Thoughts on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and Handmade Finds

"I can recall my son reading Harry Potter books, when the series first came out. Now, while he only made it through the first three (then he felt reading was not the cool thing to do, even though now at the age of 23 he is reading again!! Yipee, but just not in public..ugh, and Dean Koontz books which I gave him a couple of years ago, but hey, he is reading just the same and has a love for it that is shared by me.

I began reading the collection about 4 years ago, and was hooked! I read every book in the series,,yes, I was one of the ones anxiously awaiting the final book, and have seen every movie. So, here, I searched through my fellow artisans work to locate some fabulous Harry Potter finds to share on the eve before the opening of the Deathly Hallows! While I do enjoy the books more than the movies, and the movies have gotten increasing darker to the point where my granddaughter is not thrilled about going to see this new release, I am still looking forward to seeing how they interpret the book and refresh my memory of the events that transpired for it has been a couple of years since I read that.

I hope you enjoy the finds and enjoy the upcoming movie.

Wizarding Finds of Harry Potter

  Curated By: NinasCD

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Anyone who went to see this movie, I would love to read your comments on it. Mine, I was disappointed, it seems all of the fun has been drained from the HP movies making them only dark, and dreary, definitely not one for the little ones.

Spooktacular Handmade Collection

Last Halloween, I was up in the Lake County, Orlando area and boy, do they know how to celebrate Halloween there, all of the homes were decorated to the point that I had to head out and get something for mine as well. Well, this year, I am in South Florida and the vibe is just not the same, it is a little sad, maybe it is due to the 80+ degree weather down here as opposed to the 60s a little further north, I am not certain, but am determined to enjoy Halloween just the same, so I decided to put together a handmade Halloween collection.

Now, to me, Halloween is the kickoff of the holiday season, right after Halloween we have Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years and we all know this time of the year goes by in a flash. I believe Halloween is thought of as all about the kiddies getting candies; however, this collection displays handmade items for everyone, including our pets. Okay, I know some of us consider pets to be our kids as well, except they don't eat candy, well, my little chi-chi will eat candy if she can, especially Sour Patch Kids, with popcorn! Here is a little something Spooktacular for all."

Spooktacular Spectacle

Curated By: NinasCD

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

Fall Into Autumn Handmade Treasures

I love autumn, it reminds me of my childhood in W.Va and the splendor of colors throughout the mountains as the leaves changed colors. It also contains Halloween, which seems to be an official "kickoff" to the holiday season, once Halloween hits, Thanksgiving rolls around, Christmas, and the New Year.

In celebration of all of the fall colors, which I no longer get to enjoy here in sunny, hot, humid, and actually in the midst of a tropical storm warning, South Florida; nevertheless, I can enjoy the change of colors through my fellow artisans. Hope you enjoy these finds as much as I do.

Mystical Handcrafted Broaoh

Fall ornaments

Autumn Rose Necklace

Handmade Copper Leaf Pendant

Autumn Wreath Made from a Repurposed Book

Coming up on the blog! Some Halloween finds and fun crafts and recipes to make with the kids!! Get out the sweaters kids, Autumn is here.

Win 1 of 5 IPads!

I love these things, well, I would love it even more if I actually had one!! I have been wanting one of these for quite some time, since I played around with it in the Apple store, I can use it for so many things. My mom even downloaded Skype on hers and called me using her Skype app. Well, you now can because Artfire is giving away five of these (one every day). Don't believe me, well, here read it for yourself.

Read more about the IPad here.

Any Artisans Want to Treat Themselves to an Early Christmas Gift?

Well dear readers, as you see, I have not blogged in a while. Unfortunately, my daughter spent 22 days in the hospital, 6 of which were in the ICU, over this summer due to an encephalitis she contracted which led to the need for her to have 3 lumbar punctures, a craniotomy with several brain biopsies, and a shunting. It was a long and difficult road to recovery which we are still traveling. This illness resulted in a severe reduction in vision that has caused her to be unable to see to drive, cook, read, or do most of the things we usually take for granted.

Life throws surprises and trials our way all the time; however, certain small things give me much joy, my granddaughter's hugs and songs, reading a great book which has always managed to clear my mind and take me away from any stressors, and being able to create things and work in my studio, both at home and my online studio.

Now, that my absence has been explained, let me divulge what has prompted my desire to write this posting, which will not be my last for anyone who has followed my blog knows that I love to promote my fellow artisans, now, I can have the opportunity to promote you as well because Artfire which is the host of my beloved online studio, is offering a sensational opportunity to those who love to create, or those who already have vintage items or supplies they would like to place in a user friendly online venue that boasts over 50 million potential shoppers monthly and consistently shows first in Google Searches.

For only $5.95 per month with no additional fees!!! Yep, no maximum number of listings, 10 photos per listing, no relisting fees, and no final value fees. This is not an introductory offer, but a price for life. You may cancel at any time. The normal price for a Pro Account is $15.95 per month, this is an incredible offer!

The Artfire $5.95 deal is for a Pro studio, not a basic run of the mill studio, but one that can be fully customizable by you complete with all the bells and whistles so you can create your own unique trademark in a friendly and informative community.

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity to make additional money for the holidays, spread your creative wings, meet some great folks, and have all of the assistance and support you need then check out the deal for yourself.

