Uniquely Ewe Distinctive Knit and Crochet Designs

2011-12-28T10:34:00.000-08:00

OOAK Patchwork Shawls

I've come to love making these one-of-a-kind (OOAK) shawls because they've helped me solve a decade's old problem - what to do with left-over yarn. :-> Not only is the process fun (because I never know how the finished product will look) but it's such a joy to have a person tell me they've just got to have it! When I sit down to begin one of these projects, piles of yarn surround me and as I pluck one color after another, the stitches are just as randomly applied. I hope noone ever asks me to repeat a design because... well, they're OOAK.

This lovely lady purchased one of my shawls at a recent Fall Festival. She was such a beauty, I begged her to pose for a picture.

2011-09-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've had such fun creating little hats and booties for Halloween photography props. Here are just a few of my favorite items to make for a stylish evening of Trick or Treating.

Freeform Shawls

2011-06-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Freeform crochet is just so much fun! It's allows for such creativity and is so forgiving of mistakes. I've begun making shawls to use up left-over yarn from previous projects and I've found that freeform allows me the flexibility to use a variety of yarns and textures to create very unique items. No patterns to read, just crochet and go! Here's an example of a work in progress and photos of one shawl I just finished last week.

Dreadi-wraps

2011-05-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

headwraps/headbands for women who have lots of long, curly hair

I love creating OOAK "Dreadi-wraps" using the freeform method of crochet because it's so much fun to see where the design is going to go. I may have one idea in mind when I begin but end up with a completely different product once completed. :-)

I found this to be a great way to use yarn left over from previous projects. Because the dreadi-wrap isn't very large (usually 23 x 8") all you really need to do is choose the color scheme and then just crochet away!

2010-10-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/UniquelyEwe

I'm now on Bonanza! Be sure to check often for items that have expired on Etsy.

The Best Biscotti Ever!

2010-09-17T13:40:00.001-07:00

Buo Cibo

I couldn't help myself! These biscotti looked so wonderful that I ordered a dozen of the coffee toffee and a dozen of the dark chocolate drippled brownie.

Well, today, they were delivered and OH, MY GOODNESS! I can't even begin to describe how absolutely delicious they are! Please, please try this shop at Etsy! I promise you won't be disappointed! I found it completely by accident but you have no excuse because how I've told you about Buon Cibo. You can order at http://www.ashleeglen.etsy.com/.

Bon appétit!

Peanut Brittle

2010-08-04T16:33:00.000-07:00

I have always loved peanut brittle since childhood when my grandmother would make large batches of it in an iron fryin' pan. But, it wasn't until tonight that I finally decided to try my hand at this age old recipe.

I dug through loads of cookbooks I've collected over the years (grandmother never told me the recipe... I was the taster) and selected two which seemed to be doable. I wanted it to be simple and use ingredients that I already had on hand. Well... I did have to make a quick trip to the grocery to purchase a bag of raw peanuts.

For some reason, I wasn't satisfied with the two recipes I'd found so I made a last ditch effort to locate an easier recipe on the internet. The first site contained about 10 recipes but none of them caught my eye. Ingredients were similar but the one which had a 5-star rating also had "difficult" beside it.

Just when I was about to give up for the night, I came across this recipe - simple, tested and rated with 5 stars and with a name like Mama's best peanut brittle I thought, "How can I go wrong!" It is absolutely wonderful and for that reason I decided to share it with my fellow bloggers and friends.

First, a word of caution... assemble ALL the ingredients and have them handy because once the sugar begins to reach the proper temperature you'll have to move at light speed so you won't burn the peanuts and sugar and before it begins to solidify.

First, lightly spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

Next, into a large sauce pan, (I used an aluminum frying pan) put :

1 cup sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

Don't turn on the heat yet.

Next, I measured (into little plastic containers but use what you've got):

1/2 cup of light corn syrup

1/4 cup water

Then, I set aside:

2 tablespoons softened butter ( I just cut the stick on the 2 Tblsp line and set it aside)

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup of raw peanuts ( I'd shelled them the night before and, let me tell you... DON'T buy them in the shell if you can avoid it because the skins stick to raw peanuts and you have to scrape them off! What was I thinking???? It took me two hours to prepare 2 cups.. I'm saving one cup for another batch with coconut added)

O.K. here's the easy part:

You've got your sugar and salt on the stove in the pan . Turn the heat to medium/high and pour in the water and corn syrup. Begin stirring until the sugar is dissolved and not grainy. Oh, about 4 or 5 minutes.

Add the peanuts

Stir, stir, stir

NOW, if you have a candy thermometer, you let the syrup mixture reach 300 degrees. BUT, if you're like me and you DON'T have a candy thermometer here's what you'll have to do.

Watch the sugar mixture carefully. It will begin to turn a light tan and then gradually begin to thicken, bubbling the entire time. White foamy bubbles will form. Continue stirring!

The peanuts will slowly begin to tan. When the syrup reaches the correct temperature it will darken quickly and become a golden AMBER color and be very sticky. Remove from heat (just tranfer the pan to an eye on the stove that isn't on) QUICKLY add the butter stirring rapidly. Add the baking soda. Stir rapidly. Quickly pour the mixture onto the cookie sheet and spread it thin. It will begin to solidy very fast but will still be too hot to break into pieces.

Let it cool completely, then break into pieces and enjoy!

I'm Gaga for You!

2010-07-07T05:53:00.000-07:00

I suppose you could say I'm a glutton for punishment, but nothing gets me motivated like the tag "experienced" in a pattern description.

Well, this time, I almost met my match!

You know, "Vogue Knitting" has been around for eons but I'd rarely seen a "Vogue Knitting.. Crochet" mag, so when I spied this one (sporting Jennifer Flaven Stallone on the cover, no less) I snapped it up. It's just chock full of gorgeous crochet patterns, some labeled "very easy" others, "experienced". Of course, knowing me and my love of puzzles, I was instantly drawn to the "experienced" patterns. I must confess that I never actually tried one until now and let me tell you...it is one of those, "I'll sleep on it" kind of deals! Whew! They weren't kidding when they labeled it "experienced". Honestly... if you aren't good at reading minds, DON"T attempt this pattern! (lol)

I've been working on it now for 2 days and as I near completion, I have a new found respect for designers. Pattern writing is no easy task and when you've got a pattern with as many twists and turns as this one I can fully understand why the designer would think that only an experienced person would understand some of the tiny bits of information left out. I mean, after all, the pattern took up two single-spaced pages of the magazine and part of a third page.

Now, take into account that I DIDN'T use the yarn or the hook size recommended ( yeah, I'm a rebel like that) the finished garment has more "umph" to it because it's a 4 ply cotton yarn.

So, now that I see that I've conquered this one, it's on to the next "Experienced" pattern ( Ha! I laugh in your face!)......

a dramatic 3/4 length granny square jacket in beige and black. Gorgeous!

I've never seen a "Vogue Knitting... Crochet" magazine since but I'm sure having fun making all the fabulous creations in this one!

Another of My Favorite Reborn Artists

2010-06-23T10:01:00.000-07:00

One of my FAVORITE reborn artists is Stacey Haskins of HaskinsHeavenlyBabies.

As you can see, from the pictures posted of this beautiful reborn doll, Stacey uses only the finest quality products in her reborn process.

Baby's hair is soft and silky and is rooted strand by strand and actually appears to be growing right out of her scalp. Stacey only uses the best of the best in mohair when selecting "hair" for her babies.

Another thing that you'll notice about Stacey's babies is her attention to details and the beautiful skintone on each of her reborns. She uses subtle shading techniques and paints layer upon layer of translucent paints to achieve a very realistic appearance. If you'd like to own one of her beautiful creations, she can be reached on her website, http://www.haskinsheavenlybabies.com/ This is a collectible that you'll treasure for years to come. You'll see many of her "adopted" babies on her site. Enjoy!

The Process of Reborning

2010-06-20T06:10:00.001-07:00

When you look at the beautiful finished product, you may never have considered all that went into bringing this work of art into existence. It truly is a painstakingly laborious process that takes as much patience as it does skill. There are some artists who simply have a gift; others have acquired their skill through years of practice. It is obvious that they love what they do.

This is a behind-the-scenes look at the shyann sculpt (in the previous post) that was done by Jennifer Skidgel of Bunker Babies Nursery. She's one of the truly gifted artists of reborning.

