Showing posts with label featured post. Show all posts
Showing posts with label featured post. Show all posts

Friday, March 22, 2013

Feature Post: Judy of Dazies Head 2 Toe

Judy's handmade items are amazing! Learn more about her below:
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My name is Judy Carrier and I live in Bristol, Virginia. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 41 years and have two children, and three grandchildren. I work for the City of Bristol Tennessee, but I have a little business on the side called Dazies Head 2 Toe. I have two shops on Etsy, one is called Dazies Head 2 Toe, the other is Dazies Head 2 Toe Too.

I started my first shop in March 2008 after the birth of my granddaughter. I’ve always been a crafty person and when my daughter asked if I would make my granddaughter some hairbows I started looking around to see what the little girls were wearing. I started making the hairbows and since I loved to crochet I decided to also make her some crochet trimmed socks. It just blew up from there. I found that I loved making them and decided to open a shop on Etsy, and because it was hairbows and socks I came up with the name Dazies Head 2 Toe. I soon incorporated jewelry, headbands, and hairbow holders, into my line also.

My second shop Dazies Head 2 Toe Too is mostly key fobs right now but I plan to expand that shop to also include more adult jewelry as well.

Even though I work a full-time job I find that in the evening and on the weekends I have plenty of time for handcrafting and making the things I love. I like everything I make, but I guess my favorite is the hairbows. They were the beginning of Dazies Head 2 Toe and will always be my first love.

I not only have the shops on Etsy, but I also have a shop on Artfire.com, sell my hairbows at True Colors, in Bristol, Virginia, and I have a section in Blowfish Emporium in downtown Bristol where I sell my whole line.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Feature Post: Leslie of atouchofhealinghands

This week's feature is all about Leslie! Read more about her below in her own words, and make sure to check out her Etsy shop to see her amazing creations!
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I am a wife and step-mother who loves to be at home with family, that is why I decided to sell on etsy. I create cross stitch patterns for other people to find there artistic and crafty side. I believe with the right encouragement anyone can stitch. My grandmother taught me to crochet and it took off from there. I am the only family member left who can carry on the tradition of making gifts for the kids in our family. My favorite thing to do is help someone learn how to create something for themselves that they will cherish for a lifetime. My family and Movies inspire me most, watching movies would be my 2nd hobby. My Beauty and the Beast pattern is my favorite, because its the 1st disney movie I ever got! www.facebook.com/leslie.grizzell I have tried to sell other things on etsy and have found that my patterns are the most successfull and give me the most joy!

Friday, March 8, 2013

Featured Post: Peggy from MyCountryCloset

Girls Pillowcase Dress
MyCountryCrochet is filled with a touch of vintage and a touch of handmade! Peggy creates gorgeous crochet creations as well as beautiful clothes for children. I am love with her shop! I love the vintage patterns that she offers... They remind me of patterns that my grandmother collected. Learn more about Peggy below in her own words:
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1. I'm Peggy Spivey, originally from Chicago where I raised 4 children, then got divorced. Soon after, I was offered a job here in Kingsport TN. I met my 2nd husband here and we've been married 23 yrs, have 6 adult children together and 15 grandchildren. I'm retired now, and I have to keep busy.


Easy Stitch & Save Pattern 6268


2. I've been sewing & crocheting since I was 9 yrs. old; my grandmother taught me. When I had children, I started sewing for the girls, and continued through their proms and weddings. I stopped for awhile when I was pursuing my career (about 15-20 yrs.) I resumed when I retired, first collecting antique dolls and sewing & selling doll clothing. A few years ago, I started making clothing for young girls because the styles & patterns were so adorable.

3. The favorite part of the process is choosing the pattern and the fabrics. That's the creative part.

4. I get inspired by the work of others. I love browsing through sewing and craft sites, through etsy and ebay. I post my items for sale on sewing sites and enjoy members comments and input.

5. My favorite item in my etsy shop is a girl's dress with an attached apron; I added free-hand appliques of chicks and hens and enjoyed seeing them come to life.
Crochet Scarf

6. I have 3 blog sites, but I'm bad about keeping them up.
sews4you-peggyspretties.blogspot.com/ mycountrycloset.blogspot.com/
sews4you.blogspot.com/
...and a Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Sews4you-Creations/179173778830832

My crochet scarves have been selling well, but the girls' dresses have not. I've been asked to write an article for Sew Beautiful and it's supposed to be in the July-August 2013 Issue. It will feature 3 of my girl's outfits, and I'm hoping that will bring in more traffic. I'm in the process of making more inventory in a variety of dress styles.

Friday, February 8, 2013

Feature Post: Alicia from OwnSomethingAwesome

 If you want to own something awesome, why not head on over to Alicia's etsy shop, OwnSomethingAwesome! Her handmade crochet kitchen and bath accessories are fabulous! I love the different colors, patterns, and textures in her work. Learn more about Alicia below...
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Face Scrubbies
1.Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Alicia from Own Something Awesome, and I offer eco-friendly crochet items for the home. =)

2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
Actually, it was my baby shower a couple years ago. My mom and I were trying to think of some gifts to give the guests that were meaningful in some way. Well, I ended up crocheting some wash cloth sets! After seeing how much some of the guests really liked the gifts, I decided maybe that's what I would go into. I use to make needle felting sculptures, but when I got pregnant, the motion of punching the felt over and over made me SUPER nauseous, so I needed to find something else to pass the time. Crocheting then became my new hobby and now my business!

3.What is your favorite part of your process?
My favorite part is taking some yarn and making something great out of it. I'm sure there's one item in my shop that everyone uses, and it makes me feel good that I'm offering eco-friendly items. I've been big into finding more eco-friendly solutions in my life the past year or so.

4.Handmade: What inspires you the most while you create?
Looking at my house, and thinking, what can I make that would be useful in this room? or even going through certain isles at the store. I like to see the new cleaning products out.
Crochet Double Layered Scrubbie

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
My absolute most favorite item, is any of my double layered scrubbies (pot scrubbers). I make them with thicker strips of netting than a lot of people, so they tend to last for like, ever it seems! And they are great to use on pretty much anything because they don't scratch!

6.Got any social media links?
Blog: OwnSomethingAwesome.Blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/bestupendous
Facebook: facebook.com/ownsomethingawesome

7.Anything else that you want to share?
First - I know some people might not think cleaning things are "awesome" per say, but personally, I love the words Awesome and Stupendous! They are just really positive uplifting words! =)

Dish Cloth Set
I am working on adding more items throughout this year, but with my 2-year-old son, and my youngest son born on December 6th, I am a little behind on getting a whole lot of new things into the shop, but keep checking back!

Also, for all of you awesome readers who like to support handmade, Use coupon code BLOGSPECIAL at checkout and receive 20% your order!

I hope every one of you have an Awesome Day!

Friday, February 1, 2013

Feature Post: Megan from NewEveJewelry


Vintage Key and Treble Clef Necklace
Everyone loves a little piece of vintage, and with Megan's Etsy shop, NewEveJewelry, you can combine your love of vintage and jewelry into one gorgeous piece of art! I am in LOVE with the key necklace featured on the right... Stunning!
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1.Who are you and what do you sell?
I'm Megan Craig of New Eve Jewelry. I sell jewelry that I've made using vintage trinkets and semiprecious gemstones.

2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
I love the symbolism behind refashioning potential junk into something beautiful & precious. In the past I've even taken stale cereal and fallen tree bark and cast them in sterling silver, literally turning trash to treasure.
I feel like God has done that with me so many times. He picks me up off the ground, dusts me off, and makes something amazing out of my mistakes. That's my real inspiration: God's love.

Pink and Gold Vintage Earrings
3.What is your favorite part of your process?
My favorite part of my creative process is the hunt for vintage "thingamabobs," as I call them. I'll spend hours scouring thrift stores for the perfect pieces, dreaming up how to use them and what they'll become. Imagination is key for me.

4.Handmade: What inspires you the most while you create?
While I create, I love listening to music and getting really into the process of creating, wrapping wires around one another and choosing the perfect stones. Watching my piece come together keeps the inspiration going.

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
Vintage Gold Swirl Button Earrings
My favorite item is a long gold necklace made with a quartz crystal and a vintage brass flower. It's so versatile, yet it's got that vintage flair!

6.Got any social media links?
Facebook.com/NewEveJewelry

7.Anything else that you want to share?
I donate 10% of my sales to charity. Right now I donate to my local rescue mission in Knoxville, Tennessee. My plan is to transition to donating to a global anti-trafficking organization in the future.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Feature Post: Matthew from TrickShoppe

Hanging Wooden Cogs
If you are looking for fine craftsmanship and exceptional woodworking, look no further than Matthew of TrickShoppe on Etsy! Matthew's talents are amazing, and you can learn more about him below!
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1.Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Matthew, and I'm a fourth generation woodworker, beginning with my great-grandfather who started in a veneer factory. I sell unique furnishings and accents which are ideal for the home, workshop, and place of business. My background and experiences are a harmonious combination of engineering, cnc machining, and excellent customer service, aside from my passions lying in music and video documentation. I have been recognized by artists and executives for my skills, from R. Lynn Costlow (Vice President, Multi-Channel Strategy & Operations for US CELLULAR) who exemplified my customer engagement techniques at a semi-annual business meeting regarding revenue, to Michele McLaughlin (world renowned pianist and composer) who had come across my piano playing videos a few weeks ago on YouTube and gave me excellent feedback on performing her songs. My woodworking has always been a hobby until May of this year, when I left a full-time position with US CELLULAR to establish my first lineup of wooden projects (usually falling within the lines of home furnishings). My leaders all had confidence in my abilities and aspirations, and even helped me to establish a short-term plan for getting my brand established. Needless to say I still have a lot of work to do, but i'm excited to see where my work will take me. Now I spend a part-time schedule receiving and dispatching rental vehicles, and when i'm off the clock i'm either in my wood-shop, or giving piano lessons to those who have the same passion for music as I do!

2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
Jesus on the Cross Wooden Scultpure
When I started making these projects, it was for my own home. When my friends and relatives would see my work, they would get more excited than myself!! It was when they were telling their friends and relatives about my work, that people started paying to take my things home with them. I don't know what was more inspiring?; that people were dropping dollars to take my projects, or that my projects were now a part of their homes and everyday lives! One thing was for certain, that I could make even more unique projects to reach even more people. That is how professionals get started; Aside from gaining the knowledge that is critical to your profession, finding people who love your work, and then the word of your success spreading from one household to another!

3.What is your favorite part of your process?
My favorite part of the design and manufacture process (and hardest part) is finding that creative edge that gets me started on a new project! Building something new is like writing a song, it starts out with a feeling and then grows into something unique and genuine. Of course my second favorite part is seeing the final product and looking back at the hard work and passion that was necessary to create a new item for the first time!

4.Handmade: What inspires you the most while you create?
Over the years, I have branched out to friends and former coworkers who share a similar background. Reaching out to these people and seeing their drive to share knowledge is what I find most inspiring. Sometimes it seems as if the world is full of stingy people who want to keep knowledge and ideas to themselves, but once you've inspired others with your goals and perspective, you will find that people want to be a part of your journey, and give you whatever they can to help you succeed! Those are the ones I'd like to think for getting me started!

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
Oh gosh! If I HAD to pick a favorite project, it would be my Hanging Wooden Cogs. They are large, fun to make, and now that I have produced many sets they are somewhat easy to replicate! They use a lot of materials, and require a few days to make, but regardless I can offer them at a very reasonable price! I love to show them to someone for the very first time, and the initial reaction is always the same.. "I want them!"

6.Got any social media links?
Related to my woodworking, etsy.com is my only media outlet. However, I have a lot of fun on YouTube with my piano playing. Feel free to check it out! here is a link to some of my videos www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CN3cld_2A8
Here is one that has one of my pieces: www.youtube.com/watch?v=YafrisW5Iaw

Regina Spektor is an artist I find most inspiring! Her music really brings people together, and like myself, she strives on her ability to create.. Also she has fun with it!! For my birthday this year some lady-friends and I got together to reenact one of her music videos she made years back. www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gsdMNQaoZc

7.Anything else that you want to share?
Autumn Trio
I've chosen to name my brand "TrickShoppe." When working in the woodworking industry, I've found myself surrounded by empowerment and slang-terms! When I created this name, I wanted to encompass the customization potential for my current items, the support from my level-headed and innovative team, and the versatile category for projects that are currently in the making! Basically I wanted a name that could easily stand behind ANYTHING that I choose to make! The term "Trick" is one way of saying "Awesome," "Unique," or "Wow I've never seen anything like that!"

I love Italian food and a good glass of wine on occasion!

Being outdoors will put me in a great mood, even on a cold and rainy day! I get a large chunk of my creative influence from nature.

If I can give one word of advice to help anyone achieve a goal in any profession, I would say that practice, prayer, and motivation will get you to wherever it is you want to go. "Ask and you shall receive" is what I've heard many times growing up in church. Nothing ever comes easy, but just keep your faith and stick with what you love, and God will grant you His will to your success!

Friday, January 11, 2013

Featured Post: Tish of ArtfullyTish

Brass Swirl Necklace
If you are looking for beautiful wire jewelry, then look no further than ArtfullyTish by Tish! Tish uses gorgeous sterling silver, brass, and copper to make amazing geometric jewelry. Tish comes from East Tennessee, and her creations make the world a little more whimsical and beautiful! Learn more about Tish below, and make sure to check out her Etsy shop!
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I am Tish of Artfully Tish Jewelry Designs. I design and sell Sterling Silver, Brass, Copper and Beaded jewelry. Over the years I have had various creative outlets. Until about 5 years ago, I was once again on the hunt to express my creativity. I was attending a jewelry home show, when I thought “Hmm, I bet I can do that”. So I did my research, bought supplies and got started with stringing and simple wrapping techniques. I took classes and read a lot about jewelry making. Learning the art of
Sterling Silver and Brass Cuff
metalworking is an on-going process, so I am always looking for new techniques to try and add to my skill set. Thus, the style and look of Artfully Tish is forever
evolving. Currently, I am enjoying working with mixed metals. I love the look of pieces with freeform wrapping and different metals. It adds such fun and whimsy to a piece. Also, the art of soldering has really opened up a lot of creative options and some difficult challenges, but it is fun trying to figure it all out.

I think what inspires me the most is simply beauty – beauty is all around us. And if you look you can find beauty and inspiration just about any place. We just have to see it and let it move us. I want to create beautiful things. And I hope that what I create, others find beautiful too.

My Favorite piece would have to be the Copper Triangles with Brass Dangles. They are big and whimsical.
Sterling silver and brass triangle earrings

You can find Artfully Tish on:
Facebook www.facebook.com/ArtfullyTishJewelry
Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/ArtfullyTish
www.Artfullytish.com.
I am also in Tirzas Imports in Apex, NC

Friday, January 4, 2013

Featured Post: Brenda and Alea from AlistDesigns

Silver Chalcedony Necklace
Brenda and Alea of AlistDesigns are a mother/daughter team who make the most beautiful jewelry! Their pieces boast bright, gorgeous gemstones and wonderful craftsmanship! Want to learn more about Brenda and Alea?
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1.Who are you and what do you sell?
We are a mother/daughter team who love creating original jewelry designs. We offer handcrafted earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings using sterling silver, 14k gold fill, precious/semi-precious gemstones and pearls. Custom made sterling silver metalwork is also available.

Carnelian Turquoise Necklace
2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
I (the daughter) started making jewelry in 2004, as a stress reliever while I was in college. My mother joined me in 2007 because she wanted customized pieces to match outfits.

3.What is your favorite part of your process?
The end result is the best part because it's exciting to see the things we've imagined come to life.

4.What inspires you the most while you create?
Things like nature and architecture frequently influence my pieces, and my mother is influenced by the colors of the seasons.

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
Our favorite piece is the sterling silver arrow necklace, and it's also been our best-seller.

