The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr - A Random House Book Review

I have begun to really enjoy a more natural diet (with a McDonald's visit down to only twice a month), and while I still don't fully enjoy cooking, (or cleaning up), I do enjoy trying new recipes.  I also enjoy gardening and preserving, so my herb garden fulfills all my fun hobbies.  So choosing my next book to review for Blogging For Books was fairly easy...

The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr is published by Random House and is a HUGH and BEAUTIFUL reference book on most every herb you can find growing in The United States.  The good, the bad, and the "ugly". lol

The first section of this book explains how to recognize, grow, harvest, and preserve different types of herbs, then the major portion of the book lists ALL the herbs in alphabetical order, so if you are wondering about what herbs to grow for your needs, you can find all the information here.
 And the photos are absolutely gorgeous!!!
This is definitely a coffee table book that will be used often in real life, not just moved around and dusted.

STEPHEN ORR is the author of Tomorrow’s Garden and the former Editorial Director for Gardening for Martha Stewart Living. Previously he was the garden editor for House & Garden magazine and has written extensively for Domino, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has been a regularly featured gardening expert on The CBS Early Show and Today, and lectures at garden clubs around the country. Orr writes about extraordinary gardens on his blog, What the Skies Were Like.

This only thing I would have loved that was missing from this book is a section of recipes.  Fresh herbs just make your food explode with flavor, but since I'm not a "chef" I am not always sure what herbs to use when I cook.  Other than that I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a tastier and healthier lifestyle.
Tell me, do you use fresh herbs? Or store bought dried herbs?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this free book from Blogging for Books for this review,
 and the opinion is my own."

Friday Featured Artist - Thunder Rose Leather

It's time to head out west...to Arizona, there we'll find John and Debbie from ThunderRoseLeather.

Here's what they have to say about themselves...

"Hi. We are Debbie and John, buckskin and beadwork artists living outside Sedona, Arizona in a little community called Cornville. 

We do old style leather work and bead work, one piece at a time, by hand, with attention to detail.You may order one of our standard items or ask for something special.We develop our own designs and can work with your ideas. All of our work is handmade in Arizona and guaranteed by us. Most of our work reflects the styles of the old west, western, mountain man and native american cultures. We are always moving forward and so the needs of contemporary lifestyles become a part of our designs. At the end of the day we think each piece we make is unique, practical and made to use and enjoy for many years. Elkskin is our primary choice of leather. Buffalo, deerskin, deer tanned cowhide and other leathers are available. All bead work is done by us and is available on most items, just ask. We never use production beadwork. Everything you can think of is not always possible although we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Everything in our shop is made to order. You will not receive the piece you see in the photos,we will make one similar for you. All of the hides we use are unique and one of a kind .The color and texture of each hide will vary. Elkhides are a product of nature, blemishes and imperfections are a natural character of the leather. From time to time a particular color may become temporarily unavailable. Because each hide is different and unique the lids and overlays on the handbags and shoulder bags will not be exactly the same as you see in the made to order picture. If you see something you would like in a different color, size or style please contact us.
Thanks for buying Handmade! "

Now, let's go shopping!

Check out the beadwork on this black leather tote...amazing.

I love hummingbirds, and I'm lucky enough to have 3 that come to visit every summer.  So to have this bag with a beaded butterfly AND awesome fringe???

Yes, please.

Here's something new (to me), leather smartphone bags.  What a great place to keep your phone (besides your back pocket).  A perfect accessory for your casual outfit.  And the beaded turtle and more fringe?  

Yes, please. 

heehee

Here is my favorite item in their shop, baby moccasins.  Such delicate beadwork.  And they look so soft.  Hmmmm, maybe I need to get a baby so I can get them?

No, thank you.

LOL

But don't let that stop you from getting everything you ever wanted...just in time for Christmas!

:0)

Now you can find ThunderRoseLeather here...

Handmade Artists / Zibbet / Facebook / Blog / Website

Be blessed,

Debbi

Friday Featured Artist - Kris from Lisianblue

Today we're going to visit a friend of mine from Handmade Artists, Kris.

Kris is a doting Gramma from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and because she is a multi-talented artist, she has 2 shops to showcase her creations.  

We'll start with her crochet shop...

Lisianblue.

I love this crocheted pastel cuddle bunny.  This is a great companion for your little one...perfect in size and shape for little hands to hold, and machine wash and dry.

Now, y'all know that orange is my color, and with the roaring 20's style of this cloche, well, I just love this hat!  (yeah, I know, I love everything, lol).

Her second shop, Reflections,  is for her handpainted ornaments and other creations.

The details on this Geometric ornament are great.  I tried painting on ornaments, and let me tell you, it's not easy keeping a "straight" line. :0)

Now this last item is spectacular...Kris hand painted the design on this Domino Art Pendant.  The clean lines and great detail...perfect.

You can also follow Kris on Twitter, and check out her blog.

Until next time,

Be blessed,

Debbi

My Late Friday Featured Artist - Myeuropeantouch

Between a crazy last week, and canning my harvest this week, I totally missed my Friday featured artist....and now it's Monday.  Opps.  Mybad.

My featured artist is one of my favorite people, Monkia from My European Touch.

I first "met" Monkia years ago on Etsy when I fell in love with one of her mosaic-ed violins.  It was amazing!  And Monika's talent with mosaic just gets better with time.  Let's see what new in her Handmade Artist shop.

Monika has created works of art on almost anything you can think of...and cake domes are her latest wonders.  I have seen many of these disappear (sold) soon after she lists them, so if you love this, don't wait!

Monika started "playing" with mosaics when she was just a little girl in Germany, and her keen eye and gentle touch just keeps getting better and better.  (She's only a little older now). :0)

I like the swirls of color on this photo frame.  So modern feeling, yet simply shabby.  And that cameo in the corner is just perfect.

I got to meet Monkia in person last fall during our trip to Florida.  She is such a sweetheart...a kindred spirit.  I wrote all about our visit, with pictures.

Now here is what attracted me to Monika the first time I saw it...

No, this is not the same one from years ago, but isn't this violin BEAUTIMUS?

Such patience, and talent!  Amazing!

Monika also draws, and paints, and sews, but I am just in love with her mosaics.

You can find MyEuropeanTouch at all these places...

HA / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Animoto / Flickr / HGTV / About Me

Be blessed,

Debbi

Window Shopping Wednesday (Yes I Know It's Thrusday)

It may be Thursday, but Window Shopping Wednesday has a certain ring to  it. lol

I don't know how others do it, but we get paid only once a month, so while yesterday we were dead flat broke, today we are loaded! (at least until I budget my monthly bills, hahaha)  So let's go shopping.....

First stop, The Craft Star...

Don't you just love these sunny fun feathered friends?  I saw a goldfinch in my yard yesterday...and the color was so bright it took my breath away.  This is a vintage painting framed and ready to hang from Timely Treasured Threads.

Cute, cute, cute.  Here is an adorable crochet hat, just in time for the back to school fashion parade.  According to the description, togs4tots2 can make this up to size 5T.  And I bet she could make it the color of your choice also if you just ask.

Here's a new item from my buddy Alix at The Alchemist Vessel.  I am amazed by chainmaill, and Alix is very talented with these little rings.  I just love these earrings with genuine amethyst beads.

Now let's visit Handmade Artists...

If you're a country gal (like me) you'll like this new offering from Tom's Crafts.  A working wooden horse mailbox.  Giddy up!

Then I hopped on over to Etsy.  I don't usually shop there anymore because it's hard to find original handmade items on the front page, so I checked up on some of my favorite shops.  It turns out that so many of my favorites are no longer selling there, but I did find an old friend of mine, Mystic Wynd.

Karen and I spent a lot of time together promoting other shops through our blog ring team, the BESTeam.  I see her more now over on facebook, but I wanted to share these totally groovy retro earrings.

Now I have to take some of you handmade artists to task...I absolutely love sharing and promoting new shops and items, BUT if your item photographs are dark or blurry, OR if you have not taken the time to fill out your profile and make up a shop banner, I will not feature you here.  No matter how much I like your item, I want my blog to be followed, and liked, and respected, and that will never happen if I don't work hard at it.  And I want my featured artists to feel the same way.

Do you have an online presence where you sell handmade or vintage?  Drop me a link in a comment, and you could end up as a featured artist too.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Friday Artists Feature - The Feltery

Today I'm checking out Manda Ciza's The Craft Star shop, The Feltery.

The Feltery is a shop chock full of super cute eco-friendly handmade goodies, made from felt, of course.  Come and check them out with me....

 

First up in her The Craft Star shop, how about a cute pink piggy for the farmer in your life?

She's 6 1/2" tall, just a perfect size to carry with you everywhere.

 

 

 

Here's Hobbes!

What a cutie!

 

 

 

 

I think I just found a Christmas gift for Quintin.  How adorable is this set of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles?

 

 

 

 

The Feltery also has a shop at RedditGifts.

That's where I met Barnibus.  I just love his monocle.

 

She has so many cute creatures, more than I can share in just one post.  So click on a link and check it out for yourself.

 

You can also like The Feltery on Facebook.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Friday Feature Artists - TXGulfCoastCreations

This week our Handmade Artists Forum blog ring featured artist is a...

surprise.

As in, we each get to chose an artist not in the ring, and brag on them.

It's a lot of fun, and we have shared several new artists in our ring this way.  I've chosen an artist that is active in the forum, TXGulfCoastCreations.

I like the look of this beaded crochet choker.  It's created with soft crochet thread, so it is soft and light, and accented with pretty copper colored glass beads.  This is tied around your neck, so it is completely adjustable.  Very pretty, don't you think?

Here is a great gift for the young girl in your life, a set of ivory and pink soft washclothes and facial scrubbies.  A great way to encourage your teen to start a lifetime of good, and pretty, hygiene.

I absolutely fell in love with this teal necklace and bracelet set.  Such a unique style, and they are created that you can untwist it a bit if you need more length.  Very creative.

You can also find TXGulfCoastCreations at the following sites.

Twitter / Facebook / Tumbler / RebelMouse

Be blessed,
Debbi

A Handmade Christmas in July

It is HOT outside....and I mean REALLY HOT.  

So, what better subject to share today? 

CHRISTMAS!!!

We'l start at The Craft Star.

What a cute little snowman.  He sits on a spring so he can nod to the rhythm of the Christmas carols.  You can find him in the shop Snowman Collector.

I found this cute and jolly Santa Claus in one of the many ways you can sell at The Craft Star, a collective.  A collective is a selection of themed items from various shops across the whole TCS.  This is from the Holiday Collective.

Here's something for the crafter in all of us, a Christmas stocking lampwork bead by DzignbyJamie.





And now I'm off to the Handmade Artists.

Now, what is Christmas without a tree?  And what is a tree without ornaments?  And this Candy Apple Red handpainted ornament is sure to become a family heirloom.  You can find it and many others at Reflections.

For your Victorian themed tree, you must have this Victorian Bell Ornament.  It looks so regal.  This is made by Dara Gallery.

That's it for me today....I need to stop the sugar plums from dancing in my head....and head to the garden and harvest some home grown goodies.

Are you ready for the Christmas season?  It will be here before you know it!

Be blessed,
Debbi

Friday Artist Feature - Rasmussens Gems

Today on my weekly artist feature, I'd like to share with you some new items from John and Debbie's Handmade Artist shop, Rasmussen's Gems.  I've shared this talented couple before...here and here, and here too.  So let's see what's new there...

...just look at this amazing rock crystal with garnet ring.  John cuts and sets the stones himself, for a truly one of a kind creation.

I am in love, with this beautiful pendant.  John cut this stone in his lapidary, and the filigree setting is just perfect to show off the beauty of this stone.

Now here's a cute pair of square leaf earrings....the colors are so pretty.

I really like the design of these oriental pattern bead ladder earrings.

 

Here's a style I haven't seen in their shop before, metal jewelry.  This 3 strand black art wire bracelet  shows the versatility of talent in this couple.  And if these items aren't enough for you, click on a link and visit their shop.  You can also find out more about them here....

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

 

Enjoy your 4th of July everyone!

Be blessed,

Debbi

Handmade Artists Feature - Reef Botanicals

This week on Handmade Artists we are bragging about a great friend there, Larissa.  Along with her husband Eric, Larissa runs the shop Reef Botanicals, and that's where I found this...

Lavender Soap.

Eric and Larissa makes this soap, and lots more, in their home, in their spare time.  And with all that they do, it's amazing they have any spare time.  They both have full time jobs, they make all natural soaps and beauty supplies, they just recently became beekeepers, Eric went into business making barbeque sauce, AND Larissa has a second shop, Fabric of My Mind,  where she sells her handmade crafts.  Like this...

Flossie the Cow

You see, on top of everything, Larissa is also A STAR in her local theater.  And this little guy was based on a part she played in "Cinderella Confidential".   Want to guess what else Larissa does?

She's a face painter....how cool, and pretty, is this little tiger?  She is available for parties and community events, and you can check out all her facepainting events on her website.

Larissa also keeps us breathless with her daily escapades that she shares on the Handmade Artist Forum, and she's now teaching us the ins and outs of beekeeping on her blog, Reef Botanicals.  If you're not squeamish about bugs and bees, you need to check out the very cool bee boxes they made for their "girls". lol

Now I could go on for a long time bragging about Eric and Larissa, but instead I'll just whet your interest, you can learn more about them here....

