art and tree chatter of aquariann

Treasury Tuesday: Steampunk Love

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:53:00 +0000

Wouldn't you love to get a steampunk gift from your valentine? Natalia has several unique ideas to wind up your heart, including a lace wrist cuff embellished with watch gears, a vintage inspired skeleton key necklace and my unicorn warrior magnet.

What new Etsy treasuries or Artfire collections have you curated or been featured in this week? Enter them into the Magical Linky below by typing the title of the treasury into the "Your Name" box, then pasting the treasury link into the "Your URL" box. NOTE: If you miss these instructions the first time and type in your real name instead of the treasury's name, don't fear! I'll fix it as soon as possible.

The only rule to participate is to click and comment on at least as many treasuries as you list, starting with the one immediately in front of your additions and moving on to the other themes that intrigue you. Adding the button below to your blog and using the network leafs at the bottom of this post to share this list with your friends and followers would also be wildly appreciated. The more, the merrier!

This Linky is ongoing, so come back to share and browse more treasuries any time! My dragon will guard them well.

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Giveaway Linky of Treasure

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:28:00 +0000

Ahoy, me hearties! Instead of burying yer treasure, add it to me giveaway chest so entrants can battle over winning yer prize. This be an ongoing linky, so me mates don't have to waste time adding a link more than once. I'll be updating the giveaway list every Saturday to feature a new booty of the week and remove expired giveaways, so please follow this format when typing the Name: Giveaway Prize Description (Month/Day It Expires)

Featured Booty of the Week:
Hearts Should Be Free Giveaway

Prize: Jewelry Item of Choice from Tiggy's House
Available: Worldwide
Deadline: February 16, 2012

Sail me button on yer blog at will. Pretty please with skull and crossbones?

Friday Finds, Human Anatomy Style: Heart Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:27:00 +0000

While searching for valentine accessories last week, several anatomical heart necklaces pulsed out from the crowd. Nobody seemed fatally grossed out about the brain necklaces I shared last May, so perhaps you will find these jewelry pieces just as fascinating.

I admit that my taste has a dark side - when visiting Las Vegas for my birthday next month, the Ogre and I plan to eat at the Heart Attack Grill, thanks to seeing a special on the Travel Channel. Don't worry, I won't be ordering the 8,000 calorie Quadruple Bypass Burger meal. A single cheeseburger and a handful of flatliner fries shouldn't stop my heart ... right?

1. Anatomical Heart Necklace in Sterling Silver by Laurel Hill

2. Preserved Human Heart in a Jar - Curiosity Bottle Necklace by Alternate History Designs

3. Anatomical Heart Necklace in Ruby - Fancy Brass Antique Anatomical Print Necklace with Chain by The Lysine Contingency

4. Anatomical Heart Cameo Necklace by Lithia's Creations

Handmade and Art Blog Links

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:26:00 +0000

I recommend exploring the following blogs for more art and handmade goodness. But first, don't forget to grab the code to one of my buttons at the bottom to use as a bread crumb back to my realm.
All About Cats will make you giddy with organic catnip toys and Etsy shop features.	The Elbit Blog revolves around riveting ramblings of the elfing artist Meri Greenleaf.
Faerie Fabulous Finds Bloggie ♥ Workshop is where fantasy meets handmade and reality takes on a whole new texture.	Faire Treasures Codicellus is riddled with ruminations of a costume obsessed photographer.
The Fairy Realm is aglow with unique handmade jewelry.	The Fantasy Art Blog updates every day at 0600h PST.
The Four20moon Tie Dye Creations blog will daze you with good vibes.	Custom and fantasy artwork by David Webb is graphitely glorious.
Love and Look Pretty is a go-to blog for all things sweet, simple, and fun!	The sweet bird behind KAW! Studios is an artist, photographer, dog-walker and aspiring wildlife biologist.
Mermaiden explores liminality with pretty words and stunning creations.	MiddleEarths Jewels shares precious treasures from beyond this Earth.
My Little Chickadee roosts in her handmade tree of travertine tiles!	Unique and enchanted jewelry pours lavishly from Rainwater Studios.
Shaelynn's Faerie Shoppe Blog is aflutter with art, crafts, jewelries, and ideas.	Stroll through two sisters' shared dream at Shamble Ramble.
The Spiral Moon Fantasy Blog revolves around myth and magic.	The ChainMaille Lady designs teeny tiny jump rings into gorgeous jewelry.
Tollykit's world abounds with chainmaille, jewellery, art and photography.	2 just B you is an online journal of a family's home-based small business venture and life events that happen in the meantime.

Remember how clapping saved Barrie's Tinkerbelle? Share one of my buttons on your blog if you believe in my fairies. Acknowledgment helps them glow brighter. Leave me a comment after you've done so and I'll rock my happy dance right over to your page.	<a href="http://blog.aquariann.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="the art and tree chatter of aquariann" src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/125x125-blog.jpg"/></a><br />
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Wordless Wednesday: Unicorn Fish

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

"Alice could not help her lips curling up into a smile as she began: 'Do you know, I always thought Unicorns were fabulous monsters, too! I never saw one alive before!'

'Well, now that we have seen each other,' said the Unicorn, 'if you'll believe in me, I'll believe in you.'"
- Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

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Treasury Tuesday: Feeling cold? Think HOT!

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:44:00 +0000

If you're feeling cold, Lynda Hayes has some igneous ideas on how to think hot instead. My fire dragon magnet is featured, along with The Phoenix, the first recycled sweater coat in an Epic Fantasy collection that I'd make mine if I had money to burn.

Treasuries shared by readers between January 24 - January 30

Feeling cold? Think HOT!
Freezing Rain ~ Jewelry Treasury Tuesday
Shining Bleu
Pink and Blue Just for You
Pink Roses are for Love Hopeful and Expectant
Moss Green
Oh, Tangerine from Argentine
lagomorpha
What is in Your Garden of Delights?
Baby it's Cold Outside!
Tangerine and Lime
Tea Time!
Love In All the Right Places
HIS
Fuzzy Wuzzy Was a Bear
TSunshine State- I wish I was here!
Fairies Dance in the Woodland
hot cocoa on a cold night
Find Beauty Wherever You Look

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your links in the current Treasury Tuesday Linky.

Friday Finds, Valentine's Day Style: Heart Brooches

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:02:00 +0000

I wasn't too fond of Valentine's Day as a teenager. For one, I was always single. For two, my birthday is only a week before February 14th so several times I received presents that were decorated in hearts - which only made me more angsty. Since falling head over heels for my Ogre, I've certainly changed my tune. I now embrace romantic accessories as handmade gifts, as long as they're uniquely lovely like these heart brooches I stalked down on Etsy.

1. Handmade Embroidered and Beaded Wool Felt Heart Brooch Lapel Pin - Valentine's Day - (Dark Red on Black background) by Creative Thread Boutique

2. Tin Heart Pin/Brooch, Inscribed With Unite, Passion, Joy or Spirit by Ruddle Cottage

3. Copper Heart Brooch. Copper Wire Heart Shawl Pin for Valentine's Day by Gypsy Moon Art Studio

4. Don't Lose Your Heart Brooch - Red & Blonde by smil

Giveaway: $25 Gift Card for Hair Accessories from Beautiful Swag Store

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:20:00 +0000

I rarely have the patience to do much more than brush my hair, unless I'm going out dancing. Then I gleefully dig through my treasure chest of beaded headbands and glittery barrettes for the perfect accessory to match my outfit. As you may have noticed, I have a weakness for sparkly objects. Sam of the Beautiful Swag Store offers plenty in her Etsy shop. Many of her flower hair accessories, like the feather fascinator above, include acrylic gems and rhinestones. She designs pieces for females of any age, from ribbon ponytail holders for little girls to wedding hair clips for brides.

