Another day, another bruise...

Poor Drew, he's refining his balance, slowly.

Hey don't miss out on some FREE iced coffee today! I actually saw a reference to this about a week ago and put it on my calendar. I know, sad but true.

Also, I have some ideas for another photo week challenge like the color week we did a while back. Details coming soon.

Favorite things

For as long as I can remember, I've been mildly obsessed with rings. (Is there such a thing as mild obsession?) Anyway, it's a little bit sad because I really have rather unattractive hands. It's silly to draw extra attention to my hands by adorning them in any way. There is just something about an interesting, well-made ring that is endlessly fascinating to me and my collection has grown over the years. Sadly, my hands have done the same.

A few months ago, I discovered the Etsy website where people can set up shop and sell all sorts of handcrafted items from candles to clothing. I started browsing through the jewelry category and discovered a shop I instantly loved. Gemmafactrix features a wide array of unique, colorful and fun jewelry created by Brooke Medlin. Prices are pretty reasonable for handcrafted, custom-made art, I think.

I have since ordered a few items from Brooke and have to say I absolutely love her work and she is an excellent and accomodating person to deal with. And, no, I'm not being paid to say this, really. Her feedback speaks for itself. Makes me wish I could be a metalsmith meself.

Here's a couple photos of items she has made for me:

(Move your mouse over the photo and then off again. I just learned this cool photo trick from a link.)















(Photos by gemmafactrix posted with permission)

News Bulletin

3 days until the first Ikea in Michigan opens it's doors...a thirty minute drive from us!!
Whoohoo! I can't wait to check it out.

The missing links

Even though I don't have many links listed on my blog, I do have quite a few favorites I like to visit regularly. I thought I'd share a few of them.

Of the many crafty types I visit, this fairly recent one has some really great ideas, tutorials and links to more. Another blog I check out is written by the creator of some great knit toys like the robot and odd fellow I made. Some of the best are blogs which combine motherhood topics and creating things. This one makes me drool almost daily. Here's another knitting/mother one. And another.
There's a blog I read written by a new mother who is also an illustrator and her webpage shows some of her talent. Love reading it.

Ok, in case anyone needs some fuel to throw on the fires of their materialism, visit this shopping blog. They have some really interesting things and most are so out of my league expense-wise, they aren't all that tempting. It's good for getting ideas anyway...I can rationalize all day. Here's a couple more that fall under this category. Sparkability is a store for kids with some really cool things. And this place has some interesting jewelry. Now everyone is edified.

These are but a few. And of course I can't vouch for everything on all of them. In fact, with my luck, there will probably be something highly offensive that is posted today on each one...That's my little disclaimer.
__________________________________________________

Oh, I forgot allrecipes which I love for help in the kitchen where inspiration often runs dry.