Snowfest 2012

It's George's family tradition to go to Zehnder's Snowfest every year.  This is the third year that I have gone. The winter of 2009/2010 was my first winter living here... My first time to go to the Snowfest and it was absolutely FREEZING!  Being new to Michigan winters, I didn't quite know how to dress for these kinds of things, however I have definitely learned since then!  So, when we went last year I had LOTS of layers on!  It was an even colder and snowier winter, but I stayed warmer because I was better prepared.  It was cold yesterday also, there were flurries in the air, but the sun did come out for a little while, which was very welcome and warmed us up a bit.  We made sure to have some nice hot chocolate as we walked down the main street of Frankenmuth.  I love walking down the main street there, it's such a quaint and pretty street with many shops to visit.  Like every year, there were a lot of great snow and ice sculptures to see.  It hadn't snowed very much this winter leading up to the opening of the Snowfest, luckily the temperatures were low and the sculptures stayed nice throughout the weekend.  Before heading back, we warmed up... (And thawed out)... in a warming tent while eating lunch, it was a fun afternoon.  Here's the link to my post from last year, where there are some more fun snow and ice sculptures to see:  http://trinastrinketts.blogspot.com/2011/01/snowfest.html   ~ And below are some pictures that I took yesterday... 

 This one was my favorite ice sculpture :)

Such a pretty covered bridge

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you so much for visiting today!  Wishing you a great day!

~Trina

Etsy Finds Friday - Dollytime

It's *♥*Etsy Finds Friday*♥*

Today I am featuring the 

Knitting Patterns for Sweet Dolls

Created by: 

Dollytime

Toys and Trinkets to Knit

Dollytime on Etsy has created a wonderful selection of PDF email patterns which 

can be purchased so that you can knit the most darling dolls!

In the Artist's Own Words:

I have always been an enthusiastic crafter and over the years have had a number of my knitting patterns featured in magazines.

I started knitting little dolls when I was very young. Nothing complicated or sophisticated, just ordinary little dollies, the kind you might see in children's story books. You will find patterns for several little cuties in my shop. I hope they make you smile.

 POSY

                                    Knitted Toy Doll PDF email Knitting Pattern
Let me introduce you to a sweet little doll named POSY who stands 41cm (16in) tall when not wearing shoes. POSY loves flowers and enjoys being in her little garden. She has Mary Jane shoes for outdoor wear but, like all sensible little dollies, she changes into her cozy slippers when she comes indoors. Instructions for Mary Jane's and cozy slippers are included. POSY'S patchwork and striped sweater, hat and skirt will enable you to use small left-over balls of double knitting yarn (USA - light-worsted/Australia - 8 ply).  The pattern rows are numbered and instructions are very easy to follow. As always I’ve added lots of tips and illustrations to guide you along the way.  The POSY knitting pattern will come to you as a 13 page PDF email file.  All knitting is on two straight needles. Knitting skills required :- cast on, cast off, knit, purl, k2tog, kfb.

BELINDA JANE 

 Knitted Toy Doll PDF email Knitting Pattern

Meet BELINDA JANE a cute dolly with a happy smile and gorgeous auburn curls. She stands 45cm (18in) tall from head to toe.  BELINDA JANE wears a pretty cardigan over a sleeveless top and skirt. All items of clothing are removable.  Knitting is on two straight needles using DK yarn (USA - light-worsted/Australia - 8 ply). The pattern rows are numbered and instructions are very easy to follow. As always I’ve added lots of tips and illustrations to guide you along the way. The pattern is ideally suited to knitters who have mastered the basic skills (not recommended as a first time project for a new knitter). The BELINDA JANE knitting pattern will come to you as a PDF email file.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Dollytime on Etsy and see more of her adorable Doll PDF Patterns!  You can also visit her blog at:  http://flutterbypatch.blogspot.com/

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   

~Trina  

Two Poodles and the Eiffel Tower!

