Ugh!

Sorry, again, for never having a new post.  I am the worst.  I have great blogging plans but other things always seem to come up and get in the way.  Thanksgiving and Christmas, for example.  Where did those things come from?

Trying to plan menus and do all the cooking, make lists and check them twice, buy presents and clean the house... it always sounds romantic up until the week of, when all hell breaks loose and I feel like a crazy person trying to run a marathon backwards with my legs tied together. 

Obviously, my Etsy shop is fairly empty.  I just haven't had the time (read: motivation) to sew and photograph and post and ship.  And I feel a little burned out, as well.  For a year I went full steam ahead on sewing, and I just need a little break.  Plus, my extreme Harry Potter obsession has me sidetracked on other various projects, many of which stemmed from the HP gift I made for my sister's Christmas gift.  Today I bought some Snitch-like beads, so hopefully I'll have some cute necklaces done before this time next year. 

My studio is also a disaster area (quite literally, there is thread EVERYWHERE, fabric scraps, packing peanuts, and paper pieces scattered wall to wall... I can't even vacuum) from the whirlwind of holiday craft shows I somehow thought would be a great idea seven months ago, and everytime I think I've worked up the courage to go in, clean it up, and get cracking on my next project, I stop dead in my tracks and rethink my plan.  Blargh.

Santa was at least good to me this year, several cookbooks, novels, board games, and candy... enough to last me through this humbug hibernation I've fallen into.  I'm thankful that the husband and I have simple plans for New Year's Eve, because I can't stand anymore celebration around here, and I'll be in no mood after working for eight hours that day.  Homemade sushi, football, and board games. 

So despite my holiday fatigue, I hope that you and your family had a truly wonderful holiday season and have a safe and happy New Year!

Just a little Halloween cheer!

I absolutely love love love Halloween, and anything retro has a special place in my heart.  So I just wanted to spread the spookiness, and share this classic poster with you.  Happy Halloween!

Another week gone!

I can't believe another week has flown by... seems like the more I have to do, the more I find other things to do instead.  I have a big show coming up in three weeks, and I have very, very little of it done.  I still feel like procrastinating, though, so here is my BEST feature of the week!

BlueForestJewellery is a festive shop based in the UK, and features stunning precious stone, glass, and bead jewelery, like this amazing autumn-inspired agate and leaf charm earrings:

Wouldn't this carnelian and quartz necklace be a beautiful addition to your fall wardrobe?

I just love the colors that BlueForestJewellery uses in her pieces!  Like this gorgeous carnelian, quartz, and pearl necklace... I'm sure it would be amazing wrapped as a bracelet, too!

This shop has some of the most amazing and creative jewelry I've seen in some time... beautiful color combinations, lovely stones and glass beads, and the shipping prices are really reasonable (being a American shopper, this is crucial!).  Fantastic shop!  Definitely on my holiday shopping list!

Check out BlueForestJewellery on Etsy, Twitter, and her blog!

BEST feature of the week!

So I'm doing a bit of catching up here, and am posting two BEST features in one day.  Better late than never, right?  Hope so.  A few months ago I featured CK Silver, and get the pleasure of doing so once again.  There are so many more fantastic jewelry pieces in the shop now, too!  I'm getting excited about holiday shopping!

And how could you not be, with gorgeous earrings like this Autumn Wind pair: 

They would be stunning to wear to any holiday party!  And this Southwest Autumn Necklace would be a stunning gift:

And how about the matching Southwest Autumn Bracelet? 

I'd have to say, I'm still a fan of the Jewelry of the Month Club that CK Silver offers.  It's a great deal, and how fun to get a present in the mail each month!  You pick your favorites, and get a beautiful set of earrings a month. 

Check out CK Silver if you're also looking for custom and birthstone jewelry... they love working with customers to make something beautiful!

And I'm back! Again...

So I am still trying to get organized around here.  I started a new job as a barista last week (I have no prior experience, so it's a bit overwhelming!), and I'm less than a month away from my biggest show of the year, for which I am nowhere near prepared for.  And I rejoined the Etsy BEST team, and am already behind in features!  So I apologize to Alyssabeths for not having my post ready last week!  It's late, but this is a shop that everyone needs to check out!

Alyssabeths features really fun, graphic vintage chic jewelry, decor, and all sorts of great holiday goodies!  Such as this fun set of Halloween Bat gift tags: 

I'm a huge Edgar Allen Poe fan, so I love these Raven gift tags... I think I'd have a hard time giving them away!

