Thursday 3 December 2009

On the 3rd Day of Christmas ...





Another late in the day post.  Was out and about with mom all day in town.  Was a lovely crisp but clear and bright winter day.  Perfect weather to hap up and do some window shopping.  It was very quiet though.  Usually at this time of year the town is packed with Christmas shoppers manically rushing around and laden down with bags. The lack of activity spoke volumes about the changed financial situation for most people this year.  

Have mixed feelings over the whole economic situation.  In one way if it gets people to be less extravagant - and ultimately less wasteful in a lot of cases - that is a good thing.  As a seller though I admit to feeling "Oh no! This doesn't augur well for xmas sales and this weekends craft fair".  I think that can probably be called a moral dilemma? 

But you didn't tune in for a contemplating my navel session - you popped by to see some more great hand made creations!  So I'll shuush now on the introspection and shift gears into work mode.

In line with not wasting things is the whole recycling/upcycling/repurposing/reusing process.  So who better to kick off today than this Patchwork Perfect Shoulder Bag from Linda at LindaEve and member of the Eco Etsy Team.



I love what she does with ties! These bags are functional, fun and funky!  Who would have thought triple F = a 1st Class mark - but in this case it does.  There are lots of reasons I love this bag.  Aside from it's the eco credentials the adjustable shoulder strap is great as it means I can wear this cross body - a must for shopping trips and avoiding the curse putting down my bag to look at something and then walking off without it!  (Ummm I think there is a subconscious dilemma theme emerging). Plus it has a nifty pocket at the front for those things you want to keep handy and not have to rummage through the main bag for.  In my case that is house keys ... quick access to indoors is a must when you live in a rainy climate like here and are caught in a downpour and can't find your keys.  Being so close to shelter in those situations is one of lifes relentless and cruel lil jokes!

I need some sunshine now just thinking about that!  This next item makes me smile so it's time to introduce Organic Baby Elephant from Dhanya aka flowerchildcreations and member of the Etsy Organic Team.

 
Isn't she just adorable?!  Now defy me and tell me you're not going awwwh and smiling :). The airbrush technique Dhanya uses, with non toxic fabric paints, creates the most beautiful prints.  All this on an unbleached, organic top = a perfect gift for a wee one. She also does the most amazing mandala's!  

Next up is this decoupaged Musical Jewelry Box from the amazing Rubes aka rubyclover and the Irish Rogue Artisans Team  




Rubes creates the most amazing and varied array of magical items and loves working on custom pieces.  So you can get your very own personalised item in whatever style you want - how cool is that!  DISCLAIMER:  Be warned!  When you visit her shop you'll be in there for ages and are likely to fall prey to ROA - the dreaded Repetitive Oooh Ahh syndromeThe only known cure is to buy something.

More lushness now and this First Snow - Beaded Holiday Wreath Ornament was made by Rachel aka balanced and from the Crafty Ireland Team.




This has got to be most elegant and chic ornament around!  The combo of freshwater pearls, Czech glass beads and copper works wonderfully together.  My Christmas tree is adorned with lots of special ornaments - some I bought for myself because they were beautiful but most I received as a present (it's a kind of tradition among me and my friends to exchange a tree ornament in lieu of a big present).  That's what makes them special ... and this ornament fits the bill perfectly for special status. 

Well that's all for today.  I will try to post earlier tomorrow. Have a good day everyone and remember stay safe and well :)


 

7 comments:

  1. Great picks Maura! And thanks for including my bag. I LOVE rubyclover's music box!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maura, you rock! Thanks for pimpin' my music box, you really know how to make a girl feel all mushy inside lol ♥♥♥ Love all those items, good stuff.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much Maura. :) You have brought the hugest smile to my face tonight. I really appreciate it. :)

    I love that patchwork bag too, so clever! Great picks all around!

    ReplyDelete
  4. woooo...the wreath ornament is so purdy!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the comments - apprecaite you taking the time to read and support these great artisans!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maura, your blog is the best! With most, I give up after a sentence or two, but you have the writing skills, girl! Love Balanced's wreath and Ruby's box is to die for. As yousay, the only known cure....:)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I second Rena, saying you have the writing skills :))))))))))))
    AND I adore Ruby's box♥♥♥♥♥♥♥
    *patiently waiting for tomorrow...*

    ReplyDelete