Meet Vanessa Kimball on Etsy

Meet Vanessa Kimball, a gifted graphic designer who works for a design company called Ekcetera Producitions. www.ekcetera.com And if you're near Inver Grove Heights, MN, you can find her stationary at Ekcetera Inc. Vanessa also is open to doing custom work, so just convo her from her etsy shop.

Vanessa says she's got a bit of a design addiction and is always at her computer. She also mentioned an addiction to Lipsmackers Lip Gloss- Strawberry Kiwi. I think I might need to try that one.

You can also check out her blog.... http://vanessakimball.blogspot.com

Vanessa is having a special on Mix and Match Holiday cards. You can go through her shop and choose what you like. I love that idea.

Vanessa also has Etsy shop banners for sale. She will customize them for you with your shop name and tag line. She says you'll have it within 24 hours. What a great way to freshen up your shop or just have one to get started.

So stop by VanessaKimball on etsy. You'll be happy to see her great graphics that are current and delightful.

Meet StaciRose on Etsy

Her shop is StaciRose.etsy.com, but she goes by Staci and is an artist living and growing in the San Francisco Bay Area. She loves making her art. You can find her thoughts and comments at http://stacirose.blogspot.com

Staci Rose Designs - all pieces are original, hand-made, and one of a kind: Original Oil Paintings, Handmade Jewelry, Decorated Picture Frames and Mirrors, Judaica, and more great gift ideas! She also welcomes custom orders. Please send requests to stacirosedesigns@yahoo.com!

Staci has a lot of fun inventory in her shop. I chose two items that caught my eye, and both are very cool.

Title: Miraculous Flame

Citrine, Topaz & Carnelian Earrings


About This Piece:
Pewter Chanukea, Carnelian rounds & faceted buttons, Citrine faceted buttons, Topaz buttons. 2", surgical steel earhooks.

Carnelian balances creativity and mental processes. Citrine is uplifting. Topaz imparts the strength to quiet wild emotions.

Title: Spunk
Dotted Polymer Clay Pendant

About This Piece:
Ridiculously fun black pendant colorfully dotted! Measures approximately 1-1/3" x 1". Each piece is lightly varnished to protect the piece and give it a soft shine. Hole "drilled" horizontally for easy stringing. Would look lovely on a silver chain, simple cord, or incorporated into your own jewelry creations!

So stop by Staci's shop and drop her a convo, if you're interested in something special. But I'll bet you'll find something great just by looking around in her shop!

Meet zoe stewart uk on etsy

I have found a fun shop on Etsy, http://www.zoestewartuk.etsy.com. Zoe is from Edinburg, UK and has some really cute items in her shop. Her categories include, "misshapen hearts, quirky creatures, kids aprons, adult aprons and supplies".

I have to say, the first two categories really caught my attention, so those are the two I'm featuring today.

The first item is adorable. You get a piece of Scotland with it, both in name and in materials used. I've used Zoe's exact descriptions, so you can get a touch of her personality in each one. It makes me smile along with her fun items.

"hooter mctooter"
"here is a brand new creature... hooter mctooter...

he is a scottish owl and loves to sit in tree's a twoot at things passing by, he has big ears and can hear everything,

he is made from Scottish Tartan from a well known company in the scottish borders... the tartan i have used for him is the only piece i have in this one.... so you wont find another creation like him...

if you have any questions just convo me and i will answer asap xx"

And here is the description for the heart photo, that was written by Zoe.

"pink and green should always be seen...."

