Girl With a Curl

Healthy Can Be Beautiful

2010-07-23T14:49:00.000-07:00

A member of my Etsy team has a shop Flow Yoga Mats with very different and beautiful products. Now I know you say healthy and we all think wheat germ but this shop will surprise you. The following is an interview with the owner Megan.

I knew Megan did yoga and asked if that is what started her mat painting and she explained that most mats were just solid colors but she wanted something more personal. She painted her first mat with an Om symbol, a yin yang and a Virgo which is her sign. It was not her intention at the start to start a business but a friend who taught her yoga asked her to paint one for her. She also told her she should do them and sell them online, that's when the research started. She found not to many people sell hand painted mats online and if they did they were very over priced.

My favorite Megan's favorite

Above is my favorite design from the shop but Megan also does custom mats. She has done mats from her drawings and from ideas the customer has come up with. The customer has the option on her web site of color, design and size. Below are examples of custom designs

You stated that you have branched out from your mats to make a total yoga shop not just a mat shop. The other items do bring an extra dimension to your shop. The items include yoga straps and blocks and most recently your hand stamped jewelry and key chains. The jewelry is interesting because it is not just yoga but encouraging words we all hear often. The pieces below show some of the words from yoga and other sources you have chosen.

When asked what her favorite thing to create was she said it was a toss up between the mats and the jewelry. Her reasons most of us can understand. She loves to paint so the mats are really it and she feel like her heart and soul is in every one she paints. However, there is this thing most people have about I wan it now and the speed with which she can create her jewelry gives her that.

Although Megan has her own website http://www.flowyogamats.com/ that and Etsy are her main venues. In the past she tried craft show but found her mats were not a good fit there. So she chose Etsy because she had heard great things about it. Before she started selling online she had asked to get other peoples opinion a most said she should try Etsy. There is also the money issue for starting a small business she didn't have a lot of money for start up and Etsy makes it easy. She also tried Ebay but found it also wasn't a good fit.

Etsy provides a lot of help for new sellers one of which is local and global teams. Megan joined the Eastern Washington Team and would recommend that anyone starting join a team. She said when you are new being on a team allows you to ask stupid questions without feeling stupid. She feels like a part of a family on this team because they have been so supportive.

I asked Megan to talk about what has contributed to her success on Etsy and she had a lot to share. "I think the biggest factor that has helped me be a success on Etsy is the fact that no one else is hand painting mats. I'm the only one. So, I think that has helped me a lot. Also, I think they are unique and different and people like that." She had good advice for someone just starting out and the number one priority she said was "take great pictures". As she explained when someone shops on Etsy (her husband says she does to much of this) the first thing you look at is that thumbnail picture, if it is not great or different from the rest who is going to click on it to see your work. Her second point was to be patient specially when you are in a market with many sellers. To get your work out there start a facebook page, a twitter account, a blog and any other accounts that will get your name out there. A final point is to always have your business cards on hand because you never know who you might start talking to when you are out.

Along with all Megan has done in creating her business there are other achievements in her life. She is first a wife and mother which is more than a full time job. She has had an article written about her mats in the Spokane Journal of Business, worked with one of local kids yoga studios teaching them to paint their mats and has been the designer/painter of a local studio's full mat line. Be sure to visit Flow Yoga Mats and pick up your personal favorite.

The Today look of Victorian Yesterday

2010-06-08T21:03:00.000-07:00

This interview is with one of my favorite Etsy team mates. She has had her own business since she was 17. I didn't ask how long ago that was because a lady has to keep some secrets. Leanna says "I have been a do-it-yourselfer all my life and when I'm not creating, I'm remodeling my house, fixing a car, canning homegrown food, building something, fixing broken machinery, learning a new skill, writing, upholstering or whatever needs to be done." She feels incredibly blessed with the many talents she has been given and she strives to use them for good in this life. She finds that by serving others her life is greatly enhanced.

Leanna currently has 3 shops on Etsy Seams Victorian, Teez Loueez and Bits and Purses. As the title may lead you to believe her style is feminine and although modern and up to date is based on the Victorian look. Along with her modern design she also designs and makes reenactment gowns like the one pictured that was done for a customer in Rhode Island.

I asked Leanna about having multiple shops on Etsy and what her reasons were. She told me that Seams Victorian was the first shop because she wanted to appeal to the reenacting communities around the country and others such as the Steampunk fashions that are so popular. Her second shop was born out of having so many varied interests. She started dabbling in purse making and found that some designs don't fit the Victorian category very well so Bits and Bags was the answer. She then found an interest in screen printing and to have each artistic form shown in it's own special place she created Teez Loueez. She admits to maybe having crafting A.D.D.

As you you can see in the above blouse Leanna's style is very flattering and feminine. I asked her what influenced her to follow the feminine Victorian lines. In reply she stated she is convinced that she was born in the wrong time period, although, she would probably be languishing in some dark Victorian era prison for behaving contrary to the way a lady would have to in that period. She loves the "freedom to be" that women have now and it wasn't acceptable then. In her opinion, he attention to detail that was prevalent in the Victorian era in everything from architecture to the clothing is fantastic and she tries to incorporate that detail into the clothing she designs today.

Antiquity

I asked about starting the Bits and Purses shop wanting to know if she started that to have the Victorian era accessories. She actually started the shop to show what awesome things can be made with recycled or reusable items. She learned the handmade fabric technique she uses for some of her textured purses about 10 years ago and wanted to incorporate it into beautiful handbags. As with most artisans she try to be Eco friendly and with this shop she is able to use almost all of her sewing scraps in the fabric so that she throws away less than a pound of scraps each year. The purse below is made with Leanna's handmade fabric.

Sapphire Night

She does make coordinating pieces to items in other shops. Such as the "On Broadway" tunic with the "Burlesque" cuff both of which go with the "Nights on Broadway" purse.

On Broadway

Burlesque

Nights on Broadway

Leanna's screen print designs come from numerous places like rubber stamps, graphics from book (non-copyrighted) or just her own drawings. her first design was the Scarabesque bug which is my favorite in the shop and hers too.

Scarabesque

I tried to pin Lianna down as to her favorite but although she likes designing Victorian gowns she gets great pleasure from creating anything that is unique and beautiful. The custom gown shown at the beginning of the interview is one of her favorites. And, below is one of her newest designs.

Moonlight

I asked her if she remade wedding dresses and she said she loves to make them into other fashions and that recently she purchased a bunch of discontinued wedding gowns from bridal shops and is looking forward to finally getting a chance to remake them. Her first reinvented wedding dress Shalimar sold earlier this year and the remake made the dress.

Shalimar

As with many artisans Leanna uses recycled and antique materials. She finds those materials in thrift stores, antique stores, Ebay and often receives wonderful bits from her many friends. Even when using new fabrics her designs have an old world look.

Red and Black Brocade

We talked about why she chose Etsy to start selling her creations. Her response tells it all. "Etsy is a fantastic place to sell. I love the fact that there are so many artists out there that have a place to show what they have made with their own two hands. I am constantly being inspired by the work of others on Etsy. I love it!" She also belongs to the Eastern Washington Etsy Team and had nothing but good to say about is she said "It's a fabulous group of people and everyone is willing to share their knowledge, skills and talents with each other to help us succeed. It's just like a big, happy family."

When asked about her typical buyer she said it depends on which shop. She has been been surprised that the interest in mainly in her Seams Victorian shop. She is finding that it fits with the Steampunk crowd very well and she likes that. The Bits and Purses shop has been a good fit with people who want to create their own bags as she sells a lot of supplies. The fact tat they can get purse frames in the U.S. without waiting 2 weeks is a big draw and she can get the frames in the mail the same day they are purchased, for the most part. Her screen printing at Teez Loueez is new so she is unsure what niche it will fit into but she has many new designs coming out in the next few days so be sure to take a look.

Lady in Waiting I've Got Your Back

In closing the advice she would give to someone starting on Etsy is. "Join a team, ask a lot of questions and meet as many other Etsians as you can by email or in person. You will feel empowered to succeed if you expand your circle and constantly learn something new.

I hope you have enjoyed getting to know a wonderful artisan and her products.

Diversity Eastern Washington Style

2010-05-18T22:07:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my blog you know I am writing about the Eastern Washington Etsy Team a group of very diverse artisans who sell their work online. There something for every taste in the items below.

First up is Connie (who I know as Sunfire) who has 2 shops, Breath of the Dragon and Turn Peace Around. She is a Navy veteran who is currently attending college, online, to earn a degree in WEB design. After trying different types of crafts she discovered wood burning and became hooked. Her designs are varied and well done. I am fascinated by her second shop which she has with her mother. Turn the Peace Around is not just a shop but an idea. The peace symbol originally an anti war sign is turned around to be a pro peace sign. By changing the orientation of the symbol it's arms are raised in hope and joy and brings positive energy. This was inspired by the WEB site Turn The Peace Around.org which thinks it is time for a new awareness of peace.

Tribal Dragon Plaque

Kanji Beauty Magnet Dream Believe Receive Box

Simple Black and Silver Peace Necklace

Turn Peace Around Natural Cotton Tote Wooden Peace Key Chain

Our third shop is Sagegold Soaps a shop filled with the most beautiful soaps. The owner is Kerry who has many years crafting these luxurious soaps. Kerry got her start in 1999 when she received a popular soap making kit as a gift. She says "Using the kit was fun, even though the resulting 'soap' left a lot to be desired... And I became hooked on the idea of making a great handmade soap". She did research and made many trial batches of soap until she made soap that not only made her skin feel happy but she felt was good enough to give to family and friends. Of course that lead to having everyone try what she made and at the insistence of family and friends Sagegold Soaps was born. Each batch of soap is handcrafted from scratch with only the finest of ingredients resulting in a soap that leaves your skin clean and comfortable and not over stripped and dried out. Kerry says once you try this luxury soap you will never go back to commercial products.

Mimosa Hand Made

Patchouli Haze Handmade Cherry Blossoms Handmade

Sandalwood Handmade

The fourth and fifth shops are owned by Maggie. Maggie designs and makes, you guessed it, bags with vintage fabrics for Material Girl Bags and she also has sold vintage clothing since 1999 opening Denise Brain on Etsy in 2008. Formerly she was a professional French horn player and was Principal Horn of the Spokane Symphony for whom she now substitutes and is an extra. She currently has her bags for sale online and at the Ruby Slipper in Spokane. Her vintage fabrics date from 1900s to 1970s and she finds them in many obscure places. Going green looks great in both of Maggie's Etsy shops as you can see below.

Japanese Garden Knitter Bag

You've Urned it Tote Bag

Black and White Vintage

Linen Hope Bag

Vintage 20's Black Beaded Silk Dress

Belle of the Ball 80's Vintage 70's Vintage Brown Suede Leather

Our sixth shop is one I can identify with as glass is a medium I dabble in. Carol the owner of Harrach Glass has a couple of interesting theories as to why she loves working with glass in different forms. Her first theory came about when she was 15 and she did her first glass work in a class taught by a witch (Carol is not Wicca). She thinks maybe the teacher put a spell on her. Even if she didn't she has been working in glass every since. Her other theory and this is after my own heart (I love family history) is that her last name Harrach is the same as a very distinguished Czech glass making factory that opened in 1712 and is still in operation today. And, because of this it is only natural for her to love working in glass. Carol owns a stained glass business/art glass studio and is a full time glass artist.

Swan Origami Style Pendant

Dichroic Fuse Glass Pendant

Glass Sculpture Window Hanging of Hanuman

Fish Origami Look

So there you have a very diverse group of entrepreneurs.

I would like to remind my readers that I am currently clearing inventory in my shop Beaded Splendor by having a 50% OFF SALE. If you are looking for a gift or just some bling for yourself please stop by.

Mix and Match from Eastern Washington

2010-05-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Eastern Washington Etsy Team is really quite diverse which is shown by the shops I am reviewing this week. I hope the items shown give you a good idea of the quality goods you can find on Etsy.com

The first shop this week is While They Play which features hand knitted and crocheted items, original patterns and photography. The owner Kalurah is the mother of 3 and uses their play time to complete her wonderful items. As an Internet entrepreneur there is more work than just making your creations. Most online artists are also salesperson, copywriters, advertising agent and promoter just to name a few. Kalurah does some of that in her blog "while they play". Below are examples of her work you can click on to get to her shop.

The Fisherman's Wife (PDF Pattern)

Red Riding Hood and Cuffs

Indian Simmer (Made to Order)

Golden Plume

The next shop is Classic Whimsy Design a new shop on Etsy.com. The shop has only been open since April 25th but has already had it's first sale. The items below are all the explanation you will need for this shops running start.

Dame De Glamour

Memories of Alice

Grace Necklace

Frog Prince

Our third shop is one made for pure self indulgence it is Sassy Shannon's Soaps. As the name tells you the owner is Shannon and she makes soaps and other personal care items. She is the mother of 2 boys and loves the outdoors including dirt bike riding. As with many entrepreneurs she has a blog, "Sassy Shannon's Soaps Blog", to help her promote her artisan soaps as well as a fan page, "Sassy Shannon's Soaps", on facebook. Click on any link below to check out Shannon's shop.

