Oh Baby!!



Baby Beanie With Swirling Flower by CrazyHatsbyImo
This trendy shop is filled with beautiful crocheted hats for newborns to adults, scarves and mittens.
Wonderful photo props are also found here.


Oh Baby!! How cute is this little one and the rest of these teeny models!
 As I was looking for a shower gift for a friends daughter, I quickly fell in love with all the beautiful newborn hats and other handmade items these little ones were showing off!  The photos are just gorgeous!
 It made shopping so enjoyable to see these cute little faces and how the hats look on them! After hours of smiling and giggling to myself, I just had to share some of them with you!

Tickles Rainbow Munchkin Hat by MadAboutColor

Gorgeous and creative hats, coccoons, and many other unique and colorful items for  newborns can be found at this adorable shop!



  Knit Infant Cocoon Pod Nest Wrap by PhylPhil on Etsy

Photographed by http://www.mistrolphotography.co.nz/
This cute little baby bear took his nap in a tea cup! Visit this gorgeous shop and find beautiful and unique newborn hats, coccoon Pod Nest Wraps, and much more!

  Past the age of having babies myself,
 my friends and I are just beginning to enter another exciting phase in life where our children are graduating college, getting jobs, getting married, and having babies!

Baby Girl Newborn Pink and Gray Earflap Pom Pom Crochet Hat by EcoStreet

This lovely shop offers a beautiful variety of newborn hats, headbands, furs,

 blankets, photo props and more!

 Luckily, my kids are still in high school, college and law school, they are younger than many of our close friends families.  So I don't expect to experience this first hand in my own family quite yet!! 

 

Blue, Brown and Olive Earflap Beanie Hat by CrazyHatsbyImo

Photographed by Imomzi

Isn't this picture so precious??

  Peony Hair Flower on Crocheted Beanie by loveablebabyboutique
Curly Ostrich Puffs, Over the Top Flowers on crocheted headbands are only a few of the adorable items offered by this beautiful shop!

There are so many amazing shops on Etsy and Artfire that offer the most beautiful items for a baby gift
 sure to wow everyone!

Yellow Duckie Duck Cake Pops by MomsKillerCakes

Hungry after all your oohing and ahhhing?

Check out these adorable sweet treats! Sure to make any baby shower a hit!

 

Sheep Cake Pops! by MomsKillerCakes

Teddy Bear Chocolate Sugar Cookies by SugarMeDesserterie

 Owl Cookies Collection by lorisplace on Etsy

 

  For more beautiful and creative items for gifts or a Baby Shower, check back soon!
 I'm having alot of fun exploring all the wonderful shops at Etsy.com and Artfire.com that cater to babies!

Hope you enjoyed these adorable gifts and goodies!
Enjoy your weekend!

Tracey :-)

Winter or Spring? What Do The Groundhogs Say?

Snowdrops blooming on Groundhog's Day!

Can You Believe This Weather?!

As I stroll along our woodland path enjoying another beautiful day of 45- 50 degree weather, I'm wondering what happened to the winter? If I closed my eyes, it could easily be a spring day, the birds are chirping, the squirrels are chasing each other through the trees, and all my bulbs are beginning to emerge! Usually in March I'm greeted by these little white flowers called Snowdrops, but, here they are beginning to bloom throughout my yard and along my woodland path in the beginning of February!

I'm not complaining! Here, in the NW part of NJ, we are usually shoveling snow and skating on our ice rink in February. But here I am, outside with just a sweater! We've been having very strange weather this fall and winter. We had our big snow storm in October when the trees still had their leaves! But now when we should be having snow storms, its been mild weather with more rain than snow. 

Since today is Groundhog's Day, I was hoping that  the groundhog's Phil or Chuck might be able to tell me if we will see an early spring this year or have 6 more weeks of winter. The prospect of  bracing for a snow storm in the coming days is not appealing at all, especially now that I have spring fever! However, after watching the news, I found that even they were split on what to expect this year!  Phil, the Groundhog from Pennsylvania claimed we would have 6 more weeks of winter and Chuck the Groundhog from Long Island, NY said definitely spring is here!

So, living somewhere between these two cute chubby creatures, I decided to go with Chuck!

