Great article on Etsy!

I came across this wonderful article about etsy... check it out!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/fashion/17etsy.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&no_interstitial



I really like the last paragraph:
Still, the challenge is to find balance. “What’s the point of doing something you love,” she asked, “if you are too exhausted to do what you love?”

A video worth watching - amazing!

Dont dare to miss this amazing Video Clip ... but first read the following...

This video shows the winner of "  Ukraine 's Got Talent", Kseniya Simonova, 24, drawing a series of pictures on an illuminated sand table showing how ordinary people were affected by the German invasion during World War II. Her talent, which admittedly is a strange one, is mesmeric to watch.

The images, projected onto a large screen, moved many in the audience to tears and she won the top prize of about $130,000.00

She begins by creating a scene showing a couple sitting holding hands on a bench under a starry sky, but then warplanes appear and the happy scene is obliterated.

It is replaced by a woman's face crying, but then a baby arrives and the woman smiles again. Once again war returns and Miss Simonova throws the sand into chaos from which a young woman's face appears. She quickly becomes an old widow, her face wrinkled and sad, before the image turns into a monument to an Unknown Soldier.

This outdoor scene becomes framed by a window as if the viewer is looking out on the monument from within a house. In the final scene, a mother and child appear inside and a man standing outside, with his hands pressed against the glass, saying goodbye.

The Great Patriotic War, as it is called in Ukraine , resulted in one in four of the population being killed with eight to 11 million deaths out of a population of 42 million.

Kseniya Simonova says: "I find it difficult enough to create art using paper and pencils or paintbrushes, but using sand and fingers is beyond me. The art, especially when the war is used as the subject matter, even brings some audience members to tears. And there's surely no bigger compliment."

Please take time out to see this amazing piece of art.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=vOhf3OvRXKg

Great Holiday Gift Ideas!!!

Still doing your holiday shopping like me? Every year I plan to start early, and yet I still start mid-December heehee! Well thankfullly for you, there are still plenty of fantastic gifts available in my etsy shop!

The perfect gift for your favorite hostess! Beautiful beaded pie/cake servers and glassware will make a fabulous treat for yourself, or a hostess, housewarming, birthday or holiday gift!
So beautiful on your holiday table! Each piece is unique and one-of-a-kind.

Cute botanically inspired jewelry!
Check out this adorable sterling Pine Cone!


Beautiful bracelets! These bracelets will brighten up your wrist and add the finishing touch to any outfit!








Have a great holiday season everyone!! :)

Skydiving and Drag Queens...

I've skydived and shot a gun, but I could never had said that I've worked a party with a Tupperware selling Drag Queen! But now I can! Me and "Aunt" Lola Cabana worked a home party last Friday...what fun! He was a trip!  He does very well and I can see why, what a great personality!  The party was a huge success, and a big thank you goes out to the hosts, Dianna and Gail!

A photo of my mom and Aunt Lola! (not liking my chin in this one lol)

No Yolk Deviled Eggs

Not only are these better for you than traditional deviled eggs, but if you have a problem with eating egg yolks, then these are for you! You wont even miss the yolk, the potatoes add that perfect amount of creaminess!  These are great for holidays, pot lucks, or just for snacking around the house! So enjoy :)

NO YOLK DEVILED EGGS

Ingredients

• 10 hard-cooked eggs, cooled completely
• 3/4 cup mashed potatoes (prepared with skim milk and margarine)
• 1 tablespoon fat-free mayonnaise or Miracle Whip
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• 2 tablespoons pickle relish
• 2 tablespoons finely minced onion
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 drops yellow food coloring (optional)
• Paprika 
• 
  
  

  Directions

  1.     Slice eggs in half lengthwise; remove yolks and discard or refrigerate for another use. Set whites aside. In a small bowl, combine mashed potatoes, mayonnaise, mustard and food coloring if desired; mix well. Stuff or pipe into egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate until serving. Makes 20 deviled eggs.
  
