You're a great CHICK!

With Spring's arrival, I thought, why not celebrate some snappy Chicks!

This little chick is a creation by,  Art From The Heart.  

This is thebrickkiln's signature Itty-Bitty dish.  Just a wonderful little Chick that loves you!

Check out this hand painted adjustable Chick ring!  It's by AlloverArt and it just sings Spring.

This is a wonderful piece of ACEO print by kellyjcallahan.  I just love this print.  Just so Joyful!

 

And now, just a tiny bit of self promotion!  My little Chick on a Stick!  You can just stick her anywhere!!  

Nancy's Notables - JooJoo's Shop

Well, I thought that I would try something new, and have a section of Nancy's Notable's.   

This week it's Joo Joo's Shop and what can I say about her creativity... simple marvelous.  

As I was preparing to write this blog entry, I saw that I'm not the only one who is infatuated with Joo Joo's Shop or her creations... there's a terrific Interview (of Afi- owner of Joo Joo's Shop) and also a GIVEAWAY at Sassy Glass Designs!

Sassy did a wonderful job in interviewing Afi and it just helped me adore her items even more, if that's possible.  Isn't that the way though, we just find ourselves gravitating to specific crafted items and when we learn more about the artist, we just love those items even more.  

I, especially LOVE these snails!  They remind me of a time in my childhood.   

So many years ago, my father owned a grocery store.  The neighborhood was so diverse that believe or not, he sold live snails.  They would be in this hugh basket (with a lid) that would be about 4ft high.  When you walked past the basket, you could hear them moving around.  I was 7 years old at the time and always marveled at this basket.  Of course, it was by the front door, so you couldn't miss it.

There was only one thing, my older brother.  When we would be visiting my father, at the store, my brother always seemed to manage to scare me by lifting the lid of that snail basket and chasing me with it, as it was full of snails!   Funny, it's not that bad of a memory - I've gotten him back many times over; perhaps, that's why!  

But seeing this terrific item of magnetic SNAILS, just brings back these wonderful childhood memories... I must say that these guys are SOOO much cuter than the one's I remember.  So check out both JOOJOO and Sassy Glass Designs for MORE!  :D

Longing for Summer

The ferris wheel still waiting, like myself, for a sunnier day and warmer weather to get started!    I took a walk today, actually I took a car ride to the ocean, then took a walk along the seaside; Ocean City to be exact and although it was sunny and bright by my home, at the ocean, very foggy and cool.

It's like walking in a snowfall; walking along the quiet beach in a bit of fog.  It's solemn.  The seagulls are just hanging, walking around with the sandpipers looking for some food.  Just enjoyable and thought provoking, as I listened to the churning ocean.  Although it didn't clear my mind as much as I had wished; I still came back home with the salty smell in my hair, that I just love.  :D

This time, my horoscope is right!

March 28th, 2009

"Today you will have the ability to see yourself objectively.  Evaluate some recent accomplishments in your life and reward yourself in some way.  Get yourself a little gift or take yourself out to one of your favorite places...."

So here it is... The way I decided to pamper myself:

This wonderful necklace & pendant is crafted by VerreEncore.etsy.com

When I see this lovely necklace, I envision my outfit - gee, I hope I can now find that dream summer dress - I hear it, it's out there calling me. :D

Isn't wonderful when your horoscope just reaffirms your desire to SHOP!

On a side note, tonight is Earth Hour, from the hour of 8:30pm to 9:30pm; a way we can all do our part to reduce our consumption of electricity! 

I wrote an article on the subject at Old World Shoppe's Team Blog; check it out!

Friends

"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born. "

- Anais Nin

I rarely make New Year's resolutions; it's just not me.  (Here comes the however...) However, this year, I seem to be pursuing, a sort of sub-conscience goal, by meeting many wonderful artisans from all over the world.  

Back in my "scouting" days, we all wanted to have pen pals - only because this would mean to us, writing letters across the ocean, to places we've only dreamt about visiting.  Today, with social venues such as, Flickr and Facebook, I've reconnected & also have met so many wonderful people; without leaving my home.  (Amazing to me but mind blowing to my 84 year old father, who visits Europe daily on Google Earth!) 

