I am an artist who gets around! The world, that is! My lenses strive to bring together those two passions. I love to create and promote regional art gift products, ethnic handicrafts, and to showcase design/decor styles which appeal to me, whether they are Native American, Asian or tropical. I have a passion for blue glass, blue and white pottery, southwestern Native handicrafts, tribal jewelry, funky socks, and...pink flamingos! I also happen to love cats. http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/CrypticFragments Sat, 26 Jul 2008 02:13:04 -0600 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.squidoo.com/PinkFlamingoParty I have lived part of the year in Florida almost every year since 1992. I love tropical design, decor, clothing and themes. Down here we can enjoy outdoor living almost year round. For the rest of you, now that summer is here, it's the perfect time to be thinking about outdoor dining and family get-togethers. Want to do something different this year? Why not plan a fun, funky pink flamingo theme party?! It's quirky, irreverent and sure to be a hit! This page will give you some visual inspiration and food for thought. Hopefully it also makes you smile. food Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:20:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/JohnsPass Johns Pass is a shopping and tourist attraction on the Gulf Coast of Florida in the town of Madeira Beach. Originally a fishing village, hotel and condo development have launched the area into modern times, where retail and restaurants are now the top attractions ...besides the amazing beach! As a former resident, I'd like to introduce you to some of the local lifestyle. photo courtesy of St. Pete/Clearwater CVB travel Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:07:22 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/WorldTribalJewelry All around the world, different tribal cultures wear traditional jewelry. Some represent the wearer's marital status while in other regions jewelry may denote the wealth of the person wearing it or simply be an expression of what the people consider to be beautiful. As an artist and jewelry designer, I have always been fascinated by the beauty and style of native tribal jewelry, especially Native American and Tibetan pieces. Please join me in exploring some of the world's most unique and beautiful accessories! shopping Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:44:43 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/OaxacanWoodcarvings Bienvenidos! Welcome to the wonderful world of Oaxacan wood carvings, also known as "Alebrijes". Alebrijes are vibrantly colored handmade wood figures representing a wide variety of animals and other fantastical creatures. The current style was popularized in the 1960s by artist Manuel Jimenez, who took a simple local carving tradition and transformed it into an internationally appealing art form. These highly collectible figures and are often found in southwestern American shops or folk artisan bazaars. I hope you will enjoy exploring the unique variety of beautiful examples out there. arts Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:24:29 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/cattalker A page dedicated to communicating with funky felines! Does the MEOW have meaning? Having shared life with cats of all colors and breeds, I have a strong opinion. But read on, and then decide for yourself! In the absence of no kill shelter members on Squidoo, proceeds from this lens are being donated to The Humane Society This lens is also in fond memory of Rocky, my first talking cat, and Ginger~bean (photo at left), the most loving cat I ever met despite having lived a long time outdoors before I adopted him. animals Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:35:51 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mylensography My lens total as of late July 2008 has reached a whopping... 97. My current focus is a series on Tribal and Gemstone Jewelry, one of my major obsessions. I hope you will have a look! I was named a Giant Squid earlier this year, and my next goal is to break into the top 100...still some 900 points to climb as of today! I can do it!!! seo Sun, 20 Jul 2008 12:59:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ZazzlersonSquidoo Zazzle and Squidoo seem to have been made for each other, with Squidoo providing a platform for Zazzle designers to get their work out to the public. Many lensmasters are also active on Zazzle, and they all have great work, so I am taking this opportunity to create the Squidoo Zazzle Gallery Co~Op. Enjoy meeting these artists and discovering more about their work here, then check out more of their products by clicking on any of the featured images in the modules below! This page will be growing and changing to better represent the wide range of artists and their products. Please visit often! And Thank You for supporting the arts! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ arts Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:41:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/LUSH In my opinion, LUSH makes simply the most unique and enjoyable bath products ever! They do lovely bath bombs (fizzies), scented bar soaps, natural shampoos, body gels and SO much more.  Based in the UK, LUSH now has shops around the world. If you want to go in person to look for any products not available through this lens, you can find locations via their website at: LUSH shopping Mon, 21 Jul 2008 11:10:12 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TamsTees A gallery shop for those who love tees! Art tees, graphics tees, travel photo tees, tees with inspirational sayings. Tees for men and tees for women. And a small selection of ties thrown in for good measure. If you or anyone you know wears a lot of tees (and who doesn't?!), you'll find something for them in Tam's Tees on Zazzle. Remember! All shirts come in a wide selection of colors, styles and sizes from child to 6X! Simply click on any of the photos below to be taken to the product page where you can also select the option to "Customize" your own version of all my products! shopping Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:14:29 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/cardmaking2 A fulfilling creative pastime which combines collage, rubber stamping, and a variety of other techniques to create one-of-a-kind handmade cards for friends, family, or for sale! This lens is an introduction to basic techniques and some resources for anyone who wants to try this fun pastime! arts Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:39:35 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/myMySpace  Welcome! Are you a MySpace user? I am. In fact, I probably use it more than I "should". Over the past several years I have monitored and maintained 12 different profiles, each for a specific purpose, different aspects of my life and interests...even one for our cats! The eight which are currently active are all dedicated to individual aspects of my creative pursuits both online and off! The links are below the Newsflash. seo Sun, 13 Jul 2008 22:06:13 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/manifesting1 I am a firm believer in the power of the LOA, or Law of Attraction... I have manifested all manner of items and events, and I want to share my joy at this with everyone! Even though I have not seen the film "The Secret", which has brought the LOA into more public view, I know this works! Allow me to introduce you to some ideas and info about it. education Thu, 10 Jul 2008 09:45:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/PuebloPottery