This great little shop also has beautiful jewelry, like this black cat Halloween rosary:

I'm a really big Halloween fan, so this shop is fantastic!  There are so many beautiful shabby chic and Christmas themed items, and several estate sale goodies, too!  And this is even better:

From now until October 19th, Alyssabeths is offering 10% off your total purchase (except for shipping)!!!  So now is the perfect time to start shopping for holiday gifts and decorations!

My First Treasury

So I just figured out how to make an Etsy Treasury... I just might be addicted!  Here's my first attempt.  Still trying to figure out how I can show it with pictures here...

And we're back!

Sorry everyone... I know it's been two months and two days since I wrote my last blog post.  I've been a bit busy since then, but I have lots to report, so I promise that from now on posts will be more regular!  Quick summary of events that led to massive blog neglect:
*I was laid off from my "real" job
*My husband was in the hospital
*I was diagnosed with all sorts of lovely ailments (hypothyroidism, high cholesterol, early signs of arthritis in the knees)
So you would think that with all this time on my hands, I would be doing nothing but blogging and crafting.  But I've been doing a lot of stressing instead.  The job market here is brutal!  But enough whining!  I've done a little bit of Halloween preparation:

| Festive Halloween Medium Zippered Pouch |

 

AND!!!  My Swing Station Studio pieces are now going to be shown in TWO shops!  They'll still be at Mama Said Sew here in Fort Collins, CO, and now at the Fuller Lodge Art Center in Los Alamos, NM!  I'll have lots of little pouches and box purses at the FLAC for their upcoming Fall Fiber and Fashion show, and then continuing through their Affordable Arts show in November.

And as if I haven't spread myself thin there, since I still have my shop on Etsy, I am also in a show in Broomfield, CO, Nov. 13th.  It's called Santa Cellar, and it's a fun holiday themed show, that I am really excited to be a part of.  Except for the fact that I have a tiny inventory now and need to make so much more!  Yikes.

I've also got new designs, recipes, and so much more to share with you!  I've got a newsletter coming out soon, so if you'd like to be on the list, sign up here!  It will give you access to sales, discounts, updates, and maybe a giveaway or two!

| Bright Orange Pumpkin Small Zippered Pouch |

I wish I had invented sticky notes.

Because my house, my phone, my desk, my car, everything is covered with them.  They float around like little colorful bits of a broken rainbow, I find them in every pile of books, trash, laundry, dishes...  And it would be cool to look at them and think, "I made that," instead of "Oh crap, I forgot to do that... and that... and that..."  Also, I'd be rich.  I think the majority of my sticky notes say the same thing, reminding myself of new designs I want to make, new tags I want to label my items with, etc., etc.  So I'm going to save myself a sticky note today, and instead of reminding myself to blog, I'm going to just do it.  Look at me go!

Ok, so I've had a little sugar.

But I'm being productive!  Look, today I'm featuring Omni Presents! 

Omni Presents makes handmade, beautiful new age and spiritual jewelry.  Like this unique colorful czech glass necklace.  Omni Presents has a great selection of jewelry options, including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, including this stunning summer turquoise butterfly necklace.  And the pieces are very affordable, as well.

Another perfect summer necklace:  the seaside confetti shell necklace.  This is so understated and sophisticated.  And that's no stone... that's a handpainted shell!  I love it!

I love the positive energy surrounding this shop!  Each lovely item is gift-wrapped, with a little hand charm that reads "handmade," so you or your lucky friend knows they are supporting a real artist.  Who could resist?

This piece feels so earthy.  This necklace features a lingam stone, which is found only in the Narmada River.  Very unique!  And what's great about this store, is the jewelry is sorted into five different categories, such as "Bliss Baubles" and "Goddess Gear," with each collection designed to inspire the wearer to feel happiness or balance. 

An avid jewelry maker and adorer, Omni Presents states:  "I am...passionate about new age techniques such as meditation, color therapy, and crystal healing. Therefore, I decided to combine my...passions and create a collection of handcrafted regalia for adults that is not only beautiful but also serves to increase energy and enhance the spiritual health and well-being of the wearer through the materials used."  I really enjoy pieces of art that represent something to the artist, and especially when that sentiment is reflected in their art.  Enjoy!

Omni Presents can be found on Etsy, Twitter, and Facebook.  She's also got a great blog!

