Showing posts with label handmade items. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade items. Show all posts

Monday, November 23, 2009

Gifts of Nature

I intended to post this blog before I left to visit my family for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is truly my favorite holiday, I get to see all my family at once and we get to connect with each other again even if it is just for a short period of time. This year was above and beyond what I expected. My family has been affected by illness, arguments, and difficulties all year long. Yet on Thanksgiving day we all came together, like we haven't in years. We ate, of course, we visited, we played games, we laughed, we shared memories, the younger cousins made new memories with a sleepover, it was one of the best visits I can remember. The one thing I didn't do? I didn't shop Black Friday sales. I will do some online shopping, but I am resolute for that shopping to be on Etsy.



With all that being said, I want to bring you the next installment in my gift guide. I have picked lovely gifts for the outdoors, nature, earthy, type gift needs. I have picked things for your yard, garden, patio, even some live gifts! I hope you enjoy and I hope you will visit these shops and see all they have to offer. I feature only one item from each shop, but they all have so much more to offer.





First up is a great item for those on your list who are eco friendly as well as a bird lover. This interesting bird feeder is made from a recycled street light. A wonderful and unique idea this will be a great conversation piece at the next backyard gathering. Not only are you providing a wonderful gift for the bird lover on your list, but two dollars from your purchase is donated to the Nature Conservancy. You can find this great gift at http://www.redyellowandblueink.etsy.com/








Our next item is perfect for an evening garden party or a patio accessory. A lovely twist on the same old, same old candle holder; our artist calls these "Mood Lights". Crafted from a plum tree and fit with tea candles, this listing is for 3 mood lights in varying sizes. These lights are sure to strike the mood for your next outdoor gathering. Find this shop at http://www.lichenwoods.etsy.com/









I love windchimes, in fact I was surprised I was able to keep it to just one windchime item....but I restrained myself. This particular set of windchimes are different from any that I have ever seen. They are made from pottery pieces crafted by the shop's artist, which would give them a lovely and unique sound. Made in a lovely monochromatic color scheme, very natural and lovely! You can find this great shop at http://www.annemariespottery.etsy.com/









The next item on the list is a beautiful addition to your yard, stained glass house number panel. As you will find out about me by reading my blog, I pick things that I think will appeal to everyone, but I mostly pick stuff that I love. I adore stained glass, I think it is classic and beautiful and I love to see the sun shine through it. This panel sports your choice of colored glass numerals set in a background of clear glass mounted on solid brass legs this panel can be driven into the ground a good 3 inches to make it secure. Find this lovely shop full of wonderful stained glass options for your yard at : http://www.feralglass.etsy.com/









Looking for a departure from the plastic hummingbird feeders that hang outside your windows? So are your hummingbirds! They crave variety and beauty as much as you do. So banish the old plastic standby and find a great new option for your yard. This feeder is a fused glass piece, the lovely little dragonflies are fused into the glass during the firing process which makes them a permanent addition to the feeder. The artist suggest that these look really nice in groups. Go take a look at the wonderful variety that this shop offers at: http://www.gloriousglassgarden.etsy.com/




Staying within the bird theme, I have a more classic bird house for you. A folk art piece in bright yellow, it looks ready for someone to move right in. This would look great hanging on your porch, or sitting on a shelf. It is a perfect replica of a little cabin, complete with little red chimney and farmhouse plank door. This shop has a lot of great bird houses to choose from, go check them out and pick one for the bird lover on your list.






Don't you love a good hammock? The simply rhythmic motion of swinging above the ground, looking up into the bright blue sky, watching the clouds drift by and the birds circle overhead. There are few things in life that can relax you like a hammock. Whether you live in the woods, beach, or even have a small backyard in the city, it is a perfect gift. This shop offers handwoven hammocks made from quilted cotton. Large and comfy and would make a perfect family gift. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, so go pick yours! http://melissathelibrarian.etsy.com/




Next up we have a very interesting lighting fixture. This shop features mostly one of a kind lighting options. Taking cast off chandelier, lamps, night lights, etc and completely refacing and restoring them; then adding beading, small sculptures, and all sorts of other additions. The result is a fabulous one of a kind lighting fixture for your garden, living room, bedrooms, etc... The item I am featuring today is a chandelier in a cage style with small dragonflies mounted around the outside of the cage. Lovely aqua, green, and white beads hang from the bottom, in the center a medium size pillar candle for a wonderful glow.