"here is a gorgeously long heart that is made from green cotton with pink polka dots, with a lovely ribbon in pink, reen and aqua detail to hang it, this heart is beautiful on any hook or door and looks great on the front of kids rooms, then you know who it belongs to!!

the first 1/4 (the tip) of the heart is filled with loose lavender, and the rest is filled with non alergenic fluff stuff, ( if you would love a whole heart just filled with lavender just convo me and we can get it sorted, i also fill with loose heather).

the heart is perfect for a christmas gift for a friend, or work colleague or someone a little more special,

the heart measures approx 42cm in length and approx 15cm across (at the top of the heart..)

hope you love it x x"

Wyred on Wire on Etsy

Meet Etsy shop- Wyred On Wire who has a delightful selection of jewelry showing interesting and unique styles. website www.freewebs.com/wyredonwire
blog www.wyredonwire.blogspot.com

I love this part of her bio, so here it is in her own words. "I fell in love at the tender age of eight when as a Christmas gift my grandparents gave me a large beading kit from then on I was always making some form of jewelry or another. I still very much love making jewelry the only thing thats changed is my range of materials from plastic stretch cord and plastic pony beads to sterling silver and precious stones."

She also said that she loves to use a variety of materials and that one can't limit them. Her jewelry is fresh and different as well as an extension of herself. You can't ask for more. Also, I noticed that in her listings she is very interested in pleasing the customer. It sounds like all you need to do is convo her and get the conversation going.

I have chosen my two favorite items from her shop. Here are her descriptions of the jewelry.

Uncolored Bracelet
(I love this bracelet. It can be worn anywhere and goes with everything!)

"this beautiful bracelet was handcrafted using sterling silver, Swarovski crystal, and handmade paper beads coated for durability. It's sparkle is absolutely gorgeous! Measures approx 7.5" if needed I can shorten or lengthen make this beauty yours!"


Flirting Around
(This bracelet is pretty and feminine, I think)

"This extremely flirty bracelet showcases sterling silver gently floating and flirting around round amozonite semi- precious stones. It measures approx 8.5 inches and is finished off by a beautiful handmade clasp. You will feel beautiful and flirty with this bracelet around your wrist!"

If you like the design and want a different stone or size feel free to convo me I love to make You Happy!

Meet Suzanne and Jennie of JaJaJa on Etsy

Meet Suzanne and Jennie of Ja Ja Ja on Etsy. Suzanne was kind enough to answer some of my questions, so here it is in her own words....

"My sister, Jennie Wucherer and I, Suzanne Kinavey, started Ja Ja Ja Purses. Ja Ja Ja means Yes Yes Yes in Swedish. My Dad was born in Sweden, so we grew up with Ja-this and Ja-that and Ja Right etc. There are three sisters, therefore, Ja Ja Ja. It is pronounced Ya Ya Ya, but most people call it Jaw Jaw Jaw!

We use recycled, vintage, old and some new fabrics to make our bags. Ours Grandma Smith taught us to sew, when we young. She taught us always to take our time, make it right, and make it neat! Our purses and bags are very well made, and usable. It is important to us to use as much recycled fabrics and embellishments as we can. We love to make purses and bags from fabrics which have had a "prior life"!

A reader would notice that our bags are unique, and usually one of a kind. The fabrics are so lovely. Sometimes they are a real blast to the past. We do not cut up clothes, drapery or whatever which can be used again, as is."


Recycled Coat Purse
This coat was given to us and it was quite a mess. We believe it is from the early 1960's and it made two wonderful purses. There is nothing like recycling fabrics. The fabric is very sturdy and thick. It has a pink/coral background with very light yellow or tan spots. It is simply fabulous. The purse is simply and lovely. It measures 7 by 8 by 2 inches and has a long 46 inch strap. The bag is fully with goldish satin, and has an inside pocket. The closure on the flap are magnetic snaps. Very pretty bag.

1950's Drapery Bug Purse
I just love this fabric. It is 1950's drapery fabric, recycled into a wonderful purse. The fabric has a golden background with beautiful, colorful leaves and a lady bug and cricket. Definately a botanical theme! The style is cut in diagonal, so the top is wider than the bottom. The style is nice because you do not have to dig for your things on the bottom of the purse. The purse measures 10 by 7.5 on the bottom and 10 by 11 inches at the top. It has a long 42 inch strap. It has been reinforced with fusible interfacing, fully lined, and has a matching inside pocket. The closure is a magnetic snap. It would make a great gift for you or your special friend.

