My BESTeam Feature

Well, as we all know, some better then most, life constantly changes. Sometimes its for the better, and sometimes its for the worst. Sometimes things just stay the same, which is my favorite time

My point? I have one, and here it is. Due to certain changes in my life, I have decided after thoughtful contemplating, I have decided to leave the BESTeam.

So, for my last feature, my theme is RED!

 My first farewell visit is to the shop of Knitful Dezigns.  Veronica is a good friend of mine, and a very talented woman too.  Right now she is working on a plush doll collection while planning her wedding.  And she takes custom orders.  This Big Bow Headband comes in any color you choose, but I particularly like the red.  You can find Knitful Dezigns on facebook, and twitter, plus she writes her own blog. 

The next stop on my farewell tour is the shop of Creativity Bugs.  This shop is run by 2 sisters, Sandy and Sue.  They have such a cute and funky sense of style, and it shows in all their items, like this Rock Photo Holder.  A perfect stocking stuffer for that teenager on Santa's list. Follow them on facebook for all their latest news, and bookmark their blog for some reading pleasure.

My next stop is at Mossy Creeks Soaps.  I thought to myself, oh no, will she have red soap?  There goes my theme, but then on page 3, here it is... this Red Box Soap Gift Set.  When you purchase this gift set, you have 10 different soaps to choose from, so you can find something for everyone.  Michelle can be found on her own web page, blog, facebook, and twitter.

At my last stop, Redemption Art, I found this really cool Amber Carnation Milk Bottle.  Connie finds these great items on the great island of Hawaii, and she has so many vintage items.  And if vintage is not for you, she has a 2nd shop, Volcano Girl Creations, where you'll find her great handmade items, like jewelry and cat toys.  Connie writes a really cool blog, Island Buzzy. Reading this you'll feel like you've been on the island yourself.  She also has facebook and twitter.
So there you have it, my last BESTeam weekly feature.  If you are looking for an Etsy team where you can get, and give, some extra promotion, you can find it here.

The Neutral Zone

This week I will be featuring, four BESTeam members and their talents! As I thought about what kind of a theme to choose, well, that was easy. This week's theme is "The Neutral Zone"!

These are the four splendid shops I will be featuring. Their Etsy Shop names connect directly to their shop for your convenience!

JewerlybyJaynemarie

BeaderBubbe

Gmaellen

and KCDragonfly

Neutrals, just the word alone makes me smile. It's often what I wear, and without a doubt, a majority of what I design (I really need to get out of my box!). In addition, it is a safe, contemporary shade to gift, and to wear as well!

So, it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that I would choose this shade, in the beginning of Autumn. Though it is a shade of color one can wear all year long. 

My first "Neutral" choice are these classic, splendid Pearl Earring pair offered by JewelrybyJaynmarie.

Classic Dove Gray Earrings

Jaynemarie and I have been friends for a good two years, so, I can honestly tell you that the time and care she puts into each piece is great. I also know that she doesn't compromise standards and the quality that goes into each of her designs.
In addition,  she has taken numerous courses at jewelry shops and schools to improve her skills and keep up to date in knowledge of jewelry design and metal smithing.  

Jaynemarie's specialty though is "Wedding Jewelry". She designs for brides, bridesmaids, and other members of the wedding party. So, if your looking for a designer of wedding jewelry, I highly suggest stopping here first. I know that she will be happy to speak with you as well as work with you for your special day!

Jaynemarie's Shop also has many jewelry pieces available now. You may find that perfect jewelry piece already made!

With her skills in jewelry design, your sure to find a gorgeous piece of jewelry, and for every budget as well.

You can find Jaynemarie here too!: Facebook - Twitter - Blogger.


Next up is this intriguing neutral bracelet offered by Beader Bubbe . 

Crazy Agate Beige Bracelet

 I am not quite sure how Agnes finds time to design jewelry, being a mom to five children, a grandmother to six, with number seven arriving any day now, but she does! Agnes loves crafts, and is especially fond of jewelry designing.

When she retires, she hopes that she can spend more time in creating jewelry.

Some of Agnes's favorite materials to design jewelry with are: polymer clay, and glass. She also designs with gemstones, clay beads, and shells. So, whatever your favorite material is to wear, you'll have a variety of different pieces to choose from at Beader Bubbe. 

You can find Beader Bubbe here too!: Facebook - Twitter - Blogger 
.

My third handmade "Neutral" product is featured by Gmaellen

Ellen features crocheted products. I am not talking about the big blankets or bed covers either. To me, Ellen designs FABULOUS crocheted  products! Take for instance this enchanting item to the left. As I am typing this, I am also trying to figure out where I could place this in my house. 

Heirloom Crochet Lace Border

Ellen grew up watching both grandmothers crochet. She states that: "My fondest memories are of watching both of my grandmothers creating so many beautiful things as I grew up. They both have given me so much inspiration".

So, go and check out this charming shop on Etsy! 

With the holidays approaching it would certainly be to your advantage, because not only does Ellen feature crocheted products in her store, she also carries wine charms, a fabulous item to go with her crocheted wine carriers, and also a bit of beaded jewelry!

You can find Gmaellen here as well!: Wordpress - Facebook - Twitter

For my last product, I chose this enchanting product from KCDragonfly!

Wedding Parasol

Personally,  I always love knowing how a shop got its name, so I am going to share how Kristine chose her shop name. 

Kristine choose KCDragonfly for her Etsy Shop name because she is somewhat similar to a dragonfly's behavior. In the way that a dragonfly never rests, they are always on a mission searching for something new. 

Kristine is on a quest to perfect her sewing skills, whether it be a new purse and even an umbrella. She knows that she will have perfected her sewing when the buyer cannot resist her handmade products!

I can totally relate to that analogy, I think most sellers could. Although I have not heard of that analogy before, quite frankly, I find it unique! Just like Kristine, and all of her items she carries in her shop. I think unique is the perfect word for her, and her shop!

Not only does Kristine carry these lovely umbrella's, she has a large selection of Halloween items in her shop now. I think you should go and take a look at her Goth Stockings as well, they are definitely very cute!

You can find Kristine here too!:  Blogger - Twitter - Facebook - Flickr - Gallery - Main Website

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team.

BESTeam Feature

This is the third time I have written this. Somehow I touch something on my laptop, and everything I type goes away. This is so frustrating..........
This well be a very short feature, have to hurry before this goes away as well, big GRRRRRRRS,  ha-ha!
So, this week I will be featuring "Handmade items that remind me of Autumn". Now don't laugh, its a valid excuse being that Friday was the first day of Fall. It really isn't because I like Fall, and its color, I'm fibbing, you know that right?
It is valid though.............
Three Etsy Shops, three BESTeam Member's, six gorgeous Autumn pic's!
My first Shop feature is co-owned by Debbi, Captain of the BESTeam, and her daughter Mandy. 
Their Etsy Shop is named: ourhometoyours.
Two charming Autumn finds:

Handmade Vintage Mink Jacket

Definitely something to keep you warm. Quite frankly, I love this jacket. I always have, ever since I met Debbi and Mandy, and their shop.
My second Autumn pic, easy, take a look at this!

OOAK Blood Red Choker

You could easily sport the necklace and the jacket at the same time, perfect! Find more about this shop on their Blog, and on FaceBook!
Second shop, and enchanting, is Poison Garden.
First Autumn find, is this lovely Sun Catcher!

Garden Fairy Bohemian Victorian Elven Fairy Sun Catcher

I think this Sun Catcher is not only sweet, I certainly love its title!
Second shop find is this splendid jewelry piece:

Victorian Steam-punk Mona Lisa Choker

I have to say I really love the colors of the ribbon, and honestly, Mona Lisa is so classic!
Read more about this shop on their Blog, and follow Poison garden on FaceBook!

Third Shop, final Shop, almost there, phew! ElizabethMDJewelry
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, these earrings!

Cranberry Red Drop Earrings

I haven't seen them before, they were just listed yesterday. I have to say, Cranberry is definitely one of  MY favorite colors, even if it isn't Autumn.
And this necklace should just be a staple in every jewelry collection. What could be more perfect then a leaf? A Silver Leaf!

Sterling Silver Leaf Imprint Necklace

You can also read Elizabeth's Blog and "like" her on FaceBook!

I hope you take a look into each of these shops, whether its browsing or shopping.
All these shops are charming!

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team.

My BESTeam Feature

I have to apologize for being so late this week. I don't know where the time went. I do know that when I work, because it isn't very often, it really throws me off schedule. And it isn't just work this week either, for the past four weeks, I have been in terrible pain due to my knees. Besides walking, my knee pain has definitely affected other areas of my life, including difficulty in keeping focused.
Enough about me, that's certainly not the reason for this post.

My BESTeam Feature for this week is ardentreverie. 
Ardentreverie consists of two sisters who design unique handmade accessories in apparel, jewelry, and hair.
I have to say this shop is certainly CHIC!
Just as I was looking at this shop, my son, Marty, was looking over my shoulders, (I really dislike anyone doing that) and saying, "scroll up, see that? Thats POPULAR at my school, mom". This is the handmade product that he showed me.

Savannah Feather Earring

Then Marty said, "they wear these in their hair too, mom". I thought cool, thanks Marty for sharing. My son he is my worst critic, when HE likes something, its definitely something. Need a cool Christmas gift? Its right above! Perfect for your tween, teen, young adult.
If your looking for Hair Accessories, this shop has them too! This one below is my favorite, although ardentreverie has many more!

Cedar Roses Headband

I think this headband is just gorgeous! Perfect color combination, woodsy, earthy, and organic! Not much more you could ask for.
Most of you know that my employment is outdoors. Meaning that I am subjected to all outdoor elements, which I don't care for, but it pays well. I have learned to layer my clothing well. One of my favorite accessories are handmade beanies and scarfs. This shop has many scarfs to choose from. It was really hard for me to decide which one I liked best, but I went with this one!

Denim Blue Knit Cowl

Not only do I think the color is FAB, but I don't have to worry about it staying wrapped around. And if you walk all day, bend all day like I do, then you will appreciate this aspect as well!

So, if you are looking for cool, chic, and unique gift this year, or even something for yourself. I really think this would be an excellent place to make this shop your first stop!
You can find ardentreverie here!

Etsy

FaceBook 

ArdentReverie.com
Twitter

ardentreverie and I are members of the BESTeam!

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team.

Look for a new format in how the BESTeam does their features, beginning next week! 

I am so excited to see the results and how you like it as well. 

Enjoy, be good to others and yourself!

BESTeam Feature

Well it is nice to be back and active on the BESTeam again, even if it is amongst changes.

In addition, since I have not written much on my Blogger lately, I will have to get back into the swing of things, as well as dealing with the problems I encounter on Blogger every time I post, but never mind all of that, I am happy just to be back!

This week, my BESTeam Feature is an easy one though, and I am very thankful for that. Offthewallexpressions is an easy shop to write about because their products are not only unique and very cool, but also are this shop owner’s, Mick and Tina. 

Offthewallexpressions offers Vinyl Wall Art, which is fitting for any wall you would like to express yourself, as well as Chalkboard Decals. Now how unique is that?  
Mike and Tina add that their "Vinyl Wall Art" can Amuse, Inspire, Decorate, Organize, Make a Statement and Express your Personality!"

With that being written, I thought how sweet would it be writing on these Chalkboard Speech Balloons? I have a bizillion ideas for these, but since I don't have enough room in this little square, I will settle for "perfect" for a Wedding Reception, a Birthday Party, an Office Get -Together. You get the point!
Where could you find putting these?

Chalkboard Speech Balloons,vinyl decals

You certainly could use these for many places in your home or your office.  
And Offthewallexpressions has several different styles available in these Chalkboard Decals, I am sure you will find one, maybe two to suit your taste. Just click here, and it will bring you to that specific section of their shop!

My second choice of "Fabulous Finds" in this featured shop, is this item. 

 

PersonalizedFamily Tree Vinyl Decal

I think that this Decal would not only look good in your home, but would be an excellent "Gift" choice as well. And as you know Christmas may be a few months away but somehow it just creeps up on us! 
Think of newlyweds, grandparents, your own parents, and actually this would be a great choice as a gift for anyone! Think of the look on their faces as they open your gift. Now that look will be "priceless"!

My last product feature is for those who are Christian, and want to express that. I think this Vinyl Wall Decal is beautiful, and filled with love. And honestly, I just love the quote!

Gods Masterpiece Vinyl Wall Lettering Decal

I could easily imagine this Decal in my home, and I already have the perfect spot for it. Although I want EVERYTHING in this shop. This is at the top of my "Wish List" now!

I could feature so many more items, because there are so many to choose from. But, now its your turn! If your looking for gift ideas, home decor, and something as personable as you,  I cannot express to you enough to start your shopping with offthewallexpressions. 

Not only can I assure you that you will find a huge selection, something for everyone, home, and office, but their prices are very fair, thus keeping you within budget!

You can find this Etsy Shop here
"Like" them on FaceBook
Follow their Blog, for great reading! Personally I love reading their posts!

Offthewallexpressions and I are members of the BESTeam, Boosting Etsy Shops Team 

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team.

Tilt Creations - for your Handmade Handbags, Backpacks, and Home Accessories!

My BESTeam Feature for this week is on a very sweet gal, named Teresa!Teresa is a stay at home mom, who has 2 boys. She is also the Etsy Shop owner of Tiltcreations.  
Tiltcreations sells Handbag’s, Backpacks, and Home Accessories. As part of Teresa’s Home Accessories, she will soon be adding Hand Embroidered Wall Hangings. Until then, I decided to show this for my first product.
Usually, I am not a girlie girl, meaning that I am not partial to soft pastels. I am more partial to neutral colors, "Fall" colors and bold colors. I do have to admit, I am very partial to this lovely color shown in this splendid Applique Pillow Cover Duo. This set truly makes me smile!

Bubblegum Pink Circle Reverse Applique Pillow Covers,  Duo

Teresa says that "Life here can be quite interesting", and I am and I am sure it can be! Especially with the age difference in her children, as my middle daughter, and my youngest son, have that age difference also. Any spare time that Teresa has you’ll find her either sewing or “playing on the computer”! 
With that being said, I thought it would be a perfect time to show one of her Handmade Handbags because of her time at the sewing machine!

Janet Handbag in Pink Skull and Crossbones

And since I decided to show this handbag, I just couldn't help myself in showing this sweetest handbag I would choose to match it. I thought this handbag was really cute and the benefit that it had, that I liked the most, was the magnetic snap closure.

Becki Clutch in Pink Bad to the Bone

For my last handmade product, I thought that it would be appropriate to show an over sized bag. The reason I decided to show this product is because it is "Farmer Market" season. This bag would be absolutely perfect for taking to the Market because of its rounded and sturdy bottom.

 Blue Floral Oval Fabric Basket

I would also like to add that Teresa offers patterns on her other Etsy Store, Tilt Too! If you happen to be super crafty, because that what sewing is too me, super crafty, you may want to go and check this store out as well! She also offers fabric and supplies from her handbag shop as well at Tilt Too!


To know, read and find out more about Teresa, you can check her out at these links below!

Blogs:

Tilttreasures

Tiltcreationstoo

Flicker 

Twitter

My BESTeam Feature

This week’s BESTeam Feature is on a most giving, kind and thoughtful person. I rightly justify this statement because, for every sale in her Etsy Shop, On Behalf Of, ninety percent (90%) of her money she receives for her Art, is donated to help in: providing clean water in developing countries, freeing modern day slaves, care for orphans, or providing medical relief to those with HIV. In fact that’s how Kate came upon her Etsy Shop name, OnBehalfOf. This name reflects the people she helps with the proceeds of her sales in her shop.
Personally, I look at Kate’s artwork often. Not only do I find Kate to be an amazing person, I also find her work to be amazing also! And everytime I return to her shop, my eyes always stop here, to this 8x10 print of an original painting:

Do You See Me

But today, I wanted to share something different, so I chose this to use as my first favorite!

The Morning Will Be On the Other Side

Not only is this art work beautiful, each piece contains a meaningful message, a message of hope and love. Certainly meaningful to the artist, to those it represents, and hopefully to you as well.
You can click on the link of each photo to read the decription.

Kate is humble, claiming herself not to be a professional artist. What I find that she does professionally by her contributions is care and love. She attempts to use the beauty in her art to compensate for the ugly in the world, a powerful and in depth outlook. Kate takes her blessing of being privileged and uses it to bless others. This is something I truely admire. There are too many selfish and greedy people in this world, and here is one person who is not only trying to make a difference, but truly does.

Personally, my next picture, is art that would look attractive in any room of where you live. The colors are soft, and can be very complementary to any color and style of decor you may have. This pictures message targets Human Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery, a message of an issue that is truly happening in our world today.