Cooling Cucumber Melon and
refreshing Peppermint Glycerin
Soap Bar

3 3oz Samplers of Clear Glycerin

Soap Base

A Wonderful Set of 3

Handcrafted Clear Glycerin

ECO Friendly

Our final shop is Ginger Ale Shop owned by Jennifer. Her shop is filled with modern children's clothing and many unique and colorful designs. The clothes are designed and made exclusively by Jennifer. They are made of colorful preshrunk cotton fabric with many of them having hand stitched embroidery added. Besides being featured in Jennifer's Etsy.com shop she also has her designs placed in shops around Spokane, Washington. Jennifer admits to being a details person and loves the tweaks and extra touches she adds to her designs. As with many artisans she first started out of necessity having to make items and fell in love with the process. As if all this creating and raising a family were not enough she has 2 blogs "Ginger Ale Shop" and Jennifer Gales Journal. You will enjoy visiting the links below.

Convincing Princess Disguise Dress Mango Paisley Shirt

Turtle shirt for turtle lovers

Blue Overalls

I would also like to announce that I am closing out my current inventory in my shop Beaded Splendor. Every item is on sale at 50% off this month. Please stop by and see if there is a treasure like the ones below for you.

Entrepreneurs in the new age

2010-05-02T15:01:00.000-07:00

I belong to a couple of teams of online entrepreneurs who are tackling the world of Internet selling. I will be telling you about the members of the teams over my next few blogs. As artisans they are as diverse as the people who make up our country. I believe you will enjoy seeing what they create and find to sell.

The first team I will be telling you about is the Eastern Washington Etsy Team. A team dedicated to unifying the entire East side of the State of Washington with the purpose of marketing and selling, as well as sharing tricks of the trade, to edify each other and build each other up within the Etsy community.

The first shop has an interesting story behind it's name. The shop is For the Love of Pete and the owner is Valerie. The shop takes it's name from Valerie's uncle Pete who was a WWII POW who suffered many atrocities and died on the transport ship known as "The Hell ship". She promised her aunt Ginny to not let him be forgotten and so her shop name honors him.

Valerie admits to being enamored of the past especially the 30's and 40's which I call part of the era of glamour. She selects beautiful barkcloth for the making of her bags and clutches. As you can see from the pictures below her bags are wonderfully colored with a beautiful grace and style to them.

Handmade Vintage Barkcloth Era

Slouch Bag

Handmade Slouch Bag Gorgeous Gray Vintage Barkcloth

Handmade Pleated 1940s Tropical Barkcloth Bag

Handmade Vintage Floral Barkcloth Slouch Bag

The next shop's name "Creativity is Messy" (sums up the process for me). As the owner Tera says, and I quote, "Creativity is messy... and I am VERY creative!! After all, a clean craft room is the sign of a dull person!". Tera calls herself the "main brain" of the business but admits that creativity runs in her veins as the women of her family all have amazing artistic talent and vision. Tera's main focus in her business is jewelry and as you can see by the items below she creates with pride and passion. Although new to Internet sales she has been creating and selling for over a decade. She sells at shows in her home and Spokane are fairs/shows.

Blue Crazy Lace and Czech Glass

Vintage Lucite Rose and Millefiorie Glass

Recycled T Shirt Scarf with Rose Brooch - Teal

Copper Butterfly Lariat Necklace with Freshwater Pearl Coins

Creatively Kept is next with a very busy owner, Heather. Heather is a wife and mother of 3 as well as an entrepreneur. She says "Creating with fabric and paper is my favorite outlet from a house full of boys!". She is not new to Internet sales and does have another web site called CreativelyKept.com that she maintains along with her Etsy shop. Heathers albums are of archival quality and handcrafted from scratch. She combines her love of material and paper to produce a quality item to use as a guest book, album, combination book even a brag book. As you can see from the items I selected to show you from her shop her creative style is varied to fit all tastes.

Tegan Design Guest Book or Album

11x7 With FREE Monogram

Sammy Photo Album

Fern Design 11x7 Guest book or Album with FREE Monogram

11x7 Damask Wedding Guest book

Tole-Tally Painted is a shop my mother would have loved. The owner Nancy has been painting and selling her work for over 35 years. As with most crafter/artisans she has shown at local craft fairs and sold in consignment shops but now is selling online. She is partners with her daughter in a second shop "The Vintage Dresser" which as the name implies sells vintage treasures. Nancy states she like to paint on repurposed items and primitives as well as having done many children's items. In her profile she says "I just love to paint but can't keep everything or my house would look like a tole painting museum!". So maybe one of the items below is a treasure for your home.

Hand Painted Prim Tray, Americana Scene, Terrye French Design

Hand Painted Heart Peg Rack

Hand Painted Prim Plate

My Favorite

Hand Painted Bowl, Penny Rug Design, Americana Wool Co

The last shop sells one of the most unusual items and I have not seen them elsewhere. It is the Antler Pantry the shop is based in Kennewick and has been on-line since March 2009. The owner makes dog chews from naturally shed antler of Northwest elk and moose. These chews are a safe natural alternative to rawhide which is messy when chewed. Also crafted from the antlers are bottle stoppers and he is working on a wine bottle rack. With many of us going greener in our lives this makes an excellent gift for dog lovers everywhere.

Medium Half Antler Dog Chew -Sized for Dogs 25-45 lbs

X-Large Half Antler Dog Chew -Sized for Dogs 80-110 lbsYummy

Medium Whole Antler Dog Chew -Sized for Dogs 25-45 lbs

Elk Antler Bottle

Stopper -Wine

And, from my newest shop FernWistle Glen I would like to show you my latest creation.

The Hookah Smoking Caterpillar from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Magically Colored Whimsy at TangleWood Thicket

2010-04-13T14:44:00.000-07:00

You are about to enter a place of magical colors and whimsical creatures. TangleWood Thicket as described by it's queen is home to most things winged and whimsical. Here you will find dragons, fairies, mermaids.
AND Rainbow Tie Dyed Goblins

Queen Kasey is the creator of all the creatures of TangleWood Thicket and her young princess loves them. I was really thrilled when she agreed to be interviewed for my blog. The interview is below with pictures of her wonderful creations.

Princess Bailey and her Goblins

Kasey, when did you discover the art of needle felting?

I first Discovered Needle Felting Last year when I found myself home with my new daughter Bailey. I co owned an Interior Design Firm in Victoria and before my daughter was born it did occur to me I would not be able to work all the time. Since I owned the Store Front Studio I thought I had the right to put a crib in the corner and continue on with my clients and work. Wow!, was I wrong. Bailey of course took up so much of my time that I found myself home and bored when she was sleeping. The time before I was busy opening a design studio I had sculpted Magical and Fantastical Creatures from Fimo and Sculpey. I sold these creatures to pay for Design school.So when I was now fully at home I thought I would dive back into creating while Bailey was napping. I was searching Etsy for what the market was like for Fantasy sculptures and that is when I came across Wool Balls and Beads in every colors. The colors made me want to know more...and the rest is history.

Tart and Tiny

How long have you been selling your wonderful creatures?

I started selling my art in general in 2000. My very first EBay Auction was for a Hand made wooden Clock I finished and painted and sculpted mermaids on in clay. I was ecstatic when I sold it and have been addicted to selling on line ever since. I started selling my Goblins last year. I opened my Etsy Shop last March.
Morning Star Goblin

Did you have a mentor or teacher who helped you develop your style of design?

I have never taken any real courses or Post Secondary Education in art other then Interior Design. Every thing I have created has been through trial and error. Although I had a special high school teacher who was very kind to me and inspired me to never stop creating. Thank You Mrs. Rogers!
Momma & Baby Citrus Sunshine Dragons

How long does it take to make one of your creations?

Depending on the size of Creature it can take me 1-5 weeks if not more to finish. I work a minimum of 4 hours a day. When my daughter is happily playing with Dad, sometimes more. My

Labyrinth inspired Fiery took me 3 months every single day of poking.
Chilly Down Fiery

You have a wonderful sense of color do you use anything special to pick the colors of your critters? Also do you dye your own wool?

I guess I have always had a way with color, that is what drove me to Interior/Exterior Design. I appreciate the compliment.

Yes! I started dying my own wool because I wanted control of colors, hues, shades etc.. Starting out I was using Ashford Merino and some other commercial wool. I read that they were sometimes dyed with Acid Dyes...which did not bother me until I saw both my daughter and my pug playing with and chewing on the braids of wool. So I thought it would be better to use Kool-Aid (although some would say the acid is less harmful...:) ) Wilton's Icing Dye, and Easter Egg dye. I don't use anything special other then a pot and the dye. I mix colors, and amounts to get crazy colors. I also push the wool down to the bottom of the pot and leave some above water, that way I can get a wide gradation of one color to help me "Paint" my creations. Now, with that being said, I do use a Paint Fan (a fan of paint color samples used by designers) to help me name creatures sometimes.

Are your designs colored through or do you use un-dyed wool for the inside and color on the outer layers?

When I first started I made the expensive mistake of carding a beautiful batt of magical loveliness, but then realized that was silly. Now, I card my giant bags of left over scarps and make the core from that. (When I have time I also Drum Card left over goblin wool and sell the batts on Etsy. I love doing that. It's a lot of fun!

How is needle felting done? What makes your creations stay together?

Since I have never been taught or followed a book who knows If I am doing it right. I basically wad my wool by ripping and tangling with my hands and then with a single needle I poke until my arm feels like it will fall off. The needles are barbed and when pushed in and pulled out they tangle the wool. If it's more technical then this then I don't know about it.

Can they be posed? And if so what do you use to make them that way.

Yes. A wire armature can be created and sculpted over with the wool and needle. Now, with that being said I am terrible at this, and by that I mean that I break hundreds of needles on the wire. I love the final effect of course and it's always worth it. With the creatures that are not wired I have basically sculpted with my hands and a needle until the body part stays the way I want it to. I love to wire fingers, horns, toes, and tails. I usually always wire the fins of the Dragons. You can also pose my creatures by twisting their necks and or tweaking their arms and legs.

Woolie Wog Goblin

Do you have a favourite of all the creatures you have made?

That is like asking if I have a favourite child! haha, I love my Labyrinth Inspired Chilly Down Fiery. I did not want to make him to start, but my husband George hounded me until I could not take any more and caved in. I love him for that. Although right now he won't get off my case to make a Wonderland Jabberwocky. The Fiery was such a big hit with Labyrinth fans. I am going to work a bit each day this summer to create a 3 foot standing one with removable head.

Do you teach classes?

Um, no. And this is because I myself never know how or why I am doing something. I can not teach someone more then what they could already find online. George wants me to write a book all about magical fantasy felted creatures. But he's more of a dreamer then I am.

I know you have an Etsy shop do you sell anywhere else?

My Etsy Shop has been out of stock since I started custom orders. Now I don't have a lot of time to fill it until I am finished my commissions. I will set up my Ebay shop again too. Maybe I'll try Artfire as well...
Pop Rock Goblin

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to learn this art?

Get a wad of wool, a needle, a felt pad and start poking. even if it's a ball or a giant matted hair ball...just get a feel for it and let your imagination go. I never set out to make a goblin...He just was born...and now they won't leave me alone. My first Dragon was actually meant to be a lion and now I have not been able to move on because I get a lot of requests inspired by my first Dragon "Rainbow Sherbet".

Do you have anything you would like people to know about you and your creations?

Hmmm...well if you could not tell, I love color and Rainbows. I also love LOVE Candy. And lately when I am done a creature I pop over to www.candyblog.com to not only drool over candies, but also to find fun and appropriate names for my creatures. Like Pixie Stix and Pop Rock Goblin.

I am usually up to my waste in pounds and pounds of wool...I kinda work like a Mad Pig Pen Crazed Felter. Sometimes I create with what ever colors are within arms reach because I am buried under so much wool.

As I said I break a bazillion needles. It's almost embarrassing really. Especially in the felting community where some artists tell me they work with a single needle all the time for months on end. I literally go through 10 a week. I don't even bother with the multi needle holders...I'd be bankrupt. This is why I can't teach.

And also...I will be eventually moving onto Mermaids and Sea Monsters, Wonderland Characters, and more fairytale creations. I don't want to be thought of as a One Trick Pony.

Final question have you won any awards for your designs?

I just won Froud Artist of the Month for March 2010. That was huge for me. But other then that...I don't know what else there is to win?

Grin and Friends

The Lady Ump

2010-03-16T14:04:00.001-07:00

It's hard to know where to start telling aunt Amanda's story. She was definitely a woman before her time and I am sad that I didn't live close enough to her to get know her personally. I have of course heard about her all my life as she was my grandmother's favorite.

First I think you should know that the family history story says she was the first woman umpire in the world and the first paid umpire in the US. She is also reputed to have at one time held the world records for shotput, hurdle, baseball throw and sprint. The story also is told of her saving a man's life by giving artificial respiration when she was an instructor at a summer camp. Aunt Amanda's dad was Phillip H. B. Clement, known as Hank, and her mom was Harriet (Allen) Clement and they were considered early settlers of the Dakota Territories.

Her Brother Allen actually loved baseball and not only played the game but managed a farm league team around the turn of the century. The team was the Wagner team from South Dakota. Amanda was often the umpire when her brothers team played but the stories say she never gave him a break. I guess he couldn't worry to much about that because when a team was short a man or two (his included) it was not unusual for Amanda to be asked to play.

I have a photo copy of Amanda's scrap book with articles and pictures dating from 1904 till her death in 1971 and even a few added later by her nephew E.F. Clement. She was a strong figure in girls sports including tennis, and basketball. She officiated from 1904 till about 1908 and was generally the first one called when there was a semi pro game in the area that needed an ump. After that she coached basketball and worked the the YWCA setting up their sports program.

Most of the writings that describe aunt Amanda focus on her uniform. She wore a long dark blue skirt, starched white blouse, a black tie and baseball cap. Extra ball were tucked in the skits waistband. I believe the uniform helped her keep the unruly players in line. My description of her would be a tall striking young woman with beautiful long dark hair and a smile that made you smile back. She was a real beauty but being a strong woman she didn't take any guff from the guys.

