Daydreaming Welcomed at Dream ON

Dream On features a collection of watercolors & acrylics by artist, Mary Hamilton. One of the things people have said about Mary’s artwork is “that it tends to promote mental vacations.” What a lovely thought…especially during this hectic time of year!






For instance, “Let’s Take A Spin” (pictured above), transports us to a mountain lake in early Spring. Wouldn’t you just love to go on a road trip to this destination?


Or you could take a much needed cocktail break anytime, with “Martini of the Day.” I really like the simple lines and bold red and gold used in this painting. It would make a great addition to a modern professional’s office!

This Etsy artist states, “I always loved to cut, paste, paint and draw from my earliest memories. Creating art is what I do, it's built-in by my creator, He enables me, and I love it.”
I was also impressed by Mary’s definition of her work – “I value the presence of a recognizable subject in my paintings. I love it when the center of interest appears in the midst of background objects that aren’t so well-defined. I want watercolor to look like watercolor, and I want my paintings to have a painterly look, not a photographic copy. Therefore I am an impressionist, because I don’t want to over-control the media.”

Based in St. Petersburg, FL, you can find a lot of “local” inspiration in the paintings at DreamON.

“Egmont Surprise” is an original watercolor of the Egmont Key Lighthouse, which sits on the SW coast of Florida, on a lonely island in Tampa Bay. She takes license with the hibiscus flower in the corner (they don’t grow on the island!), to add a stunning splash of color.


This shop offers some lovely visions – escape to Dream ON!

The Beauty of Winter

As I looked at this beautiful photograph I realized just how beautiful even the coldest of days can be. The things we see as nuisances can sometimes be some of the most perfect beauties. This featured artist, http://deabusamor.etsy.com/ has caught one of God's perfect little masterpieces in this. This is the kind of picture that displayed in just the right place on a wall could cause anyone to stop and think of a quiet day or "the calm after the ice storm"

Berry Patch Designs

Berry Patch Designs offers lovely handmade jewelry featuring stones such as purple lepidolite; rich, bold moukaite; patterned ocean jasper; red agate and deep blue lapis lazuli, among others. Like Elle Belle, this shop carries jewelry designed by a small group of women in Central Florida. They promise lots of bargains, including some terrific stocking stuffers!!

This Etsy artist’s favorite thing about designing jewelry? Hearing and seeing that people enjoy wearing her designs. She writes, “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!”
Here are some featured items in their shop:

A Lovely purple crystal butterfly center has deep purple crystals dropping from a dark antiqued chain hanging below, like magical sparkles as the butterfly takes off into the air.

A large stone heart (variety uncertain) seems to beat, as veins of dark red streak the creamy pale surface.

Fine art paintings, Collage, Lino Prints, & Note Cards

I’ve already shared with you my appreciation for all things guitar related, so the item I picked from today’s featured artist, George McKim, won’t be a surprise. Not only is this a lovely piece of art, I really enjoyed George’s description of it. You can “hear” his passion for the art and this piece in particular.

Description: This collage is a homage to the great art movement known as Cubism, you know with that guy, what's his name? Umm, oh yeah, Picasso and that other guy named Braque. It's an abstract design based on the shape of a guitar. I think this is one of the best collages I've ever done, even if I do say so myself! It's a tip of the hat to the great Cubist painters, but it's light and lively yet subdued and classic. The paper size is 11" x 14" and it has some white border area. With a really nice framing job this collage will look stunning , don't you agree?

George also offers for sale in his shop note cards made from images of any of his work. It’s a wonderful way to own a bit of art inexpensively!

Featured Artist: Crafty Moose

Have you ever heard of Ikebana? I’m pretty sure I’ve heard the word before, but I didn’t know what it meant when I stumbled onto it in Crafty Moose’s Etsy shop. So, I did what any internet addict would do, and Wiki’d it. Check it out:

Ikebana (生け花 or いけばな? "arranged flower"),[1] is the Japanese art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō (華道 kadō?, the "way of flowers").
In contrast to the massing of blooms typical of flower arrangement in western countries, Japanese flower arrangement is based on the line of twigs and/or leaves, filled in with a small number of blooms. The container is also a key element of the composition. The structure of a Japanese flower arrangement is based on a scalene triangle delineated by three main points, usually twigs, considered in some schools to symbolize heaven, earth, and man.

I’m quite sure I’ve seen Ikebana in the past. The simple structure and clean lines achieved with something as boundless as nature is striking.

Crafty Moose’s interpretation is fun and whimsical but at the same time it is clearly evidence of skill and craftsmanship. It would be a wonderful adornment and sweet distraction on an office desk. Do you have a coworker who deserves a little something as a thank you for sitting so close to you every day? If so, look no further, this is it!

Germany Meets Brazil

Since 2006, Brazilian, Suzy Wortberg, has been designing custom jewelry where she resides in Cologne Germany. She collaborates from afar with 2 artists from her native country Brazil, Bebe and Ana. They’ve found that were cultures meet, ideas just natural spring up, and together they’re able to produce exciting new concepts. Inspired by her remembrance of Brazil, Suzy’s jewelry is rich in color and texture. She desires to create a reflection of life in Brazil in each piece and bring the wearer just a taste of Brazil’s light and many sided culture. You can see for yourself in her Etsy shop, Contas Brasil

Knuckletoes.....

Knuckletoes is owned by Katie she a jewelry, clothing and purse maker who wants to share her style with the world! She is from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, and every year she tries to attend the surrounding Folk Festivals to sell her products. She's gone the last two years and really hope to make it again in 2008! She tries to make 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, and what more do you need? The picture above is my personal favorite in Katie's shop!!! It is a "PMS Apology card"...What a GREAT idea! LOL She will even use your own picture if you want! I may have to order these with a pic of me! My husband would get a HUGE kick out of it! Below is the description of this card from Katie's shop.

"Ever yelled at your family or significant other because you hurt so bad?Ever thrown the remote control or possibly the cat at their face when they offered you ice cream?Heres your way to say sorry!This one says: I could blame PMS, but I'm just a bitch!!"Each card is handmade with photos I or friends have taken, and glued onto colored card stock. The writing on the cards is hand stamped. Custom cards with your choice of words or picture can be ordered for $1 extra.Send us your pictures if you want!"

You can check out Katie's shop at http://knuckletoes.etsy.com/

Prints, Art, and Paper Lovelies

Valérie Parizeault is a Canadian Illustrator & designer from Montreal. She is the owner of Rose Flash, Playfully spirited Jewelry (http://www.roseflash.ca/) and the creative mind behind the Witty workshop (http://www.wittyworkshop.etsy.com/), a place to buy and enjoy her Illustrations and prints. Inspired by whimsical moments, children’s universe and storytelling, she is living her dream life as an artist with her husband by her side and her black cat Tokyo. Tree hugger and business connoisseur, she blogs both in French and English about Eco-friendly causes, Indie designers and her daily life trough her creative blog Pot aux Roses (http://www.pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com/) and about the ups and downs of entrepreneurship through her business tip blog Bite (http://www.bitethebusiness.blogspot.com/).



This is my favorite little piece of Valerie’s art and I am forever in need of a good bookmark! I’m fundamentally opposed to defacing books (yes, even a dog ear qualifies in my… errr…book), and this bookmark would not only ensure that my books stay pristine but also that they’re adorned in quite a lovely way. This sweet little girl with hair just the tiniest bit awry and her best friend call to mind visions of care free Spring days.

Featured Etsy Artist - Earths Charms

The featured artist today is Earths Charms. Check out what she has to say about herself –


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.


I find her comments about her dreams and life insightful ways to think about things, and I’m quite sure she’s already meeting her goal! And, although my home could be described as “a little slice of paradise despite the tiny space and lack of seating” I’m in full “let’s host a holiday party!” mode. So, I’m featuring her drink charms today:
They’d be a fun way to keep track of everyone’s glasses at your next party, I guarantee you’ll get comments on how clever you are for having them, and if you’re feeling particularly generous you could even let your partiers go home with theirs as a favor. Have fun!

Atomic Holiday Bazaar

I'm just now settling in after a long day at the Atomic Holiday Bazaar. I posted mention of it on this blog a few days ago, so check that out if you missed it. We had a great time, there were lots of customers, really great vendors to meet, and I was so super excited about how stinkin' cute our space looked! Lots of pictures to follow, and yes I'm even going to bore you with details about all the display ideas we implemented, but I think it was my favorite part of the day... selling tons of our lovingly made handmade items was definitely a close second!
Here's the over view of the booth. We were on a corner, so we had two accessible sides. We set up a table on one side and my dress form (a.k.a. Moi), the dress rack and the sling rack on the other side. Michael Miller disco dots fabric in pink and green (Christmasy but not over the top) fabric draped askew in the corner, and the cutest ever white feather Christmas tree decorated with pink and green plastic ornaments adorned the end of the table and set the tone for the space... still true to our boutique style, but so super fun!
So, I'm really embarrassed to admit that this is the debut of the bean bags that I posted about in this blog 3+ months ago. I finally... finally... finally... got motivated to make them, and they were totally worth the wait if I do say so myself (and I will). I'm super excited about posting them to Etsy tomorrow morning and will be sure to point out that they're sold as a set of 5 in my most popular sling fabric, pink/brown or aqua/brown. You can also order a set of Count and Spell bean bags with any numbers and letters you'd like embroidered on them (the child's name is a great place to start). Either set is packaged in a Chinese take out box tied with coordinating ribbon and cutesy label. Bean Bags are an amazing toy, I guarantee you'll be astounded by the imaginative play they encourage... all whirling, flashing, buzzing free!
Check out the way we displayed the tag blankets. Karie picked up this adorable push toy for Ava for Christmas and it was just too perfect to not break it in a bit for use in displaying the tag blankets. And you can catch a glimpse of the winner of the hottest Elle Belle item of the show to the left there. The chubbies were a huge hit, and were sold out within the first hour or so. They are the best stocking stuffer ever and that doesn't even address just how practical their design is. Get your own set of these chubby crayons for chubby hands here.

There's not quite as much opportunity for creative play with the display racks, but all the fun fabric and variety of choices made this side of the booth a popular spot. Here's your glimpse into the latest Elle Belle product soon to be listed in the Etsy shop. New slings, pillowcase dresses, and even a brand new take on the pillowcase dress in the form of a more tailored but just as versatile top were debuted and well received. Oh, and I can't forget our awesome banner displayed perfectly in the ingenious frame my uber handy, beyond supportive, hubby made for us.

Okay, that's as good as it gets for 11:35 at night after I've only had 4 hrs of sleep the night prior and have been up all day working hard. Definitely keep an eye on the Elle Belle Etsy shop in the next couple of days for all the new product!

Alternate Bliss

Alternate Bliss is a mixed media artist. Right now She is focusing on making fine silver jewelry, Watercolors, and Art Charms featuring her artwork images. Currently she has two Etsy Shops. One for her art, and one for her charms.

The painting above is one of her original miniature watercolor ACEO’s (Art Card Editions and Originals). It was painted using watercolors on 300 lb Arches Watercolor Paper. Inspired by 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. He travel through the streets of Paris and encounters a gang of bullies. The film closes with a magically happy ending.

Isn't it lovely? You can check out Alertante Blisses other works at http://alternatebliss.etsy.com/ . You can see her beautiful jewelry at http://www.popblossom.etsy.com/. You can also check out her blog at http://www.alternatebliss.blogspot.com/!

