EtsyCREST

Crafter of the Opera

2012-01-05T19:49:00.000-05:00

Let's get together!

Come join us at the Black Fox on Connecticut Avenue on Saturday, January 14th, 2012, from 7-10pm! Ring in the new year by making new crafty friends and enjoying a great cocktail with great company. Just a $5 ticket affords priceless connections.. and appetizers ;)

Calling all CRESTers!!

2011-11-27T19:03:00.001-05:00

All member meeting!!

12/5/11 at 8:30pm

Free Conference Call Conference Dial-in Number: (712) 775-7000

Participant Access Code: 428085#

We have a lot of new information and exciting events coming up, so don't miss it!

CREST Board Members for 2012

2011-10-10T21:15:00.000-04:00

I'm excited to announce our wonderful Board Team Members for 2012. These are wonderful Etsy artists who will be taking on big roles in planning a wonderful new year for the CREST Team.

Jennifer Michael - Chair

CraftyStitches

craftystitches.etsy.com

I’m so excited about our team this year. I hope to bring lots of great selling events, learning opportunities, and collaborations with our team members. My theme for 2012 is THINK BIG!

Linda Gordon- Co-chair

Miss Flossie & Lulu, The Twisted Cow

missflossielulu.etsy.com, thetwistedcow.etsy.com

Hi CRESTERs!!!!! Linda Gordon here and I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve as your CREST Board Co-Chair. In addition to my service on the CREST Board, I have two shops on Etsy Miss Flossie & Lulu (supplies) and The Twisted Cow (for pets and the folks that love them).

Angie Barrett- Membership Officer

Suds ‘N’ Such

sudsnsuch.etsy.com

My name is Angie and I run Angie's Suds 'N Such, a place for high quality skin care at affordable prices. I'm very excited to be the new membership officer and assist & recruit new team members!

Meg Murray- Communications Officer

Red & Main

redandmain.etsy.com

As owner of Red & Main, I create hand-sculpted, kiln-fired ceramic critter sculptures, mythical beasts, and ferocious monsters made with love. I will serve as the new Communications Officer for Etsy CREST, and I’m stoked to start interacting with each and every CREST member. Be on the look-out for posts and emails from me- they will probably contain important news from the CREST board and information about local CREST events.

Elizabeth Blair-Nussbaum- Secretary

EBN Art Studio

ebnartstudio.etsy.com

My name is Elizabeth and I'm the owner of EBN Art Studio, which features my contemporary paintings and prints. I can’t wait to help CREST rise to the top as one of the leading local organizations! As secretary, I will help organize all CREST-related information and data like meeting notes and surveys.

Jesse Amaryllis Tyler - Events Officer

Everything Zen Jewelry

everythingzenjewelry.com

Hi everyone! I'm Jesse from Everything Zen Jewelry. Along with Christina of SmokingHaute, I will be contributing to the CREST Board as an Events Officer. As a local craftsperson, I look forward to working with like-minded Artisans/Small Business owners to bolster CREST's presence in the community.

Christina Floriza - Events Officer

SmokingHaute

smokinghaute.etsy.com

Hi everyone! My name is Christina and I own SmokingHaute, an Etsy shop for modern, sculptural handmade knitted accessories inspired by Washington, DC. I am THRILLED to serve as Events Officer on the CREST Board with Jesse Tyler! I cannot wait to work with you all and throw events as awesome as this city and this team!!

Deb Soromenho- Web Officer

A.W.E. Handcrafted Jewelry

awejewelry.com

Hi, I’m Deb! I make sterling, copper, and bronze jewelry that is inspired by the shapes, textures, and cultures of the world! I’m excited to serve as the CREST web officer and am looking forward to expanding our online presence and getting everyone more involved in our various online venues!

Beth Hess – Web Officer

Wunder Around

wunderaround.etsy.com

Greetings! I’m a glassblower who loves to take photos, explore the world around me and make stuff. You can find me on Etsy at WunderAround and PollyScoots. I’m excited to be a part of CREST and look forwarding to working with you to help spread the word about our team and our members’ awesomeness all over the internet.

CREST @CraftyBastards

2011-10-02T13:59:00.009-04:00

Check out our featured artists at CRAFTYBASTARD. The weather was cold, the rain was coming down but it did not stop us from being fabulous. Over 100 artists were there and the crowds were thick! OMG it was such a fabulous time.

Thank you volunteers:
Deb @Aweshop
Christina @SmokingHaute
Jenn @CraftyStitches

Featured Artists: Red&Main, CraftyStitches, SmokingHaute, TheAweshop, TwistedCow, SudsNSuch, EverythingZenjewelry.

HelloEtsy - A gathering of inspiration!

2011-09-19T17:12:00.004-04:00

This past Sunday, 9/18/2011, the CREST team volunteered for a wonderful event sponsored by the Smithsonian and HELLOETSY on a worldwide broadcast symposium of artist and how to make our artistry a business.

We learned so much learning from each other and had such a wonderful time. We got to meet great friends, experts and hear that others are sharing the same struggles and successes as an artist and crafter. It was part of a movement a DIY HANDMADE MOVEMENT... We all felt it!

Hello Etsy Update

2011-09-14T10:28:00.003-04:00

Just got this from Katie:
Subject: Volunteers for Hello Etsy!
Hi all!
Thank you so much for volunteering for Hello Etsy DC! We are so happy to have you. Please plan to arrive to the Smithsonian American Art Museum at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, September 18. The museum is closed until 11:30 a.m., so please enter through the 8th and G Streets NW entrance (otherwise you'll be locked out!).
You can get to the museum by taking the metro to Gallery Place/Chinatown on the red, yellow, and green lines, or you can walk a couple of blocks from Metro Center if you prefer the blue and orange lines. Please check WMATA.COM to see the weekend track work (ugh!) before you leave home. You will receive your
"task list" when you arrive, letting you know how you'll be helping out during the day, and we will have lunch available! And, the after party is at Rocket Bar! If you can stay for a drink or two, there are 20% off coupons involved, so we hope you can all join us. See you Sunday!
Cheers,
Katie

**For all volunteers and featured artist please be sure to send me your full name and cell phone numbers. This is so that I have a record of who participated just in case the Smithsonian has a hiccup AND we need the cell phone number so that we can contact you in case of trouble or change on the day of.

Please send your contact info to thetwistedcow@comcast.net as soon as possible.

Also, you do not need a ticket if you are volunteering or a featured artist.t
hanks everyone!!

Linda Gordon
The Twisted Cow
http://www.twisted-cow.com

CREST – Conference Call on September 9, 2011

2011-09-13T15:37:00.002-04:00

CREST – Conference Call on September 9, 2011

Attendees: Fran, Phyllis, Chris, Mary, Linda, Karen, Elizabeth, Suzanne, Jenn

Falling for Handmade 2

· 38 booths have been selected and paid for

o Booth assignments will be available 9/15/2011

· Falling for Handmade social networking:

o Michelle Lowell, collieolliedesigns, developed and is maintaining www.fallingforhandmade.weebly.com

o Elizabeth, ebnartstudios, developed and is maintaining fallingforhandmade facebook

o Elizabeth developing Tentative facebook ad (not developed yet)

o Fran developed sponsor package and is advertising the show on On-line ads and on Craigs List

o Asking all CREST members to social network about the show. The success of this show will allow for bigger and better venues for CREST

· Show Signage :

o Michelle designed and purchased 4 signs for proximity of NOVA

o Requesting that all vendors need to make copies of flyers and distribute at work and in neighborhoods

· Volunteers needed for the following rolls:

o Need 2 volunteers to arrive early and draw out booth spaces. Need to be at gym between 6: 630am.

o Fran, Elizabeth, Linda & Chris will get to gym by 6-6:30 to mark gym (Fran to provide exact time – still working the determine time)

o Registration desk – Coordinator for the day off event; this would be a great role for someone who does not want to be a vendor but willing to lend a hand to keep things going.

o Need 2 non-vendors to register and direct vendors

o Goodie bag assembly: Jenn (craftystiches) to coordinate, collect and put together goodie bags for giveaways – Fran to send email with names of vendors

o Set up/Sign postage for the night before – post signs everywhere

o Jenn has 10 signs from 2010 Falling for Handmade (Michelle to get with Jenn before ordering more signs)

o considering a banner for Wakefield/Braddock intersection

o need volunteers to place sign on day of show

o Fran to contact Woodson High School to solicit volunteers or local PTA

o 2-3 volunteers/students to rove, provide bathroom breaks –

o High School Kids to help load/unload and runners

o Extra hands to cover your spot

HelloEtsy/Smithsonian

· Volunteers if you have not received information about the event, contact Jennifer.craftystitches@gmail.com

o Volunteers need to be there NLT 9:30am

· Featured artists, please contact Linda (thetwistedcow@comcast.net) to coordinate details for your display

o If you are a featured artist and you have not received an email from me, please contact me at thetwistedcow@comast.net so that I may send you an informational email.

CraftyBastards/Etsy Table

· We need about 3-4 volunteers to feature our CREST/ETSY table and to work the table.

o Volunteers can showcase an item that they create. You will not be selling anything, but there to promote Etsy, CREST, and yourself.

o Email Jennifer.craftystitches@gmail.com or Linda G. at thetwistedcow@comcast.net if you are interested

EtsyLabs

· We are looking to have CREST do EtsyLabs on a regular basis. We are looking for CRESTers who are willing to do and EL.

o First EtsyLab is tentatively scheduled for Sept 24, 2011

§ Fran – topic TBD

§ Suzanne - discuss vintage are selected for a Featured session for EtsyLab.

§ If interested, contact Linda thetwistedcow@comcast.net.

CREST Conference Calls

We are looking to have maximum participation on the calls; this is your opportunity to voice your opinion and concerns

· Meeting on a monthly basis

o Willing to do impromptu meeting for events

· Looking for maximum participation to inform, plan, network, and catch-up.

CREST (Etsy Grants)

2011-08-25T16:49:00.005-04:00

Checkout the announcement for Etsy Grant Winner.

Learning about Business Analytics Basics

2011-08-24T14:14:00.004-04:00

Hi Etsians,

Understanding your STATS is so important to running a business. So treat your ART/CRAFT like a business. Here is a quick summary down and dirty on what' I've done with my business analytics.

... CraftyStitches on Business Analytics.

Hello Etsy Artists Selected!!!!

2011-08-19T16:34:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone! We finally sat down to review and select the artists to represent CREST at the Smithsonian for the Hello Etsy Summit. We had plenty of great entries with fabulous products (that made it all the harder!) and we did our best to select a wide variety with diversity to show what CREST can do and is all about.

So without further adieu, here they are:

Shop Name: Wunder Around from College Park, Maryland

Product Description: I dare you to resist touching a beautiful blue sky. This tri-color incalmo vase is great for grasping, gazing or your favorite flower. How it’s made:Cups of color in transparent and opaque blue were made then fitted together with a third shade of blue sandwiched between. Once fully joined, a gather of clear glass encompassed the color before being blown and worked into its final shape.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.wunderaround.etsy.com

Website: www.wunderaround.com

Shop Name: Angie's Suds 'n Such from Manassas, Virginia

Product Description: Cherry Blossom Handmade Soap. This soap was handmade using the cold process method of soap making. I used high quality oils that are good for your skin. Those oils include olive, coconut, and organic palm.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/SudsNSuch

Website: www.SudsNSuch.com

Shop Name: Everything Zen Jewelry from Washington, DC

Product Description: I named this piece Mandir, meaning “Temple” in Sanskrit. This piece formed organically on my bench, a whisper of an Asian Temple. As if it just needed a bit of help from me, for me to breathe life into it. Hand-forged from 4-gauge Sterling Silver.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/everythingzenjewelry

Website:www.EverythingZenJewelry.com

Shop Name: SQResources from Arlington, Virginia

Product Description: Asian Garden Quilted Wall Art.A combination of piecing and quilting techniques went into the creation of this beautiful art quilt.Stripped and curved piecing were used to give the feel of the winding paths in this garden of lush peonies and chrysanthemums. The outline quilting of the fans and flowers highlight the beauty. Add some winding leaves and a couple of dragonflies and you are transported to an Asian Garden. The piece is made with commercial fabrics with gold embellishment. The backing is pieced using a commercial batik with a band of the stripped fabrics. Machine pieced and quilted by me.

