Happy Almost Spring

It feels like it is Spring Time in Mississippi.  There are flowers blooming and I have my air conditioning on today!!  I even edged around my house.  This gorgeous weather makes it possible to work out in my ceramic shed also, so I've been pouring some new things and working with clay.  Happy Days!
Here is one of my newest listings on Etsy!.

Wine Colored Votive Holder

I hope everyone has a great day!!

Blessings and Peace,

Jill

Almost Christmas

Almost Christmas

It's almost Christmas.  Isn't it interesting how our perspective on holidays changes as we get older?  I remember being a little girl, waiting eagerly for presents and Santa Clause.  Waiting to see family members we only saw during holidays.  I remember my father coming in to tell us that Santa was just down the street and we'd better get to sleep or he would pass us by.  Now really, what kid could sleep with all that excitement?

Then I was the mother, decorating the tree and shopping for presents for my own children, and my family of origin.  I remember when my girls were small, I could take them to the toy store with me and get their presents, because they'd never remember what I'd gotten.  I remember my husband and I staying up late to place items in the stocking, and Santa's presents under the tree.  I remember lying in bed listening to children sneak out of their rooms to see what Santa had brought them.

I'm pretty sure they knew early on who Santa was, but we played the game and when they asked me, I told them Santa was the spirit of love and giving that lives in all of us.

Now 2 of my children have moved away and married.  I have one teenage son at home and no husband. My son is only excited that he's off school, and that he'll get some things, hopefully money, for Christmas, so he can buy what he wants.  Part of Christmas is that my coworkers with small children will be off, and I'll be working with less assistance.  Part of it means there are lots of parties to go to with the man I'm dating. That part is fun!   


There is not that same feeling of anticipation  and magic that there once was.  I won't have any extra relatives here for the holidays, and my friends will be busy with their families.  My son will probably stay in his room with his computer and phone, hoping to hear from his friends, the people who have become more important in his life.

I will take this time at Christmas to reflect on the miracles and happiness of the year, as well as the sadder things that have happened.  And I will be thankful for each as they can make me into the best person I can be. I will take time to decide which directions to take in the new year, and how best to accomplish my goals.


Father/Mother God, thank you for my friends and family, for the bad and good things in life, and for the lessons they teach.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is coming and this Santa is getting ready.  He's checking with his kitten friends to see what they would like.  I think the little one is whispering to him that she wants a new home with someone to love her.

Handmade Ceramic Santa with Cats

These little snowmen are busy proclaiming to happy thoughts associated with the holiday season.

Handmade Ceramic Love and Joy Snowmen

Holiday decorations add to the spirit of the season.  Bring one of them to your home soon.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

More Meaningful Gifts

I have had the pleasure of associating with a wonderful group of Etsy sellers who post in the More Meaningful Gifts BNR.  Basically, a BNR (Buy and Replace) consists of  a group of people whose names are on a list.  They promote each other and have a lot of fun chatting.  In order to be included on the list, you have to buy from one of the sellers.  Then your name replaces their name and they have to buy from someone in order to get back on.  And so it goes.  And it's gone for 2 years now with the Most Meaningful Gifts BNR.

This group was started by a lady named Dorana.  She has a lovely shop with her designer gemstone and sterling silver jewelry.

gemstone-and

http://www.etsy.com/listing/11849956/purple-passion-double-strand-bracelet
I love the colors in this bracelet.

Ulixis Crafts  is another active member of MMG who sells beaded jewelry.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/44728771/onyx-damask-beaded-silver-necklace-with
I love the pattern on these beads.  She has an amazing assortment of jewelry.

MooreTaste is a jewelry creator from Australia who does lovely metal work.  I can imagine her hammering metal to get just the right texture for a piece.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56217447/bold-hammered-brass-cuff-gemstone-and
Kara Lennox is one of the original members of MMG, and the person who originally told me about the group.  She has fun crocheted jewelry and notebook necklaces, ACEO's and more.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/55531583/nubby-crochet-button-bracelet-in-bright   Her work is bright and fun!

Galla15  has gorgeous jewelry in her shop.  I'm partial to her rings, and am the happy owner of one of them.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51047209/swarovski-elements-volcano-ring-triangle
I love the way she wraps the wire around the crystal.  Her rings are delicate and lovely.

There are more jewelers in this group, and artists of all kinds.  To check them out, visit this thread on Etsy.
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6624307&page=1

Blessings and Peace
Jill

Coquette Bath

I wanted to mention a website I just found.  It's Coquette Bath..  I first met Coquette on Etsy and discovered her Etsy shop, CoquetteBath where she sells a great assortment of bath and body products, as well as scented candles.

Her online store is adorable, with a great assortment of soaps, lotion bars, lip balms, perfumes and body sprays, bath bombs, and scrubs to choose from.  She also has scented candles, nugget wax melts, fragrance oils, sachets, and travel candles to make  your enviroment extra special.  Coquette Bath offers a wide assortment of scents, too many to mention, with her products.

http://www.coquettebath.com/product_info.php?cPath=26&products_id=122

I'll bet these Plumeria Sugar Cube Scrubs are wonderful.  I love floral scents!

Stop and visit Coquette Bath at her website and in her Etsy shop!!

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Sensational Sunday

Sundays are made for the wonderful, beautiful, sensational things around us.  I am always struck by the beauty around me in the world, and I go out of the way to look for beautiful things.  Here are some sensational things from some of my friends on Etsy.

"Got Carrots" is one of my favorite paintings from YankeeGirl's Watercolor & Photography.  I love the way this little horse is looking over the fence.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52373112/got-carrot-original-watercolor-painting

I can just imagine the way his lips would gently take the carrot from my hand!!

"Moon, Dream Catcher, and Wolf" is a lovely digitally created piece by Van Street Design.  She describes the Native American traditions regarding dreams, the wolf, and the moon.  The colors are gorgeous!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/43409858/moon-dream-catcher-and-wolf-5-x-7

Nature in Pastels is another wonderful artist.  Her flowers and scenes look so soft and delicate.  I especially love this Blue Hibiscus.  Do you remember drawing with those pastel chalks in school?  Nothing I did looked remotely like her work.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/29149981/pastel-blue-hibiscus

"Standing Watch" is part of Fauve Studio's tree series.  This piece is done in water colors, which I have a weakness for.  Trees seem so wise to me, and I wonder what they would tell if they could speak.  This tree has some lovely Fall colors, making me anticipate cooler weather.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/17171747/standing-watch-original-watercolor-tree

These artists are a few members of the BBEST Team on Etsy.  Our team has lots of talented individuals.  Look for beauty by searching for Bbest Team.

Blessings and Peace,
Jill

Lonely Trees

I have 2 new listings with the Lonely Trees theme. They are not exact matches, but compliment two previous listings I had with the same theme. One is a votive holder. I love votive holders and candles. Candles have always seemed a little magical to me, and I frequently use them when I’m meditating or praying. I think the tree has a meditative quality about it as well.

Lonely Trees Votive Holder

I also have a coffee mug with the Lonely Tree. Drinking coffee in the morning is a special time for me and I do find myself heading for my favorite mugs for my coffee.

Lonely Trees Mug

Visit my Etsy shop for other great ceramic items!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JillsTreasureChest
Blessings and Peace,

Jill"