First let me start by telling you about the HAF (Handmade Artists Forum). It is a great community of men and women who create all manner of art and artisan products by hand. It was so easy to slide into the discussions and activities there — everyone made me feel so welcome. They give tips and suggestions, encouragement and critique. They chat about art and life. And the overall support is awesome. The forum actively works to promote handmade and artisan products around the Web. I’ve been participating in Twitter rings and blog rings — the purpose to help get each other noticed. The HAF site even has its own shop where members can display their wonderful creations. If you create, stop by the HAF Web site and join up. If not, stop by anyway and see what everyone is up to, maybe find some unique art for yourself or a gift.

OK, now here are just a couple of the wonderful people I’ve met on HAF!

T.Rusk4u

She is a jewelry artist who displays on Etsy. Her pieces are fun, elegant and unique. Check out these Spring Origami Pendants. She actually transferred the pattern from origami paper onto shell cabochons. I don’t quite “get” the process, myself, but it is totally gorgeous!

Spring Origami Pendants by T.Rusk4u

Easter Bunny Necklace for Girls

Dragonfly Necklace for Girls

And then there are these totally sweet necklaces for girls. TRusk4u made them with magnetic clasps so the young wearer won’t choke should she get the necklace caught while playing. It also protects the necklace because the clasp will open rather than snap the cording.  The colors are just beautiful, too. Sunny pastels for the Easter bunny — looks like spring — and sky blue in the dragon fly — just perfect for sparkling wings flitting by.

I would be negligent if I didn’t mention T.Rusk4u’s blog. Stop by and read her artist spotlights, learn about some of the things she likes, and take a peak at her own art. It’s a good read.

iknitandbead

Baby Hat by iknitandbead

Flower Pendant w/Knit Cord

Knitting and beading — what an awesome combination, and you will find both at iknitandbead’s Etsy shop.

She knits the “traditional” items — scarves and hats — and absolutely beautiful ones at that! With lots of care. Like this sweet baby hat in soft colors and soft cotton yarn. Then she reaches out of traditional knitting and makes jewelry with her knitting skills. She has several cool bracelets for sale in her shop, but I love this necklace with a knit cord and floral shell pendant.

We can’t miss her beading, which is just as pretty as her knitting. She makes bookmarks, necklaces and earrings in bold and eye-catching designs. My favorite, the Sunburn Beaded Choker. The colors are just gorgeous and work so well with the pendant she chose.

Sunburn Beaded Choker

Beyond her shop, iknitandbead has a great blog where she shares her love of both knitting and beading and much more. You can read about featured artists and upcoming contests, check out favorite quotes and Etsy treasuries, or just enjoy getting to know a wonderful artisan.

Janelle is a fellow jewelry artisan, but her chosen medium: exotic wood. And let me tell you, her work is to die for. She’s also a great person and blogger who spends lots of time blogging about other artisans. If you take some time to read her blog you’ll learn about hand crafters who create socks, soaps, wall art, candles and more with every conceivable technique! If you’re looking for something, Janelle can send you in the right direction.

OK, now I have to show you some of Janelle’s beautiful pieces. Like these exotic wood bangle bracelets:

Zebrawood, Purpleheart and Rosewood Bangle Bracelets

Madrone Necklace and Earrings Set

The colors and patterns you are seeing are all natural to the wood. Janelle buffs them with oil, and some are finished with a light coat of paste wax, but these are not colored in any way — Not even the purple one!

But that’s not all, check out this necklace and earring set:

Each bead is made individually by hand. I can’t believe the amount of work that she had to have put into it. It is strikingly beautiful.

Beaded Rosewood Hairstick

And then there is this gorgeous hairstick. The combinations of the dark rosewood stick and the white and red beads is magnificent. Attached as they are to the loop at the end, the beads will get the slightest movement in your hair. I think I want this one. OK, I know so!

Do stop by Janelle’s blog to learn about lots of great artisans and her store to see, and purchase, her beautiful work.

• Jewelry by Janelle, the blog
• Jewelry by Janelle, shop on Etsy

Plum and Chocolate Jam

Warning: Do not read Briskmama’s blog with an empty stomach! Or you may find yourself drooling on your keyboard. Among other good information on her blog, Briskmama shares some of her favorite recipes along with photos like this one — good enough for any cookbook, and my table!

In addition to her positively scrumptions cooking, Briskmama shares some great DIY projects and tips, reviews of other artisans, a look at her gorgeous artisan products and thoughts from her own life.

Briskmama’s blog is a great read with lots of enticing pictures and a good dollop of humor. Be sure to stop in to read, and visit her Etsy shop to see some of the beautiful items she makes and sells as well.

• Briskmama blog
• Briskmama on Etsy

Hand Embroidered Tote w/Green Flowers