  Nutritional Info:
  
  
  
  Amount Per Serving  2 egg halves: Calories: 92 | Total Fat: 5.7g | Cholesterol: 214mg | Total Fiber .4g | Protein: 6.8g
  
  
  
  
  

Weight Watchers and Clomid do not mix...

I'm just sayin'.  I've been incredibly hungry lately, I figured it was because it was getting colder out....but I googled side effects of Clomid, oh wow. No wonder I've felt "off" lately. Weight gain, migraines, fatigue (and many more)....oh great, perfect for Weight Watchers lol! NOT!

I just like this...

New Art Print of my original painting - Luminous Unity!

I try to show positivity and love in my paintings. I always feel good when I've completed a piece and this was no exception! I love to use bright colors to convey my feelings, (you should see my studio when I'm done-what a mess lol!) Prints of this painting are now available in my etsy shop !
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34908511 


Bright, freeflowing shapes, signifying togetherness and radiant unity... inseparable. Warm reds flowing into cool violet and contrasting blues, illuminated with a brilliant yellow... Two lives entertwined into oneness, while holding hands tightly, sending love and positive thoughts to each other. What a lovely way to show a friend or loved one how much they mean to you!

Friday Feature! DZ Fantasy!

Its time for another Friday Feature! Donna from dzfantasy.etsy.com ! Donna creates whimsical woodland fairies, that are all one-of-a-kind! Such beautiful colors in her work. I particularly love the Green Leaf Diva! Take a peek at her shop, you may find the perfect gift!

What a cool necklace! You can wear it so many ways!

What pretty colors!





What led you to create your craft?
I love color, nature and fantasy! Even when I was a little girl I was fascinated with "fantasy", fairies and other magical creatures. It wasn't until about 13 years ago that I started designing cloth dolls, where I designed and created their clothes. After about 3 years of doing that style of cloth dolls, I switched to smaller more fantasy type creations,always being inspired by nature and color. As the years passed, my creations have evolved into what you see today....one-of-a-kind fantasy figures of cloth, with handdrawn, needlesculpted, hand painted faces on silk. I design and create all of my own patterns. I continued to refine my designs throughout the years so that I could get accepted into the better art shows which I have been doing for the past 8 years. I have to laugh now when I think of what my first creation looked like. lol!

What do you find the most rewarding and the most challenging about your craft?
I think the most rewarding part of being able to create my fantasy figures, is the look on people's faces when they stand in my booth at an art show, and smile!! It is always so rewarding to have past customers come back and collect another one of my creations, and tell me how good they make them feel. 

The most challenging part of creating is finding the quality fabric, yarns, accessories and tools that I need to create my designs. It seems like it is getting harder and harder to find what I need. I now buy most of what I need via the internet.

Do you have any advice for other crafters?
The best advice I can give to anyone who wants to create is to "create what brings joy to YOU", not what you think people will buy or want. If you are creating for the "joy" of it you will never get tired of what you are doing. The joy and passion that you put into your creations will then be reflected to others who see your work. One comment that I hear the most often at art shows is..."you are so lucky, to be able to create these figures", and I tell them, "I am". The people always answer back...."it shows!"

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to read, take walks in nature, photography, but I'd have to say most of my time is spent in some way connected to my art. It is my passion!!

Favorite color: I LOVE all colors...especially blends of rainbow colors.
Favorite movie: I don't spend much time watching or going to movies, but my Favorite movie years, and years ago was the AFRICAN QUEEN. Now that really dates me!
Favorite music: Country
Favorite Vacation Spot:  I love the Black Hills of South Dakota!


I hope you enjoyed this Friday Feature!  :)

Weight Watchers, you are killing me!

