Sunday, May 31, 2009

The Crocodile Rock Etsy Shop

The Crocodile Rock shop's creator, Mirela, makes whimsical goodies such as slippers, booties and even shoes! I found her lovelies to be delightful as well as intricate and well made. Lots of talent here!! And, the shoes I've chosen are incredible - I'd love to know how she does it!! They look incredibly comfy!

It's obvious that a lot of love, fun and enthusiasm goes into these creations. Knowing what I do about knitting, I can see that a lot of time and talent went into her slippers, particularly the pair I chose here. Keeping track of that pattern and all the yarns and stitches is NO easy feat!!!

All of these lovely creations are made by a work at home mom who's knitting career goes back to her childhood. Mirela states that there's a little bit of herself in each and every one of her works, and that brings great joy in passing them along to a happy buyer! You have to admire someone who can do all of this by hand!

All items are sewn & knitted with quality materials in a smoke-free environment, and will be freshly laundered prior to shipping. And, there is no problem with taking custom orders.
All natural organic lamb's wool tube slipper socks:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20415481

Green, orange and white Lamb's wool slippers:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20027582

The Crocodile Rock Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5760165

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Casual Cottage 2

Marilyn, the creator of Casual Cottage is mother and Grandmother who loves to paint and sew, and who has recently begun to paint on porcelain. She opened her website, Casual Cottage in 2002, and has been selling on line ever since.

Marilyn describes her styles as "shabby", but I found them to be very romantic and beautiful! I love everything because it appeals to the romantic in me, and kind of reminds me of a lovely boutique scented with floral sachets and with soft, romantic music in the background. I love her choice of colors and themes.

The Casual Cottage shop is full of cottage style mouse pads, hand-painted porcelain, unique candles, totes, checkbook covers, and travel tissue holders, to name a few, and custom orders are always welcome! International orders are welcome, so please contact Marilyn, at the Casual Cottage shop for overseas mailing quotes!

Here are just a few of the lovely items in this truly lovely shop - please stop by Casual Cottage to see more!

Vintage Swan Planter, Applied Roses:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24462785

Mouse pad - Cottage Style Roses - Robyn Pandolph Fabric:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24901059

Sweet Pink Roses Travel Tissue Holder:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17103070

Casual Cottage 2:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5592618

Please check out Casual Cottage's blog at :
http://www.casualcottage.blogspot.com/

You can also find her on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/casualcottage

Friday, May 29, 2009

Elle Belle on Etsy shop

I found the creative inspiration that goes into to Ellebelleonetsy's shop to be clearly evident when I browsed through! I know Stacey from one of my Florida Etsy teams, and I've been impressed with her baby slings for quite some time. For new parents, grandparents, or anyone who is looking for a baby gift, here's a bit of information on these ingenious devices.

Ring slings are versatile, comfortable and convenient ways to carry a baby or small child. They fit into a diaper bag, and besides being easier on a mom's back, they’re really comforting for a child because they are held close to the body enabling them to be soothed by their mother's voice and heartbeat.

Ultimately Stacey has designed a line of slings that combine style with function, and that are constructed from quality fabrics in hip patterns and even a tattoo inspired embroidered line. Here is what her slings offer:

*Versatility - choose from 5 carrying positions for newborns to 35 lb. toddlers - (instructions on the various positions will come packaged with the sling).

*Ring slings are fully adjustable, so one sling offers a perfectly customized fit for both Mommy and Daddy.

*Comfortable - made from breathable machine washable fabric that supports the weight of the baby by evenly distributing it across the shoulder & back.

*Convenience - hands free and easy portability because of their light weight and simple form. Elle Belle ring slings also have less fabric than most slings on the market which makes them less bulky and hot.

*Perfect for nursing Mommies who can drape the tail of the sling over their shoulders for discreet nursing, and are much easier to use than retail backpack style carriers. Just pull with one hand to quickly adjust the fit for you and baby.

*All Elle Belle slings are triple stitched at the shoulder for added durability & come packaged with instructions that include pictures.

Another item that grabbed my eye was Stacey's "Etsy Widower" t-shirt! I thought wow, "this sums it up" - LOL! This embroidered Etsy Widower shirt is for all those neglected but supportive husbands who's wives are immersed in all phases of the creating and selling experience!
These are personalized shirts, and Stacey will place the etsy seller's site address on the shirt back in either white or orange. Customization requires a 2 week lead time to allow for construction.

