I'm so glad to be home to relax and rest

It was a very exhausting day at work today. After I came home I fell asleep reading the newspaper. At least I woke up in time to feature KreativeMindz.
From KreativeMindz's Profile
"KreativeMindz is our company I started a few years ago (a dream I've had forever). Aly and Beau are a husband and wife team, supporting each other through love, laughter and creativity. An-G is one of Aly's best friends, who is a wonderful seamstress and enjoys sewing in her free time, when she isn't being a vet :).We 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 the Wooden Kreationz section to see some things my husband is now adding. :DA LITTLE ABOUT USI was born and raised in a home of artists. My mother a painter, and my father a photographer. As kids we always were doing some sort of "project". This has continued for me thoughout my life, dipping my hands in all sorts of creative "projects". I found my nitch in sewing. I LOVE creating different things. I picture it in my mind and then it becomes...it is my "gift" I suppose. And I enjoy working with the different fibers to see what can be done with them.I mostly stay at home and mother our 2 wonderful and beautiful children (9 and 2), my husband and best friend, our 3 dogs and a cat, and our beautiful land. This keeps me busy, as I'm sure you can imagine, but I try to sew on a daily basis, even if it's only 15 minutes. I have been making clothes for many, many years (15 to be exact). I first started when I was 15 and made a patchwork skirt by hand for a show I was going to. As I got older I bought a sewing machine and began making clothes to support my traveling and music habit. I have traveled all over the country selling my clothes at all the wonderful shows and festivals. I miss that sometimes but am so blessed to have my 2 wonderful and beautiful children. When my son got older I started working in the film buisness...helping design sets and such. This was wonderful and fun work, but I truly missed being home. My daughter was born 2 years ago, and with the help of my wonderful and supportive husband, I started to stay home again. I knew we needed the extra income though....so here I am...trying to learn my way around the internet highway. I am so very thankful to have this opportunity to be able to watch my children grow!!! We enjoy our land and our organic gardens. Hiking, fishing, swimming, playing, camping, fires, drum circles and a show when we can catch one. My husband is a carpenter and loves working with his hands and building wonderful things! An-G is living in Columbus, where she just graduated from vet school(WHOOHOOO!!!). She is currently engaged to be married next summer! :)She has been sewing a long time as well, learning some from her mother and some from herself! More to come on An-G. :)Thanks to all of you whom support us stay at home mamas and independent artists!!!! And thank you for helping our dream become reality! We truly appreciate all the support! :D" besure to visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5049713&section_id=5047502 and check out her Goddess Wrapz, which look really cool. Her blog http://kreativemindzthreadz.blogspot.com/ is a "must visit" also.

I think I'm going crazy!

Let me must say that paperwork is driving me crazy!

Now to move on to more fun things, today's featured shop is Coconut Palm Designs. (Can't you just feel the tropical breezes?) In her profile she writes, "I am a Canadian living in Belize, Central America and also a graphic designer. Woodworking and sign design is my newest crafting passion but art has been in my blood since birth. Sign making has turned into a great outlet for my creative energies and finally I am using my graphic design training for something exciting. Custom orders are welcome. Please feel free to contact me if you have a particular sign you would like me to make for you. " As of this moment it is so cold here, I wish I were living in Belize. This sign, shown at the left, reminds me that warmer days are coming! Besure to visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5128816 and her blog to see all she has to offer. http://coconutpalmdesigns.blogspot.com/

Keep on featuring!

Citrus Tree Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5332686 is a shop featuring Cards, Prints, and more! All Original Photograhy and Illustrations. Here is a link to my favorite section of her shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5332686&section_id=5279635 The animal images are the ones I like best and I really like the cat. But I also like the doggie. She has a variety pack if you can't make up your mind. I think you too will like her designs. Be sure to visit her shop and blog http://citrustreedesigns.blogspot.com/ to see more. Also read her complete profile at http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5332686

Another featured shop!

Crazy day at school day, but I like those days becuse you are never bored. The apron pictured here is my favorite item in the shop I am going to feature today. She says this apron is for Christmas, but I think it would work perfectly for Valentine's Day. She has different aprons, both mommy size and daughter size. The shop with all the aprons is Mommy and me boutique. She says it is for Christmas, but I think it would work perfectly for Valentine's Day.