Only time will tell which groundhog will predict the true outcome of this winter's ending.

In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy the fresh air and start planning my vegetable garden!

Happy Groundhog's Day!

A New Collection Just in Time For Valentine's Day!



Framed Recycled Soda Pop Hearts



BEAUTIFUL- FUN - RECYCLED - HEARTS!

I created this bright & colorful collection of hearts with recycled soda pop cans!

Inspired by my wine charms called Recycled 2 Party, I began to put these little hearts to work to create this fun collection of art for the wall or table top. I just love using the wonderful colors and patterns of the soda cans and have used them in many of my creations!

Wine charms, bird houses, boxes, jewelry and now art!

They have been cut, washed, & mounted with raised tabs on acid free card stock. Each heart is unique--creating a truly one-of-kind piece of art!



Colors Black, Red, Silver, Gold, & White Combine TogethPiece of Art!er  to Create This One of a Kind Piece of Art!



I can customize this art work with any size frame, colors, favorite drinks, or mat board to create the perfect piece for you!

Framed Recycled Hearts With a Double Mat.

Check out my many other heart shaped items in my Artfire Shop

or Etsy Shop ---

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

No Joke!

It's hard to believe that this picture was taken yesterday!

It WAS April Fool's Day, but this was no joke! We actually woke up to this beautiful snowy winter scene on April 1, 2011! I'm sure our resident Red Bellied Woodpecker was wondering what happened! Only the week before we were enjoying 80 degree weather (Also not typical for NJ) and I planted these gorgeous Violas!

Aren't they amazing! 

Violas and Pansies are my favorite spring flowers to plant in early spring. They are extremely hardy and have bounced back already after being snow laden yesterday! My garden is in full bloom with white snowdrops and blue snow glories are just beginning to dot my garden!

A week ago during our short lived warm spell, things were just beginning to come back to life after a very long, cold winter. Anxious to get out and work in my garden, I got my first blisters of the season raking around my gardens! I cleaned up our two ponds and got the waterfall working again only to find out it has a leak somewhere along its path. The frogs came out to enjoy the warmth of the sun and watch me fuss around the pond, patiently waiting for me to leave.

Hopefully this snow melts quickly and we've seen the last of it until next winter! I'm so ready for spring!

I love hearing the birds happily singing, watching the chipmunks busy scurrying around looking for seed at the base of the bird feeder, and laughing how the squirrels have managed to make the feeder into their version of McDonalds, dining on my bird seed!

Spring is here ---- if only the weather would co-operate! !

Have a great day!

One of a Kind Gifts For Valentine's Day!

 Be Mine' Copper Heart and Freshwater Pearl Necklace

I love Valentine's Day!  Hearts and birds have always been two of my favorite shapes to decorate with and create with!  So, I thought it would be fun to show you a few items that I have just created --- perfect for

Valentine's Day!

'U Make Me Sparkle' Crystal and Sterling Silver Necklace



Having a Valentine's Day Party? Or invited to a party? My 'Recycled2Party' Wine Charms would be fun to bring as a hostess gift or a unique conversation starter at your own party! Earth friendly, these pretty hearts have been created with recycled soda cans! Each heart is one of a kind! 



 'Crazy Hearts' Recycled2Party Wine Charms



'Hearts of Gold, Black & Red' Recycled2Party Wine Charms

Not listed yet!



'Pretty Hearts' Recycled2Party Wine Charms




Bracelets and Earrings are also wonderful gifts to receive!

'Love Birds' Copper & Swarovski Crystal Bracelet

'Twitter Love' Antiqued Brass and Crystal Earrings




How about something a little different?
Once again, I put those recycled soda cans to great use by helping the earth
 and decorating this adorable birdhouse!
It's also a wonderful gift for a bird lover and their lucky birds this spring!

'Love Birds- Recycled Soda Pop Charm' Birdhouse





 My 'Heart with a Connection' Collection, and handpainted Jewelry/Keepsake Boxes are also one-of-a-kind boxes that are perfect to fill with chocolates or jewelry for another unique gift! Inspired by my love of the ocean, I create my 'Heart with a Connection' Wood Heart Boxes, with wonderful natural treasures that have been hand collected from the shores around the world!

