May 10 Blog Carnival

The May 10 Blog Carnival has been published at Made By Melissa!

Happy Mother's Day!

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Made By MelissaSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival: Birthdays (April 26th edition)

Come on over to my blog and read the April 26th edition of our EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival. Yes it's a bit late -- sorry but I was on vacation -- and also I know there were some technical difficulties with the submissions, but I've got it worked out now to include all entries. Whew! The Blog Carnival is here.

And while you're there, come enter my MONSTER GIVEAWAY!!!!




Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Joey & Aleethea <<<--- MY SHOP IS OPEN AGAIN!!!! :D

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

MiniMondays: Sunshinedaydreamz

This month’s MiniMonday featured shop is “Sunshinedaydreamz” http://sunshinedaydreamz@etsy.com. The shop is owned by Beth, a wife and a stay-at-home mom to 3 great kids, and a true California girl from SanDiego.
To fill in her time at home while watching her 3 children (I admit I don’t know many mothers with 3 children who have any time all!) but, Beth always seemed to have the need to be creative, working with her hand. She soon became obsessed with home decorating, painting and gardening... and after taking jewelry lessons, her passion turned to jewelry!
True to her California roots, her other passion is going to the beach, which she refers to as her “sunshine daydream” hence the name of her shop. Looking at Beth’s jewelry, she artfully has everything displayed as if we were walking along the beach with her. Her “rockin’” handcrafted earrings, necklaces, and bracelets which consist of gemstones, glass, crystal, silver copper and leather, are all beautifully laid across the many seashells I imagine she must find during one of her many “daydreaming” strolls along the beach. Beth’s jewelry not only includes pieces for women, but has designs for men also.
Beth’s other shop: OldSkoolCool@etsy.com , is filled with fun vintage items such as vintage jewelry, bikes, skateboards, and music, which she describes as “old school stuff”.
Besides being a member of http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5190440the EtsyBloggers, Beth is also a member of (CCCOE) CaliforniaCraftersClub of Etsy. After you visit the many beautiful pieces of jewelry in her “daydreamz” shop, and all the various vintage “old school” items from her other shop; you can find out more about Beth on her blog” http://beth-sunshinedaydreamz.blogspot.com/









Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: MagdaleneJewels EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsyblogger of the Month: Magdalene Knits and Jewels

This week's featured Etsy artist is also the Etsyblogger of the month! Congratulations to Pam, who runs two wonderful shops: Magdalene Jewels and Magdalene Knits. With so much talent, it was easy to find favorites in each shop! I love the detail and artistry in this Vintage Bracelet, which uses vintage components and semiprecious beads in carnelian, jade, and golden onyx.

And of course when I read that the description referenced Anais Nin -- I knew for sure this was a shop where I'd feel at home!

In Magdalene Knits, I immediately noticed these adorable Mary Jane baby booties. Simply too sweet!

Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?

Since I have been very young I have always loved doing something creative, whether knitting, crocheting, embroidering, quilting, painting, and for the past few years designing my own jewelry, all of which I have taught myself. The many Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings are all created and designed by myself. I recently added my first ring to my collection. As I just started making jewelry a few years ago, it was a total learning process which I can attest to, as I see pieces I designed when I first started compared to what I design now. I never had any intention of selling my work, I would just give it away. If someone said how much they liked a certain piece, well, it was then theirs -- I still tend to do this with my friends, even when they want to pay me.

As for my knitted and crocheted items which are in my newest shop, MagdaleneKnits, when I found out that my daughter was going to have her first child (my first grandchild) I started crocheting little baby booties, and baby sweaters, and other little baby items, even a little lamb for Easter. I originally had scarves and neck warmers in my jewelry shop, but they have now been relegated to my knit shop as well. For any of you who do knit or crochet, you will understand when I say it is a very relaxing activity.


2. How did you get involved with Etsy?

My friend Marion, who has a shop on Etsy in which she sells beautiful handmade quilts, suggested I put a few of my pieces on Etsy and try to sell them. So began Magdalene Jewels.

3. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

Besides being a member of the Etsy Bloggers Team; I also am a member of Bbest Team ("B" stands for Boomers), yes, that generation! And I just recently joined CreateCrochet after opening my Crochet and Knit shop here on Etsy.

4. What inspires your creations?

I imagine that my inspirations evolve from my own personality and what one would term my very vivid imagination. As all my pieces are made with Swarovski Crystals, often I will see a beautiful color crystal, which when in the light can reflect so many possibilities that my mind becomes absorbed in a certain moment or feeling, or a certain song will come to mind, from there the creativity begins. Those that truly know me will understand this. As you can see from most of my pieces, I am one who is truly a romantic and love the feminine aspect of my being.


