Opening, Opening, Open!

I said I would keep you updated on my beautiful Orchid... Over the last few weeks I would wake up to find it a little further along, the stem starting another bud, or each bud getting a little closer to opening...

I woke up a few days ago to find this little one has decided to come out of her little shell...

 And this morning she has opened to show us her beauty. A little light in the darkness, life in the death of winter. Hope when it seems there is none. Thank you, Little Orchid. You brighten my days :)

A Little Bit of Colour in Winter

 I have an orchid plant that was gifted to me for Christmas in 2012 and I haven't managed to kill it yet. I love it. When it flowers, it is such a pretty, happy sight. Especially in winter, when everything is cold, white and dead.
It is that little bit of colour in the winter.

That little bit of life in death.

 That monumental struggle to break free.

That monumental struggle to just be.

New Jewellery!

Hemp Mala Bracelet

I've been very busy with my friend and business partner Mel making lots of goodies for you, which is why I haven't been around much. I am going to try to blog three times a week from now on though, so you all know I am still alive and such, what with the incredibly odd weather we've been having this winter ;)
Thankfully, it is warmer right now, and we've actually been able to clear some of the deadly ice off of our deck, front walkway and driveway! Yay!
All of this gorgeous eye candy you're seeing today is currently available in the Etsy shop, though they are selling quite well, so you'll have to hurry if you see something you like...

Memory Wire Chakra Mala Bracelet

 We now have Chakra Mala bracelets, as well as traditional Mala bracelets, for your fancy. Some with glass, as the ones above...

Gemstone Mala Chakra Bracelet

 ...And some with gemstones, like these ones. We also have more of the painstakingly knotted ones...

Turquoise, Jade and Lampwork Glass Mala Bracelet

 ...And some with gemstones and hand crafted lamp work glass beads, like these...

Tourmalinated Quartz and Lamp Work Glass Bead Mala Bracelet

This last one is one of my all-time favorites... get it while you can! Many of the jewelry pieces that have lamp work glass beads are one-of-a-kind, as I can't get these exact same focal beads again, so you'll need to strike while the iron is hot, these pieces are going fast! If you're in the Kemptville area and taking yoga classes from Mel Savoie, she will usually have these pieces with her for you to see in person (and if you purchase in person, you usually get a discount, as it saves us on postage!).

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year of health, wealth, happiness... and lots of awkward naps :)

Funniest Video You'll See All Day

This video was so funny I had to share, though be warned if there are young ears around there is some swearing. I love it, not only for the fact that the bunny seems to refuse to let them pass, but also for the most incredible Scottish accents in varying levels of incredulity, shock and frustration. "Och look at 'im, he's gettin' his speed up, och, no!" LOL.

Spam, Viruses and Other Christmas Miracles

What's That? I Won a Prize in a Contest I Didn't Enter? Well Sure! Here's My Personal Banking Info!

Hey everyone, I hope you had a great Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanzaa/Non-denominational family time. We did have some nice family time, in between having to deal with some pretty serious spam attacks on some of our IT clients before and after Christmas (my husband and I have a small IT consulting company that supports small businesses in and out of our province). It really served to remind us that no matter how many times we tell people how to stay safe from the "bad guys" on the internet, many people forget. So, in the spirit of giving and friendship, may I just take a few moments to help you all please?

Spam, Malware and Viruses (no, they are not the same thing), are EVERYWHERE and make a huge number of people ridiculous sums of money, so it's only going to get worse as they realize we are wising up and they come up with more and more clever ways to try and trick us. While there is no way to protect yourself 100% from having sensitive data stolen from you (unless you lock yourself in a cave and go completely off the grid, communicating with no one), there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of loss and damage when there is loss;

