Handmade for the Holidays! It's Trunk Show Time!

On Thursday, November 12th, the authority on Twitter for all things handmade will host a Virtual Trunk Show on Etsy.com showcasing great gift ideas for everyone. The Trunk Show will take place in Etsy.com’s Virtual Labs in the Gallery room (http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php). The show starts at 8 PM EST.

“We wanted to really make it easy for people to find unique gifts this year, and thought that a Virtual Trunk Show would be perfect,” says Etsy Twitter Team Co-Leader Kristen Evans, owner of FirebirdHouse Designs. “Grab a cup of cocoa and get a jumpstart on your list without having to fight crowds and traffic!”

The team, which uses Twitter to expand its reach to a global audience, thinks that this holiday season, people are looking for quality and a good price. “We really want to introduce people to the diversity and quality of handmade items,” says Vickie Porter, the team’s leader and the artist/owner behind the recycled domino jewelry of In My Head Studios. “You can find great gifts and stocking stuffers for even the most difficult people on your list, in every price range. Many of the artists will be on hand to meet 'in person' and chat about their work.” The categories being featured are For Her, For Him, For Kids, For Anyone, and Under $50. You are sure to find the right item for anyone on your list.

Vickie feels that encouraging people to make handmade items part of their holiday is important. “The handmade lifestyle really offers something unique, and we want to be sure and share that with the rest of the world, on Twitter and off.”

You’ll need an account with Etsy.com to attend. Don’t worry! It’s free and easy to sign up! Get there early so you can get a good seat!

There will be fantastic handmade prizes, too! See you there!

[reposted from http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/]

Featured from the EtsyBloggers Team :: The Fab Miss B

I have a thing for vintage aprons. Not sure why. I have several stashed in a drawer in my kitchen, one that hangs as a curatin in my mud room window, and, most importantly, the desire to hunt for more. 

These sweet little treasures, mostly from the 50s, come out when my girls and I bake in the Easy Bake Oven, but never when I'm actually cooking. I'd much rather get my clothes dirty than one of my aprons! 

I have a feeling this stems from the same defect I have that makes me hoard journals that I'll never use, but that's another blog post.

This month's Featured EtsyBlogger, The Fab Miss B, can help me with my search. She has some WONDERFUL vintage aprons in her shop. This is the one that caught my eye. The fabric looks amazing!

Vintage Pleated Half Apron

The fabric, up close:

Be sure to check out her other shop and her blog as well. You'll fine 'unique handmade and vintage things for you and your home.' Happy hunting!

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Jenco13

Jenco13 is the EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week and I want to share a couple of my favs from my buddy Jen. 

Her cup cozies are so cute...and handy! I carry mine in my purse so I always have it with me. No more need for those awful cardboard sleeves or double cups! Mine is purple, of course, but it has an adorable little daisy-like flower as well. Check them out.

Her crocheted scarves are just beautiful! She has several designs, but this is my favorite:

From her profile:

I have been crocheting for many years now. Many of my friends have asked when I am going to start a website for all my stuff. Most of them have my scarves as well as some baby blankets and/or baby sweaters. I also make pocket books, and hats. In the few years I have done a lot of crocheting. I realized that after my husband deployed that it helped pass the time. When he returned home I decided that this is something I never wanted to give up again. I have many patterns in 2 binders that I would like to do at least once. Currently I have a loooong way to go on this goal. ;)

Most of my inspiration comes from magazines such as Lucky and Cosmo (for the colors that are “in”). Other inspiration comes from friends and family, mostly my mom who is an artist herself.

I always have a few projects going at a time because I like the variety of being able to see my items come together.

I also volunteer to make handmade scarves and blankets for a local charity that provides them to cancer patients and other’s who are in need.

10% of the money I earn through my crocheting goes into making care packages for the troops overseas. I currently have several friends there that I will send a package too and they share with their fellow soldiers.

SPECIAL OFFER:

CUP COZIES ARE BUY ONE GET ONE FREE!
SCARVES ARE BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 PRICED!
USE THE COUPON CODE -ETTROCKS!

Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/11/shop-of-week-jenco13.html

• Follow @Jenco13 on Twitter.
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Tweet Tweet Treasury

I just had to share this wonderful Etsy Treasury curated by Bunny Bubbles. Such a great collection, and I'm honored to be included! It expires Thursday, November 12th, a little before 10am, so click it quick and show it some love!
Tweet Tweet Treasury 

EtsyBloggers Carnival Theme = irony

One of the questions for this months' EtsyBloggers Carnival is "give us your best hints or advice for juggling the holidays, your business, and your family commitments." 

Okay. I'll add that to my list. Should be ready in January sometime.

It's really not that bad, but I have discovered over the past few days that when I realize [like a slap to the face] that it's November, I start to panic.

Here are a few things that I'm doing or going to do to juggle.

1. Breathe. Don't forget. It's imperative.
2. Make lists. I'm a crazy list maker. I've even been known to write down something I've already done so that I can enjoy the satisfaction of checking something else off. They really do help. I have a spiral bound notebook that I'm using now, small enough to fit on my desk, but large enough to write everything down. If it's not checked off at the end of the day, I transfer it to the next day.
3. Say no. It's okay. Really. Who else is going to stick up for you?
   
4. Lower your standards. As a perfectionist, this is incredibly difficult for me. But I've learned that perfection is truly unattainable, and that most people don't even expect it. Imagine that! Let it go.
   
5. Focus on what really matters. When you are old you aren't going to wish you worked more, right? And I realize that what matters will change from day to day, even hour to hour, but you know what matters to you.
   
6. Breathe. Did I mention that already?
7. When the going gets tough, start laughing like a maniac. Okay, this is silly, but when I feel totally overwhelmed and about ready to cry, I just start laughing. It's hilarious. Your mood will be lifted in no time. And, if you do it right, everyone around you will be laughing with you (maybe at you, but still laughing!). Singing really loud may have the same effect.
   
8. Take time for yourself. It may only be a few minutes, but it's a must. Find a little time, no matter how impossible it seems, and do something just for you. I stop by a local thrift store on my way home from the post office for a quick treasure hunt. I drive a different way while running errands and take in the scenery. Whatever works.
9. Eat breakfast. You know you should!
10. Clock out. Working from home makes this almost impossible. It's just too easy to run into the office and check emails, etc. Don't do it. I've had to start turning my computer off at night so I'm not tempted. I admit I'm not very good at this!
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Play. Let yourself have fun. If you have to juggle, call it Otedama. It's fancier. This set is available from my friend Ojami on Etsy. Otedama in Swirls, Batik and Upcycled Fabric (Set of 3)

I have a feeling I'll be looking back at this list often.

I'll almost did #3 to this project, but decided it qualified for #8. Now I'm shutting down the computer. Really, I am. (#10)

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Linda B's Beaded Jewelry

I just had to share these cute little bottlecap magnets from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, Linda B's Beaded Jewelry!

They have a fun vintage feel. What better way to decorate your fridge, or those amazingly functional metal doors in your little cubicle at work?

These Swarovski Crystal Christmas Tree Earrings add the perfect ho ho bling to your holiday ears:

From her profile:

Hi, my name is Linda and I'm passionate about using colors and gemstone characteristics in my unique beaded jewelry designs. I've been beading for about 4-5 years now. I work full-time and find beading to be relaxing and fun. My bead collection is expanding and it's so fun to bring them out and choose what I'm going to make next. The majority of my items are one-of-a-kind.

SPECIAL OFFER:

20% off purchases totaling $10, excluding shipping November 2 - November 8


Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/11/shop-of-week-linda-bs-beaded-jewelry.html

• Follow @lindab142 on Twitter.
• Follow her blog http://linorstorecom.blogspot.com
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Look What Punky Found ::Crafty is Cool

Now I REALLY wish I could crochet! These might just be the motivation to get me to move beyond the basic chain stitch.

I can't really take credit for 'finding' this on my own. This listing was featured on the front page of Etsy this morning. I guess I can take credit for refreshing my screen at the perfect time, right?

When Moishe's little face appeared, I smiled and knew I had to share it with you.

These adorable patterns are only $5 from Crafty is Cool. Be sure to check out the other wonderful patterns she has available, like Max: