Change is in the Air

Spring is on it's way and the days are getting longer and my energy levels are climbing which is all good! Plus we had an unusually bright winter here this year aka not so much rain or overcast skies.

There have been lots of things happen since I last posted  and not always the best of things - but it's a new year and new challenges and I'm gearing up to meet them head on!

Today I have spent an age trying to figure more of my way around Artfire and my new shop there.  Well it's not exactly new - opened it in '08 - but had never done anything with it.  But as Etsy continues to roll out changes I decided it was time to merge items from different shops and set them out in my Artfire Studio. 

I will be keeping a presence on Etsy but that will be for vintage only and my other newish shop irishbounty. So far it has been going ok - slow but steady.

Anyway that brings me to this long neglected blog and I haven't managed to figure out yet if I can change the url to match the blog name.  So any techie minded peeps who happen across this in the wilderness of the www and know the answer please feel free to write me.  Just bear in mind that when it comes to tech speak I am illiterate - truly madly deeply! 

I never make new year resolutions - am terrible at being confined to keep promises - even self enforced ones.  But I am going to try and maintain this blog better - maybe once a week posts cos I think everyday will be a struggle to think of something semi witty to write about.  But you never know!  Maybe the wit angels will visit and sprinkle some sparkling wit on me and then I might never shut up!

So if you have time to take a peek at the new shops and see what you think that would be great.  << I'm also working on my aversion to self promotion but promise not to become an in your face look at me person :) Feel free to give me a sharp smack on the head and tell me to catch myself on if I do! (The Irish peeps will know that expression but for those that don't it's like wise up or get a grip)


Well that's all for today other than to let you know the Card Makers Guild I joined on Artfire are having a huge giveaway that I thought you might be interested in. Good luck if you take part!


Slan for now!
Maura

Earth Week Countdown Day 3

Happy Sunday! 
 

Nippy here today and wondering when I will be able to turn off the central heating. There is a lot to be said for living someplace with warmer weather and having lower fuel bills is one of them!  Maybe I will hit lucky on the lottery and make my dream of a living in an off the grid house with its own well and enough land for chickens, 2 goats, vegetable plots and an orchid a reality.

But enough of the day dreams – let’s get grounded with some real and earth friendly products – that won't break the bank.

Today I’m going to show off some re-repurposed everyday items that have been re-modelled into something new.  First is this functional card holder made out of re-cycled neckties:

At only $12 it was already a bargain but because Sandra is also taking part in the Trashion team Earth Day sale you’ll get a 20% discount refund this week.  As we say here you can’t beat it with a big stick!

So now that you’ve saved yourself a few extra dollars you can treat yourself, or a friend, to a gorgeous melted media pin like this from the lovely Rhonda aka oddartist: 

I love the pearlescent tones and delicate aqua color of this series of pins – all made from re-cycled cd’s.  And as a bonus Rhonda is also offering a 20% discount through this month!  

Final offering of the day is this funky recycled ring from Tammy over at junck.  

Tammy makes a variety of earth friendly jewelry using recycled gift cards and credit cards – and I love that each piece of the ring moves independently.  Gives a whole new dimension to those of us that like to play with their jewelry :) and at only $4.50 special sale price how can you resist?!

Well that’s all for today - I reckon you're all keen to spend more time checking out the other fab offerings from these sellers – so I’ll not keep you back any longer. And remember if you want to find more Trashion team items and fab bargains for this weeks sale check out all the participants at : http://www.etsy.com/shop/etsytrashion

Have fun and see you tomorrow with more earth friendly finds!

Stay safe and well!

Earth Week Countdown

It's a beautiful morning here - the sun is shining and looks like being another great weather day.

I'm heading off to a new craft fair in West Belfast - and have a wee bit of everything packed.  I like craft fairs and getting to meet other local artisans - keeps me from becoming too hermit like ;)

But on with the business of the day ... otherwise I'll be doing a great White Rabbit impersonation later and in a mad rush to make it to the Crafternoon event.

Going to kick off with this gorgeous Wild Irish Rose Clutch Purse from my good friend Rena aka lilycobweb.   Love the name lilycobweb it’s magical sounding and really suits her delicate and perfectly formed crochet creations.

Rena has very kindly offered up this lil beauty for a Giveaway that will be hosted here next week - well if it hasn't sold already by the time we get to Earth Day that is! But don't fear ... if it sells she will offer up another equally delightful purse (hint: if you want it - grab it while you can!)

That White Rabbit comment has me thinking of Alice in Wonderland now (and nope haven't seen the movie yet - but it's on the treat list!).  Anyway this is probably the best time to unveil the delightfully whimsical and out of this world bespoke Mad Hatter Tufted Chair.

