Marcy of Backyard Patch

I'm Marcy Lautanen-Raleigh. Growing herbs is a passion I've had for more than 20 years now. The backyard Patch is my own herb business started in 1995. I specialize in fresh, amazing, organic blended herbs. Those for cooking, tea and bath -- and they are all home-grown and hand-blended. 

Beginning with a small patch outside her back door, Marcy has created a shop, Backyard Patch, filled with all kinds of herbal products.  Herb and oil blends are hand crafted for cooking, tea, your bath or your pets.

Cinnamon Spice Herbal Tea

Gluten free Dressing Mix

Just two of the many many products in the Backyard Patch shop. 

If you want to learn more you can also check the Backyard Patch Herbal Blog. Marcy's blog is filled with the knowledge she has learned over the years. You can find recipes and lots of gardening information that she shares on the blog and in person.

If you want to check out Backyard Patch for yourself you can browse the shop, read the blog, or follow on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Tweets by backyardpatch

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Cozy

 See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: EtsyBloggers Team 
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EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival - May 9

Welcome to the early May edition of EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival, hosted by Judy Nolan. Bloggers were invited to blog about one of the following two topics:

1. Spring is a time for new beginnings, when many of us get reorganized and put a fresh face on things. Describe and/or show us what you have done recently in your art space to get more organized.
2. Using words and photos, provide us with a tutorial about a spring-themed item you made recently, or that you are in the process of making.

Please use the link widget below to share your post with everyone. Include the full URL for your blog post. 

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: JN Originals See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Etsybloggers Carnival - April 25th

Welcome to the EtsyBloggers' Blog Carnival- April 25th.

Hello.  Fantastic to see you.  Such a bright and sunny day in EtsyBlogger Carnival land! 

This month I (Alice's Owl) happen to be hosting the Carnival.  I was happy to host at the end of April! Being from the land I am from which I am the winters are cold and dark.  At the end of April I am usually full of inspiration and ready for fun thanks to spring being in full swing!  April 2011 has also been designated Stress Awareness Month for the nineteenth consecutive year in a row.  It comes at the perfect time for me, because the dormancy of winter is ending and I can get back outdoors comfortably.

It only seemed to make sense then, that the theme for this Blog Carnival would be to share our inspiration and fun/creativity with one another.  There are THREE blog carnival topics we are writing about this time: (extra fun!)  

1) April is Stress Awareness Month. How do you take time for self-care and help reduce stress in your life? Is there something you do each night? A practice that you do each morning? Something you do weekly or monthly? How does it melt the stress away for you? How does it make your body and mind feel? A great way to spread the awareness! 

2) We are all creative people, and too often others tell me they are not creative. Lets share about our creativity! Who or what is your creative inspiration or muse? Share your muse with us. What about your muse makes you feel inspired? How does this inspiration or muse gets your creative juices flowing? When did you "meet" your muse? How did you meet your muse? Does your muse know that they are your muse? Are you coming out to them and to us?

3) Share with us your favorite part of April. What about it is so special to you? Why? Do you remember it from childhood? Did a special friend introduce the two of you? Did you discover it yourself while out on a bike ride or spring stroll? Perhaps you just were pulled to it and haven't been able to stop thinking about it since then. Show it to us, describe it to us, make it our favorite part of April too!

Please, lets again continue to use the link widget!  Please link directly to your EtsyBlogger Blog Carnival URL in the form below, so we can all have fun and get inspired together!  What a great goal last Carnival to travel around to at least 3 links before and after and leave some treasure :-) (a comment)!  Lets do it again!!!   You can always come back more often, too!!! :-)



 
Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: http://www.alicesowl.blogspot.com/ See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

A Touch of Spring Fever - An Etsybloggers Blog Carnival

Welcome to the March 14, 2011 edition of the Etsybloggers Blog Carnival!

What a busy time this is! Daylight Savings Time began for many of us, St Paddy's Day is just a couple of days away, and Spring will be making its debut in one short week! We like to keep the topics fresh and timely, but allow our members just a little bit of a choice in what to write about, so as the hostess of this carnival, I chose the following two topics:

1) The first day of spring is just around the corner. What one sure "first sign of spring" tells you that winter is finally over and the cycle of life is ready to begin anew?


2) Do you have a new Spring "look" planned? Are you going to change your hairstyle or makeup look? Try out a new fashion trend? Or have you simply started window shopping for some favorites? Share some before and afters, or tell us about something you'd love to try that's new!

My teammates will be joining me by posting the links to their blog carnival posts as comments to this post, so if you would, please make the rounds, enjoy the posts, and if anything touches your heart or puts a little spring in your step, be sure to leave a comment on their blog!  (You KNOW we live for those comments!)

In the words of the immortal Robin Williams -

"Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!""

Enjoy!



Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: MysticWynd See the Etsybloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

January 17th Blog Carnival

Hey guys! I hosted the January 17th Blog Carnival. The topics were:

1) It's that time of year again! What's your New Years Resolution? Do you
think it's a realistic one (will you accomplish your goal)?

2) Now that it's the beginning of a new year, what goal do you have for your
business that you hope to achieve in 2011?

Come check out what everyone wrote about on my blog! Sykin's One Stop Etsy Shopping Guide



Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Sykin's One Stop Twilight Shop See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.comGot a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

December 3rd Blog Carnival

I hosted the December 3rd blog carnival.  The topics were:

1) Share a holiday item that you created and tell us a little bit about it.
It can be something that you created for the 2010 holidays or for a past holiday season.

2) Create a holiday Etsy wish list and share it on your blog. What do you really want from Etsy this year? 

You can read all of the responses here:
http://www.randomcreativeart.com/2010/12/better-late-than-never-dec-3-blog.html


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

Friday Feature -- Devine Designs Jewelry

This week's featured Etsy artist is Cindy of Devine Designs Jewelry -- the Etsyblogger of the Month for November. Congratulations, Cindy!

Her shop is full of such pretty things. I especially love this Purple Beaded Dragonfly bracelet -- one might be tempted to think she'd designed it just for me, because it's purple (my favorite color) and features dragonflies, of which I am particularly fond, as any Mama's Magic fan could tell you!


Enjoy the interview!

1. To which Etsy Teams do you belong?

Etsy Bloggers and FEST (Florida Etsy Street team)

2. 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 consider myself a cold forge metal artist. I work with wire and metals and hand tools to wrap, twist, weave sterling silver and copper into one of a kind jewelry creations. I do not duplicate or cookie cutter my creations. I use hand stamping and texturizing techniques as well. I love to incorporate natural gemstones and artisan made glass lampwork beads into my work. I try to think outside the box, and create something different. Sometimes ideas just pop into my head, and I usually draw out a design first before attempting it.

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

I am a veterinary technician by trade. I like tattoos. (I have a few) It is an expensive "hobby".

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

My biggest challenge with Etsy, is in the photography department. I try to take good quality photos, have read and had tips on photography, upgraded my camera; but I think with jewelry it is difficult to see all the details, how light hits and reflects or how it will look on an individual. Selling jewelry is such a tactile thing.

5. What crafting skill(s) do you wish you had or hope to learn someday?

I wish to develop my jewelry making skills, and hopefully add metalsmithing and work with PMC too. I might even take up basket weaving!


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

http://devinedesignsjewelry.blogspot.com, http://www.flickr.com/photos/devinedesignsjewelry/
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/DevineDesignsJewelry








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

Etsybloggers Carnival - November 5, 2010

Yes, we did have a carnival, and here where you can find it.  The topics?

The first week of November is
1) "Give Wildlife a Brake" week. How are you celebrating?
2) time to get ready for holiday sales. We need some good working tips!

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

February 15th EtsyBloggers Carnival is Up and Running and Ready to Read!

Welcome to the February 15th, 2010 Edition of the EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival. Team members had the opportunity to blog about one of the following topics:

1) February 14th is Valentine’s Day. What is your best childhood memory of Valentine’s Day, or what childhood tradition do you now carry out with your children?
2) February is Heart Health Month. What is your best heart healthy recipe? What do you do to stay heart healthy? How do you promote heart health?

Following are the links to the EtsyBloggers’ posts on one of these topics, along with the links to their fabulous blogs.

Lois presents GO RED for Women! posted at Foxy G’s Den of i-KNIT-quity.

Sarah Buckingham “Finding Charm” presents EtsyBloggers: February 12th Carnival posted at Finding Charm.

gilliauna presents Heart Healthy… with Chocolate? – A Rare Post By Leal posted at The Meandering Musings of a Consummate Shopper.