Asian Garden measures 36.5 inches wide by 27.5 inches high and colors include shades of gold, coral, pink, sky blue, olive greens, black, yellow, and white. The colors are more intense that the photos can convey.
Contact information:

Etsy: www.SQResources.etsy.com

Shop Name: Red and Main

Product Description:Who among us does not appreciate the endearing antics of Parks & Recreation's Ron Swanson? And who among those fine people would not do anything physically possible to own their own personal Ron Swanson Monster... the Ron Swanster?
Like the real Ron Swanson, Ron Swanster appreciates bacon-wrapped shrimp. It is, after all, his first favorite food wrapped around his third favorite food.
Ron Swanster is hand sculpted from white earthenware clay. He was kiln fired to nearly 1900 degrees, then hand painted in all his meaty glory. He was polished off with a snazzy coating of varnish.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.redandmain.etsy.com

Website:www.redandmainstudio.com

Shop Name: A.W.E. Modern Artisan Jewelry

Product Description: These Hammered Copper Teardrop earrings by A.W.E. Jewelry are being featured in the 2011 Primetime Emmy Awards celebrity gift lounge, to be distributed to 100 of the award nominees!
They are completely cut, hammered, oxidized and sealed by hand, and hang from hand formed sterling silver ear wires.
A.W.E. - Inspired by the shapes, textures, and cultures of the world.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/AWEshop

Website: www.awejewelry.com

Shop Name: EBN Art Studio from Ashburn, Virginia

Product Description: Beyond Abstraction: NYC Freight No. 2. This modern piece is the second image in my "Beyond Abstraction: Freight" series. One day while my husband was flipping through channels, we stumbled upon a travel show. At one point, they were showing the freight moving in and out of the port of that particular city. I couldn't believe how bright and colorful the containers looked from above! This beautiful view of freight encouraged me to find more aerial shots of these sea containers from various cities and use the images as inspiration for a new series of paintings. This particular painting shows a view of freight in NYC, which provides a new and innovative way to enjoy the brightness of this city in your home. As with the other "Beyond Abstraction" images, I focused on simplified, clean shapes. The other abstract paintings focus on organic shapes, mimicking the natural items that inspire the images. In contrast, this series will decidedly have more geometric shapes and straight edges because of the man-made structures that serve as the muse for these paintings.

Contact Information:

Etsy: www.etsy.com/shop/ebnartstudio

Website: www.ebnartstudio.com

We give thanks to everyone that applied and we hope that you can come and support our fellow CRESTers that were selected to represent us at the Smithsonian for Hello Etsy. All selected artists will be contacted via email if any additional information is needed.

As a reminder, Hello Etsy is still looking for volunteers to help with the symposium and give others a break. This is still a great opportunity to network with local and international experts and artisans, Etsy staff, your fellow CRESTers...don't let this opportunity to learn and exchange pass you by!

Thanks everyone!

- Linda

The Twisted Cow

CREST @Smithsonian and Hello Etsy 9/18/2011

2011-08-18T12:15:00.002-04:00

Are you coming?

Volunteers can sign up here

Falling For Handmade 2

2011-08-18T12:09:00.003-04:00

More info on Facebook @FallingForHandmade

Applications for vendor spots are still available... here

Inspirational Fridays: Monsters, Robots, and Creatures! Oh, My!

2010-03-26T00:17:00.008-04:00

We asked Naomi Cayne what inspires her to create her unique embroidery. This is what she had to say:

Bright new days full of possibility inspire me. Hundreds of colors of thread waiting to be sewn into a fresh swatch of fabric inspire me. A yearning to come up with appealing images and better items is a constant push and inspiration. I am compelled to create in the same way that hunger and thirst compels me to eat and drink. I am also inspired by other artists, my customers, and friends. Mostly, my imagination is responsible for the images I create.

Inspiration to embroider something specific hits me at random moments. I see, hear or read something that conjures up an image and sticks with me, nagging me to illustrate it. My drawings become inspiration for my embroideries. And I draw a lot. My sketches are often of strange creatures, monsters, robots, or animals with human characteristics. Some of the lucky sketches get to take on a life of their own when they are set down on fabric with a needle and thread. For me, embroidery is essentially painting or drawing with thread.

Inspiration for these creatures may be derived from subconscious memories of children’s books (I always loved the illustrations) and definitely pull a bit from the work of other artists, some of whom I find on Etsy. Like Harold and his purple crayon, I draw what is in my mind, dying to get out. Inspiration often comes from daily life; I try to create characters that have personality, are endearing or charming in their own way and sometimes have real-life human feelings and issues. To me, the creatures can tell a story without a single word.

Some of my pieces are directly inspired from other sources - for example, my series of unsung scientists and inventors. This series started when I read Bill Bryson’s humorous and informative tome A Short History of Nearly Everything, which is basically a science textbook for dummies. Even though critics have found a number of errors in this book, the point of his text still comes across. His book opens up a world that is obscured to many of us, unveiling the many mysteries of the universe. I was amazed by reading about discoveries of things that we all take for granted, yet never having heard of many of the scientists behind the research. These scientists need to be recognized (aside from by the Nobel Prize awarders, from which many have received their due) and my embroideries are a small way to pay homage to them.

For all artists, inspiration is elusive and can be hard to explain. The key for me is to always be open to that inspiration, to let it strike when it chooses to, and to be ready to illustrate or stitch whatever life throws at me.

www.naomicayne.com
www.naomicayne.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/naomicayne

Sale!! Embroidery by Naomi Cayne

2010-03-25T01:43:00.007-04:00

In celebration of our focus on needlecraft this week, Naomi is offering 20% off all her wonderful embroideries. Just mention the EtsyCREST blog and you will receive a revised invoice or a refund via Paypal.

www.naomicayne.com
www.naomicayne.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/naomicayne

Cross Stitch Tutorial from Kitty City Creations

2010-03-24T01:14:00.005-04:00

This week our blog will be focusing on needlecrafts. Today we are happy to bring you a wonderful tutorial from Aileen at KittyCityCreations.

Cross stitch tutorial: How to secure your thread to keep the back neat

Many of my friends comment on how neat the back of my stitching is. True, there is a bit of planning involved in my stitching “trail,” but much of it is how I secure my thread when I begin stitching. This may be non-traditional for many and some may feel that I am cheating. It is a sort of knot, which is a no-no in cross stitch! But it’s a nice flat knot, I assure you! (I’m such a rule breaker!) This was taught to me by a friend of my mother’s when I was a few years into my stitching habit.

Note: This only works if you are stitching with an even number of strands.

1. Start by cutting a piece of floss twice as long as you normally work with. I tend to cut mine about arm’s length.

2. If you are stitching with 2 strands (the most common), separate out only 1 strand of floss.Fold it in half and thread the open ends through the eye of your needle, leaving the loop on the end you will stitch with.

3. Bring the needle up through the back and make your first stitch as you normally would. Instead of leaving a “tail” to stitch over, bring your needle through the loop and pull taught. This creates the flat knot. (Images are of the back of the fabric.)

Note: Don’t pull too tight or you risk pulling the knot through to the front.

4. Continue stitching as usual and when you come to the end, thread the needle behind the last few stitches as you normally would. Be sure to clip the threads close to the fabric so you don’t leave thread hanging out. In the images, I started in the bottom left corner and ended in the top left corner.

So essentially the back looks the same as before, you just have fewer “beginning and ending” spots visible, which makes it look just a little cleaner.

http://KittyCityCreations.etsy.com

http://kittycitycreations.blogspot.com

Inspiration is Everywhere! (Even In a Random Guy's Shirt)

2010-03-12T06:00:00.005-05:00

We asked Leslie of Crooked Stamper what inspires her. This is what she said:

What inspires me? I get inspiration from some very strange places, most of them things I never noticed before I became a stamper and card-maker. Things like the colors of the stripes on the shirt of the guy in front of me on the train, or a co-worker’s sweater and purse combo. Last summer I noticed a bunch of the new Land’s End polo shirt colors were exact matches for the new Stampin’ Up! In Colors, and of course, I needed to buy them! (The shirts AND the card stock!) Using these things in my environment, I started out innocently enough making “normal” cards – you know: Birthday, Thank You, Anniversary.

I also do some of the color challenges on various Web sites and blogs to stretch myself - make myself go outside of my comfort zone. Most of us have go-to colors, and I need to be pulled out of my rut every once in a while.

Then there’s my typical not-so-neat craft area. Some of the card stock that piles up next to my paper cutter is a great source for color combos. I made part of this card out of a pile of paper scraps – just trimmed strips I almost threw away.

Then I started seeing stamps with not-so-normal sentiments, and seeing humor in things people said, or quotes that I’d read, and thought: wow - that would be so funny on a card. Thus, I found myself going down the “irreverent” path. Like this one … which is a modification of something one of my Tweeps said one night, or this one, which is one of my best selling cards.

I paired it with an image I got from my local stamp store. I like that I can make her say anything I want. A lot of my repeat customers at my local farmers’ markets say, “Well, you won’t see this at Hallmark!” I like to think I’m filling a niche that The Big Guys missed. ;-)

Then there’s blogs. I subscribe to dozens of crafty blogs, and I see what other people are doing with stamps I already have, or see other stamp sets I must now own, so I can make my own creations.

Inspiration: It’s Everywhere! Just open your eyes!

My etsy store: http://cardsbyleslie.etsy.com

My blog: http://thecrookedstamper.blogspot.com

Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/crookedstamper

I also do a local farmers’ market every Saturday from May-Oct in Gaithersburg, MD.

Get Inspired by Color

2010-03-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Spring is just around the corner! We will be soon be surrounded by the green of tulip bulbs pushing through the ground, the yellow of forsythia flowers, and the soft pink of cherry blossoms.

Joan of Bitsy's Greetings reminds us to stop and look around. When we asked her what inspired her, this is what she said:

Color inspires me! As a graphic designer, I'm constantly affected by color. I'll see combinations of colors all over and can't wait to sit down at my computer and create something new.

Her 25% off sale is going on until Sunday, so don't forget to check out her shop!

We're Nuts about Bitsy's Greetings!

2010-03-11T06:42:00.008-05:00

Here's your chance! Stock up on beautiful greeting cards, party invitations, birth announcements, recycled stationery, and printable stationery. In celebration of our focus on paper goods this week, BitsysGreetings is offering a great discount: 25% off ANYTHING at bitsysgreetings.etsy.com Just mention the etsycrest blog and you'll receive a revised invoice.

BitsysGreetings is a branch of BitsyCreations which can be found online at http://bitsycreations.com and Etsy at http://bitsycreations.etsy.com.

Fat Envelope Packaging Tutorial

2010-03-10T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our focus this week is paper goods and Leisha of Paper Compositions has graciously shared a wonderful tutorial with us:

For whenever you need packaging of fatter items: card sets, business cards, etc. Note the different style of enclosures: the scalloped-edged one has velcro dots for resealing, the business card one has a slot and tab, and the envelope one has a self sealing strip for mailing. This tutoral is in a print-friendly jpeg format. Just double-click on the pics to enlarge, then read or print.

Inspirational Fridays.....

2010-03-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

The weekend is upon us again (HAPPY JOY!). As we close another week, we'd like you to take a few minutes to read all about what inspires fellow CRESTer, Angie, from Suds N' Such. Now, ask yourself....What inspires you?

What inspires me? Well, mostly it's my love of baking. Soapmaking is actually a lot like baking. You can't just throw things together in a pot and hope it turns out right. Ingredients have to be measured accurately, you have to spend time blending it together properly, and then you need to be patient as you wait for the final product. If you look at my shop, you'll see that most of my items either look like food or smell like food. I'll see a yummy cupcake in a cookbook and think "Wow! That would make a cute soap!"

I'm also inspired by other soapmakers. My first handmade soap was discovered in a gift shop on a trip out west as a teenager. I never realized that soap could be so pretty and smell so good! I was afraid to use it because it was so wonderful. A few years later I decided to make my own soap as Christmas Gifts and eventually started selling it. That's when I discovered Etsy and all the wonderful soapmakers there. I'm still in awe of all the beautiful swirls and other things that can be done with a bar of soap.

Another inspiration is my daughter. She's a 7 year old with a great imagination and no concept of limits. She'll look at something and tell me I should make a soap just like it. She doesn't accept it if I tell her it would be too hard to make. I've learned from her that I need to find ways to do something instead of reasons not to.

Giveaways on Facebook!

2010-03-04T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone...are you ready for the weekend?

Today we have another amazing CRESTer, Lynise, who makes all natural body care products featuring fair trade, wild crafted and organically grown ingredients. Doesn't that sound scrumptuous? She has graciously shared her monthly giveaway details on Facebook for us:

Become a Fan and you'll automatically be entered in the Monthly drawings at her Facebook Fan page for the chance to win a FREE Bodybutter. You can visit her Fan page through her Blog (just go to the sidebar on the right): Organic Mind Body Therapy

And don't forget to check out her Etsy Shop!

Wednesday's Tip, Tricks & Tutorials

2010-03-03T07:00:00.002-05:00

Today's tutorial comes from Angie of Suds' N' Such for a Mini Soap-on-a-rope! How fun!

Here's what you need:

Approximately 4 ounces of melt and pour soap base
Mini bath puff (I got mine from Parasox on etsy)
Fragrance oil (I used Cherry Blossom from Sahara's Supplies)
Blueberry seeds for exfoliation (also from Sahara)
Bath bomb mold (from...you guessed it!...Sahara)
A spoon for mixing
Knife for cutting
Measuring glass to melt your soap in

Have all your supplies? Okay, let's get started! First you need to cut up your soap base and measure out 2 ounces. Melt it in the microwave (about 20 seconds should do the trick), add about 1/4 tsp fragrance oil, a bit of blueberry seeds, and mix it all together.

