Day 8 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

My husband pointed out to me last night that for the past week, I haven't been my normal blogging self . . . I assured him that after my commitment to Jan's stroll we will return to our regularly scheduled program. I guess I didn't realize how much he enjoys my posts! And truth be told . . . I don't think he's getting all the hints I've been leaving about my favorite jewelry . . . sigh . . .

Today's featured artisan is, well, ME! You can read all about my crafty artist history at Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' and see some of the lovely items I have for sale in my Etsy shop 'Plume Poppy Designs'. I'm having a 15% off sale on all items, including dollhouses, and am offering free gift wrapping! I'm rather a modest lady and don't like to brag about myself too much, but I have been told that my wrapping is like a gift unto itself! And so, here are a few of my favorite items from my Etsy shop . . .

Day 7 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Todays featured artisan is Sarah from 'Windscry Designs'. Sarah is a very interesting person! She had a career in the US Army as a Special Agent, but after contracting arsenic poisoning and then dealing with the repurcussions of that, she retired, became pregnant with her second child and began jewelry making. Sarah also crochets and has had one of her shawls included in an exhibit in Arcata, California. Here are a few of my favorite items from Sarah's Etsy shop . . .

Day 6 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Well, here we are at the half-way point of Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule with still more gift ideas to come over the next week. Be sure to check here Tuesday, November 8th as my shop, 'Plume Poppy Designs', will be featured! You don't have to wait until then though to take advantage of my 15% off sale which lasts through November 12th! And I'll even wrap it up all pretty for you!

We begin today with Michaela Cladingboel of 'Eartopia'. Michaela lives in Australia with her partner and son and she makes the most creative and beautiful earrings designed with Japanese Tensha beads. The word 'Tensha', in Japanese, translates roughly to the word 'transfer'. The beads are made by applying a decal to an acrylic bead which is then sealed with an acrylic coating to protect the decal. Michaela also designs earrings inspired by Ancient Rome and Greece (a range called Byzantine). The Byzantine range is perfect for evening wear – delicate, sparkly and gorgeous. Here are a few of my favorites from Michaela's
Eartopia website . . .

The next featured artisan today is Charis Lyons Ramsey of 'Blue Shark Diva Designs'. Charis is a wife and mother of three boys and helps out with the family trucking business. She also creates unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry designs that are creative and fun! Here are a few of my favorite pieces from Charis's ArtFire shop . . .

And be sure to pop over to Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' to see more about these talented artisans, and while you're there you can also visit some of the artisans that have already been featured during the stroll.

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!

Day 3 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Here we are on Day 3 of Stroll the Shops for Christmas . . . have you got your list started? I know I have!

Debi from 'Designs by Debi'is an Eskie Mom to her 12 year old American Eskimo named Niko, a New England Patriots fan and entrepreneur. She creates custom jewelry which includes Pet Memorial bracelets . . . what a wonderful way to remember a beloved pet! Here are a few of my favorite items from Debi's ArtFire Shop . . .

The other artisan for today is Faye from 'Ye Olde Chandler' Faye and her daughter Lesli create the most gorgeous handmade soy candles and soaps . . . with some heavenly scents to go with them! Here are a few of the gorgeous items you'll find on their website . . .

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

Day 2 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

Here we are on Day 2 of the Stroll and two more delightful artisans sharing their work. The first is Beth of 'Gemworks by Beth'. Beth's story is truly inspirational as she works around her condition of Rheumatoid Arthritis . . . she calls herself handi-capable! Isn't that inspiring?! Here are a few of my favorite items from Beth's Etsy shop . . .

The second artisan is Debra of 'String Bead Studio'. Debra was a full-time graphic artist but, due to layoffs, she turned her attention to her love for beading and hasn't looked back! Click on her shop name to visit her shop . . . it's delightful! Here are a few of my favorite items from Debra's ArtFire shop . . .

Visit our hostess Jan at 'Jan Tanis Designs' to learn more about these fabulous and inspiring artisans!

Day 1 - Stroll the Shops for Christmas/Yule

I've had the pleasure of meeting two wonderful artists. The first is Kimberly Nicole of 'Bastille Bleu'. She designs her own beads for jewelry and also does lampwork. Her treasures are divine!

The second is Jan Tanis of 'Jan Tanis Designs'. Jan is a retired Interior Designer and has now focused her attention on creating wonderful crochet hats, scarves and afghans and also makes the most gorgeous jewelry and rosaries I've ever seen.

Be sure to pop over to Jan's blog 'Jan Tanis Designs' to see more pictures and find out more about these lovely ladies and their shops.