Nightmaidendesigns's Blog

SpoiledBratzwear

nightmaidendesigns — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 17:43:43 +0000

It’s no secret that I love animals. I have had pets my whole life and I have never known a time that I have not had my furbabies. That being said, I should also say that when I saw this particular seller, I swore I was going to get another puppy just so I could buy from her. It may take a while since I am a big rescuer and I swear to give good homes to those that can not fend for themselves. Her designs are so adorable and are sure to make your doggie the trendiest one on the block.

Everyone probably already knows my fixation on brocade so here it is as a beautiful doggie coat.

CHOCOLATE & TEAL FLORAL BROCADE DOG COAT

Isn’t that just the most precious thing you have seen… You think so… oh you just wait, there’s more…

Not only does she have the cutest coats (even winter coats) but she has hats and jammies and dresses and treats… She also runs the website called Holistic Hounds/Bowsers Bistro where she offers healthy pet foods, homemade treats and supplements. She wants to get the word out that how and what your pet eats makes a difference in their wellbeing and overall health. You can find this site here: www.holistic-hounds.com

Now for another cute design just because I think this has got to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen and the model is just absolutely kissable and squeezable…

WILD HOODIE JAMMIES FOR LITTLE DOGS

How can you get cuter than that… Her designs will fit up to a 25 lb dog and she can even custom make something special for your little furbaby, since we all know that they are “spoiled bratz”.

You can check out the rest of her adorable designs by clicking the cutie pie below:

Spoiled Bratzwear ArtFire Shop

Peachblossom Candles

nightmaidendesigns — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 03:25:47 +0000

Now I love candles… My mom used to work at Yankee Candle Factory so I have a ton of candles in all scents. However, there is something special about handmade candles. Especially candles that have been made from pure beeswax. Even more special is the fact that this lady married into a family of Bee Keepers… Now how awesome is that!

The main draw for me with these candles is that beeswax is very heathly. Burning pure beeswax candles are great for people with allergies and/or multiple chemical sensitivities. To prep the wax is a very interesting process that she describes here:

“To prep wax, you gather the cappings which are what is left over after the honey is spun via centerfuge out of the frames of comb. Then you clean it. To get it real clean is a lot of work, as usually there a lot of impurities, like dirt, dead bees and honey, which is not an impurity per se, but when you are trying process wax it tends to burn then it becomes a pain, so we try to get rid of as much of it as we can beforehand. Basically what is involved is you have to separate the wax from the honey — when you heat the mass the honey sinks to the bottom and can be drained off. Then you filter it real well and you are ready make whatever you want…”

Whatever you want is exactly right, she has some of the most variety in candles I have seen. Just look at this one in particular:

LOTUS FLOWER FLOATER CANDLE PURE BEESWAX WHITE OR NATURAL

When asked about the molds, she told me that a master mold is carved out by a scupltor, however, she is going to begin sculpting some herself very soon. This makes her very versitile when it comes to custom requests.

Not only does she have carved candles but just take a look at these pillar candles… And yes folks those are real dried flowers.

PURE BEESWAX PILLAR WITH REAL DRIED FLOWERS NATURAL 4 INCHES TALL

Now, you wanna know where you can find her and what else you can find. Well, first not only does she sell candles but also Bulk Beeswax, Honey Stix and Raw Natural Honey. Here where you can find her:

You can find her on their main website located at:

http://www.wildbeehoneyandcandles.com

and also on ArtFire:

Peaceblossom Candles ArtFire Shop

TeresasCeramics

nightmaidendesigns — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 22:27:57 +0000

With Spring right around the corner, I have been watching the flowers and trees begining thier new life in this world once again. I love nature and everything in it, so when I saw this artisans shop, I fell in love.

Just starting out on ArtFire and only 2 things so far listed, this artisan has already got me waiting (and drooling) for the next installment of her ceramics. I saw this little guy on the front page and just thought he was the cutest thing I had seen in a long time. The way he’s made and especially the colors make him look like he really belongs sitting on my desk instead of in my planters. Meet Walter the worm:

WALTER THE WORM

Isn’t he just so adorable…

If you think he’s cute then take a look at her other piece, little Delila the butterfly:

DELILA THE BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY

These little critters are both slip cast and then finished with acrylic paints and sealer to protect them from the elements. They would look so cute in a little garden…

So, if you are like me and have a love of nature and gardens, then keep your eye on this shop. If you would like to take one of these cutie pies home with you then just click the photo to be taken to the listing. Want to bookmark her shop for new adorable critters click her shop avatar below.

