Top Five roundup: Unique shops of the week.

Hi, friends! Happy Wednesday. How has your week been? Ours has been another interesting one. Our youngest turned four, our oldest is at theater camp and our youngest got some stomach thing. Yuck.

This post has been in the works for some time. Thank you to the artists for their patience. I love looking through IG and finding unique shops. These shops are definitely unique.

First up, meet Karen Eland from Coffee Painter.
Karen not only drinks coffee and beer but she paints with it as well. How cool is that?

http://www.karenelandart.com/

Next, we have Anthony and Crystal from Made with Bear Hands.

Their artistic and musical endeavors brought them together, and is still fueling their drive to create things with their "bear hands" (bio on ETSY). Their wooden pieces are beautiful to behold.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/bearhandsgoods

Another great and unique shop I would like to share in this round up is Lost and Forged founded by Douglas Heifetz. He makes these amazing creations from reclaimed vintage materials. I love these unique jewelry pieces. Check them out.

https://lostandforged.com/

I would also like to introduce you to Cheryl Steventon Glass. Cheryl makes these adorable handcrafted glass and stone art and sculptures that she takes her inspiration for from the English coast and countryside.

http://www.cherylsteventon.co.uk/

The last shop I would like to share with you today is Rainbow Rose Art work. This unique shop is run by Lindsey Hall in the UK. She loves rainbows and painting.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/rainbowroseunique

These shops each offer something truly different and unique using materials and things from everyday life from coffee to rainbows you can find a special piece. Take the time and explore each of their Instagram feeds and web pages and show them some love.

Top five Bible Journaling websites and day 5 of Christmas in July Craft challenge.

Hi friends! How are you? How was your fourth of July celebrations? I hope that you had a wonderful time. Did you get to see any fireworks? I am writing this in advance so I hope our family will have the chance to do this.

It is July, so we are in the midst of our Christmas in July Craft Challenge. I hope you will take the time and check it out and join us. It is happening right here on our blog and in our DIY Facebook group. Today is Day 5 of our challenge and for today, you can complete one of the previous crafts, choose one of your own or print our a coloring page to color from The Quiet Grove. Take one of these three things and post it in the comments below or in our DIY Facebook group. I can't wait to see what you have created. I think that is one of my favorite things about this whole challenge is seeing all the things others create.

It's Wednesday, this means we have our Top Five DIY or crafting post to share. Today, I am sharing something that is near and dear to my heart, its about the Top Five Bible Journaling websites I have found recently. I really enjoy Bible journaling. I don't get as intense as many do with beautiful pieces of art work in their Bibles but I do love to journal with hand lettering and some small doodles.

So without further ado here are my Top Five Bible Journaling Websites I have found recently. Remember that these are in no particular order of good, better, best but just a list of five.

1. Creative Bible Journaling: This one is particularly dear as I serve on the volunteer staff for their lettering on their Facebook page. The CBJ website is loaded with all kinds of things but lands on projects and classes for various journaling techniques.

This fireworks page is great to share with just celebrating our Nations Anniversary.

Check out the above special project on their web page.

2. Bible Journal Love : Another great website. They offer a whole variety of Bible Journaling resources. For example videos, classes, a Facebook group, downloads and digital journaling. I think the digital journaling really makes this group unique compared to other groups. Head over and check it out.

3. Rebekah R Jones: Another great website that offers some great resources for Bible journaling. One thing that has this website stand out from the others is their Bible challenges through video devotionals. Head over and check some of these neat things out.

4. Bible Journaling Ministries:There is so much to offer on their web page. They have instructive blog posts, classes, print outs, freebies, reviews of products, you name it you can find it. A great resource for anyone from beginner to advanced Bible journalist.

Journaling in Ecclesiastes with gelato pens.

5. Paper Praises: Is a great place to learn about some of the beginning steps for journaling. Katie has a great little print out about Bible journaling that you can download for free. If you are within an hour of the Pittsburgh area she offers in person journaling classes. How fun is that?

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Top Five Subscription Artisan Boxes from Small Shops.

Hi, Friends. How are you? Happy Mid-week! We are well. keeping very busy with a sick little one, two other kids at day camp and our oldest in Texas.

