HAF BlogRing Featured Artist Nancys Wild Wire Art

My apologies, I've been absent for a bit, my daughter & grand kids were in town last week.  My grandson spent the entire week with me, and I spent every minute I possibly could with him.  My granddaughter spent 24 hrs with us, and the 3 of us had a great time! 

Anyway, back to the featured artist.  I think Nancy has the perfect shop name - NancysWildWireArt - it describes what she does!  Nancy creates her wild wire art in her basement studio in southern Illinois.

I think owls are awesome, and this Wild Tree of Life Owl Pendant is such a nice example of Nancy's work

















Nancy does some really neat tree of life pendants such as this Amberina Tree of Life Necklace, and she also created the chain!

 

This Organic Green Crystal Quartz Pendant on Wire, is one of my favorites. 












This is just a small sampling of what is in  NancysWildWireArt shop.  Go check it out, and see what unique pieces of art jewelry you can find.

Thanks for visiting and have a unique & wonderful day! 
Be sure to leave a comment, yes, I do moderate my comments, but I'd love to hear what you think!

ArtFireCrazyTrain Rider Just Fabulous Darlin

It's a bright and sunny day, and it's supposed to be in the low 70's today - Yay!  Spring is finally here!

And Just Fabulous Darlin has some perfect jewelry for spring

well, for anytime really! lo

Doesn't this Blue & White Porcelain Beaded Bracelet remind you of the deep blue sea?  I can also see this paired with an all white outfit (I'm such the fashionista! lo)

When I saw this lovely Real-Pearls-Glass Pearls Gemstone Bracelet, I thought oh that would be so cool if it's an anklet - it's a bracelet - mmmm maybe an extension???  I'm all about dresses & skirts in the spring and summer and love anklets too!

I love flowers, and dragonflies are such amazing little creatures, and look, this cool bead on this very pretty Blue Lampwork Bead and Czech Fire Polished Bead Bracelet has both!

mmmm I have several outfits that all three of these very cool bracelets by Just Fabulous Darlin would go with.  Oh yeah, there are necklaces, earrings, men's jewelry, and more!

And the littlesister/littlebrother tag-a-longs:

BlueMorningExpressions with some fabulous creations in polymer clay.  You can get some really cool beads like these Polymer Clay Floral Round Beads to create your own jewelry or choose from some fabulous jewelry this creative artisan has already made.  Oh yeah, there are polymer clay canes too!













It's a jewelry kind of day!

I love the jewelry creations in PaleMoonCreations  This Twisted Princess AlteredArt Charm Bracelet reminds me of one of my favorite movies Nightmare Before Christmas. 

I love the jewelry in all these shops!!!

Yes, it is definitely a jewelry kind of day today!   I didn't get very far in DianesDangles before this Blue Glass Leaves White LampworkBeaded Silver chain Bracelet caught my eye.
Yes, of course it's blue!









Oh the wonders of artisans who create handmade jewelry - 4 different people who create very different jewelry from each other.   I'd be willing to bet you could give all 4 of them the same beads, same findings, and they would come up with different creations! 
You get the benefit of owning something that 10,000 other people don't!  Most often these artisans make well made items and stand by their product.  Go shopping from the comfort of your home, and then go show off your fabulous finds doing something fun with some friends.  Don't be stingy now, tell them where you found it!  There's more than enough to go around.
Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful spring day!

Me? I've got to do some cleaning & rearranging , my daughter & grand kids will be here Sat!  And I need to finish quilting the quilt I'm making for my youngest granddaughter.

Would love to hear what you think about some of these lovely finds!

ArtFire Crazytrain Rider MBA Engraving

Happy St Patricks Day!
1st a short apology for being remiss in posting - it's been a crazy week.  It has been, but to be honest, I've been dealing with some major depression, and getting anything done has been a monumental task.  Yeah, so it seems like it's lifting a bit, but, I'm not holding my breath!  My daughter & grandkids are going to be here next week (YAY!!!) so I have A LOT to do this week and next week will just be wonderfully crazy!

And on to the  crazytrain rider:  MBA Engraving.  I was expecting to see a bunch of metal items, but no - it's glass! Just my other favorite thing in the world - glass that is! I admnit since I've done a bit  of "etching"  myself, I had to check out the bio. There are a few ways to do this process.   MBA -  Mike & Brian Andews, live in Maine & sandblast the glass in the basement. There are a few ways to do this process.


Here are some of their wonderful creations on glass

This Bass Fish 20 oz Mug a Fishermans Dream Glass would be a great gift for your favorite fisherman, oh yeah father's day isn't that far away, or birthday, graduation, or to say, I love you.!
It also illustrates just how tricky it is to get a good picture of engraved clear glass.   Although, I think the paper has done a good job of setting off the fish.  I've stuffed lots of colored tissue paper in glass to try to get a decent pic.  Good job guys!

And Mother's Day is even closer than Father's day!  Mike & Brian think of the ladies too, with this Mothers Day Vase Personalized, you  add the flowers, candy, or any treat you know mom will love!