Now, set your mini puff in one half of the bath bomb mold. I recommend greasing the mold a bit so your soap doesn't stick.

Carefully pour your soap mixture into the mold. You'll need to pull the puff away from the sides a bit to get it in there. Pour slowly so the puff has time to absorb some of the soap. Now, go grab a cup of coffee and wait for this to dry.

Is it dry? Alright, next step!

Measure out another 2 ounces of your soap base. Melt it and add your fragrance and blueberry seeds like last time. Pour it into the other half of your mold. (Don't forget to grease it!)

Unmold the dry soap that you made earlier. I tried doing this with the first half still in the mold but the mold won't close completely and you'll have a little gap between the two halves. Very carefully and very slowly set it into the melted soap, puff side down. You'll want to put something under it to catch the soap that runs out over the side. Trust me, now matter how slow you go it's going to happen.

We're done! Well, almost. Go grab a book or watch tv for about 3o minutes and then come back and unmold your creation!

Congrats! You just made a mini soap-on-a-rope!

P.S. I don't recommend making your soap outside like I did. I only did this for the purpose of taking pictures in the natural lighting.

This week's feature: Bath and Body

2010-03-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Bath and Body Week! This week we'll be featuring our very talented CRESTers who make their own Bath and Body Products. And considering the cold and dry weather we are getting this winter...this is perfect timing!

Today we are interviewing Mary from Herban Lifestyle who has shared a few things with us about her business.

Q: When did you first start making bath and body products?
A: I originally started creating my herbal bath products about ten years ago. I had subscribed to an aromatherapy-of-the-month club kit to make with my daughters. Each kit included raw ingredients and recipes, and it was so much fun that I began creating my own formulas and researching the properties of various ingredients. My life was very stressful at the time, and I found this work very centering – working with the herbs and essential oils was very relaxing. People responded well to my products, and I started selling them online as well as at my local farmers market. Then, my life got even more hectic, and I let my company go, returning to just making my products for myself, friends and family. Then, in early in 2008, I started formal herbalism studies, and it inspired me to re-start my herbal bath and body product business.

Q: Is this your full time job? If not how do you balance a full time job with your Etsy shop?

A: Half of my time is spent on Herban Lifestyle, and the other half of the time I work as a consultant facilitating the scientific review of cancer prevention programs. While the two areas are very different in some respects, they both focus on wellness and educating people about ways to live a healthier lifestyle. Plus, the more I learn about cancer prevention, the more strongly I believe in the importance of companies like mine that promote healthy alternatives to chemical-laden personal care products.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Suggestions from customers and friends, products that I want, but can’t find. And, for a while, when I was on a naturopath-directed diet that eliminated wheat, sugar and dairy, my inspiration for new products was forbidden desserts! Some products that arose from my cravings are Mint Chocolate Chip Lip Balm, Lemon Meringue Whipped Body Scrub, Tangerine Dreamsicle Bath Salts, and Strawberry Honey Milk Facial Masque. Most recently, I was inspired to create a men’s line of products because my husband and other men had been complaining that all of my products were too “girly” and that there was nothing for them! In addition, I have learned that prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in this country (across ages and genders), and several ingredients commonly found in personal care products are thought to contribute to hormone disruption. I thought I owed it to the men to give them some healthy, great smelling personal care product options.

Q: You call your company eco-friendly. What are you doing to make your business green?

A: I try to run all aspects of my business in a sustainable way, and I do several things to be eco-friendly like offsetting 100% of my company’s carbon footprint through the purchase of RECs. All of my products are packaged in recyclable containers, and the labels are printed on 100% recycled paper (minimum 50%) with vegetable-based inks. I never use artificial fragrances, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, synthetics, or petroleum-based ingredients. My company is a certified member of Green America and is also certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny. I purchase only 100% recycled copy/printer paper, paper towels and toilet paper. I recycle all of my paper, ink cartridges and packing peanuts, and reuse copy/printer paper and packing materials. In addition, I make sure to use reusable bags when shopping, I mulch, I recycle everything that I can, I buy locally whenever possible, I use compostable trash bags, and I use compact fluorescents wherever I can in my house. I know there’s always more I can do – I’m constantly discovering new ways to be greener.

Q: Do you have any advice for other bath and body product creators?

A: First, make sure that you are having fun. So, in terms of taking on projects, causes, choosing whom to work with, make sure that it doesn’t drain your energy – if it is, something is out of balance. By keeping things fun, I maintain my energy and enthusiasm, and it nourishes my creativity. Secondly, keep your customers’ best interest in mind. The reputation of your company relies on the quality of your products, and in how you interact with your customers, so that should be a very high priority. I continually assess where I am and where I’m going, and make sure that I am sticking to these criteria, which I set for myself.

To learn more about Mary and Herban Lifestyle, you can follow her on Twitter here, on Facebook here, or her blog here.

Endless Inspiration!

2010-02-26T10:21:00.007-05:00

We asked Ruth of Ruth Barzel Jewelry Designs what inspires her. On the right is a picture of one of her beautiful creations,

Here is her response:

Answering the question "what inspires you?" isn't as simple as it seems. Inspiration is elusive. Something as random as a shadow on the sidewalk or a grainy newspaper photo can make an idea for a new piece pop into my mind. But if there is one thing that consistently provides me with inspiration, it's the work of other jewelry designers. Knowing that there are so many creative people out there producing all manner of beautiful and interesting jewelry makes me want to be part of it. So I've put together a list of a few of my favorite designers—the ones whose new work always makes my heart beat a little faster. Some are big, some are small; some are artists and some—well—not. And although each is completely different from the other, they're all completely fabulous.

Jamie Joseph. This fantastic designer is a long-time favorite. Although I've never met her, she is from my home town, Seattle, so I feel as if there's a connection between us. Her rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are sold in stores all over the country, as well as online in stores such as Twist, New Twist, and Persimmon. Her rings are especially amazing; the stones (which are cut by her husband, Jeremy Joseph) are so luminous and beautiful that it's impossible to decide which one you like best. The rings are organic and handmade looking but meticulously crafted and chic at the same time. Most recently she has added a “Jamie Joseph Wedding” collection made using white and yellow gold and pave diamonds. The collection is to die for, and you don’t need to be contemplating marriage to appreciate it.

J Crew. This jewelry line is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me, because I generally prefer jewelry made by independent designers, but then I have to remember that even though J Crew is a big company, someone must be designing its jewelry, and whoever that may be is doing an awesome job. Plus, J Crew pieces fit nicely into my fashion philosophy, which is all about combining different types of jewelry—a classic engagement ring with a chunky handmade bracelet, for example, or tiny stud earrings and an over-the-top costume-ey necklace. My favorite J Crew pieces are the bracelets. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on this company to see what’s coming next.

Jes Maharry. This is one of my all-time favorite designers. Her silver, yellow gold and (my favorite) rose gold pieces are etched with words that express her philosophy and tiny illustrations that somehow manage to be meticulous and rustic at the same time. She also used hand-cast beads and charms and trade beads in her amazing necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. I admire the way she’s maintained her artistic integrity while expanding her business. Most recently she’s added high-end diamond wedding jewelry, and it’s just as beautiful as her earlier, simpler pieces are.

One Stone New York. I stumbled upon this young designer on Etsy one day and was enchanted by his beautifully crafted jewelry made with silver, gold, gemstones, and rough diamonds. His work is so special (and affordable) that it’s hard for me to believe he won’t be a household name among jewelry lovers soon.

Anat Perez. I discovered this Israeli designer on a trip to Tel Aviv last summer. She uses white gold made in a special way that gives the metal a yellowish sheen, so that it appears to be something in between white and yellow gold, and the metal has a gorgeous organic yet elegant look (this seems to be a theme connecting much of my most-adored jewelry). I don’t know much about Perez, since I’ve never seen her work other than in this one shop, and as far as I know, her pieces aren’t sold any at any stores in the United States, but if it were, I’d be shopping there! In addition, her website is written mostly in Hebrew, which I can’t read almost at all, so there’s an element of mystery about her. I hope that I have the opportunity to see more of her work in the future.

Antonio Piluso. If I were planning a trip to Italy, the first thing I would do wouldn’t be to drink a cappuccino, go to the Sistine Chapel, or shop for Italian shoes. Instead, I’d head straight to Milan to visit the store of this incredible artist. Piluso is another designer (like Anat Perez) who has a certain foreign mystique about him, because his work is sold in few places in the United States, and his website is written entirely in Italian. Nevertheless, you don’t need to see many of his pieces to recognize that he’s an amazing artist and designer. You can find a few of his rings and earrings at Relish in Washington, DC, and Barneys used to carry him as well, although the last time I was at the New York store I was told that they no longer did. He works with 14-karat white, yellow, and rose gold and small diamonds and finishes his pieces with a uniquely beautiful matte patina. Each piece is like a tiny sculpture.

Priya Himatsinkga. I’ve seen this designer’s work at only one store, Los Angeles, but looking at it there made me wish it were sold more widely. My favorite pieces are her rings and earrings made with oxidized silver, gold, and small rough diamonds. Her work fuses an antique feel with a funky handmade quality that comes together in jewelry that’s both elegant and casual.

Suzanne Somersall. I me this delightful designer when she lived in Washington DC, and Stanton Gallery in Old Town Alexandria carried both her work and my own. Since then, she’s moved to Japan, but her work is still carried in some DC stores as well as online. My favorites are her pieces inspired by sea life; her starfish earrings and sand-dollar pendants are so light and summery, and she has a great eye for proportion and balance. The best place to buy her jewelry is directly from her website.

Cathy Waterman. I don’t own any Cathy Waterman pieces and probably never will, but if I were to win the lottery, I’d be on a train to Barneys in Manhattan before the ink was dry on my check, ready to pick up several. Her incredible Love of My Life collection is a perfect blend of handmade individuality and opulent elegance. My only question is, if someone gave you a ring from her collection, would the “love of your life” be the man, or the ring?

Ninh Wysocan. A fitting way to end this list is with a description of Ninh Wysocan’s work (although the real reason she’s at the end is because her name is last in the alphabet). Although her work is beautiful in photos, it is impossible to truly appreciate it unless you see it in person, which you can do at Persimmon in Los Angeles, Barneys, and many other stores. (See her website for a complete list.) Her necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are made from super-fine crocheted wire or interconnected rings, chain, and pod-like cast pieces, in some cases combined with rough diamonds or other neutral-colored gemstones. She works mostly in oxidized silver and 14-karat gold, and it’s the shapes and proportions of her pieces that make them so extraordinary and special.

If you have favorite jewelry designers of your own, please post a comment. My appetite for inspiring jewelry is endless!

Sales, Giveaways & Features

2010-02-25T08:00:00.002-05:00

Another one of our awesome jewelers, Ruchi, is doing a Giveaway on her Facebook Fan Page. And let me tell you, this pendant is GORGEOUS!

This Giveaway is for the "Silver Moon Pendant Necklace". Floreal's Fan Page recently hit 150 Fans and to celebrate she is giving away this beautiful necklace.

To enter, visit Floreal's Fan Page for details.
Become a Fan, comment on the Giveaway Wall Post, and voila! You're in the running!

Sales, Giveaways & Features

2010-02-25T07:00:00.002-05:00

Happy Thursday!

This week we are featuring our very talented Jewelers. And they did not disappoint today!
RAM Jewelry Designs is offering FREE SHIPPING through February 28th. WOW, what a great deal! Rabihah's shop features handcrafted, beaded jewelry using organic and natural materials.

Just use code: CREST_RAM_001 at time of check to receive your Free Shipping.

Jenny's Tip for Jewelry Makers

2010-02-24T06:00:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Jenny from Jetsy for the following tip!

I highly recommend that people wear their own jewelry. You will learn so much about your craft if you see what your customers are getting. Someone gave me a bracelet she had made, but she had no idea that the crystals on it scratched like crazy or that it was impossible to clasp without an extra pair of hands. I know another artist whose charms continuously fall off his jewelry because he only uses one jump ring to attach them. These are things the makers would realize if they gave their own pieces a spin.

How to Take Great Photographs of Your Jewelry: Crest Tutorial

2010-02-24T06:00:00.003-05:00

Many thanks to Debby at EurekaEureka for the following tutorial on how to take great photos even if you don't have a great camera.

I don't have the best of digital cameras. In fact it's quite old ( Cool Pix 995) and doesn't have all those fancy settings on it or a special macro lens. It only has a 4x zoom and only about 1/3 the amount of the pixels of the new cameras. About a year ago I thought perhaps I'd bite the bullet and buy a fancier camera so I went looking with my husband at the Canon Rebel that everyone was recommending. Well if I had had about $600 for the camera and then about another $600 for the special macro lens I would have been in business.