Since before the beginnings of recorded history, Native tribes the world over have been making pottery both for functional and ceremonial/decorative use. Food storage and preparation pots are found in abandoned dwellings. Decorated shards are often found buried with Native remains, perhaps having been used to feed the dead on their journey or as an offering to the spirit world. This page is dedicated to the pottery traditions and renowned potters of the southwestern United States, and more specifically to the 19 recognized Pueblos of New Mexico. Moreover, it is dedicated to the period known as "Modern" Pueblo Pottery, defined as late 19th to mid-20th Century works. The photo shown here is a Santo Domingo Pot from the early modern period. arts Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:43:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/adventureworkers Welcome to the world of adventure work. These are jobs "outside the box", maybe even just OUTSIDE! Every year National Parks, ranches, resort and wilderness lodges (amongst others) hire thousands of employees from around the world to staff their facilities. Jobs range from housekeeping and kitchen staff, retail and office workers to ranch hands and trail guides! Positions can run from as short as 3 months to as long as permanent! If you are between ages 18 and 80 and in good health, adventure work may be just what you need to break out of a rut!  This page will introduce you to a few options to get you started on the way to the best job you've ever had. Enjoy!  This site is proud to be a member of the Isle of Squid lens directory. If you like it, please submit a review there! The Isle of Squid travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:40:08 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TalaveraPottery I love the bright colors and free-form designs featured on this traditional artform from Mexico, and would like to share my passion for it with you. Talavera is a type of Mexican pottery produced in the cities of Puebla, Mexico, and Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Mexico. The pieces are hand formed and hand painted with stylized folk art designs, most often in colorful combinations such as yellow and cobalt blue. While it is named after Talavera de la Reina, a city in Spain, the term "talavera" is mainly used to describe the Mexican derivation of this Majolica-style pottery. arts Thu, 24 Jul 2008 23:45:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/huckleberry When I arrived in Wyoming to work at Grand Teton National Park, I couldn't help noticing a particular product line which seemed to be sold everywhere... Huckleberry. Everything from jams and teas to soap and candles flavored or scented with huckleberry! I quickly discovered that this little fruit lives up to all the hype...and wanted to share my discovery with those in other regions. food Wed, 16 Jul 2008 10:38:08 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/papercraftingtoo Paper Crafting is a broad term which covers a wide range of creative pursuits from scrapbooking and collage to rubber stamping and card making. I'll provide an introduction to some of my faves along with resources for supplies! arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:09:26 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/laurelbirch Laurel Burch was an artist and designer famous for her bright and bold cat and horse themed handbags, coffee mugs and other gift items. When Ms. Burch passed away in September 2007 the San Rafael, CA newspaper ran this blurb: "Bay Area artist Laurel Burch died last Thursday morning at her home in San Rafael. She was 61. She is known worldwide for her colorful designs - exotic cats, horses, flowers and sealife on everything from T-shirts, to scarves, ceramics, and jewelry. Her work continues to be sold throughout the world. Ms. Burch suffered from a lifelong condition, osteopetrosis, which caused repeated breaks of her bones." shopping Tue, 15 Jul 2008 10:42:58 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/crypticfragmentsSquidooStats I am jumping on bdkz's bandwagon, so to speak, since she issued an invitation for others to borrow her template to track SquidStats. Starting today, I will keep a monthly tab of LensRank, and a log of traffic and earnings. The only thing I am doing differently is tracking which pay tier my lenses fall in (based on the last tier level report I saw, which was for April 2008) rather than going by hundreds or thousands. Here is a copy of the cut-offs based on Loyalis' Squidconomy lens "Tier1 : Below approximately 2,000 Tier2: LR Between 2,000 and 10,000 (Approx.) Tier3: LR Between 10,000 and 50,000 (Approx.) Payout Levels: Tier 1 : $8.94 Tier 2 : $1.53 Tier 3 : $0.08 Tier 4 : $0.01 Tier 5 : $0.00" Just promise not to laugh...I am still relatively Squid~illiterate. One of the reasons I am creating this page is to encourage other relative newbies and "lay people" not to be intimidated by the mysterious inner workings of Squidoo. Although I have been a lensmaster for almost 2 years, I did not really begin learning about the nature of the beast until late February 2008, and still barely understand the basics. I have no computer training background whatsoever. I'm just everyday folk doing her best to make waves in the world of Giant Squids! seo Sun, 29 Jun 2008 12:59:50 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/MoroccanCuisine The taste of Morocco is exotic, full of rich deep earthy flavor. It has long been considered as one of the most diversified cuisines in the world because of centuries of interaction between Morocco and the outside world. The cuisine of Morocco is a mix of Arab, Berber, Moorish, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean African, Iberian, and Jewish influences. This lens will introduce you to some basics of Moroccan cookery, including links to reference material, books on the subject, and more. If you haven't tried these foods yet, I hope you will think about trying them soon! food Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:51:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/AfghaniJewelry Afghani, or Afghan, jewelry, from various ethnic groups in Afghanistan, consists largely of hand-worked silver inset with semi-precious gemstones such as lapis lazuli, carnelian, or agates. Occasionally the silver bears a thin gold wash. It is very similar in style to the works of the neighboring Turkoman(aka Turkmen)people. Having recently discovered the art of Afghani tribal jewelry and become a collector, I am eager to share my discovery with you. Please click on the pieces which interest you for more information on their background and availability. arts Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:38:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TurkomanHandicrafts I was recently introduced to the jewelry of this fascinating ethnic group from Central Asia and began to research more about the history and traditions of the people. Although Turkmenistan is now an independent country, the Turkmen tribal/ethnic group also has significant populations in Iran, Afghanistan, and even Russia. Their jewelry tends to be silver or gold washed silver and incorporates semi-precious gemstones. I hope you will enjoy learning more about this ethnic group and its arts. arts Sat, 19 Jul 2008 22:33:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/SARK SARK is the acronym of self-help/inspirational author  Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, whose works have had a large impact on my life. A survivor of many difficulties, Susan's passion for living fully and creatively transcends everyday existence. This site introduces her best known works and provide links to her online material. SARK has a unique web presence at Planet SARK where you can sign up for her free monthly eLetter, a colorful inspirational resource. SARK has a new book coming out in 2008 geared towards creative writers and anyone else who wants to tell the story of their life. arts Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:36:17 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/flagstafflife Founded in the last part of the 19th Century as a logging and farming community, Flagstaff, AZ grew with increased railroad traffic across the southwest. By the turn of the century, the Lowell Observatory was located here, along with a "normal school" (now NAU). The iconic Route 66 is the main street through downtown, and over 120 trains, mostly freight but also Amtrak passenger) pass through town daily. This page is intended for visitors and new area residents to give an overview of life in the area. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:07:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/countrystyle According to the design experts at HGTV, "country style" is a "wide-ranging style depending on geographical location but in general exemplified by primitive furniture, muted colors, milk-paint finishes and vintage fabrics." People across the US and abroad are seeking a look which helps them feel connected to the past, family heirlooms, and casual comfort. The photos here show off some examples of what they are doing in their homes to achieve this. This page will show some examples, offer suggestions, and provide links to publications which can guide you to get the look. shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:45:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/moroccanlanterns Moroccan style is about comfort and easy living inspired by the outdoors. It's colors and designs come from a varied ethnic history influenced by the Berber culture, French Colonials, and Islam. Hallmarks of Moroccan style include large lanterns, lush fabrics, and colorful ceramics. I love the look and feel of the products listed in this lens and hope you are inspired to add some Moroccan flair to your home! shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 09:03:52 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/puebloculture Welcome. This site is dedicated to the rich cultures of the Pueblo Indians who live in New Mexico. There are 19 recognized Pueblos who share ancient ancestors, but today each has its own distinct personality, with individual festivals, specialized handicrafts, and more. I'll give you a brief introduction to their history, arts, and ceremonies, as well as photos, links to more detailed information, and links to books on the topic and region.   Proceeds from this site go to help the people build better facilities on their lands, towards education for their children, and to help house and feed their elderly.  people Sun, 20 Jul 2008 13:44:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/BarbaraSherBooks Barbara Sher is a speaker, career/lifestyle coach, and best-selling author of seven books on goal achievement. Her books have sold millions of copies and been translated into many languages. She has appeared on Oprah, The Today Show, 60 Minutes, CNN, and Good Morning America and her public television specials air regularly in the United States. Sher lectures at universities, Fortune 100 companies and professional conferences all over the world. I find her books interesting and helpful in determining which direction to choose in life and believing you can do it! arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:37:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/PostcardParadise I have always enjoyed collecting postcards from all the stops on my travels as well as from art museums. However it wasn't until I discovered Postcrossing in 2007 that I realized I was far from the only person with this odd addiction. Once I became an official collector, I began looking for new sources for unique cards. And soon after found out that with Zazzle, I could create my own! Now I am offering these cards to everyone. Below are some examples of the artwork and photography you will find in various sections of Postcard Paradise The photos are actually links! Just click on the one(s) you like and you'll be redirected to the product page! shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:44:26 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/EmperorNero Nero Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (December 15, AD 37 - June 9, 68), born Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, also called Nero Claudius Caesar Germanicus, was the fifth and final Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Nero was adopted by his great uncle Claudius to become heir to the throne. As Nero Claudius Caesar, he succeeded to the throne on October 13, 54, following Claudius' death. This page will look at major events during his reign and question whether or not he was, as suggested, a madman. people Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:38:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TropicalCottageStyle Tropical style decor is hot. It uses the vivid colors of tropical reef fish and jungle macaws, of stunning tropical flowers and Caribbean cottages. When I think of tropical, I think of Caribbean, but it also includes Polynesian and Southeast Asian/Indonesian, Central and South American. You may find the decor includes everything from pink flamingos (ZOIKS!) and Oaxacan wood carvings to Talavera pottery and ceramics painted with marine life, from palm tree statuettes to sea glass, and from ships wheels to hanging fishing floats. The tropical cottage can be a little kitschy, yes. But it is also common and popular in areas by the sea, especially south Florida, and in the homes of those who dream of tropical escapes. Let's take a look at some of these bright beautiful looks and products! arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:41:05 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ArtfulCowboyBoots The cowboy boot has a history dating back to the early 1800s, when rugged work on the open range demanded a tough shoe. Over the past 40 years or so, however, the cowboy boot has undergone a transformation...from practical funtionality to fun footwear. The cowboy boot is now both an art form as well as an art medium. There is virtually no end to the variety of styles and colorful designs available. This page will look at some of the stylish boots on the market today. arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:51:51 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/tropiques Welcome to Tropiques! A fun, funky gallery dedicated to capturing the feel of the Caribbean and tropical locales all around the globe. Our bright colors, images of the beach, and bold designs of palm trees and other native plant life will bring the feel of the region home to you! We have gifts for sports fishermen, yachters, beach combers and anyone who loves the carefree irreverence of tropical life. Tropiques is a member of CF World Emporium, a collective of galleries on the Zazzle print-on-demand site, each dedicated to a different geographic region. The images featured here are just a small selection from each of the product lines at the gallery.Clicking on any of the image links below will take you to a product page from where you can customize your products or navigate to our other galleries! Enjoy looking around. We'd love to have you sign our Guestbook with any comments or suggestions. Thank you! shopping Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:34:28 