Blue Topaz Earrings
6.Got any social media links?
Official website: www.alistdesigns.biz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/alist.jewelry
Twitter: twitter.com/A_List_Designs
Blog: alistdesigns-jewelry.blogspot.com/
Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/user/alistdesigns

7.Anything else that you want to share?
We would just like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Featured Post: Rebecca from GoodDogPetPortraits

If you are looking for a truly unique piece of art for your home, make sure to check out Rebecca from GoodDogPetPortraits. Rebecca takes any photograph that you provide and makes a one of a kind digital piece of art featuring your fur baby! Wow! Each piece is unique to its inspiration. Learn more about Rebecca below:
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Who are you and what do you sell?
 Good Dog Pet Portraits- Custom Pet Art

What inspired you to get started in your craft?
I just recently learned how to draw on the digital tablet and that has been really inspiring and very challenging. I have been drawing and painting my whole life, though.

What is your favorite part of your process?
I love the beginning when it’s just a bunch of scratchy lines. But I also love the moment when I’m filling in the background color because I know it’s almost finished and that gives me a rush.

What inspires you the most while you create?
Music, coffee, my dogs, my fiance, and the thought of making someone’s day with my art all inspire me while I’m working.

If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
A couple of the black Labrador examples are of my own dog, Jasmine, and she is the light of my life so I really like those ones. I always tell her on the days she is really popular and has lots of views.

Anything else that you want to share?
After doing almost 100 pet portraits for people, I still get nervous whenever I send one out to my customers. I guess it’s an artist thing.
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Make sure to check out Rebecca's Etsy shop and learn more about here in her About page! 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Featured Post: Jerzy from 2goodponiesvintage

Vintage Jug - Blue and White Pottery
If you want to check out an interesting collection of vintage goodies from all over the world, make sure to check out Jerzy's etsy shop: 2goodponiesvintage. Jerzy's shop boasts all sorts of vintage items, from dolls to jewelry to an amazing pipe collection! Her items are in fantastic shape and well taken care of., and her eye for vintage is amazing! Learn more about Jerzy below:
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Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Jerzy. I am a tattoo artist by night, chicken herder, cat wrangler and etsian by day. On etsy I am currently helping my parents destash their large vintage/antique collection, with some of my stuff thrown in the mix at www.etsy.com/shop/2goodponiesvintage.

What inspired you to get started in your craft/start collecting vintage?
My mother is the collection queen! Even after moving all over the world, she still managed to collect stuff. As she is the queen, I am the princess and love to hit the local flea markets on Sunday morning. It is the only time you will find me up early.

What is your favorite part of your process?
Vintage Copper Cuff in Aluminum
The thrill of the hunt for something really cool-looking that I can work into my art projects or use to decorate my house. I also like to give things I collect a history. Finding out who owned the item prior to me and when and where they got the item connects me to the present in some way.
Going through my parents things has really expanded my personal knowledge of my family roots. Sometimes my grandmother and great grandmother passed things down with little hand written notes on the things they treasured the most. I am getting a real sense of where I came from.

Vintage: What draws your eye when collecting vintage?
Vintage Castello Pipe
I like to collect household items like mantle clocks, furniture and really odd gadgets. I have an awesome pair of old medical lights that look great in my living room. I also like old cars and trucks; I have VW bug and 1960’s pick-up truck.

If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
My dad’s old pipe collection

Friday, December 14, 2012

Featured Post: Karla from emisminis

Chicken Caesar Salad Fridge Magnet

If you are looking for perfectly made polymer clay or bright, fun, and sparkling accessories, look no further than Karla del Valle of emisminis! Karla's etsy shop is full of beautifully made items that will make you grin from ear to ear! I absolutely adore her chicken salad magnet... Isn't it the cutest thing ever?
Karla's shop also helps to support causes like Hurricane Sandy relief. Part of each sale goes to help out folks in need.
Learn more about Karla and her shop below:

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1.Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Karla Noemí, the -emí from Noemí is behind the inspiration for the name Emi's Minis. I sell handmade and hand decorated accessories and I strive to keep the prices as affordable as possible. I believe everything in my shop is less than $9.99. The accessories featured in my shop are always growing. I started out with my handmade polymer clay charms, then added necklaces, key chains, rings, iPhone cases and most recently, molds I made at home of popular cabochons.

