las sandalias de ana

Audrey's 3rd birthday will be here soon.  I'm thinking a handmade doll would be a special gift.  She doesn't have many...a couple plastic babies that have been gifted.  She tends to prefer soft little ones to hold or push in her stroller or stuff in secret hiding spots. Usually her brothers old stuffed friends. Like a tiger, a wolf, or a bear.

Yet...I think something like this she would really fall in love with. 

little red riding hood

berta y su amigo bichin

ballerina con tutu

Ana lives in Spain where she makes the most beautiful dolls and truly I really can't make up my mind which one is more special.  You can see more lovelies on her shop Las Sandalias de Ana.

Does your baby girl play with dolls? Did you play with muñecas when you were a tiny one?

The Virgin Rose

As I look through Madeline's shop, The Virgin Rose, I think of my patients and their families in the ICU.  I think of the small altars they place in the rooms, with pictures, crosses, saints, and unlit candles.  

I think about how powerful a small token can be during times of grief  and times of joy and can't help but admire, be inspired, and fall in love with the beautiful artwork that accompanies. 

Vintage Our Lady of Guadalupe on blue cross

Madeline's shop is full of unique Mexican inspired pieces. Every single one says so much... about death and ritual, life, expressing one self, Mexico and culture. 

I am so happy to show her off to you... and know you will fall in love with her and every single one of her pieces as much as I have. 

Sacred heart on wooden cross

About the artist:

  Madeline is a New Zealander living in Mexico City.  I can't help but fall in love with her story on how she got there because it's proof again that love has no boundaries. 

She met her partner at a Festival in Cannes, France, followed her heart across the world to Mexico to be with him and  has been there now for the last two years. 

                                             "a big culture change as you can imagine"

Frida Kahlo Box shrine or altar piece for the wall

About The Virgin Rose:

"I haven't been working since I arrived so I decided to use my creative side to keep me stimulated during my day's here and The Virgin Rose was born! I love the bright colors of Mexico and they have such beautiful arts and crafts here that I was so inspired to make some for myself. I then decided to set up shop on Etsy which was the best decision! What a fantastic community of artists and art lovers!"

Mexican silver tin mirror with sacred heart

About her art:

"I love producing all my pieces which are inspired by Mexican themes-Day of the Dead, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Frida Kahlo, Sacred Heart, Loteria, and I have many Mexican materials such as the tin nichos and tin sacred hearts which are a huge delight to paint and decorate! 

I'm constantly on the search for new materials and new inspiration, hence the large range of pieces I have in my store. I make every single piece of art with love and attention to detail and my customers are wonderful people looking for a little piece of Mexican art or just a lovely addition."

Turquoise blue and pink Mexican tin nicho

ceramic trinket boxes

Isn't all of this just perfect?  Madeline's expression of Mexico is special and shows how amazing it is to respect and love other cultures. Her love for Mexican culture is obvious.  You can read more about her inspirations on her blog.

Madeline has something special for you!

A giveaway!

She has made it specially for one of you...it's a surprise... just a small trinket to display in your home or make a beautiful gift for your amiga.

Leave a comment telling me your favorite piece or what you like about her art by March 18th 12pm. I will randomly pick one of you. And let you know if you win!

Good luck and always,  always be inspired!!!

*giveaway now closed:  Lisa is the winner!

Headband Giveaway winner!

tickles

Yay! Random.org picked a winner!  Shay (Potter Mama) won the headband giveaway!

Thanks to all you of you beautiful ladies who entered!

You are the reason I enjoy blogging so much!

Please choose handmade/homemade/local/small business shopping this Holiday season!

.... if you are looking for something perfect for a mama runner or mama that likes to work out ...I know she would love a lovely headband from Paula's shop!

A headband for your workouts (Giveaway)

I'm playing with Audrey and she says to me... waswruyufacemami

So used to having her repeat a lot of things she says

I say what?

waswruyufacemami

what?

Now she is pointing at my left cheek

waswruyufacemami

Oh, I say, thanks for noticing...that sweetie is called a pimple. 

You will get some one day, it might feel like it, but it really isn't the end of the world. 

See me trying to hide it by leaning to the side?  Not working (:

The one thing I have going for me today... this cute headband!

It's been my staple the last couple of workouts.  

Like this morning: Audrey in the stroller, mom for a visit and a walk, and coffee cups in our hands while we stroll the neighborhood.

It keeps hair out of the way during exercise.  Helps keep your hair from getting all wet with sweat. Is very good at hiding hair that forgot to get brushed.  Comes in cute colors.  Is handmade and homemade. And comes from a very lovely seller.

Paula from Petite Things by Paula wants you to have one too.  In celebration of running... and pimples!

Visit Paula's Etsy shop and leave a comment telling me what other item you like or any  topic related comment. 

I will pick a winner on Nov. 5, 2010 midnight.

*US only.  Was not given any monetary compensation...just a cute headband to make me look good while working out ( :

babywearing art

(via Etsy)

I ordered this babywearing print yesterday.  

It's an image of a Latina woman and baby on the shores of Lake Atitlán.  The artist is  Claudia Tremblay from Guatemala.

(via Etsy)

As you can see, her work is beautiful.  And makes my heart warm.  You can see more of her work and other Guatemalan artesanía (artisan crafts) on La Chapina's shop. 

coffee sack tote bag...

(via Etsy)

I'm in love with this tote bag from Wren.  

 I love all things inspired by my birth place. 

It's  made from a coffee sack from a fair trade coffee plantation in El Salvador and handles reinforced with black organic hemp canvas. 

I want.

Antonia & Isabella

I just found Mrs Talbott's shop.  She makes some very lovely handmade dolls.  

Meet Antonia

and Isabella

Aren't they the cutest Latina inspired dolls?  Perfect if you are looking for a doll that looks just like your mamacita. 

The long dark hair...my favorite!

(I was not asked to write or given any compensation for this post.  I found, liked and shared)