Staycation!

So I've been incredibly lazy this week.  Wednesday was my birthday, so my husband and I took Wed-Sun off from work to have an extended staycation at home.  And it has been awesome!  And not very productive.  I have been ignoring everything except laundry, which had been ignored too much before this week and left me with no clean clothes.  I also had a duplicate assignment for my BEST feature this week, and that took a couple days to get sorted out, and BAM!  It's Saturday.  We're hiking Dinosaur Ridge in Denver tomorrow, so I better get something done today! 

So now that I've made the lamest excuses for not getting my blog written on time (too much free time??), here's a big apology to Alexander's Designs... so sorry this is so late!!!

I guess we share something... Alexander's Designs is also on vacation this week!  I think they're actually at a festival, and probably being productive... So here's a look at a few items they've sold (not to tease you with things you can't have :) ):

This is sooo pretty!  This spectrolite (blue laboradite) bracelet is gorgeous!  I also love this little birdie glass pendant!  Very cool.

This is my favorite!  A vintage key (so mysterious), and a beautiful Czech glass bead make this a treasured piece:

So now that you have seen the variety that Alexander's Designs offers, a little bit about Jenny and Skip Alexander!  A husband and wife team, the Alexanders specialize in "Ugly Glass," which they make (!), and jewelry featuring glass, sterling silver and precious metals, lamp beads (which they also make), Swarovski beads, and gemstones.  Completely self-employed, the Alexanders get to focus on honing their glass and jewelry craft and state: "We hope everyone enjoys wearing our creations as much as we have enjoyed creating them."  I look forward to visiting their shop when it's open again!

These crafty jewelers have a blog and a website, are on Facebook, and have several other shops, as well!  Check them out!
Alexander's Designs

Beadery Destash
Classically Simple
Ugly Glass
Jenny Alexander

Boo, weather, boo.

I am not a fan of the heat.  Despite being fortunate enough to live in a climate with very limited humidity, Colorado is still too hot for me right now.  Makes me lazy, sleepy, and uncomfortable.  I desperately need to buy an AC unit for my studio... I sweat just sitting in there!  Does not make for a productive day, I'll tell you that.  But enough of my whining!

I'm going to blame the heat on my late post featuring the talented Ardent Reverie.  Just go with it.

I absolutely love this Message in a Bottle necklace!  Such a sweet, memorable, personal gift!  Perfect to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, as bridesmaids gifts... so many great uses!  Delicate and feminine... so perfect.

Other than obvious style and flair this cute crocheted beanie has, and the hundreds of occasions it would be perfect to wear to, it is such a steal: $8!!!  I'm still in shock.  And quite possibly must have it.  Obviously, Ardent Reverie has quite a selection of accessories:  crocheted hats, feathered hair clips (check out the pic below), necklaces, scarves, and paintings! 

This Faitytale Romance feather clip is so fancy and festive... those feathers are such a gorgeous range of greens and blues!  And I know I listed paintings earlier.  These are not what you'd expect...

This painting is fabulous, no?  "Lurie" is stunning.  But what if she glowed in the dark, too?

Seriously cool.  Ardent Reverie is the collaboration of two crazy sisters (their words, not mine!) living in San Diego, and is a great collection of fun accessories for you and your home.  I'll leave you with a great summer accessory:  the Not So Scarf!

 
I love the tassel, the braid... such a perfect, classy summer scarf.  Want more Ardent Reverie?  Need more?  Then check them out on their blog!!

So little time... to shop!

I can't believe we're half way through June already.  This is bound to be my busiest month this year (hopefully... I can't handle much more!), so naturally I also have a very determined cold... that I got at my last show.  So I'm a little behind with blogging and whatnot.  I know I promised cookies and pictures... maybe next month.  I am literally booked until then.  So to keep your mind off the delicious recipes I keep promising and not sharing, I'll give you a little eye-candy instead:

CK Silver!  (This shop name really makes me want to yell, "Hi ho Silver, away!"  I'm such a nerd.)  Anyway, CK Silver is an amazing jewelry shop on Etsy, and is a serious distraction to my busy schedule :)  Featuring collaborative jewelry from the mother-daughter team of Marilyn and Cindy, CK Silver specializes in sterling silver, pearls, semi-precious stones, and Swarovski crystals.  Inspired by the beauty of nature, CK Silver sells earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, and has a great "Jewelry of the Month Club" -- now THAT'S something I'd love to get in the mail!

