Lisianblue's Art World

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

2011-12-24T03:48:00.000-07:00

It's Saturday December 24, 2011 3:36 am - I just wanted to say Merry Christmas, Happy New Year & I hope to be back on line more by mid Jan - or shortly thereafter. I have been able to get a few new hats listed on my HAF site - but otherwise - getting much done on the computer these days - just doesn't happen very often. I miss everyone, am going to try to stop by and say hi to a few people in the next few days.
I have been knitting more - and just finished a hat for myself with my 1st cables!!!! and wonder why I shied away from trying it for so many years! Managed to sell a couple of custom order ones! Parked in a parking lot in Colorado Springs with signs out and the hats & scarves on the hood and trunk of a car! Haven't been out for a while - not sure when I will be able to go back out there - but selling the two that I did helps! Wanted to post pics of them - but they are elsewhere for the time being - hopefully soon - I'll be back and post them.
Until then Wishing everyone and a wonderful Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2012

Taking Care of Family Matters

2011-07-19T12:43:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to go into details - I just wanted to put something on here - I need to take care of some family matters. I will be putting the ArtFire Studio and my HAF shop on Vacation mode for a while. I am hoping that I will be able to still take care of things with both in the very near future - but I just have to see how things go.
I will be back tho!
Love ya all and have a wonderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider PineRidge Treasures

2011-07-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

Alright, I admit it, I have been doing a lousy job of keeping up with things! Too many things going on and some big changes in my life happening very quickly........................

Crazy Train riders are so fun to explore - see what other people are up to, what they create, what inspires them. Lisa, creator of PineRidge Treasures lives in Michigan and is inspired by "nature, especially colors like ocean blue and leaf green, natural stones from the Earth, and living creatures including birds, fish and insects."
So, let's see what she makes. Lovely Pink & Gray Czech Pearl Necklace

and look, Dangley Pink & Gray Czech Pearl earrings to match that pretty necklace

I was looking to see if maybe she also had a matching bracelet, nope, but found this pretty Coral Pink w/ Lady Bug Charm Bracelet Love that little ladybug! However, she does have a section for custom orders, so I imagine if you found something you wanted, and wanted matching earrings, or bracelet, Lisa would probably be happy to make something for you.

And did you know about the Christmas in July Sale going on over at ArtFire??
No? Well, you gotta check it out! PineRidgeTreasures and a whole lot of other studios are participating in the annual Christmas in July Sale - don't miss out on this one! ♥
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Moonlight Eternal

2011-06-30T06:55:00.000-06:00

There are more than a few jewelry artisans out there, but not all of them craft jewelry for the men, but Moonlight Eternal does. And some of them are unisex.

I could see this smart looking Shell & Wood Disc Necklace on a man or a woman

This Men's Organic Wood, Bone, Shell & Gemstone Stretch Bracelet would look great on a man, but I'm kind of thinking it would look pretty great on women too, at the beach, a pool party, even at the office, for either men or woman.

Yeah, ya know, we have our boyfriends, jeans, shirts, how about their jewelry too! hehe Gotta love this coconut Shell & Wood Mens Necklace.

So follow the moonlight over to Moonlight Eternal's shop for some unique & different creations such as tiaras, crowns, circlets, chokers, anklets, toe rings, etc, and there's even a couple of darling pumpkin candle holders.
One of the awesome things about shopping online, you not only get unique handcrafted items, you can do it in the moonlight if you want!
Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Florabunda Studios

2011-06-29T08:00:00.001-06:00

I'm a little late posting this, but I still have to do it. Hallie, creator of Florabunda Studios lives in NC and has some fantastic photos of Grandfather mountain. My family used to live around this beautiful mountain many many years ago. I'd also like to mention, that Hallie has a tendency to create a variety of items, just about anything that comes to mind to try, she does! Some people may say that you should stick with one or maybe two things, but personally I think that learning to create things with a variety of mediums, techniques, etc can often help with finding ways to be even more creative with what you work with. I know it has for me.

But, back to Hallie, this beautiful mountain, and this striking 12" x 18" photograph titled Above the Clouds

It's summer, and a hot one, doesn't this 8" x 10" photo of The Mossy Grove look so refreshing, cool & inviting? I can imagine the serene feeling one would get with this photo hanging on a living room or den wall.

I have to honor this woman's willingness to try new things, to explore other creative avenues, such as crochet, and she made this adorable Colorful Hand Crocheted Wristlet Bag W/ Charm

Hallie also has some pretty cool paintings, along with a variety of photos & a few other surprises, do check out Florabunda Studios, you'll be glad you did.

As always, I'm so glad you stopped by, I'm interested in what you think, & invite you to leave a comment.
Have a wonderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Angelas_Adornments

2011-06-24T15:03:00.000-06:00

It's been a crazy crazy week, and so once again, I'm a bit behind.
Angelas _Adornments has some pretty cool jewelry, but I'm going to focus on her other art, namely her watercolor paintings

I absolutely love There is Magic in the Forrest watercolor painting. I want to go wandering around that forest!

Paintings of windows fascinate me such as this European Window

She has one other art form kind of tucked away, but worth mentioning, her Replica of Ancient Venus of Willendorf made with polymer clay.

Angelas_Adornments also has some very pretty jewelry, but I'll let you explore that part of her shop.

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a fantastic day & a great weekend.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider DesignsByBarb

2011-06-20T07:00:00.001-06:00

I'm a little envious, this woman is sewing up some of the cutest kids clothes. I've been trying to get things set up so I can do a lot more of that - sewing in general, not just kids clothes.
Sorry, I got off track there!
Barb has been sewing for over 50 years. She owned & operated a handmade clothing & lingerie shop. She also owned & operated a ceramic & porcelain doll shop where she taught ceramics & porcelain doll making, along with raising 4 children.

I love this Girl's Blue Shirred Top 3 Tiered Dress , love the colors & the design.

Look how cute this Girls Custom Halter Short Set for infants, babys toddlers, love the little ruffle on the legs. Cute!

Oh wait, she crochets too! look at these adorable Custom Baby Crochet 4 Color Athletic Shoes, so so so sweet!
It looks like pretty much everything she makes is available in just about any size you need - child size, just let her know when ordering if the listing isn't for a specific size. DesignsByBarb For Moms & Kids has some adorable clothes, and some other goodies, be sure to check them out!

Thanks for stopping by & have a great day!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider DaBeezNeez

2011-06-17T09:49:00.000-06:00

While DaBeezsNeez does create some pretty cool jewelry, she also knits. Since so many of the features have been on jewelry artisans, I'm going to feature her knitting.

This Yellow Matinee Set is just adorable! I found it interesting that she calls her "sweaters" matinee coats, maybe it's a UK thing? But whatever it is, the whole set is just precious.

This Toddler Cardigan: Country Side Scene with Shepard Toy is so sweet. Comes with a toy to keep the little one entertained while sparking creativity! It takes time to add in those little details, I started a sweater for my grandson, by the time I got finished with the front, he was too big to wear it! But, I'm also not the worlds fastest knitter!

This Turquoise & White Matinee Coat is one of my favorites. Isn't that gorgeous.

I almost went into shock when I saw her prices, not because they are high, they are quite reasonable for these hand knitted items! And you would almost think, well but they're coming from the UK, isn't shipping a lot of money? Not in this case! If you are looking for something a little special for that special little one, I highly recommend paying DaBeezNeez a visit. Besides, you just gotta check out a shop with a cool name like that! You will also find some chainmaille, beaded jewelry, knitted toys & doll clothes, and more!

Thanks so much for visiting and have a great day!
P.S. If you are trying to leave a message and have a hard time, please let me know with a message in my Artfire shop : lisianblue just click on Contact Artisan under the picture on the left side Thanks!

HAF Artist Bonnie Lynn Embry

2011-06-15T07:34:00.000-06:00

Up and coming Handmade Artists Shop has some great indie artists, I'd like to introduce you to one of them,
Bonnie Lynn Embry creator of Miniature Crochet who crochets up some pretty darling items. I'm going to let the pictures do the talking in this case!

Aren't those adorable! Bonnie has some other great items too, such as jewelry, keychains, coasters, face scrubbies, cell phone cozies & more. From what I can see, she does nice work, and wouldn't it be so much for fun to get that special present (for you too!) from someone that takes the time to make a quality item, and not something that thousands of other people have. Something unique.

Bonnie Lynn Embry's Miniature Crochet Handmade Artists Shop

Thanks for visiting and have a great day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider TrueColors Pearl & Gemstone Jewellry

2011-06-14T12:41:00.000-06:00

Today's artFire CrazyTrain rider is TrueColors, who lives in Ireland and creates some very elegant jewelry.
There are some gems, that are always in style, such as pearls. I very fortunately inherited a very simple but beautiful single strand of pearls necklace from my grandmother who was born in the late 1800's. Pearls are classic elegance.

TrueColors seems to know just what to do with pearls, such as this simple, but classy single strand Freshwater Pearl Bracelet

or this luxurious Cool Pink Freshwater Multistrand Bracelet

Of course she has Cool Pink Freshwater Pearl Earrings to match!

Necklaces, oh yes she does have some very pretty necklaces, such a the Madagascar rose quartz one or the amethyst with a sterling silver butterfly , and she also gladly does custom orders. If you're looking for some simply classic elegance, pay TrueColors a visit

Maybe I will get that pearl necklace out and wear it sometime!

Thanks for visiting and have an elegant day!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider 1BeadAtATime

2011-06-13T08:30:00.001-06:00

Before I get started on today's Crazy Train rider, I'd like to draw your attention to a new page I added, just above to the right of Home, you'll see ARTISTS. There are number of artists that have influenced me, not just my art, & I thought it might be fun to add this to my blog. There may be other pages added in time.

A few changes: Comments will now require captchas and they won't be published until I publish them. I honestly dislike doing this, but after getting a few unwanted comments, I decided to do this. If by some chance you aren't asked to do the captcha thing, please let me know! Thanks.

And, on to today's ArtFire Crazy Train Rider: 1BeadAtATime. It's a very good thing that I am not a huge jewelry junky - or I'd be even more broke than I am!

I'm a blue jeans kind of person, I even have 3 different jean dresses. so, naturally I'm drawn to this awesome Denim Blue Beadwoven Bracelet

That is one very cool bracelet!

This Blue Spiral Ceramic Pendant on Beadwoven Necklace is also super cool. Think it would even work with that awesome bracelet - no, I don't think jewelry always has to match exactly.

I'm sticking with the blue for this post even if they may not work with the necklace or bracelet, I really like these earrings: Blue & White Glass Bead Earrings - simply pretty!

Oh yes, 1BeadAtATime does have some very cool jewelry in other colors too, including some beautiful wedding whites.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Nancy'sBagsetc

2011-06-07T14:49:00.001-06:00

Nancy & her husband live in Rhode Island. Like many of us that sew she started out by watching her mom & her sister. She started out making doll clothes & then her own clothes - nothing like starting with the difficult thing! After she married her husband, she started sewing pillows and other decor items, and then on to baby & children's clothes. Nancy has a variety of clutches, totes, purses, organizer, pillows, sachets, and other home decor items in her shop, Nancysbagsetc on ArtFire.

I love this Shoulder Bag in Batik Cotton love that fabric and it looks like it is well made!

and check out this lovely Embroidered pillow, recycled vintage tea towel, embroidered flowers, hhmm it's June right, this would be such a nice wedding gift, or a gift to yourself!

Speaking of weddings, look at this adorable Ring Bearer Pillow

Having spent many many hours sewing myself, I tend to also look at the seams of items - it looks like Nancy pays attention to the details, and does a nice job of sewing on her items.

So, if you are looking for something a little extra special that you don't have to pay an arm & a leg for, I really recommend you pay Nancysbagsetc a visit.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

HAF Featured Artist Jewelry Geek

2011-06-05T12:51:00.002-06:00

This weeks featured HAF artist is Kristin, creator of Jewelry Geek. This is one busy lady, she is going to school for her master's degree in library sciences, has an 11 yr old son, is married to a Navy man, and creates some very cool jewelry. Kristen enjoys listening to Chinese flute music as well Celtic music & bagpipes, as well as mid eastern music. ooh I love bagpipes!
Not only does Kristin have some very pretty jewelry, she also has some very creative photos of it in her Etsy shop.

Of course I'm going to start out with these fabulous BlueBerry Earrings with copper. Pretty aren't they? and I love the photo too!

oooh talk about sparkle - these awesome Swarovski Crystal Chandelier Earrings have 23 crystals per earring, and are 5 3/4" long! Wouldn't those be fun to wear with that special little black dress!!! Elegant!

This beautiful Green Pearl & Crystal Bracelet is stunning! Pearls in any color are so versatile - play them up - or go casual - either way, they work.

Most of Kristin's creations can be worn with casual attire or dressed up ( in my kind of dressed up anyway)- I absolutely adore this Large Shell Pendant Choker with clear to dark purple glass bicone beads. In fact, I have the perfect blue and purplish dress that this would look fabulous with.
But, those great crystal chandelier earrings are calling my name!!
And all of her creations are very reasonably priced. One of the fun things about hand crafted jewelry - you can get some unique pieces at some great prices - and no malls! Shop in your pj's on a lazy Sunday morning! I love the idea of having a piece of jewelry that thousands of other people don't have!

I highly recommend visiting JewelryGeek on etsy or her great blog.

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!
P.S. I wrote a blog on my other blog titled Thank You & My apologies. But, be sure you go visit Jewelry Geek, OK!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Hippies Creations

2011-06-03T11:44:00.000-06:00

It's been a busy busy week, and the upcoming week is starting out even busier! So, I hope I can half way keep up with these -
Today & yesterdays Artfire CrazyTrain Rider is Hippie's Creations! For some reason that may not make sense to most people, that name conjures up "handmade goodness" to me! This mom of 3 boys from Scottsville Virginia loves to create art on wood and crocheting.

It's easy to see she loves to crochet, look at this adorable Purple Crochet Top.

And such cuteness as this Penquin Earflap Crochet Hat - isn't that so adorable!

I must have babies on the brain, when I first saw these cute little Crocheted Coin Pouches, I thought they were little baby mittens! I was browsing through quickly!
And they are so reasonably priced, you'll have change left over to put in them!