Being such a beauty might be part of the reason there were poems written about her by Will Chamberlain.

E.F. Clement (uncle Clem) worked very hard after aunt Amanda died to have her included in the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. It took many years and much correspondence before my uncle Clem made the family dream come true. Aunt Amanda was included in the first exhibit of "Women in Baseball" in November 1988.

Of course our family is proud of her but for me she exhibited the best of being a woman and being strong enough to walk her own path. I sometimes wonder what she would do in today's world with her love of athleticism and her support of other people.

To learn more about Amanda Clement you can find her story in "Women at Play" by Barbara Gregorich, the April 5, 1982 Sports Illustrated magazine page 81, "Moments in the Sun" by Mark McGuire and Michael Sean Gormley

http://grassceiling.wetpaint.com/page/Trailblazers:+A+Brief+History+of+Significant+Female+Umpires

and

http://www.blogger.com/www.exploratorium.edu/baseball/clement.htms

Gone But In My Heart Forever

2010-02-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

Many of you have followed my journey this past year with my shops and my mothers illness so I wish to pay my last tribute to my mom here. My mom, Joan Albertson, died December 31, 2009 after a long fight with pulmonary hypertension a disease without a cure.

The last part of her journey was nothing short of miraculous. Last February her wonderful doctor Katie Horan (now considered an adopted sister) didn't give us much hope that mom would be around for her special "Christmas in July" which she did every year for a group of friends. This group of about 15 women had been friends for over 65 years. They went to grade school together and remained friends through their lives. Now my mom was exceptional as anyone who knew her can tell you and she was determined to be there.

Come July and sure enough the plans were in place and Christmas in July was a go. Meri, Patti and I prepared a full Christmas dinner with turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy and the rest of it. We decorated the patio with a small tree and lights and gifts for each of the women. The lunch was fantastic and the women sat around and gossiped for a couple of hours never knowing how this was taking a toll on mom. After they left mom went to her chair and took her medicine and slept for the rest of the day. She slept with a smile cuz she loved her friends and because her daughters had given her the ability to have this lunch.

Each day mom would sleep a little more than the day before. However, she had a bucket list and she was really determined to complete it. At this time she couldn't walk far maybe 30 feet before having to sit down and rest so the list became goals she reached for.

Since I was about 12 years old one of the favorite places for the family to go was the ocean. We camped and played there as much as we could afford to and Ocean Shores was one of mom's favorite places. A final visit was planned to camp for a weekend with the whole family. All six of us showed up along with granddaughter Amber and her to twins, Sari and Thea, which were the light in mom's eyes. It was a spectacular weekend of eating talking watching the water and family. We drove mom down to the beach and set the cars to sort of block the wind but still let her watch Sari and Thea walk in the water and play with their grandma Tami. Some of the pictures show her as content as she had been in a long time.

Again Dr. Kati didn't give us much hope for mom making it to Christmas, but as I said before she was special and so strong it still amazes me. On the bucket list was shopping trips so she could buy Christmas presents. She wanted to visit Wally World, Freddies and KMart. The trips were planned and Meri, Patti and I were at her disposal. She did her shopping and hid her finds to wait for Christmas.

Thanksgiving was supposed to be at my house in Ellensburg but mom was ill the week before and back in the hospital. Dr. Katie said no traveling she was to weak and the altitude change and dryness here could really affect her. I cried when I found out because I knew it would have been her last visit to my home. I had planned a special night for her but it just couldn't be. So we switched things around and had a buffet Thanksgiving at mom's house. You can't know how thankful I was just to have her there even if she slept most of the time.

Christmas was supposed to be at Tami's house but mom wasn't up to the drive to Bonney Lake. So Tami, packed up the kids and grand kids and brought them to mom. She was able to see her precious great grand daughters open their present and to hold them one more time. She forgot to give some of the presents and the next day didn't remember much of what happened. I had planned to go home on December 27Th but mom was really fading fast so I stayed.

We had put off getting hospice in but now mom felt it was time so we contacted them and they came and set stuff up just before Christmas. We all knew that mom's time was close and all 5 daughters were there. It is amazing to me the love that was shared in that last week. We worked in shifts to be sure someone was awake with mom 24/7. She slept most the time but would occasionally wake up and talk a little bit. I remember one morning I had gone to bed about 5:30 and at about 9:00 Patti came upstairs to get me cuz mom wanted me. I jumped out of bed and ran down stairs. At first I couldn't understand what mom was saying but the second time she repeated it I got the message. Her last coherent talk with me was to tell me I was not responsible for the rest of the kids. See I was the oldest and mom was a single mom for most of my teen years so I had the role of helping take care of the younger kids. I laughed and told her it was to late I had been responsible for to long and couldn't stop now.

Each of us had made the most of the 2 years previous to this. We had spent what time we could with mom talking, laughing and making good memories so when the time came we were as ready as you ever can be for something like this. I did as I told her I would and held her hand to the end. Papa, Patti, Toni, Meri, Tami and I were there to let her know it was okay to stop fighting the good fight. We took our turns kissing her good bye and the hardest for me to see was my papa in such pain.

The hardest moment was when the men from the mortuary came to pick her up. I almost couldn't let them take her. I made sure they took her security blanket with them so she would feel safe. The were kind and gentle with her but it still hurt. Normally they will not cremate anything with the person but somehow mom's security blanket was cremated with her. That soothed me just a little.

Mom built a sanctuary in the back yard a place of flowers, trees and birds. She wanted to stay in her garden but we didn't want to scatter her ashes because we know some day it won't be ours so, we have her ashes with us in a beautiful angel sculpture that will be in her lily garden in the summer and beside her fireplace in the winter. Papa has found a white marble slab to set the angel on in the garden and will have moss all around it. I remember mom telling papa she wanted to be in the garden so she could tell him "Don't pull that up it isn't a weed".

I don't have many regrets with my mom because we were always close and shared all the time. She was my friend and the only person in my life who loved me no matter what. It didn't matter to her how good or bad I was, if I was pretty or ugly, fat or skinny she loved me even with all my warts there for her to see. It is hard to face her being gone because no one on earth can ever love you like your mother does and when she is one of your best friends too, the one you share everything with it is a double whammy.

To those of you with parents still here treasure them. Make recordings of their voices or a home movie, take pictures and make list of what you want to do together. Sometimes you don't get the time you think you will have so make the most of the time you get. Remember to tell them you love them and they are important to you always.

Will there be Christmas?

2009-11-23T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well mom was back in the hospital this week. She has taken another step down this terrible path. When we try to talk about Christmas she avoids the conversation. She tells us time is short so we are all taking what we can.

I can't imagine a Christmas without my mom because she has always been the spirit of our Christmas and the heart of our family. If you visited our house for the first time during the holidays it was almost guaranteed that your chin would hit your chest. Where most people have the tree and a few decorations my mom's home is a wonderland. She decorates every room in the house from the living room to the bathroom. It wasn't just the decorations but the music, homemade candy and cookies as well as the loaf of sweet bread you took away with you when you left.

This years theme is Santa's (she alternates themes). The first thing you see is papa's lights and the outdoor walk to the house decorated. Of course there is the big display in the bay window as well. When you come in the door you first see the mantel lit up with a garland and the carousal spread across it ready to play carols for the the great granddaughters. In front of the stove are two child size chairs with Mr. and Mrs. Clause waiting to greet you. As you turn to go into the main part of the room, on the coffee table, there is the beautiful hand made miniature beaded tree with ornaments, presents and lights. Every window has garlands and every table has it's show of Santa's. Even in the kitchen the hand soap dispenser is a Santa. You will see Santa's from 1" to 5' tall. We will make sure her decorations are up but the smells of her baking everyday will be missing.

This is my Christmas wish

CHRISTMAS WITH MAMA

Christmas with mama, please let it be
for she's the angel, at the top of the tree.

The Christmas lights twinkle, that's mama's eyes
and ribbons and lace, make the bows that she ties.

Santa's big sack, is small as can be
compared to mama's, under the tree.

The heavenly perfume, you almost can taste
comes from her kitchen, where all head in haste.

Mama's laugh is a carol, sounding bright and clear
Letting you know, all she holds dear.

And of course most of all, at the end of the night
she tucks you in bed with a kiss, and turns out the light.

So Christmas with mama, please let it be
our last family Christmas, round her family tree.

For all of you who take the time to read this thanks for helping me face the most difficult time in my life. May you all have a healthy and happy holiday with your loved ones.

A Special Thanksgiving

2009-05-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

If you have followed my blog you know my mom is terminally ill and in the end stages of the illness. She has stayed with us almost a year and a half beyond her doctors expectations. She says she will decide when it is time not the doctors.

She is coming to my home for Thanksgiving which will probably be her final visit to my house. I have decided to surprise her and decorate my house like it was Christmas which is her favorite time of the year. Don't any of you tell her. My dear husband has built a stand for my quite large Dickens village and it will be set up with care because she has always loved it.

Before mom got sick I had planned to have an village lighting ceremony every year with a slightly condensed reading of Scrooge. We had the first lighting but haven't had one since so this will be not only Thanksgiving but the beginning of a new tradition at my new home.

I'm saddened when I think of the changes coming but am so grateful for the time I have had. I am very lucky to have the type of family I do. We fight like other families but get over it quickly and move on. We have a bond keeping us close together that it seems a lot of families today don't have. We all even as adults have leaned on, loved and respected our parents. I love them both dearly.

I know it has been a while since I have written here but I hope to renew and invigorate my blog. I still intend to feature artist and craftsmen but will be doing some other writing from time to time too. I hope you come back and visit.

Would You Believe More Etsy Artistsans?

2009-04-16T14:59:00.000-07:00

My new post is again about Etsy artistsans and the work they do. I found a brand new item to the market in this batch of shops. Please read on and visit the shops featured.

To start today's featured shops is a customer of mine Da Magic Mirror. I first met the owner Dawn when she was setting up her shop Time Designs I was fascinated by her use of Baltic Amber. She is a geriatrics nurse, mother of 4, jewelry designer and entrepreneur with 2 shops. The new product I found in her shop is a bath and massage oil infused with Baltic Amber. Her shops contain everything from lip balm to Baltic Amber teething necklaces. You are sure to find just what you need for the bath and beyond.

Baltic Amber Massage, Bath and Body Oil

Super Duper Soapsicles

Bombs Away bath bomb fizzies

My second featured shop is Terryann. I could spend all morning looking through her beautiful items. She has a line on her banner that says all things Asian and her choice of material reflects that. Currently Terryann is rebuilding her life after a tragic loss and has just reopened her shop. You will find aprons, clutches, slouch bags and tea towels to purchase. Please stop by and welcome Terryann back to our handcraft community

The Purse Tote with a touch of gold fabric

Bistro Style Apron Congress of Geisha fabric

Our next Artisans are two young women Mareenez and Lora of The Crochet Sisters. Mareenez says her expertise is in thread crochet which is almost a lot art these days and Lora is hooked on creating everything. Both girls are in their teens and are part of the "minoreffect" group on etsy. Their blog banner reads "the future of Etsy" and I have to believe that it is so. Please visit their shop and encourage them to carry on the handcrafted tradition.

Daisy Baby Hat

Pineapple Blizzard Tablecloth

Our last Shop is Chantilly Lace Designs. The shop is new this year and the owner is looking for her first sale. I have selected my two favorite items from her shop for you to see. Stop by and see what is available.

Black Vintage Charm

Summer Romance

As a thank you to all of you who take time to read my blog I am offering free shipping on any bracelet in my shop Beaded Splendor. Please in your purchase mention you read my blog dated today and I will either refund the shipping (if you paid) or if you prefer contact me and I will redo the listing as reserved with no shipping.

Some of what is available

Talent Teams East of the Cascades

2009-04-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

This group of talented artisans are from the Eastern Washington Etsy Team of which I am a proud member. The team is a supportive group of artist that sell their art on the Internet and specifically on Etsy.com. Some of them such as my first featured seller have shops on Artfire.com also. I hope you enjoy looking at the featured selections and that you take a few minutes to visit each shop

My first Artisan is Linda of Just for you by Linda Sue. I have the pleasure of being friends with Linda and spending time with her as she creates her jewelry. Linda is just getting started in Internet sales of her art and has many more items coming to her shops. She has a love affair with butterflies and has a collection of jewelry she is making using butterflies as the focals. Linda also makes an unusual item that is not in her shop yet but will be soon and that is a dress up bracelet for medical medallions. since she wears a medic alert medallion she knows how they can look undressy so she has designed multiple bracelets, casual and dressy, to hold the medallion and they are truly lovely. She will have them in her shop for those who wear the medic alerts. Below are two items currently for sale in her shop.

Green Pearl and Rose Pendant

Gold and Black Bracelet Watch

Next we have not only a team member but the President of the Team. Randi of RagnazIdnar is a wonderful example of they type of artisan you will find in the Etsy community. She admits to being, like most artists, addicted to crafts. She has a degree in studio art and while earning that she found a passion for creating altered books (bookbinding) for herself and others. Some of her many artistic talents include knitting, crocheting, scrapbooking, screen printing, beading, resin and leather working. A new found art is graphic design which, after a battle with herself, she admits she is enjoying. You never know what you might find at RagnazIdnar so visit the shop often.

Love Birds greeting card set

Eco Felt Coffee Sleeve .Sakura.