  'Israel Rocks' Wood Heart Box



'Goldfinches' Handpainted Wood Heart Box

'Something Old, Something New....' Wooden Heart Shaped Keepsake Box

 This gorgeous shabby chic heart shaped box was created with a bride in mind! This would be such a great way to present an engagement ring tucked inside with a handful of her favorite candy! A perfect bride's gift with a seaside wedding or just a wonderful treasure for anyone who loves the ocean!

Visit my Shop for more beautiful items for Valentine's Day!

I love working with people to create personalized items they can treasure!

Many of these items can be customized for parties and bridal party gifts.

Contact me if you have any questions at
tkdesigns4u@gmail.com



'Crystal Hearts' Wine Charms



I hope to be featuring more beautiful and unique items from Etsy and Artfire Artists, just in time for Valentine's day!

Have a great day!

Tracey













HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 I WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A HAPPY,

HEALTHY, AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

Kaylee--our husky, getting ready to party!

H A P P Y    N E W    Y E A R !

Kaylee drinking HER water!

 MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION IS TO DRINK MORE WATER.......
EXERCISE.....

Cali our cat enjoying a little catnip mouse!

 TAKE MORE TIME TO HAVE FUN.......

Cali taking a little personal time in a paper bag!

EAT BETTER .......  MAKE TIME FOR MYSELF....

AND BE THANKFUL FOR ALL THAT I HAVE! 

