Michon Jewelry Blog » 12 days

Art and Photography – 12th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 19:06:41 +0000

I am a HUGE fan of people who can draw and paint, and come up with a final piece that doesn’t look like a preschooler made it. I’m not one of those people. (My husband is, though, and you can check out some of his past work at Southwestern Voodoo.)

Having also spent many, many hours working on becoming a better photographer (and a long way to go to get where I’d like to be), I’m also in awe every time I see a really gorgeous photo. It doesn’t even matter to me if it’s been digitally altered or not – the skills some people have with photoshop and similar programs is an art in itself!

So, for my final gift guide, I’d just like to point out a few talented artists and photographers I’ve become a fan of since I got involved with selling on etsy. If your taste differs from mine, all you have to do is browse the art and photography categories there to find something that would be perfect to hang in your living room.

Photo by Lorissa Longfellow

Lorissa Longfellow takes beautiful photographs and has spent a lot of time on Route 66 – in her shop you can find images of flowers as well as Americana from her travels, and more.

Abstract by Bobbi Chukran

Bobi Chukran is a multi-talented artist who paints and does hand-pulled linocut prints. I own a couple of her small abstract pieces and I love them.

Photo from Designs by Victoria

Victoria, jewelry maker behind Designs by Victoria, makes some beautiful digitally altered photos.

Photo from Allie Art for Children

Allie of Allie Art for Children takes fantastic photos, and I think the way she alters them is genius.

Look what Marisa Hopkins of Elegant Snobbery does with colored pencils. Her shop is closed for the moment, but you can see lots of her artwork on her blog. I had no idea colored pencils could be blended, and her prints make perfect decorations for a nursery or kid room – I should know, being the proud owner of two of her sock monkey prints!

Those are just a few of my favorites. Here’s a little list of links to some other great etsy shops if you feel like more browsing….

Apple Loves Orange
McIsaac Art
The Dreamy Giraffe
Echos Art
Jennifer Dennis Potter
Natural Artist
Madrin Photography

Know another great etsy artist I should check out? Tell me in the comments, I’ll update the list!

Let it Snow – 11th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 09:35:50 +0000

It’s like an early Christmas miracle – it snowed in the bay area this weekend! So it seems very appropriate to be sharing some of my favorite icy cold winter white items in the gift guide today.

Set of Fine Art Photos by LJ Design Photo

The two photos above come as a set from LJ Design Photo

Holidays

Shopping info for Holidays:
(1) Icy Rose Photo by Valian Studios
(2) Baby Photo Prop (Hat) by Fuzzy Lumpkin Crochet
(3) Papier Mache Snowballs by Handmade by Anne Potter

Jewelry on Ice

Shopping info for Jewelry on Ice:
(1) Seaglass Pendant by Adroit Jewelers
(2) Frosted Glass Necklace by Pole Star
(3) Opalite Necklace by Sending Love Gallery

Winter Whites

Shopping info for Winter Whites:
(1) Neckwarmer by Phydeaux
(2) Armwarmer by Jdiza Clothing Co
(3) Photo by The Happy Soul
(4) Snowball Earrings by Erika Price

Cool Blue

Shopping info for Cool Blue:
(1) Earrings by Ooooh Shiny
(2) Photo by Metal Leaves
(3) Baby Blanket by Victoria Logan

Later this week: check back in for the gift guide finale, which will feature a few of my favorite painters, printmakers, photographers, and illustrators!

Jewels: 10th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:19:29 +0000

Today it’s all about the bold, beautiful colors of gemstones! I found lots and lots of jewelry (more than I had time to include, sadly), some with real gemstones and some with less expensive materials but the same gorgeous colors – so there should be a jewel for everyone’s gift giving budget here.

Let’s start with a few beautiful gemstone rings….