1. Install anti-virus AND anti-malware software on your computer. We use a combination of Microsoft Security Essentials (Score! It's free! Right here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download)
and MalWare Bytes AntiMalware (about $30 for a LIFETIME, so pretty damn good. Available here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/lp4/?gclid=CJDUg56H2LsCFYg-MgodYiQA_Q ). On certain systems (Microsoft XP) you will have to tell the programs to ignore each other or you may get some "false positives", ie. one program will say the other is a virus when it's not. Here's a link to a SAFE site that helps you do that (but again, only with XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 are fine) http://www.computercourage.com/antivirus/make-malwarebytes-and-microsoft-security-essentials-play-well-together-in-windows-xp/
These combo programs are great at catching just about everything that the baddies throw at you, as each program will have its own forte at finding whatever it is trying to find. Malware is different from Spam, which is different from a Virus, so you need overlapping protection, preferably as inexpensively as possible, as the bad guys are always coming up with new ways to try to trick us, which brings me to my next point...

2. Set up schedules for the programs to automatically update and scan EVERY DAY. I would recommend having the programs update at different times from each other and definitely scan at different times from each other, again, to keep them from picking each other up, but also to give your system a resource break. If you are running too many things at once, it tends to bog down your system and can really slow it down. When the updates and scans are running, I would also recommend NOT using your computer. Again, this frees up resources so your computer runs faster, and keeps the "false positive" identifications to a minimum. Just let the screen saver take over and watch those little graphics play across your blackened screen. Groovy.

3. If the programs (your own or the ones I recommended) DO show that you have a virus, or malware infection, make sure to quarantine them immediately after the scan is finished. This puts them in a safe "box" in your system so that no one can accidentally open them and cause havoc. Usually you'll see a button after the scan (or a pop-up window) that will say "Remove Items" or "Quarantine". This is important. Don't just do the scans and then ignore whatever results come back. You are an integral part of your computer's security, again, bringing me to the next point (funny how that works, huh?)...

4. Prevent malware and viruses from ever getting on to your computer in the first place. I know, I know, it is just about impossible to keep this from happening, but there are a few things you can do to be safe. DO NOT open emails from people you don't know or weren't expecting an email from. Got an email from some Ugandan dude saying you won a lottery you never entered? You didn't win, he wants your bank account number to clean you out (incidentally, you'll never get that money back. Yes, it was fraudulently obtained, but they'll never catch the guy and the banks don't look to kindly on people who give out personal banking info. You've been warned). Got a weird email from a company you can't remember ordering from, saying your order was delayed but just click this link and it'll all be good? Chances are they are trying to hijack your computer to send out spam messages to the entire planet. This is also bad as you can get your IP address flagged and blocked by every friendly internet provider on the planet. Yes, it's happened to our clients, and NO it is not fun to undo. Not only do you lose internet connectivity until the problem is addressed, if it happens too many times, your IP address (the thing you use to connect to the internet) could be PERMANENTLY blocked. Yup, you'll lose internet forever. Like, for real, yo.

5. Don't open emailed files or click on links from friends unless you were expecting them to send you a file or link. Even if it is something innocent-sounding like, "Hey, check out our latest photos! Click here", or, "Our new diet plan for New Year's", often that is a virus waiting to strike. That link is not going to take you to see drunken photos of your friends making asses of themselves in public places (pity, bargaining power is always nice), but usually taking you to a site that will automatically download a virus. Often now they are getting so smart that it will also disable your antivirus so you don't even know that there is a problem until your computer starts acting like your drunken Aunt Sally at a family BBQ. If you think it might be legitimate, email your friend asking them if they meant to send you the email. Often, their email has been hacked and they won't even know it. Unless they tell you that they sent you the file or link, DON'T CLICK ON IT. Simple as that. Also, for your work, if you receive an email that is not expected or not related to your work, IGNORE IT. If you have to open it, try opening it first on a BlackBerry or iPhone. That often will show you what is up. But even then, I wouldn't recommend it. You wouldn't want your phone to get hacked, now would you???

6. This also applies to those phone call scams, where you'll get someone obviously very foreign who supposedly has a first name like "John", calling and telling you that "your Windows computer has a virus, ok?" and that they want you to pay with a credit card to have them fix it. Not only is this dangerous in terms of credit card fraud, they will usually also ask you to go to a specific IP address (something like XXX.XXX.XXX.X but with numbers), which will then hijack your system and get all of your personal info from your computer, and maybe use your computer in Denial of Service attack - where thousands of computers are linked together to create a sort of super computer (not like the movie War Games, and not nearly as cool), that then attacks other computers. Kind of like leapfrog from hell.

7. Please, please, please always put a password on your network. Especially if you use a wireless router. If you don't, anyone can come near your house, download a bunch of porn using your connection, or hijack your connection to do some serious bad stuff. The worst part, aside from getting a huge bill from your internet provider after going over your monthly limit for downloading every "Big Butts" porno ever made? If they downloaded something illegal (like child porn- no jokes here because that is serious stuff) or used your connection to hack into someone else (also no jokes because that is also seriously illegal), YOU will be held at least partially responsible because you did not do your due diligence in preventing it from happening in the first place. Make your password a good one - a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, with numbers, and if your router will let you, symbols too, something like G3tY0ur0wnW!f! is good. but don't use that because everyone will think it's cool and try to use it. Use your own squishy brain and come up with something good. If you have to write it down, HIDE it, for the love of god. Don't just leave it anywhere. Again, this brings me to the next point...

8. Create unique passwords for everything, and keep them secret. I would also recommend changing passwords every so often. Depending on what it is, every month or so should be good. The more secure (like bank accounts), the more often you should be changing them. Don't use Sex or 1234 or P4ssw0rd, everybody knows those, and no, you are not being cute or funny or unique. Finally,

9. Know that no-one is 100% safe. Just like having your house broken into, if someone really wants something, they are going to get it. If someone really wants to mess with your computer, they will. The best offense is a good defense, as they say, so make sure you regularly back up all of your files (external drives are CHEAP and easy to copy files to) on a regular basis to prevent catastrophic loss of data or your childrens' baby photos, and be smart. Don't go to porn sites or sketchy sites on work computers or computers that hold data that you want to keep. Porn sites in particular have TONS of viruses just waiting to take over your computer (ironic, I know, you'd think porn is safer sex, but it's not, at least not for your computer and files). If you have to go to those sites, get a clean computer for cheap and don't do anything but surf porn on that one computer, leaving your other computers virtually uncontaminated. Just a thought ;)

So, my young, innocent mouse-clickers, I hope you've learned something today and remember, "Stay Alert, and Stay Safe". Thank you Bert and Gert, LOL.

We Are Back From the Great Beyond

It's been a dog's age dear readers, I know, and I do most sincerely apologize. The last eighteen months have been amazing, hectic, scary, stressful, blissful, terrible and every emotion that could possibly be described. Many of you, who have been with me from the beginning, will know of my health struggles for the last 8 years or so. Newcomers may not, but suffice it to say I have been to the brink of death and back, and am now, thankfully, almost fully recovered! I have opened my own low allergy, vegan bakery in my house, expanded to a brick and mortar store in nearby Kemptville, lost the lease on the kitchen in Kemptville, and gone back to my home to bake. I have worked countless hours from home, more in the store, and many at the farmers' market in Merrickville. I have started exercising again and love it. I still have not fit into the clothes I wore before I got sick, when I was super skinny, but I've had people tell me I looked like a skeleton then, so maybe that's not such a bad thing ;)  The point is, I'm healthy and starting to miss my online friends more than ever.

I had put down my jewellery in all of the commotion, but, I have to say, I missed it terribly. I know that since the economic crash of 2008 my jewellery may not be a viable source of income anymore, but I still love it. No matter now stressful my day, at the end of it, making a piece of jewellery is matched in its relaxing amazingness (yes, I made that up) only by baking something sinful. Sometimes money is not the reason for doing something, it is the doing something that is the reason (whoa, I sounded a little Yoda-like there, but I kinda like it).

