Bright!

Well, there was no way I could not feature this startlingly coloured necklace and pendant. And this is a good startling: the vibrant purple, green, and turquoise are so cheerful, so bold...it just makes me smile.

The blossom is handmade of polymer clay. I'm not too familiar with this medium, to tell the truth, but oftentimes...well, one gets tired of the whole millefiori look, which is possibly a horrid thing to say, except...it's true, and I always wondered why we didn't see more things done with the clay. Here we have it!

Seed beads and two candy jade beads finish off the necklace. Handmade by Tia of Jazzi Jewels, the necklace is $46.

There's a lot in the shop, like this irresistible Lemon Drops necklace, and for something more subtle in tone but still fabulous when it comes to style, there's the caramel-y Gobstoppers bracelet, with big carnelian beads and tiny turquoise rounds. Yum!

Tia's  shop is brand new to Etsy, but she has so many cool things, such a variety of work, I'm sure she'll find many fans without much trouble.

Fun Friday: Do you love to fly?

If you do, it'll definitely show when you put on this fun and semi-kitschy (in a good way) necklace from the wonderful, mind-candy shop that is little egret. $35, it's handmade and suspended from a string of pretty turquoise beads. It's definitely a great way to add some fun to your day, and if nothing else, is a reminder that somewhere there are pretty beaches, wooded mountainsides overlooking breathtaking valleys, quiet woodlands, or Grandma's back porch and a pitcher of lemonade waiting just for you. A very fun piece.

In addition to the plane necklace, there are similar pieces, mostly featuring critters, all handmade and $35 each:



So sweet and pretty, don't you think? They're sure to make many smiles grace the day.

In addition to fun pieces like those featured, though, little egret also offers dozens of truly lovely, elegant pieces of jewelry suitable for the dressiest of occasions, or even a gift for a bride-to-be or dear friend. There's this sublime daisy necklace featuring pearls and a blossom; the intriguing lavender garden necklace; and one of my favourites, the colourful yet sophisticated Anadem necklace.

It's terrific to see artists who create beautiful work, but have real fun with it as well, and aren't afraid to do things others may consider goofy or silly; those risks pay off all to often, don't they?

Have a marvellous weekend!

Fun Friday: Mighty Mighty Red Wings Fun!

Well, my boys won their 11th, yes 11th Stanley Cup Wednesday night, much to the chagrin of our neighbors, 98% of the Pens fans who've spent the last few months mocking me as I took Benedict for walks while wearing my Wings jerseys. Suffice to say this was the only house on the block with screaming cheers emanating from the windows, but fortunately, no one complained.

To celebrate, I could not resist this beyond adorable, beyond cute octopus necklace from boygirlparty. Really, I want it for myself, but will share it with you because...look how cute the cephalopod is! Created from a line drawing by Susie Ghahremani, it has been cast in fine metal, including the suction cups...suction cups with which to hold the Stanley Cup...

On a removable ballchain necklace (so you can place it on a different chain if you so please), it's just $22. For my fellow Wings fans (and general hockey nuts), there's a whole collection of cute octopus things (this print would be SO cute in our still-naked entryway). If you're not so into the Wings, or hockey (!), or octopi, though, boygirlparty is chock-full of splenderiffic cute. I dare you to look and not find SOMETHING you like. Susie's main website is here.

Have a wonderful weekend, and do try to stay cool! Instead of imprisoning yourself with the AC (ugh), why not enjoy a book outside, go to the woods and hike around, or see a drive-in movie? It's going to be in the high 90s all weekend here, and the river makes it quite humid...I'll have to make some limeade tonight so it's chilled for tomorrow. ;)

There's that other soft spot I have...

So we had a very nice visit with my parents. Hubby and Dad did stuff here on the house, and Mom and I did fun things like run to the paint and craft store. Of course, there was also a lot of quality time with puppy Benedict to be had. Like all doting grandparents, Mom and Dad brought toys and treats for Ben, too. They really enjoyed meeting and playing with him, and he definitely seemed to like all of the extra attention.

