<3 <3 <3 ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT! <3 <3 <3

Craftjuice.com is holding a contest right now to find the coolest crafts on the net. Right now, I am in fourth place. I REALLY want to win this thing.

The contest deadline is approaching quickly: October 31st. Please help me win!

If you feel so inclined, please click here to vote.

Thank you so much! :)

<3,
Less Than Three Designs

Vote for Me!

I just entered a contest on Craft Juice.

If you could just do me a favor and take a second of your time to go over there and vote for my item, I'd be SO grateful! All you have to do is click here to go to the page and click the word "vote" under the number of votes I have.

Thank you so much! :)

Oh boy. So it's been VERY busy lately...

I've been working on onsies for Wonder Cousins Unite. It's been a huge undertaking for me, but I'm pretty sure it'll get easier as time goes on.

In addition to this, SweetyPrize and I have been organizing a Red Room Cookie Swap. Basically, we're capping it off at about 16 people. This is a trial run, but we hope to do a huuuuuuuuuuge swap (maybe 50 people) closer to the holiday season. How it works is like this:

Step 1: Convo LessThanThreeDesigns to participate.
Step 2: Include your address and your likes/dislikes/allergies/etc
Step 3: When we reach 16 people, we will close it off, match people off, and convo you the address of your partner.

That's it! :)

In other news, I got a Treasury today. It's pretty awesome, and you should check it out!

That's about it for now. I'll catch you all later!

Forget ALL about the cards I was talking about in the last post. I've got something else that's pretty awesome... Check it out. Chat room pins!

Chat Room Censored Words Pinback Set

Oh God, YES. I'm so amused by this idea. I'm just surprised I didn't think of it sooner.

In other news, my cousin Vica (yes, the one who drew the comic strip that inspired the teeth cards) just moved to Philly to go to college, which is 20 minutes away from my house. I'm SO EXCITED. She, my sister, and I are opening our own Etsy shop called Wonder Cousins Unite. It's going to be reconstructed clothing (and we are going to have plus size in addition to regular sizes), pinbacks, plushies, purses, and maybe even some furniture. It's going to be awesome! We plan to have it up and running in two weeks or so (just in time for Christmas--haha). Yay! :)

Wow. I haven't made a new Etsy product in FOREVER...

I did revamp my shop not too long ago... I'm going to include a screenshot of the first page of my shop. You can see how the photography is changing and stuff like that. Plus, I also made an awesome new banner.

See?



So, maybe the picture's a little too small. You'd probably be better off just checking it out for yourself if you feel so inclined. That's REALLY not the reason for this post, though.

As I said before, I haven't made a new product in FOREVER. So, I was in the Red Room Chat on Etsy last night, and I was saying how I wanted to write Bryan an email completely in binary (which I did do--I used a translator. It was hard.), and another girl asked me if I was fluent. I said no, and she said that she was fluent in both binary and sign language. And of course, I was like, "That's so cool! I want to learn!" She told me that her mother was deaf, so it was really her first language. And then another girl in the room said that she, too, was fluent in sign language because her daughter was deaf. And then it hit me. Make sign language cards. So, right now, I'm in the process of making cards with a font I found that's all finger spelling. So far I have "Happy Birthday" and "I Love You". You know, the basics. I'm thinking about making some birthday invitations, though. They would be MAD cool...

I'm VERY excited about all of this. Pictures shortly. :)

In addition to all of this, I upgraded my Flickr. I'm now a pro! I'm in the process of joining lots of REALLY neat groups. Also, pictures from my Boston vacation are up there. Take a look!

I guess that's it for now. Last post left a bit of a cliffhanger... My knee is fine. It only acted up that one time. I don't get it, but I don't care. I figured out what to do for the The Crafting Patch Etsy Market, and I've started getting my stuff together for that. I'm not moving to Boston. Although my vacation was great, it is FAR too expensive to live there right now. I'd have to be homeless or something, and I don't think that'd be conducive for studying, you know? Work isn't as bad as it was before (although I did have a co-worker tell me I was fat), and I think it'll be a nice change of pace for school to start.

So, in a nutshell, that's basically it. I should be back in a while to add some pictures of the new line of cards. Yay!

Woooooooooooooow. It's been quite a long time since I last updated. What happened? Welllllll... basically life in general. I ran into some snags as far as time goes. Let's see... A list of things that have been taking up my time:

Number One: Knee Problems
Well, first of all, I've been having knee problems. I went to the doctor's office, and I found out that I have a deformed femur. How did that happen? Well, we're not really sure yet. It could have happened during an injury when I was young (but I've never had a real accident) or I could have been born this way. Who knows? All I know right now is that I have to go to an orthopedist and get an MRI, both of which I am dreading. I really need to figure all this out now, because I am 21, and I shouldn't be having knee problems for another 30-40 years...

Number Two: The Crafting Patch Etsy Market
I am going to be selling at The Crafting Patch Etsy Market in October. Because of this, I'm starting to get my inventory ready. I just have no idea how much/what to bring. Anybody have any suggestions? By the way, if you're interested in selling, I think there's still a few tables left. Contact SoCaliGirl for details.

Number Three: Possibly Moving
That's right. I might move. I've been fighting too much with my family. We have a much more pleasant relationship when I'm out of the house. Therefore, I've been looking at a ton of options for where I can go/what I can do. I need to finish my undergrad, so I really have two options: transfer or become a resident assistant (free room and board) on the campus that I go to now. I'm still trying to decide which one. The soonest I'd be moving would be January, but this requires a TON of research.

Number Four: Preparing for Vacation
My brother and I are taking a road trip to Boston starting on Sunday. I am so stoked! I have been there twice before, and I love the city (it's actually a consideration for where I'd transfer to). We're going to see two Red Sox games and just hang around the city. It's going to be great. In addition to this, we went to the Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and saw Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken Jr get inducted. It was an eleven hour drive. We did the whole thing in one day. And by we, I mean, I drove the whole thing. It was crazy. And fun.

Number five: Work
I've been covering so many other people's shifts. Apparently, everyone else can take off two or three weeks during the summer, but if I take off four days, I get crap. What the hell? It's crazy. I turned in an application for another job, but it's a half hour away from where I live now, so I'm not sure if it'll work out. We're getting a new manager, too. And by this I mean, the owner of our store demoted our old (amazing) manager in the middle of Starbucks at lunch hour and then asked her to train the new manager. The kicker? He was the assistant manager at the owner's other branch that closed due to bankruptcy. Oh yeah. This is going to be REAL good... o_O

Number six: Enjoying My Summer
While I haven't done too much or gone too many places, I have been enjoying my time. It's great. I know once September rolls around, I'm not going to have as much time to myself, so I'm trying to get everything in now!

Well, I hope this satisfies your curiosity for now. Until next time! <3

Skiingweaver

Oy. What a day. It has been SOOOOO busy. I don't really have energy for, like, ANYTHING. All I can say is... make sure you check out my Lucky 7s sale which is going on in my shop tomorrow (7/7/07)! If you need more info, please check out the entry before this.

Since I have no entry and no will to even try to segue into this, here's an interview with a great Etsy seller. Without further ado, here is the wonderful and talented Skiingweaver!

Pink and Brown Ms and Os Handwoven Merino/Silk/Bamboo Scarf

1) Your shop name:
Skiingweaver

2) Your real name:
Kristin Kelley

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
I've been eating a lot of Multigrain Cheerios lately, but I really like Special K, too. And granola when I get around to actually making some (and not burning it). Crunch crunch. LOL.

4) When did you begin creating?
Well, I started weaving about six years ago, but I've been into fiber arts since college-ish (twenty years ago! EEKS! How the heck did *that* happen??). My roommate was into cross stitch so I did that for a while as stress-relief, though I got fed up with all the hokey cutie-pie designs pretty quickly. Another housemate taught me how to knit, which I still really enjoy but have a terrible time actually finishing anything. And I stumbled upon weaving more or less on my own, while I was working as a lawyer at a huge Boston law firm with way too little time for a new hobby but a real need for a creative outlet. I bought and built my little four-shaft loom, wove some really hideous dishtowels as my first project, and have been hooked ever since!

5) Got a day job?
I used to be a (very unhappy) lawyer (a litigator, no less). Now I'm a stay-at-home-mom, a day/night/weekend/forever job, I suppose, and I'm a lot happier, though probably more sleep-deprived.

6) Your inspirations:
Fellow weavers. I belong to the Boston Weavers' Guild (the oldest in the country!) and attend monthly meetings, always a huge inspiration. Otherwise, I like to keep my eyes open and really observe the colors in the world around me - I've starting dying yarn (had to stop for a while when I was pregnant with my son) and it's really amazing the color combinations you can come up with when you open your eyes... My mom's garden is a HUGE inspiration!

Stone/Fiber Mixed Media Magnets

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Weirdest? Apart from those hideous dishtowels? Hmmm. Well, I did knit a pair of giant mittens once, intending to felt them into normal sized mittens... They stayed pretty giant and wound up potholders.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
Daughter Bella (3 years old) and son Conall (four months old). :) Hope they count.

9) Explain your shop name:
It's skiingweaver because they're two of my favorite things to do! Hubby and I are absolutely fanatic skiers/snowboarders/telemarkers (I can wax lyrical about Alta for hours on end) and we've got our daughter on little cross-country skis already too. A perfect day for me would be some fresh tracks in the morning, preferably at Stowe (Vermont) followed by a productive day in my weaving studio... Hopefully someday we'll be able to move further North!

10) Final thoughts?
I'm so happy I found Etsy! The folks here are wonderfully supportive, kind and friendly. It's just a great community, I think. And it's great that it seems to be helping people get their handmade merchandise out there - I love owning something that someone has put time/thought/hard work/love into instead of just another mass-produced widget from Target.

Handwoven Wool/Silk/Bamboo Scarf

Please go visit , and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Lucky 7s Sale!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for (or, the moment you all SHOULD have been waiting for-- geez, pay attention!)!

THE LUCKY SEVENS SALE!

I have chosen seven items from my shop. These are the items I like the very, very best. On Saturday, July 7, 2007 (that's this Saturday - 7/7/07), I am going to be discounting these seven items by 50%!

Which items?

Here we go!