After procrastinating, as I'm wont to do when I'm nervous of the unknown, I've started making jewellery again. I'm also slowly listing jewellery again, you can see it here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LittleStudioJewels

Only this time, dear readers, it isn't just me making the goodies you will be feasting your eyes upon. I now have another person on board to help out and I have to say I am so very, very excited...

Melanie Savoie, certified yoga teacher, friend and generally amazing woman, is collaborating on a new line of Mala jewellery, which we have brilliantly and oh-so-originally decided to name OhMala. It is a line of jewellery that is not just beautiful, but functional. It will help with meditation, and for those that believe in the healing powers of crystals, they might just help you with healing too. We list all of the properties in the listings to help you out. Prices vary, so there should be something for just about every budget. We have a few pieces listed, but we are making many more and hope to have more listed soon. Check them out here: https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/LittleStudioJewels?section_id=14682563

I hope to have more than just jewellery photos and sales posts for you though (how boring, really! No one wants to be sold to all the time!)... I am hoping to put together a whole host of awesome posts that will delight and inspire, ooh and awe you. That's the hope, anyway. Time will tell if I can deliver, but I will try. Promise!

Thanks for reading this all the way to the bottom, I do hope we'll be seeing more of each other! Oh, and Arwen the Wonder Dog says Hi and Woof. She has been waiting to get back on the blog for ages, so I will try to indulge her also ;)

Friday Features: ArtisticWill Studios

Glitter Rose Paperweight by ArtisticWill

Welcome to the latest edition of Friday Features. This week we meet Haruka of ArtisticWill Studios on Etsy. Read on to discover more of this beautiful art!

My name is Haruka and I run ArtisticWill Studios on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticWill . I create

 Sparkling Glitter Art and keepsakes. Hand painted with multiple layer of sparkling glitter in a stained glass style.

Years ago, I started painting with glitter when my mother had Alzheimer’s, being a full time caregiver I needed an outlet to relieve my stress. Now, I paint in her memory and to share her love of things that sparkle. I also create 

Illustrations, scrapbook and photography.



ArtisticWill Studios was first my husband’s company where he sold photography. I took over the name to keep it in the family, and “studios” represents our family of artists. My daughter is into anime/ manga, my son builds and creates with online buildings programs, my husband photographs, and I paint with glitter.

Stained Glass Pansys Pendant by ArtisticWill

Best selling piece: Stained glass style Iris pendant, I’ve sold several pieces. See it here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/77449922/stained-glass-irises-pendant

I sell my work on Etsy, Zazzle and a local art gallery.  

artisticwill.etsy.com   www.zazzle.com/artisticwillstudios



 I blog about my glitter art, events I’ve been involved with and supporting talented handmade artist and crafters, occasionally placing the spotlight on those deserving.artisticwillstudios.blogspot.com/ 

Glitter Decorative Gold Cross by ArtisticWill

I also have Facebook pages: Facebook: www.facebook.com/ArtisticWillStudios.Art
Facebook Zazzle page: www.facebook.com/pages/ArtisticWill-Studios/115132341899570 

I’m a member of The IndiExhibit, a global group of talented artists enhancing our brand with Hollywood celebrities for large award shows as Emmy’s, American Music award, Golden Globe, MTV, etc.. and charities. 

Several Hollywood stars own my glitter art and seen by big wigs in Hollywood. I’ve participated in charities by donating for raffles and fundraiser for their cause. We are constantly look for new talent to enhance their brands. I donate a percentage to Alzheimer association and other charities. 

Amazing! Please be sure to visit Haruka's shop and see more beautiful art! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisticWill

Would you like to be featured? Visit this post for more info (and Yes! It's FREE!) http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.ca/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html

Friday Features: Milusha Design

Children's Animal Nursery Art by MilushaDesign

Welcome to this week's edition of Friday Features, where today we meet wonderful artist Milusha, of Milusha Design on Etsy. Read on to discover more of this wonderful artists works and a great discount coupon code that you can use in her shop!