My husband is a professional photographer ( of faceted gemstones like we sell in our shop of vintage bead supplies, faceted gemstones and now mineral specimens)and insisted that it wasn't necessary to spend all this money. He kept insisting if I 'improved my lighting' and then did some editing later on in my picture program( Picassa) that I'd be fine. So....... he got these huge pieces of shiny white paper and we taped them to my ceiling and then placed those old Torchiere standing lamps below them and turned them on. ( OBVIOUSLY you don't want to do this and forget and leave the room as these lamps get hot!).

The amount of light that this created was and is amazing! I'm not saying I'm getting the quality that I'd get if I had a fancier camera( although my husband disagrees ) but it made an ENORMOUS difference. I don't use a light box like I've read so many people use - but just this "system" with a lamp also on the table next to the item I'm photographing! Here a few examples of what this system can produce and 3 items I sell in my shops - the bracelet is from my ForeverInStyle Etsy shop and the other 2 items are in our Etsy supplies shop EurekaEureka.

Meet Justine of Sunshine Creations and Daisy of Lanyapi Designs !

2010-02-22T06:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Jewelry Week!

This week we will be focusing on jewelry makers. Today we are happy to bring you interviews with two CRESTers: Justine and Daisy. Justine's Etsy site is justinesjewelry.etsy.com and Daisy's site is www.lanyapi.etsy.com.

Our interview with Justine:

Q: When did you first start making jewelry?

A: My journey as a jewelry designer began when I was a little girl and used to go to the beach every summer with my family. I would string shells and plastic beads on string. I would give these creations to everyone in my family. I just fell in love with making jewelry and have been doing it ever since.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Almost all of my inspiration comes from music. All of my pieces are song titles. Music is a big part of my life and it just dictates what I create. My selection is across the board from the Grateful Dead to Lady Gaga to Alabama.

Q: Is this your full time job? If not how do you balance a full time job with your Etsy shop?

A: My full time job is a stay at home mom to two wonderful kids ages 1 and 8. I also work part time as a Children's Ministries Director and am back in college. I love all that I do so I try to schedule my days so I have time to do a little bit of everything. Designing jewelry happens mostly at night, during naptime or in the early mornings when it is quiet!

Q: What are you doing to challenge yourself and get to that next level?

A: Right now I am in the process of learning how to wire wrap and to stamp metal for jewelry. I am reading a lot and taking some wire wrapping classes

Q: Do you have any advice for other jewelry designers?

A: My advice would be to read as many jewelry designing books and magazines as you can to learn about what is new. Have a team of friends or family or other designers that are always supporting and encouraging you. Keep at it even when you have a roadblock or are frustrated!

Our interview with Daisey:

Q: When did you start making jewelry?

A: I started making jewelry about a year and a half ago. I took one class with a friend and haven't stopped making jewelry since then.

Q: What inspires you?

A: One of the things that inspires me the most is travel. I have had the opportunity to live and travel all over the world so I draw much of my inspiration from the colors and people of other cultures. I love walking around local markets and finding things I can incorporate into jewelry, whether it be a vintage finding or hand carved bead. I currently have a Peruvian collection in the shop featuring red seeds found in the Amazon and am currently working on an Indian collection.

Q: What is your favorite thing to make?

A: Right now I love making functional pieces. I love beautiful jewelry that also has a purpose. Lately I have been making necklaces that feature mini pocket knifes, pens, perfume lockets, magnifying glasses, coin purses, whistles and more!

Q: What are you doing to challenge yourself and get to that next level?

A: I signed up for a wax molding class to learn how to make components and jewelry out of wax and then cast them in silver. It's nothing like I have done before so I am excited for the challenge. I am also starting to offer one on one beading class for people who want to learn how to make jewelry, to share my knowledge with others.

Q: Do you have any advice for other jewelers?

A: I would say to just keep making designs that you like. Don't just make what your family likes or what is on trend. When you make pieces you would love to wear yourself you will feel the most proud and happy.

It's Friday! Get Inspired!!

2010-02-19T06:00:00.003-05:00

For the last day of our knitting week, we asked Erin Mapes to talk to us about what inspires her to create the beautiful pieces in her shop, Designs by Erin. This is what she had to say:

As crafters, we all end up with leftover materials. A few yards of yarn, single beads with no matches, small scraps of fabric…and they usually just sit around, in bins, in boxes, not serving any purpose, not sparking any new ideas. Sometimes they sit there for months, or years even, before getting used, if they are used at all. Lonely and unloved leftovers.

Part of what I call my “environmentally conscious” philosophy, along with careful selection of natural materials and sustainable business practices, is a policy of producing as little waste as possible. So whenever I have a bit of yarn leftover after a project, I put it in a special bin for leftovers, which I use for everything from packaging my sold products to actually creating new products.

Recently, I’ve been working on a new line of products based on one of my favorite items, the leaf lariat. It has been pretty well received, so I decided to expand on the idea. I have a bunch of leftover organic cotton yarn from the washcloths I make, which had just been building up, but now those leftovers are being made into organic cotton versions of the leaf lariat! And, even more exciting for me, I’ve also been making knitted leaf earrings! There are two different designs that I’m getting ready to roll out, one that matches the lariats, and one that is slightly more elegant, with a bit of a lace pattern. There’s a third design that incorporates jewelry wire and laceweight handspun leftovers in luxury fibers like tussah silk and mohair, but knitting with wire is quite different from fiber, and I need some more practice before showing those to the public.

Working on this new line has been really inspiring to me. Nature has always played a big role in my work, from providing me with the materials I use to inspiring the names of the finished products, but now nature is working its way into the designs themselves. I think the idea of knitted jewelry is pretty awesome, and it’s been fun to work on a smaller scale than I’m used to. I also get to use materials that knitters don’t usually work with, like sterling silver. And I love that I’m using up my leftovers! I am such a nerd when it comes to things like that. I don’t know how to explain it, but whenever I can find a use for something that was previously sitting around and collecting metaphorical dust, I get really excited.

So I propose the following to all of you reading this article: Go and find your leftovers, whatever they may be, and turn them into something! Play around with a new idea. Experiment with new combinations of materials. Who knows, maybe you’ll hit on something really unique and original. And if not, at least you are putting those things to use.

Now go make something! Have a great weekend!

Sales, Giveaways & Features

2010-02-18T00:54:00.004-05:00

Happy Thursday everyone!

To help celebrate our focus on knitting this week, Erin's Designs is offering 20% off any item in the winter scarves or shawls sections! Erin's products are hand knit using natural, organic, recycled, and sustainable materials. To get the discount just mention the EtsyCREST blog.

Knitting Tutorial from one of our own!

2010-02-17T07:00:00.003-05:00

Carol from Retrothreads is here to show us one of her Tutorial Tricks of the Trade! Below is a 6 step process for Knitting Backwards.

Why, you ask ? So you never have to turn your work again !!! Useful for working short rows or if you just don't like to purl (like me).

Step 1:
Finish knitting across row.

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Step 2:
Insert left hand needle in last stitch worked behind right hand needle.

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Step 3:
Wrap yarn around left hand needle front to back from the left side.

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Step 4:
Push stitch on right needle up and over yarn previously wrapped around left needle.

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Step 5:
Slip RIGHT needle out of loop (removing it to finish the stitch). THIS PART CAN BE CONFUSING, because it feels weird to leave the stitch on the left hand needle, but remember...you're working from LEFT to RIGHT !!!

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Step 6:
Begin next stitch by inserting left hand needle into right hand stitch on the back side. Repeat steps 1-5.

Note: Yarn is held in left hand (continental)

Thanks Carol! Let us know if try this trick and how it worked out for you.

Welcome to the CREST Blog!

2010-02-16T06:00:00.003-05:00

What is CREST, you ask? CREST stands for Capital Region Etsy Street Team and is comprised of the most talented artisans in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area.

What is ETSY, you ask? Well, Etsy.com can only be described an amazing online community and marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. Etsy is what brought this talented group of artists together in one place.

Every week, we will feature a specific craft so you can get to know each and every one of the local Etsian members of CREST. As you've already noticed, this week we are featuring KNITTERS. 'Tis the season to stay warm and snugglie in a cozy knitted sweater, scarf, gloves...you name it, we make it!

Stay tuned all week to learn more about our Knitters; including Tips & Tricks, a highlight of all the Knitters, and to close the week we'll send you off with an inspirational piece by one of our members.

Each week will showcase a different craft, but each week day will have the same theme. Below is the weekly schedule:
MONDAYS: "Featured CRESTer Interview" highlighting one of our members
TUESDAYS: "What's new with CREST?" will update you on what's happening with our Team.
WEDNESDAYS: "Tutorials, Tips & Tricks" so you can test out your skills at home.
THURSDAYS: "Sales, Giveaways & Features" of the week's specific craft.
FRIDAYS: "What inspires you?" to sign off the week with a little inspiration.

Thanks for being a part of our world and hopefully we'll inspire you to find your own craft.
Stay tuned for great things to come! Have a great day!

Yes, we've all seen our fair share of snow...but at the end of the day, it is a pretty magical part of mother nature. Don't you think?

Meet Tina of TLK Knit n Sew!!

2010-02-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Knitting Week!

All this week we will be focusing on CREST knitters. To kick things off, today we bring you an interview with inspiring CREST member, Tina Kudlick. Please check out Tina's beautiful creations at her Etsy site, TLK Knit n Sew, and if you have questions or comments for her, please leave them in the comments section.

Q: When did you start knitting?

A: I started out knitting when I was a little girl and have been interested in knitting since then.

Q: What inspires you?

A: Inspiration comes from various colors combinations, various knit stitch patterns and researching knitting designs. I will then bring forth my ideas by knitting a piece from what I have in mind and create the design free style or I will draw a design and calculate my stitches in order to bring forth various designs that are in need of calculating my stitches to produce my product.

Q: What was your first creation?

A: I remember creating a small handbag for my Barbie dolls. The bag was pink and yellow with a knitted handle.

Q: What is your favorite thing to make?

A: I enjoy creating knitted clothing and cable accessories. I have loved designing and creating designs since I was young and pursued my education for fashion design in college. My major was knitwear.

Q: Is this your full time job? If not, how do you balance a full time job with your Etsy Shop?

A: Currently I create and handknit and post my knitted products on etsy. I work mainly on handknitting various pieces such as scarves, hats, fingerless gloves, cable accessories and clothing as time permits. I am a mom of one and currently am unemployed therefore I try to balance my tasks accordingly and make a list of tasks that need to be completed as I go along. Being organized and picking up my knitting throughout the day helps get that particular piece completed in a timely fashion. I hand knit all my designs with two knitting needles therefore the time it takes to create certain pieces require commitment to complete a product.

Q: What are you doing to challenge yourself and get to that next level?

A: I am in the process of challenging myself with my fashion design skills and I have been working on my flat pattern blocks to create my clothing line. I also challenge myself with my knitting skills and try out various stitch patterns to create my products.

Q: Do you have any advice for other knitters?

A: Just keep knitting and designing. If you are passionate about what you are doing the rest will come to you.

To learn more about Tina and see some of her beautiful creations, you can follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/tinateee

or at her blog at www.tinteee.blogspot.com

An introduction to Orchids as Houseplants

2010-02-08T11:14:00.003-05:00

Article by Julia of SapphireChild Orchids.

Frequently I hear ‘orchids are just too sensitive’ or ‘I could never…’, but honestly orchids are not always as difficult as people think. With the number of orchid species estimated at as much as 30,000 species (not a typo, see also Kew: Science and Horticulture: Orchidaceae) and native species found on every continent and climate except Antarctica, plus countless man-made hybrids, finding something right for your house is just about knowing what to look for in an orchid plant. Keeping it alive is just about being well informed (and occasional watering).

How is an orchid different? While there are many answers to this question, what really matters to the home grower is that many orchids, and certainly most of the common types grown as houseplants, are epiphytes. This is a situation where the plants use a tree branch (or occasionally rock crevice) as a condominium. They are not parasitic, just opportunistic. What this means to you as the home grower is that orchid roots are accustomed to an environment where while there might be frequent rain, there is also strong air movement. Many types can even be grown on a wood plaque with no media around the roots (see article here). Similarly, if your nicely potted plant has a root sticking out of the pot somewhere you shouldn’t be alarmed – in orchids this is not necessarily cause to repot. Some orchids just don’t really understand the concept of a pot and so throw their roots in every direction.

Good watering methods are key to root health. Watering of some houseplants is accomplished by leaving them to sit in water for hours at a time. This is not recommended with orchids (with a couple exceptions of some Phragmipedium species that live on river side rocks) as it may lead to root rot. The easiest thing to do is water the orchid by running plenty of water through the pot from the top. Once the media is well wetted, let it drain, then return it to the window.

For best results, orchids are potted in a fluffy or chunky mix that gives a nice balance of holding moisture but allowing air circulation. To maintain root health, repotting your orchids into fresh potting media every one to three years is recommended. Here is a repotting article.