You can also check out her Etsy shop for more adorable pieces…

TeresasCeramics Etsy Shop

TeresasCeramics ArtFire Shop

NothingLikeit

nightmaidendesigns — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:16:19 +0000

When you think of Polymer Clay, you may think of little beads and flowers or some other small and delicate pieces. This artisan today has a very different approach to using Poly Clay. She has been making crazy characters for over 5 years now. The ideas she comes up with are totally unique and each sculpture/coaster is 100% one of a kind.

This particular coaster is one of my favorites. I don’t know what it is about it that just cracks me up every time I look at it. It has to be the tongue or maybe the utters sticking out on either side… Whichever way you look at it this is just adorable.

THE FLAT COW CRITTER COASTER

She does a lot more then just making cute little flattened animals out of clay… She also uses various mediums in artwork. This ACEO is a reproduction of a 5X7 pen and acrylic illustration. I love animals and this just makes you giggle when you see this cute litt doggie… well, mer-doggie. Hey, mermaids can have pets too… right?

MERMAIDS LOVE DOGS - ACEO SIGNED ART CARD PRINT

So as her shop banner says, “Because most things are funnier when you flatten them”, her work will get a good laugh out of you. So if you’d like to see what all she has flattened… Just click below

NothingLikeIt ArtFire Shop

3zArt

nightmaidendesigns — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:20:03 +0000

I am very big into decorating and I have a very ecclectic sense of taste. I love things that have a vibrant flair to them. Anyone that knows me will probabaly say that they know my favorite color is black… Well, that is true but I also love colors that pop especially when doing interior design. I worked in decorating so I also know how color can affect a room. I love how different colors can make a room just right. Well, this artisan has something for every room and every taste and I can attest to the fact that her pieces are amazing. I have one of her plates in my craft room just so I can look at it every day that I go in and work. It has made the room perfect and has given a new life to this small part of my house.

Her switchplates are made with fabric so that it gets a much smoother covering and is a lot easier to work with. This also creates an almost limitless selection of styles for you to choose from. This plate is just adorable and if you love pink and/or cats then this is perfect for you. At least these cats don’t shed….

MOD KITTY DOUBLE LIGHT PLATE SWITCH COVER

She also does a lot more than just switchplates. Her other items are just as well made and just as amazing. She has mousepads, coasters as well as lampshades. This one in particular is such a cool design and especially if you are like me and just can’t wait to get money in your hands so you can shop and spend it…

SHOPAHOLIC LAMP SHADE

Now, looking around your house I know you see some stuff that you can update and now you know where you can go to get it. I love my new plate and I know you will too. So just click on her plate and be ready to get carried away…

3zArt ArtFire Shop

If you like this shop then check out her mom’s and grandmom’s while your at it.

EvE ArtFire Shop

Nonnie ArtFire Shop

NikiMadeIt

nightmaidendesigns — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 23:16:14 +0000

I am so excited to see that Spring is nearing and that means the flowers are beginning to sprout up out of the Earth and make the land full of rich colors and textures. I love photographing flowers and especially just looking at beautiful photos of flowers. This way I can have flowers all year long, regardless of the weather. When I look into this photo, I can just feel the warm Spring sun on my face. I forget that it’s only 30 degrees outside and that we may be under a blanket of snow and won’t see green grass, let alone a flower, til mid June…

FABIO TULIP

I have family in the Western part of Pennsylvania and I remember driving up when I was younger and seeing some of the old mills. That always struck a cord with me as I saw them as such a beautiful landmark. The ones running with Hydroelectricity was always a favorite of mine, watching the turbine wheel being pushed around by the force of the water. This photo just takes me back to those days and whereas the buiding is slightly different the feelings and memories are the same.

CEDER CREEK GRIST MILL

So, these photos have you longing for more? There here is your key into a wonderful world…

NikiMadeIt ArtFire Shop

Suzbax

nightmaidendesigns — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 23:57:51 +0000

Having been making jewelry for about 5 years, this artisan’s eye for amazing designs is superb. The amount of work that she puts into each piece is evident when you look at the complexity of the designs. Take this piece for example, the Unakite chips were coiled onto copper wire. She wrapped matching bicones with the same copper wire to make a chain so she could finish it with a copper toggle clasp.

