Petalmix Etsy shop

Again, I've discovered another fascinating Etsy shop - Petalmix. Shop artist, Olivia, loves tsumami-kanzashi, which is the Japanese art of folding fabric into beautiful pieces of artwork. Olivia explains this technique:

"Tsumami means "to pinch", in this instance, a small square piece of fabric. Kanzashi means "ornate hairpin". They are beautiful hair ornaments used for traditional hairstyles, worn often by brides and maiko (apprentice geisha). I have adapted this art form to create accessories for the modern-day woman, so that everyone can enjoy this beautiful tradition."

Olivia shares that the kanzashi hardware is quite sturdy on its own, but if you find you want even more hold, to use a strong bobby pin first to secure the hair, then clip the kanzashi on top of that. She also wants buyers to know that each item is new, never worn, comes from a smoke-free home, and is shown on a mannequin for sizing purposes.

It's obvious that Olivia takes pride in her work - she shares that she's is a highly detail and quality oriented person, only selling what she, herself, would be pleased to receive. She assures buyers that she ships in a timely fashion, (the next day in most cases), and that she takes great care in packing each box she sends. She also offers combined shipping, anywhere on the globe! Just pay the low primary shipping cost and every additional item ships FREE!

In browsing through the pages of Olivia's shop, I found page after delightful page of luscious Kanzashi items. Petalmix has brooches, pendants, and all kinds of hair items, such as barrettes, bobby pins, snap and alligator clips, offered in both floral and butterfly shapes. Olivia's choice of fabrics is impeccable - in addition to fine silks, she uses a fabric called chirimen. And, adding to the beauty of the fabrics, themselves, each item usually is adorned with beautiful crystals, pearls, other gemstone materials, and even sterling silver!

Please treat yourself by stopping by the Petalmix Etsy shop. If you love fabric and hair ornaments, or are a bride or know of one who's in the wardrobe planning phase of your wedding, you'll be especially pleased with what you'll find there!

The Rose tsumami kanzashi style hair clip (Top photo. Uses 4 dozen double layered petals in chirimen fabrics):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27600532

Pink kiku tsumami kanzashi bobby pin:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28275550

Royal Purple and Olive Tsumami kanzashi pendant necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28574306

Pink and Green silk Butterfly tsumami kanzashi hair clip:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28493303

Petalmix Etsy shop:
http://www.petalmix.etsy.com/

Blog:

http://blog.petalmix.com/

Another Oriental themed purse

I'm not sure if anyone remembers my first Oriental themed purse - "Ocean and Orient"? It got quite a few hearts and sold fairly quickly. Well, I had enough of the Oriental floral fabric left to make another, but because all my creations, (including purses), are one-of-a-kind, I never make the same 2 twice. So, between the addition of a third fabric, (the metallic gold outlined dark green feathery print), and repositioning my pattern on the fabric, this version has a whole new look.

And, this purse has a small matching pouch. It can be used with our without the purse to carry sunglasses, cell phone, a small wallet, boarding passes, etc. There is a small side ring to attach keys, lanyards, etc., and the pouch can be carried across the body either over or under coats, where they valuables can be carried safely near the body. For this reason, the pouch would be great for travelers.

I just listed the set last night, and it already has an Etsy heart. I hope you'll stop by to get a better look!

Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28486838

1000markets:

htttp://www.1000markets.com/products/76693

Shophandmade:
http://www.shophandmade.com/Item/6-758-H34AKHD

Divinestudio2 Etsy shop

I want to share a shop that I discovered, and whose artwork I find to be exquisite! Rosie, the UK artist behind the the Divinestudio2, loves to work with objects around her like flowers and textures, and then adds her personal touch by photomanipulating them. She loves digital painting, especially fantasy themes.

I found many of the Rosie's artwork to have a soft, romantic feel, some of which is quite sensual, and all of which is quite beautiful. I also found that some photos are available in different colorways. "Bunches" (the tulip bouquet, shown here in color), is an example of such a work that's available in 4 versions: color, sepia, black and white, and vintage. Bunches is fourth in the botanical traditional fine-art limited edition series, and is also signed on the back.

All of the prints listed are $20.00, (for a 10" X 8 "or 11 " X 8"), which I find to be a great bargain, given the caliber of work! But, if you need a larger, or smaller size print, Rosie can make one for you, with the size determining the price, and for as low as $10!!

