A Wonderful Weekend at the Craft Show! 🍂🦋

Happy Wednesday, everyone!

I wanted to share a little bit about my weekend and some pictures from the craft show I participated in last Friday!

After weeks of creating, packaging, organizing, and preparing, it was wonderful to finally get everything set up and ready for visitors.

And I'm happy to say that the show went really well!

I sold quite a few of my handmade creations, met some truly amazing people, and had such a lovely time visiting with everyone.

My display included original watercolor artwork, nature photography, handmade journals, art note cards, bookmarks, gift tags, and some of my handmade Christmas ornaments. It was so much fun seeing everything together in one place!

Of course, one of the best parts of attending a craft show is meeting other creative people. There were so many talented artists and crafters, and I couldn't resist bringing home a few handmade treasures of my own!

I've included some pictures of my booth so you can take a little peek at what I've been working on.

It was a busy day, but such a rewarding one. There is something very special about seeing people appreciate the things you've created with your own hands.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by, chatted with me, or purchased something from Butterfly in the Attic. Your kindness and support mean more than you know!

I'm already looking forward to my next creative adventure.

Until next time, happy creating! 🦋💕

Countdown to Christmas 2026 — Week 5 | Handmade Gifts & Favorite Finds

Welcome back to another week of the Countdown to Christmas 2026!

It's hard to believe we're already at Week 5! The holidays seem to get a little closer every time I sit down to share another collection of handmade treasures.

One of my favorite things about this countdown is discovering all the beautiful and creative items offered by talented artists and small business owners. There's something special about finding a gift made with imagination, care, and a personal touch.

This week I've gathered ten favorites to share with you. There is a little bit of everything, from gorgeous jewelry and colorful beads to artwork, journals, and holiday gifts.

My Favorite Handmade Finds for Week 5

1. Light Sky Blue Lampwork Glass Bead — Covergirlbeads

I love the delicate sky-blue color of this handmade glass bead. The silver details give it such a lovely finish, and it would make a beautiful addition to a favorite bracelet.

2. Vintage Cameo Statement Necklace — Blonde Peach Jewelry

You know how much I love vintage-inspired treasures! This beautiful cameo necklace combines warm burnt-orange quartz with an old-fashioned look that is perfect for autumn.

3. Turquoise Peace Sign Earrings — The Singing Beader

These fun earrings feature natural turquoise chips and silver-tone peace sign charms. They're a wonderful combination of color, personality, and a little retro charm.

4. Dragonfly Journal and Bookmark Gift Set — Blue Morning Expressions

Dragonflies, flowers, and a beautiful journal—what a lovely combination! This coordinated journal and bookmark set would make a thoughtful gift for someone who enjoys writing, reading, or simply keeping a little notebook close by.

5. Autumn Remembered Handmade Junk Journal — Butterfly in the Attic

I'm also sharing one of my own handmade creations this week. Autumn Remembered is a one-of-a-kind junk journal created from a repurposed vintage book, filled with autumn-inspired artwork, layered papers, and little discoveries tucked throughout its pages.

This project was a labor of love, and I'm delighted to include it among this week's handmade favorites.

6. Cute Bear Keychain — Adore By Nat

Sometimes the smallest gifts bring the biggest smiles! This adorable bear keychain is such a sweet little accessory and would make a fun stocking stuffer.

7. University of Tampa Art Prints — WatercolorsNMore

These beautiful University of Tampa giclée art prints are a lovely way to celebrate a special place. Artwork makes such a meaningful gift, especially when it brings back favorite memories.

8. Hanukkah Menorah Napkins — Etsy

Holiday gatherings are even more special with beautiful table linens. These Hanukkah-themed napkins would add an elegant seasonal touch to a festive table.

9. Horses, Moon & Stars Earrings — Shadow Dog Designs

These earrings caught my eye with their combination of horses, celestial details, ceramic lampwork, and crystals. Such a creative design for someone who loves horses and unique handmade jewelry.

10. Amethyst Jewelry Gift Set — Etsy

Purple is such a beautiful color for jewelry, and this amethyst set offers a coordinated necklace, earrings, and bracelet. A lovely gift idea for someone who enjoys gemstone jewelry.

Join the Countdown to Christmas!

These are just a few of the wonderful creations being shared this week.

The Countdown to Christmas is hosted by Blue Morning Expressions and brings together talented makers and small businesses to share their creations and inspire a little handmade holiday shopping.

Visit the main event to discover even more beautiful finds:

Countdown to Christmas 2026 — Week 5 at Blue Morning Expressions

Whether you're shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, a birthday, or simply treating yourself, I hope you'll take a little time to explore these creative shops.

Thank you for stopping by Butterfly in the Attic and supporting handmade artists and small businesses. Every visit, share, and kind word means so much to the makers behind these treasures.

Happy handmade shopping!

#BMECountdown #ShopHandmade #SupportSmallBusiness #HandmadeGifts #CountdownToChristmas

Countdown to Christmas 2026: Week 4 Handmade Favorites

Welcome back to another week of handmade discoveries! I always enjoy seeing the creativity that comes together for the Blue Morning Expressions Countdown to Christmas. This week I picked ten treasures that caught my eye, from jewelry and artwork to charming paper goods and thoughtful gifts.

Before we explore my favorites, be sure to visit Countdown to Christmas — Week 4 at Blue Morning Expressions for even more wonderful finds from independent makers.

Handcrafted Resin Rose

AudsCraftedCreations

A forever bloom with glass-like resin petals, made to order in your choice of colors.

Visit this handmade find →

Brown Leather Leaf Clip-On Earrings

Blonde Peach Jewelry

Earthy brown leather leaves and warm gold-tone details make these a beautiful nature-inspired accessory.

Visit this handmade find →

Silver Candy Cane Charm Earrings

Etsy artisan

These silver-tone candy cane earrings bring a little holiday sparkle with iridescent crystal accents.

Visit this handmade find →

Nature Collected — Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

Butterfly In The Attic

From my own shop: a one-of-a-kind nature-inspired art journal tucked into an altered tin, filled with old-fashioned creative charm.

Visit this handmade find →

Dragonflies Change Journal

Blue Morning Expressions

A cheerful 6 × 9 spiral-bound journal with a choice of lined pages or a to-do-list format.

Visit this handmade find →

Vintage Bird Music Favor Tags

Adore By Nat

Beautifully layered vintage bird tags with sheet-music backgrounds—lovely for gifts, favors, and special packages.

Visit this handmade find →

Blue Olive Winter Botanical Table Linens

LinorStore Designs

Soft blue olive branches and winter botanicals bring an elegant touch to a holiday table.

Visit this handmade find →

Black Lava Rock and Red Lampwork Bracelet

Covergirlbeads

Bold red handmade lampwork beads, black lava stone, and sterling silver create a striking artisan bracelet.

Visit this handmade find →

Historic Tampa Theatre Limited Edition Print

watercolorsNmore

A charming watercolor tribute to the historic Tampa Theatre, full of architectural character and nostalgia.

Visit this handmade find →

Raven and Picture Jasper Necklace

Shadow Dog Designs

A detailed wood-burned raven pendant paired with earthy picture jasper and sterling silver.

Visit this handmade find →

Thank you for spending a little time browsing these creative treasures with me. When you shop from artists and independent makers, you help keep wonderful handmade traditions alive. Happy holiday browsing!

With warm wishes,
Butterfly In The Attic 🦋

From Autumn Leaves to Winter Snowflakes – A Little Handmade Magic in the Attic

 There is something special about this time of year. Autumn is still sharing its beautiful colors with us, while little hints of winter and the Christmas season are beginning to appear.

Here at Butterfly In The Attic, I've been spending some of my creative time working with resin, experimenting with colors, shapes, and little decorative touches. I thought it would be fun to share a few of the pieces that have recently found their way into the shop.