Sam began crafting for family and friends. Her small homemade gifts were so popular that she was encouraged to share them online. The prices are very reasonable. She regularly participates in Saturday Night Specials - check her shop announcement every Saturday to see the deal available for that night only. She's also offering an exclusive 35% off coupon to my readers. Just use coupon code "UNDERWATER2012" during checkout before February 29, 2012.

One lucky soul will even win a $25 gift card to use in the hair accessories section of her shop. Use the Rafflecopter below to enter before 11:59pm EST on February 10, 2012. This is my first time trying Rafflecopter, so please comment on the post with your email if you're having any problems entering.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please convo aquariann.etsy.com if you'd like to sponsor a handmade giveaway. Item must retail at at least $25. Seller agrees to ship it directly to the winner, anywhere in the world. Hostess gifts are wildly appreciated, but not required.

Wordless Wednesday: Real Mermaid at Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:18:00 +0000

"In caverns cool when the tide's a wash,
I sound my conch to the watery splash.

From out their grottos at evenings beam,
the mermaids swim with locks agleam."
- The Mermaid by Walter de la Mare

Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

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Treasury Tuesday: Grape Jelly and Orange Marmalade

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:37:00 +0000

I'm usually a strawberry jam girl, but Meredith of Patchwork Crafters has me craving grape jelly and orange marmalade. Her vibrantly pretty treasury includes dragon kimono shoes, a colorful feather hat and my purple fairy magnet.

Treasuries shared by readers between January 17 - January 23

Grape Jelly and Orange Marmalade
sweet heart
When Valentine Dinner Plans Go Awry
Rain Dance
To Thine Own Self Be True
Hearts for Charity
Valentines 4 Charity
here there be dragons
Bluebirds of Happiness
Soft Spring
Precious Yellow Baby
Pink Roses are for Love Hopeful and Expectant
Black, white and red
Blue Dream
Fairy Tale
Beatrix Potter British Fairy Tale
For Mom on Valentine's Day
Love is the Answer
Red Hot Valentine
Time for some Necking
Heart of Gold
Cozy Warm on a Cold Winter Day
Pink Overdose
Into the Wildwood

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your links in the current Treasury Tuesday Linky.

Friday Finds, January Birthstone Style: Garnet Earrings

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:13:00 +0000

Valentine's Day is just a month away! Even if you weren't born in January, you may want to add garnet jewelry to your wishlist. The deep red January birthstone is a symbol of loyalty and affection when given as a gift. The gem can even evoke passion and sensual magic between lovers. However, if you're single and moping around about it - wearing garnet is also known to help overcome depression and protect against negative energy.

Garnet has been one of my favorite gemstones since I bought a unique poison ring as a teenager - the tiny red jewel hid a container that I filled with a pinch of glitter. I couldn't find any rings like it on Etsy, but my eyes fell for these gorgeous garnet earrings instead. Each pair of gems is coupled with hammered sterling silver.

1. Garnet Earrings Diamond Briolette Gemstones Oxidized Sterling Silver Triangle Hammered Metalwork by challenevi

2. Silver Earrings, Hammered Teardrop, Rose Cut Garnet Gemstones, Sterling Silver Posts by JamesCade

3. Hammered Sterling Silver Earrings Teardrop Garnet Cabochons Dangle by thalassa jewelry

4. Garnet Earrings Sterling Silver Hammered Discs by Designs by Candace

Wordless Wednesday: Red-bellied Piranha

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:11:00 +0000

"I knew we were having problems when you put those piranhas in my bathtub again."
- You Don't Love Me Anymore by Weird Al

Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

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Giveaway: Peacock Ore Necklace by esoteric HEARTS

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:12:00 +0000

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 278th commenter, Irene!

Preen your feathers, girls - this peacock ore necklace will give itself freely to only one of you. Jessica of esoteric HEARTS chose this incredibly iridescent blue pendant as a prize. The photograph doesn't show nearly as many shimmering shades as the stone actually possesses - the colors change constantly in sunlight. Jessica describes rainbow peacock ore as one of the most beautiful stones she's ever seen. She's attached the stone to a silver plated bail, strung from a 20 inch silver plated chain with a lobster claw clasp.

