A Little Gift For Me

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

All too often, we spend our time thinking of others and buying gifts for family and friends and, we all know, the next few weeks are going to be hectic. Perhaps now, is the time for a little self-indulgence before the chaos. The Christmas In July team would like to share all their fabulous items with those who are looking to buy themselves a little gift.

Margie Sarrao from ZenCatPottery says

At only $11.00, these small earrings are a perfect way to gift yourself! Featuring lampwork glass and Czech glass beads, they will add a pop of color to your day. The beads are wired separately, so they will sway prettily as you move.

Red Czech Glass & Silver Dangle Earrings

Karen Hafel from timetalentjewels says

My treat would be a cute little bracelet! This little bracelet is made of Turquoise Russian Amazonite which has Silver Plated Shells between the beads. I feel like I am ready for the beach and but I live in the Midwest, which is about 3000 miles from the ocean. Maybe some day! But this one is for sale!

Turquoise Gemstone Beaded Bracelet

Elisabeth Perez from LizPOriginals says

My treat would be a nice book mark to go with a great book for relaxing times.

Pink Gemstone Bookmark

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 says

I think any crafter would love a new pack of purple beads to stitch up into something wonderful…maybe peyote, cross stitch, jewelry, or something else?

Antique Glass Beads

Richard and Tatiana from DesignstheLimit says

Give the gift of personalization, especially when shopping for yourself. It is better to enjoy a glass of wine less often and in style, than to overindulge. At Design’s the Limit, we encourage the responsible enjoyment of spirits from the safety of your own home. Design a wine glass which suits your personality, we have a variety of glass and crystal stemware and stemless glasses to choose as a canvas for our designs. Once you have selected a glass, choose the font and design which suits your tastes and include any text you wish to including name, monogram, single initial, or popular sayings in the public domain!

Stemless Personalized Wine Glasses

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says

Enjoy some “me” and “family” time by reading your favorite verses from The Bible and sitting down with the family to fill out the numerous pages for recording wedding information, birth records and your family tree! A great way to spend some down time before the Holiday season arrives!

Precious Moments Bible Family Edition

Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey says

All of us experience the concept of the yin and yang in our daily lives. It always seems there is something positive pulling against the forces of something negative and we are forced to pull it together in unity and “work things out”. I also think that “making it through” whatever comes your way on any given day largely depends on your frame of mind and attitude about life in general. So, with this little butterfly yin and yang compact (pill) storage jar, you would have the constant reminder that no matter what happens, things do get better and can become beautiful, just as the bling this item offers!

Pill Storage Box

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says

I would buy a hand knitted hat to keep me warm in winter. It’s such a nice accessory.

Hand Knitted Slouch Beanie

Light And Reflection

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Reflection is caused by a Light (source) bouncing off of another object. Light helps illuminate what we see.

Items like prisms, lights, glass, metal and glitter all reflect light. We want to see your Light and Reflection items.

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 says light and reflection show most naturally to me at a seaside lighthouse, like this cross stitch kit image.

Dimensions The Gold Connection Rocky Point 3895 Counted Cross Stitch Kit

Margie from ZenCatPottery said the gorgeous goddess pendant on this necklace is raku fired, a special oxygen-reduction process that brings out metallic effects and iridescence in ceramic glazes. This beautiful pendant reflects hues of copper to mauve depending on how the light hits it!

Fall Goddess Pendant Necklace

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz states reflections in water fascinate me – so do sunsets. If you happen to see both its bliss – like a sunset at the Pacific Ocean, when the colorful evening sky is reflected in the water on the seashore. In this moment life is good.

Ocean Sunset Photo greeting card

Frances from supplysideeconomics says unless you have played with truly vintage rhinestones, you have no idea how different they are from more modern ones. They can given to the faceting can often be as magnificent as a fine jewel.

They do not just reflect the light, but plays with the light as it dances around each stone.

Vintage rhinestone buttons

Mairi from mairidesign said this dazzling angel sun catcher catches and reflects the light beautifully. It looks fabulous in the window, adding a touch of sparkle from the iridescent glass and diamond crystal, so you can enjoy its charm all year-long.

Guardian angel suncatcher

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls states special attention to light and prism colors were applied in the making of this gorgeous Nativity scene handkerchief. As if looking at the Manger through a stained glass window, colors dance and play on this Holy Scene. A beautiful play on light!

Vintage nativity scene handkerchief

Mary from CharmedByWine says I made this with swarovski crystal beads that catch the light perfectly! Sparkly on your Christmas tree between all the lights, or displayed in a window.

Beaded snowflake ornament

 

Paper Crafts

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

With Autumn festivities and Christmas time approaching, spending more time indoors calls for creative crafting. The #EtsyCIJ team have gathered together their paper craft goodies for fun projects like scrapbooking and greeting card and gift tag making.

Do you have any kits, fancy downloadable prints, fun embellishments, or anything that could be useful for paper crafting, in you shop?

Marie from LoveNStuff14 says

These were part of a huge stash of supplies my daughter found among gifts to her daughter when she was ill with leukemia. She was blessed with so many crafty things, many she did not use.