5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

Although there are many from my Jewelry shop, I would have to say The Rose (named after my favorite song by Janis Joplin).

I love the femininity of this piece, it has such a Renaissaince look to it.

One of my favorites from Magdalene Knits is this little girls infant sweater in Yellow with matching Mary Janes!


6. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop ? I really can't say that I have any sort of challenge, since I enjoy what I am doing.

7. What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Firstly, I would say to enjoy what you do, that is where you will find your creativity. I also suggest to those that are not part of a team to find one that relates to what their craft is, or interests. One, it is a good way to promote your work, and definitely do some Treasurys -- they are a lot of fun to put together. Also, definitely communicate through your blogs, it is a good networking tool. But most important to me since I have been here at Etsy, is not the sales I have made or hope to make, it is the dear friends I have made during the past few years. We are there for each other during our many ups and downs, and very supportive during the many obstacles we often are challenged with.

8. Tell us two (or more) other interesting things about you.

I find my jewelry making to be more of a hobby then a job. If I looked at it as a job, I think I would lose the enjoyment of being creative. So I prefer to enjoy what I do, as I feel each piece of jewelry I make is an extension of inner self. My hobbies consist of working of my various crafts that are in my shop. I also love to do quilting, and have made some beautiful baby quilts, and designed one for my daughter when she got engaged (the center has a heart with both her and her husband's names embroidered in it) I design my own quilts, working out the blocks and sizing, etc.- still have not learned how to work with a pattern. With all the crafting I do, I must say my main passion is writing either on my blogs or in my journals. Someday I hope to write a book, I have my ideas all assembled within my head, just have to find a minute to put those thoughts onto paper. Besides two kitty cats which keep me busy, I also watch 2 infants everyday (one which is my grandson), so my days are totally complete! I have been on disability for 6 years, but as I say, I am the busiest unemployed person I know!


9. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations?

I have two blogs: one of which involves my everyday life, etc: http://MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com

The other are specific blogs which I write for our Blogger Team on the many topics they provide: http://MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com.

I am also on Facebook and Flickr.

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Mama's Magic StudioSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

A Day Late in honoring our Birthdays

Sorry for not posting this yesterday. I guess that's a senior moment :D It's especially true, as my birthday comes up during this week - and I'll be 64!

I am honored to share a birthday this week with:

Anne from Tenuki Handcrafts whose birthday is Saturday May 1


My Birthday is Monday May 3 - I'm Sandi and I have 2 shops!!




Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By SandiSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Flowers for our Birthday Gals

I've seen daffodils, the azalea's are blooming, and even the blueberry bushes have blossoms. All the stores have flowers for you to plant. And I wish lots of beautiful flowers for our birthday gals this week! Join me in sending these wishes.




Joey from Joey & Aleethea Thursday Apr 23


Charitable Creations Friday Apr 23


Ana's House Dressing Sunday Apr 25


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Monday April 12 Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival Newness!

Please check out the latest EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival, hosted by me, RainyDayArt! It's about new things and Easter!


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: RainyDayArt

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsyblogger Birthday on Tax Day

Are you done with your taxes? I hope you are as tax day is this Thursday April 15. We also have an Etsyblogger Birthday on tax day! Celebrate and send good wishes to our birthday gal!

Adriane from Peppermint Sage Thursday Apr 15


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

More April Etsybloggers Birthdays

Greetings from Georgia, where I am visiting with my daughter and her 3 daughters! I hope you had a Happy Easter and are looking forward to warmer weather. Please send warm birthday wishes to our birthday gals!

Edi from Memories For Life Wednesday Apr 7


Ember from Ember Fairbairn-Ramsay Saturday Apr 10


Erica Acrylic and Steel Sunday Apr 11


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

MiniMonday: NicoDesigns

Erika, of Nico Designs, has been sewing since she was a little girl, nearly 20 years now. Like most of us crafters, she says it keeps her sane. Crafting allows her to be creative and try new things, two things that are very important in her life since her decision to stay at home with her kids.

Her favorite things to make are dolls and baby items. Her three-year-old daughter inspires her work, as well as nature. Often times after spending time outside or at a zoo she finds herself wanting to create.

Aside from sewing, she has recently taken interest in gardening. She enjoys how excited the kids get about the garden, and it helps live a healthier lifestyle.
You'll find in her shop announcement that she donates some of her sales to the Ronald McDonald House in Temple and to MD Anderson Cancer Hospital in Houston in memory of Chloe, age 7, pointing out that only 4% of the National Cancer Institute's research budget goes to children's cancer research? And that cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children age 15 and younger. She shared her touching story with me.

"A former childhood neighbor lost his oldest daughter, Chloe, to cancer. She was seven years old. I was struck by her smile and courage. Her mother seemed so brave. I do not think I could have kept it together the way she did. Anyway, because of that and what I learned about funding and just the simple fact that it is so young to deal with death I wanted to do something. We donate funds/supplies and I am currently making blankets for the Ronald McDonald House."

Handmade Chloe the Angel Cloth Doll

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: A Keeper's Jackpot

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsybloggers April Birthdays

April is almost here, and with it, we see flowers beginning to bloom. Our Etsybloggers are blooming as well. We have 2 birthdays coming up on the 6th of April - let's help them celebrate their birthdays as their shops bloom with spring time items!

Victoria from Visart Polymer Clay Studio Tuesday Apr 6






Allys Attic Tuesday Apr 6 (other 2 shops are on vacation)


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival: Cabin Fever? Planning a Garden?

Welcome to the March 29th edition of the EtsyBloggers
Blog Carnival! Follow our teammates' links below as they've blogged about one of these Spring
topics:



1) Cabin Fever - What do you do or what are you looking forward to doing
to escape the doldrums?

2) Planning a garden this year? Tell us how you plan or prepare. Do you start
your own seeds and how?

(This edition's Blog Carnival topics were suggested by a former teammate
and lovely person LazyTCrochet.)

Jane Poh presents Etsybloggers March 26th Blog Carnival posted at Projects by Jane.

Liz Howell presents You'll know when I have cabin fever... posted at Liz's Wares.

BeadedTail presents Cabin Fever posted at beadedtail.

Erika presents Shiny Red posted at NICO* Designs.

storybeader presents Etsybloggers Carnival - March 26, 2010 posted at Stroll Through Storyland, saying, "Happy Spring!"

Elizabeth presents Escape is at Hand! posted at Thoughts from an Evil Overlord.

Nancy presents Cabin Fever - Blog Carnival posted at NanjoDogz.

Ruthie presents Escaping Cabin Fever posted at A Jedi's Musings.

Margaret Freije presents Spring Fever posted at Splendid Little Stars.

Maggie Knight presents Gardening for Lazy Dummies (like me!) posted at Magpie Night.

JacBerKitsch presents F*A*S*H posted at Jac-Ber Creations.

A Keeper's Jackpot presents Cabin Fever posted at A Keeper's Jackpot.

Charlene Zatloukal presents Cabin Fever posted at Another Painting Blog, saying, "I do hope I did this right! But..I guess I'll learn from my mistakes:)"

Jannifer Long presents This Year's Garden posted at ChipmunkHollow, saying, "I am resubmitting my blog carnival."

Cheryl Patterson presents Is it Spring Yet?! posted at FeltSewGood.

Amy Combs presents Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival- Gardening posted at red maple studio.

Tammy presents Gardening & Seed Starting 2010 posted at tamdoll's workspace, saying, "I love starting seeds! It's like magic when they grow to something edible."

TiLTcreations presents Etsyblogger Carnival posted at Crafts, kids, home and life.

Share
|

 

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Joey & Aleethea, EtsyBloggers Admin & Team Leader.

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Spring Birthday Greetings

Ah, Spring - according to the calendar, it's finally here! Some of the early flowers are peeking through the ground, the trees are budding - can't you just smell spring?? Ah, snow - some of us still have snow on the ground and spring seems far away. Never mind - it's always spring in our hearts! Please, wish these lovely ladies a happy springtime birthday!

Sherryl from Skylar's Candy Clips Wednesday Mar 24


Madison from Cookie Monzter Creations Thursday Mar 25


Rose from Random Creative Saturday Mar 27



Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Friday Feature -- Dizzy Dragonflies & Knitting Dragonflies

As a dragonfly lover myself (exhibit A: my avatar!) I was tickled to see that the featured Etsyblogger for the month of March is Vicky, the owner of Dizzy Dragonflies. (She also runs Knitting Dragonflies, but right now, only her Dizzy Dragonflies shop has any items in stock.) But her shop isn't about dragonflies -- it's about yarn, which is another thing I love! I especially liked this Spring Violets hand dyed yarn.

Enjoy the interview!

1. Please tell us about the items in your Etsy shop. What do you make? How did you learn your craft? What is involved in your creative process?


I have been knitting since I was about 4, my grandmother taught me. So I have always played around with it. After years of making gifts, and requested items for friends and relatives this seemed a natural outlet.


I just recently started spinning and dyeing my own yarn, and I learned everything from the internet. It is so much fun to be a part of the entire process.


I love doing the spinning, knitting and dyeing. So I end up with more yarn and knitted items than I need.


I have a fast paced, high stress job, and find that creating is necessary for me. It relaxes me and lets me enter a different world. I just let go and start having fun.


2. How did you get involved with Etsy?


I read a lot of blogs, mostly knitting ones. Then I decided to start one myself, I met so many nice people, and many of them had shops on etsy. I started shopping there and then thought "what the heck" I'll try a shop myself.


3. What inspires your creations?


Nature is my inspiration, especially for the colors of my yarn that I dye. My husband and I love to camp and hike, and I take photos and sketch (and knit) during that time.

I'm also working on some spring/summer knit wear items, that I came up with during a hot weather camping trip.

4. What is your biggest challenge related to your Etsy shop?

Promoting! I enjoy the creating process, but didn't think about how important networking and promoting was.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop (currently for sale or previously sold)? Why is it your favorite?

As a knitter I tend to use a color to excess and then move to another. Right now I'm in my red/orange phase. After a winter of clouds and rain, I needed some bright colors. Turn It Down a Notch is one of the colorways I'm most pleased with.


6. What advice do you have for other folks selling or buying on Etsy?

Stick with it. The economy goes up and down. Get out there and network. Add a link to your shop in your emails, and social networking sites. Let people know you are here. And photos!, Keep making them better, get some books from the library, study others that have good photos. Something not getting hits? Try taking different shots.

7. Where else can we find out more about you and/or your creations? (blog, website, flickr, facebook, twitter, etc…. please provide relevant links)

http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/knittingdragonflies/
http://www.ravelry.com/people/knitdragonflies
http://twitter.com/knitdragonflies
http://www.plurk.com/knittingdragonflies







Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Mama's Magic Studio

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to our Birthday Gals!

On this, the wearing of the green day, we are sending happy birthday wishes to all of our Etsybloggers members who have a birthday today or this week!

Cindy of Devine Designs Jewelry Wednesday Mar 17


Tara of Jewelry By Tara Thursday Mar 18


Stacy of Candycrack Creations Thursday Mar 18


Alice of Crazy Day Saturday Mar 20


Rmenda of Rowanmayfairs Design Saturday Mar 20


Beth of Create a Thought Sunday Mar 21


Antonella of Zucchero Filato Sunday Mar 21


Robyn of Are Kay Elle Prints Monday Mar 22


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

March 15 EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival

The March 15 EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival is published over at Made By Melissa's blog!


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Made By Melissa

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsyblogger Birthdays to Celebrate this week!

As we look forward to spring time weather, we need to remember to change the clocks ahead 1 hour this weekend. We have some birthdays to celebrate today, and others for right after the clock change. Hope ya'll will drop in and wish happy thoughts to all our birthday gals!

Shabana of Papaver Jewelry Creations Wednesday Mar 10


Kim of Tinyhearts Designs Wednesday Mar 10


Odin's Bead Hall Thursday Mar 11


Maggie of Magpie Night Monday Mar 15


Maggie of Lefty Loops Tuesday Mar 16



Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Meet Dizzy Dragonflies ~ Where Spinning and Yarn are Abundant

Vicki is the woman behind Dizzy Dragonglies and Knitting Dragonflies. She states on her shop that she has always loved creating items. While her passion is yarn, knitting and crocheting, she has branched out with spinning, and hand dyeing yarn.


By accident she started selling her hand knit items when people offered to pay her to make them something.

In my journey to become better acquainted with Vicki, I found her photostream on Flickr to be the best resource where she is showcasing various projects. I am in awe of the detail on this particular project...


In addition to running two online shops, Vicki also maintains Knitting Dragonflies Blog.

Congratulations, Vicki on being our Featured Etsyblogger for the Month of March 2010!




Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Spotted Cow Soaps

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Happy Birthday to some March Members

The following members are Pisces - Imaginative and sensitive, Compassionate and kind, Selfless and unworldly, Intuitive and sympathetic. You could say that the above fits most of our members :D Happy Birthday gals!!

Hippopotame Jewelry Saturday Mar 6


Red Maple Studio Monday March 8


The Curious Pug Tuesday March 9


Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Blog Carnival - Take a trip!

I am so excited. I am the host of last weeks Blog Carnival - in honor of my vacation to Jamaica. I asked the members of the Etsybloggers Street Team to write about their favorite vacation, or where they would like to go on vacation.

Wow, what a great bunch of bloggers we have. Check out the list of posts, on my blog - fascinating reading.

http://www.sandists.com/Wordpress/2010/03/for-this-blog-carnival-im-the-host/

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Handmade By Sandi

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!