WoodNGoods on ArtFire makes amazing wooden creations!

WoodNGoods of Rosecommon, MI opened on ArtFire.com 12-8-08.  This shop offers some of THE MOST AMAZING wooden scroll saw artwork, as well as wool mittens made from recycled sweaters.  The Studio Announcement reads: "Made in Michigan Wood Scroll Saw Art and More
I like to think of what I do as Painting with Wood. Many of my items have no coloring added - just the grain and natural color of the wood species. At times leather dyes are used along with the shaping of the wood to provide depth and interest. I will ship internationally, but because many countries will not allow wood items to be imported, you must contact me for shipping information. Thanks!"

Artisan Biography for WoodNGoods:

"I've been woodworking since the late 1990's, selling items at craft shows and over the internet. Some of my designs can be seen in Scrollsaw Woodworking and Crafts magazine!  The wood I use in my projects come from a variety of places (rarely from the big box stores):

* I went to a custom flooring store and was able to get a box of their cut-offs, saving them from being burnt or put into the landfills. The exotic woods I picked up there are beautiful in color, but I don’t always know the species.

* The Redwood I use in projects was salvaged from when our church was remodeled back in the early 1990’s. Some of the original Redwood logs were removed from the church, and I was able to get some of the lumber!

* I also use other reclaimed or scrap wood in my projects."

I really like the fact that she recycles and reuses wood for her beautiful creations.  Somehow I think it gives the pieces more personality, and of course it keeps perfectly good wood out of our landfills.

WoodNGoods can be found at woodngoodsblogspot.com as well as woodngoods.artfire.com.  Below is a sample of some of the wonderful work you'll find in her shop.  Stop by to see all she has to offer!

-Michelle of CreativeCritters

The Calico Cat on ArtFire makes cozy creations

Linda McMurray,of The Calico Cat (love the name!) on ArtFire.com, knits some of the most wonderful socks, sweaters, and mittens I've seen.  The colors and pattersn are gorgeous, and even just looking at them, i can tell they're delightfully soft and cozy.  Her Artisan Biography reads: "Somehow, when your primary product is jewelry, and your shop name is Rocky Creek Gems, all the other things get lost. So to help solve that, I have opened up this second store--The Calico Cat. You will find my hand-knit items, quilts, quilt squares, and all manner of needlecrafts--but NO jewelry! If you don't see what you're looking for, let me know--I'll bet I can custom make it for you!"

Linda has been making things for as long as she can remember and isn't a "single-craft" person! She enjoys working with gemstones, beadwork, knitting, crocheting, quilting, sewing, embroidery--you name it! As a former middle school science teacher, she particularly loves making use of unusual items.

She's also the author of two wildcrafting booklets available through Texas Parks.

Her customers have said "So pretty! I can't believe this magical yarn. Thanks so much...I love the pendant too, how SWEET of you!!", "My husband thought these socks were wool and he liked them so much he put them on with his sandals on a day when we broke the heat record! I guess I'd better order some more for Winter LOL", and "Very Very Cute Socks!!! They fit like a dream!!!".  Obviously she's had some very satisfied customers.  Not only is her work beautiful, but quite comfy as well!  You can also find Linda at RockyCreekGems.blogspot.com. These are a few of my personal favorites.  Visit her shop to see all she has to offer!

 

Here's a description of these wonderful socks: Treat yourself or your special someone to the ultimate little luxury. Nothing says “Love” quite like a pair of hand-knitted socks! Everybody needs at least one pair! In fact, keep a few pairs on hand as gifts for those unexpected, last-minute occasions we ALL have. After all, everyone needs socks.

Got cold feet? Not with these you won’t--why even the colors are enough to warm you up! Warm and snug, they make great bed-socks; they’re fantastic as slippers; and they’re a thoughtful gift for someone in the hospital.

These socks are hand-knitted in 100% acrylic 4 ply knitting worsted making them completely machine washable and dryable—so go ahead and wear them without worrying about laundering.

-Michelle of CreativeCritters