Ok, so all that is great, but how to pick an orchid??

The most important piece of advice is to purchase a plant that is well established. You certainly can have success also with that $5 seedling in a two inch pot, but you will likely find it easier with more immediate gratification to buy a plant that is at least within 1-2 years of blooming for the first time. When buying a plant in person, especially at a place like the grocery store, challenge the plant by gently grabbing the leaves and lifting or moving the plant back and forth to see how well it is rooted into that pot. Good roots mean a healthy plant and more likely success.

Second is to look for a plant that matches your light conditions. For up to a few weeks at a time during blooming you can stick an orchid where it won’t get much light (say, the kitchen table) to enjoy it, but the rest of the year you will want to find a window for it to live in. Here’s a handy guide for commonly available orchid types, based on an unobstructed window, plant sitting right on the windowsill:

North facing window: Rather weak light. You might be able to grow a Paphiopedilum (Paph) there, or some Phalaenopsis (Phal). If it doesn’t bloom for you, supplement with fluorescent light.

East facing window: Great spot for Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis.

West facing window: Also great spot for Paphiopedilums and Phalaenopsis. Frequently this is also enough light for some Dendrobium (Den or Dend) plants or certain miniature Cattleya (Slc. or Pot.) hybrids, as well as several Oncidium types.

South facing window: This is your brightest light, excellent for Cattleya hybrids (Slc., Lc., C., Blc., Pot., Sl., Lc….), many Dendrobiums, and Oncidium intergeneric hybrids.

If you aren’t sure what category your plant-of-interest falls into, ask the grower for more details. They want you to succeed too!

I always recommend if you aren’t sure, go with a Phalaenopsis (Phal.) or Paphiopedilum (Paph.). These types are easy to grow, adaptable, and you can always make a very bright window less so by setting the plant back from the glass a little or using a sheer curtain to filter the light. Other culture details are fairly similar for the two types. You can find an article on growing phals here.

2009-10-29T12:54:00.022-04:00

The Capital Region Etsy Street Team (CREST) is holding a team sale -

Black Friday - November 27, 2009 to Cyber Monday - November 30, 2009.

Complete your holiday shopping with CREST . Please visit the following shops for amazing items and special deals. Check each shop announcement for details.

The following shops are offering Free Worldwide Shipping Nov 27 - Nov 30....
Free worldwide shipping at bijouxrocks...
bijouxrocks

Free worldwide shipping at aprilmist...
aprilmist

Free worldwide shipping at ardenjewelrydesign...
ardenjewelrydesign

Free worldwide shipping at stitchberry...
stitchberry

Free worldwide shipping at AWEshop...
aweshop

Free worldwide shipping at jetsy...
jetsy

Free worldwide shipping at sweetbeadstudio...
sweetbeadstudio

Free worldwide shipping at at JustinesJewelry...
justinesjewelry

Free worldwide shipping at tarabu...
tarabu

Free worldwide shipping at silverdotjewelry...
silverdotjewelry

Free worldwide shipping at lanyapi...
lanyapi

Free worldwide shipping at taraflyphotos...
lanyapi

The following shops are offering Free Worldwide Shipping PLUS other discounts Nov 27 - Nov 30....
Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off all items at anastassiadesigns...
anastassiadesigns

Free worldwide shipping plus 15 % off all items at OceanSea...
OceanSea

Free worldwide shipping plus 20% off all items at morewarped...
morewarped

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off all items at moonblossomdesigns...
moonblossomdesigns

Free worldwide shipping plus 15% off all items at sewartsy...
sewartsy

Free worldwide shipping plus 15% off all items at hitchcockcreative...
hitchcockcreative

Free worldwide shipping plus 20% off all items at rainestudios...
rainestudios

Free worldwide shipping plus 15% off all items at bellameidesigns...
bellameidesigns

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off on $50 or more at erinmapes...
erinmapes

Free worldwide shipping plus 20% off excluding clearance items at TashinaFalene...
tashinafalene

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off on orders over $20 at sunflowerexpress...
sunflowerexpress

Free worldwide shipping plus 20% off and a free "Flower Power Ring" at doyoulovelucy...
doyoulovelucy

Free worldwide shipping plus 20% off on $20 or more at BrigaBauble...
BrigaBauble

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off orders of $20 and up. 20% off orders $75 and up at BigHelmetHead...

Free worldwide shipping plus free gift with purchase over $20 at BelleCouleurJewelry...

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off all items at GenerationsTieDye...
GenerationsTieDye

Free worldwide shipping plus 10% off on $50 or more at UPHORIA...
UPHORIA

Free worldwide shipping plus 15% off orders over $100 at melissamemandesigns...
melissamemandesigns

Free worldwide shipping plus 15% off orders over $100 at MelismaticRosaries...
MelismaticRosaries

The following shops are offering other Discounts Nov 27 - Nov 30....
Free shipping to US and Canada. $2.00 International shipping. 20% off all items at shellydaly...
shellydaly

Free shipping to US and Canada on purchases over $35 at wildhare...
wildhare

15% Off All Orchid Plants (prices will be adjusted to reflect discount) at sapphirechild...
sapphirechild

Free domestic shipping on orders over $10 plus 10% discount (on Black Friday only) for orders over $50 at theguestroomcloset...
theguestroomcloset

20% off all orders at DesignsbyJocelyn...
DesignsbyJocelyn

aprilmist

2009-09-01T15:01:00.003-04:00

Get to know CREST member aprilmist. She creates beautiful jewelry using handmade paper beads! Have a look at the feature written about her on the DC Craft Mafia Blog.

Fan CREST members on FaceBook

2009-06-06T12:46:00.019-04:00

The Crofton Town CLub Craft Show - April 25th, 2009

2009-04-21T19:43:00.000-04:00

Several CRESTer's will be popping up their tents this Saturday at the Crofton Town Club Craft Show from 10am to 4pm. Please support your fellow CRESTers by stopping by and saying "HI" in person. If you can't be there please spread the word about this craft that gives back to its community. The more people who know about the show, the more that can be given back to the community.

The semi-annual Crofton Craft Fair is The Crofton Town Club’s opportunity to give back to the community. All proceeds from table fees—100%—are distributed to local charities. Crafters sell handmade items only, with the exception of a few food vendors. The Craft Fair takes place at the Crofton Country Club, 1691 Crofton Parkway, the last Saturday in April and September. We are open to the public at 10:00 a.m. and close at 4:00 p.m.

Please come support your fellow CREST artists, and bring your friends!

*They are still looking for volunteers to help on Craft Fair day. Please contact us at craftfair@croftontownclub.com if you’re interested!*

Free SugarLoaf Tickets!!!!

2009-04-02T14:33:00.009-04:00

For someone in the DC/MD/VA area! This weekend SugarLoaf Craft Festival will be at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds! For anyone not in the know this festival is now in its 34th year and is definitely the place to go for homemade crafts. The organizers Deann and George Verdier are MD locals that started the fair to provide crafters with a venue to sell artist made creations (no knockoff imports here!!!) and have STRICT guidelines on any craft sold there.

While Sugarloaf Crafters can be from anywhere some are truly local artists, following are two renowned local artists.

Joseph Craig English from Washington Grove, MD is a sculptor, painter and printmaker typified by colorful, energetic works. The focus of his work are the things that we see everyday but so often take for granted. Many of his pieces depict scenes in the DC Metro area we walk by everyday.

A Capitol Afternoon

Also

Robin Markovitz from Rockville, MD is a jewelry artist with truly unique architecturally inspired pieces composed of semi-precious stones and sterling silver. This Calder inspired piece really spoke to me! I just love it's color and balance.

So if you have made it all the way down here...you may be wondering how the heck to get those tickets!!! Well two things.

1. Leave a comment with a link to your favorite EtsyCrest member is your favorite! Click link on right...or search Etsy for 'etsycrest'.

2. You must live in the area and be willing to pick the tickets up in GERMANTOWN, MD (Sorry I just got these tickets...so snail mail won't work).

Drawing is 12PM EST Friday, April 3rd. Winner will be posted on blog. Three tickets available...and they are good for all three days (ie you can go BOTH Saturday AND Sunday).

Cherry Blossom Sale

2009-03-27T22:47:00.001-04:00

The cherry blossoms are blooming in DC. Some members of the Capital Region Etsy Street Team are celebrating with a sale...

CREST Cherry Blossom Festival Sale March 28 - April 12

Handmade items currently for sale by local artists in the Washington, DC area
Come shop and save!

Penelope Designs
25% off Select Items

For the Love of Products
10% off our lip exfoliants

Silver Dot Jewelry
25% off all items in the shop

Designs by Erin
With any purchase over $50, choose a clearance item for free!

New Moon Pie
Buy one item, get the second at 50% off (discount on lower-priced item)!

Pamela E Miller Contemporary Art
Get a free 4 x 6 print with purchase

Atelier Designs
25% off Stationery and Journals

Mary Ellen Doran
Handcrafted Chain & Gemstone Jewelry
25% off Every item in store

Art Studio Shanti
All scarves and scarflettes 10% off!

First Day of Spring Sale

2009-03-20T05:49:00.001-04:00

Welcome Spring! The following members of the Capital Region Etsy Street Team are running a sale. Today only. Please see the individual announcements in each shop for more details.

undefinedvillage
20% off any item that features a flower

dragonrags
10% off all items (before shipping)

jlynnpro
10% off all items (before shipping)

silverdotjewelry
25% discount on all items in shop

farmsteadladydesigns
20% off of any item (before shipping)

penelopedesign
25% off select items

keepsakesbytiffany
20% off any purchase

St. Patrick's Day Sale

2009-03-16T07:38:00.004-04:00

Some members of CREST are holding a special sale for St. Patrick's Day. Sales end on March 17, 2009. Please see each shop announcement for more details.

jenafusion.etsy.com
All items already 32% off for my HUGE birthday sale. Free shipping for items sold during the St. Patrick's Day Sale. Enter "STPATTY" into message field.

katieskritters.etsy.com
15% off of all St. Patty'Day items, and free shipping!

farmsteadladydesigns.etsy.com
17% off off all St. Patrick's Day items and Free Shipping

penelopedesign.etsy.com
25% off select items

artstudioshanti.etsy.com
Free shipping with any purchase of $50 or more, plus Buy One Item Get 20% Off second (equal or lesser value, and doesn't apply to Buy 2 Get 1 Free or Buy 3 Get 1 Free offers)

Homespun Yarn Party!!!

2009-03-11T11:01:00.001-04:00

Who: All your favorite local yarn dyers and spinners, plus some extra crafty goodness! And all our knitting/crocheting/spinning friends (you!) of course!!

Where: Historic Savage Mill |8600 Foundry Street, Savage, MD 20763 | Just off I-95, plenty of parking!

When: Sunday, March 15, 2009 - 12 PM to 4 PM

Why: Who needs an excuse to get together and craft?! We wanted to get together and spread some fiber love!

In addition to some great crafty vendors, we'll also have:
free lessons on knitting, crochet, spinning, and maybe more
fabulous door prizes to be given away throughout the event
crafty goody bags for participants (while supplies last)
weather-permitting, a sit and spin/crochet/knit area out on the deck
And we'll be collecting knitted and crocheted items for local charities!

Admission is FREE!

penelopedesign

2009-03-03T05:00:00.002-05:00

Penelope Designs
Wearable Art for Everyone

I am Penny (Penelope), and I like to call myself a ADD crafter. I learned to knit, crochet and needlepoint at the knee of my Bulgarian grandmother at the age of 8 or 9, and have been doing so ever since! I feel bereft when I don’t have a project going in my hands, and have been known to knit in front of the TV, in the metro, and even at stoplights while driving! I also design and make jewelry, decoupage, and am thinking about learning how to drill sea glass this spring! That’s why Penelope Designs has something for everyone!

I grew up overseas as the daughter of a US Foreign Service Officer, and lived in Korea, India, Pakistan, Ethiopia and Mozambique. The beads and textiles from these countries have influenced me greatly in my work, and I especially love working with sari silk yarn from Nepal, colorful glass beads from India, and recycled paper beads from Africa.

Combining my love of needle arts with beading, I specialize in crocheted wire necklaces. Using different gauges of wire with different kinds of beads, from pearls to glass to semi precious stones, I can achieve completely different looks with each creation.

Several pieces are currently on sale in my shop to make way for spring items. Please check it out!
http://penelopedesign.etsy.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/penelopedesigns/
http://artist.to/penelopedesigns/

ForeverInStyle

2009-03-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

In 1979, I began traveling with my husband to Asia, the Middle East and Europe, buying unusual porcelain, stone and glass beads for my jewelry business. "Beadles" was sold in Bloomingdale’s, Garfinkles, Saks Fifth Avenue, the Smithsonian’s mail order catalogs and museum shops, the Chicago Art Institute's museum shop and mail order catalog, the Seattle Museum of Fine Art, the Sackler Gallery, and many boutiques in the U.S. and Canada. My work was also featured in the Washington Post, Baltimore Magazine and in TV interviews.

I decided to open ForeverInStyle.etsy.com in Nov.2008 ( my 3rd Etsy shop) to sell some of my original Beadles pieces - all hand knotted vintage beaded necklaces and earrings -as well as newer more contemporary designs that incorporate chain and wire wrapping along with the vintage beads.
Many of these pieces can also be found on my own website debbyarem.com.

mloartwear

2009-02-28T05:00:00.002-05:00

Somebody's trash is somebody else's treasure or...somebody's treasure is somebody else's trash.

My name is Maryse. I am French.

I am a professional painter and exhibit in the DC Metro area.
I studied art formerly; I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in printmaking and drawing and a Masters in Fine Arts in painting and drawing. Previously, I had studied Biology and Chemistry.

I left Europe (I lived in France and Switzerland) when I was 22 to be a volunteer in Niger, West Africa. Since then, I lived in many places; Niger but also Mali, Senegal, Haiti, Egypt, Algeria, Oman and Indonesia.

I also lived in different states in the US, Delaware, Alaska, Washington, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia and now North Virginia.

Traveling made me aware of the environment in a big way. I believe in recycling and my art is focusing more and more on re-using products especially paper. I save paper materials and create collages to make tags and bookmarks.
About 15 years ago, I started to create my assemblage brooches using materials I found on my walks and materials people will donate.

I might be moving back overseas soon! Unfortunately my shop might not be able to go with me....

I have a sale right now in my shop mloartwear.etsy.com. Almost everything is on sale, some items are on clearance. Please, come and take a look! Convo me if necessary.

SewArtsy Handmade

2009-02-27T05:00:00.001-05:00

SewArtsy Handmade – Custom-made Handbags & Accessories

I'm Amy, and I have a passion for fashion, fabric and color! These passions developed the creation of my home-based business designing and sewing original, handmade, custom-made handbags and accessories, called SewArtsy. I love designs that are clean and classy, yet aren’t the everyday bags you’ll find everywhere — in fact, you’ll probably never see the same SewArtsy bag made twice.

I've always called northern Virginia “home”, and have forever had an interest in art—taking art classes during high school, and in college, where I earned a B.A. in Art History. I love art, and see fabric as canvas that can be pieced together! I want my bags to be noticed, but for the wearer to be comfortable using them. I love pretty, sassy, bold, beautiful fabrics, but also know that a woman wants her bag to be functional and simple to use.

I am also the mom of two beautiful little boys and a baby girl who have joined our family by way of adoption. Adoption is something very close to my heart, and I'm most proud of those of my products that make an impact on supporting adoption, and those men and women facing a crisis-pregnancy - my Hair Clippy Caddies, and baby and kid items! You can find Hair Clippy Caddies at SewArtsy.Etsy.com, and you'll find more Hair Clippy Caddies and baby items at SewArtsyBethany.Etsy.com.

I'm a proud member of the Amys In the Arts Street Team, CAST, CREST, and Carried Away Bag Makers Team.

amy [!at] sewartsy.com
sewartsy.etsy.com
sewartsybethany.etsy.com
sewartsyblog.blogspot.com
twitter.com/sewartsyamy
facebook.com/pages/sewartsy/60867638520
flickr.com/sewartsy

Sale at BellaLunaDesign

2009-02-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

BellaLunaDesign.etsy.com
Artisan Jewery Created With Nature's Finest

Former Graphic Designer and Web Master has transitioned to designing one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces using nature as the inspiration for color pallet and materials.

From now until St. Patrick's Day all things GREEN are on sale - 15% off with Free shipping. Discounts will be given as a refund in PayPal.

Mardi Gras sale!!

2009-02-24T07:49:00.000-05:00

The following sales will be available ONE DAY ONLY -
Fat Tuesday, February, 24
So come back and buy early before the quantity discounts are gone.

SewArtsy.etsy.com
Half price on this pink and brown paisley tote - (regularly $44.95)

Brigabauble.etsy.com
50% off Sterling Silver and Rose Quartz 5-decade Catholic Rosary (regularly $65)

UndefinedVillage.etsy.com
50% OFF all 8x10 photos!

MaryEllenDoran.etsy.com
50% off hand cold forged sterling silver hoop earrings (2-inches long) (regularly $15)

MaggieSueDesigns.etsy.com
All Hair Accessories 50% off the listed price!

Shelbyb.etsy.com
10% off Yarn and FREE SHIPPING!

ArtStudioShanti.etsy.com
All Neckwarmers 50% off Listed price

JellyBugArtworks.etsy.com
25% off all Purple, Green and Yellow items!

LondonGirl99.etsy.com
Free 18-inch leather necklace with purchase of any yellow, purple, or green pendant.

SweetBeadStudio.etsy.com
15% off All Necklaces and Bracelets.

CREST Members in MD

2009-02-22T15:07:00.039-05:00

allyon67 - Owings Mills, MD

AWEshop -

BellaLunaDesign - Columbia, MD

bettesbags -

birchtreejewelry - Odenton, MD

BitsyCreations - Frederick, MD

BitsysGreetings - Frederick, MD

cardsbyleslie - Gaithersburg, MD

Claycass - Delmar, MD

DebbyAremDesigns - Gaithersburg/Laytonsville, MD

donnapool -

dottyral - Middletown, MD

ericaburnsdesigns - Walkersville, MD

EurekaEureka - Gaithersburg/Laytonsville, MD

farmsteadladydesigns - Upper Marlboro, MD

ForeverInStyle - Gaithersburg/Laytonsville, MD

fpc4you - Mt Airy, MD

GetWiredDesigns - Rockville, MD

JellybugArtworks - Greenbelt, MD

jetsy - Odenton, MD

keepsakesbytiffany - Middletown, MD

KittyCityCreations - Silver Spring, MD

MBmine -

newmoonpie - Silver Spring, MD

Pamlita11 - Braddock Heights, MD

Penelopedesign - Bethesda, MD

SapphireChild - Thurmont, MD

shelbyb - Germantown, MD

SperanzaJewelry - Annapolis, MD

starseedjewelry - Rockville, MD

tarabu - Westminster, MD

TotallyFob -

undefinedvillage - Frederick, MD

MD CREST members - Would you like your mini posted here? Leave a comment below with your city, your etsy username and etsy shop number. (The location of our shop numbers has changed. To find it, go to your public shop page. Click on "See who favorites this". Your shop number is the last set of numbers in the address box.) If you have more than one shop, leave the info for all of them.

CREST Members in W VA

2009-02-22T13:36:00.003-05:00

W VA CREST members - Would you like your mini posted here? Leave a comment below with your city, your etsy username and etsy shop number (last set of numbers in the address bar when in your public profile). If you have more than one shop, leave the info for all of them.

CREST Members in DC

2009-02-22T13:35:00.008-05:00

Artmonger

Emerlina

erinmapes

everythingzenjewelry

lanyapi

PocketfulofPosy

rmateen

DC CREST members - Would you like your mini posted here? Leave a comment below with your etsy username and shop number. (The location of our shop numbers has changed. To find it, go to your public shop page. Click on "See who favorites this". Your shop number is the last set of numbers in the address box.) If you have more than one shop, leave the info for all of them.

CREST Members in VA

2009-02-22T13:34:00.026-05:00

ambrosianbeads - Woodbridge, VA

aprilevening - Arlington, VA

aprilmist -

atelierdesigns - Arlington, VA

BelleCouleurJewelry - Alexandria, VA

Bighelmethead - Leesburg, VA

BrigaBauble - Fairfax, VA

ChartreuseWithEnvy -

craftystitches - Fairfax, VA

Floreal - Arlington, VA

flowersbyljp - Locust Grove, VA

herbanlifestyle -

JustinesJewelry - Bristow, VA

katieskritters -

KrystaSolaris - Alexandria, VA

londongirl99 - Arlington, VA

maggiesuedesigns -

minoubazaar - Alexandria, VA

moonblossomdesigns - Alexandria, VA

naomicayne - Reston, VA

oblinaknit -

Perfectlyplated - Centreville, VA

retrothreads - Woodbridge, VA

SewArtsy - Centreville, VA

SuzanneMadeline - Alexandria, VA

sweetteaandpickles - Springfield, VA

TheMagpiesTreasure - Warrenton, VA

Tinateee - Dumfries, VA

Wildhoneysuckle - Burke, VA

VA CREST members - Would you like your mini posted here? Leave a comment below with your city, your etsy username and etsy shop number. (The location of our shop numbers has changed. To find it, go to your public shop page. Click on "See who favorites this". Your shop number is the last set of numbers in the address box.) If you have more than one shop, leave the info for all of them.

M-A-L-L is a 4 letter word

2008-11-24T12:04:00.001-05:00

The Capital Region Etsy Street Team (CREST) is holding a Black Friday/Cyber Monday CREST promotion. The following stores have contributed items for a Gift Box, which will be given away through a random drawing. Several stores are also offering discounts.

To enter, post a comment on the CREST blog along with your name and email address. The winner will be announced on the afternoon of Friday, December 5th.

Athena's Olive Tree
Gift Box Contribution:Layered Candy Cane Soap Bar
Discount Offer: I've placed 42 items on sale and will be giving away a free item to a random person who purchased from my shop in the month of November... and i'll be giving 5% off any order placed ON black friday! Ends Midnight EST.

babus
Gift Box Contribution: I am offering up one of my wet-felted wool scrap yarn balls. Multicolored ball about 2 1/2 inches in diameter.
Discount Offer: I am offering free shipping on all items.

Bella Tote
Gift Box Contribution: an attractive reusable tote!

Bette's Bags
Gift Box Contribution: Small fabric wallet or credit card holder.
Discount Offer: Free Shipping

DearSophie
Gift Box Contribution: I am offering up a pair of new jade and sterling silver earrings. Valued at $8.
Discount Offer: free gift wrapping on all items, free shipping on orders over $30. Early bird special: Make it a gift set! Limited number of free earrings with the purchase of a necklace.

Designs by Erin
Gift Box Contribution: 2 knitted bangle bracelets: 1 light green & white cotton yarn, and 1 baby blue acrylic and blue Lion's Brand Homespun yarn

Elizabethan Creations
Gift Box Contribution: Set of 4 yo-yo coasters in blue
Discount Offer: 20% of everything in shop

French Roast
Gift Box Contribution: a pendant (value $15)
Discount Offer: free shipping to the US (discounts overseas)

Generations Tie Dye

Gift Box Contribution: A 12"x60" hand-dyed blue and gray silk scarf

herban lifestyle™
Gift Box Contribution: organic holiday cookie sugar scrub
Discount Offer: 20% off all items in my store

Jellybug Artworks
Gift Box Contribution: a fused glass pendant.
Discount Offer: $5 off on every $25 spent at my shop with free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

jetsy
Gift Box Contribution: a small redecorated spice tin ("Warm Fuzzies") that the recipient can fill with glitter, bath salts, powder, or tea, spices, etc.

Katie's Kritters
Sale: Free shipping!!
Gift Box Contribution: a duo of Christmas pins, Santa and Mrs. Claus

Mary Ellen Doran Handcrafted Chain & Gemstone Jewelry
Sale: Enjoy one of my favorite silver big link- small link chains (retail $40) at the bargain price of $25. All other chains will be available for 25% for the weekend.
Gift basket contribution: one of my favorite silver big link- small link chains

Mishutka Design Studio
Sale: Free shipping on orders over $15
Gift Box Contribution: Victorian Pink Rose Tags (Set of 6) Delicate roses and lovely pink ribbons are perfect together in these Victorian style gift tags. Delightful vintage tags to decorate your gifts! Or use them for scrapbooking and as bookmarks.

mloartwear
Gift Box Contribution: Original upcycled bookmark and an original watercolor Christmas theme card
Discount Offer: Free shipping

oblinaknit
Gift Box Contribution: On The Go Pouch - A cute little japanese fabric pouch to stash you stuff!
Discount Offer: 15% all items in my shop

Silver Dot Jewelry Designs
Gift Box Contribution: Crystal Rose Necklace A faceted rock crystal quartz briolette is accented with a lovely rose gold vermeil charm and suspended from sterling silver chain. Necklace length will be made to customer specifications. Necklace retails for $33.50
Discount Offer: BOGO Sale - Buy One item and get lower priced or equal value item at 50% off.

Shelby B's Designs
Sale: 10% off all sales, and a free stitch marker to match your yarn purchase!
Gift box: Skein of sock yarn.

Tarabu
Sale: a set of two notemarkers with every purchase and free gift wrapping with all orders over $45.
Gift box: baby blanket.

Undefined Village
Sale: Buy one get one 1/2 off all prints 8x10 or larger.
Gift Box: 5x7 photographic print, matted and signed

Wild Honeysuckle Creations
Gift Box Contribution: A pendant or ornament.

Happy Shopping!

EtsyCREST sale!!

2008-10-27T15:49:00.000-04:00

The Capital Region Etsy Street Team, CREST, is holding its first group sale this week, starting today, Monday, October 27, 2008. All of us live and create in the Washington, DC area. We have many talented artists and crafters offering you special deals to get your holiday shopping started right.

Please visit the following etsy shops and read their shop announcements for further sale details. You can also run a search on etsy for the tag "etsycrestsale" to view just some of the items being offered.
If you have any questions, please contact the individual shops.
Happy shopping!

____________________________________________

AlmondWorks
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items in my shop and a Thank you gift will be sent with each order. Attn Buyer: please mention "Crest" or "EtsyCrestSale" in "note to seller" and please wait for a revised invoice.

______________________________________________
anaramon
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Most items will reflect 20-50% discounts!
Free pair of hair pins on orders over $25 when you write "CREST" in the notes to seller section!

______________________________________________
AngiesOthers
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all week, wait for invoice.

______________________________________________
atelierdesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all Holiday Cards, Tags, and Stickers

______________________________________________
babus
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off all items

______________________________________________
bodil0331
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items. Sale prices are already marked in each listing.

______________________________________________
BrigaBauble
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off select items. Free shipping on two or more items.

______________________________________________
DebbyAremDesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
In honor of my 1st year anniversary in DebbyAremDesigns (October 30th) I'll be giving away 1 free bookmark for all orders $15 and above (one offer only per customer).
10% off total sale -not including shipping.
Please leave "etsycrestsale" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice as prices in shop do not reflect the discount.

______________________________________________
donnapool
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
25% off all puzzle balls and photographs in my shop. Buyer's should wait for a revised invoice before paying.

______________________________________________
dottyral
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off Cotton Emery Pincushions and Pincushion Rings.
Sale prices are not marked. Please put "CREST" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice.

______________________________________________
DragonRags
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off everything. Refund or wait for adjusted invoice.

_______________________________________________
erzulimojo
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off plus free shipping for two or more items.

______________________________________________
EurekaEureka
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off total sale -not including shipping.
Please leave "etsycrestsale" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice as prices in shop do not reflect the discount.

______________________________________________
frenchroast
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off items in a special Sale section.

______________________________________________
generationsmomnbaby
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off everything.

______________________________________________
GenerationsTieDye
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off everything.

______________________________________________
GlowNGlass
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
In addition to a 15% discount for purchases over $20, I will throw in a set of "wine glass jewelry" for any purchase over $50.00. The wine glass tags are a set of fused-glass baubles to help your guests keep track of their wine stem at your party.
Please put "CREST" in note to seller and wait for a revised invoice.

______________________________________________
herbanlifestyle
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off everything

______________________________________________
JellybugArtworks
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all week. Revised invoices will be sent.

______________________________________________
katiejean
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all items. Please leave "crestsale" in note to seller.
Items are not discounted, please wait for an updated invoice.

______________________________________________
laurenmc18
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off all purchases for the entire week! To redeem the discount, just add your LMNOProducts purchase(s) to your cart, begin the checkout process, and choose "Other" as your payment method. In the Buyer's Note box, mention that you would like to take advantage of the EtsyCREST Sale discount. I will then send a revised PayPal invoice reflecting the 15% discount.

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LincolnParkStudio
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
During the sale period, FREE additional painting! With every custom painting order receive an additional painting at no additional charge ($90 value)

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maggiesuedesigns
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
25% off all items.
Type "CREST" in the message to seller section and wait for a revised invoice.

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MagpieCollections
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
20% off all items(free shipping on purchase of more than $50)!!!
Please leave note to seller on message box.

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maryellendoran
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Enjoy 20% off my entire collection of hand crafted sterling silver chain and gemstone jewelry.

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NovemberAir
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off sale on everything.
Prices will be adjusted in the listings, so there will be no waiting.

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Organidog
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Purchase any variety our our organic dog treats through our Etsy shop and receive a dozen Fleas Navidad treats free. Just mention "CREST" in the "message to seller" section.

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OhSewUnique
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off select items. Free shipping on two or more items.

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penelopedesign
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off all items. Prices already adjusted in the listings, so no need to wait for a revised invoice.

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sararosetutus
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off of most items. Items will be tagged EtsycrestSale. The item prices reflect the sale prices for the duration of the sale. Sale items labeled EtsyCrest Sale.

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SudsNSuch
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% off. Wait for a revised invoice.

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tarabu
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10% any purchase and free shipping on two or more items, including custom orders.

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undefinedvillage
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
15% off entire inventory. ATC free gift with the purchase of a photographic print.

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UnusualFelineObjects
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
Along with 20% off everything, I offer the following to those who mention etsycrestsale in notes to seller:
- Above the $10 level, *International customers* will be given an additional 5% off. Please wait for a revised invoice and request shipping to your location before you pay and I will revise the listing for you.
- *U.S. customers* will be offered a choice of free items from my shop starting at the $10 level.
- Above the $20 level my U.S. vintage buyers will be given free insurance and delivery confirmation to go with my actual shipping. Overages will be refunded.

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WildHoneysuckle
Monday, October 27th through Monday, November 3rd
10-15% off of most items. Items will be tagged EtsycrestSale. The item prices refelct the sale prices for the duration of the sale. Item descriptions also indicate price reduction.

Artisans at ArtWay!!

2008-09-07T02:05:00.000-04:00

Ten of our own etsyCREST members will be participating in a craft show in Damascus on September 6th!

The 10 shops who will be displaying are:
Aycee
BellaRoseCreations
BoodlersBeads
ButtonDivas
GenerationsTieDye
GetWiredDesigns
melissamemandesigns
Pamlita11
SapphireChild
Shelbyb

For directions to Artisans at ARTway

Artisan at ARTway - Nico Alexander Designs

2008-08-30T23:59:00.000-04:00

Pamlita11.etsy.com

Notes about the Artist:
I started after my son was born and I wanted a mommy bracelet. This has grown into handcrafted jewelry designs of bracelets, earrings and necklaces made with semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver.

My Craft Space:
I have a table setup down in my basement so I can work while washing clothes and watching my 3 year old while he plays.

This is 1 of 10 artists featured at Artisans at ARTway.

Directions to Artisans at ArtWay

2008-08-05T13:00:00.000-04:00

The ArtWay Studio Retail Store location of

Artisans at Artway

9890 Main StreetDamascus, MD 20872

Directions and Map:

View Larger Map

dottyral

2008-03-31T17:13:00.000-04:00

http://dottyral.etsy.com/

Emery Pincushion - Red Tomato - Keeps pins sharp

Notes from the Artist:
Creating is something I do everyday. My hands have to be busy. I love to crochet, sew, play with beads, ribbons, wool, and paper. I’ve been focusing on creating pincushions for quite a while now. I make emery pincushions to keep pins sharp. They’re something that couldn’t be found in stores, so I started making them. I also make pincushion rings. These are super cute and handy. To keep things interesting, I’m always coming up with ideas for other things. I’m always planning the next project while working away on the current one. My latest “big idea” - vinyl jewelry. I’ve been enjoying coming up with designs using this unusual material. If only there were more hours in a day!

My Craft Space:
I have a sewing room in my basement. I love it! It’s a slightly disorganized haven of craft supplies. My husband would disagree with the “slightly” part. I do love to organize it. I find that it’s more enjoyable to work in an organized space. Someday, I’d love to really do it up with beautiful cabinets and counters. Until then though, it‘s a happy place that I‘m grateful to have.

This is a photo of a system that I created to keep my pincushion rings organized. At Christmas time, when things were busy, I had a hard time keeping track of them. They were all mixed together in a bin. It was difficult to tell which designs I was low on or out of. I tried to keep a list, but then I would forget to update it when one sold or I made a new one! Now, I can tell at a glance just how many I have of each design. Looking at that wall even makes me happy - a sure sign of a craft addict. :)

My etsy shop: http://dottyral.etsy.com
My blog: http://indiefindsonetsy.blogspot.com/

6060

2008-03-29T08:18:00.000-04:00

http://6060.etsy.com

Cotton Dish clothes gift set - 4 pieces

Notes from the Artist:
I love to crochet. I started to crochet scrubby/ dish rag/ dish clothes because my sister-in-law told me once that hand-made crochet cotton dish clothes are the best dish clothes she ever had. Then I began to crochet my very own cotton dish clothes and tried them out around the house. Before I noticed, they were in my bathroom, kitchen and dining room! I chose pink and lime green for this set of dish clothes because these funky color are so cheerful and it looks like they will brighten the day when you are doing house chores! :)

My Craft Space:
Many hours I sit in front of my computer to do everything (including counting my safety eyes, I sell those too :) , especially after I join Etsy, I can't believe I am so addicted to Etsy. However, after my daughters go to bed, when I work with yarns (crocheting most of the time), I love to sit in my big old comfy chair, in that chair, I can crochet a lot of stuff!

Nylon Thread

2008-03-27T16:19:00.000-04:00

Green Origami Cranes

These darling Japanese-paper cranes are about one inch from beak to tail. I folded the cranes myself from the most beautiful, colorful Japanese Washi paper with gold-ink accents; it feels like fabric and has traditional Japanese kimono patterns. It took me some trial and error, but I finally found the perfect size for wearing as earrings. I offset the paper with gold-plated wire/earwires and green faceted crystal beads.
These birds are magical creatures; the crane in Japan is one of the mystical or holy beasts (others include the dragon and tortoise), and is said to live for a thousand years.

Notes from the Artist:

I work by day as a graphic designer and as my job got increasingly technical, I found myself looking for ways to explore creative outlets with my hands. I first worked in bookbinding and illustrating, but about 12 years ago, a friend turned me on to making jewelry with beads and I was hooked! I have some training in metalwork, but haven't invested in the equipment it takes to continue that field. More than the monetary investment, however, I have two children (5 and 2.5 years) that occupy most of my spare time; the 5-year-old has recently been "helping out" with the beads. Regarding the recent origami trend, I've been fascinated with Japanese paper-folding since I was 7, so it's been exciting combining two loves of mine!

My craft space:

Up until last month, I was in front of the TV just like many of the rest of us. However, we just set up a projector TV that requires near-darkness to view, so I had to relocate to the home office. I'm actually pleased with the new space! I create on a low table, and sit on floor-pillows surrounded by bookshelves and supplies.

Bodil Lund Jewelry Design

2008-03-25T12:59:00.000-04:00

http://bodil0331.etsy.com
Large Heart Stone Pendant

Notes from the Artist:
I have been fascinated with jewelry and gemstones for as long as I can remember. My second love is the beach, any beach, anywhere, anytime...... About four years ago I decided to put it all together and embark on a new journey of design and metalsmithing.

I work in sterling silver, fine (.999) silver, gold, and recycled metals. Incorporated into most of my work are natural gemstones and pearls.

Pictured here is one of my newest pieces: a naturally shaped Heart Stone pendant cast in solid sterling silver. It is a lovely three dimensional piece with the texture and feel of the original stone. I have several different hearts in my series, collected over the years from beaches near and far. Each is a unique treasure, comforting to hold in all its imperfections.

My Craft Space:
I attend workshops at The Art League School in Alexandria, VA on a regular basis, so the majority of my work is done there. The design and finishing touches are done in my home office. Nothing fancy, but it works for me.

Penelope Designs

2008-03-23T16:08:00.000-04:00

http://penelopedesign.etsy.com"

Sari Silk Knit Purse

Notes from the Artist:
I am a self proclaimed ADD crafter - I love to knit, crochet, bead, decoupage, and usually have about 7 or 8 different projects in different media going on at the same time! I work in creative bursts, so while I constantly have a knitting or crochet project going on, I will be fallow with jewelry and then go crazy one day and make 10 or 12 new pieces in a span of a few hours! I am always looking to try out new things, especially yarn, and just loved the bright colors of the recycled sari silk and the story behind it. This yarn is woven from worn out saris (very eco-friendly) and provides a good income to the women who spin it in Nepal and India. No two skeins are ever the same, given the nature of the material, and you never know how the piece is going to look when you start, which is half the fun! I sort of made up the pattern for this handbag as I went along, and found a cool wood toggle button to give it an even more distinctive look.

My Craft Space: well, I don't really have just one space that I work! As a knitter and crocheter, I take my work with me just about everywhere I go - I even knit in the car at stop lights! It is a great way to fill up time when you are hanging out a doctor's offices as well....Most of my jewelry making is done in my family room (much to my family's dismay), and I usually have several different projects going on at the same time, as you can see in the photo. While I am usually a very organized person, this is one place where I just let everything go! I also do most of my photography of my Etsy items here, since the natural light is great.

Forgotten Beauty

2008-03-22T16:55:00.000-04:00

http://www.xenya.etsy.com
Rotting Stairs 5x7 Fine art photography print Urban exploration

Notes from the Artist:
I'm a writer who has been exploring photography for a
while now. I love exporing forgotten and forbidden
spaces. Surprisingly, there are a lot of them, and I
like to try to capture the beauty I see in urban
decay. Most of these places have a long history, and I
do a lot of research into those histories before
exploring. I feel it gives me a deeper understanding
of what the place is, what it was and what went on
behind its walls. I very much enjoy photographing the
essence of these places, recording them before time
and progress erase their history.

