Fabulous in February

The month of February is fabulous with colors of royalty: Amethyst. 

A popular gemstone, Amethyst is a purple hued Quartz mineral.

The unique and intense color of purple has been known to adorn nobility; early monarchs were enthralled with Amethyst due to this.  Since purple dyes were scarce and pricey back in the day, Purple was reserved for those who could afford such luxuries (ie, Royalty).  Naturally occurring Amethyst gems were used to in the crowns, scepters and jewelry of Kings and Queens. 

Here are some of my lovely creations crafted with February's finest:

la Naváa's Passion Collection: now available in my Jewelry Shop on Etsy.

Much♥!
Meg

Custom Creation :: Hot Chocolate

It's been awhile... too long actually.  It's been about a month since I sat down and wrote to my fellow bloggers.  I have an excuse though, I've been keeping busy!!

Recently, I've been working on custom creations: Baby Showers, Bridal Showers and Weddings... oh my!

My most recent creation is that of one for a shower with a pink and chocolate theme.  It was quite fun working with all the pink satiny ribbon, and scrumptious looking chocolate colored papers.

labchic6, of Etsy, contacted me looking for the perfect favor boxes for her sister's shower.

I hand-looped each bow with a rich pink ribbon, and hand-folded each of the chocolate colored origami style favor boxes. 

I'm pretty pleased with the turnout!  Hopefully labchic6, her sister and their guests will be pleased too!

'10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: 9

I came across the ninth item on la Naváa's '10 Holiday Gift Giving List, when my Christmas Snowflake Note Cards were featured in a treasury alongside some eco-friendly Christmas decor.  I've been scouring Etsy recently for ornaments for my currently bare tree. 

What originally brought me into SewnNatural's Etsy shop was their plenitude of felted items; I'm a big fan of organic.  Then I came across an item that would be a wonderful gift for a good friend, loved one, co-worker, etc.

Silk and Linen Balsam Fir Sachets

I can almost smell that lovely scent that reminds me of Christmas' passed.  The contents of these sachets originated by nature and finished with the helping hand of SewnNatural.

...And remember just one more item left to list here in la Naváa's '10 Holiday Gift Giving List.

Happy Holidays to all!

♥Meg

’10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: 8

At the moment, my Christmas tree is half lit.  This year I thought I would try something new: white lights.  I really have never been a fan of the just clear lights in the past, but thought it may actually look nice in my living room.  So I picked up some new lights... just not enough. 

It's been week or two, and I finally returned to the store today to pick up lights.  Hopefully tomorrow after church, I'll find time to get the lights finished. 

Then comes the decorating, which brings me to the eighth item on la Naváa's '10 Holiday Gift Giving List.

I've been shopping Etsy for the past month in search of natural themed ornaments, of course handmade as well.  While pursuing the pages, I came across this funky little shop named AngelDogDesigns.  Among the mixed media, I came across these cute Wool Felted Acorn Ornaments!

The acorn tops of are the real deal fitted atop of the white wool.  With all the artificial trees out there, I think bringing something from nature inside is wonderful.   

Very cute and practical.  Perfect.

Happy Christmas everyone!
♥Meg

'10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: #4

Ok… so I had a hard time picking just one item for la Naváa’s 4th gift featured in the ’10 Holiday Gift Giving List. I came across a sweet shop on Etsy a week or two ago and fell in love with the paintings I found.

As a little girl I LOVED woodland creatures, and populated my bedroom with little figurines and paintings. I even tried my hand at sketching; deer were my favorite, or at least my best attempt. But those days are long gone and I have moved on to other creations that I’m actually good at, jewelry in particular. I figure I should leave the drawing and sketching to the experts (I never even came close to mastering a paint brush).

But I can tell you that Terry, of Savage Babble has certainly mastered the fine art of painting. In one of her Etsy shop’s, SavageArtworks, Terry sells adorable animal paintings and prints.

If I had young ones, I would certainly love to populate their walls with these delightfully cute baby animals!

As you can see I couldn’t pick just one of these furry finds; it’s more of a compilation. And truly, a collection would be quite affordable.

I highly recommending checking out Terry’s shops for a unique gift for your loved one.

Six more gifts to list! Be sure to submit your suggestions for la Naváa’s

‘10 Holiday Gift Giving List.

And don’t forget to let me know about your own creations too!

'10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: #3

Number three on la Naváa's '10 Holiday Gift Giving List would make an excellent stocking stuffer for that boy or girl gamer you love.  A throw-back to the old school days; I owned and LOVED the one and only gaming system I had as a kid (am I dating myself...).  Tetris was my #1 way to pass time. 