Anyhow, back to business, right? As you know, one of my weaknesses is a bright, pop-art combination of red and turquoise. It's cheerful, it's yummy, it's classic, even a little bit daring (blue and red being opposite on the colour wheel, putting them together definitely attracts the eye; also, the eye can't focus on both colours at once).

Karen Leslie provides the first cherry-sky bomb of the season with this delicious necklace, featuring a large pendant of sponge coral and a string of turquoise nuggets separated by slightly curved sterling silver tubes. A one-of-a-kind design, this necklace sells for $145.

It's wooden jewelry time again...

Isn't it always, though?

After a checkup appointment today, I ran to a certain popular store and wandered about while waiting for my medicine. They've already begun putting their summer goodies out: grills and gardening things, patio sets and fun outdoor lights, brightly coloured and whimsical dining sets (featuring the cutest little crabs), and even summery clothing. It's a little hard to take, seeing as it's still very chilly here when it was so very warm this same time last year, but we can dream (despite the cheery aspect of these things, I have to say it appears they're not selling well at all).

Still...it did put me in a semi-summery mood. That considered, this beautiful necklace is fitting, don't you think? Called the "Holey Moley", the beauty from Peggy Li stars a large tiger ebony pendant backed by a chorus of bright, warm coral beads. It's so beautiful and...summery! It makes me think of those fantastically sultry summer nights back home in Berkley, when I'd whip up a limeade and sit on the balcony with Remmy and a good book (which was generally ignored thanks to some blazing sunset), the scent of heat and grasses and flowers in the air. Or evening walks on the Montour Trail with Hubby.

Well, come up with your own fabulous warm-weather memory worthy of attachment to this lovely piece. $52 from Peggy Li. Her store is amazing, just wonderful, from this earth-toned necklace of totise turquoise and the lovely, graceful water lily earrings to her whimsical retro robot necklace and the sterling silver unicorn ring for your favourite "Napoleon Dynamite" fan, there's a lot to drool over. Peggy even offers custom clip-on earrings, a joy for those who can't have pierced ears.

She has one of those stores that's just plain fun to look at; her style is very unique but not over-the-top or brash. Whether you're a nature girl or a glamour girl, you're sure to find something fab at Peggy Li!

Exotic Loveliness

Skipping gaily through Etsy, the arresting work from Eninaj really captured my attention. Beautiful, isn't it? Haifa-based Janine Golbert is new to Etsy, but sure to do very will with her unique and outstanding designs. Each piece is made to order for you.

First of all we have the tattoo black silver necklace composed of sterling silver and laser-cut leather pieces in a fascinating necklace that will look almost like a tattoo. What a fun, interesting concept. $150.




Equally irresistible but more whimsical is this circle necklace featuring leather and silver pieces. It can be made in any colour you'd like, and the design is both fun and chic. Trust me, Target will never have anything this cool or wonderful! $97.

Fun Friday: As if ice cream's not lovable enough...

Check out the happy face on this cute little ice cream cone pendant. Not only that, he's so happy to see you, there are hearts floating through the air about him! Our tasty little friend (looks like strawberry ice cream to me) has been embedded into resin along with those hearts and confetti sprinkles. The pink ice cream is actually real sugar...wearable sweets. As if the mere suggestion of sweet ice cream isn't enough...

$20 from StoopidGerl, who is from my hometown of Detroit. Be sure to check out her big sprinkles resin ring, full of actual candy sprinkles and the triple-sweet ring, full of three different kinds of big and tiny candy sprinkles.

Beads in the Belfry

I suppose this is somewhat appropriate...we rented Masterpiece Theatre's 2006/07 Jane Eyre from Netflix and even Hubby is interested in it, not having read the book (it's one of my favourites, recently re-enjoyed via DailyLit.com). Someone actually borrowed my copy but never gave it back...ah well. My birthday is next week, so maybe I'll get a nice vintage hardcover copy. While there aren't any belfry at Thornfield that I recall, there was one at the church...hey, work with me.

Now, there are so many lovely and marvellous things at Beads in the Belfry it's nearly impossible to choose just one...or two! Nina's choice of beads and arrangements is fabulous.

