What Are You Looking At?

"A year ago I was barely more than a cell.
What's your excuse?!?"

(Sometimes Lily has a bit of an attitude.)

Featured Etsy Shop: Rose Creek Cottage

One of my favorite shops on Etsy is Rose Creek Cottage (rosecreekcottage.etsy.com). Just the name of the shop makes me think of a cozy sitting room with a fire burning in the fireplace on a cold day, a good book, and a cup of tea. Or if it's summer, I see myself strolling through what else but a rose garden that surrounds a pretty white cottage.

The shop's owner, Carol, also writes an outstanding blog, sharing the ups and downs in her life and providing regular awesome inspiration to all of her faithful readers, of which she has many. As one of her "followers" I enjoy checking in regularly to read her latest post (http://rosecreekcottage-carol.blogspot.com/). One of the most poignant things she shares is her journey with her mother who has Alzheimer's. It's both heartbreaking and uplifting as it's obvious that Carol's approach to life is to never let go of her faith and never be afraid to share what's on her heart.

Back to her wonderful Etsy shop....




I've purchased a number of her Scrabble tile pendant necklaces for my granddaughter and several of my nieces. On seeing the necklaces at Christmas, my sister-in-law wanted one for herself. One of the great things about Carol's jewelry is that it appeals to all age groups.




I especially love the rhinestones that embellish so many of her pendants, adding such a sweet touch of bling. The packaging is fun, too. Each necklace in the 'Truffles' collection (like the ones pictured above and below) is nestled in a truffle cup and tucked into its own little tin.


I also love the 'Definition' pendants. Each one comes with a charm that complements what is written on the tile.



Carol says, "You'll see that I love incorporating words and stories into most of my creations. I think you'll be pleased with the stories each one conjures up!"

Obviously a lot of people have been pleased since, as of this writing, Carol has sold 949 items on Etsy alone. She's also sold on Ebay and participates in craft shows and festivals.

All the best to you, Carol! You and your shop are part of what makes Etsy such a great community to be a part of.

Happy Birth Month!

I love the idea of birthstones. Whenever I make a piece of jewelry using a birthstone, I always make sure to include the information about which month it is for in my description. I wonder who came up with the idea (a jeweler, probably) and how long it took to catch on with the general population. I also find it interesting that the list of stones has changed for some of the months over the years (a list can be found at the bottom of my Etsy profile page if you want to take a peek http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=6822809). For example, the traditional birthstone for November is citrine; the modern is topaz. Who got to change that? Probably a jeweler who ran out of citrine.

When I was a teenager, astrological signs were a big deal. My best friend and I shared both a birth month and sign. We were very philosophical about the whole thing, spending time comparing our personalities and making sure we fit the description of our shared sign. We were polar opposites in many ways, but we always dug deep to find all the ways in which we were alike. I mean, we had to be, right? We shared a sign!

We humans love to find similarities with each other, and I guess if I met you and found out that you were also born in March, right away there would be that little bit of connection. And I'd have no problem knowing your birthstone: aquamarine, just like mine. I'd also wish you a Happy Birth Month!

All We Are Saying....

Never one to be overtly political,
Lily Joy surreptitiously flashes the peace sign.

Laying Up Treasures

On Etsy, if you time it just right, you can create what's called a Treasury, a selection of other people's work that you put together in an artistic way. I really paid attention last night when I knew I might get the opportunity to create one and was so excited when I was successful. This is the first Treasury that I've created, and it was so much fun I'm sure I'll try again sometime.

With Easter coming up next month I felt the crosses were even more meaningful, and I was thrilled with all the artistic interpretations of this beautiful symbol of faith. My Treasury was in place until March 13th. Thanks to everyone who visited.

Unexpected Landings

This seems so improbable and yet it happens time and time again every year when our magnolia tree loses its blooms. I imagine the exactness of speed and angle with which a petal must fall onto another plant in order for it to be impaled so perfectly. This petal has been given a second chance to survive for a short while longer - it won't be trampled or swept up with the other petals on the ground - all because it was snagged unexpectedly as it floated down to what would've been its natural destination.

Please excuse the easy metaphor -- sometimes I can't help myself.

Featured Etsy Shop: Sweet 'n Sassy Baby Boutique

I've been wanting to feature someone on my blog for a long time and decided that, due to my new status as Grandma, a baby store would be perfect. I find myself searching Etsy for anything baby-related, day-dreaming about all the good stuff I'd buy if I was a new mom. When my daughter was a baby I was always broke so buying just the basics was all I could afford, but also there just wasn't the great selection of baby goods available that there is today.

Sweet 'n Sassy Baby Boutique (Sweetnsassybaby.etsy.com) has some adorable accessories for baby and mom, and I might add, Grandma. Jennifer at Sweet 'n Sassy, says:

"As a stay at home mom, I did not like the usual baby accessories that you find in stores, so my mom and I decided to make our own. We got so many compliments on them that we thought we'd go into business! We specialize in funky, fun and fashionable burp cloth sets, wipe cases, blankets, and more. All Sweet 'n Sassy Baby items are handmade with the highest quality standards. We would not sell you something we wouldn't use ourselves."

This owl motif makes such a cute baby wipes case.
I love the trim around the edges. Gives it a nice finish and shows the attention to detail you will find in the products at Sweet 'n Sassy.

I particulary like this item because you can use it as a diaper clutch (it's big enough to include a packet of wipes), or use it for yourself as a clutch purse. Sold in two sizes.

This baby blanket is made with Robert Kaufman fabric and lined with soft white chenile. Looks so cozy!

Lots of great gift ideas in Sweet 'n Sassy's Etsy shop, for someone else or for yourself. Be sure to check them out!