Meet Toni of KuddleBugzThreadz on Etsy

Meet Toni of KuddleBugzThreadz on etsy. http://www.kuddlebugzthreadz.etsy.com.
Toni is the mother of twin girls AND she lives at the North Pole, (Fairbanks) Alaska. Wow! She said that keeping her baby girls warm and cozy was the inspiration of her shop.

I thought this store policy was fantastic. I wish more etsy shops would do this...
REFERAL DISCOUNT! Refer a Friend and get 25% off your next order! When your friend makes a purchase please have them write your name/shop name and FRIEND in the message!

So here are the descriptions from Toni's shop about the two items I chose. I Love the little girly girl ballet slippers. They're pretty, warm and soft. That's a winning combination. And the car seat cover made so much sense with the extra flap for gently protecting the baby's face from wind, rain and snow... Here you go. Enjoy

Baby Pink Ballet Slippers
Your little cutie will be the talk of your Mommy group with these Ultra Cute Ballerina Slippers! Keep her little toes warm and adorable with KuddleBugz Threadz Ballerina Slippers. They are made with wool felt, the upper is baby pink and the sole is heather gray. These little slippers will stay put the tie ribbon!

Size
0-6 Months

Alphabet Animals Infant Car Seat Cover
FALL is here and it's getting COLD!! Keep your little one comfortable and protected from the cold and wind in a brand new handmade fleece infant car seat carrier cover. Our covers are made with fleece, 100% soft, thick and warm. KuddleBugz Threadz covers are available lined with an additional layer of fleece to add a layer of cozy warmth.

There is a flap, kept up with small Velcro tabs, that flips down to protect your baby's face from wind, cold, rain and snow. No zippers that could scratch your baby, instead the carrier cover is entirely surrounded with elastic for easy-on/easy-off attachment to your infant car seat.

Covers fit all standard infant carriers, is machine washable/dryable and easy to care for. These take the place of that blanket that always blow off. Our covers are loose enough allowing your baby to move around freely.

Fabulous Article about Ancient Glass Bead Discovery in Georgia!

I am taking a minute to tell all my bead friends about this wonderful article in our Atlanta, Georgia newspaper. It discusses the discovery of an Italian glass bead in Georgia, which may rewrite some of our history. Please read the article.

http://www.ajc.com/search/content/living/stories/2007/11/12/fernbank_1112.html

Marcy

Meet Paulette of PauletteInsall on Etsy

Meet Paulette of PauletteInsall.etsy.com

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

These days when she’s not busy entertaining her very busy four year old son, you will find her stealing any moment she can in her home studio pouring her thoughts and emotions out into the visual stories she creates through her art.

I've included two photos from her shop of her artwork and Paulette's own words describing them.

Listen -- ART PRINT by mixed media artist Paulette Insall -- 6x6
♥♥♥ Story behind the original painting ♥♥♥ (included)
Lately I've had some people in my life say things to make me doubt myself and this path I've chosen (or that has chosen me, depending on the way you look at it). This painting was created as a reminder to myself to listen to my heart and to God no matter what others say.

Print Size: 6" X 6" on 8" x 10" on white matte coated heavyweight paper

ART PRINT NOTECARDS (set of 3) from mixed media artist Paulette Insall
Artist: Paulette Insall (www.pauletteinsall.com)
Size: 3.75" x 5.125" (dimensions of notecards)

Three quality cream linen blank notecards with fine art prints of original paintings mounted to front. Prints are printed with archival inks on coated matte paper. Keep for yourself to display or send to a friend with included matching envelopes. Will be shipped to you in a inside a resealable clear cellophane sleeve in a stiff protective envelope.