The Art of Reborning

2010-06-10T13:06:00.000-07:00

Some time last year I decided I needed a baby to model my crochet and knit creations. I wondered how that would work, what with the unpredictability of babies not to mention that I'd need to work around their "eating/sleeping" patterns. The thought occurred to me that I might want to simply purchase a doll. Thus began my introduction to the fascinating art of "Reborning".

Reborn artists really have to love their work because completing a single doll can take 6 to 8 weeks from start to finish. With each progressive step, the doll begins to look more and more like a real baby. I'd like to introduce you to one of the dolls in my collection, a Shyann " created by master reborn artist, Jen Skidgel of "Bunker Babies Nursery".

Once the head, arms, and legs are washed clean of any residue, the task of handpainting begins. The baby is given thin coats of special paints which are baked on, layer by layer. Veins, shading, and creases are added to give the baby a more realistic appearance and after the artist is satisfied with the skintone, she can begin the task of detailing and "rooting".

Detailing involves applying eyelashes, sometimes one by one, eyebrows, lip shading and color, and sometimes birthmarks and/ or little scratches (little babies have really sharp nails). Baby receives a manicure and pedicure and eyes.

One of the most intriguing steps in this process is the "rooting" of the baby's hair. Mohair is most often used in this step and there are grades of mohair from "basic to best" (my wording). The best mohair is soft and silky and most resembles a real baby's hair. The process of rooting can take up to two weeks if done properly. Even with close inspection, it looks like the "hair" is growing directly from the scalp.

Finally, the doll's body can be stuffed with special materials to give it the weight and feel of a real baby and the head, arms, and legs are attached.

Once finished, you have a true work of art to be treasured for years to come. A true collectible from one of the best!
You can reach Jennifer Skidgel on her website at:
http://www.freewebs.com/jbbn/index.htm

Happy Birthday, Irelyn!

2010-05-03T16:41:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, to you
Happy Birthday, to you,
Happy Birthday,
Dear Irelyn

Happy Birthday to you!

You look soooo cute in your little clown hat. I hope you had a wonderful birthday.

Thank you for sending the customer appreciation photo. :-D

2010-04-04T02:21:00.000-07:00

Baby Mason

Happy Easter, Mason and thank you, Christa, for sharing pics of your adorable little man in one of my baby bunny hats!

Mason has the most beautiful big, blue eyes, doesn't he?

2010-03-28T04:54:00.000-07:00

Little Irelyn in her custom Bunny Hat

I always love hearing from my customers and I'm especially excited when I receive pictures of their sweet babies wearing one of my creations.

This is baby Irelyn (isn't that an ADORABLE name?) wearing a fuzzy pink flopppy-eared bunny hat. She has the biggest, bluest eyes and the sweetest face and I think she's on her way to becoming the next Gerber model.

Thanks, mom, for sharing your little angel with me!

2010-03-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

Introducing Baby Brooks

This is another of my darling baby customers wearing a baby bunny hat. His name is Brooks and he's just too adorable for words. His mama, Courtney was kind enough to send photos so we could all enjoy his sweet little face! Thanks, Courtney!

2010-03-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

Crazy Quilt

I saw a quilt years ago called a "Crazy Quilt" which used a free-form technique of simply crocheting whatever you felt at the moment. Each square, line, or squiggle was added to part of the quilt wherever you chose and the quilt grew until it was the size needed. There is no pattern and , I suppose, that's what makes this so much fun! You can relax and just see where the quilt leads you. I've been working on this one longer than I'd care to admit but each time I pick it up it appears new and I seem to see another part of it that I'd forgotten about creating. One day it will be finished and I'll mail it off to Chicago to a dear friend and fashion designer. I know she'll be shocked and, hopefully, very happy that she'll have a treasure to pass along.

Photography by Rachelle Yakubu

2010-02-16T18:21:00.000-08:00

Not too long ago, a very talented photographer, Rachelle Yakubu, asked me to crochet a basket holder and bunny hat for her photography studio. Today, Rachelle shared the results of that endeavor. Thank you, Rachelle, for allowing me to play a part in the beautiful works of art you create with your camera!