I know!  You're all gobsmacked now aren't ya?  I can so see myself sitting this chair and dangling my legs (cos I am a short arse aka vertically challenged).  I love it!  And it was created by the lovely Jeanne at vintagerenewal who breathes life back into vintage or antique furniture transforming the old into a new and one of a kind piece of functional art for your home.

I’m on a whimsy and Alice theme ... and we’ve had something for the ladies, something for the home, so now something for the weans.  So prepare for some more drooling – go get a hankie now – I can wait ...

Ready?  Ok well this had me all Oooh and Aaah because this Oh, Alice Altered Couture Alice in Wonderland Organic Ruffled Girls Shirt, Pants and Hat Set from the delightful and talented Anna aka Amelie Jo is just beyond adorable!

Well there you have it folks!  More earth friendly and awesome finds tomorrow. Have a great day and stay safe and well!

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog may induce copious drooling that the authoress cannot be held accountable for.

 

Earth Week!

Next Thursday -  the 22nd April - is Earth Day.  To help celebrate the event and get us all looking through a "green" lens I'll be featuring earth friendly products here on the blog every day through to the 22nd.

As well as that I'm taking part in the Trashion Team Earth Week Sale. If aren't familar with the Trashion Team on Etsy they are a group of artists that create art, jewelry, fashion and objects for the home from materials that were leftover, discarded, or found.  Eco artist meets neat earth friendly concept meets imagination, flair and talent = wonderful creations that make the mind boggle at the thought of how they could have ended up in a landfill!

So to start us off I'm going to be a tease and tickle your fancy by showing you just a couple of items from two of the Trashion Team members.  More will follow over the course of the week - so stay tuned!

First up I want to introduce the sublime and poignant Emmaa Spirit from the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire: 

Not only is Emmaa's creator Leslie a gifted artist but she also has a real flair for poetry that certainly hits the spot!  I cried when I read Emmaa's story and for a doll to evoke such emotion in me is rare.  But then Emmaa is unique. I'm loathe to say anything more about her simply because I can't possibly do her justice - and the only way to really appreciate this work of art is to go see her yourselves at Leslies shop the Creative Block (and I suggest you have a kleenex at hand!).  Leslie is offering free shipping with any other item on anything with the Trashion Sale avatar in the listing photo's.  Plus she has an ongoing Treasure Hunt in her Findings shop free to the first person who reads the description and finds the notice!

Wow! After Emmaa I think we need to lighten the mood and so it is my pleasure to introduce yet another doll ... but of a slightly different variety! ;)

Sure to add some glamor and be a great talking point at any dinner party I'd like you to meet this sassy lady who adorns a Blue Slumped Wine Bottle Cheese Plate:  

Just one of many lovely fused glass creations she comes to you courtesy of another artist whose work I have admired for a long time, the lovely Beth from bprdesigns. AND you can get 10% of your very own slumped glass plate this week during the Trashion Sale. Now aren't you glad you stopped by :)

Stay safe and well my friends and see you tomorrow for a bigger selection of earth friendly creations and wonderful artists.

My very own designer skin cream!

I am so excited!  A wonderful herbal mistress, and dedicated social activist, from the Etsy Organic Team has been toiling away this past while making me up what promises to be a wonderfully lush therapeutic skin cream. And today MisticalAcScents contacted me to let me know it's ready!  

This is sheer luxury in a jar!  Gourmet face food worthy of a 3-star Michelin ranking (if Michelin ranked body care products that is).  Check out these organic essential oils in it: frankincense, lavender, rose, with hints of ginger, rosemary, lemon and orange. I bet you're drooling.

I'm delighted! And tickled pink that the cream is named after me - imagine little ole me having such a great product bearing my name.  So yeah there are lots of Maura's out there but you know what I mean. And the great thing is that MisticalAcScents is open to creating custom orders ... so if you're lucky you could even get your own personalized product.

Why not go visit MisticalAcScents and check out her wonderful shop, which is choc full of other great organic treats, for yourself.  You won't be disappointed.

Look what I just received!

The postie brought a lovely surprise this morning!  These gorgeous earrings from Sarahdequadros that I won in Rubyclovers December blog giveaway.  Aren't they beautiful!

Thanks Ruby for hosting the Giveaway ... and thanks Sarah for offering such a great prize!  I'm delighted :) 

PS: Sarah also has an Etsy shop.

Feeling nosy ...

wanna learn a wee bit about what makes me tick?  Well the lovely Mary from herbanlifestyle interviewed me for her blog.  Click blog to take you there in the blink of an eye ... or if you like to take the scenic route then go to :http://herbanlifestyle.wordpress.com

Thanks Mary!

On the 12th Day of Christmas ...

Ok going to round up this years offerings for all you organic loving and savvy shoppers out there and highlight a sample of the wonderful, and healthy, bath and beauty products available from the Etsy Organic Team.  I reckon after all your rushing around you could all do with some R&R!

