Look What Punky Found :: Adorable Knot So Plain Jane Twirl Dress by AmieVoltaire

With Easter dresses on the mind for my two little girls, this adorable dress by AmieVoltaire caught my eye.

The listing says:

Knot So Plain Jane is Twirling through fields of Daisies.

Stunning reds and turquoise, polka dots and flowers. A dress layered with quilted weighted cotton from Michael Miller's Flora & Fauna line with knotted straps that pull through button holes for a custom fit. This dress will be handmade by me in my pet free, smoke free home studio, all seams serged and top stitched where appropriate.

Ready to remake in sizes 6-10 years.

Just add an Easter basket and you're ready to go...but if you need more:

Check out the smaller sister dress and matching Euro Skirt not included in this listing.

Little Sister Dress
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42075483

Add a matching apron
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41436624

See the matching dress
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39655062

Matching Euro Skirt
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38064653

Pretty Cheap (in name only!)

Nina, from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week proves that cool doesn't have to be expensive. Her shop, Pretty Cheap if filled with quality handmade jewelry and accessories at amazingly low prices. Check out a couple of my favs:

 

 

Apricot Oval Stone Slab Ring :: $10

Recycled Guitar String Bangle Bracelets, Teal & Plum :: $15

 

 

From her profile:

Why are my prices so low? A true bargain is something of good quality, right?

Rest assured. The quality and workmanship are all high here. I use good materials (stone, shell, pearl, Swarovski crystals), precious metals (sterling silver and 14K gold filled, and more).

Still, why are the prices so low? Pretty Cheap Jewelry is my creative outlet to to counter-act my technical day job. The joy and satisfaction of designing and selling my work is almost more than enough compensation (ok, ok so I have to earn something for new supplies, right?).

And I love the thrill of the bargain hunt myself! It doesn't need to cost alot to mean alot and be alot of fun.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: For this week only, Nina is offering Free Recycled Guitar String Bracelet with every order (no minimum purchase necessary). While supplies last. Lots of colors and styles, great environmental fashion statement. Just ask for it at checkout. See examples here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettycheap/4368649814/

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-prettycheap.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/prettycheap
• Follow @prettycheap on Twitter. 
• Become her fan on facebook
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

A Vintage Feel

If you're browsing this week's Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week, Miss Kwitty's Cottage, you see right away the cottage theme to her adorable handmade goods. Karen creates with fabric and paper, and you can see how she's influenced by the 1930s and 40s.

This Messenger Bag/Sling Purse is one of my favorites in her shop...cute and functional...the perfect combo!

And this vintage-inspired Pink Floral Tea Towel makes me think of some of the treasures from my Grandmother's kitchen.

From her profile:

Next to my family, I love to craft and sew the best. I love vintage. I love handmade. I love to go to estate sales and antique shops and find funky and beautiful old things to use in my crafts and sewing. I have loved to sew since I was a little girl and my favorite gifts were those shoelace cards to "sew" and then I got my little girl's sewing machine and I was in heaven! I had the best dressed dolls in town. I have been designing my own crafts and sewing patterns for many years now and have even sold a few of my design to magazines. I recently discovered Etsy, it is so great...I love it too! See, I am full of LOVE *lol*

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY:  Karen is offering a special deal to celebrate her Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week status: With every order this week, she will include a free Gift Tag Sample Pack with each order!

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-mrs-kwittys-cottage-etsy.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/misseskwittys
• Follow @misseskwittys on Twitter. 
• Become her fan on facebook
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Etsy Sellers: What's Your Favorite EtsyHack?

Most of my Etsy-selling buddies are familiar with the amazing work of Ian over at EtsyHacks, and if you aren't, you should be!

Ian's wife is an Etsy seller, and he created these little gems to help her run her shop more efficiently. How lucky are we that they are good at sharing?

I wish there was a way to determine how much time I actually save using his clever little scripts, but I do know it's substantial.

I started using them in my PunkyJane shop several months ago, and have slowly been adding more. They've been running without a hitch.

While I'd have a hard time choosing just one, I have to say that I think I use the Contact Buyer the most. I just added Buyer Notes a couple of days ago, and I already see the time I'll save in double checking orders.