Enjoy, friends!

Welcome Reborn Artist Stacey Haskins

2010-01-02T17:01:00.000-08:00

This beautiful little baby was done by reborn artist, Stacey Haskins of Haskins Heavenly Babies. I fell in love with her sweet little face and the awesome job that Stacey did re-borning her. Just look at that hair, put in strand by strand. Stacey's a true artist! If you'd like to have one of her "babies" please visit her website at:

www.haskinsheavenlybabies.webs.com. You certainly won't be disappointed. Keep an eye out for this precious little angel to show up in my shop real soon!

2009-12-31T21:27:00.001-08:00

Lacy Bonnet circa Early 1900's

I found this pattern in a baby book of antique crochet designs. I made it larger to fit older children or adults.

I think it' would make an awesome

photography prop!

Gabrielle Elise & Madison Danielle

2009-12-28T00:08:00.000-08:00

It was a special birthday for two year-old twins, Gabby and Maddie so their grandmom ordered two of my "Hula Honey" skirts for the big day. Last year it was a Tutu birthday theme but this year the girls would be having an Hawaiian LUA!
My heart just melted when these pictures arrived and I just HAD to share them with you.
Thank you, Lesia, for sharing your beautiful grandbabies with me! They are absolutely adorable!

Baby Hat

2009-11-26T03:23:00.000-08:00

Photography props are really popular now! I've begun trying my hand at these by creating little cocoons and hats for baby's first photo opt. Here's my version of what a baby Viking would wear. (smiles)

New Designs - One-of-a-Kind

2009-11-26T03:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know what inspired me... perhaps the rain ( I LOVE it) or maybe it was those skeins of lucious yarn from my friend Laila (who goes by the name Rawfish on Etsy.com).. but, whatever it was, I found myself crocheting like crazy for several days! :-> These are truly OOAK because Laila usually only spins one novelty yarn and I adore her corespun yarns. Enjoy these two "Uniquely Ewe" designs featuring two of Laila's skeins.

Cleopatra 2009

2009-10-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

How would the famed "Femme Fatale" appear today?

Still commanding attention, for sure! Now, it's YOUR turn in a "Cleo" (may I call her that?) inspired capelet and head-covering complete with beads and bone-like buttons (from Italy, no less!) I found this enchanting pattern in an old crochet book and it tugged at my heartstrings until I made it. Enjoy!

2009-10-20T05:25:00.000-07:00

I always like to see photos of my custom orders and when I received this photo of CK's little birthday girl wearing the monkey and banana booties, it made my day! Isn't she THE most adorable little girl!

Happy Birthday, Sweetie and I hope you really enjoyed your "Ewenique" creation. :->

Sweet Pea in a Pod

2009-10-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

This is the second custom

order for a new baby boy

in West Virginia. I had

so much fun making the

leaves to go all around the outside of the cocoon. Two leaves adorn the top of the little cap as well. I finally wrote the pattern so I can duplicate it. :->

Raspberry Sherbert Cocoon

2009-10-05T23:56:00.000-07:00

There is a sweet baby boy in West Virginia who is going to receive this gift from his grandmama sometime this week. Ethan, I hope you enjoy your new custom design. Wear it in good health .

I love crocheting for babies!

2009-09-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Finally finished! This was a custom order for Bailey in New York. I can hardly wait to see a picture of her in her new dress. I know she's going to look super!

Just Call Me "Red"!

2009-09-26T03:23:00.000-07:00

Red is such a wonderful color! It's vibrant, powerful, and passionate and if you're going to wear it, get ready to be noticed.

Crochet cape with over-sized hood in, of course, BRIGHT RED! I used satin cording for curtains that I found at Hancock's and used it for the drawstring. Sold on Monday and off to live with a nice young lady in MI. :-)

2009-09-17T14:04:00.001-07:00

More pictures by Daniel. Isn't he talented and only a 6th grader! This young man has a bright future!

2009-09-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

This lovely photo was taken by one of my 6th grade boys! We have a lovely pond on campus that is visited by geese and cranes. It's a peaceful spot where you can fish or just watch the birds. Daniel captured it perfectly!

