Feels Like Spring!

Today, I saw a Scissortail Flycatcher fluttering overhead as I sat waiting for the light to change in the intersection. It's one of those friendlier harbingers of spring here in central Oklahoma (the unfriendly one being severe weather and tornadoes). It's hard to believe it's that time of year already!

There are other reminders of spring around here, including my flowering plum tree, which looked like a giant ball of pink flowers until about a week ago. It was the model for my hand-embroidered wall art.

 The sun is already shining brighter than it was before, but the air is still cool and crisp, especially on a rainy day like today. It's sort of like the colors in this scarf.

Can you feel that breath of fresh air just looking at this picture?









However, when the sun does come out, it seems like the whole world is adorned in shades of white, yellow, and green. Sort of like this cheery 70s Mod plaque!



As for me, I've been spring cleaning around my house these past two months, and it feels so much better! I don't know how I have managed to accumulate so much clutter, but I certainly have. It can catch up with you and overwhelm you. I'm working on being a little more "house proud."

The first step has been to declutter. I have gotten rid of tons of paper I don't need any more (magazines from years ago, old records that I needed to shred, and clippings I just don't need to save). In the process, I found that a lot of what I have lying around is connected to negative or stress-inducing memories. I'm clearing that out, too. It's almost like an emotional spring cleaning!  I didn't expect the feeling of freedom to be so instantaneous. If you feel your house pressing in around you, maybe you should try it.

The second step, coming soon, will be to update my furnishings and surroundings. It feels so good to dream! It must be spring.

Defiant, Persistent Spring!

This has possibly been one of the most brutal winters in several decades in the US. In fact, even as I write this, the air outside my window is below freezing, and there is snow on the ground. My area usually gets rain in March, and lots of wind, so what is with this weather?

Nevertheless, spring is coming! The robins are back in my neighborhood, the crocuses have sprouted, and I keep seeing flocks of geese flying north again. I am so ready for those warmer temperatures and greener landscapes!

I've been restocking my stores this week with bright and pastel colors, for those desperate for some sunshine and flowers. I know how you feel!

I listed this beautiful floral chiffon scarf a few weeks ago. It has already been favorited by 25 people on Etsy and pinned a few times on Pinterest--good signs I won't have it for long!

I recently acquired several solid colored chiffon scarves in spring colors. Chiffon is breezy for the warmer temps, and transitions well into the summer and fall. This light olive green scarf is very long and rectangular, with opaque stripes and sheer panels that virtually disappear against your skin! Makes me think of erin go bragh and St. Patrick's Day, as well.

This little  Royal Grafton demitasse cup and saucer will brighten your day! Could you believe it dates to the late 1950s? I love that orange color on the cup.

If you're still not cheered, maybe the little boy on this plaque can manage it (or his little mouse and bird friends).

Or perhaps the little boy on this plaque can brighten up your nursery room, when the spring rain comes.

This little duck figurine will put you in a good mood about spring rain, as well.

 With spring rains comes Easter, and new baby animals! I have some real wild bunnies living in my back yard, but this pink lead crystal one is pretty cute, too.

Of course, all of this spring talk makes me think of Bambi. Isn't this all-white Art Deco doe and fawn statue pretty? It is from Gallery Originals, which as it turns out, is a limited-edition division of Avon products.

If all of this spring talk has got you hankering for some green leaves and flowers, you could consider growing some, indoors, in a planter like this gorgeous Hull pheasant planter!


Well, that's enough for today. I need to get back to listing some more springtime beauties...after all, I hear another snowstorm is moving into my area today...

Last-Minute Christmas Gift Guide

Christmas is right around the corner, and naturally, customers have begun to worry that they won't get their gifts in time. No need to worry. I am keeping an eye on the clock and I know the postal service's shipping cutoff dates!

For international orders, the last day to ship your order for Christmas is tomorrow, December 9th!  After that, it gets more expensive than you probably want to mess with. If I find your order too late, I'll rush it out, but I can't make any promises. Don't delay!

For US customers, the dates to watch are December 14th for most heavy packages (marked "Standard Post" in the listing), and December 20th for all of my lighter packages (Marked "US First Class").

So, let's get shopping!

 Christmas Bells hankie/pocket square. the print on this scarf plays with the eyes like a holographic image. Ships as late as Dec. 20th (or earlier, of course).

Not your ho-hum holiday tie. Flashy red and black skinny tie from the 60s. Can ship as late as Dec. 20th.

