Seller Review: Little Dragon Designs

Who: Little Dragon Designs
Where: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LilDragonDesigns
What: Green Dragon bust Handmade OOAK Polymer Clay necklace charm pendant & Little Dragon I Love Dragons Pinback Badge/Button
How much: £21.25 (+ £4.50 p&p)
Purchased: 22nd August 2014
Arrived: 27th August 2014

I discovered Little Dragon Designs via Dragon Obsessed on Facebook. I love supporting independent artists and crafters, and when I found out they didn't live that far from me, I could not resist adding one of their gorgeous dragon pendants to my hoard ^_^ I also decided to throw in a badge, because I love badges.

Well, it seems today is the day for getting dragon deliveries, because this one also arrived at my door (although I was expecting it today.) It was not our usual postman, so I didn't get the "you've been ordering stuff again" look from him. It's not all me though, my partner does like to buy things too.

There was a slight moment of confusion when I opened the box and found the little red dragon head pendant near the top, nestled in the shredded paper. I didn't remember buying that...It is very cute though, so if it is a freebie, I am very grateful <3

Then came the gentle surgery to remove the dragon head pendant from it's protective bubble wrap. I know how fragile handmade pendants can be and didn't want to risk breaking it, especially as it was sent to me so carefully wrapped. All was good though, and my latest pendant emerged safe and sound, ready to be worn.

Honestly though, the photo does not do it justice, it is so textured, the colours are wonderfully bright and it's lovely and light to wear. Definitely not to be worn with my cardigan though, those spikes would be caught in the holes in seconds!

The badge is really fun and will look great on my sunhat, if we have any more sunny weather this year, although I think it might end up spending most of it's time on my convention shoulder bag.

I can definitely recommend Little Dragon Designs. They are fast, friendly and I'm very impressed with the quality of their polymer clay work. I'm sure I'll be adding another one of their creations to my hoard in the future :)

Seller Review: The SixthLeafClover

Who: The SixthLeafClover
Where: https://www.sixthleafclover.com/store/
What: Coffee Dragon sticker x2, Tea Dragon sticker x2, 2014 Zodiac Dragons Calendar
How Much: US$9 (plus $10 shipping to the UK)
Purchased: 22nd August 2014
Arrived: 27th August 2014

Ok, I admit it, I cannot resist a bargain, or a sale! So when I saw a post on Facebook about The SixthLeafClover Tea & Coffee Dragon stickers being reduced by half price, I had to go and order a few. I already have their Tea Dragon Mug from their Zazzle store, so I know I love the artwork, and with the older calendar also being reduced I figured I might as well throw that in as well because it wouldn't add any more to the shipping cost.

My delivery arrived today, very fast, but it seems someone didn't read the BIG RED DO NOT BEND stamps (it wouldn't surprise me if it's the postal guys on my end, you should see what they do to postcards!) but thankfully the calendar and stickers have not suffered much at all.

The stickers are bright, shiny and look great, I'm wishing I'd bought a bunch more now! The calendar is printed on really good quality, glossy paper and looks wonderful too. The fact that we're already halfway through 2014 doesn't bother me at all, because the art isn't any less gorgeous. Even though I don't strictly need another calendar for next year (I backed one on Kickstarter) I might end up ordering their 2015 one next pay day because you can never have too many dragons (despite what my partner says!)

Overall, very happy and would buy from again :)

5 Free Kindle Books

Need something to read this rainy bank holiday Monday? Here is a selection of free dragon novels currently available via the Amazon.co.uk Kindle store.
(These books may also be available free in other areas, see your local version of Amazon to find out.)

The Chronicles of Dragon: The Hero, The Sword and The Dragons (Book 1 of 10)

Craig Halloran

Welcome to the world of NALZAMBOR ...

Nath is a special warrior. He is a man destined to be a dragon. In order to become a dragon, he must save the dragons.

For countless years Nath has been on a quest to become a dragon, but his meddling with the other races tends to get in the way. The way of men is not the way of Nath Dragon his father has warned him. Yet, Nath, unable to control his fascination of the world men, elves, dwarves and even the despised orcs, tends to get caught up in their affairs. To earn his scales, there is a high road he must follow.

With his close friend and ally, Brenwar the Dwarf, Nath, armed with a magic sword he calls Fang, travels to the Mountain of Doom, the Free City of Narnum and to Orcen Hold where nothing but trouble awaits.

Will Nath Dragon, hero of the realm and protector of dragon kind choose the right path or wind up on a dark one?

Amazon.co.uk Link

~~~

Fierce Winds and Fiery Dragons (Dusky Hollows Book 1)

Nan Sweet

Ivy and Carrie love their new classroom even if the new teacher is a little strange. When Mrs. Huffity asks for volunteers to care for an egg, Ivy doesn’t budge. She’s had a few scary dreams about that egg and wants nothing to do with it. 

But when trouble comes, Ivy defends the egg. In her desire to save the baby that hatches, Ivy is tossed into the middle of an adventure. She discovers more than she ever wanted to know about fierce winds and fiery dragons. 

Amazon.co.uk Link

~~~

Taming Fire (The Dragonprince's Legacy Book 1)

Aaron Pogue

Daven Carrickson grew up as a beggar in the filthy alleys beneath the shadows of the palace. He's the son of a known thief, disgraced and despised. His only real talent is his ability with a sword, and his only real chance at finding honor or a home is a desperate dream of joining the King's Guard. 

Then Daven receives a new future when Master Claighan invites him to study magic at the Academy. The wizard offers to make him into a new kind of soldier: a swordsman equally skilled with forged blades and mystic forces. It only helps that Daven has no home, no family, and nothing left to lose. 

But when conspiring forces destroy the wizard's plans, Daven finds himself wanted for treason and murder. Hunted by a great black beast of a dragon, caught between the King's Guard and a rebel force led by a rogue wizard, Daven's only hope of surviving is to become more than he's ever dreamed possible. 


Amazon.co.uk Link

~~~

Releasing the Dragon (Myths and Legends Book 1)

Stacie Simpson

An erotic romance with a paranormal twist... Two souls destined to be one. An old enemy enraged. Will his love for her be enough to save her? 
Shapeshifters, demons, vampires and sorcerers are all just part of the show at the Myths and Legends Casino Resort. 
Or are they? 
Serafina Leroux has always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. When she responds to a mysterious invitation to the dance auditions at Myths and Legends she not only gets a shot at her dream job, she also meets a tall, dark, devastatingly handsome stranger whose every touch consumes her with desire. 
Donovan Drake is the charismatic owner of Myths and Legends known around the world as Dragon. His roguish good looks make him one of the most sought after bachelors alive, but only one woman can satisfy his carnal needs and the beast that shares his soul. 
When Dragon and Serafina come together their passion ignites and she is drawn into his world where myths and legends are very real and danger lurks around every corner.

Amazon.co.uk Link

~~~

Blast of the Dragon's Fury (Andy Smithson Book 1)

L.R.W. Lee

Ten-year-old Andy Smithson believes he is merely a kid too often in trouble with his overambitious parents--until his destiny as the Chosen One to break a 500-year-old curse is revealed. Swept away to the land of Oomaldee of medieval times era, he discovers he must collect several ingredients for a magic potion to defeat the oppressive curse that plagues the land, the first of which is the scale of a red dragon, the fiercest of all dragon species. There's just one tiny problem, he's never battled dragons, except in video games. Armed with only his wits, an ancient sword and a magic key, he must overcome grave peril at every turn before he can even attempt the feat. No pressure, but it's his skill alone that will save - or condemn - the kingdom forever.

Amazon.co.uk Link

~~~

I have downloaded all five books onto my Kindle, and I will do my best to read and review them all over the next week or so.

Toy Review: Dreamworks Dragons Mini Figures

How to Train Your Dragon 2Dreamworks DragonsMini Figures

A newer addition to the range of How to Train Your Dragon 2 toys currently available,  these little bags each contain one plastic dragon to add to your collection and, unlike the current trend of blind-bags, you know exactly who you are going to get.

I decided to open up the Toothless figure I bought to get a better look at him. For something so small, they have managed to capture a decent amount of detail. The yellow eyes (no, not green) have been painted well, as has his red tail sail, and overall, I'm pretty pleased with the quality of this little guy.

The only thing that is a shame, is the annoying copyright stamps on the wings. I'm sure they thought that putting them on the underside of the wing would mean they wouldn't be so noticeable, but as the wings stand up due to the packaging, they can't really be missed.

Usual price in the UK is around £2-£2.50. I was lucky enough to get mine while on rollback in Asda for £1.50 each :)

Beautifully Painted Dragons

Check out these beautiful oriental dragon paintings: Ornate Painted Dragons Based on a Single Giant Brush Stroke

They are called Hitofude Ryuu (Dragon with one stroke) and look amazing. 

15 Dragon-themed activities for kids.

Do you have dragon-obsessed kids? Want some fun activity ideas for them? Kidspot might have just the answer for you :)

Check out their website here: Hear ‘em roar: 15 dragon-themed crafts and activities for boys AND girls and soon you'll have happy children (and dragons) all over the house ^_^

Welcome!

Hey! A shiny new blog *pokes*

Welcome to Tysha's Dragon Hoard. As you have probably guessed, I'm Tysha, and I might possibly have a little obsession with everything dragon (I know, I've kept it very quiet haven't I?)

For years I've been hunting out dragon-related news stories, reading dragon filled books and comics, and hoarding any dragon toys or statues I could get my paws on. But it's not fair for me to keep all this dragony goodness to myself, so I will endeavour to share the news stories I come across and write interesting reviews for the books, comics, games and anything else that comes my way.

If you can't wait and want some dragons NOW, check out my G+ community linked in the sidebar. I've been posting to that for a while now and there are lots of links to news stories, articles and art there already :)