Bailey's Dress

2009-08-22T04:39:00.001-07:00

Bailey's Dress

Bailey loved her best friend's dress so she sent me a picture and asked, "Can you make a duplicate for me?" After weeks of collaboration, the lacey little confection nears completion and Bailey will have her wish. Now her friend can borrow the crochet version!

2009-07-25T05:47:00.000-07:00

I've been busy getting reading for Fall, my favorite season (closely followed by Spring). It seems I've had a creative streak so I've begun crocheting OOAK hat/scarf sets. One of my favorites sold almost immediately! Yipee!

Multi-functional scarves are a must for me, so I make them extra long so they can be wrapped around the head like a turban, placed under a hat and wrapped around the neck several times; you get the idea...

This one has gone to live at Harvard University (photo above)

"Plum Puddin" is still available. Check it out in my shop at http://www.uniquelyewe.etsy.com/

Reborn Baby Dolls by Amethyst

2009-06-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

This beautiful sculpt, called
Aubrey Lynn , was reborn by
artist, Amy Nelson. Little Aubrey
has become the latest addition in
my nursery of models for my
infant's items in my shop on etsy.

Isn't she gorgeous!

You can contact her for your own
custom order at :

www.amethystlaboroflove.etsy.com. or search for her listings on ebay under AmethystDawn.

Amy spends weeks creating each one-of-a-kind creation as each step in the process is done by hand, from painting layer upon layer to achieve a life-like complexion, to rooting individual hairs, 1 to 2 at a time.

How To: Circumference of crochet hats

2009-06-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to make a crochet hat without a pattern, but didn't know when to stop increasing? Here's a helpful formula I learned from someone at CGOA (Crochet Guild of America).

First, measure around the person's head. Let's say their head measures 22" around.

Next, divide the circumference by 3.14.

Example: 22 / 3.14 = 7

That means that when your circle reaches 7", stop increasing and work even until you reach the desired depth.

Happy crocheting! :->

2009-06-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

Bunnies, Bears & Babies!
One thing that I enjoy most is
crocheting baby blankets. Two of my most favorite are the bunny and bear blankies shown here.

My models are
Amber and Kennedy, two "reborn" dolls
I purchased on the Bay!

Spring Wedding - Part 2

2009-05-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Here Comes the Bride

Lovely little flower girl in soft pink crocheted gown, a longer version of the bride's top, sized to fit a little girl.

2009-05-02T03:43:00.000-07:00

Spring Wedding

She never knew how he'd felt about her all those years past. He'd made one feeble attempt to ask her out, saying something innocuous like, "May I call you sometime?" Back then, wounded and unwilling for a second try at love, she'd dismissed his request by simply not answering.

Their lives had spanned many years and many continents and she had not remembered him. He, on the other hand, had never forgotten.

And so, on that warm summer day when fate placed her face to face with him once again, she looked up into the warmest brown eyes she'd ever seen and he simply said, "Have you been looking for someone?"

If you don't believe in love at first sight, then you won't believe me when I tell you that she stood gazing into his eyes in a crowded market and saw noone but him. It was as if everyone and everything had faded into the background and just the two of them existed. This time they did not go their separate ways. No, this time, she actually saw him. And she knew, beyond a doubt, that she loved him.

Wedding dress crocheted by Jacqueline/ UniquelyEwe

2009-04-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Stephanie loves to craft and spend time with her two

younger sisters. Her love of travel has taken her to France, Spain, Italy, Peru, & Uganda.

In Uganda, she learned to make paper beads and while there she fell in love with the people and their culture.

Her goal is to return to Africa within two years and build a home for the elderly and /or orphans, as funds will allow. All proceeds from her online shop ,

Violent Green, will go toward fulfilling her goal. These beautiful photographs are from her shop. See more at http://www.violentgreen.etsy.com/ where you'll find more fine art photography and eco friendly jewelry.

2009-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

A Hike through the Woods

I went on a hike this morning... through the woods to the creek. The morning light, filtering through the branches, played here and there on the newly budded leaves. I know that soon the trees will be so heavy with leaves that the walk will be almost completely shaded.

Many of the older trees have lost their battle with the elements and have fallen by the way, like this one. In a way, it makes me sad to see such a magnificent tree lying on its side while others stand at attention around it. But, I hurry on because I know that the creek is not too far beyond.