Reef Botanicals shop / Fabric of My Mind shop / shop blog / facepainter / facepainter blog

body art blog / shop facebook / shop twitter / facepainter facebook

There! That should keep you busy for a while. :0)

Be blessed,

Debbi

Feature Friday - The Kitchens and Handmade Artists

This week I'm featuring a wonderful couple and the amazing work they do for the handmade community.  Andrew and Kimberly Kitchen.

Let's talk about Kimberly first....

and her shop MakinTheBestOfIt.

Here Kimberly shares her creative talent with painted glass, wire wrapped sea glass, and altered art.  I love this Clockwork Orange art piece.  When I first saw this piece in her shop, the book worm in me went "nooooooo" but then the artistic side went "how cool"!  This would look amazing in any library.

Here's a great example of her sea glass creations.  I love this Sterling Leaves Pendant,  how she created the leaves from sterling silver, and then used them to offset the glass.  Very classy.

Kimberly also runs the website, It's Better Handmade.  This is a forum where artists from every venue can come and share their work.  

Now for Andrew...

...he does chainmaille.  And he does it beautifully.  Like this Sterling Silver Half Persian Bracelet.   I have to admit, it was the clasp that first caught my eye...but the maille is exquisite.  You'll find tons of his great creations in his shop Chainmaille by MBOI.

Here's another amazing piece... Sterling Silver and Copper Tryzantine Necklace.  So many rings....so much beauty.

Andrew and Kimberly also run the online site HandmadeArtists.  Artisians of all kinds sell there creations here, and it is a site dedicated solely to handmade.  There is also a forum for all artists to come together, chat, visit, share their creations, share other's creations, and just hang out.  We have a blog ring, a pinterest group, something to cover pretty much every social media, and my favorite, the "What Are You Doing Today" discussion.  It's so much fun to really get to know everyone.  And it is such a friendly place you'll never want to leave.

So click on a link, and come on over.

I'll put the kettle on, and Larissa will supply the honey. :0)

Be blessed,

Debbi

More Garden Goodies

Yesterday I went shopping at The Craft Star for some wonderful garden decor items.  Today I'm off to visit some old friends at Handmade Artists.  And look at what I found for my gardens.

First up, nothing says spring like butterflies.  And I think the colors on this hand painted metal butterfly are amazing!  It is all hand cut, detailed, and painted in the shop of Tropic Decor.  

I love my fresh herbs, they make food taste just...wow.  Much better than dried herbs, but let me tell you, they can be hard to tell apart.  Especially oregano and marjoram.  That's why I neeeed these Herb or Veggie Markers from kpdreams.

Every garden needs at least one fairy item, and this OOAK handmade polymer clay fairy home will be a welcome addition.  And once the word gets out, there will be fairies knocking down the door to move in.  I found this in the shop of mkirby.

And lastly, every picnic table or outdoor deck needs something mosaic, and this mosaic flower pot from Glassbrook Designs.  Now these are the kind of bees I wouldn't mind around my dinner plate.

So, what do you think?  Are you ready to get ready for summer?  I know I sure am, so now turn off the computer and get outside.  But first, comment, share, and visit these amazing shops.

Remember, when you buy handmade, you support small business.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Why You Need A Light Box

The weather here (just like everywhere) has been really crappy lately, so I have not been able to take my items pictures outside in natural light.  I was taking my item pictures in my studio, but right now I don't have heat up there, so it's slowly turned into a storage shed more than anything else, and I can't get to my picture taking area.  So I decided to bring my background into my kitchen to take pictures of items so I could get them listed in my The Craft Star shop.  This is what I ended up with, even after "fixing" them with my Picasa program....a yellow tint on my white cards.  Yuck.

I auto exposed it...I lightened it...I tried everything, then just got flustered / frustrated and listed 2 cards this way.  On The Craft Star site there is a section of help where I found a link to instructions on making a light box.  So I went shopping for a box and paper and went to work.

 

Here it is with just the overhead light on.  Still kind of yellow. 

Here is is with 1 lamp.  I didn't like the shadow, much, so back to the store for another lamp for the other side of the box.

And here's the result.  Drum roll please.....

..........................

What a difference!!!!

So I spent a whole afternoon taking pictures of my new cards, and scarfs, and some vintage items I have yet to list.  Now to come up with tags and great descriptions....and yes, The Craft Star has a how to for them also.  :0)

You can find this card and my other ones, here in my Rusty Art section of my Yankee Burrow shop 

on The Craft Star.  And you can read about the history of my Rusty Art here.

So, do you use a light box???

Be blessed,

Debbi