 

First up we have Marla of Simple Organic Beauty who makes Organic and fair trade products 'that are your skin's best friend'.

Next we have Holly of Garden Of Holly who makes delectable skin soothers made from Organic oils and herbal infusions that make your skin drool for more!

Gabrielle of Herbfriend has this wonderful Vegan and Organic Whipped Shea Butter a great body moisturerizer:

Jo of Green Springs brings us this enchanting Spicy Love Botanical Perfume perfect for warming up the holidays.

Mary of Herban Lifestyle offers up this delicious Organic Mint Chocolate Chip Lip Balm that you may want to nibble on all season.

Casey and Olga of Mirasol Farm have prepared this lovely Organic Lavender Soap in ceramic reusable bottle that is kind on hands body and face.

And last but not least Amanda of Simply By Amanda has a beautiful array of Organic Soaps that are a great way to start your day. 

So that's it for this year folks!  I had fun checking out all the great shops and promoting team members.  Thanks for all the support and comments.  Wishing you all a lovely peaceful holiday season and I'll see you in 2010!

Stay safe and well :)

On the 11th Day of Christmas

Ah the penultimate day of these features!  I love that word - penultimate ... can you imagine having to say "the day before the last day" instead?  So kudos to whoever termed that word!  My typing fingers and weary brain thank you!

So what goodies are there today?  Surely there can't be even more great items to feature you say?  Oh but there are.  So let's get cracking.

Starting us of today we have Dawanna from the Eco Etsy Team and this lovely Sequoyah Necklace. Dawanna wraps, hammers, oxidizes, solders and tumbles the sterling silver components herself.  I love the uniqeness and natural organic lines in her work and how she uses recycled fine silver and natural high quality stones in her pieces.  Stunning work!

Next up is Sue from the Etsy Organic Team and who came up with the idea of the 12 Days features.  Sue makes the most adorable  eco friendly toys, dolls and accessories!  Check out this super cute Organic Baby Elly Bath Mitten!  How much more fun could wash time be? And I love how she designed these to fit over your hand.  I reckon we all know weans who hate getting their faces washed and this makes for a great fun element in getting the task done!

Time for some art and introducing Dawn from the Irish Rogue Artisans Team.I love this large inks on canvas  Natures Burst of Color painting and all the details like the teeny bugs! It's super vibrant and ready to hang and will add a gorgeous boost of color to any room!  Make sure to check out the other pictures of this in her shop - I had trouble uploading the bigger image of this great piece and the other photo's show the vibrancy better. 

Next up and another Irish Rogues member is Susan.  I love this adorable Curly Q Bay/Toddler Hat knitted in supersoft wool and soy and the umbilical cord.  A winter must for all weans.

Last offering for today are these lovely Snowflakes cards from Alex and member of the Crafty Ireland Team. Alex sells these in sets of 6 and I love the nice crisp graphics!

So last day is tomorrow- kinda sad now about that. 

On the 10th Day of Christmas...

Wow can you believe how quickly the days pass?!  Only 3 more days of these features and so many great artisans that can't be fitted in.  But if you've been clicking the team links, as well as the featured sellers, you'll get to fnd them!

Nothing new to report here - other than busy trying to restock for craft fairs.  Two more fairs to go and then I'm going to take some serious downtime :)

Anyway - let's get on with todays featured artisans.

First up are two talented artists from the Irish Rogue Artisans.  You know by now that earrings are my favorite jewelry so let's start off the show with these gorgeous Vintage Handpainted Swingtime Earrings: from the lovely Sarah. I love how she laced the sterling silver chain through the beads - rather than making them simple drop earrings. Being lucky enough to have some of Sarahs jewelry I can vouch for the quality and craft you'll find in all her pieces!

Moving on we have these whimsical and colorful Wee Houses from Iris.  I love her mixed media style and how she combines colors PLUS that she uses recycled MDF from her local builders yard and keeps it from the landfill. Eco, unique and beautiful! Her pieces always make me smile ... and every home should have at least one piece of Irisness.

Staying in Ireland for a bit longer and moving along to the Crafty Ireland Team this lovely Teal Mini Felted Purse was made by Jill.  Beautiful work and holds all the essentials!

More fabric lushness now and this beautiful Handwoven Organic Cotton and Linen Tablerunner from ObeliskFiberArts and member of the Etsy Organic Team. Beautiful weaving (look at the detail) and in a neutral color scheme this will add a touch of decor elegance to any table.

Final offering today is from Katherine - member of the Eco Etsy Team - and are these lovely Recycled Stockings.  Can you believe that these are sewn from upcycled boat sails?! They're selling out fast folks - so better be quick if you want to get one of these fab eco and contemporary stockings to grace your mantle this xmas!

That's it for another day! See you tomorrow and hope you all have a lovely day.  Stay safe and well.