Someone once asked what was my inspiration (to crochet) and I was hard pressed to answer because so many things inspire me -
Nature - beautiful trees and wildflowers
Music - Chopin, DeBusy, Mozart, Beethovan, Rachmaninov, Paul Taylor, Dave Koz, Anita Baker, Sade, Inner Expressions (soon to be released), India Arie, Jean-Luc Ponty, etc
Wildlife - bunnies, hummingbirds, cardinals, cats of all sorts, horses...
Rain - and the wonderful clean scent that follows
People - especially those who are not afraid to look and to see with their hearts as well as their eyes

So, I arrived at the creek and found it as peaceful as usual, its waters flowing gently down-stream toward the lake. No fishermen are here this morning so the creek is all mine. I feel rejuvenated after a few minutes here.

Along the way, several beds of wildflowers caught my eye, one tiny and white, growing up through the leaves of last winter. So dainty that I wondered how it found its way to the top. It smiled up at me and I took its picture. :-)

The other, growing amid a tangle of gnarled tree roots, reminded me of something someone once told me during the midst of a turbulent time in my life. "Bloom wherever you are planted!"

This morning was the start of a beautiful day. May yours be as lovely!

2009-04-22T06:14:00.001-07:00

Aloha!

This little outfit was sooo much fun to make. I've gotten orders to make two of the skirts for twins so I'm working on those right now. The big LUA for the girls is in June and their grandmom can't wait to present them with their very own hula skirts! I'm excited as well because I've been honored to create something ewenique for their special day.

Happy birthday, girls! Grandmom has promised to send pictures of the big day so be looking for them in June. :-)

2009-04-21T05:53:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it! I finished the dress last night. :-) I was even lucky enough to find the exact color of yarn ( yeah, I ran out and had to run to purchase more) to finish the last ruffle. Now, I've got to make a decision. The bodice is just a slight shade lighter than the rest of the dress due to a variation in the yarn, so I may hand dye the entire dress to get a uniform color. Afterwards, I need to crochet white trim around each ruffle, sew on the buttons and starch lightly so the ruffles will stand out a little. I just love this dress and now I want to make one in white. Well, not right away! Size: toddler 1/2

2009-04-09T05:21:00.000-07:00

Lilac Rose soap with real rose petals

DeShawn Marie

has been making hand-made soaps,candles, creams, etc for over 12 years. Having always had an attraction to nature, she enjoys "traveling to exotic places to collect ingredients and inspiration for" her wonderful line of products. One of my favorites is her "Lilac Rose" soap which will transport you to a walk in a rose-filled garden. You may purchase her soaps at

Gardenia Chamomille

http://www.deshawnmarie.etsy.com/

Coconut milk, honey,oatmeal & almonds

Or
follow her blog @
http://www.handcraftedsoap.blogspot.com/. Enjoy!

Lavender Rosemary

Indian Inspired Poncho & Skirt Set

2009-04-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

When I first learned to knit, I saw this beautiful pattern for a poncho and skirt. I really wanted to make it, but had no idea what I was doing. Thus began my adventure with two needles and a skein of yarn. After purchasing the yarn, I'd prop myself between several pillows on the couch and read directions about how to cast on, make a stockinette stitch and do something called duplicate stitich. Miraculously, I finished both pieces and they fit perfectly. It was the beginning of a love affair with yarn that has spanned many years and has given me countless hours of enjoyment!

Crocheted Booties

2009-04-08T13:21:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite items to crochet is
booties in the form of various
animals, like these elephants that
I designed for a student.

Bunny Booties are perfect for Easter. They have a little fluffy pompom tail at the back of each bootie.

These monkey & banana booties are another
favorite of mine.

All the booties can be made to fit infants to adults! What fun!

Cowboy Hats!

2009-04-06T13:21:00.000-07:00

I really like the way this cowboy hat
turned out and I've got yarn to make a
cream-colored one. I've also been
thinking about making one in black.

I love the way you can mold it almost
any way and it will hold its shape.
See both colors available on etsy @
http://www.uniquelyewe.etsy.com/

Bubbles Up by Bethie B.

