Artist Spotlight: Part ONE HUNDRED and One Hundred and One

Holy crow, I've made it to 100 spotlights!  That's a lot of amazing other artists I've introduced you to, you lucky dogs.

Well, this time I've got some more you've never met here before.

First, let me introduce you to Anansa, a venue for handmade artists from around the Middle East.  There are so many different things!

If I was a leather worker, I'd jump on these .pdf patterns.

Or look at these amazing acrylic and oil paintings!  These are just a few of the many, but they really caught my eye.  Or check out the hand painted ostrich egg!

How adorable is this custom wedding cake topper?

And how pretty is this Quran cover?

Children's items like this hand-knitted camel and handmade dollhouse.

And last, but not least, clothing and household items!

You get the idea, I think.  Visit the site, seriously.

And for 101, a new artist to this blog, Highland Princess Designs.

The Highland Princess is a fellow Rennie, which you know I love.  She's been crafting chainmaille jewelry for over a decade, which I find amazing.  The first project she ever attempted was a headdress with a 3' chain net to hold her hair, inspired by one she saw at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival.  It started when her friends took up maille and she figured if they could, she could.  She was right.

That had her hooked, of course, and branching out into other accessories and materials.

She also crochets and has entered the world of costuming.  Although she does work in fabric and fiber, the funniest costume I've seen from her is this chainmaille armor for a stuffed animal!

Adorable, right?  For more, check out her blog.

Artist Spotlight: Part Ninety-Eight and Ninety-Nine

I have two amazing artists this time, neither of which you've seen here before.  First, Dyanne of Deeliteful Jewelry in Van Buren, Arkansas.

Dyanne is a self-described widow, mm, daughter, sister, aunt, fiancee, and friend.  In addition to her online presence, she's actually got a brick and mortar business, so kudos to her for taking that leap!

She was originally led to create exciting jewelry with beads, and lets her inner goddess guide her as to color, size, shape, and combinations.  Like me, she loves bright colors.

In 2012, she added creating lampwork beads of her own to her repertoire.

Her business is a one-woman operation, from creation to shipping.  Her jewelry is unique, and each piece is one of a kind.  She's definitely got an eye for design.

Even better, since her jewelry is inspired by her own dreams, you know you'll never find anyone else making or wearing the same pieces.  If you're anything like me, this is hugely appealing, since I love to stand out in a crowd.

To keep up with her, be sure to follow her blog.

The second artist I have for you is something entirely different, and I love it!  Check out ThinkEco2.

This stuff is just phenomenal!  Meet Brian Behncke and Jules Lavallee, of San Diego, CA, the founders of ThinkEco2 and the brains behind these gorgeous recycled wares.

Brian is a hardworking construction guy with a passion for building eco-chic cedar products.  He works with a crew to build the products, while he and Jules help the community by building jobs and donating many of their beautiful wine racks to help local charities and fundraisers.

I agree with them that it's important to be eco-conscious and to give back.  To that end, they use 100% reclaimed wood for their products and employ 100% US employees.  They refuse to harm additional trees to make their products.  And heck, they even add to the flora by making planters!

My favorite, though, is this amazing patio table.

You can keep up with them on their blog or feel free to contact them to discuss custom orders, which they're happy to fill.

Artist Spotlight: Part Ninety-Seven

This week, I'm bringing back an old favorite of mine, John Rasmussen, of Rasmussen Gems.  If you've been following along, you've met this Rensslaer graduate geologist here several times before, together with his wife, Deborah, the beader in the family.  They've been busy with new pieces, and they're just as breathtaking as ever.

This rock crystal pendant is certainly on my wishlist.  Just look at it!

On the other hand, in my world you can't go wrong with rubies, my birthstone.  These pretty little ones are the perfect frame for this morganite ring.

I still have a thing for more natural-cut stones, though, like this amazing fire opal.

Gorgeous, am I right?  On the other hand... this citrine is calling to me too.

I'm obviously like a kid in a candy shop here.  Know where I could really go crazy, though?  With Deborah's beaded pieces.  The woman is running a liquidation sale!  Seriously unreal prices for beautiful handmade jewelry.  Seriously.

Like this necklace in my favorite color, blue, and white.

You're not as much of a fan of blue as I am?  OK, then.  I give you earth tones in agate.

Or for a different look, this pretty pendant necklace.

No?  Then how about my other favorite, this turquoise and howlite necklace?

The shop is just full of wonderful things, and I'll leave you on a colorful note with this all seasons necklace.

Just don't forget to stop by the blog to see what's new... like their two new grandchildren or the craft shows they're headed for!

New Product & a Pre-Sale!

Reef Botanicals will soon be offering its own Buzz Off Insect Repellent!  It will come in 8 oz atomizer bottles, like these:

It also will, of course, be chock full of 100% natural goodness... that mosquitoes hate.  Fully of nifty essential oils like citronella, lemon, lavender, clove, basil, and cypress, together with several others, it'll smell great, be Deet-and-other-poison-free, and keep those little vampires we know as mosquitoes at bay!

I've been using 100% natural insect repellent for some time now, and love it.  It works well and I don't feel all dirty and slimy and like I need a shower because I've got poison on my skin.  I'm not afraid to use it on kids or even spray it straight into my face (eyes closed, of course) because I know it won't harm me.

So... because we've just ordered the additional essential oils and bottles, and because while we were at it we also had to order our scrub tubs that house the Purity Makeup Brush Soap, we've decided to host a pre-sale.  Through midnight EST on July 4, 2013, both Buzz Off and Purity tubs are 15% off!

Check 'em out & enjoy!

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