Dress up your wreaths, swags, or whatever with this Partridge and Pear ribbon. I have 2 spools in different widths. This image is the narrow one. Can ship as late as Dec. 20th.

Alternatively, dress up yourself with this Partridge and Pear Tree scarf from the 60s! Can ship as late as Dec. 20th.

Here's a classy Fire King serving dish from the 50s, with real gold trim! Got a big holiday crew to feed? I have 2! Order 1 or both and I can ship as late as Dec. 14th, or later by arrangement (if you want to pay Priority shipping rates, it can ship as late as Dec. 21st).

My last set of these traditional ribbon candy ornaments. Set of 4. Can ship as late as Dec. 20!

Precious Moments Pomander. Can be used as an ornament.  Can ship as late as Dec. 20th (or pay Priority shipping and ship as late as Dec. 21st).

Putting the finishing touches on your holiday decor? These vintage Currier and Ives plaques will look wonderful on your wall! Hangers attached to the back and ready to go. Can ship as late as Dec. 14th, or later by arrangement (if you want to pay Priority shipping rates, it can ship as late as Dec. 21st).

Decorate with this snow angels candle holder from the Little Miracles collection. It is a Russ Berrie product. The heads and wings have glass "sugaring" on them. Can ship as late as Dec. 14th, or later by arrangement (if you want to pay Priority shipping rates, it can ship as late as Dec. 21st).

Need personalization? Make this initial pin kit (on the left) in a few minutes. Can ship as late as Dec. 20th.

Want to make some memories with the older kids in the upcoming year? This book about making miniatures might be fun!

I also have a book about wooden toy model making, and one about miniature embroidery.

These are currently marked media mail, but I can upgrade to Standard post and ship as late as Dec. 14th.

 Of course, there are always my pom pom animal ornaments, like this friendly lion, or the ever-popular poodles. Please give me a day or two to make yours, especially if you order 3 or more. They're all made to order!  Can ship as late as Dec. 20th (so order by Dec. 18th).

Many more to come! Keep an eye on my stores. I'm always happy to help you make the season bright!

Savings Start Now at CandyAppleCrafts! Here's a Coupon...

Just for kicks, take 20% off orders over $20 on both Etsy and Artfire, using the code TNX20 on either site. Better hurry! Code only lasts until Sunday the 24th!

Visit CandyAppleCrafts' Studio

SAVE 20% Off Order Total

Use Coupon Code:

TNX20

during checkout.

Earth Friendly Gifts

Last Minute Shoppers Can Still Buy for Christmas!

Get Your Orders in Now...Procrastinators Beware!

Since multiple people have contacted me about this today, I stopped in to let everyone know the wait times for shipping in the US, in case you wanted something in my stores but were afraid you couldn't get it in time.

For the ornaments, or lightweight items like them--items marked "first class domestic mail" in the description--the very, very, very last-minute day to ship is December 20th.  I recommend on the handmade things that you get your orders in to me the day before, or two days if you buy a large number of things, to give me time to make your orders.  I do not want a traffic ticket on December 20th trying to get your orders to the post office in time!

For the heavyweight items--items marked "parcel post" in the description--you have until December 14th.

It is too late to ship books at book rate--"media mail"--in time for Christmas. Contact me ahead of time and I will change the shipping for you to something faster but more expensive.

If you wait too long, I can attempt to get expedited shipping for you on all of it, but it will cost you, big time. So, don't do that to yourself.  You will thank me!

Until next time, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

In the Mood for Fall...Can You Tell?

My favorite time of year (besides Christmas) is autumn, when the air smells crisp like fallen leaves, but it isn't too cool. You can wear sweaters but you don't have to wear a constricting coat, and the landscape outside takes on fantastic color, from golden yellow to red and orange, browns of every shade, and spots of dark green from conifers of all kinds--not to mention the brightly colored fruits and berries!

Of course, that leads us to the flavors of the season, from cinnamon and allspice to pumpkin and apple cider!  I love fall...can you tell?

I decided to celebrate the season with a couple of collections on Artfire today. Although the leaves here have not quite begun to change, the quality of light and air tells me that fall will be here before I know it. Enjoy these great finds (all for sale in various shops, by the way) and dream of autumn today.

Autumn Blessings

Curated By: CandyAppleCra...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Fall at First Blush

Curated By: CandyAppleCra...

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap