mairedodd

jewelry to feed your creative spirit

Be true to yourself

 colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions.
~ pablo picasso

finding beauty in everything

to the artist there is never anything ugly in nature.'

- august rodin

You are the key

 'there is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity.' - washington irving

Find peace, give love, be yourself

 be yourself; everyone else is taken.
~oscar wilde

 

Jewelry is crafted from high quality sterling silver, semi-precious stones, glass beads , ceramic beads, swarovski crystal, etc... I prefer working with beads and components created by artisans...

Well worth a look, and I'm not in the least bit biased, even though some items are made using fibers from Sassa Lynne!

The Jewelry Junkie

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I love bookmarks

And I especially love this one featuring koi

But then again, I could so easily be seduced by beads

Isn't it 'yummy'!

You can find them in CalKat's shop, but don't stop there

Go hunting for more

Fleur de lis Brooches can be found at Ametista

Keep searching......

Molds (moulds) can be found too.....

How about

A beautiful dragonfly

How about a button?

Or this cute owl?

Whether you work in polymer clay or pmc you will find these and more at TheClayShoppe

Why are these all listed together?  They all come from the Jewelry Junkie aka Calkat.  Pop along to her blog to find out more.

The Fab Miss B

When writing about the Fab Miss B we are spoilt for choice!  Not one shop, but two.  Vintage finds and art inspired by travel are all there to tempt us.  Let's see what we can find.

Aren't these fun!  They would look lovely on a child's wall. 

Another fun item too, just right for a fairy or two.

An unusual skill is represented in her other shop:

This quirky item is made from pipecleaners, it certainly shows her sense of humour

And this illustration also shows her sense of humour

Personally, however, this is my favourite

I just love teapots, and I just love this card! 

So, where can you find all this fabby goodness?  The two destinations are

thefabmissb

and

beckykazana 

If you would like to follow her blog you will find it here.

 

Made by Melissa

A quick glance at MadeByMelissa's profile will tell you that all of her items 'are one of a kind! Although things I make may look similar - no two items are identical. Therefore - you will become the proud owner of a 100% unique item!'  So who is it that creates these individual items for sale?  'I am a 28 year old engineer by day - I started crafting as a way to express my creativity.'  I can also tell you that she has a super blog, and that she has reminded us there that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  What does this mean?  Well, wear pink for a start, so, I've decided to showcase some pink items from her shop for this feature.

I adore  this pink elephant.  Find out about her here.

And isn't Babette the Baby Safe Bunny cute too?

I'm sure you could find a home for Phoebe the Pretty Little Piggy !

 

Jenny the Funky Jellyfish has touches of pink too

(Try repeating this six times: 'Jenny the Funky Jellyfish')

And if you aren't on the lookout for toys you could always take a peek at this:

Doesn't this Pink and White Fuzzy Scarf look warm and cosy.

And lastly, just for good measure - something for the boys....

Not pink, but equally cuddly, and just asking for a new home...  Bobby the Blue Bunny.

Pop along and enjoy the rest of the shop too.

Two Zany Zebras

 How's this for a shop welcome greeting?

Welcome to Two Zany Zebras where I specialize in all things zany!

Doesn't it make you want to delve in and have a look?

What will you find?

It is home of the Zarkles.

Wondering what in the world is a Zarkle?

They are whimsical creatures that are part of the Zarkle family.  Each Zarkle has their own unique name, personality, and Zany Pocket Blankie to sleep in.  The one above is called Agustin Marble Zarkle and the one below is Carlton Chameleon Zarkle!

Aren't they fun!  They can also be a comfort at night and help keep all the scary things at bay.


Two Zany Zebras also specialize in Zany Cuddle Blankies like this one here  called One Eyed Schmoopie. 

Or, you may prefer a Super Zany Blankie like this one which is such fun. 

 However, I think this one is my favourite:

 

This is a Zany Pocket Blankie and includes Ginger Zarkle.  What fun indeed!.

Lots more to find in the shop, so go and have a browse.  I'm sure you know someone who needs a cuddle or two!  In fact, you probably know someone who is desperate for something really fun to wear too...

 

...just like this onesie or teeshirt featuring Peter the Dancing Panda  

Spotted Cow Soaps

Affectionally known as Mrs Moo, Spotted Cow makes her goodies in the heart of Vermont USA.  A quick look at her shop will give you an idea of the variety of items she produces for her well stocked shop.

