My second love these days is knitting. I know the technicalities, but I'm not really very good. I can't make cables or follow shaping patterns very well. I haven't made anything larger than a hat because I just don't have the patience for it. But when I'm not in the mood to get muddy, or the studio is too cold (or unbearably hot in the middle of August), I take to the couch with needles and yarn. In a lot of ways, I think fiber and clay are very similar tactile experiences. It's using your hands to shape and grow the material. It's giving it texture and form. It's functional.

One of my favorite fiber artists on Etsy is phydeaux. I'm really drawn to her combinations of lovely yarn and simple patterns. There's something about letting the material really shine.

Her Napa Harvest Scarf was the first to catch my eye. Just look at those gorgeous colors!


This Cranberry Merino Cowl / Neckwarmer is a great example of texture:


A simple, classic Butterscotch Mohair Scarflette / Neckwarmer, a classic, versatile accessory!


If you're looking for some warmth this holiday season take a look at her full shop for lots of great finds:

I've been trying to decide how to add some color to my dull decor and while perusing the multitude of wonderful artists on Etsy I came across paintingprints.etsy.com which hosts prints of original works by Amy Giacomelli, under the brush name Natalia Skye. First, I saw fabulous flowers in a kind of nouveau-folk style (yes, I made up that word):

Then, I saw an adorable bird:

And a solitary tree with an empty swing:

So simple, yet it says so much.
I'm not sure which I'll choose, but it's sure to be fabulous regardless. If you're interested in the original works, visit AmyGiacomelli.etsy.com and SkyeArt.etsy.com.

I'm kicking off a new thing today, called my "Friday Feature". I find so many amazing and inspiring artists on Etsy and the internet and I really want to share the love. So, to avoid sending all my friends "Hey, check this out!" emails a dozen times a day, I think featuring my favorites here is a good decision.

My first feature is Ceeb Wassermann - howlindoggie.etsy.com
I'm not a big jewelry wearer, but that doesn't mean I don't like jewelry! In fact, when I see beautiful jewelry I have the urge to frame it and display it as art. The jewelry designers and metalsmiths on Etsy are just incredible. All of the detail and precision that goes into making these petite works of art - I'm envious of their great talent.

I first noticed Ceeb when I spotted this Japanese Style Chrysanthemum Pendant. Such a beautiful representation of a Japanese icon.


And just this week I found a gorgeous little hair pin/sweater pin. I want to knit something just for this pin. A light cotton shawl would be perfect I think!


Ceeb's shop is full of these beautifully designed and crafted sterling silver pieces. From pendants and earrings, to arm cuffs and hair pins. If you're looking for unique pieces for yourself or gifts, I don't think you can go wrong with any of these. Even non-jewelry-wearers like me know beauty when we see it!