Dare to Claim the Sky

Lastly a bright and colorful print of an original watercolor painting. Shall we take a guess what this picture is? Well if you know me well, you know I love the water, especially the ocean. And if you do not know me very well, now you know one more thing about me!

The Ocean Tells Me a Thousand Stories

I have a few more things I feel compelled to write. I want to write part of a statement that Kate wrote. I believe it completes this feature, in getting to know my featured shop and artist. I hope you find it as strong as I do:

"Now that I have seen, I am responsible. I believe in possibility. I believe in God's providence. He knows my heart because He made it that way. And He's done so much already. I'm a small girl, but I am pretty determined that not everything about me will be small".

You can find Kate Here:
Etsy Shop: OnBehalfOf
Please visit Kates Blog. On her Blog you will find all the organizations she supports, and many other posts that you may find interesting.

 The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team!

My BESTeam Feature........

This week’s, BESTeam Feature, is on my Team Captain, Karen, of Mystic Wynd. Needless to say Karen has a very unique shop, and she is sure to cover all types of woman who wear jewelry!
As Karen stated  “Whether your style is simple or bold, classic or trendy, elegant or glitzy, Mystic Wynd has something for you at a price you can afford from a crafts person with a simple philosophy”.

To me these Hairpins are a beautiful, sunny, example of simplicity! In fact they are a personal favorite of mine. I have recently used these cheerful Hairpins in a recent Treasury I curatored with BESTeam members.

Raspberry Lemonade Pink and Yellow Floral Hairpins

Karen was born and raised in the Windy City (Chicago, IL).  She was lucky enough to grow up in a culturally mixed and, ethnically rich community. Handcrafted goods decorated their places of residence, places of worship, and occasionally these goods sold when displayed at the little shop around the corner in her neighborhood.
Today, Karen lives in Arizona and is married to a “computer geek”, named Al. She has three children, three step-children, and seven grandchildren.
Lots of things have changed, but the one thing that has not changed though, is her love for crafting.
And this jewelry piece certainly says love and passion.

Pink Faux Pearls, Roses on Brass Necklace - Rosalyn

Creating a jewelry piece as lovely as the necklace shown above takes careful planning and time, trust me, I know!

When Karen worked outside the home, she has been retired for three years now; she worked in the health insurance field.  But due to personal reasons and tired of the “corporate grind”, she started to investigate other options she could do. Remembering the love of crafting, she proceeded into that area again, and created Mystic Wynd.

As I continued "window shopping" at Mystic Wynd, my eyes happily shifted to this!

Sterling Silver Botswana Agate Earrings

Why, you may ask?! Well, because a while back a friend of mine introduced me to these Gemstones! I immediately fell "in love" with them. This pair of earrings combine a gorgeous specimen of this fine Gemstone.

Not only is Karen busy with her Etsy Store, Mystic Wynd, she also has two other Etsy Shops, TheCraftersCabinet, which carries: destash and supplies, and MWElegance, that supplies: Bridal & Special Occasion Jewelry and Accessories. These Etsy Shops are certainly worth checking out, as well as Mystic Wynd!
Karen is also hoping to “launch” her own expanded Web store sometime this year, 2011.
And because Karen loves variety it certainly would be a good idea to check her Etsy Shops often! Adding them to your “Favorites” on Etsy or to your personal computer would be worth your while!
If you do have any questions regarding any of her Etsy Shops, Karen not only is happy to answer them, she welcomes and encourages questions as well!

Karen Is also a proud member of the following Etsy teams:
EtsyBloggers, BESTeam, Etsy Success, Captain's Quarters, Etsy Blog Team, Treasury Team for Tutti, and Handmadeology.

To keep up with Karen and her happenings, (good luck, because she runs circles around me!) here is a list of websites to “follow” her on!
 Twitter, FaceBook, Handmade Spark, and Creating the Hive. 
Be sure to read her Blog, and follow her!She posts often and always has something that's great to read!

MysticWynd and I are members of the BESTeam!

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team's goal is to provide marketing support for each others Etsy and Facebook Fan pages to further this goal. Our team also shows support by offering free advertising for each other. We are a very dynamic, active group and we are now accepting new members!
The BESTeam is so much more then writing a feature every week! Its a team of caring and talented crafters on Etsy.
Please click the link above to find out more about this great team, and consider joining this team.