Magic, Fairy Tales, and a Sprinkle of Whimsy

The magical artwork of Victoria Vusova has captured my heart. After browsing her wonderful shop, I knew her work would be perfect to add to my HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE. Her brightly colored works of art will put a smile on your face. Reminiscent of the fairy tales that enchanted me as a child , I chose these beautiful pieces to feature. Do not miss her shop at http://vusova.etsy.com/ and think about making one of her pieces of art a gift for that special person on your shopping list.

Home for the Holidays

I love being in my home for the holidays. It's warm and cozy by the fireplace, delicious food is readily available and wonderful aromas fill the air. My home is comfortable and decorated with art that I enjoy seeing every day. Many years ago my brother brought me a painting done on plaster which he found on a trip to Greece. It looked as though it had come straight from the walls of an ancient dwelling. That painting was one of my favorite gifts and still is to this very day. A gift of art can be very special and become an item that adds to the beauty and warmth of a home. The shop of Lupe at http://artgarden.etsy.com/ carries beautiful prints and paintings that would make a lovely addition to a home. The print she calls Visions of Home is the one that first caught my eye . The girl you see through the door could be me coming in from my garden. It inspired such a feeling of warmth and tranquility in me that I had to add this artist to my HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE.

Poetry in Motion

I have just had the most pleasant visit to the shop of Jennifer Gordon, writer and mixed media artist. Her beautiful work is for sale on etsy at http://stilettoheights.etsy.com/ where you will find original works of art , prints, illustrations, journals, cards, mirrors and jewelry. Her prints have an ethereal look about them , many featuring women who appear to be lost in deep thought. It was hard to choose the photos I wanted to feature here because I liked them all. I chose Amelia as one of them because she was a woman I greatly admire. These beautiful works of art are truly poetry in motion.

Substitute Teachers

I am currently a substitute teacher and let me tell you this is not an easy thing to do. Having taught my own classroom for many years and then becoming a teaching assistant, I have had over 25 years experience in the classroom. Although I have taught almost every grade level from kindergarten through grade 8, nothing is quite like subbing. As soon as the kids see you walk into the room, their mischievous eyes light up with glee. They all have the same goal . What can we do to make this woman's life miserable? Of course , I let them know right away that they are messing with the wrong lady, but at times it can be quite a challenge.

Today while browsing through this delightful etsy shop, http://urbanbasement.etsy.com/ I found the perfect journal , entitled Substitute Teacher and laughed out loud when I looked at the teacher's face. I can relate! This shop has some wonderful prints, postcards and journals which would make wonderful gift items. If you know a substitute teacher, make her day and buy this wonderful handmade journal. I am sure she/he will love it.