Showing posts with label Gift Guide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gift Guide. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : Week 6, Gifts in a Jar

Hand Crafted Holidays 2015 : The Hand Crafted Kitchen
Week 6 Cookies and Gifts in a Jar


Christmas is this week! What better time to roll out gifts a jar and cookies than the week you might need some quick last minute gifts!

I have a board on Pinterest dedicated to simple cookie recipes and decorating - though mostly decorating. Like most of us I already have my favorite recipes tucked away in my kitchen and have just recently started gathering my favorites from around the web as a traveling recipe box for my kids.

Snowman Cookies, Simple Circles BIG on Cuteness Factor
Like these cute snowmen, you can make these in a flash using your own sugar cookie recipe (or  buy a tube of dough) Whip up some royal frosting and decorate to your hearts content!  If you prefer a different cookie you'll find the Snowmen come from a recipe for gingerbread on Bakerella.

Gifts in a jar have gotten really diverse in past years as more and more people have enjoyed this simple gift that is big on taste and heart.  From cookies, quick breads and soups to mulling spices and custom tea blends the ideas are limited only to your imagination.

Cookies in a Jar
Spiced Tea in a Jar Recipe

































The cookie in a jar recipe and the spiced tea recipe can be found on my Hand Made Kitchen Board on Pinterest along with many others as well as some more great ideas I didn't share here or you can click above and go to them directly.

I do hope you've enjoyed this years series! I know I have enjoyed bringing it to you. Christmas is this weekend and I do hope you are surrounded with people you love and who contribute to your happiness and create feelings of being loved and cherished in return. No matter what religion you practice I believe that sense of love and well being is integral to what we are celebrating this time of year. I wish you all Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!






Week 6 Jars and Gifts in a Jar  Merry Christmas!



Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Hand Crafted Kitchen: Week 3

Week 3: Wooden Mixing Spoons and helpful accessories

The official countdown has begun!  Christmas is in just four weeks.

This year I’m focusing the series in the kitchen, and today we’re talking spoons and wooden push pulls.

My oldest has moved out again and is refurnishing her kitchen. She found some spoons on Pinterest that she loved and hinted I should buy them for her. After doing a little hunting on Etsy I found some really beautiful spoons anyone would be happy to receive.

 
Gorgeous Burned Spoon from Portugal  ArtisIgnis on Etsy









California Walnut At Kitchen Carvings on Etsy



























Hand Carved from Italy The Wooden Caravan on Etsy
Fun Spoons at Sue Made That on Etsy













































While looking around I also found this amazing little gadget I didn’t even know I needed, but man do I want one! This little guy pushes and pulls the hot rack in the oven, no more burns! I’m all for that!

Walnut Push/Pull from Wooden It Be Nice on Etsy
I don't know where this thing has been hiding all my life but I really really want one! I also kinda want some of these spoons!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Hand Crafted Kitchen: Week 2 Aprons

The countdown to the holidays has begun! Thanksgiving is this week and Christmas follows (as usual lol) just four weeks behind.

This year I’m focusing the series in the kitchen. What says kitchen more than the Apron?
It doesn’t matter if the kitchen is indoors or out, an apron means business!

MagPie Approved: My Grandma's Hand Embroidered Apron
Hand Embroidered, My Grandmas Apron


I received a most wonderful gift from my Aunt (Dad’s sister) recently. She sent some wonderful old family photos of my grandparents, aunts and uncles and some of the grandkids (my cousins, me included) But she also included my Grandmas apron. Pristinely white with hand embroidered flowers. Tucked in with the apron were hand tatted lace edged hankies and pillow cases my Grandma had made. Lace making amazes me, it isn’t something I ever picked up. Makes me wish I had.  

Once upon a time all of our kitchens were hand made!

As much as I LOVE my Grandmas apron I would be heart broken if I stained it or tore it somehow. Off to Pinterest to find the apron patterns! I am forever dropping beads and jump rings in my studio. That means umpteen hours on my knees with a flashlight hunting down the little um buggers under the armoire and dressers i use for storage. An apron might could catch those runaway items before they could ever hit the floor!

My kiddo as you know is a potter, she needs one that covers front and back - muddy hands!

