Saturday Squee: Cutest. Koala. EVER!

Koala from Facebook

Because a koala that fits in your hands is cute. Period.

Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Nap Attack and Why I've Been on the DL

Recently, I was attacked by the nap monster. Really, I should get an exterminator in here, 'cause it happens just about every day ;)
When I awoke, I was greeted by this image, above. Arwen loves taking naps. If you say, "Want to go lie down?" Or, "Want to have a nap?" No matter where she is, she'll stop whatever she's doing (even if she is already napping in the living room), and run to the bedroom. If she feels she isn't being followed, she will stop at the bedroom door and look back, just to make sure you're not lying to her, and actually are going to follow her to bed. Then she'll jump up (usually into my hubby's space), lay down (usually with her head on my hubby's pillow), let out a huge sigh and fall straight asleep. Scratches are optional, but greatly appreciated. By the time I wake up, she's graduated from curled-up sleep positions to full-on stretched out as far as she can positions, with the occasional on-the-back position, as evidenced above.
Just thought I'd share that with you :)
As for why I've been quiet lately... well, I've been switching medications for my thyroid and adrenal issues, as well as going off of some other meds, as I've been having some interesting-in-a-scary-way medical issues. I won't bore you with the details here, but it is stressing my body, which is in turn stressing my mind and making me less than productive as my mind and body struggle to come to some middle of the ground agreement on how the whole shebang should get along and work together (why can't we all just be friends and get along???).
So that's my story. I'm sorry I've been on the DL for a while, I'm going to try and at least post some photos of Arwen in between posting the artist features every Friday, so that, even if the photo-only posts don't have much content, at least there will be cute-funny photos for you to look at and start your day with :)
Have a great Thursday, see you tomorrow for another fabulous artist feature!

Friday Feature: Lucilight

"The Lord Will Protect You" Print by Lucilight

Today's Friday Feature is on great, multi-talented artist Lucilight on Etsy, who makes beautiful jewelry as well as inspiring prints. Read on to learn more about this fabulous artist from the Netherlands...

My name is Lucinde, shopname Lucilight, URL: www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight. I make prints with a biblical message and jewelry. 

I'm a Graphic Designer by profession, that's where my interest for the printed media comes from. I've always been a very creative child. I liked to draw, write and make cards. Combining these two (graphic design and creativity) resulted in making prints and other creative things for my Etsy shop.

 I make cards (by hand and digital) and I customize T-shirts (maybe this becomes a part of my shop)

Dark Grey Pearl Bracelet and Necklace Set by Lucilight

 My name is Lucinde. When I was brainstorming for a name for my shop my father came up with the name 'Lucilight'. We already knew my own name means 'bringer of light' what is a beautiful meaning. So he said; why don't use this in your shop name? And it fits really well for my shop. I want to shine a little light with the messages from the Bible, so that's the story behind my shop name.

My Favorite or bestselling items? They would be www.etsy.com/listing/89097397/psalm-1215-shade-from-the-sun-print?ref=v1...

and www.etsy.com/listing/81357478/alpha-and-omega-print?ref=v1_other_1 These are the prints that get a lot of admirers and get pinned on pinterest.

I sell in a local bookstore and online. I used to have a (dutch) webshop on my own site, it's temporarily offline but will be back soon. I hope to make it available in English soon. 

"Do All Things Through Christ" Print by Licilight

I don't blog yet, but I'm working hard to get a blog online. It will become a part ofwww.lucinde.nl, my Dutch website. When I'll get a blog it will be available in English and Dutch.

I'm just starting so I don't make profit yet. But I'm thinking about promoting charities in the future.

Thank you Lucinde! Please make sure you visit her shop to see more of her beautiful work:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight


P.S. Would you like to be featured for FREE on this blog? Visit this post and leave a comment: http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html
or contact me through my Etsy shop for details.

Friday Feature: Kelly Bermudez

Heart of Wisdom by Kelly Bermudez

Today's Friday Feature is about a wonderful Christian painter on Etsy, the very talented Kelly Bermudez. Read more to discover her beautiful shop and a giveaway!

My name is Kelly Bermudez - Gentle Whispers Visual Devotions www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez I use acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. I love watercolor though. My hope is to bring joy and inspiration to others through my paintings.

Before I painted, I was actually a Police Officer for about 8 years. I was Military Police for 6 and a Deputy Sheriff for 2 and then one day the Lord called me to do art. I had never picked up a paint brush until about a year ago when God asked me to paint for Him. It was a leap of faith for me that is for sure! It has been a really exciting journey so far! Occasionally, I also enjoy scrapbooking and writing children's short stories.

A Dance for My King by Kelly Bermudez

“Gentle Whispers”....taken from 1 Kings 19:12...that we hear God in the still small voice...In the midst of all the noise in the world, God speaks to us in a Gentle whisper. “Visual Devotions” because, I want my artwork to be that Gentle Whisper that people hear God through. I generally have a verse that each of my paintings are inspired from. I am just starting out, but my prayer is that my art will be used to bring healing and hope to lives. Some people are more visual learners and a picture can touch the heart in a profound way. I am currently working on, "Gentle Whispers," a painting series of a very special Love Song. …it tells of God’s great love for His people. I can't wait to share it with you!

I really like “Heart of Wisdom.” I have sold more of this print actually through Facebook contacts.

I sell on Etsy and sometimes I have people contact me through Facebook.

Spring Lamb by Kelly Bermudez

 My blog is kellybermudez.blogspot.com/ I am currently using this blog for my Illustration Friday entries.

I am also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Bermudez-Paintings/169726423093919  and Twitter: twitter.com/#!/kellybermudez10

I recently painted four paintings to be auctioned off for the Sudan Canvas Project. "The Sudan Canvas Project was founded to raise awareness of the atrocities towards women in Sudan. Through the power of art, this project strives to give victims of genocide hope through trade education." - Cynthia Davis, Founder thesudancanvasproject.org/  I have also donated numerous paintings for Church fundraisers. 

 What an amazing story, please visit her shop for more beautiful paintings here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez

ALSO! Kelly has graciously offered to give away a FREE print of her Heart of Wisdom print to a random participant. All you have to do is leave a comment below by April 19 at midnight EST. I'll randomly draw the winner. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A WAY TO CONTACT YOU! Best of luck, I wish I could enter :)

Friday Features: Deronda Designs

Shades of Blue Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Today's Friday Feature post is about an amazing lampwork glass bead artist, DerondaDesigns. Read on to find out more about her incredible beads...

My name is Deronda and because it's not a common name, we decided ti would be perfect for my glass. My etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/derondadesigns 

I play with glass and metal. The beads are the big part of what I do, but the etched copper is something that comes and goes as the mood hits. 

How did I get started? Curiousity....my mom gave us the love of creativity and the encouragement to play with all kinds of stuff.

Pretty Pink Flowers Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

 Do I have any other arts/crafts? Oh wow, have you been sneaking into my closets? The curiosity has led me into all kinds of things from woodwork, to sewing, to painting, to scrapbooking, to ceramics and on and on it goes. But glass is still my first love.

A story of my shop name? Nope, it's just my name...nothing exciting there? 

Every set of beads I make is different so it's hard to pick a favorite anything. A lot of what you might see in the shop depends on my moods. The glass has always been a way for me to express things that I can't say outloud. 

Right now I am selling on Etsy and Artfire and I have finished jewelry pieces and other things that have nothing to do with glass or jewelry at our little store here in my hometown.

Ivory and Amethyst Lentil Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Sometimes I blog a lot, and then I get busy and forget...now that you have reminded me, i will probably blog soon. It'sderondadesigns.blogspot.com/

I do the FB thing: http://www.facebook.com/deronda.designs and you know that I am an addicted Plurker: http://www.plurk.com/Deronda

Her beads are incredible...I happen to have purchased the above beads, but you can find many more in her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DerondaDesigns
Have a great day!

Thursday Treat: Ball Creative Designs

Greek Watch in Red by Ball Creative Designs

Hey everyone, I hope your week is going well. I wanted to point out a little thing that's been on the blog for a while...I accept ads on the blog for $1 per month, and my newest advertiser is Ball Creative Designs (http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html). She's an amazing multi-media artist, who spins and dyes yarns, makes fabulous stitch markers, and creates beautiful jewelry.

Aubergine Sheep's Clothing Yarn

 Her yarns are a mix - some are cotton, some sheep's wool, some alpaca, with some silk and other neat fibers as well. Everything looks beautiful, and from what I've heard around the interwebs, they are great quality too...

I Have These Stitch Markers and LOVE Them!!

Her stitch markers are also awesome. I have the ones above and just adore them. I have to finish a few crochet projects before beginning the knitting project that requires these, but I have them on my living room table just the same (no joke, my husband is starting to think I'm nuts).

Please do visit Ball Creative Designs at her website, you won't be disappointed! http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html

Are you interested in being an advertiser for only $1USD per month? You get a 150x150px image of your choice and a free mini feature. Leave a comment below with a way to contact you if you are interested.

Arwednesdays with Arwen: Loving Animals

Hello, it's me again, Arwen the Wonder dog. I wanted to get serious for a moment, if I may today...
I am loved.
I am very loved.
How do I know? Well, my mommy tells me at least 10 times every day.
I get my beautiful fur brushed every day, with lots of petting and mommy telling me how pretty I am. When that is done, I get my pearly white teeth brushed.
I have lots of toys, from tennis balls to squeaky stuffies, Nylabones and Kongs to keep me occupied, stimulated and happy.
I get to go for walks almost every day (unless it is very cold, icy or very wet), and I get to play in my yard every day, chasing birdies and squirrels and barking at imaginary beasts. When I come back inside, there is always fresh water, healthy food, and sometimes even treats if I've been good (or just looked really cute).
But, mommy tells me not all animals are loved.
Mommy tells me that there are many animals all over the world that are not fed properly, are not cared for, brushed, walked or even talked to nicely. Many animals are beaten, starved, left alone tied outside, or even forced to fight other dogs until one of them dies.

But, mommy tells me that there are great people who rescue these sad animals so that they have a chance at a happy life. One place is called Harmony Fund (animalrescuechase.com), and they are having what is called the World's Biggest Baby Shower for Animals (http://animalrescuechase.com/baby-shower/), where people can donate money online to help them rescue lots of animals and make them happy like me. Take the little guy in the photo above. He lives in Puerto Rico. One day, his owners got in a fight in their apartment. To get him out of the way, one of the owners shoved him in a hole in the wall in the back of a closet, where he fell to the bottom of the building and was left for two weeks in a wall, and was ignored by the residents who heard his cries for help. Finally a nice lady heard what was happening and rescued him, moments from dying and covered in sores. Now he is healthy and living the good life, thanks to these amazing people working with Harmony Fund.
Mommy thinks this is very good, and I do too. If you are able, please try to donate to them to give all sorts of animals (doggies, horses, cats, monkeys and more) the chance to have a happy life. At the very least, please try to spread the word about all the great things that they do so that others can help them too.
Please help these animals have a chance to have a happy home.
A chance to be loved.

and Arwen the Wonder Dog

Victoria Beckham's Got Classic Style

Victoria Beckham's Classic Style (center image from PeopleMagazine.com)

Love her or hate her, Victoria Beckham's style is (of late anyway), a beautiful classic, great for the office or a well-dressed date. While many can't afford her beautiful fashion line, there are ways to get a similar look - and for a fraction of the price.

This week I did decide to show more expensive pieces, but as they are classics, these are pieces that will get literally years of wear. They will still be in style for another few decades, and with proper care, many of these pieces should last you that long too. Classic sheath dresses in slick grey, cardigans in bright, sophisticated blue, nude patent heels and sexy-simple jewelry will never fail to excite, while looking so polished and feminine, everyone will be asking you for style advice. Let's see the winners, shall we?

Lena Tweed Dress from BananaRepulic.com

First, the dress. The dress Victoria is wearing is her own, in a light plaid pattern. I chose this simple, slate grey Tweed Lena dress from Banana Republic (bananarepublic.com), as it has a square neckline that will complement just about every figure. I also like that it is sleeveless so that you can wear it year-round with different weights of sweaters and get maximum use out of this dress. It sits just above your knee and has subtle pleats at the waist line, which will accentuate your waist and fit better around your hips when moving or sitting. For the perfect fit, take it to a tailor. There is nothing worse than gaps or folds where there shouldn't be. Pair this with nude sandal foot tights for the ultimate professional, polished look. About $160 for the dress.

From Left: Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Bracelet, Earrings, Necklace from Littlestudiojewels.etsy.com

To decorate your person, without overwhelming your super-chic look, this great set of jewelry will go far. Each piece is sold separately, but if purchased together you get a great discount. The Marie Antoinette Raspberry Ice Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings from Little Studio (http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels) will give you that little bit of pink, and a little bit of luminescence. Pretty, simple, stylish. About $45 for necklace, $30 for bracelet and $20 for earrings, buy 2 of the set, or all three of the set and get $5-$10 off!

Featherweight Cashmere cardigan from Jcrew.com

To keep the goosebumps at bay, pop on a great cardigan, like this gorgeous Featherweight Cashmere Cardigan in Byzantine Blue from JCrew (jcrew.com). It is slightly fitted and has long sleeves, so that you can keep your arms warm with the sleeves down, or go for effortless chic with them pulled up to your elbows, like Victoria. Cashmere is great as it is lightweight, it will keep you warm on those over-air-conditioned days at the office, yet will be cool enough for most light summer days. The ultimate style-upper? Define your tiny waist (or create the illusion of one) by belting a skinny black belt around your waist outside your cardigan, a la Beckham. It screams feminine, without being too girly or too revealing. A splurge at $200, but it will last decades with proper care, and when have you ever seen a classic, fitted cardigan on a "not in style anymore" list??

Calvin Klein Sandie Pump from Piperlime.com

Nude pumps are a must. Every woman should have at least 2 pairs - peep toe for summer and round/almond toe for winter. These Calvin Klein Sandie peep-toe heels from Piper Lime (piperlime.com) give you a little extra height, but will save your feet with the subtle platform. They are high, yes, but professional at the same time, and not above being totally sexy for that last minute, after work date *wink, wink*. About $110, these are an investment in your wardrobe that will get so much wear, you might just want to buy 2 pairs.

What do you think? Is this your style? What would you wear?