Fridge Magnets - what's it all about?

If you have kids or grandkids, you know the importance of having magnets on your fridge for artwork and reminders. I also have a grocery list permanently residing on my fridge for everyone to use when we run low on a grocery item.

My granddaughter also likes to arrange the magnets in her own personal art display. I have pictures of my grandkids which have been made into magnets. The ideas are never ending.

These magnets were all handmade by me. Designs too! Looking for your own set of magnets for yourself or the kids? Check out my shop at PipingHotPapers

Keep posted and soon I'll explain the types of magnets I use to hold up many pieces of paper at once.

Mitsy of ArtMind

Another friend that I'll probably never meet in person is a personable, humorous fellow-Etsian named Mitsy (a/k/a ArtMind) from Belgium. I love it when I know the real name behind the user. Mitsy is the only "Mitsy" I know. Well, anyway...

I was looking for some drink coasters. I looked high and low over Etsy and couldn't find the perfect coaster just for me. There are many from which to choose, but nothing called to me, "Alice, I'm the one...." So I contacted one friend on Etsy who works with felt, but not the right kind -- "it would shrink," she said. And then I thought of ArtMind who makes beautiful felted necklaces, but didn't have any coasters in her shop. I am one to first buy from friends and I have been known to ask other sellers to make me something not offered in their shop because I want to buy something from them -- but that's another story.

Well, Mitsy took on the challenge and agreed to give it a go. What she came up with was perfect and I can't wait to get them.

Next on my list was to make something special in exchange. So Mitsy sent me some photos of work she completed for her fine arts degree. I was able to make a set of domino magnets and hope she likes them as much as I am sure to enjoy the coasters.

Needing some warmth!

While I was visiting some of my Flickr contacts the other day, I came across a beautiful photo by Jennifer Cora. I've known Jennifer as a fellow treasury curator on Etsy. She designs beautiful jewelry and obviously has an eye for nature. Let me tell you why...

While visiting relatives in Arizona, she took a picture which captured a storm approaching in the background yet the sun was shining on the prickly pear cactus and Saguaro in the foreground. I couldn't resist the picture and received permission to use portions of it to put on some of my domino magnets. Thanks Jennifer!!

Tree Magnets? Where??

Oops, sorry about that -- the magnets are sold, but I can always make more.

I'm going to talk about some new friends I've made on Etsy in the days ahead. If you've never visited Etsy take a look at it. I've made friends from Florida, Scotland, Michigan, Vancouver (Canada), and many more places. Can't wait to share some great finds with you!!