The scripts are so easy to install. Ian provides wonderful instructions for every step, from installing Greasemonkey to installing each script. Note that you must be using Firefox to use Greasemonkey.

Each set of instructions includes a before and after screenshot for the hack so you can immediately see and understand the benefit.

So what's your favorite? What's your "I couldn't live without?"

Leave a comment here and I'll post a Top 10 list.

MORE ::

Support EtsyHacks with a donation. Click the orange 'donate' button at the top right of his site.

Grab a button for EtsyHacks to show your support.

Follow EtsyHacks on Twitter

Don't be a Doofenschmirtz!

Phineas and Ferb. Those two cool kids just trying to figure out how to spend their Summer vacation. Creative, amazing inventions and a sister who's always trying to bust them, only to have their creation disappear right before Mom shows up. 

Add in their pet, Perry the Platypus, who's really a secret agent fighting an evil scientist (Dr. Heinz Doofenschmirtz) and some great music, and you've got real entertainment.

This Disney show has become part of our daily lives. We [all] sing in the car to the soundtrack, especially "Today is Gonna be a Great Day." If someone does something not so bright, you might just hear one of us say, "Don't be a Doofenschmirtz." If we are looking for one our cats, we've been know to say, "Hey, where's Licorice?" in a very Phineas tone. I don't think a day goes by without one of my girls saying, just as Isabella does, "Whatcha doin'?" And we all enjoy checking out the Fridays when an all-new episode comes on. I feel a bit like we a 1950s family all crowded around the TV ready to watch The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. 

Yesterday as I was checking out my blog reading list, one of my favs, The Handmade Spark, posted the instructions on how to make a Perry the Platypus Inaction Figure from the episode, "Toy to the World." I am sort of embarrassed to say this, but I seriously did a little happy dance. 

I'm sending a big thanks to Tim Adam for finding this little treasure on Instructables.com and sharing. This might just be something we do this Summer...if I can wait that long!

Now to quote from one of my favorite songs: 

This could possibly be the best day ever,
And the forecast says that tomorrow will likely be a million and six times better,
So make every minute count jump up, jump in and seize the day,
And let's make sure that in every single possible way,
Today is Gonna to Be a Great Day!

MORE FUN:

Check out some of the Phineas and Ferb songs on YouTube

Learn to draw Perry the Platypus

Stop by Tim Adam's other site, Handmadeology

Fun and games with Phineas and Ferb

Wearable and Usable Art by Kim White Creations

This week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week is Kim White Creations. The amazing Kim White creates things with yarn that are not only functional, but just plain gorgeous. I love her designs, and she's always creating something new.

I've previously featured her work right here, and I'd love to share a couple more of my favs from her shop.

Wrap yourself or someone you love in a wearable hug with this  
Crochet Lap Wrap in Mossy Green and Brown.

Save a tree and keep your cup cozy with this  Crocheted Gerber Daisy Coffee Cozy [you could get this free with an order of $50 or more! See details below.]

From her profile:

I'm Kim White, wife of one, mom of two, and a Certified Massage Therapist. I've been designing and creating wearable/useable art for years, for family and friends. After caring for an elderly family member, and seeing a need she had, I decided to offer my Care Shawls and Lap Wraps through Etsy.

Inspired by colors, textures, seasons, and things in everyday life, I want my creations to be enjoyed by others, and hope they bring a smile to your face!

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY:  Any Coffee Cozy FREE with a $50 or more purchase before shipping-just let me know your Coffee Cozy selection in message to seller.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-kimwhitecreations-315-to.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kimwhitecreations
• Follow @kimwcreations on Twitter. 
• Become her fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kim-White-Creations
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Let's Party!

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

While Spring means the beginning of allergy season for me, the sneezing and itching is worth it when we get to party...in the garden, that is!

In Northern California, we've had a mix of sun and rain lately. The sunny days have been spectacular making me long for Spring even more. Planting my vegetable garden, watching bulbs emerge and blooms bloom, and witnessing the amazing party that is Spring.

A few of my favorite Spring moments last year:

Lavender blooming. So calming and peaceful.

Butterflies doing their job.

Our Camellia  is always one of the first signs
that the party is about to begin.

Happy Spring, everyone!