Find more by this great artist at http://shabulouscreations.etsy.com/
Then I found this lovely shop which specializes in stained glass, fused glass, stepping stones, windows, etc. There were so many wonderful things in this shop that I wanted to show you the whole thing.... but I contained myself and picked one item that I thought was bright and beautiful. This will remind you that spring and summer are right around the corner and fill you with joy and sunlight! This item is a fused glass item which means that the glass is set then the concrete poured around it. You can find this item and a huge amount of other perfect gifts at : http://acolorfulcreation.etsy.com/ My final item is a truly unique item that is the perfect item to help bring the outdoors inside this holiday season, and can last all year long. A living decoration that is low maintenance that is beautiful and unique. Clear ornament balls filled with a living terrarium, there are several style to choose from, but whatever you choose you can't go wrong with this gift. You can find them at :


I hope that you have enjoyed this edition of the gift guide, and had a great time browsing the shops I have featured. If you don't have a nature lover on your list, stay tuned there are more categories to come! I still have plans for a children's addition, women, and lots more in mind.
I found this week as I visited family they would say.... now what is this Etsy thing? If you are unsure, here it is in a nut shell. Etsy is an online marketplace for handmade items! It is that simple, craftspeople around the world come together in one place to bring you beautiful, wellmade, unique, functional, fun items. We are passionate about the handmade movement and want to provide you with great customer service. Most of us offer customization of our items to fit your needs, and we love to work with you the customer. If you have questions or aren't sure how to navigate Etsy, email me or post a comment and I will walk you through it!
Happy Shopping, whatever your need is!
Jenjie























Friday, October 23, 2009

Sewing Block

Vacation has rendered me useless! That is the only excuse I have. I wanted to take my sewing machine with me so I didn't lose my momentum, so maybe I will blame the dear hubby.

What ever has caused it, I have a sewing block. The ideas are in my head, but when I try to create them, they flop. So tell me what to do? Do you keep pushing through until it clicks again or do you take a break and give it a rest? I feel the need to keep pushing forward.

I had purchased some beautiful Alpaca roving, from The Sage Fox on Etsy, a few weeks back and she was wonderful enough to send along a felting needle. After my first wet felting session was a flop, I decided to give the needle felting a shot. I played with it for the first time yesterday and had pretty good results considering I had no clue what I was doing :) I made a cute little blue flower with a pink center. I have poured over hours of google videos on "how to needle felt" and I have been truly inspired. The amazing creations that can be made from a simple pile of wool have me inspired to be more creative. Maybe this is the thing I need to break the block.

I think some leg warmers are in the forcast for my weekend as well. It is getting colder and those sweet little children's legs need something to keep them warm while they are being fashionable.

I am going to go try to create something. If I succeed I will post some pictures.

Happy Crafting everyone.... and Happy Sales if you are working the fall festival booths !

Jenjie
http://www.jenjie.etsy.com
http://www.jenjiescraftystuff.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/jenjiestuff
http://www.twitter.com/jenjie73

Friday, October 9, 2009

Its Fall Yall Sale is HERE!!!!

It's Finally Here!



The 3rd Annual GA Etsy Street Team's:
It's Fall Y'All Sale





This weekend Oct 9-11th, shop from our great list of participating stores or search "all items" for GAetsyteam or Itsfallyall.Handmade is never mass produced, so each item is special and unique! Give yourself and your friends the gift of handmade!

This link will take you to shops that have items in the sale as well. Not all items in a shop are tagged so make sure to read the announcements to find out all the details.

http://tinyurl.com/itsfallyall



List of Participating Shops:


Amber's Aromatherapy


Handmade soaps, lotions, lip balm, milk bath and custom blended teas

20% all orders


Amelia's Soap Co.