Our 3rd feature are newer Team Members Scott and Jacqui of slide sideways. The owners met in design school and there the love affair began. They decided to take their art and business into their own hands and that you will see they have done. They have created fun designs that they put on everything from pillows to posters. Below are my favorite items from their shop.

The Moon Walks a Tightrope

Overgrowth Sketchbook

My 4th feature is on Nicole of Nicoles Vision and some of her visions blow me away. She currently does not have my most favorite of her photos in the shop so you will need to come back again and again to see them all. Nicole has been in business since 2001 selling her art prints and items made with them. In 2005 she started taking digital images and discovered another dimension to her art. At that time Nicole also made a big change in her life moving from Florida to Washington with her husband of 5 years. Her newest addition in the shop is making coasters of wood and tile with her photographic images. The two photographs below show both her natural and enhanced styles.

Bookmarks Sale (my choice)

Vine Grapes 5X7 Print

Our last featured Shop is Glitz n Glass. This shop is filled with one of a kind paintings only they are not on canvas they are on glass. The owner has made and sold jewelry for nearly 20 years but in 2001 she discovered the Dewberry method of painting and was hooked. In the course of painting the glass she also began making candles to fill the lovely artwork. I have chosen my favorites from the shop but you should visit to pick yours.

Black Rose Toasting Flutes

Margarita Glasses

Eastern Washington Etsy Team Challenge

2009-03-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

Our Etsy team is having it's first creation challenge. You can vote for your favorite and you may be the winner of the the winner. Please visit our blog and vote for your favorite.

A Mookie, Random, JKA, Allybu Sunset

2009-03-18T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sometime trying to figure out a name for a post is beyond my abilities. This one sorta named itself without any help from me.

The first fabulous artist for this post is Mookie Jones. She has been painting canvases, furniture and one of a kind accessories for over 18 years. She loves to share her artistic vision with her customers. In this wonderful shop you will find original paintings such as the one below as well as hand painted picture frames, embellished prints, painted pots and more. The second item Camouflage is my favorite in the shop but then I have a soft spot for nature.

Very Personal

Camouflage

My second artisan is Andi of Random Scraps. Andi is the Vice president of the Eastern Washington Etsy Team of which I also am a member. She currently is a stay at home mom (that means several jobs) and previously worked in retail management. She loves scrap booking and plans to develop her shop into a full blown B&M store. She also has her own web page so you can see more of her art. In her shop you will find card, mini albums and a card club that can keep you out of trouble when your memory is bad like mine.

Friends Card - Etsy Challenge Entry

6 Months Silver Membership

My third feature is JKA Designs owned by Janice Alexander a wonderful glass artist and jewelry designer. Janice is basically a self taught artist that works from her home studio in Virginia. She uses a kiln to create her lovely glass pieces and finishes many with sterling silver. In her shop you will find beautifully designed glass jewelry, hand made glass candle holders and my favorite the luscious sushi dishes shown below.

Handpainted Sushi Set

Multicolor Dichroic Pendant

Next is Allybu's Handmade Handbags, Totes and Accessories a shop willed with what every woman carries. The owner grew up around sewing as her father was a tailor and her mom made her clothes. Her day job (accounting) does not allow for creativity so all her wonderful talent is in the items in her shop. Her love of different fabric designs shows and I had trouble picking just 2 items to show you. She currently has many items on sale so I would encourage you to visit while the items are on sale.

Vintage Inspired Print Banded Pleated Hobo

Turquoise and Flowers Zippered Wristlet Pouch

Our last artisan shop is Sunset Surf. Before you even get to the items in her shop you are carried away by her banner to your favorite beach on a sunny day. Her style is definitely made for a bright sunny day at the beach with many of her items made with natural shell.

Palm Leaf Earrings

Sea Grapes Bracelet

Mix of Marvelous Made by Hand

2009-03-14T19:22:00.000-07:00

First in today's line up is Memories In Mosaics an Etsy shop. The owner is in Melbourne, Florida and with her children grown devotes her time to doing her mosaic art. She uses contemporary and vintage dish tiles, gems and jewelry in her designs. She finds doing mosaics like decorating a house you get to choose colors, textures and the bling.

BLACK CAT MOSAIC FRAME

Mosaic frame-Legacy

The second feature today is the Etsy shop K Plus Krafts which is owned by a stay at home mom. she states in her profile "My goal is to keep God as a center for every aspect of the business. From creating to packing and shipping." She has pursued many crafts in the past but is currently focusing on making rag dolls. The dolls are called "Pearly Girls" after her daughter.

Fairy Trinket Box

HANNAH

My middle feature is about a talented seamstress that is having a love affair with the 30's and 40's. Her Etsy shop is For the Love of Pete which got it's name as a tribute to a favorite uncle. She also has a photo tribute to this WWII veteran on her blog if you are interested in seeing what inspires her. Valerie actually uses a 1950 Singer sewing machine (this is what I learned on) to make her fabulous bags. She love using barkcloth because to her it "reflects the colorful beauty of the world around us". Her OOAK works are bright and colorful.

Larkspur Sweetheart Barkcloth Clutch

Yard Sailor Sentimental Vintage Barkcloth Bag

My next feature is one of my favorite customers. She is funny and great to deal with. Her Etsy shop is Iguana Make It...For You . She makes some of the most delicious looking chocolate goodies everything from Victorian pictures to high heel shoes. She hails from southern Florida so I wonder how she keeps those chocolates so beautiful. She has done many crafts through the years but excels (IMHO) at guilling. Her paper artwork is wonderful to see.

Quilled Pink Posey in Miniature Flower Pot

Victorian Chocolate Medallion Gouache Painting

The last artisan I have to admit knowing for a long time. She is my sister and her Etsy shop is MC's Purrrfect Gifts. Her real love is the painting of ceramic/bisque figures and specially Snow Babies. She has been selling her crafts in the Pacific NW for well over 30 years. She works a 7 to whenever job but still finds time to fit her family and craft work in. In her profile she says she comes from a crafting family and I can sure vouch for that. She also makes wonderful yard lights but has not yet decided if she should sell them on the Internet so if you get a chance to visit one of the fairs she does you can see them there.

Deco Lady

Finch on a Perch

All of these artist open their doors and share their talent so stop by and visit them.

Bragging

2009-03-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

I just made the best lamb Marsala I have ever eaten. I tried something different this time and it is a hit. Here is the recipe.

Saute mushroom and onions in butter (amount depends on how many servings you are making) for 2 people 5 large mushrooms and half a medium sweet onion. Cook till onion is limp and mushrooms are soft. While that cooks prepare the meat (lamb shops or shoulder chops we had both) by coating with so OH! Garlic Seasoning by Lizzie's Kitchen (it containts onion, chives, parsley, spices). Remove cooked mushrooms and onions to a bowl, add a small amount of olive oil to pan and cook meat just above medium high. Sear well (cook about 10 minutes). Add mushrooms and onions back to pan. Add about 1/2 to 3/4 can Swanson chicken broth and about the same amount of Colombo, Marsala Fine, sweet. turn heat to just below high to reduce the liquid by 3/4. Serve with fresh steamed green beans and a good quality Merlot (2003 Reininger goes great).

My husband is working in another city so weekends are when we catch up and this dinner was so good we didn't even talk just ate it all up.

ENJOY

Excitement

2009-03-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

My step daughter Jayne Entwistle is one of the new Geico stars. Take a peek http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyPzOD88rfE

Mixed Medias

2009-03-01T23:32:00.000-08:00

Hello again. Well thanks to a little help from my friends I have quite a list of Etsy artisans to introduce you to. I'm just so amazed at the talent and creativity on Etsy. I hope you enjoy the featured artisans below.

I recently joined Artfire and as I have time to explore there I hope to bring you features about the artisans there too.

The man behind Kan Yo Fuse is not only talented he looks good in a tutu, and if you don't believe me just click on tutu and see for yourself. He really does look better than his Great Dane Ace does in the same tutu. As you can see in the pictures of Kevins work he has a talent for bringing out the beauty that hides in a piece of glass. He got his start by taking a glass at Bullseye and sez that was it he was hooked. In describing the process of making his beautiful pendants he uses words like meditation, relaxation, having a blast and the excitement of Christmas morning. With those feelings how can his work be anything but delightful.

Mixed Emotions

Rose Blush DoubleBloom

Expressive Papers owner Jan discovered her craft after retiring from nursing 5 years ago. She has always loved arts and crafts of all sorts. Like Kevin she and her husband are dog lovers. they have 2 rescued Greyhounds. Jan is always on the look out for special quotes and sayings she can use in her original cards. Her love of paper, scrapbooking and paper piercing shows in the design of her cards.

Black and White

St. Patrick's Day

Rtisan is our next shop and the owner describes herself as an ethnic folk art painter/ illustrator
and fine jewelry maker. Her art is what she sez gets her through not only the good but the bumpier parts of life. She has a long list of artistic endeavors she wants to try. They include metalsmithing, mosaics and print making. She makes her home in northern California with her son, 2 cats and, of course, a dog.

Labradorite, moonstone & kyanite

Garden Lady with Limes

Soap That Makes Scents has been in business since 2001 and on etsy since 2006. The owner Karina sez she has been making people squeaky clean since 2001. Her soaps are vegetarian friendly and contain no parabens, SLS/SLES or skin-drying chemicals. She has been featured in many blogs which include interviews. For a list see her profile. One item featured in her shop is a 'soap of the month club' which offers a new soap the first week of each month for 6 months.

Red Current & Thyme Tea

Lemon Grass

Kathy Paton Illustrations is a bright and cheerful shop. Kathy has a Bachelor of Visual Arts degree from Queensland College of Art where majored in photography. She has also attended Saint Martins School of Art in London. All of her works are created using watercolors and paper she does not do any digital alteration. Her shop has only been open since February 2ND but she is not without sales. I noticed she is having a sale in her shop that ends Monday so you may want to make a quick stop to see her other items.

Rain Flowers 1974

BrigaBauble is our last shop to visit this time. I don't know where to start describing the owner Brig. She has a work-a-day job as and editor and writer for a nonprofit philanthropic collaborative based in NYC, though she works in the D.C. office. Although she loves her "day job" she is passionate about designing and handcrafting jewelry and, more recently, Catholic rosaries and Anglican prayer beads. She also does random craft projects and stated she made a flamingo corner that shows off her deep love of pink flamingos. My favorite thing in her profile is where she admits to owning, and I assume wearing, dinosaur footsie pajamas that match her 4 year old nephews.

Color Me Vintage Ensconced in Velvet

What do a blu moon, wrist warmers, butterfly & Victorian hot air balloon have in common?

2009-02-27T11:57:00.000-08:00

All have very talented artisans that created them. My post feature more wonderful Etsy artisans. Each with their own stories, styles and products. Come walk in the moonlight wearing your lace wrist warmers while the butterfly sits on its pretty top by the hanging hot air balloon. Whimsy, elegance and practicality are all part of this post.

My first artisan is Gina Brooks of Indigo Rain. She is owner of a greeting card company as well as having her Etsy shop. Her wonderful prints are whimsical and done with a color palette that is irresistible. She is originally from Germany and now resides in LA. She is a mommy with a young daughter. As an artist I recognize her wonderful skill with negative shapes and making them dramatic. Her subject matter is natural and brings a smile when you view it.

Blu Moon

At the old man's barn

Nobody's Perfect

Next is one of my team mates from TeamSassy (see the Etsy forum) Patricia of Karma Crochet. Patricia has a full time job as well as her work on her Etsy shop. She is a cat fancier with 3 that help her create her products. In researching her shop I was struck by her wonderful eye for color and how she uses that in her items. That color sense carries through her crochet/knit items into the scrabble tiles and matchbook pads. You will enjoy the variety in the shop.

Book Clip

White Lacy Wrist Warmers

Matchbook Note pads

Our 3rd artisan is the owner of Whimsical Expressions. She has been a painter for 25 years and currently is creating original hand painted bisque items for the home. Her style is fun, funky and whimsical with bright, bold striking colors.

Monarch Butterfly Box

Beautiful Blue Swirly Bowl

Bold Tumbler

The last artisan is fairly new to Etsy but has sold her scarves and beaded items in the Northwest for over 30 years. Patti's shop is PJ's Creations To Go. She is recently retired and is now trying Internet sales for the first time. One of my favorites of her creations are the bottle covers. If, like me, you give wine as a gift this dresses the bottle to the max and with a set of the glass markers makes a nice hostess gift. Other items in her shop include her fun and funky scarves and her practical kitchen towels. I have to confess to knowing this seller all her life as she is one of my younger sisters. And, because of that, I can say I have tried her products and they are really good quality.

Victorian Hot Air Balloon

Crochet towels

Blue Ice/ Irish Eyes

My mom

2009-02-26T10:39:00.000-08:00

My Favorite Picture
Of my Parents

This is a departure from my normal blog but I am dealing with the fact that I will be losing my mom in the near future. She has pulmonary hypertension and we found out Wednesday she is in the end stage. I'm hoping by occasionally telling stories of my mom it will help me deal with this.

My mom is an artist/craftswoman extraordinaire. For as far back as my memories go my mom has always been a creator. When we were kids we were a Navy family and you know there is not much income there with 5 kids. My mom sewed and made our home wonderful with frilly kitchen curtains and other accessories. She also crochet with that teeny tiny thread so there were gorgeous doilies, table clothes, chair arm covers.

Her doilies were the kind that you had to starch and iron every time they were washed. They had the beautiful big ruffles around the center and were always a center piece in their own right. She still crochets making afghans for all the family and Now since she can't physically volunteer at the hospital she makes baby blankets for her volunteer work.

