'Nothing But String' is Talent and So Much More!

My paternal grandmother was a virtuoso with a needle. That's any kind of needle, from hand sewing to machine work (with a 1910 treadle Singer), to knitting, to tatting to award-winning, all hand-sewn quilts and, of course, crocheting.

As a result, I tend to look at needlework with something that's probably an overly critical eye. Stella Banks Wagner is a tough act to follow!

But grandma never made jewelry with her needlework; in fact, I don't think it ever entered her mind to try! That's why this week's Studio of the Week from Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supply Sellers' Guild, Nothing But String http://nothingbutstring.artfire.com/ is so amazing! Consider:

Imagine...a crocheted ring! It's not only beautiful, it's also, well, comfortable. And like the lovely bracelet and pin, it's wonderfully wearable! A little extra care with cleaning (and kept out of reach of cats and other pets) and you've got a unique keepsake.

So do yourself a favor and take a peek at Nothing But String's Artfire studio. It's another testament to Artfire's reputation as the home of unique and handmade gifts and treasures.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=34490&op=new&body=1

www.artfire.com

Talented Liberty Doll, AJDJSS' Studio of the Week

From clothing, to paper crafts, to beads and jewelry, Liberty Doll is one multi-talented artisan!

Also known as Marissa, Liberty Doll uses her fabric magic to create cloth covered composition books, doll clothing, kids clothing and many other creations you won't find elsewhere. She's also talented creating unique and beautiful beaded jewelry--and even makes beads herself (check out the photos). On top of all that, she finds the time to design ione-of-a-kind banners for other artisans.

Visit Marissa's studio at: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=97395. A simply brilliant place to find the perfect gift for the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list or...for yourself!

Note: Through September 7, Liberty Doll is offering free worldwide shipping for orders totaling $10 or more from her studio. Now's the time to get a jump on those holiday purchases!

Be Sure to Cast Your Vote for "In the Garden"

Sometimes, voting just sounds like an activity designed to have us choose between the devil and the deep blue sea, as they say. Not so over at Artfire, where casting your vote can be fun!

The Artfire Chainmaille Guild, The Artfire Jewelry Artisan Guild, and The Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shop Guild Presents the vote for the entry that you feel is the best representation of the theme "In the Garden"--

Help us out by voting: http://artfireguildchallenge.blogspot.com/

I've already voted and, let me tell you, it wasn't easy! Artfire artisans are, simply put, a wealth of talented people and choosing just one entry was as difficult as choosing between key lime pie or strawberry cheesecake for dessert. Sadly, you CAN eat both desserts, but can only vote for ONE entry.

So take a few minutes and enjoy a stroll in a very creative, very artistic garden.

And to all the artists involved: Well Done!

Ahhhh...the Sweet Smell of Ridin' the Crazy Train!

No doubt Artfire's Crazy Train will be smelling like heaven today and tomorrow. Jennuine Candles studio http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=193739, is taking its turn on the Crazy Train and bringing with it (well, them) the yummy smells and aromas of handmade candles! I'm a big fan of vanilla (photo 1) and just had to giggle at the name 'Barstucks' for Jennuine's fresh brewed cappucino scented candle and tine (photo 2). The pretty blue 'ocean breeze' candles are both a delight to the eyes AND the nose!

Just by looking at the items offered you can almost smell the fabulous aromas!

Visit Almondtree Studio for A Huge Selection of Artistic Gems

The Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supplies Shops Guild Studio of the Week is Almondtree http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=521&op=new&body=1.

Here you'll find a tempting array of glass and wire pendants, beautiful handmade earrings and other jewels, beautiful watercolors, fun and eclectic jewelry supplies and other fun and fabulous items!

So...stop by and have a look. You're certain to find something you simply can't live without!

Multi-talented Artistic Jen on the Crazy Train

Just love to find someone who's so multi-talented and is able to create such beautiful things with each one of those talents.

So it is with Artistic Jen, the current rider on the Artfire Crazy Train. Jen's studio http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=45709 features beautiful items in several different media, including polymer clay artwork (beads, hand painted pendants, etc.), crochet and jewelry crafting. Here are a few examples:

Crocheting and needlework are crafts I've never had much luck (or patience) with, so I'm always impressed. That is one fine afghan!

O.K., I'll 'fess up. I love the macaw because it reminds me of my favorite Monty Python sketch ("Norwegian Blue. Beautiful plumage.") This does NOT mean I don't love the piece, and Jen's studio features hand painted portraits of several beautiful macaws. Well worth having a look!

Here GemKItty kitty kitty!

The current Studio of the Week, brought to you by The Artfire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supply Sellers Guild is GemKitty.

Gem Kitty (aka Kathy) is an active member of the guild and a true asset to Artfire. Her creations are stunning--I'm especially in awe of her earrings, as (unlike most jewelry designers), I don't have much patience with earrings and applaud those that have that special skill!

Here are just two examples of her special jewelry pieces. Those yellow lucite flower earrings are simply yummy!

Visit GemKitty's studio at http://www.gemkitty.artfire.com/. And don't forget...the Christmas in July promotion is still offering incredible buys on handmade items through July 31!