MiniMonday: The Grand Design

It began as a hobby of making jewelry for herself. Now cjgrand of The Grand Design makes jewelry for others. It began with just stones and now her new focus is steampunk. Just browse through her shop, every item is OOAK.

In addition to Steampunk, she has her metaphysical healing stone line - beautiful pieces with a description of the metaphysical characteristics of the stones.


Her blog features not only her work, but pieces by other artists as well - a new one each week!




Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: A Keeper's JackpotSee EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot 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!

MINI MONDAY: "Magdalene Jewels"

Magdalene Jewels is today's Mini Monday featured Etsy Blogger Artisan

Pam, the person behind "MagdaleneJewels”, is also known as Mags, MJ or Magdalene. Otherwise known as Pam, she has been single for many years, and raised 3 children, Kelly, Keith and Ryan; and as of last month became a grandmother for the first time!

She seems to have always had a creative nature within, starting with embroidering, crocheting, knitting, and quilting. Mags began designing jewelry about three years ago, and joined Etsy a little over 2 years ago. Her jewelry shop: http://www.MagdaleneJewels.etsy.com contains necklaces, bracelets and earrings mainly using Swarovski Crystals in her own creative designs. As she says, “I love the various reflections the crystals give off when gleaming in the sun”.

Portia

Besides selling on Etsy, Pam also does a lot of custom orders and craft shows - and just recently opened up a new shop on Etsy: http://www.MagdaleneKnits.etsy.com. Her new shop is a combination of knitted and crocheted items such as adorable baby booties and sweaters, scarfs, and neckwarmers.

Christmas Red MaryJanes

Besides crafting, MJ’s main passion is her writing. She has always loved to write, and is very passionate about what she does write about. You can read some of her blogs at http://www.MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com and http://www.MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com.

A little word of wisdom from Magdalene, which is so much of her personality: “the smile you send out, always returns”.

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!

Mini Monday - Foxy G. Knits

This week our Mini Monday features Foxy G. Knits. This shop easily blends fun and style and has been doing just that on Etsy since September of 2008. The fun starts with her profile. Take a minute to read it below.

GETTING STARTED
Knitting is my passion that has its roots in childhood. I learned from my mom, way back when we were carving our needles out of dinosaur bones. And then, sadly, I fell off the wagon and embraced needlepoint and counted cross stitch for countless years (pardon the pun). However, being a woman of true grit and strong character, I saw the light and found my way back.

For a long time, knitting was an avocation and not a vocation for me. While others expressed their creativity through cooking or gardening or painting, I was clicking away on my needles. In sheer and utter desperation, friends and family finally convinced me to open a store on etsy. I just know that they were getting so tired of receiving scarves, shawls, baby blankets and hats for birthdays and every other special occasion! I recently took the plunge and opened Foxy G. Knits where everything is knit by hand – from my heart to yours.

PICKING A SHOP NAME
I have a little granddaughter who is going on two years old. When we were selecting our grandparent names, I joked that I would be “Grandma Lo” by day and “Foxy G.” by night. When I was trying to come up with a name for my shop, Foxy G. Knits was a natural!

WHAT MAKES MY ITEMS UNIQUE/SPECIAL?
Foxy G. Knits features hand-knit, one-of-a-kind shawls, wraps and scarves that are versatile and designed for today's woman. My items encompass comfort and style, and you don't have to give up one for the other.

My favorite part of the creative process is coordinating and blending various yarn colors and textures within the same garment. In addition to designing and knitting all the items that appear in the store, I also knit shawls for a local hospice.

I am so glad that you stopped by Foxy G. Knits. Please let me know if there is something you would like to see or even if you would just like to say hello. I'd love to hear from you and how you found me!

The style is evident in every piece in the shop. See for your self. (Hint) When you decide which scarf or shawl you just have to have click on it to go right to the Foxy G. Knits shop on Etsy. If you are using a reader come on over to this blog to see all the lovelies in the Etsy mini that you are missing.

Of course this busy knitter has a blog. You can stop by the Den of i-KNIT-quity and say hello. Tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you!


Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday - Mystic Wynd

Today meet Karen of Mystic Wynd. Her appreciation of handcrafted things began early in life as she shares in her profile in the etsy shop Mystic Wynd.

Born and raised in the Windy City (Chicago, Il), I was fortunate to have grown up in a culturally diverse, ethnically rich, "neighborhood" where everyone knew everyone else, we were able to keep our doors unlocked, girls actually couldn't wait until Mom or Grandma or Aunt Sally taught them to crochet or knit or do any of the other handcrafts that adorned our homes, our wardrobes, our places of worship and even sometimes made it into the little shop on the corner to be sold.

In the generous spirit of all EtsyBloggers she also has this message for you.

One last note, as someone who appreciates the love and energy and hard work that goes into anything that is handcrafted, thank you for shopping at Etsy. Whether you buy from me or one of the many, many very talented crafters who show their wares here, thank you for appreciating and acknowledging what we put into our work!

Take a look at the gorgeous jewelry in her shop. Stop by the Mystic Wynd blog, say hello and tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you.

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday Indulge Your Shelf

Today we introduce you to Laurie. She runs two charming shops on Etsy. Indulge Your Shelf is a vintage shop full of always changing treasures and Twice Shy Restored is a handcrafted site with products that use antique and vintage supplies. She sums up the purpose behind her shops and blog very well in her blog profile-

I'm passionate about pretty things and love to rescue the old and forgotten and make it useful again. This makes me happy because: 1. It's a green way of life 2. It makes the world more beautiful 3. It's fun!

Take a look at the shop minis below and you will see the fun and passion in both shops.
Just a hint for those who get this post in a reader. Come on over to the blog because you will miss all the fun in these shops if you don't.

Are you still here? Please click, browse, shop, read the Indulge Your Shelf blog and enjoy!
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Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday Feature- Gallery 32

I love getting a glimpse of where the art comes from on Etsy. The profile page of the shop is a great place to start. The profile page is a place where each artist can introduce themselves, explain their background and training and let you know why they bring all their efforts to you in a shop online. The profile page of Gallery 32 by Trina does all these things. Read it yourself below.

I have always had a passion for art. When I was a child my Grandma encouraged me by teaching me how to sew, embroider and paint watercolors. These experiences still influence my work in the form of color, shape, and line. When I went off to college I decided that painting would be my major and I graduated with a BFA from the University of Kansas.

Lately I have been making photographs, which has always been something I enjoy doing. I decided to make an image a day so I started my '365 Project' on my blog. It is my way to share my daily thoughts and images.I have never been much into keeping a sketchbook. I find it a boring activity that doesn't work for me. However, I enjoy writing about my process on my blog and I think it has really helped me grow as an artist.

Painting has definitely influenced my photography in the way that I compose images in the frame. I like to include abstract images and I use Photoshop and ArtRage to make my images more painterly. My goal is to show my version of the world. I try to photograph the simple scenes in life that maybe get overlooked in our daily lives. I now feel that my work, painting and photography, are influencing each other and I am enjoying the journey exploring the world.

You can go along on her journey by taking a look at the offerings in her shop. You can keep current on this artist and her life by following her blog, Gallery 32, The View From My Lens.

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini Monday - Splendid Little Stars - Sparkly Park

You can easily see the love for creating in the items from the two shops of Margaret who is our mini Monday feature for today. To continue her introduction read what follows from her profile.

My home studio is located in the Cincinnati area. There is a little bit about me in the "policies" section. Artsyness and crafting have always been a part of my life. I love the outdoors, to travel to new and beautiful places, photographing all the while. Nature inspires me. I love making most anything with my hands. Inspired many years ago, by a special teacher of my daughter's, I began the study of tie dyeing. Learning something new while creating is a constant process. Discovery is a joy (mostly). I have been selling hand~dyed and hand~painted clothing for about 18 years now. I have been making jewlery for longer than that. For about 4 years, at the turn of the century, I owned a gift shop along with other artisians. We made and sold our own creations along with some "ready-mades." Truly, the most meaningful part of this was the relationships formed with our treasured customers. Sharing our creations with an appreciative audience was always heart-warming as well.

Of course I would be remiss if I didn't lead you to her blog as well. You can find out more about this busy person right here. When you stop by leave a comment and tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you!

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Mini (Supposed to be) Monday for Alicia Mae

From the profile of AliciaMae.etsy.com-
Woodburning was passed down to me from my Mom and I have always had an affinity for paint. Cross stitching was a hobby when I was a teenager and bracelet weaving was a summer camp hobby that brings back nostalgic memories. I used to play with polymer clay and always enjoyed the miniatures my aunt made for herself. Given that information, I have about 20 years experience in making these items, but am constantly expanding my horizons. :)

Of course her expanded horizons include a blog that is definitely worth reading. Stop by Crafts and Cooking to say hello and let her know the EtsyBloggers sent you!

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out! etsybloggers.com

Homemade Originals Mini Monday

Coming to you today from somewhere very near the center of the universe and with the pictures to prove it we are sharing with you the shop Home Made Originals. to introduce herself, her Etsy profile tells you-

I live in Southeast Idaho and work full time, so I never have enough time for all the creative projects I would like to do.

My blog is:
http://homemadeoriginals.blogspot.com
See more of my photos at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/hmoriginals/

-------------------------
I recyle in my crafting and also in my packaging when feasible.
-------------------------
I am a proud member of the following Etsy street teams:
EtsyFast team(Fiber Arts)
BBest (Boomers and Beyond)
EtsyKnitters Team
Etsy Bloggers
Idaho Indie Works
Southeast Idaho Etsy Team

It's Monday!

Whine and grumble all you want about Monday but this is a special day here on the EtsyBloggers Street Team blog. This is the day each week that we share with everyone one of our team members. We use their own words from their Etsy profile page and shop minis because we all know that pictures tell the real stories.

Today you are meeting Melissa Meman who has two shops on Etsy.


Welcome to Melissa Meman Designs! My "handmade" journey began many years ago in a small southern town. I am the youngest of five children and we grew up with our mother making most of our clothes (and many other things) by hand. Our father was a house-painter, but also a farmer and we lived off the land as much as possible. My sisters and I have always been involved in some craft or project for as long as I remember...I think my first endeavor was crocheting which I still love! Currently, I live in Maryland with my husband and son. My mission is to create jewelry designs with a unique, eclectic flair. I mostly work with "one-of-a-kind" designs, but am working on a few "limited edition" pieces, and love custom work. I am always trying to incorporate new techniques into my designs. I utilize a mix of materials - gemstones, artisan-made glass beads (lampwork), precious metal findings and wire (sterling, Balinese, Thai Hill Tribe and Indian silver; bronze; gold-filled; and gold-vermeil), freshwater pearls, coral and other organics, Austrian crystals, Czech and German glass...the list goes on! Most of my designs are created with a "wrapped" link technique, usually utilizing sterling silver, gold-filled or bronze wire. I absolutely love this style, not only for its beauty and versatility, but also for its strength and durability. I occasionally utilize a strung method with beading wire and sterling or gold-filled crimps. I have been making rosaries for about 3-4 years now and strive to the same high standards as with my jewelry pieces. It is my hope that they will become your cherished heirlooms. My rosaries incorporate wrapped links with sterling or bronze wire, and as such, are much more durable than traditional single-loop rosaries.

I encourage you to take a moment today to browse these lovely shops. You can also visit Melissa's blog, say hello, leave a comment and let her know the EtsyBloggers sent you.

Linda B's Mini Monday

Hi, my name is Linda and I'm passionate about beads and beading. I've been doing it for about 4-5 years now. I work full-time and find beading to be relaxing. My bead collection is expanding and it's so fun to bring them out and choose what I'm going to make next.

My husband and cats don't mind, except when it's dinner time for the cats. One cat, Buddy, likes to help me bead and list items on the computer too.

I'm excited to be a part of the EtsyBead Team, the EtsyTwitter Team, the EtsyBlogger team and the EtsyChai Team.

Of course this very busy, passionate beaded designer has a blog. I am sure she would love you to stop by and say hello. When you do let her know that Cozy and the EtsyBloggers sent you.

etsyBLOGGERS Mini Monday June 29th, 2009

Such a creative shop name!

(Click on banner to visit etsy shop)

★ What does candycrack mean? Simply stated it means... Sweet as candy, addicting as crack. The shorter version would be, Sweet Addiction. It's something I had come up with years and years ago, and has simply stuck with me.

From Metro Detroit Michigan, Stacy is a
24 year old Graphic & Web Designer. My creations are a mix of new and old. I've always had a diverse taste when it comes to jewelry and that is something that is reflected in my shop.

Blog

One of my favorites: Nesting In A Cherry Tree

Take a look around...there is something that will touch each of you in its very own, special way!

Sumiko Shop Mini Monday

Hello and welcome to Sumiko shop at etsy...

My name is Evelyn, I’m 28 years old and the mother of a beautiful boy named Brian. I live in a tourist town by sea, in Italy. I spend a lot of time with my son, which is why I can spare the time to create and experiment with new things.
I am crazy about travelling and would gladly travel around the world. I love adventure and unspoiled places…. white beaches …the sun ... my dream would be to live somewhere warm all year round.

I have always had a passion for sewing clothes for myself, but I also loved unique and original accessories, and I found such joy in creating them, or seeing people wear such.
After I became a mother, I used my free time to create jewellery and accessories for myself and my friends. That was also about the time that I discovered Etsy and the world of eShops.

You ask me why an Italian girl, called Sumiko her shop?
I have a passion for Japan and the East in general, I like foreign names, I can not call my son Sumiko, so I called my shop.
I do jewelry, hair accessories, pins and much more ...
I decided to open my store at etsy, so i can sell my creations worldwide.
I love life, beautiful things, colours, and I love laughter. I would love to convey all of these through my creations.
I hope you will like my cute shop!

Visit my blog: sumikocreations.blogspot.com
and add me on myspace:
www.myspace.com/sumiko_shop


♥ I'm a Member of:
Europe Street team
Etsy Twitter Team
Etsy Mom team
Etsy Blogger street team
Crafting in Color Street Team

Thanks for looking enjoy your shopping !!

Today sharing with you Sumiko Shop I am letting her words and pictures speak for themselves. Stop by her shop or blog and say hello and tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you!

EtsyBloggers Team Mini Monday - Joey & Aleethea - Monster Shirts, Monster Jeans, and Monster Dresses!

For goodness sakes, where does one begin to write about our very own team leader?

Sandra, (but everyone calls her "Joey") is the fearless, dynamic, funny, easy-going, talented, endearing team leader of EtsyBloggers. She has a hubby and two adorable younguns that she adores and looks after as a gift and blessing to her fulfilling life.

"We're all about family and fabric, love and laughter, and handmade super coolness. That's how we rock."- Joey & Aleethea™"

Joey & Aleethea™ is the Admin and Team Leader of the EtsyBloggers team. She is also a member of these fab Etsy teams: EtsyBABY, EtsyKids, EtsyMom, SwankyMoms, FAM, EtsyGreek and Loco for Gocco!

Her "Super Cutesie" baby boutique is named "Joey & Aleethea". If you have children and none of them have a Monster Shirt or monster outfit, or a pair of Ankle Biters lounge pants, or a Monster Cupcake dress, then they are just not super cool "yet"! "Joey & Aleethea™ is a super cutesie boutique for baby boys, baby girls and their peeps!"

Ankle Biters

Where does she find the time and energy?

Joey and Aleethea are "We are baby-wearing, breast-feeding, co-sleeping, attachment-parenting parents!" FYI: Those of us with grown up children, well, we do not do this last part anymore.

MONSTER CUPCAKE DRESS

MONSTERLICIOUS SET

Who can resist?

Geeky Argyle with Apples and Pears - Handmade Baby or Toddler Dress

and Bloomers by Joey & Aleethea

Do you have children? Grand or GreatGrand Children? Nieces, Nephews? Need a baby Gift? Please visit her Flickr to see many photographs of her clothing designs. You can also see Joey & Aleethea's gallery of sold items here.

Are you interested in becoming an official member of the EtsyBloggers team?
See Membership Requirements here : http://etsybloggers.com

etsyBloggers Mini Monday May 4, 2009

Quirky Dolls joined the etsyBloggers Team September 2008

She can introduce herself best: "I am a Pediatric Nurse, artist, and Mom of three great kids. They are a Handful sometimes but a Heartful all the time!" Two at home, one who leaves and returns and leaves and returns. I can't blame her....it's a tough world out there.