Enough talk!  Gaze...

I love these Spring Bouquet earrings!  So pretty and carefree, yet so classy with rose quartz and freshwater pearls.  If you've read any of my posts about jewelry, you'll know I have a thing for pearls...  like this gorgeous freshwater pearl bracelet:

Did I mention the jewelry arrives in a beautiful gift box?  So you can treat yourself, or your friend, or your mom, or me...

So this is seriously the best idea ever.  This alone makes CK Silver a fabulous shop:  the Pearl Jewelry of the Month Club!!!  Yes, I'm excited.

This is just so great.  They also have a Gemstone Jewelry of the Month Club!  So what's so great about the Jewelry of the Month Club, you ask?  I'll tell you what!  You get to pick the earrings you want!  See the little numbers in the picture above?  You pick your favorite three sets, and once a month, they send you one!  How fun is that?  These Washington ladies have a great thing going here! 

I will leave you with some earrings that remind me perfectly of summer:  refreshing cool ocean blue icicles... enjoy your weekend (and don't forget to check out CK Silver's blog)!

Some people!

Some people have almost no talent (it's sad, but true).  Some people have a little bit of talent (the average Joe).  And then there's Viola of Crochetize.  This lady has so much talent and vision (and patience!  Look at those tiny designs!) that she stands alone.  Viola makes stunning crocheted gloves wearable art:

Gorgeous!  Her gloves, like these black fishnets, make me wish I lived in Victorian times... or a Steampunk future!  

Hello Alice in Wonderland!  I just love these fingerless cobalt blue gloves, especially with the little bow!  And how sweet and romantic are these gloves with the heart cut-out? 

So pretty and delicate!  Viola of Crochetize says she is "hypnotized" by knitting, and I'd say her pieces have the same effect!  Based out of Lithuania, I'm sure she has a lot of romantic influences to be inspired by.  If you'd like to learn a bit more about this talented lady, be sure to find her on her website, her blog, and on Twitter.  And don't forget to order yourself a pair of her beautiful gloves for your next dinner party, romantic date, costume party, or as a gift for a special friend!

Trying not to be a downer :(

So I've realized a lot of my posts start out kinda negative, and I'm going to try to write them with a more positive twist from now on.  Well, not now.  In the future.  My weekend show was a horrible disappointment (my husband is determined to point out the positives, but that's slightly harder for me).  I sold one thing in a 6 hour weekend show.  I didn't even make back the show fee, let alone make any profit.  It was miserable.  The show was poorly attended (and organized) despite being told repeatedly by the organizer that we'd have a great turnout.  I also now have a cold.  So that's nice.  My view is that it was by no means a success.  My husband's view is that I sold something, which is better than nothing, a few people signed the guest book and took business cards so they might be customers in the future, I currently have items on consignment in a local store, any exposure is good, and I have several custom orders to do.  I guess it's just disappointing and frustrating to put a lot of time and effort (and money) into being in a show, and have such a small return.  I have another show at the end of June, and I kind of feel like it will be the same story.  Both of these shows are brand new (not nice annual and anticipated events), so I'm trying not to worry that the second show will be a waste also.  Getting exposure is good, but it needs to translate into sales, because right now the show fees are coming out of my pocket at the expense of other things.  How do you stay positive when things don't seem to be going your way?

On the positive note I was promising, I have two delicious cookie recipes to share with you soon.  One for the Crunchy Sesame Cookies I made awhile back (bad photo to be included), and the best sugar cookie recipe I've had to date.   

Wait, the weekend's over?!

I am told it is.  Which is sad because I got less done during this past three-day weekend than in a normal two-day.  Boo.  The laziness has also crept into the week, and this is not a week to slack!  I have a show on Saturday, the parents are coming to visit tomorrow, I need to go to the Post Office, and there are still several more bags I need to make by the weekend!  Gah.

So instead of all that, I'm going to do something fun, and that is share Nevita and Boutiqueaholic with you.  This shop should be your go-to for summer clothes!  Nevita's current style reflects the glamour of "Sex and the City 2," so if you love classy beach tunics and matching summer scarves, stop on by!

