Handmade Holiday Shopper's Guide

There is nothing more satisfying than finding the perfect gift for all those lucky people on your holiday gift list. I have been buying handmade items from wonderful artisans for many years. Sure, I do hit a few malls and maybe even Bloomingdale's during my holiday shopping trips, but most of the time I start buying early at craft shows that I attend or from one line sites that sell handmade. The gifts I find in these places get the biggest smiles and are the ones my friends and family still talk about. I thought it might be nice to give my readers some suggestions, shops to visit and helpful hints to make your shopping experience pleasant and easy. I am beginning with an artist whose work I have admired on etsy for a long time. His work appeals to me because it is very modern and has a strength and beauty that is quite unique. His art is done in steel and other metals like copper and aluminum. Although his shop carries mostly jewelry, Tim also designs sculptures, furniture and other interesting items some of which I chose to represent here. Please visit his etsy shop at http://timothyadamdesigns.etsy.com. You can read more about his work on his blogs.http://timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com/ and

http://blufuse.blogspot.com/ .

Great Instruction is the Key

I have been talking quite a bit on this blog about the wonderful Wild Wire Woman's retreat where I studied under master teacher Sharilyn Miller at her home in Idywilld,Ca. Even though some of the techniques we learned were challenging and frustrating, my persistence has certainly paid off. Practice really does make a big difference and having Sharilyn's DVDS has helped tremendously.

Although I still enjoy working with genuine gemstones to make some feminine and delicate jewelry pieces, wire working has been so much fun and I find that I love wearing the bold, chunky pieces as much as the delicate ones. Working with wire is a very satisfying experience and I particularly love antiquing my pieces in liver of sulpher. Check my blog to see my current metal pieces.

Too Early for Summer?

Since summer is my favorite season, I had to feature this lovely necklace by autumnleah. It's almost Valentine's Day, but everyone needs a little summer in their hearts. If you want a custom necklace to give to your valentine, then consider this one and put your photo on the heart. Atumnleah has these and other wonderful pieces in her shop including a number of lovely necklaces just right for Valentine's Day. Take a peek at her blog too.