If you love handmade items, you will love this week's Top Five. I have an intimate knowledge of these particular finds. Did you know that you can order boxes as subscriptions with awesome maker goods inside? There are some big names out there that do this kind of subscriptions. But I love supporting the smaller shops. Here are five small shops that I have come upon that sell subscription artisan boxes. I hope you enjoy this list as much as I have. Each of these makers and their boxes are great. So there is no specific order to how they are presented, they are all great and worth the time to check out.

1. The Barmy Fox Box by the Barmy Fox. These monthly subscription boxes are all handmade by Tory, and fit the theme for each month. September's theme is Mermaids and Unicorns. How fun does that sound? You can also find the Barmy Fox on Instagram and Facebook.

2. Tail Mail by Made By Mermaids. In this fun box, you receive jewelry from Made by Mermaids and then at least two items from other makers from around the world. You can also find Made by Mermaids on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Youtube.

3. Package O' Pretties (POP) and Mini Heart Mail from Earth Cookies Creates. I have had the special privilege to contribute to both of Jessica's boxes. Package of Pretties is a monthly subscription box full of handmade items that fit a particular theme. These items are created by Jessica and other artists. There are at least 5-8 items in each box.

The Mini Heart Mail Package is similar to the POP but is smaller with fewer items which can be more friendly on the budget.
You can also find Jessica on Instagram.

4. The Crafty Mail Handmade Subscription Boxes ( I love the description Kelly gives online) Makers Gonna Make! So, why not bring together a whole lot of awesome so you can experience the world of handmade in a monthly box with samples from 5-10 shops differing monthly?! I have also had the special privilege of being a part of one of these boxes recently. You can find Kelly online in these other locations Instagram and Facebook.

5. #AliciaZitaOnAMission Katie's boxes are unique. You order a box of great handmade items but all the money raised is sent to a different charity each month. The one pictured raised money for Camp Rainbow Gold in Idaho, a camp for kids who are fighting cancer. I also had the opportunity to be a part of this box for the July box. Stay tuned in her ETSY shop and social media to find out what is happening for July. You can find Katie online on Instagram and Facebook.

These subscription boxes are so great and offer an awesome grouping of handcrafted items from makers all over the world. I would love to hear from you. Which one of these boxes did you like the best and why? Also, do you know of other awesome artisan subscription boxes from small shops? Comment below we would love to hear from you.

Only 4 days left until our Christmas in July Craft Challenge. Hope to see you there.

Top Five DIY Blogs of the week!

Hi Friends, How are you this week? I am well. Trying to get back into the swing of life after a week away. Are you looking for some fun new projects to do? Do you love DIY projects as much as I do? Here are five blogs that I found recently that have some great DIY projects to do. Enjoy perusing them as much as I have.

1. Our first one is a blog by Sarah S. A Little of this and a little of that She has a variety of DIY's on her blog from cake pops to Frozen Hair. She has not done anything recently but she has some great things in her archive so make sure you check them out and pin some fun DIYs.

2. Our next DIY blog The Crafty Blog Stalker is created and owned by Katie. First of all, I love the name of this blog. Second, she has such a great variety of DIY, decor, and link parties to name just a few of her posts.

3. Another blog on our DIY list that offers a variety of projects is Our Peaceful Planet put together by Roy and Nancy. They have some really fun projects, like making an old filing cabinet into storage for fabric or a chandelier from foam board or cardboard. They have so much to offer, head over and check it out.

4. Quirky Bohemian Mama is another blog where I just love their name. Owner and creator Hollie offers a fun variety of Bohemian DIY projects and also tips and ideas for moms and families. Check out her fun Dream Catcher project.

5. Last but not least, we have Kim's blog Inspiration Made Simple. All of us need inspiration at some point and Kim's blog definitely has many different options to provide inspiration for us. For example, the macrame bracelet pictured below.

What DIY blogs have inspired you? I would love to hear about them. Feel free to share in the comments below or email me.

Don't forget that starting on July 1st we have our 25 days of Christmas in July Craft Challenge. Come join us for a great time and possibly win a prize.

Top Five Unique Online Craft Businesses

Hi, Friends! How is your week going? Hope that this finds you well. I am excited for the second installment in our new series. 