All photos ©2010 Sandy Simpson

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: DeeJay Photography

Painting with pixels. That's how I would describe the work of this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, DeeJay Photography. Just take a look at a couple of my favorites:

 
Allium, Purple Flower 8x10 Fine Art Photograph

The detail in this shot is amazing...I feel like I can reach out a touch it!

Rhododendron Bush Photo Bookmark

Just a gorgeous way to mark the stopping spot in your latest read.

 From their profile:

Dee Jay Photography is a Mom and Son operation. Denise and Nicolas. We are located in New England.

To experience 4 seasons a year is truly wonderful! From the bright colors of fall, to every surface blanketed in a a fresh coat of snow, to watching the seedlings pop up in spring, to beautiful hot summer days is amazing.

Mom has been interested in all types of art for as long as she can remember. She is a school photographer by day. From photography, to sewing & quilting, to scrapbooking, and rubber stamping...she's tried it all! But photography is her passion!

Son is in High School and is the oldest of 3 siblings. He is a natural when it comes to photography or anything computer related! He has played the sax for years, can fix computers or cell phones, makes fractals, and much more. He has the "eye" for art and seems to enjoy playing with all the camera settings with amazing results.

All of Nicolas' sales are going directly to him as he's saving to put his first vehicle on the road (what an exciting time in his life!) and then, the money will be going towards his college education.

SPECIAL OFFER: DeeJay Photography is celebrating one partner’s 17th birthday by offering a 17% discount. In addition, as Shop of the Week, they are offering free shipping this month (just wait for a revised PayPal invoice before paying for your purchase). International shipments can be accommodated, too. Just convo Denise first to request a shipping quote.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-deejayphotography.html

• On Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DeeJayPhotography
• Follow @D_J_Photography on Twitter. 
• Become her fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dee-Jay-Photography
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Mikiye Creations

This week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week is my fellow Northern Californian, Mikiye of Mikiye Creations. Her work is simply amazing! Browsing her shop makes me wish I had known of her 10 years ago as I was planning our wedding!

While she specializes in elegant wedding jewelry and accessories, I could see many of her pieces working for everyday, or a trip down the red carpet.

Here are a couple of my favs...simply stunning!

 

This fantastic piece has a vintage feel,
but is contemporary at the same time. Golden Lariat 

 Who wouldn't want to be a Glistening Goddess on her wedding day
with this gorgeous tiara of pearls and crystals?
I just love the combination of organic and sparkle.

 From Mikiye's profile:

I guess I can say I'm lucky since it seems all the women in my family have been very creative. My Great Grandmother was very much into craft making and as long as I can remember my Grandmother was making something. When I was young I spent most of my spare time drawing, painting, or trying to make something with Playdo!

I have always loved flowers. I have memories of helping my Grandmother in her garden. She grew beautiful Roses. When I moved to San Francisco I worked across the street from a fresh flower stand. I always visited that florist to wear flowers in my hair. I quickly became known as "the flower girl." When I moved back to Southern California I didn't have access to fresh flowers so I began to make my own floral accessories in early 2000. Before I knew it, I had people stopping me on the street and asking me at work where I got the beautiful flowers I was wearing in my hair. After making a few for friends and clients I began to realize people wanted my accessories. In no time I was "the flower girl" again. I was written up in W Magazine and featured in magazines like Essence, Teen People and Shape. My accessories also made appearances on the popular television shows: The O.C. and The Simple Life. Some of my celebrity clients include Rock Star Kimberly Cole, Kelly Osbourne, Paris Hilton, Lacey Chabert and Shaun Robinson to name a few.

Developing Mikiye Creations was the next step in my creative adventure. I take great pride in making very high quality accessories. I use silk flowers, Organza, Silk Dupioni, Taffeta, Satin, Silk Chiffon, Swarovski crystal, Freshwater Pearls, feathers, semi precious stones and metals. I am self taught so I am always learning and developing my skills as a designer. I personally make everything in my store.

SPECIAL OFFER: FREE U.S. SHIPPING on all purchases. Please add SOTW in notes to seller to redeem this. Shipping will be refunded through Paypal.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-of-week-mikiye.html

• Follow @mikiyecreations on Twitter. 
• Her blog: http://www.mikiyecreations.blogspot.com/
• Become her fan on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mikiyecreations
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Punky Jane on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
  
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.