Beach City Beader

Love is for the fishes...

2012-01-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

My Mermaid and the Sea Lion Valentine soap set made it into this fabulous Etsy Treasury.

SouthernScraps Happenings: Friday Feature and Giveaway- Beach City Boutique ...

2012-01-06T06:25:00.000-08:00

SouthernScraps Happenings: Friday Feature and Giveaway- Beach City Boutique ...: Hi, hope you've all had an amazing first week of 2012. We are kicking off the first Friday Feature of the year with a giveaway from a very u...

I am Lion Etsy Treasury

2012-01-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

My cold process Oriental Spice bar made it into this awesome Etsy treasury!

It is a Blue Ice New Year!

2012-01-01T09:38:00.001-08:00

I love this gorgeous Etsy treasury. My plumeria soap has been featured. Happy New Year!

Searching for the Ocean Treasures

2011-12-26T21:11:00.001-08:00

Here is the latest Etsy Treasury I am in!

Amethyst and Ice FAE Team Etsy Treasury

2011-02-02T06:29:00.000-08:00

I am delighted to be in this magical FAE Team Treasury! Thank you to Susan of Spinning Castle for makign this wonderful collection.

If you want to see more...and I know I do...head on over to my fellow FAE Team member Etsy shops exhibit in this treasury:

Catching up on Etsy Treasuries

2011-01-30T05:28:00.000-08:00

It’s been such a busy Treasury week on Etsy for me! Wow, I am falling behind on listing them all! I am so thrilled to have so many of my products included in these lovely Treasuries. Here’s the latest ones….
Dance the Magic Dance

Gentle Giant Manatee Love

Kiss Me…Just Because

Romance in Full Bloom

I am so very excited about all of these lovely Etsy Treasuries but the last two are very special to me. My dear friend Lorraine created these two lovely Treasuries… thank you Lorraine!

Dreaming of a white sandy beach...

2011-01-29T07:28:00.000-08:00

I adore the colors of this treasury! It’s no wonder my friend and ‘go to’ graphics designer Luzanda has created such a beautiful collection! She certainly has an eye for design and color! Thank you Luzanda!

This lovely Etsy treasury brings me back to holiday trips with my family in the Caribbean. I recall walking along white sandy beaches and hoping these times would never leave my mind. So far so good!

No matter where I am or how crazy life gets I take my mind back to the white sandy beaches. I find peace, love, happiness, and the togetherness with my family. Our thousands of miles apart are instantly transparent as I just recall our walks along the pristine white sand beaches.

In the Pink Etsy Treasury

2011-01-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

Jones was sweating profusely. It was an cold winter evening and the occasion was the pleasant gathering of friends to celebrate the birthday of Klin. Therefore, the phenomenon of sweating surprises the readers. Before we could start guessing on the health of the merman and the probability of an impending heart attach, Shorzag did the favor for the readers.

Shorzag: Are you okay Jones?

Jones: Yes I am fine.

Shorzag: Do you need any medicine or a glass of water?

Jones: No thanks. I am fine.

Shorzag: Well, you don’t look fine to me. What is the matter?

Jones: Maybe I need some fresh air. I will take a walk outside.

Jones comes out of the house and sits down on the green patch of the lawn. He has been waiting for this day, for a long time. He secretly loved Klin and his passion for the fairy has grown so much in the past few months. Klin has requested Jones and a few of her selected friends to stay back on her birthday. Jones planned to gift her most beautiful present on this day. However, luck didn’t seem to be on his side.

Jones felt like kicking himself for not noticing her preferences. The house of the fairy was painted pink inside, out and her house was named “Dwelling in the Pink”. The house was decorated with all types of items and decorative pieces in pink. Jones recalled that he has never seen her wearing anything other than the pink color.

However, Jones had brought the uberbubbly, moisturizing handmade soap

that was popular all around the sea. It is hard to find and is in huge demand. The exotic soap has the hand crafted sculpture of a mermaid and tortoise. Any girl would have been impressed with the gift but he would have explored other gift wrapping options if he was aware of Klin’s fascination for pink.

Jones’s was startled as he heard someone calling his name. To his amazement, he saw Klin walking towards him.

Klin: Thanks for the nice gift Jones. I adore it.

Jones: I should have brought something pink.

Klin: I would have adored any thing that you gifted me Jones.

Jones: Yes. But I should have given you something pink. The soap was already gift wrapped in blue silk when I bought it.

Klin: You poor fellow. Don’t you know that the soap comes in the shade of pink?

Vintage Sun Etsy Treasury

2011-01-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

The Story of the Vintage Sun

The sun had always been the most influential factor to sustain life on earth. It nurtured and cherished the many lives that made the world so beautiful. In the chronicles of the fairyland was mentioned the incident when the sun was brightest. The model turned actress fairy, Klin was narrating the story to Dorothy. Dorothy, being a mermaid, was awfully interested about all the things that happened on land and sky. Even the dolphin stood still in the water. It seemed even she was listening to the story. The story was interesting indeed.

It happened a long time ago. The bright sun was beautiful and kept the world cosy and warm. The world never knew anything about winter or snow. People were happy and each day was a wonderful, sunny day. Winter was not happy with the arrangement and resented the sun for this. However, the people didn’t complain and no one bothered about winter. Winter thought about this for thousand years, locked himself up in an Arctic cave and finally came up with an idea. He took the disguise of a peddler and started selling ice cream, snowmen, winter fruits and other related items of the cold.

The people loved the products and enjoyed them as they were novelties to them. This went on for long and then suddenly the disguised peddler stopped selling his merchandise. But, the people wanted more and were disappointed to not to get their hands on them. They cornered the peddler and asked him why he was not selling any more?

The cunning Winter told the people that the heat of the sun was destroying the products. The people requested the Sun to stop giving light. Instantly the Sun left the sky and eternal winter started. People soon realized their mistake and requested the Vintage Sun to be back again. The sun took its position but reduced the intensity. So that winter can return once in a year.

Dorothy: What does that soap you are holding on your hand have to do with the story?

Klin: It is a beautiful handmade soap, scented with Neroli and Vetiver essential oils. It makes bathing a deluxe affair and soothing experience.

Dorothy: So?

Klin: Don’t you get it. The soap is made in the fairyland and its color represents the power of the Vintage Sun. It commemorates the victory of good, over the evil forces.

Ocean Dream Etsy Treasury

2011-01-27T17:13:00.000-08:00

It was a pleasant, salt air christened evening at the sea shore shops. The street lights were coming up, the shops were lighting up and the momentary darkness was trying to find some place from the glare of the electric light. The cool breeze was happily blowing over the sea. Life was good and peaceful.

As the darkness laced the sky and the last traces of daylight vanished, small stars twinkling high above the sea, started to appear. The seagulls were back home and even the waves seemed lazy. The lights on the boats looked like small dots, shimmering in the distance, reminding us of the vastness of the ocean. Far away from the shore was a slippery black rock barely above the sea level. The descending darkness made it hardly visible.

A casual onlooker would have seen the outline of a mermaid against the dark sea and nodded his head in disbelief but we know Delilah very well. She is the daughter of the sea and the most beautiful creature in this part of the sea. She was talking to her pet dolphin.

Mermaid: I wonder what the Ocean Dreams...

The dolphin playfully nudges at her feet and looks at her eyes.

Mermaid: When we refer to the ocean, what does it mean?

The water mass?

The creatures of the ocean?

or the land below the ocean?

or is it the stories and legends that are related to the water body?

The dolphin oblivious to the questions of the mermaid, played around happily in the dark water. The mermaid thinks awhile and looks up at the sky. The moon has come up on the sky in full luminosity. It was late already and she left the rock to start for her home. Someone will be waiting for her at home.

The lonely sea was ready to rest. As the reflections of the moon slowly settled down and lit up the waves, the ocean dreamt. The ocean dreamt of a beautiful image. A sculpture of the mermaid couple made of soap dominated the dream of the ocean, the tribute to its most magical creation.

I'm feeling faerie blue today....Etsy Treasury FAE Team

2011-01-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

The Blue Fairy

It was that time of dawn, when the sun was yet to rise and the earth was covered in mist and the faint blue light. It was cold out there, near the hills of my home inside the forest. The grass was moist with dew and no sound was heard around, except the rustling of the leaves and the crisp air.

It was one of those glorious mornings veiled in the cloak of mystery that implores you to explore for unknown treasuries.

I felt like a child that believed in the bed time stories and finally free to search them out for real. All were asleep, warm and cosy on their beds. I went to the kitchen to make myself some tea to me warm.

I was in the kitchen when I caught a glimpse of something moving in our back yard. I rushed to the window and looked around but could not see a thing. The lazy blue light was spread around and the darkness mimicked my glances. I was not sure, but I thought I saw a child moving around the garden . I though she hid as soon as she saw me.

I grabbed my jacket and bundled up; the torch was near the door. I rushed outside but no one was there. My own garden seemed an entirely unknown terrain in the early morning light. The shadows changed the landscape and added new features that changed I had never seen before.

I illuminated my yard with the torch and found nothing unusual. Then I looked across the street. A t first I thought she was a neighborhood girl but my misconception was soon shattered. The beautiful transparent glistening wings on her shoulders reflected the bluish light. We looked at each others eye for a split second and then she fluttered her wings magically and flew away.

I rushed towards the fence but could not find a trace of this beautiful winged creature as she had simply disappeared leaving pixie dust behind. I turned around and was heading back inside when I saw a beautiful object lying on the ground beneath the poppy flowers. It was a beautiful soap sculpture of the fairy that I just saw. Thanks to the blue fairy, now I know that there are things on this earth that are still magical.

On the Bright Side Etsy Treasury

2011-01-25T07:16:00.000-08:00

Tabatha was glad that it was Sunday and she had some time for herself. You see, she was planning to visit Morris from the day she had heard about the accident. All the classmates have visited the friend, except her. Besides, Morris was a good friend and she knew why he went to that place first of all. Morris lived near the hills, amidst the pine forest. He used to tell her about a garden he had discovered on one of the least visited side of the mountain. It was a beautiful garden of honeysuckle flowers. He had met a tiny, old man there who looks after the garden and plays beautiful tunes on his violin.

The old man and Morris seemed to have built up an instant rapport. Morris showed him the cell phone that his mom had given him to carry when ever he is out of the house and the old man gave him a postcard. The postcard was magical. Words started to appear on the postcard as the old man started to utter them. Morris was pretty impressed with the postcard and the kind man therefore gifted it to him.

Morris could not go to the garden as he had to prepare for the upcoming soapmaking exam. He missed the garden and the man. Then one day, he saw the lines written on his card; “Come to the garden, it is a brighter site. The honeysuckle flowers are joined by flowers of different shapes and colors, in the garden. This is as per the royal order and the garden is named the Bright Side.

Morris decided to visit the garden before class. He thought of meeting the man and then attending the class. However, it had rained heavily on the previous night and the hilly road was slippery. Morris slipped on his way back from the garden and sprained his ankle.

Tabatha: So, it was a beautiful garden?

Morris: Yes it was.

Tabatha: How did you managed to create the best soap?

Morris: You see, the jasmine soap had the best formula and fragrance.

Tabatha: Yes I do understand that part. But, I thought you had lost all the ingredients while you slipped on the road.

Morris: I did slip, but on the brighter side, the old man supplied me with the best natural ingredients that I could lay my hands on.

Honeysuckle Hue Harmony Etsy Treasury

2011-01-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

The Rose in the Garden of Honeysuckles

Honeysuckle is the national flower in the kingdom of “GreenTallPines”. The gnomes and their royal family simply adore the natural masterpiece of creation. The royal garden of Honeysuckle Hue Harmony is a pride for all the gnomes.

Though as a race, the gnomes are comfortable living underground, the plants require sunlight and fresh air. Hence, the garden is on the surface of earth; at a beautiful and hard to reach hilly spot. The old gnome Balkaz treats and cares for the garden, he is the royal gardener. The remote location of the garden helps him to work freely without being worried about the human presence.

Balkaz loves to stay alone and hardly visits the metropolis. The King arranged to send his rations to the garden. The dwelling of Balkaz is made on the high branches of a near by tree. The small wooden house is cosy and warm. At nights the old man plays the violin from the roof of his house to the full house of Honeysuckle flowers. It seems the garden sways to his tunes. In short, the old man is different from the other gnomes. Nevertheless, gnomes love the aged gardener and always bring him gifts when they visit the garden.

The King was supposed to visit the garden the next day and the preparations for his welcome were at full swing in the garden. The team of workers and security guards were sent at the garden to help the gardener. Removing weeds and to keep the garden neat and clean was a tough task. The King didn’t like any other flowers in his garden and loved to be lost among the beauty of the honeysuckle flowers only. However, the gardener was preparing a surprise for the King.

The King arrived on the due date with all the grandeur and walked inside the garden. He was happy to see the old gardener waiting for him. As the king approached the gardener, he kneeled and offered his gift. A beautiful honeysuckle rose soap made from both the flowers. The king was surprised and delighted.

King: Thank you. It is a beautiful soap.

Gardener: Thanks King. It is made of not only honeysuckle or rose but a combination of both of them.

King: Really?

Gardener: Yes King. The garden looks and feels nicer with different flowers and not only one. Let all the flowers be here and together they will make it the most beautiful garden. You have already seen how a combination of two has made a beautiful soap.

King: Then so be it. Let the garden be for all flowers and let them prosper together on each others shoulders.

Into the Forrest Etsy Treasury

2011-01-23T08:07:00.000-08:00

Meeting Fairy in the Forest

It was a wonderful sunny afternoon. The sky was majestic blue in color with an occasional sprinkling of bright white clouds. The sunlight was pure golden in color and gave the land below a charming look. The shadows and sunlight were creating interesting designs in the forests of the GreenTallPines. It was a day to be outdoors and to enjoy the sunshine.

Though the metropolis of the gnomes was located underground and the gnomes hid them well from the prying eyes of the humans; it doesn’t mean that they shied away from the great outdoors. The research in the field of invisibility cloak is going on, strong among the scientist community. However, the break through is still awaited. Therefore, gnomes have to make do with smartness, alertness and stealth to evade detection.

The schools were closed on holidays and Pike was very happy about it. He is the brightest boy in his class of sixth standard. He is happy to have the time off as he could get some time to think about the latest school assignment. The class teacher has asked each of the students to write an essay on anything that doesn’t belong to the real world. Now, this was a topic Pike was not comfortable with. If it was a science or math subject Pike wouldn’t have thought about it, twice. But, imagine an imaginary subject? How complicated!

Pike was walking down the road when he came across some thing strange. Deep in the center of the woods was a beautiful wild garden of Poppies. It was the favorite spot for Pike to study alone. However, today the garden was not vacant. A beautiful girl was sprinkling pixie dust around the garden and was stopping at all the Poppy flowers, admiring their beauty.

The girl would have been any normal human being, except for the glistening wings on the shoulders. Klin was on her way to fairyland from Jones’s shop. Jones has gifted her beautiful soap sculpture of the fairy in the poppy flower garden.

As Pike moved near to have a better look, the startled fairy took to flight. Pike reached the place and picked up the soap that had slipped from the hand of the fairy. Pike was happy; he had found the topic to write for his assignment. The old man in his neighbourhood was correct. “Fairy tales are not tall tales; they are the mirrors of our internal truth.”

A Brave, New (Clean) World

2011-01-22T21:40:00.000-08:00

The Clean Drive and Manatee’s pride

The annual clean drive week was going on in GreenTallPines. It is an annual social event where every one of the kingdom participated in the cleaning and maintenance of the lands. The activites around the week are used to highlight the advantage and importance of being clean. The events were so popular among the gnomes because the King awarded the best idea or product that helped the cause of cleanliness.

The gnomes are a proud race around the universe and though they live inside the ground, they are the cleanliest race that you will ever find. The big filters hanging on top of the underground metropolis continuously filtered the underground air and removed dust. The technically savvy gnomes have abolished processes that generated smoke, million of years ago. So pollution levels were always at zero. However, ants and other insects is a constant nuisance for the town. The patrolling nano robots continuously scanned the perimeters of the metropolis and drove away the straying insects when they came around. However, new inventions were continuously taking place to help the cause of cleanliness.

“A Brave, New Clean World” is the name of the cleaning week. Interesting devices were developed on the occasion and were awarded. The dirt and dust detector found out hidden particles in any place. The atomizer was another device that was used to automatically erase any dirt present at a premise of 1000 square feet. Even the nano robot was invented during the occasion, it roamed around a place and removed all dirt by itself and worked unmonitored.

Therefore, it is needless to mention that the award attracted fierce competition and high level of innovation. This year the entries were highly competitive and ensured a high degree of innovation. The winner was the gnome named Manatee, this year. Her product was called Mantee’s pride...

She made a beautiful soap that looked adorable and the lime pie scent was yummy.

The Queen was instantly impressed with the cute and beautiful soap. The King was happy to see a product that will make bathing a luxurious experience and also provide a skin treatment. The glycerin soap is an out of the world product, specifically with the nice design and the interesting the mold. This was the first time in the history of the GreenTallPines that a product won the contest with a full hundred percent majority. It is a record that will be hard to break.

Fushia Frappe Etsy Treasury

2011-01-21T07:05:00.000-08:00

Honeysuckle Rose with Fuchsia Frappe

It was a great day in GreenTallPines. The small kingdom of gnomes was celebrating their foundation day of the nation. It was a long long time ago, that their ancestors stepped on this hilly land and decided to make it their home. The underground metropolis under highway 605 was a buzz with activities and the last moment preparations for the festivities were in full swing. Even, the broken down parts of the ancient explorer space ship were cleaned and cleaned to a sparkle.

The ancient gnomes travelled in that ship from stars to stars and places where no man has been ever before, until crash landing on earth. It was with great difficulty that they buried the ship underground and hid it from the eyes of the prying humans. The colonization started inside the buried ship and grew out underground to be the vast metropolis as it is known today. The dark and hot underground conditions were familiar to their home planet GliKanRa.

As the civilization grew and the population increased; the threat to survival vanished. The modern gnomes are even attempting space travel. In the cloudless dark nights when a dazzling fire cracker erupts in the sky, it is actually a gnome space craft leaving the earth. However, since they lost the password to their home planet chatting ID, they are unable to contact their planet.

The elders of the tribe had devised to celebrate all the occasions as a mean to recall their cultural legacy. The foundation day was no different. It was devised so that the younger generation never forget the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the proud gnome race.

Now Fuchsia was the royal flower of the nation and the Fuchsia coloured frappe was the national drink. Fuchsia Frappe specially laced with the honeysuckle and rose extracts is the eternal welcome drink of the gnomes.

The gnomes loved their drink so much that they used the combination in all fields of their life. Fragrance of rose is the most popular perfume in GreenTallPines, the houses were shaped and coloured to resemble Fuchsia flower, the attires mostly reflected the Fuchsia color, the food of gnomes imitated the flavor of the frappe and even the cars and rockets looked like Fuchsia flowers.

However as a break through invention, this was the first time that the lovely honeysuckle rose flavor was going to get introduced in a bath product. The gnomes were excited as the King was supposed to offer the eagerly awaited honeysuckle rose soap to the citizens on the occasion of foundation day.

Honeysuckle rose was always a popular flavor with the Fuchsia frappe but its introduction in soap was a luxurious novelty. Not only it meant great soothing bathing experience, but using it also ensured healthy skin. As per the grape vines, the gnomes are planning to export the honeysuckle soap to other colonies around the solar system as well. We can only hope that few pieces of the celestial product are made available to the human beings as well.

Romantic Whimsies Etsy Treasury

2011-01-13T05:49:00.000-08:00

The Impossible Task of Jones

It was one of those lazy summer afternoons. Jones and Mr. TickityTack were enjoying each other’s company on the white sandy beach. Fortunately, the beach still remains hidden from the tourist maps. It is a good thing. As otherwise, people would have been shocked to see a merman talking to a dragonfly.

Mr. TickityTack: ………………So, that was that!

Jones: Yeah. But I liked it. It was sort of cool.

Mr. TickityTack: So the did must have earned you the heart of a good number of admiring Mermaids?

Jones: Guess so.

Mr. TickityTack: But none of them were as pretty as Klin?

Jones turns around, pretends, not to have heard anything and reaches for the nearby glass of coconut water.

Mr. TickityTack: So what was your toughest task, so far?

Jones: Well, let me think about it.

Mr. TickityTack: Was it saving of the fortress Mermaid Shines or the removal of the Coral flower garden in a day?

Jones: Those were good jobs Ticky, but I guess my toughest challenge was at the “Romantic Whimsies”

Mr. TickityTack: Isn’t it the biggest store for the romantically inclined?

Jones: Yes my dear friend, the very same one.

Mr. TickityTack: And what problem could you possibly face at that nice place?

Jones seats up, gets himself a glass of coconut water. Takes a sip and looks at the vast expanse of the infinitely spread blue waters.

Jones: You see I was at the shop with a friend of mine. He was looking for a nice gift to present his wife on their first anniversary. I was taking a look around the shop and was marvelling at the beautiful items. All of a sudden I heard many excited voices entering the shop. It was Klin.

Mr. TickityTack: Jumping Jupiter!

Jones: She was carrying a beautiful blue colored piece of art in her hands and was gleefully talking to her fans.

Mr. TickityTack: So the fans made you jealous?

Jones: I was preparing to leave the shop along with my friend, when we heard the sweetest scream ever. Klin was screaming her heart out. We soon learnt that her sculptured soap was missing after she left it on the counter, to sign few autographs.

Mr. TickityTack: Some good Samaritan must have kept it on the shop shelves Thinking the item on the counter belongs to the shop.

Jones: That most probably was the case but since nobody claimed the honor; we had the tough task of recovering the small item from the vast collection of objects.

Mr. TickityTack: And you did it, obviously. But, how?

Jones: You see Ticky, the objects at Romantic Whimsies are generally red, orange or pink in color. The beautiful Handmade Soap Rose Garland Cherub Heart that Klin was carrying was blue in color. The contrast helped me to spot the item Fast.

Mr. TickityTack: …………………and win the attention of Klin.

Gifts from the Merfolk Etsy Treasury

2011-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

The Aqua Fair has just concluded in the water kingdom. It is an annual fair where all the mermen and mermaids from around the sea come together. Various products are displayed and traded at the fairgrounds. The fair lasts for four days and is always inaugurated by the king. The amusement at the fairground is the greatest crowd puller.

Andrew, the merman was dressed and ready to leave for office. However, he didn’t look his cheerful self as usual. This was strange, because, previous night Andrew and his wife have won the award for best couple at the Aqua fair grounds .The renowned sculptor Auri EaniBinni has created the soap sculpture of the winning couple. It is a marvellous piece of work and exactly captured the features of the couple. The soap sculpture was given to the winning couple and a duplicate was kept for the president of the fair, who was absent.

Jones the best friend of the merman soon caught up with him on his way to work.

Jones: Good Morning.

Andrew: Good Morning to you!

Jones: Congratulations.

Andrew: For what ?

Jones: Didn’t you win the best couple award at the Aqua fair?

Andrew: Huh?.........Yes. Yes. Thanks.

Jones: What happened friend? Worried about something? Dorothy and you had a fight?

Andrew: No. Nothing of that sort.

Jones: What is the matter then?

Andrews: You see, yesterday night we were awarded the best couple at the Aqua fairground.

Jones: So are you telling me, you are unhappy about winning the prize?

Andrew: No.

Jones: Then what is the problem?

Andrew: As the winning couple of the fair our soap sculpture was created.

Jones: Yes I saw that. The uberbubbly beautiful blue soap with the real life sculpture of you and Dorothy, it was beautiful. Don’t tell me you have broken it already?

Andrew: No no. Its okay. The problem is that the president is going to receive the soap with my sculpture today.

Jones: You are worried because the president missed your moment of glory?

Andrew: You don’t understand. I have taken a leave from office yesterday and I told my boss that I was not feeling well.

Jones: So you are feeling bad about it? The morale dilemma? The remorse? It is good for your soul, you know.

Andrew: Maybe, but it is seriously bad for my job.

Jones: Why?

Andrew: My boss happens to be the president of the Aqua Fair.

The Eternal Rose

2011-01-10T23:55:00.000-08:00

It was a lovely sunny summer day. The mermaid and the merman were sitting on the rocks in the middle of the sea. The bright sunlight glistened on the vast expanse of the water. Both of them were visibly tired after swimming such a long distance. The waves gently washed the fins and nudged them to the sea.

Mermaid: It is a long way to the tropical islands.

Merman: We will make a trip to Hawaii, maybe next year.

Mermaid: I loved the flower that you brought for me.

Merman: Which one?

Mermaid: The beautifully folded flower, it had the shades of red, pink and white.

Even the fragrance was so sweet.

The merman gives a blank look and scratches his head.

Mermaid: Don’t you remember it is the one you brought from your last trip to

Equator. I can’t recall the name of the flower, but that was short and sweet too.

The merman gives a smile of recognition and lies down on his back.

Merman: Oh yes. That was a rose.

Mermaid: I remember, you told me, that the flower only lives on land. Why don’t

We have it under water?

The Merman closes his eyes and puts his hand across the eyes.

Merman: I have heard that the flower once grew under water too, in the kingdom of “Spring Lilacs”.

But they were so beautiful and fascinating that the people of the kingdom started fighting with each other over it. The King banished the flower from the kingdom and since then it has never grown under water.

Mermaid: What a pity. I would surely like to have one or two under the water.

The merman sits up with a twinkle in his eye.

Merman: But I didn’t tell you about princess Dorothy!

Mermaid: Who? Why?

Merman: Princess Dorothy was the only daughter of the King and she adored the beautiful roses.

Mermaid: So the king didn’t banish the roses after all?

Merman: No he did. But, he created the garden of eternal roses for his daughter.

These roses never fade or decay, they stay as it is, for ever.

Mermaid: Are they still there that means?

Merman: Yes, they are still in the Royal garden of “Spring Lilacs”. Heavily guarded by the Royal soldiers and is inaccessible to the commoners. I have heard that the roses are made of soap and they have the same exquisite smell of natural rose.

Mermaid: So this is the story of the eternal rose! Will you bring me one?

Merman: Now my dear that will depend on the service charges provided.

The merman gleefully slips in the sea and vanishes beneath the waves. The mermaid jumps behind him and disappears under the sea.