The Perfect Fall Day

Some artists have a way of transferring what's beautiful in their eyes to permanent pieces of art. This is definitely the case with this beautiful adaptation of "The Autumn Harvest". This shop can be found at http://kreativemindz.etsy.com/. it's a collaboration between husband, wife & friend. I look forward to checking back from time to time just to see what they've come up with next.

Moo!

Knock Knock
Who’s there?
Interrupting Cow
Interrupting Cow W…
MOOOOOO!

Okay, it’s a bad joke in person, let alone in type, but seriously you never know when a knock knock joke will come in handy!

Anyway, the point of this is, have you seen Moo cards? They are a really fun way to market and if I weren’t so anal retentive about everything having a place and a place for everything I would’ve gotten some Moo cards for Elle Belle ages ago. I just keep thinking “How do those things fit in the standard card spot in your wallet, or what about people who use business card albums (my husband is perhaps the only one, but still…), and what about business card scanners… would it work in one of those (feel free to comment here if you know… about the uses, not my psychosis)?” I suppose I could get some to use as hang tags, but I’m sort of partial to those garage sale style white tags with the white strings… honestly I don’t know why.
Well, if I ever do get some of those nifty little cards, Indigo Luna’s Etsy shop will be my next stop because her Pop up Moo card carrying case is just as clever as the cards themselves. Check it out:
This wonderful little carrying case is the perfect presentation for your Moo Cards. Moo Cards fit snugly down inside and when you pull the beaded ribbon, they pop up like magic! The surprise appearance of your cards gets delightful responses and makes a great conversation starter.

Cool right?! All you Mooers go get yourself one! And while you’re at it, take a look at Rachel’s profile for more info on who she is and what influences her creatively. It’s a nice read.

Back Wood Creations...

Back Wood Creations is a really unique shop on Etsy! This shop is full of fabric animal sculptures and mixed media pieces. She has been doing the arts and crafts thing since she was a wee child. Her mom always said "idle hands can make trouble". She loves keeping the creativity flowing and still finds time to get into trouble. Her creative endeavors are somewhat "eclectic", as she puts it. Currently she is making art dolls and painting. If you are interested in learning more about her and her artistic leanings check out my blog at http://www.backwoodscreations.blogspot.com/.

And this is one of my favorite things about this artist, as a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA) please look for items that will have a percentage listed in item description donated to the specified charity of the month. Their website can be found here http://www.etsyforanimals.com.

Featured Etsy Artist – Banana Showcase

Here’s what Banana Showcase has to say about her business - Just one girl and a very loved sewing machine -- that is all there is to Banana Showcase. I have been a crafter since I was a very little girl. I love to make things with my hands and now having people use the things I make is so exciting. I have sewn since I was a teen but recently discovered that purses are so fun to create. I also love visiting thrift stores so you will find that some of my bags are created from vintage fabrics or other vintage clothing items that have been repurposed to become purses.

I like how she refers to her sewing machine as “loved”… it’s funny how they almost take on a life of their own… I love my machine too J (note to self: add “How do I love thee – Let me count the stitches” to list of future blog posts).

I adore this messenger bag! I’ve actually had my eye on it for quite some time… prior to joining this challenge in fact. I have a great appreciation for Amy Butler fabric and this print is one of my favorites (as you can see by one of my currently listed slings. See below). It looks smashing paired with this small wale gray corduroy. All those pockets are sure to keep everything in its place and the little details like the magnetic closure and metal rings that hold the strap on give it a lovely finished look. Constructed with interfacing to give it stability and ensure that it hold its shape and triple stitching keeping the strap durable add up to a quality made bag. I’m totally sold on it…

and it’s just too much of a coincidence that this bag ended up in the 90 day challenge and I have a sling made of the same material, it’s a sign that if I sell my “matching” sling I’ll just have to buy it!

Quirky Things You Won't Find Just Anywhere

This little Etsy shop is not for the conservative at heart. If you're wanting a look that will be different than most & that will make most heads turn, this shop is for you. Why be just warm, why not be funky, while being warm - in these fingerless gloves. lizstaley.etsy.com is truly an outlet for it's artsy designer that has loads of imagination. Who would have ever thought crocheting could be so out there?

100% Organic Gifts for Your Spirit – Summer Sea

Tracy of Summer Sea is a certified herbalist, loves nature, and has been helping people through the use of herbs for the past 10+ years. She uses organically grown ingredients and here’s why: “Because I believe that my products are truly better when I use ingredients which have NOT been irradiated, treated with pesticides or sprays. Your body and spirit needs good, clean energy! Making every product with only organic ingredients costs a little more, but it's worth it!”

This is just the season to put Tracy’s talents and experience to work for you with her Cold and Flu Care Organic Herbal Loose Tea. Read more about it by clicking on the picture including how much sweeter your purchase will be because the proceeds go to support 2 personal friends of Tracy who are living with Breast Cancer.

Handmade Holiday

I am so looking forward to a local event Elle Belle will be a part of next Sunday, the 9th. We'll be at the ultra hip Atomic Holiday Bazaar! Definitely take a look at their site and see what we'll be up to. It embodies the indie craft movement that's going on here locally and I just can't believe we're actually going to get to be a part of it! It shares it's values with another initiative going on for this gift giving season - Buy Handmade pledge. With the exception of a couple of digital picture frames that have been on my poor grandchild deprived out-of-state parents' list for a couple of years now, it'll be a handmade holiday for us! Click on the pledge graphic to the right of this post to find out more and take the pledge yourself.

Nerys Purchon...

Nerys is an Australian who lives with her husband and two dogs in a caravan travelling the roads, hills and beaches of the country. They call the Perth area home as they have childen living in this area so visit often.

She is proud to introduce you to my new range of essential oil blends. She has been working with essential oils for forty years. She has written several books about them and used these miraculous essences in countless ways. Their power and versatility never cease to amaze her and she's sure that you will benefit from their use. All of her bags are unique and once a bag has been made it is never repeated but if you like a particular style of bag but want different colour, handles, pockets or accessories she will make one for you.

You can visit her blog at http://gypsysoul-au.blogspot.com/ , her Etsy site at http://neryspurchon.etsy.com/ and a website http://www.neryspurchon.com/

Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry in Stone and Sterling… That’s Headley!

The That’s Headley! shop is a fun little corner of Etsy! Her creations have a simple elegance and there’s something that just seems… happy… about them. How could you be anything besides happy when wearing this stone rainbow necklace?!
I think it sums up the feel of Headley’s shop really well so I had to show you that piece. I usually only add one picture to the feature, but I just couldn’t pass up this one.

It’s beautiful and the picture is wonderful too! You MUST go buy this right now, find the perfect outfit to showcase this amazing piece, have a remarkable evening wearing it, take pictures and comment on this post with a link so we can all applaud you for your impeccable style!

Handcrafted, Stylish, One of a Kind Necklace Sets – Adornments by BJ

The Adornments by BJ Etsy shop has an array of jewelry that so vastly ranges in style that you’re sure to find something that peaks your interest. This “Sunshine and Blue Skies” piece did it for me:

As vast as her style, is the materials she works with which include semi-precious Gemstones, Pearls, Swarovski crystals, Wood, Shells, Sterling Silver, and a recent addition: silk and braided cord for Chinese knotting. She also loves to discover vintage jewelry to use in her creations. Take a look at this and her other beaded jewelry here.

Elements by Dawn – Texture, Pattern, Color, Form

All things guitar related have a special place in my heart. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of my Dad strumming his guitar and singing songs I would later learn were by greats like James Taylor & Neil Diamond. I heard my Dad sing them first though, and prefer his version over some of the originals. Although Guitar Hero for PS2 is the closest I’ve come to playing myself, one of my brothers has played for years now too and listening to him and my Dad play their guitars when my family gets together is always a special treat.

So I definitely had to choose the piece below from the Elements by Dawn Etsy shop for this feature.

This fun and lightweight bracelet is comprised of alternating white and dark grey genuine Fender® Celluloid guitar picks and Sterling Silver.

This and other of Dawn’s pieces reflect her interest in pattern and texture. Her designs take on movement and tactile interest. Her fondness of circles, spheres, disks, and symmetry is expressed throughout her designs.

I also found these other guitar related items by various Etsy artists:

Featured Artist – Bagitup4me

Brought up in the vivid sights and sounds of Manhattan's art community, Syl of Bagitup4me has always been mesmerized by small pieces of everyday life which most people don't realize have the potential for becoming wearable art. Her creations incorporate elements from bygone eras into original designs. Using a collection of vintage buttons, rich fabric and other findings from various parts of the world, she explores the use of shapes and colors to capture an era or evoke an emotion.

There has been a gradual and natural evolution to her work, from hand-painted leather belts to three dimensional mosaics to tapestry bags. When designing tapestry bags, she enjoys working with shapes: simple rectangular shapes rich in color and texture and adorned with vintage pieces. The colors she selects: mustard, black, red, orange and olive green, among others, are reminiscent of the 1920's and 1930's.

Featured Etsy Artist – Kala

The Kala shop on Etsy hosts a collection of crafts that are true to its creator’s admission that she has “trouble deciding what to do”. Karen is a professional artist residing in the UK. She has unique pieces of beadwork, mixed media collage, paper arts, and even does custom pencil drawings.
Since I’m in the tree trimming spirit (it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in our home) I picked this hand beaded garland to show you. The beads themselves are pretty on their own, but the metal star accents give it a special detail. It’s sophisticated and a bit whimsical at the same time. It would be perfect on a tree, in a garland, or wrapped around a wreath. Take a closer look by clicking on the picture above and visit Kala’s shop to see all her other handmade wares.

Lchandler...

Linda Chandler 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 lucritive avenue in which to share your designs, meet fellow artisans, and share tips and techniques. She is the author of "Woven Wire Jewelry" & "Getting Started Making Jewelry". Scheduled 2/08 "Wire Wrapping". Please visit her web site at www. jewelrybylinda.com

Staci Rose Designs

Visit Staci Rose Designs on Etsy for original, hand-made, and one of a kind: Original Oil Paintings, Handmade Jewelry, Decorated Picture Frames and Mirrors, Judaica, and more great gift ideas!

Here is an example of birthstone earrings that can be custom-designed for yourself or the woman you love! These make wonderful and meaningful gifts for Mother's Day, Grandmother's Day or an Anniversary. Each earring will represent two to six months of your choice, have between two to six beads, and all earrings will be one-of-a-kind!

Staci is an artist living and expanding her creativity for the past 10 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. She believes, "that every specially crafted piece I create is intended for special individuals."

Moda Designs...

Moda Design's is a self-taught bead jewellery artist. She deals mostly with stones and shells. She prefers undyed items to work with and seek out only the best supplies & suppliers. Everything in her shop is lead and nickel free! She lives in a small town right on the US-Canada Border with Washington State.

The piece abovis is a dark amber and healing magnet arthritis relief bracelet. It is made from HUGE Magnets that will bring arthritis relief while warm polished rootbeer amber will bring compliments!

You can visit Moda Designs at http://www.modadesigns.etsy.com/.

It's in the Bag

The bags featured at http://jajaja.etsy.com each tell their own story. Not often have I considered where the materials that my bag was made of came from, but each of these unique creations not only make you think, they come with an explanation of where they've been. This is a new spin on the concept of going "green". Personally, I like bags in a all shapes & sizes so it was fun to see no 2 bags looking exactly alike. Whether it's warm outside or cold (like where I live) these fascinating little bags could give you that warm fuzzy feeling - like they have their own heritage.

