Life is Green.

A Peek into the Studio

2012-01-03T00:06:00.001-05:00

First off Happy New Year everyone! My new year has started out great! So far, and only 2 days into the year, I have found myself featured in 3 treasuries, and made 4 sales! Which may not seem like much to some, but for this college girl its great!

Since its the start of a new year I wanted to start fresh, so I cleaned my "Studio" or my sewing room as I call it! Lets just say that normally its not any where near as nice and clean as it is now! While everything always has its place, and most of those place are labeled, things don't always make it to their spots!

Lets start with an over view. Here is a look at my whole (tiny) sewing room! Its perfect for me, although I wish I could figure out how to stick another table in here!

Now I'll go into each section. The hardest thing, by far, for me to keep organized is my desk! Its where I create everything, and often things get left on it, pushed aside, and piled up. When I get sewing I'm more worried about what I'm making than not making a mess! But some times the mess is just too much! I'm hoping now that the whole room is clean I can keep it that way, at least for a little while! (My favorite BNR is even up on my computer screen! Yay BNR BABES!)

Next up is ALLLL my fabric! Let me tell you, there is a bunch! I had to come up with a clever idea to organize it, something that wouldn't take up too much space but where I could still easily access all my fabrics. Then I get a genus idea, to use a book shelf! It works great and i can always see my whole assortment of fabrics!

Lets see, next is the not so exciting but all important ironing board and iron. Notice the polka dot ironing board cover and the bright pink iron! Two of my very favorite things (polka dots and pink that is!). And of course notice my brand spanking new AccuQuilt Go! Let me tell you I LOVE this thing, it has to be one of the best inventions ever made! What is an AccuQuilt Go! you ask? Its a machine to cute out cute little fabric shape, you can see examples in my shop such as the butterfly and dragonfly applique bags currently listed!

Then comes my photo center! Simply put its where I take all my pictures, next to my white background is a bin with all my props. Under the desk is my little storage area. It has all of my pre-cut fabric, ribbon, appliques, shipping materials, and holiday fabrics.

Last but certainly not least, the most important thing, my inventory. Which may I add has a label on each drawer so everything is easily accessible. May not look like a lot of space, but you would be surprised what fits into these drawers! Oh and notice all the thread? It from my grandma! And of course the AccuQuilt Go! dies are in the photo too!

Well there is the quick version into my Studio! Hope you enjoyed, I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories about your own studio or crafting room!

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-22T03:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Holidays everyone! Here to wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Maybe this year will be the year we keep our resolutions. Well... at least for a few months! Its finally slowed down around here, and I think I'm actually going to be able to get things done. Hearts orders are DONE! THANK GOODNESS! I'll be creating a post about my Heartsy experience, the good, the bad, the ugly, all in one post! Hopefully it will help everyone wondering if they should do a feature or not! School is out for winter break, my finals are done, my classes are passed, so its quite around here!

Hopefully my break will allow me to stock my shop back up, and get it looking like it should! Only time will tell!

I should have the Heartsy post up soon, so be on the look out!

My Latest Treasury

2011-09-27T23:20:00.003-04:00

Click and Comments are greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance!

Friday Feature ~Dee's Adornments~

2011-07-29T20:22:00.002-04:00

This week I'm featuring a beautiful Jewelry shop, Dee's Adornments. Her shop is full of unique and beautiful jewelry. She has many earrings, as well as bracelets and necklaces. From the photos of her work you can see the quality and time spent to make these items look their best! Please read our Interview with her to find out more about her and her shop. Also enjoy these wonderful pictures of items in her shop.

1. Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

I started making jewelry as a hobby and quickly found that I wanted to make more than I'd ever wear, or could afford to keep! When people kept asking how much something would cost and if I sold my pieces, I thought why not have a try at making this a business? I've sold artistic works before, I used to do stained glass and mosaics, but I have dogs so I have to do that kind of work outside.

I really enjoy experimenting with new techniques and combinations of things. It's a lot of fun to try putting together unexpected colors, for example, and hear people's reactions. And while trying a technique I've never done before can result in a lot of cursing, it's also incredibly satisfying to finally "get" it. Ultimately, I think I just get a ton of pleasure out of making beautiful things that people enjoy.

2. How did you get started in your craft?

It all started with me wanting to get out more and work with my hands and meet more people locally. Rather than being banished outside to do stained glass work, I was looking for a hobby I could do indoors, and ended up choosing a series of jewelry-making classes at a local rec center. No one warned me it was addictive!

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

I changed my mind a ton of times. I'm a writer in my "day job" so I kept wanting to come up with something creative and evocative, but at the same time I needed something that was actually available on Etsy and as a domain name. It was important to me to not box myself in too much, so I decided on Dee's Adornments to combine my name and something that evokes making things prettier without limiting myself to just jewelry in case I branch out.

If I hadn't been so ready to open my shop I might still be arguing with myself over the perfect name.

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

Not very long. I just got started last year. But, because I purchased supplies with Christmas gifts and selling things in mind, I've done a ton of it. :)

5. Where else can we find you?

Jewelry:
Etsy
Twitter
Facebook
WordPress

Day/Other:
Tech writing/journalism day job
Writing about surviving as a freelancer/self-employed person

6. Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

I feel in some ways like I didn't have to start from scratch, because I've been self-employed most of my adult life. I've had to learn tons about selling and marketing jewelry in particular and other items involving retail and Etsy, but there are a lot of skills that translate too. Running a shop on Etsy and always striving to perfect how you do it is actually a great and practical skillset to take with you to other places.

I hope you enjoy this feature! If you do please leave a comment so that Dee's Adornments and Myself my take a look! Have a wonderful day!

Marvelous Monday ~ Favorite's from our shops! ~

2011-06-21T23:48:00.001-04:00

This week everyone has shared their favorite item from their shops! Come check them out and maybe you will find a few favorites too!

Metalic Horse by Celtic Cat Photos

Small Marble Spiders by Spiderwood Hollow

Lunch Buddie by The Green Haven

Hello Sailor Key Chain by Simplicity Baskets

Crystal Earrings by Ang's Divine Designs

Marveouls Monday ~Beach Theme~

2011-06-13T18:06:00.000-04:00

This Monday is all about Beaches and Water! Its in the middle of summer and whats better than a trip to the beach! Heres some of the great items the LIG team has to offer!

Laoke Orta Italy by Celtic Cat Photos

Flowers Adrift in a Turquoise Pool by Midnite Pine Creations

Blue Polka Dot Coffee or Can Cozy by The Green Haven

Marvelous Monday - Theme: Green-

2011-05-16T14:20:00.001-04:00

Hello everyone! Here is this weeks Marvelous Monday, where everything is Green!

Also please stop by and check out our team BNR/BNS! Going for 10 rounds so please keep checking in!

Polka Dot Lunch Set
by The Green Haven

Green Swirl Earrings
by Eclectic Happiness

Marvelous Monday

2011-05-11T12:16:00.002-04:00

Its that time again! Lets see what marvelous items the LIG team has this week!

*Feel free to join our group, HERE.

Love Yourself keychain

by Simplicity Baskets

Baseball Boo Boo Bag

by The Green Haven

Lighthouse Greeting Card
by Celtic Cat Photos

Royal Love Bracelet and Earrings
by Designone247

Mint Hanging Spiders
by Spiderwood Hollow

Frog Wedding Cake Topper
by Button Willoe

Proud Peacock Print
by Kitschy Kitschy Cool

What A Find Wednesday

2011-05-05T00:01:00.000-04:00

Pretty In Pink

This weeks What A Find Wednesday theme is Pretty In Pink! Four wonderful pink items from the LIG Team! Please show them some love and let 'em know what you think!

Pretty in Pink Clippies Set by Itzy Bitzy Boutique

Pretty in Pink Headband by Simplicity Baskets

Pink Spider with Silver Legs by Spiderwood Hollow

Pink White and Black Napkin Holders by Haute Interiors LLC

Marvelous Monday May 2nd

2011-05-02T12:59:00.008-04:00

This weeks theme for Marvelous Monday is "Your Favorite Item from Your own Shop!"

*Click on the photos caption to go to the listings, It actually works this week! =)

Rag Quilt

Yellow and Green Flower Prints

Personalized Coaster Set

Bamboo Bath Towel

Polka Dot Lunch Buddie

Batik Dashiki Style Shirt

Rainbow Clippies

Lighthouse Wall Art

Feather Earrings

His and Hers Cappuccino Cups

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2011-04-29T16:18:00.005-04:00

****And the winner is.... Erin! Congrats!****

Hello everyone! I hope you enjoy this weeks Friday Feature and Giveaway! This weeks feature is on a wonderful Fine Art Photography shop, called Celtic Cats Photos! This shop features beautiful pictures available in prints, as well as note cards! Please read her feature! (Giveaway details available at the end of this feature!)

1. Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

I started drawing and painting at a very young age. But photography has been my real passion. Over the summer and autumn seasons my partner and I do local art shows as well.

2. How did you get started in your craft?

My father had given me a camera for Christmas one year. Back in the day, you shot color for holidays and black and white the rest of the year.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

My studio was originally called A Touch Of Ireland, but unfortunately, that name was taken when I set up my domain. So one morning I called my cat Osisin the Celtic Cat. I thought is was

a good name and changed everything to Celtic Cat Photos.

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

I have sold photograph at art shows for about 20 years. I am new to online selling though. Etsy has given me a chance to create during what would be our down season.

5.Where do you find inspiration for your crafts?

I find inspiration in old things, barns, farms, houses, carousel horses.

6. Where else can we find you? (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.)

On my blog.

And now for the giveaway! Celtic Cat Photos will be giving away a beautiful Magnolia Blank Note Card! Gvieaway ends at Midnight on Friday May 6th. (EST)

To enter you MUST:

1) Be a follower of this blog

2) Got to Celtic Cat Photos shop on Etsy and tell me what us what your favorite item is.