The Salmon Shop Etsy Treasury

2011-01-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

The fresh water kingdom of “GreenWater” was thriving with excitement. You see it was the day; the Salmon Shorzag shop was going to open its doors. Shorzag is a well known personality through out the length, breadth and depth of water. Though the scales of the old salmon have wrinkled with age, his stories of bravery and perfection has gathered no dust. He has roamed around the high seas in his younger days and has finally decided to call adios to his adventurous way of life and settle for the bliss of a domesticated shop keeper’s life. Shorzag was born and brought up at “Green Water” and his return to the kingdom added glory to its residents.

The shop of Shorzag promised to hold all the wonders collected from the nook and crannies of the ocean. The tranquil mood and slow paced life of the kingdom was turned to that of fervent rush and palpable excitement. The news that the famous angel turned model Klina and the beautiful mermaid Sally will be present at the inauguration of the shop only acted as a catalyst to increase interest.

Finally, the day has come. Kline has arrived with her friends and was giggling with fellow angels at the party. Sally was also at the party, but looked crossed with the merman. It seemed she was pretty good with her words and has used it effectively against the merman when she caught him stealing appreciative glances at Kline. Mr. TickityTack the dragon fly was impatiently gazing out of the shop window. Strangely, Shorzag was absent in the inauguration party.

Jones: Where is Shorzag?

Mr. TickityTack: He was supposed to be getting an item that would complete his collection of the best items in the shop. However, he is late.

Kline: What is it Mr. TickityTack?

Mr. TickityTack: It is supposed to be the best uberbubbly soap sculpture in the entire world.

Jones: I have some thing like that. I have a soap sculpture that depicts you and Mr. TickityTack. It is the only piece in the entire water kingdom. You should have this, it is a marvel!

Silence falls as Shorzag makes an entry. The old salmon enters holding a packet in his fin, as a prize.

Mr. TickityTack: What are you holding old friend? Why were you so late?

Shorzag: I was looking for this object through out the sea. Finally, I heard that a single piece is available at a shop. However, the shop was closed. I waited for long. Then I decided to break in the shop and fetch the item for myself. I have kept gold on the counter table as compensation for the damages to the shop and price of the item. The neighbouring people of the shop helped me a lot too. They are still keeping lookouts for the shop, as the lock had to be broken.

Shorzag, the salmon unwrap the item and keeps it on the table. It is a beautiful sculpture of an angel and a dragonfly made on soap.

Kline: It seems I need not visit your shop anymore Mr. Jones, to see the beautiful piece of art after all.

The Fairy and the Honeysuckle Rose Soap

2011-01-03T08:17:00.000-08:00

It was the birthday of Klina, the fairy. The entire fairy land was gearing up for the occasion. You see, Klina is the princess and as well as the most popular television star of the kingdom. The sculpted figure of the fairy on a soap bar has even appeared on a human shop. The fairies and the magical creatures were busy arranging for a surprise birthday party. The gift wrapped boxes of different shapes and sizes were getting collected in the hollow Pine tree. The finest honey and the sweetest milk were to be served in the party.

Jones, the merman and Mr. TickityTack the dragonfly were also invited to the party, since they were the best friends of Klina, the fairy. Jones could not make it to the party, as he was over burdened with job and was working on the weekends. His was a beautiful shop, full of wonderful merchandise.

Therefore he sent his present in the hands of Mr. TickityTack. The dragonfly arrived on time, at the birthday bash with both the presents. Klina thrilled with the surprise party was enjoying herself in the company of her friends at the other corner of the room.

Fairy 1: I have brought the nicest pair of blue mountain dew seeds. Klina is crazy for it. It helps in getting rid of the wrinkles and dark patches on the wing. You know, looks are how important in the profession, that she is in.

Fairy 2: I have brought cool bull drool potion. It is yet to be launched in this land. It is the best magical potion to attract a handsome man. Though Klina has her natural charms, a little extra help never hurts.

Fairy 3: What did you bring Mr. TickityTack ?

Dragonfly: I brought a marigold flower, which I think will look nice on her hair.

Fairy 3: And what is that other box that you are holding on your hand Mr. TickityTack?

Dragonfly: Oh! It is the gift from Jones. He could not come and sent his gift through my hands. Speaking of hands, you know I have many of them.

The dragonfly smiles at his clever wit, but a sudden silence descends among the fairies and they start exchanging excited looks.

Fairy 1: Is it Jones, the handsome merman ?

Dragonfly : Yes Madame, the very same.

Fairy 2: It must be the soap sculpture of Klina. We have heard so much about it.

Dragonfly: Jones sure mentioned that it is the one that Klina said she always wanted from his shop.

Fairy 1: Then it must be the soap with her figure sculpted on it.

Klina approaches the group from behind and beams up on hearing the discussion. He grabs the dragonfly from behind and gives him a peck.

Klina: It is not my soap sculpture, it would be the hand made and perfectly cured extra moisturizing soap. It is no less than pure magic. Can you smell the fragrance of honeysuckle and rose? It is delight shrink wrapped and delivered at your door.

She opens the gift the wrap and the hand made pinkish Honeysuckle Rose soap comes out

Fairy 1: It is not a sculpture of a fairy but no less than an artwork.

Fairy 2: If Jones would keep his shop open on weekends, I will drop by to collect soap for myself.

The Dragonfly and the Fairy

2010-12-30T06:52:00.000-08:00

The soothing breeze was merrily flowing through the trees and the branches of the beautiful garden. It was the time of summer and the bright sun on the sky was happily looking down on the earth below. Little Mary was busy in the garden; she was planting a new tree. Her mother was looking for her and came searching in the garden.

Mary’s mother: Where have you kept the soap?

Mary: It is on the basin mom, I have left it there after washing my hands.

Mary’s mother: What are you doing here? Getting dirty again? Have you completed your home works?

Mary: I am waiting for Mr. TickityTack. He should be here soon. I will complete all the tasks soon. Promise!

Mary’s mother: Mr.TickityTack? The dragonfly?

Mary: Yes mom.

Mary’s Mother: Okay Mary, I want to see you inside the house in ten minutes.

Mary’s mother turns and leaves the garden. Mary looks up around impatiently and searches for her friend who is obviously late. She stands up, rubs her hand and prepares to leave. Suddenly, a dragonfly appears from no where and descends on her shoulder. Curiously, the little girl doesn’t fend it off and instead a smile appears on her face.

Mary: You are late Mr. TickityTack.

Dragonfly: Yes I was with Jones, the merman. We were at the fairy treasury and got delayed over there.

Mary: Did you get what I asked for?

Dragonfly: There were many beautiful things at the treasury. There were beautiful fairy bags, fairy boxes, fairy lockets, fairy cards and many things more. Why did you ask for this particular item little Mary?

Mary: I have seen her in the television and I wished to keep her soap sculpture with me. Where is the soap fairy?

Dragonfly: Yes she is one of the most popular actresses in the Fairyland and I have heard that she has appeared in few of the human shows as well. Jones is a good friend of her and he got me the special soap from the treasury. I have kept it on the basin.

Mary: Oh! But mom just checked the basin and she didn’t find any thing.

Dragonfly: That is because I removed the old wet soap from the basin.

Mary: What about the soap fairy? Didn’t you say that you have kept it there?

Dragonfly: Oh! That is invisible to all, except the dreamers at heart my dear.

King Lego and the Merman

2010-12-28T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Merman was soaking all the heat from the artificial hot spring in the under water cave, he was obviously tired after a long journey back home. The cold winter hasn’t helped to make the voyage a pleasant one and now it was pouring heavily from the dark winter night sky. The occasional lighting and the angry waves of the sea was a distant murmur at the sea bed and couldn’t bother the merman. The mermaid entered the cave and closed the doors behind her. She took a comfortable seat and looked questioningly at the merman.

Mermaid: So what happened?

Merman: I took the Blue Whale Flight, it was delayed due to an approaching school of dolphins and they served the same old cold green algae as dessert during the voyage.

Mermaid: Very smart! You know what I am asking? Why did King Lego of ZapBoomToo summoned you so urgently?

Merman: Oh yes! But that is a long story dear.

Mermaid: I will soon get plenty of time in my hand if you don’t start your story immediately. I am not going to cook tonight and frozen green algae dessert will be all that you will get for dinner.

Merman: You are so persuasive dear and such negotiation skills! It is almost impossible to turn down a request from you, isn’t it?

The closed cave starts echoing with the hearty laughter of the merman and the mermaid.

Merman: You see dear, the country of ZapBoomToo is planning to participate in the international sports event and for that they needed a flag to represent the country. That is where the problem started.

Mermaid: What problem?

Merman: Three is a very lucky number in the ZapBoomToo land and they have decided to make up the flag with three colors.

Mermaid: So what was the problem?

Merman: They had chosen silver color, as their king is the best craftsman of the land and creates beautiful silver jewelry. The color red was chosen as it was the color of blood and the rising sun. But they couldn’t decide on the third color. Green represented the land; and blue stood for the sky and the sea. The king favored blue while the people loved green.

Mermaid: So you were the problem solver?

Merman: You see dear, unlike you, other people do consider me a genius in solving problems.

Mermaid: So what did you suggest? Green or Blue?

Mermaid: I scratched my head for long and suggested Aqua. The people were happy. You should have seen the crowd. The king was happy too. He gave me one of the most precious gifts in his treasury as a token of appreciation. I brought it for you.

The merman directs his finger to the beautifully crafted soap sculpture of a mermaid sitting pretty on the mantle. The mermaid brightens up and rushes to the soap mermaid. Takes it up in her hands and beams at the Merman.

Mermaid: But I thought the King preferred blue and isn’t Aqua a shade of green?

Merman: My dear, perspective saved the day for me. The people loved the suggestion of Aqua as they thought it was a shade of green, just like you. King Lego also loved the color as he and I both believe that Aqua is predominantly blue in color with a hint of green.

The Mermaid and the Perfect Gift

2010-12-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

It was a tranquil summer night and the reflections of the moon were happily floating on the sea, in a wavy line. The creatures of the sea kingdom were back in their home and all was as mundane as it used to be. A faint voice was heard from the bottom of the sea that occasionally broke the silence of the darkened water.

The mermaid and a merman were conversing on the sea bed. The dim glow from the bright pearl near the merman’s chair made of shells, illuminated the space around them. In the blue hue of the light, it seemed that the beautiful mermaid was worried and was pacing around the merman. The merman sat on his chair and gently rocked back and forth. The expression on the merman’s face closely resembled his human counterparts. The look that a husband or a boyfriend wears when he is clueless about the answer and acts to convince that it is too easy to be bothered about.

Mermaid: It is always the same with you. What about the great shop that you told me we will visit?

Merman: Yes dear, but don’t you think we can wait for the sun to rise?

Mermaid: And you can go to catch fishes and we will have the same argument tomorrow night?

Merman: Never dear, do I ever argue with you? We will be at Etsy Treasury tomorrow, first thing in the morning.

Mermaid: We will check out the items on display. Will you buy me a gift?

Merman: I don’t think they are trading fish yet.

Mermaid: Jokes apart, do you know what they keep at the treasury?

Merman: Jones was there, he posed to be on his way to a fancy dress party. People appreciated the making of the fine fish tail. He told that exquisite hand crafted products are the charm of the place. You can find exquisite perfumes, soaps, jewellery, bath soaps, bath salts and many more.

Mermaid: I guess I have made up my mind about what to buy? What about you?

Merman: I will decide when we reach the treasury.

Mermaid: Fine. Now clean the caves, put off the light and scale the fish. It is already late in the night.

The Merman faintly murmurs a protest and reluctantly starts doing the chore. The light goes off and as the voices faint, silence fells once again on the sea bed.

Dreaming of Summer Etsy Treasury

2010-12-26T18:40:00.000-08:00

Dreaming of summer! That sure has been the case with the crazy rains we have been having. Although I love the rain I am looking forward to drying out just a bit. Many thanks to Good Bye Feet for giving us an early taste of what is to come soon! Thank youf or including my Handmade Soap Mermaid and Sea Lion Ocean Water Type Fragrance !

Honeysuckle Symphony

2010-12-24T07:31:00.000-08:00

A dynamic reddish pink, Honeysuckle is encouraging and uplifting and the 2011 Pantone Color of the Year.

Thank you to Keller Creative for including my Handmade Soap Honeysuckle Rose Cold Process in this lovely Etsy Treasury!

Mermaid's Christmas

2010-12-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

I gathered this Mermaid's Christmas collection from my fellow FAE Team members works of art. My mermaid muse will be so happy with her Christmas presents. What will your mermaid find in her cove?

How are you spending your Dash?

2010-12-24T06:16:00.000-08:00

The Dash Movie The Dash Movie

Back in the Soap Shop Again....

2010-12-20T17:09:00.000-08:00

Wow! It's been quite some time since I have had an opportunity to blog. I have been busy doing the holiday show circuit and taking some much needed time off to visit my family. I am glad to be back! I have been working on some great new body butter and lotion products that I will share with you in the coming weeks. The soap racks are curing at full capacity so there will be great new scents released in February.

I have fallen behind on my Etsy Treasury posting as well. So here are the two latest Etsy Treasuries my soaps are in.

Honeysuckle's Night

Aqua Dreams

The Great Pink Octopus Etsy Treasury

2010-10-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Jessica at Spoiled Royal for including my Viva La Juicy Pink Octopus handmade soap in this totally pink treasury! I love it!

Autumn Splendor Etsy Treasury

2010-10-07T08:36:00.000-07:00

Wow! This is a lucky day for me! Two Etsy Treasuries in one morning! Many thanks to Gracie Bones Boutique for including my Golden and Cream Handmade Sculptured Lampwork Beaded Necklace and Earring Set in this lovely Autumn Inspired Treasury.

Mermaid Etsy Treasury

2010-10-07T08:28:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Milestone Memories for including my Mermaid Grotto handmade soap in this cool Etsy Treasury!

Piecemakers' Harvest Festival

2010-09-27T09:42:00.000-07:00

Mark the date! The Piecemakers' Harvest Festival is this coming weekend, October 2nd and 3rd. The Piecemakers Country Store parking lot will be filled with over 100 booths of America's best hand craft vendors for a special community fair. The crowds also come for the food, entertainment and special kids' events. Admission is free. Antiques and collectibles will also be for sale. They evenhave live country music!

I heard the food is to die for! I hope I can find a booth baby sitter so I can venture out for a little shopping and eating. I am really looking forward to exhibiting at this event.

If you are in the area please stop by to visit my booth. I have a special gift for my returning customers.

This event is located at 1720 Adams Avenue, Costa Mesa, California. You will be greeted with a hamlet of trees, a big well stacked woodpile and the store, the barn — and if you are lucky you will also be greeted by Angel and Schatzie, two frisky little puppies making everyone feel special and welcome.

The hours are 9 to 4 on saturday and Sunday.

My friend and fellow artist Chiharu from Kyoto Studio Lampwork will also be there on Sunday. it's a two day event but if you would like to meet her please stop by her booth on Sunday. She has some of the most beautiful lampwork ever created!

Into the Wild Blue Yonder Etsy Treasury

2010-09-07T08:09:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Brandy at The Enchanted Garden for including my Handmade Buddha Vegan Soap with Pikake Flowers in her Wild Blue Yonder Etsy Treasury!

If you take a trip to her enchanting shop you just may find the perfect gift to self...mine is:

Spiral of the Sun Goddess Necklace- Yellow Celestial Solar Swirl Sunshine Fairy Dust in a Miniature Magick Glass Bottle

Brandy creates some really beautiful Etsy Treasuries...keep up with her on her blog. Thank you for thinking of me Brandy!

The Cove - Etsy Treasury

2010-09-07T07:43:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Meaghan at Sew Sweet for including my Dolphin Dreams Vegan Soap with Shea Butter and Pikake Flowers Fragrance in her beautiful Etsy Treasury!

Meaghan does adorable custom sewing for boys and girls! I just love this one...A SPOOOOKY sweet little pillowcase dress for your little girl!

Say hello to Meaghan on her Facebook page.

A Bit of Etsy Magic... Etsy Treasury

2010-08-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Tracy at Baby Nest for including my Handmade Soap Cold Process Spellbound Luxurious Bar in this Magical Etsy Treasury!

Tracy does wonders with jute and yarn! Her work is amazing! My personal favorite is her Basket in the Everglades.

Peridot and Others Etsy Treasury

2010-08-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you Gabriele for including my new edition Jumbo Soap Orange and Lemon Peel Facial bar into this wonderful treasury!

Gabriele runs Emmarts on Etsy. She has beautiful cards! They are all so pretty! I just love this one...

Mermaid Magic Etsy Treasury

2010-08-05T07:06:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Fuchsia Bloom Studio for including my Mermaid and Merbaby vegan soap in this Magical Mermaid Treasury!

I went browsing over to this lovely shop where I found these beauties:

Viva La Tortuga Etsy Treasury

2010-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Cindy at Vintage Bead Nut Beads for including my Handmade Soap SEA TURTLE - Shea Butter - Honu - Vegan - Love Spell ! What an adorable treasury!

Cindy runs a great little bead shop on Etsy! I lover her Vintage Lucite!

This one is one of my favorites! I can just see turtles playing with these little guys.

Mermaids at Play Etsy Treasury

2010-07-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Eva at Water Lily Jewels and Designs for including my MERMAID and TURTLE Vegan Soap with Shea Butter and Beach Breezes Fragrance in this beautiful Mermaid Treasury!

I wonder if she knows how much I love mermaids! What a nice surpise for me today. Thanks so much Eva!

Check out these Ocean Heart Sterling Earrings Azure Blue Art Glass Czech! They are perfect for mermaids!

Beautiful Mind, Beautiful Soul Etsy Treasury

2010-07-27T07:14:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Beach Inspired Jewelry for including my Handmade Soap SEA TURTLE - Vegan - Shea Butter - Honu Masculine Marrakesh Scented in this fabulous treasury!

Beautiful handmade jewelry designed with natural ocean tumbled beach glass that was have found on Fire Island can be found in this awesome shop. One of my favorites is:

Rainbow Of Raspberry Etsy Treasury

2010-07-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Lori at Lori Ann Enchanted for including my Handmade Rose Soap Vegan Friendly Passionfruit Bouquet in this berry sweet treasury...

Loris work is fabulous! I love her Pink Rose Crystal Dangle Earrings, Vintage Jewelry, Handmade, Repurposed

I spy with my little eye something beginning with C Etsy Treasury

2010-07-22T11:28:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Kate at Let Them Eat Kate for including my Handmade Soap Cupcake in this great Etsy Treasury!

Kate cuts things out with scissors, draw freely, and paint by hand. Usually her left. That's what she likes about her cards - they're made with love and each one is totally unique, even if they're the same design. There's a card for every occasion, and every non-occasion too!

My favorite is...

Magickal Mermaids FAE Etsy Treasury

2010-07-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Brandy my fellow FAE Team member for including my

MERMAID and SEA LION Vegan Soap with Shea Butter and Beach Breezes Fragrance in this Magical treasury!

Brandy's shop, the The Star Shine Shoppe has all things magickal. I especially love her Pink Fairy House with Miniature Flower Garden, Flower Pots, Tiny Mushroom House, Leaves, Daisyies, and Butterflies

Feeling Blue Etsy Treasury

2010-07-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Wow! I am feeling anything but blue. I just love this ever so beautiful Etsy treasury made by Fee at Niche! It a real pick-me-upper! Thanks so much Fee!

Fee's lovely shop has many artisan crafts and handamde trinkets. I especially love her magpie necklace...

Him and Her in Blues Etsy Treasury

2010-07-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Teconlene for including my Blue Man Soap Tropical Ocean Breeze Scented Jumbo Bar in this fabulous Etsy treasury...

Maybe we'll be seeing green next?

How sweet!

We Love Manatees! Etsy Treasury

2010-07-14T12:26:00.000-07:00

I love Manatees! They are so sweet and gentle. I don't have any here on the West Coast but my mom has a few that visit her in Florida. Thanks so much to Cheryl at Aquari Creations for discovering my vegan manatee soap and including it in this adorable treasury...

Cheryl makes handmade jewelry with ocean-themed designs, created with natural materials like seashells, freshwater pearls, gemstone beads, and mother-of-pearl. I just love her Aqua Abalone Shell Pendant on Necklace with Freshwater Pearls and Glass Beads !

It's gorgeous!

A Midsummer Night Out Etsy Treasury

2010-07-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Well I have certainly fallen behind on my blogging. My fellow Etsians have jump started me once again!
Thank you to JoBead for including my Vegan Rose Soap Collection in this lovely treasury:

JoBead has a wonder shop on Etsy!

Jewelry from Jo Bead not only beautifies those who wear it, but ALL proceeds go to benefit Wellspring International. 100% of the donations given are used directly for projects. This means that you have a hand in helping the poor in India, the orphan in Africa or Iraqi refugees.

You are beautifying their lives as well.

You'll shine!

I love this...

Mermaid Summer Kisses

2010-06-22T06:47:00.000-07:00

Sandra from Sandy Grafik's Little Shop featured my Mermaid and Dolphin Vegan soap is this beachy treasury. How sweet to be kissed by a mermaid! Thank you Sandra!

Check out Sandra's shop where her little place on Etsy is where you will find original and unique prints and designs.

She's a graphic designer and illustrator, passionate about digital illustration using different textures and patterns that makes illos richer and brighter.

My personal favorite is Coraleen Mermaid...

I've Got The Tropical Blues Etsy Treasury

2010-06-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

My Gifts for Dad Blue Man Soap Tropical Ocean Breeze Scented Jumbo Bar Masculine made it into this cool treasury! Many thanks to Jamie at Jamie's Art!

Here's wishing you and my readers a perfect day!

I Love Dolphins! Etsy Treasury

2010-06-13T04:43:00.000-07:00

Dolphin Moon Creations inlcuded my Dolphin Dreams Vegan Soap with Shea Butter and Beach Breezes Fragrance in this magnificent creatures display. Thank you!

I love your Dolphin Initial Charm Dangle Handstamped Sterling Silver Necklace Lorraine!

Summer Blues FAE Team Etsy Treasury

2010-06-13T04:25:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to TangoCatGems for including my MERMAID and DOLPHIN Vegan Soap in this magical treasury!

What a wonderful summer time treasury! Here are links to the shops of my fellow Fantasy Artists of Etsy:

Blue and white fairy hemp necklace or anklet - Sprightly Sylphs

Uir - Necklace

Water Fairy

8.5x11.5 PRINT Memoirs of a Faerie

Chainmaille Wrapped Marble Key Chain Copper With Sea Green Marble

Fairy Furniture Dollhouse Bed

SALE Mermaids Mosiac Art Mirror FREE US SHIPPING

Stained Glass--Gemini Tandem

Blue Butterfly Purse

9x12 Original Watercolor Painting, The Snail's Friend

Dervish -- Copper and Turquoise Hand Flower

MERMAID and DOLPHIN Vegan Soap with Shea Butter and Beach Breezes Fragrance

My Life as a Muse Etsy Treasury

2010-06-09T03:49:00.000-07:00

In anticipation of the sunrise I searched out these lovely treasures. Enjoy!

Sunny Yellow Etsy Treasury

2010-06-08T15:04:00.000-07:00

My Yellow Rose Soap Flowering Dogwood Scented Set was chosen for this bright and happy Etsy Treasury. Many thanks to Audrey at Audrey's Country Crafts.

Audry also has a cool blog announcing give aways. Check it out:

Sweet Tooth Etsy Treasury

2010-06-07T03:38:00.000-07:00

My Yummy Strawberry Vegan Cupcake was included in this wonderful treasury by Vicki at Urban Harmonie Designs . Thanks so much Vicki! I love your lunch bags, especially this one...

Saffron Sun Treasury

2010-06-03T08:02:00.000-07:00

My Cedar and Saffron Buddha soap made it into this very cool treasury. Many thanks to Carol over at Glass Etc for considering my vegan soap.

I love this business card hold Carol. You have some really nice stained glass items.

Lemon Yellow Delight Etsy Treasury

2010-06-03T06:10:00.000-07:00

I have had so many artful eyes notice my work on Etsy this week. I am absolutely thrilled! Many thanks to Anabel at Pea Pod Boutique for including my Lemon Yellow Vegan Cupcake Soap. Wishing you happiness and sunshine!

Egyptian Beauties Etsy Treasury

2010-06-02T16:55:00.000-07:00

My Bastet Vegan Soap was featured in this lovely Etsy Treasury. Many Thanks to Efrat at Artefyk - one of a kind Polymer Clay items!

Efrat has some amazing artwork...one of my favorites is this lovely piece:

Monday Owl Finds: Owl Soaps!

2010-05-31T11:13:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Owlsome Blog for including my Owl Vegan Soaps in a Monday Finds Blog!

Blog Hop Thursday

2010-05-27T07:40:00.000-07:00

1. Add your Twitter to the MckLinky (you only have to add it to one and it will appear on all).

2. Click on the Twitter hostesses and follow each of them on Twitter. We will follow you back.

3. Follow as many people on Twitter as you like, but make sure to leave comments with links so they'll know where to follow you!

Spread the word and add this MckLinky to your blog! Write your own post or copy and paste this one. Below the MckLinky box, you'll see "Want to be a part of this Blog Hop? Click here for instructions and code...." Have fun Twitter-Hopping along! What is a blog hop?

A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS.

When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the exact same list appears on each blog. Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list. The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides. Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!

Coffee Talk Etsy Treasury

2010-05-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Glamaroni for including me in this wonderful collection!

Any morning is a great morning...but so much better when you have java!

Treasury East - Eye Candy

2010-05-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

I just created a new Treasury East. I call it Eye Candy. Enjoy!

Hot in Pink and Black - Treasury East

2010-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

My Yummy Strawberry cupcake made it into another wonderful Treasury on Etsy! Thank you so much to Lollipop Divas for including me in this Dazzling Diva assortment!

Lollipop Divas is introducing a new line of tutus for your pet. Wouldn't your pampered purse puppy or full size dog love to be spoiled in style? How cute is this?

Mulberry and Plumeria Handmade Vegan Soap

2010-05-10T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hot off the mold...my Mulberry and Plumeria fragrance jumbo bars. These sliced bars are bright, perky, and they smell divine! I love making loafs. I never know which direction I am headed in. I usually pick a fragrance or two and then I think of a fun place where I would like to be. In this case I thought of Hawaii! Aloha!

Mermaid Etsy Treasury

2010-05-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

What a great treasury! Thank you so much to my fellow artist at Jax Scraps.

My favorite tag from her shop is:

Exotic Felted Cold Process Soap

2010-05-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Introducing my latest line at my Etsy Shop

Why felted soap?