She wries in her profile, "Designer fabrics, beautiful trims and ribbons are the materials I love to work with to bring you items that you can be proud to purchase and enjoy using. Loving care and personal expression are put into each one. Aprons for adults and children are my specialty. Whether it be cooking or entertaining, 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."

Be sure to visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5005863 and her blog http://themommyandmeboutique.blogspot.com/. She has a link to her flickr account there.

Paperwork Day

I had a sub for me so I could do paperwork. I got so much done I feel like a great weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

ThatsHeadley is my featured shop for today. After I read her profile I know I'd really like her. Smoke-free, kitty-friendly home and studio (This is why I'd know I'd like her!) She writes, "That's Headley! Jewelry Designs is about a journey in wearable art in semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass. Color, texture, balance, and richness are my design goals. I've been "beading" since junior high, and for the last couple of years have expanded my use of wire wrapping. I've also added silversmithing to my techniques. Silver is always bona fide sterling at the least, and sometimes fine (99.9% pure) silver. I rarely make two pieces alike, because I like to have fun wearing jewelry, and seeing myself coming and going is not fun! Sometimes, though, when something comes out especially wonderful, I might make just a few to share the fun. I love to do custom work, too, so if you have something inspirational you would like to have a custom piece to wear with or to, send me a picture or description of what you would like, and we can be creative together!" Her blog, where she puts her newest creations and comments on life, the creative process, and other fabulous Etsy artists can be found at http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com
You really must visit her shop to see her wonderfuk pieces. My favorites are here http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=25865&section_id=5214305 It brings back memories of growing up when my dad calle dmy sister and I two peas on a pod.

Sunday!

The reunion that ws held at my house today went well and I'm quite pleased.

Today I'm featuring Berry Beads berrybeads.etsy.com She writes, "Hi! My name is Rosi and I have always loved crafts. It is especially nice when the things I make are practical as well as pretty. I have many different interests and making jewelry is a new passion to bring out my creative side." I love this bracelet. Check out her shop at the link above to see all of her creations. View her blog at http://blog.berrybeady.com/ to find out more.

90 features in 90 days

The Open House we held today did not go as well as we had hoped, however, life goes on. At least those who were here thought the food was good. That made me feel good since I spent all morning preparing the food. We also got to meet our daughter's future inlaws for the first time. I think I need an etiquette book on relationships with your child's inlaws. I wasn't sure what they thought of us. I can't dwell on that too long because now I need to cook for tomorrow since I'm having a family reunion of sorts at my house. Everyone is bringing something so I don't have to cook too much. On the brighter side of things, I'm on a roll in keeping up with the 90 features in 90 days challenge, in fact I'm a day ahead. I think this is about my 10th one. Amazing, just absolutely amazing, considering how I've been known to procrastinate.
Today my featured shop will be Celtic Goddess Jewelry, which has been in business since 2002. She is influenced by spiritual learning, nature, goddess, and Celtic imagery and she identifies very strongly with her Celtic heritage.





She has some beautiful and unique pieces in her shop. This versatioe necklace is one. Visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=16038 One unique and fun piece is her Sushi California Roll Bracelet, which is pictured here.

To learn more about the Celtic Goddess, all you nned to do is visit her blog http://buyindie.blogspot.com/ You can learn about other etsy artisians while there.

Finally Friday!

My husband and I are having an Open House tomorrow. We've been here almost a year and are just getting around to having one. I took off from the deli tomorrow to have time to prepare.

I'm tired since I worked both jobs today, but before I turn in for the night, I am going to feature Silver Dragon Creations http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=77921 She writes in her etsy profile, "I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say.My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am 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 my paintings accompanied and essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.)My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want!All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form. Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me."

From reading her bio you learn that she is a very talented person. Even her blog http://vener-art.com/beadblog/ is creatively done.

Pricing Tuxedos

My daughter won't be getting married until May 2009, but the planning has started. She went to a wedding expo and purchased her dress and tonight we priced tuxedos. I want to scream and we've a long way to go.

Today I'll be featuring the founder of the 90 features in 90 day challenge, Giftbearer. Be sure to visit her shop. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=3855 The bio from her profile on etsy says it better than I ever could. " Pippit Carlington has been creating art ever since she was 2 years old. At age 5 she wascomposing songs on the piano; teaching herself to play by ear. She often found herself re-designing things she saw around her, in 6th grade she constructed the class mascot; a 4 foot-tall owl sculpted out of paper mache, and in junior high she began selling various art items she had made. Over the years Pippit went on to receive formal art training at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and Studios.Pippit works in several mediums;including acrylics, watercolor, drawing, clay sculpture, and jewelry. A multicultural influence is evident in her work reflecting a diverse heritage of Iroquois Indian, Hawaiian, Russian Jewish, and French Canadian. She is strongly influenced by nature, political and social issues, and uses her art to educate the public. Two paintings from her September 11th Series appeared at a show on war at The Spruill Center Gallery. One of them titled, "It Makes You Realize What's Really Important", depicts a family comforting each other with an American flag in the background. The other shows the rescue effort at Ground Zero, "Amongst The Chaos". That series also included portraits of Osama Bin Laden and George W. Bush. This series was really an exercise in patience and tolerance. It was a difficult subject matter, but I felt it was important to document this event in history so that hopefully people would never let this happen again. The portrait of Osama Bin Laden evoked such an emotional reaction that the gallery exhibiting it in Sautee, GA. had to take it down. The gallery-owner reported to me that people told her it was incredibly realistic and that was why people were so deeply affected by it on a visceral level. One of the other paintings in the series, "Blessed Event" shows the resilient side of September 11th; the story of a woman who walked several miles after being separated from her car to the local emergency room to give birth to a healthy baby. Journalists had done an interview with the new mother and her husband for Time Magazine. Greeting cards and bookmarks are available of some of these paintings. Pippit has mentored artists with mental illness in a psychosocial rehabilitation program she developed called Artvision which she operated out of her home on a shoestring budget. The project was fully self-supporting, receiving no government funding. Artists in the program received help and guidance in learning all aspects of how to run an art-based business. This prepared them to earn money using a talent they already have. Pippit has become involved in a number of volunteer efforts; including providing online support and treatment information to people with autoimmune diseases, and has donated art items to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

The artist has sold and exhibited her art at the following stores/galleries; Star Sapphire
Oz Gallery
Dragonfly Gallery
The Spruill Center Gallery
The Millennium Art Co-op
Anna's Wardrobe
Topaz Gallery
Squash Blossom
The Work of Our Hands
Simpsonwood Gift Shop
Creative Spirit Gallery

She has participated in the following art shows;
The Sandy Springs Festival
Annual GA. Microenterprise Network Conference
For Sisters Only
The Spring Fling at Simpsonwood
Sweet Auburn Festival
Inman Park Festival
Arts In The Garden
Goodwill Christmas Bazaar
United Way Christmas Art Show
AutumnFest

*Other Online Sites*
SmashingDarlinghttp://www.smashingdarling.com/store/1882

Mindt (items available in this store soon)http://www.mintd.com/stores/show/148-Giftbearer
Dawandahttp://en.dawanda.com/shop/Giftbearer

Some of my work will be available starting November 17th at:VIX Emporium5009 Baltimore Ave.Philadelphia PA 19143215-471-7700

my blogs:
http://artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com/
http://giftbearer.zaadz.com/blog
http://blog.myspace.com/giftbearer
Flickr Profile and Photostream:
http://www.flickr.com/people/giftbearer/The Art Jewelry Collective Street Team Blogs:
http://artjewelrycollective.blogspot.com/
http://artjewelrycollective.wordpress.com/

***Pippit developed an innovative new marketing plan called the 90 Features in 90 Days Challenge*** If you are an Etsy seller who would like to increase your sales learn more about it and sign up here;
http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5251490&page=1
Some sellers whose sales were previously stagnant have already reported sudden sales after 28 days with 54 participants!See some examples of features I've written on other Etsy artists in my blog here:
http://artlifenewsblog.blogspot.com/
If you are interested in supplies please check out my other Etsy store, GiftbearerSupply.etsy.com. You will find bead kits I mix myself and all kinds of other interesting things!

Losing/misplacing things

Lately it seems that almost everything I touch goes MIA. I'm spending more time hunting for things than doing things, which is such a waste of precious time.

At least I have time to feature a shop, PurpleSnowpeas.

"Kathryn Short, a photographer and all-around artist, attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. She was a photography major, but also enjoys bookmaking and knitting. Kathryn now teaches art and photography at the high school level.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."

Thses wristwarmers http://tinyurl.com/3bprqn which are featured in her shop as of this posting, just seemed to jump out at me. To see the rest of her items, you will need to visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/2jfkcf

Visit her blog where she talks about knitting and ETSY artists! http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com/

Today was a dreary day and I had no energy. It seemed like everybody at school felt the same way. It was very hard to go back after a long weekend. I 'd better find some energy soon because I still have quite a bit of paperwork to do.
I'm on a roll with the cat theme so today I am featuring MyCatLulu. "Lulu is one of the cutest cats out there. She has great big eyes and really soft fur. She reminds me of an anime cat, but only better–no crazy effects...though her purr could use a little more volume.
About me:Professional facts:BA in ArtDay Job: Desktop PublisherTrained in Photoshop, Indesign, gocco, my medium format camera, black and white darkroom, and the color darkroom.I am:I'm lover not a fighter who enjoys the company of people, the songs of birds, and an occasional Mia tai. Don't like mean people, but really who would. Don't own bowling shoes, but I did play in a league when I was in 5th grade. Other than art, my passion is traveling. My last trip took me to Kauai, Hawaii...lovely. "

Take a look at this item http://tinyurl.com/39o5qg as 50% of the proceeds go to Amnesty International.

To see all of her items, visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/346bp2
To learn more about her, and see pictures of Lulu, visit her blog http://mycatlulu.blogspot.com

Back to the daily grind...

I really do like my full-time job except for the paperwork part of it and right now it is "crunch time" for paperwork. Hopefully I will be finished soon.

Keeping with my 'cat' theme for featuring shops, today I will be featuring kalicat. In her profile she writes, "Kalicat has trained in jewellery at Central St Martins and Hatton Gardens, in London. Mom of 2, she says: "I keep sane by painting and illustrating Fashion, jewelry-making and dreaming about all the things I will create in the near future". Each item may be made in gold, sterling silver or base metal, with the stones of your choice when available."

She has some fantastic rings in her shop. I really like this one http://tinyurl.com/2nrd3f , but I like this one too http://tinyurl.com/2w3v3c

Here is even more information about her from her profile.
"About me:I am an artist and illustrator http://www.catherinemarche.com, I am also a member of the Art Jewelry Collective http://artjewelrycollective.wordpress.com/I am a Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer - SRAJD #0551"

You can find out more by visiting her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5051258or reading her blog http://kalicatdesigns.blogspot.com/

A Day Off!

I'll spend some time working on paperwork but my daughter and I are going for manicures today. I also hope to take some better pictures of some of my items. I have a couple of things to relist, but the photos I have are awful.

Today's featured shop is Cats Paw Artifacts. With a name like that, how could I resist? From her profile she writes, "Judy Richards resides in Portland, Oregon where it rains this time of year. A well kept secret is that it doesn't rain all year around.Judy is a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).Judy makes lampwork beads and designs jewelry - unique and hopefully artful jewelry. She is always striving for new ideas, new shapes in glass. Judy is inspired by nature (flowers, birds) depicted in glass. She loves abstract lampwork most of all with layers of glass and complexity. She is always striving to that goal." To read the rest you will need to visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/3d7zcu . While there check out her gorgeous lampwork beads. You can see my favorite bead http://tinyurl.com/396e8b and all of her other work. Check out her blog http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com/ and you will be amazed.

It is REALLY cold...

... and I don't like cold weather, but all errands have been run so I am home to stay for the evening. I'm seriously thinking about a nap, but thought I'd do my featured shop so I don't forget.

Today it is LIZSTALEY. Here is an exerpt from her bio, "I grew up in Baltimore, but am now living in Greenville, NC. My mom got me into arts and crafts when I was really little (I wanted to help her paint ceramics when I was a baby, so she'd give me a paintbrush, a cup of water, and a rubber ducky. Took me awhile to figure out that it's supposed to change colors when you paint it though!). Ever since then I've loved to draw and create things.I love to crochet, make buttons, do drawings, sew, and come up with new ideas! " To find out more, you'll just have to visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/3bpd8n and read it for yourself.

She handcrafts a variety of items, but my favorites are her gloves. This pair is my favorite http://tinyurl.com/2vd2nc

To find out even more about her, visit her blog http://livewirechick.blogspot.com

Saturday At Last

My favorite time on Saturday is 2:00, when my shift at the deli is over! I had to get a few things since we were having company for dinner. I still had time for a short nap before it was time to cook. Since this was not a dinner to impress, it was an easy meal to put together.

