fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

Being featured in the Taming the Dragon treasury this week inspired me to research the Michaelmas Festival. The ancient feast is named after Archangel Michael, the angelic warrior known for defeating Lucifer in the war of heaven and protecting against the dark of the night. The Waldorf school's still celebrate the event to welcome autumn and reflect on negative elements they'd like to banish from their lives. According to A Little Garden Flower & Waldorf Essentials , Saint George became intertwined because theories say he was an earthly representative of Michael in his deeds. Saint George's legend is very different from his history (namely, the awesome dragons) but both do have an important detail in common - he was a noble soldier. Browsing beautiful art of him through the ages made me curious what rode on the front lines of Etsy. With Halloween just out of range, knight costumes surged forward. I was amazed at the creative use of materials to mimic the traditional ch...

"Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky." - Rabindranath Tagore Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun! <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/search/label/wordless%20wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/wordless/125x125-wordless.jpg" alt="Wordless Wednesday" border="0" /></a>

Clémence of Vynn's Ravelings is taming the dragon in celebration of the Waldorf schools' Michaelmas Festival on September 29. She's armed herself with dragonhide armor gauntlets, a silver knight pendant and a medieval velvet gown. My green dragon is too busy admiring his peridot gem to fight humans, but the legendary battle of Saint George and his dragon are captured forever in a needle felted soft sculpture, wooden Russian doll set and a hand painted print. Treasuries shared by readers between September 27 - October 3 Sweet Clippings of Fall September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month Creepy and Kooky Moss MOSS Mossy MOSS (moss) Victorian Fae Of a Feather Fallin' for Fall A Study in Etsy " Styles" part 4, Art Nouveau Autumn- Burnt Orange, Coffee Bean, and Nutmeg 1234 Skulls and Bones Coloridas Calaveras para el Dia de Los Muertos! A Fairy Tale for Bess Red Green with Cupcake Sprinkles Purple! Fun to say and wear! Black as Raven Fight L...

A cold dragged me through last week, but I'm almost back to human. My newest sketch, however, is not. I can't seem to get my mind off zombies, thanks to both Halloween and the Walking Dead season two premiere attacking soon. So here's my first attempt at drawing a zombie! Yes, he's wearing an Animaniacs t-shirt of The Brain - my sense of humor is that nerdy. Zombie pencil sketch is inked with black Sakura Pigma Micron Pens onto ACEO sized Strathmore Smooth Bristol Paper and soon to be devoured in Prismacolor pencils . Stagger over to Sunday Sketches to see more art by creative souls.

As a child, I had a reoccurring dream where I dived off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and transformed into a mermaid with an iridescent rainbow fin. My sleeping dreams aren't as vivid anymore after I wake, but I do daydream about sea creatures and underwater kingdoms. I've drawn my visions into reality, but have yet to dress up as a mermaid. As you may have noticed from my past Jem , Catwoman , Zombie and Pirate Friday Finds, I hope to net a new Halloween costume soon. I have been luring ideas out of the Etsy ocean, and this week I hooked handmade mermaid tails for sale. Several styles splashed out of the waves for females of all ages, from sexy sirens to adorable toddlers. 1. Adult Mermaid Costume Tail of Sequined Fabric by Sea Gypsy Gifts 2. Mermaid Costume with Fin-Like Skirt and Removable Tutu by Lillie Belle Boutique 3. Girl Chunky Mermaid Cocoon Tail in Green Yarn by Pink Pumpkin Crochet Studio 4. Sea Celery Mermaid Tail for Children by Fin Fun Mermaid

The world is still revolving, the weather is growing colder, and my 2011 Autumn Blog Hop has officially come to an end. Visit my current blog hop to join the next seasonal dance. 2011 Autumn Blog Hop Participants: Where Nothing Good Comes Easy Asterope Bead Creations Random Splashes of Thought HEARTing Handmade :3 The True Adventures of Eloise Shimmerlings NatashaMay Beaded Embellishments Mellissa Rose Shealynn's Faerie Everything Under the Moon NewEndStudio Polka Dots & Rosebuds KAW! Studios QuiltinCats The Cranky Old Man Soul Speak Mary's Cup of Tea A Little Inspiration Bliss Works Studio Misadventuring Mommy WillOaks Studio Inspire to Thrive CereusArt The Southern Fried Bride Dragonfly Sweetnest Through the Eyes of a Tiger The Woven Moments Beck Valley Books The Sasse Life The Homespun Loft Silverfaeries & Dragonflies Tots and Me The Ladies Lounge April's Homemaking Beader Bubbe Cupcake Daydreamer Woodland Wanderings Cordial Chaos Believe in Yourself The Bewitch...

