Look What Punky Found :: Retro Granny Square Tote by Kim White Creations

 

I don't know where to start! This Granny Square Tote Bag beautifully crafted by Kim White Creations makes me smile. I takes me back to a couple of happy places! 

First, it reminds me of an amazing afghan that my grandmother had in the traditional black-bordered granny square pattern. When we went for a visit, I always headed straight to the couch, grabbed the blanket off the back, staking claim to it for our entire visit. I don't even know if my grandmother made it, but whenever I see one similar, I think of her. I wish I had it today.

Then, I'm transported to my childhood, maybe 8 or 9 years old, and one of the very first purses I got to pick out all by myself...big deal!

Take a look at the inside of this wonderful bag. The fabric is so pretty! A very cool, retro looking textured fabric...like it could have been curtains or wallpaper in my grandma's kitchen.

 

hmmm...I wonder if Kim would create a custom order in the colors of my choice???

Thanks, Kim, for taking me on a little trip down memory lane!

Get Out The Vote!

While I won't kiss any babies but my own, I can't make any big promises except to keep creating to the best of my ability, and I most likely won't change the world, but I might make a few people smile, I campaign today [shamelessly] for your vote.

My Mark Your Calendar Key Chain has been selected for this week's Etsy Voter: Valentine Gift Ideas for Him. There are 40 unique and wonderful handmade gifts included, any of which would make a wonderful gift...and not just for Valentine's Day.

Check out the selections, and if you like my Mark Your Calendar design, please vote.

What's at stake? Bragging rights for sure, as well as a little feature in Etsy's blog, The Storque.

And if I don't win? It's been any honor to be selected. Really. 

Thanks!

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Wellspring Creations

This week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week does things with wire I couldn't even have imagined!

Judy at Wellspring Creations brings her love of needlework to each and every amazing design. The detail in her creations is incredible! Here are a few of my favorites:

Natural Teardrop Amethyst in Woven Sterling Silver Setting 

Purple Blue Fluorite Sterling Wire Wrapped Ring

 

Astrophyllite Crystals / White Sterling Silver Basketweave Necklace

From her profile:

From a lifetime of needlework, I discovered my passion when I found wire. There is great satisfaction in combining a stone and its perfect wire-wrapped setting. It's synergy: the sum is greater than the two parts.

SPECIAL OFFER: Judy is offering a free handcrafted gift with any purchase from her shop now through January 31. Use 'SOTW' in the comments box at checkout.

Read the original post http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/01/shop-of-week-wellspring-creations.html

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

Look What's Next :: The Mark Your Calendar Cuff!

I'm very excited to show you a little preview of the next Mark Your Calendar piece I'll be offering...the Mark Your Calendar (tm) Cuff Bracelet!

I've been testing this new design in copper and am pleased with the results. I hope to have these listed in sterling silver within the next couple of weeks.

The band of metal is approximately 1" wide and could be cut to just about any length.

This design leaves the personalization possibilities wide open. There is so much area to stamp...the sky's the limit! For my sample, I've added our names. I've used our anniversary date and I like the symbolism of our names coming together on the underside of the cuff.

I'd love your feedback...please let me know what you think! Should I offer it in copper as well??

A little flakey

It's the middle of Winter.

We've been stuck inside because of the weather. For me, it's been rain. Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain.

I've been thinking about Winter. And snow. And how snow seems to make it more 'Wintery.' Although, I imagine that if I was shoveling myself out this morning, I might just have a different opinion!

I remembered a fun little activity thanks to the creatives at Barkley, that can help pass the time when you are stuck inside.

Their Make-a-Flake Snowflake Maker is a super cool Flash activity that lets you snip here and snip there, just like you're making the traditional paper snowflake. You can preview your flake, cut some more, and when your masterpiece is ready, you can save your flake to the gallery. You can even download your flake and print it out. Fun.

Here's how it works:

1. Go to http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/index.html and click on 'Make your own Snowflake.'

 

2. Your paper will be folded for you...perfect every time!

3. Using your virtual scissors, snip and clip to your heart's desire.

4. Preview your Flake. Here you'll have a chance to start over or cut some more.

5. If you're happy with your work, save it to the Gallery. You can download your own copy, or email to a friend.

So that's it...my favorite way to make snowflakes...a bit geeky, yes, but I love the undo button!

Enjoy!




http://snowflakes.barkleyus.com/index.html
http://www.barkleyus.com/

Featured Etsy Blogger for January :: Nico Designs

I'm pleased to share a couple of my favs from this month's Featured Etsy Blogger, Nico Designs. Her work combines beauty and function...a perfect match!

The fabric used in her Fiesta Medium Tote is gorgeous!

And these Isabella Crib Shoes are adorable!

From her profile:

At Nico Designs we create each item with design, style and functionality in mind. We strive to create products that are eco friendly by utilizing a combination of new, repurposed, recycled or upcycled materials. As we strive to understand our role as stewards of our planet we will adapt our manufacturing to be as lean as possible. This means we use our scraps/remnants in other projects or donate them to keep them from a landfill.

Proceeds from the sale of many items in her shop go to the Ronald McDonald House in Temple in the memory of Chloe, age 7, who passed away from cancer. Please read her profile for more details.

Be sure to check out her shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/NicoDesigns

and her blog: http://designsbynico.blogspot.com/

Look What Punky Found :: Memo Clips by Zo-Be Designs

Feeling the need to be organized this morning. Probably a direct result of NOT being very organized at the moment. And maybe that it's Monday.

Found these sweet little Memo Clips by Zo-Be Designs that might just do the trick, AND add a bit of style to the process.

I just love the simplicity of the design, and as you may have guess, anything that combines typography and function is a hit with me.

Love is in the Air!