KuddleBugz...

Toni lives in Alaska where it gets VERY cold in the winter...-50 degrees F Toni is most famous for being "Mommy" to my 15 month of twin daughters! They are her inspiration for KuddleBugz Threadz! 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! Her daughters were also the inspiration for the shop name! "They are truly my little kuddlebugz!"

Keep your little ones warm and cozy this winter with a beautiful Infant Car Seat Cover! For those tiny toes pick up a pair of warm and cozy booties! Don't have a NEW Baby? How about new hat or pair of mittens for that Toddler in your life?

Looking for something special? Toni is happy to do custom orders! You can visit Toni's shop at http://KuddleBugzThreadz.etsy.com.

alilsumptinsumptin

Today's featured shop, alilsumptinsumptin, offers original, handmade bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Etsy artist, Eva, creates one-of-a-kind pieces that often incorporate two of her favorite things: flower gardens and dogs. She finds that, "Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic..." Self-described as a "Jill of all trades, master of none," she has been involved in some form of art since childhood; receiving formal training as a Fashion Designer, Illustrator and Calligrapher. Eva has been designing jewelry for about 3 years.

Especially admirable, this Etsy artist even uses her talent to give something back to a favorite cause. In honor of her two golden retrievers, she started PAWS FOR A GOOD CAUSE so the sale of her jewelry and accessories could benefit charitable organizations like the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Below are some of the pieces which 100% of the sale proceeds are donated.

NITTI GRAFFITI - This leather choker features an edgy black and white "graffiti" bone torched by favorite glass artist, Janet Crosby. Each side is decorated differently with random swirly scribbles, giving it a spontaneous and energetic vibe.

AMORES PERROS - This Y style necklace features a lovely heart bead by favorite Lampwork Glass Artist, Janet Crosby. The heart is made of opaque black glass with white paw prints and is etched for a matte finish and a soft velvety feel.

Be sure to check out all of the wonderful, unique pieces at this shop - there's alilsumptinsumptin for everyone!

Artisan Jewelry by Phyllis Mufson

I try to always write some of my own thought and perspective on each of the Etsy artists that I feature in this blog, but I found Phyllis’ profile to be a nice read and thought I’d just share it with you in her own words:

Hi, I’m Phyllis Mufson, a jewelry artisan and a creative career and small business coach. I started making jewelry while directing the Locks Career Center at Moore College of Art & Design, an inspiring environment where I worked with wonderfully creative people. Now I work in my sunny living room where I talk with clients and have all of my jewelry equipment close at hand. My design inspiration is my 23-story “bead condo” – clear, stacking sectioned boxes brimming with color-coordinated gold and silver, gemstones and pearls.Earlier in my life I was a textile artist and that sensibility influences my designs. I'm concerned with how the jewelry drapes and moves with the body. I'm also inspired by my customers. In addition to my ETSY stores I sell through private jewelry shows so I get to see how women respond to the jewelry. I talk with them about what interests them, and find out which designs are particularly flattering to wear.If you like Personal Treasures but are looking for something more simple or casual please visit my Mufi Jewels store at http://mufi.etsy.com.You can learn more about my coaching practice at http://phyllismufson.interfaceias.com I also have a blog where I write about creativity and creative people – http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com.

Go take a closer look at these carved Amethyst earrings and other beautiful pieces like them at http://personaltreasures.etsy.com/

Etsy Artist - A Rose by Name

Today's featured Etsy artist is a wife and mom to two teenage daughters. She and her daughters enjoyed learning to bead together. Over the years her daughters have moved on to other crafts, but she continues to develope her designs into more intricate, complex, works of art that are usually crafted with small beads.

This artist's skill and creativity is apparent in this wave design beaded tealight holder. It's created using over 4,000 Japanese Delica beads in three shades of green, one set with an aurora borealis wash. It's big enough to hold a votive candle, but just imagine how beautiful the twinkling light of a tea light set low in the holder would be.