ArgentaCollaborative out of Reno has given "new life" to the epic classic Gameboy with these kitschy fridge magnets!

The Nintendo Game Boy Magnets are available in an entire rainbow of colors... a perfect find for most any gamer!

Check out the rest of ArgentaCollaborative's creations for other

retro arcade and gaming crafts.

Like these Mario Bros Mushroom coasters!

Much ♥ to ArgentaCollaborative for these super fun finds!

  

PS... Remember to submit your gift ideas... 7 more gifts to go!

'10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: #2

I have a thing for legwarmers.  Last Christmas, when I told my mom I wanted legwarmers she nearly fell over; I haven't always been so fond of them... apparently.  She reminded me of when I was in kinder garden and pretty much refused to wear them.

As I've aged, I realized that it's the cold that I'm not too fond of.  Legwarmers aren't just cute, they are functional.  I actually wear them under my dress pants at work.  Some of my co-workers wear Cuddl Duds, but I can't seem to spare the excess (2mm) bulk of such; I need all the room I can get.  Perhaps I'll resolve to do something about that come new years...

In the meantime, I'm going to love, love, love leg warmers.  I especially love these I♥Sweater Legwarmers from MountainGirlClothing on Etsy.

Margaret of MountainGirlClothing has quite the array of legwarmers all made of upcycled sweaters!!  What a superb idea.  I can't really say that I would wear these knitted hearts as a sweater, but I would certainly sport these spats!

Please do check out Margaret's eco friendly wears including tees, tops, skirts, pants, etc.  She's even running a sale on neck warmers until the 21st. 

Happy Shopping and Holidays to all!

♥Meg

’10 Holiday Gift Giving List :: #1

Keep your best girl warm this winter with these handknit Fingerless Mittens! These are just one of Bysweetmom’s wool gloves on Etsy (these happen to be my favorite).

I’m naming these hand warmers as the first on la Naváa's ’10 Holiday Gift Giving List. Perfect for the cold season to come!

Bysweetmom’s shop is a collection of family creations; the shop name inspired by who else… their sweet mom! How adorable is that… and how adorable are their knit and crocheted fashionable designs.

Another fav of mine is this boho chic crocheted poncho! I absolutely am in love with the pink colored Afghan motifs.

A fun little tidbit... bysweetmom is offering 10% off their shop until tomorrow, Dec 1st with coupon code:

HOLIDAYSALE10

Seriously, how much better can it get!?

Thanks bysweetmom for your super stellar handmade creations! 

Much ♥!
~Meg

Black Friday With Ketchup and Mustard

ArtByAmarose on Etsy designed a solid gold, and black, treasury with Black Friday in mind.  Textures and stripes of yellow, black, red and white:

Black Friday with Ketchup and Mustard

Some of my favorite items Anita chose include the Fabric Wall Art by merriweathercouncil who makes home decor; how cute!?

Also, theses red coral quartz earrings from ThePeachTree's Flor Collection.  10x14mm faceted flat briolette drops wire wrapped in Sterling Silver; how hot!?

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

If you think this Hand Painted Owl Necklace is adorable as I do, be sure to check out pashiko's other whimsical listings!  How charming!?

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

la Naváa was lucky enough to be included in this treasury along with these other great artisans of Etsy.  Double Hearts Gift Box is made with 100% recycled tagboard. Wrapped in black and white ribbon, ready for giving!

Currently 50% off for the Black Friday Sale! 

Happy Shopping and Spirited Holidays to you!

Much♥Meg

PS: be sure to "fan" ArtByAmarose on Facebook!

Thanksgiving wishes for you and your family!

There is a shop found on Etsy which is known for its unique and elegant styles.  kareninadesigns specializes in feminine lace jewelry. 

kareninadesigns also has a flare for curating unique and elegant treasuries.  You will find these Thanksgiving themed selections varying from housewares like the fine Hand Beaded Hostess Serving Set from Beadz2Pleaz, to WeeKnit's super cute Thanksgiving Finger Puppet Set all the way to old fashioned caramels from TheCaramelJar.

Also featured in this treasury, is la Naváa's Festive Maple Leaf Note Card Set!  The red/orange colored maple leaves were hand-stenciled and layered atop 100% recycled construction paper, and textured card stock.  This set of six is on sale now!

Here are more items from my fellow artisans who were included in this Thanksgiving Wishes treasury:
 

leur de Sel Caramels

 

Beaded Modern Tealight Candle Holder

 

Traditional Christmas Party Papers

A Happy Thanksgiving to all who will be celebrating this Thursday!

♥Meg

Introducing the ’10 Holiday Gift Giving List

Between now and December 20th, 10 great handmade gifts for Christmas ’10 will be featured in my la Naváa blog.

