Decor and Jewellery for your Casual Life

I'm Moving Again

2008-04-01T12:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T14:46:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Country Stillness

More Than Just a Pretty Face

2008-03-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

2007-11-16T15:24:00.000-08:00

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

2007-11-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

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!

Love X 500

2007-11-14T11:52:00.000-08:00

On Etsy, when someone likes your shop, they can let you know by "hearting" you. My hearts have been hovering at 499 for a few days. Today it seems, is my lucky day...500 hearts reached!!

To show my appreciation to those that have taken the time to look at my shop and mark it as a favourite, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING to anyone who mentions reading about it here. Just mention "500 Hearts" in the message to seller section when you purchase your switch plate.

Mosaico Decor now has CLEARANCE section. You'll want to check it out while your there.

Tip of the Week - Throw in the Towel

2007-11-13T13:06:00.000-08:00

A wonderful lady emailed me a tip. A friend sent her a link to one of my posts, she wandered over to the tip of the week. I thought it was such a nice idea to email me--so if you have any tips you want to share just click on the email link in the sidebar...love to hear from you!

{Emma's tip}

"I read somewhere that if you take today's hand towel in the bathroom and just wipe all around the bathroom sink and faucets and just wipe all the water drops out ot the bathroom sink every night and then put up a clean hand towel last thing before going to bed, that the sink will stay clean appearing for AGES! And it is the darn truth! Sink and counter look great. I don't know why but it worked a miracle for this sloppy and disorganized 68 year old, who is still trying to learn a better way in Oregon!"

Something else that Emma shared with me is that she hasn't bought scouring powder in years...another baking soda convert!

Tip of the Week ~ Look at the Small Picture

2007-10-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

There's too much to do...so you don't do anything! I know I've done this, so have you.

Narrow your focus and you'll be amazed at how much cleaning you can get done. Attack mini cleaning projects throughout the week rather than have one big cleaning day. You may not be able to clean the whole bathroom before going to work or dealing with the kids, but you can spend 5 minutes cleaning the bathtub (with baking soda and vinegar...of course). I clean the toilet and area before I take a shower...sometimes with just a piece of wet toilet paper. You might even have some fun--ok maybe not fun--seeing what you can come up with. Just remember that every little bit helps.

This may not work for everyone, but for some of us it's the only way the house gets cleaned. It's not always a good to look at the big picture.

picture courtesy of ~ 'Everyday People Cartoons'