2.What inspired you to get started in your craft?
Chocolate Swirl Charm and Chain
My inspiration was seeing cute things like what I sell, but at very high prices and I couldn't afford to buy them. So instead, I decided to research the materials, buy what I could and learn how to make them myself. I'm going on 3 years now with sculpting clay and a year on 'decoden-ing'.

3.What is your favorite part of your process?
My favorite part is learning new things to make, challenging myself, especially since I mostly use 'tools' I have laying around in the house. Clay tools are extremely expensive when they add up. I'd rather buy blocks of clay than a bunch of tools.

4.Handmade: What inspires you the most while you create?
Happy Christmas Cookie Charms
I forget what's on my mind when I'm creating. It's a great escape for me, like reading an awesome book that you just can't put down. I lose myself in my crafting and before I know it, the entire day has gone by. I love it.

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
My most favorite item.. Hmm.. Either my Cuppycakes To Go ring or my Emi Supernova magnet. It's too hard to choose. I love all my little babies ☺

6.Got any social media links?
Definitely!
emisminis.tumblr.com
facebook.com/emisminis
Twitter: @imasupern0va
Instagram: @imasupern0va
and of course, etsy.com/shop/emisminis

7.Anything else that you want to share?
I donate a dollar from each sale my shop makes each month to a charity, good cause, organization, etc. I feel like it's the least I can do to give back. I may not be making enough to live off of from my shop, but it's so important to give back and help others because you never know when you'll be the one needing help. November's donation will be going to the victims of Hurricane Sandy. October's donation went to the victims in Syria. I know what it's like to need help and no one offer you anything. I know what it's like to have everyone turn the other cheek to me and I can't do that to anyone else.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Featured Post: Phillip from streetflowerart

"Clouds spitting out clouds"
Some of the most amazing photography to come out of East Tennessee has came from Phillip Kelley of streetflowerart.  His photography features nature, and he captures beautiful, bright colors and gorgeous scenes in nature. Phillip also makes amazing, natural jewelry from metal, stone, and shells, and his shop boasts both poetry and bible versus! Learn more about Phillip in his own words:
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Hello my name is Phillip Kelley and I sell handmade jewelry and poetry (either framed or in a book form), and I also take a lot of photos which are turned into framed art. Most of the photographs are of Nature or landscapes.
Seashell and metal Bracelet
I have always found inspiration in creation. I enjoy sitting outside in order to watch a sunset, sunrise, clouds, waves crashing, or life among the trees. The complex yet simple meet here and I always find that inspiration comes during these times of solace.
My favorite part of the process would be taking that one amazing photograph, making jewelry that people are blessed with, and writing a poem that encourages someone heavily. The part that I do not like sometimes, is adding items on Etsy! Hahaha! It is a tedious process.
Nature and creation have always inspired my work. And also the one who put the Joy in my heart. Christ my Savior.
My favorite Etsy item in my shop is hard to pick. But overall I would have to say my first ever published poetry book. It turned out really well. I am thankful that I was able to complete it after 10-12 years of writing.
Turtle Greeting Card
I am blessed and thankful to be part of Etsy and the creativity of people all over the world. It is simply amazing to see what gifts and talents people possess. Thank you for your time and allowing me to continue my craft. LORD Bless.
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You can follow Phillip on Facebook here:
http://www.facebook.com/StreetFlowerArt
And make sure to check out his Etsy shop this holiday season! 

Friday, November 30, 2012

Featured Post: Roslyn from RazzleDazzleMe

Ear Cuff with Red Grizzly Feather
This week, we are featuring the incredible talents of Roslyn from RazzleDazzleMe! Roslyn makes incredible and unique earrings, ear cuffs, and other jewelry featuring charms and feathers. Her jewelry is just fantastic!
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I'm Roslyn LaDuke and I sell ear jewelry. I sell ear cuffs, ear pins and earrings.

