Blogger Get Together

Last year I discovered a blogger named Natalie who is also a very talented clay artist that sells on Etsy. Natalie is the artist behind NS Pottery and creates everything from jewelry to serving dishes and bake wear.    
It all started when I bought this ring from her...

Then an apple baker...

Then on Christmas, I received my next piece; a surprise gift from my sneaky sister-in-law, Sarah!

I love all of them so much, but let me tell you a little bit about the last piece.  I have talked to my sister-in-law about pottery, Etsy, blogging, buying handmade....you name it, we've talked about it.  

For my Christmas gift this year, Sarah decided to get me something she knew I would like but wasn't expecting.  She contacted Natalie and said she wanted to buy a trinket dish for me and together they came up with a custom order.  Sarah told Natalie that she would like her to include a saying on the dish, which up until now, I had never seen Natalie do!  When I opened the gift I loved it and I asked if it was from Natalie and she said yes.  I then couldn't stop awww-ing and telling her how much I loved it but to be honest, the saying didn't click on where I heard it from.  Sarah said you know the saying?!  With confused eyes I looked at her and she said it's what cousin Michael kept telling you when we went to Chicago.  Somehow I forgot that her cousin Michael kept telling me not to be afraid of success and to take chances when it comes to my business.

{remember how I said my memory isn't the best earlier this week?!}  

If that wasn't enough to melt my heart, she then goes on to say I remember us talking one day about how you were needing to find inspiration and I thought this could be a reminder.

Isn't that a perfect Christmas gift?!  My little dish now sits on my bedside table with a few rings and a little heart shaped rock that husband found last year and gave to me.  I love it!

So today, I am actually getting together with Natalie for lunch!  We have never met in person but actually live very close to each other!

I am very much looking forward to meeting my online friend in real life and talking with someone that is also a blogger and an Etsy shop owner!  

Model Profile...Meet Gretchen!

Gretchen was my roommate my freshman year at Ohio State and we have been best of friends since!  She is a a graduate, wife, sister, best friend, crafter, artist, world traveler, auntie and adventurer!  Woah, that's a lot of things!  When my husband and I moved 3 hours north for his job, the great thing about that was the short one hour drive I was from Gretchen and her family.  It has made us even closer and I really appreciate her husband, sister and parents for making their home a second home for me.  

So, now about the modeling...  Gretchen is pretty easy going, and whenever I ask her "hey do you want to model?"  She always says "Sure!", puts on her favorite hand made earrings and a smile.  Gretchen has really gorgeous natural red curly hair that is perfect for modeling hair accessories!  Sometimes I think, "Wow, that probably doesn't even look half as good in my dull brown straight hair!"  I really appreciate her willingness to model and all the inspiration and encouragement she gives Little Blue Feather.  You will be seeing her later in the year when I start my monthly artist spotlights/interviews!  For now, here are some great photos of Gretchen and LBF accessories.

I had the chance to visit Gretchen earlier this week, and she decided to give me my birthday present a little early....

I love my hand made bracelet and earrings!  Thank you so much Gretchen!  I was just asked on a date tonight ;)  Looks like I will be wearing them to dinner and a movie on this fabulous Friday!