Father's Day Goodies

Father's Day is a bittersweet day for me, since my own father passed many years ago, he is terribly missed even now. I want to wish all of the special fathers a very happy Father's Day. Being a father can be a difficult role, if done properly, acting as provider, guardian, center of support, showing strength in the midst of caring. Here are some wonderful tangible handmade items for the special guys in our lives who happen to be great fathers as well.

Not your ordinary tie!!! This hand-dyed silk tie is stunning! Beautiful paired with a navy suit.

Chocolates just for him. This is some yummy fishing gear guaranteed not to make it to the boat!

This money clip shows where a parents' money usually goes!! Perfect reminder.

For the wine lover, a unique wooden handmade bottle topper

Is your guy not a wine type of guy, but a loves a cold one, well, check out this bottle opener.

Want something even stronger!! (but maybe want to keep that hidden) well, what better way than in a book!

This paperweight sums it up perfectly

Happy Father's Day guys, remember, childhood is quick but memories are everlasting.

Honoring our Heroes

While we may not agree with past or present wars, that is our option; to voice our opinions, to protest, to complain about the government and their handling of situations we feel strongly about; however, those rights are being protected by our soldiers. Many of them young men who have not even begun to live their lives, they are fighting and dying for our country.

Let's remember that is what today, Memorial Day, is about. Not only to have a long weekend, barbecue, and spend time enjoying our families. Let us remember are young men and women who are not able to do that, but are in a foreign country, missing their families, the comforts of life, and showing bravery in the face of what would be terrorizing for many of us. There are children who are missing their parents today, families who are struggling financially because soldiers, especially those young, new soldiers who are recently enlisted, do not make a descent pay check but have one of the toughest jobs I know.

My father was a veteran, and while he is no longer with me, having passed many years ago, he is always in my heart and thought. Today I would like to thank the soldiers and their families for their sacrifices, especially to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice; we love and support you and pray you return home safely and receive the honor that you so deserve.

This song, in honor of our country and soldiers, was one I recall being played constantly in the aftermath of 9-11. I could not think of a more appropriate song for today.

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Okay, we have all heard the saying "April Showers Bring May Flowers" but did you know that even though we may have heard our grandparents stating the obvious, it actually has been around a lot longer than just our grandfolks. In the mid 1500s Thomas Tusser wrote a collection of shorts, one of them simply stating:

Sweet April showers Do spring May flowers.

Now metaphorically, the meaning behind his rhyme was the fact that even the most unpleasant things can bring about something enjoyable......even though I do not find rain in itself unpleasant, especially a shower but not to "rain" on Thomas' parade, lets go along with the idea that rains are unpleasant....can't get that picture in your mind..okay, here is some help for ya...

I have no idea of what the guy in the boat is thinking, but I think unpleasant is what he is feeling. Now on to the May flowers....

Here are some offerings from my fellow artisans, and guess what!!!??? I am throwing one of my pieces into the fray this time!! Woo-Hoo...I know, you are unable to contain your enthusiasm right? Hey, wait a minute, don't click to another page yet!!! Prepare yourself to be awed........

Elf Gathering Flowers. Isn't she exquisite. I love the burst of sunshine in the background and the flowing movement of this print.

In keeping with the elf/fairy theme, if this gorgeous necklace does not satisfy your craving for flowers, well, I just don't know what to do. The pendent displays a fairy peeking through flowers, there are floral painted accent beads mixed amongst glass floral beads. Just lovely.

Want to share some floral inspirations with your guest. This lilac soap is the answer. Guess what, it does come in the gift box as well at a terrific price!

Okay, here is my floral offering. This is one of my absolute favorite pieces. The flow of the shoulder sash and bow in the back makes this a really stunning piece.

My GD receives so many compliments on this outfit, the perfect outfit for a spring outing or a cool, comfy outfit to wear to Disney.

Thank you, as always, for stopping by and here is hoping that the April showers are bringing bountiful May flowers your way!!

Here is one of my favorite songs about flowers from one of my favorite musicals, of course it is a Disney classic. Enjoy!

Time for Change

The beginning of the month was filled with a mixture of emotions, why, because of the inevitable change. My change consisted of a move and a downsize, both were welcome, but still moving from one place to another can bring both a sense of sadness and anticipation. I loved the place were I was staying, I enjoyed the semi change of seasons (for Florida, that is not often the case. Here is a view from out of the window of the new office space I set up for myself when one of my sons moved, I took over his bedroom with the great view.

I also love the sun that would stream in the windows in the morning, I would have coffee and enjoy reading in the sunshine in the loft many mornings; however, I think my little chi-chi and granddaughter loved the sunshine even more.

I had my granddaughter in quite a few activities there that we both enjoyed. She loved having her own room, even though she rarely slept in there, but still, it was her room.

It was strange to see the room so barren once all of her toys were packed away and the extra guest bed placed back up in the room.

The living room that was filled with laughter, dancing, singing, and plenty of movie watching also stood empty upon moving...

But now, here is the view out of my window and while I am in a smaller space, there is no shortage of love and I am ready to begin creating new memories.

Yes, change is a certainty, but it is what you make it out to be. This change is going to allow me to see my granddaughter more regularly, allow me to have extra funds because of the downsize to do things that I really enjoy doing, and to see more of my family. Oh, and what about this view folks?!!???

What a great place to work and live.