I created this cake topper for a customers who will be spending their first Anniversary in Paris.  These two adorable poodles are sitting in front of the Eiffel Tower, she's all dressed up with sparkles in her curls, wearing a pink bow in her hair, and he looks very proud to be by her side.  On the ground in front of them is a bone shaped pillow with a silver pair of wedding rings tied to it.  The Eiffel Tower stands approximately 3 1/2" tall on a 3" base.  This topper will be listed in my Etsy shop (Trina's Clay Creations) as an example of a figurine and/or cake topper that I can customize.

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting today!!  :)
~Trina

Two Little Mice and a Pumpkin Carriage!

This little cake topper was such fun to create!  I made a pumpkin carriage in orange and silver, adding vines, leaves and a darling oval door with a round window.  The two mice are sitting in the grass in front of the carriage, each holding a glass of wine and toasting each other.  She's dressed in red, he's in blue and both have great big eyes, making their faces so darling.  The topper is approximately 2" tall and sits on a 2 1/2" base.  Made as a custom order for an awesome customer of mine, I will be listing it in my Etsy shop (Trina's Clay Creations) as an example of a topper I can customize as a special gift and/or cake topper.   

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting today! I hope you'll stop by tomorrow for more 'show-and-tell' where you'll see another new cake topper that I created... It's two poodles and the Eiffel Tower! :)  Wishing you a great day!  ~Trina

Etsy Finds Friday - Gaea Handmade

It's *♥*Etsy Finds Friday*♥*

Today I am featuring the 

Beautiful Ceramic Jewelry

Created by: 

Gaea Handmade

Ceramic Pendants, Beads and Jewelry

In the Artist's Own Words:

Gaea is the greek goddess of "mother earth", so it is appropriate that I love to play with it (how did mom know?!) I've had a major love of ceramics and jewelry for much of my life.

I find inspiration in everyday things. The shell pendants were inspired by our first trip to the beach with our son. As a child I imagined fairies living among the plants and flowers thus the queens, flowers and leaves. I have designed and made each piece and have loved every minute of it!

 

 Early Birdy

Ceramic Bird and Bead Set

This individually picked bundle contains 9 spring and love tone ceramic beads! These beads are hand formed and hand glazed and are an original design. 

One Little Leaf One Little Bird

Open Heart Ceramic Dish

A little place to hold little things...  An original design, this earthy open heart dish is stamped with one of my handmade leaf/acorn stamps and measures about 3 1/4" tall by 3 1/2" wide. The red clay dish has been glazed in a cream color inside only.

 Lotus Dreams

Ceramic and Copper Art Bead Lotus Necklace

This handmade ceramic Lotus pendant was carefully set in a handmade copper bezel. Copper links and ceramic beads were all handmade with love. All copper pieces have taken a tumble to strengthen them. Chunky ametrine and fresh water pearls are part of this original design which is a bold piece of art for your neck. 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Gaea Handmade's Etsy Shop and see more of her beautiful ceramic jewelry and beads!  

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   

~Trina  

Part 46 - The Polymer Clay Artwork of the PCETeam

Welcome to my 46th post featuring the amazing polymer clay artwork created by a few of the members of our PCETeam on Etsy!!  The diversity in creativity and style is wonderful!!  Enjoy, and be sure to check out their Etsy Shops to see more of their wonderful items.

 Unique Wine Bottle Stopper

By: Beckysuecreations

Textured face wine bottle stopper, can be used on an open bottle of wine or olive oil bottle, makes a perfect conversation piece or hostess gift. It is on a stainless steel rubber ringed stopper that will fit most bottles. The face is made from polymer clay and stained so that the details can be seen. It would look nice on a red bottle of wine.

 Alphabet Letter A Monster Sculpture

By: Little Green Guy (innovativemom)

The First in my Little Green Guy Alphabet Collection! What better definition for the letter A than Artist?! This sculpture would be perfect in a kids room or a great gift for an artistic friend!  Measuring approx 5" tall by 4.5" wide, this sculpture is handmade from clay, then hand painted with acrylic paint and finally glazed with a high gloss finish to give a "ceramic" effect. The letter itself is MDF. 

Valentine Sheep

By: Amy's Clay Critters

Something a little different to show someone special just how much you care. This was hand made by me using polymer clay. He measures at 9cm tall.

 

Kaleidoscope Jellyfish Polymer clay Necklace

By: Curly Girl Designs

You may be wondering why this is called a Jellyfish Pendant. Well, it is made from a photo of beautiful jellyfish that I took at the Vancouver Aquarium. I then used a computer program that makes kaleidoscope images from your photos and this is the finished product!  This pendant is made from white polymer clay and the image was applied using a photo transfer technique. It was then baked, sanded and coated with a layer of resin for protection and a glass like shine. It measures 1.5" and has a silver plated bail. It comes hanging on an 18" pale blue cord and organza ribbon necklace.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting, please stop by again for post number forty-seven in my series, featuring more of our PCETeam members!!  Wishing you a Happy Day!!  

~Trina

Etsy Finds Friday - Felted and Knitted Animal Toys

It's *♥*Etsy Finds Friday*♥*

Today I am featuring the 

Handmade Felted and Knitted

Animal Toys

Created by: 

Forestblue

 

About the Artist, In the Artist's own Words:

When I was a small girl I made most of my toys from old T-shirts, tights or socks, giving dolls buttons for eyes and yarn hair :) I kept only one toy from that long forgotten period - an old worn down black horsie I made when I was about 9 years old.

Years later, in a creative unrest I began making toys: little bears and bunnies, moose or mice. They are all made to appear sweet, friendly and heartwarming. I love creating them and take pleasure in making them for others :)  Forestblue animals stand for love and care, natural material and uniqueness.

 

 

 Boniface

Boniface is a heartwarming lovely bear, a very special little friend or an elegant gift for someone you love.  Boniface is made of two colours merino wool – light beige and a beautiful warm melange brown. The red ribbon gives Boniface festive look and adds to his charm. 

 

 

Bubbles

BUBBLES makes a perfect child or baby gift toy, but knitted bunnies have this special power to also melt some very grown-up hearts!  This handmade bunny is stuffed with natural anti-allergic filling material. His body is very soft and flexible, you can squeeze him and pull ears and arms without worry. He's extremally hugable and likes to say "If I was a sweater, I sure would be very warm" :)

 

 

 Willy

Meet Willy, a little forest friend. This baby deer enjoys playing hide and seek - you may want to watch out for him, Willy tends to wander off, especially when stumbles upon magical creatures like butterflies.... Willy is made of pure organic merino wool in light wheat beige color. Willy's body is soft and delicate, he stands on long and thin but sturdy legs, as their position is adjustable, you can make your fawn jump and run and take funny poses.

 

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Forestblue and see more beautifully handmade felted and knitted eco~friendly Animal Toys! 

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   

~Trina  

A Soccer Player and a Birthday Boy!

I just finished two fun clay creations!  One is a Soccer Player and the other is a First Birthday Cake Topper.  First I'll share the Birthday Cake Topper.  My customer sent a picture of her son's monkey blanket and asked that it be included in the topper.  Here's a picture of the blanket:

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  It was such fun to create and incorporate a whimsical version of this adorable blanket!  I placed the blanket on one side of the little boy and a 'toy' car on the other side.  He's sitting in front of a great big cupcake with colorful sprinkles on top, along with a shiny blue candle, all lit up and ready to be blown out.  He has a happy smile, and just look at those cute little toes!  He's holding a big pearly blue balloon with a red number one on it.   Please look for this topper to be listed in my Etsy Shop (Trina's Clay Creations) soon, as an example of a Child's Birthday Cake Topper that can be purchased from me.

 

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Created at the request of my cousin, next is a little Soccer Player.  He's so happy and proud as he 'poses' for his soccer pictures!  He's got one foot on his soccer ball and is standing in the grass... 