A Little Autumn Warmth 🍂

Autumn has always offered so much inspiration for creating. The beautiful oranges, reds, golds, and earthy colors seem to invite us to bring a little of the season indoors.

Autumn Maple Leaf Handmade Resin Trinket Dish – Orange, Red & Gold

One of my recent creations is a pumpkin-shaped resin dish in warm autumn shades, accompanied by three tiny handmade pumpkins. I also created a colorful maple leaf dish inspired by the changing leaves of the season.

Handmade Resin Pumpkin Trinket Dish & Mini Pumpkins – Fall Décor Set of 4

I love making pieces like these because they can become part of a seasonal display, adding a little handmade character to a favorite shelf or tabletop.

And, of course, no two handmade resin pieces turn out exactly alike. The way the colors move and blend is always part of the adventure!

And Then Come the Snowflakes ❄️

While I am still enjoying autumn, I've also been looking ahead to Christmas.

Lately, my worktable has been filled with shades of blue, from delicate icy colors to deeper midnight tones.

Winter's Blue Sparkle – Handmade Resin Snowflake Christmas Ornament

I've been making resin snowflake ornaments, each with its own little personality. Some have a light, frosty appearance, while others feature richer blues, swirling colors, and sparkling details.

There's something especially satisfying about seeing a finished ornament catch the light. I like imagining these little snowflakes hanging among the branches of a Christmas tree, perhaps becoming part of someone's holiday decorating traditions.

Handmade Blue Resin Snowflake Christmas Ornament

Handmade, One Piece at a Time

One of the things I enjoy most about creating with resin is that every piece has its own character.

Even when I use the same mold, the colors, patterns, and tiny details can turn out differently. That is part of what makes handmade creations special to me.

Life has been especially busy lately, so my creative time has been a little more limited than usual. But whenever I can, I still find myself returning to the worktable to see what I can make next.

Sometimes it's an autumn pumpkin, sometimes it's a winter snowflake, and sometimes it's simply the pleasure of trying something new.

A Little Something from the Attic

If you'd like to see more pieces, I've begun adding my handmade resin creations to Butterfly In The Attic.

You'll find a growing assortment of seasonal decorations and little handmade treasures, with more pieces coming as time allows.

Visit the shop: https://butterflyintheattic.shop

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending a little time in the attic with me.

Whether you're still enjoying the colors of autumn or already dreaming of Christmas, I hope you find a little inspiration to make something beautiful today.

Until next time,

Butterfly In The Attic 🦋

Countdown to Christmas Week 3 – A Few of My Handmade Favorites

Christmas is getting a little closer, and that means it’s time for Week 3 of the BME Countdown to Christmas!

Each week, Julie at Blue Morning Expressions brings together a wonderful assortment of handmade gifts and creations from independent artists and makers. I always enjoy wandering through the selections and choosing a few favorites of my own to share here.

There is quite a mix this week—whimsical snowmen, beautiful handmade jewelry, artwork, a little Christmas nostalgia, and even something for the cat lovers among us.

But first, be sure to visit Countdown to Christmas Week 3 at Blue Morning Expressions to see all of this week’s participating artists and handmade finds.

A Few of My Week 3 Favorites

⛄ These Little Snowmen Made Me Smile

I couldn't resist these cheerful handmade glass snowman earrings. Between their little hats, scarves, carrot noses, and colorful details, they have so much personality. They would be such a fun way to add a little Christmas whimsy to an outfit.

White Glass Snowman Artist Handmade Lampwork Earrings

🎅 A Little Santa Cheer

These dangling Santa earrings from Blonde Peach Jewelry immediately caught my eye. The rich Christmas red and green combined with those tiny Santas makes them wonderfully festive without losing that handmade charm.

Handcrafted Santa Claus Dangling Clip-On Earrings for Women

❄️ Snowmen & Winter Birds

Apparently snowmen are winning me over this week! I love the sweet artwork on these earrings from Shadow Dog Designs. The little snowmen and birds against the bright red background have such a cheerful winter feeling.