Feather Ear Cuff
I took a jewelry class about 3 years ago, and I have been addicted ever since. It is not a matter or inspiration, it is a matter of addiction. I would be miserable if I could not create my jewelry.

Thinking of designs and making them a reality is my favorite part of the process. Although, I now enjoy taking photographs now that I am learning more about my camera.

My favorite item in my shop is this one because it is unique and has sold all over the world.

Gold ear cuff with Swarovski Crystals
 Twitter:
twitter.com/roslynla
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/RoslynLa?ref=hl
Youtube:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_MZEgtEUA4&feature=youtu.be
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Roslyn was kind enough to send me one of her gorgeous ear cuffs to review for her blog post. I ended up picking out this fun royal purple feather cuff. Roslyn's shipping was fast... I think I received the cuff within three days or so! The cuff came in it's own gift box with a silver ribbon .
The cuff is great! It fits on my ear perfectly and I can wear it all day comfortably! Roslyn's craftsmanship is impeccable. The piece is absolutely flawless! To give it the ultimate test, I actually wore it throughout an 8 hour craft show. I was up, down, and moving all over the place. The ear cuff stayed secure on my ear the entire time. The piece was comfortable throughout the show, never slipped or moved, and looked great the entire time! Roslyn's pieces are amazing, and I am absolutely in love with mine.

Make sure you stop by Roslyn's Etsy shop and check out her fantastic jewelry!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Featured Post: Rodger from rodgeranddelilaplace

My favorite ring, featuring a boulder opal!
If you are looking for beautiful handmade sterling silver jewelry, look no further than Rodger and Delila from rodgeranddelilaplace! Roger and Delila's jewelry is absolutely amazing, featuring gems, stones, and gorgeous sterling silver metalwork!

Here's a little more about Rodger and Delila in their own words:
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The Lady Captain
Our names are Rodger and Delila Higgins we are from western Ky area, and we make and sell Jewelry. We do a lot of custom made items!

I started one day making something for my wife because she wanted a certain type of ring and could not find it so as a welder by trade I told her I could make it and it started from there.

My favorite part is making something and seeing the smile on someones face when they put it on. This is why i like the hand make my jewelry.
Sterling Silver and Turquoise Ring

My favorite item in my shop would have to be this item:
www.etsy.com/listing/60034202/sterling-silver-turquoise-ring-with-a

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You can follow Rodger and Delila on Twitter:
@rodgerhiggins1

And make sure to go check out their Etsy shop and add them to your circle!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Featured Post: Karyn from PinkMouse

One of my favorite Etsy shops to look through is PinkMouse, filled with the creations of Karyn Milner! I love to look through her shop at all of the beautiful colors and fantastic patterns! Her clothes really make me want to have another baby... maybe baby #2 will be a girl!

Enjoy learning more about Karyn and make sure to check out her shop!
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Fun Headband for Fall!
Who are you and what do you sell?
My name is Karyn Milner, my etsy shop is Pink Mouse Boutique. I make and sell kids clothing.

What inspired you to get started in your craft?
I started sewing when I was young. I think it was an inherited gift as my great-grandmother, grandmother and mother were all seamstresses. I have even inherited their sewing machines!
I started making kids clothes to sell on etsy after I had a car accident in 2009. The accident left me unable to stand for any length of time so I couldn't cut out large pattern pieces but I could sit and cut out smaller kids clothes. Etsy became a life-line for me, giving me something to do besides watch TV and play farmville!
Beautiful Purple and Cream Set!

What is your favorite part of your process?
Combining fabrics into a finished piece of clothing. I love working with excellent quality cotton fabric in designer prints.

What inspires you the most while you create?
My mother. She made almost all of my clothing when I was younger, including my dance costumes, wedding dress and maternity clothes. She was a first class seamstress!

If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop?
I love this little dress and pantaloons! I like the old school design and fabrics. My mother would have made this little outfit for me or my daughter.

