Water, water, everywhere!

I love the water, and was lucky enough to live on a small lake when I was a teenager.  My brother and I taught ourselves how to swim and spent every day possible in the water.  Even before we lived on the lake my big brother would take my younger brother and me down to the river, and we'd play for hours in the shallow water.  One memory really sticks in my mind.  We had found an inner tube from a big truck tire, took it down to the river, and spent hours taking turns "riding the rapids" in the tube.  I remember relaxing in the tube, gently bobbing in the water, the sun shining on my face.  The sense of peace and joy I felt at that moment is something I've never allowed myself to forget.  Being with my brothers and sharing that special time together still fills me with joy.  My older brother Jeff is gone now, so it's a bittersweet memory, but one I cherish. 
I also love water themed artwork as well.  And when I find something as awesome as this Water Dragon Necklace from WyvernDesigns on ArtFire.com, well, I've just got to share!


 
And how cool is this?  It's called Neptunes Original Daughter and was sculpted by BlueJane on ArtFire.com.  The colors are just gorgeous, and those eyes are so intense!
And then of course there are mermaids!  You just can't have water without mermaids!  Although this beauty is perfectly happy to hang on your wall.  This mermaid wall hanging was sculpted by FantasyClay on ArtFire.com and is full of texture and detail.
And this Dragonfly Spirit Box from Into The Dawn on ArtFire.com reminds me of the dragonflies that used to hang out with my brothers and I while we were swimming.  If you stayed real still and held your finger out sometimes they'd perch there for a minute! 
All of these wonderful pieces were created by members of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild.  I thank them for creating such beautiful work and making me smile!  Be sure to visit their shops and see all the delightful items they've created!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters

House Morbid- handmade art for the darker mind

House Morbid, on ArtFire.com, offers some very unique handcrafted boxes, monsters, charm bottles, hair accesories, sugar skulls, and creepy bottles.  Their studio announcement reads: "We specialize in handmade art for the darker mind. Skeletons taking tea. Giving your sweetie a heart,anatomically inspired, of course,to show your love. Or having something on hand to make the nosy office gossip think twice about poking around your desk again. If any of these things have ever crossed your mind, you have come to the right place. We have offerings for all those tastes and more. From the mundane with a twist to the truly disturbing. If you do not see what you are hunting for, just ask."  House Morbid can also be found on Amused Delerium, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and MySpace.  Below is just a sample of the great items that can be found in this fun shop.  Be sure to stop in and see all they have to offer!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

Sweet Whimsy on ArtFire.com

Jan opened SweetWhimsy on ArtFire.com 3-15-09.  This fun shop offers pendants, necklaces, clipboards, frames, and boxes.  Her Studio Announcement reads: "I've been a crafter all my life but put crafting on hiatus since having children. Now I'm back and even involve my 6 year old in creating and choosing colors for my designs.
My items are fun and whimsical and I hope they bring a smile to your life. I do custom orders also, so feel free to request something unique and special, just for you!"

Artisan Biography: "I'm Jan and I'm a mom to 2 wonderful children, ages 6 and 3. I've been married for almost 15 years and we have 3 purring children too.
I love art and hand made jewelry! I frequent art shows as often as possible and am so excited to have joined the crafting world of sales!"

You can visit SweetWhimsey's website at http://sweetwhimsy.goods.officelive.com/default.aspx, read her blog at http://janskidtoys.blogspot.com/, or follow her on Twitter.  Below is just a sample of what can be found in SweetWhimsey.  Be sure to stop in and see all she has to offer!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

ArtisticJen offers beautiful crocheted items and magnificent polymer clay pieces

Jen, of Hobart Indiana, opened ArtisticJen on Artfire.com 1-5-09.  Not only is Jen artistic, but she's a lady of several talents.  Her studio sections include Ponchos, Shawls, Afghans, Other Crochet Items, Polymer Clay Beads/Pendants, Polymer Clay Boxes, Polymer Clay Masks, Quilting, and Supplies.  She offers a wide variety of wonderful handcrafted items in her shop.

Her Studio Announcement reads: "I accept reasonable offers, but please make them reasonable.
Welcome. Come in, come in. Relax and browse around. There's plenty to look at. I'm here to answer any questions you may have. Or if you just want to chat. ;)
I currently have everything from crochet items to polymer clay items. And I love doing custom orders. There's nothing more enjoyable than working with someone so they can get exactly what they want. Just message me.
Enjoy your stay.
If you would like to receive notices about sales and new items, you can join my mailing list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jenssellingupdates/?yguid=60919057."

Artisan Biography for ArtisticJen:  "Just the facts. ;)  I'm a 36 year old single woman with a crafting obsession. I've been crocheting for over 20 years and enjoying it. I also make polymer clay beads, make paper, quilt, and do a ton of other things. I've been selling online for the last 5 years at various sites, but love Artfire the best."

Jen can also be found at her blog, ArtisticJen.blogspot.com, as well as on Facebook, Flickr, and Twitter.  Below is just a sample of some of the great items you can find in her shop.  Stop by and see all she has to offer!

Absolutely beautiful stuff here!  And there's a lot more in ArtisticJen's shop!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters