Sunday, November 23, 2008

B is for...

Christmas present buying is looming!  The last days for posting will be here much sooner than we expect, so now really is the time to start thinking about the things that we need.  It was the ideal time for me to do another alphabet search for interesting items offered for sale by the Bbest team.

The first item I found is from luckygirltrading.    

 
I was particularly drawn to this item because it is made using one of my favourite techniques.  Here's what she has to say about it:
'I made this pretty kumihimo braided necklace with black satin cord and fuzzy novelty yarn. The yarn includes bits of pink, yellow, blue, purple, and rose. It's approx. 22.5 inches long, round with a 1/4-inch diameter, and has sterling silver-plated findings. Very nice on its own, it also works with a large-bailed pendant or slide. item 114K.

Kumihimo is a centuries-old tradition, dating back to the days of the Samurai who used kumihimo braids to lace up their armor, wrap sword handles to create a secure grip, and to hang a sword on their belts.'

I love it when old techniques are brought up to date with new materials, and I think you will agree that this interpretation is certainly a success.

Looking a little further I found Blue Shells in the Sand Hat and Scarf set

 
bagsandmorebypam describes it as 'cuddly, soft, warm, beautiful' and I would agree.  Hand-crocheted, the scarf  is 71" long by over 5" wide.  Blues, browns and beige combine to make a delightful matching set with a hat that fits all sizes.  This would make a really cosy gift.

The search continued and I discovered this lovely Beetle Cuff from streetnoodles.


This has a central plate with beaded chain.  Dimensions are given, but the chain can be lengthened to fit the wrist if required..  It is made of raw & black painted brass filigree with a laminated beetle picture and linked black faceted crystal beads.  Doesn't it sound enticing?

Mystic Silks is reknowned for her silk painting.  This original silk painting of Beautiful Balloons shows her skill.
 
Hand painted using french dyes and paints, it is a view of the Austrian Alps at sunrise from the perspective of a hot air balloonist.  Imagine sailing over these wonderful mountains, valleys, and rivers. MysticSilks says 'I love to watch these gorgeous balloons float through the skies.'

Bbest artists work hard to bring you quality goods, and Chris1 is no exception.

She admits: 'Capturing the beauty of this little gem was hard and you will love it more when you can see it in real life.  I've used a black base with a blue dichroic glass. It has blue and yellow pansies on it that will not wear off or scratch off because it is melted into the glass.'  You have to admit that Blue and Yellow Pansy is beautiful and would look delightful around the neck of a loved one.  Designed by Chris1 in her Michigan studio it was fired in the kiln up to 1480 degrees and then cooled using an annealing program which takes up to 24 hrs!  Annealing give it added durability.

I am sure there is something here that is just right for one or more of your gifts, however, if it is already sold all is not lost.  A quick click here will direct you to a search amongst all Bbest items that are currently available - from A to Z. 

12 comments:

jstinson said...

Myfanwy, you did it again. Your selections are always so terrific!

Precious Quilts said...

Wonderful post to point everyone to the BBEST Team on Etsy!!!

Zuda Gay Pease said...

Beautiful choices and a lesson as well...you can't get better than that! Well done, Myfanwy!!!

kittyd said...

Such lovely choices! :)


http://kittyd.etsy.com

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

Love to see all of our talented friends spotlighted.

~*~Pearl~*~ said...

awesome Myfanwy! i love that Beetle Cuff and had never seen it!!!

Pamela Baker said...

Sassy, what beautiful choices to showcase. How interesting to learn about the Japanese art of "kumihiko" braiding. Defintiely going to check out her shop. Chris' pendants are always a work of art. Love the hats and scarfs made with yarn from one of my favorite person!

joon said...

M, thanks so much for another wonderful feature! Such diversity in our team. And we're always learning. You make everything so interesting and pleasant. ox joonie

Judy Nolan said...

Great selection of items! That kumihimo braid technique is on my list of things to learn.

Pam said...

Myfanwy, what a wonderful post you have made. Thank you so much for including my Blue Shells and Sand scarf and hat set. I love the other Boomer creations you have featured. Everyone has so much talent. It was interesting to read about the kumihiko braiding...a first for me. Thanks for featuring such interesting and lovely gift ideas from these Boomer shops.

SendingLoveGallery said...

I enjoyed reading this, learned something new...and like seeing the talent on our team : )