So, if you are looking for something a little extra special for that special someone in your life (including YOU) be sure to check out Hippie's Creations, where you will find handmade crocheted wearable and decorative creations, made to order!

Thanks for visiting and have a great day!

LOVE

2011-06-02T05:35:00.008-06:00

I decided to put this on here - as some of you know I frequent Creative Nachos for the Thrusday Sweet Treat - every week, the very creative wonderful sunny & supportive Natasha gives us a theme to create whatever our little hearts desire and this weeks theme is love. Of couse, my collage of my family that I did for lasts weeks theme would have been perfect, but already used - I had another idea - but it's been a crazy hectice week, and it just didn't get done. Wed evening I was sitting at the bus stop and I was thinking about my grandson - and the words just came.

"Love Ocean"

A little bluish with a tinge of grey

discolored his light chocolaty skin

with a mass of thick black hair, wet & unruly

Breathe,

Baby,

P l e a s e

Breathe,

Minutes turn into eternity

Finally

A breath,

A cry,

Relief

Of course his eyes are a deep brown

with long thick eyelashes

features of his father

yet so much like his mother

I felt him reach inside

my chest and grab a hold

of my heart.

kh 6-1-11

My grandsons name means ocean - so I chose that as part of the title.
The large background picture is my grandson at 6mos ( I think), going clockwise from the top, 10mos with his mom - my daughter, 3 yrs, 4, 5, & 10. He is now 11 1/2. He is one of the sweetest, kindest, loving souls I have ever had the pleasure to meet. He's also a bit of a trickster, and he has given me many many smiles, laughter, gentleness & love when I have hurt so bad I could hardly stand to be touched. He has massaged my back with his small hands, the love and care from them did me more good than the very light "massage", he has figured out ways for us to play together when I could barely move, but still be comfortable. He makes up games within a game, cleans off the coffee table so I can sit on the couch while we play with legos, he calls me from 400 miles away to help him with his homework, sometimes I think just so he can talk to me, and spent 3 hours on the phone with me Christmas day when I wasn't able to get there for Christmas this past year. I love being able to play with him, the play is not just for him! He is love.

And no, you may not squeeze his cheeks! :) I know, they are so tempting!

Thank you for visiting and have a wonderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider TwoTootsies

2011-05-31T11:26:00.000-06:00

One of the fun things about doing the ArtFire Crazy Train - besides seeing all the cool stuff, is the shop names - love this one TwoTootsies!

I love anklets so I decided to check out the anklet section first - and found this pretty Periwinkle Anklet - it's blue right- so of course I'll pick it!

and speaking of blue - this Deep Blue Agate Pendant is gorgeous

and might as well have some pretty Cobalt & Copper Earrings to finish off the trio, right!

So, go visit TwoTootsies for some cool jewelry, she has an awesome sea shell necklace - perfect for these summer days. And, very reasonably priced for handmade jewelry.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

HAF Featured Artist Gemlover

2011-05-29T10:40:00.003-06:00

It is my pleasure to introduce you to John, creator of Gemlover. on ArtFire.
Johns states that he has a passion for rocks and rockhounding since was a small child. After majoring in geology in college, he has been a Graduate Geologist for the past 40 years.

John's wife bought some gemstones and brought to him one day and asked what they were. That started his journey into gemology, as well jewelry design & manufacture. He became an Accredited Jewelry Professional in 2009, and is also a Jewelry Design and Repair Certificate. John is also a retired paramedic and resides in Easley, South Carolina.

It is easy to see that he not only loves what he does, he's very good at it. I enjoy wearing matching stones, but not necessarily matching settings - and these are right up my alley - especially because these wonderful earrings are made with Lapis Lazuli - their blue!

I can see pairing those sweet earrings with this stunning Lapis Lazuli Pendant, I love the wrap design and that is one gorgeous stone he cut.

John certainly seems to know how to bring out the beauty of a rock, or a gem. This Snowfield Druzy Quartz Necklace is simply gorgeous.

I have loved quartz since I was a child, even dragging home a large quartz rock with me after my family went out Christmas tree hunting one year. However, it was quite different than this lovely Honey Quartz Necklace, with it's unique sterling silver wire wrapping. I love the emerald cut of this beautiful stone.

I highly recommend you pay a visit to John's shop, Gemlover on Artfire, or his blog Rasmussen Gems & Jewelry LLC where you can learn a little more about his work with these beautiful stones. John also has a shop on the Handmade Artists Shop, as Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry LLC

Thank you for visiting and have a great day.

Beauty In The World

2011-05-24T23:25:00.218-06:00

BEAUTY IN THE WORLD

It is a little long - read - look at as much or as little as you want.

One of my favorite place on the web, is Creative Nachos, created by the very talented and supportive Natasha. Each week she gives us a theme to create something based on that theme. In some ways, this weeks theme Beauty In The World was the easiest and the hardest for me. Easy because I knew immediately what I wanted to do, but it just kept expanding, and trying to pare it down was just not an option!

First and foremost, My Family with all it's imperfections, also gave me a lot of love, strength and an appreciation of many things in life. There are a few people not included in this collage, only because I do not have a picture of them.

From top left: My paternal grandmother & her sister as young women. My grandmother gave me a lot - a lot of love and many many lessons - she was a school teacher before you had to have a degree to teach school. She raised her 3 children, through the great depression years with some help of her parents after she & her husband divorced when my dad was about 8 years old. She traveled to Colorado from Michigan with her dad in a wagon & then back to Michigan to get the rest of the family.

My maternal grandparents - I believe this is their wedding photo. All 3 of my grandparents were born in the late 1800's . My grandfather was a farmer, he had a farm until the day he died. I can remember many times that he would go out & get a watermelon and cut it up outside and we would gleefully sit and eat watermelon with it's delicious juices running down our chins. My grandmother made the best blackberry pies from the blackberries in the yard that we would gladly pick! I learned a lot about being charitable from these special people.

3,4,5,6 My parents - just after WWII. They met just before my dad went overseas, wrote a lot of letters and were married shortly after he returned. #4&5 were taken at his mother's house.

#7- My maternal grandmother approx 60 years old, getting her BA in education so she could keep teaching! with my sister before I was born.

#8 Me & my children about 12 years ago, with my beautiful intelligent daughter, and my nutty then 13 yr old son being himself.

3rd row, my wonderful grandson Kai @ 10 mos', 5 years, my daughter & her son @ 5 years, her daughter, Evie born Jan 2010 at about 4 days old - we laughed at this picture she looked sort of like a smurffette. Miss Evie @ almost a year, sitting the same way her mom did.

Last row, Kai, Evie & Spike. My son's wife, Steph, holding their just born daughter, My son Alex holding his 4 day old daughter Namine' born March 27 2011, & 4 day old Namine' w/her eyes finally open. She had been asleep the whole 2 hours we were together, opened her eyes about 5 minutes before we were leaving. She has beautiful lavender blue eyes - hope they stay that color!

Jaz, my constant companion, now 11 1/2 years old. It amazes me what he can fit his body into!

Beauty to me is the simple things, everyday things, an appreciation for this earth that was given to me by my mother.

After going to the dentist, a 20 minute walk, I spent almost an hour walking home with my camera in hand to take pictures for this project. This is where it started really getting hard to pare it down!

Top row - Spanish Broom, a great bush in this desert climate, a blooming Yucca by a turquoise wagon wheel, flowers growing where they weren't intended to grow - next to a fire hydrant

2nd row, flower buds, A mulberry tree - reminded me of blackberries, Roses - my mother had at least 6 rose plants in the yard.

3rd row, another plant growing were it probably was not intended, a bridge, I envision a very different yard surrounding this bridge than the one that is there, click on the picture to see the wonderful patterns in the leaves of this awesome succulent.

bright balloons dancing in the wind, steps surrounded by huge pine trees,

4th row, a leaning young evergreen, a rock perfectly balanced on the bottom of a gate & the shadows of the gate, wonderful sweet little yellow flowers.

My Flowers

The red rose bush isn't really mine - it's in front of my apartment, so I figure I get to take care of it.

The Christmas cactus was my father's "Christmas tree" while in the hospital shortly before he passed away.

The Easter Cactus belonged to my father in law, it was one of his joys & I felt very privileged to be able to have it after he passed away.

The Peace Rose is from my peace rose bush at my former apt - I could say a lot here - but I will leave it at this, my mother did instill in me a great appreciation of the earth. Which I am sure came from her parents, as the earth provided for their family of 8 children.

If you have made it this far, Thank You! I would also like to draw your attention to something I just found out about - this is truly beautiful. There is a camp for children with chronic disease or health problems that they can attend for free, even their transportation is provided for. Even if you can't go volunteer, there are ways we can help them out! Victory Junction was founded in honor of Adam Petty, yes of the racing car family! Looks like a really cool place.

A few more additions

Morning Glories - they always remind me of my maternal grandmother, they always grew in a planter in front of her porch.

all birds, but especially hummingbirds

My Uncle Conway (next to the sign, 1 of my mother's brothers.) taken during WWII, he always treated me like I was a very special person, he passed away when I was about 10, and he was way too young,

An interesting tidbit, my father was from Colorado, my mom was from North Carolina, they met in Washington DC just before he went overseas. He did basic training and stayed at Fort Carson, Co for a while, then another base, then to FT. Bragg, NC. After my parents were married, they lived in Denver until my dad finished his master's degree, my sister & brother were born in Denver. Then they moved to Berwick, Pa. where I was born & about 3 months later moved to Albuquerque New Mexico.
My mother went from NC, to Denver, Pa then Alb.
My daughter was born in Alb. after she got married, she moved to Ft. Bragg, NC, and then to Fort Carson, Co. She now lives in Colorado Springs. .

The Sandia Mountains, east side of Alb. as a child I would often sit next to the sliding glass door and just gaze at these beautiful mountains. There were a lot fewer trees and buildings in the way then.

My mother was the youngest in her family, my dad had a younger brother who died at the age of 2, so he basically was the youngest child, and I am the youngest child.

Have a beautiful day. Remember to "stop & smell the roses"!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Inlet Images

2011-05-24T15:16:00.000-06:00

And today's CrazyTrain rider is Inlet Images, with some gorgeous flowers, landscapes, some still life, and more............................

I love this Green Dragon on Black, it's an 11" x14" print, at first I thought maybe the dragon was for sale, nope, the picture of this awesome dragon.
I probably couldn't afford the dragon anyway!

The photographer, Bill Barber also has some beautiful images of flowers like this gorgeous Bi-Color Rose 11" x 14" print.

This Bird of Pardise Orb - Gazing Ball 12" x 12" is pretty cool.

Bill also sells his prints in other sizes too, just send him a message. Inlet Images also has cards, bookmarks, wildlife, landscapes, and some very good prices too!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day. Please feel free to leave a comment - or just say Hi!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Noveena

2011-05-21T12:32:00.000-06:00

Do you love jewelry - especially cuffs madw with bright shiney beads??? Then you'll love Noveena's creations - there are 9 pages of cuffs - and then there are all her other beautiful creations.

I love the bright colors n the Tropical Nights Beadwoven Cuff

and check out this stunning Chocolate Strawberries Beadwoven Collar Necklace

These Egyptian Lapis Strip Beadwoven Earrings are very cool

And, if you don't see just exactly what you want, send her a message, she will work with you to make something just for you!

Noveena's creations look like they are well done, and they take time to make. I used to do a lot of beadweaving it can be soothing, relaxing, & sometimes frustrating! But it feels so good to finish a project and have it turn out very good.

Have a great ride Noveena!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Baublezptoa

2011-05-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

I apologize to anyone I've missed on the crazy train - but I have decided to not try to catch up - I just get further behind that way - so I am going to do the studio for the day.
Yesterday & today's ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider is Baublezptoa who does some pretty cool things with precious metal clay.

REally like this Large Oval Cat Paw Print Pendant

although not made out of cool metal clay I really like these Fancy Variscite Dangle Earrings

Really really like this Mandala Medallion Silver & Brass

I love to play with clay - but most things I make look more like a 5 year old made them. So, I truly admire anyone who can make something so cool as these pendants. Baublezptoa has quite a variety of jewelry items, I highly recommend checking out these wonderful creations for you or a friend.

Have a wonderful day.

A Little Frustration & Mistakes

2011-05-19T16:04:00.001-06:00

A little frustration & some mistakes led to a much more creative piece. As some of you know, I try to participate in the Thursday Sweet Treat at Creative Nachos hosted by the wonderfully sweet and supportive Natasha. Each week, we are given a theme, this weeks was "beyond the reef." Submissions are due Wed.

Ideas were just not happening!
Monday - when I was out and about I saw a simple but nice wind chime with stair stepped dangles. Ah ha!
With the idea of wavy cut glass in somewhat of a stair step design, would hopefully convey the ocean waves. Due to some things that had to be done, I wasn't able to get going on it until late Tuesday afternoon. I gathered up my blue glass pieces & set about creating wavy pieces of glass. How to hang them? - I really wanted something circular - but the only rings I have on hand are smaller than I would like to use for this.....so maybe linear - with what? ah, a wavy white piece of glass on top. I left the room to get something and when I came back in I spotted a whale done for a previous theme, that I had been stripping the paint off of, off & on. The glass paints I use are pretty durable so it really takes some work to get it off. Cool - I could hang the white piece from the whale!! Finished getting the paint off & started repainting. 1 coat done.

Wed - evening - strung all the glass together, the whale needs at least 1 or 2 more coats of paint. Realized that hanging the glass off the whale would probably pull the foil off the whale - but they still need to be together somehow. I had accidentally drilled too many holes in the white piece & didn't want to start over, so I thought stringing some beads off the extras would be cool - I have a few nautical type beads & started looking for my shrinky dink sheets to make some little fish. I set the glass on the floor, sort of tucked under the couch - and set about looking for the shrinky dink stuff & beads. Didn't find the shrinky dink stuff.