I was looking through the list and decided to feature DreamON. This is from DreamON's profile, "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 belong to several art groups in Florida and one in Colorado. The time I spend painting with my artist friends is my recreation, and I paint a lot.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. I love to paint using a variety of techniques. Having taken an experimental art class for the last 4-5 years, I am likely to paint anything, and I'm always "playing."I will be sharing a percentage of the proceeds from patriotic items which I will continue to stock in my shop with the The Fisher House™ Foundation. It's a small thing I can do to support caring for our nation's military families."

You have to be impressed by this original work of art http://tinyurl.com/2w9muk. Visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/2sw948 to see all of her original art and prints. Learn more about her and her work by going to her blog http://DreamsAboutArt.blogspot.com/.

Inservice Day

So it was s day full of paperwork. I'm still not finished, but it is time to take a break. Blog time!

Today I'm going to feature signaturesterling. In her profile she writes "Since my first trek into a Toronto bead shop two 1/2 years ago, I've been an avid beader and jewelry designer. I enjoy designing, creating, and just plain playing with a variety of beads. And yes, I AM a Buckeye fan - GO BUCKS! When I'm not beading, I love being a soccer mom - can you tell? I am active with other terrific, creative “Etsians” – the TBO (Tranquil Beading Oasis), the Bead Hive, JET (Jewelry on Etsy), EtsyMom, and EtsyBEAD. 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!Committed to high quality in supplies and design, I am a SRAJD (#1111), Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer."

She has so many beautiful pieces in her shop. You need to visit http://tinyurl.com/2hmh8h to see for yourself. One of my personal favorites is this one http://tinyurl.com/2cwgvm . My only grandchild is a "grandpuppy", but I really like this one too. http://tinyurl.com/2de3d6.
You can visit her blog at http://signature-sterling.blogspot.com/.

Snow!

It didn't come early enough for an early dismissal, but it made the drive home interesting. I wonder if we'll have a delay tomorrow. actually I don't want one. Tomorrow is an inservice day and I have lots of work to do.

Today I have decided to feature craftymoose's shop. There is a great variety of items in her shop and you really need to check them out. This excerpt form her bio tells all she can do. "I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught and have enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, I have found myself drawn to beads and have returned to the art of french beaded flowers. I enjoy making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies & dragonflies. I am also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers. Custom requests are welcome."

This http://tinyurl.com/2cksky is one that really caught my eye when I browsed her shop. I think this http://tinyurl.com/yo83vg is absolutely beautiful. See for yourself. Just visit her shop http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=42753 or her blog http://craftymoosecrafts.blogspot.com/ and you will see what wonderful work she does!

Crazy Day

Things just started happening and we were behind schedule at 9:30 and had to hustle the entire day. The day was over before I knew and all I could think of was all the things I had hoped to acomplish but didn't. Well, tomorrow is another day.

Today I am featuring Lazy Cat Gifts., which was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. The cat part interested me, of course, after all I am purrfectlydevine! That they had grandmothers who crocheted (so did I) and now crochet (so do I) and make jewely (so do I) was somewhat uncanny and one of them, for the time, being libes less than 100 miles from me, you get the idea. An exerpt from their profile reads, "Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there. All of us had grandmothers who crocheted, however Kelly had the most experience. After honing our skills for several years making many gifts for many family members and friends, we decided to try to sell some of our creations! We had a good start at a local craft show and found Etsy.com while searching for a gentle way to beginning selling online. (Plus, Etsy comes with the bonus of a great community of artists!) Etsy is also great for us, because Kelly has moved to Philadelphia, while Allison and Stasia still live in Ann Arbor. However, we keep in touch every day! And, we are all so excited Kelly is moving back to Ann Arbor in June!We enjoy using the skills from our grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. We crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan crochet bead jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. We are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet, and we love making custom items!"

This is my favorite piece in their shop http://tinyurl.com/2uj4bh , but be sure to visit their shop, http://tinyurl.com/2p84wc , to browse. You can also visit their blog at http://lazycatgifts.blogspot.com

Trying to get ahead

Since I think I may get behind over the weekend because I work both my jobs on Friday, I'm going to do another feature today. That way I hope to keep on track.