Soap Products

15% discount on soaps


April's Afghans


Afghans and other crocheted household items

Free U.S. shipping


Artistspirit - A Reflection of Mind


Glass fusion jewelry, plates and coasters

15% off any item


Beautiful Tree Huggers


Homemade all natural soap, lotion, etc.

Everything in the store 20% off


Be Inspired Designs


Scrabble Tile Pendant Jewelry & Accessories

Buy 2, Get 1 FREE plus FREE SHIPPING


Bewhiskered


(stuffed) animal skin loveys

Free U.S. shipping, $5 off shipping everywhere else!


Bug's Hugs


Unique handmade creations for anyone that could use a hug!

Free shipping (U.S. only) plus 10% off all orders



Cindy’s Too Cute Creations


Boutique Monograms and Personalized Gifts

25% off of all Embroidery Blanks!


Cocoa Dreams


Personalizable baby bibs, blankets, burp cloths and aprons

Free domestic shipping on everything in shop


Crafters Crossing


Handmade Swarovski crystal and wire jewelry

10% off merchandise orders totaling up to $99.99

15% off merchandise orders totaling $100 or over


The Crafty Coophttp://lilcoop1.etsy.com/
Handmade resin jewelry with glitter

All necklaces 20% off


Debidesigns


embrodiery,dolls,quilted items

20% off section


Deb's Pane In The Glass


Anything Stained Glass from sun catchers, ceiling fan pull chains to business card holders and holiday items

Free USA and International Shipping!


Deuce Goods


Be original this Fall with one of a kind accessories & gifts

15% off All Hats and Scarves



toddler items and women's accessories

FREE shipping to U.S. on all items


FerntreeStudio


Adorable Art for Children, Babies and Fun Grownups!

Free worldwide shipping, plus 10% off storewide -all refunded via paypal


Fluffy Flowers


cute Creatures & pretty Pouches

FREE shipping to ANYWHERE in the world


The Goddess Within You


Artisian Jewelry

Free shipping


Jenjie's Stuff


Beautiful and Fun Handmade Items

Free U.S. Shipping and 10% off all items


JoyAnna - all things beautiful


Purses, pillows, scrapbook covers, tissue holders etc

FREE SHIPPING within the Continental USA on everything in the shop.


Kartu Graphics


Designer of our fabulous sale graphic
15% OFF


K. Berlin Metalsmith


Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry - Precious Metals and gems

Free Shipping on All items


Madame Monogram


Personalized intems for Bridal, Baby, Child and Home

FREE pair of luggage tags with any purchase, a $12.00 value


Maria Luna


Handcrafted Artisan Jewelry and Fine Art Photography

15% OFF excluding items that are already on sale


modmomME


Accessories for mom and baby

10% off your total order. Use promo code "fallyall" Money refunded via PayPal.


Nicolita Love


Handmade and Vintage Jewelry and Accessories

Free Shipping on orders over $20 & Free Nola Brooch with purchase


Nipurnascreation


Unique Handmade Jewelry

Buy one get second one half off (BoGo)Sale


Princess Ciarra Raye’s Designs


Jewelry for the little girl inside you

Free Shipping


The Print Duchess Studio


Custom Stationery & Personal and Promo Designs

20% off Rectangular Address Labels


PrissDesigns


Original Mixed Media Art

15% off everything!


Rachelsilk


Handmade Silk Scarves and Gifts

Sale Items 15% off with Free Shipping


ribbits


Kids wear and more

Free shipping


Smelly Rhino Studio


Art with a little Humor!

Original paintings and Prints10% off and free shipping!


Sweet Pea Boutique


Colorful hairbows and clips for girls of all ages!

Buy any hairbow or clip set and get one HALF PRICE, with FREE SHIPPING for orders $10 and up


Worthy Soy Candles & Crochet


Soy Candles & Unique Crochet Creations

10% Off Everything!