And, if your little ones are Etsy orphans, check out ElleBelle's other listings for the Etsy Orphan kids shirt!

*Order the dad's shirt by June 5th for delivery by Father's Day!

Embroidered Linen Ring Sling. Cool for summer, in stock, and ready to ship! Machine wash, cold, air dry:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25566384

Etsy Widower t-shirt advertisement:
ttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12327256

Ellebelleonetsy's shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5023533

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Marion's Dreamworks

Chainmaille is a very old technique that predates the 5th century. It was formerly spelled "chainmail", and was widely used as an armor mesh for soldiers to protect the wearer from being cut by the opponent's blade. I've always loved and admired this intricate and laborious artwork, and rank it on the level of great Master painters. And, Marion, of Marion's Dreamworks), has accomplished what I can only imagine in my wildest dreams, and does it all extremely well!! Her work is impeccable, and her fine workmanship shines through in in every piece!

All of Marion's pieces are hand crafted using solid Sterling Silver and Swarovski crystals. All of her rings are hand coiled and cut herself. Although her preferred metal is Sterling Silver, she will gladly make something you like in Copper or Gold-filled, and welcomes custom orders.

Please take a look at the incredible work that Marion does - you'll be awestruck!! I've always loved this craft, and for the life of me, imagine it must take in credible patience to make!

Sterling Silver Graduated Byzantine Chainmaille Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21509523

Double Helm Chaimaille bracelet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19533765

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Budding Creations Etsy shop

I discovered Budding Creations in an Etsy forum, and have to say that I was absolutely bowled over by her work! At first glance I thought, "what pretty flowers - they are so delicate and natural looking". Then, I took a closer look and realized they are all made out of thousands of TINY BEADS!! Just incredible, and the colors are remarkably true to nature!!
Their creator, Danielle, shares that her technique is called "French Beading", an art that dates back to the 1800's. Danielle spends hours stringing tiny glass seed beads onto wire and forming them into petal shapes to make these amazing flowers. It takes a lot of time to sculpt these beautiful works of art, but she says she tries to offer the best price possible so that people can enjoy these beautiful treasures. And, Danielle accepts custom orders, including more of a particular item that she has in stock, so please contact her with requests.

Equally endearing to these everlasting beauties is the story behind Danielle's work. Danielle states that her mother had a huge passion for flowers, and spent the majority of her time growing and caring for them. In 2000 she lost her life to lung cancer, and try as she may, Danielle could never grow flowers as well as her mother could. So, through her craft, she's found a way to lovingly carry on the same passion for flowers without ever having to worry about them wilting or dying again.

My head is spinning with all kinds of ideas of what to do with these flowers - from home decor, to using them as embellishments, to gift giving, wedding, and other gifts that are sure to become instant family heirlooms.

It was tempting to showcase each and every one of Danielle's creations, as they all are equally breathtaking and beautiful, but I managed to select these 3 beauties for showcasing. Please be sure to stop by Budding Creations to take a look even more - you won't be sorry! Magenta Hyacinth French

Monday, May 25, 2009

Sew Suzanne's Etsy shop

Sew Suzanne is also a young, stay at home mom who has been sewing for years and is now selling her cute creations on line. Her favorite materials are flannel, lace, and cotton, which she makes into sheets, pillowcases, handbags, belts and favors!

I think her children's items are adorable, and I love the way she's displayed them on her site. Please take a browsethrough her shop and take a better look - if there's a child in your life, you might just find something they can't live without!



Butterfly Patchwork Toddler Flat Sheet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21759081

Cinch Belt. Shown at 40" long, but can be custom made by request:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25255031

SewSuzanne:
http://www.sewsuzanne.etsy.com/

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Piccoladonna's Etsy shop

Lu, from Piccoladonna's "Crocheted Little Things" shop, is a attractive young mother who is an Italian native now making her home in northwest Florida. I admire her passion for her cute little things, and am glad to see she's doing very well in the sales department!

I fell in love with these adorable little girl's slippers, and think the cupcake pincushion is such a novel idea - it looks good enough to eat!
Please take a look at these and her other cute creations!

And, remember, shipping is FREE!