The Etsy Blog Team has collaborated with StylishHome to offer its members a chance to win $100, just by exploring their neat new "Idea File" feature. I took a swim through their website, searching for bath accessories that would match the focal point of my current bathroom - a medicine cabinet hidden by a framed print of my first mermaid drawing.

A cold caught me yesterday and has me staggering around like a zombie. Thus, today's post is a flashback photograph that I took of the Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen fast food restaurant drive-thru in Oviedo, Florida last September. He may look statuesque, but that is a real chicken! Anyone want to make me some chicken noodle soup? *wink* Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun! <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/search/label/wordless%20wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/wordless/125x125-wordless.jpg" alt="Wordless Wednesday" border="0" /></a>

Take a walk through misty woods with Tanya of MioTempo . But tread softly - a winged guard listens for footsteps from a tree branch. He will warn away the other magical creatures from revealing their mysteries, including my autumn fairy . Treasuries shared by readers between September 20 - September 26 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month Gorgeous Succor Creek Jasper You Make Me Smile! Who do you want to be today? Dark Secrets Winterberry onfire Bright Orange for Autumn Imagination will take you everywhere Burgundy fade to blue - On Fire for transformation Shiny Autumn Reign Plenty Horns of Plenty Golden Autumn Not Your Mom's Treasury, but Maybe Your Grandma' s Ein Bier Bitte Onfire Team Has Fallin For Handmade ... let's FALL in Love... Believe

Avast! International Talk Like a Pirate Day, September 19th, be right around the weekend wave so hold on te yer skull bandanas. It be hard te fathom a year has passed since I went searching the Etsy seas with me Fantasy Artists of Etsy crew fer Pirate Jewels and Treasure Maps te celebrate. Today I set me magical compass te point toward pirate costumes fer Halloween instead. Through me spyglass, I spotted these tricorn hats! They'll make ye or yer sea dog the proudest beauties on the ship. 1. Pirate Hat for Dog or Cat by Lena Pavia 2. The Munchausen - Velvet Tricorn Hat - Pirate - Marie Antoinette by Topsy Turvy Design 3. Cheung Po Tsai, Handblocked, Velour Fur Felt, Tricorn, Pirate Hat by Caribbean Rose Pirate Emporium 4. Mini Pirate TRICORNE Tricorn Red and Gold Buccaneer by Gypsy Lady Hats

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 11th commenter, Kimberly . Halloween is creeping closer and closer, as is this darkly exquisite cameo jewelry set to one winning ghoul. The talented jewelry artist behind Lithia's Creations attached her favorite style Gothic Lolita 40x30mm resin cameo to an antique-style brass color metal bail. She embellished the beautiful rose detailing with three swarovski crystals, then dangled the pendant from a antique brass color metal chain with a lobster claw clasp. The necklace was so enthralling that she made earrings to match. Lithia offers a range of intricate cameos, from traditional Victorian ladies and roses to unicorns and fairies. She also designs fantasy jewelry and handmade leather accessories for Renaissance, Steampunk and Cosplay enthusiasts. It's almost scary how low her prices are on handmade creations - she wants anyone to be able to afford a piece that captures their eye. How To Enter The Give...

"For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver." - Martin Luther Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun! <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/search/label/wordless%20wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/wordless/125x125-wordless.jpg" alt="Wordless Wednesday" border="0" /></a>

Going back to school would have been more enjoyable if they had offered Halloween Shopping courses. Natasha of Looped With Love taught a 101 class to prepare handmade supporters for the upcoming holiday. On the syllabus is a set of pumpkin coasters, candy corn pillows and a bookmark of my red-haired witch and her black cat familiar. Treasuries shared by readers between September 13 - September 19 Take a little time to relax Mint Tin Fancy Autumn Sunrise AQUA and RED Lavender Fields The Magic of Mosaics * Autumn Bohemia* Lettuce begin ... FALLing for White Lets Make Changes by jcstrong Small is Good (Delaware Etsy Street Team) Falling Leaves Do you believe in magick? Northern Lights The Every Day Guy - Gift Guide Tea and Happy Things quiet inspiration For the Love of Fall Ding Dong the Witch is Dead Spookalicious! Back to School TEACHERS ARE THE BEST! Are you ready for some football? All Things Chicago Down on the Farm Gone Fishing! Under the Sea Map ...

Green to vibrant orange Autumn prepares the tree sprite For Winter's slumber Drawing is inspired by Beadmask's Little Spriteling Leather Mask in Shades of Olive and Soft Gold to the right. Tree Sprite ACEO is inked with black Sakura Pigma Micron Pens and colored with Prismacolor pencils onto Strathmore Smooth Bristol Paper . Leave to Sunday Sketches to see more art by creative souls.

Zombies have been a favorite Halloween costume option and horror movie subject for years, but have eaten their way even higher on the pop culture food chain recently. Many humans are excited for the fall television show premieres in September, but I'm waiting with bated breath for season two of Walking Dead to stagger back to AMC on October 16. It sucks brain matter that I didn't win their walk-on role sweepstakes last year - how wicked would it have been to have a professional make-up artist turn me into a zombie?! However, not all hope is lost for those that want to dress up as animated corpses. Feast your eyes on the sick zombie costumes available on Etsy! 1. Zombie Vegan Makeup Kit Zombie Prom Stage and Halloween Non Toxic Safe for Kids by PinkQuartz Minerals 2. Zombie Ate My Brains Hairband, Horror, Psychobilly by Emerald Angel 3. Zombie Feet Custom Designed Shoes 2 by ink-wear 4. Zombie Shredded Flesh Fingerless Gloves and Zombie Earflap Knit and Crochet Hat by Tiny...

"May all your weeds be wildflowers." - Author Unknown Flutter to my Wordless Wednesday Directory for a list of blogs that regularly host WW Linky Parties. Grab my button as a reminder to return next week for more photography fun! <a href="http://blog.aquariann.com/search/label/wordless%20wednesday" target="_blank"><img src="http://i532.photobucket.com/albums/ee329/aquariann/blog/wordless/125x125-wordless.jpg" alt="Wordless Wednesday" border="0" /></a>

Happy birthday to the September souls out there! If you don't have an answer when asked what you want as a gift this year, go window shopping at Etsy. Behind your gleaming screen, you'll find glorious gemstone jewelry featuring the September birthstone, including these sparkling blue sapphire earrings. 1. My Denim Earrings AAA Mystic Blue Quartz, Blue Sapphires, Stardust, and Sterling silver by Serendipity by Sam 2. Blue Sapphire Sterling Silver Hoop Dangle Earrings by 2 Trick Pony 3. Sparkle-Finest Kyanite, Burma Blue Sapphire, Ultra Sparkle Mystic Moonstone, Fine999 and Sterling Silver Earrings by Vanini Design 4. Petite Blue Sapphire Earrings 14k Gold Fill by Maggie McMane Designs

I was planning to write this last Saturday so I could schedule it to magically post on Tuesday while I was coasting down the Loch Ness monster at Busch Gardens, but Hurricane Irene and her tornado lackeys rained on my blogging parade. Luckily, the storm blew through my area by Sunday morning and didn't leave much damage in its windy wake. The Ogre and I were in Williamsburg by Sunday night, riding the sushi train at the Peking Restaurant . My mini-vacay breezed by in a whirlwind of fun. I returned home to find my pirate bookmark featured in a fantastical collection by Rhonda of Midnight's Meadow . I'd welcome more tropical storms if they brought along mermaid sculptures, sea glass hoop earrings and manatee-shaped soaps. Treasuries shared by readers between September 1 - September 5 Lip Service Lady of the lake I am in the mood for fall September First Friday Art Walk Delaware Style Quite a Pair A Hauntingly Handmade Halloween Yellow - Orange - Red - Brown Pi...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 477th commenter, Alex . The autumnal equinox is looming near - is your wardrobe ready for fall? Jessica of J.C. Jewelry is giving away one amazing accessory which can be worn to enhance several of the coming season's Pantone fashion colors. One winner will be able to mix and match a custom sized set of gemstone stacking rings, retailing at $95. The shiny set of five comes with two plain 1mm textured sterling silver bands and three bands embellished with a 3mm gemstone in harvest colors - citrine, peridot and choice of amethyst like the photograph above or the garnet like the button at the bottom. Jessica only works in pure metals, no plated or filled materials. Her style is modern and sometimes edgy, but always classic. She is inspired by basic concepts and facets of humanity and psychology. She likes to ponder how in certain combination, colors, textures, and shapes can tell a story or make the wearer fee...