I have two patterns tucked away on my boards that fit our needs beautifully.
They can be found here: on my  Pinterest Board







If you don’t sew or just don’t have the time this year, I took a few minutes to poke around and found some wonderful Handmade Aprons available for purchase.


Etsy

MagPie Approved: HandMade Holiday Week 2 Aprons
Bonnies Sew Crazy on Etsy



MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
Misses Country on Etsy
MagPie Approved: HandMade Holiday Week 2 Aprons
Linen Sky on Etsy


























and on Handmade @ Amazon 


MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
Victoria Eggs on HandMade @Amazon
MagPie Approved: HandMade Holidays  Aprons
HardMill on Handmade @Amazon
























Oh my I LOVE this apron, perfect for my studio! It’s a bit out of my budget for right now, so I’ll have to save my pennies and wait on it a little bit. 

In the meantime I’m pulling out the sewing machine…….just as soon as I find some suitable material. I haven’t quite decided, duck cloth or ticking or just a heavy cotton…… decisions decisions!

The holidays are about sharing and caring, and I’d like very much to get the word out that hand made is heart made as is the holiday season. 
SO, If you like this post, and I hope you do! Please feel free to share it! Blog about it, Tweet it, Pin it, Instagram it and give it a shout out on FaceBook. Don’t forget to come back each week for another post in this years series: The Hand Crafted Kitchen

Thanks for stoppin by!
We’ll see ya next week!





Friday, March 20, 2015

B’Sue’s Build a Line Challenge Hop 3 of 3 The Reveal!

The day has finally come. I’ve worked on this line of mine for the past few months. Designing, sketching, refining and creating. I’ve enjoyed myself immensely and finally let go of others imposing philosophies and allowed myself to just play. Creating from the heart has always been what I do best and it was about time I got back to it.

I believe jewelry is meant to be loved, to be made with love,  given with love, and received with love. 
It is my honor and joy to present to you from my heart and hands Mucha’s Musings.  
  ~ A muse as you all know is the whisper in your ear full of joyful inspiration and Mucha’s Muse definitely had some things to say!

Without further ado,  Mucha’s Musings

the Mother Nature Collection:

mucha's musings:  mother nature collection, hand crafted jewelry by Wind Dancer Studios on Etsy
Mucha's Musings: Mother Nature Collection
This collection revolves around the bronzed bust of nature. 
It features a resined pendant of Nature herself with a sterling silver crown bezeling. ($45.oo)
Lever back earrings inspired by the pair she wears, available in three colors and two finishes, brass ox and silver ($19.oo ea).
A matching sterling silver crown ring ($19.oo), a brass open filigree ring with vintage faux pearl ($15.oo), and a brass filigreed band with rhinestone ($18.oo). 
Also in this collection a layered gemstone pendant in mixed metals ($55.oo), a gorgeous statement cuff featuring another vintage faux pearl ($55.oo)and stud earrings in a beautiful lacey filigree complimenting the cuff and rings($19.oo).

the Champagne Collection in Pink:

mucha's musings:  Pink Champagne collection, hand crafted jewelry by Wind Dancer Studios on Etsy
Mucha's Musings: Champagne Collection in Pink
This collection centers around the champagne ad for Moet & Chandon, pulling its soft colors and florals throughout. 
Featuring a resined pendant of the ad in mixed metals on a fine patterned ball chain.($45.oo)
Copper stacking rings with pink crystal accents ($35.oo).
Rose ox copper flower earrings with matching crystals. ($15.oo)
gorgeous layered brooch featuring a large vintage faux pearl and crystal pearl drop with a floral porcelain bead in pinks and browns. ($40.oo)
A pink cameo in brass ox with a sweet faux pearl drop. ($40.oo)
Two bracelets, one in silver plate layers featuring a gorgeous vintage faux pearl($39.oo), the other a layered stacker in a mix of glass, crystal and crystal pearls in shades of pink and cream with silver plated accents.($28.oo)
Finally a pair of long swingy earrings in silver plate featuring more of those beautiful pink crystals and pearls for loads of delicate sparkle ($29.oo).

the Champagne Collection in Brown:

mucha's musings: Champagne collection in Brown, hand crafted jewelry by Wind Dancer Studios on Etsy
Mucha's Musings:  Champagne Collection in Brown