UNAKITE PENDANT NECKLACE

I have been known for my specific style of Rosary bracelets. I have seen some amazing bracelets but some of them just never really catch your eye… This bracelet does just that, it catches your attention. The stones that she uses are very symbolic to this piece and really speaks to the soul.

SACRED HEART RED ROSARY BRACELET

So if this has intrigued you enough to see what other goodies are in store for you, here is the heart to her shop.

Suzbax ArtFire Shop - Jewelry to Keep

Rainwolf

nightmaidendesigns — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 22:40:12 +0000

Being a photography student, I can always learn from others photographs. I keep my eyes open for that special something that just pops out and makes you look at it in a whole new light. Well, viewing this photographers work will do just that. The crispness and cleaness of the shot, makes the photos a treat to look at.

I have seen sunsets that are beautiful, I have even photographed some. However, I don’t think I have ever seen a sunset this majestic. Just the cloud layers and the colors that are lighting up the sky make this a sight to see. This photo was taken by Whitney Beach.

SITKA, ALASKA SUNSET 8X12 ORIGINAL ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Now, I personally am not the best when it comes to architectural photos mainly because every time I do take one for some odd reason the building is falling over… Unlike me, this shot is beautifull captured inside the Basilica Cistern. The lovely leading line shot taken looking down between the numerous columns just draw the eye right with it.

THE BASILICA CISTERN 8X12 ORIGINAL ART PHOTOGRAPHY

Such beauty from this photographers eye can not be missed. Neither can you miss out on Grandma Groen who likes to knit, crochet and sew. So you have to see those items as well… So don’t forget, just click on the cute little Rainwolf persona, it’s okay she won’t bite, unless you poke her in the eye…

Rainwolf ArtFire Shop

Dwaallicht A.K.A Ignisfatuus

nightmaidendesigns — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 21:26:40 +0000

Whether you are on Etsy or ArtFire, I’m sure you would have run across this artisan of course she goes by a slightly different name on either site… To those at ArtFire she is known as Ignisfatuus and to those on Etsy Dwaallicht. Now for those who are intrigued in finding out how some come up with their names, then this is for you… Both of these words mean Will-o-the-Wisp. Ignisfatuus is Latin whereas Dwaallicht is Dutch. Pretty cool huh?

Well, this first piece is just so fun. I love the colors and the beautiful flowers and plants. This paper was atually taken off of an old box and the inside is all 100% recycled paper. All the ,aterials in this book are both acid free and recycled the only things that are new are the thread and the headbands.

HANDBOUND FLORAL NOTEBOOK

Now, not everything in this shop is made by her, she does have some help. All of the little felted creatures are made by her grandmother. She is 86 years old and spends her time spinning wool and making these little adorable animals. I just love this little guy. He is so precious and looks so fluffy, just like a little sheep cloud…

LITTLE FELT SHEEP

Now that you have an idea of the adorable things that are a waiting inside this shop, just click away at her little lantern and start shopping.

Ignisfatuus ArtFire Shop

WhimsybyMari

nightmaidendesigns — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 22:12:28 +0000

As I jewelry artisan myself, I have no problems giving credit where credit is due. If someone makes something that is just outstanding, I’m gonna say so. Well, that is the case with this next artisan. Her jewelry uses the best of materials in lampwork beads and gemstones. Her designs are always so intriging and fun.

This particular bracelet is designed to get you in the mood for Spring and it does just that. The fun colors and beautiful lampwork beads (which were made by Jill Symons) just screams out that we want to frolick in the warm waters of the Ocean.

HAPPY SPRING BRACELET

These next earrings are so amazing not only in how beautiful they are but they also have a deeper meaning. Carnelian is a stone with history and energy. It was once strictly a stone for the noble class of a high social status and these people were most often buried with this stone.

It is also used to aide in various healing ways. It is a stone to aide in energy, if you feel like you are running low on energy carry a carnelian with you. It is also the stone for the sign of Virgo as well as being for the Second Chakra or Sacral/Spleen Chakra.

CARNELIAN EARRINGS

These earring are so beautiful and the copper and brass just compliment the piece and the stone perfectly. The adventurine adds a bit of a blending color that just takes the whole piece up to absolutly stunning.

Want to see more of her beautiful designs and find just the right piece to mesh with you then click on her little avatar below…

Whimsy by Mari ArtFire Shop