 

I love this one!  It's a set of three: you get a great little belt, chiffon scarf, and tunic in pretty pink and brown.  Another favorite summer piece:

How pretty is this fabric?  So lightweight and perfect for the beach, BBQ's, lounging by the pool.  These tunics are also size-adjustable; tighten or loosen the belt as needed.  That is so great!  Especially when we're all going to summer parties and probably not watching what we're eating... guilty over here.  Her scarves are great, too.  Long enough to wrap once, twice, three times, use it as a belt, a headband, so many options and so many colors!  This scarf is such a beautiful turquoise color!

And how stunning is this fiber and beads necklace?  I love the tassel!  And I love the color: volcano red!  Love!  Nevita's one busy, crafty, and talented lady!  So go check out her shop, Boutiqueaholic, and then find her on Twitter, Flickr, and don't forget to check out her fun blog!  Lots of European trends to catch up on (and she also does photography!)!  I'll leave you with my favorite item in her shop:

Another try...

So I made another batch of cookies today (from the same cookbook as the chocolate crinkles from this weekend)... and yet again, I got only 24 out of the recipe!  It says it makes 35.  Short of getting out a ruler, I'm pretty sure they weren't much bigger than 1" in diameter.  I will take pictures this time!  If they look good... I'm trying the recipe for Crunchy Sesame Balls.  If all goes well, I'll post pictures AND the recipe :)

You might be wondering what happened to my diet change... well, I'm doing pretty well so far, but homemade cookies are still a weakness of mine.  I'm drinking a shake for breakfast, and having a well rounded lunch, and portioning dinner, so I figure a cookie or two (or all) now and then won't hurt too much... right?

Time flies when you're being lazy...

Somehow yesterday went by without a single thought towards my blog.  Perhaps it was the "Biggest Loser" marathon I watched... because I'm productive like that.  So today I will attend to the things I neglected Monday.  Not all, but some.  One of those things is sharing a great shop called Swan Mountain Soaps.  What's funny is yesterday I spent a good hour plus going through this shop and making a list of things I want.  How I forgot to write about it and share that, I don't quite know... it's all a blur.

Swan Mountain Soaps is a family show; Christina is the head swan, and is assisted by her husband/cheerleader/guinea pig Mike.  They also have five little gardeners, who help gather the wild Alaskan ingredients used in their fabulous products.  Inspired by Alaska's beauty, Swan Mountain Soaps is dedicated to making quality, handmade bath and body (and a few edible!) products from natural ingredients.  These materials include dandelions, birch sap, chickweed, chamomile, and cocoa and shea butters.  

One of the first things that made my birthday wish list:

Citrus and Kumquat soap/shampoo bar... with birch sap!  Despite being wary of rubbing tree sap in my hair, this sounds awesome.  I've always wanted to try a shampoo bar.  And the scent couldn't be more perfect for summer.  It was a close tie between this one and the Creamy Coconut soap/shampoo bar!

I'm such a sucker for lip balm... and Chai Tea (yum yum).  I considered buying this right off the bat, but I'm not sure if eating sticks of lip balm is healthy for you.  The lip balms can also be requested as vegan, so this is a great gift for every single person you know.  Even the geek who lives next door... yes, there is even a geek collection!

Genius!  Geek soap, lotion, lip balm... "Normally our Geek Lip Balm comes unscented, but upon request we can offer it in Apple Pie, Mountain Dew or Mike & Ike."  Hahahahaha.  I love it!  For those of us slightly more refined... bath fizzies in Lemon Verbena:

So besides the delightful lotions, body butter, body and lip balms, perfumes, bath fizzies, handmade soaps, and scrubs, I mentioned earlier that Swan Mountain Soaps also has "edible" items.  Also, featured on my wish list, are:  Birch Beer Mustard (wow) and Birch Beer Jelly!

These sound so incredible!  So you understand: "We use wonderful extra stout beer, sap from our own birch trees here on our property near Wasilla, Alaska, organic fair-trade sugar, organic lemon juice and pectin. And that's it. No hidden chemicals, food coloring or preservatives."  I'm sold!

So in addition to all the amazing things Swan Mountain Soaps offers on Etsy, they also have a great little blog, where Christina shares other great artists she's found and talks about the wonderful resources she uses (there's a great section on how they harvest their birch sap!), as well as life in rugged Alaska.

Fabulous store!  Thanks for letting me share your story!

Chocolate Crinkles!

