A couple unconventional Creative Handmade Artisans

It's been a while since I've featured any Creative Handmade Artisans. Today I thought I'd highlight two of our members that take a different approach to their art.

Stacey, whose beads I've featured from her Storm Flights Designs shop, also has a second Etsy shop called Keyed Up that recycles computer parts into unique jewelry. One of my favorites is her OMG necklace, but you should also visit her shop and check out her Circuit Board necklace.

Today's other artist is Rachel from Lipstattoo Designs. She paints, draws, designs and sews some pretty unique, ghoulish delights. Being a Disney fan, though, I have a bit of a soft spot for Maleficent. Plus I love the green and purple color combination. If zombies are your thing, you should check out the rest of her shop.

For more from members of the Creative Handmade Artisans team, please visit our Etsy page or our new Spruz forum.

Featuring a few more Creative Handmade Artisans

Trying to find a little time to breathe again, and feature a few more shops from the wonderful Creative Handmade Artisans Team on Etsy.

The first artist is Heather from Heather's Haven. Heather is my "kindred spirit" of Etsy artists, and probably my "bestest" online crafty friend. We often joke that we share a brain, because we think so much alike when it comes to opinions on crafting, selling, and promoting online. While we both work with tiny, little seed beads, Heather uses them to create amazing beaded work and art dolls. Her beautiful work has encouraged me to branch out and try to learn more beading techniques. (I plan to work on some things over the summer, while relaxing at the pool.)

The next CHArtisan is Dusty from Inverness Studios. She makes a variety of products, including imaginative reading pillows. But one of my favorite items was this recycled/upcycled map necklace, featuring 221b Baker Street. Truly a one-of-a-kind idea.

Another talented artist is Charon (Curtis) from Stygian Chains. Those of you familiar with Greek Mythology will recognize Charon as the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron, that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. This Charon's chainmaille is definately for the living, from basic pieces to beyond.

Laura da Goddess from Totally Unique Treasures is an artist working on "saving the planet, one accessory at a time" by using vintage and upcycled materials in her work. You never know what unique creations you'll find in Laura's shop!

My final shop for this feature is Cards & More by Terri. Besides some very, pretty greeting cards, Terri also creates items such as quilted bags, journals, and boxes. All worth checking out.

My next feature will include the remaining members of the Creative Handmade Artisans Team.

Time to feature a few more CHA shops...

Last week I featured seven shops from the CHA Team. Today I'm going to feature seven more!

Whenever I look in ColettesBoutique, I always have a hard time choosing just one thing to feature. Some of the neatest wire wrapping I've seen.

I've always liked this pendant from IcedAdornments.  Beautifully crafted, delicate, feminine.

The creations coming from Lynwood Jewelrey are nothing short of amazing.

Here's a terrific set from ToraJewelry. I love this color combination.

TwoCheesePlease specializes in custom rubber stamps, like this cute set of angel wings.

If you're looking for something with a more classic, Victorain feel, you have to check out ArtistryJewelry.

For something completely different, and incredible, check-out the tattoo-inspired art by VickiDeath.

Keep watching for more member features in the near future.

I am ready for Spring!

I never thought of myself as someone that gets SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)--goodness knows I've got enough other mental health issues. But yesterday as I was driving home and the sun was shining, and the temps were well above freezing, and the 3 feet of snow from last month was all but gone, I couldn't believe how light my mood was. I am sooooo ready for Spring to be here. I'd almost say I was ready for Summer to be here, because I love sitting by the pool, being creative or reading, while the kids swim, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. For now, I'll settle for that crisp, clean feeling in the air as the spring rains wash away the winter snow. I just need a little more sun to dry up the wetlands that have formed in my yard from the previsouly mentioned 3 feet of melted snow...

In the meantime, I thought I would share some spring-colored lovelies from some of my team mates on the Creative Handmade Artisans Team (CHAteam or CHArtisans) on Etsy.

First, some quilted coasters from my shop. These were made from fabric leftover from a baby quilt I made for my cousin's daughter 7 years ago. I loved the combination of lilac and pale yellow, sprinkled with some orange. I have a bunch of different quilted coasters planned--just need some time by the pool to stitch them up!

I decided to wander through team mates' shops, and choose some bright and cheerful, or floral-themed items. Who can resist the turquoise and tangerine beads on this bracelet from StormFlightDesigns?

I can't wait to see the daffodils blooming, like on this suncatcher from CherishedStainedGlas.

I miss the lilac bush we had in our yard growing up. Although ours were purple, just looking at this white lilac print from FrawgzDezignz, I can almost smell the wonderful scent of the lilacs in bloom.

This cute daisy ring from TanyaW85 is sure to bring a smile to your face.

And these colorful crocheted catchalls from SusanNeedlehands would certainly come in handy for a little Spring cleaning and organzing.

Here in the Northeast, we know that Winter has a way of coming back, even after Spring has made an appearance, so this mystic blue scarf from TheLandlockedSailor might be the perfect thing to finally send Jack Frost packing!

There are so many wonderful things from CHAteam members, but I'll start with these seven items. Watch this space for more products and shops from the Creative Handmade Artisans. I'm only one-fourth of the way through all of them! For a complete list of member shops, visit or team shop on Etsy: http://www.chartisansteam.etsy.com/.

Here's to Spring!