Rings

Shopping info for Rings:
(1) Set of 3 Stacking Rings by One Garnet Girl (be sure to browse her shop for *lots* more styles and colors of gemstone rings!)
(2) Peridot ring by Little Bug Jewelry
(3) Garnet Ring by The Bead Girl

Purple and Blue

(1) Sea Glass Necklace by Adroit Jewelers
(2) Amethyst Necklace by Michon
(3) Blue Flower Necklace by Sending Love Gallery

Colorful

Shopping info for Colorful:
(1) Ruby Ring by Seababe Jewelry
(2) Lapis Ring by Alex Shar Designs
(3) Pink and Purple Glass Earrings by Erika Price

Beaded Bling

Shopping info for Beaded Bling:
(1) Gemstone Reversible Necklace by Lsuezabo
(2) Green Beaded Necklace by Lisa Ferrin
(3) Green Quartz Necklace by Pole Star

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree: 9th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:14:25 +0000

This whole 12 Days of Christmas shopping guide was inspired (obviously) by the song, so I couldn’t leave out birds and trees! Enjoy these handmade items all weekend long, and I’ll be back Monday with some fabulous finds in jewel tones.

Jewelry

Shopping info for Jewelry:
(1) Twitter Earrings by Flaunt Designs Jewelry
(2) Oak Tree Necklace by Lulubug Jewelry
(3) Jewelry Display Tree by Tim Adams

Dress Yourself

(1) Organic Cotton T-shirt by Uzura
(2) Leaf Necklace by Dammas
(3) Bluebird T-shirt by Winklepots

Bluebirds

Shopping info for Bluebirds:
(1) Bluebird Necklace by Erika Price
(2) Hemp and Wool Shoulder Bag by Uzura
(3) Bird Magnets by Crowbiz
(4) Nest Necklace by Silver Smack
(5) Linocut Print by Bobbi Chukran

Christmas Trees

Shopping info for Christmas Trees:
(1) Christmas Tree Soap by Angel Scents
(2) Green Tree Christmas Card by Spring Blossom Design
(3) Colorful Tree Card by Crafted by Design (part of a set – includes other images)

Art & Jewelry

Shopping info for Art & Jewelry:
(1) Tree Necklace by Swerve Stitch
(2) Art Prints by Wing and Willow

Pamper Yourself: 8th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:40:06 +0000

With all this gift shopping, cold weather, and the demands of your normal life, you could probably use a spa day right about now. Treat yourself (and a friend?) to some of these handmade bath and body products, and take some time out to relax!

Fresh and Clean

Shopping info for Fresh and Clean:
(1) Chamomile Soap by DaisyWares
(2) Roll On Perfume Oil by Flame Works
(3) Green Tea Citrus Soap by Soapy Pleasures

Rejuvenate

Shopping info for Rejuvenate:
(1) Body Butter by Flame Works
(2) Sleepy Time Night Serum by Daisy Wares
(3) Cream and Sugar Scrub (Sandalwood) by Heathen’s Hearth – while you’re there, check out the gift basket selection!
(4) Christmas Tree Soap by Smiley Moo
(5) Zen Tea Soap by Flame Works

Now that you’re clean and smelling lovely, how about a little makeup?

A smoky eye is always glamorous at holiday parties:

Smoky

Shopping info for Smoky:
(1) Mystery Woman Eye Shadow Set by Pure Natural Minerals
(2) Eye Shadow Kit for Blue Eyes by Pink Quartz Minerals

Or if you prefer a little more color….

Colorful

Shopping info for Colorful:
(1) Red Sparkle Eyeshadow by Pure Natural Minerals
(2) Make Up Kit – You Choose the Colors by Pink Quartz Minerals – this one is going on my wishlist – 10 jars of *any* makeup sold by Pink Quartz, including foundation, blush, eye shadow, etc.

The featured shops today carry a wide variety of pampering products – take a look around for more treats, including gift baskets, lip balms, lotions, and complete lines of makeup including foundation, blush, and more.

