fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

There's nothing like hot chocolate to help melt away the harshness of cold weather. This year I expressed my cocoa adoration in a fairy drawing . I finished coloring her in time to print on mini magnets for my coworkers' Christmas gifts last week and will be unveiling her to the rest of the world on the next Sunday Sketches. I fluttered around the office, giving everyone a magnet and a flavored Land O Lakes hot chocolate packet of their choice. This week I took a stir around Etsy to get a taste of what homemade hot cocoa mixes are available. I wouldn't have been able to afford 30 of these delicious kits to give as gifts, but am considering treating myself. I usually top my hot winter drinks with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, but am intrigued by the handmade marshmallows. Aren't those starbursts adorable?! 1. Gourmet Hot Cocoa Kit - The Chocoholic by Danielle's Sweet Shop 2. Rich Handmade Hot Cocoa Drinking Chocolate for 2, Vintage Brown Mugs and Saucers...

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 16th commenter, Wendy Hatton! Winter has barely begun, and I'm already dreaming of warm weather and greener grass. If you're feeling the same, don't despair - you could be the one to win this rare blue mushroom that won't decay or freeze, no matter the season. Meet Crystal, an adorable ooak needle felted mushroom by Shana of Woodland Whimsy . The white portions of Crystal's exterior are sheep's wool and the blue portions are hand dyed alpaca fiber. Her skeleton is needle felted fiber fill. I have no skills in creating three dimensional art, so the sculptures and art dolls by my fellow Fantasy Artists of Etsy amaze me. Although Shana has been crafting practically her whole life, needle felting is a new technique to her. Last year her mom bought alpacas and their fleece encouraged her to learn how to felt. Needle felting is a process that uses a special barbed needle to mesh the fibers to...

Pull on your cloak and crown - the air is a bit chilly in the last Fantasy Artists of Etsy exhibition of 2011. The Etsy Mini below is just a glimmer of the winter art, icy jewelry and fairy wings that can be glimpsed through the falling snow. EDIT: On Winter's Glistening Wings has been replaced by another exhibition, but click on the screenshot below to view all the FAE items currently for sale that are tagged with the word "winter."

"Thy candles shine so brightly! From base to summit, gay and bright, There's only splendor for the sight." - O Christmas Tree Click to see more Christmas Town photos from Busch Gardens, Virginia. 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>

While on vacation a couple weeks ago, I saw the Myrtle Beach Skywheel in the distance, aglow in the night. As we drove closer, the lights swirled in a variety of colors. My favorite combination was the red and white stripes that reminded me of a giant starlight mint. Although I rarely eat peppermint candies, my eyes have been craving the simple design this holiday season. I combed through Etsy and found these delightful Christmas hair accessories! Wouldn't it be swell to wear handmade peppermint decorations in your lovely locks to a holiday party? You'd certainly be the most adorably unique fashionista in the room. 1. Peppermint Candy Fascinator by Look Coy 2. Peppermint Rosette Candy Clip by Sew Gurly Bowtique 3. Peppermint Swirl - Red White Christmas Holiday Headband by Bella's Bowtique 4. Merry Berry and Peppermint Hat/Headband by The Sunflower Stand

The world is still revolving, the weather is growing warmer, and my 2011 Winter Blog Hop has officially come to an end. Visit my current blog hop to join the next seasonal dance. 2011 Winter Blog Hop Participants: Sakura Haruka Ink Spots And Roses Smiley Boy Knows Best Moms Bookshelf and More Beaded Embellishments Autena...Trinkets and Treasures Aquarian Bath HEARTing Handmade :3 Nora MacPhail New End Studio Polka Dots and Rosebuds UnwindRewind Photography Tina´s PicStory Soul Speak A Tasteful Touch The Artful Diva Little Notebook Cupcakes & Cucumbers Blueberry Squash Braggin' Rights Babbles Bliss Works Studio On the Wings of Love Tattletale Toys Asterope Bead Creations Beauty Brite Fairy Tale Reviews Pagan Spirits The Shiny Butter Blog

"I see nothing in space as promising as the view from a Ferris wheel." - E. B. White 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>

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 242nd commenter, Kara Haskins! Wish upon the luckiest star and this magnificent moon necklace by Melissa of Rainwater Studios may become yours. The hammered copper wire has been twisted into a tear drop shape to frame a sliced agate stone and a Swarovski chandelier crystal. Melissa found the vintage crystal on a treasure hunt. The slight imperfections visible within its facets give the piece an extra touch of character. The wondrously wire wrapped pendant comes with a silky suede cord that measures 22 inches. Each piece Melissa dreams into being is just as unique and enchanted as this handmade prize. She has been creating jewelry inspired by different time periods since she began her theater career at 11 years old. A very crafty, ingenious group of theater gurus helped evoke her artistic passion. Historic times of turmoil, from Tudor to Elizabethan to Etruscan, especially fascinate her. Melissa uses her love o...

