[Crystal Rings]…Jewelry by Nga Waiata

Pure love right here….

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these rings by Nga Waiata. You all already know I love me some gems, minerals, and crystals, so these rings are just stunning to me. Man…I’d love to own one of these beauties!

[Hazy Dream Landscapes]…Art by Brooks Shane Salzwedals

These landscapes of floating islands and hazy conifers  by Brooks Shane Salzewedals have got me feeling really relaxed & imaginative right now…

Aren’t those just dreamy? I also think they have a bit of a haunting side to them…almost like a beautiful, derelict forest. Alot of these works are made using a combination of illustration or painting and utilize different materials like resin, graphite, & tape. I love those portal like ones…it’s like looking into a window of a magical forest! There are prints available here if you’re just as enthralled as I am!

[Natural Art]…Prints by Miles of Light

Some calm & collective prints by Miles of Light…

These are just so simple, but yet really interesting to me. There are tons of ideas that could use this theme..a row of pine cones…different sized palm fronds…I’d love one of a variety of tropical flower leaves! I think I’d put a print like this in my bathroom (by the tub)…it has a soothing effect that would be the perfect drop back to a bubble bath!

[2010 + Win!]…In Space

For the rest of the year, I’ll be dedicating “2010 + Win” to posts about what I consider the “Best Of” 2010. I know you’re probably getting sick of those types of lists, but hopefully mine will be a bit more offbeat and include some things besides the norm that I consider the best!

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If you’ve never checked out NASA’s “Photo of the Day“, then you’re missing out on a real treat. I try to check the site daily for some awesome glimpses into the world of space & space exploration. The following are some of my favorites that I’ve seen this year…

These images really just awe me. Looking at them makes you realize that there’s so much out there that we don’t or can’t understand. Even if that’s the case though, it can still be beautiful or stunning to look at. I wish everyone could approach the unknown with such wonder! Can’t wait to see what the heavens have to share in 2011!

Artist of the Day…Julie Thompson

Today’s artist has a rather unique medium – Feathers! I am so impressed by these painted feathers by Julie Thompson, otherwise known as “The Featherlady”…I imagine the level of skill needed to paint on feathers is out of this world! I love this because not only do I love feathers, I also love how Thompson combines two beautiful things (feathers & paint) to create the amazing pieces.

Thompson is based in the Pacific Northwest and has been painting on feathers since 1990. She uses naturally molted peacock feathers and then paints various scenes of nature and wildlife on them. She began by selling the feathers along the cruise route of Alaska, but now you can buy her feathers online!

And since wildlife scenes aren’t exactly my cup of tea (although these are gorgeous), I’m glad to find out that she also does commissioned work  – and for an affordable $275, I think I just may have to own a piece of this unique art! I’d love a feather with a Warhol reproduction, some sort of African tribal print, or some sort of geometric/abstract motif!

Loving…Paper Flowers by Momichka

As much as I love plants and flowers, the fact is that my green thumb is more so closer to blue. Therefore it’s safe to say that anytime I have flowers or plants in my possession, their chance of survival is unfortunately slim to none (except for this Lemongrass plant I had in college…that thing grew like a weed and killed my Rosemary in the process…creepy!) So I’m thrilled when I come across alternative forms of flowers, like silk and…paper! Check out these gorgeous paper flowers from Etsy seller Momichka…

Pretty, aren’t they! I love that idea of a paper flower bouquet…that’s a unique wedding idea and allows for tons of variety and creativity. Perhaps I’ll try my hand at making some paper flowers one day!

[Gorgeous Nature]…Accessories by Magpie & Rye

I enjoy a good nature inspired piece…especially if it has do do with wings, feathers, or geodes or minerals…

There’s just something about these nature infused pieces by Magpie & Rye. They are so calming! I LOVE those feather pins…and you can never go wrong with a piece of quartz around your neck…they have healing powers, you know…

Magpie & Rye also has some great decor items as well…think Southwestern inspired pillows and handcrafted decorative gourds. Nice!

[Botanicals]…Photography by Kari Herer

If I ever own a Victorian style home, I would decorate the stairway area with prints just like these by Kari Herer…

Striking, aren’t they?

That reminds me…I picked up some vintage anthropology books awhile back…these images remind me them…

Interesting!

The Oil Spill Gets Worse

(The oil has reached the Louisiana coast. One of these days, mankind will learn to respect the planet…one day.)

Loving…My Little Eye

You guys already know how much I love anything made with gemstones or minerals…so of course I would love this jewelry collection by My Little Eye…

Oooh! I love gemstones!