New Season

Well, it's yet another season of our lives!
Not long after I wrote the last post, let's say I get really tired. Really, really tired. I then lived in a tired  haze for quite some time made up of work, sinus headaches, soaking my feet and collapsing onto the couch.
We are having a little baby girl in November :).
So, needless to say my focus and what energy I had during the first trimester were not about beads. And then as my energy returned it was about getting through each work day and putting my legs up and resting when I got home.
I am now starting my third week home and not working as my legs would not handle eight hour shifts on them at a go. I am spending a lot of time organizing and cleaning, getting the baby's room ready and nesting.
But it also mean I have time and energy to bead! Yay!
My poor Etsy shop has been sorely neglected. I'm debating about finding a new street team on Etsy or waiting until after little girl shows herself and seeing how her days go first.
Either way, it's also a new season for my beading.
As yes, I have maternity leave and a bit of money with that, but not as much, I'm hoping to get back to selling a little more often and putting more efforts into that online I seem to have sold more in person over the last few years, but I have the time to try to advertise and such more now.
 It will also be a new season in that, since I'm not working right now not all the profits will go to missions. I will still have times where this is true though.
I have some pieces to photograph and listings to update, but mostly I'm excited to play with my beads again :)

I'm also excited to have time to look at other beady buddies blogs and get back into the beading community online :).

See you all soon!

Sheer Blond Set

A special set for a special girl.

Belladio

My featured seller today is Belladio:
http://belladio.etsy.com
http://belladio.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:I am a Stay at home mom with 3 boys living in Indianapolis. Six years ago I began playing around with beading during a play date with friends. I started out just making jewelry for myself and then giving them as gifts. As more people took interest in my work I started taking it more seriously. A few years into crafting, buying beads and stringing them no longer thrilled me, so I decided to go to the next step and make my own beads. Thus began my work with polymer clay. Polymer Clay opened up different avenues for me as I was able to sell my designs in the antiques/tea room where I worked. I am never content for long and felt the need to branch out even more and added wirework to my designs. In between all of these ventures, a friend turned me on to Cafepress. I started to design t-shirts from drawings that I had done. Looking around, I wanted to express my faith to any generation so I made designs that had scriptures in them, but could be worn by anyone. Thank you so much for stopping by and looking through my shop.

cserpent

My featured etsy seller today is cserpent:


http://cserpent.etsy.com
http://cserpentDesigns.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:



Hi my name is Susan and I'm the creator of cserpentDesigns! My husband nicknamed me Sea Serpent during our scuba diving days (picture a tall person in a purple and black drysuit with a pink flotation vest coming out of the water with big black fins on her feet ... yep sea serpent fits!). He even got me a sea serpent stamp to use for my "signature" on my hand made cards.

I got started in jewelry making when one of my soccer teammates got me to go to a wirewrapping class with her. I made my first bracelet in that class (and as I look at it now I want to take it apart and redo it to look a lot nicer!). I then saw a beaded watch band in a magazine and figured I could expand on that idea and make myself a cool beaded watch band in PURPLE! (my favorite color). I started the watch band using gold plated findings, finished it up at another wire wrapping class and got interest from many of my friends and family in having jewelry made for them. I still was just dabbling and got really mad when the gold plated findings started to tarnish in a very short amount of time. From that I learned my lesson about making things that last - don't make them with gold or silver plated parts if you want them to last a long time and remain beautiful!

That 2nd wire wrapping class really drove my interest in making jewelry with beads. I took more classes in basic jewelry making (stringing, knotting, ...) and have been making jewelry for family and friends and other customers for 4 years now. My jewelry designs are also for sale at a gallery in La Jolla, CA - Gili Anna - so I'm starting to expand my sales base.

I have a great time buying the parts needed to make my jewelry. I REALLY like the gorgeous artisan lampwork beads that are available through etsy as well as other online sites. My "inventory" is quite large so I really have to get designing more so I can share these beautiful beads with others. Sometimes I'll find one interesting bead or gemstone and that will be the kick start for a piece of jewelry. I really enjoy the creation process and get excited when I finish a piece and can share it with folks I know and with Etsy I can now share my creations with a much larger family.

Meet my sometime codesigner!
----------------------------
My mom enjoys buying beads as well, a little too well if you ask me. Since she won't stop buying them I told her she'll have to start making jewelry for sale with some of the many beads she's purchased (and which I "store"). She has made many jewelry pieces for herself, family and friends but she buys way more beads than she has used in these designs. So my bead bins overfloweth and mom has to help clear them out by making designs to sell.

Be sure to check out all her goodies in her etsy shop!!

