Etsy Shop Of The Week

My Etsy Shop Of The Week

Kristenkswanson

Each of her one-of-a-kind pieces is wheel thrown on the potter’s wheel or hand constructed out of clay slabs. She paints her designs with black underglaze on the unfired clay body. She then uses a technique called sgraffito to scratch into the surface to achieve greater detail. The work is bisque fired, clear glazed, and fired a second time to 2300 degrees. Asian art has long been an influence in her work - her childhood home was filled with Asian furniture, tapestries, scroll paintings, and sculpture. She is further influenced by both traditional and contemporary textile patterns as well as traditional botanical motifs. She chooses to limit her surface work to black and white with an occasional splash of color as she enjoys the graphic and stimulating effect. The use of a clear glaze highlights the subtle texture of the porcelain body. 

I find her work to be truly outstanding and one of the best finds for my Shop Of The Week features to date.

Below is some of her finery for sale at her Etsy Shop.

Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/28178445/porcelain-cups-red-floral-set-of-5?ref=pr_shop

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51033382/porcelain-miniature-nesting-set

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52561705/large-porcelain-vase-with-scallops-and

http://www.etsy.com/listing/67899662/porcelain-floral-bud-vase

Enjoy Your Day!

As Always

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn~

Au Naturelle

Happy Memorial Day!

Let`s all remember and thank every one we know who serves our country in the military today and who has served in the past.

Thank you!

To My Uncles, My Deceased Dad, My Son In Law

And All The Relatives Who Have Served Our Country And Still Serving in My Family Along With My Husbands Family!

Now for everyone having a cookout today.

I have this fantastic recipe for good old fashioned potato salad.

Ingredients

• 5 potatoes
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 1 tablespoon prepared mustard
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, cool, peel and chop.
2. Place eggs in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let eggs stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
3. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, eggs, celery, onion, relish, garlic salt, celery salt, mustard, pepper and mayonnaise. Mix together well and refrigerate until chilled.

Enjoy Your Day!

Celebrate Your Freedom!

As Always

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn~

Au Naturelle

Saturday - New Items In The Shop - Two Herbs For Today

Two Herbs for Summer Color

Calendula and borage add color to your herb garden throughout summer with a succession of long lasting blooms. These are two of the prettiest herbs you can grow, and they are relatively carefree. Both are annuals, but once they are established in your garden they are eager reseeders, so you'll see them again year after year.

BORAGE (buy borage seeds)I bought my first packet of borage seeds many years ago, and grew the plants as a companion to tomatoes. Borage actually helps to improve the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby. I was mislead by an error on the seed packet that said that the plant should not be consumed because it is poisonous, and grew the plant only for it's properties as a companion and it's appearance.

In truth, borage is not poisonous. The leaves have a refreshing cucumber taste, and can be used in salads and chopped up for herb butters and dips. Borage greens are a little too plain-tasting when cooked alone, but when combined with other greens, particularly cabbage, they add a unique flavor. The flowers can be used as a garnish or candied to decorate pastries.

CALENDULA (buy calendula seeds)Calendula is also called pot marigold, but don't confuse this plant with the marigolds grown in your annual bed (Tagetes). Pot marigolds are smaller and more delicate in appearance than the more familiar Tagetes, and they have a number of medicinal uses.

Calendula is said to encourage healing, aid digestion, fight fungal infections and cure diaper rash. These properties alone are enough to make the plant an essential addition to your herb garden, but it is also has several cosmetic uses. Calendula petals can be used to make a nourishing skin cream or cleanser (see recipe below) and a strong infusion made from marigold petals can be used to lighten hair.

I also have this great recipe for a facial cleanser using dried marigold flowers.

CREAMY MARIGOLD CLEANSER

4 tablespoons olive or almond oil
2 tablespoons dried pot marigold flowers
few drops of violet, orange blossom or rose water

New items in my shop Au Naturelle 

 http://www.etsy.com/shop/aunaturelle

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74946797/lavender-moisturizing-eye-cream-12-ounce

My rich, gentle creme will become your favorite undereye crème as soon as you try it! This Eye Crème is creamy and thick and designed to super moisturize your most delicate and the finest skin on your face. You only need a small amount, for a little goes a long way. 

It provides nourishing oils and moisture. It is very spreadable and you need a very small amount, so the tube should last for months and months.

And Also An Orange Mint Skin Toner

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74946027/all-natural-orange-mint-skin-toner-four?ref=v1_other_2


The combination of the mint and orange will leave your skin feeling cool and refreshed. Mint leaves are rich in iron and the menthol helps tighten skin pores.

Available in four ounce spray bottle, simply spray a cotton pad or ball to apply.

Ingredients include mint hydrosol, orange hydrosol made from fresh mint leaves and orange peel,along with witch hazel.

This toner will whisk away surface dirt, oil and dead skin cells from your skin. Use after your regular facial cleanser for a clean refreshing feel to your skin.

Enjoy the holiday weekend everyone, 

hope wherever you are the weather is 

fine for barbecues and get togethers!

Until Tomorrow

As Always Keep It Clean!

JoAnn~

Window Shopping On Etsy Today...

wonderful design, detail and craftmanship

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74874858/goose-and-cattails-pottery-mega-mug?ref=sr_gallery_27&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=pottery+cups&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

this soap dish is wonderfully unique from fused glass


http://www.etsy.com/listing/73810819/fused-glass-soap-dish-in-turquoise-and?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=soap+dish&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

Love these!


http://www.etsy.com/listing/64502597/rustic-personalized-custom-engraved-wood?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=wood+tray&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

And I will have one of these bottles, in my favorites


http://www.etsy.com/listing/56214914/bottle-seam-series?ref=sr_gallery_13&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=ceramic+vase&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

love the versatility of the cardigan design, would go with everything


http://www.etsy.com/listing/64892063/sale-knitted-cardigan-with-lace-lavender?ref=sr_gallery_32&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=blouse&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

and last but not least, this
wonderful linen runner.


http://www.etsy.com/listing/62593787/queen-ann-linen-14-x-64-table-runner?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=linen+table+runner&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=ha


I`ve really mixed it up today ! Now I just need the money to get one of each. I keep everything in my favorites, because I`ll be back.

Enjoy my finds, check out these great shops by clicking on the links under the pictures!

And if Shopping at 

Au Naturelle

Don`t forget to use coupon code

SPRING10

at checkout

To save 10 percent off your entire order.

And

Scorpion Moon Designs

For Handcrafted Jewelry

Save 10 percent on your purchase at checkout

 by using coupon code

HOLIDAYWEEKEND

Have a Good Night!

And

As Always

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn~

Shop Of The Week

My shop of the week choice is called  ~hold~.

I have provided the link also for viewing the entire Etsy shop;

Hold

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hold

This seller uses wonderful vivid colors to achieve these great felted bowls and runners.

I don`t know any one who couldn`t use one of these beautiful bowls.

They are great for keys, jewelry, keeping by the front door as a catch-all. Let your imagination go, I`m sure everyone could find a place for one of these beauties.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/58856962/circle-bowl-green

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48149094/taller-bowl-set-of-two-brown

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62401059/cross-bowl-charcoal

http://www.etsy.com/listing/38973897/felted-bowl-wool-no-67-01

Before I go for today,

I found this quick and easy recipe for

Blueberry Butter

all I can say is YUMMY!

BLUEBERRY BUTTER

2 oz. butter, softened 1 tsp. confectioners sugar 1/4 c. blueberries Allow 2 ounces (a half stick) of butter to soften. In a small bowl using an electric mixer beat the butter, slowly adding 1 teaspoon confectioners sugar until fluffy. Stir in 1/4 cup blueberries and crush them with a fork into the butter. Beat again until blueberries are mixed in well. Store in covered dish in refrigerator. Remove 20 minutes before serving. Put on those pancakes, waffles or even a toast... Enjoy!

That 

all

for today!

as always

keep it clean!

JoAnn~

I found these great finds in different Etsy shops to redo a comfortable sitting room.

 The style is comfort, shabby chic, cottage and cozy.

 All wrapped up in one.

Pure comfort...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/63654167/burlap-french-market-lumbar-pillow

Some vintage bottles for a bit of color...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73343415/vintage-medicine-bottles-aqua-blue

A great photograph for beauty, color and relaxation...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/42787527/the-flower-shop-5x5-fine-art-photography

Some vintage looking photo pillows for conversation pieces...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/52087443/vintage-photo-pillows

Some classy storage...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/61725294/customizable-your-coordinates-the

And last but not least

Some wonderful coasters with your monogrammed letter for your end table...

