Top Ten Tuesday -- June 26, 2012 -- Owls for All

The mysterious nature of owls is endearing to most everyone, and in my opinion, their eyes are a big part of this appeal. The pensive, yellow-eyed stare of a Great Gray Owl makes them appear to be thinking or perhaps even plotting a sinister next-move. This spine tingling reaction I have toward owls is one reason I've collected this week's top ten favorite owls. Most of the owls in this collection have big round eyes with goofy looks on their faces! Much more relaxing, don't you think? If you are an owl fan, this week's collection will give you all sorts of ideas about how you can add more owl-love to your life! Enjoy...

DIY Felt Owl  --  A fun sewing project for your household

This friendly owl can be easily hand stitched using the simple whip, running, and simple straight stitches. This would be a great project for you to introduce basic stitches to an owl-loving 10+ year old. Lupin on Etsy can provide you with this fun pattern and all the instructions you will need. Your young girls will be so proud to show off their creation!

Owl of Blodeuwedd -- Wool Felt Brooch

This handmade wool felt brooch is meticulously made using 7 layers of felt with an average of 400 tiny hand stitches. The brooch measures 3" x 2" and features a charming embroidered feather on her wing. Love that part! FoxOwlRoad on Etsy tells us the "Blodeuwedd" is the oldest of creatures and she calls this owl the Bird of Wisdom. This fiber jewelry would be perfect most every season of the year on a jacket, scarf, or coat. This is a treasure for the grown-up girls.

Owl Slippers Hand Crocheted in 100% Cotton

These fun house slippers will be great fun for folks of all ages. FrancescasToyChest on Etsy will hand crochet these Little Pea Shoppe pink/green/blue pair in any size or you can request a brown/orange/tan pair for a more realistic colorway! Machine wash and dry on low heat, these slippers will get softer and more beloved over time.

Beauty in Every Shadow by Dolan Geiman

I'm a big fan of Dolan Geiman who creates original mixed media works with wood, paint, printmaking and collage. This acrylic and found paper collage on wood features a majestic owl and a gorgeous tree trunk, which I also love! Dolan's art is appreciating in value and I highly recommend that you check out his many terrific art assemblages.

Needle Felted Owl Family

I am a fan of the charm that St. Paul's artist ScratchCraft has added to these 3-D wool felt owls. The four owls actually look like a bonded family unit to me, and I would have guessed they loved one another even without the red heart that tells me for sure that they do! Perched on a tree branch and measuring 4" wide and 2" tall, this hanging fiber art is a beauty.

 Pleased as Punch -- Recycled Chubby Owl

I like this owl's attitude! This lamb's wool-stuffed friend stands 7" tall and would add a fun, graceful note to your home decor. The body of this owl is made from up-cycled, felted wool and the eyes are hand sewn. This owl from ForMyDarling on Etsy has so much personality, I think you will want to give him a name!

Mid-Century Modern Hootie Owl Needlepoint

This 14"x15" needlepoint pillow certainly takes me back! If you were alive in the 60's and early 70's, you probably remember the Sunset Needlepoint Kits that helped us learn needlepoint on a printed canvas. This bright red and coral owl is a great example of a charming home made decorating style that is newly popular and still colorful! This fun vintage pillow is being made available by Call Me Anytime Vintage and will bring a pop of color to your mid-century decor.

Hand-Knit Felted Owl with Tufted Ear

The talented folks at Woolly Something have created this wool hand-knit sculptural owl that they then felted and stuffed for standing display. It stands about 7" tall and has poly-pellets in base for easy standing. It looks so soft and fluffy, and while it may not be a toy, I'm sure that the young people in your life will have trouble keeping their fingers off the soft ears and wings! The stitching around the eyes is simple and dramatic: I love it!

Recycle Wool Owl Tote Bag

This handsome owl is ready to give your fashion statement a fun boost! Handmade from brick red recycled wool and reinforced with pellon interfacing, this fun tote bag is ready to be a playful and practical addition to your wardrobe or a favorite gift for a young owl lover. I particularly like the use of the wool plaid fabric in this piece. You can find it at the popular Grannies Raggedy Bags on Etsy!

