EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week In My Head Studios

It's a world of laughter,
A world of tears.
It's a world of hopes,
And a world of fears.
There's so much that we share,
That it's time we're aware,
It's a small world after all.


It's in your head now, isn't it? You're singing it. Stuck. What causes this? Why do certain songs stick in our heads like glue? If you are truly interested in the answer, I found this great article on why it happens.

When it happens to me, I like to replace it with something else...preferably something cool.

Today I offer a solution: check out this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, In My Head Studios.

Instead of the rattling lyrics to a song, fill your head with the art of Vickie Porter.

Sharing a couple of my favorites:

Kiss Me Upcycled Altered Domino Pendant

Domino Pendant - Leafy Flower - Upcycled

Be sure to take advantage of her shop special this week::

15% off all orders (not including shipping).

Discount refunded via Paypal.

Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/etsy-twitter-team-shop-of-week-in-my.html

• Follow @inmyheadstudios on Twitter.
• Read her blog at http://inmyheadstudios.blogspot.com
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

C H O C O L A T E .

Now that I have your attention, let me clarify:

DARK CHOCOLATE.

Okay, with that out of the way, I'm participating in something new to me, a blog carnival. Bloggers get together and select from a couple of predetermined topics to blog about. For this month, it was easy for me. I read this:

Your favorite food. What is it and why?

My head filled with images of dark, rich chocolate and I knew this was the topic for me. After grabbing a little nibble to get me started, I was faced with the hard part: Why is it my favorite?

I'll have to explain with a list of words:

delicious
decadent
comforting
creamy
rich
satisfying
versatile
perfect

I've always loved chocolate, especially dark chocolate, so you can imagine how happy I was when the news broke that it might actually be good for me. It might just lower my blood pressure and it contains antioxidants to battle those free radicals. Bonus.

Do I have a favorite brand? I guess Hershey's Special Dark would be at the top of the list...it's always available and at a reasonable price. There are so many gourmet, specialty options out there...all good in my book. Or, better yet in my hand.

And I have to admit that I keep a couple of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses in a little container on my bulletin board for emergencies. Please notice that they are Valentine's Kisses and the container is dusty. That's a good sign.

The obsession continues with my love of the movie Chocolat and the book Like Water For Chocolate. Yummy.

Just can't get enough.

Back to School with the EtsyTwitter Team!

The amazing EtsyTwitter Team is at it again! We are celebrating the Back to School season the handmade way...and giving back as well.

Several of my teammates are not only offering great ways to go back to school in style, but are also donating a portion of their proceeds to help with school supplies for kids who need them.


And I wanted to share one of my personal favs...this BACK TO SCHOOL Altered Notebook by SalonDArte.etsy.com. 100% of proceeds of sale of this item to benefit a local after school program with arts and craft supplies!




Check out all the details here: http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/etsy-twitter-team-goes-back-to-school.html

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Nikky Lee Designs

I'm so happy to share a couple of my favorites from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, Nikky Lee Designs!

Warmth – Stone and Sterling Necklace and Earring Set [currently on sale] The colors are just amazing!


Purple Passion Flower 8x10 Art Print [free shipping!] Look at the detail in this gorgeous flower.
Be sure to take advantage of her special offer for this week :: Free earrings of her choice with any jewelry purchase of $15 or more. Enter code "Feature Shop" in comments at checkout.


Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/shop-of-week-nikky-lee-designs.html

• Follow @nikkyleedesigns on Twitter.
• Read her blog at http://nikkyleedesigns.blogspot.com/
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Fair Friday

In the spirit of celebrating one of the last, if not the very last, free County Fairs, I'm sharing some pics of what the Fair means to us.

Yolo County Fair 2009 happiness is...

...checking out your kids projects and the
fancy blue ribbons that adorn them.

...eating a hot dog just outside the animal exhibits [I passed].



...taking pictures in the big tomato cutout.



...riding the kiddie rides over, and over, and over, and over.

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Firebirdhouse Designs

Another amazingly talented EtsyTwitter Team artist!

I want to share a couple of my favorites from Firebirdhouse Designs, by Kristen Evans, who is also our esteemed co-leader of the EtsyTwitter Team.

Look at this striking piece ::
Blazing Vintage Amber Persimmon
Rhinestone Silver Filigree Flower Ring

I love how she uses vintage fabrics to make something new...like this::
Magnolia – A Vintage Hankie Pin Pillow


From Firebirdhouse Designs shop :: I am a professional artist & designer who has a real passion for combining old images, vintage findings, textiles, old brass, buttons, wool, and other forgotten beauties into something special. I love to take the old and mix it up to create new fresh pieces that I call Vintage Modern. My pieces are often one of a kind.

While you are browsing around this amazing shop, please be sure to check out the Joyce Richards Benefit Section. 100% of the sales from the section go to benefit our EtsyTwitter teammate who was recently diagnosed with advanced cancer.

Don't miss out on this special ::
Firebirdhouse Designs is offering 25% off on purchases over $25 from August 17 - August 23rd. Use Code SOTW in notes to seller and your refund will be issued via Paypal. Excludes Joyce Richardson Benefit items.



Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/shop-of-week-firebirdhouse-designs.html

• Follow @Firebirdhouse on Twitter.
• Read her blog at http://ornamentia.blogspot.com
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Punky Jane now has a song

[no other words necessary]

PLEASE HELP A FELLOW ETSIAN!

What an amazing community Etsy is. Add to that the love and support from the Etsy Twitter Team and you've got a powerful combo!

One of my fellow EtsyTwitter Team members, Joyce Richards of Beads of Glass, was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung cancer. We just found out today that it has also spread to her brain.

The Team leaders planned a sneak attack this morning on her shop, trying to clear out her inventory and help with the unbelievable medical expenses.


I just read in our Team board that South Paw Studios is donating 60% of the next 10 sales directly to Joyce. Amazing idea!


In the spirit of imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, I'm going to donate 50% of all sales now through Friday, August 21st to Joyce Richards.


Mikiye Creations will donate 100% of the proceeds of the purchase price of this flower Elegant Camille will be DONATED to Joyce:


8-17-09 :: JUST ADDED!
1st sale @Ojami will be donated to help Joyce:

8-17-09 :: NEW!
50% of the sale of Strength In Numbers donated directly to Joyce:


8-17-09 :: NEW!
100% of the proceeds from the FOR JOYCE cancer support coffee drink cozy will be donated directly to Joyce:

8-17-09 :: NEW!
100% of the proceeds from everything in the Joyce Richardson Benefit section will be donated:


8-18-09 :: NEW!
75% of the proceeds from any sale at charleneanderson.etsy.com will be donated!


8-18-09 :: JUST ADDED!
50% from all sales from ndn chick's shop now until midnight Pacific time Friday will be donated to Joyce!


Moonwood Farms is donating 50% of the proceeds of the next 10 items sold by to Joyce!

Deco Handspun is donating 50% of all sales for the rest of August to Joyce!
8-20-09 :: JUST ADDED!
50% of the proceeds on Lampwork Keychains or Lampwork Bookmark sales from Lampwork Glass by Renee Suich NOW Until Sept 1st will be donated!


If you are going to offer something special to help Joyce, please let me know by leaving a comment here with your offer and your shop link. I'll grab your banner and compile the list so readers have a one stop shopping list.

If you'd like to make a PayPal donation directly to Joyce, you can do that using this email address: joycercatastrophicillnessaccount@comcast.net.

And she still has beautiful, handmade jewelry available in her shop BeadsofGlass.etsy.com.

Please spread the word by blogging, tweeting and FB to help this fellow Etsian!!

Featured from the EtsyBloggers Team :: Memories for Life Scrapbooks

I'm addicted to all things paper. I'm addicted to my digital camera. Therefore, I'm addicted to scrapbooking.

While I now do most of my scrapbooking digitally, when I came across these adorable handmade scrapbooks by this month's Featured EtsyBlogger, Memories For Life Scrapbooks, I had to chat about them.

These custom name albums are hand cut, covered with matching papers and embellishments, and pockets can even be added. You just add your photos and mementos.

Wouldn't one of these make a wonderful gift for a wedding, baby shower, bon voyage, graduation...you name it. How about a guest book or autograph book? So fun!

Check out her shop :: http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com
Check out her blog :: http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com/

I'm excited to be a new member to the EtsyBloggers Team!

Tables for Tots

Here's your chance to not only get a truly one-of-a-kind piece of functional art, but also help out the Ronald McDonald House of San Diego.

This wonderful event, called Tables for Tots, was created by OFS Brands as a way to partner with the design community and raise money for local charities nationwide. OFS Brands has teamed with G/M Business Interiors who chose the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego as their official charity.