One of my favourite items, though, doubtless due to its charming whimsicality, is this blue bird on a perch necklace and pendant. Your stone bird has been carved of African Jasper, and he's perched near three coral flowers. Perhaps he's a bowerbird trying to attract a lady bird? All is framed in durable, hammered heavy gauge sterling silver; the bird's wing is made of forged coil as well.

The $52 necklace comes on a sterling silver chain. There's a similar necklace in tan for $42, or you can have one custom-made for the same price!


I'm also a big fan of the spirals galore rings. Cute, aren't they? In sterling silver ($32) and copper.

There's lots of great stuff to love at Beads in the Belfry. Jane might not approve...but perhaps she could learn to appreciate their beauty and charm.

Fun Friday: Robin Week Roundup

Well, unofficial robin week draws to a close 'round here, despite the four or five gigantic robins I saw today. How do they get so pudgy? They all come back looking like feathered Porky Pigs. Amazing!

Just a few little items today featuring those very welcome harbringers of balmier weather.

First we have this very lovely, very pretty robin stamp pendant in a sterling silver frame. It's set behind glass, so the beautiful artwork will be protected. It's on a bail, so all you need to do is slip it over the cord or chain of your choice (plenty of which are available on Etsy). From Kelli Belli Beads. The artist is donating 50% — half! — of her sales to Avon's Walk for the Cure fund from now to July 12th of this year to help her participate in the 39-mile walk this summer. Not only do you get a beautiful piece of jewelry, part of your money is going to a really good cause.



Now, I generally don't feature kid stuff or home stuff, but these two items were just so cute they couldn't be passed up. First is this Bobbin the Robin hair clip from mimisayshi. Just $5, this little hair clip features a darling, pudgy, handmade little robin. It's perfect for keeping your tyke's hair out of her face, or even your own! Hey, why not? It's a two-inch clip, so it may well work for grownups just fine.


Finally, a piece of artwork. It's a little crazy, but were you to see my Etsy favourites, most of them happen to be pieces of artwork. This is crazy because a) I'm a visual artist myself, hello, with tons of my own artwork and b) we've got exactly 0 (zero) pictures hanging on our walls despite having lived in the house for 6 months now. Pathetic. I'm the woman who
always had her artwork up very soon after moving in to a new place...not this time (it could be the hard-to-get-through plaster walls though...). We tried putting artwork up last week, but didn't get too far. Yet.

Anyhow, this piece, too, has been added to my favourites on Etsy. It's a very small piece of art, just 3.5 x 3.5, but very cheery and whimsical. A collage work, it's just $6 and from the creative mind of Sassy Bella Melange. She has many bird-related artworks (I LOVE birds, and were it not for lamentably poor mathematics skills, I'd be an avian vet) as well as other wonderful, lovely, and charming pieces.

So, that's robin week 2008, inspired by the bright-eyed birds flitting about our neighborhood and especially in our oak tree (already!). Have a wonderful weekend.

Just one of those things...

Oftentimes, I'll browse about until I see something and say (out loud on occasion) "Oh, how very pretty!" This Asian-themed Dynasty necklace is one of those items. The bright coral red, the warm green, the metal coin...it all combines beautifully and perfectly for a truly lovely, elegant, colourful piece of jewelry. It's just an uplifting, lively necklace that isn't all Ronald McDonald house. The faux Cinnabar pendant adds feminine sweetness to the whole thing, don't you think?

It also caught my interest to learn all of the metalwork on this necklace is bronze. The flip side of the coin bears two sparring dragons.

This beautiful, one-of-a-kind necklace is from Goddess Joy, and a mere $20; she has a coordinating bracelet too. All of her work is sophisticated; I detect an up-and-coming designer!

Fun Fridays: Red Lion

Lions are the symbol of power, might, courage and valour, nobility...They're widely recognized as the symbol of England (well, one symbol, anyhow), of Persia, and "lion" is one of the designations for Jesus Christ. Lions are also quite beautiful creatures.

Of course, the craziest of us will admit that we would also like to cuddle one despite the obvious career-ending possibilities (to say the least). Not only are lions gigantic, ferocious, strong, and beautiful, they've got soulful and wise-seeming eyes. For all their magnificence, lions are also exquisitely captivating and dangerously lovely. Narnia fans will with ease recall what Mr. Beaver says of Aslan:

'Safe?' said Mr. Beaver. 'Don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.'

Well, obviously, I'm a big fan of the King of Beasts.


So it is with a smile I bring you tonight's treat, a necklace featuring a roaring red lion. This one might be more roar than bite, though, as evidenced by the cheery flower he bears. He's on a 16-inch sterling-plated chain at the moment, but once he's yours, you can put him onto anything you like. $16, from Joamox Handmade.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Delightful Combination

Much of the time, it seems simple is best, particularly in an age when everyone is often overburdened with a million different things to get done and being bombarded with information from all sides. I'm not surprised that design is exhibiting clean, simple lines. Colours are more prevalent, but even then we only see one or two colours at a time in products, as opposed to the riotous multi-tones of years past. There's comfort to be found in these cheery but simple products.

Jewelry is no exception, and this lovely carnelian necklace topped off with a pretty silver leaf (makes me think of a mallorn leaf, to tell the truth). The combination of deep, rich red with the silver toggle clasp is pretty, elegant, and unfussy.

Handmade by Irma of IvCreations, this necklace is just $34.

Fun Friday: Jewels from the Broke Down Barn

Well, all, it looks like this is the last post of the year (more than likely, anyhow). Isn't it amazing that Christmas is Tuesday? I hope everyone has plans to see family and friends.

For our final treats of the year, I've selected two colourful pieces of jewelry from the Broke Down Barn. The artist is selling her work in an attempt to save, literally, the family farm from being sold off at auction. She'd like to save it and eventually turn it into an animal sanctuary.


First up is the very cheery ring, featuring handmade lampwork beads atop a sterling band. It reminds me of the hats worn by the in habitants of MunckinLand in Wizard of Oz, to tell the truth. Regardless, it's smile-inducing, don't you think? $65.

The other fun little goody is this owl necklace. His sweet but mildly befuddled expression is what really gets me...those eyes! He hangs from a 14 karat gold filled findings & chain. Very cute and full of personality, don't you think? $40, and both from the Broke Down Barn.

In case I actually do decide to not pop on before then, do have a very, very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year's! Stay safe if you're going to be on the road, and enjoy the time with your family and friends. May God bless you with His love and peace for this and the coming year.

Wear It, Don't Eat It

Don't berate me for dispensing cruel diet advice. I'm merely trying to save your dental work, because despite appearances, this necklace is just that, not what it looks like...a fabulous piece of chocolate. Perfect pink dots rest prettily atop the chocolate-coloured base, all made of fused glass in the home studio of Funky Chic Boutique. The yummy-looking pendant hangs from an adjustable satin necklace. I especially like the chocolate base; if you look closely at the image, the colour has a slight feathered look that really adds texture and depth to an otherwise smooth piece of jewelry. $32.

Midnight Beauty

All right, even Hubby (peeking over my shoulder) saw this and thought it was very pretty. From Red27 Jewelry, this square pendant necklace (no, you're not a square if you wear it, just the opposite) is unique and sophisticated. The square is made of an abalone shell in a gorgeous dark blue; the silver disc hanging within the shell is hematite. The pendant hangs from a sterling silver cable-style necklace
all closes in back with a lobster clasp, and one of the larger ones, too, so it's easier to fasten and unfasten. I think the square pendants and jewelry are often more interesting than the usual round shapes and even prefer square-faced watches on the rare occasion I wear one. There's something...solid and organized about them, though that could just be the blondness speaking.

This beauty is $27 and one of a kind; the artist may make things using similar inspiration but nothing exactly like a piece she's done before. Admirable creativity on her part! Red 27 also offers bracelets, earrings, rings, and even anklets, much of her work featuring beautiful natural materials.

Morning Beauty from the Lotus Collection

“It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.”

