3 aspects of a Wine Country Life

 Hi, I’m Yana from WineCountryLife.

I live and create in the beautiful Napa Valley of California. Napa valley is known for its wine industry, thus often referred to as “Wine Country”. Today I would like to share with you what it’s like to live a wine country life. Here are the three aspects that in my opinion define a life in Wine Country.

1. Inspiring vineyard views.
It does not take much to get inspired here. There are gorgeous vineyards everywhere and it’s fascinating to watch grape vines change year round. I often take my camera and go for a walk. I watch leaves change colors in fall making vineyards flare up with red, orange, and yellow.

When winter comes grape vines become bare exposing bright stripes of green grass and yellow mustard flowers between the rows of grape vines. In spring you’ll see vines waking up from winter hibernation with fragile leaf buds coming out. In the beginning of summer I keep a close eye on the vines waiting for them to bloom. Have you ever seen grapes bloom? They bloom so shortly and their flowers are so small and unpretentious that you can easily miss it. The entire season cycle is so beautiful in the vineyards that I decided to create a calendar depicting the life of vines through the 12 months of a year.

Fresh country air, warm California sun, and the beautiful Napa country side always rejuvenate me but there is more that makes Napa Valley such a happy place.

2. Culture of hospitality.
All of these grapes and all the wine would mean nothing if you couldn’t share it with others. Many Napa Valley wineries set a great example of hospitality by hosting wine tastings for their guests, regular parties for their club members, as well as all kinds of charity events. Napa lifestyle is big on hosting and entertaining not only at wineries but on a personal level.

I like inviting friends over for dinner that is always paired with delicious Napa Valley wine. And whenever you visit someone you bring… you guessed it! – a bottle of wine.

3. Napa Valley Style
Going out to dinner or wine tasting is also a big part of a wine country life. Most people get fashionable and dress up when going out in Napa Valley. Even though California fashion style is rather casual and you can wear your flip-flops or tennis shoes almost everywhere, when it comes to Napa Valley, people get extravagant. That’s why luxurious one of a kind jewelry and accessories are another part of a wine country life.

It’s not unusual to see limousines on the roads of Napa Valley. People often hire a limo with a driver to go wine tasting, which is very reasonable - who would want to go to a winery and not try all of that delicious wine? There is a lot of fine dining in Napa Valley, The French Laundry being the most famous. Napa Valley is also home to some modern artists and you will see beautiful art installations walking the streets in Napa or Yountville. So it’s only natural that people want to look chic when they are going out in Napa Valley. Do you think I can pull it off? :)

Gorgeous views, great hospitality, and fabulous style are the three aspects of a Wine Country Life as I see it. I’d say it’s definitely a happy life. I strongly encourage you to come and visit if you have not yet. If you have been to Napa Valley, I don’t have to persuade you for long. I would also suggest that you get yourself a piece of Napa Valley by shopping at WineCountryLife ;-)

16 ways to greet Autumn

Fall is a beautiful and cozy season. The colors of nature are changing, you can see the yellow, orange and brown everywhere.

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Let's say hello to Autumn by changing the decor in our homes. You don't have to paint the walls in cheerful colors, all you need is some fall decorations.

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I like to buy new items for my wardrobe every season, it feels like you have changed too. Just a couple of new things will make you feel this way!

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Don't forget the accessories, the easiest way to transform your look and be ready for the season!

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Have a great Fall!

By Tanya (Socksandmittens)

Alice in Wonderland

“Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do. Once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is the use of a book”, thought Alice, “without pictures or conversations?”…”

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The ever popular “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is the kind of book that does not make you bored. It sure has some conversations to keep you entertained. We know it from childhood yet we still find it fascinating through our adult years.

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The story of Alice brings out the magical world with riddles, logic games and puns, and strange creatures; it stimulates our imagination; it inspires us to blend fantasy with reality.

