Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

You Say "Couture," I Say "Coture"

Let's NOT call the whole thing off! 

At least not until you've checked out the amazing work of Maryum over at yarncoture, the EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week. You will see the most wonderful variety of knitted and crocheted items. I think this Lariat is just gorgeous!


From her profile:
Yarncoture is run by a stay at home mom of 5. I have been knitting for over 3 years and crocheting since I was a young girl. I have always liked to fashion together the unusual and extraordinary, as past customers have told me, "you should open your own shop!" I love to work with colors and designs that awaken the senses, catch the eye and simply "wow" you! My motto is "never give up your dreams, even if only you see them come true", so I invite you to discover the 'yarncoture' in you!

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: yarncoture is offering Free Worldwide Shipping on SELECTED items, Free Shipping on EVERYTHING shipped within the U.S. and Canada, 20% off on all Basketweave Knit Scarves and 20% off on all Amazing Chunky Skinny Scarves
 


Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Taking Itty Bitty to a Whole New Level

When I look at the work of my buddy Vickie Porter of In My Head Studios, I always think to myself (after I take in the pure art and beauty), "I seriously could never do that!" The obvious patience and attention to detail she has astounds me. Just look at the detail in this piece....



This gorgeous necklace is made from a colorful collage that "is a tiny print of a larger work of art that I made specifically for my domino pendant jewelry. The collage was done with a variety of papers, rubber stamps, acrylic paint, and ink. It is printed with high quality archival paper and ink."

Vickie says "I have a seriously good/bad relationship with perfectionism so my customers can rest assured they are getting top quality materials and artwork. It’s sometimes hard to tell in photos online, but the dominoes and microscope slide glass pendants have real tiny paper collages on them. I work with ridiculously small pieces of paper sometimes."

From her profile:
I HAVE to make art like I have to breathe! There were just never enough papers, markers, or bottles of glue in my house growing up… I used it all up so fast! Now I cannot stop! I am so grateful to be an artist and have a place to share my work.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: FREE shipping to anywhere from August 16-22! Discount applied through prompt PayPal refund. No need for coupons or codes! 





Thursday, July 22, 2010

Flutterby

It all started [again] with a "one little Winnie the Pooh for a friend's grandchild as a Christmas gift."

Reading the profile for the EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, crochetgal, I just had to smile when I got the that line.

One of my favs from her shop is this Lace Butterfly Shawl...made me think of the flutterby from Winnie the Pooh.


And look at this amazing Shrug! The detail is amazing and it has a bit of a vintage feel with the 3/4-sleeve and the oversized collar.
Crocheted Serendipity Shrug, Balsam with Metallic, custom ordered


From her profile:
Although I learned the art of crochet as a teenager in the 70s, it fell by the wayside as my life adventure took its path.

It resurfaced again at the start of the new millenium with one little Winnie the Pooh for a friend's grandchild as a Christmas gift. Before Winnie could even be delivered to that little one, friends were asking to purchase them from me. Little did I know that it would eventually turn into a small business. Within a few years, I was trying various methods of crochet, along with different pattern designs and before long I was actually designing a few simple pieces.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: crochetgal is celebrating Christmas in July with 20% off all shawls 20% off a wide range of yarns, (some yarns are net 65% off reg retail price!)





Tuesday, June 22, 2010

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week ::
LindaB142

I'm excited to share the work of one of my Etsy Twitter Team buds, Linda Blanchford, otherwise known as LindaB142.

Not only is she a wonderful person and teammate, but she also does beautiful work. Add to that an amazing sale and you'll have to go shopping! I just love these...and they are only $5!!
 
[you had me a Peace Sign Hippie!]


From her profile:
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.

I love color and what the gemstones and colors symbolize and create one-of-a-kind, unusual designs of handbeaded gemstone and glass pendants, bracelets, earrings, beaded bookmarks, rings, beaded keychains and car mirror jewelry.

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: Lindab142 is celebrating her 36th wedding anniversary this week. In celebration, all her shop items are marked down. Also, in June, a portion of sales proceeds will be donated to the Susan G Komen Cancer fund.


Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Science Goes Sassy

I have to admit, this week's Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week had me hitting Wiki. While it's obvious the work of the mom and daughter team at My Sassy Glass is beautiful, I just had to find out what 'dichroic glass' is. What I discovered has me appreciating their gorgeous work even more! And as a bonus, I got a little science lesson:
 
From Wikipedia:
Dichroic glass is glass containing multiple micro-layers of metal oxides which give the glass dichroic optical properties. The invention of dichroic glass is often erroneously attributed to NASA and its contractors, who developed it for use in dichroic filters. Dichroic glass dates back to at least the 4th century AD as seen in the Lycurgus cup.


Multiple ultra-thin layers of different metals (gold, silver), metal oxides (titanium, chromium, aluminium, zirconium, magnesium) and silica are vaporised by an electron beam in a vacuum chamber. The vapour then condenses on the surface of the glass in the form of a crystal structure. This is sometimes followed by a protective layer of quartz crystal. The finished glass can have as many as 30 to 50 layers of these materials yet the thickness of the total coating is approximately 30 to 35 millionths of an inch (about 760 to 890 nm). The coating that is created is very similar to a gemstone and, by careful control of thickness, different colours are obtained.
 
Dichroic glass is now available to artists through dichroic coating manufacturers. Glass artists often refer to dichroic glass as "dichro". The main characteristic of dichroic glass is that it has a transmitted colour and a completely different reflected colour, as certain wavelengths of light either pass through or are reflected. This causes an array of colour to be displayed. The colors shift depending on the angle of view.
 
 
 
[okay, my eyes have glazed over...I'm going to share her amazing work now]
 




 
From her profile:
I was a stay-at-home mom with 4 children that did crafts to stay mentally alert. Some of my crafts include, ceramics, hand-painted ornaments, cross stitch, quilting, knitting, crocheting, wheat-weaving, metal punching..... Do you get the idea that I always had a project going? I had always been interested in glass, but did not have an area where I could cut the glass and not worry about the children getting cut by the shards.

Many years later, my daughter finished her degree in design about this time I was downsized out of my fourth job. We decided to combine our talents...and you can only benefit!

We feel that our one-of-a-kind pendants offer a hint about the personality of the person that wears it. We make pendants in many shapes and sizes and love to see which one our customer picks out. Whether you are bold, elegant, edgy, trendy, strong, modern, classic, sporty, daring or sassy... we feel that you can find a pendant that is perfect for you!

SPECIAL OFFER THIS WEEK ONLY: FREE SHIPPING until April 30th on all purchases totaling $40 or more from either of our Etsy shops. Items will be shipped either USPS First Class OR First Class International. Please use code: SOTW in the comments at checkout to redeem this offer. Shipping charges will be refunded via Paypal after payment or you may convo me before payment for a revised invoice. Wisconsin residents - applicable purchase of $40 is calculated before sales tax. Also…..We invite you to check out our facebook pendant giveaway. http://www.facebook.com/MySassyGlass

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

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!

Sunday, March 21, 2010

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
Stop by Tim Adam's other site, Handmadeology
Fun and games with Phineas and Ferb

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

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.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week ::
Amievoltaire

More amazing work to share with you! I'd like to introduce Angela Keller of Amievoltaire.

While browsing the wonderful creations in her shop, I realized something: everyone in my family would enjoy something in her shop!

ME: I'm convinced I'll be a better cook wearing this Romantic Half Apron Sweet Mint Cupcakes. 

MY HUBBY: I have more confidence in the kitchen. I cook more. Bonus!



MY GIRLS: Any little girl who puts this adorable skirt on would absolutely, positively HAVE to TWIRL! Twirl Skirt Apple Metro Market



MY GIRLS [again]: How about matching skirts for my girls and their dolls. Big smiles all around! Bloom and Grow Euro Skirt for 18 inch Doll

MY CATS: Well, okay...they get left out, but everyone else is happy!


From Angela's profile:
I enjoy designing items that are representative of my eclectic personality and love for culture, seasons, nature and tradition.

I enjoy a variety of music genres but I'm an 80's child stuck in the 80's while my hubby drowns my senses with Led Zeppelin and the like. I'm a doll collector who loves sports, the outdoors and meeting friends for coffee. Most of my time is taken by making clothes and driving kids to school and sports. Time and freedom is the goal I've worked to and is my future.


SPECIAL OFFER: To celebrate her status as the Etsy Twitter Teams’ Shop of the Week, Angela is offering a special giveaway that ends February 28. Anyone who mentions Etsy Twitter Team will receive 20% off their total purchase. In addition, check out the giveaway on her blog.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Featured EtsyBlogger for February ::
TiLT Creations

I'm excited to share the amazing work of this month's featured EtsyBlogger, TiLT Creations! Theresa's beautiful creations are handmade and one-of-a-kind, and her fabric selections make me smile. Here are a couple of my favs:

I love the retro feel of this Lime Pink Paisley Metal Frame Clutch!
This beautiful Zip Pouch would make a wonderful replacement for the sad zipper bag I'm currently using to organize my purse (sad, but true).
 
Be sure to browse the rest of her shop to see all her creations in fabric: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TiLTcreations and follow her blog: http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week ::
Foxy G Knits!

The colors. The texture. The style. You get it all with the beautiful work from this week's EtsyTwitter Team Shop of the Week, Foxy G Knits!

Not only is Lois amazingly talented and one of the most active members of our team, she is also one of the sweetest people you could ever know.

I'm thrilled to share a few of my favorites from her shop:






From her profile:
Knitting is my passion that has its roots in childhood. I learned from my mom, way back when we were carving our needles out of dinosaur bones. And then, sadly, I fell off the wagon and embraced needlepoint and counted cross stitch for countless years (pardon the pun). However, being a woman of true grit and strong character, I saw the light and found my way back.

For a long time, knitting was an avocation and not a vocation for me. While others expressed their creativity through cooking or gardening or painting, I was clicking away on my needles. In sheer and utter desperation, friends and family finally convinced me to open a store on etsy. I just know that they were getting so tired of receiving scarves, shawls, baby blankets and hats for birthdays and every other special occasion! I recently took the plunge and opened Foxy G. Knits where everything is knit by hand – from my heart to yours.

PICKING A SHOP NAME
I have a little granddaughter who is going on two years old. When we were selecting our grandparent names, I joked that I would be “Grandma Lo” by day and “Foxy G.” by night. When I was trying to come up with a name for my shop, Foxy G. Knits was a natural!

SPECIAL OFFER: Now through February 7th Lois is offering the following discount in her shop...FREE U.S. SHIPPING on all purchases totaling $40 or more. Put LOVEISINTHEAIR in the Note to Seller. Shipping fees will be refunded via PayPal after payment has been made.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

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!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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:










 


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.









Tuesday, January 26, 2010

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/


Monday, January 25, 2010

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.


Tuesday, January 19, 2010

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.


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