Looking for jewelry with meaning and inspiration. Satya jewelry is what you are looking for. Satya, meaning “truth”, is inspiration by the designer’s world travel and enchantment with other cultures, temples, local markets, and spirituality. The combining of spiritual symbols, sacred meanings, and healing gemstones is what Satya jewelry is all about. Best of all, each of the pieces mention below are less than $50 dollars!

Satya Onyx Lotus Earrings

The Lotus Flower

The lotus, which blooms from a mud pond, grows upward and emerges into the sun a beautiful flower. The symbolism of lotus growing from mud inspires to transform in ways never though possible. It symbolizes new beginnings, renewal, and infinite potential.

The sterling silver lotus earrings are accented with three beads of onyx. Onyx represents endurance and guidance, giving the wearer the guidance to make the right decisions and have faith in oneself. This makes these earrings a wonderful gift for someone who needs a new beginning and will provide the encouragement one needs to get through it.

Satya Tree of Life Jasper Stretch Bracelet

Tree of Life

The tree of life is a symbol of deep grounding as the roots search deep into the ground and the reaching of the branches towards heavens represents faith. The tree of life represents the union of heaven and earth, and is a reminder for introspection and soul searching.

The tree of life jasper stretch bracelet has a sterling silver tree of life pendent on a jasper stretch bracelet. Jasper is the stone of interconnectedness, it multicolor nature reminds the wearer they are not alone and encourages outreach to other. This in combination with the symbolism of the tree of life will make a great gift for someone who has gone through difficult times and needs a reminder they are not alone.

Satya Jade Om Stretch Bracelet

The Meaning of Om

Om is the sacred sound of the universe, due to the vibrating sound it makes when chanted, and represents inner peace and harmony. The Om vermeil charm is combined with new jade, the stone of dreams, in a stretch bracelet to help the wearer manifests one’s potential and devotion to one’s life purpose. This makes it the perfect gift for anyone on your list.

Visit Satya Jewelry for more gift ideas. You can find your perfect gift by price, symbolism, and by color of the stones.

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Please leave your comments about your experience with inspirational gifts and jewelry.

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Felt Doll (Lilly) on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

I interviewed Ms. Sílvia Leite, creator of handmade dolls and miniature play food on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com. I asked her a few questions about her creations and the work she puts into her craft.

What made you start creating children’s toys and accessories?

To tell you the truth, this is something I wanted to do since my early childhood. I simply can’t get tired of small scale objects. I started to make my own toys when I was about my daughter’s age (she is 6). I used to build large mansions with furniture made from cardstock and homemade glue, and to populate them with happy families of paper dolls. I also sewed, knitted and crocheted for my dolls. My deep love for miniatures lead me to unwillingly kill two innocent bonsai trees, and also made me want to become an architect. I gave up this project when I understood that what I really wanted was to build 3D models and maquette- and that is not what architects do.

Latter in life, and even though I was able to follow another dream of mine (taking a degree in Art History), I found myself doing repetitive, administrative work, and forgot all about toys and miniatures. Till the day when my daughter asked me to make her favorite doll a birthday cake!

Then, in the beginning of this year I had a little spare time in my hands (I was in between jobs) and decided to give it a try. I made my first felt cakes, cookies and dolls for my friends’ children, and they were the ones who encouraged me to start selling.

Miniature Birthday Cake on LookMamaMadeIt.Etsy.com

What is your inspiration for your creations?

My daughter was my first client, and the main cause and inspiration for everything I’ve created since her birth. A lot of the toys and accessories I make are also based in memories from my own childhood. Of course, this means I am particularly at ease with girl’s toys! I believe children should play with good quality, beautiful objects. I design my products to be visually appealing, pleasant to the touch, and easy to play with. They must have the right size, feel and weight for children’s hands, and to be stimulating and suggestive enough to encourage pretend play. Finally, everything is carefully and lovingly crafted, and tested in my home lab (my daughter’s playroom)!

What kind of materials do you use for your handmade toys and accessories?

I use mainly felt. Just love this material! I choose a high quality, rich wool blend felt that I can buy in a wide range of lovely colors. I always try to use non-allergenic, all-natural materials, and also use recycled materials when possible.

How long does it typically take to make one of your creations? Small (e.g. a cupcake) and large (e.g. a doll)?