I still use a tablecloth she made on my dinning room table. It shares use with one my grandmother made. I have a third but it has a run and they do not make the thread any more. I look in vintage, 2ND hand and other shops when I can just in case I find an old spool of it.

Mom and her beloved
great granddaughters 2007

Thanks for reading this I will be adding more post about my mom in the next few months.

Proximidade

2009-02-22T21:27:00.000-08:00

Today I received an award from Jan at Expressive Papers and it was such a stunning surprise it left a little lump in my throat. It is called the Proximidade Award.

Following is a description of what the PROXIMIDADE Blog Award represents:

"This blog invests and believes in the PROXIMITY-nearness in space, time and relationships. These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in prizes or self-aggrandizement! Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.

Please give more attention to these writers!

Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this clever-written text into the body of their award."

I had never heard of this award before receiving it from Jan. To say the least I was amazed at having been given this. I love blogging but am pretty shy about writing about myself or my art so I choose to write mainly about others. Jan and I are new found friends but as it sez in the award we hope to propagate more friendships while building ours.

I am currently searching to find the origin of this award. I have gone halfway round the world and back again tonight. I have visited over a hundred blogs trying to find the beginning only to end up back where I began. It sort of reminds me of one of Enya's songs (which I can't remember the name of). I would like to thank whomever started it. If you know who that is please leave me a comment.

I want to thank Jan for making what was a difficult day a little brighter. I hope when I pass this on to the following they feel the same.

I give this award to the following blogs that have shown the attributes listed in the award:

Art and Illustrations

For it's support of Undiscovered artisans

Cat Productions

For the commitment to being green

Craft Synergy
For the inspiring interviews with Internet artists

Cut*Copy*Paste

For featuring other artisans work

Diane Stavola Blog

For the great tutorials

Rojagato Designs

For tutorials and support of the handmade community

Jennadesigns

For support of the crafting community

Rag'naz'id'nar

For tutorials and support of the Etsy community

Please visit these blogs and see the great job they are doing.

Eye Spy

2009-02-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

Did you when you were a kid ever play I Spy? Well I spied some goodies I'm sure you will like in my featured esty sellers. My group this time consist of 5erg's (fine art, jewelry and more), That 70's Shoppe (Vintage goods) and Sagegold Soaps (handmade soap). I will also feature at the end my shop Artistic Impressions.

You will see how I chose my name when you look at this first sellers shop. She is 20 years old and lives in Estonia (northern Europe). She has many items in her shop from felted animals to original ACEO paintings and drawings. She has been on Etsy since March 2008. Here are a couple of examples of her work.

Fire In Her Eyes

Peachy Pink Glass Earrings

Our second seller is That 70's Shoppe with a lot of nostalgia for me is a teammate from the Eastern Washington Etsy Team (their blog) . It has music album covers, magic 8 balls, Barbie Stuff and more. They have a brick and mortar store in Yakima, WA and I bet I could spend the afternoon browsing and spending money there. I was so delighted by the items in their shop I couldn't narrow it to 2 examples it had to be 3. Here is an idea of the quality of their items.

1 9 65 Barbie, Midge, Skipper Thermos

B al lerina Pin

Clyde McCoy, Basin Street Blues Pictur e Record

My last feature is also a teammate from the Eastern Washington Etsy Team Sagegold Soaps. Her soaps are luscious to look at and I am told they have heavenly scents. She started making soaps in 1999 but didn't have her formula done to start selling until the end of 2000. She has come a long way from making soap from a kit to making her current formula. Take a peek at these 2 lovely items.

Be rries Jubilee

Urban Safari

And, as I said I am putting my shop Artistic Impressions last. It is where I sell my original paintings and prints. Here are a couple items I have for sale in the shop.

Trying to be Bree

Tropic Isle

Dear Followers

2009-02-18T18:39:00.000-08:00

Are you interested in having your shops, art, crafts featured on my blog? If you are please leave a comment or convo me at one of my shops on Etsy (digitalexpressions, glentwistle, beadedsplendor). The feature below is the type I am currently asking about.

Something old, something new and what's that smell?

2009-02-16T12:27:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring 3 Etsy sellers and my jewelry shop. They are The Vintage Dresser, Mireasma, Dana's Dawdles and Beaded Splendor.

The something old is from The Vintage Dresser which is a mother, daughter team run shop. In their profile they claim to be garage sale junkies who also shop second hand, antique and tag sales to fill their shop with goodies. They are members of the Eastern Washington Etsy Team (team blog) and have a second shop C'est Magnifique. Here are a couple of examples of what they offer.

Shabby Pink Birds Wall Pocket

Sheer Apron with Flocked Red Hearts

Something new is from Dana's Dawdles . Dana makes jewelry and though looking for work in child care wants to continue making her jewelry creations. Along with her jewelry creations Dana also does chalk character drawings for any occasion. The items below are my favorites from her shop.

Mommy and Baby Pretty in Pink

Chalk Drawings

Last, what's that smell is Mireasma a shop filled with aroma's to tease the nose. She makes soy candles (vegan) and perfumes using soy (vegan) and/or bee's wax. If the scents match the loveliness of her shop they must be a delight. I have chosen the items I would like to have but there are many more for you to see.

Cranberry Beaded Soy Candle

Lemon Cupcake Beaded Soy Candle

One of my own shops is Beaded Splendor which is filled with my jewelry creations. As with most artisans I have my favorite pieces and below are a couple of them.

Strawberry Twist

Topaz Crystal Tennis Bracelet

I hope you enjoy discovering these sellers as much as I did. Come visit again as I will be featuring artisans, crafters and artists every few days.

Meet Mizz Draconia, Ida Larsen

2009-02-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

I am so please to be able to post this interview. Ida Larsen is a well know digital artist with an extraordinary imagination.

Having studied what information I could find on her web page I know she is Danish/American, born in 1981 and has a daughter. So with that little info here is more about the artist in her own words.

On your web site you talk about being introduce to fantasy and it's art by your brother. What method did you first use to produce your art.

Yes my brother introduced me to fantasy books - DragonLance and Forgotten Realms and the likes. Through those books I found my interest in not only the stories but also I loved the cover art. And, going online I found tons of those artists, Elmore, Boris Vallejo, Luis Royo etc.. That started my love for the fantasy genre.

Companions

I started out drawing traditionally. Well I never stopped drawing in fact, most children stop drawing at some point, but I never did. Then in the beginning of march 2003 when I joined the art community DeviantART.com I started scanning my drawings and colouring them in Photoshop. That is when my art turned digital.

Reach

When did photographic manipulation become your choice of artistic medium? Was it a conscious decision or like many of us a process that evolved over time?

Queen of Autumn

It was a new turn for me art wise. I have also always had an interest in photography too, buying my first pro camera at age 18, so the turn to photo manipulation was not one far from my artistic temper. At the end of 2003 I was very inspired by the art of ‘photo manipulation’ and thus I started experimenting with that art genre. I don’t think it was a really conscious decision that I would drop my traditional art and ‘go digital’ at all. I just got really hung up on the photo manipulation genre, and lost interest in any other art genre really. It wasn’t until the end of 2005 really that I got somewhat good at it, and that is when people started taking an interest in my art. Through 2006 and 2007 the interest other people (people that I didn’t know) showed my art was increasing, people started wanting to buy my art prints and in 2006 I made myself an Ebay account and started selling my art.

MME Butterfly

My art started out as clean photo manipulation. Trough the years though it has evolved into what some of us like to call ‘Digital art; mixed media’ since we also paint a lot digitally and use 3D renders besides photos. So it made it to an extent that exceeds pure photo manipulation..

I am fascinated by the imagination it takes to transform a photo into a work of art. Can you explain the process you go through to decide what a photo will end up looking like. Do you have an idea of what you want to portray before you take the photo or does that come after?

I don't know actually. I sometimes see the final project in my head from the beginning and try to achieve that look, and spend a lot of time finding the right photos, but other times I start from being inspired by a certain model (stock photo) and let my hands take the lead. That way the final image transforms without a specific start idea.

Curiosity

I really like steampunk art and was first drawn to your work by your print "The Scientist". Would you tell us how you came up with the world it is in?

Ahh, it’s funny actually, that particular art work of mine is a huge hit at Etsy, and at other art forums where I have galleries, it is some of my other artworks that are most popular. Funny how it varies like that depending on the general subject love there is.

Well that particular art work started out with my own modelling and costume idea. I do ‘stock photos’ for other artists to use, as I use other stock models too. I started doing stock at the end of 2003 as kind of a ‘paying back’ to the art community. Since other stock models allowed me to use them, I wanted to give back. Also I found that the category of ‘fantasy stock photos’ where lacking, it was more the Gothic and ‘emo’ category that was dominating, and I wanted to make more fantasy model work, and as I was the closest to use. I started collecting costumes/props and the likes, putting it all together for the themes I wanted and that is how it all started. That way If I had a certain idea in my head for an artwork, I could just use myself for the right outfit, pose and the likes. It became easier for me.

Anyway. Getting back to ‘The Scientist’; Once I finished that particular stock series, I was inspired by that pose. I started seeing the final image for an artwork in my head. I wanted to achieve a post apocalyptic world, where time travelling is possible. This is a scientist from a ‘steampunk era’ going back in time to collect specimens and study past art forms.. Here she found a small dinosaur and is taking a closer look. The airship in the back is her time travel ship, waiting for her to go back.

The Scientist

This artwork is a good example of how a specific model stock (in this case my own) inspired me to do an artwork, instead of the other way around.

Your art has a soft beauty to it with a subtle hint of feminine power. Is this something that you try to put in your art or is it just because most of your models are woman?

Queen of Winter

Hehe, well growing up with my mother being a strong feminine woman, I think it is natural for me, it is not something I am conscious about at all. But now you say it I can see what you mean. Through my mother and my own interest in ethnography, history and comparative religion I learned of shamanism, paganism, aura soma, and books like ‘The Celestine Prophecy’ – A book I found was describing my own similar beliefs very well. My mother was the one introducing me to the book ‘Women who run with the wolves’.. Apparently I was formed through my upbringing, and I grew up being very aware of the power of feminine energy. I never really thought that all this was apparent in my artwork, so I am glad to hear it. I am very proud of being a woman and I am happy that I can pass that awareness on to other women.

How many hours does it take you to make one of your creations?

It varies a lot. Anywhere from 1 day to 1 month depending on how intense I work on it, and how inspired I am..

I know you have been featured in many art magazines (see her resume for a list). What was your favorite magazine to be in?

Hmm my biggest achievements feature and award-wise was my appearance in the ‘Exotique 3’ art book by Ballistic Publishing and the feature in the old school fantasy ‘Heavy Metal Magazine’. Besides that I think what I am happiest about, is the fact that people all over the world, people who don’t know me, like my art enough to buy and display it in their homes. That is the biggest achievement I could ever make.

The Night Keeper

I understand you use Photoshop to create your art. How long did it take you to master the software? Would you recommend it to someone just starting to create digital art?

Well I first used Photoshop in 2003 when I started colouring my line art. It took me until the end of 2005 to master it to a higher extent. I still learn new things about the programme though. I never had any classes in how to use it, so I learned by trial and error.

The Peacock Collector

You have a shop on Etsy, MizzDraconia, is that the only place you sell your art?

I sell my art at these places:

Etsy: http://www.mizzdraconia.etsy.com/
Ebay: http://stores.ebay.com/Ida-Larsen-Art_W0QQsspagenameZMEQ3aFQ3aSTQQtZkm Zazzle: http://www.zazzle.com/ida_larsen_art
Cafepress: http://www.cafepress.com/mizzdraconia
Tags & Signature licenses: http://mypsptubes.estoreadvanced.biz/index.php?p=catalog&parent=162&pg=1
My official website: http://www.ida-larsen-art.com/

What advice would you give to a new digital artist?

Keep on striving to get better, never lose hope, even when you feel like you aren’t progressing as fast as you’d like.

It took me almost 6 years to get to where I am today.

Don’t be afraid to try out new things and most important of all; Have fun!!

Is there anything else you would like your collectors or fans to know about you or your work?

Hmm, well I’d like to say thank you for the interest you’ve shown in my art! I appreciate that more than anything! You really brought more meaning into my creating.

Art is my passion, and I can’t just stop or let go. If I don’t let out my ideas in art I get frustrated and depressed... so me spending so much time at the computer creating art, away from my family, makes more sense when I know people really love what I do..

Coming Attraction

2009-02-04T19:22:00.000-08:00

Does the picture below intrigue or interest you? If you would like to know more stop by in a couple of days. One of my favorite digital artists Ida Larsen has agreed to do an interview.

Daughter of Ran

CPSIA Follow-up

2009-01-30T17:32:00.000-08:00

There have been some decision made by the Consumer Product Safety Commission that you should know. I am posting a link to their site so you can read for yourself about the 1 year stay on some of the testing aspects of the new act.

This is a quote from the site:

"Significant to makers of children’s products, the vote by the Commission provides limited relief from the testing and certification requirements which go into effect on February 10, 2009 for new total lead content limits (600 ppm), phthalates limits for certain products (1000 ppm), and mandatory toy standards, among other things. Manufacturers and importers – large and small – of children’s products will not need to test or certify to these new requirements, but will need to meet the lead and phthalates limits, mandatory toy standards and other requirements."

To read the whole announcement go here.

CPSIA Not for Small US Business's

2009-01-28T11:07:00.000-08:00

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades.

I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it. The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too. How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.To the Avid Reader:Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all. An article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade: Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist: Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper: Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.To the Entrepreneur:Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses. If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

The above was written for general distribution by concerned Etsy sellers and I indorse it by posting it to my blog.