You may recognize the simply unique quality that the esoteric HEARTS piece exudes from my handmade trove - I was lucky enough to win a druzy geode necklace last month. Now I'm prancing about proudly because I get to host a jewelry giveaway for the designer. Jessica is a 21 year old college student studying lighting and sound technology with the dream to one day be a lighting designer for a famous rock band - how fun does that sound?! She crafts jewelry for herself in her spare time and has received so many compliments that she began selling her designs exclusively on Etsy last June.

How To Enter The Giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide. I will be pulling a number from my random.org top hat after 11:59pm EST on January 25, 2012, and the corresponding commenter will win! Jessica will contact that lucky soul for a mailing address. If she doesn't hear back from the winner within 3 days, a new number will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry: Swoon by the esoteric HEARTS Etsy shop then comment on this post with your favorite handmade item and a way to contact you, preferably an email or Etsy shop.

Extra Entries: Don't forget the mandatory comment before moving on to these! Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry to count.

1. Like that same item by using the facebook like button on the right sidebar of Jessica's Etsy listing and leave a comment here with the number of likes to the right of the button OR share it on your business page and include the link when commenting.

2. Add that same item to your favorites AND heart her shop. Leave a comment with your Etsy username.

3. Buy anything from her Etsy shop. Use coupon code ESOTERIC12 to receive 15% off. Leave a separate comment for every $5 spent.

4. Like this giveaway on facebook by using the like button at the bottom of this post OR share it on your facebook business page and comment with the link.

5. Follow BOTH @esoteric_hearts and @aquariann on twitter. Leave a separate comment with your own username.

6. Tweet ONCE about the giveaway using the one below or a variation of your own. Leave a comment with the link.

Enter to win a pretty peacock ore necklace by @esoteric_hearts! #Handmade #giveaway hosted by @aquariann ~ http://bit.ly/yMj1k2

7. Vote for my blog just by clicking Picket Fence Blogs. You may do this once a day.

8. Spread the word! Give this post a + 1 on Google or pin it to Pinterest. Click to share this giveaway on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, or Del.icio.us. I'll honor one entry for every networking website you share it on, just make sure to leave separate comments for each.

9. Reblog my post on tumblr, just leave a separate comment to let me know.

10. Blog about it or copy and paste the button code below to your sidebar!

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Please convo aquariann.etsy.com if you'd like to sponsor a handmade giveaway. Item must retail at at least $20. Seller agrees to ship it directly to the winner, anywhere in the world. Hostess gifts are wildly appreciated, but not required.

Treasury Tuesday: When Faeries Get the Blues

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:42:00 +0000

A few days last week were so dismally cold outside that it was hard to crawl out of bed. I just wanted to huddle under the covers and hibernate until winter loosened its frosty grips. Apparently I wasn't the only Fantasy Artist of Etsy missing the sun. AJ of Erthe Fae Designs was feeling just as blue as my ice fairy.

Treasuries shared by readers between January 10 - January 16

When Faeries Get the Blues
A Rainbow of Color - Delaware Etsy Street Team
Beauty for Valentine's Day
Dreaming Blue
Colors from DE
Sunny Yellow Baby - For Charity
Skinamarinky Dinky Dink, Skinamarinky Doo
Life is a cabaret ...
A Fairy in the pink forest of dreams
I Heart Valentine's Day
Valentines Day Gifts
Check Your Life
cool beauty
Dark Seduction
Be inspired!
Buy My Valentine
Chocolate Cream and Cocoa
Lauren Bacall's PJs

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your links in the current Treasury Tuesday Linky.

