Something Special From The Train Jeweler

I love a good travel memory and Cynthia's blog, "Antiquity Travelers" tells an entertaining story from her overseas travels, vacations upstate, or riding the rails to her day job in the city.  She weaves the cast of train riding friends and coworkers into characters you can laugh with/at or nod/shake your head in agreement with.  She's blessed with daughters who are happy to model the jewelry and are interested in learning to make jewelry, too. Cindy forges her love of designing into a real labor of love. ♥  See for yourself on her blog or  Etsy shop.

Her jewelry designs are gorgeous and with her blog posts you also get an historical perspective on the gemstones.  It's more than educational- it's fun and pretty.  Check out The Train Jeweler's post  about the other bloggers given these awards.  They are a talented and encouraging group of ladies; I am both  surprised and honored to be included, happy to have Cynthia's friendship, and going to work a bit harder now!

It's no easy task selecting bloggers for these awards.  Friends? Strangers?  Size of blog?  Theme?  I've only read a fraction of so many inspiring, educational, and fun bloggers.  How do I choose?

What I've decided to do is what Cynthia said, "But what these awards mean to me is a way to tell a few of my bloggy friends how much I've appreciated their friendship and their encouragement for me to keep blogging -- to keep trying new techniques, to keep making something I love ... "  In her case jewelry, in my case a range of things and because of your comments and visits I keep coming back to share and post.   Thank you.  ♥♥



Chris writes, "Golden Lilly Crafts,"  and is Down Under so has Spring while we're heading towards Autumn where I am.  Her comments make me smile, she's so talented, has a beautiful garden, plus she named her blog after her two little dogs.  Please go say "hi" to her if she's new to you.  Or, maybe that should be, "G'day mate."

Debbie writes, "Crafty Moose Crafts, "  is a french bead artist who also paints, learns new techniques and shares them and is mad about moose or is that meese?  Whatever, Debbie has a way with words, her comments encourage and I'm happy we met somewhere in our blog travels.  Please head over to her blog if you haven't already.

Karen Anne writes,  "Ireland Brady - Musings to Ponder", is always perfecting her skills, learning, sharing, and has a talent for drawing, you must see for yourself.  Her comments are wise and from the heart.  Please go visit her blog and enjoy the portraits and the photos; also a wee Irish humor.  There's a real Danny Boy, too.

Stacy writes, "Magic Love Crow, " is devoted to drawing crows.  Not just any crow, but well, she has a reason why and you should find out for yourself.  I don't think you will ever see a more devoted crow artist.  Stacy comments and you know she is cheering you on.  She uses lots of colors in her work and her words as does Chris, Debbie, and Karen Anne- they make you feel encouraged.

All three of these awards can go to everyone who reads and comments, your company is much appreciated!

I want to recognize Inspiration Avenue and the people who participate there.  I haven't linked up much recently, but when I did, the other bloggers who stopped by here gave me great feedback and encouragement.

In February 2012 I joined the 29Faces Challenge from, "I Love 2 Paint Ayala Art."   It was a  great experience and the people who came by were so much appreciated.

But that's not all...  I know this is a long post, but it's worth it to meet some fresh faces and blogs.  Cynthia has turned the blog awards around and given us new ones to give out.  Here is the preview for the next set of awards.  I'm going to edit this post in a few days with the awardees.  (SEE new post HERE instead!)

I hope you check out some great links and discover people you might not have seen before now.  Thanks to Cynthia for giving me this opportunity to share. ♥