Found the beads. Sat back down and picked up the glass pieces - literally, the glass pieces - guess I had stepped on the white piece & it broke. Ok, I don't have time to cut another piece & drill all the holes in it. Super Glue to the rescue! Then glued the aqua pieces on top of the break to add a little stability - and it looks pretty cool! Added the little clam shaped beads under the aqua glass - where I had drilled an extra hole right top of another one!
I'm pleased with the outcome - but will redo the white piece - Super Glue is pretty good stuff - but I don't think this would be a good way to send it out to someone. And who knows, maybe I'll find the shrinky dink sheets!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Crystal's Handmade Studio

2011-05-17T12:04:00.000-06:00

Crystal's Handmade Studio has a variety of items from greeting cards, jewelry, mobile phone/handbag charms, and a couple of unique heart ornaments with Ganutell Flowers.

I've never heard of Ganutell Flowers, but have heard of items created with wire, thread & beads - these look really pretty and delicate. She has 2 of them in her studio right now and they are both on sale.

Here's the other Ganutell flower in a heart

Pretty aren't they!?

This Indian Bead Charm bracelet is pretty cool

and it's on sale too!

In fact everything in this studio is on sale - so this would be a great time to visit Crystals' Handmade Studio.

HAF Spotlight Artist: Dalish Knits

2011-05-15T10:23:00.000-06:00

This weeks Handmade Artists' Forum blog ring featured artist is Dalish Knits. Yummy knits! Gina resides in Jamestown ND and besides listening to some music while knitting, Gina also enjoys playing the piano & building with Legos with her kids. I think her kids must inspire her knitted creations such as these adorable Amigurumi Baby Bees

She also has some adorable OOAK Knit Waldorf Baby Dolls such as this one in blue.

Gina also makes a variety of these sweet Waldorf Clutching Toys, it looks so soft.

So if you are looking for some quality handcrafted items for that adorable little one in your life, visit Gina's Dahlish Knits on Etsy - and have a wonhderful day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Many Horses Jewelry Supply

2011-05-15T09:58:00.000-06:00

Past Artfire CrazyTrai Rider Many Horses Jewelry Supply has quite a collection of jewelry supply items such as hair sticks, ear wires, beads, bead caps,jump rings, shawl pins, stick pins.....and more along with some finished items.

This is cute Butterfly Love Hair stick Clip-on™ Purple Heart Butterfly

it says it's a hair stick clip on, but I can think of lots of other places to put it besides on a hair stick, like a purse ring, cell phone charm, light pull, and it would look really sweet as a hair stick charm too.

These sweet Cupcake Lapel Stick Pins would look so cute on a lapel, or a hat, maybe even a purse all sorts of possibilities.

This Rosewood & Bone Shawl Pin is really pretty, I keep wondering if it would also work in your hair.

If you are looking for some jewelry supplies where you will get more personal attention than you do through some of those major chain shops, Many Horses Jewelry Supply may just be the place to go.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider On Pens & Needles

2011-05-13T15:38:00.001-06:00

I missed one (well, at least one) So today I'm doing the previous one - and today's tomorrow.
We have On Pens & Needles, with a variety of items, wood items, baby blankets, reusable bags............

This is so cute Red, White & Blue Cat Pendant

and I really like this idea - Reusable Sandwich and Snack bags - in a variety of prints, and lined with a rip stop nylon so you can just wipe them out - or if really messy toss them in a washing machine & air dry. How easy is that!

Oops I said baby blankets, well yes there are some adorable baby blankets - but I love this embroidered onesie I Love Grandma

and oh the pen part comes in because there are some wonderful wood covered pens - something for those special grads!

So, go check out On Pens & Needles for a wonderful assortment of quality handmade items perfect for the new baby, grads, you, birthdays, or just because!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider VIA DELLA ROSA

2011-05-06T15:13:00.001-06:00

I admit, I'm not getting back into the groove of doing this so well! and I wanted to put my jacket redo on here so waited until today to do the crazytrain thing.

Via Della Rosa makes glass & wood tile jewelry along with some pretty rosaries.

I sort of fell love with this sweet little bird titled Spring 1

These are cute little scrabble tile magnets titled Three Gossip Girls and they do come in their own little tin. Sweet.

And a wood tile pendant Antique No1

One of the cool things about finding things on ArtFire - you have everything from simple, elegant, fancy, all carefully handcrafted by a person who takes time to make it right, and adds some little touches such as a sweet little tin or little box. Simple things often make life so much nicer.

Check out Via Della Rosa, you'll see.

Cosmic - Old Friend

2011-05-05T02:14:00.005-06:00

A few months ago I came across an Altered Couture magazine, wow - I'm so inspired to try some of these alterations. One of my favs is the altered jean jacket. I love jean jackets, I think I have 4 of them now - well, technically, one of them is a blazer! Oops, I have 5.

Anyway - I have one that I wear more than the others, and it shows - it's getting pretty worn.

After visiting CreativeNachos I thought this would be perfect for the theme for this week - Cosmic.

It's silly in a way - it's a jacket - but I was about to cut parts off - 1st the lower band - my hand was shaking as I started cutting my friend apart. Now, you have to understand, I live in an area that you just don't see altered couture, at least I haven't, and I really don't wear lace - & I'm not sure how well this is going to work on me. I'm not 25, or 28, add a few decades to that last number. I'm not saying how many decades. lo

Then I cut 2, 3" wide strips of a black and white pin stripe suit material and pleated it, added some lace ( I had 2" left over, whew!) and sewed it on the bottom of the jacket.

Fortunately I have a very large piece of lacy material that I cut a piece out of to bead - it will go across the top of the jacket.

Beading this has been a very tedious process, my eyes just don't quite work the same as they used to. I recently had surgery on my right eye - and the near distance is different than my left eye, and as it turns out, I don't perceive colors correctly with my left eye, so in order to get the true color of something, I have to close my left eye! I wanted a little bit of color in the details, but not something real bright like bright reds or golds, the green beads are two different greens - that yes, were done on purpose.

As of right now, this is what I have. After I finish beading the lace & sewing it on the jacket, I'll cut the cuffs off next - I'll use the same pin strip material to make new cuffs, but with different lace. I haven't decided what to do with the collar yet, but it too will go - it's very frayed.
I haven't quite figured out how to do the front of the jacket - down the very front part where the button holes are - it's also very frayed. It's definitely a work in progress.
I will continue to post pics of it as I go.

ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Baby Nest Boutique

2011-05-03T12:08:00.000-06:00

I love ArtFire and finding all the cool things there that other people have taken time to create.
Today's Crazy Train Rider is Baby Nest Boutique

I have to say, this shop name is a bit misleading, because most of the items are not baby items!
Although there are some adorable baby items like this Baby Dress in Purple & Green

or this Baby Dress Pink Princess

and she has a few of these fingerless gloves in different colors.

And Baby Nest Boutique has very reasonable prices for hand crocheted items - and what a great variety of items!!!!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider AmyCrawley

2011-04-29T11:35:00.000-06:00

I think I missed a day or two in the CrazyTrain - I've been battling some intense headaches - but on this wonderful wedding day I'd like to present AmyCrawley who does some pretty cool things with polymer clay.

It's BLUE so of course I'm going to go for the Blue Nature Lightswitch Cover!

and not blue, but very pretty and unique earrings are these sweet Purple, White, & Black Heart Earrings

I love the ArtFire CrazyTrain thing - get to see so many different artisans and some wonderful handcrafted items, check out AmyCrawley on this wonderful day.

ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Lovely Things

2011-04-23T12:43:00.000-06:00

I'm happy to announce that I finally managed to get a computer last weekend - although it's not "new", it's new enough! I still occasionally get almost teary eyed thinking about some of the pictures I lost when my "old" computer crashed - pics of my grandson, some awesome pictures I've taken, you get the picture, right. It's still in Colorado so I haven't been able to see if I can still get some of the things off it - hopefully!

So, back to the ArtFire Crazy Train...today's rider is LovelyThings, who does make some very lovely things, and some fun things too!

Even though this is Miss Monthly Hott Frog it's so cute I was thinking of maybe getting for my daughter and her 2 kids! I love the expression on this frogs face.

Yeah, maybe because I now have 2 adorable granddaughters I get drawn to cute little things like this Baby's Jumpsuit - seriously folks, this sweet jumpsuit is a sz 2 and only $16.00!!!!

Besides some beautiful quilts, this busy lady also makes some gorgeous afghans such as this Deep Royal Blue Afghan made with my fav yarn Homespun - has the most wonderful soft texture

If you're looking for some fantastic and unique gifts for say, Mother's Day, a birthday, graduation, or you just got your tax refund in the mail and want to treat yourself to something special, visit Lovely Things and see for yourself what lovely things this woman makes.

Three Minutes and Happy New Year

2011-01-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have to leave in about 3 minutes to get to an appointment, but wanted to stop in and wish everyone a very Happy New Year - yeah ok, so the month is almost half over - what can I say! May we all have a blessed, prosperous, wonderful year in every way possible!
My computer remains stranded in Colorado - not sure when I will be getting it - but I try to get on the computer at the "business center" at the apt complex at least 3 times a week. I just don't always have time to visit everywhere I'd like to, but do know all of you at TST, HAF, ArtFire, Twitter, and blog friends, etc are missed!!! Oops gotta go!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!!!

HELP PLEASE

2010-12-02T13:31:00.001-07:00

I still don't have my computer up and running so yes, I haven't been around lately, but right now things are a little desperate.
I don't want to go into a lot of details, but the short of it is, my daughter is about to be evicted from her apt - and if she is, her 10 mo old baby and 10 year old son will likely end up in foster care - it's really a stupid long thing - but basically her soon to be ex who lives in a $2000.00 mo apt all of a sudden decided to not give her any child support - she's pretty much used up her local agencies last month for rent, but we need to get this months and hopefully January covered until the divorce goes through the court makes the A _ _ pay her so if you can afford even a few bucks to go buy something from me or to donate something, it will be greatly appreciated. CPS got involved in their live in Oct when she went over to his apt to get a few bucks to go buy the baby a hoodie and they got in an arguement and then the cops wouldn't let her call her friend to pick up the kids, it's really a mess - she's a good mom and these kids don't deserve to go into foster care because this guy is a jerk.
She doesn't need clothes or toys for the kids, she needs money to pay rent. She's been looking for a job, but has had a hard time finding something since she really can't work at night or weekends as she doesn't have anyone to take care of the kids at those times, she lives in Colorado, and I live in NM or I'd take care of the kids for her.
My paypal account is under lisianblue@gmail.com and my shop is http://www.artfire.com/users/lisianblue

Thank you so very much and have a blessed day and holiday.

ALMOST IN TEARS

2010-09-08T11:30:00.000-06:00

I have to make this short - in the midst of trying to get everything packed - loading up the truck this sunday, leaving Monday - my computer crashed - big time - as in there is no data left on it - or well maybe I should word that differently - tried uploading Vista - but it won't boot up - and doing so also formatted the disc which basically erased everything - a whole lot of pics - there were some really awesome pictures on there that I won't be able to duplicate - but the ones I am so sad about are the ones of my kiddos - can't redo those - can't go back in time to recapture them -
I KNOW that I should have backed up the files - it was on my list of things to do this week! hahahahaha - so all I can say is - if you haven't backed up your files - do so.
Here's the other problem, I bought my computer 3 yrs ago, it was a store demo and for some reason I didn't get a disc with it! so I am off to try to get a disc from the company and see if I can at least do something with it!
so, I gotta get back to packing - take care of yourself, have a wonderful day, and I'll be back off and on!

Fortunately this was on the HAF blog site - but super reduced - going to try to enlarge it somehow eventually! but I had a whole series of about 8 of this tree that was frozen - this may be the only pic I will be able to salvage of them!

Love ya all!

Serendipity

2010-08-31T05:56:00.000-06:00

The moving process continues - after it was off for a bit. Hours away from loading up the truck the end of July, everything fell apart - no truck, people couldn't come due to the new time caused by the truck being returned to the dealer late..........................So, I'm settling back into my apt, bought a screen door, a ceiling fan, and went into the apt office several times to request the door and fan be installed, and inquired about my new lease................2 weeks later the fan was still sitting on my living room floor, I had installed the screen door, and the lease had not been signed because, well I don't know, the young woman who was in charge of doing the leases never called me to let me know it was done. Meanwhile I found out I will probably need to have surgery on my right shoulder due to a tendon tear where it attaches, and my daughter, asked me once again to move to Colorado Springs..........................................and only because the lease had not been signed, I'm able to do so. Items that have been packed, unpacked, packed, unpacked, are now being packed again. Fortunately, not everything went through the packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking - but I had quite a bit unpacked from the July fall out. Every time things got packed, or unpacked I seemed to get more organized, more things went other places, and so the packing process has been easier this time around. Then, my daughter called me last week and asked me to come up to Colorado for about a week to help her out, and then we would go back to Alb. pack me up and return to Co. She just moved a few months ago and is still trying to get her place together - but all my stuff including me will have to be here until Oct 1 when I can get a place of my own.
After my early morning arrival on Sat, I took a short nap and later in the day we journeyed over to Manitou Springs where a music festival was occurring - a number of artisans had booths and so we wandered around these for a bit before heading off to the brick and mortar stores.

We came to a booth with some repurposed vintage pieces, a delightful mix of vintage/steampunk, some wirewrapping and their creator, Valerie. ONe piece in particular really caught my daughters eye, and although it was a reasonable $36. it was still more than either of us felt like we could spend - since my move will have to be paid for soon - the more we talked to Valerie, and she commented on the pendant I was wearing I then asked her if she didn't sell the necklace is she would be willing to tuck it away and perhaps we could do a trade later. She picked up the necklace and handed it to me with the agreement that I create a piece similar to the one I was wearing in different colors. Oh yeah, Valerie already knew I am in the process of moving, so getting this piece created may not happen for a month (or more), but was fine with that. I am honored that she trusts me to keep my end of the bargain so that my daughter could have something special in her sort of crazy world right now! Thank you Valerie!!

All pieces shown are by Valerie from her etsy shop Roses Creativity

One of my my favorites is this "The Key to Reds" necklace - believe me the picture does not do this cool necklace justice! I'm actually kind of surprised to see it's still available.
I'm still in a bit of shock that this woman just handed me the necklace with compassion for my daughter, I mean seriously, I could be someone who won't make good on the swap, but I will, in fact, I can hardly wait to create her pendant...............but everything is 400 miles & days away - and once we get to Alb, it's going to be all about packing - with moments of creativity.