Local San Diego designers and artists turned these simple child-size table and chairs into amazing original works of art that will be auctioned off on ebay to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House in San Diego. Each team was given a plain table and chairs made of untreated solid pine and their creativity took off.

My amazingly talented and long-time friend, Leslie, owner and creative director of Lilac Design Studios, and Erik Bolton designed this table to honor Leslie's sweet boy, Dylan Joseph, who passed away at the age of 5.



FROM THE EBAY AUCTION::
This table was inspired by a 5-year-old boy who loved to race Hot Wheels--His name was Dylan Joseph Reilly (D.J.)* In honor of Dylan, designers Leslie L.J. Reilly and Erik Bolton created a race track game complete with a real moving steering wheel. Real adjustable seat belts (which also may be worn as belts) accompany each chair and the race package includes two logo T-shirts, canvas carrying bags, four new Hot Wheels cars, a checkered flag banner and a game booklet. We hope the children who ultimately enjoy this can feel the joy of racing, driving and game-playing.

Take a look at the amazing designs done by these talented artists and bid on your favorite. One of these tables would make the perfect gift for just about any occasion: baby shower, birthday, Christmas, start of school...you name it.

The auctions close on August 20th.

Here's a link to the ebay shop dedicated to this wonderful Tables for Tots event :: http://shop.ebay.com/rmhcsd/m.html

Get more details about the Tables for Tots

Get more information about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of San Diego

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Safiya Beauty

Lavender. Lavandula. Lavandula angustifolia. Lavandula stoechas. Lavender Lavender Lavender!

I just can't get enough. The calming effects of Lavender are well known...why not get the calm with a side dish of clean and moisturized?

A few of my favorites from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Safiya Beauty

This Lavender Vanilla Soap calms me just thinking about it. Imagine how wonderful it would be in person!!

And this Lavender Vanilla - Luxuriously Rich Body Butter is perfect for sensitive skin:
From Safiya's shop:: Safiya is a natural beauty line that merges natural and eco-friendly ingredients with luxurious indulgence. Safiya’s philosophy is to provide you with the finest, purest natural and organic products, but never at the risk of neglecting your need to feel beautiful and smell delicious. Our products contain only what is absolutely necessary to make the absolute best product for your body without sacrificing your desire to feel fantastic. Who says you can’t be beautiful and green?


Don't miss out on this special ::
Special for this Week: 15% off your entire order – just mention “EtsyTwitter” in the seller’s notes and she will reimburse you via PayPal refund.


Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/shop-of-week-safiya-beauty.html

• Follow @safiyabeauty on Twitter.
• Read her blog at www.safiyabeauty.wordpress.com
• Follow @PunkyJane on Twitter.
• Follow @EtsyTwitrTeam on Twitter.

Enter for your chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate!

Head on over to http://oneboredmommy.blogspot.com for details on how you can win a $25 Gift Certificate to my etsy shop.

And while you are there, be sure to check out all the other amazing giveaways she has to offer!

Why Not? Wednesday

Let's keep it going. Let's see how many we can come up with!

Here's the deal: Let's all work together to create a list that we can come back to when we need it. When we are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, angry, sad, or just not 100%. We can grab an idea that will help us breathe and remember the good stuff. Why not?

You can comment here, or check out my new blog dedicated to our list http://whynotlist.blogspot.com/

1. Why not rig a puppet theater with old curtains and a rod, make sock puppets, and watch a full production by your kids? Maybe a video is in order??
   
2. Why not try to get more sleep?
3. Why not do something creative every day?
4. Why not give yourself a break? Perfection is not an option.
5. Why not say 'no' once in awhile? It's okay!

Why not add your idea?

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: UberArt

As a journal fanatic, I have an entire bookshelf filled with empty journals at the ready for my next great thought or jot. None, however, quite as beautiful as these creations from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, UberArt.etsy.com.

What a wonderful addition to my collection one of these would be!

Look at the color and texture in this Mandarin and Marigold Guest Book Journal:



And wouldn't this make the most wonderful travel journal? Sand and Sky Seaglass Journal:


You can even purchase a Solid Oak Book Press!


She ships internationally and is running a sale for this week: Mention "EtsyTwitter" in the Notes to Seller section for 10% off any item in her shop (expires Sunday 8/9/09).

Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/08/shop-of-week-uber-art.html

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