Sunday, November 29, 2009

Druzy Jewelry: Dazzling Discoveries on Etsy



Handpicked on Etsy
Druzy is a clear quartz encrustation that develops on the surface of fissures within a host stone, taking on the stone's color and imparting a fascinating shimmering frosted effect. The familiar geode is an example of the gorgeous crystalline druzy phenomenon found on miniature cave-like formations encased in stone. Today I searched on Etsy for druzy, and found these beautiful examples of jewelry created by talented Etsy designers. These pieces represent some of the best values on Etsy, given the inspired designs and captivating allure of the featured material, making these awesome considerations for upcoming holiday gifts. Prices range from $37.00 to $80.00
From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artists include: CreativeCurves, nomadshop, BeijoFlor, MidwestAlchemy, Juliez7Jewelz, shimmerjewels, TheSilverLakeStudio, BeijoFlor

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Tudor Style on Etsy


Handpicked on Etsy
The royal House of Tudor reigned the British realm from 1485 to 1603, starting with the Henry VII and ending with the death of Elizabeth I. Tudor dynasty intrigue, romance, betrayal and treachery reads like a work of dramatic fiction and has ever since inspired historians, novelists, playrights, and film makers to revisit the era. Influences from Tudor architecture and court style have survived through modern times, seen everywhere from residential facades to chunky furniture to costume jewelry. Recent films and the series, The Tudors, has sparked a trendy revival, and Etsy designers offer some evocative creations in all price ranges -- perfect to add a romantic touch to holiday attire or give as gifts. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $13.75 to $62.00.
From left to right, today's featured Etsy artisans include: duchessa, KiraFerrer, MiladyJewels, etherealcreations, treasurecast, justbedesigns

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Gift Season: Window Shopping on Etsy


Handpicked on Etsy

Holiday gift shopping moves into high gear this year on November 27th. Shoppers will flock to malls and retail centers seeking the perfect gift for all on their list. Maneuvering through crowds hunting for unique items or bargains may have charm for some, but if you're like me, it can be a frustrating process that can lead to panic as the holiday draws near. Browsing through Etsy listings today makes it clear there is no easier or better marketplace to find fabulous gifts in all price ranges. Whether you seek extravagant edibles, keepsakes or wearables for those on your list, you will find truly special delights to put under the tree this season on Etsy's search pages. In my virtual window-shopping stroll this morning, these were just few creations that piqued my interest for people on my list. Click on the pictures to look more closely at these Etsy listings. Prices range from $12.00 to $68.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artisans include: saraschalliol, mudpuppy, sugarcookiecouture, lottahelleberg, lemonbird, persimmonjewelry, ModernEraDesign, flyingpignc, jdotdesigns, GlazedOver, Beadz2Pleaz, MarciG

Friday, November 13, 2009

Table Details: Etsy Accents for the Holiday Entertaining


Handpicked on Etsy
Details set the tone and define your style. Today I focused on table or buffet accents from Etsy artists that add rustic charm to flavor to your autumn holiday table. Arrange your flowers, rest your spoons or teabags, hold your votives or tealights, protect and beautify your table top, store your butter and serve your food with creations by talented Etsy artisans that provide function and visual delight. There's still time to get your handmade treasures delivered before Thanksgiving without driving to the mall, so click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings! Prices range from $12.00 to $358.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's Etsy artisans include: jeanne12, snugasabugrugcompany, lynswan, ApplewarePottery, downtoearthceramics, SlightlyTwistedWood, Misspottery, sparkafarian

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Buffet Worthy Bowls on Etsy


Handpicked on Etsy
Holiday entertaining and potluck collaborations require serving bowls, and these are few found on Etsy this morning that appeal to me not just for autumn festivities but for all seasons. Made of earthy substance, hand formed and artistically glazed clay bowls possess the organic, rustic quality that I associate with Thanksgiving. Today's selections reflect some of Etsy's wonderful artisanal talent, each bowl stating its case for ebullience, whimsy or elegance. All are display worthy as well as food-safe and functional. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $14.00 to $145.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: clearmountaincraft, KimberlyPottery, askpottery, utilemud, GlazedOver, brookhousepottery, madhatterceramics, georgiesmom

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Casseroles: Festive Handcrafted Cookware on Etsy



Handpicked on Etsy
Holiday season in America goes into full gear with Thanksgiving, our day for celebrating nature's bounty with family and close friends. My favorite style for the table and buffet is what I call "rustic-elegance," and I love an eclectic mix of serving pieces bringing in elements of warmth, comfort, autumnal motifs, harvest, and earthiness. Keeping these themes in mind, today I searched Etsy for handcrafted cookware that goes from oven to table, with the criterion that the pot comes with a lid. To my mind, these examples of hand-thrown pottery fit the Thanksgiving mood, and function perfectly to keep those comfort foods warm through the leisurely feast. Click on the pictures to go directly to these Etsy listings. Prices range from $38.00 to $120.00.
From top left to bottom right, today's featured artists include: johnnypotter, Hodakapottery, kaharrison2, OneClayBead, dkpottery, winkinglizardpottery, baumanstoneware, winkinglizardpottery