Free Giveaway Submission Sites, Blogs and Linkys

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

The following sites not only offer a gaggle of gregarious giveaways to enter - they also accept giveaway submissions for free! They've been a wild berry flavored gummy lifesaver in promoting the handmade giveaways I've been hosting. The first time I attempted a giveaway of my own, I barely enticed a dozen participants from my efforts on Facebook, Twitter and the Etsy forums. Now the giveaways I'm hosting for other shops are receiving over a hundred entries each. Giveaway Blogs Each blog receives submissions either by email or web form and transforms the information into posts of their own, for all their followers to graze.
Blog Giveaways' claim is true - everyone loves free stuff!	By Hand Giveaways is your daily source of handmade giveaways from around the web.
Etsy Giveways proves that the only thing better than buying handmade is winning it!	Button up with Free Handmade Giveaways!
Giveaway Sites Several of these require joining to submit your own giveaway promotions, but they're all free! Contest Chest is a treasure chest of contests for you to win. Contest Girl is one of the world's largest directories of online sweepstakes and contests. Contest Listing is a list of the best contests, sweepstakes and giveaways in US and Canada. Giveaway Scout scouts the web for the best deals. I Love Giveaways make giveaways simple! Online-Sweepstakes.com is the web's premier sweepstakes and contest directory and community. Tip Junkie LOVES free products and allows woman bloggers to post their own giveaways for free. Ongoing Linkys Linkys are simply lists of giveaways, where you can plug in your giveaway's name, end date, link and sometimes even a thumbnail and it'll magically appear automatically beneath the others.
Instead of burying yer treasure, add it to me Giveaway Chest Linky!	Kick the Monday funk with this Give It To Me Linky of great giveaways.
Link-up your giveaways every Wednesday!	I Wanna Win is a Wednesday Giveaway Linky for those who love to win free stuff!
Where's the Gold Wednesday links up giveaways from somewhere over the rainbow!	Frugality Is Free updates a fantastic ongoing giveaway linky every Friday.
Weekend Win It is hot - it's collected by a Florida mom.	Post Your Giveaway Linky's is the #1 place to find lists of giveaways!

Friday Finds, Zodiac Style: Chinese Dragon Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:31:00 +0000

Have any of your 2012 resolutions for the Chinese Year of the Dragon flourished or fallen yet? My goal to draw more birthstone dragons is taking off slowly - but I hope to put pencil to paper this weekend. I promise I didn't fix the results, but the poll votes on my Squidoo fantasy art lens are in favor of me drawing Amethyst, my own birthstone, next!

Before I become entranced searching for dazzling purple gem reference photographs, I decided to warm my eyes up on handmade jewelry. Perhaps these unique Chinese dragon necklaces will bring their wearers luck in the new year.

1. Chinese New Year Dragon and Jasper Necklace by Three Ladies

2. Fire Breathing Dragon Necklace by L Constructed

3. Yingtan Brass Chinese Zodiac Necklace by Anne Potter

4. New Year - Year of the DRAGON 2012 Carved Dragon Charm Necklace by Red Truck Designs

Wordless Wednesday: Silver Starburst

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 03:44:00 +0000

"They're typically seen in starburst galaxies, where there's a lot of star formation and large stars don't last very long. They typically explode soon after they're made — where 'soon' is a million years."
- Frank Marshall

Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

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Treasury Tuesday: Those Cold Winter Months

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:31:00 +0000

New Year's Day may have been unseasonably warm and beautifully bright, but the temperature has taken quite a dip in Delaware. But don't worry, Haley of Hayley's Paper Love has some great handmade ideas on how to conquer the chill during these cold winter nights. They include wrapping up in a handwoven scarf, sliding a crochet cozy around a cup of hot chocolate and curling up on the couch with a good book and my snowflake fairy bookmark.

Treasuries shared by readers between January 3 - January 9

Those Cold Winter Months
My Funny Valentine... Don't Change a Hair for Me
A Clean and Fresh Year
Celebrate a Happy New Handmade Year!
Happy Birthday, Garnet Girl!
Through a Woman's Eyes
Delaware Street Team January First Friday
Tranquil Beauty
Three Cheers To a Successful 2012!
Traveling Through Time ... See What You May Find
Smoke and Ashes
Pin Valentine with a Hint of Spring
Vegan, Healthy Lifestyle
Green and Gold

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your links in the current Treasury Tuesday Linky.