For Extra Entries:

1) Heart Celtic Cat Photos on Etsy ~1 Entry~

2) Heart The Green Haven on Etsy ~1 Entry~

3) Follow Celtic Cat Photos on her Blog ~1 Entry~

3) Make a Purchase from Celtic Cat Photos on Etsy ~5 Entries~

4) Make a Purchase from The Green Haven on Etsy ~5 Entries~

**** Please leave separate entries for each. A purchase must include the transaction number so I may verify that the purchase was during the giveaway.****

Marvelous Monday -April 25th-

2011-04-25T13:46:00.011-04:00

Marvelous Monday's are the newest feature on my blog! Each Monday the Life is Green team will have feature item here that match a theme. I will be adding new items throughout the day so make sure you check back in with us! And dont forget to click on a photo if you like the item, it will take you to the listing =)

For some reason the links to the listings are not working... Will fix them as soon as I figure out how!

Wanna take part in Marvelous Monday or our other great features? Come join the team:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/9014/life-is-green-promotions-and-fun

Life is Green: Promotions and Fun Team

2011-04-21T12:37:00.001-04:00

Hello team!

There is 2 tabs at the top of my blog. The first being "Home" the second "LIG team". Click on the LIG team tab to see all the posts relating to our team! This will have all of our features in it as well as any other posts that are relavant to our team!

Want to join the team?
Heres the link: http://www.etsy.com/teams/9014/life-is-green-promotions-and-fun

Friday Features! (On Tuesday!)

2011-04-19T22:00:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! Getting back on track with my blog! Found a couple of people I needed to still feature and wanna get a head start and get them featured! Will hopefully have another Friday Feature actually on Friday of this week! Im also changing up the style of my features hopefully it will make them a little easier to read and follow along with! Please feel free to share your comments, now there is no need to enter a word verification to leave a comment!

First up is Authentic Arts by Jenny Hoople! This shop is full of natural jewlery and is quite cute and wearable!

1. Tell me a little about you and your shop.

My name is Jenny Hoople and my business is Authentic Arts. I make glamorous, colorful, natural jewelry. I choose knotted silk because I like its history, it's more romantic! I choose "natural" materials (stone, bone, wood, shell, silk) because even when altered by human hands and arranged and strung by them, the beauty of the processes that formed them breaks through and dazzles me.

2. How did you get started in your craft?

A few years ago I had grown some grey job's tears seeds in my garden and I couldn't decide how I wanted to make a necklace with them. I was waiting for my mom in a craft store when inspiration struck. I brought home a few beads that would match the grey job's tears and once I got started I couldn't stop creating! A lot of things were coming together in my life, bringing me to this, so I jumped on it and started selling them.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

I call my business Authentic Arts because my life ethic is one of authenticity, a more authentic life is a more meaningful one, and, for me, an authentic life is one that's handmade. I like that my business name could apply to oil paintings as much as to jewelry or to knit hats, it leaves me free to explore!

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

Just 6 months!

5. Where else can we find you? (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.)

On my website, twitter, facebook, myspace, my blog, tumblr, and indiepublic.

6. Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

It's so fulfilling to finally be using my creative side (B.A. in fine arts, millions of crafty hobbies) as a part of my livelihood. I really feel that my inner self is a craftsperson first and foremost!

Second up is Buddha Kitty Glass! A shop that has beautiful fused glass products! A must see for any glass lover.

1. Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop. 2. How did you get started in your craft? 4. How long have you been doing your craft? These questions were combined to make for a better more chohesive answer.

My love of glass goes back many years. During a college trip to Europe, I became fascinated with the stained glass in the cathedrals. Upon returning home, I took my first class in glasswork and learned how to make stained glass windows. This served as a wonderful introduction to the world of glass art. From there I began to learn glass bead making and became intrigued by the amazing transformation that takes place in glass once heat is applied. These glass beads became parts of handmade jewelry that I gave to friends and occasionally sold at small craft fairs. A cross-country move and new neighbors served as my introduction to fused glass. My new neighbors commented on a glass bead necklace I had made which turned into a discussion about kiln formed glass. My neighbor’s mother taught fused glass. We talked about my fascination with glass she suggested I try one of her mother’s classes. I signed up for her class and was immediately captivated by kiln formed glass. Shortly after the class, I purchased my first small kiln and began perfecting the art of fused glass in my basement. After several years, I decided to relocate back to the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle area is renowned for its glass art and is a wonderful location to continue to pursue fused glass.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

I had a cat many years ago who would sit with me while I made stained glass windows. He was fascinated by the glass and the way the light reflected on it. Also, this cat was quite large. He would sit up next to me with his back legs straight out and his front paws to the sides. His large belly would spill over to the sides and this reminded me of the laughing Buddha pose. When I started my shop, I wanted to honor my now deceased kitty who hung out with me on my first glass projects.

5. Where else can we find you? (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.)

Facebook, Blog, Flickr, Shop

6. Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

Most people do not allow themselves to do more than look at glass art, perceiving glass only to be something fragile that must be admired from afar. To me, glass should not be just a flat object experienced only with the eyes--glass is beautiful both seen and touched. For this reason, I endeavor to take fused glass from a two-dimensional object to a three-dimensional experience. To achieve this, I add glass dots, which are tack fused onto the glass base, adding both dimension and texture. My glass dots come from pattern bars that I have built, fired, cut into pieces on a tile saw, and re-fired into dots, creating tactile embellishments for my fused glass pieces

I hope you enjoy learning about each of these wonderful shops! Such great and unique products and of course all handmade! Please take a moment to check out these shops and if you like what you see it will only take a moment to comment and let the shop owner here what you think!

Cherry Blossom Festival

2011-04-11T16:51:00.001-04:00

Cherry Blossom Ballons!

Over the past weekend my fiancee and I took a trip home to see my parents. Last weekend also happened to be the last weekend and the parade weekend for the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC. Since DC is only an hour from my home we headed up for the day!

Cherry Blossom Queens
One from Japan and one from the US

We arrived around 9:30 and walked down to the parade route. We managed to squeeze in and get a pretty good spot. I got tons of pictures from the parade! Lots of High School Marching Bands, floats, horses and cars! We stayed for about 2 hours and the parade still wasnt done!

New York City Firemen

After watching most of the parade we decided to walk to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. I wanted to go before the mad rush of people watching the parade started to explore DC, this way I was sure we could get tickets. We got there only to find out that we couldn't get into the exhibit until 3:00, it was only 12! So we walked around the "open" exhibits, meaning the ones you could see with out the ticket.

The Washington Monument

Then we when to the Ronal Reagan Building for lunch, also giving us a much needed break from all the walking! The building was packed with people trying to find tables, stand in line and eat their lunches. My parents stood in line while me and my fiancee scouted for a table. Which we eventually found and a while later, after standing in rediculously long lines it was time to eat! Yummy Chinese food and gyros! After resting and eating we decided to walk around for a while and eventually made our way back to the museum.

The Capital Building

The Holocaust Museum is quite an experience and would highly recommend it to anyone planning a visit to DC, and the tickets are free you just have to get there early because they only give out a certain number per day. But I warn you it is very graphic and has A LOT of reading. You are also given an Identification Card, which has an actual person from the Holocaust in it. You follow their story through the floors, and at the end you find out if you lived or if you were a victim of the Holocaust. It can be quite hard for some.* I've also heard you can get guided tours, but I'm not 100% positive.

My goodies for the day:

~2 commemorative cherry blossom buttons

~A commemorative shirt

and

~Me and my fiancee's Holocaust ID cards.

By the time we finished the museum and walked our way back to the truck it was already 5:30! Such a long day, but worth the experience! I also collected a few items along the way! Both the button's and the shirt were technically "free" but we were asked to give a small donation, in which the proceeds benifit the homeless. We got 2 shirts and 2 buttons for 10 bucks! Quite a good deal if you ask me!

All in all I had a wonderful day! And am so happy I got to spend it with the people I love so dearly!

I've been MIA!

2011-02-28T21:26:00.001-05:00

Hi everyone! I know I've been MIA for a while! Feel like its been forever since I have posted. Well with the Etsy forums changing I'm going to have to adjust to how I do my weekly features. Which means I will probably end up ending the Sale Sunday feature, Its now become very difficult to find coupon codes for shops when you cant search for it or post a thread for it. I may still do one for all my teammates, I'll have to work on that!

But Im here to show you all some of my new listings! Im trying to build up a larger inventory to hopefully appeal to a larger audience. Im hoping it will help bring in the sales!

Zebra Print Lunch Buddie (Box, Bag)

Snoopy Saint Patrick's Day Lunch Set (Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bag)

Mossy Oak Break Up Camo Lunch Set (Reusable Sandwich and Snack Bag)

I hope you enjoy my new creations as much as I do!!!

What A Find Wednesday!

2011-02-02T15:55:00.001-05:00

Its Superbowl time!!! With the Superbowl just around the corner I wanted to do this weeks What A Find Wednesday on some great superbowl items. I've scowered etsy and here are my four picks! Lets see who wins the Steelers or the Packers, heres some items for both. Let me know who you want to win!

Baby Chucks by L Peek Designs

Green Bay Packers Banner by Pink Pups Designs

Green Bay Packers Photo Album by Baby Creations

Pittsburgh Steelers Birdhouse by Birdhouse Accents

Let me know what you think of this weeks picks! And dont forget to let me know who you think is gonna win the Big Game!!!

*UPDATE!!! I will sending out a coupon code to my store for all the people who choose the superbowl winner! So if the Steelers win, all those who commented and said they wanted them to win they will all be sent a coupon code, and the same thing if the Packers win!

What A Find Wednesday!

2011-01-26T13:30:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone! So classes were canceled today because of all the snow! And its still snowing. Living up on a mountain it takes alot for my school to cancel classes but to my surprise i don't have class today! So I'm getting my feature up earlier than normal and hope to use the rest of the day to make some new items for my shop!

This weeks What A Find Wednesday is featuring Eco-friendly and up cycled items! Hopefully this will give you an idea of all the great Eco-friendly items out there and how beautiful and use full they can be! So I hope you enjoy this one! (PS- My whole shop is full of Eco-friendly items!)

