that's Headley!

Encaustics

2011-03-11T15:45:00.003-06:00

Checking to see if I can import some of my own images into Polyvore. This piece I gave away in December to another member of Texas Wax at the Christmas party gift exchange. I sure hope he likes it.

For some things, Kermit was wrong - It's easy being green!

2009-07-14T13:32:00.010-05:00

The whole gang behind the Etsy Twitter Team is going green for July! As for me, I am jumping on the bandwagon with a brand new collection of jewelry I am calling "Upcycled Bling". I have amassed a collection of vintage and thrift store tins with amazing graphics and converted them to fun and funky pieces of upcycled bling.

One of my commitments in the creation of these pieces is that I cannot buy anything new to put into a piece - everything must come out of my existing stash of inventory. Anyone who has seen my stash may think this is no big deal, as surely I must have at least one of everything in the world, but this includes all my findings and other supplies that I keep in limited supply. So for some things I am getting creative, and other things I am rolling out the silver smithing and making things DIY. As much as I appreciate those folks in China who roll out the jump rings at amazing affordable prices - No - I'm making them myself! And who says chains cannot be re-purposed into links?

So, check out the new section in my shop, and check out all the "green" things coming from all the wonderful folks in the Etsy Twitter Team. As for me, I'll be including these earrings in the promotional giveaway to occur next week. Stay tuned for more details!

Interview with Etsy Artisan Jenoc13

2009-07-05T19:59:00.005-05:00

One of the things I love most about the Etsy community is getting to know artisans from all around the world. I have recently joined the Etsy Twitter Team, and have met a whole new set of inspired and inspiring craftspeople. I got the chance to chat with Jen from Jenco13 about her shop and love of her craft and all things crocheted:

What inspires you to make your items/craft?

My mom and colors. My mom is a painter and has always brought crafts into my life.

Do you have a special place in your home that you work in??

My craft is movable so I normally work in front of the TV or outside on our porch. When putting my blankets together I use my kitchen table (card table). If I'm going away its one of the first things I pack.

What else do you do besides the crafts??

I teach during the school year. during the summers I love to watch baseball with my husband and spend time with my family.

If you could go any place in the world where would you go??

Rome!! I have always wanted to travel there for a honeymoon. when I got married my husband could only get 24 hours leave from the military so I never got a honeymoon. He then deployed overseas in our first year of marriage. Hopefully I will get a teaching job this year and go next summer!!

What is your favorite item to make in your shop? and why??

I love to everything. I couldn't pick one item!! The scarves are fun to make along with the cup cozies (the flowers are tricky and I love to be challenged!!)

Well, I love her cozies, too - what a fabulous way to make your morning coffee green! And cute, to boot! In addition to her crocheted creations, she also custom paints beautiful wedding champagne flutes. Check Jenoc13 out on Etsy, Twitter, and her blog

Art from the Heart Feature

2009-06-27T12:19:00.004-05:00

Foxy G Knits' blog on artists who create from the heart has featured me! I want to thank her for the fabulous write up - and while you're there, be sure to check out all the wonderful folks she's written on besides me. You will find an impressive array of artists who give back through their work. I'm humbled to be a part of this community she is highlighting. Thanks Lois!

Gotta Love the Twitter Team - They're the Best!

2009-06-01T19:50:00.006-05:00

I'm the Etsy Twitter Shop of the Week! So many great folks with so many great handmade items - check out the list of participants on the blog, and you can search tags on Etsy with the term "etsytwitter team", too.

The Team can be checked out on Twitter, too, with a search on the tag #etsytwitter - lots of promotions and sales to be found!

It's Spring, and I Love Green!

2009-03-28T19:26:00.004-05:00

Wonderful group of folks from Etsy have created a Twitter mutual admiration team - check out the lovelies in lampwork and seaglass from this week's featured member: Renee Suich. I absolutely love the way she has combined found sea glass (well, Lake Erie glass) and her beautiful lampwork in the piece pictured (click on the pic to take you straight there). A perfect piece for a spring day, don't ya think?

A New Treasury!

2008-12-03T20:07:00.005-06:00

My Five Peas in a Pod earrings made it to an Etsy Treasury today! It is always an honor for someone to select one of your items to showcase. These are the collections that are selected to be on the Front Page of Etsy when they are especially beautiful. If you've never visited Etsy, you may wonder what that means, so I'll give you the bottom line - FREE ADVERTISING when it happens. you see, when it happens, thousands of people see your item. So thank you, chuletindesigns for including me in your selections.

This particular Treasury is funky enough that it might just make it. Probably because of that strange little doll. A bit creepy, don't you think? In general, Treasuries that are selected for the Front Page are considered the creme de la creme.

To my knowledge, I've never been on the Front Page. Maybe someday.

What a great first day!

2008-11-21T20:38:00.003-06:00

I started my new shop today, and right off the bat got three sales - woohoo! As I mentioned before, prices in this shop are set to MOVE some stuff, so it's not like I made a lot of money, but how sweet it is to have a sale...doing the happy dance!

So you know more of what I've added to Ginny's Veranda, here's a mini from the shop:

Drop by and "set" a spell. Who knows what you might find, as I've got lots more in that closet to bring out.

A New Alias

2008-11-20T19:14:00.007-06:00

I'm starting a new endeavor on Etsy, much to my husband's delight, who has insisted on a reduction in my "stuff" footprint for some time now. Beginning very soon, I will have an additional shop on Etsy to destash my vintage and antique collection of small items such as textiles, jewelry, pottery, ceramics, paper ephemera....and just cool stuff that I could never throw away, but never quite found a place in our home. If hubby has a hand in this, some of the things that did find a way into our decor may be finding a way out, too.

My new shop will be named "Ginny's Veranda" and this post brings you a sneak peak of some of the treasures soon to be listed, and priced to SELL. Stay tuned.

Artisan Jewelry Holiday Extravaganza

2008-11-15T17:27:00.002-06:00

Hey! I'm on YouTube!

Many thanks to Etsy artisan MonaJewels of Bellaire, Texas, who pulled together a wonderful collection of jewelry artisans to celebrate the season. She chose two pieces of mine to include.

Mona host's an on-line radio talk show for independent jewelry designers at nowlive.com called THE JEWELRY CONNECTION -broadcasting every Sunday afternoon at 12:00PM PST, 2:00PM CST, 3:00PM EST. Starting on the 23rd of November, she'll be hosting a holiday jewelry show, exhibiting each designer's work individually and promoting the videos in her broadcast room. There will be Christmas music playing in the broadcast room starting on the 23rd that will continue throughout the holidays to promote all of the artists. On the 23rd she'll be offering a drawing for door prizes so it will be a "Holiday Event" and a celebration of artisans and their Christmas Muse!

Maybe it's my heritage

2008-11-12T10:31:00.003-06:00

....but I have definitely fallen in love with vintage German beads! I was minding my own business in a bead shop the other day (yeah, right, Ginny, we all know what that means - you were cruising to fall in love with yet more beads!), when I came across this stunning display of the most yummy colors imaginable. They were all vintage beads from Germany and Czechoslovakia from the 1940s and 1950s, and the colors were really what caught my eye first, and then I noticed all the crazy and fabulous shapes. I could not resist, as the prices were quite affordable as well. Now, I did not go absolutely crazy, and only bought enough for just a few pieces, the bracelet above being one. We'll see if others like the pieces I post well enough to buy....then I can buy some more!

I was wondering why these little beauties appealed to my eye so much, and then I ran across this web article by Dara Spiotto on The Beadin' Path which talks about the colors of vintage beads, and all became clear. Or colorful, the case turns out to be.

Christmas Shopping for the Science Geek in Your Life

2008-11-07T22:02:00.008-06:00

Being the quintessential science geek/nerd/dork, I know that those of us who actually own up to that designation can be quite difficult to find gifts for come the holiday gift-giving season. On Etsy, there is a bona fide "Geekery" section, devoted to all things quirky, and it even has a "science" subcategory. A quick perusal brought forth these lovely little gems, most fit for a stocking at least, and definitely all good for at least a smile.

Featured are the following items from Etsy sellers:
Science Nerd Badge from Claire Payne
Red Wine Molecule from Molecular Muse
Yes I know most people do not love rats..... from Gwynstone Originals
Robot Tissue Box from Spaceboyjordo
C-3PO Mouse from The House of Mouse
S. pneumoniae Necklace from Arctida
Don't Blame Me Magnets from RadPanda
The Ultimate Answer Pendant from such pretty colors
Metallic Blue Gems from bugman58
Microscope Necklace from Ball and Chain
Famous Scientists Finger Puppets from Scientific Culture
Calculus Crow Letter Set from colespic
Cuddly Chromosomes from Fur Will Fly
Fossil Ammonite Necklace from North Star Jewelry
Evaporation T-shirt from lkyoto
Cellular Science from electricboogaloo

My personal favs are those famous scientist finger puppets - they even included Rosalind Franklin!

All I want for Christmas......

2008-10-31T10:51:00.010-05:00

Not exactly my two front teeth (I still have those, thank goodness), but one or some of these delectable vintage enamel floral pins I found on Etsy the other day. These cuties are all so affordable - I think they would make great gifts for anyone with a little fun and funk in their personality. They spruce up a serious jacket, add pizzazz to fabric purses and scarves, and in a pinch, can be turned into artwork (see the post "What the heck").

Well, maybe not ALL I want, but it would be a nice start ^_^

Featured above are:
Ray of Sunshine From curiouskitty
Vintage Blue Poppy from OriginalzbyMernda
Hot Pink Vintage Daisy from chubbybunnyshop
Vintage Huge Red Poinsettia from Kimaroo
Aqua Daisy from withinamilefromhome
Big Red from stephieD
Vintage Enamel Flower from PorkiePieDesigns
Vintage Pink Enamel Flower from VeroVintage
Haskell Look - A Girl Needs Pearls from KarmaRox
Set of Three from jessbobess
Moveable 2 in 1 from VaudevilleVintage1
Vintage Golden Topaz from LifeTravelsDesigns

What the heck.....

2008-10-05T19:21:00.012-05:00

....is this? a trivet? what? Well, it's a nifty little item that I custom-requested from one of the best Etsy artists ever - dottyral. She was so great in pulling together my brain-child. A very fun project.

So here's what it really is. Let's start with the "brain-child." I have forever had an issue with the storage of my pins and brooches - they are awkward shapes, I don't like having them on top of each other to get all scratched, and it seemed like the pinbacks were getting duller and duller. And I wanted something attractive, too, for display of my pins so I would more easily access them and choose to wear them.

Then, last week, I came across these oh-so-cute pincushions in Dotty's shop, and I got an inspiration! You see, Dotty often makes an extra cushion for her pincushions just like the classic "strawberry" on top of the "tomato" that I am sure you are all familiar with. Here, it's the cherry on the cupcake. These smaller cushions are filled with a corundum sand called "emery" that serves to sharpen pins and needles.

Ah-hah, I thought - I need an emery cushion large enough to hold all my brooches! But how do you make a big cushion that won't be all sloppy and heavy? So, I contacted Dotty, and we came up with this idea of a slotted pad, to keep the emery to a minimum, and Dotty figured out how to fill and sew the slots together, creating the pad you see at the top of the page.

When it arrived today, I hopped over to Michael's to get a frame on sale, stapled the emery pad into the frame, and voila - the perfect display for all my pins, with the added bonus of a sharpened pinback every time I put the piece away after wearing.

So you decide: isn't this the greatest idea? I am sure Dotty would make one for you, too. Etsy artists are the greatest - thanks, Dotty!

I'm so incredibly baaaaaaad!

2008-09-02T20:23:00.008-05:00

Seriously...I've been away so long, I'm not sure I even remember how to do this. Jewelry and keeping up with all the lovelies out there has fallen off my radar as my "day job" as been totally consuming. But sanity is all about baaaaalance, so I'm dedicating this blog to sheepishly apologizing for my long absence.

So as I shake the woolies out of my head, and proceed to blog, let me tell you about how not to live your life. Don't wake up at 2 AM thinking about work. Don't consider investing your hard earned dollars in Glaxo-Smith Kline because you're eating your weight in Zantac, because it's generic and OTC now anyway, and GSK has gone on to bigger and better things for better living through chemistry. But for the record, ranitidine is a wonder drug. Just so you know.

So how to live your life? Believing in your gifts, and your integrity, and the wonderful experiences of every day with the people the good Lord places in your path for you to shine His reflection to. In the moment, not worrying about tomorrow.

Oh Lucky Day!

2008-03-29T21:20:00.009-05:00

How did your day go today? It was a blessed day all around at our house - even though it was a pretty typical Saturday with chores and errands and whatnot....but we had our family together, and good spring weather, and I didn't have to cook dinner, which is ALWAYS a blessing. I feel very lucky to have the life that I do.

There's an Etsy artist who knows all about lucky days, and feeling lucky in life. So much so that she has created a shop dedicated to making every day a lucky day...Lucky Girl Trading. In her shop you'll find beautiful art glass, dichroic glass, and pieces of Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and she feels that both give her a zen-like tranquility while working.

You can find jewelry full of sparkle or calm beauty. For boys, for girls, for anyone with a yen for her zen.