Gold: 7th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:11:47 +0000

Golden Jewels

Shopping info for Golden Jewels:
(1) Silver Hoops with Gold Discs by Isuezabo
(2) Infinity Ring by Seababe Jewelry
(3) Tutorial to make these Sunflower Earrings by Yoola

Silver and Gold

Shopping info for Silver and Gold:
(1) Golden Freshwater Pearl Earrings by Michon
(2) October Night Earrings by Jowful Crow
(3) Gold Simplicity Earrings by Adroit Jewelers
(4) Deer Head Pin by Modern Meets Whimsey
(5) Escaping from Noir Wallhanging by Studio Musings
(6) Silver, Pearl and Gold Ring by KH Metalwork

Memories

Shopping info for Memories:
(1) Love Knot Necklace and (2) Hammered 18k Hoop Earrings by Hartley Studio
(3) Journal by This is It – to capture all your memories

Steel, Wool, and Glass

Shopping info for Steel, Wool, and Glass:
(1) Knit Flower Pin by Klymyshyn Design
(2) Steel Ring with Gold Inlay by Isuezabo
(3) Knit/Fabric Wallet by Robins Flight
(4) Symphony Opus 44, Glass Bead Necklace by Erika Price
(5) Czech Glass Teardrop Earrings by XAAX Designs

Decorate Your Home: 6th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:30:57 +0000

Now that you’ve bought some fabulous clothes, jewelry, and accessories, don’t forget about decorating your home!

Dramatic Touches

Shopping info for Dramatic Touches:
(1) Pink Rubra Tillandsia by Fantasy Plants
(2) Recycled Bottle Spoon Rest Set by Combustion Glassworks
(3) Wet Gerber Fine Art Photo by LJ Design Photo

Holiday Decor

Shopping info for Holiday Decor:
(1) Jolly St. Nick Papier Mache Sculpture by Brown’s County Originals, made from recycled newspaper
(2) Felt Wool Bowl by Valeries Gallery
(3) Recycled Lightbulb Snowman Ornaments by Empty Nest Crafts

Brighten Your Day

Shopping info for Brighten Your Day:
(1) Blue Coiled Fabric Basket by New England Quilter
(2) Cubism Geometric Plate by Combustion Glassworks
(3) Set of 2 Prints, Captain Frederick Frog and Lady Imogen, by Elegant Snobbery

Red and White

Shopping info for Red and White:
(1) Crane Ornament by Local Colorist
(2) Red and White Flag Bunting by Giggleberry
(3) Toile Table Cover by Custom Designs 4 U by Nan

Accessorize: 5th Day of Christmas (Shopping)

Leah — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:40:06 +0000

When you see the fabulous accessories I’ve found, you might be tempted to buy them for yourself – but don’t forget to keep your friends in mind too!

Not-at-all Basic Black

Shopping info for Not-at-all Basic Black:
(1) Ankle Corset by Totus Mel – it’s hand tatted. It’s gorgeous. You know you want it, and these to go with it:
(2) Plum Scarf by Phydeaux
(3) Sequined Leaf Headband by Looks Good

Warm Up

Shopping info for Warm It Up:
(1) Brown Scarf with Pom Poms from Little Brown Bird
(2) Petals Bobby Pin by MGM Art
(3) Green Paua Bobby Pins by Emotional Oasis

Ethereal Beauty

Shopping info for Ethereal Beauty:
(1) Key Lime Flower Hair Clip by Little Brown Bird
(2) Gingerbread Fairy Wings by On Gossamer Wings
(3) Mistletoe Bobby Pin by MGM Art

Splash of Color

Shopping info for Splash of Color:
(1) Peacock Fascinator by Chamberry Cherry
(2) Le Jardin Clutch by Ma Belle Cherie
(3) Zip Tote by Garden Cris 27
(4) Stiletto Charm Necklace by Isuezabo
(5) 5 Pocket Expandable Tote by Garden Cris 27 – this would make such a chic diaper bag!

A Little Lime

Shopping info for A Little Lime:
(1) Floral Zipper Pouch by Mary Mule
(2) Recycled Sweater Purse by Expression 2009
(3) Lemon Creme Pie Parasol by Designs by Victoria
(4) Baby Hat by Acrylic and Steel