Crocheted Mary Jane slippers for baby girl in pink and lime green cotton. Free shipping:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24414718

Crochet cupcake pincushion:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21184999


Piccoladonna's Crocheted little things:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5913876

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

My Etsy Vintage shop

I'm not sure if you know, but I opened a vintage Etsy shop a few months ago. Opening the shop was done in an attempt to weed out some clothing that I've had for decades and that is great vintage stuff! I've worn most of it through the years, or purchased it as an antique, so can vouch for it's age and authenticity. I know that vintage is a special niche, and as an antique lover, I'm right at home with it. I've had a few sales and hearts, and hope for more...

Here's a shawl that I made and wore as a "flower child" in the late 60's. I wore it to a prom, a few weddings, and mostly for just plain "going out". It was so much fun with all that slinky fringe!

Since the styles from this era are in vogue, I envision someone buying it for a special summer event!

Vintage handmade shawl with chainette fringe:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24414718

Gladraggz:
www.gladraggz.etsy.com

Monday, May 18, 2009

I'm featured on Squidoo!

I'm so thrilled about a fabulous feature that another Etsy artist ran about me on her blog today! I'm just speechless, and feel very honored all at the same time!

Megan has taken great pains to showcase a number of my crochet purses, and what creating each unique handbag means to me. To read my interview, you can visit and read more at:

http://www.squidoo.com/blissfulbags

To see more of my creations, go to: http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/

Friday, May 15, 2009

More Pearls...

I just LOVE pearls and I love this clean, crisp, freshwater and glass bead rope necklace - I love it so much that I'd love to keep it for myself! The glass beads are high quality Delica and Miyuki, and all metal used is Sterling Silver! Please visit my shop to see more.
Remember that all my jewelry ships FREE to the US, and is $3.00 everywhere else!
Have a good weekend, all!
www.gladraggz.etsy.com

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Chandelier earrings

I bought these vintage heart-shaped chandelier findings from another Etsy seller, and mounted them with a variety of Swarovski crystals. Chandeliers and all metals used in these earrings are sterling silver. They look nice and fresh and would look great for summer, don't they?

http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/

Monday, May 11, 2009

Starfish

Yet another one of my creations for sale in my on-line shops. This is a huge Swarovski starfish pendant hung from a rope of ivory and gold metallic cord and teal colored Italian Mesh. The mesh is a neat fine wire mesh that can be molded into interesting puffs. All metal components are Gold Vermeil. I think the necklace makes a great summer piece!

www.gladraggz.etsy.com

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Jane Grafton, Laura Trevey and Baby Bliss

Jane Grafton enjoys making jewelry with quality components including Swarovski crystals, sterling silver, freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones, and more. More than anything, she wants people to love their jewelry, and she won't complete a piece until the details are right.

Designs can be custom-sized by request, and jewelry comes with a guarantee. Stop by Jane's shop to learn more and to consider purchasing something special for yourself or a loved one!

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I met Laura Trevey when she was doing a "Bright, Bold, Beautiful" feature on her blog, and it's easy to see how much joy is in Laura's work just by browsing through her shop - it truly is bright bold and beautiful!

Laura says that art is her passion, and that she loves to paint with bold brushstrokes and vibrant color, and that one will find a variety of styles, and subjects in her work. She says that she loves florals, landscapes, and even abstracts, and though she's been painting exclusively in watercolor for 10 years, she continues to seek new ways to express herself on paper!!
Laura is proud to share that her paintings have been selected for juried exhibitions throughout the state of Virginia. Please don't miss a chance to stop by Laura's shop!!

Merengue, Original Watercolor painting:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6706570&order=&section_id=&page=2

Cascading tulips:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6706570&order=&section_id=&page=1

Laura Trevey:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6706570


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Baby Bliss is not only active on the Internet, but she has her own Bricks and Mortar shop. Baby Bliss carries unique Gifts and decor for Babies.

Everything in Baby Bliss' shop is $20 and under?!

Rabbits Burpie Cloth:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18104579

Girl Letter B:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20767965

Baby Bliss:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6461764

Friday, May 8, 2009

Arelel Designs and Lemachi Designs

You will find Ronna's Lund's Arelel Designs shop full of purses and bags of all kinds! Her line includes purses, messenger bags, various bags, and even items for men, women and children.

Ronna says that she's happy to create a style you like in a different fabric, so invites convos.
Ronna also has a new holiday and gift shop where she sells tooth fairy pillows, beautiful, hand knit mittens, aprons,holiday decorations and much more. She's always adding new items to both shops, so asks that you check in frequently.
Arelel Designs Holiday & Gift Shop
ArelelDesigns2.etsy.com
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Karen, of Lemachi Gallery draws from her artistic history and education when bringing her creative ideas into reality. With a background at New York City's F.I.T., she combines her wonderful experiences in the art and fashion world there with over 20 years of designing and creating jewelry.

Karen states that she's now returning to her first passion, which is experimenting with mixed media, and is thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it! I just love her ACEO's, that are so colorful and happy!

A portion of all Karen's sales are donated to the Sickle Cell Foundation.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Vance Studios and Krespen Design


Christine Vance's medium is photographs and fine art prints. Each of her smaller fine art and photography pieces are printed in-house, matted, and sealed in an archival poly-sleeve to ensure the best quality. For larger pieces, she works with a trusted printer to ensure the same level of quality-control.



Old World Italian Alley, 5 X 7 Print:
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The leathers that Grethe, from Etsy shop, "Krespen", uses fish leather combined with linen, and sometimes different types of leather for her many purses. I find it to be the most unique materials that I've ever seen, and really LOVE her finished products. The fish leather is is somewhat similar to snake skin and other exotic leathers. Not only that, it's eco friendly because it's a great use for a product that would otherwise be discarded. In case you are thinking that this is a bizarre and uncouth use of this type of material, Grethe has shared with me that besides herself, other customers of this fine leather are Prada, Dior, Nike, Ferragamo, and Puma!! How's that for high fashion?!


Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Featured Shop - Banana Showcase and Beachcombers Cove

Today I'm featuring 2 Etsy artists:Kelly of Banana Showcase has a great selection of purses. She is earth conscious, using either vintage fabric or fabric from vintage clothing for some of her creations. I especially love the purses with pinks - very feminine! A good example is her Basic Bag in Pin Freshcut Flowers.

Please take the time to visit her shop and take a look!
The Basic Bag in Pink Freshcut Flowers - above right:

AND:


Norma, of Beachcombers Cove has a wide variety of hand forged sterling silver jewelry items. I'm fascinated over the amazing shapes she creates with the forged silver. Her shop is very well stocked and all prices are extremely reasonable, so please take a few minutes to browse:

Sterling Silver Seahorse necklace:

Beachy Day Bracelet:

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

New earrings

I've been working on some new jewelry projects. Among them are these glitzy crystal earrings. All metal used is sterling silver gold vermeil. Wouldn't they look great on a bride?

http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/

Sunday, May 3, 2009

New foster "Catch"

A couple of weeks ago, our sweet foster Greyhound, Suzie, was shipped "north" at the request of another Greyhound chapter there - somewhere - we are usually told more specifics, but not this time...

We miss Suzie, and because our Penny loves companions, we always try fill the gap by getting another foster right after the old one leaves. The day we dropped Suzie at the track for her ride north, we collected a sweet girl who raced under the name "Cmon Catch". We call her "Catch", but I'm having a hard time remembering her name, and am always trying to call her "Suzie".

All our fosters have been smart, but Catch is no slouch, and actually rivals them all! When fosters come in right off the track, they're usually very frightened because they've never seen a house, (or anything else besides the track and a Vet's office - where they're spayed or neutered prior to going into the adoption program). The first few days of retirement pulls the rug out from under these sweet, gentle dogs, and they usually miss their buddies and the humans they knew at the track. They're nervous and apprehensive with all the new sights, sounds, and even "feels" of their new homes, but really aim to please.

Usually the first 24 hours is the worst, and Catch was scared out of her wits, more than most, running around from room to room in a panic, panting constantly, and just generally terrified. For 2 more days, I kept having to crate her in an attempt to keep her calmed down, and so that I could keep track of her. Part of the indoctrination into retirement is teaching them that it's not OK to walk off with anything they might find interesting, jump on counters, help themselves to any food anywhere it might be available, drink out of toilets, and so forth. It's something like having a curious toddler, but for a much shorter duration!

Some of the more insecure dogs take months to fully adapt, some less, but there is always a transition time. But, for as "wild" as Catch was those first few days, in less than a week, she was fully acclimated, knows each and every phase of our household routine, and now acts as though she's lived here all her life! She's as gentle and sweet as she can possibly be, and she even runs and plays tag in the yard with Penny.

Catch is so calm now that it wasn't difficult to get several photos of her. She's so totally relaxed, and is completely at ease with the camera - a bit unusual this soon into the game. Greyhounds are noted for their love of soft, cuddly things - here's Catch chilling out and enjoying her cuddly bed!


Friday, May 1, 2009

Lulu Borealis of "My Paradise Moon"

Lulu Borealis will be my last featured artist for this series before I take a small break for other topics, then will return to feature more artists I've met along the way.

When I started to prepare for Lulu's showcases, I once again found an artist who is multi-talented and passionate about who she is and what she does, and who's every bit as interesting as her lovely creations! Lulu is best known for her Blog and personal websites, as well as the Etsy shop in which she sells her lovely jewelry. She states that she's both seller and buyer, captivated by all the great talent that Etsy has to offer.

In visiting Lulu's sites, I found her to have boundless energy and enthusiasm, not only for her art, but also in her willingness to remain open-minded, and to allow her gifts to unfold as they may. I find this to be refreshing, and see it as being perfectly attuned to the Universe, giving ultimate trust to the process of life, and accepting, with faith, that it will lead us to our ultimate purpose in the scheme of things. It's not always easy to allow this process to unfold, but I've found that it's nothing to be feared.

As I researched Lulu's profile and blog sites, I was also pleased to learn that not only is she the creator of lovely jewelry, but she's a gifted artist, whose broad range of talent covers a broad spectrum, including writing. I was interested to learn that a good deal of Lulu's talent has been gained independently. She writes that she's self taught, and that many of her creations will not always be done the conventional way, but enthusiastically invites and looks forward to comments and feedback from others about her work.

Here is how Lulu describes her mystical journey:

"I love to create whether it be making jewelry or writing poems or stories or simply creating scrapbooks... I am easily inspired...I love to make jewelry it gives me a feeling of satisfaction to see something take form. I very often know what I am going to make before I pick up that first stone. I see it before its shape takes place, and then it's just a matter of putting it together."

Lulu says that she's always been surrounded by multi talented people, and that her family members each have their own talents in their own right, especially one particularly gifted sister whose ability apparently holds no limits. Her sister expresses herself through painting, sculpting, and also by creating beautiful jewelry. Because her friends and family are also creative in one way or another, Lulu is confident that they all serve as inspiration for one other.

She goes on to reaffirm that her creative process is continually sparked by those around her, including the people and pets who are closest to her - those she loves and enjoys very much. She says she loves to surround herself with friends and family, including her Jack Russell Terrier, Freddie, who makes her laugh, and who she loves and enjoys immensely. You can see Freddie on her Paradise Moon site that I've listed below:

I also love Lulu's ability to remain open-minded - something I find necessary to remain fresh for new artistic expression. Lulu says this about her free-thinking spirit:

"I can’t say that many things shock me; my mind is open so therefore it is always ready for more information or inspiration. I love to create so I am into some form of the arts either for fun or the intensity of expression. I design and make jewelry as an expression of a whim or an emotion that passes through me. The designs sometimes just come and I need to just follow the energy....I seem to go where the energy pulls me."

Lulu's artistic expressions aren't limited to jewelry making, by any means. Some of her other hobbies include card making, scrap booking, and creating handmade, embellished scrap books. In addition to that, Lulu is also a writer who enjoys writing short stories and says she's currently working on a book that she hopes to finish this year. She regrets that often time runs short and responsibility takes over, and that her creative side suffers as a result. Lulu states that some of my short stories can be found on Helium, (http://www.helium.com/users/edit_show/298006 ), a site that allows her "instant gratification."


I really like Lulu's Innocence Romance necklace. Its delicate Rose Quartz Oval Twist beads are very feminine and pretty. Please stop by Lulu's Etsy shop for a better look!

Innocence Romance Necklace - has matching earrings sold separately:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21926011

My Paradise Moon Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5863531

Blog:
http://www.blogger.com/profile/07311820183709933191

My Paradise Moon:
http://www.myparadisemoon.com/
Where you can see her JRT, Freddie.