Title of art print notecards in this set (stories also included on back of each card):
"Waking Dream", "Listen", & "Within Reach"

Meet Karen of Kala on etsy

Meet Karen of www.Kala.etsy.com, a mixed media artist from Cambridge in the UK and who specialises in stationery, gifts and accessories for weddings and christenings. She also loves collage, illustration and textiles so you will find a bit of everything in her shop! With a background as a professional artist and illustrator, you'll see quite a variety in her shop. She draws, paints, collages, makes jewelry and crochets. Karen has recently opened another shop on etsy to house her crafts, and jewelry... www.upwiththelark.etsy.com.

My main website is www.chalkhillstudio.co.uk which is where I sell my stationery and gifts for those special moments in our lives! To see what goes on in my life visit my blog http://karenjinks.blogspot.com/

Karen also does custom work. I've highlighted one of her delightful offerings below.

I've chosen two great items from her shop. I love both of them and hope you do too.

Peony Pink - 8 x 10 print
Original pink peony photo print. Printed on glossy photo paper with lightfast photographic inks, 8 x 10 inches, including white border for framing.

Custom Drawing
Commission a beautiful pencil drawing of your little darling and capture that moment forever. I use A3 size quality artists cartridge paper (white) or ingres paper (coloured) and for best results I require one or two large, well focused photographs to work from.

Meet BunniesHoney on Etsy!

Meet Bunnieshoney on etsy. http://www.bunnieshoney.com . She is a twenty year old Canadian artist and makes these darling little creations in between photographing bands and going to college full time! She does custom work and would love to take on any projects you have in mind, please feel free to contact her!

Here are a couple of items from her shop:

Vanilla Mocha All Natural Soap
Can't bring your cup of Joe in the shower? Well, now you can! This is approximately 3 ounces of all natural glycerin soap infused with fresh coffee grounds and some vanilla to give it that extra fresh sugary latte scent!

Coffee – A natural exfoliant; ground coffee removes dead skin cells and the antiseptic and deodorant keep the skin feeling fresh and clean. It is also proven that coffee reduces the look of cellulite and varicose veins, as well as increase metabolism.

Yummy Earring Studs
Available in chocolate or vanilla sprinkled donuts, watermelon slices, or strawberries (not pictured), these yummy looking earrings will surely earn you some compliments!

Handcrafted and mounted on sterling silver posts with sterling silver butterfly backings. Please state in your order which studs you'd like. Please note: This is for ONE pair of earrings only!

Meet ellebelleonetsy

Elle Belle is the place to find handmade, boutique quality baby items that make being a Mom easier and more fun!

It all started when a group of friends started making things for their own children and realized that even though we each only had one or two things they specialize in, colaborating is more fun and makes for a shop full of things they all absolutely couldn't live without. Co-owner, Stacey's daughter's name is Elle, Karie always called her Elle Belle and it just stuck. Stacey, works on Elle Belle with 3 of her friends and her Mom. You can find out more about them on the Elle Belle website, the artist profile pages http://ellebelleonline.com

Stacey says she loves their products because they're unique with a personal touch that you rarely find at traditional shops. "I hope our customers notice the thoughtfulness that go into each product," she added.

Here are just a portion of the listing information for each featured photo. Please visit the shop for a more complete description...

••My Favorite Ring Sling
Slings are the most versatile, comfortable and convenient way for you to carry your baby. They fit in your diaper bag, you don’t need a big trunk or SUV to carry one and they’re not just a load off of your back and arms, they’re really comforting for your child as well.

Elle Belle rings sling are different than most sling you'll find on the market. I make them with less material so that they're not hot, bulky, or hanging down to your ankles, the pleated shoulder helps the fabric spread out across your shoulder and back which distributes baby's weight more evenly, and the light weight aluminum rings are made specifically for slings, they've been tested to hold up to 200 lbs (don't try that at home!). You'll receive a set of instructions on how to use the sling to carry your baby in 5 different positions and my email address if you need some one on one help.

