Artisans Gallery Team, First Friday, April 2012

First Friday is an Artisans Gallery Team monthly series where we showcase the new work of our member artisans.

Celebrate April showers all year long with the lucky in love cloud. - BabyJivesCo

"The Pelican" is a one of a kind hand painted necklace. Perfectly nautical for summer! -TuckooandMooCow

In the color of spring blooms (think crocuses, tulips, and more), this romantic hand-knit capelet makes a lovely accessory in spring-time. -TickledPinkKnits
Anyone who knows me knows how much I love mixing bright colors together! (In fact, my workroom walls are painted bright blue and I have one of my husband's photography prints, which is primarily a bright lime green, on the walls.) So this necklace was inspired by the feeling of happiness that surrounds me when I'm wrapped in vivid, saturated color. -RedChair

Handmade Earrings AAA rainbow Moonstone briolettte 14k gold filled, perfect for Spring.-steinschmuckdesign

In our Pattern & Texture series we take a look at different patterns in scale and texture. These patterns were inspired by our interest in vintage ikat, Suzani, and Arts & Crafts era tapestries and textiles. These handcarved and mosaic raku-fired tiles can be displayed altogether or individually. -romyandclare

I created my newest series "Zen Garden" by using the wrong glaze from a test glaze bucket at the end of a 12 hour work day when I was too exhausted to think, so this comes from truly being in the flow where coherent thought has ceased! -OneClayBead

This soft knit cuff contains semi precious stones and glass beads in a mix of warm golds, amber and turquoise. The colors in this cuff remind me of summer. -lapisbeach

Two Tones Pomegranate Leather Bag is a Colorful Spring Bag. -iragrant

green, green, green......a big fashion theme this year! -Donauluft

The perfect gift for Easter and Passover - Moonstone necklace for full moon evening. -anakim

Delicate detail in ecru and black - Plus size 1X - Made from all recycled materials. -BrokenGhostCouture
Fresh new spring blossom for April. my latest watercolor -TheJoyofColor

A product "green" in nature Natural fiber, renewable, recyclable and biodegradable, the cultivation of flax is one of the world's greenest. -ikabags

I made these sky blue Chalcedony briolette bridesmaids' gift sets with the spring and summer bride in mind. -PoleStar

Everyday Handmade: For Her

Hello there! I'm back with a new Everyday Handmade gift guide!

Let's be honest: there are mountains of beautiful handmade items out there to suit every fancy of every lady you know. One stroll around Etsy, and you'll find at least a dozen things you could gift right now. Perhaps then it's an upside-down problem: there are just too many things to sift through! With this gift guide I'm giving you a nice little curated collection of gifts For Her that I think any lady {myself included} would be delighted to receive. Here we go . . .

These Women's Lime Green "Early Morn" Bloomers by My Fair Maiden are just too cute! What lady wouldn't love a pair of unique handmade underpants!? Find them here.

This Pearl Gray Bandeau Bra/Skirt/Belt/Miracle Twist by Moon Halo is truly one of the most amazing articles of clothing I've ever seen---talk about multi-purpose! And fashionable to boot! Find it and see all of its different uses here.

I love the old delicate feel of this Wild Rose Tumbler by Just Mare. To drink from this cup would feel like jumping into an old novel {Pride and Prejudice perhaps?}. Find it here.

This Hand Crochet Wrap by Silvia66 would be a beautiful handmade addition to any lady's wardrobe. I think it would look great with jeans or a fine dress. Find it here.

Lastly, I love everything about this Aleina Pleated Linen Bag by Ira Grant---the shape, soft tone, and whimsical decorative touches! It would make a darling gift for any lady who appreciates the creativity and craft of handmade. Find it here.

Thanks so much for taking a gander at this gift guide! I hope it gave you some bright gift ideas for the ladies in your life. {check out my Gift Guide For Him and Gift Guide For the Kiddos}.

Happy Handmade Shopping!

Everyday Handmade: For the Kiddos

Good day to you! I'm back with a new Everyday Handmade gift guide! It's time to get shopping for the sweet little ones in your life. Of course there are aisles of factory-made thingamajigs out there, but there are also troves of beautiful handmade gifts for the kiddos too! Kids will love them for their creativity and fun, and you will love them because they'll help you start teaching your little guys the value of handmade early, and support handmade makers! Here's a fun round-up to get you started . . .

I love this fun embroidered Organic Messenger Hip Bag by Sewn Natural! Any little person would be delighted to carry along their own favorite toys in this bag. Find it here.

What kiddo doesn't love seeing their own self in a new way? This Personalized Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle by Bella Puzzles will have them piecing themselves together with glee. Find it here.

I love this Organic Robot Placemat by Pure Pixie! It's the perfect combo of fun and functional! Find it here.

Add more pizazz to any kid's bath time with this Building Block/Men Soap Set by A Breath of French Air. Find it here.

And last but not least, no child's life would be complete without a sweet teddy bear {I had a whole troop}, and this Brown Teddy Bear by Sabahnur has the cutest face and just makes you want to hug him. Find it here.

I hope you got some handmade-gift-getting inspiration from this collection! I'll be back with more great gifts in the coming days! {Check out my Gift Guide For Him}

Everyday Handmade: For Him

Hello Hello! Can you believe it's almost the holidays!? It's time to get on that holiday gift list, and there is no better excuse than that to start searching the vast virtual aisles of handmade on Etsy! To give you a little help, I'll be rounding up a series of everyday handmade gift guides over the next couple of weeks. This week I'm rounding up gifts for those special guys in your life. Sometimes there seems to be every manner of handmade gifts for women, but what do you get the handmade-loving men? Sit back, relax, and peruse these fine handmade finds for him . . .