Chipboard Die Cut Crafting Supplies

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz says

Paper crafts always remind me of scrapbooks. I used to scrapbook for many years and my daughter and I love to look through the many scrapbooks I made over the years. A fun addition to any scrapbook layout are tags with seasonal images like my Autumn tags. These tags are easy to add on and make any scrapbook page with an inspirational theme very special.

Autumn Tags with Inspirational Quote

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 says

When I was little, I always made handmade Christmas and Hanukkah cards for my classmates at the holidays. Here’s a beautiful kit that offers a chance for you to make some homemade Christmas cards for friends and family.

Make Your Own Christmas Card Kit

Judy from PiecesOfMePaperCraft says

I’ve added digital downloads to my shop over the past few months. I have several printable recipe cards and matching gift tags that are great for Christmas cookie swaps and holiday gifts.

Christmas recipe cards instant download

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says

This fabulous Nativity set is perfect for those who might be tight on space or prefer not to have breakables with little ones around. Made of paper and cardboard, it’s already prepunched so it can be easily put together and set up in a special place of honor. Add your own embellishments, hay, glitter, etc. Make this a project to do with the kids and teach them the story of the nativity this Christmas!

Vintage nativity set

 

Soft Furnishings

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Soft furnishings can be any fabrics used in the home. For instance linens,bath towels,curtains,cushions,pillows and more. Here at #EtsyCIJ we want to see your Soft Furnishings!

Roses Workshop from RosesWorkshop says I love Harris tweed cushions! There are now so many gorgeous colors and designs available, and yet every piece of this pure wool fabric is still hand-woven by the islanders. The one I have chosen here is a brightly colored large tartan design to really cheer up your room.

Harris Tweed cushion cover

Karen from timetalentjewels said something that I have in the kitchen that is a must are my Wool Felted Hot Pads. They are soft and thick so you won’t burn yourself. Many people who I sell to, love to just have them as Art in their kitchens because of their bright colors. Each one is knitted and then felted in very hot water, after that process it wicks and retains its shape and becomes very soft and thick. This particular pair is 7 x 7. Some may vary in size.

What is really fun is to have friends decorate with them! How fun would that be?

True colors wool felted hot pads

Robyn from RobynFayeDesigns states these country-style coasters were made in mind for bowls of hot soup, so larger than a regular coaster but smaller than place mats. When not in use they look great stacked in the farmhouse kitchen.

Country style coasters/mug rugs

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says bedrooms are instantly spruced up with gorgeous textures, patterns and fabrics on your bed. We love this pattern by Ralph Lauren Chaps Home collection for its reversibility! A beautiful soft floral pattern on one side with a coordinating stripe pattern on the opposite side for an instant new look! Add some pillows and you have a luxurious boudoir!

Ralph Lauren comforter set

Items Of The Week: Hollywood Glam

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

1. Modern Art Stitchery by mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2

2. Rhinestone Dog Collar by Cristal Hughes from DesignsbyCristal

3. Flowing Robe Vintage Lingerie by Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls

4. Crystal Cocktail Ring by Nancy Duncan from EponasCrystals

5. Green Beaded Bracelet Helper by Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey

Items Of The Week: Bright Shapes

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

1.  House Sparrow Bird Holiday Home Decor by Przemila K from CanisArtStudio 

2. Bright Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt by Gail from QuiltSewPieceful

3.  Mod Vera Neumann Napkins by Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls  

4. Funky Chicken Appliqued Quilt Blocks by zizzybob from zizzybob

Party Supplies

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

When you are throwing a party you need so many things to make it a success. You need food,invites and party supplies to name a few. Party supplies can be table decor,banners,props and more.

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says baby showers can be so much fun when you have a fun crowd and some snappy games to play! We love finding party supplies from the 50’s through the 80’s with their great vintage graphics and mix of games played way back when! Find some vintage party supplies and put your own twist on them for your next get together! Your friends and family will enjoy the mix of vintage and modern!

Baby showers games

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter said this is for your Halloween party. This pumpkin is great to add to your decorations for your Halloween party.

spooky pumpkin decor

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 states what’s more fun for a party than a handmade mini party hat? Cheers everyone!

Fabric party hat

zizzybob from zizzybob says what’s party decorations without lots of candles? So what’s lots of candles without candle mats under them. I have lots to choose from but this one is especially designed for a party.

Fabric candle mat

Mairi from mairidesign said a little piece of the sea for your beach themed party. These little jars, filled with Mediterranean sea glass and shells, with added metal charms, can be used to decorate your dining tables or be given as favors. Each tiny piece of sea glass was collected from beaches near Barcelona, Spain, and I certainly got lots of exercise with all that bending down to pick them up.

Sea glass wedding or party favor bottle

Relaxation And Wellbeing

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

In preparation for the busy seasons of back to school, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas, wouldn’t it be nice to stock up on all the little treats that allow us to cope with the stresses of those times? Providing ourselves with moments of relaxation and improving our wellbeing can be very enjoyable when we know that we have already planned for them. Whether you hope to go to a countryside spa or just find an hour, here and there, to pamper yourself, let’s get through the next few months as stress-free as possible.