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/nickbantockbooks Nick is an English artist and author whose illustrated books and art postcards helped fuel a phenomenon. His Griffin and Sabine trilogy appeared in the early 1990s and became so popular that they gave rise to a second trilogy in the series. Since then, Nick has penned an additional ten illustrated novels as well as a book about his art. He also has a unique postcard collection. If it's by Nick, you can find it here! arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:37:44 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/AsiaMajorGallery A gallery for those who love the colors and design styles of Asia, specifically the Far East of Japan, China, and Korea. Asia Major features original graphic designs as well as imagery from well-known artists whose work is now in the public domain. We carry ceramic mugs, magnets, and handbags. Keychains, posters and prints will be added over the months ahead. Zazzle is a print-on-demand company, and most of our designs are customizable in a range of colors. Simply click on an image on this page to go to the product page in our gallery. After that, click on "customize it" to be given a variety of options! Asia Major is a proud member of the CF World Emporium, a collective of galleries, each focused on a different geographical region. shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:31:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/crazyquilts Even though I have for years been obsessed with the colors, textures, and patterns of fabric, I just started sewing 2 weeks ago for the first time since 7th grade! I love bidding on quilting squares from eBay for my patchwork projects and mixed media art and wanted to share my passion for the tiny little patches with you! If you are a quilter, like to alter clothing to suit your own style, or simply love fabric like I do, you will love looking around in here! Besides eBay auction bidding, you will also find inspiring images of quilts from flickr, titles to learn quilting techniques or find inspiration, and a fun poll to interact with other fabric artists. Enjoy! shopping Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:42:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/AffirmationCards Affirmation Cards are a popular self-help inspirational "tool". Each card by CrypticFragments Design has a deep powerful message aimed at buoying the spirit, be it increasing self-confidence or affirming abundance. Some are simple text, others have beautiful images on them. shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:48:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/navajojewelry The Navajo are an Athabascan people who migrated into the Four Corners region of the American southwest roughly 600 years ago. When they settled there, they were farmers and herders. However, when they came into contact with the Spaniards, they learned silver smithing skills and soon became top-notch jewelry deigners. Today, the most popular Navajo materials are silver, turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and malachite. They also use black onyx and several varieties of oyster shell. Take a look around and see if you can't find something here which calls your name! shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 08:54:35 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mixedmedi-art Technically speaking, "mixed media" is any combination of two or more primary artistic mediums combined in a single piece of artwork. This lens will look at some popular forms, provide links to artists working in mixed media, and showcase books about the topic. The photo at right is an example of an original mixed media design. It features ink painting, rubber stamping, and collage. arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:38:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/hotsalsa You say Tabasco, I say HOT! If you like it HOT, you will like this page. It's all about hot sauce, hot foods, and how to get the heat into your diet. Whether you like it mildly hot or tongue-blistering, I will lead you to a product or recipe which will tickle your tastebuds! Okay, hot stuff, let's have some fun looking at this hot topic! food Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:46:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/firemountain If you are a beader or jewelry designer, most likely you are already familiar with Fire Mountain Gems. They are a top supplier of almost any variety of bead or jewelry finding the artist might need, from gemstone to plastic, jump ring to bezel to chain! Founded in 1972, Fire Mountain has grown to be among the most popular beading suppliers today. They put out several FREE comprehensive catalogs annually, as well as an online shop featuring over 72,000 items, from jump rings and clasps to gemstones and cabs. Fire Mountain Gems online catalog and shop. shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:46:07 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/crayolacreativity I love coloring...and I am almost forty years old! This passion was nurtured in my youth by lots and lots of crayons! It all began with Crayola! Founded in 1903 as Binney & Smith, Crayola remains the top producer of creative supplies, from a wide range of crayons and markers and to specialty papers. Find your favorite Crayola products here, and have some fun too!~ shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:09:04 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/supersoap Glycerin soap making is a fun easy hobby that can be enjoyed by all ages! It's relatively easy to get started, and the process is easily learned. There is a wide range of molds, dyes, colorants and add-ins available, so what are you waiting for? Get started today! diy Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:31:46 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/yorkpenn York is a town of about 41,000 people in south-central Pennsylvania's Susquehanna Valley. Founded in 1741, it is the location where the Articles of Confederation were ratified, often considered the First Capital of the United States. It is also the town where I was born and raised. travel Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:34:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/TikiParty Remember the tiki? That stylized and somewhat whimsical take on the Polynesian Tiki god carvings, popularized between the 1950s and 1970s? Well, the tiki is making a come-back, and you may want to throw a tiki theme party before the end of summer. I know I am! entertainment Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:58:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/eckharttollebooks Eckhart Tolle is a German-born author whose inspirational material about spiritual awakening is taking the world by storm. His books "A New Earth" and "The Power of Now" have both been on best-seller lists and have been translated into some 33 languages. arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:33:18 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/japanlove Japan is an ultra-modern country with a rich cultural tradition. It is a land of contrasts, where geisha talk on cell phones and gaijin study ancient arts. Urban youth are on the cutting edge of fashion and technology while dozens of festivals continue to honor the old ways and ancestors. These are just some of the things I love about Japan. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:07:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/crypticfragmentz CrypticFragments is the pseudonym of Tammy Winand, an artist who works in various media. This site is dedicated to her galleries at Zazzle, a print-on-demand service which allows members to upload their photography and other artwork/graphics for distribution on a wide range of products. CrypticFragments Design focuses on travel photography, original artwork, and a few computer generated graphic images featured on posters, mugs, magnets and keychains. The sections below will go into more detail. shopping Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:30:42 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/DUNEchronicles The fictional Dune universe is the political, scientific, and social setting of author Frank Herbert's six-book Dune series of science fantasy novels. The highly popular first book, 1965's Dune, was adapted into a film in 1984 and a televised miniseries in 2000; in 2003, its first two sequels appeared as a miniseries as well. The Dune universe has inspired a series of video games, including Dune II, the first modern real-time strategy game. This lens looks at each segment of the series, with links to more in depth material elsewhere on the web. arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:42:06 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/passionatea I acquired my passion for tea on my first extended visit to Ireland in 1995. Every morning, we had a lovely "cuppa" with breakfast. Every afternoon we had another with lunch or a snack. After dinner, it was not unusual to have 2 or 3 mugs with biscuits (cookies to the U.S. folks) while enjoying casual conversation. And after a night on the town, tea was the drink of choice, as if it might prevent a hangover! food Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:19:47 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/leicestershire This lens is dedicated to the region where I lived for nearly six months between late 2005-early 2006. Although not typically considered a tourist destination, Leicestershire has a lot to offer, and I will look at some of the highlights in this lens. Leicestershire is a county in the East Midlands of England. The capital is, of course, Leicester City, with a population of some 250,000 souls, located about 90 miles north of London. Leicester is home to a major university as well as a semi-pro football/soccer team travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:51:09 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/provencal Although my five day visit was all too brief, I developed a passion for the places I visited which I'd like to share with you here. I'll look at some travel destinations, foods, and local products of the Provence region. This site is proud to be a member of The Isle of Squid lens directory. If you like it, please submit a review at: The Isle of Squid travel Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:42:18 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CharityQuizLens Inspired by playing along in bdkz's lensmaster quiz last night, and having been looking for a way to create a lens to donate to charity, I have come up with this Charity Quiz lens. It's simple and straight-forward. Answer the poll questions and see what others are doing to support their favorite causes. And if you're really inspired to help out, have a look at the eBay auctions and bid on some goodies. ALL of the money from this lens will be donated to charity. (You can even help me decide which charities to support!) At this time I am donating 100% to the ASPCA. Despite not being a no-kill shelter, they do a lot of work to save abused animals, which means a lot to me. philanthropy Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:31:48 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/theromanempire I have long been fascinated by the lives of the ancient Romans. Emperors and slaves, religious cults and early Christians, gladiators and centurions... It all seems so exotic and far away. And it is. But there are remnants of the Roman Empire across Europe and North Africa. I have been to several majestic sites and would like to introduce you to the culture which created them. This lens offers an overview of the main periods of Ancient Roman Civilization, along with suggestions for materials to read for further study and images of what you will see if you go in search of Ancient Rome's remains. education Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:11:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CrypticFragments Sweeping landscapes, architectural images, still lifes offering commentary on our world... you will find these and more at CrypticFragments Photography. This page is an introduction to my work and my perspective on photography. I pursue this passion as a portion of my life's work. I believe my images capture scenes which need to be shared, which have something to say about the condition of our world...what we have, what we have lost. I hope you will enjoy browsing around. Please visit the links below which lead you to so much more of my online "portfolio". Enjoy! arts Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:24:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/growingveggies I grew up helping my father grow veggies in south-central Pennsylvania and have never forgotten the thrill of digging up a potato or serving someone a beautiful red pepper right from my own backyard. Vegetable gardening is a rewarding and educational activity the whole family can share. Here's some helpful info to get you started growing YOUR own produce! animals Sat, 05 Jul 2008 21:04:37 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/englishvisions I have been a CafePress shop-keeper for over 2 years now. My shops feature my photography and art on a wide range of products that the customer can choose for himself, with a focus on Southwestern imagery. This lens will give you an idea of what you will find in my shop and even offer a few sample products directly. Please come in to both lens and shop and browse around.  The shops featured here are CafePress "Basic" Shops, each featuring one specialty design on numerous products. Premium Shop Closed due to Inactivity, Please Visit my new Galleries on Zazzle... shopping Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:59:01 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ghost-townsAZ All across the desert southwest lie the signs of long-ago dreams which ended in dust. Empty shells of once raucous saloons, collapsing remains of general stores, the bones of abandonned mines... these are the ghost towns of Arizona. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:53:07 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/BedouinJewelry Much of the silver jewelry created and worn by Bedouin tribal peoples has ceremonial if not religious meaning.Many pieces are made especially for weddings and other important rituals. Most Yemeni silversmiths were Jewish. Their work influenced jewelry in much of the Arab and North African regions. I have only just begun to explore this segment of the world's tribal jewelry, but so far have been astounded by its quality of craftsmanship and sheer beauty. arts Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:49:41 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/kansairegion Kansai is the western section of Honshu, the main Japanese island. It includes the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe. The area is sometimes referred to as "Kinki", a name which threw me off at first! This page will take a look at some of the sites you can find there. travel Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:22:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ILoveFunkySocks Prior to 2007, my feet did not have any fun. I was