LOL I love this Happy Bear Hot Chocolate Mug - guys why didn't you put hot chocolate in it??? (Thinking about next Christmas for one of my grandkids)

If you don't find anything in their shop on  ArtFire, be sure to check out their website, http://www.mbaengraving.com/, if you click on Artwork in the right hand corner, you will find lots of art they can put on that special piece of glass just for you!  You can even pick out the font you want for personalization!  How's that for shopping in your pj's with great options for getting the perfect gift for a special person  in your life?
Or maybe someting just for you, after all you're special too!





And, of course I can't forget the littlesister/littlebrother tag alongs:

Fabrics I Love wtih a great assortment of quality fabrics such as this Amy Butler Lark Charisma Blush.  Ah, yes Spring is in the air!!! (YAY!)

Sams Stuff with an eclectic assortment of items from photography, vintage jewelry, bookmarkers, embroidered pillow cases.....................................I love photos of old windows and doorways such as this Photo Print Architectural Detail Savannah Georgia  





Makes you wonder just who haswalked through that door doesn't it!?

and Micah5Five who creates a large assortment of jewlery, for men women, infants, headbands......, figured I'd feature one more for the guys with this Mens Aragonite Indian Stone Necklace, not all jewelry makers make items for the guys.













Check out these awesome shops, and as always thanks for stopping by and wishing you the very best day.

ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Hippies Creations

I don't always go into people bio's, but  the creator of Hippies Creations is orignally from Germany, now living in Virginia. This mom of 3 boys enjoys crocheting, woodburning and making jewelry.

You will find a variety of hand crocheted items for the baby, adult tops, toys, hair accessories,totes,  for the bathroom & kitchen, and the cutest animal hats such as this Ladybug Crochet EarFlap Hat 

These Crochet Baby Loafers are just too cute

Love eagles, or feeling patriotic? Check out this really cool Eagle Tagua Nut Pendant





This is just a small sampling of what is in this fun shop, so check out Hippies Creations for some great hand made creations.








Littlesister/littlebrother tagalongs:

ShanghaiTai with a very nice assortment of jewelry such as this Eclectic Pearl Necklace Blue & Brown


I really really like that necklace!!!!

Jewelry by Andrea ,  lovely assortment of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets - I admit I'm an earring nut, expecially ones like these Nepal Earrings Lapis Luzi with Brass

and rlsdesign, with a very nice assortment of jewelry.............................This Multistrand and Shell Bracelet is so pretty




This really is the fun part of being involved with the ArtFire CrazyTrain, visiting different shops and checking out all the diverse hand made creations.  All 3 of the "tagalongs" create jewelry - but they are all so different. 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Angelas Adornments

Yesterday and todays crazytrain rider is Angelas Adornments with a very nice assortment of jewelry.

Ok, it's almost spring, but hey I think Christmas items are good all year - such as these jewels for the tree - or any other place you want to hang these Snowflake Christmas Ornaments Beaded Blue & White - pretty jewels for the tree!

I've tried crocheting with wire, it was a disaster - and I'm good at crocheting, so I really admire someone who can do this, such as this set of Wire Crochet Earrings Cool Carribean Green & Blue

and then there are some really cool necklaces such as this Purple Passion Hemp Necklace

Angelas Adornments has 15 pages of jewelry - lots of jewels to choose from. And oh yeah, there's a sale going on over there!!!!













And for the littlesister/littlebrother tagalongs (please note - I'm the one that added the tagalong on)

Virtually Yours, creator of Banners, Avatars, and websites. One of my fav color combos - pink and green as in the Banner and Avatar Design in Pale Pink with Light Green Vines

and DianesDangles with 23 pages of great jewlery like this gorgeous Gold Filled Azurite Gemstone Oval Pendant -

And then we have BlueMorningExpressions with Polymer Clay beads, canes, jewelry and so much more - I had a hard time picking one item out of the 89 pages of gorgeous clay beads, canes, and so much more - but love these little Pink Flower Polymer Clay Peach beads. Pretty aren't they?

Once again, I have to say, love love love the handmade creations.
Originality, unique, one of a kind creations made with care and imagination.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

ArtFire Crazytrain rider Jills Treasure Chest

1st, my apologies to the riders that I missed -  I decided to not  try to catch up - it just gets me further behind - so I will start back with the current rider Jills TreasureChest
I didn't have a hard time  picking out 3 items to feature - and they all match - and mmm I'm thnking I really wouldn't mind having these at all.

Ceramic Creamer with Hand painted Bluebonnets
(yes, of couse it's something with blue!)

and to go with it This sweet Ceramic Mug with Handpainted Bluebonnets

and I'm always burning candles, so this Ceramic Bluebonnet Votive Holder would be cool to have.














Not going to say a thing about Texas, but those bluebonnets are pretty cool!


and of course I can't forget the littlesister/littlebrother tag alongs
HauntedWillow with an eclectic assortment of items: soaps, wax melts, and some cool primitive creations

like these sweet Primitive Ticking Christmas Ornaments

don't feel like going out to find that wonderful piece of fabric? well then visit Fabrics I love (don't you just love shopping in your jammies!) I think this Amy Butler Lark Treasure Box in Ocean has to be one of my favs  seems as though I will have to get the pic later -  something is hanging it up!

and AM Designs by Angela with some lovely handcrafted jewlery - These Handcrafted Artisan Silver Gold-filled Paisly Wire Woven Earrings are so cool!
I think it would be so fun to wear a pair of earrings and have someone ask where you got them - and you can tell them where, but add in, they are one of kind!   Be unique!