Divinestudio2 also offers digital images that are printed onto high quality canvas then stretched onto a hidden frame that's ready to hang, and Rosie invites contacts of inquiry for canvas prints.

I hope you'll stop by the DivineStudio Etsy shop and have a better look, and perhaps make a purchase. I'm narrowing down my selection right now!

Amaryllis:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22890796

Magnolia:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22838631

Bunches - shown here in color:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22867424

Divinestudio2 Etsy Shop:

http://www.divinestudio2.etsy.com/

Amy Perrotti Etsy shop

Amy Perrotti is an illustrator who has been working as a graphic designer for over 10 years. She just recently decided to pursue her true love - drawing, full-time.

Please stop by Amy's shop to take a look at her cute drawings!

ACEO Sunny Russian Doll Print (top):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22181947

ACEO Singing Bluebird Print:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28335907

Birdie Assorted 4 Note Card Set with Envelopes:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27579513Etsy shop:

AmyPerrotti Etsy shop:

http://www.amyperrotti.etsy.com/

Blog:
http://www.amyperrotti.blogspot.com/

Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/amyperrotti
http://www.flickr.com/photos/amyperrotti

Creative With Clay Etsy shop

I really love Charan's colorful "Creative with Clay" Etsy shop, where you can find unique one of a kind pottery inspired by Indian designs, fabrics, embroidery, colors and Bollywood. Charan prefers to sculpt unique forms with movement and fluidity. The end result are pieces that are both beautiful and functional, and that reflect the culture and art of his native India.

I love to get to know a bit about the artist behind the work, so I found Charan's many sites interesting and informative. I particularly loved the slip decorating techniques, (that illustrates how the decorative scrolls are applied), so please stop by his studio and view some videos at:
http://www.creativewithclay.com/

And, if you'd like to see a video of Charan at work, please check out this HGTV clip at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJn8i-Gl5ZE

Or, just search for Charan Sachar on http://www.youtube.com/

Handmade butter dish with knife (center photo)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23383328

You can see the process of making butter dishes at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjUtaA5cCZE

Midnight Blue Tealight Candle holder (top photo):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24177840

Handmade Soap dish or sponge holder (bottom photo)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22455410
Charan invites you to contact him for CUSTOM or WHOLESALE orders.

Etsy shop:
http://www.creativewithclay.etsy.com/

And check out Charan's BLOG http://creativewithclay.blogspot.com/

Latest summer purse - blue and white "Patchwork"

This is my latest of my summer purse series, and sports 3 batik prints on the exterior. It's nice and large and roomy, and the shoulder strap is extra long for shoulder or across the body transport.

I had fun making this purse, and have to say that taking a beginner's quilting class some time ago has helped perfect my sewing skills. It's true that learning the quilting basics is the foundation for all else when it comes to working with fabrics. My seams are "just right", in that they intersect perfectly!

And, I just love making fabric flower embellishments. For this purse, I used 4 layers of fabric instead of 3.

Please feel free to take a better look at this roomy purse, including the inside lining and pockets.

Blue/white purse with batiks and fabric flower:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28158484

To see more, visit my shops:

http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/
http://www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/

Soapsrus Artfire shop

I met Jody, from Soapsrus through a forum post, and have since browsed her Artfire shop to find a nice selection of soaps and skin/health care products for both humans and pets. She has several balms, including those for various types of skin rashes and irritations and insect bites. She also has drawing salves and even a pain relief salve. I found her products to contain simple ingredients, including herbal extracts, which is nice for the growing numbers who need to avoid irritating chemicals and preservatives.

Check out the Soapsrus Artfire site, where you'll find her extensive inventory of soaps and balms.

Rose bath and shampoo soap - featured at top:
Soybean Lecithin & Cottonseed oil; Palm Kernel, Water and Sodium Hydroxide (Lye); Olive Oil infused with Chamomile, Comfrey and Calendula;Essential Oil; Shea Butter; Beeswax; Apricot Kernel; Grapefruit Seed Extract; Liquid Silk and Coloring; Chopped Rose Petals.
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=303571Average Weight 3.8 oz.

Soapsrus Artfire shop:
http://www.soapsrus.artfire.com/

Seaphemera Etsy shop

I met Gail, of Etsy shop, Seaphemera, on my Florida Etsy Fest team, where I'm constantly in awe of the great talent there. I was so struck in the way Gail takes mundane objects and turns them into objects of awesome beauty, and wanted to share them!