Teeth Love Cards

Tell someone you love them with this set of two adorable wisdom teeth cards. These cards are made with card stock and measure 5.5" x 4.25". The inside of the cards are blank, and they come with their own envelopes.

The picture was drawn by my amazing cousin who should open an Etsy shop of her own. Enjoy!

(And if you put the card under your pillow, you'll receive a shiny new tooth!)

Etsy Pinback

Etsy is addictive. Show your addiction with this 1" Etsy pin.

This pin can be custom ordered in any quantity and can be used to promote your Etsy shop.

Music Hearts Card

Be a songbird with this set of two cards made out of card stock and sheet music. They are blank on the inside. They are 5.5" x 4.25". These cards come with their own envelopes.

Enjoy!

Toasty Cards

Drop someone a line in the most adorable way with this set of two toasty cards. These cards are made with card stock and measure 5.5" x 4.25". The inside of the cards are blank, and they come with their own envelopes.

Enjoy!

Rock On Records Cards

Rock out in style with these two awesome cards. These cards are made with card stock and measure 5.5" x 4.25". The inside of the cards are blank, and they come with their own envelopes.

Enjoy!

Music Geekery Cards

What's the seventh item? Why... It's none other than the secret project I've been working on! But you're not getting any more information on that until Saturday!

Hope to see you all stop by my shop! Thanks! :)

Haley's Handmades

Ah. Day one of my two day break from work. Time for some serious Etsy-ing!

What am I up to? Funny you should ask! I'm smoothing out all of the details for my Lucky 7s sale. When's that going down? 7/7/07! (AKA, this Saturday!) In just a few moments, I'm going to be releasing the information as to which products are going to be on sale. It's going to be AWESOME! By the way, the secret project that I've been working on will also be unveiled during the Lucky 7s sale. Hope you check it out!

And speaking of things you should check out... Look at this shop by Haley's Handmades!

Poodles at the Piano handcolored greeting card

1. Your shop name:
Haley's Handmades

2. Your real name:
Haley P.

3. Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Trix :-)

4. When did you begin creating?
I started my business in December of 2006 but have always enjoyed art. I did art throughout high school and college and ended up with a major in Printmaking and Drawing.

5. Got a day job?
Not working for someone else, just me!

6. Your inspirations:
My favorite artist of all time is Winslow Homer and I look at his technique and compositions often. I also love Tasha Tudor and all of the crafts she does so well. And of course poodles!

Bluegrass Poodles greeting cards - set of 4

7. Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Well, I like to think of my poodle cards as unusual and not too weird, but some say differently.

8. Creation you're most proud of:
My large 3 foot by 5 foot print of Poodles Crossing the Delaware.

9. Explain your shop name:
My name is Haley and I personally hand-color all my cards, thus the handmades. I wanted a name that would grow with what I offer too and not limit what I produce.

10. Final thoughts?
Visit my etsy page or my website.

The Birth of Poodles handcolored greeting card

Please go visit Haley's Handmades, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Kiley's Handmade Books

I'm officially on break! Two days off from work! Woooo! I have the Fourth of July off, along with the day after. And you know what my plans are? Sleep! Yesssss!

Things have been really great, though. Well, aside from those awful, demanding, mean customers we had in today. I'm still developing my "secret item", and plans are still in the works for the Lucky 7s sale (which will happen on the same day as the wedding of Kiley's Handmade Books, incidentally).

And speaking of Kiley's Handmade Books...

Stars and Silk Upcycled Kimono Remnats

1) Your shop name:
Kiley's Handmade Books

2) Your real name:
Kiley Watson, Will be Kiley Gwynn on July 7th of this year! Which I know is like *the* wedding day of the year 7/7/07 and really lame- but we didn't pick it for the lucky 7's. We picked it because it happens to be our five-year anniversary- and it happened to be on a Saturday!

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
I'm really not a cereal person. If I have to pick one it would probably be malt-o-meal. Crazy I know, I mean hot cereal is still cereal right? My big problem with cereal is I don't like the taste of milk.

My favorite breakfast is fresh fruit and a breakfast bar of some sort. For months I've been eating two apples, crisp ones like pink ladies or brae burns, but they are way out of season right now, and I had to give them up a few weeks ago. It's not quiet Oregon berry season yet so I've been struggling to find good fruit. I also have a breakfast bar with it, I usually pick those up at Trader Joe's. On the weekends I treat my fiancé and myself to marionberry streusel muffins at a little shop down the street.

4) When did you begin creating?
When I was very young. I don't even remember the first time a paint brush was stuck in my hands. My dad was an art student working towards a BFA when I started grade school. I have always been surrounded by creative people and have learned a lot from them. My favorite item I created when I was young is a glass paperweight I blew one afternoon after school. I went to a "lab school" on campus that was just across the lawn from the art school. I spent many afternoons in the art labs "taking" college art classes.

5) Got a day job?
As far as day jobs go I have a pretty good one. I am a "wholesale operations manager" for African Imports company that imports African Handicrafts. Like my fancy title I made it up myself? We are a small company and I do everything. I'm #2 and in charge while the owner is in Africa and often when she is in charge. Each of our items is hand crafted and designed by us. We have a working relationship with all of our artisans. We use recycled or "upcycled" materials whenever they are available to use; for example, our bone products are made with bone that is procured from local butchers. I have been there for two years but will leave my fancy titled job in the fall to go back to school to take a year of chemistry in hopes to be admitted to a book conservation program.

