Category: Handmade Business - Acorn Tops

Of Shade and Shadow (by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid) Inspired Scented Bookmark

7/21/2023

Of Shade and Shadow, Book 1 of A Daughter's Ransom Series, by Niamh and Rebecca Schmid is a freaking masterpiece! Well-crafted! Brilliant! I could seriously fan girl like crazy over every aspect, from the characters to the world building to the uniqueness of the story itself! Definitely a memorable highlight and one of my favorites from my 2022 reading!

A bit about the bookmark...

Scent- mint (the cold setting of Mithreema)
Fabric- sparky, grey, cloudy fabric (once more the foggy, rainy, gloomy setting of Mithreema)
Charm- horse (Astra's horse, Dannsaur, both of whom freaking rocks! Also capture the traveling the characters do and the adventure of the story!)
Button- green eye (the antagonist and Astra's PTSD)
Ribbon- gray (matches the fabric)

Available in my Etsy Shop

Blurb...

The Great War is won… so everyone tells her. But even with her brother now king, Astra Verzaer knows the fight is far from over. When her sudden exile finds her alone in the dreary country of Merimeethia with only the aloof Prince Louko for company, she digs deeper in vain attempts to find proof of her suspicions. Yet Astra is not the only one with secrets, and she soon finds herself swallowed up in a sudden uproar over Merimeethia's throne--an uproar which she believes to be caused by the very person she set out to find. But will anybody believe her? Even if they do, will it be too late?

Available on Amazon

My review...

Learn more about Of Shade and Shadow, A Daughter's Ransom Series, and authors Niamh and Rebecca Schmid...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

Oaths of Affection (by Maria Yrsa Rönneus) Inspired Scented Bookmark

6/29/2023

Oaths of Affection by Maria Yrsa Rönneus is a really fun regency romance that will fill that Bridgerton craving! It is a great book for anyone who enjoys Jane Austen and Oscar Wilde. There are three other books in her Regency Tales series, with another I've had the honor of beta-reading coming out September 1st, Offers of Atonement (which is absolutely phenomenal)!

A bit about the bookmark...

The character of Oaths of Affection were a hug inspiration for the bookmark...

Scent- orange rose (the former for the love interest, Arthur Hastings, and the latter for Marigold's friends)
Fabric- brown with gold speckles (represents Marigold's resiliency, as seen when her awful aunt orders her to only wear brown and she turns that order on it's head)
Charm- copper key (the "fairy" key Marigold's father gives her in the beginning of the story, telling her it "shall unlock any conundrums you may encounter")
Button- green flower (Marigold's eyes and the wedding ring)
Ribbon- light pink (Marigold's friend gives her a light pink ribbon for her "fairy" key)

Available in my Etsy Shop

Blurb...

After her parents' fatal accident, spirited and principled Lady Marigold is forced to live with vindictive relatives. Her father’s fortune gone, marriage is the only way to escape a fate as her spoilt cousin's companion. Yet, inexplicably, her aunt and uncle oppose any suitable match in favour of a shady, overly familiar lawyer.

Before long Lady Marigold is persuaded that the gallant Major Arthur Hastings is the man of her dreams. But, as he is due to leave for India, she dares not trust that his intentions are serious. Even with the assistance of loyal friends, it will take all of Lady Marigold's courage and wit to challenge convention for the right to choose her own future before there can be a happy ever after.

Set in the gloomy year of 1816, this sultry drama of challenge and change, is a Cinderella-story that blends factual history and philosophy with satire and an appreciation of the ridiculous.

Oaths of Affection is the first of the epic Regency Tales by writer Maria Yrsa Rönneus. Transporting you across the centuries into a world of love and jealousy, friendship and deceit, the Tales span the years following the horrendous battle of Waterloo against a backdrop of political tensions, societal pressure, and the opulence of the British aristocracy.

Available on Amazon

My review...

Learn more about Oaths of Affection, Regency Tales, and author Maria Yrsa Rönneus...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

Summer of '77 (by Rebecca Amiss) Inspired Scented Bookmark

3/29/2023

Summer of '77 by Rebecca Amiss is a great nostalgic trip, exploring huge changes in childhood, from death in the family to a big move! I read Summer of '77 in June of 2022! I really enjoy Rebecca Amiss's writing and have more of her books on my tbr! The next one I have my eyes on is South of Home!

A bit about the bookmark...

Elements I pulled from Summer of '77 for the bookmark, includes a quote I absolutely love, the setting, some major themes and more...

Scent- triple citrus (inspired by my favorite quote from the book: "Anyone can make lemons into lemonade," she said. "But to make limes into lemonade you have to work extra hard.")
Fabric- gold circle spirals on blue and purple (inspired by sparklers and fireworks as the book takes place around the 4th of July and both are tied back to changes in traditions)
Charm- root beer float (important traditions and grief)
Button- sparkly shell (tied back to the story's setting)
Ribbon- sheer gold

Available in my Etsy Shop!

Blurb...

Twelve year old Albert Weiss' life is crashing down. Six months after the death of his mom, his dad decides to move them from Manhattan to York, Maine for a fresh start. With his grief still very raw, Albert becomes more determined to hate his new home, constantly putting him at odds with his father. Albert's dad avoids every opportunity to mention his mom, making Albert feel like he has no one to turn to.
Enter Robin Harper, Albert's eleven year old next door neighbor who blows into his life like a tornado. She is eccentric as she is compassionate–and someone who just may be the key to Albert and his dad healing.

Available on Amazon!

My Review...

Learn more about Summer of '77 and author Rebecca Amiss...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

Dyrwolf (by Kat Kinney) Inspired Scented Bookmark

3/2/2023

Dyrwolf by Kat Kinney is a phenomenal supernatural fantasy shifter YA romance. I read Dyrwolf July of 2022 and recently finished Darkwitch, the sequel, Februrary of this year! I highly recommend both, as well as the rest of Kat Kinney's books!

A bit about the bookmark...

Elements I pulled from Dyrwolf for the bookmark, includes the love interest, the setting, the book cover, and some of the magic that can be found inside...

Scent- sage (scent tied back to love interest, Henrik)
Fabric- sparkly pine (setting)
Charm- wolf (wolf shifters)
Button- full moon (magic and powers that center around the moon)
Ribbon- sheer black (a nod to the darker colors on the cover)

Available in my Etsy Shop!

Blurb...

Lea Wylder has spent so long hunting werewolves that now one is stalking her in her sleep. In the unforgiving forests of the north, shape-shifting wolves have enslaved the sole human city for hundreds of miles, driving survivors up into the mountains. When Lea tracks a shifter and finds him caught in a trap, she’s convinced he’s the white wolf from her dreams. Not that it matters. He’s one of them. And they’re at war.

But as Lea pulls back the bowstring, Henrik shifts to human and begs her not to shoot. By name. But how could he possibly know her? In twenty years, the wolves have never crossed the river over to their side.

Injured and unable to walk, Henrik needs Lea’s help to get back home. If he could be turned against the pack, it could change the course of the war. But first there’s the small problem of returning him to the wolves—without getting caught.

Available on Amazon

My Reviews...

For both Dyrwolf & Darkwitch!

Learn more about Dyrwolf and author Kat Kinney...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

Stalin's Door (by John St. Clair) Inspired Scented Bookmark

2/2/2023

Stalin's Door by John St. Clair is an incredible historical fiction. It was one of the first indie books I read in 2022, back in February!

A bit about the bookmark...

One of the things that really stuck out to me about Stalin's Door was the play on temperature, whether it was pine and tea to keep warm, the coldness of the setting, or the very important toggle that Zhenya keeps with her. The setting itself was a huge part of the story and I wanted to touch on that, as well. All of these elements went into making the scented bookmark.

Scent- earl gray (along with the play on temperature, the author is a tea enthusiast)
Fabric- pine (again, the play on the temperature, but also a nod to the setting)
Charm- snowflake (temperature and setting)
Button- star (a nod to the toggle, as seen on the cover)
Ribbon- black sheer (a nod to the cover)

Available on Etsy here!

Blurb...

In the dangerous time of Russia’s Great Terror, a knock on the door late at night could mean only one thing!
Moscow, 1937. As mortal fear engulfs the capital city, a singular man cements his lethal grip of absolute power over an entire nation. Accusations, mass arrests, executions, and deportations become de rigueur. Stalin’s cult of personality is so fearsome, that even a simple question could get you killed—or worse. Stalin’s dreaded secret police, the NKVD, would pit neighbor against neighbor in the insatiable hunt for the spies and saboteurs which threaten the supreme leader’s tyranny. The crisis will irrecoverably overwhelm the body politic—just on the eve of World War II!
Stalin’s Door is the unforgettable story of three extraordinary individuals who lived during the time of Russia’s Great Terror. They share a terrible fate which will forever intertwine their lives. Zhenya is the strong young daughter of an important government official, who is growing up fast in a privileged government enclave. Sava is a devoted husband, unceremoniously dismissed from the Soviet Navy, who considers a new opportunity. Lera is a wise grandmother who bears a crucial responsibility, while forced into exile in the outland of Siberia.
All will discover the heinous secret of Stalin’s Door!

Available on Amazon here!

My review...

Learn more about Stalin's Door and author John St. Clair...

READ INDIE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!!!!

Witch's Tea Lovers Winter Solstice Countdown Calendar- 9 Nights of Magic

2/1/2022

Celebrate your love of tea while you countdown to the Winter Solstice! Each night includes a different tea from a handmade, small business and at least one tea-related goodie and accessory! Go from a journey of Summer's remembrance to the heart of Winter and the hope for Spring, featuring my own handmade creations, alongside other handmade, small businesses including The Enchanted Wren, EKP Creations, and Kelli's Crafts NV.