I've been doing decent on Weight Watchers this time around. Im a lifetime member, and this is the 4th time I've gone back....and man, I AM SO HUNGRY!!! lol...  It seems like all I can think about is food. Help me! lol!!
I find myself so hungry during the day, I dont have a lot of points left for dinner, and end up having a more veggie-based dinner. Which, I know is good for me, but not as satisfying as a ton of carbs, which is what I'm used to chowing down on (especially as the weather gets colder!) I'm in need of some motivation! :)
I would give my left arm for this right now:

Never thought I'd say this...

but I'm so excited for the new Modern Warfare 2 out....we've started playing the special co-ops, and a little online....its freaking awesome. I never thought I'd be into gaming, the PS3 scared the crap out of me. But we began with Little Big Planet, and now I'm a pro at Call of Duty. The new Modern Warfare so far has been great....anyone out there a player? Got any tips? :)
check out the insanity...
http://modernwarfare2.infinityward.com/games.php#/videos?id=8

What's next???

All in the last week... A broken refrigerator, tv stopped working, 2 emergency Kitty Vet visits, 1K deductible for fertility tests.....whats next??? I shouldn't say that, our washer had problems last week and our toilet downstairs is not working right since last week. argh.  Time to eat something really bad for me. lol

Blog Feature!

The awesome Beth from Wilde Moon has featured me on her wonderful blog! I was having a stressful week (already!! jeez, its only Tuesday, I know!)... and her feature lifted my spirits. Thank you Beth!
Check out her blog
WildeDesigns

And her shop!
WildeDesign

Have a great day everyone!  :)

Its Laundry Day!

How cute are these!??!

Friday Feature - Eclectic Skeptic!!

Its time for another Friday Feature! Fellow EART Team member, Cathy from eclecticskeptic.etsy.com ! Please check out her shop, she has many unique pieces that would make great gifts! 


This beautiful bookmark would make a lovely gift for a friend who loves books!

I love these Psychedelic Gazelle Note Cards, perfect for all occasions!

And how cute are these earrings??

What led you to create your craft?
Since I work with a lot of different mediums, this is a difficult answer. Both of my parents encouraged my creativity through projects and by example. I had some wonderful high school art teachers and learned a lot about drawing, painting, making jewelry and designing and constructing sets. My mom gave me a Pentax K1000 SLR when I was in high school and you can see my love of photography reflected in the altered photos of my note cards and bookmarks. As far as the emphasis on flying pigs or pigasi in my shop, EclecticSkeptic, I guess I can blame that on a group of friends that enjoy the aerial porcines.

What do you find the most rewarding and the most challenging about your craft?
I love to see the puzzle pieces come together into a cohesive whole. This can be a matter of picking out the different beads, charms, chains and other components and fashioning them into earrings, necklaces, keychains, etc. or taking photos and then cropping and altering them to come up with pleasing compositions.

Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Hopefully if you are participating in a craft as a hobby or as a business, it is something that you enjoy. To me the creative process is a wonderful thing and the reward is the finished product. However, if you don’t enjoy the process, it can become drudgery and who needs more of that? So my advice is find something that you have fun with and that you find rewarding. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy being outside, whether that is working in or enjoying my gardens or strolling along a nature trail.

Randoms about you!
Favorite color
That probably depends on my mood or what pretty color just caught my attention. 

Favorite movie
As for favorite movies and music, I can’t say I have ever been able to answer that question.  

Favorite vacation spot
I love destinations that allow you to enjoy nature. That can be the beach, the mountains or spaces in between.

I hope you enjoyed this Friday Feature  :)

Its my birthday!

I really dont get very excited about this anymore... I guess thats a part of life? It makes me reflect and think about all the things I didnt get done in life yet... and, Ive been in a creative slump for a little while.

So tell me, what should I do in the coming year that will add some creativity and excitement??

Our little dude...

Little Hermie is adjusting well to the household... he started off by having a parasite, and he had to take meds for 2 weeks, couldn't share the litter box with the other kitties, so he had to be secluded part of the time.  But now, he is a playing machine! Jumping, playing and he is soooo happy, I can tell! The other kitties are still adjusting, but its so nice to have him out and about!  :)

Here is a pic of him rocking his camoflauge collar!

