This and That

featurette

2009-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ecclectic and fun are the first two words that came to my mind when I first saw this shop. creatwithnikki has a variety of items, from drawings to cards to a multitude of scrapbooking materials. The card that initially attracted me to this shop is a Judaica card, not very easy to find!
Go and see createwithnikki!

An artsy feature

2009-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

Even as a child I was a fan of art. I have always loved going to museums and looking at art.
This shop,ArtsAFire is full of work, that in my opinion should be in galleries and museums.

1. How did you get started doing your art?
It was actually kind of a fluke. I've always been terrible at stick figures and I envied all of my friends who could draw these incredibly cute stick figures. So I thought I couldn't do any art. But I went through kind of a hard time in my early teen years and I picked up a pencil one night and started drawing Dragonball Z cartoons (I was SO cool--but they're still some of my favorite drawings!). That was the night I discovered that I had some talent. I still can't draw stick figures, though. I started painting in college and that's been my favorite medium ever since.

2. Why do you create?
I suppose it started as an outlet for me to kind of get away from the world. That outlet grew into a hobby and that hobby grew into a passion. Now, instead of doing it to get away from the world, I do it to 1) make myself happy, and 2) share myself with the world.

3. What is your favorite item to make?
Action paintings are definitely my favorite. I currently only have one set of action paintings in my Etsy shop (Space, 24 x 60) but those are my favorite to create. I have several more in our house because my husband loves them as much as I do and I have plans to include more in my shop.

4. What do you like about Etsy?
I love the friendships I've found (and even re-discovered!) at Etsy. It's a really great community and everyone is very welcoming. I also love that it's a place that allows me to share my art with the world. So far it's been very well received so I hope that continues.

5. Where do you make your work?
Currently, on my living room floor. About 3 hours into a painting my body really starts to feel it! We're in the process of selling our bed in our guest bedroom so we can turn that into a full-time studio for me. At that point, I'll finally have a comfortable place to work.

6. Tell us anything else that you would like us to know.
I have to give a shout-out to my grandfather. I definitely got my talent from him. Completely different styles, but he's always been my inspiration. He has Multiple Sclerosis and painting is his outlet. I've always wanted to be like him. He also has an Etsy shop, which I manage for him. The link is in my shop.

featurette

2009-02-11T05:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, I like shops that have a little bit of everything, maybe that's why my shop is set up that way......Who knows!
KrazyFashion is the same way. Jewelry, bags, clutches, oh I love it!
The initial item from this shop that attracted me is this great bag! Purple is my favorite color so I was immediately drawn to it. It is so versatile. I can see using it at the pool but it would also be great with a variety of outfits.
Go and see this shop!

featurette

2009-02-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

When I first saw this shop I was overwhelmed with the variety of items. I love that there are items for different holidays. My favorite piece is the bracelet with the Star of David on it. Finding Judaica items is not always easy.....
Check out this shop when you can,heysista has fun, unique, affordable jewelry!

February giveaway

2009-02-01T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the information on my second giveaway. This month you can receive a free print from jinx1764.

Please check out this shop and then come back to the blog and leave a comment about the shop. The giveaway starts on February 1st and the winner will be announced on March 1st.

Look at this great work!

A favorite-sprinklemehappy

2009-01-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for some fun? This shop is full of fun. The name sprinklemehappy, is the perfect choice for this shop. It is so colorful and I love looking at every single item, they really do make me happy! I love this pillow.I love anything that can be personalized and this pillow is so festive and bright. Go check it out!

Featured this week

2009-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, I love jewelry! Check out this great shop for great jewelry!
http://Sarahwongjewelry.etsy.com

Here is the interview-

1.How did you get started in your art/craft?2.Why do you creat?3.What is your favorite item to make?4.What do you like about etsy?5.Where do you make your work?6.Tell us something about yourself...

1) I began making jewelry with my super awesome mentor Nina Bagley (etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=29835) as a project during my senior year of high school. I helped her a little bit with her business and then began to create things of my own! I have always been an artist but I didnt begin to really pursue it as a business until my freshmen year of college.2) I create because my life is so crazy and the minutes I get to be creative are a great outlet for me. I get to imagine pieces and design them, find inspiration from materials and various places that I visit. Much of that inspiration comes through in the pieces and I try to incorporate my experiences in everything that I create.3) My river rock pendants are a lot of fun to make! Mostly because I get to go down to the river with my family (or the beach with friends) and I can take time to really look around and observe. Then I find beautiful rocks or shells that I keep and make beautiful pieces with! I make a lot of things but these are so personal and special to me that they are probably my favorite!4) Etsy is great because you can find anything! All different kinds of prices, different artists from all around the world. The improvements they have made to the search engine are great too! The treasury's are awesome as well.5) In my little apartment in Raleigh, NC.6) I'm a biology student at North Carolina State University!

Here is one of my favorites....I love these river rocks, very creative.

A favorite-KreatedbyKelly

2009-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Two words came to mind when I first saw this shop, unique and colorful! I feel as if I am walking through a rainbow when I check out the items in this shop. It's hard to pick a favorite from KreatedbyKelly but this one is truly unique. A button bouquet? Yes, a button bouquet! It is totally original, colorful, fun and I would think a great addition to any room. I love it!

Featured this week

2009-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Here is another great store Nycole.etsy.com I love it!

One of my favorite things is scrapbooking, look at this great shop!

Here is her interview-

1.How did you get started doing your art/craft?

I saw a mini album in a magazine that I thought was very cute. I gathered the supplies necessary and attempted to make something similar. It turned out nothing like the photo; but I liked it. I began selling them at various craft fairs and found that people really liked what I had to offer. I continued to add different styles and types of albums which allowed me to expand my client base.

2.Why do you create?

I am a sucker for scrapbooks and keeping memories close to the surface. I like to reminisce and relive good times, so a scrapbook close by helps me to do this. I like to make the mini albums because they make such wonderful gifts and I want everyone to enjoy a little piece of what I love.

3.What is your favorite item to make?

The accordion album is my favorite thing to make. I think they are so neat and fun! Second up would be a 12X12 scrapbook page. Those mean the most to me, since they contain my thoughts, feelings and memories. But any project that I create gets special attention and love while I am making it.

4.What do you like about etsy?

Etsy has given me the opportunity to focus on doing what I love and not have to spend as much time doing craft fairs and such. I have been able to sell to customers from all over the world including the UK, Japan, Australia and many other places. I

5.Where do you make your work?

I have a great studio in a funky room above the garage in my house. It also doubles as my office where I work my “regular” job. I have my layouts all over the walls to give me both inspiration and a place to showcase my work. I’m a very organized person, so my studio/office is usually pretty well kept. (Unless my four year old has decided to go to work with me. Then things get interesting.)

6.Tell us something about yourself...

I am 27 years old, a wife of nearly nine years and a mother of four years. I am currently working in the staffing industry as an assistant to the president. I also attend school through external degree programs working on my Bachelor’s degree in business. When I am not working or studying, I create items to sell in my Etsy shop or at local craft shows. All the money I make goes to my education, since I am paying for that solely from my “scrapbook” money.

I am in a treasury!

2009-01-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

As I sit here watching my kids play, I decided to check out etsy. I then noticed that I had a convo, I love convos! Well, this was a great convo because I found out that I am in a treasury!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=33755

It's all about roses!

Oh,how I love it

2009-01-16T10:28:00.000-08:00

I hadn't planned on blogging today but I decided to share my new love with all of you. Are you ready? It's exercise! I know... I am just as shocked as you. I never liked exercise but now I love it. It's all because of the Wii fit. That thing is amazing. I have lost 3.5 pounds in 20 days and now my bmi is at a normal level! My husband is also using it and he has lost weight too. It really is inspiring to see results. We are, of course, trying to change our eating habits also. It isn't easy but when exercise is fun and results are seen it is easier to stick with. When I lose a couple of more pounds I'll let you know, only 16 more to go!

A favorite-HudsonQuilts.etsy.com

2009-01-14T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh how I wish I had a baby to buy for!!!!!!! I have found the most beautiful baby items!You have to check out HudsonQuilts. I will admit that I love everything in this shop. Everything is so appealing to the eye. If I had to pick out one favorite it would be this stunning quilt. I love everything about it. It looks so soft, I love the colors, ok, I want one in my size! I am going to have to find someone to buy this for, check it out!

Featured this week

2009-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

Oh, I love jewelry! I can't have too much and I was actually just given a bigger jewelry box from my mom and dad for my birthday.
Here is a great jewelry shop for you to check out, Seababejewelry.

Check out this great interview-

1. How did you get started in your art?
2. Why do you create?
3. What is your favorite item to make?
4. What do you like about etsy?
5. Where do you make your work?
6. Tell us anything else that you would like us to know
1. We got started during the summertime on the North Shore when the waves got small and we started swimming and diving for shells. We made a few into jewelry and it all took off from there. We've worked our way up to working with some really nice gemstones and metals now.
2. We create because we absolutely love the entire process from start to finish. We have so much fun creating beautifully unique pieces of jewelry that we are proud of. And now, also because we are growing a business.
3. My favorite item to create are our "mini's". Hand hammered earwires with gorgeous gemstone drops make a simply beautiful statement and I wear these the most of all our line. David loves to create our Rough Diamond Ring because the buyer always falls in love with this one. It takes a lot of work to create and it truely shows in the craftsmanship of this ring.
4. We love shopping on Etsy, whether it's window shopping or for real. We love being in treasuries and making them, and most of all we love Etsy because it connects us to our customers and helps us grow our business.
5. We have our own workbench area in our house with big windows and an ocean view. It's great inspiration!
6. Something about ourselves is we love to surf! Living in Hawaii makes it a lot of fun!

Dining room wall update

2009-01-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

A few days ago I posted about my phobia. I have a strange phobia called blank wall phobia! It's very serious, ha ha....Anyway I decided to do a painting for one of my many blank walls. I am doing it in brown and blue to match the decor of my downstairs. I had to do many coats of blue to get it where I wanted it but I think it turned out ok. Now onto the brown.......

My other passion

2009-01-08T06:00:00.000-08:00

I have really been enjoying myself on etsy. I love creating a multitude of items. I love sharing them on etsy and I love seeing what everyone else makes. I love photography! I have been bitten by the bug and I really enjoying seeing things through the lens of the camera. However, I do have a passion that came before all of this. It is education and young children. Before joining etsy I taught Pre-K for 15 years. I have my Masters degree in early childhood education and my Montessori certification for 3-6 year olds. I believe with all of my heart in the Montessori method of teaching. I am hoping to add posts on my blog from time to time on different topics of education/parenting.If there is anything that you would like to see me write about, please let me know. I am open to all questions and ideas.

A favorite-Mydesigncollectibles.etsy.com

2009-01-07T06:00:00.000-08:00

I, of course, have so many favorites on etsy. Here is one of my favorite shops!Mydesigncollectibles has a great variety of work. In this shop you will find one of the cutest pigs I have ever seen. It is colorful and really a work of art in clay! Go check out this shop.

My first full feature

2009-01-05T06:00:00.001-08:00

I have finally decided to take the plunge and do a full feature. I think I made a good first choice-
http://catldy99.etsy.com

Here is the interview, please check out this shop!

1.How did you get started in your art/craft?2.Why do you creat?3.What is your favorite item to make?4.What do you like about etsy?5.Where do you make your work?6.Tell us something about yourself...

1. First I started bead weaving when I moved to Portland, Oregon. Then I took a lampworking class and the rest is history...2. I compulsively need to create - idle hands....3. I think the tiddlywinks totems are my current favorite4. The whole atmosphere, a nice looking shop, great communications on new ideas and artists, quality artisans5. I have a shed outdoors with a little heater and my kiln. Good ventilation, better than most since it is outdoors. I also have a workroom in the house. 6. I am married with two kitty cats. I love Josh Groban and recently have read Eat Pray Love. My favorite possession is my I Pod. I live in Portland, OR

I have blank wall phobia!

2009-01-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

I know blank wall phobia is not a real condition but it should be! We have been in our house for a year and a half and I am trying to take my time with the decorating and not rush because I want everything to be perfect. I have a thing about blank walls, I don't like them. I am trying to not put up something on every blank wall that we have but the big ones have to have something on them. Well, I have moved onto the dining room! I did a sketch for a painting last night. I can't sleep until I get my ideas on paper. I bought the canvas today, brushes and paint too. I have penciled in the lines on the canvas and I am hoping to find the time to start painting soon. I will certainly do another post as I get working on it.

My first giveaway!

2009-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Here it is, my first giveaway! It starts January 1st and ends January 31st. Please check out my shop on etsy, come back and post a comment about anything in my shop. A winner will be picked on February 1st. You will win one custom letter of your choice! Any letter, any color! Free shipping too! Good luck!

2008-12-31T07:19:00.001-08:00

Twitter Moms: The Influential Moms Network

I never win anything........

2008-12-29T18:11:00.000-08:00

OK, so I still haven't won anything. However, my husband did! He entered a contest and did not tell me. He walks in the house a few days before Christmas with a bag in his hand and a big grin on his face. He tells me that he entered a contest without telling me and that he won and the prize is mine! I open the bag and it is a new camera!!!!!!!! A Nikon D60! It's awesome. Of course, I am still trying to figure out how to use it, I hope that soon I will find the time to learn how to use it.
Stay tuned I will be adding features, favorites, and giveaways starting in January.

Two new ventures

2008-12-24T07:54:00.000-08:00

I thought that since I don't have enough to do I would be a part of two wonderful projects. I am now a contributor for an online magazine! It's vivalamoda! The first edition just went up and it is great. I am responsible for picking out a great art pick for each edition. My first art pick is a great shabby chic type sign that says Paris on it. I am really excited about this project especially since one of my favorite things to do is browse etsy!
My second venture is being a part of Posh and Prim. It is an online upscale boutique that only sells handmade items. On Posh and Prim you will see some of my photography. This shop is great and I really love the look of the website.
Well, I think that is enough on my plate right now.....until 2009!

Happy Hanukkah, a treasury, my first!

2008-12-18T07:54:00.001-08:00

Well, I wasn't even going to blog today because I really didn't have anything to write about and I have a million things to do around the house. I stopped for a moment to check my email and etsy of course and I found out that I am in a treasury all about Hanukkah! I am so excited, this is the best Hanukkah present! Thank you mozellemetana! Your work is wonderful and I am truly flattered.

Looking for .....

2008-12-16T05:04:00.000-08:00

Ok, I think I am just going to jump in with both feet and do it! For now, I think on Mondays I will do features, on Tuesdays I will do a question of the day, on Wednesdays I will do a small feature on one of my favorites and one time a month I will do a giveaway. How does that sound? I love feedback so please let me know what you think.

I'm featured

2008-12-15T08:17:00.000-08:00

I'm featured on a great blog today and I just had to share
http://doylejewellerydesign.blogspot.com

Thank you!!!!!!!!

A day to ramble

2008-12-15T06:44:00.000-08:00

I do not have anything specific to write about today, so I am going to ramble, sorry! I just sent out a custom order for the letter S. I of course forgot to take pictures to post here. So, pretend that this E is an Sand that it is painted pink with white dots! I think besides doing features and giveaways I want to also periodically list favorites of mine from etsy. Not necessarily items that I have purchased but ones that I just really like for different reasons. I also want to ask questions-a question of the day? I am also doing research on how to get my photography into galleries, I'll certainly be writing about that. Please check out my photography at redbubble. Thanks for reading my rambles.....

Two posts in one day-I'm featured!

2008-12-12T05:53:00.000-08:00

Here I am again, twice in one day, now I probably will not blog at all this weekend because I will have nothing to talk about.
I am featured in a blog-check it out!
Thank you tscrapper, great blog!

Custom work-a featurette

2008-12-12T05:28:00.000-08:00

Well, as you know by now, I love etsy! And I love custom work, look at these. They looked stunning in the picture so I wrote fromArtisanHands a note asking if I could have names on them instead, and she said yes! They just arrived the other day, they are even more stunning in person. If you garden or you know someone who does, you have to get these. They are the perfect gift for any occasion.

Love it-a featurette

2008-12-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

There are of course many things that I love about etsy. However, I think top on my list is how a shopper can find so many unique items. The possibilites are endless. I went shopping on etsy earlier this fall for a birthday gift for a friend. I wanted something unique and memorable. I thought jewelry might be a good idea and was I right. I found this beautiful bracelet. Well, I shipped it off to my friend, she loves it! All of her friends love it too. Creationsbyrobin is another great shop on etsy!
So, I am almost done with my featurettes about shops that I have purchased from and then I hope to add full length features.