Snowmen & Birds Christmas Earrings from Shadow Dog Designs

🔔 A Little Christmas Bell

These delicate gold filigree bell earrings from The Singing Beader are simple, elegant and wonderfully festive. I especially like that they could easily be worn beyond Christmas, too. The tiny filigree bells hang from delicate chains and make a lovely understated holiday accessory. Etsy

Small Gold Filigree Bell Charm Earrings from The Singing Beader

🎨 A Splash of Color

These Caladium art cards are such a beautiful change of pace among all the traditional Christmas colors. The watercolor reproductions are full of brilliant reds, pinks, greens and blues and would be lovely for anyone who enjoys botanical artwork. Etsy

Caladium Art Cards by watercolorsNmore

🕎🎄 Love Lights the Season

I thought this personalized ornament was especially lovely because it celebrates both Hanukkah and Christmas. The colorful lights surrounding the design make it feel cheerful and festive, while the personalization turns it into a keepsake.

Personalized Interfaith Christian & Jewish Ornament on Etsy

📓 For the Cat Lovers

This one just made me laugh: “I Work Hard So My Cats Can Have a Better Life.”

Any cat lover will understand! This 6 × 9 journal from Blue Morning Expressions would make a fun little gift, stocking stuffer, or notebook for that person whose cats clearly run the household. Blue Morning Expressions currently lists it among its trending journals. Writer's Gifts

I Work Hard So My Cat Has a Better Life Journal

❤️ Red, Black & Just a Little Sizzle

I love the striking contrast in this bracelet from Covergirlbeads. Charlotte combined handmade red lampwork beads with black lava rock, sterling silver beads and a sterling toggle clasp. It has a dramatic look that would be beautiful during the holidays but certainly isn't limited to Christmas. Covergirlbeads

Sizzling Black Lava Rock & Red Lampwork Bracelet from Covergirlbeads

🎅 A Bit of Christmas Nostalgia

Of course, I couldn't pass these by. These vintage-inspired Santa gift tags from Adore By Nat look as though they could have been tucked away in an old Christmas box for years. The set includes eight tags featuring that wonderfully nostalgic Santa illustration, already strung with ribbon. Adore By Nat Party Decorations

Vintage “A Happy Christmas to You” Santa Gift Tags from Adore By Nat

🦋 And One From My Attic...

I couldn't finish my favorites without slipping in one from Butterfly in the Attic.

My Christmas Glow Winter Woodland Mini Journal Ephemera Kit brings together soft winter colors, little bits of ribbon and fibers, journaling pieces and a coordinating pen. It's meant for someone who enjoys putting pen to paper and adding their own little creative touches along the way.

Christmas Glow Winter Woodland Mini Journal Ephemera Kit

Christmas Is Getting Closer...

One of my favorite things about the Countdown is seeing how completely different each maker's work can be. Jewelry, artwork, journals, paper treasures and little pieces of Christmas nostalgia all come together in one place.

And when we choose something handmade, we're giving more than the finished piece—we're supporting the artist or maker who dreamed it up and took the time to create it.

I hope you'll take a few minutes to wander through Week 3 of the BME Countdown to Christmas and perhaps discover a new artist or a special gift along the way.

And tell me—which of this week's finds would you put on your Christmas list? 🎄

Christmas Countdown Week 2 – A Few of My Handmade Favorites

Christmas shopping is always more fun when you can slow down and discover something made by an artist, photographer, designer, or independent maker. This week I’m joining the BME Countdown to Christmas again, and I’ve gathered a few of my favorites from Week 2.

There are so many wonderful things in this week’s collection that choosing favorites wasn’t easy! I found beautiful jewelry, original art, a little holiday humor, handmade glass, and gifts for people with all sorts of interests.

Be sure to visit the BME Countdown to Christmas – Week 2 when you’re finished here and explore all of the participating shops and makers.

