Day 5 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Day 5 of 'Stroll the Shops for Christmas' and the shopping is easy! Did you ever imagine that you'd be able to shop from the comfort of your own home and have all your packages delivered to your door? I remember the days of fighting cold weather, crowds and carrying packages 'till my fingers were about to fall off. Not anymore!

Today's first artisan is Beckie from 'Beckie's Treasure Trove'. Beckie creates romantic, vintage looking jewelry that is meant to bring joy and a uniqueness of expression to the woman wearing it. She draws inspiration from Renaissance and Victorian era jewelry. And while Beckie believes in women's rights and strengths, she also believes that it is important for a woman to celebrate her femininity and beauty. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Beckie's Etsy shop . . .

The other artisan featured today is Paula from 'Artfully Decadent'. Paula is a unique artist in that she uses seed beads to knit, weave and embroidery her jewelry pieces on tiny steel needles. She is inspired by the colors of nature and the grace and beauty of antique and vintage jewelry. Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Paula's ArtFire shop . . .

And visit Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' for more information on these two inspiring and creative artisans!

Day 4 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Here we are on Day 4 of 'Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule' and another pair of artisans who take jewelry making to a whole new level!

First let's meet Sherri Stokey from 'Knot Just Macrame'. Sherri has always been interested in jewelry and naturally progressed into jewelry making by dusting off her macramé knotting skills she'd learned as a youngster and putting them to use with colored nylon cords and seed beads. She branched out into bead embroidery and bead weaving and even dabbled a bit with metals. Here are a few of my favorite items from Sherri's Etsy shop . . .

The next artisan featured today is Amy Kuczewski of the 'Flamekeeper Shop'. Amy primarily concentrates on colorful glass beads, but does venture into making handmade jewelry from time to time. She has taught herself how to solder and weave and makes most of her components from scratch. She is always happy to take custom orders and try her hand at something new and is ready to make that perfect gift for the loved ones in your life! Here are a few of my favorite items from Amy's Etsy shop . . .

And visit Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' for more information on these two inspiring and creative artisans!

Pagan Prayers

I came across a site the other day where someone was asking if Pagans said prayers. I admit I was a little taken aback . . . doesn't everyone with faith pray? Apparently, not everyone thinks so.

Triple Goddess Rosaries

Mother Mary Rosary

Green Tara Mala
(This gorgeous piece was custom made by Jayne at Infinite Spirit)

So, just to set the record straight, this Pagan prays. I pray my Goddess rosaries and my Mary rosary, and I also pray with my mala dedicated to Green Tara. I pray to the God and to the Goddess. I pray in the morning and evening and when there's something in particular I need guidance on or when I need reassurance or peace. There are a multitude of ways to pray and as many prayers to say them.

When I first started out on this path I searched for books that contained Pagan prayers. I found several that spoke to me and I'm always on the lookout for inspiring Pagan prayer books.

A few of the books on my shelf:
Living Wicca - Scott Cunningham
Goddess Bless - Sirona Knight
Be Blessed - Denise Dumars
Dewdrops in the Moonlight - Shanddaramon

The books I've listed here are just a few that I found helpful and inspiring. My most recent purchase is a book called 'Earth Psalms' by Angela Magara. It is a lovely book filled with 150 psalms that warm the heart and feed the soul.

Due to the hurricane in Angela's area (she was part of the disaster recovery team) and then an illness, shipping of my book was delayed. And although it was unnecessary, Angela sent along an extra copy of the book which she has graciously autographed.

I've given it some thought and can't think of anyone I'd rather share this book with than you, my followers. So I'm having a give-away! All you need to do is leave a comment on this post and I'll enter you in the drawing which I'll hold on October 1st. Isn't that a great way to start the month of October?

And if you know of any good Pagan prayer books please don't hesitate to share!