2009-04-04T14:05:00.000-07:00

I found Bubbles up by Bethie B. quite by accident and I'm so glad I did! I've tried quite a
few of her hand-crafted soaps and I've never been disappointed.

I hope you'll visit her shop on etsy at
http://www.bubblesupbybethieb.etsy.com/ and try a few of my favorites, like

Chocolate Fudge ( top left) or Coconut @ right.

I'm sure you'd also like one of her newer soaps, Country Chunky Peach

(below) OR

Apple Crisp (lower left).

2009-04-04T08:48:00.000-07:00

Coming soon.... two of my favorite soap vendors on Etsy! Sometime over this weekend, I'll be collecting pictures from their shops and writing a little about each! Stay tuned! :-)

More DashnDazzle

2009-04-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

What extraordinary TALENT! I just
HAD to share some more photos with you! I love the eyemakeup on this one!

DashNDazzle even makes the gorgeous wigs you see on each
mannequin.

Each mannequin is
meticulously painted by hand.

Marilyn Monroe, as if you needed to be told!

I am in love with the work done by DashnDazzle! I wish I could own one of each but, alas, decisions, decisions!

You can find DashnDazzle at www.dashndazzle.com
or on Flickr under the same name.

The one, the only Cher!

2009-04-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Aspen Moon Arts

Exquisite yarn @reasonable Prices!

As she puts it, Aspen Moon was "enchanted with art of all forms" when she was younger.
Having been creative all her life, she paints, knits, weaves, quilts, makes jewelry and of course spins some of the most beautiful yarn on Etsy. Her biggest passion has been textiles for as long as she can remember , so it was only natural that she began spinning yarn, creating beautiful skeins like "Swirled Amethyst" (above).

A self-described "textile happy fool" Aspen Moon
has been spinning fiber since 2004 in East Tennessee where hand crafts are common-place. Her first drop spindle cost a mere $5.00 and by the second week of trying her hand at it, she thought, "Is THAT all there is to it?"

Spring Wish

Silver Cherry

Satin Earth

Cream-colored handspun llama

Lollipop Cloud

Visit http://www.aspenmoomarts.etsy.com/ to see more fabulous yarns!

Crochet Curtain

2009-04-01T12:21:00.000-07:00

I've worked on this curtain for quite some time now and I'm finally nearing completion of the squares. Pictured here is one square and then two, placed side by side, to give you an idea of how they will be sewn together. They form a very beautiful pattern when sewn together. After they are all sewn together, an edging is crocheted around the border.

Spring Cleaning

2009-03-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Spring has finally arrived and I've added a new line of crochet cloths to my etsy shop. They're in beautiful spring colors in shades of pink, blue, yellow, purple, and green. I like making them a little larger than usual because they're made of 100% cotton yarn so they're completely machine washable. They will last a very long time and clean up spills like you wouldn't believe! Use in bath

or kitchen!

Pink Party Dress

2009-03-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

Oh, what fun I'm having! I've been working on this adorable dress for a few weeks now, having to squeeze it in between work and life. But it's halfway finished and I couldn't wait to share it with you! I may have to hand-dye it because there's just a LITTLE variation in the pink on the bodice, although I purchased all the yarn at the same time.

I've got to make about 6 more rows of ruffles, then decide whether or not I need to dye the dress. Finally, I'll add trim and go looking for some really fancy buttons. Voilà!

More pics to follow.......

Meet DashnDazzle!

2009-03-28T10:50:00.000-07:00

DashnDazzle

From the very first time I saw a DashnDazzle mannequin, I knew I was looking at something that was extraordinary. Once I'd closed my mouth, I began searching for more information about this phenomenal young man.

His story is all about perserverance and a passion for his art form. You can read all about him on his web site at dashndazzle.com or browse open-mouthed through his photographs on Flickr. Which ever you prefer, you're sure to be amazed at his incredible talent.

If you'd like to take your business to the next level, whether your selling hats, jewelry, scarves, or wigs,a DashnDazzle will be a great investment piece that will last for years to come and never go out of style.

Also fond of doing custom work for private customers, DashnDazzle will transform your antique fiberglass busts or mannequins into works of art. Just contact him at DashnDazzle.com and get ready to be mesmerized!