2027 Orchid Wall Calendar

2027 Orchid Wall Calendar – Blue Morning Expressions

What a lovely way to enjoy flowers throughout the year. This wall calendar features original orchid photography, and I especially love the rich pink blossoms shown for January. A beautiful choice for a flower or garden lover—and a gift that can be enjoyed long after Christmas morning. Blue Morning Expressions currently lists the calendar among its featured products. Blue Morning Expressions

Handmade Red & Silver Lampwork Beads

Handmade Large Hole Red & Silver Lampwork Beads – Covergirlbeads

That deep glossy red immediately caught my eye. These handmade glass lampwork beads have such a dramatic combination of red, silver and sparkle. They would make a wonderful gift for a jewelry maker or bead collector—or perhaps become part of a very special handmade gift of your own.

Sterling Silver Bass Clef Necklace

Sterling Silver Bass Clef Necklace

I couldn't pass this one by. The simple sterling silver bass clef makes this such a distinctive little piece for a musician, music teacher, performer, or anyone whose life has always had a soundtrack. I love gifts that quietly say, I know what you love.

Blue & White Porcelain-Style Enamel Earrings

Blue & White Porcelain-Style Enamel Clip-On Drop Earrings – Blonde Peach Jewelry

These are so pretty! The blue-and-white enamel immediately reminded me of collected porcelain and old china. The cascading flowers make them wonderfully feminine, while the strong blue pattern gives them just enough drama to stand out.

Historic Tampa Theatre Watercolor

Historic Tampa Theatre Limited Edition Watercolor Print

There is something wonderful about artwork that preserves a place and its history. This watercolor of the historic Tampa Theatre caught my attention with its wonderful architecture, old marquee and Florida palms. A particularly thoughtful find for someone who loves historic buildings, theatres, Florida, or art inspired by meaningful places.

Nature Collected – Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

Nature Collected – One-of-a-Kind Original Watercolor Art Journal in an Altered Tin

I had to include one of my own creations among this week's favorites. Nature Collected is a one-of-a-kind little art journal housed inside an altered tin. Its worn, timeworn-looking surface, tiny flowers and old-fashioned label give it the feeling of a small treasure that might have been tucked away in a drawer and rediscovered years later.

This is very much the sort of piece I love creating for Butterfly in the Attic—something meant to feel collected, personal and just a little mysterious.

“Oy to the World” Chanukah Tea Towel

Chanukah Holidays “Oy to the World” Tea Towel

This one simply made me smile. “Oy to the World” paired with those cheerful illustrated characters is such a fun bit of holiday humor. It would make a playful kitchen addition or a lighthearted Chanukah gift. “Oy to the World” holiday kitchen towels are also a recognizable handmade-market theme. Etsy

Dog Paw Prints Heart Earrings

Dog Paw Prints Heart Earrings – Shadow Dog Designs

And how could I resist these? The black faceted beads, warm copper tones and little paw-print heart charms make such a sweet combination for a dog lover.

There is an even more meaningful story behind this particular shop: Shadow Dog Designs says that half the purchase price of pieces in its dog/cat rescue jewelry collection is donated to an animal rescue group. Shadow Dog Designs That makes these an especially lovely gift for someone whose heart belongs to animals.

There’s Much More to Discover

These are only a handful of the wonderful finds shared for Week 2 of the BME Countdown to Christmas. One of my favorite things about these events is discovering items I probably would never find while wandering through the enormous online marketplaces.

Buying from artists, photographers, designers and independent makers also gives us the chance to choose gifts with a story behind them—something created or selected by an actual person rather than simply pulled from a warehouse shelf.

So pour yourself something warm, settle in for a little Christmas browsing, and visit the BME Countdown to Christmas – Week 2 to see what else you can discover.

And if you find a favorite of your own, I’d love to hear what caught your eye.

Happy handmade holiday shopping!

Christmas Countdown: Handmade Gifts, Creative Finds & Holiday Cheer

There is something especially lovely about discovering a handmade gift, a little piece of art, or a creative treasure that feels as though it was chosen just for someone you love.

This Christmas Countdown brings together a wonderful group of independent shops and artists, each sharing three of their own favorite offerings. I thought it would be fun to take a little stroll through the collection and share one featured find from each participating shop.

You can explore every entry in the full Christmas Countdown here . There are more treasures waiting there than I could possibly fit into one post!

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Flowers to Wear — Shadow Dog Designs

These colorful floral earrings from Shadow Dog Designs bring a little garden charm to gift giving. With their soft lavender and pink flowers, they are a cheerful choice for someone who loves handmade jewelry and botanical details.

Visit Shadow Dog Designs to see the floral earrings »

A Botanical Touch for Hanukkah — LinorStore Designs

LinorStore Designs shares a lovely set of botanical Hanukkah napkins. Their delicate greenery and seasonal motifs offer a thoughtful way to dress a holiday table.

See the botanical Hanukkah napkins »

A Little Angel — TheSingingBeader

An angel pendant makes a meaningful little gift, and this antiqued silver necklace from TheSingingBeader has a timeless look. Its birthstone detail adds a personal touch.

See the angel pendant necklace »

Handmade Beads in Garden Colors — Covergirlbeads

This bracelet from Covergirlbeads pairs aqua fire agate with mint-green handmade lampwork beads. It is a lovely example of how an artist can bring color, texture, and personality together in a piece of jewelry.

See the handmade lampwork bracelet »

A Winter Visit from the Cardinals — Colleen Cornelius Art

A pair of bright cardinals against a snowy winter scene brings a little color to the quiet beauty of the season. This artwork is one of my contributions to the Countdown, and I hope it brings a touch of winter cheer to your day.

See Cardinals in the Snow »

A Little Christmas Cheer — Butterfly In The Attic

From my own Butterfly In The Attic shop, I am sharing Christmas Glow: A Little Christmas Cheer, a mini journal and ephemera kit for anyone who enjoys collecting little paper treasures and making something special with them during the holidays.

Visit Butterfly In The Attic to see Christmas Glow »

A Flower That Stays — Handcrafted Resin Iris

This handcrafted resin iris captures the graceful shape of a flower in a lasting decorative piece. It is a thoughtful find for someone who loves flowers and handmade art.

See the handcrafted resin iris »

A Butterfly in Bright Colors — Blonde Peach Jewelry

You know I could not pass by a butterfly! These handcrafted orange ceramic butterfly earrings from Blonde Peach Jewelry have a playful mix of color and detail that would make a lovely gift for a fellow butterfly enthusiast.

See the ceramic butterfly earrings »

A Little Holiday Sparkle — Beaded Necklace Shoppe

For someone who enjoys wearing a little Christmas cheer, these handmade glass candy cane earrings from Beaded Necklace Shoppe offer a festive finishing touch.

See the candy cane earrings »

A Gift for the Garden Lover — Blue Morning Expressions

The Grateful Gardener Journal from Blue Morning Expressions invites its owner to reflect on the simple pleasures of nature and gardening. It is a thoughtful gift for someone who feels most at home among flowers, leaves, and growing things.

Explore The Grateful Gardener Journal »

Christmas Cheer in the Little Details — Adore By Nat

Sometimes the smallest touches make holiday gatherings feel extra special. These red truck Christmas sticker labels from Adore By Nat are designed for Hershey's Kisses chocolates and would add a festive detail to party favors or little treat bags.

See the red truck Christmas sticker labels »

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There's More to Discover!

These are just a few of the lovely finds shared by our participating artists and small shops. Each has chosen three items for the Christmas Countdown, so there is plenty more to explore.

Visit the Christmas Countdown and discover all the participating shops »

Thank you for stopping by and spending a little time with us. Whether you are shopping for someone special, gathering ideas for the holidays, or simply enjoying the creativity of independent makers, I hope you find something that makes you smile.

Wishing you a season filled with creativity and little discoveries,
Colleen
Butterfly In The Attic