16 Remarkable Weekend Finds!

An Etsy Treasury curated by bought2much ~ What's In Your Bag?

Click on the picture below to be taken to a page where you can browse individual items you like that you see pictured here as well as the shops where these items were found and artisans behind them all!

Credits go to: BluePetyl, bought2much, BradGoodellToo, BrassPaperclip, CraftationHMCafe, CreativeElements, CWestbrookDesigns, ElliotFrancis, Gilliauna, herbanluxe, KillorglinCreations , PernillasSS, RibbonsAndRetro, soapysuessoapshoppe, taissalada, Textilemonster and unusualsforsale.

Highest Quality Hand Painted Concrete Leaf Art

Have you ever visited a site while shopping and come across something that takes your breath away? Today's shop is one of those for me and I think it will be for you too.

When you think of the delicate structure of nature's creation, the leaf, it's one of those things that brings to mind a certain amount of intricate delicacy that only nature itself can create.

When you think of concrete, on the other hand, (or when I do)... what comes to mind is sidewalks and buildings, architecture and cities.

Today's shop, Concrete Impressions on Etsy, has found a way to combine these two seemingly opposing entities into beautiful art.

The artist creates unique, beautiful cast leaves created in concrete that are then hand painted with an eye for color and detail.

Raspberry leaves and sycamore leaves sit beside leaf castings from hostas, begonias, hydrangeas and more in this shop that's filled with the beauty of nature and creativity of man combined.

Terry, the artist who creates these amazing works of art, also takes custom orders! So if you want something to match your decor or have an idea you need some help bringing to life, be sure to send him a note and let him know!

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT CONCRETE IMPRESSIONS ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE!

A Three-for-One Thursday Theme

Scarves and mittens, gloves, legwarmers, knitted slippers and socks. It's that time of year when we're starting to look for warm, cozy items to bundle up into to stay warm and, honestly... who wants to sacrifice fashion for warmth?

Fortunately, there's lots of options out there that will allow you to do both! Here are a few I stumbled across that caught my eye and made me take a second look.

Gams or stems, whatever you call them, they need warmth too! Leg warmers are a terrific option for women who want to wear skirts and dresses in winter weather and need a bit of warmth to help keep their legs warm in te process. Knitwit4ever on Etsy has a variety of leg warmers as well as other warm and cozy knit items in a variety of colors and offers custom orders as well! Knitted Leg Warmers by knitwit4ever - $30.00 USD

Soft and bulky circle scarves in beautiful knitted designs, unisex designs to find gifts for men as well as fingerless gloves, knit dresses and more can be found in mbgdesigns on Etsy. I was personally drawn to this beautifully knit cowl and it's elegant drape that's perfect for harsh winters to help keep you nice and cozy warm even in the coldest weather while staying stylish and fashionable at the same time. Extra Thick Wool Cozy Cowl Circle Scarf - $70.00 USD

Sometimes you just need a bit of warmth instead of the whole shebang. A little something warm and soft to toss over your head and wear around the office or under a jacket for a touch of extra warmth. KnitNicoleKnit on Etsy sells a variety of neck warmers like this one that's perfect for milder days or a little warmth as well as a wide variety of other knits including jewelry. Honeysuckle Pink and Grey Cowl/Neck Warmer - $35.00 USD

With colder weather on the rise, it's time to start bundling up against the nip in the air. Fall is a beautiful time of year but it's also the time of catching colds so be sure to stay warm! One of the ways you can do that is by stocking up on warm weather knits like those introduced here in this post and lots more that you can find on the handmade marketplace.

Be sure to stop by places like Etsy and Artfire to explore these venues for what they have to offer!

I Wanna Win Wednesdays - Giveaway Linky 10/19 thru 10/25

I love giveaways and I really, really love winning free stuff. (Who doesn't?!?) It doesn't happen often but it always comes as a surprise when it does and brightens up my day.

Every Wednesday here on The Meandering Musings is "I Wanna Win" Wednesday! This is where you can come to find terrific giveaways to enter and win as well as share giveaways with others.

SO... Do you have a great giveaway going on this week or know someone who does? If so, spread the news and share!

In the Linky below, share your current giveaway or any great giveaways that you have discovered, or... explore (and enter to win) a few of the giveaways left by others.

After all, you can't win if you don't enter!

[ PLEASE ENTER YOUR LINKS IN THIS FORMAT... Name of Giveaway You're Sharing (End Date) ]

Handmade Crystal Jewelry by CrystalTwister

I've been waiting a long time to feature today's amazing artisan. As an admirer of their work since the first time I discovered this shop, I waited patiently for the shop to fill with beautiful items and gorgeous photographs because I wanted to make sure when I featured them that there would be plenty to look through and admire. A true showcase of the artisan's work.

Now, I believe they have reached that point and I'm honored to introduce NY Beadworks Handmade Jewelry Designs on Etsy.