Funny Animal of the Week -- Good Morning Owl!

It is important to end my Top Ten Tuesday post with a funny animal, and this little guy gets my vote! He looks a lot like some of the other owls I've shared with you today, and he may even stand about 7" tall like some of the handmade versions of his brothers and sisters! I know he will grow up to have the yellow, piercing eyes that make my spine tingle, but for now anyway, he couldn't look more cute and friendly.

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- May 15, 2012

There is an element of silly in the fantastic items I've found for this week's top ten! A silly owl, a cupcake extravaganza, and a water slide for adults -- and have you ever held a giraffe in the palm of your hand? Silly is a good thing. I believe I am far too serious for my own good, so unleashing a little silly attitude is a healthy thing to do! What is your favorite outlandish or goofy thing to do? 

Henri Owl from Wassup Brothers on Etsy

From Russia with love, this wide-eyed creation is sure to be a family favorite. Henri has movable wings that are attached with buttons, so this is a great friend for the older child. He is almost 16" tall, so that means he's old enough for grand adventures! No two Henri's are the same as they are all made with a variety of fabrics and textures...I love that part about this wise old owl. The Wassup Brothers have many fun items to enjoy on Etsy.

Embroidered Heart Brooch from Bella Celestina

I love an artist who gives her jewelry names...this felt heart is called Clara and she's ready to wear! Bella Celestina has used vintage fabric and a vibrant turquoise felt for this charming pin. It would be great on a simple scarf or used as a bow on your next fancy gift wrapping. Clara is about 2 1/2" wide, so she's a show-stopper. Love it!

Hand cut Customized Paper Art for the True Romantic

I love this paper cutting and I admire the patience of this papercrafter from England, Louise McLaren. When I study the intricacy of this piece, especially the tiny leaves with stems intact, I'm very impressed. This personalized heart and bird cutout would be ideal as a wedding gift or an anniversary present. It is striking in its simplicity in the black frame. Well done Louise!

Sunflower Lino-cut Bamboo Box from Acorn Artz on Etsy

I love a little decorative box to hide my trinkets and ticket stubs! This lovely bamboo box by Kathleen Kerr in California is a lovely option for all those who enjoy nestling their treasures inside of safe places. This sunflower design is Kathleen's original work and the box lid is a lift-off lid, which is my favorite kind. It is also a substantial size at 4" x 11" x 4"deep...perfect to fit my preserved Mother's Day corsage.

Natural History Art on Art Propelled

This photo of an eggshell collection is a scientific statement that moves me as a lover of birds. The varied colors and sizes of the eggs are interesting, and then the similarities are charming, too. I found this Art Propelled image from Tumbler by way of Pinterest and the originating source doesn't go any further than that. I thought you'd enjoy seeing the collection...I know that I have!

Cherry Blossom Tree Mosaic made entirely of Cupcakes!

When I bake cupcakes, I usually end up with about 15 decorated beauties to share. Of course, I bake two dozen, but after I drop one, eat one (or two), and watch a few more disappear before the big event, there are usually about 15 cupcakes to offer my guests. Well, there are over 10,000 cupcakes all decorated and arranged into a mosaic of a cherry blossom tree...and what do you want to bet...they are also delicious! The bakers from London's Crumbs and Doilies are responsible for this fun display for a Japanese TV show. Love it!

Inflatable Playground for Adults (or yeah, and kids), too!

Playful water sports are popular, even in land-locked Colorado. I can see an inflatable water playground like this one on a lake near my home. Wouldn't this be the best birthday party experience? I think I'd make it a requirement that you have to swim well enough to get yourself out to the inflatable playground in order to use it...if you look closely though...there is a baby swing in the lower-left hand corner of the playground! Cool!

Rustic Pine Wood Journal by Crearting on Etsy

The Tree of Life is burned and painted on this fantastic hand-bound journal from Inga Veilande in Latvia. She has used a natural pine and 160 journal pages from brown recycled paper for this unique and charming journal. It is 5 1/2" x 4" and she is happy to engrave names on the cover for you. This is a journal that is sure to become a family keepsake for generations to come! I love it!

Quote from e.e. cummings

As a nature lover and romantic, I've loved the poetry of e.e. cummings. His work was both lovely and controversial and always lead to far-reaching conversation. I found this handmade and simple verse which appears to be hand stamped into metal. The older I get, the more comfortable I am with being myself.

Funny Animal of the Week -- Petite Lap Giraffes!

I thought at first I was looking at a stuffed animal. In fact, I decided to include two photos of this amazing creature because the first one I found was so unbelievable! You are looking at a Petite Lap Giraffe that is bred at Russia's Sokoblovsky Farms. The adult PLG is 30" tall and weighs less than less than 10 pounds! They eat distilled water and bonsai tree leaves. The folks at Sokoblovsky Farms report that they love being indoors in air conditioning, as well as listening to classical music. Grooming is easy...one bubble bath per week! That wraps up my silly ideas for this week. It is silly, isn't it?

If you were to adopt a petite giraffe and bring it to a party on the inflatable playground, you could seal the deal by offering decorated cupcakes in the shape of a tree for refreshment...yeah. That would be epic!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Top Ten Tuesday -- April 17, 2012

My Nestle and Soar studio office has a large dream board that I love adding to, and each week that is where I stash my Top Ten Tuesday picks. I figure that if a handmade item plays with my heart strings enough to make me want to add it to my inspiration board, then it will probably be a perfect item to share with you! This week's items are all very sweet and colorful. The attention to detail that each crafts person/artist shows is impressive, don't you think? I'd love to invite all of these folks to sit around a table and be creative together...who would you want to invite to that crafting social?

Red Orange Bird Archival Print

I have fallen in love with the art of Cori Dantini, a talented illustrator from Washington. She has a charming Etsy shop since 2007, and this archival bird print is one of my favorites! The illustration is 8"x8", which is a great size to hang in a little nook in your home. You can see more than 100 lovely whimsical illustrations by Cori's at Corid on Etsy.

Tiny Watercolors from Little Dear

I love learning about entrepreneurial women who create in many arenas, and I've found that in Aimee Ray, the creative force behind Little Deer. Aimee hand paints these pin back buttons using watercolor, and she also is an expert at embroidery! Her Craft Patterns and Embroidery Patterns are very popular, and I can see why...I hope you have fun looking at Little Deer on Etsy. I know I did.

We are All Connected!

I'd like to introduce you to a special artist I've gotten to know a little bit, Jen Renninger of sunny Florida. I purchased one of her prints and I get so many great comments from friends with it: seems as though folks feel really good about being connected! I tried my hand at a paint-by-numbers landscape years ago, and when I saw Jen's print, it helped me remember that fun experience. I also love the name of her Etsy shop -- Please Be Still. Those are words to live by, too!

Twine and Rag Nest by Carolyn's Homework

I love a whimsical nest perhaps more than most, and this lovely twig and fabric scraps nest is top drawer. Carolyn has a sweet and simple aesthetic and uses natural colors and homespun materials in a fun way. This little shop has only been open since 2010 and I am very excited about keeping my eyes on her work! You can find her at Carolyn's Homework on Etsy.

Appliqued Owl Pouch

What a cheerful handmade owl pouch I found at Mama Blue Designs. I can see one of my little granddaughters enjoying this cute pouch as a purse and I can also see my youngest daughter using it as a make up bag! Every girl I know loves owls! Artist Laura Clausen of California does a great job with machine stitched lettering, so if you'd like one of her popular pouches personalized, you will love the results!