Hot Chocolate Fairy Drawing

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 18:42:00 +0000

The fairy watched hopefully as the human pulled a stoneware cup and saucer out of the cabinet. Her heart fluttered as milk was poured and warmed in the microwave. She was so hypnotized by the cup turning like a merry-go-round that she missed the magical cocoa powder appear on the counter. The fairy jumped when the microwave let out its shrill call, but crept closer as the human carefully removed the cup. Cocoa was whisked into the milk, then topped with a heaping swirl of whipped cream and sprinkled with cinnamon. The smell of sweet chocolate wafting through the air was irresistible.

The fairy buzzed wildly through the house, rang the doorbell and was back in the kitchen before the sound had even reached the human's boringly rounded ears. "Now who could that be?" the human murmured, releasing her grip on the handle she'd been about to pick up.

The human left the room and the fairy triumphantly dived toward the steaming drink. She hugged the cup happily, warmth filling every millimeter of her body.

Hot Chocolate fairy is inked with black Sakura Pigma Micron Pens and colored with Prismacolor pencils onto ACEO sized Strathmore Smooth Bristol Paper.

Art magnet available on Etsy.

Twirl over to Sunday Sketches to see more art by creative souls.

Friday Finds: Homemade Hot Cocoa Mixes

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 01:03:00 +0000

There's nothing like hot chocolate to help melt away the harshness of cold weather. This year I expressed my cocoa adoration in a fairy drawing. I finished coloring her in time to print on mini magnets for my coworkers' Christmas gifts last week and will be unveiling her to the rest of the world on the next Sunday Sketches. I fluttered around the office, giving everyone a magnet and a flavored Land O Lakes hot chocolate packet of their choice.

This week I took a stir around Etsy to get a taste of what homemade hot cocoa mixes are available. I wouldn't have been able to afford 30 of these delicious kits to give as gifts, but am considering treating myself. I usually top my hot winter drinks with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, but am intrigued by the handmade marshmallows. Aren't those starbursts adorable?!

1. Gourmet Hot Cocoa Kit - The Chocoholic by Danielle's Sweet Shop

2. Rich Handmade Hot Cocoa Drinking Chocolate for 2, Vintage Brown Mugs and Saucers, Sunburst Vanilla Bean Marshmallows by '83 Sweets

3. Gusto Holiday Beverage Set - Hot Chocolate, Mulling Spices, Apple-Clove Tea by Gusto Spice

4. Winter Snowflake Hot Cocoa/Hot Chocolate Cone Wedding Favor by LMK Gifts

Giveaway: Blue Mushroom Sculpture by Woodland Whimsy

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:30:00 +0000

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 16th commenter, Wendy Hatton!

Winter has barely begun, and I'm already dreaming of warm weather and greener grass. If you're feeling the same, don't despair - you could be the one to win this rare blue mushroom that won't decay or freeze, no matter the season. Meet Crystal, an adorable ooak needle felted mushroom by Shana of Woodland Whimsy. The white portions of Crystal's exterior are sheep's wool and the blue portions are hand dyed alpaca fiber. Her skeleton is needle felted fiber fill. I have no skills in creating three dimensional art, so the sculptures and art dolls by my fellow Fantasy Artists of Etsy amaze me.

Although Shana has been crafting practically her whole life, needle felting is a new technique to her. Last year her mom bought alpacas and their fleece encouraged her to learn how to felt. Needle felting is a process that uses a special barbed needle to mesh the fibers together to create a solid sculpture. It takes thousands of jabs to complete a project. Taking the fiber from its raw (and pretty dirty) state all the way to a finished sculpture is very rewarding for Shana.

Fiber isn't the only natural medium she transforms into enchanting handmade items. She is a gardener by profession, and reclaims branches that have to be removed for the health of the tree or the safety of elements surrounding it. She infuses the materials with her own magic by reshaping them into fairy cottages, gnome homes, wreathes and ornaments.