While technically not Mucha I couldn't not be inspired by this champagne ad as well! Again pulling form and color from the ad this collection features the chocolate browns, diamonds and rounds, flourishes and florals.
The mixed metal cameo was given a softly aged artisan patina and features the same vintage faux pearl you've seen repeated in the other collections. ($40.oo)
A second layered pendant features a glass focal and drop. ($48.oo)
The stackable bracelet echoes the color of the glass and softens it with crystal pearls and copper accents. ($25.oo)
Two pair of earrings, one pair of big bold statement earrings in a beautiful rusty black finish that shows of the curves of the flourish beautifully. ($35.oo)
The second pair of earrings are a simple pair of Iris in the same gorgeous finish. ($15.oo)

the Chocolate Collection:

mucha's musings: Chocolate Collection, hand crafted jewelry by Wind Dancer Studios on Etsy
Mucha's Musings: the Chocolate Collection
This wonderful ad for Mexican Chocolates was the inspirational focus of this collection.
It features a mixed metal pendant that is a layered and resined copy of the ad itself. ($48.oo)
A layered bolo tie for him ($42.oo) and a long feather pendant for her ($38.oo) both in silver plate and on rich chocolate brown leather.
A second necklace in gorgeous jaspers dyed in the softest sea greens and turquoise, paired with leather, wood and copper, just gorgeous with that rusty black finish on the leaves. ($55.oo)
A pair of earrings in the perfect blend of sea green and turquoise chalcedony, all dressed up in brass ox. ($30.oo)
Finally a pair of ear vines in silver plate showing off blooms of vintage faux pearl and turquoise colored beads, hand wrapped and secured in place.($28.oo) Vines feature studs with stability discs and may be gently formed to your ear for a perfect fit. 
This collection is still whispering sweet nothings in my ear, don't be surprised if you see it expand in the future!

the Arts Collection; Music:

mucha's musings: the Arts Collection: Music, hand crafted jewelry by Wind Dancer Studios on Etsy
Mucha's Musings: The Arts Collection; Music

Based on the Four Arts series by Mucha, this collection focuses on Music. 
Featuring my favorite pendant of the line, a mixed metal layered beauty hung from a beautiful leather cording. ($55.oo)
A sweet heart  of a bangle in copper, completely stackable (25.oo)!
A pair of gorgeous filigree hoop earrings. ($24.oo)
A set of stacked copper rings ($35.oo).
And finally a hand forged clef note lapel pin in copper. ($24.oo)
Admittedly the smallest of my collections it too is still whispering sweet nothings in my ear. Music it seems would like me to recreate several of my sold pieces to round out the collection - so as with the Chocolate Collection do not be surprised if she gets her way! 

As I noted in hop number two all my collections were designed with mix and match in mind. The ability to mix and match with each other and with my existing inventory at Wind Dancer Studios. I'm thrilled to be able to introduce this line to my shop in the coming days. Please look for it soon!

Until then I've uploaded all the pics to my Flick'r if you'd like to see them individually.

Brenda has assembled 55 of us for this Challenge. She’s worked hard keeping us on track and on task. Reminding us of what is important and what is not so much. I could go on and on but this is a Hop and hop we must. I do thank you for stopping by and celebrating my new line with me! And I thank Brenda for pushing me back out of my comfort zone and reminding me what art is all about. Now, lets go see what the others have created. The past two hops have hinted at some wonderful lines and I can’t wait to see them myself!

Our Tireless Hostess 
Brenda Sue Lansdowne, B'sue Boutiques
Jewelry Making Outside the Box

Marcia Tuzzolino
Aurora Designs

Jann Tague
Clever Designs by Jann

Judy King
Apt to Wander Studio

Linzi Alford
Magpie in the Sky, Spoil Heap Tales

Cynthia Wainscott
Exotic Peru

Carole Carlson
Beadsophisticate

Lynn Stinten
Dragonzwench

Marica Zammit
Bead Lovelies

Catherine Shattuck
VRBrose

Michaele Collie
The Vintage Gem

Mary Craig
Jewelry Alchemy

Lee Koopman
Strega Jewelry

Erin Whitacre
Shattered Time Jewelry

Monica Casady
MJCasady Copper Works

Leila West
Leila Nicole Designs

Cindy Peterson
Howling Dog Jewelry    

Leila Belcher
Leila Bee Designs

Gloria Allen
Wings and Beads

Pamela Anger
Novegatti Designs

Tammy Adams
Paisley Lizard

Lynda O'Mara
LOmara Creative

Elizabeth Hildreth
MadScientistsDesigns

~*~*~*~*YOU ARE HERE!!~*~*~*~*
Dana Hickey  waves HI!!
Wind Dancer Studios

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Janet Calardo
Jan Lea Designs

