Featured Artist: Storybeader

When I hear the name Storybeader, I think of books and beads.  Very appropriate because that is exactly what Deb makes and sells in her etsy shop.

Collage and Painted Art Journal

Although she started her etsy journey selling ethnic jewelry, she has since focused on paper arts.  Her handmade journals are beautiful and all very unique.  In addition, she makes paper beads, which would be a great addition to a jewelry project.  My favorite part?  Some are named for the book they came from.  The beads shown below are from a dinosaur book called "I'm Bad."

I'm Bad dinosaur beads

For a girl who never would have dreamed of writing in or tearing up a book, this has been quite a change.  Deb says that she just fell in love with collage and now can't stop! 

Birdhouse Art Journal

To see more of her work, be sure to stop by her shop or visit her blog!

I Won a Giveaway!

Oh man, I am so excited.  I recently won a giveaway from Pretty Things blog.  My prize, some really pretty sequins and vintage beads.  I'm so excited!  Plus, isn't the packaging adorable? 

Thrift Store Finds

Here are a few fun items I found on a recent thrift store trip.  First, there is this really cool ship necklace.  Something about it just makes me smile.

Next, I found this little jug.  I'm thinking of using it for honey because right now we have a GIANT container from Costco and it's not the easiest to use.  I like the green lid.

Finally, a bag of Styrofoam eggs and balls.  These were only 99 cents.  I think I may use them as paper mache bases for making some bird figures.  Exciting!

Do you love shopping at thrift stores like I do?  What are some of your favorite things to look for?

New Sewing Box!

I splurged this week.  I bought a new sewing box.  I had been eying them at Joanne's for awhile now and when I spotted some in the clearance aisle, I couldn't resist.

First, let me show you my old box.  It was from Goodwill.  I liked it because it was green, my favorite color, and it reminded me of the box my mom had while I was growing up.  However, it was proportioned weird and couldn't even fit some basic things like my pin cushion.

Now here's my new one.  Everything fits very nicely and it's just so cute.  Now that I am doing more sewing, I think this will be a good tool to have.

Basset Hound Fun

Alright.  I think basset hounds are some of the cutest dogs out there.  I grew up with two little guys, Byron and Sammy (Sammy is still around in all of his gray fur goodness).

Sam the Man

I love their droopy ears and their sweet short bodies.  Well, check out this bead made to look like a basset hound.

Basset Hound Bead

Etsy artist NanjoDogz makes these adorable little dog beads.  Can you find your favorite species?

ps-want some real basset fun?  Click on this link to see photos of basset hounds running.  Awesome.

Pretty Craft Supplies

Often when I'm on etsy, I focus on handmade items.  But there are some times where I like to stare at the supplies and dream.  Here are a few of the pretty things I've found lately:

Green Roses on etsy

Bright Doilies on etsy

Vintage Fabric Fat Quarter on etsy

Lace Applique on etsy

Green Cameo Setting on etsy