People I like

Lately I haven't been able to craft all that much due to lack of time, being away in Nepal for work, etc... However, I have been keenly following and discovering some crafty people's blogs and shops.

I have to say that I am fascinated about the blog kept by Novita, called verypurpleperson. I think she is very talented, her creations are right up my street and I love her choice of fabrics and colour combos. I am mesmerized by the floral fabric pieces she has created recently, they are top class!! I am also a fan of all things Japanese, and I like reading about Japanese experiences through the eyes of a foreign person residing in Japan. She also has a very cute family!!

I have also recently discovered an etsy shop called Gardens of Whimsy. The creations in this shop are dreamy hair accessories. They are really special pieces with a very natural and organic feel. They also have a fairy-tale quality and this is helped by the excellent styling and photography in this shop. What a great idea it is to use flowers, vines and beautiful butterflies as hair adornments!! I love it!

Check them out!

Botany

Plants are probably my first love. I suppose being born in a plant nursery had something to do with it. However, during my teenage years I became a little rebellious affirming that I would have nothing to do with plants in the future but later succumbed and finished a degree in Biology then a masters in plant taxonomy and currently I am in the final stages of a plant taxonomy and systematics PhD.

And all of this for what? Well, my second love for crafts has always fed from this enthusiasm for nature in general and plants in particular. I think they are a great source of inspiration with infinite colours and shapes, they are just marvelous.

Here are some fantastic items made by crafters inspired by plants:

these utterly gorgeous Ginkgo biloba earrings by esdesigns are simply stunning.

these botanical drawing-style tags by SugarStreetCafe are a treasure for plant and vintage lovers alike

this delicate and tasteful candle holder by botanicraft is a feast for the senses

And with these few fabulous items I wrap up and would like to remind everyone of how vital plants are for the planet: they give us oxygen, they feed us, they dress us, they house us, and not only they are crucial to us "self-centered" human beings but to all creatures on earth.