After all, isn't that one of the coolest things about buying handmade from very talented artisans - you get unique one of a kind creations.


Thanks so much for dropping by, do leave a comment - I promise, I'll respond - eventually!

(not doing real great right now!)

ArtFire Crazytrain Rider Christie Cottage

I'm playing catchup here!  Christie Cottage was the crazytrain rider for Feb 15 & 16th.
I'm not sure where to start!  ChristieCottage has such an assortment of items - totes, bags, jewelry, patterns for baby booties, cards, coasters, headbands...................................

Here's a classic, a 1950's Chevy coaster

and this cute little Mini Felted Pouch












and I probably ought to add that ChristieCottage has everything on sale!



The littlebrother/littlesister shops:

WhystleStop with a very nice variety of handmade soaps, a sugar scrub, whipped shea butter, and a an emollient body bar.........mmm good things for the skin...love the colors in this Curious Type Handmade Soap Silk and Shea as for the Curious in the title of this soap - are you curious????

and Wyverndesigns with a wide assortment of items (love these shops!!) from jewelry, hair accessories, stitch markers, knit & crochet items, ornaments, greeting cards..................and these cute little Handmade Ladybug Beads

and rlsdesign with a very nice assortment of jewelry and a couple of cool totes (and plans to add more) spring and summer are right around the corner, right?  - but even if you aren't a bride, this  Bridal White Pearl Choker would look lovely with an assortment of dresses, jeans and pretty tank, ...................................




ah, aren't handmade creations so much fun?  Such variety and you know what "they" say about variety right....it's the spice of life. hehe sorry - what can I say, it's sunday am and I haven't had any sleep!

Thanks for stopping by and stop back by again soon, I've got more catching up to do! 
Hopefully I'll get some sleep before I post again!

Art Fire Crazy Train Rider Blue Morning Expressions

Oh the talent on ArtFire is so awesome.  I really admire someone who can take a lump of clay  and turn it into something unique and beautiful.  And, what lovely creations in Blue Morning Expressions shop.  I have tried - a number of times - to make some canes - they all turn out looking like a lump of clay being smushed into another lump of clay but, these wonderful canes are so nice and detailed, clean, and oh what fun those sweet red hearts are.

Raw Polymer Clay Red Heart White Flower Millefiori Cane for beads










If you've been visiting my blog for even a little while, you probably know I have a thing for rabbits, and these Bunny Earrings are so adorable,  oooh I just want to pinch those chubby little cheeks!♥♥♥

Wow - these almost look good enough to eat, they sort of remind me of candy canes. I love the colors in these beads, I love that the colors are all separate from each other.  These awesome Polymer Clay Tube Beads would make some great earrings, a matching necklace and oh heck we might as well do a bracelet too, right!

Ready for summer???  Not only does Blue Morning Expressions have raw canes, and beads for your own creations, there are also some fantastic already made jewelry pieces......................such as this gorgeous Red Blue Flower Iridescent Pearl Disk Polymer Clay Bracelet.  What wonderful colors, and you could wear this with so many different colors.  It kind of reminds me of a tropical garden.

Great shiny baubles to wear!




Oh the joys of handmade, wonderful unique creations, and  great prices too. Oh yeah, did I mention there is a 25% off sale going on?? no, well, there is!!!!♥♥♥
Support handmade and check out these beauties in Blue Morning Expressions Shop Boutique ( really is more like a boutique)
Thanks for dropping by and have a great day!

ArtFire CrazyTrain Rider Haunted Vintage

I've been away for a while - and trying to get going on a regular basis again.  Which is going to be little tricky for just a little while longer, but hopefully I can get at least most of the Crazy Train riders done.


Today's Crazy Train rider is Haunted Vintage.  I don't know about the haunted part, there are some lovely vintage items in this shop such as this Goldtone Vintage Scarf Clip with Antiqued Finish.

Considering that it's almost Valentines day, this seems appropriate to feature, plus it's really cool.  Vintage Scherrer Paris Goldtone Art Nouveau Heart Brooch, besides being vintage, it's an awesome art nouveau design.   This would make a great unique Valentine gift for your  special girl.







Personally, I'm partial to silver, such as these neat Large Musi Vintage Silvertone flower shoe clips that I can not get the link to work to!  So, I guess if you want to see these really pretty clips you will have to go here: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/HauntedVintage/2635695/Musi_Silvertone_Vintage_Shoe_Clips/Jewelry/Other  to see them. 

If you're looking for something unique for that special someone in your life, for Valentines day, or any other day Haunted Vintage a great place to go look. 

Thanks for coming by and have a wonderful day.
It's good to be back!

ArtFire Crazy Train Rider TwoTootsies

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 TEAM SPREAD THE LOVE

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.