HAPPY SHOPPING!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

IT'S FALL Y'ALL




If you are in the mood for some early holiday shopping this weekend (Oct 9-11, 2009) would be a great time to stop by Etsy and take a look at some of the wonderful hand crafted items in the GA ETSY TEAM's "Its Fall Y'all" Sale!
To find shops participating in the sale you can just search "all items" (gaetsyteam, or itsfallyall). I will also have a complete list of shops participating posted at the end of the week.
There are over one million artisans who own Etsy shops and over 300 of them are from Georgia. Products range from clothing, handbags, Mommy products, kids stuff, home decor, bath and body, beauty, candles, custom blended tea, pet products, Georgia team sports items, accessories, jewelry, fused glass and stained glass, fiber goods and textiles, fine art and folk art and lots of other great products! You are sure to find something for everyone on your list.
Buying handcrafted items is a true economic stimulus, you are supporting items made in Georgia by artist who are passionate about their craft and about providing you a quality product, their business is built on your patronage and return visits. A great number of these items are one of a kind and most of these artist are open to custom request for their work!
All the great sale prices and tons of shops offering free shipping, makes this the perfect time to explore buying handmade.
This is the official list of participating shops you can click on the links from here, or just visit Etsy and search " all items" , gaetsyteam or itsfallyall.
P.s. This ad backdrop with the falling leaves was lovingly painted by Rebecca Salcedo (smellyrhinostudio) and the wicked graphics were layered by Maria Allen (Kartu Graphics)
Look forward to seeing you this weekend Oct 9-11 !
Jenjie

Sunday, September 27, 2009

September 27, 2009 Prairie Cottage Rose

The weekend has come to a close and man was it a busy one in my house. We are getting ready to take a much needed vacation next week and it is always such a marathon to get us there.


As a result I haven't had much blogging time in the past few days! Have been keeping anxious eyes on my Etsy site and have given considerable thought to increasing my inventory on Artfire, plus I have discovered a site called Zibbet. More exposure seems like it would be a good thing, I just wonder if all these sites wouldn't just be spreading myself too thin, and would I likely get any better quality views than on Etsy?


Who ever thought that there was so much promotion involved in this. I had such a lollipops and daisies view. I would create to my hearts content in my little sewing room, take pictures, put them on Etsy and the sales would happen. WOW what a shock it was to find out that it wasn't quite that simple. But every day I am learning and discovering and inching my way forward.

One of the greatest things I have found is Etsy Teams. I am a member of 3 different teams and I really enjoy the support system that they provide as well as the exposure. I have gained knowledge, insight, and budding friendships. If you are a part of Etsy and haven't explored joining a team I would highly recommend it, there is something for everyone there.



Okay, on to my feature shop today!



Today's shop is Prairie Cottage Rose. This is an adorable shop full of primitive and folk art pieces, rag quilts and crochet items and they are all wonderful. This shop is a member of my Schooling at Home Etsians (SHE Team). I asked Prairie Cottage Rose where do you find inspiration for your crafting, here is the answer:

My Grammy Snelling:) She was a whiz at so many things: sewing, crochet, knitting, Danish hardanger and a great cook, gardener... the list goes on. My folk art and primitive pieces, especially, remind me so much of visiting her home. Simple, time worn and well loved:)


There is such great variety in this shop and all of it very affordable, this is a wonderful place to start your holiday shopping.


As a bonus this artist also has a second shop full of very cute children's items, PuddinToes. I have included a couple of my favorites from that shop as well. You can find that shop here:


Here are my favorites :




Here are all the ways that you can find this wonderful and talented artist:



http://prairiecottagerose.blogspot.com/

http://www.prairiecottagerose.etsy.com

http://www.puddintoes.etsy.com/

http://twitter.com/prairiecottage



Have a wonderful week !

Jenjie

http://www.jenjie.etsy.com

http://www.facebook.com/jenjiestuff

http://www.twitter.com/jenjie73

Sunday, September 20, 2009

September 20, 2009- Living Earth Gallery

Rain, Rain, Rain.... it has done nothing but rain for a week and there is only rain in the forecast for next week. In 10 days I will be at the beach and I am praying for beautiful clear weather so that I can sit on the beach and allow the sounds of the ocean to cleanse the years worth of junk away. So everyone out there please wish me clear skies and nice weather so that our only vacation of the year will be a wonderful experience.

Today's feature shop is Living Earth Gallery and artist Lizet Frijiters. This shop is full of beautiful wearable fiber art, all hand felted and original designs. Using organic Merino Wool from Australia, silk, natural dyes, the artist uses a myriad of materials to create these amazing pieces. Wool felting is something that I have become interested in due to the huge range of possibilities, and this artist has some incredible examples of the diversity of this art form.
Lizet Frijiters is a member of the following Etsy teams: ecoetsy street team, etsyFAST street team, dust team and SHEteam.
I asked Lizet about her work, what motivates her, where does she find inspiration, what does she enjoy most, here is her response.
I enjoy working with fibres and textiles. It is sort of playing with it and feeling it grow in between my hands. That's maybe why I am so attracted to felt making. I love texture and form and get a lot of my inspiration from nature and the environment around me, as well as my own perception of what I see and feel. I enjoy creating pieces that are beautiful to look at and soft to wear.
Let me share with you a few of the many pieces in her shop that I am in love with.... but once again readers, please promise me you will go check out the shop yourself to see all the items because I just can't do justice to these artist with only 4 pictures:




Liz also has a shop on Etsy for games of cooperation and problem solving, please take a look at that site as well , http://livingearthgames.etsy.com/ .

Other ways you can find this artist :
Etsy shop is http://lizetfrijters.etsy.com/
Blog: http://lizetfrijters.blogspot.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lizetfrijters
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-Earth-Gallery-Fibre-art-creations/50050617780


Have a wonderful day!!!! Happy crafting.................

Jenjie


http://www.jenjie.etsy.com/
http://www.jenjiescraftystuff.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenjies-Stuff/38627269338
www.twitter.com/jenjie73

Friday, September 18, 2009

September 18, 2009 - The Enchanted Cupboard

This month is slipping by so quickly that I can barely keep my hands on it. My family and I are taking our yearly vacation in just a couple of weeks. Typically in the south this time of the year it is still very warm and humid and a trip to the beach is not out of the question. But this year we have had a very wet and cooler September, this may mean a colder winter and hopefully some snow.




Today's feature shop is The Enchanted Cupboard, and artist Beccijo. This shop appeals to my childhood fascination with dolls and fairies, with their handcrafted, hand painted wooden dolls and accessories. These are beautiful and timeless items which will appeal to children and adults alike. Although due to the hand painted nature of these creations they would be recommended for children who are past the stage of putting things in their mouth, usually over the age of 3 or 4. One of the most interesting and different items in this shop are their hand painted wedding cake toppers.




Okay, okay I know show you the pictures right???? I mean that is the fun part, that is what you really want to see, right????????? Alright, here they are........but you have to promise me that you will go right to the her shop and check out the entire collection because I just can't do it justice in 4 pictures!!!!!! PROMISE????????????? http://www.theenchantedcupboard.etsy.com/









When I asked this wonderful artist where do you find your inspiration for your art, her response was :

From my children, my childhood and my imagination.


Here are the ways you can find this talented artist.


Until tomorrow, Happy Crafting !!!!
Jenjie

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

September 16, 2009 - Hands Delight

Good Afternoon everyone, it has been nearly a week since I last blogged and I feel terrible for it. I have had a terrible cold this week and just not felt like being creative or even thinking creative. I am feeling slightly better today and I have decided to try and get back in the swing of things.

On a happy note I reached 100 fans on my facebook fan page today!!!! That is a very exciting milestone for my little shop, so thank you to all my fans.



I hope you have all been enjoying the blog this month. I have had a wonderful time doing it, but I have to confess that finding shops to feature and getting those shops to respond to my request to feature them has been more difficult than I first imagined it would be. So Monday I sent an email to our Schooling at Home Etsian group to let them know what I was doing. In response I got several lovely shops that volunteered to be "blogged". Today's shop is one of them and I am only to excited to have her.



Hands Delight is a lovely shop full of handmade crocheted items. They are all geared up for the holidays, and to be frank, making me feel a little bit behind in my crafting :) They also have lovely hats, dishcloths, and other assorted items. If you have never tried a crocheted dishcloth, it is a must have. They are a joy to use and they last FOREVER!!!!

