More Stocking Stuffers!!

The Unique Women in Business has so many wonderful ideas for the holidays.  Don't miss out on a single opportunity to browse their respective shops.  I have been ordering and perusing again today.  Now just wait until you see what I found!!

Kristen Stein Fine Art has some tremendous pieces of work she has made into various treasures.  I love to pick up her calenders when she has them in stock, but check out these great mirrors, what a special treat to slip in the stocking.

Fine Art Mirror

I have some of Kristen's work in my home and I receive so many comments when I have visitors.  Stop by her shop to see what other talents she displays.

I stopped by Grandma's Craft Garden and  fell in love with these candy cane dish towels (hey, I grew up calling them tea towels, anyone else??).  You can have their name on the towels!  How cool is that??

Dish Towels

Whether it is a new home or a more established one, we all need fresh tea towels.  Heh, heh, heh, worked that in now, didn't I??

Oh, I mustn't leave out all our little pets, especially since I have four grandcats, one granddog, and one grandbird; no, you didn't see any human babies mentioned here, but what's a momma to say?  Oh, I digress, anyway, I stopped by Rendachs Chilly Paws and found these:

Fish Bones Catnip Toy

Now won't I be the absolute BEST grandma if I stick some of these in the stockings.  At least the cats will like me!!!

Never, never, never let a stocking slip by without some jewelry stashed in the bottom!!  It is a must!

Love these pretty citrine earrings from Delicate Adornments and citrine is supposed to bring wealth.  I've often thought of sleeping with some.

Citrine Earrings

Audrey Garden Lady has some amazing finds, but I'm drawn to these amethyst earrings.  Amethyst helps with so many things, but one thing is to help with sleep; hmmmm, now I need to add some of this to my bed!

Amethyst Earrings

So lovely and they would fit perfectly into those HUGE stockings you bought thinking they were so pretty.  Really, they seem to grow as you keep sticking goodies in them.

Naughty and Nice got me sidetracked on my trek to filling my stockings . . . but I did think these lingerie bags would be a nice item for the stockings.  I have a couple and use them so much. 

Lingerie Bag

Okay, I think I may be finished for the evening, my selfish and curious side is heading back to the Naughty and Nice shop to peruse a little more! 

Stop by the Unique Women in Business Facebook page  My Unique Gift Guide for more ideas!!

Bridget's Daughter's Birthday

What do you get a sixteen year old with a vivid imagination?  One who is an avid reader??  One who is compassionate and empathetic to other people's trials and tribulations?  One of my favorite shop model's birthday was fast approaching and my mind was filled with ideas, but what would SHE like??  It actually has been awhile since I was sixteen, but I know some of the fun of the birthday is the element of surprise.  So, with that in mind, I made a decision.  A Harry Potter Potion's box--what else?!?!?

Clutching my precious bottles and treasures in hand I went to my friend's studio (Kathy Kaberline of KK Originals) for some fun in creating.  If I can't think of something, trust me, she can.  We took a couple days off from our usual art work to get to work on this latest project.  Wow!  Did we have FUN!!!  Okay, so I have discovered it really doesn't matter what your age may be, we still like to paint and get our hands dirty.

We both donned our aprons (just to make us feel a little grown up) and we got started.  We set out the bare little wood box and studied it.  I had an idea in my head about how I wanted the end result so we discussed the possibilities and went to work.  Now, you need to understand that it is ALWAYS best to try these new and creative things in Kathy's studio because she has always been an avid crafter and collector--so, her studio is like being locked up over night in Michael's or Hobby Lobby.  Whatever you need, she has, trust me.

I really should have taken pictures along the way to show our progress, but my hands were way too dirty to actually touch my camera.  So, you can hear about it, but not see it.  Sorry!

We sprayed all kinds of colors and all types of sparkle on this plain little wooden box.  Then we let it dry while we crumpled paper, then painted it, then dried it, then ironed it, and voila! a cover was born.  I did use the computer to make the labels so I would have the original Harry Potter print to make it more realistic.

But really, we couldn't just use plain paper for our labels--so we tore our labels out in some fun shapes, then we distressed them, sprayed them, sparkled them, and smudged them to create an old and worn look.

Getting packed to ship

Here's a little sample of the bottles and how they looked when I packed them for shipping.  I tried to stick little pieces of cardboard between them so they wouldn't break en-route. 

The finished box:

The green paint on the top was still wet when I added a little salt to make it disperse the way it did.  I thought it looked like a dragon when finished.  The little lizard next to it has a little dragon's egg under his chin.

The inside of the box:

This is the lid with Hedwig's feather and some pictures of the gang in potion's class, as well as, Hermione making the famous polyjuice potion in the girl's bathroom.

We crumbled paper, then pressed it, then painted it, then; well, you get the picture; to make her a journal for her potion recipes or for notes in class. 

Then we stamped and sprayed the inside pages to finish it off.

I think it turned out cute and it sounds like she liked it.  Here's a partial shot of the finished product.  Didn't really take enough time for pictures because I wanted to get it shipped to her in time for her birthday.

Did you see Scabbers??  He snuck into the box to hide.

Happy 16th Birthday to Bridget's daughter!!!  

Cyber Monday Specials from the Unique Women in Business Group

The Unique Women in Business group is a worldwide group of women supporting other women in business.  We teach each other, support each other, cry together over losses and failures, and we celebrate together our wins and achievements.  This group not only has a special website with items to help you make your holiday purchases called My Unique Gift Guide, but now we have a special event scheduled for Cyber Monday!!

We have put together a special treasury featuring all UWIB shoppes offering a 10% discount to all shoppers.  The coupon code to use is UWIBTEAM10 in any of these shops.  Now, don't think you need to just stick with the item featured in the shop--spend some time going through these unique shops and find some awesome treasures to delight your friends and family.  Don't forget to use the code for any of your purchases!  Now here is the link to the treasury:  UWIB Cyber Monday Treasury.

I spent a little time perusing their shops to come up with some great items for my list of needs.  Let's shop together!!

Let's stop first at the HandmadeBits4U shop for my absolute favorite purchase this year.  I'm picking these up for all of my family.  It is the greatest find and I use it so often.

Microwave Bowl PotHolder

 

 

Now let's go to ShantiAromatherapy for some good smells and aromas!!  Ahhhhh!!  So nice.  One of my friends has started to feel the wonderful side effects of menopause and is constantly having hot flashes.  So, guess what I'm picking up for her stocking??

Hot Flash!

RobinMariePedrero Arts is a mainstay in my shopping round.  Her artwork is so colorful and happy!  I think everyone needs a piece in their home.   With 10% off, how can you possibly go wrong??  She even makes cards, iphone skins, fine art bags, etc.  But this piece is calling me and I have the perfect recipient in mind.

Mariposa Butterfly in the Morning Light

JMJ Creations is a wonderful jewelry shop for the feminine woman in your life.  Everything she creates is so delicate and special.  I know, I know, I make jewelry, but come on--we all create different styles and I love to own hers.  So this holiday season will be a perfect time to get some of these special rings for my daughters, for myself, for my friends, for myself, for my cousins, for myself, oh you get the picture.

Amethyst Crystal Ring

Crazy for Collars has such special items for pets.  I personally own many of her collars, harnesses, and these adorable tags.  My little fur babies each have one on their collar with all the important info.   Now I think I will get some for gifts for my brother's dog, my mother's dog, hmmm, who else needs one??  Doesn't have to be for a dog does it?  How about a back pack tag for the kid's school pack?  They come in hearts as well.

Engraved Dog Tags

Honey From the Bee has some awesome nature inspired pieces in her shop.  I have selected this gorgeous piece because she actually made the pendant herself as well as the ribbon tips.  She is such an artist!

Gingko Leaf with Opal Silver Pendant

Vintage Day has a plethora of vintage items in her shop.  My daughter, Shilo, loves vintage and I know I will be able to find some great stocking stuffers in this shop.  I found this awesome piece that my imagination is tweaking into a great bridal piece, hmmmmm.

Pink Floral Barrett

Aquarian Bath is full of luscious finds.  You can just imagine the smells as you click through these pictures.  I love her flax seed pillows and plan to pick up a couple for gifts again this year.  They do come in different colors and they feel so wonderful, especially when heated.

Lavender Flax Neck Pillow

SerebaDesigns has some special and totally unique pieces in her shop.  She has a special knitted bracelet that is even being published in an upcoming book.  We anxiously await the book.  In the meantime, I found some super soft hand knit scarves for the cold winter ahead.

Lavender Pink Scarf

PreciousDesirables offers a variety of hand painted items, candles, glasses, and other fun items.  I have selected this gorgeous light switch plate cover as a gift for a friend in a new home.  I think it will add some lovely flowers to the room each time she turns on the light.

Rose Design Light Switch

ChicArtistique has some intricate pieces of jewelry in her shop.  What a fun to see how other artists create such special pieces with wire and crystals.  I absolutely love this necklace and I know it takes a true artist to make it so spectacular.  I can't wait to give this as a gift.  And she has reduced the price!!!

Tree of Life Pendant Necklace

EarthExpressions creates a variety of zen and nature inspired items.  She has handmade soaps and some awesome polymer clay pieces.  Here's a unique piece that is fashioned in the technique called Mokume Gane.  I am so intrigued that I must get one of these.

Chameleon Abstract Pendant

CapeCodJewelry fashions her pieces with visions from the sea.  It all has such a strong current to it that you can actually hear the sea gulls overhead as you shop in her boutique.  I am torn in many directions, but think this bracelet may be the perfect gift for the next person on my list.

Cape Cod Style Seashell Bracelet

Last, but not least, let's check out my shop, Momma Goddess, I have been experimenting with silk and colors.  Check out my silk scarves for the perfect gift for that hard to buy for woman.  I can make shawls or ponchos as well.

Great Barrier Reef

So, listen up everyone, tomorrow is Cyber Monday and you need to take advantage of these special women and their awesome sale just for the day!!! 

Remember, use coupon code UWIBTEAM10 in any of these shops to receive 10% off.  Go to this treasury:   Cyber Monday Holiday Deals 10% Off UWIB  to get started or to finish that holiday list.  The days are ticking away from you.  I believe there are just 27 days left.

If you are interested in joining our group, be sure to contact me and I'll hook you up.

Happy Holidays!!!