Thursday Feature

I've decided to do a Thursday feature, and this week I have chosen T K Designs nature inspired handcrafted jewelery and accessories.
here is a little bit about her



I have loved nature, animals and creating with a variety of materials ever since I can remember! I grew up with many different pets, (including a pigeon!) exploring the woods around our home, and playing in my grandmother’s garden. Inspired by the nature around me, I learned to draw, oil paint, work with clay, garden, sew, and knit.

In college, I started out as a Fine Arts Student and later switched into Landscape Architecture. Summers, I worked in Cape Cod, MA, stringing beaded jewelry, tooling leather belts, and being a waitress at the Irish Pub (Fun!) I also picked up a love for floral design and photography.

Once I graduated, I started my own successful Landscape Design Company until I had my first child ten years later. I decided to temporarily give up my business to raise my family. This has been a wonderful time in my life. While my three children were small we enjoyed creating with all types of art mediums together. I had the opportunity to experiment with many crafts, but really love making jewelry.

As my children grow, my interests change, but my love of art and teaching children and adults about nature has always been a consistent theme in my life. I volunteered my time as a 4-H Leader focusing on nature found in their backyards and using natural elements to create art. I also have donated my time to design several children’s playgrounds, one being in our own town. But my favorite project I have donated my time to is the creation of a Wildlife Habitat located in the courtyard of my children’s elementary school! My birdhouses have become a passion of mine after helping my daughter with a recycling project for our Courtyard Wildlife Habitat!

I don’t know if I will ever go back to my landscape design business, I have been fighting chronic Lyme’s disease for the past 13 years. While it’s been quite a challenge to live with, I am thankful to God for blessing me with a wonderful family and talents I can share.

I will always be learning, loving and creating something!

Featured Seller TranquilityKnots

Recently I bought a key chain, not just any old key chain, a really beautiful Red PanChang Knot Key Chain made by TranquilityKnots
This is made using the ancient art of Chinese knotting which dates back thousands of years, well it got my curiosity going and I wanted to know more so I have been doing a little research, Chinese knotted designs include symbolism, tradition and storytelling.




The two pictures are both designs of the Pan Chang Knot both made by TranquilityKnots, who joined Etsy in January 2008 and has been successfully selling ever since, I love her jewelry and decorative items, the colours are just beautiful and the work she does is simply stunning.

I will let her tell you the rest here is her bio, as she puts it better than I could.

"I always loved all types of chinese folk art while growing up, but chinese knotting is my true passion. It's all started several years ago when my mom bought me a wonderful birthday gift, a set of chinese knotting books and a bag of gorgeous cords and beads. I fell in love with it right then, and found myself making beautiful knots non-stop ever since. I love the fact that I can let my mind run freely and creatively, and then watch my new designs come to life. I have been sharing my creation with friends and family over the years, and now I am sharing it with you."

"Chinese knot is an ancient art form dating back to Tang and Song Dynasties, maybe even earlier. Culturally, they are expected to ward off evil spirits and act as good-luck charms. There are 12 basic knots, and by mixing them cleverly, you will get all the advanced knots and fabulous results. One major characteristic of this decorative knotwork is that all the knots are tied using one thread! Many types of thread can be used, however, satin or silk cord is the most common. Threads can come in a variety of colors, though the most commonly used is red, because red symbolizes good luck and prosperity."

"My designs are a combination of traditional and modern taste. Most beads or pendants used in my jewelry are chinese porcelain beads, however I do use gemstones, swarovski crystals, pearl, wood or metal or glass beads too. Every piece is designed and handmade by me, so it will be truly one-of-a-kind.
The reason I named my store “Tranquility Knots” is because that is how I feel when I making them or even staring at them. I hope my creation can bring you and your family good luck and peace too."