My name is Milusha and my shops name is MilushaDesign.  www.milushadesign.etsy.com  I am a graphic designer and illustrator and a mother of a wonderful 2.5 year old. I realized that I had a new desire to illustrate fun, bright and colourful art prints for children's nurseries using my obsession of patterns, specifically wallpaper patterns. Also, I illustrate and design unique prints for adults and their homes which are available in my shop. There are a million other creative ideas I have brewing…

Being brought up in a very artistic family, it seemed only natural that I'd fall into that profession/career. Both my maternal grandparents were "commercial artists" (designers) and my grandfather had a very successful design agency. I drew from the time I was 2 and it was more than just doing arts and crafts with my mother. It was something I truly enjoyed doing and my parents and teachers realized that it was a natural talent and encouraged me along the way. I went to school to be a designer and have been creating for 10 years now! It's great to finally be a part of the Etsy family. 

My sister is a pretty awesome crocheter and knitter and has taught me a bit. I do occasionally sit down and knit or crochet, albeit not very well. I greatly admire all those who can; but I am a very energetic "I want it done now" person and cannot seem to sit still to complete a knitting/crocheting project! I do draw (on paper) a lot. 

Giclee Blue Mountain Print by MilushaDesign

Since I have a very unique name, I decided to brand my shop after me. I realized that people would recognize it and most likely remember the name if they saw it again. It works very well.

My bestselling item is in the "Ode to India" series and is the Ganesh Limited Edition art print. I started out as selling children's art with a few adult pieces and they seem to be doing really well. I will continue exploring this.

I sell my work locally at a Children's Boutique in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada as well as on Etsy.

Owl ABC Children's Wall Print by MilushaDesign

I don't necessarily blog, however, I do a few posts weekly on my tumblr account. For those interested: www.milushadesign.tumblr.com  Here's my facebook fan page www.facebook.com/MilushaDesign If you really dig my work and would like to support me…  

My work is my passion. I take great love, care and thought into each piece that I create from scratch. I do it because I love it and I hope that people can see that. My pieces are uniquely me and I'd love to see more and more people support me and my work. My goal is to leave a mark and become a successful designer and entrepreneur. I'd also like to say thank you to all those wonderful people that do and will support me! There is nothing like encouragement! 

Also I'd like to offer the readers 15% off ALL ITEMS in http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign . Use the coupon code COMPLIMENTS15 at checkout. 

What a great story, and fabulous art! Be sure to visit Milusha's shop on Etsy to see more delightful and affordable art for every room in your home, and make sure to use that great coupon as well:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/milushadesign 

Would you like to be featured? Leave a comment below with a way to contact you and I'll send you the details!

See you soon!

Friday Feature: Butternut Baby™

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap in a Carseat by Butternut Baby

Hello and thank you for joining us in the latest Friday Feature, where a new artist is showcased each week. Today is mommy-duo extraordinaire of Butternut Baby™. Read on for more adorable photos of their beautiful item!

We are Genevieve and Mireille and we are the owners and designers behind Butternut Baby™. We are both moms of baby boys and actually met in prenatal class. We never imagined we’d be crafting and selling baby items together! Our shop can be found at www.butternutbaby.com

We created the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap, a unique and versatile baby blanket that will keep your little ones cozy and warm during the day, at night and on the go! 

The Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap’s revolutionary design replaces both a sleep sack that can be confining for older, active babies and blankets that seem to constantly come off in the middle of the night leaving our little ones chilly. The wrap is great for keeping your baby warm during the day while playing or relaxing because it is designed to allow babies to crawl, walk, or stand. Also, it fits perfectly in car seats, strollers and shopping carts to keep your little ones warm while on the go.

We make the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap in a variety of colours to reflect the diverse and fun personalities of babies. They are intended for babies 12+ months.