Her Temari balls are especially fascinating, intricate fabrications of an old stocking stuffed with rice hulls and padded with yarn reclaimed from an abandoned knitting project. This Temari ball has a rattle housed in bottle caps inside, so playing with it, Lucky Girl claims, can become addictive. I think it 's just beautiful to gaze upon.

So if you're feeling lucky, or maybe more importantly if you are not, drop on by Lucky Girl Trading to find out more about why she's feeling so lucky in her life, and see if you might be interested in procuring a bit of her lucky feelings for yourself. Try her blog, too, for more on a lucky life.

Ooooh, Shiny!

2008-03-25T19:31:00.010-05:00

I have a confession for all of you out there that appreciate my work.....there are more out there like me, maybe even, dare I say it? even more talented than me but with the same aesthetic and motivations as me. And by that I mean pretty shiny rocks woven together with beautiful, artful wire, with a focused eye on color, texture, and wonderful geometry.

And I've found one to share with you - Etsy artist Yazmin Wickham of A Pretty Rock . Yazmin creates one of a kind or limited edition pieces of jewelry, which she brings to life with carefully selected gemstones, mineral stones and freshwater pearls. Her collection is meant to lend affordable, quality elegance to all. And boy-oh-boy does she deliver!

These Fresh Cut Earrings - OMG - how do I keep these out of my head so I don't accidentally re-create them?! They are so beautiful, with the greens and blues that I love, and the wire-wrapping that I find so fun to do. And she has done such a wonderful job of photography on her pieces - I am so envious!

And just to prove how in sync our design sensibilities are, here is a bracelet of amazonite Yazmin has created that would be a lovely match to my Caged Blossoms Necklace below - a coordinated set from two different shops - who knew?

There is no reason why every woman shouldn't have A Pretty Rock in their life (or three or five I say)! Drop by her shop to see for yourself, and take some time at her blog for more. Oh, and did I mention that A Pretty Rock offers gift certificates, too? Hint hint hint, all you gift-givers out there!

Spring Spring Spring!!

2008-03-09T18:35:00.008-05:00

I am so ready for spring....the redbuds and mountain laurels are exuberantly fuschia and violet, the coreopsis and primroses have started to peak out along side the roads, the days are growing longer and warmer. And my brown and black clothes - they are so last winter. I want color. I want pink, green, bright blue and yellow. Are you feeling the same? Are you yearning for the garden? I think I might have found just what you need to push you into the next season - an Etsy artist with a fine eye for color and texture - one of the beadweavers of whom I am so in awe - Cigarboxbeads. Check out her Cottage Garden Bracelet with a click on the image above.

Or try out her Twisted Garden Path Choker, braided into one "beauteous strip of color."

The founder of this shop is a retired Home Ec teacher, who loved what she did, but now loves what she's doing now.

Beadweaving is her joy, along with knitting, crocheting, sewing AND being with her twin grand daughters. Not at the same time though, they love to 'help', according to their grandmama! They do have 'crafting time' every day that she watches them, so she hopes she is instilling the love of creating in them. At the very least, she is creating memories for them that will last their lifetime. What greater gift?

Cigarboxbeads became a non-stop beadweaver when she purchased 3 vintage cigarboxes full of beads at a flea market---about 20 years ago. She is still using those beads, plus a 'few' more she can not help but purchase! I know how that goes!

She also knits, sews, crochets, decoupages and lots and lots of other stuff so some other goodies might show up at her shop, Cigarboxbeads, as well, along with beads! Check out her blog, too, for info about her creative life and her features on other Etsy artists.

And summer is just around the corner (especially here in SA, where it shows up about May!) - so have some lemonade!

Erin go bragh

2008-03-02T19:28:00.007-06:00

Ireland forever....on March 17, everyone can catch a little o' the Irish and have a bit of levity in the celebrations of St Patrick's Day. Wearing of the green is de rigueur of course, and how better to grab a bit of extra luck than to wear shamrocks on your wrist? This sweet little concoction of green glass and silver wire in the form of earrings and matching bracelet comes from Etsy artist Jonquil Thiessen, aka Thumbelina Creations.

Jonquil Thiessen is a stay-at-home mom of three boys who loves to be creative in many different ways. She loves to sing, knit, crochet, draw, scrapbook, write music, and make jewelry. She would feel lost if she wasn't able to be creative.

Her creative side really shows through with this set she calls "Dragonfly" - how pretty for the summer, in such a beautiful citrus-y palette of colors.

She started young, singing in church and at weddings at three years old. Music and art have always been her passion. She took art classes and music lessons all through school and college.

During college, she met her husband, Keith. They have been married for almost ten years. He also enjoys music and encourages her to further her interests. (Or maybe, she says, he justs puts up with it.) He does say sometimes that she has too many hobbies. I think this is a pretty common complaint from spouses of crafters!

Jonquil's favorite medium is ... well ... she claims it's hard to pick a favorite. She likes jewelry, but is considering opening a knitting store as well. I love this wire wrap ring of amethyst - so regal and so affordable! Take a click and see!

For more of Thumbelina Creations, drop by her shop, and visit her blog to find out more about her and the Etsy artists she has chosen to feature.

Why Hallmark is so last century

2008-02-26T20:48:00.009-06:00

Okay - I've got a twelve-year-old at home. And when things I say or do are absolutely unacceptable to her standards (like every five minutes), she tells me, "Mom, that is sooooo last century." Cracks me up. But seriously, why oh why would anyone buy mass-produced stationery items, when they can gocco? Gocco, you say, what the heck is that? Well, it's a wonderfully creative and unique way to screen print that is being adopted by a number of papiere artists, especially the wonderfully talented Etsy artist My Cat Lulu. Such beautiful cards, with that unique edge that tells the recipient that you really do care to send the very best, because you've selected something handmade, not something made for the masses.

How you can you pass by custom thank you notes for the special day of love?

How about choosing to express your love of animals?

And lastly, don't forget the opportunity to make your purchases do more than pad the corporate pockets....how about making purchases that give back? The peace cards below are dedicated to have 50% go to Amnesty International.

Do take the time to be totally 21st century, checking out My Cat Lulu's shop and her blog. Au courant, bebe.

Peace out, y'all.

Meowrrrrr!

2008-02-01T20:53:00.000-06:00

Relatively new to the blogging challenge, Etsy jewelry artist Purrfectlydevine brings beaded creations to her Etsy shop when she's not working hard at her career in special education and spending time with her husband and three kitties.

Classic designs with beautiful bead choices and affordable prices means there's "something for everyone" at Purrfectlydevine. Check out her shop and her blog, too.

Seeds of Glory

2008-01-21T19:34:00.000-06:00

I am always amazed by the talents of those jewelry artists who choose as their medium seed beads. If one were to look at just a single seed bead, it would seem so humble. Tiny and cute, perhaps, but very underwhelming. How can this tiny blip of a thing be a part of any substantial beauty? But oh my, in the hands of a master weaver, these tiny bits of glass and color are transformed into swoops and collages of wonderful texture and form. As much as I stretch in my artistic pursuits with gemstones and silver to achieve texture and celebration of color, I stand in awe of the weavers.

One such master is Ann Burke of My Fair Lady on Etsy. A member of Etsy's street team Etsy Beadweavers, she is a crafter of works extraordinaire in seed beads and gemstones. You name a weave, a technique applicable to the palette of seed beads, Ann Burke can give you a beautiful expression. She also loves gemstones, and uses them with a talented eye to balance and rhythm.

So many pretties to see, you must take a trip to visit Ann at her shop in Etsy, and find the time to find out more about her on her blog, where she delves into her art and writes features on other Etsy artists. Her jewelry is truly inspired.

Calling All Sweethearts

2008-01-13T19:11:00.000-06:00

Okay, I've got some probably less-than-welcome news....Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Now, you can always postpone thinking about this and go with the last minute grab some flowers-n-candy, whatever sparkly thing the local chain jewelry store has on special, and ho-hum your sweetie again. OR, you can take a little time, find that one-of-a-kind something that speaks your heart's sentiments or appeals to the interests of your sweetie's heart.

While visiting the Etsy shop of Pamela E. Miller, creator of art and jewelry, I found that she expresses her creative philosophies quite eloquently:

I feel that creating art is a way of sharing your soul with others. As you will see in my artwork: sometimes I am very flamboyant and always colorful, sometimes confidant and peaceful, other times angry or chaotic. I think all of my emotions; passions come out in my works.

What better approach to finding that special gift than to look to others with the special gifts of transforming passions into art? Pamela's artwork includes colorful seascapes, vibrant cityscapes, stunning abstracts and fairies/fantasy art. Trained at the Maryland Institute of Art, Howard Community College and Capital College, she has exhibited at the Chesapeake Gallery in Prince Frederick, Maryland, and DMG Artwork in Annapolis. She also has jewelry for sale in her shop - fun creations full of color and fanciful wirework.

So take a little time as you shop for your beloved, and consider shopping for an art piece that speaks to you from Contemporary Original Art by Pamela E. Miller, finding more about her and her inspirations on her blog. I'll leave you with a piece she calls "Huge Happiness" - may you be blessed with some this week.

The Whole is Greater than the Sum of Its Parts

2008-01-07T20:10:00.000-06:00

Some people live disjointed lives, little bits here, little bits there, nothing really bringing everything together.

Not Kathryn Short. A photographer and all-around artist, she attended the Maryland Institute College of Art as a photography major. Kathryn now teaches art and photography at the high school level (bless her heart!), but also enjoys bookmaking and knitting.

So now Kathryn loves to knit and crochet, take photographs while walking outdoors, craft small books for collecting thoughts, and anything else that keeps her hands busy. And she has pulled it all together in a single Etsy shop, Purple Snowpeas. You can follow along with her on her hikes, as she captures hauntingly beautiful images, keep your head and hands warm on your own hikes, and journal along the way.

How balanced is that?

Learn more about Purple Snowpeas on her blog, too.

Etsy as Art Gallery

2008-01-05T09:45:00.000-06:00

There is a perception of Etsy as a site for DIYers doing the crafting thing, when in fact it is becoming a location that professional artists are more and more often drawn to expand their exposure beyond the brick&mortar art galleries, shows and single artist websites. A professional graphic artist by day, and personal artist by night, George McKim is one such artist. After a classical art education, his portfolio of exhibitions and gallery affiliations extends impressively over more than 20 years.

At George McKim's Etsy shop, you can find mixed media collages, paintings, linoleum cut prints and note cards based on his creations. I find his lino cuts especially compelling, as I love their graphic detail, and his series of sunflowers just beg for multiple "Warhol" display. (I did as best I could with Blogger's image load above - aren't they fabulous?!). He has written about the process on his blog, if you're unfamiliar with this particular type of art printing. His prints are all signed and numbered, too. I'd recommend a general tour of his blog, as well, as he writes wonderful features on some very interesting art events (check out this platinum-n-diamonds skull, for example), as well as well-written features on Etsy shops from an artist's perspective.

Where "Nerd" is not a Four Letter Word

2008-01-03T07:16:00.000-06:00

uhhhhhh, that would be the ultra-fun "Liz Staley's Realm of Nerdiness"! An Etsy shop that revolves around the themes of gaming and the nerd lifestyle rather than a single craft, Liz Staley from North Carolina provides creations that bring art and nerdiness into one convenient location.

Her imagination takes a variety of materials and upcycles them into items to adorn or use and proclaim in which realm of reality you operate. From keyboard keys and computer circuit boards, to recycled plush toys, her visions open up a whole new perspective on the concept of nerdiness. I for one had no idea that the Tribbles have come to Earth as KAFMAs, did you?

A crochet queen, her delicate fishnet gloves bring a bit of drama to any outfit.

And her pin collections? Some of the wittiest ever - I love these Pirates of the Caribbean quotes!

A self-proclaimed gaming goddess, she claims to bite only when her role-playing dice are stolen - so drop on by Liz Staley's Realm of Nerdiness, either her shop or her blog, and get your own nerd on!

It's a Beadiful Day!

2008-01-02T08:25:00.000-06:00

There are oodles of jewelry artisans on Etsy, providing limitless opportunities for personal adornment. Most often (like me) they create standard jewelry items of earrings, bracelets, necklaces, yadayadayada.... how mundane! Whilst perusing the artisan creations of C Serpent Designs and all the beautiful jewelry to be found there, I was drawn instead to her wonderful and whimsical "whole lot more". She uses her eye for color and fabulous beadery to create pieces to add the delight of beads to items in your life besides your ears, necks, and wrists. Like phone charms, barrettes, brooches, bookmarks, letter openers....the list goes on.

Susan, the artist behind C Serpent, was nicknamed "Sea Serpent" by her husband following a scuba trip, and has been making jewelry for friends and family as well as selling in a gallery in La Jolla, CA, for four years. She is inspired by all the gorgeous lampwork glass beads she has found on Etsy and other sites, and also works in semi-precious gemstones.

Her enjoyment and excitement in the creative process shows in the beauty and balance of her work, and I just love the way she expands that creativity beyond jewelry. Which isn't to say you should neglect checking out her jewelry! Visit it all at C Serpent Designs, and find out more about Susan and her work in her blog, and have a beadiful day!

Many, Many Thanks!

2007-12-31T07:54:00.001-06:00

Well the holiday spending seems to be dying down, and I've tallied all the purchases made from my Hope for Whirled Peas Collection created to provide support for the Fisher House ™ Foundation. Many, many thanks are due to all the wonderful folks who chose pieces from the collection for themselves or for gifts. Today I was able to donate $140 to support the Fisher Houses at Fort Sam Houston and Lackland Air Force Base here in San Antonio - woohoo! This is so beyond my expectations, and I owe it all to my fabulous customers, and also to the amazing bloggers from the 90/90 challenge who featured my fundraising collection, including Phyllis Mufson who included me in her feature on Etsy artists that give to charity, and to "Allison" who submitted my Three Peas in a Pod Earrings to Etsy Finds where they were featured on December 3 (and sold minutes thereafter!). Thank you all again.

I still have the wonderful pea green pearls in stock, so I will continue making pieces for the collection as they hold out (and I'll keep looking for more in the meantime). The signature necklace sold, and I hope to create another wire-wrapped pendant to replace it in the collection soon, so keep posted for that.

Peas out, y'all.

Bright, Fun and Affordable

2007-12-30T15:24:00.000-06:00

A relative newcomer to Etsy, and one of the latest artists to join our 90/90 challenge (an Etsy blog challenge to do 90 artist features in 90 days -- oops, we've gone past that 90 days, but we'll keep at it 'til we get to that 90th blog! This is my 57th, if anyone is counting out there, and it's Day 91.), Shannon Saylor brings a fun eye to beaded jewelry, creating affordable earrings, bracelets, anklets, necklaces, and set combinations. She joined Etsy in September, and lives in the mountains of southwest Virginia with her husband, four cats and a dog. How idyllic that must be!

Her creations use the vast variety of colors and textures of glass beads, and she can custom create combinations based on your favorite colors. Regardless of whether you like earth tones, blues, greens, pinks, whatever, Shannon can make you a one-of-a-kind set for a very affordable price. So check out her SDS Designs shop for all her design expressions, and visit her blog to read about her featured pieces and her take on the 90/90 blog challenge.

New Year's Resolution - Ban E-cards?

2007-12-27T06:58:00.000-06:00

Now that the holiday season is winding down, it's time to think about what to do next. For many, it's a time for reviewing the last year, looking to the next. Is one of your New Year's resolutions a commitment to connect to friends? Have you been sending e-cards, and dashing off a quick e-mail to say "thanks"? As you are writing thank you notes for all those fabulous gifts just received, why not send an equally fabulous handcrafted thank you note instead? Eclectic and unique paper treasures can be found at the shop of Etsy artist Quirky 'n Berkeley. Her pieces are created out of her love of paper and color, and never with the assistance of a computer. All handcrafted and quite lovely.

Or maybe you would like to get a jump on the next holiday - Valentine's Day. It's not too early to begin, and what says "I love you" better than a handmade card of archival quality to cherish for a lifetime? These hearts peaking through a vellum aperture set the stage for the heartfelt sentiments you write yourself in the blank inside. Perhaps a little poetry for your true love?

Quirky 'n Berkeley, in addition to her card designs, also fashions paper treasures such as these petite origami boxes made of beautiful, luxurious, textured yuzen chiyogami paper. They're the perfect size for rings or earrings. You could get them for yourself as a treat to store your favorite pieces of jewelry, or use them for gift boxes that need no wrapping, should you find yourself challenged by that activity. (No, honey, I'm not talking about you. Really.)

The wonderful world of paper and color - something someone can hold in their hand, delight their eye, for now and for as long as they decide to keep the greeting. With the handcrafted works of ephemeral art from Quirky 'n Berkeley, I would guess they would be treasured for a long time. Check out her blog, too, for more about her art, her custom work, and her features on other Etsy artists.

Oh, Robert Redford!!!!!

2007-12-19T20:11:00.000-06:00

Judy Richards, the Etsy artist behind Cats Paw Artifacts resides in Portland, Oregon where it rains this time of year. According to Judy, a well kept secret is that it doesn't rain all year around. Ahhhh, but what I want to know is what she means by "all"!

Judy makes lampwork beads and designs jewelry - unique and hopefully artful jewelry. She is always striving for new ideas, new shapes in glass. Judy's work is inspired by nature (flowers, birds) as depicted in glass. She loves abstract lampwork most of all with layers of glass and complexity. She is always striving to that goal.

She has done the work of reasonably exact glass beads - but yearns to break out of that toward something more complex and deep in an artistic sense. She also has a sense of humor and doesn't take herself too seriously - she is the owner of 2 cats, hence the cat beads. Judy likes to laugh and make others smile with her work.

Judy's dream buyer is the Sundance catalog. (Calling Robert, Oh, calling Robert!!)

Probably the best things she has made are jewelry with her own lampwork beads and semi precious stones that have sold that push the envelope of what we think of as jewelry and adornment.

Judy is a member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers, a seller on ebay for 5 years - over 500-100% positive feedback, a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers). Check out all the lovelies from her shop, Cats Paw Artifacts, and her writings on her blog.

Painterly Dreams

2007-12-08T08:49:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when I'm tense or awake at 3AM, there's a place I like to go to in my head where cool breezes blow across a blue lagoon, with white sand beaches and the warm sun in my face. My toes dig deep into the sand, I sip something frosty and sweet.....ahhh, the relaxation kicks in as I settle into my momentary mental vacation.

Well, Mary M. Hamilton of St. Petersburg, FL is at your service to take you away on such a vacation. Her painterly impressions of seascapes, florals, even animals evoke a place of light and beauty. An artist with a formal college degree in art, she has continued her education throughout her career with participations in workshops and classes from nationally and regionally-recognized artists, and collaborations with other artists.

Beginning often with an image or images from a library of hundreds of photographs she has taken, Mary's paintings have recognizable subjects set in the midst of background objects that may or may not be so well-defined, creating visual interest and intrigue. Not one to control her media, her art is truly impressionistic, realistic without being photographic.

Lucky for you, you don't have to actually make the trip to Florida to treat yourself to one of Mary's painterly vacations, but can drop by anytime you want by visiting her at her Etsy shop, Dream On, and reading more about her on her blog, Dreams About Art. As for me, I'm thinking about a cat nap......

Here Kitty Kitty Kitty

2007-12-06T18:00:00.000-06:00

One of the best things about this 90/90 blog challenge (90 blogs in 90 days!!) is the opportunity to meet a lot of Etsy artists previously unknown to me. Some are new to Etsy, some are just new to me, but they've all been fun to investigate and find the things I like best about them. One shop that's new to me is Lazy Cat Gifts, and one would think I would have come across them sooner given their name and their fabulous work, but no, they were lost in the crowd for me. No more.

Named in honor of their kitty friends (although I know a few people who would claim the name of their shop is highly redundant - what cat isn't lazy?!! - lol!), their pictures appear above, snagged from their very clever blog. Nemo is little and orange, Mittens is a polydactyl tuxedo, Zorro is the princess who likes to sleep on yarn, and Emma is Mittens' sister who loves to snuggle. (Zorro and Emma look like my Stella!) Lazy Cat Gifts was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there (yea laboratorians!!). They were all inspired by their grandmothers who crocheted, and have applied that inspiration to both jewelry and accessories for their shop.

They began their enterprise at local craft shows, and then began on Etsy in January 2007. They have really enjoyed the community on Etsy, as I have, and it has the added bonus for them in allowing them to continue in their business even though one of the partners moved to Philadelphia.

They enjoy using the skills from their grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. They crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan bead crochet jewelry, scarves, hats, etc., and are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet.

As I mentioned above that they have a blog, I want to point out their very clever "match-up" features. What a helpful thing to provide for shoppers! Click on the image below to get to the post where they show how to complete a look starting with this fabulous crocheted necklace. Maybe they should consider a personal shopping career - they sure can pull a look together!

So take a trip over to Lazy Cat Gifts, check out their blog for great features on other Etsy artists as well as their fun match ups, and get shopping!

Holiday Expo Bazaar Today!

2007-12-06T07:09:00.000-06:00

A group of women business owners are coming together today to create a bazaar of wonderful shopping for the holidays. Lasting all day long, I will be the featured vendor for an hour from 12-1PM EST / 11AM- 12PM CST. I'll be available to chat, share information about me and my jewelry, and provide some fun opportunities.

Check out the site for all the vendors and their times, and drop by to chat. Happy Holiday Shopping!!

Get Your Holiday Style On

2007-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Vanessa Kimball from Bloomington, MN is a graphic designer for a design company called Ekcetera Productions, and her stationery can also be purchased at the brick&mortar store called Ekcetera in Inver Grove Heights, MN.

Lucky for us on Etsy, Vanessa also sells her stationery at an eponymous shop there. Her designs are bright, crisp and modern. You can find cards, calendars and gift tags with a classy look and elegant lines. If you love her design aesthetic and need some graphic assistance for your own e-commerce life, she also sells her skills in graphic banner designs.

Here's how Vanessa describes herself in her Etsy profile:

I'm glued to my computer. I wonder if there's such thing as a design addiction. Oh and I'm also addicted to Lipsmackers lip gloss. Strawberry Kiwi to be exact. Don't judge. :)

I also enjoy interior decorating, tennis, music, painting, vintage, IKEA, listening to The Current,coffee table books and art.

Don't worry, Vanessa, we would never judge a Lipsmackers addiction, especially Strawberry Kiwi - yum!

It's not to late to hop on over to Vanessa Kimball and find some holiday paperie to make your holidays classy, and even more important, handmade. Find out more on her blog, too, while you're at it. She's also doing the 90/90 blogging challenge and may have found just what you need and written an awesome feature on it. You'll never know until you click-and-go!

The Maine Event

2007-12-03T07:01:00.000-06:00

MaryAnn Anderson from Norridgewock, Maine, and the Etsy artist behind BackWoods Creations, has been doing the arts and crafts thing since she was a "wee child." Her mom always told her that idle hands can make trouble. Now her hands are busy keeping the creativity flowing, but she insists she still finds time to get into trouble. MaryAnn's creative endeavors focus primarily on painting, fabric, textile art, and the creation of art dolls.

The results of her creative efforts include whimsical batik and handpainted creatures such as Fergus above. Not toys for children, but three-dimensional fabric sculptures inspired by real-life animals, often created to raise funds for Etsy for Animals. EFA is a street team or group of artists and craftspeople on Etsy who donate some portion of their sales to animal rescues and charities. They change the charity monthly, and BackWoods Creations donates 10% of the purchase price of her EFA-specified listings to the charity designated for month of the purchase/adoption.

MaryAnn also creates fabric art jewelry and mixed media collages for a shop that provides a variety of options to indulge in her artistic expressions. Head out to the BackWoods to see for yourself, and find out more about MaryAnn on her blog.

Even the Smallest Gifts are Bigger in Texas

2007-12-02T18:55:00.000-06:00

Etsy Texas Crafters take on stocking stuffers

Whether you are just starting your holiday shopping or finishing up with those last few items, join the Etsy Texas Crafters on Monday, December 3rd for their monthly 1st Monday Sale. With over 300 members, the Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC) street team doesn't do anything on a small scale!

More than 50 ETC shops will be offering deals and promotions with an emphasis on stocking stuffers. Each participating shop chooses the discount/sale they offer and helps promote each other during this day of fun and shopping.

Members will be featuring each other's stocking stuffers on their blogs, in treasuries and in the etsy forums.

Heather Powers (Humblebeads) will host an informal holiday chat, talking all about your favorite stocking stuffers and sharing finds from some favorite etsy sellers. Join us in the Red Room at 12pm CST (1pm EST).

Visit the Etsy Texas Crafters Street Team website for a complete list of participating shops on Monday - and y'all go shopping!

Flashback Happens

2007-12-02T08:02:00.000-06:00

Moving this past summer, I came across a box of "old" vinyl LPs. Man, I loved that music! I belonged to Columbia House Records, and managed to forget to return with a "Don't Send" only a couple of times, meaning the records are all pretty much ones I wanted in the first place. Steely Dan, Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, Chicago.... I wonder if they're all warped to heck from storage? Without a turntable - how can I know?

I do know that if I ever figure that out and the answer is "Yes, these records are all toast," then I'm sending the jackets over to the Etsy artist Revinylized. In the most clever of recycle-reuse, she takes the awesome artwork that was standard issue for LP jackets and transforms them into items of purpose, like sketchbooks, organizers and purses. So awesome.

Revinylized is actually a "side" shop to the main shop for the artist behind all this craftiness: Katie from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Katie's main shop is Knuckletoes, and she also sells her jewelry, clothing and purses at Folk Festivals in her area. She carries the theme of recycle-reuse by also making her clothing and purses out of recycled materials. Anything from tablecloths, to pillowcases, to reused LP record covers. This not only gives her items a vintage feel, but it helps the environment. What more do you need?

Katie features other indie artists at her Revinylized blog, and her life at her Knuckletoes blog. Now, off to look into finding a turntable for a chance to revisit my youth......

More on Gifts that Give

2007-12-01T11:01:00.001-06:00

Do you have someone on your gift list that has adopted or will be adopting a child from China? This gorgeous bracelet created by Etsy artist Deanna Roux of FancyFreeMe has a very special meaning that would be just perfect for that someone. It’s a symbol for anyone who is lucky and blessed enough to have built their family by adopting a child from China.

In addition to its beauty and symbolic significance, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these bracelets will go to Harmony Outreach, a 501(c) (3), non-profit organization that helps to save abandoned babies and children in China by ensuring they receive the medical treatment, therapy or schooling they need while they complete their journey from abandonment and hopelessness to redemption and love.

Each element in the bracelet has been carefully chosen to have a meaning for this outreach effort. Click on the image above to find out more, and visit Deanna's blog to get the full story and more information about Harmony Outreach.

Awaken the Goddess Within

2007-12-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

Many of the artists at Etsy profess a life-long calling to art. One of the site's gifts is that it provides such a friendly forum (haha, even though sometimes the "Forums" are not so friendly!) for these artists to showcase their artistic expressions. An artist such as this is Andee Harston from Orlando, who loves to draw, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, and most recently, express herself in photography. Her jewelry business, Celtic Goddess Jewelry, was started in early 2001.

Andee's life and her art is influenced by spiritual learning, nature and goddess and Celtic imagery, and she identifies very strongly with her Celtic heritage. I found her spiritual and natural pieces very compelling, with a strong design sense, and beautifully elegant lines.

She has also launched a bath-and-body shop, Sacred Waters Bath, offering soaps in unique shapes and scents, bath teas and more.

You can see all of her work on her website gallery, shop at Celtic Goddess Jewelry, and learn more about Andee and her views on the world and other indie artists on her blog.

Three's Company

2007-11-30T06:48:00.000-06:00

Creativity sometimes is a solitary pursuit, and sometimes breeds cooperativity. In the case of KreativeMindz from Cincinnati, an Etsy company of three began when the husband and wife team of Aly and Beau, supporting each other through love, laughter and creativity, teamed up with An-G, one of Aly's best friends.

They mostly make clothing (in all sizes and colors), Goddess Wraps™, Hot Packs, bags, purses, wallets, cuffs and many other cool things! Beau is a very skilled craftsman and carpenter. Check out their Wooden Kreationz section.

All this "kreativity" didn't just rise up by spontaneous generation. Aly was born and raised in a home of artists, and the kids in the family were always doing some sort of "project". Continuing for Aly throughout her life, dipping her hands in all sorts of creative projects, she found her niche in sewing. She enjoys working with the different fibers to see what can be done with them. She began her sewing career traveling all over the country selling her clothes at music shows and festivals.

Now a stay-at-home-mom, she misses that traveling life sometimes, but feels so blessed to have her 2 wonderful and beautiful children, and so very thankful to have the Etsy opportunity to work at home and be able to watch her children grow. Aly and Beau also enjoy their land and organic gardens, hiking, fishing, swimming, playing, camping, fires, drum circles and a show when they can catch one. As mentioned above, Beau is a carpenter and loves working with his hands and building wonderful things! The sewing is assisted by An-G, who lives in Columbus and where she just graduated from vet school. (There we go again with the recurring theme of creative scientists!)

Kruise their KreativeMindz shop for colorful kreations, and take a trip to their blog to find out more.

Stocking Stuffers!

2007-11-28T06:56:00.000-06:00

I have found some items that will make for perfect stocking stuffers for literally EVERYBODY! Who can beat that? Check out these wonderful paper products from Etsy artist Simply Said by Sarah. Great as gifts for anyone with a need to keep notes, monogrammed sticky notes, or holiday inspired design notepads, these will be perfect choices for friends, family members, teachers....yep, just about everybody.

The artist behind Simply Said is Sarah Orton. Sarah is a graphic design student in North Carolina. Her flair for design stems from a lifelong interest in crafts and her pieces demonstrate a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style. Encouraged by the requests she’d begun to receive from fellow employees and friends, Sarah decided to combine her creativity with her business sense, and Simply Said by Sarah was born. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, and is sure to add a tasteful touch of originality to your home!

Open to customization, special requests are always welcome at Simply Said by Sarah. Check out her blog, too, on posts about her graphic design journey and posts on other Etsy artists.

On an Odyssey for Good Gifts?

2007-11-26T14:40:00.001-06:00

So, your quest for something enchanting continues this Cyber Monday? Are you caught between the Scylla and Charybdis of too little time and too little money? Might I suggest a journey to a shop full of fun and imaginative and wonderfully affordable treats? And I promise, this trip won't take you twenty years. Enough with the Ulysses jokes - now take a trip to the Etsy shop of Ulixis. Owned by Northern Ontario native Amanda, currently a fifth year Honors Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University and working in the Janssen lab on her thesis. (Cool
thing - she does real-time videomicroscopy of smooth muscle cell migration: a woman after my own heart!)

Amanda claims to have been crafty her whole life, and enjoys making a variety of things. I am a firm believer that this is a common attribute of scientists (see my previous post on the astronomer/jewelry artist of Silver Dragon). When Amanda was younger, it was drawing, then wreathes, dolls and beading. Now, her focus has switched to notebooks and jewelry. She also enjoys cooking, reading, writing and problem solving - see, the perfect blend of talents and interests for a creative scientist.

My personal favorites of hers are her button creations - so fun!

Please check out her blog, too, where she'll be posting regularly on personal tid-bits, inspirations and featuring other Canadian / Etsy sellers!!

On with your quest to Ulixis!

Is it time for a Blue Moon?

2007-11-25T08:35:00.000-06:00

Known as a rare event, the next blue moon won't happen in the sky until May 2008. Lucky for you, a more accessible rare event (that of discovery of beautiful art) can be had by a trip to Indigo Luna. The Etsy shop of mixed media and textile artist Rachel Kitterman, her primary passion is fabric, and she has been making art quilts and dolls for over a decade now. Rachel also loves paper, altered art, mixed-media, knitting, crocheting, jewelry, artist books, photography...pretty much, if it will hold still, she'll make art out of it. Her store has an amazing and ecclectic sampling of all the creative things she loves to make.

Her work is infused with the environment of her world - a 5th generation Oregonian, growing up in a lush and verdant valley, playing in the damp woods and blackberry thickets - she can't imagine living anywhere else.

Three things (of many) we have in common, from Rachel's list of "100 Things About Me":
55. I broke my tailbone when I was in high school.
69. I’m a very good speller.
97. I am a chronic procrastinator and a perfectionist.

and one more for good measure:
100. I believe in synchronicity and karma.

Go check out her complete list on her blog, and generate some good karma this holiday season by shopping handmade at Indigo Luna.

A Charming Etsy Star

2007-11-24T09:35:00.000-06:00

The Etsy artist behind Earth Charms describes her shop as "A little store run by someone with a big passion for natural stones and their metaphysical properties." She transforms that passion into jewelry and other gift items, and provides for her buyers all the information considered as attributes for the beautiful stones that she has selected for her pieces for that added dimension of meaning to art and/or adornment. Take for example the elegant kyanite earrings below - a stone believed to enhance communication and loyalty - how perfect for earrings!

I love the Bio in Earth Charms' Etsy shop - a prose/poem that tells you so much about her:

My name is: a title used to facilitate communication.
My home is: a little slice of paradise despite the paper-thin walls and windows.
My goal is: to make macrame fashionable.
My soul is: owned by a thieving kitty.
My dreams are: not all that unrealistic, and involve comfort instead of riches.
My life is: meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

So expect to be charmed when you visit Earth Charms, and find out more on her blog.

More Black Friday Goodies

2007-11-23T14:45:00.000-06:00

The incredible artists of the Art Jewelry Collective have compiled the best of the best in their Holiday Gift Guide. I'm so honored to have my Dewdrop earrings selected as the lead item for the Earrings collection. Go AJC!

Untie a Ribbon on Some Signature Pieces

2007-11-23T13:51:00.000-06:00

There are so many wonderful handcrafted items on Etsy, it should be so very easy to shop handmade this Holiday Season. At Signature Sterling, the gift opportunities abound! One of my favorites from Sue's shop leads this post, with fabulous beads and colors inspired by "Hairspray."

Sue enjoys designing, creating, and just plain playing with a variety of beads - but mainly sterling silver, semiprecious, lampwork, Czech glass, and Swarovski crystals/pearls. When she's not beading, she loves being a soccer mom. When you stop by Signature Sterling be sure to check out her links to some other terrific, creative "Etsians" - especially the TBO, the Bead Hive, JET, EtsyMom, and etsyBead groups. Need help finding these talented artists? Go to the Etsy home site and search for TBO, BHV, JETT, EtsyMom, and etsyBead in tags,titles. You'll get a great list to choose from!

And yes, Sue is a Buckeye fan - check out her blog for proof positive on that point. But she supports fans of all types - for a great gift idea for that super-fan in your life, check out her "Colors" line for custom items tailored to school colors and activities.

Sweet Kitties

2007-11-21T21:00:00.000-06:00

I have a kindred spirit at Etsy: at this very moment, as I attempt to type these words, I have the sweetest, but most obnoxious kitty kneading me and telling me how much she would love some loving, but I've got this blog to write! My kindred spirit is the artist behind Sweet Irie - named for her kitten, Irie. The kitten's name means "supreme joy": quite fitting because she is the light of the life and the inspiration for the jewelry in Sweet Irie's shop, as the cat also likes to help her in her work just like my Stella is trying to help me right now! Although we both have to admit, neither cat is much help! At one time her kitty loved to play with the jewelry and balls of hemp that Sweet Irie once used in her craft; stringing it all over the house. Needless to say, she now has had her own stash of 'toys' provided to lie around. Just as well, as Sweet Irie has since moved on from making hemp jewelry and now creates the beautiful handmade beaded designs you see here and throughout her store.

Sweet Irie is an art student going to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. When not doing school work, she spends time with her family, many animals, church, and making jewelry. Once she graduates, Disney better watch out, 'cuz here comes Sweet Irie! Click on any image in the montage above, visit Sweet Irie's shop, where she is having a great sale by the way, or check out her blog. Now, Stella - let me get some work done!

Hope for Whirled Peas Update

2007-11-18T15:19:00.000-06:00

I'm so happy - two of my pieces in the Hope for Whirled Peas Collection (see this post to get the whole scoop) I have dedicated to raising funds for the Fisher House Foundation have sold! Actually, one necklace was a special request as gift for a mom expecting twins - what a sweet idea! I hope that this is the beginning of a successful charity opportunity. Thanks to my two buyers so far - your purchases are greatly appreciated!

For the Love of Moose

2007-11-17T10:05:00.000-06:00

I met Craftymoose back in August 2006 on Etsy when I joined a fun group of Etsians who met weekly in the Forums for one of JewelStreet's Creative Challenges. Now, I haven't participated in a Creative Challenge for some time - working too much, moving across country, excuses all around - but I was very glad to see her join up with us 90 Feature Folk in the blog challenge we're doing. Glad because she now has company because of the challenge, - haha, I think Craftymoose was the only reader other than family I ever had for my blog - thanks Crafty! Also more doubly glad because she has such fun and imaginative pieces in her shop - items you are not going to find just anywhere for sure, and that I'm very glad to write a feature for. Her beaded creatures/suncatchers have always been favorites of mine, and her French flowers blow me away - how do people work with those tiny little beads????

Craftymoose claims to have been crafting for as long as she can remember, is self-taught and has enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently drawn to beads, she has returned to the art of french-beaded flowers. She also has one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers as shown here in this post. Custom requests are welcomed by Craftymoose, so if there is something you would like to see created with her singular type of craft, give her a contact either through her shop or her blog.

And if you're wondering, the name Craftymoose came about because of her love of crafts and her husband's love of moose. Her avatar is the head of a 4'+ tall moose she made for her husband one Christmas - now there's a loving wife!

A Paper DemiGod

2007-11-16T14:53:00.000-06:00

Our (the "90 Feature Folk" as Phyllis from PersonalTreasures has dubbed us) resident DemiGod is Michael Gresh, and he is a man of many trades. Designer of hotels by day, craft inventor and schemer by night, a self-proclaimed "paper nut", he is the force behind the Etsy shop Darjeeling Paper.

He is also the co-owner of DemiGod Studio, an ecclectic duo of craft & art show afficionados. When he's not working on plans to open his own shop for DemiGod Studio, he bides his time coming up with new and inventive ways to use up the stockpile of paper he's accumulated over the years. That must be some stash considering the wonderful paper eye-candy he's got listed in his shop. His plans for Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. include a showcase for these paper goods, and to distinguish his works as a new product division of DemiGod. A man with a business plan - his offerings are so lovely and practical, I'm sure he'll be a quite successful DemiGod.

Spend some time checking out Michael's shop, and find out more about his processes on his website and blog, where there are even plans for tutorials in the near future.

O Tannenbaum

2007-11-16T03:47:00.000-06:00

a musing following Lesley's post concerning her quest for her perfect pagan symbol.....

Conventional wisdom has the Christmas tree as being co-opted from pagan practices, but not being Druid, I really don't know how it was/is used in pagan celebrations.

I do find it ironic that for something as pervasive in our culture as the tree, that controversy comes in from all sides. Fundamentalist Christians chafe at its pagan roots, non-Christians chafe at the civil display of what they see as a uniquely Christian symbol and therefore inappropriate, and non-believers adopt it as a festive decoration for a holiday that can be celebrated completely stripped of any religious content, back to chafing the believers. And again, I confess ignorance to what the actual pagans are doing or thinking about trees at the Winter Solstice. Maybe they're chafed about all this, too.

How do I as a Christian see my tree?

It is an evergreen to symbolize God's everlasting love for me.

It is chopped down by human hands just as my actions separate me from the love of God.

It is a tree because it was upon a tree that my redemption came through the power of Christ's crucifixion. My church took this symbol further by allowing the trees used at Christmas-time to completely dry out, then they stripped the trunks of their branches and fashioned crucifixes to be used during our Lenten and Easter services. Understanding that those were in fact our Christmas trees enriched the meaning immensely for me - connecting the hope and joy of the promise of the Baby felt back at Christmas with what happened to bring about that hope on Good Friday. That was a powerful message.

It is decorated in lights to symbolize both the stars that shone on the night of Christ's birth, and that Christ is a light to my world.

On the top? A star for the star of Bethlehem that led the magi to the Child, or perhaps an angel to represent the heralds that proclaimed His birth to the shepherds.

Under the tree are gifts to those I love and hold most dear, consecrated at the foot of this symbol just as sacrifices are laid upon an altar. Because God loved me first, I can love others.

And yes, we co-opted the Winter Solstice, too. I heard stories that the reasoning behind the choice of date for Christmas was to specifically supplant the pagan rituals of the Solstice (Hey, the people need a good party in the dead of winter, so let's give 'em a Christian reason to celebrate!), and I have no doubt that was part of the reasoning, but I'm also sure there were probably lots of other pagan rituals they could have wanted to replace. So I think the Solstice was chosen deliberately as the perfect time to celebrate Christ's birth. Just as the earth begins to turn to the sun with the assured promise of the abundance of the coming summer, so, too, can we turn to the Baby born to bring abundant love to us all. These feelings of hope were part of the collective consciousness of people (in December in the Northern Hemisphere, anyway) - what better time to celebrate the hope of salvation?

Even with its "roots" somewhere not connected to Christ's birth, my Christmas Tree is a rich and meaningful symbol to me as a Christian. Do I chafe if someone else has a tree that is used in a secular or pagan manner? Of course not. It's just a pretty tree. But for me, our family tree will be an integral part of my meditations, celebration and joy this coming Season. May your holidays, however you see fit to celebrate them, be filled with hope and joy, too.

Down to Earth

2007-11-15T07:04:00.000-06:00

Maybe it's the season, maybe the lack of rain leaving all the grasses tinder-box brown, maybe even my mood....but I found myself drawn to the lovely earth-shades of jewelry in the shops that belong to Etsy artist formerly-known-as-Berry Patch Designs, now becoming Silver Shadow (a change prompted by a name conflict with another e-seller on that OTHER e-site). She also maintains an "alternate reality" shop at Undercurrent. A member of Etsy's EarthPath Artisans Street Team, Berry Patch/Silver Shadow loves life but not drama, animals, people-watching, and keeping an individualistic approach. Here is how she describes her approach to design: "I love to combine the varying colors and textures of the natural world. There are so many feelings and places to love about our world!"

Her materials remind her of those places and feelings: turquoise, jasper and agate in their infinite varieties, other semiprecious gems, like amazonite's soft greens, garnet's rich wine colors, bronzite's gold-flecked chocolate depths. High quality man-made glass and metal beads join in the visual symphony; they have their own brightness and feelings to contribute to her designs.

What does she love most designing jewelry? Hearing and seeing that people enjoy wearing her jewelry. I bet she hears that a lot.

Her "mad ramblings" about jewelry design can be found at her Strains Asylum, and her designs at Berry Patch Designs, Silver Shadow, and Undercurrent.

Feed your Head

2007-11-14T07:36:00.000-06:00

and your eyes! I found the work of Etsy jewelry artist Alternate Bliss to have all the aspects of desirable accessories (for me, anyway) - clean style, beautiful materials, and something to spark the mind. Tanya Brumett, a mixed media artist who includes jewelry in her offerings (as well as ACEOs, original art and art prints), works a lot in fine silver clay to create little pure silver masterpieces like the White Rabbit.

I especially love pieces that incorporate words to pique your interest, or reflect your attitude, or focus your daily walk. For many, the word "Imagine" is just that kind of word, even a call to action as it evokes the utopian words of John Lennon.

And speaking of music, an apparent source of inspiration for Alternate Bliss, these "99 Red Balloons" earrings recall the anti-war protest song of Nena's from the '80s, as well as the movie, “Le Ballon Rouge,” a short film directed by French film-maker Albert Lamorisse in 1956. This film follows the adventures of a young boy who finds a large, red balloon throughout the streets of Paris. In their wanderings around Paris, the young boy and the balloon encounter a gang of bullies, but tragedy is replaced by a magically happy ending.

So feed your head with evocative and beautiful jewelry from Alternate Bliss, check out her art while you're there, and find out her musings on life through her blog.

Mommas Know Best

2007-11-13T07:33:00.000-06:00

About how to be a chic momma and to pamper their babies! A group of moms, all friends, started making things for their own children and realized that even though they each only had one or two things they each specialized in, collaborating would be more fun and would make for a shop full of things moms all over absolutely couldn't live without. Elle Belle on Etsy was born! They specialize in handmade (of course!) boutique-quality items that make being a Mom easier and more fun!

Take for example their crinkle corner lovey-blankets with the sleeping baby above, or their tag blankets like this cute duckie pattern: both are designed to engage your little one in visual and tactile exploration. Soft fleece and satin combine to make the ducky blanket a potentially favorite cuddly companion. Elle Belle goes the extra mile to make the 12 tags on each blanket unique in texture, size, and color, and they make sure to keep Mom in mind by keeping them a perfectly portable size of 14 x 14 inches so baby can easily play with them in their car seat and they also fit nicely in a diaper bag. They're thinking of everything!

Chic baby fashion is also the name of the game. I can't imagine many things more precious than these crocheted toddler ballet slippers, and their "pillow case" dresses are so versatile they can be proportioned to fit from newborns all the way to size 4. Perfect for any season, they can be worn alone on warm days or with a shirt underneath when it's cooler. Great for matching sister dresses!

Drop by Elle Belle on Etsy, and pay them a visit on their blog to learn more about what Mommas know best.

Company is Coming!

2007-11-12T08:13:00.000-06:00

The holiday season is upon us. In fact next week is Thanksgiving - are you ready yet? Ack, I'm not! It's so early this year. But it's not too late to add those special touches to your activities that will make memories of the season last for a lifetime. There's an artist on Etsy that has items that fit that bill nicely, I would think, for those interested in making the season special. At Mommy and Me Boutique the specialty is adult and toddler aprons; fun, funky, traditional, vintage. Just perfect for those holiday baking and cooking activities, and turning what could be a mundane chore into an "event" and a memory cherished for a lifetime - "when Mommy and me made cookies together." These aprons are designed for today's mother and child to show off their own sense of style; you can be sure "these are not your mother "s aprons."

Other passions at Mommy and Me involve creating toddler skirts and baby items and she enjoy sworking with designer fabric and ribbons. Loving care and personal expression are put into each one. All work is done in a pet free and smoke free environment, so you can be assured your fabric items will arrive allergen-free, and ready for making memories.

See more of her lovelies, as "every little girl likes something special" at her Etsy shop and her blog. Now, back to planning for next week!

Spark your creativity

2007-11-10T07:15:00.000-06:00

One of the neat things about Etsy is the number of vendors on the site that cater to the new crafters' love of vintage and repurposing of old into new. There are many artists that use the vintage items as part of their new art, and others just love to have the vintage items in their environment. Being of a certain "vintage" myself, sometimes I find things for sale from my own childhood - LOL! Creative Sundries has a shop just chock-full of vintage ephemera, cookbooks, sewing patterns, jewelry, and collage art and repurposed items - all of that certain "age."

This fun little plastic tray from American Airlines has been altered through decoupage and the addition of an authentic Mexican loteria card - perfect for your keys, don't you think? Or maybe change you're saving for a "rainy" day?

Vintage on Etsy is about taking the old and making the new.....what could you do with this funky image from a newspaper ad for a pharmacy? Insert it into a collage perhaps? But you should see what's on back of this original newspaper ad - perhaps an even more compelling image to work with. But you'll have to click on the pic to get to the listing to see for yourself!

So Etsy is not only your one-stop-shop for all things handmade, but also a treasure trove for materials and inspiration. Come check out what the Minnesota mother-daughter team of Creative Sundries is doing with vintage, and read more on their blog.

Fired up for Wired Up

2007-11-09T12:28:00.000-06:00

I got the opportunity to e-interview Etsy jewelry artist Alicia Weeks from Wyred On Wire - an artist who loves to work in wire and semi-precious gemstones as much as I do.

So Alicia, how did you get into your craft? When I was 8 years old my grandparent bought me a huge beading kit for Christmas. I fell in love with beads and jewelry that day. I loved putting the different colors combinations together from there it grew.

What inspires you? I'm inspired by life in general. There isn't much that doesn't inspire me: friends, family other artist, media. I can go for a walk and be inspired or a trying to sleep.

What challenges you in your art? Pictures, Pictures, Pictures. I definitely need to work on my photography skills in the new year. I will be getting a new camera and getting some lessons.

How long have you had your shop? I joined Etsy in March; however, it was awhile afterwards that I started posting items for sale.

Do you consider your shop a job or a hobby? I don't consider making my jewelry a job. I love making my jewelry. However, the paperwork, the photography, web presence, etc., does sometimes turn it into a job.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? I don't think I have really been here long enough to give advice for Etsy shop owners, but some good advice to anyone: be true to yourself.

And lastly, what is your favorite fun fact about yourself? It's not really a fun fact, I think it's rather sad and slightly ironic. I love earrings; however, I am allergic to them. I still wear them. I just make sure that when I am home I take them out. Yes, a jewelry designer who is allergic to earrings.

Thanks, Alicia, for sharing about yourself and your work. So sorry about that earring allergy! The lovely items featured here are available at Wyred on Wire, and you can find out more about Alicia at Blogger and on her gallery website.

Game On!

2007-11-08T05:33:00.000-06:00

Lauren, the Etsy artist behind Lost Mitten, is a self-proclaimed, major video game addict, from prehistoric Nintendo to present-day Wii. Living in Brantford, Ontario, Canada she has been creating handcrafted items for her Etsy shop since September 2006.

In addition to her love of video games, Lauren's talents are so diverse that she includes in her loves knitting and crochet! She also loves to create journals and other paper goods, as well as needlepoint, acrylic felt creations, pinback buttons, and jewelry. There seriously has to be something for literally everybody in her shop. Especially those looking to appease their inner geek. And who doesn't have an inner geek? Okay, maybe those with outer geeks, but you know who you are. Check out Lost Mitten, and her blog, and get your game on.

Ready, Get "Set", Go!

2007-11-07T08:14:00.000-06:00

Pulling together a "look" can be as simple as classic clothes with an added pop of accessory adornments. Coordinated sets of jewelry are the specialty of Etsy shop Adornments by BJ, a jewelry artist with an exceptional eye for beautiful stones and well-balanced compositions (just check out the lead picture - what gorgeous larimar!). Her passion for her art is evident in all her creations, to amazing and striking results. She has designs to fit all budgets and styles, from casual to elegant, from bold to demure, and you'll never have to worry about what earrings to wear with the stunning necklace you've chosen - BJ has made the set for you!

I'm especially in love with this gold/purple combo of amethyst and yellow jasper - yum yum!

So, ready, set, go grab an eyeful at Adornments by BJ, and check out her blog, too! I'm sure you'll find a load of goodies.

A Hope for Whirled Peas

2007-11-06T18:23:00.000-06:00

Next week, Americans mark a day we call "Veterans Day" - a day to commemorate all those who have served our country in military service, most notably those still living, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made as they carried out their duties for our national security. Beginning this week and continuing as a permanent section in my Etsy shop, I will be dedicating a limited edition series of jewelry pieces specifically to honor veterans by donating proceeds from the sales of these pieces to the Fisher House™ Foundation.

What are Fisher Houses™ and why did I choose to make fund-raising efforts in support of them?

Glad you asked.

The Fisher House™ Foundation program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. The program began in 1990, and has offered nearly 2-1/2 million days of lodging to more than 110,000 families. This lodging is made available free of charge to these families in need. Regardless of the politics of war, our wounded soldiers and their families need our support, and support of the Fisher Houses™ is one way we can lend a hand.

These Houses are a significant presence here in my hometown of San Antonio, as it has become the nation's center for medical treatment for amputees, and has seven Fisher Houses™ in operation to support these families. So as a charity, this is doubly attractive to me, living with a veteran and also living in San Antonio.

The other amazing thing about this organization is their stellar reputation as a charity organization. Major supporters include Newman's Own, and Gary Trudeau of "Doonesbury" fame. They have received a 4-star rating for three consecutive years from Charity Navigator, America's largest independent evaluator of charities; the Independent Charities Seal of Excellence , certifying that they meet the highest standards of public accountability and program and cost effectiveness; and an A+ rating from Charity Watch. I feel that I can not only support an awesome cause, but also give with confidence, knowing that the funds will go exactly to where they were intended.

This holiday make a purchase count for more than the joy of the item itself - have a gift give back. Do it here with That's Headley! Hope for Whirled Peas Collection purchases, or another purchase from someone with charity-targeted proceeds, but do it - you'll like it, I'm sure.

For more information about the Fisher House™ Foundation, please see www.fisherhouse.org. This fundraising effort is undertaken personally by that’s Headley! Jewelry Designs, and does not imply that the Fisher House™ Foundation in any way supports or endorses my jewelry. Also, I am not a spokesperson for the Fisher House™ Foundation, so any inquiries regarding the Foundation should be directed to them via their contact information provided at www.fisherhouse.org.

Kuddly Warmth for Your Babes

2007-11-06T06:43:00.001-06:00

Toni Anderson from Fairbanks, Alaska, is a new Etsy shop owner, joining only this September, but is already up and running with 21 sales! She heard about Etsy from her college roommate, who is a photographer in Minneapolis. Overall, Toni has been creating her items for one year, and when she was deciding on a name for her shop, she wanted to pick a name that would reflect both what she makes and had a personal meaning to her. Kuddle Bugz Threadz is inspired from her 16-month-old twins, Tori and Trista, her true “KuddleBugz”. With the need in Fairbanks for warm baby items, she felt a tug at her heart to use her talents to help other mom's keep their "kuddle bugz" warm, too!

Toni works in fleece and flannel, and her first project was last year for Christmas when she made her boyfriend a Washington Huskies fleece blanket. Her favorite item in her shop is this Purple Paisley Infant Car Seat Cover. Mine, of course, is the cute burp cloth at the end of this post. Although she considers her first job is to be a "Mommy to two beautiful little twin girls," she promotes her business by handing out business cards, putting up flyers around town, word of mouth referrals, emailing family/friends, and participating in forums on Etsy. Her advice to other indie craft artists is "Don’t give up! Keep giving it 110% because it will pay off!"

Her future plans include to continue making sales, adding new items each week. Toni hopes that it will make enough profit so that she will be able to say at home with her girls! So for keeping your little ones warm and cozy this winter, check out Kuddle Bugz Threadz shop, and find out more about Toni and her cute little Kuddle Bugz on her blog.

Dreamweaver in Art

2007-11-05T08:04:00.000-06:00

Like many other artists, Etsy artist Paulette Insall from Portland, Oregon has been creative from a very young age. From making knotted bracelets and hair accessories as a child to taking photos for her high school year book when she was older. She never thought of herself as an artist until a few years ago. For many years she dreamed of painting, but could never bring herself to pick up a paint brush until October of 2006. That's when her love of creating stories with paint and paper began.

Paulette's art is reflective mixed media, and is available as original art, fine art prints and note cards - something for every budget level - for anyone drawn to her beautiful, dreamy images.

These days when she’s not busy entertaining her very busy four year old son, you will find her stealing any moment she can in her home studio pouring her thoughts and emotions out into the visual stories she creates through her art. She gives us the opportunity to share in her art through her Etsy shop, her blogs - one on Blogger, and a brand new one, where she also is participating in the 90-day blog challenge - and on her website and on Ebay.

Dundas Down Under

2007-11-02T13:28:00.000-05:00

Etsy glass artist, Anne Dundas from Sydney, Australia discovered beading in 2004, and the discovery sparked her imagination and began a passion in her life. From beading she moved into the wonderfully colorful and magical world of lampworking, and now makes luminous glass creations to make you drool. As you may remember from my features on Ginger Black and Studio Marcy, I have nothing but awe and admiration for those who wield the torch on molten glass. How DO they DO that?!?!

When not creating lampwork beads or crafting jewelry ("jewellery" Down Under), she is the caregiver for her mother who has MS and designs business cards for other jewelry artists. She professes the view that beading and the beading community she has found since beginning her journey in 2004 to have truly enriched her life. I feel fortunate that I, too, have been introduced to Anne Dundas Handcrafted Jewellery and Lampwork Beads, and all the wonderful pretties that can found therein. Check out her shop for yourself, and take some time to visit her blog where she shares her creative process.

Always Good to Stick with the Classics

2007-11-01T19:16:00.000-05:00

Dina Cuomo of New York, the Etsy jewelry artist behind Elektra Jewelry Design, became entranced with jewelry and jewelry design following a trip to Greece at the age of 15. The classical pieces in 18K and 24K gold she found there fascinated her, and she brought many pieces back with her to enjoy for many years. The seeds that were planted after that influential trip sprouted and grew into an indie business after a chance escape from the cold on a ski vacation led her to take a jewelry-making class. Love of design and love of process came together, and in March 2007, she opened her Etsy shop.

Her designs are gracious and elegant compositions of semiprecious gemstones, sterling silver and top quality gold vermeil. Her design goal is to create pieces that are timeless and well-made so that they can be worn for years to come, just as she enjoyed those classical pieces from Greece.

For elegant, classic design in jewelry, you would do well to spend some time at Elektra Jewelry Design and find out more about Dina on her blog.

Do you believe in magic?

2007-10-31T17:00:00.000-05:00

In a young girl's heart.......Okay, now that I've got you singing - haha - let me tell you about an Etsy artist for whom the rocks sing and make a magic all their own.

Beth Alexander of Cryztalvisions is lucky to be blessed by winning the genetic lottery of coming from a long line of artistic souls. Beth's influences include her father who was an artist and art teacher, and her great grandmother who had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. Luckily her great grandmother left a legacy of oil paintings for Beth to treasure always.

As you know, I am a self-confessed pretty rock addict, and Beth, too has been fascinated by crystals and stones for as long as she can remember. A jewelry artist for over 20 years, she is still excited by the process, learning new techniques, and pushing the boundaries of her creativity. She has been drawn along the way to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. She has found combining her love of minerals, her artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with her heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy. I find her jewelry creations in silver, like this Tree of Life piece in fine silver, especially wonderful.

She finds that she loves to immerse herself in the creative process, and is fascinated when some pieces seem to magically design themselves. I know just how that feels. Some of my most favorite creations seemed to create themselves, too - it must be those pretty rocks!

It is Beth's hope that you will find a very special piece her creations that speaks to your heart. So be sure to drop by her Etsy shop, her website or her blog to find out more about these magical pieces of beauty in stone and precious metals. You can find out, too, what's up with that "Z" in "Cryztalvisions"!

May Good Fortune find you today!

Crafty Mama

2007-10-30T10:26:00.000-05:00

Becki, a stay-at-home-mom, started making jewelry about 5 years ago when she was trying to work from home. She ordered an earring making kit and worked on them for weeks. A little light came on, and she said to herself, "Why am I only doing earrings?" She went to her first bead store and well, the rest is history. Her style and techniques have blossomed over the years, and she opened her Etsy shop, Entyqua (Becki's Designs) in January 2007. She has several items currently in stock, and she adds more all the time.

The jewelry at Entyqua caters to the plus-size wearer, but Becki does custom orders as well, and can size most pieces either smaller or larger at request. She makes both costume and genuine stone/metal jewelry, as well as finished jewelry boxes, cards, and other paper crafts. Coming soon, she will be doing clothing as well! That is one crafty lady!

She use a lot of natural stones and beads for her creations, and she says her favorites are wood and gemstones. She also loves to use pearls, whether they are freshwater or faux pearls, as she says they "have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in!"

For her finished jewelry boxes, she loves to take something ordinary like a plain, unfinished wooden box and make it dazzle. They are one of her favorites of all her hobbies. She likes that they come to her from a craft store plain, dull, and wood-colored, and end up with color, flair and style. What a transformation!

For more information on all of Becki's crafty hobbies, have a visit to her blog!

Victorian Charms

2007-10-29T07:11:00.000-05:00

A lover of antique and vintage everything, Etsy artist Wanderlust & Pixie Dust expresses her creativity in clothing, jewelry, linens, textiles, anything beveled, books, ephemera, you name it. The older the better is her motto. In her spare time, she likes to dabble in all things crafty. She shares bits and pieces of the buried treasure she has collected over the years on her blog.
Check it out if you have the time.

Make it Personal

2007-10-28T22:06:00.000-05:00

So many different opportunities exist for crafters on Etsy. Although sometimes it seems as if there are only jewelry artists there, the real fact of the matter is that all sorts of handcrafted items are posted there by people who want to share their love of handmade. Personality Plus Boutique had been customizing gifts for those she loved, so she thought it might be fun to see who else might love her ideas, and her shop on Etsy was born. Her claim is that she is dedicated to bringing her customers unique, quality embroidered gifts at an unbeatable price! She loves to customize orders so if you want something specific, just let her know and she will let you know what she can do. All of her orders are completed in a smoke free, pet free home where she will give your items her highest quality treatments!

She also offers bulk pricing, so if you have a group that want the same product (it still can be personalized with their name!) then let her know and she'll get you a quote. Think about a Lamaze class (personalized burp cloths!), family or class reunions (matching embroidered T-shirts for all the band geeks at the reunion!), bridal parties for the rehearsal..... you get the idea.

Check out her blog for her MANY options on what you can do with her products.

Get Your Groove On

2007-10-28T20:54:00.000-05:00

Born and raised on the Jersey Shore and then moved to Los Angeles, Ets y artist Yaslani studied Fine Art - painting - at Otis Art Institute. Before long she found herself back in New Jersey where she detoured from art for a while and settled into a normal life fully stocked with a corporate job. Turns out normal wasn’t for her: making things became an addiction. A packrat by nature, she believes all items have a second life and loves using recycled items and supplies that are gentle to the environment.

Her work consists of bamboo pendants and mixed media paintings. She uses found objects, bamboo, ephemera, old paper, acrylic, gouache, pencils, pens, ink, glitter… and anything else within her grasp. Her influences include pop culture, color, music, animals, fashion, movies, magazines and too many artists she cares to mention. There are no heavy messages in her work; instead, she considers her art to be an aesthetic conversation. A lovely chat between friends, sometimes relaying a story or an inside joke. The only judgment Yaslani makes with her art is “am I feeling this or not.” The “not” pile gets recycled for another day.

Yaslani is the brainchild for all her creative outlets. There is so much more she plans to do. There are so many more beautiful conversations she says she plans to have, and she is still planning her escape from normal. Stay tuned at Yaslani's Groove Spot.

A Treasure Trove from Philly

2007-10-26T14:40:00.000-05:00

Phyllis Mufson from Philadelphia, PA, is the creative force behind the Etsy shop Personal Treasures. With a distinguished career in design, first as an award-winning textile artist, she is the founder of the San Francisco School and Gallery of Textile Arts, winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, and former director of Career Services at Moore College of Art and Design. Now a career consultant and personal coach, Phyllis helps her clients create reality from their dreams.

To appease her creative side (as if creating reality from dreams is not creative enough!), she now expresses herself through jewelry design, with an eye to rich gemstones showcased in silver and gold. Her designs are one-of-a-kind or limited addition, and her commitment is to beautiful, well-constructed, comfortable jewelry pieces. She has two online shops, one more upscale (Personal Treasures) and one more simple and casual (Mufi Jewels).

She uses her blog to showcase her creative expressions, and has also been actively participating in the 90-day blog challenge with wonderfully written posts on fellow Etsy artists (see here for the one she wrote on me - thanks, Phyllis!). If you want to know more about her Catalyst for Personal and Professional Growth, you can visit her site for her practice as a career coach for creative people. Anywhere you look, you'll find a trove of Treasures.

Tropical Flava

2007-10-26T08:53:00.001-05:00

A Canadian transplanted to tropical Belize, the Etsy artist behind Coconut Palm Designs uses her creative energies and graphic design capabilities to craft signs and ACEOs (collectable small format art cards). The cheery "Welcome" sign is carved, handpainted, and sealed against the elements. What a happy way to greet your guests to your space.

I especially love this bright, colored-pencil ACEO of a tropical wildflower from Belize. I can only imagine what a different world Belize must seem for a Canadian. These art cards are fun to collect, as they are the size of a playing card (2.5X3.5 inches), and yet are original works of art. Coconut Palm signs and dates all of her cards on the back so that you can be assured of owning an original.

To see more of this artist, do drop by her shop, and read more about her on her blog.

Cool Color from a Hot Dog

2007-10-25T14:44:00.000-05:00

Beautiful swirls of color on silk, Etsy artist AKHotDoggies is all about "color, color, color." Both textiles and paper are hand marbled in the most luscious way, and you can find clothes, scarves, accessories, and even some jewelry made from some recycled materials and interesting and serendipitously beautiful "experiments".

A proud member of the Etsy Fiber Arts Street Team, Jodi Hughes hails from Alaska, and since she is willing to marble anything she can get her hands on, she is very open to custom work and colors. Be sure to check out her adventure in color blog, too.

Objects of Desire

2007-10-25T12:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not so secretly in love with jewelry artists that do beautiful metalwork, as I dabble in silversmithing myself and fantasize about having a full metal studio someday. For now I get my fix from visiting artists like Etsy's Kalicat, the shop of Londoner Catherine Marche. She creates lovely "jewellery" and self-described Objects of Desire. Catherine was nice enough to chat with me, and had this to say about her art and craft:

How did you get into your craft?

Once upon a time, I used to make my own little jewels and also some to give away as gifts. A few friends noticed and started to commission pieces for weddings, hen parties, an a shop owner asked me to place some of them in her shop.... They SOLD. A few years later, I was thinking of reconverting from IT to a more creative job, in addition to painting and illustrations (see http://www.catherinemarche.com). I got some training and Voila. What is fascinating about jewellery is that the area is so vast, I feel I can learn and create new things for a very long time.

What inspires you?

Fashion, people, colors, "poesie", travelling around the world, art, the sun...

What challenges you in your art?

Creating from a brief. I love when someone comes to me and says "I am looking for something special...." and they usually do not even know how to express it. I really enjoy playing with discerning their personality and what makes they tock, to then come up with a design they will love.

How long have you had your shop?

January 2007

Do you consider your shop a job or a hobby?

I would say that Etsy is a little window of international opportunities.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners?

Promote, network and be yourself.

And lastly, what is your favorite fun fact about yourself?

I own (and wear) a blue wig :) Another one is that my legs are too long for my trousers. Thank you for the interview and the feature.

I offer your readers 20% off my shop until 01.01.2008, using code Headley20

So there you have it, a hidden bonus for reading through this post! You can find out more about this artist so that you, too, can be more "stunning, chic and elegant" by visiting her blog or her MySpace.

Mark this!

2007-10-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hallmark better pay close attention to the indie paper market out here in cyberland. With artists like Etsy's Earmark Invitations, the bar for modern, witty, crisp, clean paper goods is getting set pretty high. Wonderful graphics set the tone for fully customizable invites, greetings, journals, you name it. Establishing a name for themselves with a feature at the Sundance Festival in January 2007, the folks at Earmark got to hobnob with the celebs at the Kari Feinstein Style Lounge and show off their wares. In September 2007, Bridal Guide Magazine featured their customizable chocolate bars for weddings. Sweet!

Their motto is simple - "Paperie goodness for you". With a total dedication to customer satsifaction, they aim to "create happiness" with their products. So the next time you're tempted to send out an email to friends for the next soiree, maybe it's time to reconsider the "old-fashioned" excitement of receiving honest-to-goodness mail, and handcrafted paper invites at that. How classy, and with Earmark, how modern at the same time. You can see their beautiful happiness-creating goods at their website, too, and keep up with all their doings through their blog. Happy correspondence, y'all!

Ode to the Etsy Challenger

2007-10-18T14:09:00.000-05:00

Pippit Carlington, the instigator of all this Etsy-artist-90-day-blogging, also the beloved leader of the Art Jewelry Collective of which I am also a member, is a jewelry artist that describes her style as "contemporary tribal." Her organic aesthetic is a direct result of her diverse heritage of Iroquois, Hawaiian, Russian Jewish and French Canadian and her love of nature. Not content to only create beauty (which she does in spades), she also incorporates her social and political interests to inform her pieces to educate the observer. A formally trained artist, Pippit received her art education at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and Studios. In addition to her jewelry, she works also in acrylics, watercolor, drawing, and clay sculpture, and has shown at numerous shows and galleries.

Diversity is not only in her background, but in her work as well, with something for all styles and perspectives in her shop at Etsy, Giftbearer. From classic simplicity as in the braided gold ring above, to modern ethnographic like the Many Muses Gemstone Hearts necklace also shown.

One of my favorites is her Fall Finery necklace featuring carnelian. Yummy. So many pretties - check out her blog, too, if you get the chance.

Art Jewelry Collective gets into the Fall Mood

2007-10-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

A lovely post on Fall foliage-inspired art jewelry includes one my favorite pieces. If only Fall would come to central Texas (I promised not to fuss about the long "summers" here, but it is technically running 15 degrees ABOVE normal right now - ack.). Forecasters promise a change next week. We'll see.

Elastic Zucchini

2007-10-18T08:01:00.001-05:00

I must confess, I am clueless as to why the shop of Etsy artist Ren Adams is named Plastic Pumpkin (hence the tongue-in-cheek title of this post). Now, an explanation is given in the PlasticPumpkin blog, and I do get the quirky and fun part and how that ties into the art. What Ren does offer is fun, and it is also philosophical, and intriguing: artwork and crafts for the discerning (and playful) collector. Ren works in a variety of media: mixed media assemblages, pencil, marker, acrylic, Chinese brush painting, watercolor, oil pastel, pen & ink, etc., finding something special and engaging about each artistic method and taking every medium seriously. Plastic pumpkins? Nowhere in sight. Only beauty everywhere you look. Memorable name, though...method in the madness?

In the words of Ren Adams: "About Ren Adams"
-------------------

I've been doing artwork my entire life (even scribbled in my own baby book) and for me, it's more than a "hobby" or "job" it's a state of mind and a fulfilling pathway. I can't NOT do it. I simply must. If I'm not drawing, painting, or otherwise expressing myself (however badly), I'm not in harmony with everything around me.

Art is a sensation, a sense of humor, a sense of elation, a tantalizing window... it's pure energy, pure thought, and pure darkness, and pure light.

I explore themes, people, and places that intrigue me...

I'm also a Taoist and a lot of my artwork reflects my spiritual pathway (the art of compassion, simplicity, and patience). I practice Qi Gong meditation and enjoy artists who aren't afraid to be themselves.

The art of Plastic Pumpkin Designs has heart, as well, and as would be expected from an artist who creates through spirituality. In support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Ren donates 50% of the proceeds from the sales of certain pieces in the EtsyPink section of the shop.

So take some time out of your day for a look at intriguing, beautiful art in a shop who's name you're not likely to forget. Also, for more detailed information about this Albuquerque, NM artist, check out the website.

Maybe I'll start a band under Elastic Zucchini, if it's not taken already.

Pizazzzzz

2007-10-16T14:56:00.000-05:00

I'm always excited when I come across another scientist that has also embraced the right side of their brain in creative pursuit. Not that science is not in fact very creative. To be a great scientist, one must constantly ask new, unasked questions in the pursuit of the next level of truth. That is a very creative process. (But it is an iterative process that can get bogged down in the left, analytical side. There's a reason a lot of people think science is "boring"!) And any study of nature will reveal unspeakable beauty if one just keeps their eyes open. For me, it is the microbial and molecular world. For Etsy artist Patricia Vener, her scientific call is to the stars. She holds a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY, has worked as an astronomer and still teaches astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College. But she's more than an astronomer, she is also an artist. She has provided a painting illustration for an astronomy textook, and has illustrated a children's book, "Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn.
At her shop SilverDragon you can find exquisite jewelry creations of uncommon detail and color, inspired by Native American beadwork techniques. Drop by to see for yourself, and find out more on her Dragon's "Lair".

Little Treasures

2007-10-16T07:25:00.000-05:00

Marcy Lamberson is an Etsy glass artist who self-proclaims that she loves making people smile through her whimsical beads and sculptures. I have no doubt that she's surrounded by a lot of smiling folks!

She has the wonderful work situation of a sunroom studio overlooking her garden and birds, squirrels, chipmunks and occasional wandering possums. To our enjoyment, she sometimes makes them into beads, too, complete with clothes and jewelry, and turns them into little fun glass treasures.

Glass artists always amaze me, working with a 2000 degree torch and creating colorful amalgams of seemingly delicate glass. Most of Marcy's glass, in fact, comes from Murano, Italy, the center of the beautiful glass world. But strength is important for creations that are meant to be worn like beads, and every piece from StudioMarcy is kiln annealed for durability.

You can find out more about Marcy on the Etsy Glass Artist website and her blog .

She adds new beads almost daily, so stop by StudioMarcy often. You, too, will be amazed at her whimsical art, and the incredible detail she works into each and every piece.

be-dee, be-dee, be-dee, that's all folks!

Passion in Pictures

2007-10-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

A woman with a passion for photography, Tiffany Teske from Banff, Alberta has loved photography since she was given a 110 camera at the age of 7, to capture memories on a family trip. She didn't have a direct path into professional photography, but took a few side trips along the way. She studied ballet, creative writing, and art in high school but did not take photography classes. Instead, she was "the after school photography club" and was taught by a science teacher how to use the darkroom. The chemicals got into her blood, and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) she settled in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, population 200, and home to Sugarloaf USA, and decided to go to University for.... nursing? Well, fate stepped in, and after one summer color printing course and some credit mishaps on the school's part, she switched her major to photography and graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002. She now lives in Banff, Alberta, Canada, with her husband and toddler, Quinlyn.

If you want to know more, feel free to check out the About Tiffany section on her website at www.oldesage.com.

Her favorite materials are... TMAX and HP5 black and white film; Polaroid peel apart films for transfers and emulsion lifts; all kinds of paper; fiber based prints made in the darkroom; hand coloring markers; archival mats; black metal frames for sleekness and gold gilded frames for romance; silver and copper jewelry components; gel medium; bamboo tiles; poker chips; bottle caps; watercolor paper. Her aesthetic is one of ethereal beauty and romance, with a wonderful eye for line and balance.

Take a visit over to Tiffany's Etsy shop and see for yourself what beauty can be created from her passion for photography - it will be worth the trip, I promise.

It's Elemental, my dear Watson

2007-10-15T07:21:00.000-05:00

Etsy
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Elements by Dawn

Element - refers to the shape, form, mass, line, texture, pattern, light, and color of a design.

One of my favorite jewelry artists on Etsy is Dawn Brandt from Kenosha, Wisconsin and her shop, Elements by Dawn. Dawn is particularly drawn to creating pattern and texture in her pieces. Through pattern and texture, her designs take on movement, visual and tactile interest. Through the use of color and form, she communicates emotion and energy. Dawn's pieces range from simplistic shapes and lines, evoking a sense of calm; to heavily textured with bold colors and lines, suggesting passion.

Her obsession with circles, spheres, disks, and symmetry is expressed throughout her designs.

Dawn is constantly learning new techniques, as well as perfecting traditional methods of metalworking and design.

Additionally, she is a full-time student, wife, and mother of two boys. She enjoys listening to music of all types, especially industrial, techno, a little ska, and classical. Dawn is a self-diagnosed coffee and cheese addict.

She blogs here - check it out!

Compliment Bait

2007-10-12T06:44:00.000-05:00

*Chainmaille and Artisan Sterling Silver Jewelry with Gemstone Accents*

The designs by Etsy artist Lunachick combine quality materials, including natural gems, precious metals, crystal and organics such as pearls, amber and shell, to make for a truly unique wearing experience. Her shop offers lots (count em...LOTS) of one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry pieces. From bracelets to chokers, earrings to necklaces, she's got something to please just about everyone who visits (and shops!) there.

Abbi makes a point to use the most unique gemstones she can get her hands on: unique colors, cuts...the more unusual the better! She specializes in chainmaille and sterling silver wirework designs with gemstone accents.

Her design goals include a desire to bring about a positive change in mood to the wearer, and she believes that jewelry should be expressive and bring attention and compliments. Who doesn't love a compliment, for cryin' out loud???!!!

Don't see what you're lookin' for? Custom work is available at no extra cost, and inquiries are more than welcome. Take a trip over to her shop or blog, and get to know Lunachick even better.

Purple Reign

2007-10-11T15:58:00.001-05:00

Well, I did it, I finally created another wire-woven cuff like I created for the Spring 2007 Beads4You Challenge, except this time I upped the ante a bit by using semi-precious amethyst and freshwater pearls as the main beads involved. This cuff has over 250 beads handwoven with sterling silver wire over a flexible stainless steel frame. It would make such a glorious addition to anyone's wrist for a special occasion this fall. I may have to make a habit of creating these gems - they're fun to make and beautiful to boot!

Oooooh, sparkles.......

2007-10-11T09:50:00.000-05:00

I don't know why sparkly things are so attractive to many of us, well, many of us of the female persuasion, but there it is. That little bit of light that catches our eye, and when we spy the object that cast the spark, we pick it up, we smile, and then we say, "Ooooh, sparkles."

I think fellow Texan SparklyStrandz knows exactly what I'm talking about. In fact, here's what she says in her own words:

"I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, i developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!

I combined my love for crochet and beads and began making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items about 10 years ago. "Sparkly Strandz" is an online store that you can visit and create your own jewelry by choosing the right color bead, wire, and length you want for that perfect piece!!"

But not only does she understand sparkly, she definitely has a handle on cute! What Texas baby should not have these? So much the better to start learning the two-step as soon as they're walking, don't you think?

And despite recent performances which will not be mentioned here, nor will comments be allowed that disparage my alma mater in any way.....Hook 'em!

Do check out all the fun and sparkly things at SparklyStrandz and find out about her views on the world at her blog. I know you'll be glad you did.

Relax. Smile. Be.

2007-10-10T08:20:00.000-05:00

Simple words of wisdom from Etsy Glass Artist, Ginger Black. Her art definitely inspires that middle concept of joy.