How To Enter The Giveaway

Giveaway is open worldwide. I will be pulling a number from my random.org top hat after 11:59pm EST on January 15, 2012, and the corresponding commenter will win! Shana will contact that lucky soul for a mailing address. If she doesn't hear back from the winner within 3 days, a new number will be drawn.

Mandatory Entry: Browse the Woodland Whimsy Etsy shop then comment on this post with your favorite handmade item and a way to contact you, preferably an email or Etsy shop.

Extra Entries: Don't forget the mandatory comment before moving on to these! Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry to count.

1. Like that same item by using the facebook like button on the right sidebar of Shana's Etsy listing and leave a comment here with the number of likes to the right of the button OR share it on your business page and include the link when commenting.

2. Add that same item to your favorites AND heart her shop. Leave a comment with your Etsy username.

3. Buy anything from her Etsy shop. Leave a separate comment for every $5 spent.

4. Like this giveaway on facebook by using the like button at the bottom of this post OR share it on your facebook business page and comment with the link.

5. Like the Woodland Whimsy AND aquariann Art pages on facebook for one extra entry.

6. Tweet ONCE about the giveaway using the one below or a variation of your own. Leave a comment with the link.

Enter to win a cute felted mushroom sculpture by Woodland Whimsy! #Handmade #giveaway hosted by @aquariann ~ http://bit.ly/sqLnEI

7. Vote for my blog just by clicking Picket Fence Blogs. You may do this once a day.

8. Spread the word! Give this post a + 1 on Google or pin it to Pinterest. Click to share this giveaway on Stumble Upon, Technorati, Digg, or Del.icio.us. I'll honor one entry for every networking website you share it on, just make sure to leave separate comments for each.

9. Reblog my post on tumblr, just leave a separate comment to let me know.

10. Blog about it or copy and paste the button code below to your sidebar!

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On Winter's Glistening Wings FAE Exhibition

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Pull on your cloak and crown - the air is a bit chilly in the last Fantasy Artists of Etsy exhibition of 2011. The Etsy Mini below is just a glimmer of the winter art, icy jewelry and fairy wings that can be glimpsed through the falling snow.

Wordless Wednesday: O Tannenbaum at Christmas Town, Busch Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:08:00 +0000

"Thy candles shine so brightly!
From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight."
- O Christmas Tree

Click to see more Christmas Town photos from Busch Gardens, Virginia.

Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun!

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Treasury Tuesday: Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:57:00 +0000

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon! So I've made a new year's resolution to finally give my Peridot dragon some company and draw more birthstone dragons. Melissa of Mayflower Market included my art magnet in her New Year's celebration, along with firework wall decals, a shooting star pendant and a make a wish necklace. I'd like to echo her message to all of you - Best Wishes for a Happy New Year! *throws glittery confetti*

Treasuries shared by readers between December 27 - January 2

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year
Jack Frost's Etsy Favorites
Come Play in My Fantasy World
Who else loves orange?
Reverie
Burgundy Desire
2012 - Party On!

Click the dragon below to promote
your links in the current Treasury Tuesday Linky.

Friday Finds, Peppermint Style: Christmas Hair Accessories

noreply@blogger.com (aquariann) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 22:53:00 +0000

While on vacation a couple weeks ago, I saw the Myrtle Beach Skywheel in the distance, aglow in the night. As we drove closer, the lights swirled in a variety of colors. My favorite combination was the red and white stripes that reminded me of a giant starlight mint. Although I rarely eat peppermint candies, my eyes have been craving the simple design this holiday season.

I combed through Etsy and found these delightful Christmas hair accessories! Wouldn't it be swell to wear handmade peppermint decorations in your lovely locks to a holiday party? You'd certainly be the most adorably unique fashionista in the room.

1. Peppermint Candy Fascinator by Look Coy

2. Peppermint Rosette Candy Clip by Sew Gurly Bowtique

3. Peppermint Swirl - Red White Christmas Holiday Headband by Bella's Bowtique

4. Merry Berry and Peppermint Hat/Headband by The Sunflower Stand