Maria Clark
Sweet Willow Designs

Lori Beekman
B. Accessorized

Jennifer Kroeger
Relic Charm

Amy Jorgensen
Hoarder's Corner

Robin Reed
Artistry: Handcrafted Bead Designs

Ingrid Anderson
Lilis Gems

Louise O'Shields
Desire Divine Jewels

Susan Killam
Killam Creative

Mary Katherine Deis
The Rose Sword: Artisan and Vintage Collectible Jewelry

Nike Bottalico
Nike Bottalico

Susan Bowerman
Woodside Wireworks

Kristy Le
Kristy Le Trendy Jewelry Designs

Jan Peters
Stylized Vintage

Mitzie Crider
Needful Luxuries Occasional Blog

Gina Hockett
Freestyle Elements

Linda Anderson
From the Bead Board

Alexandra Sefton
Imaginary Jewelry and Altered Art

Melida Boman
The Journey of Pens and Things

Teresa Shurter
TreeZ's Treasurs

Melissa Latimer
Smithed Up

Renee Hong
Fine and Dandy Jewelry and Art

Nadine Edris
Moondance Jewelry

Lori Meyer
Parisienne Girl

Jennifer Merrill Williams
Artists of All Stripes

Denise Lussier Poirier
Jewelry by Denise

Renee Allen
Small Stuff Design 

Autumn Adams
Autumn Dawns

Elizabeth Owens
1996 Shabby Lane

Kat BarronMiller
Midnight Kat Productions Art Jewelry

Sandra Ballard
Mama San's Mojo

Coral Law
ab:coraldesign

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

August = Peridot

Rough start to the month, my in-laws seem to be imploding, 'nuff said.

AUGUST! The month of my birth! Peridot and Gladiolas.  As you can see though, Peridot was not always THE stone to wear......

Wear a sardonyx or for thee,
No conjugal felicity;
The August-born without this stone,
`Tis said, must live unloved and lone.


For most of the 15th through 20 centuries the stones for the month of August were as follows: Sardonyx, Carnelian, Moonstone and Topaz  ......hmmm I like Moonstone! As long as we're on the subject, I like Topaz too!.......
Then in 1912 all save the Sardonyx were dropped and Peridot was added.
Finally in 2013 Peridot became the sole stone for the month of August.

I like Peridot, I do, I'm just saying maybe we could give Moonstone another chance GRINS

collection of Peridot Green gifts
August Gifts in Peridot Green


I have in my shop TWO items in peridot, and many more green in color.

Copper & Peridot Gothic Pendant w/Beaded Chain
Copper & Peridot Gothic Pendant w/Beaded chain

smokey quartz and peridot gemstone earrings in 14/20 gf
Smokey Quartz and Peridot Earrings in 14/20 GF
pssst I have Moonstone too! and Topaz!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

An Homage to Best Friends

I've finally finished up my hopping for Bead Soup!! But, if you're still hopping - click HERE.

When I was growing up I rode and showed Western Pleasure and Trail (trail is an obstacle course for horse and rider) my best friend Cindy was a barrel racer and a pretty darn good one. Many of our afternoons were spent either riding trails through the orchards and countryside or training poles and barrels at her house, after homework of course......  maybe not always after..... ok ok maybe mostly before.

We did almost everything together. When I found myself grounded during song leader tryouts, I gave her my routine and cheered when she made the team. She became Rodeo Queen and I  1st runner up Miss Antioch. Her show schedule was busier than mine and I went with her to quite a few of hers. I cheered her on when she raced at Nationals in San Francisco at the Cow Palace. Together we admired the "assets" of bull riders and ropers while waiting for her events to begin. We wore moccasins, we wore boots, and finally we wore high heels. Even as we grew and found ourselves busy with life we still managed to do things in tandem and our daughters were born just weeks apart, even giving them similar names.