The items will be found online, anywhere, but will always be handmade. I’m a big advocate of handmade items. Buying handmade doesn’t just support your local communities, but it supports individuals pursuing an interest, and a talent. Kudos to them for being so brave as to venture.

This may pose to be a daunting task with the holiday hussle and bustle quickly approaching, so I’m recruiting your help. When you come across a great handmade item you’d like to share with others, please let me know. Leave a comment here on my blog, email me @ info@lanavaa.com, send me a convo on Etsy, or a post on Facebook. Either way, leave the url link to the item online and why you think it should make the ’10 Holiday Gift Giving List.

Artisans and crafters: this is a chance for you to promote your creations! Please do partake!

I’m looking forward to the finds of the season and hearing from each of you; suggestions and comments alike!


Much♥ and happy holidays!
Meg

Go Green for less :: Green Gifts under $20

FancifulFluff of Etsy curated this great gift list for the approaching giving season.  She has collected items from Etsy Artisan's under $20.

A list full of recycled and up-cycled goodies to help you with your holiday shopping.

Featured in this terrific treasury is la Naváa's Green Polka Dot Gift boxes.

Super Eco-Friendly handmade gift boxes made with 100% recycled green construction and up-cycled tissue paper!

On sale now, under $10 in my Etsy Shop!

Happy shopping!
♥Meg

For: Diann

A dear friend of mine requested a custom necklace to match her newly purchased la Naváa earrings.  Her earrings were made with Rainbow Tourmaline Gemstone chips suspended on Sterling Silver wire.  The necklace would embody both components.

The result:

5mm and 4mm Tourmaline gems individually wrapped in Sterling Silver and linked together.  Figaro chain seperates the three gem links.

She loved it!  And I ♥ that!

Presented in her very own gift box... made just for her.

Happy Autumn!

Fall Sets, originally uploaded by la Naváa.

Send a note to say "thank you" or just a simple "hi."

Give it with love on one of these new la Naváa Note Cards.

Colorful and festive- just in time for the Thanksgiving season.

See more photos in my Flickr Photostream ... or ...

Check them out on Etsy.

Much♥Meg

Downtown for the Holidays

Join me November 13th, at Appleton’s Downtown for the Holidays festival. Carolers will bring you the sounds of the seasons. Enjoy free cookies and refreshments as you stroll down the Avenue. Local shops and independent businesses will be providing Art demos, displays and make & takes. There are over 60 unique shops and 70+ pubs, clubs & restaurants to visit. Come make a day of it!

You will find me at Studio 213 demoing alongside Kate Stelow of Crimson Sky Designs.  Stop in, say hi; I've love to meet you... or see you again!

Much♥Meg

PS... Be sure to check out Downtown Appleton Coupons before you head out!

An Orange Maple Leaf

Orange Maple, originally uploaded by la Naváa.

One of my autumn themed gift boxes, the Orange Maple Leaf was hand-stenciled. The box itself is an origami designs hand-folded by me.

Made with 100% recycled construction paper, and a little up-cycled too. :) The yellow box top was wrapped in sheer brown ribbon.

The bottom is a brown shade to match the leaf embellishment.

I made my gift boxes to be durable and strong. This is no one-time-use keepsake box.

Gift your gift... with love.

♥la Naváa

Sunshine After Darkness

A compilation of handmade art and adornable treasures both vintage and new. Sunshine After Darkness is what Nangijala Jewelry call her happy ever after Treasury on Etsy.

Nangijala states she’s in business of making people happy, and she’s done just that by curating this mood elevating ansoble of sunshine and joy!

Much ♥ from la Naváa!

 

Featured in Nangijala’s treasury is la Naváa’s Double Heart Keepsake boxes in yellow, black and white.

Spread the handmade ♥!

Creamsicles for Fall

Amanda of littlebeanshop has a passion for digital creations. She also has a passion for handpicking treasures.

littlebeanshop’s “Creamsicles for Fall” treasury is full of flavor! Bursts of orange, ginger, peach and carroty goodness! Mmm…

Featured in this full flavored treasury, is la Naváa’s Dreamsicle gift box. Its orange sherbet-like look is right at home in this tasty treasury!

 

Much ♥ to you littlebeanshop!

Lines and Circles

A new treasury was introduced by Raceytay this past weekend: Lines and Circles.  A compliation of lines and circles, and as Tracey states "...other stuffs I like." 

Beautiful work Tracey!  Much ♥ from la Naváa!

The Chocolate Mousse Necklace from la Naváa was one of items featured.  Find it, newly re-listed, on Etsy.