Are you ready for the holidays?!  I know for me I can't wait for this time of year to get here and then when it does it's like WAIT!.... Slow down!... I need more time! 

Here are some great items I have found on Etsy to share with you.  I will be posting as many as I can in the next few days and weeks.  Some will be from my shop and others from some of my favorite shops.  There is nothing like getting a special item picked out just for you. 
Who wouldn't love a pair of these beauties??  Created by UnlimitedCraftworks.  Hand Knit and just beautiful they are sure to please the pickiest of people.  There are many other colors in their shop as well as items like socks, gloves, hats and jackets! 


Could it Get Any Cuter?!

I was lucky to stumble upon a truly unique and cute shop! Variation makes some of the sweetest bead dolls I've seen. Wonderful colors and styles that bring a bit of nostalgia and whimsy to these little beings. Best of all they are her original design! I love that.

Wonderfully photographed as well. Giving each life and character.

I love the vintage feel to her studio. What a great keepsake these would make. Pack one up in some retro gift wrap and voila!

In addition to bead work, she also knits, crochets, embroiders, sews, dabbles in bookbinding, letterpress, metalsmithing, collage, and digital graphics and animation. She think the dolls will ultimately transition into jewelry (coming soon!). Hmmm.. now we know that Variation name has merit!

Here are some of my favorites from her shop. Click the picture to be taken to the item in her Etsy shop.Like a little ballerina isn't she precious.

These two look like Snow Queens from the Nutcracker!

Here's a great way to makes someones day special. Send them this sweet postcard!

Please Visit here Etsy shop here
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5270145

and see more wonderful work here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/j-critter/

I hope you enjoy!

An Awesome Find

There are a few shops on Etsy that just never cease to amaze me. One of them is from Timothy Adams shop TimothyAdamsDesigns. He is a wonderful metal artist. Along with being great at his craft he is also known for helping others in the crafting community.

Here is one of his latest creations the Les Paul Guitar Table. Wow this is a true find! Weather you are a musician or someone who loves music this piece of functional art could make fabulous centerpiece to your room. Also this piece is very timely with the recent passing of the legendary Les Paul. I live just a stones throw from the birth place of the legend so the table really struck me to find it.

More finds in his shop.

How many rings can a tree have? As many as you can put on this sweetheart of a ring holder

You can say "Cheese", but this Copper Rivet Camera Necklace is anything but cheesy

Turn over a new leaf with this Beautiful Maple Leaf necklace.

Timothy also spends time to help other learn the process of promoting their craft and shop. His site Handmadeology can walk you through many of the nuances of Etsy and Artfire. Every Monday he has an Etsy top 10 where he promotes Etsy sellers by getting them to see and promote other sellers. A good feeling all around.

Etsy 101: Everything Etsy

Artfire 101: All About Artfire

Traffic 101: Back to Basics

Other sites to see Timothy Adam

Twitter

http://twitter.com/timothyadam

Portfolio:

http://www.timothyadamdesigns.com/

blog:

http://www.timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/

http://www.handmadeology.com/

Facebook

Timothy Adam Designs

A Great Cup of Coffee

Jens Blasen Pottery made this mug

Well if you ask me, the self proclaimed "coffee snob" there are a few things you need to make a great cup of coffee.






This mug from dbabcock

First the coffee itself. I prefer something dark and bold. Not too much acidity, but with some character. My coffee of choice comes from a local roaster Alterra. My usual brew is French Roast or Georges Burly Blend. If you have not heard of Alterra Coffee yet I am sure that will change soon. They are a local roaster here in the Milwaukee area. Specializing in a variety of Fair Trade and Organic Coffees.

these cups are from JD Wolfe Pottery

Okay now you have your favorite grind in hand. Time to brew. I swear by the French Press. It gives you all the flavor, oils and aroma! I truly hate to make coffee any other way. Unless I treat myself to a cup of espresso made on my stove top. But that take time, which I rarely have. My French Press only take a few minutes and is so satisfying.

this cup from Twisted River Clay

Now... For the cup! My coffee always taste better when I drink from a beautiful mug or cup. So I thought I would take this opportunity to show off some of the wonderful work I found on Etsy. Some Handmade pottery mugs and cups.

this set is from Darielles Clay Art

Wouldn't you love to drink your coffee from one of these?