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“Take some more tea”, the March Hare said to Alice, very earnestly.
“I’ve had nothing yet”, Alice replied in an offended tone, “so I can’t take more.”
“You mean you can’t take less”, said the Hatter; “it’s very easy to take more than nothing.”

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Every now and then all of us need to travel down the rabbit hole to break away from bogging routines. Sometimes we need a mad tea party to give us a fresh perspective on things and inspire our imagination. Taking some time with a good book such as “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” is a great way to bring more creativity into your life.

Story by Yana (WineCountryLife)

Very berry inspiration

Recently I’ve been getting out to my back yard every morning to stretch in the sun and eat some blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries that grow in my garden. That gives me a good dose of energy to start the day and get busy creating.

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The summer abundance of fresh fruit and berries is exhilarating and we want to prolong it as much as we can. This berry inspiration goes far beyond making jams and jellies. We try to preserve summer by creating berry inspired art and crafts.

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The beauty and exciting freshness of berries is an inspiration for people working in many different techniques. Check out these works by Russian Artists inspired by strawberries. Each one of them is unique and reflects the berry inspiration in its own way.

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No matter what the techniques or materials are, berry inspired accessories liven up any wardrobe and bring a happy smile to our faces. So eat up on fresh berries and design something berry inspired this summer!

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Story by Yana (WineCountryLife)

Interview with a star - Yuliya at YuliyaArt

If you like surreal art, photography and one of a kind beaded jewelry take a look at Yuliya's shops on Etsy. Each item there is so special! Yulia is sharing her thoughts with us today about her art and business.


What do you sell and what is so special about your works?

I sell surreal illustrations, digital paintings, dreamy photography and beaded jewelry. I consider not only my artworks, but any artworks created special as it comes from the talent, which nobody in the world has but creator, this is what makes any artwork out there unique in it’s own way.


I actually have three shops. One is YuliyaArt where you can find my illustration and digital paintings in form of prints, postcards. I have there a section, called Interestingness with results of my experiments and new techniques.



My second shop is GoldenSection. It is a photography shop, come here for light and romantic prints of spring blossoms, magic castles and sentimental sunsets, they fit wonderfully to almost all kinds of home decor.


My third shop, called Saawariya is the place to come for my jewelry creations, elegant, casual and sparkly necklaces, precious beaded flower earrings, they can be perfect gift for the lady, who has everything.


Why did you decide on Golden Section for your business?
It has very special meaning and impact on my life. In everything I do in life I believe it is very important to stay in the Golden Section: whether you are creating your new artwork or just resting and spending time with your family or simply enjoying a dessert (I am such a sweet tooth!:)). I believe if you will be able to balance in Golden Section, you can enjoy anything in life!

What would you say makes your shops unique?
I believe every person’s creations are unique, every single shop on Etsy is unique.

Do you have a favorite item you have made?
Yes, I do! My latest drawings, especially Safari, I made it for Illustration Friday challenge. I tend to love the latest creation until new one will not come.



Why will people love your items?
I do not expect people to love my artworks. I create simply because I cannot live without it. But I get very happy and extremely grateful when my customers like it, I genuinely feel it is the best compliment for the artist. I want to say big thank you to all my customers for their support, inspiration and being there for me!

Your Linear Magic line is so popular. What's the key?
I think the key is that I draw it being honest, it is all about real feelings, relationships, communication, everything which any person in the world can relate.


Do you use any special techniques or tools?
I wouldn’t call them special, but I love to try a lot of techniques and tools and only then I can choose the best ones to show my idea perfectly.

Any sales or promotions?
I am currently preparing a surprise for my customers, stay tuned! :)

Where would you like to go with your business?
As far as it takes me, I am very open in this matter, I just follow my intuition.


What are your best marketing tips?
Be honest to yourself and your talent and fair to your customers.

Name 3 things you can’t live without?
There is only one and it is a person: I cannot leave without my husband, he is my main inspiration, great example and support in life! With everything else I am quite flexible.

Do you have a Favorite quote you'd like to share with us?
There is no charge for awesomeness... or attractiveness. (from Kung Fu Panda)


Thank you for this great opportunity to share my ideas and artworks with all your wonderful audience! I wish all of you to develop your sparkle to the highest level possible and be very very happy and thoroughly satisfied! Don't worry, trust your talent, be honest to it and it will take care of you.

Good Luck and Best Wishes!

Truly yours,
Yuliya

Seaside vacation

Summer is here, the kids are out of school and it's time to think about your family vacation. What can be better than spending your time together by the sea!

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You could build a sand castle, make a bracelet out of tiny shells you find on a beach with your kids, play a word game on the warm sand or spend every minute of your vacation for your own enjoyment.

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Every photo you will take during your trip will remind you of the great summer of 2011!

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Our team members are sun, summer and sea lovers too. That's why they made these wonderful one of a kind things and share them with us!

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Have a great summer!

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Story & collages by Tanya (Socksandmittens)

Blooming garden

My garden is all I can think about now. I caught myself stopping regularly by the nurseries to see if they've received anything new I could add to our garden. I am hoping for peonies and lilacs to arrive but it's too hot for them where I live.

Instead I am getting petunias and roses, even though my garden is full of them. I just can not resist to see the colorful flowers and smell the wonderful fragrance every spring!

So many people are enjoying gardening right now. Some of them are also trying to save the moment by creating the wonderful items by any possible means. Jewelry, felted brooches and scarves, pretty clothing, art photography and paintings, there is so many ways to remember the spring garden at any time of the year!

Then it will stay with you forever.

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Story by Tanya (Socksandmittens)
Photo collages by Katrin (KarisaGraphic)

Interview with a star - Irina (IrinaPhotography)

Today, we'd like to introduce one more our team member - Irina.


Please, tell about yourself.
Hi! As you all already know my name is Irina. :) I was born in Russia, but almost all my life, I spent in Ukraine - on great and beautiful Crimea Peninsula. It's southern part of Ukraine that was very famous in Soviet Union like tourist place.


How long have you been doing photography? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
I've been doing photography since my teen age. That's a kind of our family passion. :) I took this passion from my dad who's been done photography since his teen age. I remember from my childhood a lot of photographs of my mom and dad, my grandmas and grandpas. They all were done by my dad. They were black and white pictures developed at home. Yes, my dad developed and printed them on his own. :) He teached me how to do that, and I have began with black and white film photography, with developing and printing. I clearly remember how it was exciting... My dad, mom, and I always printed photographs at very late night. We didn't have black room, so there wasn't choice to do that at day time. My parents set up printing tools, and for me, it was like a some kind of magic. :) We still keep the gear in my parent's home. :)


What is the most important about your work?
I love it! This is the most important. This is my passion, my hobby, my lifestyle. Photography really sooth my soul after working day. I'm not professional photographer; I work as software quality assurance engineer. So photo art helps me to relax at the end of the day. :)


What are your main sources of inspiration?
I guess, it's mother nature. At first glance, landscapes are still. But this is not true. Every moment changes all around us: look at the sky... it's in motion, look at the light on hills.. it's in motion. :) I like to come back in my favorite places such as Yosemite park and others... I have a lot of pictures taken from the same point, but the photographs all different. So yes, definetely mother nature is my source of inspiration. :)


Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Just things? :) or something else...? :)
OK... my family, my camera, and my computer :)


Do you have a Favorite quote you'd like to share with us?
It's not a quote... but a phrase that I like and believe in it. Actually, there are two of them:
Everything in our lives is given for us for some reason.
Everything happenes for better in our lives.

Happy New Year!

Dear readers and team members!

We wish you this season of joy open doors to new opportunities, success, happiness, and joy. We appreciate our association past year, and we look forward to see you next year. :)

Best wishes for the pleasant and successful New Year!

