Little Drummer Boy from Canada

Perhaps you've already seen this YouTube video that was uploaded less than a week ago ~ if not, enjoy it here!  -- I'm not usually a fan of rock music but what 15 yr old Sean Quigley has done is great and truly inspiring, especially when you listen to him on one of the news programs and he explains his personal reasons for putting this all together!!

The song was arranged by him, he sang and played the drums, produced and directed the video and recorded - almost everything!!

I've Been Stalked in a Good Way

Being *stalked* by ETSY STALKER is a great thing ~ it gives lots of exposure and I really appreciate it :)

Upcycled Soda Can Tab Jewelry

 

from FabTabulous

A fellow Etsian and team-mate of TeamUPCYCLERS, Cindy Jurries was recently interviewed for Dstripped about her amazing jewelry made from recycled soda can TABS!

She is now buying all her soda can tabs from Ronald McDonald House charities in Kansas City so not only is money being raised for an excellent cause but all those soda tabs that would otherwise be tossed out,  are being turned into beautiful creations by this talented artisan/designer and stay-at-home Mom.

Treasures of Distinction Grand Opening Weekend

Here's the view as you enter the open door of Treasures of Distinction at 41 Water Street in Pictou NS.

 

Myrna, the smiling owner of this delightful gift shop which is filled completely with Nova Scotian handmade creations!!

There is a large wooden table just as you walk into the store and spread across the top are these gorgeous handmade quilts in all their glory!

These creations are just to your left inside the front door ~ the bright colours and superb craftsmanship are a feast for the eyes :)

All-Natural soaps, lotions, bath and facial potions from Melly's Smelly Soaps are displayed on an old wooden wash stand.

I guess you could say this is *my* wall :)  

13 of my 15 creations are featured here while the other 2 are behind the glass case near the cash desk.

Blueberry Bay Photos has a wall of their own as well :)

Here are some more wonderful pieces of original art --

Handmade candles, baskets, wooden treasures ... Myrna pointed out that she had to put *NOT FOR SALE* tags on her own 2 Tiffany lamps as people wanted to buy them!!

 

Just as we were leaving, a few people came in to browse and that's a very good thing for any new store!

Myrna told us that the tourist season is when she expects the most visitors, beginning late June and early July.

The photos don't do the store justice ~ you've really got to visit it yourself to fully appreciate the wonderful fragrances of the handmade soaps and candles that pervade the air and to see all the wonderful colours and textures of the various handmade treasures that fill the shop :)

We wish Myrna and her family all the very best with their brand new endeavour!!

NEW Blogger -- An Oddity or Two

I came across a new blog this evening called An Oddity or Two. Isabelle is a mixed media artist working out of her tiny studio in Bedford, Nova Scotia.

The post really spoke to me because she shared how she's been avoiding her own studio space!!

WHY, you might ask!!

For the same reason I've been avoiding mine --- the chaos and mess!!

A little over 1 year ago, I set up ONE FULL SIDE of our upstairs guest room specifically for the purpose of having a place to store all my supplies and to do all my work because using the dining room table was just NOT working well ... it was NO fun having to clean away everything you're working on just because it was supper time :(

Well, the past 2-3 months have been especially busy for me with all my venues ~ Etsy shop, Facebook page, local custom orders, consignment selling at Fiddleheads Kids Shop in Dartmouth; Love, Me Boutique in Halifax and the brand new gift shop Treasures of Distinction in Pictou AS WELL AS creating my own website!

Not even mentioning trying to get prepared for my very 1st appearance at our local craft fair!

My craft area soon became a place where I only stored supplies while my dining table once again became my work area :(

Isabelle's post about spring cleaning her studio plus the fact that we are expecting a guest to use that room for about 2 months beginning mid June are the impetus I've needed to go through and CLEAN IT UP!!

Featured in The Handmade Gift Guide Gifts for All Occasions Today!!

The Handmade Gift Guide Gifts for All Occasions: A Handmade March: Spring Cleaning

I just received word from Sara at The Handmade Gift Guide that my Spring Meadow Patchwork Hearts created from a vintage quilting magazine cover has been featured on their website!!

Personalized Bookmark Link

A blog friend has shared a wonderful tutorial on using Microsoft Word to create these beautiful, personalized bookmarks!!

LDH makes them look so easy to do -- I'll probably have a bit of trouble at first, but they're so lovely and unique, that I'm going to give it a try :o)