Got any social media links?
Twitter - @thepinkmice
Facebook - www.facebook.com/PinkMouseBoutique

Friday, November 9, 2012

Featured Post: Catherine of cwporche

Another great artist in our series of features Etsy artisans is Catherine from cwporche! Catherine hails from Erwin, TN; a small town nestled into the rich Appalachian Mountains. Catherine's shop boasts beautiful artwork and beautiful classic crafts, like handmade quilts and bunny rag dolls, as well as her famous felt mice! I could go on, but I will let Catherine take the wheel!
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Quilt: The Christmas Garden
I am Catherine Porche of cwporche.etsy.com. I am a passionate watercolor painter, quilter and crafter! I sew purses and little felt mouse figurines and sell any of it as well as accepting custom orders.
I have been sewing since the seventh grade and making and selling my mice since about the eighth grade (a long time ago!) My mom taught quilting classes, so naturally I learned traditional quilting. Rag quilts offer me more freedom and I've always loved the play of colors against one another.

For each of my artistic endeavors, even though they seem very different, my favorite part is being fully present in the portion in front of me. When I am imagining a mouse character I am dreaming up a back story and how to convey the costume well. If I am envisioning a painting, I let go of all my daily concerns and go where the paints take me. With formulating a quilt's color scheme I just mentally swim around in all the available fabrics until I am smitten with a collection I have made. That immersion in the process itself is such a joy to me; it is truly my favorite part!

Catherine's beautiful watercolor, "Led"
Being inspired to create isn't really how I feel about it. For me, it's more like a craving that must be satisfied. I yearn to make something beautiful or quirky or cute or comforting. I neeeed to make something, sometimes very small but I feel anxious until I can get to that part of my day. Beautiful photos and magazines of crafts, gardens and artwork are fuel for my fire but my favorite inspiration is the smile on the customer's face when they are loving getting it as much as I loved making it.

To pick one favorite item from my shop would be like picking a favorite child. My favorite painting right now is "Led".  It seems mysterious and thought provoking to me. My favorite quilt is The Christmas Garden.  I think its a fun useful way to make a room seem ready for the holidays. And my favorite mouse is Little Red Riding Hood. I just finished her and hope to have her posted soon-she's so cute!

You can find more about Catherine here:
facebook.com/cwporche
 twitter.com/cwporche

Friday, November 2, 2012

Featured Post: Linda from SewUpscale

Every Friday through the holiday season, I will be featuring a different artist, craftsperson, or vintage collector from Etsy! I have met many wonderful people through Etsy, and I would like to take out some time to showcase their talents!

This week's feature is Linda from SewUpscale!

1.Who are you and what do you sell? Hi! My name is Linda Johnson and my shop is Sew Upscale. The main focus in my Etsy shop is quilted fabric postcards. I'm passionate about mountain landscape scenes. I also make small quilted wall hangings. I have a few vintage items and some destash craft supplies

2.What inspired you to get started in your craft/start collecting vintage? I've always loved to sew. I started out designing and making doll clothes when I was about 10 years old. I discovered quilted fabric postcards a few years back one day when I was searching the internet. I loved them and taught myself how to make one. Since I was still working full time outside the home at that time, it really fit me since they were small and relatively quick to finish. I hadn't actually seen any landscape postcards but that is what I started making. I have developed my own style which I think is fairly unique.

3.What is your favorite part of your process? Designing the card and choosing the fabric that creates that certain look.

4.What inspires you the most while you create? I would have to say it is the fabrics and remembering a scene. I see quilted postcards in everything.

5.If you could pick, what is your most favorite item in your Etsy shop? I actually sold my favorite postcard Monday but here is one I love also. It is a mountain scene with a hiking trail and a campsite with a campfire. It is so tranquil.
Linda's Postcard: Hiking and Camping

6.Got any social media links?
facebook- www.facebook.com/SewUpscaleQuilts
twitter- twitter.com/SewUpscale
blog- www.sewupscale.blogspot.com/

7.Anything else that you want to share? I can also take your favorite landscape photo and recreate it in fabric. Postcards are also sold at Mountain Made in the Grove Arcade in Asheville, NC. A new store opening in Black Mountain in March 2013, Faison O'Neil, will also be selling my mountain postcards.