My Work Space:
Obviously, most of my work is done on location. I have
to travel to these places, and exploring them can be
dangerous. However, it is something I love to do so I
pursue it. As of now, I haven't gotten into much
digital processing (no photo shop!), so what you see
is how I saw it, other than a bit of cropping and
touch up. In the future I plan to explore digital
manipulation a bit more and I have a lot of ideas
brewing. I would like to combine my writing and my
arts.

oblinaknit

2008-03-19T17:24:00.000-04:00

http://oblinaknit.etsy.com
Sweet Ginger Handbag

Notes from the Artist:
Fabric and yarn are my addiction - my stash is growing day by day. I love to play with the different colors and mix them together to see what happens. Japanese fabrics are also a fav - I use them for my zipper pouches and zip its - its a great way to keep you inner child happ!
Recently, I took a fiber spinning class at a local yarn shop and was amazed at the combinations you can create - the colorway possibilities are endless - and of course, now I am coveting the entire shop of loop.etsy.com. Her rovings are absolutely fabulous so I cannot wait to start spinning up some lovelies soon. I also started blogging recently - so feel free to stop by and see what is new at http://oblinaknit.blogspot.com/.

My Craft Space:
I live in a 1 bedroom apartment and currently have my machine set up on my desk in the living room - looking out the window so I can enjoy the view! I also do my jewelry and knit in the living room area I have set aside as my 'studio space' . I also use a shoe organizer - with the plastic open pockets - hung on my door to organize my smaller supplies and knitting needles. Its a great way (and cheap) to organize your sewing notions, needles, and smaller knitting supplies .
You can see from the pic that my desk is surrounded by plants and other fun stuff - yes that is a can of bamboo shoots behind my loosestring (also of etsy) pincushion in the pic with the view - I have my wire that I knit with wrapped around it to keep it in place while I am working on the piece of knitted jewelry of the moment.
And of course, anyone who has been in my shop has met Ken - the guy in the banner in his fruit hat - he is one of my two cats and loves to model stuff for me; my other cat Dahlia, prefers to watch out the window for birds.
I would love to use my entire bedroom as a studio space - but haven' t come to terms with sleeping on the floor.

www.oblinaknit.etsy.com

http://oblinaknit.blogspot.com/

Hazel Designs

2008-03-17T13:56:00.000-04:00

http://hazeldesigns.etsy.com
Victoria Earrings

Notes from the Artist:
I have a fondness for beautiful stones, and love working in all kinds of nifty materials such as semiprecious gemstones, glass, quartz, sterling silver, vermeil, pearls and crystals. My past work has included a lot of sterling silver, but lately I've begun incorporating gold in my pieces, as evidenced by this pair of green and gold earrings. There is just something luxurious and lush about gold, especially combined with an equally opulent color like emerald green. Finally, I am also fascinated with metalwork and hope to develop my skills in this area toward future designs.

My Craft Space:
I turned our spare guest bedroom into my home office, which also doubles as my craft space. For now, my desk provides sufficient space for all my craft work, which also contains my computer, printer, and a bunch of drawers that hold my beads, jewelry supplies, and mailing supplies all within easy reach. In the future I would love to get a bigger work table with lots of cubbyholes and storage nooks, but for right now my sunny yellow craft room is sufficient for my little business.

Purple Snow Peas

2008-03-15T19:56:00.000-04:00

http://purplesnowpeas.etsy.com

Spring Ribbon Scarf

Notes from the Artist:
I would like to feature my light-weight scarves. They are a must-have when you are wearing a jean jacket on those cool Spring and Fall evenings. I have several of these in my ETSY shop PurpleSnowpeas. I have matching hats for many of these scarves that are great for the cooler winter weather.

I re-taught myself to knit about two years ago from the "Stitch and Bitch" book and have been making hats and scarves ever since. I also crochet but love to knit-in-the-round - thus my passion for cozy winter hats. My next project that I am embarking on is a line of felted bags. I have made a few for myself and plan to start adding them to my shop at the end of March.

My Craft Space:
As for my art/craft space, I knit in the living room usually while watching MSNBC, LOST, or The Wire:) Here are a few photos of my comfy couch and my recently organized yarn collection - there's a ton more yarn in my closet! I also attached photos of my first craft show with fellow CREST members at the Savage Snowdrop show.

Find me here:
http://purplesnowpeas.etsy.com
http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com
http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/KathrynShort

Debby Arem Designs

2008-03-13T20:07:00.000-04:00

http://debbyaremdesigns.etsy.com

RECYCLED CIRCUIT BOARD Merchant Credit Card and Memo DOUBLE Clipboard or KITCHEN COUPONS holder and grocery list NEW Geekery PRODUCT

Notes from the Artist:
I've been a jewelry and accessory designer for over 25 years and DebbyAremDesigns is my shop devoted to items made from recycled circuit boards. My shop currently features jewelry ( pins, earrings, mens' jewelry ) , green office products such as clipboards of various sizes including magnetic ones, bookmarks and keychains , clocks, magnets, picture frames and sun catchers at this time.
I'm always adding new products when the inspiration hits me. One such example of this is the item I've chosen to feature in the blog this week:
This is a new item that I made actually at the request of another Etsian who does craft shows. She contacted me to see if I made any kind of clipboard ( from the recycled circuit boards that I use in all my work ) that would accomodate a credit card slip! It seemed that she realized she needed a clipboard that her customers could use to lean on while signing their credit card slips.
I went ahead and did a custom order for her but then in designing it, my husband suggested it would also be great to have another clip at the opposite end of the clipboard to hold notes. ( this was based on the mini magnetic clipboards that we've sold so many of that you can stick on your fridge or for your child to put on his or her locker to hold notes ). My husband also suggested adding a length of ball chain so that a pen could be attached!
I then realized that this item could also be used in the kitchen to hold your shopping list and coupons and so this new item became something that could serve two purposes !
If it is going to be used for your fridge, for an additional $5 , I add a substantial piece of magnetic tape to the back so it will stay on your fridge without sliding.

My Craft Space:
My studio is in the basement of our home and at this point, I think the recycled circuit boards and vintage beads that I sell through my other Etsy shop - http://EurekaEureka.etsy.com are breeding at night! Whenever I'm lucky enough to find a source to acquire circuit boards that would otherwise be burned , my husband and I get all we can get on our 'rescue mission' which is how I've come to look at it, so we are really bursting at the seams. You can see in one of these pictures some of the circuit boards we recently acquired and in the other picture, you can see the containers where I store circuit boards that I've had cut into smaller shapes that I use in my recycled circuit board jewelry ( pins, earrings and mens' jewelry ). Because I also make clocks and picture frames and magnets ( to name just a few more items in my line ) I also have containers that store vintage cabochons, recycled metal from a local scrap metal facility, recycled metal findings from an old jewelry warehouse that went out of business in Rhode Island ( where I'm from originally ) and anything else I might use in my designs.
I also have my own website http://www.debbyarem.com

Moonlight Bindery

2008-03-11T08:06:00.000-04:00

http://moonlightbindery.etsy.com

Coptic Bound Lego Book- Build your Own Cover Design

Notes from the Artist:

I have been working with books for 17 years. When I was just out of college I started
taking classes in bookbinding and book conservation. I have been working as a book
conservator on and off for the last ten years. I love what I do! When I found out about Etsy I decided to take all the paper I had collected over the years and make some fine bindings.

Recently I have been experimenting with making books out of alternative materials. I
made a couple of books with covers made of Shrinky Dinks and now I have the Lego book.
Maybe I am just getting in touch with my inner 7 year old! The book is made from two 5" square white Lego base plates. I drilled holes in the plates and created a coptic binding with about 80 pages (160 if you count back and front) of recycled white paper. I include 20 flat Lego pieces so that the customer can make the book cover any design they want. I am so happy with the way it turned out!

My Craft Space:

I make all my books in my home studio. My studio takes over two rooms in the basement
of my house. There is a little window and lots of space! I seem to keep creeping into the hallway and may take over the whole basement at the rate I am moving.

Miscelena Handmade Papercrafts

2008-03-07T12:11:00.000-05:00

http://miscelena.etsy.com

Sailboat Baby Boy Congrats Card

Notes from the Artist:
Here's a one-of-a-kind card for the new parents (or grandparents!) of a much-awaited baby boy!

The front features a tiny message: "he's here", next to a cheery handstamped
sailboat in tones of blue and brown on blue cardstock. Background paper is a coordinating blue and brown polka dot; base of card is a speckled 'natural'
cardstock. The inside reads "congrats congrats congrats", handstamped in brown ink.

My handmade cards are *all* one-of-a-kind, never-another-one-like-it original
assemblages - and most are blank inside for your thoughts, musings, comments and
doodles.

My Craft Space:

My craft supplies are quickly filling my spare bedroom... but I'm continually
looking for new and better ways to organize them. I recently bought a
shoe-organizer to store my rubberstamps!

Jetsy

2008-03-05T13:41:00.000-05:00

http://jetsy.etsy.com

Ode to Coffee Necklace

Notes from the Artist:
The thing I love about Etsy is that you don't have to
stick with one medium or craft. I tend to create items
that reflect my current tastes and interests. The Ode
to Coffee necklace was inspired by my addiction to
Starbucks coffee (not the caffeine, but the sugar!). I
also like to use found objects. I found the teacup
charms in another etsy shop and had to have them.
Then, I used the colors I associate with coffee to
make the necklace. And that's kind of how I make all
my creations.

My Craft Space:
I do most of my crafting work after my 2-year-old
daughter goes to sleep. And I like to have the
television on in the background. So, I mostly create
on the couch.

Magpie collections

2008-03-03T19:06:00.000-05:00

http://Magpiecollections.etsy.com

Little Bouquet Necklace
This necklace seems to be a big hit and I love the colors and look of it.

Notes from the Artist:
Magpie-The name suits me very well. Always attracted to beautiful things, I collect them (bead-aholic)and make jewelry. I love doing artistic stuff, the feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction one gets when you create something beautiful with your hands let it be a painting, jewelry or anything creative.Thats what I am all about.
I am an Architect by profession, but my craze for jewelry started even when I was a kid. I used to save my pocket money and splurge on jewelry.I started dabbling in jewelry during long winter days.Now, my latest craze is Cha-Cha rings and PMC.

My Craft Space:
My workspace is my apartment living room, much to the dismay of my husband.I love to watch TV and make things with my hands.Anyways he has promised me a whole basement or garage when we buy a house.

Kimming Jewelry

2008-03-01T22:01:00.000-05:00

http://kimmings.etsy.com

Earthtone Gold Bangle Bracelet

Notes from the Artist:
This is my first item worked entirely in gold. It took me months of working with silver to get brave enough! I worked and reworked this bracelet to get it worthy of the price of gold.

My Craft Space:
I've been bed-bound for about a year because of a pressure sore on my butt. (I'm in a wheekchair because of multiple sclerosis. Wheelchairs are notorious for causing pressure sores.) Anyhow I got used to working on my lap with my materials on the table next to me. I keep intending to use my workshop again. But I think I like the light better in my living room. So now my workspace is whereever I feel like parking at the moment.

Mishutka Design Studio

2008-02-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

mishutkadesign.etsy.com

Petite Wallet in Pink Carnations
This pretty little wallet is perfect for business cards, credit cards, small change and other small items in your purse. Tuck them in and snap it closed! It measures approximately 4 by 5 1/2 inches, is padded with interfacing and would make a terrific small gift for anyone!

About the Artist:
Hello! I'm Irina and I have been a designer for many years, creating pieces that expressed my clients' style and individuality. My fascination with Victorian crafts and home decorating led me to creating vintage-style, yet practical products that transform our living space and make us feel good.

I love the delicate beauty of vintage crafts and I'm inspired by the rich textures of the world around us. I think my customers are very much like me: they want something unique and special that they will enjoy in their busy modern lives.

My Craft Space
I'm surrounded by fabrics, paper, vintage ribbons and lace. I recently found a lovely old shelf on eBay for $5 and my antique lace fits there perfectly! A small drawer keeps needles and threaders in one place. Another useful find: vintage textile bobbins. Tightly wound ribbons better keep their shape and the bobbins make a terrific colorful display!

This Week's EtsyMini Treasures

2008-02-25T20:51:00.000-05:00

Pictures from Savage Snowdrop Craft Fair

2008-02-17T20:17:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pics from the Savage Snowdrop Craft Fair! If you'd like to see more, go to this flickr site.

The Savage Hall

Many happy shoppers

Victorian Tea

Trade Links with EtsyCREST

2008-02-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

CREST Members - Want to trade links? Just post a link to this blog on your blog - text only or use the button below. After you've posted the link, leave a comment here with the name of your blog and the address. We'll link back on the sidebar.

The code to insert this button onto your site...