Flames of Desire #Etsy

We are getting away from Christmas today and going for something completely. different in style and colours.
This is from a treasury I did for the Craftyfolk Shop Promo Challenge. The winner was Lauren of Green Street Mosaics, the first picture shown.
Lauren`s bio says:
Green Street Mosaics specializes in custom mosaics - Mosaic Mirrors, Personalized Name Art, and Mosaic Address Numbers. Green Street Mosaics also features unique gift ideas -- mosaic frames and home decor, holiday items, and mosaic jewelry. Don't see what you are looking for? Don't hesitate to contact me.
All pieces are handmade by me in my home studio in Saint Petersburg, Florida.
I use wedi board and other strong durable surfaces to create mosaic mirrors, wall art, house numbers and frames. I continue by sketching the design and then laying out all of the tiles to create an attractive color scheme. I cut all glass tiles by hand and glue each individual piece in place. Next I grout and finish by polishing each and every shard of glass. All pieces are sealed multiple times and finished with hanging hardware. Backs and sides are painted corresponding colors.
The materials I use are quality crystal glass, vitreous, and van gogh mosaic tiles in either 3/8", 3/4" or 5 mm sizes. I cut them down to the size and shape I need and really enjoy mixing and matching colors to create a beautiful piece. I like to use different textures of glass, vitreous, crystal, metallic, and iridescent.

That Lauren loves her craft is obvious in the stunning deigns throughout her shop. Do have a browse through her shop as well as the others if you get the chance. As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Today we have the colour of flames,
with fire you shouldn`t play games.
Fire gives a wonderful heat
flickering flames can`t be beat.
Camp fires and many in the hearth,
some sit in front to have a bath.
As the flame changes and grows
caused by the wind as it blows,
whether from the chimney or on the plain
we use fire again and again.
There`s nothing like sitting and staring
into the fire even though it`s glaring.
It mesmerises, puts us in a trance
right from the very first glance.
It used to be used to cook the food
by many a mother, for her brood.
Now we use it for heat and atmosphere
sitting around it with those we hold dear.
No doubt about it, on a cold night
a warming fire is a welcome sight.


Green Street Mosaics. Beadingshaz.

Lindsay`s Lovely Candles. Gimme That Thing.

JPW Photography. Live. Dream. Create.

Art Harmony. Artisan Witchcrafts.

Doodlebug Duds. SassyCloth.

WolfHeart Photography. PhunkyPhashions.

Niki Made It. NailCandyLondon.

Chiffonart. TheGoodOleDays.


Hope you enjoyed today`s delectable display of hot flaming creations from the crafters of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

It`s Santa! #FolksyFriday

Now what could be more Christmassy than Santa? I looked back through 60 or so titles and realised that we hadn`t had a Santa blog. So I do believe it`s time to rectify that little matter. After all what would Christmas be without Santa?
That red and white suit on anyone makes you think Christmas, or at least it does for me. The little children`s faces when they see a Santa are always a picture. A bit wary, because he`s a stranger but then excitement because he brings presents on Christmas Eve if they are good.
For me that`s the magic of Christmas, even though it has become so hi tech. The older grandchildren sent letter`s to Santa and got one in return. The 6 year old, the other year had a video message from Santa via e-mail and I have to say it did look really good. There was also the bonus of being able to watch it several times.
You can tell the children now that he`s watching and tracking them via computer and they believe that more than if you say he knows by magic.
Seeing those little faces though on Christmas morning has a magic all of it`s own and they are memories that stay with you, even when your children have children of their own.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Santa`s coming, soon he`ll be on his way,
he`ll make it before Christmas Day.
All those elves so very busy
probably getting in a tizzy.
The world population is growing
maybe Santa has machinery glowing
and working at a super fast rate
to be ready in time for THAT date.
Computer fans will be blowing
trying to keep the air flowing
as it all moves into top gear
for this special time of year.
I bet when he`s finished on his round
the minute his feet touch the ground
he say`s `never again for mince pies`
and his wife just looks and sighs.
Yes dear, not until next year,
when they`ll be plenty, never fear!!


Lorenzo Puzzle. A Few Home Truths.

Carey Brett.

Art Ali Original. Andies Accessories.



Jules Handmade. Eden Twenty.

Art By Julie Anne. The Woolly Knitter.

Miju Beauty Handmade Soaps & Bath Bombs. Carole`s Glass.

NiftyKnits.

Crafty Crockery. Waggy Wardrobe.