How about Candy Cane Soap, a limited edition for Christmas 2008.

The description certainly makes it sound good enough to eat!  'Cool Peppermint Fragrance reminiscent of Candy Canes. Fresh, Crisp and Sticky Sweet. Who doesn't love a Candy Cane? YUM! Please don't mistake this one by eating it. This is a limited edition soap, once it is gone, we won't be making any more this Holiday season.'  Actually, it sounds wonderful.  The description continues:  'This superfatted soap formula is my own signature formula. It will leave your skin feeling extra pampered and loved.'  You know it's going to be a good product when you read in the shop heading 'All of our soaps are manufactured with Fragrance & Essential Oils that are phthalate free'.

 

Maybe you would prefer a Bath Fizzie in a Lemongrass perfume.

'Plop one or two in your bath water to unleash an explosion of fizzie goodness and aroma. After the fizzie has finished its fizzing around the tub, climb in and enjoy the experience of skin loving softness and nourishment'.  If you didn't want one before, I bet you do after reading that description!

 Can you do without a made to order Bright Lime Green Cotton Bath Puff?

Lastly I want to show you this Feet Loofah Soap in Rosemary and Mint.

With all the Christmas shopping still be to be finished I'm wishing that I had one waiting in the bathroom!

As an afterthought - sadly too late for this Christmas - Mrs Moo L♥VES custom requests!  So if you EVER Need a gift basket putting together, gift wrapping, or an order sent directly to recipient just get in touch via her shop

MockingBirdDesigns

The owner of MockingBirdDesigns is probably better known for her other shop, however, it seemed a good idea to show you some examples of what you might find if you delve a little deeper into profiles and shop announcements!  If you don't already know the name of the other shop I'll tell you at the end!

MockingBirdDesigns features a range of 'Re-Purposed On-Purpose. Greenwise. Upcycled. Recycled. Vintage. Antique. Collectible' bits and pieces.  The selection is mixed, and hence the name!  Mocking Bird: Its scientific name, Mimuspolyglottos, means "many-tongued mimic," and the Indians called it Cencontlatolly, which means "four hundred tongues." Although the Indian name may exaggerate the bird's talents, the mocker not only has a beautiful song of its own, but also can imitate the songs of dozens of other birds. I'm not suggesting that this shop is an imitation, but that it's stock is varied enough to be considered 'many-tongued.

 

This Candy Necklace certainly looks good enough to eat, but as it is made of shells it probably isn't a good idea!

 

The bird actually sings at great lengths in musical phrases that are pure mockingbird song. As the bird sings, it repeats each phrase three to six times, and it can change its tune as often as eighty-seven times in seven minutes. This repetition and the sudden changes of song help distinguish the mockingbird's sounds from those of other birds.  How about this collection, all the same, but different, it too fits into the mocking bird theme.  These totes are ideal, especially for those amongst us who are 'green'.

More upcycling for this lovely handbag.  It is a good size with a pocket on the front and a button tab.

 

Another Upcycled, Repurposed Handbag.  Have a look here to find out more. 

And the other shop?  Check here

Pluggers United

Are you an Etsy seller?

Do you get enough exposure?

There is a new team working on your behalf, but if it doesn't know about you it can't help!

It is free to join, and the members are friendly and equally devoted to Etsy and to your sales.

Pluggers United are artisans for artisans....working together they can gain more
exposure for team members and their shops. This is done through radio shows, blogs,
advertising, guerrilla marketing, entrecard generator, website, etc. and there will also be charity events.

The first step in being part of this new venture is to join the Yahoo Group and they you can add your info to the databases.  Don't expect it to happen without a little bit of work!  Being part of a team involves participation, but it is so worthwhile.

Pop along now and join this fun and friendly team. We are all here to support each other.

All Publicity is Good, But Free Publicity is Best

The title isn't original, and what I'm about to tell you may not be free - but that's your choice.  Read on to find out about today's special feature.

Reading the Etsy profile of agoodwitchtoo begins:  'Things I can’t do: eat fire, bathe a cat, leap tall buildings in a single bound, word problems (ex If train A is traveling at 85 mph…), bake homemade cookies, swallow swords, ice skate, charm a snake, or give up chocolate. The list is actually longer than this but really, there’s no need to put all my faults out there for everyone to read. Not that I’ve tried all of these things but it’s best not to ask me to attempt any of these endeavors as doing so may cause me to self implode.'  As soon as I read these words I knew I had made a friend because, apart from the bit about cookies and chocolate, I can't do any of those things either!  However as you read on you will find that there are many things that she can do but there is one enterprise on which she is about to embark that has no mention.


