Featured artist: Irene, FancyKnittles. Miniature dolls

Are you familiar with that feeling when you see something really cute, all you can say is: aaaaawh! That's how we feel when we visit FancyKnittles shop. 

All miniature people, animals, flowers, vegetables, holidays ornaments and toys are crocheted by Irene, the owner of the shop who really reaches the top of cuteness in her work while keeping quality at a high level also. These little dolls are full of fancy details and, like Irene says, you will never be bored with them!

 

Naturally, we wanted to know more about Irene and her inspiration. Here is what she shared with us:

 Why did I choose to make miniature crochet dolls? I am a practical person. Miniature  requires less time, materials and money. 

... JUST KIDDING! 

 In reality, I love all things mini since my childhood. I knit & crochet all clothes for my dolls since I was 5 years old. Later I started making miniature toys also. 

Why did I choose to crochet a miniature? Simply because I love to do it and I do it well. I feel happy while I am having fun. No one said the dollhouse miniature have to be 100% realistic. You are a creator of your own perfect little world. Besides, when else can you feel like a Gulliver in Lilliputian!

It is still winter and the weather outside of my window is dark and gloomy right now. What do you usually do when you are bored? Watch a movie, drink hot chocolate or read a book under the blanket?

I miss the sunshine so I decided to crochet a bunch of miniature colorful hyacinths. Then, I  build a little corner garden with a little bench, a garden tools and a watering can... oh, look! Someone forgot their little hat over there! 

 

I took a photo of my miniature garden and I got a sunny happy picture. It made me feel like spring is around the corner.

I hope my little miniature world will make someone else's world a little brighter also. Maybe, one will smile and think: spring is almost here! 

Visit Irene's shop on Etsy to see more of her creations. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  

Interview by Tanya (socksandmittens)

Dreaming of a White Christmas

I grew up in Siberia where every Christmas is white. By the end of November snow dresses up streets, buildings, trees, and everything around. So when the winter holidays come, the city is already decorated by Nature. Now that I have moved to California I miss that white splendor. Every Christmas season I see fabulously decorated trees, beautiful lights, cheerful Santas... but no snow.


I’m dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know...



I always wondered how this song written by an American can express my feelings so well. Imagine my surprise when I found out that Irving Berlin who wrote this song was actually born in Siberia and left Russia to move to the US with his parents when he was a child. He must have missed the snow just like I do!



To be fair I’m not the only one who likes to dream of a white Christmas. Considering that the song became the best seller of all times, people all over the globe find something in this song that touches them. Is it nostalgia of happy childhood times? Or is it a search for innocence and simplicity in this demanding and overwhelming life? Or maybe all-white just seems more romantic?


No matter what the reason, we like to recreate a feeling of a white Christmas with handmade decor. You can find crocheted snowflakes, felted snowmen, and lots of snow white accessories created by the Russian Team on Etsy.


May your days be merry and bright,
and may all your Christmases be white!

By Yana (WineCountryLife)

Felted balls giveaway

New giveaway today! This lovely set of 6  white woolen balls might be yours if you will participate in our giveaway! Oksana from LaFiabaRussa is hostess for this giveaway.

This eco friendly lightweight soft balls have many use. Here is some ideas:

Your child can play with them...

 ... or even make a caterpillar or a snowman!

Your can add some embellishments and hang them on your Christmas tree...

or you can through them to a dryer to increase the drying time!

More of these colorful balls can be found in  LaFiabaRussa shop so stop by and take a look!

Only one person will be selected so please follow these rules to be a winner:

1. Visit LaFiabaRussa shop and leave a comment here on what you like the best (1 entry)

2. Follow/ subscribe our blog (1 entry)

3. Grab our button and place it on your blog (1 entry)

4. Share this giveaway on twitter / facebook / your blog (1 entry)

5. Follow LaFiabaRussa's facebook/ twitter/ blog (1 entry each)

Please leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave us your email address so that we could contact you!

This giveaway will run from November 22 through December 2nd. The winner will be announced on December 3rd, 2011.

Have fun and good luck!

Interview with a Star - Natasha (Skrynka)

Today, we are sharing an interview with Natalka who runs Skrynka shop on Etsy.

- Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Ukraine in the longest city of Krivoy Rog. As a child I loved to make things with my hands. When I would see an interesting piece of clothing, a bag, or a scarf, my first thought would be "can I make it myself?" So I learned to crochet, sew, knit, bead... but when I tried to do embroidery it became my true passion. I just can't stop!

Now I am a stay at home mom and as I've got plenty of free time. I decided to use this time too do something useful that I would enjoy, so I opened my Skrynka shop on Etsy.

- Why did you decide on Skrynka for your business name?
Skrynka (Скринька) in Ukrainian means a little box, usually used to keep such treasures as jewelry or items inherited from Granny. I thought that may shop could be a little box of embroidered treasures: jewelry, home decor, accessories.

- What are your main sources of inspiration?
I'm truly inspired by Ukrainian folk cross-stitching embroidery. It is in my blood I think. I have few festive towels (рушників) that I got from my Granny. She has embroidered them when she was young and now they need to be restored but they are so beautiful! The ornaments on them have a special meaning. There are ancient symbols of Water, Earth and Home Guardian, Bereginya. Of course, I can't pass on all the meaning of folk embroidery, but I don't even try to do it. I try to make wearable items that are ethnic and can find their place in everyday life.

- Do you have a favorite item you have made?
I do, and right now it is the red necklace. I just love it :)

- Any sales or promotions?
I’m happy to offer a 10% discount coupon on everything in my store to all readers of the Russian Artists blog. All you need to do is to enter the code RUSTEAM when you are at checkout and 10% will be automatically deducted from your entire purchase.

- Do you take custom orders?
Yes, I do. One of my hoop embroidery pieces was made as a custom order and I would be happy to make more custom items.

- What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
Oh! I worry so much each time I mail a package! I'd be happy to get a simple comment such as "nice" or "love it". But I couldn't imagine that my buyers would love my work so much and leave some wonderful feedback! It is immodest, but I want to share some:
"weeee my sweet little package arrived today and was everything i dreamed of plus some! i love it i love it i love it! thank u :)"

"Absolutely beautiful! Very fast shipping and super cute packaging! Love it so much I just bought 2 more!! Thank YOU! спасибо!"

"I love it !! Looks just like what I got and that's important. Also so fast I was shocked, & getting Ukraine stamps was a fun free thing !!"

- Do you have a wish for our readers?
Be free to make your life be a happy one, do what you want to do, believe in yourself and all your dreams will come true!

Wonderful things wednesday - Cozy Christmas

Christmas is such a wonderful holiday. It is all about being with your loved ones in the warmth and coziness of your home. And surrounding yourself with handmade Christmas items can make it even cozier and warmer.

You can make your own garlands and stockings for your fireplace, table centerpieces and other festive home decorations. Crocheted snowflakes will liven up your Christmas tree and embroidered napkins will dress up your holiday table. Handmade Christmas ornaments are a unique gift and vintage tree decorations will transport you back to your childhood. And don't forget the perfect handmade gift for your hostess!

We have worked hard to offer this wonderful selection of handmade Christmas items, so you could make your home cozy and beautiful this Holiday Season.

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

Story by Alla (FleetingStillness)

Photo collages by Katrin (KarisaGraphic)