Etsy has opened a world and has changed my life.  Along with sharing my love of crafting with others, I'm able to reach out and purchase felt creations from my friend up north; my lovely crocheted mushroom (above) from that amazing gal in Sweden; get some handmade buttons here and wonderful Plini creations from just across the river; find a lovely, creative man to cut my crazy wood shapes!  Then become friends, simply incredible.

I've become melancholy in my old age of 40 something; because, I then begin to remember friends who are no longer with me; yet their influences are still there.  Tricia Mary, Love you girl, and I can't hear a Bruce song without thinking of you!  And Tommy, you forced me to learn how to read a contract, (although you may not even remember) along with the extensive explanation of how to kill a rooster.  Priceless.

So I say "Thank you" to my new friends for bringing a new world of caring, innovative spirit, and sharing into my life.  I just hope that I'm able to bring as much joy into their lives as they do mine.  :D

Spring & Chocolate... What a Terrific Combination!

There's something about Spring that makes me think of... Chocolate!  

There were many years, as a child, that I would find a grand Easter basket, filled with chocolate foiled eggs & a Wonderful Chocolate Bunny.  It was heaven.

Then, I was blessed with migraines and the Chocolate bunny and those wonderful foiled eggs were not to be.  My parents, feeling bad, went on a mission to find Carob.  

Now, it's a bit easier to find Carob; there's a Natural Food Store close by where I recently seen it sold.  But 30 years ago, they went everywhere to find some, just so I would have something resembling Chocolate in that Easter Basket.  

The Carob was ok... it's not Chocolate.  But the wonderful memory I have is the caring of my parents who didn't have the ease of the internet and went out for days just to try and make my Easter a normal and festive event.  Much Love and Thanks to them.  :D

My Neapolitan Bunnies are a tribute to Easter's Past

Neapolitan Bunny set - Etsy.com

Glitter Chick - Glittery pin, with the cutest dippity doo curl!

Glitter Chick - Etsy.com

Strawberry Bunny - Funny... as I was making it, I kept singing, "Strawberry Letter 22!"

It's a cute pin and I just LOVE pink!

Strawberry Bunny pin - Etsy.com

My Salute to Green and the Artisans who created them.

Jacqueline Knits - Hip Clip - Hand Knitted

Jacquelineknits.etsy.com

Goose Grease - St. Patty's Girl

Goosegrease.etsy.com

Julia Catherine - Apple Green Drop Earrings

JuliaCatherine.etsy.com

Sabbio's Cinnamon Tree - Preserved Secret Garden Bookmark

Sabbio.etsy.com

LuLu Bug Jewelry - Silver and Concrete Leaf Necklace

Lulubugjewelry.etsy.com

Sometimes I wish I drank!

St. Patrick's Day... a day to chase out all the snakes; real and metaphorical in our lives.  At least, that's how this Italian gal sees the feast day.  

Here is my salute to the holiday: a set of shamrocks for sale at my Etsy shoppe.  The larger Shamrock with the little ladybug is a wonderful way of adorning your home; while the smaller shamrock is all glittery for the holiday and for that terrific scarf you plan on wearing as you go out to drink the day away!

Erin's on the Go, Go!

Here's Erin.

I've been inspired by all the clothespin dolls I've seen over the past year and thought, "I have some remnants of old Shamrock material, what the heck! "  

She's holding a felt shamrock on her garland and is getting ready to go to a good olde fashion party!

I've seen her in action the past few days and boy, (or should I say, girl) can she gig!  Who knew clothespins had that kind of agility?!  I sure didn't.  She seemed so mild-mannered but geez a lou; play some music and she's just dancin' around.

I must admit I enjoyed making her and would love to make more.  I mean she really needs someone else to dance with around the house!  :D

Taking a Positive Turn... REALLY!

Today, I was asked to write an article for The Old World Shoppes team @ Etsy.

This is a wonderful team of talented artisans that I'm so proud to be a part.

You can see that article at The Old World Shoppes blog.

Lately, after hearing ad infinitum of how the economy keeps taking a nose dive; believe it or not, I'm still feeling hopeful.  It doesn't totally come from having a new administration; but actually, coming from the populous.   From more people clipping coupons; using a savings account and using cash!  All things I was taught as a child.  

I understand as a (cyber) retailer, that we always desire those who impulse buy; but I always appreciated the customer that appreciated the work that I do.  They know they are getting something special and were willing to spend the money for quality.  I have found over the years, they were my return customers.  

