I'm Moving Again

I've decided that Typepad is the place I want to be. Another decision I've made is taking my blog in a different direction. It's called Anything...hope to see you there.

Electric Love

I love working with polymer clay, but I must admit I hated conditioning the clay. That was then, this is now.

I can't tell you how much I LOVE my Atlas pasta machine with a motor. I bought it a few months ago at Shades of Clay, here in Canada. The difference is HUGE. Both hands are freed up to feed the clay through the rollers. You don't have that jerky motion like you do when you hand crank, so the sheets are more uniform in depth. If it ever breaks down I will weep. I still wonder what my Italian 'Noni' would say if she saw me using a pasta machine for clay...

My Favourites' Favourites

I thought it would be fun to post 5 'favourites' of my Etsy 'favourites'.

From the favourites page of Her Royal Majesty Bags

'Hands Joined in BrotherHood Love' ~ by sTinKy ArT

'Redhead with Black Cat No. 4' ~ by Lynne Adamson

'Sweet Pomegranate Vixen' ~ by Sandra Eileen Artisan Jewelry

'Viscious Circles' ~ by art and ghosts

'blue and gold vintage inspiration clutch' ~ by Handbags by Daphne

My Virtual Window with a View

Country Stillness

More Than Just a Pretty Face

They're visually stunning, purify your air and improve your mood--they're wall fountains. Think of them as dynamic, functional pieces of art.

As the water circulates and falls down the face of the fountain, tiny particles called negative ions are created. These particles act as an air filter by bonding with smoke and dust and pulling them out of the air. They also make your home more comfortable because they're a natural humidifier.

The simple act of tumbling water may also be a mood enhancer. In recent years, it's been shown that negative ions produced by indoor water fountains have an effect on the brain, increasing alertness and overall well-being.

They're easy to install, require no plumbing and are much more than just a pretty face. Available in many shapes, sizes and materials, everyone should be able to find one they like and can afford. So, maybe you'll treat yourself and your home to one.

Featured Etsy Shop - margotbianca

What do you do when you do printmaking and no longer have access to a press--learn the ancient art of batik of course. That's what margotbianca has done and done beautifully.

The functional things--napkins, tablecloths, clothing--that she sells in her Etsy shop are "kind of like test pieces for the larger work that I do. I make large installations, and this year, I've started using batik and dyes as my medium." My favourite items are the gorgeous tablecloths--these would add that special touch to your home that only something handmade can do.

Margot uses many different types of fabrics, piles of dye and lots of wax. Like many of us she has a thing for stamps--hers just happen to be a collection of antique Indonesian stamps. Collecting them even before starting to make batik, they "instigated my desire to learn what batik is all about. I continue to collect stamps and I use those all the time, too. "

With it's huge window--the sound of stories, poetry, news in the background--and view of the yard and little bit of the ocean, it's no wonder you can find her working in her garage studio as close to everyday as she can. Sounds like an ideal environment to create in.

I remember seeing and falling in love with batik for the first time when I was a teenager. After seeing this creative Estians' shop I remember why.

Etsians at Home

You don't create a home with the content you keep. A beautiful home, soulful home, that's YOU, is about the environment, feeling that's created. Whether it's messy or impeccably clean, fancy or simple, whatever makes you happy and is important to you is what matters.

I thought it would be fun to ask the artists and designers of Etsy about their homes-they're certainly a soulful creative bunch. Each week I'll share with you what they say about the home they love.

In cgstudio's Etsy shop, you'll find beautiful etched, handpainted glasses and what she calls fun irreverent cards. Here's what she says about her home:

"Almost all the art in my home is handcrafted art from the countries I have visited. Beautiful Peruvian platters and some wild plates from Nicaragua are in the living room and dining room. A soulful painting from Cuba hangs in the bedroom. Framed posters from Cuba are also in a foyer. More framed prints from the island of Solentiname have colors that wow; six of them grouped on a wall make a nice presentation. A gentle pencil drawing from northern Spain is in the kitchen. A tiny framed Mexican embroidery is hanging on a door frame. A framed butterfly from Honduras is under repair right now. Another print from an art cooperative in Alaska is in the television room. And to reflect the Mexican influence in south Texas, every room in my house is a BRIGHT different color- purple kitchen, yellow dining room, red bathroom, etc. No beige for me."

Thank you to cgstudio for sharing that!