Thursday, April 22, 2010

Forget Me Notes on ArtFire.com makes lovely handcrafted memory boxes and cards. She says "I've been creating with paper products (cards and scrapbooking) since 2002. A friend of mine introduced me to the concept, and I found I really enjoyed it.
I've held craft classes and workshops during this time, but a move of our family sparked the idea to do something different.
As a result I felt inspired to design and create my memory boxes. As a mother of five I thought it would be great to have a way of keeping those special times in my life safe and organized (especially the ones that don't easily fit into a 12 X 12 or 8.5 x 11 binder).
I completely enjoy being creative in this way as it gives me a break from the every day routine of cleaning up peanut butter smudges on the walls and milk spills on the carpets." Below is a sample of the beautiful items available from Forget Me Notes.

Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Chiffon Sherri on ArtFire.com

Sherri opened Chiffon Sherri on ArtFire.com 7-17-09. She says "I have lived in Ohio all of my life and have just recently moved to the Columbus area. I am a mother of 3 and grammie to 10. Family and friends are very precious to me. And as you will find out, crocheting and crafting is right up there too. :) I love to crochet and do crafting for family and friends, but I couldn't stop there. I have decided I would like to offer my hand crafted items to everyone. Please feel free to browse and enjoy. I am open to any comment, suggestion and requests. Feel free to contact me at chiffonsherri@gmail.com."
This is just a sample of some of the lovely handcrafted items available from Chiffon Sherri- be sure to stop in and see everything she has to offer!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Handmade Cheshire Cat sculpture and earrings

Whimsical Handmade Cheshire Cats from Alice in Wonderland




Lately I've been having a lot of fun creating characters from Alice in Wonderland.  My favorite character from this delightful story has always been the Cheshire Cat.  First of all he tops my list simply because he's a cat, and I do love kitties!   Second he's purple, which is my favorite color.  And then there's that wonderful, magical way he fades from sight.  And of course you just have to love that "purr"sonality.Laughing I sold the first Cheshire cat sculpture I made, so I created another one to replace him.  Of course this one is completely different, but that is the nature of my work.  Most of my pieces are one of a kind creations, even when they are of the same subject.  This sculpture measures 4 inches tall and I used glow in the dark polymer clay for his eyes and mouth.  When you turn off the lights all you see are his disembodied grin and large eyes.  I just love that effect!
Handmade Alice in Wonderland  Cheshire Cat w  Glow in the Dark Smile
Handmade Alice in Wonderland  Cheshire Cat w Glow in the Dark  Smile
I've  made a few pairs of Cheshire Cat earrings as well.  I love these "illusion" earrings, where it looks like the cat's body goes through the earlobe.  These also have glow in the dark facial features, as well as glow in the dark stripes, all made from glow in the dark polymer clay.  The earrings measure 1 3/4 inches long, and are lightweight and comfortable to wear.  And if you turn his head just slightly it gives him the most whimsical expression!  These earrings are just FUN!
Handmade Glow in the Dark  Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat  earrings
Handmade Glow in the Dark  Alice in Wonderland Cheshire Cat  earrings
This isn't the best picture, but it does give you some idea of what they look like glowing.
Next I made a pair of Cheshire Cat Head earrings.  I'm always trying to create something different, something that will make people smile.  I think these silly earrings will do just that.  I know they make me smile!  I added some glass beads to accent the the cat heads.  The earrings are 2 inches long and have glow in the dark features.  Somehow, for me at least, the Cheshire Cat isn't really complete with out the glow in the dark effects.  (It's his "cat magic", you know)
Alice in Wonderland Glow in the Dark Purple Cheshire Cat   earrings
Alice in Wonderland Glow in the Dark Purple Cheshire Cat   earrings
I may try my hand at a stuffed Cheshire Cat next.  I'll have to think about just how to create a pattern for him to achieve the effect I want.  I'm always creating here at CreativeCritters!  Stay tuned to see what I come up with next.  Thanks so much for stopping by!Laughing
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

French Elegant Jewelry on ArtFire.com

French Elegant Jewelry on ArtFire.com creates beautiful handcrafted jewelry.  French Elegant Jewelry is a small family business. Run by Krista French and her Daughters Katrina and Cassandra. They teach classes at Merdian Parks and Recreation and also teach private lessons and jewelry parties. They also teach classes at local nursing homes. Their jewelry making style is varied and their favorite kind of jewelry is wire wrapped jewelry. They also make shrink plastic jewelry, micromacrame, beaded jewelry, and polymer clay beads. They are always creating new designs and exploring new jewelry making techniques and materials. The can be found at the Meridian Farmers Market Saturday Mornings in the Summer.  Below is a sample of some of the beautiful jewelry available from French Elegant Jewelry.


Silver Star Filagree EarringsBlue crystal and silver micro macrame braceletBlue Ice BraceletFlower Garland BraceletSterling silver earrings with blue danglePurple butterfly pendant


Be sure to stop in and see all the lovely jewelry available (at very reasonable prices)!