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65499918/monogram-coasterstrivets-letter-a-set-of

I hope you enjoy my finds

and

can use something from one of these shops to jazz up a room in your home.

Enjoy your day!

And 

As Always 

Keep It Clean!

JoAnn

Featured Handmade Artist / Flowers That Bloom All Summer

• Today is also a very special day for me, I have been chosen as the featured artist on the Pure Handmade website, please take a look! I`m very honored. I have provided the link;
  
  
  

  http://www.purehandmade.com/

  
  
  
  
  Annual flowers bloom every year during a certain time. Summer-growing annuals typically need lots of sunlight and warmth and are very colorful plants with blooms to enjoy for a long time. Picking the blooms of annual flowers encourages more blossoms. Also, many varieties of these flowers continue blooming into fall and winter.

Dahlia

• 

  The dahlia is a flower that comes in many different colors and blooms during summer. Pick the blooms as they begin to die. This enables the flowers to produce more blooms. Grow dahlias where there is plenty of sunlight, and keep the soil damp. When planting, choose the dwarf dahlias because this variety blooms all summer.

Geranium

• Plant geraniums indoors or outdoors. They bloom all through the summer, and sometimes through the beginning of winter. To grow these indoors, put them in a cool spot, somewhere that is under 70 degrees F, but still very sunny. If they are grown outdoors, put them in a shaded area where they can still get sunlight, but will not get too hot. These plants thrive in just about all soil types.

  

  
  

Marigold

• Several types of marigolds exist, but each type grows all summer long. Sometimes they bloom in the winter as well. These plants grow from 8 to 40 inches depending on the kind you purchase (African Marigolds are the tallest). Plant marigolds somewhere with lots of sunlight and make sure they get plenty of water as well, but do not over water, just keep the soil moist.

  
  

  

  
  

Snapdragon

• Expect to see brightly colored snapdragons in your garden all summer long. They grow in direct or partial sunlight and reach to about 2 feet tall. Pick snapdragons when they are about 4 inches tall so they produce more blooms. As they continue to grow, pick the blooms and more will grow back.

  
  

  

  
  

Victoria Salvia

• This blue, sage-like flower is very dynamic and grows in many different climates and soils. It grows in sandy, dry soil or good, moist soil. It lives in either sunny or shady areas. Also, it blooms all summer long. These plants grow to about 3 feet tall so use them to border your garden or grow in other areas where the soil is not as desirable.

  
  

  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  I hope you find this information helpful and you have a beautiful flower garden with blooms all summer long.

  
  

  My herb for today is Basil. 

  • Basil is an essential and indispensable herb within a summer garden, yet it can be grown and cultivated in all temperate climates throughout the world, making it available year round. 

  
  Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow but there are some simple tricks that should be noted to produce healthier and productive plants. Basil should be pinched back early and often to encourage bushing and to avoid bolting. Once the plant is left to flower, it soon seeds, compromising or even destroying the flavor and shortening the lifespan of the plant.

  
  

  
  

  • Basil is a sensitive and delicate herb that should only be used fresh as once it is dried, it loses its aromatics properties. It should be used raw, either whole, chopped or crushed in a paste as it is fragile and cooking it changes its value in flavor and color. Add chopped basil to diced onions and fresh tomatoes, then cook into sauce and serve over pasta. Puree fresh basil into pesto with pine nuts, garlic, olive oil and parmesan, the serve with grilled vegetables or toss with pasta. Mix ricotta with chopped basil and garlic, then stuff in squash blossoms, batter and fry until crisp. Toss fresh corn kernels, chopped tomatoes and onions with thin ribbons of basil for a side salad. Basil will keep, dry and refrigerated, for up to a week but is best when used immediately.
    
    
    Basil Vinagrette

  
  

  Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup roasted garlic
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 3 cups olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

  Directions

  1. In a blender, combine the basil, garlic, cheese and vinegar. Slowly blend in the oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.

  
  

  
  

  Thats All For Today! Be watching for Etsy shop finds tomorrow.

  Until then, have a good night!

  And Keep It Clean!

  JoAnn~