It is the classic story of a mom (or, in our case, two moms!) that could not find what she was looking for on the market. We brainstormed ideas together and eventually developed the pattern for the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap by cutting and folding the Thursday morning flyers into various shapes. Genevieve still has the cutouts! 

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap in a Stroller by Butternut Baby

Our focus right now is on our Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap but we have plenty of other ideas we’d like to explore in the future. Stay tuned!

Finding a unique and meaningful name for our shop must have been one of the most difficult decisions we had to make in the very beginning. So many great ones were already taken! The name Butternut Baby™ was inspired by Genevieve's childhood country home, which boasts a squash patch in the front yard. After spending days going through hundreds of names, Genevieve glanced over to one of the recently picked butternut squashes and the name came to her. She often thought that the butternut squashes lying in the patch looked like swaddled babies cozy amongst the leaves. The fresh and fun name had both of us excited and so Butternut Baby™ was born.

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap on Babies by Butternut Baby

We currently sell our work through our website (www.butternutbaby.com), our Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/butternutbabydesigns), Baby Bean (www.babybean.ca/sleepytime/sleep-sacks/butternut-baby.htm) and the Valley Plaza Pharmasave in Greater Sudbury. We are also planning on attending Ottawa valley events, such as the Spring 2012 Handmade Harvest Craft Show (www.handmadeharvest.com).  

You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. We will keep you posted on what is new, contests & giveaways and any other information you might find interesting. http://www.facebook.com/butternutbaby@ButternutBabyCo 

What a fantastic invention! Please visit their shops for more colors and cuteness! www.butternutbaby.com

Friday Features: Ball Creative Designs

White Pearl Necklace by Ball Creative Designs

Welcome to this week's installment of Friday Features, where this week we meet multi-talented artist Betty of Ball Creative Designs. Read on to see more of her beautiful work...

Hi, I'm Betty of Ball Creative Designs, www.ballcreativedesigns.com.  I create a little bit of everything it seems, though if I had to define myself I would call myself a fiber crafter above all else. Really though, I'm a Jane of all trades it seems. I've been known to do some painting (badly), and I design jewelry and stitch markers, which, let's face it, are really jewelry for your knitting.

I got started because from a young age I seemed to attract everyone's grandma and they ALL wanted to teach me something. I learned to crochet when I was in 4th grade, so I think I was 9 at the time. Then I had a history teacher teach me how to spin in 7th grade (Thanks so much Mrs Smith!!), and another teacher introduced me to knitting when I was 16. I picked up needlepointing in there somewhere from an uncle and beadwork from my mum. Crafting has always been a way for me to relax and unwind, which is even more important now then it ever has been. I joke that I should get a perscription from the doctor for the yarn I buy, since knitting and crochet has proven to be the best pain relief I've found yet.

I also weave, tat (it's a form of lace making), have been known to play with chainmaille, pottery and polymer clays, and I'm an amazing chef.

Jet Drop Stitch Markers by Ball Creative Designs

Is there a story behind my shop name? Not really. For a while I sold on etsy under 2 separate stores, Sheeps of Egyptian Cotton and iMaille and finally I just decided to combine them under one roof, so to speak.

My favorite piece would be my brecciated jasper necklace (http://ballcreativedesigns.com/braciated%20jasper3.jpg) because of the colors of the stone (see her jewelry page for purchasing here: http://www.ballcreativedesigns.com/jewelry%20main%20page.html). That's one of the pieces I've promised if it's not swept up by someone in a certain amount of time will become mine for good. Is it wrong to make deals with yourself like that? Best selling thing in my shop would be the Isis and Nile lines of yarn. These are yarns exclusive to my shop and I've converted more than one person who has sworn off of cotton yarns forever. Isis is soft, and squishy, and perfect for heirloom or baby items. Nile is shiny and strong and makes your knitting and crochet stitches pop.

I sell my work online for now, both on etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/BallCreativeDesigns) and on the site I designed (http://ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html). I'm hoping to start selling in the farmer's market this summer, and of course the craft shows in the fall.