 

 

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Stay tuned for my next 'Show~and~Tell' where I will be featuring some of my new Flower Pot Buddies that I will soon be listing in my Etsy Shop!  Wishing you a GREAT day!!  ~Trina

Etsy Finds Friday - Sandy's Bangles and Bows

It's *♥*Etsy Finds Friday*♥*

Today I am featuring the 

Darling Headbands and Bows

Created by: 

Sandy Prenzi

Sandy's Bangles and Bows

Today I am happy to be featuring my Mom's brand new Etsy Shop!  She's creating these darling Headbands for little girls using buttons and bows. Some of them have her own polymer clay designs, little animal faces, incorporated in the design.  Here are a few, you can click on the image to see the listing in her shop.

 

 

 Ladybug Black and White Girls Headband

I always loved Ladybugs ~ so cute with their polka dot wings. This Ladybug found the perfect home nestled into a black and white Gingham bow.  The headband is very soft and stretchy and will not leave marks on your little one's head. Great for everyday wear or for special occasions.

 

 

My Puppy Headband

There a little puppy peeking out of the silk flower on this bright red headband. The puppy was created out of polymer clay and has glass beads for his bright little eyes. A chiffon bow with a crystal decorates this already darling headband, a delight for any little girl.

Dora the Explorer and Boots Headband

Is there a Dora the Explorer fan at your house? She would be delighted with this big 5" brightly colored bow featuring Dora the Explorer and her monkey Boots. Take notice of the glittered blue heart which compliments this beautifully blue colored headband.

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥  Click HERE to visit Sandy's Bangles and Bows Etsy Shop and see more of her sweet headbands!  You can also click HERE to visit her other Etsy Shop (Sandy's Creations in Clay), where you'll find her wonderful polymer clay artwork!

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for stopping by for my Etsy Finds Friday post!!  Please stay tuned for next Friday's Find... It could be YOU! :)   Happy Friday!!   

~Trina  

Part 45 - The Polymer Clay Artwork of the PCETeam

Happy New Year!! :)

Welcome to my 45th post featuring the amazing polymer clay artwork created by a few of the members of our PCETeam on Etsy!!  The diversity in creativity and style is wonderful!!  Enjoy, and be sure to check out their Etsy Shops to see more of their wonderful items.

 Wood n Leather Penguins

By: Fauxhead

Wood n Leather Penguins is the 4th of my Animal Pendants series. They are made from Premo polymer clay using faux wood and faux leather techniques. As with all my animal pendants, this could also be used to hang decoratively in a shadow box or on a small wall. It is 54 mm (2 1/8") tall.

Sterling Silver Flower Bracelet

By: PenelopePitstopDesigns

Handmade Sterling Silver and Polymer Clay Bracelet.  I made the beads of this bracelet using many layers of polymer clay, then sanded and buffed the beads. Absolutely no paints were used.  I then handmade each silver bezel to fit each individual bead.  The bracelet measures approximately 7.75"(19.4cm)in length. Each bead is approximately 1.1 x 0.75"(2.75 x 1.8cm) All the metal is sterling silver.

 Shabby Chic Earrings

By: Chifonie

These earrings are in blue and brown shades, "shabby chic" ambiance, with "millefiori" flowers, surrounded by an intricated pattern. These focal beads are handcrafted by me in polymerclay, sanded and buffed for a natural polish aspect.  + smaller complimenting accents : white cat eye beads, silver-tone metal beads and caps.  They are very light weight.  The drop is about 1"1/4 (3,5 cm) from the silver-tone earring wires, for a total length of about 2" (4,5 cm).

Decorative Wall hanging Key Holder

By: RFColorfulCreations

Never again fish around for your keys at home. Hang them on this decorative key holder and pick them up on your way out. It can also be used as a decorative holder for your pot holders.
This holder has a underwater sea design. It was created with polymer clay and triple glazed for a brilliant shine and protection. The wood base was painted a Mediterranean blue and the pegs Rosewood stained color.  It has two hangers on the back for hanging.  The decorative plague measures 6 1/2" W x 9 1/2" H. From top to pegs holders measures 10 1/2".

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(¸.•´ (¸.•` ♥ Thank you for visiting, please stop by again for post number forty-six in my series, featuring more of our PCETeam members!!  Wishing you a Happy Day!!  

~Trina