Flattened Wine Bottle Serving Tray by Dpholkdesigns

Go Green Onesie by Crocheting 4 baby

Once Upon a Dream Necklace by Strangsnthangs

Sale Next Day Necklace by Arnym

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2011-01-15T14:10:00.006-05:00

And the winner is............. Jasmine1485!!!! Congrats! And thank you to all that participated! Dont forget to check back often for more giveaways!

Its that time again! Its Friday! The last day of the week, its time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the weekend! Why not enjoy a great feature and a great giveaway too? *See below feature for full giveaway details. This Friday I'm featuring a great jewelry shop, Willow Creek Jewelry!

Pendant Charm Necklace

I am a nurse by profession and spent 20 wonderful and proud years as an Air Force Wife. I have been married to a very supportive husband for 28 years. We have two wonderful boys (ages 25 and 20), an adorable 2 ½ year old granddaughter that lives with us and two dogs/ two cats. I have always been interested in some sort of creative outlet; I make pottery, crotchet, knit, quilt, decorate wedding/special occasion cakes, make soaps/lotions, paint…pretty much you name it…I’ve tried it. A few years ago I discovered my current and favorite passion, beads! I started making jewelry for a salon/spa; built a clientele and was encouraged to expand. Around that same time I read an article about Etsy and decided that sounded like the perfect next step. I joined Etsy in August of 2009 and started adding designs to my shop in November of 2009.

Gemstone Chain Bracelet

I am basically self taught, although I have taken a couple of specialty classes to expand on the basics. I love creating jewelry. My pieces are original and one of a kind because I believe everyone should develop their own style. I also enjoy OOAK designs because I don’t like repetition and I have trouble remembering what I do from one time to the next…LOL. My favorite materials are gemstones, natural materials, copper, and sterling. I have been doing my craft for about 5 years now.

Sterling Silver Green
Aventurine Dangle Earrings

About 10 years ago I had a dream that I had my own business and it was called Willow Creek Studio. I never knew what that business was in the dream but I have always remembered the name. And thats where my shop name, Willow Creek Jewelry, came from.

I would also like to add that everyone I have encountered through Etsy has been so helpful and eager to help and offer advice. This is the same thing attitude I have noticed throughout my years of crafting and artistic endeavors. I guess what they say is true…All creative minds think alike…

This weeks giveaway is a stunning pair of earrings (featured below) from Willow Creek Jewelry! Heres how to enter:

YOU MUST:

1) Be a follower of this blog.

2) Go to Willow Creek Jewelry's Shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment with that item in it!

Extra Entries:

1) Heart Willow Creek Jewelry's Shop and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Make a purchase in Willow Creek Jewelry's Shop and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~

3) Heart The Green Haven and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~
4) Make a purchase from The Green Haven and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

What A Find Wednesday

2011-01-12T21:14:00.000-05:00

With the new blog title "Life Is Green" I figured it would be perfect to do the newest "What A Find Wednesday" feature with green items. So once again I created another tread in the Etsy forms and started my search! Its always so much fun to see what people give me, two things are never alike! Its great. Here are my picks for this weeks Green feature!

Upcycled Key and Watch Circuit Pendant by Southabi

Wire Wrapped Pendant by Fantasy Flyte

Quantum Rosettes by February Jones

Knitted Cat by Asiabataev

Let me know what you think! I had a lot of fun with this one, next weeks theme will be "Hearts" so look out for my thread next Tuesday and Wednesday!

Sale Sunday!

2011-01-09T21:30:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone and welcome to my newest blog feature, Sale Sunday. This feature is where is post great sales from fellow etsy shops! Look out for my thread each saturday and sunday to get a chance to be featured, also feel free to convo me your sales in advance to make sure they get a spot in Sale Sunday! Heres this weeks featured sales! Please note that all coupon codes have quotation marks around them and should not be entered as part of the code!

From Swirl Boutique:

Shop closing on 1/15/2011! Owner wants to start the new year by cleaning out all her supplies and is offering them all for $1.00!!! All items in shop are just $1.oo!!! YOU MUST CHECK THIS ONE OUT!!!!

*Whole shop only a $1.00! You just cant beat it!*

From Carol's Jewlery Orchard:

Valentines Sale, going on now! Save 20% on items with pink or red! Just enter coupon code "pinkandred20sale"

*Remeber any item with red and/or pink works with this sale!*

From Sophisticated Poises:

15% off to all Facebook Friends and Fans: Like the page HERE!

*Dont forget to like the facebook page so you can get this discount!*

From Hi Jinx:

10% off entire store with coupon code "January10"

I hope everyone enjoys the first edition of Sale Sunday! I look forward to making many more of these! Please let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for making this feature (or anything on my blog) better!

Oh and heres my sale section in my shop too!

What a Find Wednesday!

2010-12-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

Been a few weeks since I've posted one of these. But this week I hit the Etsy forums in search of Winter items. I was looking for anything winter, scarves, hats, gloves, snow, anything! I got plenty of items but i can only pick four! So here are my choices!

** Click on the pictures to check out the listing and the shop name to check out the shop! **

Winter Mini Cards Set by Sandys Sentiments

Snowman in the Meadow painting by Andralynn

Winter Stardust by Dreams by the Sea

A Winter Branch by Garden Jewels

Check it out!!!!

2010-12-20T10:45:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been a while, Finals and Christmas have me all booked up!

*I wanted to let all my followers know about this great offer I'm having in my shop till Wednesday! If you make a purchase from my shop, anything you'd like, by Noon on Wednesday December 22nd, I will upgrade your purchase to PRIORITY shipping at no cost to you! This way you have that extra couple of days for last minute holiday shopping! (Please note this is open to US residents only, Canadian residents add a $1 to your shipping total)*

Well Its been snowing here so I've found some time to get into my studio and whip up a few things, as well as take some new pictures featuring the new snow as a background! Let me know what you think! *If you'd like to go to the listing just click on the picture =)

Betty Boop Coffee Cozy!

Flip Flop Coffee Cozy!

*I think I may retake this picture, I took it at night, think it will look better in the sun.

So what do you think? Hope you enjoy!

Friday Feature

2010-11-17T14:38:00.000-05:00

This weeks shop is a fun and creatively cute shop called Angelina La Dawn Tomato. This shop is full of fun, cute, bright bag and totes! Perfect for everyday use, would make a lovely holiday gift!

Now here's a little about the shop and Angie, the shops owner.

My shop is all about things I love to make and create. I am always trying to create something a little different, but always functional and something i would want myself. I love spending my free time thinking up new ideas and trying them out. My mom taught me to sew when I was 10 and I've been getting better and better ever since then. I initially got drawn to bags because there are so many design options and I love carrying something with me everyday that I created just for me.

My shop name is kinda weird { or so I've been told.} It's actually my nickname, so for me it feels very personal and I've been called "Angelina La Dawn" by my friends for a couple years now, so when it came time to pick a shop name i thought it fit perfectly. I'm also partial to tomatoes :) Like I said I've been sewing since I was a kid, but I really got into making purses and bags in high school. Since then I've spent time concentrating on construction and different embellishment techniques as well.

Creating is one of my life's passions- a driving force for me. Everything I make is one-of-a-kind because it just wouldn't be the same to replicate something over and over again I also only use my own patters- store bought patters take a lot of creativity out of the process for me.

You can also find this shop on her blog.

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-10-21T18:07:00.000-04:00

This week we have a great shop, Nico Papergoods, and a very talented shop owner, Andrea. She has been so kind as to offer a giveaway, more details after the feature!

I was born and raised in Zurich, Switzerland, and moved to Seattle, WA 13 years ago. I am married to an architect and together we have a 13 year old son named Nico. Since Nico is the name of my only son, I named the shop after him. Plus I love how it sounds and I think it suits my work.

When I was 16 I took a traditional 4 year apprenticeship for book binding. I have always loved to be creative and work with my hands. I am 53 now minus 16 equals 37 years that I have been doing my craft! Wow, that is a long time and I still love what I am doing. I love etsy and I am very thankful for it. I opened a lot of doors for me.

* I realized while reviewing Andrea and her shop that all of her work is done BY HAND and looks wonderful!

You can also find Nico Papergoods on her website.

Andrea has put up a fantastic set of items for her giveaway! A handmade notebook, a pencil and a bookmark!

To Enter: you must:

1) Be a follower of this blog

2) Go to Nico Papergoods on Etsy and pick your favorite item and leave it in a comment.

****Please leave these in one comment as to not mess up the counting.

Extra Entries:

1) Heart Nico Paper goods on Etsy ~1 Entry~

2) Heart The Green Haven on Etsy ~1 Entry~

3) Make a Purchase from Nico Papergoods on Etsy ~5 Entries~

4) Make a Purchase from The Green Haven on Etsy ~5 Entries~

**** Please leave 5 separate entries for each, that includes the transaction number so I may verify that the purchase was during the giveaway.

Giveaway ends at 12pm (EST) on Saturday Oct 30Th.

Friday Feature!

2010-09-28T14:58:00.000-04:00

This weeks shop is ChimChim! A cute shop for crochet and needlepoint lovers! Or someone who would like to explore them!

Here is a little about Carol and her shop, ChimChim.

I've been crocheting and making one thing or another since I was about 7 years old. I taught myself to crochet from a book. Since I'm left handed, I had to hold the illustrations in front of a mirror to see how a left-hander crochets! I started crochet when I wanted to make clothes for my dolls. I often dabble in more crafts and hobbies and put the results up on my site and Etsy.

I started my shop on Etsy as a continuation of my desire to sell my work. I've done many craft shows and sold things from my website as well. My shop name, ChimChim, is actually the name of my cat. She thinks she "helps" me!

I also design needle point and cross stitch charts that are sold in many shops around the country! They were even in Hobby Lobby a few years ago.

All my work can be found on my website as well as some on Etsy.

Stop by her shop and take a look around!

What A Find Wednesday!

2010-09-23T11:58:00.000-04:00

This week I searched the Etsy forums for anything Orange! I found lots of great items and would love to share many of them, but I have to stick to it and pick 4. So here they are! Click on the picture to go to the shop page, or click on the shop name to view the whole shop!

Peachy Keen Ornament by Small Shiny Objects

Larry The Alley Cat by SimpleSurfer!

Lampwork Orange Drop Earrings by Renee Suich!

Orange Stoneware Slab Box by Zmedceramics!

What A Find Wednesday!

2010-09-15T21:04:00.000-04:00

Its that time of the week again. Time to search Etsy for some creative and interesting items. This weeks theme is Leaves. So I once again posted in the Etsy forums and waited to see what was out there. I found some very nice items! Here are my four picks! Enjoy!

Handmade Ceramic-Mosaic Green Leaves by Rachelcart

Oak Leaf, Bright Yellow Tags, Set of 9 by Jess Made This

Leafy Flower Fairy Necklace by Elaina Louise Studios

Fall Floral Vintage Hankie Clutch Purse by The Tea Bagz Lady

Friday Feature!

2010-09-13T01:30:00.000-04:00

And the winner is..... EmraldeKat!

This weeks Friday Feature is on a fun and funky shop named PunkScrapper. Like always I've got a little background information on the shop and some very neat products straight out of the shop, and of course just click on the picture to go to the items page. This week we've even got a giveaway!!! Scroll to the bottom of the feature for giveaway details!

I have always loved drawing and crafting. My older sister used to keep me entertained by sharing her art supplies and coming up with projects for us to work on! I have always loved the idea of making art for a living and a few years ago my husband encouraged me to do just that! That is when I discovered Etsy! Its slow going and challenging but I love it so much!

My name kind of came out of a combo of my interest... I like scrap booking as well as using bits of this and that (scraps) to make things for my shop and i also love punk music and the look and feel of the punk era from the 80's. So "punkscrapper" seemed appropriate!

I also seem to often combine some punk and edge along with whimsy and imagery in the items I make, so "punkscrapper" worked! I have been doing my crafts (in some form or another) since I was a little girl and started doing commissions here and there in high school and college but it has been in the last three years that I have made it my job 100%.

You can find PunkScrapper on:

Etsy (of course!)

Blogspot

Twitter

and Flickr

Now for her wonderful giveaway! Punkscrapper has been kind enough to put an original art work up for grabs. I wish I could enter my own giveaways!!! Love this piece! Only two very simple steps to get entered, and plenty of options for extra entries!

To Enter: YOU MUST! (please only leave one comment saying your following, then your favorite item)

1) Be a follower of this blog

2) Go to Punkscrapper's shop and pick out your favorite item and post it in a comment!

Extra Entries: (leave a seperate comment for each additional entry!)

1) Heart Punkscrapper on Etsy ~1 Entry~

2) "Like" Punkscrapper on Facebook ~1 Entry~

3) Follow Punkscrapper on Twitter ~1 Entry~

4) Make a purchase from Punkscrapper on Etsy ~5 Entries~

5) Heart The Green Haven on Etsy ~1 Entry~

6) "Like" The Green Haven on Facebook ~1 Entry~

7) Follow The Green Haven on Twitter ~1 Entry~

* Please note if you are already following, or have previously hearted our shops please do not use these as additional entries. They must be new! Thank you!*

What A Find Wednesday!

2010-09-08T16:17:00.000-04:00

This week's What A Find Wednesday's theme is FALL! With summer ending and Fall just around the corner I thought it would be great to see all the new Fall items out there in Etsy land! Here are the four that made it into this week's post! Hope you enjoy! Let me know what you all think!

****Just a tip: Next week's theme will be leaves. It fits nicely with this weeks theme! So get ready to show me all your lovely leafy items!

Here we go, as always click the picture to go to the items page!

Autumn Greetings Card by KittyKatKard's

Maple Pecan Soy Tarts by Aromafield's

Organza Flower Bobby Pin by Pre N Das by Enid

Cracking Firewooke Octive Candle's by Nikki Makes Scents

Im Back! Time to get back into the swing of things!

2010-09-08T12:43:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I've finally got time to get back into the swing of things. Gonna get the blog up and going again! Cant wait should be fun, already started changing things around, let me know what you think!

I've got a thread up on etsy for my What A Find Wednesday feature that i'll be doing today, interested in being featured? Check out the thread here. This weeks theme is Fall! So show me all your fall items!

Happy Fall Everyone!!!

What a Find Wednesday!

2010-03-24T12:55:00.000-04:00

This weeks What a Find Wednesday features Spring Themed Items! I've actually choosen 5 itmes this week... There were just sooo many cute items to choose from! I had a hard time picking just 5! Like always click the picture to go to the listing, click the shop name to visit the shop!

Set of 5 Ladybug and Bee Notcards from CardsandNotes!

Flower Bracelet by Baghdadbum!

Birdie and the cat by Monstersncuties!

Lovebird by Yarnabees!

White flower hair pin from Luvy Duvy!

Heads up! Next weeks theme is Easter!!! Look out for my thread on Etsy!

Friday Feature and "Giveaway"

2010-03-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

Wow I'm really late with this one! This feature is for a shop called Wispers! This shop is absolutely adorable! And the shop is offering a special prize for ALL of my readers instead of just offering a giveaway which only benefits one person! Read the feature to find out what that special little prize is =)

Wispers for the finest wisps of hair! My goal at Wispers is to provide unique handmade clips that are as beautiful as your little girl. People spend so much time dressing their kids up in adorable outfits, but they sometimes overlook the one little piece that ties it all together. A clip in a little girl's hair is like the bow on a gift.

When my baby was born she had more hair than a fully grown Chia pet! I tried putting clips in her hair but they just slid right out because her hair was so baby fine. So i decided that I would make my own! After much experimentation, I came up with the "get-a-grip" cushion, that really holds even the finest wisps of hair. My clips never fell out of my daughter's hair and they were so comfortable, she didn't even notice them! Now that she's a little older, she picks out her own clip every morning (even if it doesn't always match her outfit)!

I have been making clips since 2008. I have ben selling my clips as boutique events, and some local NY stores carry them as well. I just opened my shop on Etsy this month and I am so excited to be able to offer my clips to a wider audience on the web! I joined Etsy way back in 2008 to reserve my shop name and I celebrated the new year this year with my grand opening!

One of the accomplishments that I am really proud of is starting a trend among my friends to experiment with clips of different sizes and textures for their babies. I t seems as though everyone had an itty bitty bow in her baby's hair. After my daughter modeled some of my larger clips, such as lounging rounds, people saw how beautiful a nice big flower could look atop a small baby face. I also like to bring adult trends into my clips. Of a Feather has become a favorite a boutique events because it parallels the peacock feather trend worn by adults.

Now Wispers has been kind enough to offer a great little prize to all of my Followers. Check out her shop, see something you like? BUY IT! She is offering a coupon code for all followers! Use coupon code GREENHAVEN for free shipping on U.S. orders of $10 or more! Valid for TWO months from today!!! Such a great offer! Take advantage of it!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-03-14T11:55:00.001-04:00

This weeks Friday Feature will be a shop called Craftie Ladie! She will also be offering up one of her adorable dish towels, and the winner gets to choose which one! Scroll to the bottom of the feature for more details!

Now here is a little about the shop and its owner!

My name is Craftie Ladie, and I have been crafting for over 50 years... Drawing, painting, sewing, I have tried almost everything!!! I loved to sew, and made all my cloths, and always enjoyed hand stitching the hems on them... So when I retired, after 32 years of working full time, I stared hand embroidering towels, and started selling on Etsy in the year 2006, and away I went!!!! My name Craftie Ladie was an after thought to the correct spelling Crafty Lady because someone else already had it! I am not into blogging, twittering, nor do I have a Facebook page, but you can find me at the local Craft Fairs in my neighborhood in Anaheim Ca.

Now for the giveaway! The owner has been kind enough to put one of her towels up for grabs, even better, the winner get to pick which one!

To Enter YOU MUST:

1) Be a follower of this blog

2) Go to Craftie Ladie's Shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment saying what it is!

For Extra Entries: ALL OF THESE MUST BE NEW!!! (ie: new heart, new purchase)

1) Heart Craftie Ladie on Etsy and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~

2) Make a Purchase From Craftie Ladie on Etsy and post the transaction number in a comment ~3 Entries~

3) Heart The Green Haven on Etsy and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~

4) Make a purchase from The Green Haven on Etsy and post the transaction id in a Comment ~3 Entries~

Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!!!

What a Find Wednesday!

2010-03-11T10:54:00.000-05:00

Im starting a new weekly feature! Every Wednesday (even though todays is a day late!) I will pick a new topic and post in the Etsy forums. I will be looking for items that fit that topic and will pick 4 each week =) So check the forums to get you item featured!

This weeks theme is Saint Patricks Day! Here are some very cute St.Patty's Day items! Click on the item pictures to go to the listing!

First up: This cute Shamrock Hair Clip From Ritzee Rebel!

Second is these adorable Cookies from Bees Knees Creative!

Third is for the doggie in your life, this collar is from Gone Doggie!

And last up for todays features, is a shamrock charm from Lisa Witmer Collection!

Enjoy! And heres a heads up! Next weeks theme will be Spring! So get your spring items ready and look for a new forum topic sometime next Tuesday!

Friday Feature!

2010-03-10T15:51:00.001-05:00

This week I will be featuring TWO great etsy shops! These shops are Finnashe and MetalSmitten.

First up Finnashe! This little etsy shop sells a little bit of everything!

Hi! My name is Barbara and I love to create. I have been dabbling in crafts since my little girl was born... 13 years ago. I love to paint, draw, photograph, and play with all kinds of media. Art relaxes me and I find the creative side of myself peekin out in all different directions. A Marlylander, born and bred, I spend my time with my husband, Barry, and my daughter Katie, and of course my shelties, Finnegan, Ashlar, and Aiden.

I inherited my artsy side from my father and grandfather. Both could sketch and I learned my love of sketching from them. My mom was a knitter and crocheter and I learned how to do this from her. In my late 20's, I and a college chum, decided to start our own jewelry busines which lasted about 3 years. I stopped for a few years since my daughter consumed much of my free time. But I liked to visit craft fairs and such. At one of these events, I saaw a flyer for a paint class and decieded to go for it. While i was taking the painting classes, I also began to make jewelry again. I sold at local shows and hosted home parties in people's homes. I have also experimented with furniture refinishing and decorative funiture painting, and stained glass mosaics.

I then took the next couple of years off due to personal reasons, but after my divorce, I was much happier and consequently, much more motivated to create again. I am now married to my second, and I will add, my last husband, Barry. He is a super guy and very supportive of my arty side. He thinks it's really cool that I am way into science and art at the same time.

Today's Second Shop is MetalSmitten! This shop is quite creative, featuring all sorts of metal work!

I'm a 26 year old trained silversmith who loves turning metal and rocks into sparklie things to wear. I try to be as eco-friendly as I can with my jewelry, using recycled metals (refined,not mined!) for everything. I tried playing around with several differend craft areas, like woodworking and textiles ect., but metalworking was the one that really just stole my heart. I've always loved working with my hands and being artsy, but I never was so great at painting or anything like that, where as I feel like metalsmithing just came naturally.

I'm a sucker for puns. MetalSmitten is a pun on "metalsmithin." All told, ive been doing my craft for about six or seven years now. I plan to be doing this for the rest of my life, or at least until my hands are too arthritic to move. Usually I prefer to make a bund of one of a kind items, but I just introduced my first real product line!

Where else can you find MetalSmitten?
How about on Facebook, or on Twitter!

Thanks so much for checking out my two featured shops!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-02-26T12:57:00.000-05:00

And the winners are...... Amber Young, Jennifer L. and Tylerpants!!! Congrats! And a thank you to everyone who participated!

This week is one of my favorite shops so far! Snack 'n Snooze! This shop is absolutely adorable and is offering up a giveaway! She is offering up 3 bags of Cat or Dog Treats to 3 lucky winners! Scroll to the bottom of the feature for details!

Snack' n Snooze Home-made Pet Products came about from my love of animals and their well-being. I am owned by a Shiba Inu named Sushi and 2 cats, Tatiana & Bailey. They are my inspiration for my products. I make pre-made fleece pet beds filled with quilt batting for extra comfort, but I can also do custom orders. I also have all natural dog and cat treats. The cat treat are great for all cats, even if they're diabetic. I also have various dog and cat homemade toys.

It took forever for me to find the right name! I had it down to a list of about 20. I couldn't decide, so I left the list out for my husband and in-laws to choose their favorites. I went out, and while they were deciding, I suddenly thought of Snack 'n Snooze, and that was that.

Last year, my Mother-in-Law taught me how to crochet. So, we made small cat blanket to give to the cats at a local animal shelter. I wasn't working at the time, so I started thinking it might be fun to make pet treats or toys, and I tried out Farmer's Markets. It went really well, so now my shop is on Etsy!

If you would like a custom order for a pet fleece bed, I will work with the customer if they want a particular patter or even a particular color.

Where else can you find Snack 'n Snooze?
Facebook, and on her Blog!

Now for the Giveaway!
Enter to win dog or cat treats! Snack 'n Snooze will be giving away 3 bags, so that means 3 winners! Many flavors to choose from!!! Dog Treat flavors include~ peanut butter, peanut butter and banana, chicken, cheese, and beef. And for Cats~ Mackerel.

To Enter:
1) Be a follower of this blog!
2) Go to Snack 'n Snooze and pick out your favorite item, and leave it in a comment!

Extra Entries: (Leave a comment for each one individually! These must be new! IE: new heart, purchse, or fan.
1) Become a Fan of Snack 'n Snooze on Facebook ~1 Entry~
2) Follow the Snack 'n Snooze Blog ~1 Entry~
3) Make a purchase from Snack 'n Snooze ~3 Entries~
4) Heart Snack 'n Snooze on Etsy ~1 Entry~
5) Become a Fan of The Green Haven on Facebook ~1 Entry~
6) Heart The Green Haven on Etsy ~1 Entry~
7) Make a purchase from The Green Haven ~3 Entries~

Good luck!

Friday Feature and Giveaway

2010-02-19T20:11:00.000-05:00

And the winner is.......... Angie!!!! Thanks to everyone who participated!

This week's feature friday shop is Sparkle Beast Designs! A great and unique jewlery shop!

Now a little bit about about the owner =)

Im currently a senior at a local university studying costue design, but I've always wanted to dabble around with jewelry design. I created my shop with the intention of bringing colorful, unique and sparkly jewelry to other people. My good friend, Sara, suggested I pick up the name "Sparkle Beast" because I'm obsessed with anything that incorporates beads, sequins, glitter or rhinestones. It's an interesting name that people can easily remeber, but it's still relevant to who I am :)

I've loved bead work ever since I can remeber, and began playing with bead weaving techniques on and off looms. I started making earring for fun, then started making htem as gifts, and finally got involved with craft fairs. My rhinestone necklaces are still a fairly new collection inspired by the current "bib" and "statement" necklace trends. I've been creating jewelry for craft fairs since 2006, but I've been beading and making jewelry since 2002. Remeber, everything is better with rhinestones!

Where else can you find this shop?
On Facebook, and Portfolio of Designs

This weeks giveaway is coming from my shop!!! Im going to giveaway this cute coffee cozy!

To Enter: (YOU MUST)
1) Be a follower of this blog
2) Go to my shop and pick your favorite item, and leave me a comment saying what it is!

Extra Entries: (Must be a new follower, heart, fan or purchase)
1) Become a Follower of my shop on Twitter and tell me so in a comment~1 Entry~
2) Heart my Etsy Shop and tell me so in a comment~1 Entry~
3) Become a Fan of my Facebook Page and tell me so in a comment~1 Entry~
4) Make a purchase from my shop! and leave the transaction number in a comment~3 Entries~

Good luck and Enjoy!

Friday Feature and Giveaway

2010-02-13T13:28:00.000-05:00

And the winner is................ Everyday Inspirations! Thanks to everyone who participated! Dont forget to enter our next giveaway!

Its that time again! Time for this weeks Friday Feature and Giveaway! This weeks shop is Monkey Mind Design! A great graphic design shop! Anita has been kind enough to put a great Calendar up for grabs! For more information about entering the giveaway scroll to the bottom of the feature! Now here's some information about this great shop and its creative owner, Anita!

I have been a graphic designer for 13 years in the advertising agency world. I recently left my job to pursue my new venture (Monkey Mind Design). It was time to get back to my roots of hands on creative and creating for myself. It's been two months and I love it! I hope to create designs that are positive, inspiring and fun. I came up with my shop name while we were on the highway coming back home. It really didn't take long. I wanted something that really represented me. And Monkey Mind came up. My sister always told me, I have a monkey mind. Jumping form one thought to another without skipping a beat. And i say, its the truth, creativity never sleep!

At an early age art was my passion. It was very clear the path I was supposed to take. I also graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Of course, years of experience in print gave me an advantage. I love paper and printing! It was a major decision to leave my job and pursue happiness and a dream. I needed encouragement and inspiration. So this is the story behind my (More than Words) Calendar. I spent many hours trying to find the right quotes with courage and change in mind. When I am having self doubt... I read the quotes. I am proud of myself and hope to encourage others to pursue their dreams.

Monkey Mind Design was just created in November 2009 and I started selling on November 23rd. However, I have made paper goods for work, friends and myself for years. I am the one that always gets the phone call for invites, but I love doing it.

Where else can you find Monkey Mind Designs? Here!
On Facebook, Twitter or this Boutique!

Now to enter the giveaway for this great Calendar.

To Enter (you MUST do both of the following)
1) Be a follower of this blog, no comment is needed for this (new or old followers may enter!)
2) Go to Monkey Mind Design's shop and pick your favorite item, and leave a comment with it in it!

For Extra Entries: *Note~ These must all be NEW (new heart, new fan, new follower, new purchase)
1) Heart Monkey Mind Design's Shop, and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
2) Fan Monkey Mind Designs Facebook page and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
3) Follow Monkey Mind Designs on Twitter and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
4) Make a purchase from Monkey Mind Design and leave the transaction number in a comment ~3 Entries~
5) Heart The Green Haven, and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
6) Follow The Green Haven on Twitter and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
7) Fan The Green Haven Facebook Page and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
8) Make a purcahe from The Green Haven and leave the transaction number in a comment ~3 Entries~

Good Luck! And have fun!!!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-02-05T14:32:00.000-05:00

And the winner is..................... Rue Renee! Congrats! Thanks to all who participated!

Its that time again!!! Happy friday everyone! Its snowing like crazy up here in Frostburg, MD! The roads are covered and we've gotten 6 inches in the last few hours! Its gonna be CRAZY!

This weeks shop is Nina Glaser! Super cute shop, with super cute items! Nina has been kind enough to put some adorable valentines tags up for grabs! For more information about entering this giveaway scroll to the bottom of this feature!
Now heres a little information about Nina and her shop!

Hi, my name in Nina Glaser. I'm and illustrator and painter from New York, but I'm now living in the "Charm City," also known as Balitimore,MD! I studied illustration in undergrand and painting in grad school, but I've always had an interest in graphic design and how it lends itself to all sorts of paper goods. I found out about etsy through the grapevine and now I'm so glad I did! I'm able to mix my painting style with design all in one fun and exciting place!

I think I've been crafting for as long as I can remeber! It has come in many forms, but ever since I was a child I felth the need to "make things", from books to cards to drawaying, you name it! I've been painting forever, but silk screening and block printing I didn't start until right after college. I love exploring and learning new ways to use paint! Since I wanted to be working with mixed media, I figured it would be best to just stick to my name, for my shop name!

I just want to thank Megan for doing these lovely interviews! The handmade world is so much fun but it takes promotion and getting the word out. Megan's help in featuring so many wonderful artists is encouraging! Thanks for including me :)

Where else can you find Nina? Here!

Her website, or her blog! Oh and heres something I just added to the features, click on any of the featured photos to go staight to the listing!!!

Now its Giveaway time!!!!

To Enter You MUST do BOTH of the following!!!

1) Be a follower of this blog!

2) Go to Nina's shop and pick out your favorite item and leave a comment telling us what it is!

Extra Entries!!!

1) Heart Nina's shop and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Follow Nina's Blog and say so in a comment (must be a new follower) ~1 Entry~

3) Make a purchase from Nina's Shop and leave the transaction number in a comment ~3 Entries~

4) Heart The Green Haven and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

5) Make a purchase from The Green Haven and leave the transaction number in a comment ~3 Entries~

GOOD LUCK!!!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-01-29T14:45:00.000-05:00

And the winner is.................... Kimberly Ries!!! Enjoy your prize!!!

This week Im featuring a wonderful and cute shop, called Valebella Bracelets and More. The owner has been kind enough to put this Valentines Bookmark up for grabs! To see how to enter to win this super cute bookmark scroll to the bottom of the feature!

Valebella Bracelets are one-of-a-kind handmade bracelets featuring: Handmade Clay Beads, Swarovski Crystals & Sterling Silver Growth Chain (the bracelet allows for approx. 1/2 inch of growth, it actually grows along with you!)

I am a stay at home mother of two wonderful children, with whom I have named my business after. They are my inspiration. With the support of my amazing husband and wonderful family, I started Valebella. Luckily, business has been going quite well. My OOAK bracelets are sold in a local Long Island store. You can now purchase them direct without paying the department store mark up on Etsy. I started out by taking a jewelry making class at a local craft store. I have been crafting Jewelry for about 2 ½ years now and love it!!!

I really enjoyed it and began taking more classes, reading jewelry making books and find myself creating more and more often. I now do craft fairs, home parties, sell on etsy as well as in a local shop. It is a great way for me to continue to be a stay-at-home mom and help pay the bills. Heysista technically is my shop name.

I started out on etsy as just a buyer. “Hey Sista!” Is how me and my sisters greet each other, just family silliness. When I opened my shop I left the name. The true name of my business is Valebella Bracelets and More. The name “Valebella” is a combination of my two little girls names.

Here’s where else you can find Valebella:

On Etsy, On Flickr, and on Facebook!

Or you can Email me at Valebella [!at] optonline.net to join my monthly newsletter, mailing list includes new items, show dates, coupons and special promotions.I gladly take custom orders.

If you can dream it I can make it! I will gladly work along with you to come up with a custom design that you are sure to love. It can take up to 3 weeks depending upon the request.

And now for the Giveaway! This cute bookmark is up for grabs!

To Enter:

1) You must be a follower of this blog to enter!

2) Go to Valebella's Shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment with that item in it!

Extra Entries:

1) Heart Valebella's Shop and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Make a purchase in Valebella's Shop and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~

3) Become a follower of Valebella's Shop and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~

4) Heart The Green Haven and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

5) Make a purchase from The Green Haven and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Friday Feature and Giveaway!

2010-01-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

And the winner is............................................ 409cope! Thanks to everyone that participated!

This week Im featuring a wonderful Jewelry shop, called My Gemstone Designs! The owner has been kind enough to put these wonderful earring up for grabs! To see how to enter to win these great earrings scroll to the bottom of the feature!

Now here is a little bit about the wonderful designer!

Hello, my name is Hazel Wollbrinck and I am (almost) 63 year's young. I live in a small town in Wyoming with my husband Fred, two dog's Katie and Fay Fay and two fish Lovey and Dovey.

My hobby is gardening, my passion is designing jewelry. I am retired so I have the luxury of working from my home and dedicating as much time as I like to my craft and running my Etsy shop My Gemstone Designs. My shop name was easy to come up with as I love working with gemstone's.

I started beading a couple of years ago. My sister had been making jewelry for a while and I decided to give it a try and make a few Christmas gifts for family and friends. To make a long story short once I started I couldn't stop and before I knew it I had more jewelry than family and friend's thus the birth of My Gemstone Designs. I would like to give credit to my husband for encouraging me to start an online business to sell my jewelry.

I worked very hard for a year and a half trying to build my business and I have to admit I wasn't very successful. Like so many other's I was totally lost on the big World Wide Web. I was ready to throw in the towel and call it quits when I received a beading catalog in the mail from my sister.

That evening I sat down to read it and came across an article (Do You Etsy). It featured a very successful seller on Etsy and her story was very similar to mine. Lost in Cyber Space. I read her story and immediately went to see what Etsy was all about. I was impressed with what I saw and read and within a couple of week's I closed down my website and moved to Etsy. The rest is history; I have been there for four months and am loving it!! They make it so easy to set up shop and the forums are a wealth of information. I have learned so much and continue to learn something new every day. Thank you Etsy and fellow Etsians :)

You can also find me on my Facebook Fan Page.I also have my designs in a local boutique in my hometown.Bryd's Paradise

Now to enter her wonderful giveaway! Please remeber to add an email or etsy shop with every comment so I can get in contact with you if you win!!!

YOU MUST!!!

1~ Be a follower of this blog

2~ Go to My Gemstone Designs shop and pick your favorite item and leave a comment saying what it is!

To get EXTRA Entries!

1) Heart My Gemstone Designs and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

2) Make a purchase from My Gemstone Designs and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~

4) Heart The Green Haven and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~

5) Make a purchase from The Green Haven and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

Last weeks Feature Friday Giveaway Winner is.... K! Congrats! Ill be sending over all the information you need to claim your prize!

Whats new?

2010-01-19T18:45:00.000-05:00

Whats new with you? Well I can tell you whats new with me! Ive gotten two little ones running around my house! Marley, whos almost 1 and Ian who just turned 2. Let me tell you when your not use to havin little people around boy does it make a difference having them around! Lots of noise, lots of messes, but most of all lots of smiles =) I love having them around. Heres a few pictures of the little ones!

And heres a quick reminder! I still have TWO giveaways up and running! Lots of great prizes to be won, and all for FREE!!! What is better than that! Cute items all you have to do is be a follower and leave a comment! Sooooo easy!

Domt forget to enter, here are the links!

1~ Handmade Holiday Giveaway

2~ Peppermint Sage Ear Warmer Giveaway

Good luck to everyone! And dont forget to check back every friday to see the new featured shop and maybe a new giveaway!!!

Feature Friday and Giveaway!

2010-01-15T12:04:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! Ive started my features!!! Im going to start today and follow up with a new shop every Friday! The first shop being featured is....... Peppermint Sage and she was kind enough to do a giveaway with the feature! (Scroll to the bottom of the feature for entering details!) And what an adorable shop it is! Heres a little bit of information on the shop from the shop owner!

My shop started because I work for the State of California and I decided to be proactive and use my furlough days as a way to generate extra income. I wanted to do something with re-purposed fabric, so I started off making reversible wine bags and sunglass cases...but I found myself gravitating to making accessories and mostly that is what I make now. Headbands, bib necklaces, and some crochet ear warmers. The shop name is a compilation of my dog's name: Peppermint and Sage because that is my favorite color and I garden too so it just seemed to flow.

I started learning to crochet in college about 7 years ago, from my roommate. I just learned to sew a few months ago because I always wanted to learn but never had the opportunity. So, with the help of the internet and a couple of friends I resurrected my mom's sewing machine from the garage and picked it up quick. I’m a gal in my early thirties, who loves to create pretty things. While also going back to college for a second degree in Nutrition, and I just enjoy hanging with family and friends.

Where else can you find PeppermintSage??? On her blog of course =)
http://www.peppermintsage.com/

PeppermintSage has been kind enough to host a giveaway!!! She is offering up an adorable ear warmer! The winner will get to pick the color of the warmer as well! They come in 3 colors, teal, heather gray, and heather pink. (The teal ear warmer is pictured to the right! Isnt it adorable!!!) The winner of this giveaway will be announced on next Fridays Feature!

To Enter:
1) You must be a follower of this blog to enter!
2) Go to PeppermintSage’s shop and pick out your favorite item, and leave a comment with that item in it!

Extra Entries:
1) Heart PeppermintSage’s shop and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~
2) Make a purchase in PeppermintSage’s shop and post the transaction link in a comment ~3 Entries~
3) Become a follower of PeppermintSage's Blog and say so in a comment ~1 Entry~
4) Heart The Green Haven and say so in a comment (must be a new heart) ~1 Entry~
5) Make a purchase from The Green Haven and post the transaction link in a comment ~ 3 Entries~

Have fun and Good Luck!!!

Re-Giveaway

2010-01-11T11:50:00.000-05:00

Drum roll............................... and the winner is........................... Christie Cottage! Thank you to everyone who entered!!!

Remeber my Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide??? Well remeber the giveaway I did with the items I reviewed??? Believe it or not the winner of the second prize never claimed it!!! SOOOOO im going to give it away again! So here goes nothing, hopefully the winner will claim their prize this time around =) This giveaway will go until Midnight (EST) January 22nd.

This giveaway will include the following:
~ Set of cards from Leslywrytes
~ Bath fizzie samples from Bathgasm
~ Set of place cards from Ohhappydaycreations
~ Pendant and zipper pouch from Jo's Jewels
~ Donut charm from Emariecreations
~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

To ENTER:
1) You must be a follower of this blog
2) You must leave a comment under this post listing your favorite product from the guide
*Thats it then your entered!

To gain EXTRA ENTRIES:
~ Make a purchase from ANY of the shops featured in this guide, then link the purchase in a comment ~3 entries~
~ Make a purchase from my shop ~3 entries~
~ Heart any of the etsy shops featured ~1 entry per shop (limit 3)~ but feel free to go ahead and heart everyones shop =)
~ Heart my shop ~1 entry~

***Please note: I am a college student so money is tight, i will only be able to ship within the United States! Due to this please enter only if you live in the US!***

GOOD LUCK!!!!

What a change!

2010-01-08T09:44:00.000-05:00

Ive spent these first couple days of the New Year updating my shop! Ive redone pictures, added a few new items, redone a few discriptions, made a new shop banner, updated my policies and created a twitter! All these changes have done my shop good, atleast I think =) Take a peak and let me know what you think!

Wanna hear about my new items? Of course you do =) Well Ive started trying to list something everyday, at least one thing, that way my shop is hopefully seen more. Because of this ive come up with a few new products, and a combination of products! Ive added some lunch sets to my site! These sets either include a Lunch box, Sandwich bag, and a Snack bag -or- a Sandwich bag, and 2 Snack bags! These sets run a bit cheaper then buying them individually, just a tip =) Im currently in the process of making a few more of these sets now.

Ive also added Lunch Buddies to my shop! These Lunch Buddies are basically fabric "brown paper bags"! They look just like a brown paper bag but with a cute fabric instead. The interior is vinyl so that it wipes clean super easy! And last but not least, ive added cloth napkins to my shop!!! These come in 3 sizes (although only 1 size is currently listed) and many different patterns!

Oh and I should have my first Monthly Shop Review up soon! Dont forget to come back and check it out!!!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T00:04:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year everyone! Hope its great! Its time to bring in the new year with a bang. With the start of the new year I feel its time for few changes! Its always great to start things fresh as the year starts fresh! Lets just hope these changes wont be like new years resolutions and I'll actually be able to stick to them!

To start these changes ive updated my shop policies. Added a few new policies, changed things up a bit =) Im also thinking of redoing a few photos and adding some details to my listings! Something else new: I listed my first Lunch Set. It includes a lunch box, a sandwich buddie and a snack buddie! In a cute Strawberry Shortcake print!

Something else im excited about introducing is Etsy Featured Sellers! I want to start featuring sellers on my blog! Hopefully bringing them some promotion. I would like to feature atleast one seller a months, two if I can keep up with it! If I can find shops willing I would like to do a giveaway with the review as well, but thats just an idea and completely optional! If any shop wants to be featured just send me and email or a converstaion on Etsy! Id love to find my first Shop!

If anybody has any ideas for my shop let me know! Id love to hear some imput from all of you! Whether its something you would like to see in my shop, something you think I should change about the shop, what you think about my prices, anything at all!!! Critques are great, even if there not the best! The whole goal of this is to better my shop and get it as close to perfect as I can! Any and ALL imput is greatly appreciated!

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide Winners!

2009-12-25T20:51:00.000-05:00

Okay so im a little late getting around to annoucing the giveaway winners! Christmas time is very hectic around here, but I loved every minute of it! So the winners are...........Atlantisak, and Can Artisan!

Giveaway 1 will be given to Atlantisak!

Giveaway 2 will be given to Can Artisan!

Hope you both enjoy all your items! And I want to thank everyone for participating! That icludes, shops that participated in the guide, everyone that read and or commented on the guide and every one that entered the giveaway!!!

****Just a heads up, if any Etsy Shop would like to be featured on my blog just let me know! Im going to try to start doing 2 shop reviews a month! Offering this to my blog followers before i put it up on the Etsy forums! Just convo me on my Etsy and ill set up a date! Hopefully I will have enough dicipline to keep it going!!!

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide GIVEAWAY!!!

2009-12-21T11:38:00.000-05:00

Its that time! All the reviews are up and its now time for a giveaway! Once again I want to thank all the sellers for participating! I couldnt have done this guide without them. Here is a list of all the shops that participated, click a shop name to view their shop!

Leslye Wrytes, Ayoka (Ants Accessories), Kimsieboldstudios, Emariecreations, Designer Favors, Bathgasm, Oh Happy Day Creations, and Gallagj .

All these shops have GREAT products and I would recommend them to even the closest of friends! All shops have very professional quality items and quality service!

So now for the giveaway! All the items I recieved for the review will be placed into two giveaways! So that means there will be 2 winners! Giveaway ends at midnight Tuesday, December 22nd! Winners will be notified and items will be shipped out ASAP!

Giveaway 1:

This giveaway will include the following:

~ Big Bath Fizzie from Bathgasm
~ Roar Print from Kimsieboldstudios
~ Hair Scrunchy from Ants Accessories
~ Donut charm from Emariecreations
~ Set of gift tags from Ohhappydaycreations
~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

Giveaway 2:

This giveaway will include the following:

~ Set of cards from Leslywrytes

~ Bath fizzie samples from Bathgasm

~ Set of place cards from Ohhappydaycreations

~ Pendant and zipper pouch from Jo's Jewels

~ Donut charm from Emariecreations

~ Business cards from all the shops that participated in the guide

To ENTER:

1) You must be a follower of this blog

2) You must leave a comment under this post listing your favorite product from the guide

*Thats it then your entered!

To gain EXTRA ENTRIES:

~ Make a purchase from ANY of the shops featured in this guide, then link the purchase in a comment ~3 entries~

~ Make a purchase from my shop ~3 entries~

~ Heart any of the etsy shops featured ~1 entry per shop (limit 5)~

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide ~Part 4~

2009-12-21T09:25:00.000-05:00

I want to thank everyone for their participation in my Guide. It would not have been a success without viewers and participants. The giveaway will be posted later today!!! Don't forget to enter LOTS of great prizes available from all the sellers that participated in the guide! Today for the last addition i will be reviewing 3 sellers, Leslye Wrytes, Ayoka (Ants Accessories), and Kimsie Bold Studios. All three shops have great products, good for anyone.

First up, Ants Accessories!

1. Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

~I am originally from N.J. but now live in Northern California. We have a ranch way outside of town. For my "regular" work I am a freelance makeup artist. I love freelancing but sometimes there is too much time in between projects and I had to do something.So I started sewing and crocheting...A lot. Then I gave things to family and then I still had a room full of stuff. So when I discovered Etsy I was in heaven.

2. How did you get started in your craft?

~All the women in my family sew. Mom and Grandma both sew, crochet, knit..you name it. I never thought of those things as a skill. I just thought all women knew how to do these things.So when my husband bought me a new sewing machine complete with embroidery I had discovered something new, things just keep evolving from there.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

~My shop name is a sore spot for me. My website which focus's on my makeup work, is called AntsPlace and AntsAccessories just came up as sort of a sister name.I have been trying for something more original for a long time and just haven't come up with something better yet.

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

~I have been crocheting since I was a teenager. But the embroidery and designing my own items has only been for about 3 years.

5. Where else can we find you?

~We are on both facebook http://su.pr/1apMKaand twitter http://www.twitter.com/antsaccessories antsaccessories

From Ants Accessories I received a lovely crochet hair scrunchy. Its great for the holidays, green with little silver bells on the end. Its made from a really soft yarn as well. Shipping was really fast and the product was safely packed for shipping. She offers a wide variety in her shop, items such as embroidered hand towels, coin purses, pin cushions, bags and much more! Take a look!

Next up, Kimsie Bold Studios

1. Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop.

~Professionally, I have been in the design field for about 17 years... but have been creative my entire life! Even as a little girl, I knew what I wanted to do when I grew up! While other kids were watching TV or playing sports, I would draw, write stories and illustrate my own books. I remember winning poster contests and thinking, I didn't even really try that hard! My profession in the design field has kept me inspired on a daily basis. I do work full-time in corporate USA at a design firm but still need to scratch my creative itch and on a personal basis. So, in my spare time I like to illustrate, use my creative skills and let my individual style come out. I like to freehand my illustrations and get back to the "basics" of drawing as much as I like to digitally design. As I turned 40 years old recently, I have started to think about my next phase in life and set some goals around my illustrations. So my Etsy shop was a starting point and a place that I can do something with my art instead of letting it pile up. I have been adding new illustrations and setting up shop as quickly as I have the time. I have been introduced to a whole new creative world since the beginning of fall and I LOVE it!

2. How did you get started in your craft?

~I have always drawn my entire life.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

~It is my name, except for the studio. I did add the tagline, Illustrations and Creations. I do have a lot of interest in woodwork as well that I plan on combining with my illustrations. I am inspired by a lot of things and don't want to just limit myself to my illustrations, even though it is my first love!

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

~About 38 years... once I could hold my crayon!

5. Where else can we find you?

~website: http://www.kimsieboldstudios.com/

~twitter: http://twitter.com/ksieboldstudios

~blog: http://www.kimsieboldstudios.blogspot.com/

From Kimsie Bold Studios I received the cutest little lion print! This little lion would be perfect for a child's room, just need to add frame to it! Shipping was super fast and efficient. The print was very well protected. Placed on a cardboard backing for shipping and covered to protect the print during shipping! Great quality print as well! Highly recommend this shop! Many other great prints available as well. Pints include, polar bears, piggies, snuggle bears, bunnies and MUCH more! Check her shop out!

Last but not least is Leslye Wrytes.

As long as she can remember, Leslye has been very thoughtful in selecting greeting cards. No matter how much she loved the artwork, the words were the determining factor. Patiently, she would spend the required time to choose the card whose words expressed her sentiments.

Leslye‘s first experience in card writing was in March of 1990. After the passing of her grandfather, her dad asked her to draft the content for the family's thank you card.Years later, with Advent quickly passing, Leslye panicked upon realizing that she had not purchased Christmas cards. She quickly calmed herself by deciding to write her own. Much to her surprise, Leslye wrote and designed eight Christmas cards within a week.

Today, Leslye's collection includes more than 200 designs to express appreciation, congratulations, encouragement, and faith. There are also cards that speak to compassion, diversity, goodwill, love, peace, and service. We invite you to visit LeslyeWrytes regularly on Etsy, Facebook and Twitter to see how life continues to inspire Leslye.

Leslye sent me an entire set of her cards to review. GREAT products, very professional looking and all the cards have great messages! Truly worth purchasing. Shipping is very fast and her cards are well packaged for it. Boxed just like the cards you would purchase from a store. Great quality, would recommend her to anyone looking for cards!

Don't forget to come back later today for the giveaway!!! Lots of great prizes available!!! There will be 2 winners!!!

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide ~Part 3~

2009-12-16T14:49:00.000-05:00

Time for the next addition to the Shopping guide. Today I will be featuring 2 sellers, all with great products! Today's featured shops are Emariecreations, and Designer Favors. These shops all offer a great selection of fun items! I might have to visit a few of these shops for myself!

First shop to day will be Emariecreations!

1)Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

~My sister, Emily, and I (Samantha) started Emariecreations late summer as a way to share our talents with others, while making some money. We have both been crafty since we were little, so when we found out about Etsy earlier this year, we decided to start selling. And it has been great ever since!

2)How long have you been doing your craft?

~I began working with polymer clay around the age of 12 or 13, mostly making miniatures for our dollhouse. Then early this year I expanded my designs to include jewelry, as well as miniatures. Now I make Christmas ornaments, earrings, pendants, and novelty pushpins, among other things.Emily has done some sewing since 13 or 14, and early this year started making stylish, yet really comfortable, headbands. She hopes to add more fabric-themed items to our shop soon.

3) Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

~We love making custom orders for people, and have had the privilege of working with some great customers since opening Emairecreations. We consider all requests, small or big, so don't hesitate to contact us with your ideas. We are here to serve you! =)

Emariecreations is a shop full of fun and unique polymer clay creations. They have everything from miniatures to earrings! Super cute items up for Christmas as well! For my review of their shop I was sent to little donuts. These things are adorable! They would be cute as earrings or a necklace. The possibilities are pretty much endless! They were packed very well and shipping was fast. Great shop!

The next shop reviewed today will be Designer Favors!

1) Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

~I started about a year ago after my son was born. I became a stay at home mom and wanted to make some extra money. I used to do craft shows but wanted something a little more ongoing. Then I found Etsy and it is wonderful. I started with my wedding favor boxes and expanded into more paper crafts. I love to scrapbook and my toppers and tags was a chance to combine my two interests.

2) How did you come up with your shop name?

~A few years ago I had my own web site. I came up with many different names but none of them were available as a domain. When I checked out designerfavors it was available! So, that's how I picked my name. I think it is a fitting name for me too. It covers all the types of crafts I like to do.

3)Where else can we find you?

Blog: http://designerfavors.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designer-Favors/115991817378

Twitter: http://twitter.com/designerfavors

4) Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

~One of the reasons I started my shop was to do custom items. I am happy to work with any customer to come up with a color scheme or look they want. I know when I'm planning a party I usually have a specific idea in mind and get frustrated when I can't find what I'm looking for. So, I am more the willing to help a customer match whatever they are looking for in return.

Designer Favors sent me some cute little present tags! These little tags are already printed with your name and a cute little print in the middle. Very profesional looking and great quality. Fast shipping and packed well. Her shop is full of cute little paper goods, ranging from tags to cupcake toppers! All her items are very cute and look great!

The next addition to the Shopping Guide will be up soon! Hopefull the giveaway will be up no later than this Sunday, December 19th.

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide -Part 2-

2009-12-04T12:39:00.001-05:00

Its time for part 2 of my Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide! Today I will be featuring 2 shops! Those shops are Bathgasm and Oh Happy Day Creations! Both shops are wonderful and have great products!

First up Bathgasm!

1) What is some background information about you and your shop?

~Hi there! :) I’m Alyson from Moore, OK and I am the artist, owner, and fizzy-maker at Bathgasm. I love playing with non-traditional artistic mediums where I can really work with my hands. Before I started Bathgasm, I was a cake decorator, which was a lot of fun! A few of my commissioned cakes included realistic gardens, storybooks, and even a couch! Now, though, my creative passion has turned to bath products, especially bath bombs. I love finding new ways to make baths more fun and exciting. Plus, working in a delicious-smelling medium all day is awesome!

2) How did you get stared in your craft?

~ I was inspired to begin making my high quality, creative bath products after a trip to Zurich, Switzerland. While I was there, I went into a little shop and was introduced to the bath bomb. This was really a life changing experience for me, as my mind went into creative overdrive coming up with new color and scent combinations for this awesome little invention. Before long, I had lots of new ideas for new shapes and product concepts. I just knew I had to open my own shop to share my vision of a fun and luxurious bathing experience with the world.

3) How did you come up with your shop name?

~ That's kind of a funny story. I was thinking about what kind of experience I wanted my products to evoke, and, well... :) I hope that every bathing experience with my products results in a major Bathgasm, lol!

4) Where else can we find you?

~ You can find me on all the major social networks. On Twitter, on Facebook, and on Blogspot. I try to reward my followers often with special giveaways and sales!

5) Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

~ My small word of advice to my fellow crafter's: Have FUN with your products! :) I really think that customers can tell when you're having a great time with your work, and that it makes all the difference in how interested others are in your work as well.

Now for the review =) Bathgasm offers bath fizzes and scrubs. They come in sooo many scents, everything from butter cream cupcake to warm vanilla sugar! Her work is quality! I received one candy cane bath fizzie and one hot coco & toasted marshmallow bath fizzie as well as some sample sizes! I decided to test out the candy cane one, seeing as peppermint and candy canes are some of my favorite scents! This fizzie smells amazing (just like the real thing!) and fills the whole room with a wonderful candy cane aroma! Plus they work wonderfully!

Each of the other bath fizzies smell great too, and that's just from smelling them still wrapped in plastic! My samples arrived in a very timely manor, all the bath items were individually wrapped, then packaged in tissue paper in the shipping box. I would highly recommend her shop to anyone! I just might have to go back for more!

Shop 2, Oh Happy Day Creations!

1) Could you give me a little background information about you and your shop?

~I make hand stamped and embossed items, like place cards, note cards, and gift tags. I also make table numbers and pomander balls. Mostly, my items are used for weddings and party decor.

2) How did you get started in your craft?

~I have always loved crafts, but I started making items like those in my shop for my own wedding. Then I began to make them for other friend's weddings. And then someone encouraged me to make a shop!

3) How did you come up with your shop name?

~I wanted Oh Happy Day, but it was taken! I always loved the phrase and what better way to describe a wedding day! It should be one of the happiest days of someone's life.

4) How long have you been doing your craft?

~For about 2 years.

5) Anything else you would like to tell us or include?

~Thank you so much for the feature opportunity! It is an honor! And thank you in advance to everyone who checks out my shop! Happy Holidays!!

Review time =) Oh Happy Day Creations is a newer Etsy shop. The shop is full of cute and functional paper goods, all made in excelent quality. To review i got a set of gift tags and a set of place cards! Both are aboslutly adorable! Here both sets have embossed stamps giving them a nice touch. The gift tags have adhesive on the back, making them easy to use and fully functional! The name tags have a cute little dove and open to allow for writing on the inside and easy standing. The samples arrived in a very timely manor and were tied with a little ribbon, super cute! I would recommend her shop for any party or event. Or even just because! She has very cute things for the Holiday season!

Check out both of these wonderful etsy shops! Find there items in the giveaway at the end of the guide!

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide ~Part 1~

2009-12-01T19:18:00.000-05:00

Here is the first part (of many) to my Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide. Over the next couple of weeks I will be featuring Etsy shops and the lovely handmade products. The first shop I will be reviewing is Jo's Jewels, you can find her on Etsy at Gallagj. She has a lovely shop!

Here is a little information about Jo Ann and her shop.

1. Tell us some background information about you and your shop.

I am a wife of 28 years with two boys who are in the Navy. The oldest is married and stationed in Tennessee and the youngest just returned from Iraq and is stationed in NC. I work a full time job as an Administrator in a Bio-Medical Company. My shop is a combination of jewelry and supplies at affordable prices. My favorite feature of the shop is the wire wrap items because that is my passion. I strive to make my buyers thrilled with their purchases and if not, I am happy to work with them until they are.

2. How did you get started in your craft?

I bought a jewelry kit and I was hooked! I have done numerous crafts in the past but this one was the one I was searching for. I received lessons from an Etsy friend to learn the wire wrap. She was a great teacher! I used books and much practice (and wasted wire) to get where I am today.

3. How did you come up with your shop name?

Jo's Jewels... I was thinking of what would go with my name and nothing I could think of would so I shortened it to Jo and the Jewels part seemed to fit.

4. How long have you been doing your craft?

I have been addicted to beads for 2-1/2 years.

5. Where else can we find you? (blog, facebook, twitter, etc.)

I have my own blog at: http://www.gallagj.blogspot.com/

I also have a Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/#/profile.php?ref=profile&id=1507097750

6. Anything else you would like to tell us or include =)

Making jewelry gives me much joy and helps me to keep from missing my sons so much. I love the joy making jewelry brings but I am most thrilled with meeting new people. I have made many great friends on Etsy who have supported and guided me. I am a people person and would love to meet all of you!

Now for the review =) I received a wire wrapped pendant, from her. It is absolutely adorable! The quality of her work is superb! The wire is wrap excellently and the red gems set off the silver of the wire very well. The pendant came in a cute little zipper bag. Extremely fast shipping and great packaging. Her shop also has very reasonable prices on both her items and shipping! I would recommend this shop for any jewelery lover.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

2009-11-23T18:21:00.000-05:00

November 27th - 30th we will be offering FREE US and Canadian Shipping on all purchases at The Green Haven. As well as FREE Shipping on International orders over $10. This is a great deal!!! Take advantage of it! I will also be offering ANOTHER promotion over the exteneded weekend. All sandwich and snack bags will be buy one get one half off! (This will include: sandwich buddies, snack buddies, and lunch boxes!)

The Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide is set to go!!!! Im waiting for my first item to arrive, as soon as I get it I will start the Guide! There is still room for more ETSY shops, if anyone is interested. Just contact me on etsy, through The Green Haven.

Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide

2009-11-22T18:54:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! I am the owner of Megs Bags on etsy, and I've just opened this all eco friendly shop, The Green Haven. This shop is dedicated to doing are part in saving the planet. We create eco friendly items that are easy to use, save your money and our planet at the same time. Our products include Coffee Huggie, Reusable Sandwich Bags, Reusable Snack Bags, Boo Boo Bags, Reusable Gift Bags, and Reusable Lunch Sets.

As our first feature I will be creating the Handmade Holiday Shopping Guide. Featuring Etsy sellers and their holiday gift ideas. This is a great way to promote fellow Etsy shops. If you have an Etsy shop and would like to be featured in the guide please just let me know. Just send me a message on etsy. In order to do the Shopping Guide, I will need each seller to send me samples of the product(s) that they would like to be featured. This way I can give a thorough feature, including shipping time, packaging, price, quality, ect.

Also I plan on doing a giveaway at the end of the Guide with the products I recieve. (If you would like to donate an extra item to the giveaway just send it with the product you want to be featured.) Some of your business cards would also be greatly appriceated so that the winners can go back for more if they choose. I hope to get the guide up and running VERY soon!!!!