6) Your inspirations:
My inspirations for my books come from wanting to make the perfect book. Okay, thats a strange answer- the reason I got into bookbinding was to build a 3-D portfolio for admission to graduate school. I think my books show my artistic side more than the more traditional binders I know. I would like to think mine have quite a bit of flair to them.

Stamped and Stabbed

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
I made a Jayne hat for my fiancé last Halloween- it was great. My crochet skills are mediocre but it came out great! Very much so out of my realm of paper!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
At this point it is the wedding books I made for my aunt's wedding presents. They were stunning, and I really didn’t want to part with them! As they were a gift for a family member they aren’t on Etsy but you can see them on my blog. I hope that as I start the books for my approaching wedding they will become what I am the most proud of.

9) Explain your shop name:
Pretty simple really- Kiley’s Handmade Books- My name is Kiley and I made handmade books- lol. I guess I wasn’t feeling very creative. The KupoKiley part comes from the video game series Final Fantasy- The Moogles (adorable little fuzzy creatures) say it- I’m a big gamer and Final Fantasy III for the SNES is one of my favorite games ever.

10) Final thoughts?
I didn’t mean for this to be so long-winded :P
Thanks for taking the time to learn a little bit about me and please stop by lessthanthreedesigns store! She’s a got some great stuff and is a great addition to etsy! Thanks!

Dream Journal Swirls and Stars Hand Decorated Coptic Hardbound Book

Please go visit Kiley's Handmade Books, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Mosaico

Wow. It has been EXTREMELY busy around here lately. In the last 4 days alone, I worked 37 hours. That's almost full time. Except for the fact that I did it in 4 days. Wow. That's PROBABLY why I missed making an entry on Friday...

Today is my "slow" day. I only have to go to work from 2-6. Not that I REALLY feel like going at all... but... at least I only have to be there for four hours... It's practically a day off!

So, in honor of this needed "day off", I present to you Mosaico!

Blue Explosion Light Switch Plate

1) Your shop name:
Mosaico

2) Your real name:
Gina

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Old Fashioned Oatmeal.

4) When did you begin creating?
I began creating when I was a teenager. I started by making woven belts on a loom. What can I say? It was the 70s.

5) Got a day job?
Creating is my day job.

6) Your inspirations:
I’m inspired by the belief that everyone’s world would be better without beige switch plates.

Tropical Punch Decorative Switch Plate

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Barbie doll clothes out of Kleenex. Ken was never so happy!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
My home life.

9) Explain your shop name:
As it evolves, my shop will become more of a reflection of the name mosaico. Mosaic inspired switch plates, boxes, and jewellery will become a big part of the picture.

10) Final thoughts?
I've never been so happy working so many hours. Thanks for interviewing me.

Ivory Coloured Light Switch Plate

Please go visit Mosaico, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

JKRAL

The world is coming to an end! I sense doom, despair, and destruction. Today, all of my limbs are going to fall off, I'm going to get punched in the stomach twice, and I'm sure I'm going to get hardware thrown at me at LEAST six times. Why is that? Because the hardware store I work at is having a sale.

Now, I know what you're thinking... How bad could it REALLY be? It's a hardware store. How bad could it be? Bad. Very bad. In fact, it could be downright awful. How do I know this? Well, I worked the sale we had at Memorial Day. See, we don't just sell hardware. We sell pool chemicals, planting supplies, animal traps, lawn chairs, grills, outdoor patio sets, housewares, the list goes on and on. Aaaaaaaaand... today it's all on sale. I sense at least six fist fights over bug spray. Why do I think this? Because over Memorial Day, two old ladies got in a fist fight over a gazebo, and the other cashier working with me got a handful of heavy nuts and bolts thrown at her face.

Today should be swell. You know what else is swell, though? This shop by JKRAL!

I Love The Rain The Most...When It Stops 2

1) Your shop name:
JKRAL

2) Your real name:
Joe Kralovich

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Cocoa Pebbles, of course ;-) Although, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is quite good...

4) When did you begin creating?
Probably around 5 or so. I stopped for a while after college, but have really picked the passion back up again in the past year.

5) Got a day job?
Teaching special ed for group home children.

6) Your inspirations:
My parents and grandparents.

Statehouse P.M. ACEO ATC Card

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Lil Loverboy, no doubt. Even I can't believe that I could create that kind of cheese.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
Hmm, maybe my statehouse image, mainly because it took a long time to get the details right. Right behind that would have been my Mother's Day print.

9) Explain your shop name:
Its my name abbreviated... No real exciting story behind it... Sorry.

10) Final thoughts?
I'm quite surprised that my images have gotten the attention that they have. Thank you to all of you out there that have supported me and given me some great tips on how to be successful. Keep on truckin'! :-)

Everyone knows you are insane ACEO ATC card

Please go visit JKRAL, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Did It Myself/Happi Commi Press

I didn't think the day would ever come, but it finally did. I actually missed a day of blogging. I extend my apologies, and it'll never happen again (well, you know what they say -- never say never!)!

Also, I just dropped a lightbulb at work, and it shattered all over the floor. It wasn't really a huuuuuuge issue. It was actually funny, because it scared the crap out of the other cashier and my manager, who were both standing next to me having a discussion.

And speaking of lightbulbs, one just went off above my head. I think it would be a great idea to introduce you to Did It Myself/Happi Commi Press!

The Totally Reversible Bag

1) Your shop name:
Did It Myself/Happi Commi Press

2) Your real name:
Erin Korda. I was named after the Walton from the "Waltons" TV series.

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Golden Grams. They remind me of my grandmother.

4) When did you begin creating?:
Ever since I could remember. One day when I was about 7, my father had visit a friend of his that repaired violins. Well, beinging a bored 7 year old, I was looking though his friend's waste paper basket and found a few discarded violin parts and made a necklace.

5) Got a day job?:
I work in the motion picture industry.

Pick Your Pack Button Badge Set

6) Your inspirations:
Beautiful fabric and wallpaper designs and Andy Warhol.

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
My Uppcycle entry. A purse mada of chopsticks and kitchen twine.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
My chopstick purse.

9) Explain your shop name:
The Did it myself comes from that I make everything myself, from the product to the labeling to the packaging. The Happi Commi Press comes from this strang obsession with Chairman Mao. The first graphic designing I did was that I made that "Chairman Mao Pen Pal Kit".

10) Final thoughts?
I like creating things, if it's knitting something, sewing, cross stitching, making jewerly, graphic designing, or what ever I might try, it makes me happy. It also makes me happy to see somebody enjoy something that I have created.

Measuring Tape Hip/Purse Pouch

Please go visit Did It Myself/Happi Commi Press, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Art n Joy

I have a feeling that now that my mom is home from work for the summer (she's a teacher), things are going to be different. As in, even on my day off, I'm going to have to work. WTF? She ran into the mother of someone I went to high school with (and HATED because she was a self-centered egomaniac), and apparently the girl is substitute teaching. Now, my mother has been talking about substitute teaching and how I should for about 2 months. I HAVE a job. I don't NEED anymore work to do. I have too much to do as it is: going to school full time, working almost full time, running my Etsy business and this blog, starting a theater company.... It doesn't end. I don't want to hear about this girl and her substitute teaching job and her online courses and that she'll have a masters when she's done. So will I. So, stop telling me about her! Nothing I do is EVER good enough for my family. UGH.

But that's really not why I'm posting today. I'm posting because I want to introduce you to an excellent shop called Art n Joy!

Alphabet Queen ORIGINAL Mixed Media Collage Journal Page ZNE

1) Your shop name:
Art n Joy

2) Your real name:
Darcy Altaville

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Rice Chex

4) When did you begin creating?
I've been doing art ever since I was a kid!

5) Got a day job?
My day job is taking care of my three beautiful, kind, creative children. It's pretty
much a twenty-four hour job actually! {:

6) Your inspirations:
To be a great mom and raise great kids. And to make at least a part-time income
from selling my art on etsy.

The Gift ORIGINAL Mixed Media Collage Print

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
That would have to be some art dolls I did a couple of years ago!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
My children first. And in my Art n Joy etsy shop, there is a piece called
"The Gift" that I am very proud of. I also love "Summer Rose".

9) Explain your shop name:
My art brings me great joy and I hope to evoke that emotion in my viewers and
buyers. At the very least I hope that my art will make people smile!

10) Final thoughts?
I feel that art should be accessible to everyone no matter what their budget. So
I try to keep my pieces affordable so everyone can add a little art to their
everyday life!

Love Potion 9 ORIGINAL Mixed Media Collage Print

Please go visit Art n Joy, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Jen Nixon Designs

I'm inspired! In about five minutes, I am going to start on the most AMAZING project, and it's going to be the start of my complete overhaul on my shop, the kickoff of which will be on July 7, 2007 when I start my Lucky 7 sale. More information about that will be posted on Saturday! I'm very excited. This new project is going to be AWESOME!

But, you know what else is awesome? Jewelry by Jen Nixon Designs!

Grapes and Berries Necklace

1) Your shop name:
Jen Nixon Designs

2) Your real name:
Jennifer Jeffcoat Nixon

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Kellogg's Yogurt and Berries.

4) When did you begin creating?
I began making jewelry in November, 2006 due to my doctor's suggestion to lower stress.

5) Got a day job?
I was working as an elementary teacher, but now I stay and home, and I am devoting my days to launching my jewelry business.

6) Your inspirations:
Beads! I think beads are so pretty. I love to go to the store and look at them and touch them all. Then I bring them home and let them show me what they want to be!

Pink Ice Cubes Set-Necklace, Bracelet, and Earrings

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
I tried to make a brooch for my husband's grandmother. It was SUPPOSED to look like a bouquet of wrapped flowers. Instead it looked like a tangle of weeds! My husband says it is kinda neat and now the cat plays with it!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I am currently most proud of the pearl ring in my shop because I am just learning. I am also pretty proud of my blueberry quartz necklace.

9) Explain your shop name:
Well, I really wanted to have a super cool play on words type name. It never happened. Since they are my designs, I gave it my name.

10) Final thoughts?
I love it when someone buys one of my pieces, but I also hate to see them go :(

Visit Jen Nixon's blog here:
http://jennixondesigns.blogspot.com

Beaded Memory Wire Bracelet

Please go visit Jen Nixon Designs, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Sinnerlady

I found out something awesome in the Blue Room Chat last night. I have a following! People actually read my blog. Faaaaaaaantastic! I'm totally excited about that. But, you know what else I'm totally excited about? This awesome art by Sinnerlady!

Church i. Original 8x10 in. color photograph

1) Your shop name:
Sinnerlady

2) Your real name:
Kimberly

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Crispix.

4) When did you begin creating?
I probably began creating around three years of age. I remember drawing, coloring, and making collages with my grandmother (who is still a great support). In third grade, I determined I would be an artist in response to a career project, and here I am.

5) Got a day job?
I am currently a special education teacher for emotionally disturbed (but wonderful and creative) students at a non-profit.

6) Your inspirations:
The inspiration is never ending. I tend to draw from world news, history, and often attempt to convey a message with some of my works. My friends, family, students, and emotions also have their influence.

public expression in baltimore. original 8x10 in. color photograph

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
The weirdest thing I ever made... Hmmm... I created an oil painting of a young girl and over her eyes I painted the staples I had from surgery years back (yes, I had photographed the staples... How could I resist something so visually captivating?).

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I am either most proud of my stich girl or my portrait of Nelson Mandela.

9) Explain your shop name:
Sinnerlady is part of a Charles Mingus album title, "The Black Saint and the Sinnerlady".

10) Final thoughts?
This is the pressure question where I need to divulge something of significance, eh? To be serious, over the past three years or so I have truly renewed my vows to develop my art. Art is an integral part of who I am, and I hope that my creations will bring joy and visual excitement to others. I also hope that I can create art that is thought provoking and meaningful for others.

Billie s Blues. Original 8x10 in. Color Photograph

Please go visit Sinnerlady, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Indiaylaluna

Hoy ha sido un día ineresante, lejos...Me levanté esta mañana y tuve que ir al doctor. Aparentemente, todo está bien, excepto que, tal vez, tengo un quiste en uno de mis ovarios. Tengo que hacerme un ultrasonido. Blehhhh.De todas formas..Apuesto que estarán preguntándose que hay con el español. Hoy, estoy mostrando a Indiaylaluna. Ella es de Argentina, y su primer lengua es el español, por eso pensé utilizarla para que se sienta bienvenida (y porque además amo la lengua y la cultura) es que haré una entrada bilingue. Aqui está!!! (Por favor perdonen mi español, tomé clases durante cinco años en la secundaria, pero casi me olvidé de todo, así que utilicé el traductor Google para el resto.)

Today has been interesting so far... I woke up this morning and had to go to the doctor's. Apparently, everything is fine, except that I might have a cyst on one of my ovaries. I have to go for an ultrasound. Blehhhh. Anyway... I bet you're wondering what's up with the Spanish. Today, I am featuring Indiaylaluna. She is from Argentina, and her first language is Spanish, so I thought, to make her feel welcome (and because I love the language and culture) I would do a bilingual entry. So here it is! (Please excuse my Spanish-- I took five years of it in high school, but I mostly forget all of it, so I used Google Translate for the rest.)

Small Half Moon Earrings in Sterling Silver

1) El nombre de tu shop/Your shop name
Indiaylaluna

2) Tu nombre real/Your real name
Gabriela Hughes

3)Tu cereal favorito para el desayuno/Your favorite breakfast cereal
Tres Arroyos Cereal Mix, si visitan Argentina, deben probarlo!!

Tres Arroyos Cereal Mix, if you come to Argentina, you must taste it!!

4) Cuando comenzaste con tus creaciones?/When did you begin creating?
Recuerdo haber comenzado a crear cosas desde pequeña, mi mamá tenía una máquina de coser y recuerdo que ella hacía los vestidos de mis muñecas, y, de esa manera, yo comencé a hacerlos con ella...Amo crear cosas y, desde entonces, nunca he parado de hacerlo.

I've been creating since I was a little girl. My mother used to have a sewing machine and I remember her making my dolls dresses, and I begun making them with her. I love to create things, and, since that time, I have never stopped.

5) Trabajás de otra cosa?/Got a day job?
Soy maestra jardinera de sala de 4 años de 1 a 4 de la tarde.

I'm a kindergarten teacher to a room full of 4 year olds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

6) Qué te inspira?/Your inspirations
Mi hija, las estrellas, el silencio, joyas antiguas, joyas indígenas, mis pensamientos,mis sentimientos, mi experiencia de vida, una foto...casi cualquier cosa puede inspirarme cuando estoy inspirada!!! ;-)

My daughter, the stars, the silence, ancient jewelry, Indian jewelry, my thoughts, my feelings, my experiences in life, a picture... Almost everything becomes my inspiration when I'm inspired!!! ;-)

Cleopatra - Sterling Silver Earrings

7) La cosa más extraña que jamás hayas hecho?/Weirdest thing you've ever made
En 1996 estaba trabajando en el Club Med en Itaparica, Brasil, y se organizó un concurso en el cuál, cada equipo, debía crear trajes para desfilar, sin usar telas ni máquina de coser, entonces decidí crear trajes de novios para tres parejas usando sólo papel higiénico, sábanas y pegamento. Aún conservo las fotos y realmente amo esas creaciones!!!!

In 1996 I was working at The Club Med in Itaparica, Brasil, and there was a contest in which each team had to make costumes without using fabrics or sewing machines, so I created three couples of brides and grooms, using only toilet paper, sheets and glue. I have the pictures and I love those creations!!!!

8) Tu creación de la cual estás más orgullosa?/Creation that you are most proud of
Mi hija, por supuesto :-)

My daughter, of course :-)

9) Explica el nombre de tu shop/Explain your shop name
El nombre de mi hija es India Luna, por eso, inspirada en ella y como homenaje hacia ella, elegí este nombre que significa tanto para mí. India puede relacionarse con el país o con los indígenas y luna significa moon, entonces el nombre de mi shop se traduciría como "India and the moon"

My daughter's name is India Luna, so, inspired by her and in tribute to her I choose that name that means a lot to me. India means Indian or the India country, and luna means moon, so my shop name means "India and the moon".

10) Pensamientos finales?/Final thoughts?
Amo Etsy y a las personas que lo integran, he encontrado aquí cálida comunicación, respeto y sentimiento de camaradería, y me gustaría que estos sentimientos puedan desparramarse alrededor del mundo!!!!

I love Etsy and its members, I find here warm communication, respect and a feeling of friendship, and I would love if this feeling can spread everywhere around the world!!!!

Pinky Pinky - Everyday Tote

Por favor, visiten Indiaylaluna y continúen chequeando mi blog para más entrevistas con asombrosos vendedores de Etsy!

Please go visit Indiaylaluna, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Vintage Poppy Creations

Today has been glorious so far (except for that weird dream I had last night, but I'm DEFINITELY not going to get into that here). I was featured on the EtsyGreetings blog, which you should all go check out. I went down the shore yesterday. I didn't have to go to work early, so that was good. After I get done at work (2 hours left!) I am going out for drinks with my boyfriend and his friends. But wait! There's more! I found this totally awesome shop called Vintage Poppy Creations! Check it out!

I love rainy days brooch

1) Your shop name:
Vintage Poppy Creations

2) Your real name:
Amanda

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Mmmm...I like kid cereals. My favorite is probably a tie between Fruity Pebbles and Froot Loops! :)

4) When did you begin creating?
When I was little! My mom is really crafty and I was always in the middle of some project.

5) Got a day job?
I'm a nanny for a 3 year old boy. 8:00am - 6:00pm, Monday - Friday!

Sweet Robot T-shirt

6) Your inspirations:
COLOR! I love lots of color. Things that remind me of my childhood (the late 80's!), and things that make me happy... Like cupcakes and robots and such!

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
Umm...not sure. I haven't really made anything too weird. But when I was younger I painted some really ugly-weird paintings that I am now totally embarrassed of but my mom won't let me get rid of them!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I'm still working on it. :) But I'm proud of most of the things I make. If I weren't I sure wouldn't sell them or share them with others! I tend to be a perfectionist when it comes to making things for other people.

9) Explain your shop name
Well.... I love poppies and I love vintage/vintage inspired things (particulary home decor). However, I have nothing that is actually vintage in my shop at the moment other than some vintage buttons and lace! I thought the name had a nice ring to it!

10) Final thoughts?
I've always had a dream of opening my own shop to sell my creations from. When I first started getting into selling the things I made, I hated going around to shops asking if they would sell my things because around where I lived, the answer always seemed to be "No". So one day I hope to open up my own shop and open it to other young budding artists/crafters. I feel that Etsy is just another step towards that!

Tooth Pillows

Please go visit Vintage Poppy Creations, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

EtsySecret

Hurry, hurry, hurry! The submissions post for the first ever EtsySecret is going up in 40 minutes!

Have you all seen PostSecret?

I have, and I enjoy it greatly. That's why I think we should have an EtsySecret.

Here's how it works. Today at 12 noon, I will create a submissions post on my blog. What you need to do is to create a picture secret. It must be 800 pixels wide by 600 pixels high (or less). Then, you must upload it to a website that will give you a direct URL to the picture (as in, Photobucket or something like that). I would suggest using one that is different than the one you usually use. I don't want to know who made each secret! During the submissions post, I will accept the first 100 secrets that come in (don't worry--comments will be moderated, and nobody will see them but me). 50 of them will be posted on Saturday, June 23rd, and the other 50 will be posted on Saturday, June 30th.

If this does really well, I will probably create a blog just for this, but until then, I will be using my blog.

I hope you guys enjoy the idea and want to participate. Personally, I am VERY excited! :)

Rocca Designs

I'm getting my hair cut in two and a half hours! I'm so excited! It's going to be very choppy with bangs. I'll probably post a picture here after it's done. I hope it doesn't suck! What do I need after all this? Gorgeous jewelry by Rocca Designs!

SERPENTINE NECKLACE

1) Your shop name:
Rocca Designs

2) Your real name:
Carolina Estrada

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Kellogg's Special K. It is actually the only one I'll eat!

4) When did you begin creating?
I started in middle school. I made little seed bead necklaces. I started selling to others about 5 years ago, and it became a business last year.

5) Got a day job?
Yes, I work full time, and I am a wife and mommy.

6) Your inspirations:
Silvia Tcherassi. She is a Colombian fashion designer who has made her own way in the world fashion scene. I want to emulate her drive and admire her vision.

ROSE AND AVENTURINE EARRINGS

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
The other day I made an ID badge holder, the 1st one ever. It was a special request for someone. That is weird for me because I had never made one before, but my business is branching out to other accessories besides jewelry.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
A painting I made for my mother in high school. It is a beautiful landscape. She still has it hanging in her bedroom.

9) Explain your shop name:
Rocca: the first part represents my husband's name and the 2nd part, mine. The "c" in the middle represents the creative process.

10) Final thoughts?
Thank you for letting me participate in this blog.

AT ART HOUSE - CHERRY QUARTZ NECKLACE

Please go visit Rocca Designs, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

Decadence Designs

Today is my day off from work. Seriously. I am so incredibly excited I don't even know what to do with myself. Oh wait, yes I do. ETSY! I had a super-cool idea for something SUPER FUN to do with the Etsy community, but I'm going to put it in a separate post, because I do NOT want to take attention away from the wonderful shop I'm featuring today: Decadence Designs Check it out!

Silverware Windchime

1) Your shop name:
Decadence Designs

2) Your real name:
Heather Whamond

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
I usually don't eat breakfast, but when I do I LOVE cold pizza :D

4) When did you begin creating?
I've always been creating, but I didn't kick it into high gear until last summer :)

5) Got a day job?
Yep! I am a software tester.

6) Your inspirations:
I find inspiration all around me, mostly in nature and my daughter. The oddest source of inspiration was a slice of lime that was garnishing my breakfast one Sunday. Each little juice pocket was perfect and it looked like a stained glass window.

Mabel and Evelyn, 1939 - ACEO

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
I wouldn't say that I've made anything weird, but my first windchime was a bit... awkward.

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
I love my windchimes! They are made out of old and tarnished silverware, some beautiful glass beads and some wire.

9) Explain your shop name:
My boyfriend came up with the name. He calls me Princess Decadence, which makes my creations Decadence Designs. I also like the fact that, IMHO, to be decadent is to be spoiled and I am all about spoiling myself! :D

10) Final thoughts?
I feel that all of my creations are little pieces of myself. If I don't feel that a piece is ready to leave the nest, it does not leave my home for a craft show or get posted on Etsy. I only ever broke this rule once - because I had less than 12 hours to get ready for a craft show. I grabbed every item in sight, including a box that I wasn't thrilled about. We set up the night before and the women running the show shopped the night before, picking out their favorite items to purchase the next day. The box that I wasn't sure about was the first thing that one of the organizers bought :) Shows what *I* know about my pieces! :D

Green Dragonfly Repurposed Cigar Box

Please go visit Decadence Designs, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!

EtsyGreetings Street Team

I don't usually do updates on the weekend, but I feel absolutely obligated to do so today. I am a member of the greatest street team ever! What street team would that be? Why, the EtsyGreetings street team, of course!



This street team is full of MANY talented people, and you owe it to yourself to take a look at the many different items being made by these fine folks. How can you do that? You can visit the EtsyGreetings blog. The blog features different members of the group daily (my feature is on Wednesday, June 20th--I'll post a link!) and includes a list of the different shops that participate in the street team along the left hand border.

You owe it to yourself to check out the group! Great stuff! :)

Fairiesnest

I'm about to head down the shore! I'm so excited!

You know, I haven't been doing much crafting lately, but one thing is for sure: I've definitely discovered a LOT of great Etsy shops. Please allow me to introduce you to Fairiesnest!

Nalynne Fairy Cloth Artdoll

1) Your shop name:
Fairiesnest

2) Your real name:
Cynthia Toy

3) Your favorite breakfast cereal:
Hmm...Raspberry-Ginger Peace cereal. I know, how crunchy of me!

4) When did you begin creating?
I made my first doll at age 7! But I really got back to it about 15 years ago making dolls for my kids. After that I couldn't quit and it kinda just escalated!

5) Got a day job?
I sub some as a teacher, but I'm really working on making it as an artist... Fingers crossed!!

6) Your inspirations:
Nature, fairy tales, my own crazy musings.

Autumn Leaf Fairy

7) Weirdest thing you've ever made:
My crow ladies are probably the weirdest but they are also my favs!

8) Creation that you are most proud of:
My Merfae. Her tail is made from collage fabric that took hours to make! And I love her hair with all the sea glass and shells in it.

9) Explain your shop name:
The nest where fairies are born!

10) Final thoughts?
I've just really started on Etsy but I have to say I really like it so far, the people are amazingly helpful and friendly.

Alyssandra

Please go visit Fairiesnest, and keep checking back for more interviews with amazing Etsy sellers!