Spring Break is over - but not at Artfire

Well, we made it through spring break. I traded my sister three girls for her two boys. So yesterday I had four boys here at the house and she had five girls at hers. The played dress up and watched princess movies. The boys? We had pizza for dinner and watched tv. I was sitting in the living room tatting when they woke up the next morning. I hear their little voices start talking about the dinosaur pictures on my sons' bedroom wall.  I smile at the cuteness. Then I hear the conversation turn from dinosaurs to farts. Had to roll my eyes at that point. I knew I was in a house full of boys! So we ended spring break on a really cool note. Here are some Artfire items to help you end YOUR spring break.
MoonofGlass

Can't you just see this vase with a bunch of wild flowers in it? I mean the hand-picked kind your kids can't resist plucking from the ground and handing to their queen mother. Usually dandelions and small weed-like flowers that no one else wants, but is a perfect gift for mommy. This is certainly above weed status, but would hold all that love just perfectly!










LynetteSadowyStudios

These are some of the most exquisite hand-painted wine glasses I've ever seen. They have beautiful white roses and the words "live, love, laugh" on them. My husband and I will celebrate our 12th wedding anniversary in a couple of weeks. These would be such a beautiful addition to our celebration!










Mygabbysattic

Now that spring break is over, get out this beautiful cupcake stand, whip up a batch of ooey, gooey, cupcakes, frost them with some decadent frosting, put them on this plate, and enjoy all for yourself! Ah, yes, heaven. The best part - upcycled glass. The dome is so that you can cover them and admire them whilst you eat the others. ;-)










RusticWonders

A perfect display for all those breakable fairy and miniature collectibles we all have. Maybe it would even provide a buffer zone so they don't get knocked off the shelf! These beautiful wooden mushrooms would make a fabulous addition to your fantasy collection.











ParadisePotpourri

Chocolate AND coffee in one wondrous collection of scented yum! Scent makes such an impact on our lives. I would think that just this combination would make for an eye-opening morning and a dreamy day.












greggsgoodies

And summer is coming. That wondrous time of the year when kids are out of school for months at a time. Hang this picture in your den to remind yourself that there ARE idyllic moments that we will never forget. Moments that will live on in our memories - even after all the "things" have disappeared. We won't remember the broken television (maybe) or grandma's antique vase that was smashed into 5 kabillion pieces (most likely). Like a photo, the good stuff will live on and we will appreciate the grandkids.

Spring Break

When you have five children on spring break, things get broken. Four of the five are pretty good about not breaking things, but accidents happen. Even today while we were grocery shopping we became the store menace. Nothing was actually broken, accept peace and tranquility, but there was a mess involved. Out of my goodwill and loving heart I bought each of the five a can of soda from the machine outside of the Kroger. They don't usually get soda - sugar, fats, addiction, cavities - all the good stuff. But today, even the baby got his own can of soda. (You're already seeing the disaster in this, aren't you?) So, we proceeded to go shopping. About 1/2 way through the store, baby tips over his coke and spills it from the pork to the chicken, getting it all over my boots and my dress. Then after that mess was reported to the proper authorities (meat guy with a mop), we made it about two more aisles (milk, cheese) before my youngest daughter proceeded to spill her coke. This time mom made them go to the restroom and get paper towels to clean the mess. We moved the wet floor sign over where the spillage was, kids were forced to finish or relinquish their cokes, and we finished our shopping trip.

Also, within the same period of time (one short week) my baby of 2 1/2 years has broken one television, many DVDs, a few toys that don't belong to him, and an armlet. So, to me, spring break means a time of great celebration and joy in the beginning of a fresh new season and hope. However, it also means we will eventually need to replace things. So with that thought in mind, here are some fantastic Etsy finds, in case something of yours get broken - or needs replacing - or you want something new, just in case.

Some Breakable Things...but good to have around

RedCrowArts

Stained Glass Mosaic Mirror

This mirror is not only beautiful to look at, but serves a double purpose. If positioned correctly, you can see what is going on behind you while you are not looking. The kids won't even know they're being watched. Besides, with your lovely face positioned in the center, the image of beauty will be complete!
















Warm Country Meadows

Moss Terrarium Inside of Libbey glass Apothecary Jar

This lovely little world may transport you to another place and time as you gaze longingly into it. The little polymer clay mushroom makes me think I'll see a fairy hiding beneath it or perhaps boldly sitting and tatting upon it. They could hide anywhere in that delicious jungle of greenery. There are times when the noise going on around me is obliterated by the beauty of something serene and natural.








awade1663

 Hand Painted Rose and Daisy Bottle with Free Flowing Spout

This lovely little bottle would have a variety of uses. I can see it used as a bottle for your favorite vinaigrette dressing to use on those crisp summer salads. However, the artist provides a variety of intriguing uses - making it very wise to invest in a few of these beautiful bottles. If you decorate your life with beauty around you, you feel beauty everywhere. I'd keep this one away from the kids, though!

AND some unbreakable things...

fashiongreentbags

Is It Hot In Here? t-bag

Not sure if this sentiment could apply to me, but I think the idea is on fire! No, this is not a t-shirt. Well, not anymore. It's a bag! This crafty crafter has transformed t-shirts into reusable tote bags that are practical enough to take grocery shopping! I buy A LOT of groceries, and sometimes the bags are so small and expensive that I MUST resort to additional plastic bags. This nearly kills me, so at only $7 and with a ton of room, these won't break the bank, they'll save the world!















Metmorphosi

Recycled plastic chandelier DARMALAMP

And who says your lamps and beautiful chandeliers have to be made out of glass? Artist Darma Chavarria says that they can be made of plastic. And better yet, plastic reclaimed from used plastic bottles! This light is so stunning, no one would ever know it is plastic or recycled. The details are magnificent.






bagsagain

Plarn Coil Basket

I've seen plarn used in a variety of ways, but this is new, useful, beautiful, and most appreciatively unbreakable! I love the colors, the nesting ability, and the variety of uses these plarn bowls could provide. Earth friendly, they make a statement that you are a steward of your environment - and have a ton of chic-ness.



The artisans showcased here today can all be found on Etsy. Just click the links and zoom off to their shops. Shopping and creating handmade are the best ways to save money, time, and the environment. You support small business, artisans that are alive, and reinforce a struggling economy. When you move away from big business that hires overseas and produces cheap goods through slave labor, you make a statement about your values and your commitments. Handmade releases creativity and gives insight into new ideas. You won't see any of these things in the big box stores. Especially any made with the love, devotion, time, creativity, talent, and hard work these artisans put into their crafts.

I give links to books on Amazon that I think you may like, because I think everyone should find their inner crafter. If something appeals to you, look into it. It doesn't hurt to try. You won't be an expert the first time, but you may find something you love to do. So get crafting, people! I need more stuff to showcase.