Just Great Designs

I took a peek at the this wonderful shop this morning and saw so many things I liked I had a hard time choosing which photos to put up on my blog. The very talented owner of etsy shop

http://eclatdesigns.etsy.com/ is a wonderful photographer as well as a jewelry deigner. This is what she tells us in her profile:

"I started making jewelry fairly recently and discovered that I have a passion for it. It started when, at the age of 29, I got my ears re-pierced. I suddenly developed an interest in making earrings. I think it was my rational mind's way of curbing my shopping. I had so much fun making earrings that I expanded to necklaces and bracelets. I never thought of myself as particularly "crafty," but I find that the more I do, the more I want to do. Making jewelry relaxes me.As for photography, that's something I've always done. It's always been personal for me. There are few things I enjoy more than spending a day alone with my camera. I have photos all over my house, in frames, albums, boxes, and totes. They are not just shots of friends and family; I love scenes that are evocative of good memories. I decided it might be fun to share those scenes and see if they struck a chord with anyone else."

Need Beads?

I know I do! There is nothing more satisfying for a jewelry designer, apart from completing a wonderful piece, than purchasing a batch of lovely new beads. Although most jewelry atrisit have more beads than they can ever hope to use, this is an addiction which brings great pleasure with great results. The lovely of http://charmsnfindings.etsy.com/ provides unusual Japanese beads as well as some Karen Hill Tribe pure silver beads which are my personal favories. Please read the following description of the little treasures she carries in her etsy shop.

"I've gotten quite a lot of questions inquiring what "tensha" beads are. They are artisan beads made of top notched acrylic from Japan and are done in the manner of decoupage. Decoupage is the art of decorating an object by gluing colored paper cut outs onto it in combination with special paint effects, gold leaf, etc. This was known in 18th century England as The Art of Japanning after its presumed origins. The tensha beads I sell are imported direct from Japan personally by me, these are NOT made in China. Everything -- from lucite beads to 14k gold plated charms are lead-free ; you can be assured of their best quality here at my store. If you have questions about anything, feel free to send me a convo."

I have chosen afew of my favorite selections here. Don't miss her shop!

Just Peachy!

I just had the pleasure of visiting the charming etsy shop of http://peachypendants.etsy.com/. If you need a little brightness in your day visit this shop and see the bright and colorful pendants offered by Jennifer. Here is her profile.

"Hello and thanks for visiting!My name is Jennifer. I have been creating jewelry for the past four years. I just love these Scrabble Tile Pendants! So many options and so versatile to wear! I also love to do custom orders, so please don't be shy - just ask!If you live in the Boston, MA area, I love to do jewelry parties! You can have a Traditional Party where I bring the pendants for your guests to purchase. Or you can host a Pendant Making Party where I bring all the supplies and your guests can create their own charming pendants. Great for a child's birthday party, a Girl Scout's craft, or a Women's get-together. Convo me for more info.Thanks for stopping by!"

Here are a few of my favorites!

For the Love of Dolls

I was crazy for dolls as a child! My dolls got married ,had babies, and traveled the world on many excitng adventures. The etsy shop of http://feltlikestitchin.etsy.com/ has some adorable felt stitched dolls looking for a great home. This is what the owner tells us about herself.

"I live in Yorkshire, England and I've been a stitcher for as long as I can remember. I invent my DiDi Dolls as I go along, making each one truly unique!If I put my mind to it I can make pretty much anything out of felt, so if there's something you would like me to make just ask!Some of my DiDi Dolls are appearing at the Crammed Organisms World's Largest Plush Show in St Louis this June - if you're in that area why not check it out:)

My DiDi Dolls are also available at the following stores:

Cup Cakes A Go Go -

2079 Siesta Drive,

Sarasota, Florida

Kismet Gallery -

71 4th Street, Troy, NY 12180

Unique Freaque -

121 N. Kenilworth, Oak Park, Illinois 60301

Texas Art Spot -

N.Beaton St. Corsicana, Texas

The Crafty Fox -

Commercial Street, Rothwell, West Yorkshire

Jolie Handmade

Becca BoosTrendy

ShoppesGifts by Jayne"

There are dolls for every occasion and personality featured in this wonderful shop. Need a gift for a food critic or a grandma? You'll find it in this wonderful shop. Here are two of my favorites!

Belly Dancers Delight

Have you ever tried belly dancing or wished that you had? Well, your golden opportunity has arrived. Belly dancing is one of the oldest dance forms in world history. There are many theories on how and where it began although none of them have enough evidence to be claimed as fact. This dance form was widely practiced in Asia, the middle east and Africa. As an exotic and sensual art form, the belly dancers costume, or bedlah, is part of the experience. You can find lovely costumes for dancing and or practicing at the etsy shop http://fabulouspants.etsy.com/ . Here you see some that caught my eye. Think of the wonderful exercise belly dancing provides!

I've been to England to Visit to the Queen

Today I was fortunate enough to visit the lovely shop of http://lovethatjewellery.etsy.com/ who welcomes you to her etsy shop with these words.

"Welcome to the world of The Queens's Royal Rocks! Here you will find glamorous glitz, pearls from the sea, stones from the earth and vintage pieces from times gone by. Mix all these up and you have found what I am all about.I hope that you will find something that your adore but if not then it would be my absolute pleasure to create something for you. Nothing is too much trouble, I scour the many antique fairs we have here in Kent and try to find beautiful unusual components to make each piece of jewellery unique to YOU! You will never find another lke it in the whole wide world, that's worth having don't you think?Please do contact me, I am a very friendly person, and love to chat, so what are you waiting for? xxx"

Here some items that are truly fit for a queen.

Do you Raku?

I have been a big fan of raku pottery for many years. I own a few vases and pots that look lovely in my home. Imagine my delight when I found a beautiful set of handmade Raku beads at the last gem show I attended. The results of that purchase are shown here. These are going to be hard for me to give up. I just love the way these pieces look, but alas that is what happens when you love your craft. I will sell them this season, but maybe next time I'll make an extra piece just for me.