Cali and Kaylee

         I HOPE TO GET BACK TO BLOGGING AGAIN SOON.....SO, KEEP WATCHING FOR

MORE TO COME IN THIS NEW YEAR!!!

~~~~~~~2011  ~~~~~

Tracey :-)

Beading Times!

This month I had the good fortune to have one of my beaded necklaces included in a wonderful online beading magazine, The Beading Times!   My Freshwater Pearls and Copper Necklace was featured with square beads in the Design Corner(September issue). This column features a different bead shape each month, offering lots of wonderful examples to inspire the reader and get those creative juices flowing!
Editor Sandra J. Paluzzi offers great beading, design, and marketing tips for the beading enthusiast. Meet featured bead artists, and enjoy a free monthly bead project! Clear, step by step instructions and great pictures make it easy to follow along! I loved this month's project, a framed bead pendant by Carol Ladine Lagoski!

  

Sandy also owns The Bead Peddler (Wholesale Beads, Beading Supplies and open to the Public) and has a shop on Etsy, beadpeddler.

It was very exciting for me to have a piece of my jewelry included in this informative online magazine, especially after the difficult summer I had. It was just what I needed to get that little spark back into me!

Have a great day!
Tracey

*It's important to note that inclusion in this design column is free, and by invitation only.  Their jury exclusively searches through etsy and finds the look they need. They would appreciate not getting pictures or links to sites.   

July - A month of turmoil!

Summer Rain - Happy Crying Cloud Raining on a Flower - mini ACEO print 3.5 x 2.5
By moonflygirl on Etsy

This month's weather has been hot, with lots of rain...
great for the garden... hard on the soul!
Unfortunately,
my life has been the same!
Needing some time to sort things out, I decided to temporarily put my shops on vacation mode..... a first for me!

On a Rainy Day Original Watercolor Paintin
By LaurenAlexander on Etsy

I hope to keep blogging when I can, and open up shop again some time in August!
The picture below reminds me that sometimes we have to go through some bad weather to reap the wonderful rewards at the end.

My shop items are still available to look at in my Artfire Studio. http://www.tkdesigns.artfire.com/

Any questions feel free to contact me at tkdesigns4u@gmail.com

Showers Often Bring Flowers 8"x 10" mixed media
By junepfaffdaley on Etsy

Not Camera Shy!!!

While sitting on the beach reading my favorite jewelry magazines,

I noticed this Herring Gull watching me.
After 5 -10 minutes went by, I looked up again and

realized he hadn't moved! So, I slowly took my camera out

of my beach bag and started taking pictures.

Instead of flying away,

he seemed very curious and walked closer to check out my

shiny silver camera! Unfortunately, he got so close

many of the pictures came out blurry!

Later the same day, this little Laughing Gull

decided he wanted to be in pictures too!

Tracey :-)

This Storm Started Backwards!!

 While we were on our vacation at the Jersey Shore

I unwittingly captured this strange storm that actually started backwards?!

After having dinner on our deck that overlooks the ocean, I spotted this beautiful rainbow in the sky! I quickly grabbed the camera (which is never too far away) to see if I could catch what I thought was a fleeting rainbow. The day was hot and sunny---- perfect beach weather, for our first day at the shore! There was no mention of showers or rain in the weather report.

But, as I began taking pictures, I realized that the rainbow was beginning to change. 

Clouds began to form.

As the rainbow began to fade (left) this cloud formation began to form over the ocean to the right of it. The sun was beginning to set, giving the clouds a rosy/purple glow.

Then the rain began.

The rainbow was now totally replaced by this mushroom type cloud that seemed to rise from the ocean!

The sky looked threatening but it also reminded me of cotton candy! The gorgeous blue sky above this storm was such a pretty contrast to the cotton-like clouds. 

As the storm moved off into the distance I was able to see the rain coming down only from the vertical cloud. In the picture, it looks like a UFO hiding behind a large cloud!!

Eventually, the whole storm moved out to sea!

It was amazing! 

 I'm so glad I had my camera to capture it!

We had a wonderful week with lots of sun, and some rain (mainly at night!) I saw dolphins swim by, a whale spouting water several times before moving off, lots of surfers and even wind surfers! The waves were big and the sand was beautiful but hot, hot, hot! I picked up lots of shells for my mosaics and even found some wonderful pieces of seaglass!

Vacation is wonderful.....but there's no place like home! We were happily greeted with wagging tails, and doggy kisses by our family pets! 

Tracey :D 

A Gorgeous Collection of Beach Towels For Everyone In The Family!

Custom Beach Towels by kadydesigns on Etsy

Jersey Shore, Here We Come!!

Since my children were little, we've been going to the Jersey Shore for our vacation!

Having such hectic lives year round, we just love to relax at the beach!

Our beach towels have been well worn through the years and its time to search for some new ones. Of course ,I turned to my favorite shopping spots online, Etsy and Artfire to see what was out there! I was overwhelmed by the selection, there are so many wonderful beach towels and accessories available, that I thought I would share some of my finds with you!

Towels For Everyone in Your

Family!!

Custom Embroidered Loralie Beach Babe Towel by threadmagicians on Etsy

These fun beach towels come in a large selection of colors to choose from, and many   cute beach diva designs to fit your personality! 

Soccer Beach Towel by threetreesembroidery on Etsy

Great for the Soccer player in your family! These can be personalized with a name also!

Custom Fire Dept Towel by threetreesembroidery on Etsty

Too cute!

Personalized Embroidered Beach Towels by Freshvintageshop

A choice of several beautiful color combinations are available in this style.

Great for anyone, but I thought they would be good for your older daughter or son!

Personalized Beach Towels for Everyone in the Family by FabricYarnAndDesign on Etsy!

Perfect for keeping track of everyones towel during a day at the beach!

A Few Accessories For Utilizing your Towel to its Fullest!

Cabana Caddie Beach Towel by cabanacaddie at Etsy

I love that this is a duel functioning beach towel that keeps you comfortable & organized!

2 Beach Towel Clips by mardie9999 at Etsy

Great to way to keep your towel in place from shore breezes!

Towel Bags by SoxonyDesigns on Etsy

These towel bags are amazing!  They are made using a beach towel that folds up perfectly into the bag for easy transport. There is an extra large zipper pocket in the interior to keep your belongings out of the sun, sand and water!

PLUS - The bag itself fits onto the back of most beach chairs preventing your towel from sliding down your chair!

Great Beach Towel & Accessories For the Little One in the Family!

Hooded Peronalized Infant/Toddler Super Plush Towel by Snuggles of Love at Etsy

  Personalized Set of 2 Pacifiers Clips by snugglesoflove at Etsy

What a great way to keep those pacifiers out of the sand!

These wonderful shops are filled with lots of different items that have adorable designs and many personalized items! So check them out!

I hope this helped with some great ideas for beach towels and a few accessories!!

Tracey :-)