In an e-chat with fellow Etsy Artist Patricia C. Vener, aka Silver Dragon, Ginger had this to say about her work:

"I am in love with colorful, melting, flowing glass. Soft Italian glass called Moretti is what I use to create all my lampwork beads. It’s called soft because it melts at a lower temperature than the hard glass (borosilicate) that Pyrex dishware is made of. My favorite thing about making beads is that there is always something new I can’t wait to try: dot formations, stripes, flowers, fish, adding metals, sculpting - the list is endless! My next adventure in glass is to try fusing where you melt layers of glass together to create an array of items from earrings to dishes."

Her joie de vivre is also apparent in her Bio on Etsy in that she finds "bliss in making glass beads and solace in running, pure yee-ha joy on a snowboard and otherworldliness in a kayak."

I think you can find all that and more in her beads, don't you? To find out more, check out her shop at Ginger Black Glass, and her blog.

Sumptin Special

2007-10-09T09:01:00.001-05:00

Whenever I'm searching for favorites from Etsy to feature in the Etsy Treasury (user-chosen collections to share with others on Etsy here), I turn often to one of the most colorful and beautifully photographed jewelry artists on Etsy: ALilSumptinSumptin. Eva has the most fabulous eye for selecting unbelievable lampwork focal beads, and then she pulls them together to create adornments to treasure.

Her inspiration? In her own words: "Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things I love and enjoy: flower gardens & dogs. All my pieces are one-of-a-kind, oftentimes containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves."

An artist focused not just on beauty, but integrity as well, she chooses all of the Artisan Lampwork beads in her pieces that have been properly kiln annealed by each respective glass artist to ensure long-lasting durability. She is a member of the SRAJD, so you can be assured that you are dealing directly with the jewelry artist and not a reseller, and she gives back to causes that are important to her through her sales of Paws for a Good Cause items. Guilt-free shopping for bling - who knew?

Do check out her shop and her blog to find that "lilsumptinsumptin" special for yourself or a gift.

Sew much fun for you

2007-10-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

Etsy
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So and Sew Crafty

A delightful Esty crafter can be found in Karen Copeland who is the artist behind the Etsy shop So and Sew Crafty. Her love of home and family is so evident in the wonderful items available there. She has been sewing for over 30 years, and makes everything from dog costumes to baby quilts.

Talking with Karen, she had the following to say:

How did you get into your craft? My great grandmother taught me to sew when I was about 4 or 5 and I was hooked. My mother and her mother were talented seamstresses, painters....just plain "crafty" people, and I suppose I inherited that from them. And believe me I am thankful to them for that!

What inspires you? Fabric! Sewing is my salvation! When I get in my sewing room I can forget about just about everything else. I love to take a flat piece of cloth and turn it into something great for people to wear or just enjoy looking at.

What challenges you in your art? I love doing custom work, especially work with no set pattern, like designing, sewing, and fitting 11 majorette costumes for the local high school band!

How long have you had your shop? Just over a month.

Do you consider your shop a job or a hobby? Neither! I don't consider sewing a "job" but it takes a great deal more time than a hobby!

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Don't give up! Just keep promoting both on and off Etsy!

To find out more about this crafty sewer, check out her blog, or MySpace page.

Visions of Paradise

2007-10-05T08:02:00.001-05:00

Etsy
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KbyKareen

Let me introduce you to Kareen Kjelstrom, an Etsy glass artist who decribes herself as a simple girl with dreams of being a jewelry designer in Paris. She has her life there, now, making jewelry and trying to break into the scene. Inspired by life experiences and daily beauty in Paris, she loves travel and adventure which create for her a wide canvas from which to dream and imagine new designs.

Handcrafted jewelry designs are her specialty. Kareen uses a high temperature propane/oxygen torch and fine Italian (Effetre) glass to make unique beads, then uses those beads in hand created sterling silver pieces. All her beads are made free-hand, without a mold, and all beads are kiln fired for strength and durability. Oh, and all her beads are unbelievable gorgeous!

Previous to Paris, Kareen lived in Santa Monica, and her jewelry and she were featured on HGTV's Crafters Coast to Coast. A TV star!

Her mother is from Tahiti, so you will find that many of her pieces include blues and greens....which she describes as coming nowhere close to the intensity of the colors in paradise. I would disagree, but then I've never been to Tahiti. If her beads are any indication as to its beauty, then it truly must be paradise.

I asked her "What do you love about your creations?"....."I love to wear my jewelry. And, I love that each piece is unique and made by my two hands. I love that it is impossible to duplicate any of my beads, even if I tried."

I'll bet you'll love her creations, too, so check them out at her Etsy shop or website, and take a visit to her blog to learn more about her.

Everything Fabulous to Make Your Eyes Pop

2007-10-04T16:37:00.000-05:00

Meet PopKo, one of the most colorful, fun, and successful artists on Etsy. A sculptor by degree, she lately has been playing with glass, and can mosaic anything, paint, cut, grind, weld, stencil, glue, print, stitch, create or assemble anything that she think needs it. And she can tapdance, too! Better yet, she studied with Robin Hood at the University in Nottingham, or so she claims. Maybe she has some pictures to back that up? You'll have to check out her blog to look into that!

I especially love the way she takes her appreciation of the simple beauty of mosaic glass tiles and transforms them into elegant adornments. She has so many beautiful tiles on hand, you can even design your own custom! What could be more fun than that?

She's a member of Etsy Glass Artists (EGA), and you can check out their website to find even more cool glass artists from Etsy.

Smellin' Sweet

2007-10-02T20:23:00.000-05:00

Etsy
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A Rose by Name

Today I'd like to introduce you to the Etsy shop A Rose by Name. Beautiful, awesome beadwork is the name of the game for this Etsy seller.

She was kind enough to e-chat with me and offered these insights into her art and craft:

How did you get into your craft? I started beading with my daughters well over ten years ago when the bead critters were popular among the elementary kids. I became addicted and the beads just got smaller and the designs and concepts more refined.

What inspires you? Just about everything...patterns, colors, books, music, time periods, anything.

What challenges you in your art? I've had so many ideas running around in my head at one time that I often have trouble getting a single one to form coherently and it can get frustrating.

How long have you had your shop? Since January of 2007.

Do you consider your shop a job or a hobby? Though beading started as a hobby, I would prefer it were my career since it's already my passion!

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy shop owners? Stick with it and promote whenever and wherever you can. It's still slow for me, but I won't lose hope that it'll pick up!

To find out more about this fabulous artist, check out her blog, too. You'll find some amazing work. Buy Handmade!

Jewelry Artist and Author Linda Chandler

2007-10-02T15:07:00.000-05:00

Etsy
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Jewelry by Linda

Okay, so I'm in Michael's this afternoon picking up some generic supplies, when perusing the books over in the beads aisle I come across Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry. Now the amazing thing is I intended to feature Linda Chandler this very day for this site as one of the wonderful Etsy artists I've come across. Are Etsy artists cool, or what?!!

Linda began making jewelry even as a child and grew up designing and handcrafting one of a kind pieces. She is inspired from designs of nature to basic functional pieces and combines the two into literal works of art. Linda is a master craftsman in many facets of jewelry making. Whether it be silversmithing intricate filigree designs, weaving wire into almost impossible patterns or stone setting, her foremost enjoyment comes from the design to finish of her amazing pieces.

Linda has been a vendor on Etsy for well over a year and finds it a welcome change from the traditional Art Show scene that she spent many years taking part in. She feels that Etsy is a wonderful and lucrative avenue in which to share your designs, meet fellow artisans, and share tips and techniques. Watch for her latest designs on Etsy as she is continually adding them to share with her following of buyers that enjoy her amazing work. You can visit her on her own website and her Flickr site. And look for her wonderful teaching expertise in a bookstore near you!

Etsy Artist My Fairy Babies

2007-10-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

There are so many wonderful things to find on Etsy, with its literally thousands of artists of handmade goods. My Fairy Babies makes so very cute fantasy art items for kids and babies. This is "Lolly". Isn't she adorable? What a fun lovey this would make for a little girl who loves fairies.

The shop is the creation of Hyla Waldron, who also sells at Faewood Creations

I interviewed Hyla, and here's what she had to say about being an Etsy artist:

What inspires you? My children inspire me, artists that can draw fairies inspire me, and nature is a also a huge inspiration!

How long have you had your shop? Since June 2007

Is this a job for you or a hobby? A hobby, it is something that makes me feel like I am my own person outside of being a mom. What I wouldn't give to turn this into a successful business though and be able to have my husband stay home with me and our children.

How did you get into your craft? When I was pregnant with my third child, Guinevere-who is now 9 weeks old, I was looking for fairy items to buy for her and came up empty handed every where I looked. So I decided to make my own fairy items for her.

Do you have any advice for fellow Etsy Shop owners? Don't count on Etsy to make you successful, you really have to market your work everywhere and tell everyone. Make sure you always have business cards on hand.

Anything you would like to add? I will keep making my fantasy items for kids and one day this will be huge!

You can find out more about Hyla by visiting her blog, too.

2007-09-30T11:51:00.000-05:00

I participate in a variety of promotional activities with a fabulous group of jewelry artists from Etsy known as the Art Jewelry Collective. Our next big joint venture is a full page ad in Ornament. This wonderful magazine has been around for more than 30 years, and "supports the richness and diversity of the art and craft of wearable art in a stunning visual display of creative work. The only international magazine covering all aspects of personal adornment, Ornament provides a wealth of information on contemporary, ethnographic and ancient jewelry, clothing, beads, and costume.

Each issue features profiles of prominent and emerging artists, reviews of important museum and gallery exhibitions, marketplace venues, and other insightful, multifaceted coverage.

Ornament is read by artists, collectors, craftspeople, designers, gallery owners, retailers, students, teachers, researchers, and museum staff in the United States and more than seventy foreign countries. Ornament is circulated to paid subscribers and distributed in the United States at newsstands and bookstores through CMG Distributors, and through Disticor Direct in Canada." (Ornament Media Kit information).

Here's a sneak preview of the ad:So many pretties from some very talented artists, I can't believe that I'm part of this wonderful group. The ad will be in three issues (October 2007, December 2007, and March 2008), and I could not be more excited about this opportunity for exposure. Let's see where we go from here!

2007-07-24T11:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry to be away for so long, but we've been moving from Illinois to Texas.....and we're finally here, with all our boxes, in San Antonio. Yea!!

In the meantime, (cue trumpet fanfare), I am honored to announce that the bracelet I created for the Spring Beads4You Challenge won the Anything Goes Category. This challenge is twice a year on Etsy, and a given set of beads is used by entrants to create whatever, and the resulting creations are judged by an outside judge. For this challenge, the judge was jewelry artist/author Tammy Powley. The Anything Goes Category is for entries that use either items in addition to the bead set supplied, or multiple sets of beads. I used two sets for this bracelet, hence its category. The other category is Only the Beads. Self explanantory, I would say.

Winner for the Only the Beads Category is an especially lovely three-tiered necklace by LavaJewelry

All the entries can be seen on Flickr

I'm very proud of this bracelet as it really stretched my technical and design abilities, and I'm very honored to have it win the competition. You can read more about the bracelet and see more pictures in my Etsy shop

2007-05-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

What an amazing day for me on
Etsy! I am in four - count 'em - four Treasuries! For those unfamiliar with the concept, "treasuries" on Etsy are user-selected lists of 12 items they found especially beautiful. Sometimes they follow a theme, or a specific color scheme, and they last for about two days, with only 150-170 lists available to view at any one time. To make it into four at once is just unbelievable. Also, the front page of Etsy shows items for sale, and is most often taken from one of the Treasury lists - it all adds up to a lot of free advertising and exposure. Sweet. We'll see if one of these actually makes it to the front page.

Thanks to PearsonMaron, jenniestephensart, giftbearer, and sakurakittycreatives for liking something of mine enough to take the time to include it in their beautiful lists.

2007-05-22T20:49:00.000-05:00

Berrysprite on Etsy

This week's special is all about a wonderful seller on Etsy that my daughter just loves - berrysprite. She makes just about the cutest amigurumi creatures you have ever seen. I think if I were to let her, Mackenzie would buy out the store. Check out some of Mackenzie's favorites in the sidebar. Too cute!

2007-05-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

I feel like a real artist - three of my pieces are currently on exhibit at the Springfield Art Association's Emerging Artists show. There is a lot of wonderful art on display there from students who attend their classes (see here for their summer schedule - boo hoo, I'll be moved to Texas by the time these classes start up again.)

Two of the pieces are currently for sale on Etsy (Gaia and Sedona), and one (Shopgirl) I'll list when the show is over June 9.

2007-05-14T19:41:00.000-05:00

There are so many fabulous artists on Etsy. Beginning this week, I'd like to introduce you to the ones I call my favorites. I'll post their shops, their blogs, if they've got one, and some of the wonderful creations in the margins as a mini display. Let me know if you like them too. Better yet, give them a visit and your patronage. Buy Handmade!!

My first is Enthral, who makes absolutely fabulous jewelry. She's a kindred spirit with me in her love of vintage buttons and beautiful wire work in her pieces. She's all about eco-considerate art, recycling and re-using materials to make beautiful new creations - how fabulous!

You can see her Etsy shop at Enthral, and her blog at Enthral's blog. Check it out!

2007-05-02T21:35:00.000-05:00

Found a fun little sign generator via my Flickr Group - One of a Kind -

check it out:

Isn't it cute? Make your own at www.tankmiche.com