This law was originally to protect our children from foreign manufacturers who were using lead in childrens toys and other items. I do not believe it was ever intended to cover as much as it does. If you are the least bit concerned please contact your congressional and senate representatives and voice that concern.

Thyme2Dream

2009-01-23T14:50:00.000-08:00

I recently found Thyme2dream on twitter which led me to her shop Etsy shop http://www.thyme2dream.etsy.com/. Imagine my surprise when I step into a land of fairy jewelry. She describes her jewelry as made for the discerning Fae and Elven folk. But she has also discovered that humans fancy it as well. And this human would love to have it all.

Art Nouveau Elven Headdress Circlet Crown in Custom Colors

I asked her to do an interview about her art and her shop and she agreed. The following is a little peek into a whimsical mind that creates beauty.

How long have you been making jewelry? About 3 years

When I look at your jewelry I see the Fae wearing it. Where do your ideas come from?
When I make jewelry I sometimes start with a story I want to tell, and other times the beads & wire just make themselves into something I love and the story comes later! I delight in fanciful stories from literature, theater, music and I am fascinated by the process of trying to convey the enchantment from one genre (ie books or music) to another (jewelry). I am also fascinated by the ‘personalities’ that different cultures and traditions have given gemstones through the ages. In my more earthy pieces, I often create by combining crystals with specific meanings in mind. Sort of a blessing recipe for the person who will eventually wear them.

Ice Princess

What are your favorite materials to use? Wire, Czech glass, Swarovski crystals (the BEST in the world). In my natural stone creations~ crystals and gems like kyanite, labradorite, garnet moonstone, ocean jasper, rain forest jasper…I often joke that every crystal I wrap becomes my friend.

When did you open your shop on Etsy? Summer Solstice (June) 2007. I didn't actually choose to open the Etsy shop on Solstice. To be honest, as soon as I heard about Etsy I was in. It was such a WONDERFUL alternative to eBay! I saw information on Etsy in an email newsletter from a jewelry makers site and I opened my shop the same day. I just think its cool that it happened to be the summer Solstice when I did. I have a lot of pagan friends and I know they think in those sorts of terms, so I like to include quirky things like that in my descriptions and interviews:) Her descriptions are as much a beautiful creation as her jewelry.

Fairy Bower

Do you sell your jewelry at other venues? Oh yes..I'm everywhere, lol. Because this is my full time job, I decided it would be a good idea to diversify as much as possible! I have shops at WinkElf, DaWanda, ArtFire,and iCraft , Misi, Silkfair and was just accepted at 1000markets.com as well. I first started selling my jewelry on eBay, but their policy changes, non-existent customer service and fee hikes have made it a place I really dislike being, so I don’t do that any more! I also sell in a couple of local shops and along with my husband, circlet wizard extraordinaire. I’m planning to start hitting the Renaissance Festival circuit in April of this year, if all goes well!

Tranquility Celtic Kyanite Circlet

Links:
http://thyme2dream.artfire.com/
http://www.1000markets.com/users/thyme2dream
http://en.dawanda.com/shop/Thyme2dream
http://www.winkelf.com/thyme2dream
http://icraft.ca/thyme2dream
Her husbands Etsy shop is Dragon Rider Circlets and Jewelry

You have had over 800 sales at your etsy shop. Is there anything special you do to bring customers to your Shop? Virtually all of my work attracting customers to my shop is focused outside Etsy. My blog has been a wonderful new addition to my marketing plan and the key to my blogs success has been EntreCard. I also do a LOT of free “social marketing". Everywhere I can have a profile I have one…Squidoo, Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, Faespace, Bebo, Plumdrop, Beadspace, Flickr, Tabblo, Stylehive, This Next, Talent Database, Deviant Art, and more. The key thing in EACH place is to have my blog and/or Etsy shop URL prominently displayed and also use Etsy Minis wherever possible.

I also make it a point to use all 14 tags in each listing and I spend a bit of time researching what tags people will be looking for.

Do you belong to any Etsy teams? Yes, I am active in the Wire Artisans Guild, Fantasy Artists of Etsy, and Kansas City Etsy and was just honored to be accepted into the Artisan Beaders Street Team as well. I would urge everyone who has an Etsy shop to find at least one team you fit with. They are a very valuable source of support and encouragement!

My Celtic Valentine

Has twitter helped your sales? YES- I just started twittering a few weeks ago, but I have several sales already that I know came directly from twitter, and a lot more exposure and features have been coming my way since I started. You discovered me there for instance!

Do you have a blog? That is another relatively new thing I'm doing and I LOVE it! My blog is at http://www.thyme2dream.blogspot.com/. I also have a Squidoo lens, which is sort of like a mini blog at http://www.squidoo.com/thyme2dream

Lothlorien Crystal Forest

How often do you post to your blogs? As often as possible- always at least once a week, more often usually.

Does your blog have a focus? Its sort of a creative umbrella of things, but all related back to my jewelry…I feature new pieces, fun things Im working on, inspirations, music, whatever muse strikes at the moment I try to just go ahead and run with it.

Does having a blog help your sales? Definitely! One thing I recommend heartily to anyone who has a blog is to get involved with EntreCard to get your readership jump-started. It takes a bit of time at first, but since I started there I have never had an entry that didn’t have at least one comment and a steady stream of readers.

Celtic Knot Peridot Irish Goddess

If you could give 1 piece of advice to those just starting on etsy what would it be? Stay positive, don’t give up, keep looking for new creative ways to promote yourself.

On a personal note I know your favorite spot on earth is the Isle of Skye in Scotland can you tell me why? Since I was a little girl I have been in love with Scotland.. the music, the history, the remote wildness of it. Skye is sort of the focus of all that with everything all in one small space- mountains, moors, ocean. There is even a FAIRY GLEN! Since I am a child of the prairie (native Kansan) who all her life has lived over 1,000 miles from the sea, Skye is so totally different from the landscape I grew up in that it has an inherent magic about it.

I have only been there once so far, but, it is my goal to go back every so often. I would love to spend a summer there creating and roaming the countryside!

A Book Report

2009-01-19T12:27:00.000-08:00

I recently read a book that is just amazing. Not just for the way it is written but for the story it tells. The book is "The Long Walk, The True Story of a Trek to Freedom" written by Slavomir Rawicz, published by The Lyons Press.

Salvomir Rawicz

The forward written by Ronald Downing explains how the story became written. It was a journey from meeting a man he describes as "taut as a bowstring, a man who had made a virtue of reticence" to when he marvelled to see him "shed his burdens, become more relaxed. He smiled more often." Ronald Downing convinced Rawicz to write a book which he agreed to do if Downing would set it down for him.

The book starts in Lubyanka Prison in Moscow with Rawicz "walking slowly round, left hand in the characteristic prisoner's attitude of supporting the top of the issue trousers, which Russian ingenuity supplied without buttons or even string on the quite reasonable assumption that a man preoccupied with keeping up his pants would be severely handicapped in attempting to escape." He had been there 12 months and today was his trial. He was sentenced to 25 years forced labour.

And, here is where the truly astounding story begins. The tale is of a journey that starts in a Moscow prison when Rawicz is loaded in a lorry heading for a destination unknown. From the lorry to a railroad cattle car still with no knowledge of the destination of the men he was with. "The first leg of our journey eastwards soon developed into a nightmare. We stayed locked in throughout the first night and all through the following day. There were of course, no toilet facilities of even the crudest kind and men relieved themselves standing up unable to move."

It was one month and 3,000 miles before they reached the end of cattle car train ride. From the train they marched about 5 miles to the middle of a potato field. The only good from the 3 days spent in the open field was the lice that had invaded every man died and were easy to pick off. They were issued jackets, winter trousers and stout rubberized canvas boots. At the end of the fourth day they were handed 2 pieces of linen to wrap their feet inside their boots.

A convoy of lorries showed up for the next part of the journey. "there had been a low buzz of talk all the way down the great line of men. Suddenly it was stilled, cut short in shock and appalled surprise, as from each lorry was uncoiled a length of heavy steel chain of about one inch diameter........ Then fifty men a side we were handcuffed to the chain by one wrist. ........ We were ready to start. The prisoners remained very silent." This part of the journey took it's toll on the men inadequately dressed for the forced march. They all knew they were pushing north, almost due north.

Through 3 blizzards, constant hunger and many deaths they kept marching. Rawicz meets a man named Grechinen from Lublin who was his chain mate and they form a strong bond. Days dragged on through December and January. They had marched over 40 days when the 3rd blizzard hit and was bad enough to bog down the lorries. During the long storm no one was allowed to sleep because that might mean no awakening.

In the first week of Feb. 1941 they arrived at Camp #303. Life in the camp was brutal from the initial work of building huts to live in to the amount of time they would spend in them. The mortality rate was high that first month many who. Many of those who survived the death march were so "wrecked in body and mind" they just lost their grip on life.

Rawicz volunteered to repair a radio in the commandants quarters. There was only one woman in the camp the commandant's wife Ushakova. He would be called often to come and tune the radio. At that time he also made friends with Anastazi Kolemenos and Sigmund Makowski. On his many visits to the commandants he found an ally in Ushakova who helped he plan his escape.

He gathered Kolemeno, Markowski, Paluchowicz and Zaro and the five became the group that would plan an escape. Kolemenos brought in Marchinkovas making the team a half dozen strong men. Paluchowicz introduced Mr. Smith an American to the group and he became one of the group. With Ushakova's help they planned to escape when the commandant was away. The seven chose a snow filled night to make the attempt.

The party was to become 8 when they took in a young fugitive girl. The group was determined to walk out of Siberia to freedom. The journey was to take from early April 1941 to April 1942. They would journey through the Gobi Desert, Tibet and China. One of their adventures would be an encounter with strange yeti like creatures. Not all of the 8 make it to freedom but I will leave you to read the book to find out what happens.

The book kept me reading to see what would happen next. I hated putting it down because I became so involved with the characters. The author, with Ronald Downings help, has painted a picture of hardship, perseverance, faith and strength of character.

Is an Actress or Actor an Artist?

2009-01-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

Do you ever think of an actor or actress as an artist? I never did until I got to know this wonderful comedian and actress, Jayne Entwistle, my step-daughter. She has done film, theater, voice over, comedy improv, TV , U-tube, commercials and was director of a comedy troupe.

You wouldn't think this woman with the red hair and little girl giggle could pull all that off but when you see her in action it is amazing. She recently finished a movie Dark Games and commercials for Geico and is currently doing a audio book for Random house using her best 11 year old British voice. It amazes me every time I listen to her doing voice work. Sometimes I hardly recognize her at all.

She has always loved comedy improve and, with Justin Neal, started a troupe in Oakland, CA called the Oakland Playhouse which became Big City Improv. While Jayne was acting in and directing the troupe they won the "Best of the Bay" in the San Francisco Bay Guardian and Goldstars Roar of the Crowd.

This is Jayne as Nanny

The first time I saw her do improve I was amazed that this tiny woman had all the audience in her hand. She is a great person to know but when the lights came on she really sparkles. I have learned by my association with her that talent takes a lot of work, patience and study. She is in my opinion, remarkable for reaching for her dream.

I have teased her for years that when she walks the red carpet she will wear jewelry I designed for her and her sister would design her dress. I know that with the will to do the hard work necessary, the patience and the talent she possesses she will be walking that red carpet.

So If you looked at the links and looked at the pictures what do you say. Is acting an art and are the participants artist? Leave me a comment with what you think.

Handmadeology

2009-01-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

Handmadeology what does it mean???? I don't know yet do you? I know who can tell us Timothy Adam. He has a blog that has been a great source of information for Etsy sellers. If you look down on the right you will see a button that will take you to his site to learn all about it.

Be sure when you get to his blog you check out the past posts. Timothy is full of information which he shares with other sellers. It is presented in an easy to understand and use method.

Timothy Adams Designs

2009-01-12T18:50:00.000-08:00

I want to do a quick post today to promote Timothy's latest video "Google analytics + Etsy". For all of us that want to track what is working and what isn't this is a video you will use over and over. Be sure to look at Timothy's other video's on promoting your Etsy Shop.

Besides doing his blog and all the computer work he helps with he is also a metal designer. This is my favorite item in his shop it is an earring tree title "japanese cherry tree"

2009-01-10T17:12:00.000-08:00

This post is to help me stop crying and to honor my Auntie Carol who died today. She was a beautiful woman and left many behind who will mourn her.

2008 Family reunion

2007 Christmas

How Beautiful she was.

I will always love and miss you my Auntie Carol.

How I will remember her

Etsy Watercolor Artists

2009-01-08T00:15:00.000-08:00

Being a painter myself I tend to go and look at what painters are doing on Etsy. There are many styles of painting and many mediums but for today I chose watercolor paintings to feature. My choice of paintings is of course very subjective. Don't we all like what we like.

I have only chosen 8 out of the thousands of watercolor paintings on Etsy most of whom I would love to have an original from. I will try to tell you a little about the painter and what inspired the painting.

Mary Ellen Golden is the first artist. Her shop carries her name http://www.maryellengolden.etsy.com/ making her very easy to find. Her blog http://www.maryellengolden.blogspot.com/ states she has been painting with watercolors for 30 years. She lives in Wilmington, NC and teaches watercolor painting. She is not only a teacher but a student of the art of watercolor painting. I asked what motivated her to paint what she does. She replied: "The way the light falls on the landscape is strong motivation for me. Years ago after studying with Jeanne Dobie, I felt that I could paint in a single room forever if there was sunlight falling across the room."