This week, we will be looking at the Top Five Unique Online Craft Business that I discovered this week. What fun DIY, craft businesses, crafts have you found this week? I would love to hear about them. Mention them in the comments below or email me.

Without further ado, here are the Top Five Unique Online Craft Businesses that I discovered this week. Honestly, any of these shops could be #one in my book. So please note that these are not in any particular order other than a list. I truly love all of these finds!!

5. Melanie from Her Sweet Embrace is a shop I have admired for some time. As I was thinking about this blog post, I came across her shop on my Instagram and just fell in love with her adorable little-crocheted creations. The detail in such small size amazes me. One of her creations is definitely on my gift wish list.

Check out this adorable little book she created.

You can find Melanie at the following locations:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hersweetembrace/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hersweetembrace

Facebook: https://facebook.com/hersweetembrace

4. One place I found this week is The Vintage Lime. I even love their name, so original and different. This small shop makes book letters, book stars, and book cacti. They are all cut from vintage books. One of my favorites has to be the cacti.

You can find this novel small shop at the following locations online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevintagelime/

Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheVintageLime

Come and check out Nancy's stuff, you can even customize your pieces by picking out the vintage book she uses.

3. "A rose by any other name would smell so sweet." That is what I think of when I think of this next shop. Their name suits their one of a kind shop. Maria from Singing Scarves, hand paints each of her exquisite scarves making each of them a piece of artwork. I am blessed to own one of these pieces of art. Maria sings while painting them and hopes that her song along with the scarf blesses the owner.

 This chocolate brown silk scarf is painted by Estonian silk artist Maria Jürimäe. All her scarves are OOAK and created with the good energy of songs.

You can find Maria and her "singing scarves" online at:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/singingscarves/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/singingscarves

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SingingScarves/

2. How would you like to hold a piece of nature in your hand and in your book? Well, now you can with the natural wooden bookmarks made by Matt at Natura Mark. Check out these one-of-kind pieces.

You can find these distinct pieces online at these locations:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturamarkcreations/

Etsy:https://www.etsy.com/shop/NaturaMark

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/NaturaMarkCreations/

especially take a gander at his Personalized wooden bookmark option.

1. Our last noteworthy shop we found this week is The Pioneer Princess or Boreal Baskets with the owner and creator Misty. These baskets are made in Alaska from Birch Bark. How cool is that? These baskets really have this earthy feel. They bring Alaska into your home. Check out this gathering basket Misty has created.

To find this and several other unique designs you can head to any one of these places online:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepioneerprincess/ #borealbaskets

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Borealbaskets

That is it for this week. But come back next Wednesday to find out what our next Top five DIY and craft finds there will be. If you have any fun finds or ideas please share in the comments below or email us.

Don't forget starting July 1 is our annual Christmas in July Craft Challenge.

More details to come soon.

Top five Unique craft ideas of the week.

Hi Friends! How is your week going? I hope well. I'd like to start a new series called,Top Five of the week. In this series, I would like to feature crafts, DIY, handmade shops, blogs, and any other top fives I can think of that I find during the week. If you would like to be featured in my top five, please email me.

What unique crafts or DIY's have you found this week? Share them below in the comments. Don't forget we have our annual Christmas in July Craft Challenge starting July 1.

Here is my top five for this week:

5. How cool is this that you can color a picture a different way by embroidering on it. Head over to Sew What Alicia and check out her How To.

4. Isn't this picture cool. Who ever thought of weaving with straws was definitely thinking outside the box. I am really excited to try this one out. Especially since I have all of the items around the house. Head over to There's Just One Mommy to find out how to do this.

3. This basket looks like something you could pick up at Target or the Home Store. Head over to Lydi Out Loud to see how to make this basket.

2. Who doesn't love a little bling in their life. Well how much more exciting then to have that bling in a lawn flamingo!! Head over to Dream a Little Bigger to learn how to bling out a flamingo.

1. What is one to do with all of the crazy amounts of plastic bags we flood our world with... How about making a rug? Head to My Recycled Bags to find out how.

Thats all for this week. What top fives would you like to see? Leave suggestions in the comments or send me an email and I will try check out your ideas.

Don't forget to join us for our Christmas in July Craft Challenge starting July 1. You could win an awesome prize from a handmade shop, plus have lots of fun crafting.