2 Ply Fingering Yarn by Ball Creative Design

I blog for the shop at http://ballcreativedesigns.com/blog. Also, I'm on plurk all the time as fiber_yoda and on facebook http://www.facebook.com/BallCreativeDesigns 

I never saw myself doing this when I was growing up. From an early age I knew I wanted to be a chef, and I went to school to do just that. But life interrupted and then moved on. I got sick and working in a kitchen wasn't gonna happen for me anymore. For a while my crafts are what kept me from just giving up totally. Now I wouldn't have it any other way, I love being able to do something that's been a part of my life almost as long as I can remember. I donate a portion of all sales to MS research, since I know just how horrible it can be to live with and a portion of all sales also goes to my "corruption" fund. I have a 9 year old niece who has been helping me with spinning and stitch marker making for the last 3 years, and she decided she wants her own wheel. Now she gets paid for her help, and it all goes into her spinning wheel fund. I'm considering going back to college myself, and getting the credentials to do art therapy with people who are recovering from an illness or injury. I've been known to give lessons in knitting and crochet to people in craft stores, and have given many a spontaneous demonstration as well. 

What a great woman with overwhelming talent! Please see her shops for more gorgeous and drool-worthy items here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BallCreativeDesigns and here: http://ballcreativedesigns.com/index.html

Friday Feature: Maxies Knitwear

Luxurious Soft Pink Scarf by MaxiesKnitwear

Welcome to another edition of Friday Features, where a new artist from the wonderful world of the internet is featured. This week takes us to New Zealand, where we meet Julie. Read on to discover more about this fantastic fiber artist from Etsy...

Hi, my name is Julie and my shop’s name is Maxies Knitwear www.etsy.com/shop/maxiesknitwear I mainly create knitted accessories for women. Such things as scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, hats, headbands. I also enjoy knitting coffee cozies and little matching bags … they look so cute together and make wonderful gifts if you fill the bags with yummy chocolates or other goodies! I plan at a later stage to start selling cute childrens knit accessories as well.

My mum taught me how to knit when I was really little and she's a fantastic knitter. I was truly inspired while growing up; watching her create the most gorgeous jumpers and accessories for my brothers, myself and whoever she wanted to bless.

In terms of doing other crafts...I have attempted at times to create greeting cards … lol unfortunately not very successfully! 

Blue Fingerless Gloves with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Is there a story behind my shop name?  Yes … it’s named after my beautiful cat Max! Max is a tortoiseshell, and she has the most gorgeous colourful coat. I love yarn that is colourful, soft and beautiful and the name just seemed to fit.  

With only 10 sales so far, there doesn’t seem to be an item that stands out as a best-seller. At present these fingerless mittens are really popularwww.etsy.com/listing/91145371/blue-fingerless-gloves-mittens-with  (seen above) 

At present my artwork is sold on Etsy, Zibbet and via my Facebook page. Late last year I attended a couple of local markets and plan to attend some over the next few months. 

Knit Drawstring Bag with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Do I blog?  Yes I do! My blog address is www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.com and I mainly share about what’s happening with Maxies Knitwear or introduce other amazing artists I find (there are some really talented artists out there)  

Here are the other social networks I'm on:  Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxiesknitwearFacebook: www.facebook.com/maxiesknitwearBlog: www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.comTumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/maxiesknitwearGoogle+: plus.google.com/u/0/b/110704225387323282927/   

 I have one charity that I support – my husband and I are passionate about helping Orphans in need in Asia, so 25% of all our profits go to help the most adorable special needs children. You can read the full story in the ‘About me ’ section of my blog.  

What a great shop, and for a great cause too! Please visit Julie's shop, MaxiesKnitwear to see more beautiful hand crafted items:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maxiesknitwear 

...Would you like to be featured too? Leave a comment below with your website address and I'll either email or convo you :)

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!