Serendipity - indeed!

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by. Please go visit Roses Creativity too!! :)

Moving, Moving, Moving

2010-07-27T02:09:00.000-06:00

My apologies if I haven't been by as of late, I'm frantically packing and trying to get moved. It's a little, no it's very unsettling to be moving away again! Last time I left Albuquerque or the area was in 1982, so it feels very strange to be picking up and moving at this stage of the game. But, I am hoping it is a very good thing - Hopefully I will be around off and on for the next few weeks even tho my shops will still be in "vacation mode" . Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

HAF BLOG RING FEATURED ARTIST T.RUSK4U

2010-07-11T03:58:00.001-06:00

Although Teresa's first crafting love was sewing, she has become obsessed with making jewelry and enjoys the whole process, from choosing the materials and designing one of her very pretty pieces of jewelry. Looking to expand her skills by learning new techniques, Teresa enjoys designing and creating quality handmade jewelry for the budget conscious woman in styles from classic to contemporary. She currently lives in Hillsborough NC with her husband and 2 rescue dogs, while her 2 grown children live elsewhere.

You can find Teresa's wonderful jewelry creations at these places
T.Rusk4U Etsy
T.Rusk4U HAFshop
and her blog

Gray Scales Pendant Necklace is a sweet and unique pendant.

I just had to include this Santa Fe Surprise Necklace. I'd have those cool curly wire pieces all over the place, but these are so nicely done.

Whimsical Wire Wrapped Moss Green Stone, and who said fun can't be pretty too!

So, I gotta say it again - I love checking out at all the unique handmade jewelry on these venues, created by such nice and talented people - and you can go shopping in your pj's - or nothing at all in this heat! lo

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

HAF BLOG RING FEATURED ARTIST LTD BEADS & JEWELRY

2010-07-09T21:48:00.000-06:00

Joan, creator of LTD Beads & Jewelry found herself out of a job and so she returned to a childhood love - rocks - to relieve the stress. Well, not just any rocks, but pretty rocks, the kind you put into a necklace or earrings, along with a few beads. LTD Beads and Jewelry came to life as she kept returning to two things she loves, rocks and jewelry. With many years of graphic design experience, Joan does have a great eye for design as shown in her wonderful creations.

With a shops on ecrater , Artfire, and Bonanzle, you can take your pick whre to buy one of her finely crafted jewelry pieces.

Or to find out a little more about Joan and LTD Beads and Jewelry, you can also visit her blog

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day.

HAF FEATURED ARTIST S & T CREATIONS

2010-06-27T12:01:00.001-06:00

It truly amazes me how many jewelry artists there on online, and no two are alike! I'm almost surprised that the online jewelry artists haven't shut down the store business when you can go shopping in your "pj's" with your feet up sipping on a nice cool drink especially with creations like the artisans of S & T Creations on etsy make.

Seriously, check out these fantastic necklaces!

Daffodil Walkway Necklace

Black Chevron Set

SeaFoam Pearls

Want to know a little more about TerriB, the T in S & T Creations? Visit her blog here

My apologies for missing links, or if some do not work, blogspot was not being cooperative with me this am.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day.

HAF Featured Artist Tam'sJewelry

2010-06-25T19:13:00.000-06:00

Tammy, creator of TamsJewelry has some pretty cool jewelry and gives us a choice of where we can go buy her pretty creations.

Etsy where she features these bright handmade beaded earrings

and ArtFire with this awesome Turquoise Heishi and Black Stone Bead Necklace as one of her featured items

she also has a shop on Zibbet with these sweet Red coral Earrings as a featured item,

and last but certainly not least she also has a shop in the Handmade Artist's Shop with this beautiful DarkAmber Disk Necklace in the upper right hand corner where you can't miss it!

And if you want to get to know this artisan a little better, you can always visit her blog. Put your feet up, relax and see what cool jewelry she has! Read a little about this busy mom who also works part time and rides motorcycles too!
Enjoy!

HAF FEATURED ARTISAN A TOUCH OF GLASS JEWELRY

2010-06-13T09:14:00.000-06:00

The very first time I saw one of Brenda's pendants I was in awe.
They are glass, they are unique and beautifully made, you have a little piece of art to wear with each and every one of her pendants or brooches.

She employs several different ways of making her stunning creations, some are painted on the glass, while others are created with images of her original art work that are adhered to a domino. Either way, they are very very cool.

Brenda also fashions some very pretty earrings and has recently introduced a new line of "SNOOKS" (Sweet Novel One of Kind Sensations) created with her handpainted faces and found bits of jewelry that become a whole new creation with this artisans skillful hands.

You can find Brenda's fabulous creations at A Touch of Glass Jewelry on Artfire, Etsy and her very cool blog.

Have fun exploring this lovely artisans fantastic work!
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

HAF FEATURED ARTIST FANTASY DREAM KNITS

2010-06-07T04:18:00.000-06:00

Oh La La!!!

Fantasy Dream Knits has some wonderful creations on ArtFire and Etsy, and what an appropriate name for this shop!

I love camisoles and this blue one looks so soft and comfy and oh yeah just a tad bit sexy too!! And you can order one in just your size!

This Hearts of the Forest Entwined crocheted bead tube with it's enchanting pendant is quite lovely too wouldn't you say??

Besides creating some very unusual and lovely crocheted and knitted accessories, this amazing artisan is also the mother of 5, wife of 1, and also attends college full time for a Masters in Elementary Education. This is one busy lady! BTW, she has also written a pattern for a fun string bikini to be crocheted or you can purchase one already made!
What a fun way to supplement field trips and materials for her homeschool!!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Many Horses Jewelry

2010-05-29T10:22:00.000-06:00

And wouldn't you know it, I just cut my hair super super short - it will be years before it's long enough to use one of these beautiful hair sticks from Many Horses Jewelry, but you have to admit this Artemesia Wood Hair stick is just beautiful

although there are alternatives such as hat stick pins such as this lovely Peridot Fancy Hat Stick Pin Set

and some great shawl pins such as this Naturalwood Shawl Pin with White Handcarved Bone Set

Some very lovely items in this unique shop - support handmade artisans and buy unique well made items instead of mass produced!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider The Hobby Room

2010-05-26T01:20:00.002-06:00

Trying to get back on track here with some of my weavings - and todays ArtFire Crazy Train Rider is The Hobby Room , Andrea is a stay at home mom of 3 children who loves to create new things. With three kids I'm wondering how she finds time to create everything she has in her shop! but she does seem to manage to create some nicely made items such as these:

some adorable hair bows

Hooded Towels

and adorable crocheted caps

these are just a few of the items she creates - love that little cap don't you? She has a nice variety of caps, bows, and oh lots of lovely items, go take a look, you'll see!
Thanks for dropping by and have a great day!

AND JUST WHEN I THOUGHT........................

2010-04-18T08:34:00.004-06:00

...........I was through the worst of it on day 4 of being off the patch - and day 11 of nothing to smoke - I woke up feeling like a million little claws went skipping through my mouth and throat - I'm still needing to go to a large store to get a bunch of cat food and a few other things so I'm not spending so much $ on cat food every other day at my local Walgreens. Between the lack of energy and just generally feeling like crap, and not trusting myself if I walk past someone with a cigarette - I'm really having to seclude myself as much as possible. I sort of wish I was in the mountains right now so I could go out and walk around in the fresh air, and just relax listening to the birds and checking out whatever wildlife might be around, plus I wouldn't have to worry about running into someone with a cig. So, Friday I hung out on the couch and drank tea most of the day - my throat was feeling a little better, but then late at night it began hurting really bad again. OK!
After managing to find my little flashlight I went in the bathroom and opened wide and there in my mouth, the back of my throat, the roof of my mouth, the sides, pretty much all over are all these white patches!!!! And my tonque looks like it's about to split open! Now, I don't think I'm dehydrated - - I have been sweating a lot, but I've been drinking stuff and eating popsicles. Of course I figure out late Friday night that I've got a riproaring case of thrush going on. Taking a fluconazole at the start of the 6 days of methylprednisolone kept the thrush at bay for a while I guess, but within 4 days after I finished up the corticosteroid I've got white patches all over my mouth and throat. And quitting smoking has turned my brain to mush!!! I've been having problems with my throat through this whole process, and well, I started the steroids 2 days after I had my last cigarette. So I'm not sure how much of my throat problems were caused by the steroids or by the quitting process.

I have felt really crummy the past two days - I was thinking on Wed & Thursday that I would start feeling better soon - yeah well, maybe if the thrush hadn't kicked in I might have. And interesting enough, even as bad as my throat hurts, I want a cigarette so bad!!! Even with the patches I was getting intense cravings, ok - get through the craving, take a breath and there it is again, and again and again and again. "They" don't tell you that even tho the cravings only last a couple of minutes, well, if you don't satisfy the craving, it keeps kicking in over, and over and over again and very quickly!!! at least for me it has. For the fun of it I kept track of how many times these cravings were kicking in Sat am - about 20 times in one hour - and that's after 12 days without a cigarette and off the patch for 6days -
Cleaning out!!!
The closet:   I took ALL of my clothes off the hangers and I'm washing everything - even the hangers - dishwasher works great for washing the hangers!!! Every time I smell the left over scent of cigarettes, -smoked or not - it makes me want a cigarette so bad. I did manage to clean most of the walls before my daughter and kids came so the walls aren't too bad. There are other things, like the blinds that need to be washed - but honestly I can just do so much. This may be a good reason to start smoking outside long before you try to quit, and then wash everything inside or spray it with the odor eater stuff - then try quitting and limit what you wear and change out of it as soon as you smoke and put it in a plastic bag and keep it apart from your other clothes so you aren't getting everyting smokey again. Talking about smoking, thinking about it, writing about it, it all makes me want a cigarette - and I don't want a cigarette. I don't. the last one I smoked was soooo foul I had to wonder why in the world I smoked! I sort of think there was something about the Nicoderm patches that made them taste icky because I've never really experienced that before. Not like that any way.
I think making myself smoke outside for a while before I tried to quit helped - making myself wait longer and longer every am to smoke the 1st one, I think helps.   I've only eaten one meal in the past 3 weeks! you know the thing about smoking after you eat - well, I'm almost constantly eating something - but it's not the same as eating a meal - I've been eating good stuff, avocadoes, asparagus, almonds, pistachios (in the shell), grapes, V-8 juice, celery, fruit juice popsicles, and recently I added black licorice - now I'm just going to add here that I chose the brand with anise - and if I could find some that are more natural flavoring or natural oils I will get those. The anise is important here - it helps clear up the airways - DO NOT USE ANISE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT.   you have to talk to a knowledgable herbalist before ingesting much anise or any medicinal herb if you are pregnant.
I have to jump on my soap box here - in general people should talk to a knowledgable herbalist before taking any herb!!!!! and no, not all the people working at some of the stores are knowledgable herbalists. -or at least read up on it in several books -there are some good books out there - if you are going to use herbs in a medicinal way, you need to get several books and read them - There is a reason herbs are used, they have cause and effect, they also interact with other meds or herbs - some can cause spontainous miscarriages, some can aid in becoming pregnant, some can help boost your immune system - but you have got to read about what you are taking - talk to a pharmacist, your Dr, but don't just start stuffing herbs down your throat because your friend or co-worker recomended it. You have to do more than just read the labels on the bottles - they don't list all the contraindications.   BTW - side effects are not the same as being allergic to something.
Chai tea is really nice and you could add a bit of anise to it too - it doesn't have to be the star anise to get it's benefits. and btw Vitamin Cottage has great prices on their bulk teas and spices!!!! don't go overboard with the anise - it can dry you out too much - but it does help open up the airways - all of them! but, sucking on the black licorice sticks seems to help curb the cravings to a degree.  About 1/2 teaspoon anise will work for several cups of tea
and my latest "reasoning"
I've been really good, wow - ___ days now, so gee, I think I deserve to have a cigarette - just a couple of puffs - I think I deserve to have at least that - I've been soo good!"
lolololololololololololo
and then I grab a licorice stick and take a few deep breaths - and back to my beading, crocheting or whatever it is I am working on at the moment.
After 40 + years and never making it for more than 24 hours without a cigarette - except when I was in the hospital having a child, or after the motorcycle accident - I'm actually pretty proud of my now 13 days without a cigarette - not even one little puff! I have tried quitting - I don't know - probably at least a dozen times and have never made it more than 1 day without a cigarette!
- I sleep, I don't sleep, nod off, feel like I'm going to completely relapse with the fibro, feel like I'm over the worst of nicotine withdrawal, feel like I'm in the middle of the worst of it, I want to cry, I want to laugh, I want to rip someone's head off, - doesn't matter who - anyone will do!!! My head hurts. It feels like it's going to go into a major migraine. My brain feels clearer, it feels foggier, sometimes, it just shuts down.
My gastric reflux - wow - intense reflux stuff going on! (throat issues)  I want a cigarette, I don't want a cigarette, I don't think about it, I obsess about it - and all of that within a 10 minute time frame - and then replay all of it, over and over and over and over again!!!
I've spent a bunch of money on stuff to munch on in the past few weeks - much much more than I would have spent on cigarettes or food for the same time period - and somehow, I haven't actually put on more than a few pounds - I do manage get up now and then and do things and also walk around my apt and to the store about every 2 days. Smoking is expensive - in many ways - quiting is also expensive - but hopefully that will even out here soon and will be so worth it! Even the the cheapest cigarettes are "expensive"
Someone said it's really just a matter of "determination" - yes and no!!!!. but, I'll get into that next time - right now, I need to go back to sleep and sometimes that is the only thing that helps me get through these bad cravings - I just have to sleep!!!
lolololo it's 6 a.m. and I'm now going to fix myself some asparagus and then sleep for a bit.

I'm still not back to all of my normal web weaving - I have to focus on this - and believe me if I could put myself in a facility that would keep me locked up for about a month - like a rehab - but for smokers, I would do it! But, I have to just do this - and I have to allow myself a little more time to allow myself to do what I need to get through it - There is a lot that I need to do regarding a lot of things right now, and there are things and places on the www that need attention, but they may have to wait a little longer before I can get back to them - because I have to get through this - because if I don't, I'm not sure that will get see my grandson turn 13 - and I want to see him turn 30 at least!!! That's only 20 more years - but I want those 20 years and more!!!!!!! so I'm doing the most selfish thing in the world I've ever done right now - and hopefully everyone will understand!

If you are a former smoker - let me know what helped you quit - and stay quit! Are you one of those people that consider(ed) cigarettes as a friend??? I find that very interesting - let us know what helped -

wow - it got really long!
Have a wonderful day!

HANGIN IN HERE

2010-04-14T11:22:00.001-06:00

So, I was supposed to get my internet speed upped the other day.
but, instead, I got up and had no internet at all.

why is it - well, it's almost if the universe is saying ok, lets just see how much you can deal with since you decided to quit smoking - no really - but I'm not going to go into everything -...............................so, now on day 9 - cigarettes are not my friend, I have never considered them to be a friend, they are a drug - a very addictive drug -
I started using the nicotine patch on March 26th - this is 1st time, I've been able to use one 24/7 - and I didn't have super bad vivid dreams - some vivid dreams - but I was having dreams - not hallucinations like I've had in the past - so the dreams have been cool.
From the 26th through April 5th, I smoked about 1 cigarette a day - I know you aren't supposed to do that - but I did - except for 2 of the days - I smoked about 2 puffs of one on the 5th - and havent had any since!   I quit using the patch this past Sunday evening - decided I need to just get the nicotine out of my body and as long as I keep using the patch and putting nicotine in my body, well, I'm just sort of dragging this out.
It's now Wed - I could blow it sooooo easily right now - I'm trying really really really hard to not blow it!!!! I need this to be done - there is stuff I need to get done that isn't getting done - but, it's sort of um well, I can either go out and do stuff and probably bum a cig from someone - or I can stay home, and bury my face in a pillow and scream, or go take a long shower and then brush my teeth and use the water pik for 10 minutes and then go bury my face and scream - or go to sleep - sleep seems to be a great solution to a lot of things right now - except that there are things that need to be done - so sleeping is not a great option - it's just that sometimes sleeping is the only safe option!!!
Changes - my sense of smell or sense of taste havent really gotten great yet - still dealing with tooooo much of the icky stuff still - haven't been coughing, no runny nose, headaches, lots of headaches, sometimes, my breain just shuts down - it's like I just can't deal with anything any longer and I have to just lay down for a while.
Meanwhile, my right shoulder that I messed up a few weeks ago - is still messed up - finished up the cortisone - and the shoulder is still messed up - hot tub would be nice - but no, it's not working either! Why is that as soon as the weather gets nice enough to really start using the hot tub - the hot tub becomes unusable.
My skin - my face anyway - my skin looks so much better - the color is better - softer, smoother,
my ears don't have this dry flaky skin all the time any more - they do have a couple of massive pimples -

my hair - which I chopped off on the 5th - it's about 3" long now - well, there were handfulls of it on the bottom of the bathtub the other day - strange - not sure I thought my hair would fall out when I quit smoking!!! But, yeah, I was rinsing out my hair after I finished my shower and there's all this hair on the bottom of the tub!!!!!!!

I don't know what is going on - I was sitting here working on some pictures when people from the complex came by - well I thought they had sort of walked past my apt and were looking at something next door when I heard a voice say something about the wood and if it had come from the mountains well that's just inviting trouble and all sorts of bugs blah blah blah - well come on folks there isn't any other place for the wood to come from around here except the east mountains!!! Or maybe I should have it shipped in from one of the rain forests!!!! So, I'm not sure what is going on - my patio is actually somewhat neat right now - I do have a few things that don't really belong on there - but it's not all trashed out - my apt is a big mess - imagine moving all of your furniture into the middle of the room and then putting about half of it back but not all the way, and well you can start getting an idea what my apt is looking like these days.   I mess up my shoulder and then the Dr says - you need to stop lifting things for a while - so everything is sitting in the middle of the room!!
The heffalumps continue to stomp stomp stomp stomp - sometimes I can sleep for 3 hours withwout waking up, sometimes, I get 2 hours - if I'm really lucky I'll get 5 hours straight through without someone waking me up!!
yeah - I want to go do some damage to someone's face right now - doesn't matter who - anyone will do - all this from your peace loving hippie here!!the wall, a car, a window, yeah I think sometimes going to sleep is a much safer option!!!!! because I do not want to smoke - .......................................................................

I did manage to put together a kaleidascope slide show - it's on the bottom of the page here!! check it out!
I have managed to do a few pictures from 1 picture - I really want to put together some cool slideshows with these -

I'm trying to be zen about all this - and most of the time, I'm sort of ok - this is day 3 without the patch - in some ways - it's better without the patch and its a whole lot worse without it!!!!
I think once I get past today - maybe two more days at the most - I'll be on the upswing of it all! at least I hope so!!!!
I don't want to blow it - there are things I need to do - there are things I want to do - but you know what right now, I just have to get through this process - and so other things will take place as I can deal with them.

Here's Tweet-Tweet - I inherited her recently - she's 10years old - so she should fit in here with my 10 year old JazCat and me!!!

He likes to hang out on top of her cage - doesn't try to get at her - he just likes hangin out there!! Tweet-Tweet will just go about her business and sometimes flap her wings and sscreetch at him - but she seems to know he can't get to her anyway.

I now have to go lay down for a bit before I go screetch at someone myself!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!!

LIFE TRANSITIONS

2010-04-10T09:24:00.001-06:00

I think the computer, and the offending software has been remedied! I sure hope so, although, there may be a few settings I may need to change as I come across them.....................................................................

I am in transition - I know don't where I am going tho. I have options - just not sure which one of those options is going to play out at this point. I'm a Capricorn. I really am - and this cappy does not like being in limbo - some limbo, an exploration of sorts is ok - but not when I thought I had something figured out and then find out, I can't do that - well ok, but I'm just not sure where I'm going to end up - either across town or in a whole 'nother state!
However, I decided I want to share some things with the world out there - and I see even while I was off here I gained another follower, and I don't think I actually lost any - at least on here - so thank you! I was going to just address my current limbo - but some background info is sometimes a good thing.

1989 - I was 36, divorced & 2 kids, and then eventually living with a man that I loved, and worked with. Then, I was in a car accident - hit from behind - both kids seemed to be ok - they were both still so small, they were in car seats in the back seat of my bug - me, I had whiplash for the 2nd, 3rd, I don't know maybe the 5th time in my life. It put me out of work for a while - and the man, he ended up moving to Texas because of his job, we eventually split up. I was still out of work - and on assistance - and then I realized I was in the perfect situation to go to school, and that's what I did.

1990 - enrolled in the community college with a full course of the basic required courses - went to school for one year - took off the next and worked part time for myself - went back to school, I started out with the idea of going into Occupational Therapy - well, the university here didn't have an occupational therapy program at the time, (but was working on it) then thought about Art Therapy - yeah you guessed it, it didn't have that either. (again, they were working on it) Limbo!

One of the classes I took my very 1st semester was Small Group Communications - I fell in love with the teacher and the whole idea of really purposeful communication and all the ideas that went along with it - I took at least one communication class a semester or year for most of my remaining time in school. After tossing around a few other ideas, I finally decided to go into Elementary Education. Then I put my own limbo into action. I entered into the BUS program (bachelor of university studies) with a concentration in art (drawing & painting), communications, and pshycology. I didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it - but somehow had this trust in the universe that I would get where I was supposed to be. Due to things with my children, my dad, my own health, I eventually started enrolling for 3 classes instead of 4, sometimes, just 2 depending on what was going on with everyone. I graduated May 1999 in the top 2% of my class, a member of the Golden Key club, and a 4.gpa. This from the person who basically flunked her way through high school. I started working part time my last year of school in a dept at the university doing a major web page developement. But, I was graduating, the job was for a student employee. They wanted to keep me, I wanted to keep doing it, so they made it into a real job, and after going through the actuall process of applying for the job along with people who were more technically qualified, I got hired. I got hired because of the art background. The manager of the dept at the time figured it would be much easier to train someone to use the software to do the web pages than it would be to train a techy person aesthetics. I had the art background and had already been doing the job for a year. It was a perfect job for me, I got to use my design and artistic side, and the logic side of my brain. This web site was much more than one page - it's huge and I built it from the bottom up - or maybe that's from the top down. I got to keep learning new things, and most of the classes were paid for by the dept or by using $ I got for school from the school. Most of the time, the classes were during work hours. not bad. Eventually, I got into teaching (evenings) I was teaching two different classes on a contract basis (along with my regular full time job) - teaching paid much better - and I was able to catch up on all my bills and actually had started putting money in savings toward buying a house. I still had enough energy when I got home from work, I painted.

2000 - summer - July, I think. I was sitting at my desk, and could not stay awake. I didn't have anything else really going on - no sniffles, no headache, my knee hurt - my left knee has been injured numerous times - but really not much going on - I had been feeling pretty good, life was good, I was swimming several times a week, exercising in the gym several times a week. Somehow, I made it home, and went to bed, that was on Monday, I do remember that. I finally made it back to work on Frid for part of the day. I slept most of the time - and that's all I wanted to do - sleep. Within a few weeks, most of my body - from my neck down to my feet was in extreme pain. And I could not wake up most days. My alarm would go off for minutes, it would wake up my daughter in the next room, but it wouldn't wake me up. She would come in, shut off my alarm, try to wake me up - I would not wake up - by Oct I was on medical leave - thinking that with some rest, I could go back to work in a few months.

Jan 2001 - I resigned from my job - both jobs. Diagnosis: Severe intractable fibromyalgia. (think that's what my dr wrote) Pretty scarey. I now had an adorable grandson, and my daughter to support. My son had been living with his dad for a number of years by now. We moved - quickly into HUD subsidized housing and I applied for Sec 8, disability, food stamps, and any other kind of assistance and help that was available. My daughter started working part time at a grocery store as a bagger, and later for one my fav craft stores. Although, in a lot of pain, I could manage to take care of my infant grandson for 4 -5 hours, and I had help coming in to help me with cleaning, and cooking for me, and helping to take care of me. Eventually, we managed without her working and enrolled her in the community college (at 16) - I really wanted her in school more than working.

2002 - I moved into the apt complex where I still live. My daughter and grandson moved into their own apt. Outside - hot tub - the lady working for me would take me over there in my wheel chair - I started out exercising for 5 minutes every other day. I was exhausted with just that. After a few weeks, I was able to start slowly adding time and excercises to it.
Numerous physical therapy sessions for my back, the fibro, plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis surgery, thousands of trigger point injections, cortisone epidurals, changing meds, almost dieing twice - somehow, I'm better. The fibro is better - but I have osteoporosis, at least 6 (probably 8 or more) herniated discs, arthritis in most joints, GERD, and I cannot take prednisone or any form or cortisone without it playing havoc with my body. I cannot take anti-inflammatory meds (NSAID'S)- they play havoc with my stomach.

I am mostly sleep deprived these days - mostly because of the noise around me - and so - this is prompting my next transition - I have to get out of here - I wanted to move to an adult complex that has 2 nicely heated indoor pools - but they no longer take sec 8!!!! and then my daughter says - mom - how about you move up here - well, not sure that up there is absorbing sec 8. there are options - I just don't know which one is going to happen yet -
anyway - I am working on going through my belongings. I have a lot. I have spent the past 6 years or so, buying things that I think I can do to sell to earn a little extra money or to give as gifts. I have a lot of material - and now it's hard for me to sit and sew for very long. I have a lot of ornaments, those I can sit and do - but they don't really sell very well, the stained glass - well, it's sort of like the sewing - I can be up doing that for just so long before my back just won't tolerate it any longer. I can only sit at the computer for so long - and then my back just won't tolerate it any longer. I can only be up and around for so long, going through stuff, boxing it up and then I just have plant myself on the couch. I often lose my balance. When I 1st stand up after sitting I have to just stand for a minute before I can move -
I don't know what to get rid of. do I get rid of all the little stuff and take the reasonably good furniture with me, do I get rid of most of the furniture and take all the material, yarn, glass, ornaments, ......................and the hard part, I live in a gated complex so having yard sales to the outside world is made a bit tricky. some of it will go up for sale at some ridicously low prices in one of my shops - soon I hope, I need to get pictures, but right now, it's all in boxes!

This is not to elicite sympathy, but more of an explanation, I messed up on my last two orders, and I refused to send out an order ( a very nice order) because I didn't like sending $150.00 worth of my handpainted ornaments out to someone and have them just left on the porch without a signature confirmation. My daughter and grandchilren were here for about 10 wonderful days - then my computer went wacky! It is in some respects an offer of hope to some degree for people with fibro - it does usually get better - and mine was really severe - sometimes, I get angry, sometimes I get sad - I feel like I lost almost 10 years of my life - I have refused to have pictures taken of me - those ads you see of people with fibro on TV - well, they look good, I look like I aged 10 years in one year after I got so sick. I honestly believe I have been dealing with this horrid disease since my early 20's. Not in the same way, but I really believe it's all been a part of the same thing. I don't remember things, my brain still doesn't function as well as it used to, it's better, but not the same. I have a hard time thinking of words, I have a hard time spelling ( and I was very good at spelling), I try to write things - it takes me 20 words to say something that could probably be said in 5 or 10 if I could think of the right word. I have to go back through everything I write at least twice to make sure I got all the typos, put in left out words, take out extra words - I have an appointment the 1st part of May with someone to start exploring ways to get my brain functioning better. I hope I can find an apartment with a very warm indoor pool so I can start swimming and maybe get my body functioning better.

I could go on and on - but the back is "talking" to me and I need to try to get some sleep - you're comments are most welcome, and I appreciate it so very much if you have managed to make it through all this dribble.

Just one more thing - - I am now on day 5 - of nothing to smoke! I had my last cigarette Monday afternoon. I have to celebrate every day I go without one - sometimes I have to celebrate every moment I go without one - because I frequently want one!
Have a wonderful day and a great weekend.

NOT ALL FIXED

2010-03-31T23:10:00.000-06:00

Well, I thought I had it all fixed - but not completely! Hopefully, it'll get it all straightened out soon!!!