She had this to say about the first painting. "Our tidal creeks are among the most beautiful parts of our coastal landscape. This view just spoke to me. The watercolor medium lends itself to water, reflections and "growing grass". I like to paint a marsh from the distant area first, working down on dry paper with layers of light color and dropping darks in at the bottom of each layer to bleed upward..thus "growing grass".

Little Creek

I then paint the water between the layers of grass, quickly dropping in the colors from the grass which will now bleed straight down to form reflections. A horizontal swipe across the drying reflections with a "thirsty brush" will make sure you see it as water.

Buried Treasure

Jeannie Lynn Paske of Obsolete World http://www.obsoleteworld.etsy.com/ is my second artist and is radically different from the first. I am a fan of steampunk (see my previous post) and this style is close to that. I am only showing 1 painting because this artist also paints with words and I want to share the poem that explains the art. I asked her how she found this old world of long departed dreams and she explained:

"I guess my answer to your question would be that I am a heavy hearted day dreamer who refuses to let go of my childhood. I moved around quite a bit as a kid and created many alternate worlds to escape into. I still take comfort in these fading dreamscapes."

There is a world tucked away behind this one
An old world made up of endless fields,
distant hills and timeworn cliffs.
A place where the sun is always setting.

A land in which extinct

slow-moving monsters and

elegant gentle-faced creatures

of all shapes and sizes reside.

Delicately balancing their hope with despair.

Reminiscent of long departed dreams

and uncollected thoughts.

Time stands still here

so as to let the residents gaze

in solitude

upon the vast richly textured skies.

Forever in search of a place

to better sit and watch

their world pass them by

LET ME TELL YOU A STORY

Diane Paul from Twin Eagle Art Studio , http://www.teastudio.etsy.com/, has a style not like my previous artists. Her paintings are softly colored and vibrant at the same time. This artist has lived on 2 continents and an island. A Scot born in South Africa she moved back to Scotland at age 5 and now lives in the US with her husband. I find her work touches me because her subjects are the ones I also love to try and capture in paint and photo. She has been mainly focusing on ACEO (Art Cards Editions and Originals) which are 3.5 x 2.5 inches in size. You will see she captures amazing detail in that small space.

Blackcap Chickadee

I asked what drew her to doing the ACEO's and her answer was as follows:

"I first came across ACEOs on eBay in early 2006. I remember drawing the size on paper and exclaiming to my husband "I'll never be able to paint that small!" But, I gave it a go and produced my first 3 ACEOs, which sold, and I was hooked.

I have produced over 200 ACEOs. I enjoy them because their size remains a challenge. However, it is fun to try to create in such a small space! ACEOs can be completed fairly quickly (4 to 6 hours) which means I can express myself creatively without too much demand on my time.

Summer Blessing

From a business stand point, my ACEOs sell quite fast whereas my larger pieces take a lot longer, so it makes sense to concentrate on the product that turns over the quickest. I will continue to focus on ACEOs as long as there is a demand for these little works of art and my eyes can cope with working on something so small!"

Mary Hamilton of Dream On http://www.dreamon.etsy.com/ has a technique I had never heard of called hammering. It is done by hammering/smashing flowers and using water colors the results can be seen in the painting Bam Bam below. Her Etsy Bio indicates that she has been painting for as long as she can remember and has won awards doing so. She states "my paintings are to me a little like kids - created in love, but overrunning the house." Which is why, I'm sure, she has an Etsy shop.

I asked her how she discovered hammering flowers to create art and here is her answer. "I had gotten an email about it with the link to Betsy Dillard Stroud's article on flower smashing (www.artistsnetwork.com/article/hammer-prints ). This is the only one I've done, and I felt really bad for the flowers." For more detail on her hammering flowers you can visit her blog http://www.dreamsaboutart.blogspot.com/.

Bam Bam

Amaryllis1708

Carol Bruno of Yankeegirl's Watercolors http://www.yankeegirl.etsy.com/ has a soft whimsical quality about her style. There is a country feel to her paintings. She lives on the Jersey shore and besides her painting she loves entertaining, gardening, decorating, the beach and all things animals!

Jersey Shore Seashells

I asked what started her painting and her reply was. " How I got into painting watercolors is really simple. It was one of those dreams I always thought of doing for years and years and just kept putting off until I lost my one and only sibling at 52 yrs old-my brother. I just asked myself-what are you waiting for and signed up for lessons. I fell in love with the process and found out I had a talent for it and the rest is history!!" And talent she does have and her paintings brighten the world.

Bunnies in the snow

Nancy Laberge Muren would totally understand the statement "Let there be light." Paintings in her shop LaBerge's http://www.laberge.etsy.com/ demonstrate her understanding of this principle. "There is no greater element in a painting than the light that illuminates it and defines it." is stated in her bio. Most watercolor artist struggle with putting light in their paintings. Unlike oils where you can add light at the end in watercolors you must plan your light at the beginning.

Looking Out For the Herd

I asked Nancy what method she uses for putting light in her paintings and her response explained how to get, what so many painters reach for, luminous colors.

"I am very interested in the challenge of capturing light in my paintings. Light defines the shapes of the objects in painting. I have had to learn the true meaning of contrast. An object is only light if it contrasts enough to something that is dark. Watercolor, unlike oil paint, is a transparent paint. Each layer underneath shows through the layer above. If you have a good understanding of color theory you can create luminous layers of color and also keep your colors bright and clean. Luminous color is created by knowing which color to put next. It is also very important to decide what part of the painting will be white or lightest before you start painting because there is no white in watercolor but the white of the paper."

Mission Bells

Lin Jian has some very beautiful abstract watercolors in his shop Lin Jian Art http://www.linart.etsy.com/ . The seller is from Toronto and is a full time artist. In his bio he states that he is inspired by his love of nature and that he loves texture and layers. Having done watercolor painting I know how important layers can be to bring life and depth to a painting.

Abstract Landscape

Cold Air

Irina Arkimova is a young Russian artist with a talent for painting people and buildings. She is originally from Moscow, where she was a math teacher. She now lives in the Blue ridge Mountains of Virginia. Her painting of a Ukrainian dancer really caught my eye with it's movement and bright colors. You can see more of her work at her online gallery Art by Irina Akimova http://www.irinart.net/cgi-bin/artworks.cgi?type=watercolor&title=Watercolor which has some splendid archetectural paintings.

I asked Irina how long she had been painting and she answered. "I have liked to paint with watercolors (as well as other media, such as acrylic, pastel, etc.) since childhood, but for a long time it was just a hobby for me. Only when we moved to America in 2001 and I had so much spare time (being without a job), I started painting more and more, and three years later I started exhibiting and selling my works."

Ukrainian Dance

Geysha

I am grateful that these talented artists allowed me to display their art, they are inspiring.

Love Watercolors

2009-01-07T13:38:00.001-08:00

If you love watercolors you will love my next post. It is all about watercolor paintings and artist on Etsy. Here is a Sample of what will be in the full blog tomorrow.

Traditional painting

Little Creek

Done with a hammer and brushes

Bam Bam

Come back tomorrow for the full story.

Etsy beginners lessons #3

2009-01-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

As I talked about in my last post this time I will go over policies and profiles.

Profiles - what you tell your customers about you.

The most important part of the Etsy profile, in my opinion, is posting your avatar. Your avatar is what people see when you are interacting in the forums or chat rooms and on your shop page. It becomes the symbol of you and your shop.

examples of avatars I have created.

Location is the next item. I put the location because some shoppers like to shop local and will put in their city to find local artisans.

Bio is where you can tell them about yourself. Most buyers want to know a little about the artisan and how they learned to do their art. It can also be used to list your qualifications like college degrees, special schools or unique classes. You can show awards you have won in this area. Some artists belong to special associations and those could be listed. One unique suggestion from http://www.melaniehazen.esty.com/ was to list any class you teach for those that are in your area. A general sense of friendliness is useful says http://www.salvagedexpression.etsy.com/.

Policies - The guiding rules of your business (must be lawful)

The welcome is first on Etsy. It is general information on how you run your shop. Mine talks about doing business in the old fashioned handshake way. This is a minor area of the policies.

Payment is next. Be very specific in this area do not just say what you will accept. If you accept checks state no shipping till check clears and what your policy is on bounced checks. You should have a fee for returned checks so that you are not out of pocket for the expense. Money orders are very similar to checks and you need to take care if you are going to accept them. Be sure any policy you have in regards to how your customer pays is clearly stated. Even with PayPal there are certain things they require to keep the buyer and seller insured so if you use them be sure you know what the rules are.

Shipping - Where, how and how often you send your products.

This is one of the top 2 items for your policies. http://www.castocrations.etsy.com/ say "It's important to state when you are or aren't responsible for a package. " The example given is once the package leaves the sellers hands she is not responsible but the buyer can purchase insurance on the package for while it is in shipping.

Here I believe you must think how you, as a buyer, would react to receiving a damaged product or not receive it at all. Most buyers feel until the product is in their hand it is the sellers responsibility so if you don't work that way you need to make that very clear in the shipping policies. You need to decide who is responsible for getting a shipper started on tracking a lost package. Most of this should also tie in with your refund and exchange policies.

With arrived damaged or never arrived do you take responsibility? Did you allow your purchasers to buy insurance? Do you automatically include insurance in the shipping fee? Do you replace the item? In the UK they have laws about refunds and in some states in the US they do also, so check your legal responsibilities.

http://www.theclingartist.etsy.com/ says is is important to "Show that the policies aren't one-sided and only in your favour. Showing your policies are to serve the customer." A way of saying to take all parties into consideration.

Refunds and Exchanges - what happens if a purchase arrives damaged, is not what was expected or the buyer doesn't like it.

This is the top item, in my opinion and I am sure the buyers think the same way.

http://www.rockonaccessories.etsy.com/ says " I'd say you must have a return/exchange policy and one about where you ship to." http://www.fugsly.etsy.com/ say "The policies must be clear and must be correct. I hate to see people say they'll accept no responsibility for lost packages." When you write your policies you should be very clear and precise.

What about a refund? Do you because of damage, the color or another part of the items looks different than the picture, the buyer doesn't like it, it didn't fit or never arrived? If you refund what about the shipping? If you refund because of damage or any reason that allows the item to be returned do you wait until you receive the item or will a photo do? Who pays the return shipping for the item?

If you don't refund do you exchange? If you exchange do you wait till the item is returned? Who pays the shipping on exchanges both the return and the new item? Does the exchange have to be a similar item or anything in your shop?

If you don't refund do you give store credit? All the same question that apply to a refund apply here. How long does the credit last?

Chart of Accounts

2009-01-03T11:17:00.000-08:00

Today I don't have much to talk about so I'm going to do my thinking out loud. I am working on setting up a chart of accounts for my business. It would be much easier if I could stick with one type of art but I don't seem able to do that.

For my Jewelry I have to set up vendors and inventory accounts. The inventory is worse because I have to decide do I have an account for each shape finish of bead, every size and every color. After that decision I need to decide if it is bead count or weight that I use. I still haven't figured out how to estimate usage in a piece of jewelry. This is where I get hung up every time I try to do correct accounting.

Painting is a little easier to set up. It is similar in that I have to do vendors and inventory but there is not as much variation as the jewelry. The hard part here is estimating paint usage for each painting a real pain in the neck.

Now crocheting is the easy one. You have your vendors and your inventory. It is easy to figure out how much of a material I use in an item.

Digital graphics is new for me so I am not sure what I will need. Probably vendors for where I buy clip art but no inventory and I don't use anything up so it's easy.

There are the business expense accounts such as Etsy fees, Artfire fees, PayPal fees, shipping, shipping and packaging expenses and so on.

Also sales accounts even though there were not that many last year. I am hoping to turn that around for this coming year. I am working hard at figuring out how to sell on the Internet.

This is going to take days and here is why. These are photos of my currently messy studio. I just got new shelving from my sister that is helping me get organized better.

The first picture is the cabinet I keep my yarn and current projects in. The bookcase holds mainly small art paintings, gargoyles, my stained glass and Stained glass pattern books as well as my current portfolios. The second picture shows the cabinet that I keep my paints in and my looms are on top and a small shelf full of beads. The last is the view from my window of part of my 5 acres and the Manastash Ridge.

The next picture is of my lampwork supplies. It actually sits behind where the door opens into the studio. Next is my photo set up area and my jewelry supply shelves. As I said the shelving is new and I am in the process of making it all look more like my lampglass area. Once I get it finished I'll revisit with new photos.

This final picture is the newest addition to my family Charlie. He is the wildest, fiercest, most active kitten I have ever had. He never walks if he can run and playing with him is like being eaten by a tiger. But when he's cuddling it makes up for it all.

Etsy beginners lessons #2

2009-01-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

As we talked about in the last lesson this one will be about tags and writing descriptions. Remember that the "shop title" under appearance is what the google search engine use to find you so pick accurate tags.

Tags are one of the most powerful tools you have to use. What are tags you ask, they are the description of your Etsy item. Tags are generally one word, occasionally 2, that apply to what you are selling. Examples, say for a bracelet, might be bracelet, jewelry, red (color), jasper (stone bead), sterling (clasp), silver (clasp, wire or bead), Swarvoski (bead), crystal (bead), seed bead (bead), woven (st lye made in), handmade (obvious), Czech (bead type), fire polished (finish on a bead)and strung (how made). Each of these are what may bring you a customer. As a potential customer searches on Etsy they use words to describe what they want. Etsy has some pre-made searches set up in categories. When you do your listing and you select the type of merchandise the listing is placed in that category. They also have a search by color set up that is pretty cool.