Hope you enjoyed today`s wonderful display of Santa creations from the crafter`s of Folksy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Gift Sets #Etsy

After a day at work the brain was on a bt of a go slow and I couldn`t decide what to put on here. I got on with other stuff all the while trying to think. You note I said trying. Just wasn`t working.
I really wanted something a bit different, to show things that were a bit different. I toyed with gift sets and thought no, there have been lot`s recently. The idea just wouldn`t go away though. So resigned I put gift sets into the search on Etsy and came up with some fabulous things.
I think the last time I put that in I added Christmas, so this time I got lot`s of different items. Have to say I think these are great ideas, some very different ideas. I was very well pleased with what I discovered and hope you will be too, especially if you are looking for gifts still.
I am thinking of going in a different direction with my crafting. It`s still an idea in progress at the minute and I`m not sure it will work out but I have to give it a try.
In view of that I am having a 50% off Sale in my Etsy shop `UniquelyYourDesigns` to make some room. It doesn`t include the postage of course. Just use Coupon Code: SALE 50. If there is a problem at all just send me a message and I will do the reduction via paypal. Easy peasy.
Some good bargains to be had that way, especially with the cold temperatures and the snow we`ve been having. be warned it only lasts until the end of Sunday 9th December.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

Christmas comes but once a year
NO, please don`t shed a tear.
I know it`d be nice all year round
Ho Ho, yes you just frowned....
Lot`s to do, gifts to get
and you`ve not even started yet.
Come along and get buying
no good sitting there sighing.
Today we have great things for you
and there`s not much for you to do.
Sit and browse, use that finger
over some you have to linger.
A little click here and there
just go mad, if you dare.
After the gifts, get a treat,
handmade goodies can`t be beat.
Once arrived, it may be hard to share
you may find you just can`t spare
those delectable goodies, such a delight
you can`t bear them to leave your sight.
I already know, I`ve done it too,
some you`ll have to keep for you!!


D`Lish Soap Factory. Earmark.

Ink! Party Paper Emporium. F B Essentials.

The Ferris Wheels. Snowy Owl Gift Box.

Treefort Naturals. Kitschy Chick 1.

Look Meem! Wall envy art.

Casa Murriguez. Hat Blocks for Milliners.

The little schremlin. Perideau Designs.

JoyMerrymanStore. LetterSeals.

Kai Couture. DelaMar Collection.

Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous display of gift ideas from the lovely crafter`s of Etsy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.

Starry Night #Folksy

Thought we`d have stars today for a change. Stars always make me think of that song that goes `Starry Starry night...` can`t think of any more right at the minute. Fuzzy head from lack of sleep.
Went and had a look on Folksy and there was quite a variety of star creations as you will see, 24 pages of delectable goodies and I went through them all to bring you this amazing selection.... Takes a bow!!!
Well that made me laugh anyway, the thought of sitting here bowing to applause.
Hope you enjoy my choices, have a browse through the shops if you get the chance, lot`s of treasure to be uncovered.
Yesterday..... hmmm.... what did I do? Got car tax... exciting... NOT! Bought my daughter and son in law`s Christmas presents... a job well done! And had coffee with a friend for a few hours, that`s what I call a good and productive half day. Nothing like chatting over coffee with someone who shares your interests.... and boy can I talk! That may shock you to know that, or maybe not as I waffle on here so much.
When I think back to when I started this blog and I wondered what I would have to talk about, or even if anyone would want to read it. That`s two years ago now. Still not sure exactly what you all come for. Is it the crafts, the verse or my inane waffling I wonder. Actually it doesn`t matter I`m just glad you all do come. Thank You.
As usual, to see a bigger picture or a description, just click on the item to view it in the shop.
ENJOY!!!

A clear and starry night
is such a wonderful sight.
They twinkle there up on high
against the dark velvet sky.
I stand and gaze, feeling very small
although actually, I`m not very tall.
We often say `reach for the stars`
I`ve often wondered about the particulars
of that statement, as it means so much to me
it`s something to aim for you see.
Man has gazed upwards for so long
the yearning making us all strong.
The desire to have so much more,
keeping us heading out the door.
We seek adventure, the human race
the last one left going into space.
To seek planets that will hold life
to colonise regardless of strife.
It stretches back far into history
to discover and conquer the stars mystery!!


Cowman`s Daughter.

With Hugs and Kisses. Chris Parry Jewellery Designer.

Clare Sherwen.

Carol Preston Designs.

Jigsaw Wooden Products. Wotnot Pig Ceramics.

Colour Me Fun. Raven`s Stained Glass.

 Cornish Crafty Made.

Handmade By Midge. Janine Basil.

Just Mosaics. Bex By Design.

Hope you enjoyed today`s gorgeous galaxy of star creations from the crafters of Folksy.
Thanks for visiting, please come back soon.