••Personalized Crinkle Corner Satin and Fleece Tag Blanket
Each Elle Belle original Tag Blanket is a one of a kind creation designed to engage your little one in visual, auditory, and tactile exploration. The extraordinarily soft fleece and satin combination make this blanket a favorite cuddly companion. An improvement over store bought versions; the 12 tags on each blanket are all unique in texture, size, and color. Elle Belle blankets also feature crinkle material in one corner. These blankets are 14 x 14 inches which makes them really portable so baby can easily play with them in their car seat and they fit nicely in a diaper bag.

This listing is for a personalized tag blanket. Elle Belle will machine embroider baby's name, monogram and/or birthday, making this the perfect unique baby gift!

Meet Corline of MommyandMeBoutique on Etsy

Meet Corline of. MommyandMeBoutique on Etsy. (http://www.MommyandMeBoutique.com) She also has a blog, http://themommyandmeboutique.blogspot.com .

Corline started making aprons about 2 years. Most of the patterns she designs herself. "I designed a terry cloth baby bathing apron and embroidered across the top Mommy&Me - I thought bathing time was between the mommy and baby and it should be a fun time. So - I thought that would be a cute name for the etsy store. Also, it allowed me to incorporate my love for children and baby things.", she said.

" I love to "shop" for designer fabrics from the internet and the fabric I select has an influence on how I use them. Also I keep an eye on fashion and color and often incorporate some of these details into my styles," Corline added.

Here are Corline's descriptions for the above photos. She prides herself in the originality of her design and workmanship. With good reason.

••Retro Print Apron Cookies Anyone
Little girls love aprons and this is a cutie with the retro cooking print and the darling ruffles all around. Ties in bow in the back. Your little girl would have such fun baking the cookies for family and friends. Makes a sweet gift.
Apron is 100 percent cotton, size fits 2 thru 4, machine washable, cool, tumble dry. Well made for long lasting wear.

This little apron will ship first class within 48 hours of purchase. Packed in a box, wrapped in tissue, tied with a ribbon. Customer satisfaction is my satisfaction. Thank you for viewing Mommy and Me Boutique.

••Boutique Toddler 3 Tier Paris Skirt
Oh so chic! Paris, Eiffel Tower print was used for the yoke of the darling skirt. It has 3 tier ruffles with an overlay of black tule on the bottom ruffle. Elastic waist. Yoke is fully lined. Skirt measures 11 and 1/2 inches from waistband to skirt hem.

100% cotton, washable cool water, tumble dry, steam press.
Looks cute paired with leggings. Little girls love the full ruffle look.
All seams serged and machined stitched for lasting quality

Meet Simply Said By Sarah from Etsy

You might want to visit Simply Said by Sarah on etsy, http://www.simplysaidbysarah.etsy.com
I found some wonderful stocking stuffer and teacher type gifts there that are perfect for the holidays. I noticed cards, magnets, sticky notes, custom items, gift sets and best of all, a sale section too.

If you're looking for something in particular and you dont see it here, let Sarah know and she will gladly make it for you. She makes personalized invitations, cards, tags and magnets (monogrammed, initials, your name, etc.) upon request and can do packs/sets of cards for you too, just let her know! ..just convo her and let her know what it is you're looking for!

Here are her descriptions for the two photos of items from her shop. I hope you stop by there and visit.
Holly Sticky Notes
Sticky Notepad measures 3"x3" and has a fun, sturdy cover. This pad has 100 green sticky note pages with holly & berries printed on the cover.


Winter Hats Sticky Note Pad
Be the coolest one at school or work with these fun sticky notes!

Sticky Notepad measures 3"x3" and has a fun, sturdy cover. This pad has 100 green sticky note pages with cute winter snow hats printed on the cover. The cover has an almost gold shine to it, making it extra special!

Meet Beth of Cryztalvisions on Etsy

Meet Beth Alexander of Cryztalvisions - http://cryztalvisions.etsy.com and http://www.cryztalvisions.com

I asked Beth how her shop got its name? She replied with this very sweet answer, "Cryztalvisions with a "Z" is an homage to a great teacher I had in my youth who shared her passion for gemstones and crystals with me. She prounounced crystals "CreeZztals", so my shop name reminds me of her everytime I post or sell an item."