Friday Feature - Inspiration Recycled!

Its time for another Friday Feature! I've got an awesome shop to share with you, from a fellow EART Team member... inspirationrecycled.etsy.com! Please check out her shop, she has many unique pieces that would make great gifts! 
Wouldnt this beautiful card be perfect to send to a friend?




And I love this Autumn Leaves Tea Infuser! How creative!!




What led you to create your craft?
I've always loved to create things, and over the years I have learned how to create jewelry, crochet, do beadweaving, collage, wet felt, needle felt, embroidery... I'm probably forgetting one or two, but you get the idea. I
love to learn new crafts! Most of what is in my shop is the result of fusing two or more crafting modalities together. The tea balls, which are my best selling items, are a result of the above plus my tea snobbery. Loose tea tends to be better than tea bags, but requires more accessories. Most tea infusers are either very utilitarian or else too cute for my taste, so I started making my own.

What do you find the most rewarding and the most challenging about your craft?
I love playing with colors and textures! The time it takes to get high quality pictures of each item can be frustrating, though.

Do you have any advice for other crafters?
Keep doing what you love, keep trying new things, and keep having fun.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
My more normal hobbies include trying my hand at more time consuming craft projects (I am currently learning to crazy quilt) and riding my bicycle everywhere. Stranger activities include fantasy role playing and practicing my earth based spirituality.

Randoms about you!
Favorite color
green!

Favorite movie
Nightmare Before Christmas. I watch is at least once per holiday season!

Favorite music
modern folk music!


Favorite vacation spot
Tough call. Probably Arizona, but Cape Cod is a close second.


I hope you enjoyed this Friday Feature  :)

Wordless Wednesday... there are some words on the pic, does that count? LOL

Creative With Clay Blog - Gold Feature!

I am honored to be chosen as one of this weeks featured artists on Creative with Clay's Blog!  This blog features a different color every week, and selects 8 artists work to represent that color. This week, the featured color was gold! I love gold, and my Honey Glow Aspen Leaf pendant necklace was chosen!


Check out the blog here !

Friday Feature!!

I would like to introduce a wonderful etsy seller and fellow Eclectic Artisans Team member, Michelle from her etsy shop, MichellesCharmWorld! 


She has many super cute items in her shop, such as this Lego Fun Bracelet!


and this adorable Sweet Roll and Coffee Necklace!




What led you to create your craft? Going to a private school (uniforms) my entire life, I was pretty limited in ways to express myself. I was tired of seeing the same old thing on all the jewelry shop shelves and desired for brighter, bolder items. Funt hings that would attract attention. I started working on things to wear on the weekends in High School when I would purchase items from the normal chain stores and take them apart to form 1 fabulous piece all while adding in upcycled items from around the house!    

What do you find the most rewarding and the most challenging about your craft? I find time to be the most challenging. I am up until 3am every day while it's silent just so that I can work. I don't like to sacrifice the time I have with my children and husband, so I work when everyone is asleep. I find the completed project most rewarding. To know I made something that makes people smile is a great feeling.  

Do you have any advice for other crafters? work hard and don't give up. IT's so easy to say that you want to throw in the towel when you have no sales, but try different things. Make something different, try different colors, photograph on a different backround. There are so many things to do!! Try it all before you give up.  
 
What do you like to do in your spare time? PLAY!!! I have 3 kids (ages 4,3,2) and I love to play with them, craft with them, build with them and all that! Anything that has us together is fabulous! I love going on dates with my husband and getting away from Mommy & Daddy world and when I'm alone, I love to read!!!

Randoms about you! Favorite color: PINK Favorite movie: Dirty Dancing Favorite music: Country Favorite vacation spot: Walt Disney World!!! (I was even married there!!) 


I hope you enjoyed this Friday Feature  :)

Vintage Funnies... these just made me laugh!

New cd... Cant wait!

