Gilbea

Today's feature is on etsy shop Gilbea. This is what the artist has to say about herself.

"I used to be a watercolors painter, but a few years ago I discovered silk painting, and now I'm hooked to it!!! For a few years I have been seriously working on silk fabrics, making all kind of different stuff, from silk paintings that hang from the walls to silk scarves or brooches and t-shirts.Right now I'm experimenting with new things for this next season: Spring/Summer 2008. Silk bags, shirts, headbands, and a big etcetera. Come back again in a few months to see my new creations!For more information visit my website:"
http://gilbea.com

February's Birthstone Amethyst

See these pieces and others on my website. All my jewelry is one-of-a-kind, but I am happy to custom design for you if you admire a piece that has already sold.

This is the month of the amethyst. The history and mythology behind the stone will help explain its popularity throughout the ages. Ancient Greeks believed this stone had many powers, including warding off intoxication. The stone was associated with the god of wine. Wine was often seved in amethyst goblets to protect against drunkeness. Today this stone is proported to protect against addictive behaviors and to help overcome dificulties.. Amethyst has also been associated with royalty because of its intense hues. Purple dye was quite costly to make due to its scarcity and therefore worn by queens and kings who were among the few who could afford to purchase the dye for their garments. At one time, amethyst was more valuable than diamonds!

First Signs of Spring

This darling tote bag by Morelle is the perfect bag for spring. The neutral colors and flowers will enhance any outfit and hold all your necessary items. Check out Morelle's etsy shop for a great selection of bags and if you don't need a bag, the adorable oven mitts below will certainly bring springtime into your home. Don't forget to take a look at her blog too.

Morelle

Today's feature artist is Morelle. Please read her bio:

"I'm a 26 year old girl living in Amsterdam. I have a passion for creating and designing things with fabrics, wool and whatever I can get my hands on. I believe that you don't need to buy expensive accessories to decorate your life. With cheap and everyday materials and with a little imagination anyone can create beautiful things!"

Jewelry of the Month Club

I have received fruit and flowers each month, but never jewelry. What a great way to put a smile on someone's face. Luckygirltrading has a number of jewelry of the month offerings in her lovely shop as well as many dichroic glass pendants and the pretty chain you see in this post. Take a look at her shop and her blog.

Lucky Girl Trading

Today I am featuring the etsy shop of Lucygirltrading. Please read the owner's bio below:

"In the spring of 2001 I was overwhelmed by sadness and huge piles of clutter. My marriage was in the midst of a very ugly ending, and he had left tons of his stuff behind. I suddenly realized that I was a very lucky girl to be rid of him, and Lucky Girl Trading Company was born. I began listing his stuff for sale on eBay, clearing away both the clutter and the sadness. A few years later I met my lucky guy--who was selling a bit of jewelry--and married him in a hot air balloon ceremony in 2006. We've worked together to build Lucky Girl Trading into a fun and fulfilling enterprise. I've also discovered working with glass--one of my all-time favorite creative outlets. I've also discovered two ancient arts: Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and both give me a zen-like tranquility while working. I truly am a Lucky Girl! Every day I gather pretty, sparkly things and send them to people. I imagine a person opening their mail and taking out their new pendant or chain or pouch. It's perfect--they have a huge smile on their face--and so do I. I'd love for that person to be you!Be my friend on MySpace" http://www.myspace.com/luckygirltrading
Make Every Day Your Lucky Day (my blog)
http://luckygirltrading.blogspot.com

The Joys of Wire Wrapping

I have been doing some interesting things with dead soft wire in the last few weeks and I am pleased the results. I love the way the wire cages frame the beads and give them an interesting dimension. I used carnelian and lampwork beads for the silver necklace and earrings. The bangle is made with copper and silver wire that I hammered and adorned with fresh water pearls and Hill Tribe pure silver beads. The necklace and bangle bracelet are for sale in my esty shop . The earrings have been sold, but I am more than willing to do a custom design. All my jewelry is one of a kind so if you like the earrings, yours will be unique.