For the Love of Beads (and cigar boxes full of them)

Marilyn of Cigarboxbeads has been beading since she purchased several cigar boxes full of beads at a flea market twenty years ago. Her experience shows in her work--it fascinates me!


Sweetie Pie the Beaded Pixie has incredible detail. Did you notice the bracelet and necklace? I love the hair!


This Paterkillar Beaded Beads Necklace has the coolest name. I think it would look lovely on me!


The Twisted Garden Path Choker is my idea of perfection. I know I'd be stunning in it. Hmm, maybe someone will notice and one of these days I'll have a special gift to open.


http://cigarboxbeads.etsy.com
http://cigarboxbeads.blogspot.com

Kuddle Bugz Threadz

I'm excited about becoming a grandmother again, and always watching for fun and unique baby gear. I found some terrific things at Kuddle Bugz Threadz, and how often can I say I picked something up from a crafter in North Pole, Alaska?


This tag blankie is certain to keep a little one entertained for a long time. I especially like the fact that one side is high-contrast black and white and the other is filled with bright colors.


This fleece hat with ear flaps looks warm and cozy.


I love these slippers. Too bad they don't come in adult sizes, too--or I'd have a pair on my feet right now.


http://KuddleBugzThreadz.etsy.com
http://kuddlebugzthreadz.blogspot.com

I Can't Paint

I am so envious of people who can paint and draw. These are not skills I have, and it's unlikely that even with intensive lessons I could ever come close to being slightly below average. I found some very striking pieces at Coconut Palm Designs, and so once again I'll have to satisfy my love of art with simply looking and admiring. ACEOs are wonderful: they're both small (so you can collect tons of them!) and very affordable (so you can collect tons of them!).


Mountain Lake ACEO is a lovely watercolor piece.


I love the colors in Under the Sea, a watercolor ACEO.


Face 2 Face 1 ACEO is a striking and contemporary silhouette.


http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com
http://coconutpalmdesigns.blogspot.com/

What's a Plugboard?

Plugboards are a free form of advertising. I noticed a jump in my blog views within one day of adding a plugboard here! If you scroll to the bottom of this blog you'll see a bunch of little banners, some flashing and some not. That's my plugboard, and I'd be thrilled for you to add your plug to it. What's a plug? It's a tiny banner, for this board 88x31, that you link to your blog, e-store, personal web site, etc. Click on some of the plugs and see where they take you: some will go to pages with more plug boards, some to Etsy or eBay shops, some to blogs.

Want a plugboard of your own? Try PlugMe.
Need someone to create a plug for you? Bitty Moose makes very nice animated banners.
To find more boards to plug, try clicking through some of the existing plugs on my board, or do a search for them. Warning: Plugging can be addictive.