*Review* Pendant Necklaces from Handy Maiden (4.5 stars)

HandyMaiden.Etsy.com - hand-painted miniature sculptures and collectibles (San Diego, California)

Little owl pendant necklace

Product: "Little owl pendant necklace"
Order Date: August 15, 2011
My Total: $30.00 + $5.00 s&h
Discount: $28.00 Heartsy voucher
Artist: Danielle Pedersen

I first learned about the Handy Maiden shop through the Heartsy giveaway. I absolutely love the miniature pendants and had a hard time choosing which one I wanted to buy. I've been trying to not load up on things that have no functional use, so decided to go the wearable art route and choose one of the pendant necklaces.

There is a great amount of detail in each of the sculptures and collectibles and I can only marvel at how the artist, Danielle Pedersen, is able to do it without shaking and smudging anything. She has a wide variety of items that she offers in her Shop: miniature animal sculptures, brooches, chalkboard zoo series (adorable and very funny! see below on the left), earrings, necklaces, and more.

Verdict

Woodland wedding cake toppers - foxes, $160 + free s&h

The pendant looks just as it did in the photos - better, actually! - and arrived very quickly: I ordered it on a Monday and received it on the Saturday. It arrived very securely and safely packaged. I had asked for the chain to be shortened and it was.

+ PROS + Even prettier and more delicate-looking than in the photos. Owl pendant always faces the right way and doesn't twist around as you wear it. Very comfortable to wear, not at all heavy.

-- CONS -- Chain does turn as you wear it, so am always having to check where the clasp is and move it back so it's hidden. The price.

= BOTTOM LINE = I love the necklace and am very happy with my purchase. I wish that the pendant had been attached to a link in the chain so it didn't always twist around though; always an annoyance that I try and avoid when I purchase necklaces. It is a little pricey and I wouldn't have been able to afford it without a Heartsy voucher, however the price is fair given the quality and intricacy of the work.

Chalkboard pig figurine, $15.00 + free s&h

Shop Information

Opened: June 30, 2009
Items currently for sale: 64
Total sales: 518
Feedback: 487, 100% positive (487 positive, 0 neutral, 0 negative)

Links:
* HandyMaiden - Etsy Shop
* @HandyMaiden - Twitter
* Danielle Pedersen - Etsy Profile

NOTE: I purchased the item reviewed and am expressing my own uninfluenced opinions.

Quick Pick: Crocheted Soft Sculpture Wall Art

"Tide Pool Soft Sculpture in Green" - So Creative! (Alabama, USA)

Cornflower Blue Studio
Artist Rachel Hunnicutt

Product Description:
"This amazing piece developed from my obsession with coral/barnacle/fungus/seed pod/organic shapes. I used a secondhand wood frame as a base, coating it with gesso and two layers of this wonderful light green paint. Then I crocheted each individual piece with a small crochet hook and three subtle shades of cotton blend yarn. Each piece was arranged and glued onto the base. I love the monochromatic effect and the unexpected juxtaposition of forms.

This piece is signed and ready to hang.

Measures approximately 9 x 7 inches (23 x 18 cm).

Because the wood plaque is second hand (best to reuse!) there may be an imperfection or two on its surface. The paint does a good job at hiding imperfections, but they may exist."

Links:
* cornflower blue studio - Etsy Shop
* Rachel Hunnicutt - Etsy profile
* cornflower blue {enjoying a handmade life} - blog
* Vegan Etsy - member

Note: In addition to Shop Features, Item Finds, and Reviews I've decided to do "Quick Pick" posts, since I so often find amazingly awesome items when I do not have the time to do a full post, this will be a way for me to still share them with everyone!

All images from Etsy Shop cornflowerbluestudio

Shop Feature: Sandra June Sculptures

Sculpture for Home and Garden Decor (United Kingdom)

I stumbled upon this wonderfully unique shop by using the great Pounce function on Etsy, which randomly selects Shops that are either Undiscovered (recently updated shops that have not yet had a sale) or Just Sold (shops that have just had a sale).

Sandra June Sculptures features one-of-a-kind handmade textile and mixed media sculptures. The store opened only three months ago and has not yet had a sale, so have a look at this beautiful work and consider adding a delicate touch of beauty to your home, inside or out!

I discovered more information about the artist on the Folksy website: these great sculptures, despite appearing delicate, are apparently "almost shatterproof." Those made for the outdoors are also water- and frost-resistant and can stay out all winter.

Items: sculptures, tea-light holders
Price Range: $50s-$270s (£30s-£160s); seems to be three price groups: $40s (£25), $90s-$120s (£55-£75), $275 (£170)

Experience: N/A
Verdict: I would absolutely love one of these outside my front door or as a conversation piece in the living room / library; would also make great gift for my Mom or one of my artsy friends

Opened: November 11, 2010
Items for Sale: 19
Total Sales: None
Feedback: N/A

    

    

All photos taken from Etsy Shop Sandra June Sculptures.