This would make a unique gift that's sure to please anyone on your list.

Check out A Rose by Name's Etsy shop for lots of amazing bead work from jewelry to business card cases.

Silver Dragon...

Silver Dragon has always been an artist and one of her earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with her from the very start. She was four years old and her nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. She was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. She doesn't know how long she stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say. Her path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. She is a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa Cardinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of her paintings accompanied and essay she wrote for an Astronomy textbook. She also holds a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and has worked as an astronomer and still teaches astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College. Her work has continued to grow and expand and she now also count herself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. All of her work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- She has a hard time doing things more than once!). She likes to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form. Please check out Silver Dragon's shop at http://SilverDragon.etsy.com.

Beautiful in Beads

Anne Dundas beads are each a treasure for the eye as can be seen on http://annedundas.etsy.com. Living in Australia, caring for her mom, Anne seems to have found her niche in each of her unique bits of art. Her shop carries all types of uses for her beads. My favorites are her bookmarks. I'm an avid reader and there's just something special about setting down a book with a beautiful bookmark saving your place until you get back.

Darjeeling Paper...

Michael Gresh is a man of many trades. Designer of hotels by day, craft inventor and schemer by night. He is a self-proclaimed "paper nut", and his work shows just that. Michael is co-owner of DemiGod Studio, an ecclectic duo of craft & art show afficionados. When he's not working on plans to open his very own shop, he bides his time coming up with new and inventive ways to use up the stockpile of paper he has accumulated over the years. Michael started Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. as a way to showcase his paper goods, and to distinguish his works! You can check out Michael's shop at http://darjeelingpaper.etsy.com/.

Fantasy for Kids

Visit My Fairy Babies for a custom designed fairy for your little one. These sweet little dolls would look adorable sitting under the tree on Christmas morning, or peeking out from a stocking. This is a picture of Candi - she's just 8 inches tall, and she loves Cotton Candy and Coney Island hot dogs! Candi is just one example of the precious fairies you can bring home for your child to love.

This Etsy artist puts a lot of love and time into her creations, and states that she would love for them to get a new home where they can be appreciated. Don't see exactly what you want? Customize your child's fairy by picking any combination of color or pattern.

Another great feature is that these fairies are safe for children of ALL ages - made with no lead, and offering no choking hazards.

Unique Jewelry Designs & Creations

The Sweet Irie Etsy shop has lots of beautiful jewelry to choose from. I particularly like this wire wrapped pearl ring! She's got it right when she says: Pearls ooze elegance and sophistication and make you feel beautiful each time you wear them. Perfect for any season, this ring is unique!

I've said it before, simple jewelry is just my style. I love pieces that look great with anything you wear.

Bet you're wondering about the name Sweet Irie right? Irie is this Etsy artist's sweet little cat. Irie likes to participate in the design process as much as possible, which is often just serving as a source of creative inspiration. Take a peek!

What do you say?!

If you have a two year old like I do, you may utter those words an inumberable number of times in a day. Always the answer is the same... THANK YOU!


Here's the perfect way to say it... to your customers, to that thoughtful friend, to your always there for you family, to anyone deserving of those two sweet words.



Katie of FromMyHeart2Yours is the creative mind behind these adorable note cards. She admits that she has a not so secret addiction to decorative paper and she obviously uses it for good.

Check out Katie's lovely corner of Etsy to find more creative uses for her favorite medium... paper of course. Her embellished letters would be a great detail in a nursery or childrens room, or even just leaning on a shelf in your office or studio!

Mineral Magic...

Mineral Magic takes great pride in her makeup line and guarantees 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflamatory for your skin, as well. Her makeup does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride, which is kin to arsenic, and is most likely the reason for skin discomfort and bad skin reaction. Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin. Please visit Mineral Magic at http://MINERALMAGIC.etsy.com.