very against socks which did not match the outfit I was wearing and mostly wore solid white sports socks or black anklets. The most fun thing about ANY of my socks until 2007 was a small lace ruffle around the edge of a few pairs. Then, suddenly and without warning, my feet broke loose! When I moved to the Grand Canyon to work, I found myself oddly drawn to the socks sold in our gift shops. I was soon wearing socks covered in bright turquoise and orange kokopelli figures, blue and purple desert motifs, beige and green hiking figures. Since then, a whole new world of funky socks has opened up to me, and in this page I am going to share that joy with you! Please enjoy browsing all the unique and definitely funky socks out there! And remember, fun for the SOLE is fun for the SOUL! arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:57:30 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/MoroccanJewelry North African jewelry, including Moroccan Arabic and Berber, is a rich art form featuring fine silver-work, colorful enameling, and inset stones. Some of the pieces have religious or superstitious meaning, such as the Hamsa, or Hand of Fatima (see below). I have recently expanded my knowledge and appreciation of these accessories and am eager to share them with you. arts Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:29:33 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/mediterranee These are some of the greetings you'd hear if you were actually vacationing in the countries of the Mediterranean region. Although, unfortunately, we cannot magically transport you physically into a chair by the sea, we CAN promise that at Mediterranee you will find the beauty, colors, and feel of the region in our unique gift products at prices much lower than if you were traveling home with them! Mediterranee is a Zazzle Gallery and part of CF World Emporium, a collection of regionally themed galleries operated by artist/designer and world traveler Tammy Winand. By clicking on any of the image links on this page, you will be taken directly to the product page, where you can see more details or, if you choose, customize the design to better suit your tastes! shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:48:39 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/funkypassions Look at the girl in that whacky hat! tee hee...that's me This page was intended to focus on all the unique and sometimes unusual passions and pastimes I get into. It is in the process of a complete overhaul to get it back into shape! arts Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:08:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/naralife Nara is an ancient capital of Japan, having served that role in the 8th Century AD. Some of the country's most beautiful temples are here, as well as scenes of natural beauty. The city is located in the Kansai (aka "Kinki") region of Honshu, the main Japanese island, less than one hour from Kyoto and Osaka. It is the capital of Nara Prefecture and has a population of close to 400,000. Due to its past status as capital, it remains full of historic treasures, including some of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:13:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/U2_2 Formed in 1978 in Dublin, Ireland, U2 released their first album, "Boy", in 1981, and has been a major league player on the world recording and tour circuit ever since. They are a phenomenon the likes of which the music world has rarely seen. They are as popular today, nearly 30 years after their inception, as ever, and continue to tour and bring their unique brand of music and politcal activism to the public. This page features links to their online presence and also offers fast links to obtain their music, video and biographical material. The photo in this intro is by Zachary Gillman and used by permission under the Creative Commons Atrribution License. IN THE SPIRIT OF THE BAND ITSELF, PROCEEDS FROM THIS LENS WILL GO TO FEEDING THE HUNGRY AND HELPING UNDER-PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES.  music Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:21:06 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/tea_time I have lived in both Ireland and the UK, where I developed a love of black tea (I take mine with heavy cream, no sugar) and learned a bit about the traditions associated with it. This lens is a brief overview of those traditions and a look at the products I consume regularly (three times a day, actually!). Enjoy! food Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:12:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/PreciousStoneJewelry Gemstone jewelry dates from roughly 3000 years BCE, with the first examples being from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. These examples were made of silver or gold and often included semi-precious stones such as agate, lapis, carnelian and jasper. This page is intended to provide examples of the variety of stones and styles on the market today and is by no means all-inclusive! Please enjoy browsing and, if a piece moves you and calls your name, click on it to add it to your collection! I know I will! arts Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:24:34 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/orlandolife As a long time resident of the Orlando, FL area, I thought a lens featuring a variety of cultural and hometown aspects of the area would be useful. Whether you are a new area resident, someone looking for more options with your family, or an out-of-towner looking for more diverse ways to enjoy your trip to town, in this page you will find area photos, information on cultural activities and destinations in the city, and links to local attractions. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:10:12 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/domesticviolence2 Look at my photo. Do I look like a domestic violence victim? A survivor? I am (a survivor). My point is that you simply CANNOT tell by looking when someone is being abused. This page was created in the hope that I can encourage others to get out of their abusive relationships. And abuse constitutes far more than physical harm. In fact, many d.v. survivors say the physical abuse is the easiest part of it to bear. In this lens I will explore types of domestic violence, as well as provide links to further info. health Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:22:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/vbradleyandmore Vera Bradley Designs, Inc. was founded in 1982 by Patricia Miller and Barbara Bradley Baekgaard, a 1962 graduate of Marymount College, and named after Baekgaard's mother. The company got its start when both were awaiting a flight in Atlanta when they noticed a "definite lack of feminine-looking luggage". The company also puts out a line of beautiful stationery and home decor which, to my knowledge, is only available online through their homepage. I have provided two links below to the stationery and home goods departments. shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:09:19 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/foundartjewelry Found Art Jewelry is jewelry made from things not necessarily designed to be made into or worn as jewelry, including but not limited to buttons, skeleton keys, nuts and bolts and other hardware, ribbons, scrapbook embellishments, or anything with a hole in it that can be strung! Seaglass and shells are other popular choices. arts Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:36:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/turquoise2 Ever since I was a teenager, I've had an attraction to the beauty of turquoise. My grandmother gave me a raw chunk necklace made by Pueblo Indians in Albuquerque, NM and it was love at first sight!  Since then, I have traveled 1500 miles to get closer to the source of this semi-precious stone, learning much about it's properties and charms along the way. Please join me in exploring the allure of turquoise!  A portion of the proceeds from sales made via this site go to benefit Native American charities.  animals Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:08:00 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/AllThingsTam This lens is dedicated to the various creative works of Tammy Winand. Tammy is a photographer, an acrylic landscape/abstracts painter, a jewelry designer, and also works in collage/altered art/assemblage. She also writes creative non-fiction and occasional poetry. arts Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:23:36 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CrypticFragmentsBio You may have seen my lensography...it is my highest ranked lens! However, a list of lenses cannot explain ME, and a lensmaster bio page seemed too brief. So I created this page to really let you get to know more about who I am behind this internet mask I wear. people Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:37:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CobaltGlassDecor Cobalt glass has been manufactured since at least Roman times. Bottles and glass beads of this color have been found dating from the 1st Century AD. 2000 years later, it is still one of the most popular types/colors of glass used for decorative purposes. Cobalt glass catches and reflects light in a stunning display. This page showcases some options for cobalt glass products that bring a colorful elegance to any home. arts Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:02:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/BlueWillow Blue Willow is an elegant Asian~styled decoration used on china from tableware to ceramic jars, usually in vibrant cobalt blue on white. Developed at the Caughley China factory of Stoke-on-Trent in Shropshire, England by Thomas Minton (see the Wikipedia article below), Blue Willow continues to be one of the most popular designs in modern tableware. arts Sun, 06 Jul 2008 15:32:55 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/disneyjapan In 1983, the popular American-based theme-park company opened Tokyo Disneyland, the first Disney park outside the United States. By 2007, Tokyo Disneyland was hosting roughly 14 million guests annually, ranking it the third-most visited amusement park in the world behind its two American sister parks, WDW Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. Tokyo Disneyland is celebrating its 25th Anniversary during 2008. The image at left is of the Tokyo Disneyland Cinderella Castle. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:17:40 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/faveirishplaces Ireland is a top tourist destination and one I can highly recommend. I have been there three times for a total of 22 weeks and feel a bit Irish even though I have very little Irish blood. This lens is about my favorite locations in the country, mainly natural and historic sites, which I'd like to introduce you to now. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:03:20 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/PrayerBoxPendants A ghau, also known as a Prayer Box, is a small silver and gemstone pendant within which small sacred items, such as turquoise (believed to ward off evil), miniature scrolls or sacred texts, or Tibetan incense is kept. Traditionally, Tibetans use Ghau as portable shrines where prayers and sacred relics are kept. More recently, and outside Tibet, "prayer box" pendants are often worn as jewelry or personal adornment. I am pleased to share my passion for this unique and beautiful ornament with you! arts Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:12:11 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/origamipaper Welcome to the new online origami outlet! This is THE place to find beautiful origami and chiyogami paper for your projects. These colorful patterned papers are traditionally used in the folding art of origami. However, they are also excellent for card making, collage, and other mixed media arts! Please enjoy browsing the varied selections below. Simply click on the ones you like for more info about where to acquire them. shopping Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:32:54 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/crypticfragmentsjewelry Welcome to the showcase for my jewelry and mixed media designs. I love creating jewelry from wood, glass and silver beads, found objects, and charms. I also design mixed media cards, canvases and boxes. All of these items are available for purchase! arts Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:25:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/groups..selfhelpauthors Self-Help Authors For lenses about self-help and inspirational authors of all kinds. If they write about improving your quality of life, and you have a lens about them, put it here! arts Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:00:45 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/sarahbanbreathnach Sarah ban Breathnach (pronounced ban brannock) is a self-help author whose works, especially Simple Abundance, have had a large impact on my life. On this site you will be introduced to her best known works and provided links to related online material. arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:16:16 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/westernskies Western Skies is devoted to bringing you the best photography from the western and southwestern United States. We feature images from Arizona (including Grand Canyon National Park and Sedona), New Mexico, and (coming soon) Wyoming. Simply click on any of the images on this page to view the product in its original context. From there, you can customize or purchase any of our gift items. The great thing about Zazzle is that YOU choose the style and color of the product you want our designs on. You can even add your own words! How's that for supporting individual creativity? In addition, we accept special requests and can partner with you to add your images and logos onto any product offered by the company. Simply contact us directly and let us know what you need! shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:41:24 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/CFWorldEmporium The CF (short for CrypticFragments, their creator's, pseudonym) World Emporium is a collective of seven separate but related Zazzle galleries, each focusing on gifts and design from a different region of the world, plus two "sister" gallery shops featuring designs from all the represented locations. The project was begun by designer Tammy Winand in April 2008 to bring together her love of travel with her passion for producing beautiful creative arts. The shops continue to grow rapidly and are constantly adding new designs and gift items. Each section below will introduce you to one of the galleries, telling you what you can expect to find there as far as design styles and product types. Clicking on any of the images will take you directly to the product page, thus into that gallery, where you can see all the designs we have available. *************************************************************************************************************************** shopping Sat, 05 Jul 2008 08:30:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/groups..importedgoods Imported Goods This group is for lenses about imported foods, bath products, and crafts and decor. If you have a lens on any of these topics, submit it to feature here! And have fun! shopping Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:19:38 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/japanesecandy The candy products of Japan are not only tasty, but they come in some amazingly beautiful packages which tempt the eye. I fell in love with Japanese candy at the Japan Pavilion at EPCOT years ago, and still can't get enough! So I decided to create an online shopping site for others who love these goodies but cannot find them where they live. Image at left is strawberry Pocky Sticks candy, a Japanese classic. food Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:22:15 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/somersetstudios Somerset Publications, a division of www.stampington.com, publishes a wide variety of magazines directed at creative artists. From mixed media and altered art to unique jewelry and rubber stamps/card making, if you are a maker of wonderful things, you will find a Somerset Publication geared towards you! This page will showcase the main publications produced and distributed by the Stampington group. arts Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:40:03 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/Top10Lenses It just occurred to me that a fun and interesting experiment would be to create a lens on my top 10 lenses, including a Featured Lens module for each, along with some statistical info on traffic, change in LR from start to end of each month, and so forth. This lens will be updated at the start of every new Squid-month. Current stats are as of June 9, 2008 and there have been some radical changes. Next update scheduled for July 7. seo Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:30:23 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/superseaglass Seaglass is a true case of one person's trash becoming someone else's treasure. Comprised of discarded fishing floats, bottles and other glass items which have broken and been tumbled smooth by tides and time, seaglass is an extraordinary prize from the deep. animals Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:40:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/rubberstamproom Welcome to the Rubber Stamp Room on Squidoo! Rubber stamping is a fun, easy, and very creative way to express your sentiments or create amazing art! The variety of stamps available is virtually endless. I wanted to put together a place which would feature both images of great rubber stamped projects and links to purchase those stamps... a one-stop-shop! You will find... one click purchasing of amazon.com titles and products, links to great eBay auctions, inspiring flickr photos of stamps and stamping projects, and a list of links to other great stamping resources! Have fun looking around, and take a moment to sign the guestbook! arts Wed, 09 Jul 2008 23:30:56 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/ABloggingLife Well, this page was inevitable. As an addict of blogging and of Squidoo, it only seemed natural to use each to feature the other. I'm not sure exactly when I started my first blog. It was several years ago, probably in conjunction with an early MySpace account. Since then, I have had blogs hosted by MySpace, Xanga, and (my current choice) Blogger. This lens will introduce you to my current blogs, which cover a wide range of topics. Sometimes I have a hard time remembering which I am working on! arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:05:28 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/gcsouthrim For 11 months, I was fortunate enough to live and work at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Grand Canyon!  Grand Canyon National Park's South Rim is a unique environment which hosts an estimated 5 million visitors per year from all corners of the world. This lens will introduce you to some of the attractions and amenities which can be found here. I hope you will be intrigued and, if you have not already seen this amazing natural wonder for yourself, you will soon make plans to do so! Photo courtesy of NPS. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 22:08:53 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/tokyolife Not only is Tokyo the capital of Japan, it is also on the cutting edge of modern technological society. The culture there reflects this in unique ways. And yet, Tokyo also retains aspects of the old ways. This page will explore some of these curious contradictions in photos and a few words. travel Wed, 07 May 2008 12:06:46 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/choclatefriend Growing up only 20 some miles from Hershey, PA, one of the world capitals of chocolate, I have been inundated with chocolate propaganda since a very young age. The idea that chocolate makes everyone smile and can help the world communicate (thanks, ChocolateWorld!) was ingrained in my young mind, and even some 35 years later, I am still convinced there is some truth to this. Read on and discover more about the yummiest treat on earth! food Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:04:29 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/albuquerqueNM Although not the capital of New Mexico (Santa Fe holds this title), Albuquerque is the state's largest city, home to a major university (UNM) and located along historic Route 66. I lived there for several months, and would like to introduce you to some reasons you should visit. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 20:30:05 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/WhoPooped An illustrated children's book with an attention-grabbing title. I can attest from personal experience in National Park retail that this book is consistently a best-seller. Let's find out what all the stink (pardon the pun) is about! arts Sat, 19 Jul 2008 21:24:18 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/iceskatingvidchannel I started ice skating at age 11 and immediately fell in love. Throughout junior and into senior high school, many weekends were spent at the local rink. I even took lessons from a former Ice Capades coach for awhile. But although I never became a serious competitive skater, I still love watching it! This lens showcases some of the world's top amateur competitors. sports Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:20:31 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/barbarahodgson Barbara is a Canadian author of several illustrated novels whose style is similar to Nick Bantock (author of the Griffin and Sabine series). Her books are published by Raintree Press. The pages are full of fascinating travel ephemera which can hold your attention alone, but the text is compelling in its own right. If you enjoy stories set in exotic locations and that hold more than a tinge of mystery and the arcane, you'll like this stuff! arts Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:21:49 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/kaffe fabric artist, quilt designer, and mosaic artist are just a few of the "titles" which apply to this unique creative soul. I am in love with his wildly colorful fabrics and know you will be too. shopping Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:42:57 -0600 http://www.squidoo.com/faveUKplaces In 2005 I spent nearly six months living and traveling in the UK, so I developed a list of favorite places. Some are well-known, others not typically considered top destinations. I can recommend all of them for Anglophiles or anyone looking for places off-the-beaten path. travel Sat, 05 Jul 2008 09:11:04 -0600