You have a washcloth and soap in one. This lovely OOAK work of art is pampering to your skin. The slightly rough wool defoliates the top layer of your skin, making it soft and shiny. The wool fibers naturally inhibit the growth of bacteria. Felted soap also lasts longer than just a regular bar of soap.

I recommend storing your bar on a slotted soap dish for maximum life. Once the soap is gone the lovely felted bag can be cut open and used as a coin purse, a sachet filled with scented herbs, embellished with beads to create an amulet, or for another bar of soap.

Why choose mine?

I spent almost year buying and trying products in search of the best wool blends and the finest cold process soap. I finally have found the perfect match based on superior quality.

The Wool:

The exotic wool blends are purchased directly from a farm in the USA. They wash, hand-dye, blend and card their wool without the use of harsh chemicals.

The Cold Process Soap:

I purchase my huge bars of cold process soap from a soap artist here in the USA. The vegan soap is not mass produced. The finest oils and butters combined with fragrance produce a luxurious uber bubbly creamy bar of soap. The process maintains the soaps natural glycerin resulting in a moisturizing bar far superior to any other cold process bar I have tried.

Here are some of my newest creations...

Mermaid Lovers Check this Out!

2010-04-25T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well, as usual I spend a fair amount of time perusing Etsy, Artfire, eBay, blogs and not enough time blogging here... it was certainly time well spent today since I found a great new shop on Etsy Jacinda Mermaids that I just have to share!

I love Jacinda's altered art packaging on her soaps. She is so artistic. I just bought these gold gilded shells:

I know they will end up in some sort of altered art project. The possibilities are endless!

Here are the soaps I just purchased:

How cool are these?

Jacinda offers home made goats and oatmeal soap. She custom makes the bars to have heavy oatmeal on one side for exfoliating your arms and the back side is made of creamy goats milk for extra lather. Her soap is cold process.

Each bar has been hand decorated by Jacinda and is a OOAK piece of art! I am so thrilled to add these soaps to my mermaid collection. I am not sure if I can bring myself to opening the bars!

Dust of Enchantment Etsy Treasury - In the Bottle

2010-04-03T08:19:00.000-07:00

I have been listed in an Etsy Treasury! Many thanks to Tracy at Dust of Enchantment ! So many cool bottles!

New Alice in Wonderland Altered Art

2010-03-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

I have a fantasmic line of Alice in Wonderland altered art vintage domino necklaces and mini tins.

These durable works of mini art come to you attractively packaged and ready for gift giving.

If you don't see the character or color you like just visit http://stores.ebay.com/Beach-City-Beader to leave a message to seller and I will be happy to add it to my line.

Custom Blended Emu and Shea Butter Lip Balms

2010-03-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have formulated an incredibly moisturizing base for my lip balm made from the finest ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax, sweet almond oil, unrefined, raw pure shea butter from Ghana 100% natural, AEA Certified Pure 100% Emu Oil (refined) 100% natural, and avocado oil. I use stevia in a coconut oil base to sweeten the lip balm.

I have the following flavored fragrance oils:
Tart Green Apple
Raspberry
Chocolate
Candy Apple
Tutti Frutti
Peach
Strawberry

I use lip safe oxide and/or mica to the lip balm for a tint.

These lip balms go great with my mini tins:

YUMMY STRAWBERRY CUPCAKE Handmade Soap - Shea Butter

2010-03-06T18:16:00.000-08:00

I just received a new soap mold! This cupcake mold is so real looking. My husband thought I was making real cupcakes. I used strawberry fragrance oil for the icing and cupcake fragrance oil for the base. It's to die for!

I Have a New Web Address!

2010-02-27T05:10:00.000-08:00

I have a new URL for my eBay store. It’s Kelly-Reins-Designs.com
I have just added a fun new soap… When Pigs Fly

It has the same great skin moisturizing ingredients as all of my other soaps and a lovely Honeysuckle fragrance. The shea butter is so divine on your skin! I now have AEA Certified Pure 100% Emu Oil so if you would like a special blend please contact me.

I have been doing my best to add fabulous scents to my collection so if you have something special in mind I just might have it.

I have a bunch of new molds on order so I will be offering many more designs soon.

I met one of the nicest folks, Armond, who makes soap molds. I ordered some really spectacular soap molds earlier in the month from Chase Creative Molds and much to my disappointment they were stolen from my lobby. Armond did not want me to be without his beautiful molds so he’s making them once again for me at his cost. I am so thankful!

YLANG YLANG and TANGERINE Glycerine Soap MERMAID - Shea Butter

2010-01-30T10:02:00.000-08:00

Soap making can be quite addictive! I love the way my skin feels after using handmade soap. I found that if I do not use sodium laureth sulfate my skin stays much more moisturized. It took me a lot of time to find the perfect soap base. I am happy I found it and even though it's at a premium price I know it's better for my skin. I also add shea butter for an extra measure of protection.

My glycerin and shea butter mermaid soap pictured here is absolutely intoxicating! I added ylang ylang and tangerine fragrance oils to make this sweet and refreshing scented soap. For added moisturizing and skin conditioning I added 100% natural raw pure shea butter. I used natural cosmetic grade colorants, and mica for shimmer. This soap has been lighted dusted with glitter so it is not for use around the eyes but it sure is beautiful!

Tween Line of Altered Art Jewelry - Bringing in the New Year!

2010-01-02T09:31:00.000-08:00

I created this line last summer from feedback from my clients looking for fun fashion for their tweens at an affordable price. I managed to put together a line I am very proud of. The goal was to control costs while have a top notch fashion product for the discriminating taste of the tweens. I have had a lot of fun growing this line. Fresh for the New Year I will be adding new styles in my eBay store. Happy New Year!

Time to Fly Steampunk Necklace by The Grand Design

2009-12-12T07:29:00.000-08:00

I had a fun Friday on Artfire! We had a Crazy Trading Friday. I am so delighted Carol was up for a trade. Here's the beautiful piece I will be receiving shortly:

Carol creates unique handcrafted items including steampunk and metaphysical healing stone jewelry.

Thank you Carol!

My Latest Addiction - Terrarium Sanctuary in Vial Pendant

2009-11-29T15:15:00.000-08:00

I purchased some lucious moss on Etsy to make terrariums for this year's holiday gifts. Well, it became quick addictive making these peaceful sanctuaries and collecting miniature cermaic animals to place inside of my new little worlds. Then I thought... what if I can take one 'to go'? After running a quick seacrh on Etsy I found some really fun vials and made myself a terrarium sanctuary 'To Go". Next on the list is to locate miniature ceramic animals that will fit into the vials. Any thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T05:17:00.000-08:00

For a while now I have been inquiring with Alex at By the Sea Glass Art to make me a pink bracelet. It's such a difficult color to work with. I am so delighted that she accepted. Thank you Alex!

I love her work! I have collected several colors now. Each one is just as beautiful. I love her attention to detail she and the sturdyness of these bracelets. She makes her very own lampwork beads too. All of the findings are silver.

I wear her work often and I always receive a compliment. She such a talented artist and a wonderful person. Keep her in mind when you are looking for that extra special gift.

Happy Thanskgiving!

Blog Award!

2009-11-13T05:55:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Aik at Friends and Family . Thank you sweetie!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2009-10-31T06:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween to all my blog friends!

Congratulations to Aik and Sherry from Malaysia for wining my October Giveaway. I couldn't decided which blog write up I liked best so I gave them both an altered art charm bracelet.

Selina Fenech Fantasy Mermaid Images - aLtErEd ArT Charm Bracelets

2009-10-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to be able to offer a very special line of Mermaid Altered Art Jewelry in my eBay Store. I discovered the fantasy artwork of Selina Fenech and was mesmerized by her talent. Since mermaids are my favorite I am pleased to announce that I have been licensed to use her mermaid artwork.

Here's a sample of the first pieces. There are many more to come. I will be adding altered art domino pendants soon.

Maui Made by Jonara Blu

2009-10-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of meeting a very talented artist and a truly wonderful and giving person! Jamee makes wonderful Island style jewelry. I fell in love with her wire wrapped rings. We had the opportunity to exchange jewelry with each other and I feel so lucky to have received 2 gorgeous rings. Here's a sample of what I am talking about...

Mahalo Jamee!

I love all of her jewelry and I bet you will too. Please check out her Etsy Shop. Aloha!

Classical and Floral Vintage Intaglio Necklace

2009-09-13T08:57:00.000-07:00

Necklace Details:

A gorgeous light-catching and feminine necklace with a little piece of history. It is comprises a sterling silver festoon chain adorned with a menagerie of clear vintage intaglio glass dangles. The center dangle is old, circa 1920 and depicts a classical goddess, likely Athena, bearing a torch. Goddess imagery was popular during this era and was often used as a symbol of women's suffrage.