Now, the challenge is to challenge myself.  To make more diverse products.  To create something that is so unique, it brings that customer back a second and third time.  To make them look at the imported ornaments and see that they don't have the same "touch" as something I would create.  

It's an interesting challenge; but so is reading to three kids (my niece and nephews); who all want to sit on your lap at the same time!  :D

Spring Time is Turning into Team Time!

Ever have one of those days or even WEEKS where, oh I don't know, you just feel YUCKY.  

You wonder, where the next idea may come from.  

You look everywhere - books, magazines.  You will talk to the mail carrier to see what up with her!  I've even bent low to talk to my 4 year old nephew (he's only 3 feet tall) and try to pick his brain.   Funny enough, there's lots of ideas in there.  Ah, youth!

But now there's some EXCITING NEWS from TWO different Shopping Venues.

The Old World Shoppes at Etsy  & LolliShops.com 

My pals at team Old World Shoppes are 'SPRINGing' into action - which is exciting to me as I sit at my kitchen table watching the snow melt!

Also, there will be LOTS of promoting going with all the gals at LolliShops.  

Springtime is turning into TEAM TIME and I just LOVE it!

:D

Cutest things come in Small Packages.

After getting all that snow, and then shoveling all that snow... It was such a pleasure to walk to the mailbox today and find the smallest package with the sunniest items inside.

The other day, I was just browsing the various shopping venues and found, Buttons By Robin.  Robin lives in Canada and has two shoppes on Etsy... Buttons by Robin & Primitive Pursuits

She's a Mixed Multi Media artist making buttons and jewelry.

You must head to her shoppes, with a drink of your preference, and browse like I did.  

As I was looking at all her sweet button designs, I kept hoping that I knew how to knit or crochet well enough to make a cardigan, so that way I'd have a reason to purchase even more of her handmade buttons!

I just fell in love with the red blossoms with black bird (above) and the yellow cherry blossoms (below).   

There are so many talented & creative people out there and I'm so glad I got to meet one more!  Thanks Robin and I'll be shopping again real soon!  :D

Cuteness... that's my inspiration.

Lately, I've been spending quite a bit of time on Flickr and everyday I find something or even someone new, who's talent just amazes me.  

I've always dreamt of being able to draw.  I mean pick up any writing utensil and create magic not just some corny 3-D box or stick figure girl.  So when I came across these note cards, I just felt the need to find out more about the artist.

Her name is Natalie, and her shop is, chi chi memories, at Etsy!

I just loved her work so much, that I purchased the above note cards - hoping that if I see spa, I could eventually do spa!

Those little duckies are just adorable.

The Mushroom Gal is just as cute as she can be!  If you're old enough to remember, this mushroom girl reminds me of  'That Girl' and Marlo Thomas.  Oh, don't get me started on 70's 

TV gals like Marlo Thomas, Mary Tyler Moore, and Carol Burnett.  

I believe that's what INSPIRES me most about Natalie's work.  The JOY and the SIMPLE lines of her note cards.  

Below is a simple card with a chef and I can imagine all the possibilities - for recipes or even for a shower or hostess gift.  Place them in a gift basket with other HANDMADE items and what a special one of a kind gift!  

Thanks Natalie for your inspiration and I'm wishing you all the best!

Winter, eh... Spring Wonderland?!

I haven't been working all that much lately and as it always happens, on the one evening I have a shift; of course, it snows!   I do drive a distance to work, so thank goodness traffic was down to a minimum; because lately, due to financial reasons, the county and the state hold back on snow plowing!  Go figure.   But as soon as I arrived home after midnight, I just reached for my camera to take a few pictures.   

I felt as if I was in a snow globe after taking the above picture.  Check out those massive snowflakes.

Above, is a picture of my front step and I'm sure Martha would be happy to see the gentle dusting of snow that was left there - of course to give the house a warm, cozy feeling.

I now have many friends, who may by past this post... 

I'm sorry, I'm just excited for the late snow.  We haven't seen much this year and I just want to say, there is a light, literally, at the end of the tunnel - in a week, DAY LIGHT SAVINGS time will start again!  So summer is just around the corner.

Just a close up of the inches of snow that has accumulated on my little make shift bird bath.  So now it's early in the morning here on the Eastern Coast of the US and I'm going to put on my snow boots and actually take a little walk around the community.

I'm starting to show my age; because, I just love the peace and solitude that the snow fall brings to a normally bustling area.