I love etsy-featurette

2008-12-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I needed a graduation/birthday gift for my mother in law. I was so proud of her for graduating from college that I wanted to get her something unique and special. I searched etsy and found this necklace from joywhite.etsy.com How perfect! I think this necklace screams graduation! Yes, of course, this wonderful shop had great customer service!

A great shop-featurette

2008-12-09T05:07:00.000-08:00

One thing that I really love about etsy is that you can have items custom made. Look at this great necklace from KGarnerdesigns. I really did not know what to buy for my mom's birthday this year, I knew that I wanted something really special. Well, I found it. This necklace was custom made with my mom's initial and birthstone. KGarnerdesigns also had one of my favorite things, great customer service!
On a separate note, I added my etsy mini to my blog. I am quite proud of myself since I am new to the blogging thing, now if only I could figure out how to add other sellers etsy minis to the blog....stay tuned!

A great purchase from etsy-featurette

2008-12-08T05:30:00.000-08:00

I have tried this year to purchase as many presents as I can on etsy. This one was another great find, adorable pendants! I love these. Buy two get one free, what a deal! That's three gifts for $10 plus shipping. I also ordered them with pink ribbons. They came beautifully displayed in a white box that was tied with a ribbon, I don't even have to wrap them. This was another smooth transaction on etsy. http://pendants4less.etsy.com
Well, I made up a flyer to pass out in my neighborhood about a week ago and still have not passed them out, it is just so cold out!
Happy shopping everyone!

A little feature or a featurette

2008-12-07T05:25:00.000-08:00

One day I was browsing on the forums on etsy and I found this! What a surprise that was. Billy Joel is my favorite artist of all time and now I have a Billy Joel clock. It hangs on the wall in my office so I can see it whenever I am on the computer, which is all the time! Please browse all of IMOTIME's shop while you are looking at my clock. He has some wonderful items. He also has great customer service.

Custom letters

2008-12-06T06:21:00.001-08:00

I made two custom letters this week for a giveaway winner. The winner won a $20 gift certificate to my shop. See them here
I can't wait to start doing giveaways and features. As always please let me know if you have any ideas for my blog,I'm all ears!

One of my favorites

2008-12-05T05:28:00.000-08:00

Eventually I want to do full features of etsy artists. I'm not sure when that will start, probably not until after the holidays. However, I would like to do some quick features of artists. I purchased this item recently and I love it!Click here to see it. I found amazing customer service here! Julie was great to work with. I asked if she could add ruby's to the spreader also, no problem! She sent me pictures of the finished work and I had the order in my hand so fast, I'm not really sure how she did it but,the finished product is incredible!
Thanks Julie!

It changed

2008-12-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

Well, I changed my avatar. It went from magnets(which I don't sell anymore)to a black and white picture of a bird on Folly Beach SC. That met with mixed reviews on the etsy forums. So, now it's a picture of a pink flower. Let me know what you think!

When you have a chance please read http://creativeladies.blogspot.com/ She is looking for donations for a great cause, please help if you can, thanks!

I will start doing features and giveaways as soon as I can figure out how to do it! Any advice? Pass it along!

Another busy day

2008-12-03T05:17:00.000-08:00

So besides having to clean and having to go through my kids hidden presents to make sure I have everything, I need to work on two letters. I was part of a giveaway on http://momdot.com/ The winner won a $20 gift certificate to my store http://randi100.etsy.com/ She ordered two custom letters. I have so much fun making handpainted letters. I'll put up pictures when they are done.

I have many goals for this blog, we'll see if they happen, but I do have goals!

I would like to-

feature other etsy artists

feature beautiful things that I find on etsy, I have a long list!

Show you items that I am working on

Have giveaways

I also hope to add my information about early childhood education, thoughts etc. I was a pre-k teacher for 15 years.

If there is anything that you would like to see here, please let me know, I am open to all ideas!

I'm still figuring this out

2008-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

Well, I love etsy and twitter! I already have comments on my brand new blog. You can see me at http://randi100.etsy.com/

and

http://twitter.com/randi100

I'm having a sale through the end of the year:

buy 2 ornaments get 1 free

and

free photo card with any purchase

I am hoping to blog often, I am making a list of all the things that I want to do with my blog!

This and That

2008-12-02T08:52:00.000-08:00

Here I am! My first post to my new blog. I'm not really sure what I am doing so I hope that you will be patient with me, this blog is under construction!