Gail, who first started her love affair with the sea on the south Jersey shores, shares that she's always loved walking the beach, and, unlike most folks, it's not the perfect specimens that draw her, (beautiful as they are), but broken bits and pieces of worn shell. Gail loves the effect of the sea and it's creatures on these tiny bits of calcium, and it's what inspires her to use them as the basis for her jewelry designs.

Not having formal training in jewelry making may be an advantage to Gail, in that she breaks the "rules" of jewelry making, so to speak. Using spacers and jumprings for settings, she plays with different materials, rearranging them in various combinations on her work table until they look and feel just right to her. A favorite compliment to her shells are pearls, but I find that her use of faceted gemstones contrast beautifully with the shells in a unique, fresh and tasteful way.

Again, it was very hard to choose, but here are 3 pendants that I find are irresistibly beautiful for showcasing. Please share with me in admiration of the Seaphemera shop, and please treat yourself to a stop to see more. Remember that shipping is FREE for the month of July!

Shell Pendant, "Hermione's Magic":
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27616151

Shell Bali Silver Pendant and Chain. "Valley of Sparkle" (CZ set in Bali silver) :
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27729006

Shell Pearl pendant "On Pointe":
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27726209

Shell Pendant "Birth of cool" using oyster shell and Freshwater Pearl:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27089584

Seaphemera Etsy shop:
http://www.seaphemera.etsy.com/

Market, baby, beach, picnic, craft tote.

I just listed this tote that can be used for marketing, beach, picnic, craft, baby/diaper, or anything else that requires a heavy-duty carry bag. It's made from 100% cotton fabric throughout, and includes sturdy red denim and cotton canvas. The lining is done with white cotton and the handles are heavy duty nylon cord.

All seams are double stitched for extra strength, and the handles are also reinforced at stress points. A swivel lobster claw clasp on the outside holds keys, lanyards, and so forth. The bottom, (reinforced with plastic for extra strength and to resist sagging), measures 14 X 7", (35.5 X 17.5 cm) but the bag itself expands to almost 20" (50.5 cm) across.

The fabric used in this bag is prewashed. It can be spot cleaned, dry cleaned, or hand washed in cold water, machine spin and hung to dry. Iron on cotton setting as needed.

You can see more photos of this bag at my Etsy site below.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27928861

Can be purchased at:
http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/
http://www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/

Last of the "Peacock Passion" purses

Unless there is a demand for more, these are the last of this summer's "Passion for peacock" purses. They all have ample pocket space inside and the gold and pink have exterior pockets. (I take just as much pride and put just as much time and work time on the inside of my purses as the outside). Even though I've just listed them in the last day or two, they've already gotten hearts.

Note that while all three purses have two handles, they are treated as one. This takes the hassle out of keeping track of 2 handles. The gold purse attaches to one "central" handle, while the pink and white handles are knotted. This gives them both style and function.

White "Peacock" Purse with wooden beads.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27778766

Gold "Peacock" purse with 7 pockets:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27880309

Peacock purse in pink with wooden beads and pockets. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27831696

To get a better look at these bags and more, please visit my oneline shops:
http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/
http://www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/

Creative Art Center Etsy shop

Sarah of The Creative Art Center Etsy shop, is a native Brazilian now living in Florida. In addition to having a degree in Business Administration, she's also a certified preschool teacher, and a Graphic Designer who specializes in movie editing, photo restoration, and photo montage.

Sarah says that arts and crafts have been a part of her life since childhood. As a self-taught and eclectic artist, she works with a variety of techniques and materials, and currently loves working with Polymer Clay.

I've chosen to showcase Sarah's handmade peacock feather pendent and black and gold earrings, both made from stamped polymer clay. The peacock pendant is strung with perfectly matched glass beads, and the earrings, which are appropriate for any outfit day or night, measure 1 ¾ of inches in diameter.

And, for those of you who have heaps of photos, videos, home movies and other sentimental mementos, but don't know where to start in getting them all organized, Sarah can help! She can create lasting memories that are compact, portable and everlasting by using her skills with DVD's, Videos, music and all other media.

Sarah, who is an expert in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, is also knowledgeable in Dreamweaver, Apple’s iDVD, and Final Cut Pro. When making a series of video scenes, Sarah uses a nice, creative, and different effect for each video scene transition. If you would like a photo effect or montage, she asks that you contact her for a price quote.