Last week we went caroling upon the Jolly Trolley through the dark streets of Rehoboth and Dewey Beach. Singing along and sipping hot chocolate was such fun! It was my first cup of the season, and was so yummy that I envisioned the joyous fairy below. Fairy pencil sketch is inked with black Sakura Pigma Micron Pens onto ACEO sized Strathmore Smooth Bristol Paper and soon to be hugged in Prismacolor pencils . Swirl over to Sunday Sketches to see more art by creative souls.

Last week I gazed at the Polar Pathway and other twinkling sights in Christmas Town instead of decorating my own home for the holiday season. A few days ago I finally dragged the boxes full of holiday decorations out of the attic. The tree skirt and matching stockings were nowhere to be found amidst the tangle of colored lights, glittery snowflakes and ball ornaments. Which meant the Ogre had to tackle our garage for the misfit box. Fortunately he did rescue it, but not before I flickered toward Etsy in curiosity. Many handmade sellers have been busy sewing unique Christmas tree skirts in their workshops! Any of these would make a merry place for presents to rest. 1. Christmas Tree Skirt - Silent Night - Purple Snowflakes by Red Marionette 2. Medium Christmas Tree Skirt by AZ Fabric Crafts 3. 47 Inch Quilted Christmas Tree Skirt by Donna's Quilt Creations 4. CUSTOM 48" Peacock Feather Christmas Tree Skirt by Ivyndell

This unique druzy geode necklace by Jessica of esoteric HEARTS now sparkles up from the depths of my treasure trove, courtesy of a jewelry giveaway on the We Know Stuff blog. Although I own a small collection of decorative rocks, this is my very first piece of geode jewelry! Silver wire clutches the blue geode to a silver plated chain with a lobster claw clasp. The back of the stone is as natural as if it had just tumbled ashore from the bottom of the sea. The front is flat and polished to a smooth shine. The inside glitters with the raw crystals that took millions of years to take shape. Amazing, right? Jessica designs for the not so ordinary girl. Several of her extraordinary pendants feature drusy quartz gemstones, from citrine to my favorite, amethyst. She is also very inspired by the beach. In addition to nautical necklaces and earrings, she offers shell and starfish hair accessories. Many of her pieces would make fantastic additions to mermaid costumes .

"In the lane, snow is glistening A beautiful sight, We're happy tonight, Walking in a winter wonderland." - Felix Bernard and Richard B. Smith Click to see more Christmas Town photos from Busch Gardens, Virginia ~ 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>

EDIT: Giveaway is officially closed. Congratulations to the randomly chosen 35th commenter, Maegan Morin! Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Even if December 25th comes and goes without a single cloud, one of you will hear merry news that snow is on the way. Elisa of Dazzling Dezignz is giving away a sparkly snowflake crystal necklace this winter season. The 20 mm snowflake crystal pendant is wire wrapped to a 6 mm black diamond Swarovski crystal bead. The black woven silk cord is 16 inches long with a 2 inch extender chain and closes with a bright silver lobster clasp. Elisa stays busy as a SAHM, but now that her two beautiful children are old enough to attend school, she has time to pursue her love of jewelry making. Her shop, Dazzling Dezignz, is aptly named - Elisa's crystal and gemstone jeweled accessories will dazzle the eyes! Her designs glitter with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, semi precious gemstones, Czech glass and many other glimmering elements. She has seve...

"a wind has blown the rain away and blown the sky away and all the leaves away, and the trees stand. I think i too have known autumn too long" - E. E. Cummings 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>

I used to send dozens of Christmas cards when I was in school. I'd stock up after Christmas when they were discounted over 50% off so I could afford the fancier ones with foil and glitter. They were so pretty; I had to save at least one of each design as a memento. The box of leftover cards is still tucked inside my closet, its contents no less shiny and dazzling from when the plastic packaging was carefully removed. I've pondered letting go of that hoarding tendency and sending them out this year - but what if I accidentally sent one to a friend that had already received it? I may have to research other ways to upcycle them. Any suggestions? What I've been wanting to do the last few years is print my own holiday cards - but I have a difficult time drawing winter themes when it's still warm outside. During December, I usually have so many other things planned that I don't have the motivation to complete a piece in time. My goal this year is to draw an ACEO I can mar...