COMPUTER PROBLEMS

2010-03-28T02:00:00.000-06:00

Blah - I've been having some majoy computer issues - I think I have them resolved!!! I hope!!!
However, my apt in is in a state of total chaos!!! I bought some "new" furniture and am trying to reorganize things - will be listing lots of supplies for sale soon - need to make space............ and I plan on moving this summer, and need to lighten the load a bit!!!
I had a wonderful visit with my daughter and her two children this past week - nice to have my grandkids here for a while - and my daughter too!!!
Hopefully, I will get back into some sort of routine here again shortly.

SPTTIN & STOMPIN

2010-03-15T00:32:00.000-06:00

I finally made it back over to my space after not being there since last July. I quit going there because everytime I was on there my computer would get attacked.
As it is, I managed to get on to some site the other day and it got attacked - and then it's just been sort of messed up and my sleep has been really messed up - the people that live above me walk really heavy and are waking me up A LOT. I don't think I have ever been so sleep deprived. Even when I had a 2 year old and an infant I got more sleep than I can get with these people above me. I would switch my sleep schedule around to match theirs, but I can't figure out what theirs is!

and then the guy will open the door step outside and spit!

look, I've had throw up on me, spit up, peed on, pooped on, but this spitting stuff just grosses me out!

Might have something to do with almost getting spit on as I'm just walking out from the overhang just as someone is spitting from the 2nd or 3rd floor, but they can't see me under the overhang -

So, I wrote them a nice note asking them to please try to walk softer through the living room, and of course today during the day - I desperately needed a nap in the afternoon - they walked just heavily as they possibly could.

and then the guy walked outside and spit! I also asked him to please stop spitting over the railing in my note.

I canceled a large order last week that I probably wouldn't have if I hadn't been so sleep deprived, and then this week with my messed up computer and being so damm sleep deprived, I missed a message from a buyer who was having problems with the payment going through and wants the package to be at her friends by WED for a birthday present. I reduced the price a little more - it was on sale already - and told them I would get it ready tonight so as soon as the payment went through on Monday if they still choose to get it, I would get it in the mail asap going priority.

After this sale, I think both my shops are going on vacation, and I am only going to sell items that I need to just get rid of - supplies that I can't use - because I have to move this coming summer, I cannot handle living under these people any longer - as it is I'm stuck here until Aug 1st!

Unless I can sell enough to get up enough money to get out of my lease early!!! I would do it too - that's how bad it is!
so I'm off to get this windchime all packed up and ready to go out - hoping the person who wanted to buy still will -
and seriously hoping the people above me will walk quietly tonight so I can get some sleep!!

HAF Blog Ring Featured Artist Artshus by Violet

2010-03-07T14:22:00.001-07:00

Not only does this artist create delightful art, she also has a creative name and a lovely web site - Artshus by Violet- as in art shoes or shoe art. Karen, creator of Artshus paints some pretty realistic shoes. The first time I saw one of her paintings, I thought I was looking at a photo of a shoe. I admit, I'm not a shoe person, I don't like shoes, and they don't like me - but these shoes are beautiful! Oh maybe these would work for me, I don't have to wear them, I can just sit and enjoy them.

Karen has this stunning red stiletto on her banner in her etsy shop, Artshus by Violet, but you'll have to go look yourself. Although I can show you one of her original paintings of this beautiful Pewter Stiletto, that is one gorgeous shoe! Of course I'd fall flat on my face if I tried wearing a shoe like that.

This Vintage Velvet Pump is also an original painting, pretty amazing isn't it!!

Karen also paints brooches, cards to canvases and murals. If you're a shoe person or know someone who is, you've got to check out this artist's blog and shop. And, she also does custom orders, so if you have a fav shoe you want a painting of, this is the person to see. Beautiful shoes!

Have a beautiful day.

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER DESIGNS OF AVALON

2010-03-02T13:40:00.000-07:00

Designs of Avalon is the current ArtFire Crazy Train Rider, who does some pretty amazing creations with seed beads. Besides making some nice jewelry, this artisan also makes mosiacs with seed beads. Such as this Pisces Zodiac Sign, she sells it framed, I'm just showing the picture unframed. She has other zodiac signs too,

Not into zodiac signs? Well then how about this Musical Heart Seed Bead Mosiac
or

Nefertiti-Cloeopatra Seed Bead Mosiac, you have to admit, that's pretty cool.

Did I mention Designs of Avalon has some pretty cool jewelry too, so I highly recomend paying this studio a visit and see what treasures you may find.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

HAF Team Blog Ring Featured Artist Dream Bubbles Reverie

2010-03-01T22:37:00.000-07:00

I just joined this great blog ring last week, and still working on getting the hang of it! Mostly, I'm trying to stay up with it all, and not always doing so! Sometimes, my body just has other plans! Dream Bubbles Reverie is Krisin's place of reverie for her jewelry company Dream Bubbles, a place for musing, contemplations, and creations to share with friends. Kristin just opened her shop Jan 04 of this year! She started out with mainly chainmaille, and has recently added her delightful handmade spiders. Delightful spiders? Yes. Spiders are amazing, and they are very helpful little creatures. Kristin's spiders are quite stunning little creatures with their sparkly beads. Seriously, have you ever seen such a pretty spider as Twilights Embrace? (right) With those black, dark iris, purple, and lavender beads along with that fantastic lampwork bead for the abdomen, you just couldn't find a prettier spider.

Or maybe you could!!! Lady in Red is quite a beauty with those long red legs.

Still don't like spiders? ok well then check out Hearts of Fire Necklace & Earring Set of annodized aluminum rings of yellow, red, and orange with a millifori heart and Swarovski crystals.

Dream Bubbles Reverie has some great features of other artisans and an overall cool blog to visit.

I'd also like to mention that some HAFteam members are having a sale from today March 1st through the 15th, so if you want some great deals go see who's having a sale here: http://handmadeartistsforum.com/haf-etsy-street-team-sale/

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER SCARLET IMPRESSIONS

2010-02-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Good Saturday Morning! I'm actually sort of cranky this am - with about 1hr of sleep the people above me went stomping around and woke me up. Then just as I was walking away from watering the plants in my bedroom some guy walks past the window and just stares right in!!! That's just rude! but, I digress.

Wow - jewelry - Artfire has jewelry. Lots of jewelry by a variety of jewelry artisans. And the cool thing, it's all different which still just amazes me.
Scarlet Impressions has necklaces, earrings, bracelets, sets, for him, for the kids, and even has gift certificates!! What a great idea, that way if you want to get a gift for someone, but don't know quite what to buy them you can get them a gift certificate and they can choose their own wonderful handmade jewelry piece.

Wire wrapping fascinates me, especially if it's well done like this Lilac Turquoise Copper Wire Wrapped Pendant.

And for him, or her, this Brown Czech Glass Bracelet

And for the kidlette, these pretty Pink Flower Earrings . Oh wait a minute, I want those!!! There are necklaces for the little ones too!

So, you can get something for just about everyone in the family in this unique shop - and shop in your jammies while sipping on your hot chocolate or coffee on this cold Saturday morning - who wants to go out in the snow anyway! Not snowing here, yet, just cold.
Have a great day and thanks for stopping by!

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDERS GIRL SEATTLE AND IL MARE

2010-02-25T20:38:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for some unique and beautiful jewelry pieces, these two shops are full of such jewelry.

Girl Seattle does some intense creative wire wrapping - such as this Gold Mosiac Necklace. with tiger eye and black onyx.

This Vintage Filigree and Gemstone Necklace is one of my favs from this shop. It's made with brass belt buckles (yeah) and a variety of stones. Love those leaves on the chain!

If you are into gold jewelry, Il Mare is a great shop to visit, This Rose Quartz and Sapphire Necklace is quite lovely. Love all those dangly beads with this.

Or, these Amethyst, rainbow moonstone, and white topaz earrings are really pretty. I love the bunches of dangly beads on many of the pieces in this shop.

Spring is coming soon - that means Mother's day, prom, Easter, spring flings, just because it's spring and time to buy something new to wear with all those pretty spring outfits!! so, if you are looking for a unique and pretty piece of jewelry, visit these shops, you won't be disapointed!

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER MOONLIGHT ETERNAL

2010-02-22T09:13:00.000-07:00

My apologies to those that I have missed, I'm not going to try to catch back up - I'm never going to get caught up -so I'm just going to try really hard to stay up with this - I just have my days where I just can't accomplish much.

Jewelry - I don't go shopping much, but it seems like most of the jewelry in most stores (unless you're going real high end) looks a lot a like - but not so when you get to handmade! Which is pretty amazing considering we are all basically buying from the same sources, but it just all depends on how it gets put together. So, if you want something unique check out Moonlight Eternal. These little Faceted Rings are so cute, and if you don't like blue, she has them in other colors too!

These Rainbow Moonstone Dangle Earrings really caught my eye. I like dangly earrings, and I love moonstone. Pretty aren't they!

Check these Black and Ruby Spider Earrings out! I found these in her UnValentines Day section, a collection of spider earrings, skeleton items, black roses, a bloody hands necklace, well you get the idea right!

Now, can you honestly tell me you can find earrings like that somewhere in a brick and mortar store this time of year??? maybe, but this way you get go shopping in your jammies! (or no jammies)
Want some unique jewelry - pay a visit to Moonlight Eternal, and have fun shopping in your jammies!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Featured Artist Tuscan Road Designs

2010-02-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

Holly, creator of Tuscan Road Designs went to Italy and learned how to make lampwork beads! I'm jealous!!!!
I'm just kidding -
but, she did go to Italy, and she did learn how to make lampwork beads, but she didn't learn how to do them in Italy! She just got hooked on them in Italy! I guess there are worse things she could have gotten hooked on!!!
Holly's aim is not to follow the trends but to create her own unique eclectic and assymetrical pieces. Besides making her own lampwork beads, Holly also loves Swarovski Crystals, semi-precious gem stones, and works with sterling silver, Bali silver, African silver, copper and brass. Enjoy some of Tuscan Roads jewelry!

This lovely Spring Bracelet is made with lampwork beads along with Swarovski crystals, and Pinapple quartz - love those lampwork beads.

Besides blue, I admit it, I'm a sucker for just about anything garnet - such as this awesome Pearl Necklace with Garnet Locket

so, go ahead, I know you want to, go take a peek at Tuscan Road Designs on Etsy, and/or visit Tuscan Road's blog! and have a great day!

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDERS

2010-02-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'll probably get caught up just about the time I'm going to take another trip to Colorado, but I'm going to backtrack a little bit.

Mother and daughter team jewelry designers 2BellesandaBead make some pretty jewelry such as this Silver Circle w/Copper Heart pendant with silver chain.

These Rusty Pink Freshwater Pearl Cluster Silver Earrings look like they would be fun to wear.

Hosslass Art, original watercolors & functional art creations, has some beautiful paintings and cards made from original paintings such as this "Desert Runners Tres" or

"Springtime Fishing" blank note card - she has some great cards that would be perfect for the man in your life. And she also has free shipping on her cards and a few other items that are perfect for the "hosslass"!

GlasstasticTreasures is one of my favorite shops on ArtFire with her fantastic lampwork beads and other glass creations. These Kisses Chocolate Drop Lampwork Beads are too cute!

This Captured Love Heart Pendant is one of my favorites, love that swirly red glass.

BrokenWing Designs does metalsmithing, mostly in copper, such as this Copper Cuff with Pink Stone and also carries some pretty awesome vintage silver jewelry by Native American Jewelry artists

check out this amazing Santo Domingo Turquoise and Silver Concho belt. Wow, that would be a nice one to have!

So, vintage or new you have some pretty cool choices of some great handmade jewelry, lampwork beads, and original art or artistic note cards on ArtFire so the next time you are looking for that perfect gift for a loved one, or want some new jewelry for yourself or your walls, need a note card, I highly recomend you take a look at some of these artists.

HAF TEAM SPREAD THE LOVE

2010-02-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

I'm so far behind on many things, so I'm going to play catch up a little anyway. I got back home from Colorado Jan17th, by the end of the week I had a backed up bathtub. Doesn't sound like a big deal, but it turned into a major thing! Briefly, I ended up with 2 maintenance guys coming over one day, the next day I had 2 plumbers here for about 6 hours resulting in a hole in the wall, along with a major mess in the bathroom from one of the maintenance guys plunging the drain with the overflow cover off. Not a pretty fountain at all! I also have a large former headboard in the hall where the hole got cut, so that was sitting in my living room for over a week by the time the maintenance guy came over and patched & painted the wall. Then I had a rather mismatched wall, so I painted all the hallway walls & 2 doors, cleaned my carpet, cleaned out the headboard/cabinet & put it back. Did I mention that I had dirty water sprayed all over the bathroom? yeah, ick. Big big mess.
I've been trying to get things made for my dear little granddaughter that needed to go up with a friend yesterday. More on that later.
I really like being a member of the HAF Etsy Team - it's a pretty active & supportive team. Here's a few of our members:

TollyKit makes some pretty cool creations with chainmaille and even has a new little felted creature. This is Emerald Fire who is a forest dragon and protects the forest and all the creatures there!

This is Helm, a chainmaille and wirework dragon. Pretty cool dragons aren't they?

Another chainmaille artisan is Tora Jewelry who created this fantastic Spiral Crystal Drop Chainmaille Necklace - what an amazing necklace!

Check out this awesome Dragonscale bracelet - chainmaille just amazes me - and both of these artisans do some excellent chainmaille.

On the softer side of chains we have Trendy Craft Creations who makes some pretty cool creations with essentially chains of yarn! These Oreo Style Chocolate Sandwich Cookies are just too cute!

This yarn artist makes some really neat play food along with some other little goodies, but speaking of goodies, check out these yummy looking Amigurumi Crocheted Strawberries! She makes cupcakes too!

Back to the jewelry dept, we have T.Rusk4u who not only makes some really pretty beaded jewelry, she does some pretty wire wrapped pieces too, such as this Wire Wrapped Marble love that color! Pretty aqua marble and wire!

OOOO this pretty Sea Mist Glass & Pearls Bracelet is on sale!