Photo by Irina (IrinaPhotography)

Interview With A Star - Yulia Kazansky

Today our feautured guest is Yulia Kazansky who is a member of a Russian Artists Etsy team. Yulia has two shops on Etsy with complitely different content. One of them is yuliaart which has an artistic trend, the other one is Timeagain which features beautiful vintage jewelry, mostly of Russian origin made of amber, turquoise and coral.

Q. Tell us, please a bit about yourself.
I was born and raised in Moscow, a capital of Russia. I got physics degree from Moscow State University. 15 years ago I immigrated to United States with my 2 sons. After living in Minnesota and Alaska I finally settled in North West Washington State, near Seattle. My children are living now in sunny Arizona.

Q. Why did you start making artwork?
As long as I remember myself I was always drawing, painting and making something of colored paper. I started to go to paint on plain air together with my grandfather as soon as I could walk and carry paper and watercolor. He was fine self-taught artist. Later, when I was about 10, my dad introduced me to photography when he bought a cheap simple camera. We even developed films and printed photos ourselves! So I am familiar with the depth of the process.

Q. Your Etsy shop undergone significant transformation recently?
Yes, I closed down my photography shop and right now I am reorganizing my art shop. As a new venue I started to make small art pendants, miniature art work painted on canvas, glued to wooden tile and varnished. I did not forget about photography, too! Usually I take a lot of photos, especially after I bought a new digital camera Nikon 200. I found a way to employ them: I started making digital collage sheets of my own photographs.Most of my fine art photography, paintings and animal portrait paintings are on my new website now: http://www.yuliakazansky.net/

Q. What was behind the idea of opening your vintage jewelry shop, Yulia?
Well, after my aunt passed away in Russia, her sister sent me lots of her and my grandmother's jewelry, semi-precious stones, amber and so on. It was really exciting to receive all of this. I found it is very pleasing esthetically create necklaces, bracelets and earrings of those beautiful stones. I still have whole box to go through...
Follow my blogs: Journal of Shutterfreak and Art by Yulia

Thank you for being with us today, Yulia!

Wonderful things wednesday - Fall Highlights

Signs of fall are all around us. Leaves are turning colors from bright red to yellow. The air is getting crisp and clear. This is your chance to see how nature is preparing for the long winter! Grab your kids, pack your lunch and head out for a day in the park.

There are always lots to do in the park. You can gather acorns, watch and listen for migrating birds or just make some sketches of leaves. Of course you can always take pictures of the beautiful colorful hues of the leaves. Soon it will be gone until next fall.

The best of all, you will have some quiet time with your family. You will cherish these memories through the years, because time spent together with the people you love is priceless.

1. Felted wool acorns - set of 5 by CityCrochet
2. Copper necklace oak leaf and acorn by BlueberryCream
3. Nuno Felted Mitts - Green and Ginger by Galafilc
4. Orange Oak leafs Pendant Recycled genuine Leather by Katrinshine


1. Cell phone Ipod cozy wool Acorn by Socksandmittens
2. Taste of East Nuno felted Hoodie scarf cowl by JaneBoFelt
3. Colors of Fall. 8x10 Fine Art Photograph by IrinaPhotography
4. Ceramic eco friendly travel mug - Red Dragon by Yevgenia



1. Wool Felted Art hand dyed and painted scarf - Autumn Blues by Dalmmar
2. Hand Knit Hat and Scarf Set by Nikifashion
3. Autumn foliage digital collage sheet 1.5 inch circles by KarisaGraphic
4. Colorful maple leaves in water fine art photography by YuliaKazansky



1. Knit scarf brown yellow felt flowers brooch Autumn by Allmadewithlove
2. Very orange crocheted pumpkin decoration by AleksandraRoo
3. Pumpkin Hat PDF pattern and Pumpkin Amigurumi pattern by CuffeShop
4. Vintage Filigree Rhinestone Leaf Brooch Pin by Vintageer