If you have been browsing in the Etsy Forums you may have come across this thread?  Started by none other than agoodwitchtoo it reveals new ways to promote Etsy shops? Yes, a FREE way to get your shop’s sales or new items out there.

Blockhead Radio is starting another NEW show this coming Saturday, 6th December.  If you tune in at 5pm EST then and every Saturday for “The Witching Hours”…the hostess with the mostest will be plugging shops with “Wicked Good Sales”!

If you have never heard about Blockhead Radio you need to know that it is 'Artisan for Artisan' and they enjoy nothing more than free, shameless promoting!  To listen to any of the shows live one need only sign up for an account through www.blogtalkradio.com (no spam). Everyone is encouraged to listen in, join the chat, throw up links, and have fun promoting other artisans.

Further details can be found by clicking on any of the links above or by popping over to this blogpost for a little more information.

StoryBeader

story beader admits to being a frustrated writer who likes to put words and colors together to make wearable art.

 

Yellow Flowered Glass Earrings

Each of her necklaces comes with a poem written specifically for the piece.

 Hearted Treasure Necklace

'I love looking in dictionaries and thesauruses, playing with my dog, watching turtles, digging in the garden, and having salt spray in my face (that last one's a memory.)'

 

fancy jasper cabochon

 Colorful Disk Necklace

Have fun visiting HER SHOP.  As she llikes to write more than talk why don't you drop her a line and say hello.

bfbeads

Baby Friendly Beads are beautifully functional nursing necklaces and bracelets. Breastfeeding jewelry gives baby something else to focus on and play with, instead of pulling mom's hair or pinching her skin. Reminder bracelets track nursing sessions.

Sturdy and stylish, Baby Friendly Beads are perfect for anybody who spends time with kids.

Baby Friendly Beads are the original, adjustable-length, one-piece design for nursing necklaces. Because there is only one, continuous piece of cord used in my necklaces, there is no risk of the pendant breaking off and scattering beads everywhere

These innovative, adjustable-length designs are created so that they do not require a clasp, because the clasp is often the weakest part of a necklace. All of the necklaces and bracelets are one of a kind.

Attractive enough to wear every day, the necklaces also effectively occupy a baby at the breast. The beads slide easily on the cord, delighting a baby's curious eyes, and the pendant is the perfect size for little hands to grasp, and some of the necklaces include jingle bells to add to the fun!

ButtonHole

Welcome to The Button Hole where you will find mostly vintage buttons and things that have been made using buttons and other bits and pieces

Sweet Confections Vintage Button Bouquet

Rainbow Shimmers Button Bracelet

Shining Silver Pinwheels Hair Slides

9 Pretty Vintage Plastic Buttons With Shanks

Dena lives out in the country with husband, Jack Russell terrier, Maggie Mae, and burmese cat, Black Magic. A quiet life in eastern Tennessee, only an hour's drive from Dollywood and the Great Smokey Mts. Spare time is enjoyed browsing in antique malls looking for additions to various collections. Specifically, Dena loves vintage and antique buttons, old quilts, art glass, and blue & white salt glaze pottery. It is also worth having a look at her other shop: http://GoodOldDays.etsy.com

lizplummer

I have known Liz for a number of years both on and off Etsy. As you will see from the examples I have chosen below she is a very talented artist with skills in a number of fields. Here is what she has to say about herself:

'I make fabric postcards, small quilts and silk scarves using dyeing, painting and screen printing. I got into art in about 2001 when I took a City & Guilds course in patchwork and quilting and we learnt about design, dyeing and all sorts of different things besides stitching.

Most of my work uses fabric which I have dyed, painted or otherwise altered myself. I use a variety of fibres depending on the effect I want to achieve, including cotton and silk.'

'Rushing hither and thither in our daily lives, there are so many little details we miss. The glistening raindrop on a branch, the way a leaf hangs, sparkling streets after rain. I try and capture some of those moments in my artwork: the wonder of the beautiful world all around us, little vignettes into eternity.....'

'I love working with layers: layers of fabric, paint, dye, adding colours, taking away colours, building up those layers to create depth and meaning in each piece of art I make.'

For more information and to view her work visit Liz's shop on Etsy