Art Artist extraordinaire is not afraid of trying anything new. She works in various mediums and styles from classical to impressionistic, from painting to the use of mixed fibres; you know for certain that she has something to please everyone in her art studio. 

Here is just one of her many offerings available now in her studio.

Thread Painting, OOAK, canvas mounted for hanging, 8x10 titled Beach

B. A Kidagain, Definately a Glowing Artist, who loves to bring out the kid in all of us.  Check out her wonderful glow in the dark ornaments. I am certain you will find one for everyone on your list in her studio.

SnowPeopleGlow in the dark ornament

Small Comforts, a lady who loves to quilt and it truly shows in her work. She really wants her pieces to be loved and used, so she ensures they are most durable.  For great gift ideas check out her studio, you will be glad you did! 

Red Patchwork quilted flower Table Runner

Don't forget to pop by tomorrow for 4 more studios with wonderful gift ideas!

Twelve Days of Christmas in July Sale Event on Artfire!

I know, it is a bit early to be thinking of snow, ice and Christmas (summer just beginnning and all). However, if you are anything like me, you prefer to get a good start on Christmas shopping so that when that time of year arrives you can spend it more enjoyably visiting friends, baking and taking in the lovely sights of the yard decorations people are displaying.

So, with that in mind, are You starting your shopping early for Christmas this year? Here are just a few of the awesome Studios on Artfire that are participating in this year's event that runs from July 12th to July 25th.

Bits & Peaces
B. A. Kidagain
CUSTOMIZEDJUST4YOU
Dianes Dangles
Ecclectic LadyLand
FlameFlyCreations
Gingerbell's Gifts
Grammie's Krafty Kabana
Handcrafted Jewelry by Blue Green and Pink
Jewelry by AnnMarie
Jewelz Creatives
Julie Clark Art
MJ's Kraze
Katie Jeans Handcrafted Jewelry
Maggie McMane Jewelry Designs
Mother's Love Jewelry
Rose Tree Creations
Sewing Happy Place
Shields Photography
Small Comforts
The Bookmark-et
 
 
Please feel free to stop by every day for a special look at the goodies these studios are offereing and their special deals for this event.  Each day I will feature 3 of these awesome studios!

Support handmade and your local economy!

Ok, I know, handmade can be (and should be!!) more expensive than purchasing mass produced products. Please keep in mind though, the only reason why those factory sweatshop made items can be sold at such cheap prices is due to the fact that they are able to get their supplies at a much reduced rate.


Personally, I much prefer to give and receive items that are handmade. I know that the person who has made it has put in time, effort and a lot of love into their work. Most of us take a lot of pride in our work, and we can be quite critical of it. We seem to think that the tiniest flaw makes it "not good enough" to even consider trying to sell it to someone else. What we tend to forget is that what you buy in those box stores or at the dollar stores are not perfect. When was the last time you had bought a set of glasses, only to put them in the dishwasher the first time and find that at least one has broken/cracked? Or you purchased a lovely top and when you washed it the colours ran or there was that horrible machine oil smell from the print on the t-shirt?

And even big ticket items like houses and cars are not exempt from the "flaws" from mass produced parts. Of course I am certain that quality control does try to ensure that their products are as good as they can be, and for the most part they are. But they certainly are not put under the microscope as much as the Indie Artisan is.

Perhaps a better way of looking at it would be "keep our money in our own local economy" rather than getting the best bang for our buck. Supporting your local farmer, your local small factory made goods (if possible) and your local craftsmen whether it is grandma down the road knitting hats and scarves to the lady who makes her own jams and jellies.

Happy Canada Day!

In spirit of Canada Day, I would like to show you a few favourite handmade items of mine.

O Canada Twirly twirliewhirlies

coffee cup sleeve BoutiqueKarma

Canada wire wrapped Maple Leaf Necklace moonandback beads

Angel feather earrings Tri coloured mountain man creations

original aceo baby dragon Highoncraft

Clay Heart and brass spiral necklace Emburr