Based out of Long Island, in New York, this artist has a beautiful vision and works exclusively with crystals and beads to weave and twist together in unique, breathtaking designs full of beauty and shimmer.

These beadwoven jewelry designs are created using mostly crystals, other glass beads and seed beads and each piece is an amazing piece of jewelry that's sure to add a little sparkle to any outfit whether worn to dress up everyday attire or wear with something elegant and special.

YOU CAN CLICK ON THE PICTURE ABOVE TO VISIT CRYSTALTWISTER'S NY BEADWORKS SHOP ON ETSY AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND OR, IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN CLICK RIGHT HERE.

If you like what you see in CrystalTwister's shop, you may also enjoy stopping by to say hi to the artist on Facebook!

Monday Morning Mosaic

With Halloween just around the corner, I wanted to feature a lesser known but related holiday today on the Monday Morning Mosaic.

The day after Halloween is also a holiday in certain parts of the world and is celebrated by people the world over. All Saints Day (also known in the Roman Catholic Church officially as the Solemnity of All Saints and also called All Hallows or Hallowmas) and is celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown.


Beary Creative - Day Of The Dead Art, Giclee Prints and Whimsical Art

Jeri Hall from Center, Texas

Inspired by Tim Burton, Edward Gorey and Mexican culture, Jeri Hall's paintings bring the true spirit of the Mexican celebration of Día de los Muertos to life with colorful flair. Each painting is a unique, one of a kind piece that makes this shop a joy to browse through.

All Saints Day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven and is a national holiday in many historically Catholic countries. Also, in the Roman Catholic Church the next day (November 2) is All Souls' Day which specifically commemorates the departed faithful who have not yet been purified and reached heaven.


Mutsy Boos - Dia de Los Muertos Adornos

Mars O'Reilly from Cork, Ireland

From "The Red Flamenco Dancer" to "Diane of Thistles", this shop displays a series of beautifully painted paper mache art dolls called "Dia de Los Muertos Adornos". The series is a tribute to Mexican cultural diversity and ever evolving folk art which is unafraid to change with time, embracing modern iconography yet always managing to retain the essence of it's origins.

In Mexico, this day is called the Day of the Dead. Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday that focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday.

Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed as well as visiting graves with these as gifts.


Art By Lupe Flores - Folk, Creepy, Goth and Day of the Dead Art

Lupe Flores from Los Angeles, California

Custom orders and commissions are welcome i this shop that is filled with unique artwork depicting not just Day of the Dead artwork but other folk art, creepy art and goth artwork as well. Rag dolls, art dolls and paper mache sugar skulls sit beside beautiful masks, original paintings, fine art prints and more in this wonderful shop.

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day are celebrated in the fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual communion between the living and those in the state of grace who have died and are either being purified in purgatory or are in heaven.


Donna Elizabeth Design - Cat Jewelry and Day of the Dead Jewelry

Donna McConahay from Elmer, Louisiana

Beautiful jewelry in colorful colors and unique designs, this shop is filled with sugar skull inspired pieces with red roses and lots of turquoise. If you're looking for a piece of jewelry in order to respect the upcoming holiday, if you love cats or if you are simply a lover of Gothic designs, you'll want to stop by this jewelry shop for a browse through some pieces with a unique flair.

The handmade marketplace and the talented artisans you'll find there are a terrific alternative to commercial products and with the added bonus of personalized care and an attention to detail and quality that commercial products lack.

When shopping for spiritual items, holiday decor and other special pieces for your home or your life, don't forget to browse through artisan works and see what you can find, you'll be surprised at just how much creativity, originality and quality is out there!

Win Giveaways for Holiday Gift Shopping

With the economy in the tank and everyone trying to scrape together pennies for necessities, the holidays can be hard on everyone and their wallets too. There are some solutions to this problem though!

Giveaways are a terrific cost-free way to gather Christmas gifts to give during the holidays or just to get yourself something special without putting a strain on your pocketbook.

We are anticipating that we will soon start hosting giveaways here on the Handmade Shopping Guide, probably around the beginning of the New Year. For now, though, I'd like to introduce you to a site where I personally have a giveaway running!

The giveaway is for a $25.00 gift certificate for use at Bits n Beads by Gilliauna on Etsy.

It's easy to enter and is being hosted by the Simply Stacie blog.

http://www.simplystacie.net/2011/10/bits-n-beads-by-gilliauna-review-giveaway-us-can/

The giveaway ends on October 18th, and I wanted to give our readers a chance to enter to win before it ends so be sure to stop by and take a look!

Also, if you're looking for more giveaways around the world wide web to enter into and win, try checking out our "Wanna Win Wednesday" weekly blog posts where you can find a list of current giveaways you can enter into and.... We also offer a new link at the top of this blog called the "Giveaway Linky List" where you can find blogs with other lists of recent giveaways to enter into just like our Wanna Win Wednesday giveaway list!