We managed to keep in touch for many years. When my husband and I moved to Arkansas we knew we'd still find time together as the rodeo circuit came our way and she and her husband could stay with us. When the girls started school, the decision was made to cut the circuit out here and though we didn't get to see each other we traded school photos and Christmas cards. When she moved I figured I'd get the new address with the Christmas card, when the card didn't come I decided I could call her Mom and get it, but kids and PTA, volunteer work and housework and a new construction business took up a significant amount of time and I could always make the call tomorrow.

Tomorrow in fact, turned into several years. But, she was still a large part of my life as most of the stories I told my children about growing up involved Cindy and her family. Then last week I ran across her brother on Facebook and was devastated to learn she had passed. It was if I suddenly had a hole in my life, I cried and mourned my loss, and then a realization hit me. She had been with me in my heart and memories even though she was no longer of this earth for the past several years, the only difference was I was now aware. I took solace in that, knowing how alive she felt in my heart.

This morning Amy of Modern Outlaw on Etsy contacted me. The idea she had was to cross promote each other and I thought that was a great idea. As I poked through her shop I thought a Polyvore type  collection could be fun and pulled together some of her vintage finds with my jewelry and then started filling in the outfit from a few other shops creating a treasury that breaks all sorts of Etsy rules! As I finished pulling it together I realized I had actually pulled together an Homage to Cindy and our friendship with an outfit for each of us fitting of our personalities.

It offers a small glimpse into our friendship and I hope I have managed in some small way to honor her memory. If you see anything that strikes your fancy please visit the shop, I know they will be absolutely pleased to have you shop with them.

Since the original idea started out as a sort of self promotion/cross promotion collection of our two shops I opted not to make it public on Etsy but to take screen shots to share on here and on Facebook. It does no good as a promotional tool if not clickable so I'll include the shop names in a list and make those clickable.

Best Friends = A Modern Vintage CowGirl

Horseshoe Hearts = Rustic Designs by Riley
Long Sleeve Shirt = Fae Aura Design
My Jewelry = Wind Dancer Studios
Vintage Clothing = Modern Outlaw
Blinged Out Cowboy Hats = Time Two Change
Moccasin Boots (Love these!!) = Bastets Closet
Tooled Leather Accessories = Delos Leather
Horse Photography = Wild Hoofbeats
Leather & Crochet Bag = V and H
Vintage Wranglers = Beta Apparel
Barn Photography = Feng Shui Photography

Thanks for stopping by and more importantly, indulging me!
We'll see ya next time!


Tuesday, February 18, 2014

February's Birthstone - Amethyst

This Amethyst Geode Lives in My Window

I enjoyed creating the January birthstone treasury enough I thought I might make it a monthly thing. It gives me a color theme for at least one treasury a month, I get to showcase a couple of my own pieces here, and since I like using color themes that works out well for me.  Bonus, it gives me a guaranteed topic for one post a month! I'd say it was cheating but if I look back over my posts I have several months missing one weeks posting and blogs LOVE consistency so it's actually making me a better blogger.

Instead of just making the treasury and calling it good, or showcasing it here with a few of my own pieces I thought it might be more interesting if I added a little something. Which helps me as I don't have jewelry for each of the birthstones - I really should remedy that! A couple years back I stumbled onto the poems for each month, first published by Tiffany's in 1870 from an unknown author. Each month has a poem corresponding to the months birthstone, if a month also has other accepted stones, I'll include that info too. At this time though unless I find it particularly interesting I'm only including the US version of the birthstone - getting on with February....


                          

The February-born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they an amethyst will wear.


The most recognized stone for February is Amethyst, however throughout the 15th - 20th centuries Hyacinth (Yellow Zircon) and Pearls were also accepted birthstones.

February' Amethyst Treasury



Amethyst Beaded Chain
Rose Quartz, Pink and Purple Amethyst  Chandeliers



I also have a pair of Crazy Horse Agate earrings that have the coolest coloring to them, a rusty purple that somewhat resembles marble with its fine veining and mottled coloring that I paired up with crystals and amethyst. And an Egyptian Style woven copper necklace with Amethyst chips as accents.



Thanks for stopping by!

We'll see ya next time!