I've got an exciting offer from my fellow Etsy Twitter Teammate Jus Shar Designs to share with you...it will make your Valentine's Day a little sweeter.

Make any purchase from my Etsy Shop by February 1st and you'll receive a special heart pin handmade by Jus Shar Designs...FREE! Now you can't beat that!

You will be given a special code to redeem with Jus Shar and your adorable, handmade pin will be shipped directly from her. A sweet little extra to make your Sweetie smile even bigger!

 

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Sweetwater Inspirations

One look at these Dragonflies of the Southwest earrings by Wendy at Sweetwater Inspirations, and you can see that quality and value can go hand-on-hand.

As you browse the rest of her shop, be sure to check out the variety of beautiful, one-of-a-kind items she has available...amazing!

Wouldn't these Amethyst and Sterling Bella Flora Earrings be perfect for a February birthday?

From her profile:

I grew up in the Midwest when creating things by hand was often more of a necessity (if I wanted it - I had to make it) than an outlet for creative expression. Of course, one usually encourages the other!

The art of hand-crafting is not new, nor is it a trend that will pass - it is the soul of the resourceful, passed from generation to generation.

Today, the necessity that remains is in a desire for quality, exclusivity, and the euphoria induced by newly discovered components and techniques.

SPECIAL OFFER: From January 18th-24th Wendy is offering the following discount in her shop...FREE US SHIPPING on all items in her Etsy shop - PLUS a 10% discount on purchases totaling $50 or more* Discount will be refunded to PayPal after payment or you may convo her before payment for a revised invoice. Texas residents - applicable purchase of $50 is calculated before sales tax. International shipping is not included in applicable minimum purchase and discount does not apply to shipping.

Read the full story at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/01/shop-of-week-sweetwater-inspirations.html

* Follow @SweetwaterGifts on Twitter.

* 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 :: Lost Mitten

Perler Beads. Little colorful tubes that look like macaroni.

I've been known to sit at my dining room table with my two girls, sorting colors, following patterns, picking these rolling beads up off the floor, sorting again, ironing with the little piece of parchment...fun!

Even with my vast [snicker.] experience with these tiny beads, I can't imagine having the patience [or talent] to create the amazing things that Lauren of Lost Mitten creates!

Here are a few of my favs:

  
Tissue Box Cover – Nintendo Controller

 Notepad – Nintendo Mario Bead Paper

 Business Card Holder – Television Color Bar

Now Lauren doesn't limit herself to Perler Beads in making her geeky creations. She also knits and crochets beautifully, and creates fun buttons. Anyone with a Nintendo DS or DSi in the house needs one of these:

Knit Nintendo DS/DSi Case in Green

From her profile: 

I'm a huge video game addict, ranging from the early days of the Atari and Nintendo to the latest games for the Wii and Nintendo DS. I am continually inspired by my love for video games in creating many of my original crafts.

SPECIAL OFFER: This week ONLY (ends January 17, 2010): 10% off all items for anyone who mentions this article! Mention "Etsy Twitter Team" in comments at checkout and after payment is received via PayPal she will refund you for the amount of the discount.

Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2010/01/shop-of-week-lost-mitten.html

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

Punky Jane featured in the Etsy Storque!

Exciting news here in Punkyville! My Mark Your Calendar necklace with a Crystal was featured today in the How-to section of The Storque, Etsy's Handmade Blog! The post talks about Merchandising trends for February. Read it here.  >>big smile<<

What Will Twenty Ten Bring?

First, let me officially wish each of you a big Happy New Year!

Now...on to the first EtsyBloggers Carnival Theme for 2010:  

Now that 2010 is here, what do you have planned/look forward to/hope to accomplish this year?

Wow. Big Question.

I have so many things on the to do list for Punky Jane Jewelry, I'll narrow it down the to top five:

1. Find more efficiencies so I can focus on creating instead of paperwork, bookkeeping, shipping, etc.
2. Design something new at least twice a month.
3. Be a better blogger. (Say that 10 times fast!)
   
4. Learn, learn, learn! New techniques, processes, systems...soak it all in.
   
5. Just breathe. This is a carryover from 2009. Focus on doing a great job, not perfection. Go easy on myself by not being so critical. (Okay...that actually sounds like three or four, but I'll leave them all under the Just Breathe category!)

On a personal level, I resolve to focus on one thing: Balance. Not an easy thing. Kids. Husband. Work. Me. Pets. Growth. House. Creativity. Imagination. Dreams. Change. Whew.

2009 brought so much change and chaos, I truly hope that 2010 brings some calm. While I know in my heart we will experience more dramatic changes this year as well, I vow to face them head on and make the best of whatever comes.

I am truly lucky. I promise to remember that.

"Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere."

~Albert Einstein

"Keep moving forward."

~Walt Disney

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

~Walt Disney

And I'll end with my new favorite joke:

Q: How many Disney Imagineers does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: Does it have to be a light bulb?

Happy New Year!

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week :: Naodi's Art

While I'm a little late in sharing this EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, her work is so unique and amazing I figure better late than never!

I'll share a few of my favorites pieces from Naodi's Art, and be sure to read the full article at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com and check out her shop at http://noadi.etsy.com/

The Xmas Platypus

Cuddlefish Perma-Pet

From her profile: 

Noadi's Art is inspired by my love of marine animals, fantasy, and all things weird and wonderful. I use Premo Sculpey and Super Sculpey for my creations, most are painted at least partially in acrylic paints. My jewelry designs are created to be quite durable and last years with proper care.

SPECIAL OFFER: Free stamped octopus cards with every order! No code needed!

Read the original post at http://etsytwitter.blogspot.com/2009/12/theres-genuine-love-and-passion-behind.html

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