Help him keep his hands warm (and celebrate trees) while enjoying a cold beer with this Birch Bark Beer Cozy from Eves Little Earthings. Find them here.

Speaking of beer---why not celebrate it in the shower too with this great Organic Beer Soap {made with Guinness Stout!} by Sweet Sallys Soaps. Find it here along with so many other unique soaps.

Give your guy a little handmade country bling---jewelry for his belt! This Turquoise Mosaic Belt Buckle by Romy and Clare is so gorgeous you may want to get one for yourself too! Find it here.

The quirky little fish in this Pebble and Fish Key/Bag Chain by Gifts and Stars is bound to make Him smile. And he'll think of you every time he pulls out his keys! Find it here.

This Sterling Silver Personalized Ring by Monkeys Always Look would be an amazing way to inspire a special guy in your life and show him how much he means to you! Find it here. Order it soon! These are made to order!

This Hand-sewn Leather briefcase by Sleeway is a stunner and would make a tremendous gift for the office-going man who appreciates fine handmade quality that he can use everyday. Find it here.

I hope this little round-up gave you some new great handmade gift ideas! Happy shopping!

Gift Guide for a Spa Day

AGTeam Valentine's Day Gift Guide - Luxury for Her

1. Black Walnut Bowl by BradSearsWoodturner
2. The Titan Bench by civilized
3. love in the mist by aliherrmann
4. Custom Wood Puzzle by BellaPuzzles
5. White Gold and Morganite Ring by OneGarnetGirl
6. Rococo Shawl by TickledPinkKnits
7. Julianne Art Doll by loopyboopy (this item is reserved but see other dolls in her shop)
8. Dark Chocolate Leather Bag by iragrant

On a Personal Note

Collaborating with an artist to come up with a perfect gift is an awesome experience and one you can get with members of the Artisans Gallery Team. Find a gift that fits your friends and family members perfectly. Whether it's a change of colors, textures, sizes or words Artisans Gallery members offer a wide and wonderful array of personalized and custom made pieces.

Gnome Baby by Sewn Natural

Custom Linen Shoes by LaLaShoes

Personalized Ornament by krtwood

Customized Hieroglyph Pillow by Blue Terracotta

Personalized Alphabet Blocks by littlesaplingtoys

Custom Made Felted Skirt by ingermaaike

Crocheted Beads by ThreeBlueBee

Happy Holidays!

Fashion & Trend Report

Hello Fashion lovers!

I hope everyone has had a lovely two weeks! It flies by, doesn't it? Before you know it, BAM, it's time for another Fashion report from yours truly!

This week we'll be talking stripes. Stripes have been on the radar for a while now, but now they are center stage for the holidays! Stripes can be for everyone on your list: graphic, flirty yet stoic. check out these stripey finds:French Sailor Man by mck254, Zebra ACEO Original Watercolor by Dragon House of Yuen, Striped Purse by Ika Bags, Poppy Napkin Holders by The Joy of Color, Toddler Nap Mat by Sewn Natural.

Fathers Day

by sherrytruitt, $42

 by Jealousydesign, $49

Most people around the world celebrate Father's Day, but the dates to honor dads are not the same everywhere. In many countries the customs and traditions may be very different than the ones you know. The earliest record of Father's Day was found in the ruins of Babylon. A young boy named Elmesu carved a Father's Day message on a card made out of clay nearly 4,000 years ago. He wished his Babylonian father good health and a long life. No one knows what happened to Elmesu or his father, but the tradition of having a special day honoring fathers has continued through the years in countries all around the world. In many countries, where the Catholic Church has had an important influence on the culture, Father's Day is celebrated on St. Joseph's Day (March 19).

Around the world, people celebrate Fathers Day to honor dads and to express their love and affection for them.  It may be noted that the date of Father's Day festival is not fixed and different countries around the world celebrate Father's Day on different times of the year.  Sometimes, even the manner of Father's Day celebration differ, what is common everywhere though is the spirit of the festival.  In countries across the globe people take opportunity of Father's Day to honor their dad with cards, chocolates, flowers and other gifts of love.  Spending time with dad and indulging in fun-filled activities is another common feature of Father's Day celebration around the world.  Another interesting factor about Father's Day celebration is that people wish 'Happy Father's Day' not just to their biological father, but also grandfather, stepfather, foster father, uncle, elder brother or anyone who plays the role of a father in their lives.  In recent times a secular celebration, not associated with any religion, has been celebrated in many of these countries to reflect the increased diversity of the people who live there.  Some families choose one of the dates to celebrate Father's Day and ignore the other day, but some lucky dads actully get to celebrate Father's Day twice every year!

by schemata, $48

by Earmark, $6

Father's Day is a commemorative day in which the father is held within the family. A father is a strange combination of reason and feeling. He is one who can guide and demand, but also knows how to love generously. We want to share our gift guide and find the ideal gift for the man in your life and wish you all a wonderful Father's Day Celebration wherever you may be.

by IlluminatedPerfume, $150

by Xenotees, $22

by StudioElan, $33

by PaulaArt, $215

by JLWoodTurning, $105

Collaborative post by MissBird and PaulaArt.