Here are a few options of what she can do with your sentimental media:

DVD Slide show: Perfect to save pictures, forever, that are far from dust and age damages. It's a great gift for parents, grandparents, Godmother/fathers, yourself, or anyone else you love. It's also fabulous for "scrap booking" events such as gifts for milestone anniversaries, birthdays, and so forth.

Personalized DVDs can include:

Photos

Video clips (segments)

Music

A custom menu with sound is included to give a unique view to your DVD, and the DVDs come with personalized label, and matching DVD case cover.

DVD Slideshow and Movie Editing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25104146

In addition to the above, she also does photo touch-ups for still life pictures that have become damaged by time or the elements by restoring, retouching, colorizing and enhancing your old photo. She will work on your photos by cropping and by making adjustments and enhancements with color, contrast, rotation, and red eye correction.

Photo retouch and restoration:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24733163

Peacock Pendant:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26794369

Black and Gold Earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24832584

Creative Art Center Etsy shop:
http://www.creativeartcenter.etsy.com/

Everyday Summer Purse

I've had this purse listed for about a week, and since I have no features scheduled today, thought I'd share it. This is not a large bag - it's medium in size, and would be the perfect "everyday" purse. The blue batik fabric would go great with denim and/or jeans, and the other colors are neutral enough to coordinate with almost anything.

It has a total of 8 pockets, including identical envelope pockets on the outsides of the front and back. I've been wanting to do something different with my purse handles, so I braided up and knotted white fabric for this cutie.

I've been real busy making more purses, and will be listing them throughout the week. So, please stay tuned and feel free to visit my shop for a look see...

I hope you all have a good week ahead!

White summer purse with braided shoulder strap:http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27546367

My shops:
http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/
http://www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com/http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/

Rosey's Jewels Boutique

Michelle, of Rosey Jewels Boutique is fairly new to Etsy, and has already had quite a few sales - not an easy accomplishment for a jewelry shop!! The Rosey Boutique offers a wide variety of jewelry items, from Sterling Silver and various Swarovski elements, to a large range of semi-precious stones. And, she can customize any of the items, from length to a different type of clasp.

The Peachy pearls and Bronze Necklace is the perfect pastel piece for summer! This 18" necklace consists of cultured 8 mm freshwater pearls with two antique bronze 4mm round spacers between each pearl, and closes with a matching bronze toggle clasp. It's beaded on Satin Silver 19 strand wire. Matching earrings are also available.

The Laurie bracelet sparkles in the sun, with 10 and 20mm Cloudy Jet Faceted round and 6mm Faceted Amethyst rondels on memory wire. Loops twice. 3" diameter.

"Midnight" is a one-of-a-kind Swarovski black/crystal scalloped filigree pendant that hangs from a necklace made of Swarovski pearls in black, dark grey and light blue, in mixed sizes. The necklace measures 18" long, is linked with sterling silver pins, and is secured with a small sterling silver round toggle clasp.

Please stop by Rosey's Boutique and take a better look. Michelle also invites suppliers of jewelry components and/or beads offering unique beading items to please let her know, as she's always trying to help out fellow Etsy sellers!!!

Antique Bronze Peachy Pearls - Freshwater Pearls Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25862354

Laurie - Faceted Amethyst and Jet Bracelet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24949067

Midnight - Swarovski Pendant and Pearls - Sterling Silver Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25805035

Rosey Jewels Boutique:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7229337

Check out the Rosey Jewels Boutique Blog: http://roseyjewelsboutique.blogspot.com/

Lilacpopphotography and Lilacpop Etsy shops

Janna Bissett has 2 Etsy shops. Lilacpop has handmade jewelry, eco friendly felted brooches, hand knit & crocheted accessories and one-of-a-kind clothing. I especially love her eco-friendly fiber jewelry!

And, Lilacpopphotography features fine art photographs printed on metallic paper. Janna says that the metallic paper has an ethereal quality that is absolutely amazing, plus it will last for hundreds of years!

Some of Janna's work is soft sepia toned close ups of nature which I love, and find to be extremely well done, (which explains why she's won awards for her work)! Some of her photographs are more urban/city related, and yet others capture the Great Lakes scenery and architecture near her home. Having lived on the Great Lakes all my life, (with the exception of the last 6 years), those photographs struck a very familiar chord of nostalgia. Even the quality and angle of the light makes the location of her subjects unmistakably recognizable!

