Chic Hats and More

This sweet crocheted flower from Chic Hats and More is only $2, yes just $2 to spice up your little girl's wardrobe. Shown here on a chic crocheted cloche, these handmade lovelies are simply adorable. I wish I had a toddler or grandchildren!

It isn't every day that I come across a storefront containing so many delightful handmade items that I can't pick a personal favorite. But at Chic Hats and More on Etsy there are so many lovely gift ideas that I had to showcase several finds. Check out these adorable Japanese slippers for your toddler. There are cute Winnie the Pooh slippers too.

David likes these fabulous John Deere tractor slippers. If like me, you come from farm country (have you ever attended the International Plowing Match?) well these are a must have for your grandson or best little guy.

Check out other items from this fabric artist like the oh so cute Chic Bubblicious Crochet Purse!

Maybe you're a hard working mom without the time or skill to devle into anything too crafty. Well check out the great handmade products on Etsy. Click on any of these pics or the link above to view this seller's online storefront.

My point here is that you don't need to run yourself ragged at local craft fairs or fight the crowds at those exhausting Christmas bazaars to acquire gorgeous, unique handmade gift items! Just a few clicks while you're still in your pyjamas (enjoying your toast) and these goodies will be on their way to your door!

My Fashion Finds/Purchases: TATAMI Sandals by Birkenstock

These are the amazing Tatami sandals, a birkenstock company. Tatami makes a supportive footbed that's perfect for my high arches. These awesome fashion finds also come in a wide range of sizes often including an array of *narrow* widths. All this is very important to my tender tootsies because without adequate support my feet slip all over the place in most sandals. This slippage can actually leave my bony soles bruised. My feet are narrow and I like to feel cradled in my footwear.

A few years ago, one of my arches started to fall causing incredible heel pain that lasted for a year or so. Eventually I had custom orthotics made and I'm supposed to wear 'em all the time. But geez, from time to time I want to sport a fashionable footwear accessory that keeps me cool and looking somewhat pulled together... Enter Tatami sandals.

Last year I made my first purchase from Baumhouse.com in Germany and I was delighted with the overall shopping experience. But before plunging into the import mindset, I ran all over the metro Toronto area trying to find high end supportive sandals that had any flair. I was severely disappointed with what was available in my retail shoppes. When I could find a retailer who actually carried quality sandals, either they were designed for the geriatric set or the sticker shock and I mean $300 to $500 per pair was more than my heart or pocketbook could bear.

Then I found Tatami online, a division of Birkenstock and my love affair with these quality clogs and sandals began. I purchased the Akari thong last spring (in Espresso brown as shown) along with boiled wool/felt clogs that I always wear around the house as slippers, an outdoor leather clog and another sandal that doesn't have this footbed. My husband David grabbed a few pairs of sandals and clogs too. He likes Birkis, Birkenstocks and Papillios but he has no arches and a very wide footbed.

I actually ordered the wrong sizes last year, but Baumhouse accepted our proof that the shipment was being returned and they proceeded to express post the correct size items which arrived in a week or so. So we love the customer service we get from Baumhouse.

The other day I also ordered these wild things...the Alessia thong in taupe with crazy fringe! And at the top I'm showing the Leyla slip on sandal in Black that I can't wait to wear too. Can a girl ever have too many fab sandals? I think not.

PhonyArt Isn't Phony At All

Finally, I've found something worthy of a blog post. It's the fresh work of a new artist from my own backyard, from Toronto! Everyone (especially if you're a big, bold beauty like me) should check out the blog called Fat and Feminine in Toronto. Besides running a very cool blog, this jewelry artist creates chic modern metal wearable artwork. I've pulled at random this piece called The Full Pallette available from Phonyhttp://www.abbeyforge.com/store/p499/Titanium_Blue_Quartz_Crystal_Wand_Copper_Long_Sweater_Necklace%3A_Citrine_and_Dragon_Vein_Agate.htmlArt on Etsy.

My mom is a gifted oil artist, and somehow I feel this tiny, simplistic piece would be meaningful even to her critical eye. I wish I had created this awesome pin!

Support an independent artisan and remember to buy handmade for unique, truly one of a kind heirloom collectables. PhonyArt isn't phony at all and her prices are insanely low so grab these unique collectables while they last...

You can purchase this item (only $46!) directly from the artist by clicking on the pic or links above. They'll take you directly to the PhonyArt storefront on Etsy which is a showcases the collective work of tens of thousands of artists located worldwide.

Gemmy Trillion Cuts of Prehnite and 14k Gold Fill Spirals and Wires

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Originally uploaded by cdnallie

This is my second blog post being created directly from my Flickr account. You just need to "grant access" to your blog from within your Flickr profile. Then when you're viewing your pics, click on the "Blog This" icon to easily create a new blog post entry.

If like me you own multiple blogs that you've added to your Flickr profile, just choose the appropriate blog name from the drop down list that appears! Totally simple and awesome. Wow such a time saver that I never knew existed!

As an experiment a few minutes ago, I decided to upload to flickr a few new pics of my recent work. These Swirly Mint Dangles feature gorgeous gem quality trillion cuts of prehnite that dangle freely below dainty 14k gold fill spirals and earwires.

Prehnite is a gemstone that I've absolutely had a love affair with for some time now. It is rare to find gem quality prehnite beads in any shape, let alone trillions that I received from Courtney of Passementerie. Thank you Courtney!

Again, this is a one of a kind offering. I have no more of these amazing dainty green stones, so grab this while you can by purchasing through the above link.

Hammered silver twigs

It's been a busy week attending to business with my recumbent road bike company, Oracle Cycle Works where we've got production going on and I'm also delving into a new project. For more info please see my Oracle Cycle Works blog.

On the jewellery design front I'm working on luxe gemstone items for the Gahooletree store (see the gahooletree designs blog. But I squeezed in time to develop these lovely hammered silver twigs featuring juicy micro faceted beer quartz onion cuts. Simplicity and elegance.