Lottie Fun Crochet Flower Bracelet

Imagine a hand crocheted flower that is less than 1" across and then imagine how tiny the crochet hook would have to be to create the definition you see in this chic and colorful bracelet! There are eight double crochet daisies in this cute bracelet...the photo here shows the Lottie Bracelet (closest to the model's hand) as well as other handmade crochet from Gitte - Wearable Fiber Art in Australia. Open since 2007, this shop has many fashion-forward items that all have the homespun qualities of vintage, which I think is a lovely combination. Modern Vintage Style!

Little Knit Birds by Beaded Wire on Etsy

These soft pastel knit birds are all sitting in a nest, waiting to make your home a little sweeter! Beaded Wire is a popular shop based in New Hampshire, and her shop is loaded with a huge assortment of accessories either knit, crocheted, or beaded. All of her items are available for immediate shipment, which I admire. And the expertise of her knitting stitches...can you see it in the shaping of each little bird? I'm in love!

Art Quilt -- Tree of Life

Art quilts are an acquired taste in my opinion. If you learned to sew or quilt in home economics class, like I did, there was always great emphasis put on traditional geometric patterns. Art quilts are so very interesting because it is a fiber art in the quilting genre without all of the fussy rules and right angles. The Tree of Life quilt by Bozena Wojtaszek of Poland is a wonderful example of the expressive nature of art quilts. It is about 16" x 21" and packed with personality.

Straight Stitch Society Patterns

Whether you are an apples or oranges type of gal, this Oliver + S shop pattern is perfect for you. Having a handmade sewing kit was always the perfect beginner's sewing project, and making one this adorable will be popular for any age group. The finished items includes a pincushion, a zipper pouch for notions, a needle keeper, and tons of style. If you like this, you will really want to check out the whole Straight Stitch Society selection.

Funny Animal of the Week

I love books, too! Owls and books are a good combination, and it looks like these owls love books about birds! Hoot!

Thanks for stopping by,

Georgianne

Journal Cover Competition from Nestle and Soar Studio

Redhead Journal

May I have your feedback? I'm placing cover art for my upcoming series of journals on this post and it is my hope is you will look at them all. The feedback I need is simple! As a comment posted to this blog, please tell me your top 3 favorites in order, beginning with the journal you'd love to have in your hands right now! On March 3rd I will tally everyone's opinions and post again with the results. A prize from my Nestle and Soar Studio of a free journal is up for grabs! Let me know your opinion and I will put your name in a random drawing. Fun? I'm having fun just looking at these images, and I hope you will, too!
Thanks for stopping by,
Georgianne

Standing Sentry Journal

Freckled Egg Journal

Sweetheart Owl Journal

Knit One, Crochet One -- from Etsy

Made by HandmaidenBC on Etsy.com

I like to knit and my knitting is super simple and rather brainless. I like to knit scarves from one skein of yarn and I hardly ever try new stitches because my main goal is to stop thinking and let the repetitive motion of knitting relax me.

I found two shopkeepers on Etsy who think a lot harder than I do! The first gal makes jackets for apples, and her creativity makes me smile! After I wash my apple to tuck it into my handbag for a snack later in the day, I'd love to have a pretty little sweater to keep it fresh! Isn't it great? What would you knit a sweater for if you had the skill? Here's a link to find more wonderful knit items on HandmadeBC.


Made by TheBestEtsyShop on Etsy.com



So if I only know limited knitting stitches, I don't know ANY crochet moves. Luckily, I found someone who's got that covered. What do you think of this great crochet Owl Hat? I immediately thought how cute this hat would look on one of our little grandkids, and then I realized that this enthusiastic shopkeeper makes them for adults, too! I know a few darling young adults who could carry it off with great style, but I get a stitch in my side thinking about wearing it myself! With my big round head, I would frighten children in this fun hat! I still love it though, even as I admit I don't often wear hats. I have pulled out my winter walking hat though, which I use to cover my ears on cold walking days like today. There is a dusting of snow on the ground and my hands are chilly as I type today. I guess it is time to turn on the heat!