Not Your Mama's Macrame

I remember looking at macrame plant hangers, door curtains, and room dividers as a child and thinking they were the ultimate decorating touches. They're nearly extinct now, so I was happy to discover that some artists are bringing macrame to the masses once again, but in an updated and much lovelier format. I've included a few of my favorite treasures from Earthcharms here, and there are many more in her shop.


This Serenity Choker is made with moonstone and prehnite.


This Still Waters choker features hematite and sodalite.


Embracing the Blues Choker has blue chalcedony and quartz.


http://Earthcharms.etsy.com
http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com

No-mess No-fuss Pets

BackWoods Creations has a lovely selection of handcrafted fabric animal sculptures and mixed-media fashion accessories. The folkart sculptures are darling--I'd love to have a room full of them. Come have a look!


Benny is the cutest batik striped cat ever! He's guaranteed not to shed or scratch the legs of your furniture, although he's partial to the fingers and ears of small children.



This black and purple hen doesn't have a name. I think she looks like a Zelinda, but if you adopt her I suppose you could pick another name for her.



This poor rose breasted sparrow is also nameless, but it seems obvious to me she wants to be called Petunia. She's housebroken and doesn't require a cage.


http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com
http://backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Inspired Jewelry by Ann Burke

Beadwork amazes me. I don't have the patience to work with hundreds (thousands!) of tiny beads, arranging them in a precise pattern, stringing, knotting, and whatever else is involved. I know I'd end up knocking them all over the floor, then stepping on them for days because I wouldn't want to vacuum them up.

Ann Burke's shop is filled with so many beautiful and mesmerizing items that I couldn't pick just a few to feature here. Browse her collection, but be prepared to be dazzled. Each piece is unique, and what could be better than owning a one-of-a-kind bracelet or pair of earrings?

http://myfairladyvt4.etsy.com
http://myfairladyvt4.blogspot.com/



Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
Inspired Jewelry by Ann Burke

GilBea--For a Bit of Gorgeous Every Day

I love the feel and the look of silk. It says "Hey! I'm special! Touch me!" The hand-painted silk scarves in GilBea's shop are just gorgeous, and say all those things times three.



This silk mini-scarf is the perfect thing for me. I've never been much of a scarf person, but GilBea's suggestion to use this as a ponytail holder turns this into something I might use quite often.



This blue and purple geometric design scarf is so beautiful I may consider becoming a scarf person.



These laminated silk bookmarks are a unique way to use and preserve painted silk--a bit of loveliness to mark your page.


http://www.gilbea.etsy.com
http://gilbea.blogspot.com/
http://www.gilbea.com