Countdown starting from the bag marked 1, starting on December 13th and continue opening one bag a night through December 21st, just in time to celebrate Yule in witchy style with plenty of tea and tea-related surprises!

Shipping for the Witch's Tea Lovers Winter Solstice Countdown Calendar is included in the price! It ships priority mail, ships out with 1-2 business days, and can be sent directly to a loved one if it is a gift!

Available in my Etsy Shop here: www.etsy.com/listing/978488377/witchs-tea-lovers-winter-solstice

Autumn Magic Collection 2020

11/1/2020

All of my fairy doors, fairy houses, fairy dolls, scented bookmarks, dryer balls, and other magical creations are available at my upcoming events and in my etsy shop! Click on the images to learn more about each one!
My artwork is available through Redbubble on shirts, mugs, stickers, reusable bags, notebooks, phone cases, and more!

Scented Mug Huggers and The Enchanted Wren

11/1/2020

One of the small, handmade businesses that make phenomenal tea blends that I love is The Enchanted Wren! I have tried all five of the tea blends she currently has available, and here are just some of the suggested pairings with my scented mug huggers!

Each of the tea blends come in adorable and reusable 4oz. mason jar (I mean, c'mon, the jar, right?) and there's even tea sets, too!

Both of our shops are on Etsy, making it easier to shop, and you can also purchase all at once, as well!

Deep Woods Tea

"...special herbal tea blend called Deep Woods, mixture of pine, orange peel, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, black peppercorn."

Dragon's Blood Scented Blue Speckled Night Sky
Pine Scented Green Man
Apple Oak Scented Green Acorns (Warm maple scent)
Winter Cheer Scented Turquoise Coral Jewelry (vanilla, orange, clove, cinnamon, cranberry)
Orange Clove Scented Brick Floral
Cinnamon Scented Witch's Brooms

Rose-Colored Glasses Tea

"...special blend called Rose-Colored Glasses, a mixture of rose petals, hibiscus flowers, and rosehips."

Sunshine Tea

"...special herbal tea blend called Sunshine, a mixture of sunflower petals, calendula, oat straw, elder flower, lemon balm."

Lemon Scented Orange and Yellow Planets
Winter Cheer Scented Teacher Chalkboard (vanilla, orange, clove, cinnamon, cranberry)
Orange Clove Scented Holiday Greetings
Lavender Scented Vintage Purple Flowers

Casting the Circle Tea

"...special blend called Casting the Circle, a mixture of blackberries, rosemary, blackberry leaves, and black tea."

Witch Apothecary Tea

Spring Collection

6/6/2020

All of my fairy doors, fairy houses, fairy dolls, scented bookmarks, dryer balls, and other magical creations are available at my upcoming events and in my etsy shop! Click on the images to learn more about each one!

Garden Critters Spring Collection

More of the Spring Collection...

Art Belongs to the Customers

3/14/2015

As artists, we make a specific something with a specific purpose or reason in mind. We try to convey our own meanings.

Every time a customer walks into the booth, I give my well rehearsed spiel. "These are fairy doors. They are hand carved and hand painted. You stick them at the base of a tree or on a bookshelf, anywhere you want to invite the fairies."

My main goal and purpose is to offer products that will draw the fairies into your world and enchant it. While accomplishing that goal, I have also sought out ways to appeal to a wide audience and remain unique.

Despite my intentions as the creator, the customers will find different ways to use my product and different meanings behind it. Take, for instance, Seeds of Inspiration's Ouch Pouch Line. This is an aromatherapy product that can be used in the freezer or microwave as an ice pack or heating pad. It's scented with lavender and chamomile and can be used for anything from bumps and bruises to ear aches and migraines. A friend and constant customer, Jess, used her personal ouch pouch on her bottle fed puppy. The poor little guy was the only one of his litter to survive and the ouch pouch neck wrap helped offer the comfort and warmth he normally would have found from his litter mates.

My customers tend to first have their interested piqued by recognizable, or even not so recognizable, designs. Then the door itself. Sometimes the purchase is for nostalgia, sharing the interest, or a different meaning behind the same message. A Dalmatian fairy door is now used to memorialize a beloved pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge. My TFIOS door becomes a reminder to a loved one that everything will always be okay. Or, most recently, a custom ordered 82nd Airborne fairy door will bring comfort to a little kid every time he gets scared at night.

Another example is my fairy bottles. They normally feature miniature scenes in tiny glass bottles. People have used them as ornaments to hang on their tree. They use it as attachments to key chains. Just a few months ago, at the steampunk convention it was used as part of a cosplay outfit.

John Green said books belong to their readers. The same goes for art. When that door leaves my booth, it opens to something more. It becomes more than I could ever dream.