One of our local stations was showing some items people might want to get for their sweethearts for Valentines Day, and I thought, you know it's really too bad that more people don't know more about Etsy or other venues that sell handmade items. I know I would much rather have something that is probably very unique made by an individual artisan than something that was mass produced and a thousand or a million other people will be getting also. Wouldn't you?
Thanks for stopping by and have a great day.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Rose Works Jewelry

2010-01-07T12:22:00.000-07:00

Grabbing a few minutes in between playing with the kiddo - today's ArtFire Crazy Train Rider is Rose Works Jewelry - some pretty awesome bead work in this shop - I'll let the pictures do most of the talking

Color Explodes Beaded Cuff

Breast Cancer Awareness Bead Woven Necklace

Wind Dancer - Elements Necklace #2

One of the fun things about bead weaving, you can use a variety of beads using the same design and come up with completely different pieces of jewelry - if you are looking for a unique piece of beaded jewelry, I recomend you check out Rose Works Jewelry

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2009-12-30T08:58:00.002-07:00

I have so many things to catch up on here - but today is not for catching up - it's for preparing for a journey -

2009 has been an interesting year, I've met some great people, opened my shop on ArtFire, reopened my shop on Etsy, and been involved with Handmade Artists Forum, TST and joined various venues - I can't keep up with all of them! It's been a busy year - I hope to take a little time in the near future to get more organized, get my time more organized, and be even more creative.

For now I want to wish everyone a joyful, wonderful and prosperous 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Etsy HAF Team Member Deb Thuman

2009-12-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

There is a wonderful group of people on Handmade Artists Forum that is a great place for artisans to share their work, thoughts, ideas, a few recipes here and there, and there is also a Etsy HAF Team and an ArtFire Quild - but I have to tell ya - this etsy team is an active group of people!! Deb Thuman is not only an Etsy haf team member, she is also a New Mexican and some of her work reflects the SW style.

I love this Blue and Silver cuff looks like some great beading work, and those colors are simply beautiful.

This lovely cuff is titled Southwestern Storm - yep I'd say it gets it!

and these are just so cool - Fun, Comfortable Boxers - aren't those awesome!!!

What a wonderful talented group of people we have on HAF, Etsy, and ArtFire, if you haven't checked these venues out - do so, you won't be disapointed! and you get to go shopping in your pj's or whatever attire you desire - or non at all!! Many of the artisans will gladly do custom orders, just ask, even if they don't mention it -I'm not sure I have anything in my profile on either site about doing custom orders, but I will & I know many of the artisans do! Think of those boxers in your fav color combination!!!! Love it!

Have a splendid day! and Thanks for visiting my blog and these wonderful artisans shops.

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Nature Whispers

2009-12-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

This is fun - Etsy and Artfire on the same page!!! maybe they can live together peacefully!

Today's ArtFire Crazy Train rider is Nature Whispers who makes some awesome creations, jewelry, tables, lamps, little nic nacs from cactus skeletons - cool stuff.

Check out these cool Lamps from Juniper Wood

or this awesome Handcrafted Rustic Table

This Cactus Home Decor nic nac is one of my favs - with the bunny of course - but there are other animals you can choose from.

Nature Whispers also has a nice selection of stones and pendants, and the name of this shop is perfect! Do check it out for some very unique and wonderful creations.
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day!

Etsy HAF TEAM

2009-12-18T21:53:00.000-07:00

There are some people that are on line so much I often wonder how they get any creating done - but then I forget, I'm sort of slow - I work slowly, I type slowly, and just process things slowly - I've always been kind of that way - but ever since the fibro hit me so hard about 10 years ago, I'm even slower - so, it's 9pm friday night and I have to wonder just how many people will read this, but here goes:

I reopened my etsy shop a few weeks ago and also joined the Etsy HAF team - that's Handmade Artist's Forum - and there are a number of them that do a great job of promoting the rest of us. So, along with my ArtFire Crazy Train promotions, I'll also be doing Etsy HAF team member promotions.

Beadlady 5 Designs comes up with some pretty combinations such as this Vintage Ruby Cabachon and Antique Brass Pin

And lots of other awesome jewelry combinations/

Stanislava has an eclectic collection of boxes, hearts, and these adorable little fairy angel ornaments that she creates.

Zur Designs has some very pretty anklets, bracelets, rings - one of the coold things about handmade - you get such a nice variety of creations. This Black Webbed Jasper Wire Wrapped Ring is so pretty.

Red Fox Jewelry also creates some unique jewelry - but I keep being drawn to this sweet Christmas Tree Wire Sculpture zipper pull or purse charm

And that brings us to HaffinaAgain who has some pretty awesome earrings like these Flourite Dangle earrings

Now, aren't you wishing you had gone shopping online instead of at that big box store down the street? and you could have been shopping in your pj's!!
Well, it's not too late yet - and there are birthdays, anniversaries and other events coming up right, so bookmark some of these talented artisans and when you need a nice gift for someone special,or yourself, relax, hang out in your pj's and go shopping at Etsy or Artfire. I know you won't be disappointed.

Handmade Artists Forum is a great place for artisans to hang out, share their creations, get feedback, give feedback and share the joys in life.

Merry Merry Christmas and have a wonderful New Year!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Frugal Kitty

2009-12-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

You just gotta love a name like that - Frugal Kitty! And I have to say, this studio has some pretty cool necklaces and bracelets. This Oceans Delight Necklace is one of my favs.

This Pink Ice Necklace would look lovely with that little black dress for the holidays don't you think?

I really like this little Elephant Bracelet - that's just cool!

And Frugal Kitty does have some great prices for her handmade jewelry, so if you are looking for a nice but not expensive piece of jewelry, this is a great shop to go visit.
Give the gift of handmade this year - help support these wonderful creative people - much better than buying mass produced items that 1000's of other people are going to have the same of!
I just love that little elephant!

What!! You're still here?? go check out Frugal Kitty!!!

Crazy Train Rider Bohemian Rose

2009-11-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Happy Cyber Monday everyone.

It's sort of gray and cloudy here in our usual sunny Albuquerque, and chilly. Makes it even better for a Cyber Monday - just stay in and go shopping on line!!
Anyway - todays ArtFire Crazy Train rider is Bohemian Rose who makes soaps, lip balms, scrubs, and cuticle balms (what a great idea for these cold winter months)

I just like the sound of this one: Ginger Milk Soap

with a blend of fresh ginger, nutmeg and coriander -- oh wait that sounds almost good enough to eat!!

She also has the awesome sounding Facial Scrubbing Mask

you can use it as a scrub or a mask!! Double Duty in one product!!!

Another great looking item for these cold winter months is this Vanilla Mint Lip Balm, which is vegan, and it looks like most of the soaps may also be vegan. (I'm guesing on this one, so don't absolutely take my word for it ok) There are other flavors too if you don't like Vanilla Mint.

And through today only, she's giving a free gift with each purchase! One of the really awesome things about handmade soap, is often the ingredients are geared towards a certain effect, either in an aromatherapy type, or for special skin conditions, but the one thing that usually holds true for handmade soap, they are usually less drying than most soaps you can get in the stores. And they are usually really pretty. I highly recommend you check out Bohemian Rose and happy Cyber Monday shopping.

Crazy Train Rider Rainwolf Studios

2009-11-28T20:44:00.001-07:00

I should probably not write anything about this artisan and just let the pictures speak for themselves! This artisan has some really fantastic photos - and at some great prices. If you are looking for some art to hang on your wall, this would be a good place to go. One thing I would like to say tho - please don't copy these from my web page - besides you won't get very great copies anyway as they are reduced and at a reduced dpi. DO go check out Rainwolf Studio tho!!!

If you happen to need a nice warm hat, Rainwolf Studios has those too! A very nice selection of knitted hats! I just wish I could wear mohair!!! Doesn't this look so soft and warm!

Be sure to look for the coupon on the lower right side of the studio!!!!!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Dichroic Dazzle

2009-11-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

It's a busy time of year - and I was just thinking this morning that another great reason to buy handmade - most people sell online and you don't have to wade through 1000's of people at the mall and stores! And many artisans are having sales this time of year such as Dichroic Dazzle of ArtFire. And, talk about variety, this lady has variety! Such as this awesome Viteous Enamel Sgraffito Leaf Pendant and earrings,

cufflinks,

hair accessories, and much more. AND, she's having a sale - you need a coupon code so be sure to get that its on the bottom right of her front page of her shop.

So, if you really want to wade through 1000's of people go for it - it you want to buy the same thing 1000's of other people are - go for it - BUT, if you want something unique, something that 1000's of other's aren't going to have, and you can get it mailed right to you, then visit this artisan's studio and if you don't find something there, go visit the rest of ArtFire - lots of Artisans are having sales, and even if they aren't, many have such great deals anyway it's well worth the "trip"!

Have a wondeful Thanksgiving and a great day today!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider Jewelry by Desiree

2009-11-23T14:11:00.000-07:00

At some point, I may try to catch up. But until then I'm going to try really hard to keep up with the current ArtFire Crazy train riders. I've just been having a really hard time getting back into the swing of things after coming back from Colorado when my daughter was sick with the flu - not such a big deal usually- except they think it was the swine flu and she's pregnant.
Without further ado, I give to you today's ArtFire Crazy Train rider Jewelry by Desiree, who has quite a variety of jewelry, such as these Purple round resin earrings.

and if earrings aren't your style, she also has wine charms - and these may actually be very appropriate for this time of year.

she also has a sale section!!!! and included in her sale section is this sweet bracelet.

So, if you are looking for a unique and reasonably priced gift this time of year - go check out Jewelry by Desiree on ArtFire.

By cutting out the middle "men" people who sell on line can often sell their creations at some great prices. When you don't have to pay half a dozen people before it gets to the consumer, you can pass the savings on to the consumer. There are a number of people who also sell wholesale and so they will usually mark their items up a little bit more, but then there are those of us who don't sell wholesale and you can get some great deals. Another great reason to support Handmade! You get great items at great prices.

BACK ON THE ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN

2009-10-19T16:25:00.000-06:00

So, I finally got caught up and get a semi schedule going and of course you know something is going to happen to derail all that!
My daughter who is about 25 weeks pregnant apparently came down with the swine flu. She has also asthma - not bad asthma - but she does have it. So, she ended up in the hospital. And I ended up taking a trip to Colorado Springs to take care of my grandson. She got out of the hospital the day I arrived, but, it's a good thing I went so I could hang out with my adorable grandson and she could rest. She is doing better, but still tires pretty easily - so ladies if you are pregnant, please get the swine flu vaccine - what you end up on is much worse than the vaccine! She was planning on getting her and her son vaccinated as soon as she could - but seems like the flu came 1st! I'm just glad she is still around and baby seems to be doing ok through it all.

So, once again I'm playing catch up!
Where did I leave off? Well, starting with LilBritKnits who makes some of the cutest handknit baby booties such as these Cowboy Booties

in blue and white yarn. Aren't they just adorable! Well, of course I'm into baby booties right now! lo

And if you aren't into or need baby booties, she has some wonderful dish clothes, tea pot cozies, cup cozies and some other scrumptous knitted items.

Somewhat misleading is CatInALife who makes some truly awesome jewelry - from beaded jewelry to these amazing Egyptian Swirl bracelets. And proves that if you have a great product, you can sell jewelry on ArtFire! She is also very active in the forums. Since Oct is Breast Cancer awareness month, I'm featuring this awesome Pink Egyptian Swirl Bracelet

and this very pretty Lampwork Pink Flowers Black Glass necklace and earrings set.

For the month of Oct,. she will be donating part of her proceeds to a domestic shelter.

Nice variety today We all need soap right? So, why not pamper yourself with some awesome handmade soap by Cora's Blissfully Natural Products LLC

also known as Dragonfly. I didn't read all of her descriptions, but the ones I did read have goats milk in the soap - what a luxurious way to pamper your skin. One of my favorite scents is lemon so I chose her Lemon Cove soap

now, that would be a treat!

Or her Goddess By Baby Phat Goats Milk Soap - she has a nice variety of scents and even some body oils. A very good thing for the cold winter months - milk is very soothing to the skin, and most of the handmade soaps aren't as drying as many on the market today. Pamper yourself, and buy one or two for a friend too! They make great items to keep on hand for gifts. I've also used many soaps in my drawers to add a nice scent until I'm ready to use the soap.

Hopefully, I'll get back on track here and do these blogs on a more regular basis again - at least until sometime in January when my granddaughter is expected to arrive.

Remember to get those flu vaccines - especially if you are pregant!!!!!

ROYAL DESIGNS ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER

2009-10-02T09:26:00.000-06:00

It feels good to be caught up with the Crazy Train - hopefully I will be able to stay caught up! It's been a crazy couple of days, I'll spare you all the details - I'm ok - it has more to do with my daughter and her family, they will be ok, but yesterday was a bit scarey. After a trip to labor and delivery, and getting checked out all is well - but it was good she went in and got checked. They even called her up a little while after she got home to see how she was doing and scheduled a follow up appt for Monday am. cool. Makes me feel a little better knowing they are keeping a good eye on her and the baby.

And now to today's ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Royal Designs Handmade Unique Jewelry (yes, another jewelry artisan!) See, I'm telling you, if you are looking for jewelry - don't bother going to the mall or one of the big box stores, go to ArtFire - you don't have to play in traffic, you can go shopping while sipping some tea, coffee, or whatever your favorite beverage is, put your feet up and peruse all the wonderful jewelry to be found there. For instance this lovely Turquoise and Swarovski Necklace - wow that just pops on the black background, think of how lovely it would look along with that little black dress!

How about this Blue Lace Lady Necklacemade with blue lace agate and Swarovski crystals. Pretty pretty necklaces in this studio.

And this Just ForFun Necklace with these gorgeous Czech beads that are called Montana - no they aren't black - I thought they were at first, but look a little closer, and you will see they are a dark greyish blue - a lovely color, with a sterling silver hook. Royal Designs has some lovely necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and well what do you think of when you see the word royal? Expect something very elegant - and that is what you will you find in this studio.

Do something good for yourself today, whether its' just taking a relaxing hot bubble bath, while having some nice hot tea, relaxing by a fire, or putting your feet up and go shopping while sitting in your pj's and slippers!

Thanks for checking it out and have a scrumptous day!

NEW ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDERS

2009-10-01T11:38:00.000-06:00

I am happy to announce, I'm now caught up - I'll see if I can stay caught up!
As a category, there is more jewelry on ArtFire than anything else - talk about competition! A lot of the artisans are women, and women love jewelry right, so it seems like a natural item for so many in the handmade world to make jewelry. Tough competition though.
It is very interesting seeing how different people use the same materials as other people and yet create something very unique with it. Rose of Sharon has some very unique jewelry creations. You can tell she loves playing around with metals, and actually bending it into a piece of art. Here's a pendant that would be excellent for someone who is a musician or even a music lover

A Treble Cleff made with sterling silver, and if you don't want silver, she has one in copper, or how about these Hammered Copper Earrings. I really encourage you to check out the wonderful creations by this artisan, she has some very unique pieces.

Magnets, magnets are one of the handiest things to have. How many of us use magnets to hang our kids pictures on the frig. or little notes, or whatever so why do it with just a plain ol' magnet when you can use something like these wonderful and humorous magnets by Picard Creative. Almost everyone knows those Ruby Red Shoes and the phrase "there's no place like home" and she makes them with recycled tin can lids and quality pictures. She has a huge variety, and the sayings she puts on them are just fantastic, they have such humor, and will bring a smile to your face.

I love this one! Yeah Kitty will have revenge, I'd want revenge too if I was a cat dressed up like that!! Picard Creative has great prices and if you buy 3, you get one free! Humorous, fun magnets, they will make you, your friends, and family laugh.

Try and find that in a store!

Just the picture alone is funny, but then you add the phrase, and it's even better. Picard Creative uses mostly vintage type pictures and the sayings she has to go along with them are so fitting, you just have to see them.

As always, I encourage to you check out some of these unique handmade creations, they make excellent gifts for birthdays, Christmas, or just because.
Thanks for visiting, and have a tremendously joyful day.

ARTFIRE CRAZYTRAIN RIDERS WONDERFUL CREATIONS

2009-09-30T09:50:00.000-06:00

The hardest part of all this is well, 2 things actually, resisting the temptation to buy some of the items I find, and thinking up titles for each blog!

I am so close to being caught up!!

Starting out today's lineup is Maggie McMane Designs with her wonderful jewelry creations. LOTS of earrings - if you can't find a pair of earrings in this studio that you don't absolutely love, I'll be very surprised. And Pendants/necklaces - lots of fun jewelry - from some very simple but prettty designs to more dressy. One of her featured items right now is this adorable Snowman Necklace

Nice creative use of those bead caps and beads I think. This is a necklace that both big girls and litle girls would enjoy wearing. And, it would go with just about anything you are wearing, from blue jeans to something a little more dressy. Wouldn't this be fun to wear to a Christmas party?

Earrings, can you have too many pairs of earrings? A friend has about 200 pairs of earrings - more than anyone else I know. However, if you love earrings and having a large variety, this is the shop to visit.

These little Green Flower Dangle Earrings look like they would be fun to wear, I love dangly earrings. This is one of the coolest features of buying handmade, even with all the jewelry sellers on ArtFire - there is such a huge variety of how people put their jewelry together.

Once again 2 out the 3 riders today make and sell jewelry. Sweet Whimsy (love studio name too) has a nice variety of mostly glass tile pendants. She has just added another pendant out of a different medium,

but - can you guess? Her Palm Pendant is a OOAK creation, so nobody else will be wearing one exactly like this one! Love the iridescent effect on this don't you?

Yesterday, I featured an original aceo of a flamingo - found another flamingo today! Only this time, it's on a pendant - not by the same artist as yesterday. Glass tiles are fun to play with and I'm always amazed at the variety of designs people put on these. This is Sweet Whimsy's Flirty Flamingo pendant. What a great variety in this studio and on ArtFire in the jewelry world.

Are you wondering if the there are other creations besides jewelry on ArtFire? Yes , there is.

A humongous variety of items, many of them ooak unique creations, and Harmon Art has some wonderful unique creations such as this Dark Red and Black Cannonball Gourd, not something you are going to find in your big box stores or the mall. Besides, who wants to play in traffic around Christmas? Easy Christmas shopping, sit in your chair in the comfort of your home and go shopping in your pj's! Harmon Art has a wonderful variety of gourds and other creations, but I admit I'm fascinated with their gourds such as this Dark Red & Black Doodle Kettle Gourd, Handpainted, looks like they had fun painting this one! Just a sneak preview - check it out to see all the wonderful doodles on this unusual gourd.

What's your favorite pick for today???

I'm off to work on my blog about my ornaments and other creations which you can find here http://lisianblue.com/ I just bought my own domain, there isn't much there yet, but I would love to have you come visit.

Thanks for visiting and have a super day!

AWSOME ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN

2009-09-29T14:40:00.000-06:00

Life is like a bowl full of cherries! Bright and beautiful, juicy and sweet and well a few pits along the way. I'm loving this new blog editor.

And here are a few things I'm loving by a few of the Crazy Train riders.

Jewelry is big business on ArtFire - lots of competition there. Today 2 out of the 3 riders make jewelry. The totally awesome thing about this though is that everyone makes something different! It's not like walking into one store at the mall or the big box stores and then another finding pretty much the same thing in each store. Jewelry Works by Kim has some very pretty jewelry such as this pair of carved wood Tiki and Turquoise earrings those are really cool. Can't say I've seen anything else quite like those anywhere else, and they have sterling silver leverback earwires.

And another wonderful pair of earrings, perfact for fall (as are the tiki ones) are Kim's Autummn Equinox earrings. Something about browns and golds, silver and similar colors for fall. The little feathery leaves are pewter. Not only does she have some pretty cool jewelry, she also has some really great prices.

And so as not to confuse the jewelry shops, we have Cherilynn Fine Art with her original and reproduction works of art. Although, personally I love working with oils, I truly admire watercolor artists. There isn't much room for mistakes with watercolors. Oils, if you don't like it, just paint over it, can't really do that with watercolors. I worked with a man once who just loved flamingos - everytime I see one, I think of him - and this wonderful original ACEO of one is delightful. Not into flamingos? How about this very colorful Gorilla - check out those eyes. Those are something else!

He looks like he is looking right into someone's soul.

And strolling into another jewerly shop, Trinkets and Treasures , with a great variety and different than Kim's (see that is one of the awesome things about buying handmade!!) This Green Sea Glass pendant is so cool, love the colors and the way she put this together. There's a couple of little sea shells along with the white and green pieces of sea glass - such a unique piece of jewelry.

This one, I don't know, I think I'd have a hard time selling if I made it. (I'd want to keep it) Alaskan Ivory pendant - with two pieces of ivory from two different trips to Alaska! How cool is that!

See, two different shops, very different pieces of jewelry. And I'm willing to bet you won't find many pendants like the ivory one or that sea glass one either!

If you are looking for a unique piece of jewelry for yourself or a loved one - check out these shops, and if jewerly isn't your thing, you can alway get an orginal piece of art. No pits.

Support artists, buy handmade! and have a lovely day.

RIDIN ALONG THAT ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN

2009-09-24T10:28:00.005-06:00

So, I'm almost caught up and then I have another couple of days feeling like someone smacked me in the face! And then I feel half way ok. I am sooooo glad though that I haven't gotten really sick - and hoping I can keep it that way this fall!
As we were doing a "My favorite childhood movie"theme on Thursday Sweet Treat, I thought it would be fun to include this Fairy Godmother resin pendant by Luv To Sparkle - what little girl wouldn't love that? Probably even a few big little girls!

Being a big fan of bunnies, I had to include this Happy Bunny Resin Necklace. lo I just went back through this fun studio - there really are some cool resin pendants here - not all for little kids! You can just tell these pendants are full of glitter - and that's a hard thing to take pictures of - cute - cute - cute!

And more cuteness from Val Made with a studio full of some very cute cards. Christmas cards, congrats, Easter, get well, new baby, and more, along with some pretty handknit scarves, caps and other items. So, if you have a special occasion coming up that you need a special card for this would be a great shop to visit.

These are really cute cards.

I love watercolors- I don't do such a great job with watercolors so I really admire anyone who can paint with them - and I just love MyrnaM's sense of humor. I suppose when you are a grandmother of 22 you probably both need a sense a humor and have just developed one by that point!
Love this "Cat Art April Showers" ACEO - in case you don't know what an ACEO is, it is Art cards editions & original - they are 2.5" x 3.5" Most of the art in this studio is of original art. And at some great prices.

and one of my other favorite subjects - birds - in this case the American Kestrel - almost hard to believe that this sweet looking bird portrayed here is quite the hunter! Wonderful watercolors by MyrnaM.

I have been really resisting buying anything on ArtFire although there are a lot of items I would love to have - just because! But, with the limited income I have, most of my "spare" income that isn't being put towards bills has gone to supplies for my own artistic endeavors. However, I did purchase something from one of these artists today - not saying which one - I'll post it when I get it - oh oops - no I won't it's for a Christmas present!

Buying handmade is such a great way to have something unique to give someone you love for their birthday, Christmas, anniversary, or just because!

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER AQUAURIANN

2009-09-20T16:08:00.005-06:00

If you are into fantasy art and reading, this is the studio to visit. Or just into fantasy art! AQUARIANN has some really cool bookmarks, pinback buttons, njotecards, originals, prints, and ornaments with her totally cool fantasy art of fairies, pirates, unicorns, dragons and more.
This would make a great stocking stuffer for those pirate fans.

Sweet birthday present or maybe a solstice gift? She also has originals, so if you want to get something really special, you can do that too.

Really like the colors in this one of the unicorn. She has some pretty awesome dragons too.

Pictures link to the item!

Thanks for checking out my blog and have a wonderful day.

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDER HOOK YARN & INKER

2009-09-19T20:43:00.004-06:00

I think it's time to start addng in the current ArtFire Crazy Train Riders.
I also wanted to mention that ArtFire just recently came out with these sweet Handmade Christmas badges for us to put on our blogs, or other places - you can see an example of one on the lower right side of my blog. Yeah ArtFire - they are always coming up with new things to help us out!
And speaking of Handmade Christmas, Hook Yarn & Inker has some wonderful handmade items that would make some wonderful Christmas gifts or for any holiday, birthday, or for yourself!
Pretty and colorful is this Gumdrop Hippie Hat (love the name too) - Looks like you couldget a bunch of hair into this - and be warm too!
I absolutely love the design of this - Sunburst Cotton Flapper - it's sort of hard to see in this photo, but it has this sweet flower on the side - cute cute cute!

Besides the wonderful caps, eye masks, slippers, belts, there are some great eco friendly products in this studio. I've been using towels for cleaning for years - haven't bought paper towels in years - but this is a fantastic idea for a floor duster - no more throw away duster covers! and there are some fabulous bags, and other eco friendly items too!

I highly recomend you check out this studio on ArtFire for some great handmade items for yourself, Christmas, Hannukah, birthdays - or just because!

Pictures link to the item in the studio.

ARTFIRE CRAZY TRAIN RIDERS

2009-09-18T13:16:00.007-06:00

Hooray for Friday! Hooray for some wonderful handmade creations. I was thinking of waiting until Sat to do this one - but I have been thinking of following more of a schedule for my blogs and other on line things. I'm going to try doing the ArtFire Crazy Train write ups on M,W, F and then T, and Thurs for other items of interest - or maybe not write anything! I realize that I may need to adjust this a bit once in a while since there is a rider on Sat & Sundays too - so we'll see how it goes.

It's blue and it's beautiful! And it's made by MDavis Designs this lovely sterling silver wrapped sodalite and Swarovski crystal pendant/necklace. I'm thinking that this would make a lovely gift for a special lady in your life or for yourself! I'm sort of thinking I wouldn't mind having it myself! That's the kind of necklace that can look great with jeans and a blouse or with a nice dress out on the town! I wonder if she does trades....................................

Wow, this is an awesome wind chime - jewelry for the wind! Made with copper, beads and capiz shells - and if you aren't into red - she has wind chimes in other colors! In Fact, MDavis has lots of other really wonderful creations, and I think very reasonable prices, along with free shipping through Sept.

I debated on this for a bit - I wasn't really sure if I should go ahead and include myself in this or not - well, I guess you can tell what I decided to do! I was next on the list after MDavis - so here I am, lisianblue - and yes it really is one word! Out of everything I do, my ornaments are probably my favorite. I got started doing these because I give my kids an ornament every year for Christmas. I started this the year they were each born. Up until a few years ago, I could usually find an ornament for each one that I thought they would really like. I decided that it really would have so much more meaning for them, and now my grandson to have ornaments that I made or painted. They have evolved over time from some very simple designs to more complex designs. These are two that I'm especially happy with.

My Butterfly and Hibiscus Ornament and

my Violets ornament. Each one is different - there are no two alike - a few that are similar, but I won't even do more than 3 or 4 that are similar. And not just for Christmas!

There are some people that can pick up a chunk of clay and turn it into something wonderful (I'm not one of those people) but, Michelle of Creative Critters makes some absolutely adorable little critters and creatures out of clay. Like this fantastic Mercury the Cat, who has the brightest blue eyes! This cat is just amazing, you almost expect to see it move to lick it's paw.

and this little guy is just too cute -and he's life size at 4"! I think he and Mercury would look so cute together - they are both about the same height! Wow - that would make a cat think twice wouldn't it - a mouse the same size as it! Fantastic job Michelle!

Besides of course wanting to promote myself, I strongly believe in supporting artisans who create whatever it is they create! I grew up making presents for my grandmothers, a couple of aunts and a few other people. It wasn't that we were poor - we weren't, my mother just thought that it would mean more to the people we were giving the presents to. We made little things like decorated soaps - cutting out pictures we thought the person would like then "gluing" the picture to a store bought bar of soap with wax. And we made candles. I still make candles. And if you can't make it then I think it's a great idea to buy handmade items to give as presents. Kind of cool getting something that isn't mass produced and may be a one of a kind item and to know that no one else will own one just like it! Kind of like people - we are all one of a kind!

thanks for checking out my ArtFire Crazy Train blog, an have a wonderful weekend!