The Christmas in July team would like to present their items that will help our Relaxation and Wellbeing plans.

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 says

I don’t subscribe so much to relaxation and well-being, but I do know that “A Coke And A Smile” can go a long way towards making me feel better during the busy thirsty times!!

Coca Cola Polar Bears Cross Stitch Book

Britney Wilkerson from LitByBrit says

My lavender soy wax melts smell amazing and are so relaxing!

Soothing Lavender Wax Melts

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says

Perfumed hot oil lamps and candles have always been a way to add a calming and relaxing environment to a home, spa or work place! They help de-stress and energize a person! We love this adorable vintage spaghetti poodle hot oil lamp/night-light for its sweet design and multi purpose function! A sweet addition to any room in the house or workplace!

Perfume Oil Warmer Lamp

Przemila K from CanisArtStudio says

Hand-painted colorful badge for marking the bathroom or yoga room door.

Lotus Yoga Room Door Sign

Matte Finish

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Matte Finish is free of shine,resulting in muted tones and colors. There are many paints,stains and such that can be used in making our items.

Przemila from CanisArtStudio says this original oil painting is painted impasto and knife technique. The image surface is matte and traces of the brush and knife are visible. It is a very noble and decorative technique. The coloring of the image is toned down. Green and shades of gray create an atmosphere of peace and rest. This modern painting will be a perfect complement to modern furniture in your living room, office or other representative interiors. The color of the frame can be chosen according to your preferences.

Nude Original Oil Painting

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls said the 1960s and 70’s brought a wave of shiny metal and plastics into the home and workplace. Prior to that, many objects were natural or flat finish painted wood. These charming wooden snack plates from the 1940s were painted in pastel colors and used in the home or taken on fancy picnics. We love the shape and calming color palette of these highly collectible plates!

Set of 4 vintage wood snack trays

spoiledfelines1 from SpoiledFelinesArt states all of the items in our shop, whether burned, carved, or painted, are finished using a matte sealant. The reason that we use a matte sealant rather than a glossy one is that we want the focus to be on the natural highs and lows of the wood, and a matte finish achieves that goal. I chose to showcase the hand burned owl plaque to illustrate the beauty of that can be achieved when using matte sealant on natural wood!

Woodburned owl decor

Mairi from mairidesign says the Mediterranean Sea finished off this piece of teal green glass to a perfect matte finish. I collected this piece of glass from a beach near Barcelona and chose it to be my first item of jewelry made from my beloved sea glass collection. Did you know that sea glass is also known as Mermaid’s Tears? So beautiful! Click the photo to read more about the legend of Neptune and the Mermaid.

Teal Green Sea Glass Pendant

Fruit and Vegetables

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

Let’s get healthy with our intake of Fruit and Vegetables!

Well, even if we don’t necessarily consume as much as we should, we can be reminded of these nutritious beauties through their imagery in paintings, kitchen crockery, crocheted toys and such like, and be encouraged to grab an apple instead of a biscuit.

The Christmas in July team have chosen their favourite fruit and veg items for you to decorate your homes.

zizzybob from zizzybob says

I’m not a big fan of fruits and vegetables but who doesn’t like watermelon. August is always the best time to purchase it, it’s the sweetest time of the year.

Watermelon Quilted Fabric Postcard

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 says

My family grew muscadine grapes in the back yard of our 1920s era home when I was growing up….

Cross Stitch Fruit Pattern

Przemila K from CanisArtStudio says

Fruit on the table is a good topic to decorate the walls in the kitchen or dining room. This is a classic still life painted on 3D canvas. The additional surface on the sides of the image is painted over. This picture is like a little anecdote. I paint on order, so you can choose the image dimensions. or another similar theme.

Still Life Fruit Oil Painting

Lelia Valois from ValoisFelts says

I love growing (or at least attempting to grow) food in the garden. This year the miniature apple tree has bloomed wonderfully and in a few weeks there will be a dozen apples at their full size. There’s also been some tomatoes and strawberries, and wild strawberries that flourish every year so there’s plenty for wildlife to feast on too.

Foodie Kitchen Witch

Cristal Hughes from DesignsbyCristal says

Fruits and vegetables are my favorite food group!!! So, when I found this fabric it only seemed right to make it into a cute dog bandana to show off your favorite food and quest to eat healthy. What’s even sweeter is you get to show off more than one of your favorite fruits!!

Fruit Salad Dog Bandana

Mary Bollinger from ByFreddismom says

I love fruits and vegetables! And since I am Vegan…that’s a good thing! Cherries are one of my most favorite fruits, so I put together these pretty little coasters to show them off!

Fabric Coasters with Cherries

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says

Eating your fruits and vegetables may be more fun with these colorful paper mache napkin rings at your table place setting! We love the colorful graphics and artistic element represented in each of these different designs – certainly a fun way to add some pizazz to your table decor!

Vintage Fruit and Veggie Napkin Rings