Hippie Must have

Summer is here! I can't speak for everyone but for me summer is about being barefoot.  There is nothing i enjoy more that lazing in the sun, reading a good book with my bare feet in the cool grass.  It is because of this that recently I have become a little obsessed with barefoot sandals.

These beautiful items of jewelry are perfect for weddings on the beach to chilling in the garden.  These ones specifically are made by 4mydolly.  The thing i love about her barefoot sandals is she gives you options, you get to choose the color of the thread and the beads and even offers two bead colors!   Although that now leaves me with the predicament of choosing between silver thread  with grape colored beads or black thread with gold beads, so many decisions.

The best thing is they look like real jewelry but are stretchy, making them easier and more comfortable to wear.  Which comes in handy because you can wear them with your flip flops, pumps or heels for a funky new twist.

There are loads of different patterns, methods and materials that can be used to make barefoot sandals.  For all of you talented people who know how to crochet check out this tutorial.  I think these Barefoot sandals are just beautiful and really quite simple to make. 

Whether you buy a pair of barefoot sandals or make your own I can guarantee these are a hippie must have for the summer.

Phoenix Rising Designs Intro

Ok I decided to add this as a way of introducing myself and let you know what Phoenix Rising Designs is and the people behind it! I'm now a member of Phoenix Oddites Studios with Rozena and we're starting our first season together in April.

I started Phoenix Rising Designs  in 2004 after about 6 years of apprenticing and selling for other artists and designers.  I have worked some really great art shows and one really muddy one.  Seriously, shin deep in mud and sleeping in my van.  The bathrooms weren't finished with walls between the toilets so... Anyway, I've done my share of moving around with my work! haha  I am a wife and mother to one son.
 

 I mentioned "people", right?  Well those of you who have helped me in the past are free to add your stories. Rozee, we almost got stolen, remember? haha Brittany, you helped me for about 6 or 7 seasons and one time fell asleep with mud and rocks in your hair, right?  My husband and son helped be run stuff to the van in pouring sheets of rain in Huron, Oh.  Cambrey, how many lunches did we eat at that apple festival again?  I also have met some great people, had wonderful sales and fantastic times on circuit too. Rozena and I will be adding some of our experiences from this summer and looking for fun and interresting people or places to introduce you to.  So check back with us.

I am currently working like crazy to add more wholesale accounts to my business. I'm currently in 4 stores and opening another display in Waynesville, OH (Windsome Cottage) this May.  My styles are tribal and steampunk jewelry, hair accessories, and walking staff grips.  I have an online store: http://www.phoenixbartender.etsy.com/, check it out.  Thanks!

(Why "phoenix bartender"? Well I like the mythical creature and I'm a bartender at night and an artist by day. )