Her best inspirations always come from nature whether it's a walk through the redwoods, or a visit to the beach. She said she always comes back to her workshop refreshed and full of new ideas. "I also find inspiration in the materials I work with. Sometimes all I need to do is spread out some gemstones and I start to see new design possibilities, it's as if some pieces actually design themselves. A lot of my work is influenced by ancient jewelry fabrication techniques. I love to learn various techniques that have been used throughout history and find ways to infuse a modern day spark," she added.

As a shop owner, I always ask other shop owners, " What do you want the reader to notice about your work?"
Beth said, "Most of my designs are one of a kind items. I believe that certain stones resonate better with certain people. I believe that each piece I create will attract just the right person to wear it. When I remember to keep this in mind while I'm working, some truly special pieces come to life right before my eyes. Jewelry is more than mere adornment to me, when you pick a piece that attracts you, that you really resonate with, it is an avenue of outwardly expressing a little of your inner beauty and magic."

I've included photos and Beth's description of a few items from her shop.

Fine Silver Handcrafted Tree of Life Pendant with hidden Bail
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7375644

This is the first in my new "Tree of Life" series.

This pendant in lovingly handcrafted of over 12 grams of pure (99.9%) silver. I added a light patina to the silver to accentuate the twisting, swirling branches and spiraling roots of the tree. High in the tree top sits a silvery dichroic glass cabochon adding just the right amount of sparkle and light.

The tree is hand drawn free form using precious metal clay from a syringe, so each tree is unique.

There is a hidden coiled slide bail in the back that will accommodate large chains and cords and smaller omega chains.

The pendant measures: 2"L x 1-1/2"W

The Tree of life is a universal motif, found in every ancient culture- a symbol of the uniting of heaven and earth, spiritual nourishment, and even enlightenment.

Sugilite and Amethyst Visions Handcrafted Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7368588

One-of-a-kind Design!

I love the color combination of the deep purples in this fabulous Sugilite stone and Amethyst beads along with the earth tones of the Golden Horse Jasper beads!

The focal pendant features a large AAA quality Sugilite stone set in a one-of-a-kind wire wrap design. Above the Sugilite is a Golden Horse Jasper Bead with fabulous colors and a natural abstract pattern. The bead is inside a large twisted rope circle of sterling silver with a butterfly shaped bail.

The chain is Sterling Silver, each link has been handcrafted. There are rectangle Grade A amethyst beads and additional Golden Horse Jasper beads integrated into the chain.

Chain length: 17"
Clasp: Handcrafted Spiral & hook and eye clasp
Pendant drops about 3-1/4" down from the chain.

I really love the items in her shop. In fact, as I was looking through it, I've been strongly contemplating a pair of earrings that I love. I decided not to feature them, because they might just be gone, before you read this!

Thanks for visiting my blog,
Marcy

Whew, Finally Out of October

You know, Oktoberfest can really wear a girl out. All the oompah bands and polkas going on around here.
So now I'm ready for the milder Christmas Holiday season. (You do see my tongue planted firmly in cheek, don't you?)
Actually, it's my favorite holiday of the year. Not the receiving presents part...okay, I can like that part too, but more the spirit, the fun of making handmade gifts for my friends and family.

This year I'm making everyone ornaments. And hopefully, they'll be ornaments that will be designed just specifically for what the person likes. Some will receive my "Pet Portraits" for their favorite dogs or cats, some will find hobbies, or collections represented and others, who tend to be traditional, will receive more of the traditional kind too. Like the Santa that is pictured above. My sister adores seashells, so I'm going to be making those for her. (She doesn't read my blog, so I'm safe.)

So if anyone has a request for a lampwork bead that can become an ornament by just wiring it with a loop, please feel free to contact me through my etsy shop site.... http://www.StudioMarcy.etsy.com. I've got some custom orders going now that are going to make some folks very happy this holiday.

Thanks for stopping by,
Marcy