-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Buttonwilloe creates adorable polymer clay pieces

Buttonwilloe, on ArtFire.com is one of my favorite artists.  She sculpts Collectible Miniatures, Keepsakes, Babies, Angels, Cupcake Toppers, Figurines, Personalized Ornaments, Animals & Whimsical Jewelry in polymer clay.  Her pieces always bring a smile to my face. She's loved playing with clay ever since she was a child. In the early 1970's she began sculpting little bears and other animals. She enjoyed giving them as gifts to friends and family. With their encouragement, she started her business in the early 1980's doing local craft shows and festivals. Button says "Whether you purchase these items for your loved ones and friends or keep them in your own collection, it's my hope they will bless your heart, make you smile, and in some small way remind you that we are all "precious in His sight"."


Her customers just love her work too.  This is only a tiny sample of what some have said (check her Karma to see all the rave reviews). "An eye for detail and quality in buttonwilloe's work. Generous and kind individual and it carries over into her business. Excellent easy transaction which was Customer oriented from start to end. And, thanks button for the extra adorable gift! Trustworthy Seller.", "Absolutely adorable! Lightening fast shipping, special & careful packaging! Each item is wrapped with ribbons & bows. Highly recommend this seller!", and "I was amazed at how fast I got my item. And what a pleasant surprise that I got a little gift to go along with it. It has been a complete pleasure buying from this seller and would be more than glad to continue shopping here."  Button is not only a wonderful artist, but a great person as well.  You can also find her on http://www.buttonwilloe.blogspot.com/. Honestly, I could go on forever about Buttonwilloe- to know her is to love her.  And her work is sure to bring a smile to your face and brighten your day.  Below is just a sample of the cute pieces available in her shop.  Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer!


Hugging Turtles Christmas Ornament 2 inches tallBaby Ghost Mini Figurine ... 1 5/8 inches tallBirthday Miniature Teddy Bears for Cupcake or Caketopper ... 1 and 1/4 inches tallMiniature Black Cat with Jack-O-Lantern... 1 inch in diameterNativity Ornament 3 1/4 inches tallKitty Angel Christmas OrnamentTeddy Bear Love Personalized 1st Christmas OrnamentBlond Angel NightlightValentine Baby Angel Pin ... 1 inch long


Too cute!  And her blog is a great read, as well.  I highly recommend checking that out!


-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Friday, April 2, 2010

Sassy Clay Creations- fun polymer clay pieces

Dori Thompson, of Sassy Clay Creations on ArtFire.com creates many different items made from polymer clay, including jewelry, mirrors and just plain fun items. Each piece is unique and created by hand.  Dori says "I work with polymer clay and enjoy it immensely. I may add beads or other items to make a piece more interesting. I love creating something wonderful from all the colors of clay. I have on occasion handled a special request from someone.
When I am not working with clay, I am busy with my life partner, Dean. Sometimes our two kitties demand my attention or my desk chair to lay in."


Dori is a fellow member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers guild and can also be found on Facebook.  Below is a sample of the fun pieces available in her shop.  Be sure to stop by and see all she has to offer!


Blue and Red Swirl NecklaceSunshine mirrorFlower Covered BowlBright and CheeryGreen Palm NecklaceRing shelfHalloween CatGreen Envy Mask


What a great variety of wonderful polymer clay pieces!


-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Cheyenne Star Studio

Cheyenne Star Studio, on Artfire.com creates beautiful, handmade metal art jewelry.  Each piece is one-of-a-kind and handcrafted with only the finest components; metal, wire, gemstones, & glass, many of which have been handmade by the artist. Many pieces are made with recycled and found objects keeping waste to a minimum. Personalized and custom order items are a specialty - photo/image etched metal designs, special words, names, birthstone jewelry, Mommy Bracelets, wedding designs, plus support-awareness pieces.  She is a self-taught metal/silversmith and has been designing jewelry for the past 7 yrs. She has a background in Architecture and Interior Design, yet has always been drawn to hands-on art. Prior to jewelry design she mostly worked in fiber; quilting, needlework, and paper crafts.  All of her metal work is crafted by hand, from cutting and sanding to forming and finishing. Every piece is different and unique and most are one of a kind. She's constantly trying new techniques and materials. Besides metal you'll see collage, fiber, and paper in her work along with recycled and found objects. She loves color and glass and makes many of her own lampworked beads and other components like clasps and findings.


Below is sample of some of her beautiful jewelry.  Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer!


Copper & Sterling Heart BraceletCopper Spiral EarringsSterling Silver Caged Bead BraceletCopper Color  Square Dangle - Fuscia EarringsCopper Twirly Girl - Teal EarringsrE* Pink Opal Recycled Tin Earrings


-Michelle of CreativeCritters