First Signs of Autumn

Here is a collection of wonderful pastels and a beautiful greeting card by my friend and collaborator Lindacaterpillar. She has two shops on etsy which feature her amazing art work.

The weather today was beautiful, tinged with that last-day-of-summer-first-day-of-Autumn feeling.

The trees haven't turned yet but they soon will.

The leaves haven't fallen yet but they soon will.

The glorious colors of Autumn aren't here yet, but they will be, soon. Find this beautiful card in this shop.

This year's pine cones haven't fallen, but they will do, soon.

Have you seen my Linda's two Etsy shops? In one she sells art; pastels, watercolors, acrylics and photographs.
In the other she sells cards made using that art. Come and visit her, revel in color, beauty and unique work that she has there waiting for you!

Today her beautiful pastel of a yellow Autumnal leaf was chosen to be in this Etsy Treasury:

Original Art for the Home and Garden

I have just had the pleasure of visiting Rachael's Garden , a wonderful shop on etsy. Karen, the shop's proprietor, has some wonderful original art for your home and garden. Folk art has always appealed to me. I love the bright colors and primitive designs. Karen's shop carries these items as well as adiitional folk art and original paintings for the home. Her birdhouses are so creative and the detail is amazing. Just perfect for your garden. Karen is happy to do custom designs for you. Just send her an email (convo) when you visit her shop.

Origami Art

The etymology of the word origami comes from "oru" meaning folding and "kami" which means paper. This amazing art form originated early in Japan's history with Samurai warriors exchanging folded paper gifts to express good wishes and with origami butterflies that were used in wedding celebrations to represent the bride and groom. The etsy shop of http://meekiyua.etsy.com/ has adorable origami people called "meekiyua" that the artist uses to adorn tags, door hangers, stationary,dolls, and totes. I chose a couple of my favorites to show you, but please visit this delightful shop to read about "meekiyua" and the history behind these wonderful little people.

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.

Something for Your House

Tracy Suter has a series of wonderful paintings in her etsy shop done on a house shaped piece of wood. One of them, seen below and is titled " House of Antiquated Notions" This painting can stand alone or can be grouped with another from her house series. The print of the birds titled"Stasis" is my favorite in Tracy's shop . The colors are just exquisite.

Let Sleeping Gypsies Lie

What makes this unusual tapestry so interesting is that it is beaded . It is made with over 30,000 delica seed beads. The time that went into this piece makes it an incredible buy. Please take a look at this piece and onethousandhills other amazing beaded pieces in her etsy shop.
Don't forget to take a long at her blog too.

A Bird in the Hand

You know what they say about a bird in the hand. If you act quickly you can grab this beautiful painting or an equally lovely piece of art from Glory2727's shop. I love the bookmarks! They would make lovely gifts or treat yourself to a great book and these bookmarks.

By the Beautiful Sea

I was immediatley drawn to this beautiful picture of the sea by Allyon67. It is just where I would like to be right now. You will find Allyon's paintings full of life and vibrant colors like the flamingo dancers below. If you are looking for some exciting art work make sure to check out the work of allyon67.

The work of Danelle of Damdesign is quite unique as you can see in the examples below. Not only does she design wearable art in the form of earrings and pendants, but her brightly colored pieces like the two that caught my eye would be gorgeous additions to many homes. Please check out her wonderful etsy shop.p.

Winter Solstice

The winter solstice will arrive this year on December 22, at 1:08 AM. At that point the hours of daylight will increase and night hours will decrease. That is a happy thought for those ,like me who long for warmth,sunny days and flowers. Deabusamor's winter solstice photo seems to depict that longing for spring with the sun behind the icicles reminding us of warmer days to come. Deabusamor's talent is evident not only in her amazing photos but in the stunning polymer bead set below. Check out her exciting etsy shop.

Have you Ever Been to Spain?

I have never been to Spain, but when I looked at this magnificent landscape photo of Navarra, Spain in Kathryn Short's etsy shop, I decided to add Spain to my list of "must see"locations. Besides taking wonderful photographs, Kathryn also knits adorable hats like the child's hat shown below. I love the bright colors and design of this hat. Take a look at this talented artist's shop before the holiday and have your shopping list with you.

This Year and Next

If you need a few extra holiday cards for special friends this year, this set of four cards is for you. You can find these and other wonderful prints in the etsy shop, Wittyworkshop. The calendar below is a perfect gift for the upcoming year. which will be here before we know it. Don't forget to take a look at Valerie's blog too.

Sunflower Power!

George McKim's sunflower lino cut prints will brighten your room and your outlook. Sunflowers have always been on my list of favorites. I love their happy yellow faces. I chose the black and white print to feature because I liked the way the cuts appear on the "face" of the flower. The print below it has such beautiful colors and design, it needed to be featured here as well. George's shop carries some absolutely beautiful work. Don't' forget to check out his blog too.

This is just a small sampling of the kinds of items that can be found in the wonderful shop of Crafty Moose. From French beaded flowers, to dolls and mini works of original art, this shop has something for everyone. I chose these items because each one has special meaning for me. I love beaded flowers and like to collect Santas. Venice,Italy is on my list of the top 10 places to visit, but unfortunately I missed Burano. The picture below has convinced me that next time I go, Burano will be on my list of places to see. Get your holiday shopping list ready and pay this shop a visit. Don't forget to visit Crafty Moose's blog too.