It’s all fun and games!

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!
But here is the link to the Antiquity Gamecrafter website ( http://www.antiquitygamecrafters.com/ ) so you can still have a look at their beautiful games.

Many many years ago, when I just graduated from High School in Germany, I used to work at a game store. I got to know a plethora of board games, roleplaying games and card games. I remember we used to sell the Royal Game of Ur and some gorgeous chess games at the place.

I definitely used to and still do have a fascination for ancient games because it is a graspable concept to people now-a-days as much as it was back then. It’s something you have in common with someone who lived so long ago in a world that is entirely foreign to us.

It also reflects a lot of the attitude and art of the people and I am really most impressed with the way Antiquity Gamecrafters is projecting it into their products. I love the stone and wood combinations that they create and at the same time attempted to recapture some of the mood of the original culture.

Unique Handmade Art Dolls – More Art Than Doll

Christmas is approaching fast! If you are looking for a very much unique and memorable gift, this may just be it!

I stumbled upon this handmade artisan doll maker on Etsy. She makes these beautiful art dolls but also has a variety of fun and very joyous little Pocket Palls and other colorful characters.

Visit her Etsy store HERE.

Handmade Jewelry Hub

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!

Twitter just introduced a new way of organizing the blizzard of tweets that you may get hit by on their site. You can now create lists of people that have one common denominator in some shape or form. It makes it a lot easier to filter what you may be interested in and avoid some of the stuff you are not.

So, since I am making handmade jewelry, it was merely a matter of time until I started a list about just that. I have accumulated more than 450 artisans that all make handmade jewelry of some kind. You will find glass, steam punk, wire wrapping, silversmithing, PMC and lots more. Come take a peek and get emerged in style, fashion, color, luxury and bling!

If you are creating handmade jewelry, have a twitter account and would like to be included in this list, please leave a comment or send me a direct message on Twitter.

Halloween Pet Costume Parade

Just in time for Halloween, here are some great handmade costumes for your best friend:

My New Artfire Store

For the past week or so I have been fine tuning and accessorizing my new online store at Artfire.com.
Artfire has come a long way since I looked at it for the first time in the beginning of the year. I don’t mean to insult anybody but back then it had a kind of second-hand look to it. It was visually not very pleasing in my opinion and it was hard to find anybody that wanted to buy rather than sell anything.
I probably should have stuck with Artfire and given it a chance to develop at that time because now, visually and feature wise, I think it might be the most promising out of the three venues (Etsy, 1000 Markets, Artfire) I am a part of.
Well, I will stay with all three, at least for a while. So I guess I will find out whether or not I’m correct.
So, here is a picture of the online store front, but if you have a little time, you should probably check it out in person because there is a whole lot more to see.

Etsy’s View on String Theory

Here are six interpretations on string theory by Etsy Artisans working in all kinds of media.

It’s ok, you can call me a geek! I love this stuff!

Walk your dog in style with Saddle Wags!

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!

I just found this seller on 1000 Markets and I just have to share this with you.

She makes absolutely fabulously sporty and stylish dog outfits with matching Martingale collars.

These outfits have pockets on the side so you can store the little necessities like your puppy’s waste bags etc. The material is light weight and breathable and is custom made to fit your best friend perfectly.

The yellow taxi cab model comes with reflective ribbons on the sides to keep your pooch safe even at night.

They are available in many colors. Take a peek at TREE PARLOR and I’m sure you will find something that will compliment your puppy’s sense of style!

Two new markets among 1000 Markets!

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!

I would like to introduce you to two markets I have joined recently. Both are part of the 1000 Market venue.

Abstractions

Artistic expressions through fine art, sculpture, glass, photography and jewelry.

Click on the images to see some of my favorites from this market.

The Northeast Market

Arts & Crafts of the Northeastern United States

1st Annual Summer Carnival Event

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!

1000 Markets’ NY FESTIVAL is having a Summer Carnival Event!

Starting today and running through Friday, the artisans of this market have designed special items and some limited edition creations. In addition to these brand new items, there are daily raffle prizes. Simply go to the market blog and enter a comment to each raffle announcement and you will be entered for the drawing. The winners will be announced every night at 9 pm Eastern Standard time. Don’t miss out!

Check out some of the exciting new creations for this event:

Down By The Seaside Challenge

NOTE (Nov 2010):
Unfortunately, the 1000 Markets venue has sold out and any of the related links in this post do not work any longer!

Jewelry Artisans’ Marketplace is a group of jewelry designers on the 1000 Markets venue. Every month, we are having a themed challenge. This will be my first one as a new member of this group.

It is not a competition but rather a fun reason to focus creativity towards a theme and at the same time provide inspiration.

Here is my entry to the Down By The Seaside Challenge. It’s called “Scuba View”.

The pendant is diagonally separated into an opaque and a transparent half. The core is a medium sky blue with some cobalt, marine blue and sparkling dark blue accents. Fine silver circles of different sizes are layered in two depths to create the illusion of bubbles in water. The glass added its own detail by creating real bubbles that fit wonderfully into the theme.

Please click HERE to check out a slide show of all the beautiful entries to the Down By The Seaside Challenge.