Janna even has a photo that she can customize with your own personal date - birthday, wedding, and so forth. She takes custom orders for any date: weddings, anniversaries, graduations.

Stop by her shops and take a look!

Washington DC Spiraled Flower - 8X10 Fine Art Print on Metallic Paper:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22310708

Eco Friendly Scrapbook Bird Felt Art Brooch - Lilacpop shop:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17558031

Scroll Gate Sepia 8X8 Fine Art Photo on Metallic Paper:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22362695

Lilacpopphotography's Etsy Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6765024

LilacPop.etsy.com:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5279276

Links:lilacpop.blogspot.com *Find helpful photography tips for items in your own shop!flickr.com/lilacpoptwitter.com/lilacpop

Peacocks in white

This is the last colorway for my "Peacock" series. I have more bags coming in both white and the previous colors, and with pockets and different style variations. As always, each is one-of-a-kind.

White "peacock" purse:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27440902

Gladraggz Etsy shop:

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

The Yahgie Etsy shop

The Etsy Yahgie shop is somewhat new, and I was delighted to find some tasteful jewelry and home decor items, (including fabric), there.

Please stop by and take a look at this charming Etsy shop!

Golden Sunshine Decorative Pillow:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25632428

Yahgie Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6837330

You can also find Yahgie on at these on line places:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Yahgie/71516319836
http://www.yahgie.blogspot.com
http://www.twitter.com/yahgie
http://www.yahgieinteriors.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/yahgiellc

Wonderful Wire Etsy shop

The Wonderful Wire Etsy shop has some nice work with polymer clay and other mediums, but primarily showcases a large variety of wrapped wire insects, animals, mobiles and more. I envy anyone who can take ordinary objects and turn them into something that almost literally takes on life!

As I set about to feature today's artist, I was reminded that there's no shortage of awesome people on Etsy, and how humbled I am by being there! The artisan behind these Wonderful wire lives on a 30 ft. sailboat with her huband and rescued shelter dog Jake, and against the progressive confines of Multiple Sclerosis, turns out piece after piece of awesome wire art.

As always, I'll allow the artist to explain her inspiration behind her work:

"Art for me is more than just expressive creativity... it is the voice of my soul. It is a release, an outlet, a way to 'press my face against the screen of a window to breathe in the fresh outside air! I have Multiple Sclerosis; a very progressively confining disease. Yet, the more I am confined and seemingly 'boxed in', the more I crave to shout and sing out! Wire Art is the newest 'song I am singing' and each style of art I engage in has it's own musical tone... It gives me relief, joy and delight. And this is what I hope it gives others as well."

Please join me in visiting the Wonderful Wire Etsy shop!

Bird Wire Art 'Sweet-bird' Silver:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18381389

Wire Art 'Giant Steamer-Wing Fly' Insect Bug Silver Recycled Materials:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25130996

Giraffe Wire Art Sculpture Gold Copper Recycled Metal Keys:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22289105

Wonderful Wire:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6592108

Blog:
http://livingwithwalls.blogspot.com/

Bloomin' Beautiful!

Here in northwest Florida, summer has been in full gear for months, and temperatures and heat indexes have been in the triple digits for weeks now. I feel badly for those in the north and northeast who are still waiting for summer to arrive. How I remember shivering through the long, harsh winters that sometimes continued on into cold springs and summers. For those in the north, there are only a few precious months of warmth to enjoy, and it's not fair to be cheated out of those... Hopefully some of our heat will arrive there soon!

Anyway, while I don't think Florida can rival the the beautiful spring blooms that follow the cold northern winters, the south's beautiful azaleas and Crape Myrtles are really lovely. Every year our pink Crape Myrtle gets bigger and more beautiful. Here it is, currently is at its peak!!

More Peacocks

Here's another version of the "Peacock" purse, but this time, in pink. I have more "peacock" purses in the works, including one more color combo, which is nice and cool looking for summer. Some upcoming versions will have exterior pockets, and I have enough fabric to sew several more one-of-a-kind versions of each of the 3 color combos. For anyone is interested in a "special order", please let me know, and I'll be glad to put something together especially for you!

I also bought new fabric that is *not* peacock related, and am anxious to get working with it, so stay tuned!

"Pink Peacock" purse:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27153700

Purchase sources:

http://www.gladraggz.etsy.com/
http://www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com/
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/