Well, with a 6-year-old child and a full time job I have very little spare time to craft. I mostly craft at night, or on weekends, though I also need to take time for my family. I usually cut several pieces in one crafting session, then sew them all in another session, and then make all finishing in yet another day, so it is hard to answer this question. But if I had to make a doll in a single session I would need
at least 5 hours to finish it whereas one cupcake would take me about 1-2 hours.

Do you take into account customer feedback and suggestions when you start a new creation?

Yes, by all means. Clients can customize almost anything from my shop, and I am always glad to have special orders, because they help my work to evolve. Feedback is very important, since I really want my clients to be satisfied. My toys are conceived to make people happy.

What is next for Sílvia Leite and her handmade children’s toys and accessories?

I don’t know. Maybe I should, but I am not really making plans. I love to craft, and would love to be able to do this full time, but the right moment hasn’t arrived yet. Anyway, a part of me likes to keep this business in small scale… like my toys. But I always have ideas for new products!

Tell me what you think of Sílvia Leite’s handmade children’s toy and accessories. Please leave your comments and let me know if you enjoy handmade and handcrafted gifts.

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS page for savings at the best online gift stores!

Are you looking for a unique wedding or anniversary gift?  Do you want to offer a gift that is fun and brings laughter in the bedroom? Well, I think I have the right gift idea for you!

The “His & Hers Sheet Set”

His & Hers Sheet Set from www.BedHog.com

If you want to stay away from any conventional gift and offer something fun and unique, I suggest the “His & Hers Sheet Set” from www.BedHog.com. The set is made of 1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet and 2 pillowcases. The 100% cotton sateen sheets are white with a stylish “His” and “Hers” print on them. A line down the middle will delimitate the two sides and help reveal who the real Bed Hog is!! The flat and fitted sheets are reversible so partners have a choice on which side they want to sleep.

The set comes in King ($119.99) and Queen ( $99.99) sizes. I wish they had a California King size to fit MY bed! hahaha Anyway, this would be an excellent choice for a unique and special gift! One of my favorites!

For $29.99, you can buy a separate pillowcases set; they even offer pillowcases sets for Gay Couples or singles who like to have the bed all to themselves!

Who is Behind BedHog.com?

photo courtesy of BedHog.com

The story goes that Sue and Patrick were newlyweds when all of a sudden they had an important debate in the bedroom. The topic: who was hogging more than their fair share of the bed?! In order to find out, they created the Bed Hog sheets. So, now they are sleeping on their own Bed Hog sheets and are happier than ever!

To read more about their story please visit www.BedHog.com  

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS page for savings at the best online gift stores!

It is my pleasure to host a special article today. It was written by one of our Lovely Contributors: Amy D.; she represents The Leakey Collection. Enjoy!

Zulugrass Jewelry by The Leakey Collection- A Gift that Gives Back

courtesy of The Leakey Collection

What better gift is there than one with a special story behind it? The Leakey Collection is a unique line of jewelry handmade from natural elements from the Maasai women in Kenya.  The jewelry is made from natural grass beads and hand strung. Philip and Katy Leakey, who live among the Maasai in the Kenyan bush, wanted to help their neighbors by providing work opportunities after a terrible drought devastated their livelihood.  They came up with an imaginative idea that would utilize the excellent beading abilities of the Maasai women using grass, an available sustainable resource, as the primary element. 

courtesy of The Leakey Collection

Soon the women were harvesting grass, one blade at a time. The long grass was dried and cut into bead-size pieces and dyed lovely hues which were then strung into necklaces and bracelets. Hence, Zulugrass was born. Now over 1400 hundred Maasai women are making Zulugrass while continuing to live in their traditional life style, and they can use their income to better their lives as they wish.

 Not only are these necklaces stunning; the Leakeys invest a percentage of the profits of sales to go back into the community.  Outreach programs that benefit the Maasai such as the Womens Health Initiative have been made possible as a result of sales of this product.  For information on these extraordinary pieces- visit their retail site, Leakey Life.

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS page for savings at the best online gift stores!

 Twin Peas in a Pod Candle in Ivy Print Gift Box (Set of 4)

This sweet little pea motif will make your baby shower guests smile!

It is the perfect “Thank you” gift for a twin baby shower; this little favor is made up of 2 separate little removable peas, nestled in a matching waxen pod. Read more »

Looking for gifts? Browse our GIFT STORE! Also, check out the COUPONS page for savings at the best online gift stores!