Make fun of me all you will....but I am a child of the 80's. Which meant that I grew up idolizing bands like Bon Jovi, Whitesnake and Motely Crue... And I'm so glad that my Bon Jovi is still going strong. Seems like they are releasing a new cd (oops, almost said "album"!) almost every 1-2 years, and I love each one. I can't wait til this new cd is out and they come in town on tour! I never get sick of Jon :)

*sigh*

Bonzai Made the Etsy Front Page!

Woot! I'm thrilled to say my Autumn's Glow Beaded Wine Glasses made Etsy's front page! This is a first for Bonzai Beadwear, and I'm so excited! Just in time for the holidays, these glasses can be custom beaded in your favorite colors and look beautiful on a holiday table!  I don't know about you but I'm ready for a glass of wine! :)

Some photos of the Sunday Soiree

A great time was had by all! Here are some photos of my table at the Metropolis Theater Sunday Soiree!







Some of my helpers

The Metropolis Sunday Soiree

I would like to thank everyone who visited my booth at the Metropolis Sunday Soiree! It was a great night with 10% of sales going to Metropolis Performing Arts Theater!
I am busy loading up my shop with items from the show...if there was a piece that you liked, but you dont see it on my website yet, please feel free to email me at beadwear@bonzaicreative.com

And don't forget... A FREE pair of earrings from Bonzai Beadwear with any $50 purchase off my site! Just email me the word that was on your Bonzai coupon in the goody bag!
Have a great day!

Winter in Chicago...and my scary ATV experience :)

Its getting cold in Chicago already. Fall is my favorite season, and I prefer a nice sunny day, about hmmm 70 degrees. Not going from 80 one day, dropping to 50 the next. But thats this city for ya! It could snow tomorrow! eek... and while Fall is my favorite season, but it also means Winter is coming... and the windchill means its bone chillin' cold here.

So I started thinking about warm places, and our trip to Mexico last year...ah, wish I could be there now. Fresh guacamole, beautiful beaches, a trip to the tequila factory... good times. Which for some reason, led me to think of the one thing that was not so great on the trip. My ATV experience. I've seriously never been so terrified in my life. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I'm a terrible driver. There, I said it, I drive like an idiot, and scare myself sometimes. I'm getting better though :)  So, the thought of me driving one of these would frighten many. Many. Did I say many?

Anyhoo, we decided to go on an "ATV adventure" in Baja California, in our stop in Cabo San Lucas.
Let me tell you... I've been skydiving, and would rather be 15K feet off the ground then be 5 feet from the ground on an ATV again. I felt moments of sheer TERROR on this thing... it tossing me off down a hill and running me over, my neck breaking, blah blah. It wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't been the only one to never have rode one, and the instructor demanding everyone keep up and go over 45mph. And the terrain....omg, it was crazy. I would've been fine if it was flat, or even normal hills. Insanity!

I don't have a lot of pics, but this is just an example of a "little" hill. Imagine going down it at 40mph (with no seatbelt in this thing), and what the other BIG hills were like LOL! My first instinct was to break or slow down over big bumps and hills, but I was told to speed up so I could glide over them. I understand the concept, but it was going against my instincts. So I would slow down and almost tip over.



I finally gave up on my ATV, after seeing my life flash before my eyes, and rode the rest of the way on the instructors. I was able to relax at this point and really enjoyed it. I mean, just look at the scenery! It was AMAZING!!!

Baby Making Machine's Great Cause! :)

I  want to share that Jenn, from babymakingmachine.blogspot.com has featured me on her blog! She is raising money to help other people make healthy babies through the charity of March of Dimes!  Jenn is sponsoring cute baby and pet contests, and she has collected wonderful prizes, (including my amethyst earrings that I donated, heehee!) She is a wonderful person, please check out her blog and the feature!  :)

In the mean time, here is a sample of one of the contest photos....aw!!! Could this be any cuter??


I wonder if its too late to enter this picture of our little Hermie? He just looooves the sink! :)