Heart Necklaces

Whimsical Heart Necklace

This is a simple and elegantly designed heart-shaped necklace from MuseumShop.com.

The contemporary design was created exclusively for Museum Shop by Kathleen Scott, a Rhode Island jewelry designer. The necklace comes in gold-tone or silver-tone, each measuring 1" in diameter (2.54 cm). The pendant comes with a matching 17" (43.2 cm) chain. The item is made in the USA.



"Piece of My Heart" Necklace

This is the (rather literal) Piece of My Heart Necklace. It comes in a set of two silver-plated pendants -- a circle etched with the word "Love," and a heart with the word "Always." Each comes with its own chain, so you can keep one for yourself and give the other to your sweetheart. Alternatively, you could also wear both pendants together on one chain. This originally cost $16.95, but is now going for $12.95.



Shona Standing Couple

Museum Shop also has sculptures such as the Shona Standing Couple. This is handmade in Zimbabwe and fair-trade imported. The Shona tribes of Zimbabwe, literally translated as "the house of stone," are renowned for their fine sculpting technique.

International shipping is available for these items. MuseumShop.com donates a portion of every purchase, at no extra cost to customers, to support First Book. The latter is an organization that provides arts education and supplies to children who do not have ready access to such services.

badge review

The above design is the Kindergarten Tattoo six-piece button set, by YackFou.

I never would have come across this, were it not for badge review -- a blog that features nothing but art and design button badges. I know there are plenty of badges all over the place, but Sven Palmowski (who owns the blog):

1) has a really good eye for design, and
2) really knows button badges!

Stores and studios from around the world are featured -- USA, UK, Mexico City, Australia, Berlin, Ireland. And that's just on the current blog homepage. I guess inspiration can indeed be "found on a 1 inch (2.5cm) diameter".

Sven is a freelance illustrator from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain. His own designs and illustrations are showcased on his website, Sven Palmowski.

Art Gifts

Abstract Thinker

I might not be the biggest fan of abstract art, but I thought this was an interesting take on the classic "thinker" pose. The empty space represents the body dissolving into connection with the world. This piece measures 20cm (around 8 inches).

Bali-Karma has a whole range of other abstract art gifts, which are sure to be talk pieces in a person's room or home. Many of the pieces celebrate the human body, as well as the enjoyment of having a physical form in the universe.

There are funky accessories and animal figurines on the website too. The items are expertly hand carved. The Balinese Carvings section is an inside look at real Balinese Art, which differs from the more commercialized surface that tourists usually see.

Purchasing from Bali-Karma is a way to connect with artists and craftspeople in Bali who are small producers, where the dollars you spend will have the most impact. There's more information on the story of Bali-Karma.

PS: Happy Holidays -- I'll next be back on Wednesday (or earlier, it depends).

Glass Addict

One of a kind Glass Art

Glass Addict, run by Kim, proudly showcases a glass art gifts collection. The glass art available is crafted in mind for the home, body and spirit.

Each glass art piece is made by hand using an age-old technique called kiln-forming or lamp-working. Since each piece of art glass is made by hand, a design is never used more than once. No two pieces of glass art will be the same. Kim takes great pride in knowing when a customer purchases or commissions glass art for unique gifts from Glass Addict, they will truly be getting a one of a kind.

The artist's philosophy on art glass is that it should be an expression of your personality. It should speak to you, make you feel, make you want, make you think. Kim would be more than happy to consult with you, to make something perfect for your home or for a gift.

Kim says that in every piece of glass art she makes, a little piece of her heart, soul, and DNA can be found. Inspirations for her art glass pieces come from everywhere. Sunny or rainy days, moods and music all play a part in the creation.

Check out the upright modern style sculpture too.

Fantasy Art Coloring Books

Coloring books featuring the artwork of Darla Hallmark!

These coloring books are 8 1/2 x 11, with twenty or more pages printed on art white paper, and a card stock cover. It's a lovely, interactive way to introduce kids to the awesome realm of fantasy, or to captivate their imagination (and coloring skills) should they already be fantasy fans. Makes a great gift for anyone too, regardless of age.

You can view the inside of the book online as well.

Get Cartoonified

Get Cartoonified!

You can have a full-coloured cartoonified version of you or someone you'd like to get a gift for. The illustration is based on a photograph you supply, and delivered via e-mail. This is an interesting take on the traditional portrait.

The artists are from Maine, and are friends of alpacas.

Custom Tiles

I can't stop looking at the exquisite custom tiles on this website
http://www.paullewingtile.com/

They are the work of artist Paul Lewing. They are all so beautiful I found it hard to pick one to show on this blog............how about this one of a heron?

And just look at this mural in a bathroom......MAGNIFICENT!