Writing descriptions is one of the more time consuming parts of making your shop one customers want to return to. I generally write my description in a software that has spell check and then post it to my listing. There are many styles of writing descriptions and I have named them - The long story, the full story, the short story and the no story. Examples of what I consider to be good descriptions are at the end of this post.

Your descriptions should contain enough information that the customer knows what the listing is and a bit about the materials. If you are fortunate enough to be able to write with a sense of humor you can tell tales about your item and make the description interesting. One seller might write funny stories while another writes historical anecdotes and a third writes about fantasy. Just remember when you are dressing your descriptions don't get to long with the stories.

The long story tells more than most customers would ever want to know about the product. It would contain not just the basic materials but maybe brand names, the shade the color is and how it got that way, a lesson on how to make it, why they are charging the shipping, how it is handmade and individual and much more. This you should avoid. Most buyers know what they like and the photo is a good start but you could loose them if your description is to long or technical.

The full story is just right. It can be brief or long but it is interesting to read and gives your customer all the information on the product. One of my favorite shops http://www.thyme2dream.etsy.com/ has jewelry made for Elven folk but worn by mortals so the description generally contain something about the Fae folk. This is a good way for her to interest potential customers to look around. The same can be said of http://www.mizzdraconia.etsy.com/ who does wonderful fantasy art prints and uses the fantasy as part of the description.

The short story is just the basic description with no embellishment to the facts. I tend to use this more than any other for my jewelry and digital graphics. I do embellish the descriptions of my paintings because there is generally a story as to why I painted what I did.

The no story does not give enough information for the customer to make an informed decision. It means that they don't know from the description what they are buying. The picture shows your item but it does not give materials and sizes. Be sure that you don't write to little it is as negative for your product as writing too much.

Below are examples of good descriptions:

Description from http://www.designedbyyou.etsy.com/
Green Amethyst, also known as Prasiolite, is as much the birthstone for February babies as Purple Amethyst. Each of these beautiful gemstones measure 8mm x 8mm, is in a trillion-cut [triangle], and together they have a total carat weight of [approximately] 2.0cwt. They are prong-set in 925 Sterling Silver trillion stud castings. Although they are not shown, the 925 Sterling Silver backs are included. Your Green Amethyst earrings will arrive gift-boxed, and insurance is included in the shipping costs.Thank you for looking!

Description from http://www.glentwistle.etsy.com/
This painting is a portrait of a teenage girl and is based on my most beautiful step-daughter Bree. Not being a portrait artist I'm still trying to capture the real Bree on paper. This lovely girl would grace any room.The portrait is 11" x 15" on Arches 140lb watercolor paper and was done with artist quality watercolors.INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AVAILABLE - please contact me for a quote.

Description from http://www.beadedsplendor.etsy.com/
This lovely woven seed and bugle bead necklace is eye catching. The design is based on a pattern by Alexia Luikert which I altered to make this a unique piece of jewelry. If red is not your color I accept custom orders and would be glad to recreate this in another color.

Next I will talk about policies and profiles.

Your comments will be much appreciated.

Etsy Beginners Lesson

2008-12-31T13:58:00.000-08:00

I have helped a few people get started with their Etsy shops and here are some of the lessons I have learned since I opened my shop. These are for the beginner and are meant just to give you a little boost when you set up so your learning curve is smaller. The are all equally important to the success of your shop. I will be putting these online in several posts.

1. Your photos are what the customer sees that draws them to your shop. If your photos are not clear and pleasant or artistic most customers will not go look at your shop. Use a little of your creative genius when setting the photos up. Some advice says only 1 color backgrounds and other says the opposite so it is really your taste that should guide your photos. Looking at the items on the Etsy Front Page will give you ideas of how to arrange your photos. The object is to make the photo itself interesting no matter what the product is.

These photos are from my shop http://www.beadedsplendor.etsy.com/ . You should be able to easily tell which I took before I learned this lesson and which after.

2. Review all the "Shop Setup" items even if you do not complete them all. The shop title, under appearance, is what Google looks at in searches so use it like you would tags (tags will be explained in a later lesson). Be sure you have in place your shipping practices, policies and payment methods before you post your first item. Your policies should include any special handling for checks or money orders if you accept them. I recommend that you state you will not ship until the check or money order has cleared.

The next Etsy beginners lesson will cover writing descriptions and tags.

Art as Clues to the Past

2008-12-30T10:01:00.000-08:00

I recently was sent an article on BBC News about how art was helping to show what the English coast line was like before industrial development occurred. It set me thinking about how art not only is not only a fashion of a time period but helps shape the perception of the times that follow. here is the article if you are interested. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7790416.stm

Do you ever wonder what will be important from our age. I think it will be the music more than anything else because each generation has left a mark of change. From classical to big band, the blues, grunge and rap all have a story to tell about us. Music to me mirrors a lot of what society allows or accepts as normal.

Not Your Everyday Sister

2008-12-29T20:21:00.000-08:00

The owner of MC'S Purrrfect Gift's (www.mgaus.etsy.com) , Meri Gaus, has agreed to do an interview for me about her craft experience and her Etsy shop. I do have to confess that as I am the older and wiser sister she had no choice.

To give you a little background Meri is the ultimate middle child. She is one of 6 children 5 of which are girls. She is married and lives with her husband and 4 cats. Her mother was an unbelievable artisan, who during her crafting years did every thing from crochet to oil painting and has owned 2 consignment shops. This is where Meri got her talent and her need to create. Currently she works full time and crafts as the mood strikes. With her mother and sisters she has, for 30 years, sold at NW Craft Bazaars and she recently started selling on the Internet. Now that you know a little about her I will continue with the interview.

How long have you been making and selling crafts? I was about 23 when I started selling at bazaars with my mom and sisters and boy was I hooked. I really enjoy painting ceramics, they have always been one of my favorites. So I guess about 30 years of crafting and doing bazaars.

When I look at your snow babies I see winter. Why are they your favorites to paint? Each baby has it's own personality and I love to watch that personality evolve in my painting. They have cute and happy expressions and painting then makes me feel wonderful. It is a relaxing fun part of my life that gives me a break from the everyday stress of life.

Where do your ideas come from for the small crafts you sell at fairs (like your xercise block, friendship tea, Hershey kiss angels)? Sometimes I see things at different stores or craft events and want to put my own funny spin on them. The exercise blocks actually came from my dad, the block that is. He made me a really nice display for my ceramics and he gave me the extra wood and said "Here do something with these"...and I found the saying on a card I received and changed it to fit the block.

Why do you like selling at craft fairs? I love to visit with people. I enjoy talking and bouncing idea's off other vendors and I always feel I learn something at every event. Being out in the public is very invigorating.

When did you open your shop on Etsy? In August of 2008, after my sister helped me get things in order.

How long did it take till your first sale? November of 2008 I sold a Blue dragon I hand Painted and gilded.

You have just started at your Etsy shop which is your first Internet selling experience. What do you think of Etsy and selling online? I enjoy working on my shop in Etsy. I hope to be able to sell many more items and to do more custom commissioned items. I enjoy the commissioned work as it gives me a chance to bring to life something that someone else is looking for. I recently did a Christmas ornament for the parents and Grandparents of a baby who died. It was my first Etsy custom work and I learned a lot from the process. I learned a bit about pricing for what time and effort goes into a custom piece.

Is there anything special you do to bring customers to your Shop? Not yet, I have a friend and sister who post for me on twitter but I'm not sure how to get the shop out there to others. I have sent my shop to friends I work with and have had good feedback. I know I have to learn about marketing on the Internet because it is so different from working one on one with a customer at a craft fair.

Do you belong to any Etsy teams? No, I'm not sure the timing is right for that yet. Hopefully when I have more time to spend at my shop I will be able to have time to meet others and talk about our passions.

Do you twitter? No have not learned how to do that, another item on my list of "to dos". I know there are resources out there for sellers to use but I haven't worked on those yet. Working full time means I have limited amounts of time for actually promoting my shop. I still choose to do the creating with what free time I have.

Do you have a blog? No, I don't have a lot to say and I don't spend a lot of time on the Internet. Since I am on the computer the majority of my work day spending my free time on the Internet is not a choice I freely make.

What one piece of advice would you give someone thinking about opening an Etsy shop? Be sure you have time to put into your shop. When you list an item be sure very good descriptions of the item and make the description fun. Tell a little story about the item and what you want others to see in it.

Independant Artisan

2008-12-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

I am an independant artisan. I have done crafts and fine arts for the past 40+ years and often thought that I should only do one thing and do it well. However, my attention span seems to be limited to the mastering of a skill before I want to move on to the next adventure.

When I was growing up often there was not much money in our household for extra or frivolous things. So my mother, who is a consumate artisan with a wonderful imagination tought us how to make what we wanted. From the time I was about 10 she began teaching me hand crafts.

I can remember when I first learned to crochet. I think I must have made every person I knew a scarf. Then I descovered the fine work you could do and began making doilies and table cloths. I gave many to my family and friends and didn't keep any for myself. I now have some beauties from my grandmother and mom.

When I was first married my mother and I opened a consignment shop. It was a bit before it's time but was so fun. At that time I had been making and selling my candles at shops in Pioneer Square and my mother was doing oil paintings and selling them in restaurants. The shop was a wonderful place with items from many artisans.

Etsy.com is much like our shop was filled with interesting items made by all kinds of people. You can find most anything that is hand made in the shops there. If you can't find an item you can do a custom request that artisans bid to make for you.

Here are a few of my favorite items from my shops

G.L. Entwistles Creations http://www.glentwistle.etsy.com/

The painting on the right is called "Patti's Poinsettias". It was painted in the middle of summer in St George Utah. It was hot and I was thinking about my pleasant NW when the idea came to me. I turned up the air conditioning and painted it in one sitting.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18685994

The original of the painting on the right has a place of honor in my mom's dinning room. It is called "Purple Glory" and is one of my first hummingbird paintings. I have a limited number of prints.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.phplisting_id=18685994
Beaded Splendor http://www.beadedsplendor.etsy.com/

This lovely woven necklace is made with glass seed and bugle beads. It is woven in a lace pattern with gold accent beads. The design is based on a pattern by Alexia Luikert which I altered to make my own.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17080406

The set on the right is an stricking set with an earthy look to it. It was made with a bloodstone pendant that I puchased over 30 years ago because it was "different". I had looked off and on over the years for stones to go with it but didn't find the lovely autumn rose jasper till recently.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17970852

Digital Expressions http://www.digitalexpressions.etsy.com/

This shop specializes in digital images, banners, collages, backgrounds and avatars. I do custom banners at
premade prices.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17970852

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16445463

Etsy and Me

2008-12-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

I have a couple of shops on etsy and am always amazed at the talented artisans that have shops there. Many of them are now on vacation till after the first of the year so I have not been doing as much exploring as before.

I know everyone has their own idea of what is talent and what is beautiful and I like the idea of having a blog that I can share what I find to be both of those. I think for my first pick from etsy I will choose shops that do steampunk. Remember you are never to old to love steampunk.

Steampunk you say what's that. Again it is different for everyone, I see it as a combination of Mad Max, the romance of Victorian times and the future after an apocolyptic event. Here are some definitions:

Wiktionary sez "A subgenre of speculative science fiction set in an anachronistic 19th century society"

Wikipedia calls it "A subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s".

The Christian Guide to Fantasy names it "A subgenre of Alternate History; this generally deals with advanced technology in the altered past".

I have chosen these stores at etsy to highlight my idea of steampunk.

Eliza Gauger http://www.elizagauger.etsy.com/

ReClaim2Fame http://www.reclaim2fame.etsy.com/

Steampunk Cellar http://www.steampunkcellar.etsy.com/

thesorceress770 http://www.thesorceress770.etsy.com/

The Steampunk Trunk http://www.thesteampunktrunk.etsy.com/

First Post

2008-12-20T18:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas is slowly creeping up on me and I have to admit to wishing it would never get here. My mother is a Christmas nut. Each year she decorates, inside and out with a theme either Santa, Disney or snowmen. This year the snowman get the place of honor in mom's house. This will probably be the last time the decorating is done by my mom and I wish it was her wonderful Santas.

To explain decorating at moms is almost impossible. I would venture a guess that 200 or more Snowmen are involved and every room is decorated. She even changes the hand soap dispensers, towels and wash cloths to Snowmen. As you walk into the house there are snowmen and snowwomen every where you look. I love the big ones that stand and sit next to the fireplace. You will find them climbing ladders, hanging from garlands, singing carols or doing the Christmas hop. They come in sizes from smaller than an inch to 4 feet tall.

Around the mantel mirror is a garland with lights that make the carousal horses on the mantel below sparkle. Mom was telling me about the first time her great grand daughters (twins) saw the carousal horses play and move. She said "you know those old cards where the kids faces look at the tree in awe that's what my girls looked like". This is only one of many memories she has been building with them so they will remember her as they grow up.

I remember as a kid taking a special drive sometime around the weekend before Christmas to see the lights in different neighborhoods. We lived near SeaTac airport but would drive over to Burien and West Seattle beacuse some of the best old fashioned displays were there. My mom and I continued that for years even when I was way beyound the age to "go look at lights". Christmas for me will always be spelled MOM.

Seattle doesn't generally have a white Christmas but I think this year will be the exception. There is a storm tonight that is supposed to bring up to 8 inches of snow and it is supposed to stay cold till Christmas eve. The bad about that is Seattlites do not know how to drive in the snow. I'm sure glad my shopping is done and I can enjoy the beauty from inside.