Dear Santa Baby- Please Bring Me This Stacy Leigh Purse

Stacy Leigh at 1000Markets has the most exquisite original Leather Handbags, Belts, and More using ruffles, fringe, victorian lace and fabrics. Who needs Hermes when you can dazzle with this orange fringe number:

You can also be pretty in pink with this ladylike soft pink cowhide leather shoulder bag with layers of pink leather cut in waves.

For more of Stacy's handbag artistry go to:

http://www.1000markets.com/users/stacyleigh

This Pearl is a Real Gem- Pearl Fryar, Topiary Artist

You may have a seen topiary gardens that are grander than Mr.Pearls, but I can guarantee you have never seen one with more heart. If you ever find yourself in South Carolina near Bishopville, you must stop in to see Pearl Fryar's Garden. Mr.Fryer says on his website that if you find him at home, he will stop whatever he is doing to visit with you and talk about his work. We embrace our eccentric Southerners!

Pearl Fryar's obsession came about over 25 years ago when he was determined to win the coveted "Yard of the Month" in Bishopville. well, not only does he have the yard of the month, but yard of the century! A wonderful documentary film, "A Man Named Pearl" came out last year to rave reviews and is worth renting to understand Pearl's passion and vision. Pearl Fryar has been featured on PBS, HGTV and written about in the Washington Post.

Take the Bishopville, SC exit off Interstate 20. Turn towards town. When you come upon the Waffle House with it's Seussian Topiary in front, you know you are heading in the right direction.

To read more about this wonderful treasure, please visit his website:

http://www.fryarstopiaries.com/index.asp

Patrick Conlin-Silversmith

While shopping on 1000Markets today, I discovered this large sterling hinged cuff by Patrick Conlin. His shop features jewelry, holloware and sculpture hand crafted using tradional metalsmithing techniques- fabrication, raising and casting in sterling, copper and bronze. Isn't it lovely?

Metalsmithing, Iron Mongering and Glass Blowing are three crafts on my list of things I want to learn. I am fortunate to have the Penland School of Crafts nearby, and want someday to take advantage of their terrific teaching facility in the beautiful NC mountains. http://www.penland.org/

Meanwhile, I will lust after both the bracelet and this tendril belt buckle in Patrick Conlin's shop:


To see more of Patrick's metalsmithing talent check out his shop :

http://www.1000markets.com/users/patrickconlin