Mickstonedesigns is Shop of the Day

I am a member of Handmade Artists Forum (HAFTeam), a wonderful group of talented handmade artists.

Well, as part of the Spread the Love promotion...I'm Shop of the Day, the Saturday after Black Friday!! So honored, please come in, take a look around, grab some eggnog and browse...I hope you find something you like.

Some of my pieces are inspiration for custom works, but they are all wonderful, just on their own.

For other wonderful pieces, search on Etsy under HAFTeam and you'll find items like this one.

This wonderful pot is done by mookiejones, a redhead in a red dress. "Your new bff?", she asks.

This is a one of a kind, sealed, and signed multi-functional terra cotta pot. It can be used for a fruit bowl, planter (with a liner), stand alone art display, or for anything you can think of. This pot is recycled and in perfect condition, 8" tall and about 9 1/4" wide at the top. The backround finish is a faux marble in light greens with white graining. Slightly distressed background.

I Believe in Making the World a Better Place - Tikkun Olam

I have worked in non-profit for approximately 20 years. I believe that we must all do our part to "give back" and help those who need it. When I started by business, I wanted to make giving to charity, a part of what I do. It is already a part of who I am.

So, from the very beginning, I chose to give a portion of the proceeds of my sales to a charity of YOUR choice. The customer is asked to choose which charity they want their purchase to benefit, from my selected list. Here I am at a Boys and Girls Clubs Fundriaser.

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Program in Florida
• Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
• Safespace Domestic Abuse Shelter
• Big Brothers, Big Sisters
• Alzheimers Care Organization
• Boys and Girls Clubs

I Also Believe in the Power of a Great Pair of Earrings

When I was younger, I never left the house without putting on make-up, at least mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick. The essentials. It was probably just the insecurities that come with youth.

Now, as a confident adult, I don’t have a need for make-up on the weekends. I may even go out to lunch without it. But, I have found that the key to happiness is, undoubtedly…a great pair of earrings!

Nothing can make you feel as pretty, sexy or finished as a great pair of earrings. And no make-up is even needed. Having something colorful, shiny, dainty or bold near your face can make you feel bright and alive. It makes your bad hair day better, it makes your weekend jeans and a tee shirt more stylish.

But it has to be just that right pair. Not just anything will do. If your passion is sterling silver like mine is, then it needs to feature fabulous sterling silver. If your hair is dark and curly, you need to find earrings that show bright against those unruly locks. If your hair is light, go with something that pops, with color, or a deep dark stone. You’ll know they’re the perfect pair, because they are the ones you go for, time and again. They are the first ones you grab. They are the ones that make you feel… you. Beautiful. Unique. Special.

You may not always get compliments. I think earrings are almost too personal for people to comment on, but they’ll notice. Necklaces get the compliments, but earrings get the looks. People will notice there is something attractive about you on the day you wear the perfect pair of earrings. You’ll know they notice, because you will notice. Walk through the mall and catch a glimpse of yourself from a side view in a mirror, you’ll know you made the right choice.