Cryztalvisions has 2 pairs of earrings in her shop that just jumped right off the monitor at me. Not really, but you get the idea. If I knew how to post a picture of each pair her, I would. I will post a tinyurl for each pair so you can see what I mean. You really need to take at look at these earrings. http://tinyurl.com/2kh7z3 and http://tinyurl.com/2n23ra

In her profile, she writes, "I have been fascinated by crystals and stones for as long as I can remember. I had some wonderful teachers during my childhood who passed on their passion for nature, geology, crystals and gemstones. I come from a long line of artistic souls on my father's side of the family. My great grandmother was a very talented artist who started painting late in life. She left behind some amazing oil paintings that I will always treasure. She also painted and fired china, she had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. My father was an accomplished, well rounded artist and crafts person and spent many years teaching art in the public school system.I've been creating unique pieces of jewelry for almost 20 years now, and I'm still excited by the process. I have an insatiable appetite for learning new techniques that push the boundaries of my creativity. Along the way I have also been drawn to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. I have found combining my love of minerals, my artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with my heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy. I love to immerse myself in the creative process and I'm fascinated when some pieces seem to magically design themselves. I am pleased to share my passion with you here.I delight in creating these pieces! Each one is unique, with its own energy that I feel as I work with the materials. They transport me to a place of deep knowing, relaxation and happiness as I work. My pieces not only look wonderful when worn, but also carry with them the special healing energies of each gemstone or crystal. My work is a constant exploration of the interconnectedness of all life.It is my hope that you will find a very special piece that speaks to your heart. What's with the "Z" in Cryztalvisions? You may ask. It's an homage to one of my wonderful teachers who pronounced crystals: "creezzztals"."

Be sure to visit her shop at http://tinyurl.com/2jbfnt to look at all of her gorgeous pieces. Check out her blog at http://cryztalvisions.typepad.com/magic_stones_blog/

Snow Flurries Today

Alas, that was the extent of it.

Today the shop I will be featuring is onathousandhills

She writes, "My name is Cheryl, and I love the outdoors! I also love playing with my beads and seeing what I can come up with to make.I can't remember how old I was when I first did any crafts, but I know it was pretty young. I went to a vocational high school and took 4 years of Clothing Shop there. I have always done a bit of different crafting hobbies, but found beads in a serious way about 5 years ago. My daughter was given a bead kit for recuperating after surgery, but wasn't very interested in it. I took it over and took off with my beading. I've had to put them on the back burner at times, when homeschooling and work got in the way. Now I am dedicating more time to be able to learn and grow in this art form. Yes, it IS an art form.God's creation is one of my favorite themes for my work, and I think everyone would have to agree how wonderful nature is."

This is my favorite piece from her shop, http://tinyurl.com/35hbyu is a beautiful Christmas ornament and it is not too early to be thinking about Christmas 2008!

She is a member of Proud member of Christian Artists Street Team http://castteam.multiply.com/ and Etsy Beadweavers http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/

Check out her blog at http://onathousandhills.blogspot.com/

No Delay!

The weatherman was calling for a little snow and I was hoping for a 2 hour delay so I could sleep in, but no such luck. I much prefer 2 hour delays because the day counts so make-up day is necessary.

KatrinLermanJewelry

For my featured shop today I selected a relative newcomer to our ranks, KatrinLerman Jewelry. After you read her bio you'll see how interesting her background is. She writes, "I come from a family of makers and have been doing jewelry since I was a little girl (if making friendship bracelets is considered jewelry ; ) Originally from Germany, I settled in Massachusetts, US almost ten years ago. I can’t believe it has been such a long time already! Nonetheless, I draw inspiration from my German childhood as well as from the time spent here and from every little moment I can remember happening in between. Sometimes, photographs of finished jewelry pop into my mind and I have to quickly run to jot them down before they are gone. Other times, I have an idea in mind and it takes a lot of drawings until I have figured out how to best do what I was thinking about. Of course, those sketches are not written in stone and I often change a design while I am making the piece to arrive at the best end result possible. I graduated from the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston with a Degree of Fine Arts in Interior Design. Interior Design is all about color, form, and texture – and that’s what I’m integrating in my jewelry designs.Now that I have a beautiful baby girl, I try to spend every free minute (and those of you who have a baby know that there are few) creating jewelry. Naturally, I have lots more time thinking than creating and so my sketch book is filling up with ideas for years to come. I can’t wait to get working on all those ideas and designs!!!"

Visit her shop http://tinyurl.com/23gpwl to see her wonderful pieces. This particular one, http://tinyurl.com/2dbdxs is my favorite.

To learn more about this talented designer, visit her blog at http://katrinlermanjewelry.blogspot.com .

Cold, but Sunny

Even though it is colder, the sunshine is keeping my spirits up! I have a busy day planned. I'm going to make Hog Maw for dinner. We all enjoy it, but it is time consuming to make, so I don't do it often. I plan to take some new photos for my etsy shop. There is a link in one of the boxes on the right. I have a mentor for my shop and I'm thrilled to be working with her. Here is link to her shop. http://tinyurl.com/2ta4sq

The shop I am featuring today is cserpent Designs and here is the tinyurl link to her shop.
http://tinyurl.com/2uvs8w

Here is an exerpt from cserpent's profile .

"I have a great time buying the parts needed to make my jewelry. I REALLY like the gorgeous artisan lampwork beads that are available through etsy as well as other online sites. My "inventory" is quite large so I really have to get designing more so I can share these beautiful beads with others. Sometimes I'll find one interesting bead or gemstone and that will be the kick start for a piece of jewelry. I really enjoy the creation process and get excited when I finish a piece and can share it with folks I know and with Etsy I can now share my creations with a much larger family."

To learn more aboput cserpent, you'll need to visit her shop (see the link above) or her blog. http://cserpentdesigns.blogspot.com/

While you are visiting, check out this piece, which just jumped right out to me. http://tinyurl.com/2jqxso

Working on a Resolution

One of the things I wanted to accomplish this year was to improve sales in my etsy shop. So, as a way to accomplish this, I have joined a group dedicated to promoting other members of the group on their blogs. this will be my first entry in that endeavor.

The first shop I will be featuring is Electra Jewelry Design. Since I don't klnow how to make a cool looking link, I'll resort to using tinyurl.com which produced this link and I did check to see that it does work. http://tinyurl.com/2oxvzo She uses a variety a materials to create unique and beautiful pieces of jewelry. Two of her pieces really caught my eye when I visited her shop. My favorites in her shop include http://tinyurl.com/2u69kw and http://tinyurl.com/2j86ww .

She has been passionate about jewelry all her life. At the age of 15, she traveled to Greece for the first time and fell madly in love with 18k and 24k gold. The warm, rich color of this gold enchanced the stones and settings of each beautiful design. The fact that gold was so reasonable in Greece at that time allowed her to bring back amazing trinkets for her closest friends. She returned with scarab rings, filligree pendants and all sorts of interesting designs that thrilled each of the recipients. For years, she wore gold jewelry until discovering that silver was equally lovely and complimented some stones better than gold. The seeds must have planted early on and her first real attempt at jewelry design happened on a ski vacation. She decided to take a jewelry workshop on one particularly cold morning and loved the results.

Check out her complete blog http://elektrajewelry.blogspot.com/

Returning to Normalcy

It is a relief to be getting back to some kind of normal. I feel like I have abandoned so many things for the past couple of months and now I need to catch up and reconnect. The weather has continues to be warmer than normal and that just lifts my spirits.

I've got a mentor from etsybead and I need to email her with what I need help with. Hopefully I can get soem more traffic, which would lead to increased sales.

I talked to the deli manager about cutting back my hours on Saturdays. That should start when the one person returns from surgery. I hope is that I won't be so tired when I come home so that I have energy to do things that make me happy instead of being so tired all I want to so is sleep.

Happy New Year!

Not really. I have been sick as all get out for 2 weeks. My sister and I just passed the first anniversary of Mom's death. My father-in-law died last week. Hopefully, things will start looking better in the coming weeks.

On the brighter side, the weather has been unseasonably warm, which has helped to lift my spirits. My husband has the cast off his foot so we went for a ride on the scooter. We were able to take the grandpuppy for a walk without heavy winter outerwear.

I'm hoping to be more active on the etsy street teams that I belong to, etsybead, and BBEST. I just hope my jobs don't take up too much time and energy so I have the time and energy to devote to crafting my jewelry.