So yesterday I made some very delicious cookies.  And I had fully intended to take a nice picture of them, not only because they were pretty, but because my posts need more pictures.  But the cookies... they are kind of, well, gone now.  So all you get is the recipe.  No picture, but just imagine a plate full of deliciously chocolatey, sugary, crinkled cookies.  Got that image in your head?  Good.  Now make this recipe and voila!  Dream into reality.

This recipe is from one of my favorite cookbooks from my childhood; an oldie, but goodie.  My dough was a little dry, and therefore several of the cookies actually split into pieces along their "crinkles."  See how your dough is before you roll it into balls, and add a bit more milk if need be.  To "crinkle" they need to be a bit dry, so it's a delicate balance.  Supposedly makes 36 cookies... I made about 24.5 (the .5 represents the dough I ate).

Adapted from Mable and Gar Hoffman's Cookies in Minutes!

*CHOCOLATE CRINKLES* 
Ingredients:
1/2 C vegetable oil
1C granulated sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk
1/4C unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 C all-purpose flour
1/3 C powdered sugar


Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, beat together oil, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, milk, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and flour.
-Form dough into 1 1/4 inch balls.  Roll in powdered sugar and place approx. 3 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
-Bake for 10-12 minutes or until firm on edges.  Cool on racks.
-Enjoy!

Feel free to post pictures if you make these!  I love to mess with recipes a bit, so I've also tried these with chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, peanut butter... the options are endless.  Let me know how yours turn out!

Yikes.

Slept in 'til 1:20pm.  Oops.  And now I've wasted all hours since then watching Biggest Loser reruns.  I need an intervention!  Also, I need to go to the bank, the fabric store, to pay some taxes.... what a wasted day!  I have been grooming my Etsy shop... that counts as productive, right?  I'm such a slacker.  Maybe I'll at least wash some dishes...

Temptation Monday!

So today is full of temptations for me.  And so far, I've given in.  I had a soda (which I haven't had in over 2 weeks).  I had a handful of Hot Tamales (they know and call my name).  And then there's the Etsy artist that I am reviewing (can I have her shop delivered to me?).  Lotus MiraGe Ephemera has some of the most unique, quirky, and amazing jewelry I've seen in awhile.  Aside from the fact that she has a great special going on right now, where you get a bracelet and a matching pendant for $52.76 (!), she absolutely has something for everyone.  I mean it.  Is your best friend a vintage stamp collector?  How about this vintage Haitian stamp pendant? 

Remember how your great aunt has always loved antique Chinese vases?  How about sending her these beautiful broken China beaded earrings?

Maybe you've always had a dark side, or want it to feel like Halloween all year long.  Why not decorate your haunted walls with a Lovecraftian horror collage?

I almost didn't want to share that one because I love it so.  Temptations!!  Lotus MiraGe Ephemera has a fantastic selection of soldered glass bracelets and pendants.  Here's one more to entice you and distract you from the day that is today: Monday :(

We all know a Wizard of Oz fan (me):

What a fun Dorothy bracelet!  And it's double-sided, too.  This just keeps getting better!  This fabulous lady also has pendants with origami paper, images from Alice in Wonderland, black cats, Edgar Allen Poe photos... you name it, she's got it.  And they're very well made!  Double-sided images between glass, with fully soldered edges, so you know it will last.  She also takes great care in shipping and packaging your pretty piece so it arrives to you (or the really lucky person you've sent it to) in one piece.

Lotus MiraGe Ephemera, who can be found on Etsy,  Facebook, and Twitter, also has a great blog where she discuss her art, other artists, and a delicious looking recipe for vegan chocolate chip cookies, among other miscellaneous things.  I will leave you with my favorite of her pieces... I'm not sure what it says about me, but this vintage poison label pendant has me smitten!! 

Thank you Lotus MiraGe Ephemera for letting me ogle your goodies!  Hehe.

New BEST feature!

This week I have the privilege of featuring a lovely little shop called UniqueDesignsbyMsP.  Ms. P, or Paula, has been creating things since she was a young girl, making clothes for her Barbie dolls.  Now she makes fun, one of a kind crocheted fingerless gloves:

She also has great bracelets, like this Mother's Bracelet (I love the blue crystals and pearls!):

And this pretty topaz bracelet:

Paula also enjoys custom work, with different colors or sizes to fit your needs.  She also will be adding some more jewelry, as well as handbags and fashion accessories, in the coming months, so there's lots to look forward to!

UniqueDesignsbyMsP also has a blog!  She'd love to hear from you!