Handmade Christmas: Feather Prints by Jody Edwards

One of my resolutions for 2014 is to fill my empty walls with art. I am so picky that I end up just leaving walls bare instead of throwing any ole thing up there. I always think to myself that I'll make something to fill up this space and paint something to fill up that space, but then guess what? I never do. It's just too much pressure. It's like the whole blank canvas syndrome - where to start?

So when I discovered Jody Edwards' beautiful paintings on Etsy, I felt like it was a sign! When my darling husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I showed him these feather prints and he said, "Those are awesome, let's get a bunch!" So we did, but it's only the beginning of our collection :)

Click on any of the photos to see them on Etsy:

Aren't they just gorgeous? The first four we got as 8x10 prints and the last two on greeting cards. I think they will be a beautiful start to a picture wall. Now to get some frames!

All images © Jody Edwards from http://jodyvanb.etsy.com

Handmade Christmas : Owl Fingerless Gloves

I hope you all had a fabulous Christmas! I sure did - my sweet hubby indulged me with lots of awesome handmade gifts from Etsy, including these adorable grey owl fingerless gloves which were a custom request from Coco and Cocoa! I love them so much - I even wear them inside the house :)

I am excited to see that they are available in the shop now so I can share them with you!! Gloves are handmade to order so you can get them in your favorite color.

I have always loved Julie's cable knit owl hats with vintage button eyes - I've written about them before - and when I saw the new fingerless gloves she's been making recently, I thought they would be so cute with the owls on them too. Well, aren't they??

What were your favorite gifts this year?

Monday Musings: Obsessed with Orange

Last Monday I posted a photo of my gorgeous surprise orange daylilies that I saw bloom for the first time since we moved into this house almost 3 years ago. All week I have been thinking about how happy the color orange makes me feel, and I have been seeking it out everywhere I look.

I can't deny that looking at anything in this vibrant bright and juicy hue instills a warm comfortable feeling, like my whole body is smiling! I have created a collection from Etsy of lovely items that represent this glorious color, this essence of sunshine!

I hope you'll enjoy this collection and experience that same radiant glowing feeling that will carry you through the week. Happy Monday!

Kumquat Tangerine Juice Vegan Olive Oil Soap by TheOriginalSoapStand on Etsy

Citrus Orange letterpress linocut print by thebigharumph on Etsy

Orange Dahlia Autumn Flower fine art photo print by PhotosByChipperfield on Etsy

Tangerine orange leather clutch handbag by MOSAIKO on Etsy

Tangerine Orange Autumn Leaves Earrings made from recycled paper by Jezebellamina on Etsy

Orange ombre braided rug by greenatheartrugs on Etsy

Amigurumi orange plush crochet heart wedding cake toppers by AllSoCute on Etsy

Orange amigurumi crochet octopus by leludallas on etsy

Alphonse the orange and white striped plush cat by Applekinzz on Etsy

Neon Orange Tangerine Spring Infinity Scarf by ForgottenCotton on Etsy

Treasury Time: Inspired by Amethyst

A beautiful collection of finds from Etsy, inspired by February's lovely birthstone, Amethyst!  Collection is courtesy of Jezebellamina and features all manner of handmade items, photography, beads, and more... in gorgeous tones of lavender, purple, violet, wisteria, and grape.

// Shop amethyst jewelry by bespangledjewelry on Etsy //

// Read more about February's birthstone Amethyst //

My very first Swap Sponsor! Introducing Julie{IsCocoandCocoa}

I am so excited to have my very first blog sponsor! I want you to meet Julie{isCocoandCocoa}. I'm a relatively new blogger, and Julie has been giving me some great advice.  It's not always easy getting started at something new, and it's really nice to have a buddy to help me out with my newbie questions. I am thrilled to have her badge on my sidebar.  Welcome, Julie, and thank you!

Julie is working on a degree in Marketing at UTA and is a mom to three boys, two of whom are 10 year old twins, and the other is 2! They are all destined to be heartbreakers, I'm sure (if you don't believe me hop on over to Julie's blog and tell me I'm wrong). This busy girl is also an avid blogger, incredible baker, and on top of all this, she knits and crochets for her Etsy shop Coco & Cocoa, and as you can see from this Owl Knit Hat with Button Eyes and Crochet Elfin Hats she makes some really cute things!!

I am also absolutely in awe of this awesome Ruffled Crochet Necklace. Isn't this just the coolest thing ever?? So much fun!

I hope you'll take some time to peruse Coco and Cocoa on Etsy and see some more of Julie's amazing creations, and keep in mind that she LOVES custom orders so if you see something that's almost perfect but not quite, just ask and she'll work with you to come up with something that is just right!

  Be sure to check out her blog as well (-WARNING-) but only if you're strong enough to resist these Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars...gulp!!

If you're interested, you can learn about becoming a sponsor with Bespangled Jewelry too!