Home is Where the Heart is

As you drive along the busy roads with traffic lined up and down its always a nice thought when you are heading home.

It doesn't matter whether home is a castle set on a hill, a rustic cottage in the woodland or a shack nestled near the beach

When you wake in the morning and look out your window its nice to know you are home, a place that is comforting, peaceful and loving.

Home is where the heart is xx

the rustier, the better!

congratulations, Diramar and imteam on a terrific front page!

Heart Felt

Vaida is the creative hand behind VART on etsy. Her beautiful felt accessories range from elegant ruffle shawls to cozy slippers, and handbags to jewelry.

nuno felted ruffle shawl

lovely.

beaded felt ring

a cozy brooch and comfy slippers

a sweet little bag

Hey, you can do your Mother's Day shopping at VART! And while you're at it, be sure to check out Vaida's beautiful website, it's chock full of wonderful images of previous and current work.

Weekly Challenge Winner - April 8-14

Featuring Two Sad Donkeys, The Leverets Nest Photogenic Gallery, See Life Shine,

cool it!

pour some iced lemonade into a luxurious golden tumbler

take some time to chill,

enjoy the fresh spring breeze,

listen to the bird song,

and just let your bag be

by your chair,

and take life easy - you deserve some time out, enjoy it

Best Art Studios2

        Up Above the Storm by Jamie Best

Step into the surreal world of Best Art Studios2 and you'll find the work of Mike and Jamie Best. Self described as "between darkness and wander", "robot art", "comic and pop art" among others, they will transport you into a different world, another dimension...

      Oh Not Again pop art print by Mike Best

The two share a studio space in their home which they describe as " small, dark and cramped, empty paint bottles litter every service, the walls are covered in doodles and child like finger paintings, the racks that dry their finished works are warped with age and the air is often frigid or down right cold." That's a great visual...

Robot Art by Mike Best

Just Another Dream by Jamie Best

Working side by side seems to spur the productivity of these two artists!

A Message from Me to You by Jamie Best

 Losing My Religion by Mike Best

You'll find prints as well as originals in Best Art Studios2 and Jamie does custom work as well.

Check them out, you'll be glad you did!

Weekly Challenge Winner - April 1-7

Featuring The Joy of Color, Olive and Oud, Ciaffi, Industrial Bloom, mistflowerphoto

in the loop

the weather has had it's ups and downs lately - last fortnight ago was a scorcher in the UK, high 20s (centigrade)

and last week was snow lying! - what can I say?

so I reckon - be prepared!

for those scorcher days - adorn yourself with a beautiful scarf, dog tag and tattoo (who needs anything else?)

oh, okay then - an orange daiquiri !!

and for those chillier days - a classy and stylish scarf with a warm sweater (that should do eh?)

oh, alright then - a hot cup of tea and chocolate biscuit :)

Orange

Let me introduce you to the Orange family all looking rather gorgeous in their orange stripes, polka dots and florals - where are they off to you ask??

Before I can tell you that Odele Orange must put on her elegant crochet bracelet in lavendar, orange and sand.

Ophelia Orange gathers up her felt clutch just the right size for her lipstick and i-phone.

And Oriana Orange would not dare leave the house without her tangerine earrings.

So where are Mr & Mrs Orange going? To pick apples of course!!

make mine chocolate!

it was a starry, starry night under the constellation of the hare

and she had been wondering where her soulmate was ..

and in the other meadow, he had been wondering too, as he gazed up at the stars

time just seemed to be getting on, then she heard something from the foilage

and he noticed it too, because it wasn't the second hand - the watch was needing wound and had stopped ticking
and then - in an instant they saw each other - and it was love at first sight!

and after some lovin' later, along came the most precious gift of all - a nest full of kittens!

and in another part of the meadow a small fur of rabbits were filling their baskets and getting ready for Easter duties

this Easter make your rabbits chocolate - or etsy :)

have a good one!

Colour Me Good

as Chester put the finishing touches to the last egg he noticed a few blobs of left over colours,

so he pulled out some paper and

scratched out some air plants with his dew claws ...

then got a little more creative and

using his toe pads coloured in some nice petals and blossoms

then becoming more experimental he

daubed his tiny heart-shaped nose into the palette and made a Loving Tree

Cripes! that made him sneeze! and not to mention a very blue nose!

and last of all, to round things up, because painting does get tiring when you are dabbling all day,

he splashed out two pigeons because they are his favourite bird,

and he absolutely loves to watch them in the park, as they strut and coo and peck and flutter

..... and one day ....

a friendly one

will fly him around the city

for a breath-taking tour of the sights

(he's always wanted to fly, but never been brave enough to ask)

and Chester will paint her portrait in return, and maybe even a few of her eggs

Discovering Aroluna

 Irene, of Aroluna was born and raised in Argentina but now resides with her family in sunny Florida. She takes a very sensual approach to jewelry making and in fact describes her passion in those terms, "I love asymmetry, circular forms and making pieces that are sensual and bold, almost with life of their own, you can feel their subtle weight, their sound, their touch."

         Ra Necklace, Irene's signature link

Sterling Knotty ring

"I am attracted by circular lines and asymmetry; my pieces are rustic and organic, sturdy but smooth. Often times they are bold, but I always want them to be perfectly comfortable, able to become part of the person if she or he wants to wear them at any times, and defy the passing of time." -Irene

Oxidized sterling bracelets

some of Irene's lovely earring designs

Irene's work looks deceptively simple, but this type of metal work actually requires lots of practice to get really good at it, and irene is really good at it! Plus, her unique designs are fresh and totally timeless, and many can be worn by men as well as women.

Irene hard at work at her bench

where the magic happens...

Sterling Seven Moons necklace

  

        You can visit Irene at Aroluna on etsy and find all kinds of goodies there.

Hey, isn't Mother's Day just around the corner...? 

  

LAccentNou and the Many Treasures Within

Ikat tote bag

Magic corner

Happy matryoshkas ear studs

Pebble adjustable ring

Black Leaves ceramic ear studs

In appreciation for her Treasury building skill, as evidenced by her winning entry in our March Monthly Challenge, we are featuring Anastasia and her lovely shop LAccentNou. This shop offers a wide array of beautiful work starting with jewelry of ceramic, stone and clay. There is also a wonderful offering of photographic prints and greeting cards. Last but not least you will find accessories made from ikat woven cloth including my favorite, this lovely shoulder bag. To add a little sweetener to Spring LAccentNou is having a sale with 20% off until April 16. Just enter the code PRIMAVERA at checkout. Enjoy!