Stackable Rings

If you are a jewelry "nut" like I am, chances are you might wear lots of rings. My rings never come off my fingers and that is one of the reasons stackable rings work well for me. I can enhance my lovely petite rings with another one of a similar material or with a design that will make the ring next to it stand out like a frame on a picture. In my quest to add wonderful selections to my HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE, I discovered the newly opened shop of http://cosmosmoon.etsy.com/. She has been doing metalsmithing for over 2o years and has some outstanding pieces in her shop. Her stackable rings would make a lovely gift for that special lady in your life. The bracelet featured here is one of an award winning series of incredible one- of -a- kind pieces. I had to include it in this post!

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.

Too Early for the Flu?

That's what I thought! I even have an appointment in a week or so to get my vaccine. I noticed a little scratchy feeling in my throat about a week ago, but didn't think much about it. Then it was like a small bomb went off in my nose. I've been through 3 boxes of tissues, containers of homemade chicken soup, lots of Advil, night sweats, fever and there seems to be no end in sight. I thought maybe some of my cyber friends might have a flu remedy to recommend. I thought that humor might work and have been looking a flu cartoons. Thought this one was kind of cute.

Something Special to Hold your Treasures

As you know, I have been featuring some very talented artists for my Holiday Shopping Guide and hope I can help you find something special for a loved one to make that shopping list disappear. Buying handmade items is always appreciated because your gift will be unique and probably a great match for the recipient's personality. I love today's selection because these items are one-of -kind, handmade and beautiful. Think of all the wonderful treasures you can store inside one of these gorgeous boxes. Contact the shop owner to find out about other designs which are not yet listed. http://twistedsisterarts.etsy.com/

A Great New Game- Cyber-Tagging!

Just received a note from a old cyber friend of mine that I had been cyber-tagged. Ooh, what a nice gesture from Phyllis M. at http:/personaltreasures.blogspot.com. This a social networking game and the rules are easy.

*Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
* Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
* Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
* Don't forget to let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.


Facts about Me:

1. I am a recently retired school teacher who substitute from time to time and makes one-of- kind jewelry much of the time.
2. One of my favorite things to do is to travel to a new place.
3. I love Italian food and enjoy cooking as well.
4. I have the best friends possible-they are always there for me.
5. My golden retriever Sonny is feisty but very lovable and loving.
6. I am surrounded by males- my wonderful husband and 2 sons and of course Sonny.
7. I enjoy conversing with my cyber pals.



I am tagging:

Giftbearer http://artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com/
Cryztalvisions Creation http://cryztalvisions.typepad.com/
Kala http://chalkhillstudio.blogspot.com/
Unique Women http://www.uniquewomeninbusiness.blogspot.com/
Dorana http://dorana.blogspot.com/
A Breath of French Air http://allthingsetsy2222.blogspot.com/
Glitter Star http://glitterstardesigns.blogspot.com/

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.

Getting Married in the Morning Cake Toppers

I haven't been adding as many items as I would like to my handmade HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE because I have been looking for unique and interesting choices . My choices for today ,vary in price according to the amount of detail the artist puts into her creations. When I stumbled upon these amazing cake toppers, I wished I had a wedding coming up in our family. What an amazing gift for a bride and groom or someone celebrating a special anniversary or event! The artist fashions her little polymer clay caricatures after the photo that you provide to her. The results are whimsical and delightful, as you can see here. She also carries Christmas ornaments, jewelry displays, market totes and other unique items in her shop.

http://speckimage.etsy.com/. She is truly a talented artisan.