I Love sewing, painting, redecorating and hunting garage sales for interesting products to upcycle.

I Love to recycle fabrics, trims, beads and trinkets into my doll crafts. My glue gun and I are the best of friends, even when she burns me! Ahhhh the pain of creativity.....

All products assembled in a smoke free home. Three cats and a dog reside with me - I couldn't live without my fur babies."

Her Craft Blog
Her Craft Room
* Simple crafts for tweens and Moms in tutorials and videos.
* Random info about my crafty life.
* Links and info about Fun things I stumble on and want to share

YouTube

AND Flickr.com
Search,"candeecrafter" in people.

And, she teaches girl scout programs too! See >>>>

We lurves ya Quirky Woman!

Mini Monday - Tilt Creations

Today I would like to show you Tilt Creations. This is a busy mom from Oak Park Michigan.
To introduce herself in her Etsy Profile she tell us this-

I am a stay at home mom of a 13 and 3 year old boy. It makes life rather interesting! I sew and create whenever possible. I have been sewing and crafting for years and now enjoy sharing them with others. My creations are all made by me, by hand. Please take your time and browse around.

Browsing is certainly easy in a shop filled with purses, totes and keyrings. These are just the kind of accessories we need and use everyday and while we are at it they should be beautiful too. Take a look-


After shopping or even before, you will want to stop by the blog Crafts, Kids, Home and Life. The title says it all. The blog generously shares the work of other artists, Etsy and other venues, the groups she is involved with, and all that being a mom and running a household involves.
Go ahead check it all out and tell her the EtsyBloggers sent you!

etsyBloggers Mini Monday featuring ...

"I'm Jenni B (Bee) and I have been sewing professionally since 1999. I started to get so many custom orders that I decided to open up shop! I enjoy designing as much as creating, so I rarely create two of the same thing."
Established: May 2007

"We are two sisters (L Black in WA and J Brighton in AK)"
Established: April 2008

Click on banners above to visit her shops...

Member of:
♥ MDC Team ♥ search 'mdc' ♥ http://mdcmoms.blogspot.com
♥ EtsyBloggers Team ♥ search 'etsybloggers' September 2008
♥ Cloth Diaper Team ♥ http://etsyclothdiapers.blogspot.com
♥ Team EcoEtsy ♥ search 'teamecoetsy'

Wow! This peep gets things done! All while awaiting the arrival of a new little one...Congrats!!!

Oh, did I mention Jenni also has an awesome blog? Guess living in Alaska has it perks!

Jenni says, "I ♥ custom orders and trades!"

Jenni, I will trade vacations...Me to Alaska, You to Florida...whatcha say? I see the temperature you have posted on your blog. It was 89 here yesterday, we went fishing/catching - 8 keeper sea trout. Dinner was yum, yummy... hehehehehe

etsyBloggers Team Mini Monday .... featuring ...

(click to link to shop)

(click to link to shop)

(click to link to blog)

Angie says, "I am a married WAHM/SAHM mom of 2 boys ages 8 & 11. I am an independent consultant for a great charm company called Charms-A-Plenty. I am also on 4 Etsy Street Teams, have a Myspace page, Facebook page, and a blog!"

AND, she is on four Etsy Street Teams!
ETSY SCRAP
CAFE MOM ETSY MOMS
THE IN CROWD
ETSY BLOGGERS

"I have been crafting for as long as I can remember"

Angie hails from Central Indiana and must never sleep! She opened her first etsy shop September 2007, and became a member of the etsyBloggers Team in August 2008.

Here is a favorite pick from each of her shops

Congratulations Angie!

Mini Monday for Magdelene Jewels

For as long as I can remember I have always loved working with my
hands, whether it be sewing, crocheting, drawing, quilting, knitting, and now
jewelry.

After reading this statement in Pamela's blog profile I realized that she began her creative life like so many other artists and crafters. That is to say that from a very early age creating was always just a part of who you are.

Over the years she has refined and grown in the skills she has to bring you all the beauty you find in her Etsy shop today.

Take a look!



To learn more about this artist you can follow her in not one but two blogs,http://www.MagdaleneJewelspjk.blogspot.com and http://www.MagdaleneJewelsblogs.blogspot.com.
I am a follower of both, are you?