Hands Delight is a member of the Schooling at Home Etsians, Christian Artist Street Team and Etsyhookers.




I urge you to visit the shop and take a look at all these lovely items. So enough of my ramblings and on to the fun part, the pictures of my favorites:



You can find Hands Delight in the following ways:

http://handsdelight.etsy.com/
http://handsdelight.wordpress.com/




Happy Crafting !!!!

Jenjie

http://http://www.jenjie.etsy.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jenjies-Stuff/38627269338
http://www.twitter.com/jenjie73

Friday, September 11, 2009

September 11, 2009 - Dragonflys Hollow

Today is a day that no one in our country will ever forget. You will remember where you were, what you were doing and who you were with forever. It is a defining moment, full of pain and tragedy, a moment that changed our world, our lives, our feeling of safety. We can never go back to the way we were before. My prayers go out to the families of all those lost today and in the days since, and to all the troops serving to protect us.

On a lighter note, today I am featuring an artist that I am super excited about. As most of you know, this month I have featured a new artist everyday or so on my blog. I find these artist by going to my team's list of shops and reviewing the shop, finding ones that I love and asking their permission to be a part of my blog. I have found many beautiful shops, lots of talented artist, and I am having so much fun doing it. This artist particularly strikes my fancy because I am a huge doll fan. I have never parted with a single doll that I have ever owned. Dolls are the only toys I buy for my daughter and nieces.... I LOVE DOLLS!!!!

Today's featured shop is Dragonflys Hollow, maker of beautiful handcrafted dolls. Each of these amazing creations are handcrafted down to the very last detail, including their cute clothing; they also use all natural materials in construction. Their designs are Waldorf inspired and each one is unique. You cannot put a price on purchasing a doll of this quality, they will last a lifetime. They also offer custom crafted dolls to meet your particular need. I urge you to visit her Etsy shop or blog to check out all these beautiful creations and find one that you cannot live without.

Dragonflys Hollow is a member of the Schooling at Home Etsians (SHE), EtsyKids, and Natural Kids teams.

Let me share a few of my favorite items with you :


I love this segement, ask the artist. I asked Nancy the creator of Dragonflys Hollow, what do you find to be the most difficult part of crafting. Her response:
The most difficult part of crafting for me is creating a balance in my life. Time is a serious issue. I homeschool my 6 kiddos ranging in ages from 14 to 6. I find myself working on something everywhere we go. My friends have become used to seeing me pull out a doll to be sewn or knitting a sweater every time we get together. Its always a balancing act. I am lucky in the fact that the dolls I make are mostly sewn by hand so I can carry them anywhere and work on them.
Dragonflys Hollow is celebrating their one year Etsy anniversary mark this month and they are giving away a lovely doll named Fae, you can see pictures of her and how to register on the Dragonflys Hollow blog.
I have given you links above to all the sites for this artist, but in case you missed them here they are again.
Happy Crafting everyone!!!! New shops featured next week! Have a wonderful weekend
Jenjie

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Etsy Chat Rooms

I accessed a portion of Etsy last night that I had not used before. Etsy Chat is a wonderful way to connect with other sellers. Just last night I made several new friends that I added to both my Etsy site as well as my Facebook personal and fan pages. I had a great time talking to these sellers and exchanging ideas. I got some really great feedback on my site and some wonderful insight on how to drive more traffic to the site. Thanks so much to JunkerJane for her tips on tags. I was up until the early morning hours adding and changing my tags to increase my views.

I was beginning to get very discouraged with Etsy. I have been on the site for 10 months and only had one sell. Last night was a great ego boost, everyone was super nice and helpful and they all had great things to say about my site. Sometimes you just need to know that you are not working in vain.

If you are on Etsy and you haven't tried out the chat rooms, I would highly recommend it. If you aren't on Etsy check out my site www.jenjie.etsy.com, then check out my favorite sellers. I am sure you will find something you love in there.

Happy Crafting

Jenjie