~ Robert Louis Stevenson



Bless the mercies that allow me to stumble across such talented artists with unique perspectives and style. Isn't this Dawning Forest necklace a splendid, pretty thing? An elegantly carved piece of wood is flanked on one side by pale pink moonstone, all strung along a really different-looking sterling silver chain. Moonstone graces the clasp in back as well. It seems, according to the description, that this necklace was inspired by a forest at sunrise. Just $29.50 from The Lotus Collection.

I must say, everything at Lotus Collection is really lovely, but of course, since it's all made with natural materials, primarily semiprecious stones, you shouldn't be surprised by my affection for what's going on here. From the artistic, like Dawning Forest, to the traditional, like this Chinese Porcelain necklace, you'll find something for you or someone else to love — and there's plenty for the lover of fun, modern jewelry, too.

Artist Jean Chen will replicate any of her work in gold if that's your metal of choice. If you'd like to see her and her work in person, be sure to head over to the Etsy Dallas Trunk Show at the Southside Lofts December 8!

Exquisite Silver

Choosing something from Ceeb Wasserman's shop was very difficult, because the silversmithing I saw there was beautiful and delicate. The style is really modern without being cold or inaccessible; just the opposite.

This Yukiko pendant is just one example of Ceeb's splendid work. Made of sterling silver that's been domed and sandblasted, it depicts the crown of a flower and is named for the artist's mother. This delightful pendant hangs from a choker wire of sterling silver, and can be yours for $42. This is yet another piece I'd consider to be more than nice enough for an evening about, yet understatedly pretty enough for daily wear.

The rest of the items in Ceeb's shop are along this line, though there are a few more abstract pieces as well. Earrings, rings, and wrist cuffs are available as well, all handmade by Ceeb. This is one shop I'm sure you're going to love browsing through!

Fun Friday: Sushi Love

Along with many Americans, I love, love, LOVE sushi and don't get it nearly often enough. That's why this delectable-looking polymer clay sushi platter necklace with matching futomaki earrings caught my eye tonight; cute, aren't they? Each piece is individually hand-sculpted, and you get all your goodies with the sushi, too, including ginger (yum) and wasabi. I appreciate the inclusion of tamago, which I consider "dessert sushi".

The earrings are actually semi-customizable: do you prefer masago orange beads or wasabi green ones? They hang from surgical steel wires, though sterling silver are available as well. Feel free to order a square platter instead of an octagon if you like, too. $32 from Tatsuko jewelry and paper goods.

Have a great weekend!

Fun Fridays: Hooty Hoot

Owls are still hot as far as fashion goes, aren't they? Perhaps with the presidential election approaching (note: please keep the politics off this blog, I do this to get away from that!) people are seeking out wisdom; as the longtime symbol of wisdom, then, it should be no surprise owls are enjoying yet another resurgence in popularity.

This owl is special, though, as an original vintage Hooty Hoot owl pendant from the 1970s. Hinged into three movable parts — head, body, and tail — this metal owl will make a fun and whimsical fashion statement wherever you decide to take him . This is a rather large piece at 5" long and 2.5" wide, but what's the point of wearing something this fun if no one else will get a smile out of it? $15 from Michigan seller Opal Essence; she has plenty of fab vintage and vintage-inspired jewelry in her shop with the promise of more vintage to come. Her bamboo pendants are especially fun.

Have a great weekend! I'll be painting the living room while watching the Breeder's Cup tomorrow; there's six hours of fantastic horse racing from New Jersey's Monmouth Park and four walls for me to paint, so I should be pretty well occupied (frankly, if I time this right, I can be done painting in time to just settle in on the couch for a full day of excitement. I love Street Sense, but am rather hoping older horse Lawyer Ron will take the Classic; with this week's weather, though, the race outcomes are going to be a little more fun to predict. (Besides, I'm not predicting, just expressing my hopes at the moment.)

See you Monday!

Fun Fridays: Candy Beads

The striped beads and spacers making up this necklace are so cheery and remind me of lime candies. Indeed, this necklace looks almost good enough to eat! The beads are a heavy resin, so they'll keep their bright colour and shine for a long time. $14.50 from Star Sprinklez.

Have a great weekend!