Handmade Items That Make My Soul Ache

What is a soul ache?  My definititon of a soul ache is a feeling that is so strong you almost feel like you can't breathe because of it.  While ache is most often associated with the first definition of "a continuous and dull pain", I associate a soul ache more with the second definition-"an emotion experienced with painful or bittersweet intensity."  A soul ache is a beautiful thing, and to feel a soul ache reminds you that you are alive-whether it's a positive yearning or desire, or a negative sense of loss and hurt.  You learn from soul aches.  You grow from soul aches.

Every now and again you stumble across something beautiful in life that makes your soul ache.  Sometimes it's a child, a wild animal, a beautiful sunset, etc.  Sometimes, however, it's a wonderful handmade piece of art or jewelry (or something else) that makes you feel like you'll ache until it's a part of your life.  As if you will hurt until you have it hanging on the wall of your room so you can see it all day, or wrapped sweetly around your neck reminding you of it's presence. These pieces usually feel like you can touch a bit of the artist/creator's soul simply by holding or looking at this piece.  That's true creation.  True magic.  Here are just a few items that make my soul ache:

one // Luna Dreams: a Moon and Rainbow Quartz Dreamcatcher Necklace by Roots and Feathers

two // Abstract Landscape Art - Ambiance by MADART

three // Dreamcatcher Print by Parada Creations

four // Lotus Pose Poetry Yoga Print by Noelle Rollins Art

five // Nautical Decor Ocean Photography Print by My Little Pixels

six // Wire Tree of Live Black and White Wind Sculpture by Crows Feathers

seven // Mixed Media Original Elephant Hindu Buddhist Yogi Painting by Painting Bliss

eight // Moon Necklace by Fantasticgift

nine // Robin's Nest Toggle Necklace by Wired Essentials (Enter the Wired Essentials Giveaway HERE!)

ten // Once Upon a Fantasty Magic Bottle by Live Steamy

eleven // Gypsy. A Moon, Star, and Crystal Ball Asymmetrical Earrings by Roots and Feathers

twelve // I Choose LETTING GO by Erica the Artist

thirteen // Infinity, Anchor, & Elephant Bracelet by Jewelry of Home

fourteen // Handmade Journal by Kreativlink

fifteen // I Discovered True Happiness the Day You Walked into My Life, 8x10 Print by Say it Sweet

If I hadn't just dropped a bunch of money on school, one and seven would be in my shopping cart and then on their way to me faster than you can say "I want those!"  Seriously.  I'm in big-time love with both of those!  In the future I will probably also purchase four, eight, and twelve (which is a local here in SLC).  Ten is made by one of my very dearest friends Melanie Grace and she does them in different colors-so pretty!

Do you own, make, or have a specific item on your wishlist that makes your soul ache? Let's hear about it!

Linking up with:

 

What I'm Loving

1 // Beaded Wrap Bracelets from Chloe vs. Tank:  Chloe makes adorable bracelets, and I'm super in love with this little elephant (I have a necklace with him on it) so I love her bracelets with him! They're inexpensive (single wrap is only $15) and she does not charge any shipping.  Also if you follow her on Instagram she has a discount code to take an additional $5 off!

2 // Essie's A Cut Above polish: I picked up a bottle of this at target the other day (for only $7.79-but Amazon has it for 4.49) and immediately wanted to use it.  I put a base down of Miss Fancy Pants, then a couple layers of this one, and topped it with Let It Shine. The manicure is still staying really well for glitter and how rough I am n my nails!

3 // Skull Print Scarf: I bought this scarf at Target yesterday for $14.99 (man I can have no budget when it comes to Target!) I've been looking for a skullie scarf for a while, and the other day I bought this other skull pattern in blue too.  Like I need more scarves, but they're so cute!

4 // Baby Lips:  I'll be honest, I have seen this everywhere but avoided it thinking it was a fad.  I bought a tube the other day and I'm in love! It's so smoothe, and I can already feel the healing in my lips.  They're also tinted, which I loved more than I thought I would!

5 // Layered Bracelets:  I've seen these on so many Etsy and Storenvy shops, and I am in love with the layered bracelets.  So cute!  These particular bracelets are from jewelryofhome on Etsy.

6 // You Belong Here Mixed Media Watercolor Original by Painting Bliss:  Isn't it lovely?  I'm just loving it so very much-she's so talented!

7 // Washi Tape:  I bought a couple of rolls just to see what the fuss was about from Michaels the other day, and I LOVED using it.  That stuff is so fun!  So I went on a scouting mission to find somewhere I can buy it cheaper, and found this listing on Le Box Boutique for Up to 20 rolls of Washi Tape for $17.76! So cheap.

What do you love this week?

Confessing on the Snowpocolypse, Christmas, and More!

I confess that it has been snowing like crazy here. Christmas Eve I woke up to rain in Salt Lake City, and then driving 40 minutes to work I hit a massive blizzard just at the point of the mountain (a pass over the freeway for you non-Utahns) and then it snowed big lovely snowflakes all day at work.  Our fountain was all frozen over too.

Yesterday I came to work and nothing had been plowed, shoveled, or salted... So all the roads were full of snow, it was still a blizzard in Utah County and when trying to turn into work I slid right on by.  I was shocked they didn't plow the parking lot or salt/shovel the sidewalks-seems like a liability to me... Today it is still snowing and my street at home has not been plowed (which is really pretty.

I confess that I understand now why people drink to get through the holidays.  I went down to my parent's house on Christmas and it goes about like most Holidays go.  We had a really good time during dinner and hanging out, then my dad informs me that my brother and SIL don't want to come to Christmas at all because I was sick last week and they're worried they'll get it-so I get upset over that and because I"m upset my dad yells and threatens to burn down the Christmas tree if my mom and I don't stop talking about it.  We keep talking about it and he storms out of the room, so I start crying and put on my coat to leave until my mom begs me to stay.  I sit down, drink a couple of beers, and the rest of the holiday is like none of it ever happened.

1. Tanner riding with me in the car.  2. Gizmo trying to steal my beer. 3. Tanner and Gizmo begging for food on Christmas eve.

I confess that we went and visited my grandparents that I only see about once a year.  It was nice to catch up with them-and their Dachshunds are so cute! 

1. My grandmother with Ali-a double/triple dapple Dachshund. 2. The view from their amazing house.

I confess that Jessica is an amazing swap partner and I loved that we were paired up for the 12 Days of Christmas swap! Check out what she got me HERE.

I confess that I'm dying to start some crafting and jewelry making again.  The roommate got me a real soldering gun and solder for me to make higher quality stuff-and I want to try it out!  He's so great! 

I confess that I got some wonderful gifts from friends and family.  My favorite by far was a little Celtic Knot Moon necklace and matching earrings my momma gave me-she really knows me! My brother and SIL gave me an adorable little elephant necklace and melty star earrings that I'm in love with... My sister totally spoiled me with jewelry and a big old box of bath and body pampering stuff!  Ryan (the youngest) gave me a little turtle that he said "I wanted to give you something so pointless that you look at it in 5 years and think 'yep-Ryan'" lol! 

I confess that the European technicians that work for my company are basically useless-and in particular one is now on my "I hope you get fired" list for being a total beeyotch.  A customer was asking for her in particular (since they'd been working together and he was disconnected) and she refused to take their chat or give me any information on what the issue was so I could help him.  So she's dead to me.

What do you have to confess?

***