This is the newest addition to my personal collection. I just love it! I recently found Sheridan and her work. Lucky for me! She creates truly inspiring pieces worthy of heirloom status. This gorgeous necklace came in a beautiful tin box, wrapped in colorful tissue paper, with a lovely insert. As an artist myself, packaging is always a concern. I buy lovely gift boxes that fit the size of my pieces but her presentation really impressed me… it made me feel so special. I just had to ask her about how she did all this. For anyone interested in making a packaging statement I recommend checking out her blog article on Packaging and Presentation

As with all my favorite artists I love to share where their work can be found.

The piece pictured above came from her Etsy shop, Bijoux Romantique. In this shop you will find classic and romantic vintage and antique jewelry. It’s filled with true vintage jewelry, rescued vintage jewelry, designs that comprise vintage components, and vintage-inspired pieces.

She has another wonderful shop on Etsy, Joslin Jewels . Here you will find designs from intricate, to whimsical, to simply elegant. I especially like her collection of fine metals and gemstone earrings.

With the holidays on the horizon you can do some fantastic shopping at one of her locations. Even the most discriminating recipients will be pleased with her quality and workmanship.

Joslin Jewels on Artfire
Joslin Jewels on Etsy
Bijoux Romantique
1000 Markets

Enjoy!

A Day of Reflection

2009-09-11T21:44:00.000-07:00

Halloween Altered Art Charm Bracelet Giveaway Contest

2009-09-06T10:51:00.000-07:00

I am giving away this altered art Halloween charm bracelet to the author of the best blog entry. The contest is open until September 30, 2009. I will announce the winner on my blog. In order to be considered you need to:

Required

Be a follower.

Write about this contest (with a link back from your blog to mine) and your favorite item from one of my ArtFire, Etsy, or eBay sites on your blog using a photo of it and a hyperlink to my home page of the store/shop you picked.

If your blog is in a language other than English there needs to be a translator gadget on your blog that allows for translation into English.

Send an email with your link to the blog posting, package mailing address, and the size you would like me to adjust the bracelet to. It’s currently 8.5 inches and has a toggle closure.

Optional:

Feel free to add you contest blog link to the comments of this contest.

How the winner will be picked:

I will choose the winner based on the amount of effort and originality invested into the blog posting. If the decision is a close one I will also consider retweets, and amount of comments on your blog post. If using Twitter to promote your blog post add #BeachCityBeaderContest to your tweet. Thank you for participating!

Favorite New Additions to My Collection

2009-09-06T09:36:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting so many wonderful pieces this past month but there’s a couple that stand out. I just have to share them with you.

Beaded Mermaid Doll

Mermaids are my number one favorite item to collect. Laurie, at Busy Crow Studio made this wonderful beaded mermaid art doll. I fell in love with this precious doll. I will treasure her for a lifetime! Laurie is a very talented artist that has a lot going on…teaching, beading, wire wrapping, doll making, etc. Please visit Laurie’s Blog for more links to her amazing world of art.

Icy Lemonade Bracelet

I love seed beads and always appreciate the talents of fellow artists. Marilyn is one of those special talented artists that I had the pleasure of meeting since we live fairly close to one another. I fell in love with her Icy Lemonade Bracelet. It’s been so hot around here this summer. When I saw her vibrant choice of colors and the luscious lemons I just knew I wanted it to be mine. It’s so refreshing and fun! Please visit Marilyn’s Etsy Shop to see more of her inspiring creations.

Elegant Beads

2009-08-27T17:07:00.000-07:00

A dear friend of mine just opened a shop on Artfire. She makes the most amazing sculptural peyote bracelets. I have several of her fabulous pieces that she designed for me. She has a great eye for color and her designs are well constructed. I can’t wait to see what she posts next! Please check her work out.

Blog Award

2009-08-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

I Break 4 Glass just sent me this fabulous award! Thank you!

I have been asked to list 5 things I love…

1. My beautiful family. I have the best parents in the world; God bless them, and my wonderful husband. I am the luckiest girl in the world.
2. Morning walks along the beach. I love the smell and sound of the ocean.
3. My art. Not a day goes by that I am not thinking of a new project or working on something special.
4. The Internet. I have been quite addicted to this medium of communication of information for many years. I meet so many wonderful people.
5. Life and everything in it! Mermaids, hummingbirds, flowers, animals, travel, music, food, cultural diversity..the list could go on forever…

Now I get to share this award with some of my favorite blogs!!!

http://www.ibreak4glass.blogspot.com/ I Break 4 Glass – Bits and Pieces
http://christeljensen.blogspot.com/ Christel Jensen – Little treasure
http://creativeflight.blogspot.com/ Creative Flight
http://girl-gone-thread-wild.blogspot.com/ Girl Gone Thread Wild
http://honeygirlstudio.blogspot.com/ Honey Girl Studio
http://lilymelba.blogspot.com/ LilyMelba.com
http://mikiyecreations.blogspot.com/ Mikiye Creations
http://theminifoodblog.blogspot.com/ The Mini Food Blog
http://threepeats.blogspot.com/ Threepeats Jewelry

Be Back Soon!

2009-08-11T03:49:00.000-07:00

See you all in a couple of weeks...

Unique Gifts on Artfire

2009-08-05T09:59:00.000-07:00

I love to sell on ArtFire as much as I love to buy. With Halloween around the corner I added a few altered art charm bracelets to my studio.

Artfire is a great source for unique gifts. I love that I can shop by holidays and occasions. You can find my bracelets and other unique gifts at ArtFire.

ArtFire Featured Artisan

2009-08-03T09:29:00.000-07:00

I am on the Artfire's featured artisan list:

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=art_daily&op=view_article&id=848

Stop by and check out my shop. I listed a few Artfire exclusive items today for this occasion!

Natasha Foucault's Silk Painting Class

2009-08-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

After my much anticipated year long wait to take a silk painting workshop at the Pasadena Bead and Design show I finally did it! It was an amazing evening… I met some really incredible artists. I am thankful to Natasha Foucault, Leigh Anne Lineham, Cindi Knouft, and Helene for allowing me to digitally capture our progress. These terrific ladies made for a fabulous evening.Our instructor, Natasha Foucault , is an amazing artist. I am at a loss for words to describe the encounter. My expectations were exceeded on so many levels. I did not expect to be taught by such a warm, sincere, and brilliant artist. She inspired to me to create something beyond my wildest dreams!

When an artist/instructor inspires a student from the heart beautiful work is the outcome. I will forever cherish this experience. I will never see color in a bottle the same. I will also never use color without creating my own unique palette. Thank you Natasha! You have opened my eyes, and mind. I have always had a great deal of heart in everything I do. Your encouragement and style makes everything gel just a little bit better.

Leigh made a beautiful Cheetah inspired scarf. She has an amazing eye for color!

Cindi outlined her scarf in her favorite color. I fell in love with her seahorse. Her purple border added the perfect touch.

Helene used her years of experience as a painter to create her own unique palette.

I decided to work with my favorite them…the ocean. Natasha helped me to draw this beautiful scene. I love it so much!

Here’s Natasha sporting my new creation:

I am so pleased with my project. I really didn’t think it would come out this fabulous! After learning the process I can say I have fallen in love with a new style of expression. I am not certain if I will attempt this at home. Silk painting takes a fairly large space, and a ton of supplies. The Jacquard dyes used were set using a fixative. I thought the colors were terrific. However, Natasha using Jacquard dyes that required steam setting. That is another workshop in itself.
I stayed up until the wee hours this morning reading Natasha’s book, “Silk Diary: An Artist’s Journey from Moscow to Mendocino” by J. Salander and N. Foucault. It’s a wonderful collection of stories. She discusses her techniques within the stories. I am really enjoying reading this journey.

Here’s a slide show of our evening together. Enjoy!

Pasadena Bead and Design Show

2009-07-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

The Pasadena Bead and Design show starts today. I love this show. So many great artists attend. No doubt I will be off on a new tangent when I return.

I am really excited about a workshop I will be attending on Friday. It's "Create Your Own Hand Painted Silk Crepe de Chine Scarf". The artist is Natasha Foucault. Her web site is http://www.natashasilkart.com/

There is still room to join this class if anyone is interested. Class starts at 6 pm on Friday. All supplies are included!

I love working with acid dyes. I dye most of my own wool for my nuno felting projects. I have never done silk painting! It sounds like so much fun.

Christmas In July

2009-07-27T11:51:00.000-07:00

I just updated my Artfire shop with Christmas in July items...better late than never!

Alice In Wonderland Quotes Books and Movies Blog

2009-07-27T07:12:00.001-07:00

Alice In Wonderland Quotes Books and Movies Blog

Shared via AddThis

Pink Victorian Rose Sculptured Lampwork Beaded Necklace and Earring Set

2009-07-26T18:02:00.000-07:00

I just finished another one of my hand sewn lampwork necklaces. I really enjoy making these. I should make them more often!

It's always fun to find a fabulous lampwork bead to create around. I am getting really excited about the up and coming Pasadena Bead and Design show. I usually find a lot of great lampwork artists there.

2009-07-25T11:53:00.000-07:00

Spent all morning collecting more images from my favorite digital artists on Etsy. I found so many lovely images I don’t know which project to start. As usual I can start them all and see how many I actually finish!