MagdaleneJewels presents Carnival Blog: Valentine’s Day Wish posted at MagdaleneJewels’s Blogs.

Patti presents F………ebruary Heart Health (and update) posted at peacoxcreations.

cindy devine presents How many ways can you prepare a chicken breast? posted at Devine Designs Jewelry.

theashgrove presents Monday Motivator: Heart Health posted at Notes from the Ash Grove.

BunnyKissd presents Diary of a Crazy Rabbit Lady, Too: Valentine’s Day Traditions posted at Diary of a Crazy Rabbit Lady, Too.

storybeader presents Etsybloggers Carnival – Feb 12, 2010 posted at Stroll Through Storyland.

Linda B presents Valentine’s Day – Blog Carnival posted at Linda B’s Blog.

Jen presents Valentines posted at Mama’s Magic.

veryverdant presents Valentines Day Traditions posted at Very Verdant.

Elizabeth presents Valentine’s Day from a Teacher’s Perspective posted at Thoughts from an Evil Overlord.

Antonella presents A new Valentine’s tradition posted at Zucchero Filato.

CREATEaTHOUGHT presents Valentines Carnival posted at CREATEaTHOUGHT.

UberArt presents Be My Valentine! posted at UberArt Shop.

Mary presents Heart Health Month Recipe: Tuna and Red Onion Spiedini posted at Misobel: Handmade Hooligan with a Mystic Touch.

Two Zany Zebras presents It’s all about the card… posted at Two Zany Zebras.

Trina Baker presents Etsy Blog Carnival » gallery32 posted at gallery32.

Melissa Sinisgalli presents Think About Your Heart posted at Made By Melissa.

Cathy Dean presents Etsy Carnival posted at Candles & Caffeine, saying, “I hope I did this right! ”

Alicia Mae presents Heart Healthy – An EtsyBlogger Carnival posted at Crafts and Cooking.

HomeMadeOriginals presents Valentine’s Memories posted at Home Made Originals.

A Keeper’s Jackpot presents Heart ? Health posted at A Keeper’s Jackpot.

Enjoy!

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Foxy G. Knits

See EtsyBloggers team membership requirements here: etsybloggers.com

Got a blog? Love Etsy? Check us out!

Friday Feature -- Nico Designs

This week's featured Etsy artist at Mama's Magic Studio, cross-posted here for your enjoyment, is also the Etsyblogger of the Month for January. Congratulations to Nico Designs!

Her shop is full of charming handmade goodness. I particularly like her pincushions. Isn't this "Be Mine" lovebird simply wonderful? Perfect for Valentine's Day!


And these pear "LOVE" pincushions are adorable too!

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 currently have tote bags, home decor items and I am now adding art dolls. I am phasing out the bags to move into a different direction with the dolls and sculpture.

I first learned to sew as a child when a neighbor taught me how to make clothes for my Barbie dolls. Since then, I have taken a couple of quilting classes but I pretty much go by trial and error. I really enjoy the process of sketching an idea and seeing it unfold with fabric.

2. How did you get involved with Etsy?

Another mom told me about Etsy. I wanted another way to sell my bags and I thought it would be a great experience.

3. What inspires your creations?

The tote diaper bags were derived out of necessity. I needed a bag for my new baby at the time and one to my specifications. From there, people asked me if I could make them one.

My dolls were actually inspired from my husband's favorite chair. I was lost in thought while staring at the chair and I saw an image of a doll that I wanted to create. You know, how you see images in clouds? Now, I get lost in creating their images and stories to bring them to life.

For me, inspiration can come from anything, at any moment. I relish the spontaneous images that burst into my head which is normally at night.

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

My priorities are my children so I am not very good about adding more listings on a continual basis. I also took a long time off and I think that hurts when it comes to Etsy and your visibility.

5. What is your favorite item in your shop? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite item is currently Savannah the Horse Lover. She is a new art doll and I like her brilliant colors and fancy hat.

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

Well, there are other folks much more qualified to offer up advice. But here is my two cents: tell the world about your shop. Find some form of social marketing, whether it be blogging, Facebook, twitter, etc to share your craft and your items. (I am trying to get better at using Facebook).

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

I like to eat cold pizza for breakfast. I can be bribed with chocolate.

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

Blog: http://designsbynico.blogspot.com

Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Waco-TX/Nico-Designs/124370671185

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!

November 23 Blog Carnival is Now Available for Your Viewing Pleasure!

It was my pleasure to host this Blog Carnival and I want to thank everyone who participated! The turnout was great and I'm really enjoying reading through all of the blog posts about your Thanksgiving traditions and Christmas favorites and all of the fun you're having during this hectic and fun-filled holiday season.

Please stop by my blog and check out the carnival here... I'd love to hear from you, so please leave a comment and if you've not yet become a follower of any of these great blogs, be sure to join the fun!

Happy Holidays!

Posted for the EtsyBloggers team by: Mystic Wynd

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

This Week's Mini

This should have been done on Monday but I got a bit delayed and distracted this week. I am going to introduce to you a very busy member of our EtsyBlogger team. This member has not one but two shops and always finds the time to chat with others on our forum threads.

You can get to know Linda through her profile page which says-

Breast Cancer Survivor and grandmother of 23+ grandchildren. I like to stay busy and use various mediums for creativity. I like fabrics and like to quilt. I am not a purest quilter, but like color and whatever hits my fancy! I like beads and paper, even paper bag art! I love to create jewelry and occasionally dolls for my grandchildren. I create household items for my daughters and daughter-in-laws! And for you! Check back often and see what new thing I am creating!

Take a peek at her shops to see what she has created lately.

The lovely spirit of this person becomes very evident if you take a few moments to read her blog. Better yet become a follower of it so you are always up to date on what is new in Linda's shops and life.



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

August 3 Edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The August 3 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. You can read it at Rose Works Jewelry Blog.

The bi-weekly blog carnival is a team event and team members are required to participate in at least one of the blog carnivals each month.

What is a blog carnival?
A blog carnival is basically a round up of links to posts submitted by different bloggers on a specific topic. It’s a great way to build traffic to your own blog and to find other blogs that you might be interested in.

The next blog carnival is in 2 weeks, the information is posted on the team message board.

Meet Miesmama...where Handmade Goodness Abounds

Miesmama is a mother to two who loves to be creative. She is also a fellow Etsyblogger, and my "neighbor" over in the Adirondack Mountains. I have had my eye on this stunning Strawberries and Cream Handbag listed in her Shop. Not only is it super cute, but its size is perfect for holding all of the summer extras one needs to carry around with them....towel, suntan lotion, etc.

Miesmama says ~ "my goal is to spread a little handmade goodness and personally try to be more self-sustaining. Each item is imagined and handmade by myself with love."

In addition to her shop, Miesmama maintains a blog you really must check out!

Congratulations, Miesmama ~ Our Feautured Etsyblogger for July 2009!

July 6 Edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The July 6 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. You can read it HERE on the Fab Miss B's blog.

The topics that our team members had to choose from were:

1) Share your favorite summer recipe!
2) Tell us your top five favorite things about summer- and why, of course!

We had a good mix of both topics. The recipes sound great, be sure to check them out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The next blog carnival is in 2 weeks. Info for the next carnival is on the team message board.

Etsy Bloggers April 27 Edition

The April 27 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published.
You can read it at Athena Workman's blog HERE.

The topics the members were to write about were:

1. Now that spring has sprung, it's planting time. If you're into gardening, what would your dream garden look like? What flowers/bulbs/herbs would you plant? What about garden doodads or statues?
2. Your Own Space: describe your dream studio (or if you already have one, give details!). Decorating, supplies you wish you had, size, etc.

Head on over there and check out what our members had to say.

Etsy Bloggers April 13 Edition

The April 13 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been published. Our host is Lil Bees of My Lil Etsy Shops blog. Here's the topics she chose for the team to blog about:

Since April 22 is Earth Day... Let's Go Green!

1) What is green in your shop? (this can be something literally green in color, or something eco-friendly)
-OR-
2) What do you do (or what can you do!) to make your etsy business or home a little bit greener?

You can read this edition HERE.

We had a good mix of both topics. Check out what out team members had to say!

March 30 edition of the Etsy Bloggers

The March 30 edition of the Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival has been posted at The Fab Miss B. You can read it here.

The topics to write about were interesting so check it out!