Lucky Girl Trading

Etsy Buy Handmade LUCKYGIRLTRADING

My featured seller today is Lucky Girl Trading :
http://luckygirltrading.etsy.com
http://luckygirltrading.blogspot.com/

About the artist:
In the spring of 2001 I was overwhelmed by sadness and huge piles of clutter. My marriage was in the midst of a very ugly ending, and he had left tons of his stuff behind. I suddenly realized that I was a very lucky girl to be rid of him, and Lucky Girl Trading Company was born. I began listing his stuff for sale on eBay, clearing away both the clutter and the sadness. A few years later I met my lucky guy--who was selling a bit of jewelry--and married him in a hot air balloon ceremony in 2006. We've worked together to build Lucky Girl Trading into a fun and fulfilling enterprise. I've also discovered working with glass--one of my all-time favorite creative outlets. I've also discovered two ancient arts: Kumihimo and Temari. Both are centuries-old crafts, and both give me a zen-like tranquility while working.

I truly am a Lucky Girl! Every day I gather pretty, sparkly things and send them to people. I imagine a person opening their mail and taking out their new pendant or chain or pouch. It's perfect--they have a huge smile on their face--and so do I. I'd love for that person to be you!

Scorpienna

My featured seller for todays 90 in 90 challenge is Scorpienna:
http://scorpienna.etsy.com
http://scorpienna.livejournal.com

About the artist:
I'm an engineering student in Missouri. I like to use tools, to make things, and to play with beautiful colors. I also love to procrastinate my studies, and I've found that making jewelry is a great way to relieve stress while putting off my homework just a little while longer!

If you would like something in my shop in a different color or length, please contact me. I can also split up sets on request. Check out my sold items for more things that I can make for a custom order.

All earrings are pristine (never been worn).

If you are disappointed by an item you buy, let me know and we'll work something out. I want my customers to be satisfied.

I have a cute little spoiled parrot (green cheek conure) so I'm particularly interested in parrot artwork and crafts as well as bird toys. If you have anything cute and parrot-y, let me know!


If you love ear rings, you will love her shop!

But, don't take my word for it :).

Signature Sterling

today I am featuring Sue of Signature Sterling:

http://signaturesterling.etsy.com
http://signature-sterling.blogspot.com
About Signature Sterling:
Welcome to SignatureSterling where you will find personally designed and handcrafted jewelry ~ especially sterling silver with semiprecious stones, lampwork beads, Swarovski crystals/pearls, Czech glass, charms, and "signature" items ~ CUSTOM ORDERS WELCOME! Specialty collections include Buckeye Nation, Hairspray, Show Your Colors, and Little Black Dress. Beautiful...unique...signature...YOU!

I am active with other terrific, creative “Etsians” – the TBO (Tranquil Beading Oasis), the Bead Hive, EtsyMom, and EtsyBEAD. Need help finding these talented artists? Go to the Etsy home site and search for TBO, BHV, EtsyMom, and EtsyBEAD in tags, titles. You'll get a great list to choose from!

Ulixis

My featured seller today is Ulixis:


http://Ulixis.etsy.com
http://ulixis.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:
My name is Amanda, I'm 21 years old and I grew up in the middle of nowhere - Northern Ontario. My parents home is across from a river (separated only by our front lawn and a dirt road) and surrounded by fields. As such, I'm constantly inspired by the beauty of nature, particularly wild flowers, morning dew and flowing water.

I'm currently a fifth year (undergrad) Honours Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University. This is my last semester, and it has been tough ~ especially since I was working for a whole year on my thesis. I investigated smooth muscle migration in real-time using videomicroscopy. It was fascinating, and I'm returning to continue my project for my Master's (and hopefully PhD). As such, I am quite a science geek... which is also a source of inspiration for me.

I've been crafty my whole life, and enjoy making a variety of things. When I was younger, it was drawing, then making wreathes and dolls and beading. Now, my focus has switched to making notebooks and jewelry. I love the range of colours, shapes and sizes that beads come in, and I constantly collect more and more. Buttons are also a huge favourite. I also enjoy cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Please check out my blog, ulixis.blogspot.com. I'm trying to keep it up to date, though I'm extremely busy. I always try to post on any Etsy purchases I make and receive. Additionally, I'm taking part in the 90 day blogging challenge, where I'm supposed to feature a wonderful Etsy artist once a day. Unfortunately, I've been too busy lately to be consistent, but I'm trying.

Go and take a peak at her cards and jewelry!

Backwoods Creations

My featured seller today is Backwoods Creations:

http://backwoodscreations.etsy.com
http://backwoodscreations.blogspot.com

Her whimsical creations range from jewelry, mixed media to animal and birds.

I have been doing the arts and crafts thing since I was a wee child. Mom always said idle hands can make trouble. I love keeping the creativity flowing and still find time to get into trouble. My creative endeavors are somewhat eclectic. Currently I am making art dolls and painting. If you are interested in learning more about me and my artistic leanings check out my blog at www. backwoodscreations.blogspot.com.

All of my items are made in a smoke free environment but we do have pets (2 corgis - Rudy and Cleo and 2 cats- Stella and Minnie). If you have any questions or concerns before or after your purchase please let me know.




As a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA) please look for items that will have a percentage listed in item description donated to the specified charity of the month. Their website can be found here http://www.etsyforanimals.com.

Mixed Media and silver

Today my featured esty artist is alternatebliss:

http://alternatebliss.etsy.com
http://www.alternatebliss.blogspot.com

About the artist:

I am a Mixed Media Artist. In my shop you will find orignal Art. Including Watercolor Art, ACEO's, Art Prints, Folk and Niave Whimsical Acrylic Paintings, and hand made Silver Jewelry




I currently ship USPS within 3 business days of receiving payment. Unless otherwise stated in the listing details.
You can also view my illustrations at GumballGrenade.etsy.com

Lazy Cat

Lazy Cat is my featured etsy artist today:

http://lazycat.etsy.com
http://lazycatgifts.blogspot.com

Indulge in knits and jewelry!
About the artists:


Lazy Cat Gifts was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there. All of us had grandmothers who crocheted, however Kelly had the most experience.

After honing our skills for several years making many gifts for many family members and friends, we decided to try to sell some of our creations! We had a good start at a local craft show and found Etsy.com while searching for a gentle way to beginning selling online. (Plus, Etsy comes with the bonus of a great community of artists!) Etsy is also great for us, because Kelly has moved to Philadelphia, while Allison and Stasia still live in Ann Arbor. However, we keep in touch every day! And, we are all so excited Kelly is moving back to Ann Arbor in June!

We enjoy using the skills from our grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. We crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan crochet bead jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. We are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet, and we love making custom items!

We are updating our store all the time, so please check back often to see what new goodies have appeared!

Additionally, our Boutique line of jewelry is currently available at Suwanee Springs at 306 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor, MI. Please stop in to see these exclusive pieces!

In the past, we have featured Kelly's mom's items in "Ruth Ellen's Creations" as she is unable to make her own website. Hopefully her beautiful quilts and tasty dog treats will return soon.

Read more about our store and the cats who inspire it on our blog: http://lazycatgifts.blogspot.com

Ring

A few days ago I got a convo on etsy from another user ( MaggieMoo ) wanting to know if I made rings.
Well, I haven't really tried this, but she wanted something really simple and said she didn't mind being the guinea pig.
She had been looking on etsy and unable to find what she was looking for.
So, I tried a few things. Some didn't work out so well ;).
But, I came up with a very simple herringbone ring.
I really like it!
Not only was I able to create something for someone that they were looking for and will love, but she helped me create a new item for my shop!

Celtic goddess jewelry

http://celticgoddessjewelry.etsy.com
http://buyindie.blogspot.com/
Feel divine when you don this jewelry!

What she has to say about herself:
Celtic Goddess Jewelry was started in early 2001, and has been selling on etsy for 2 years and counting!
Art has always been prevalent in my life. I love to draw, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, make bath and body products and most recently, photography. I am influenced by spiritual learning, nature, goddess and celtic imagery. I identify very strongly with my celtic heritage.

Earth Charm

Earth Charm is my featured seller today:

http://Earthcharms.etsy.com
http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com

About the artist:
My name is: a title used to facilitate communication.
My home is: a little slice of paradise despite the paper-thin walls and windows.
My goal is: to make macrame fashionable.
My soul is: owned by a thieving kitty.
My dreams are: not all that unrealistic, and involve comfort instead of riches.
My life is: meant to be enjoyed to the fullest.

Items ship from a smoke-free but cat-friendly environment.

Components used in earthcharms jewelry comply with the California lead content laws.

Other places to stalk earthcharms:
blog: http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com
site: http://www.stones.salyx.net
communities:
http://www.myspace.com/salyx/
http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/earthcharms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80954354@N00/
http://picasaweb.google.com/salyxwoodbine/

I've only included a couple of her pieces, be sure to go and see the rest!

Personal Treasures

Today I am featuring Personal Treasures:
http://PersonalTreasures.etsy.com
http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com/

What she has to say about herself:


Hi, I’m Phyllis Mufson, a jewelry artisan and a creative career and small business coach. I started making jewelry while directing the Locks Career Center at Moore College of Art & Design, an inspiring environment where I worked with wonderfully creative people.

Now I work in my sunny living room where I talk with clients and have all of my jewelry equipment close at hand. My design inspiration is my 23-story “bead condo” – clear, stacking sectioned boxes brimming with color-coordinated gold and silver, gemstones and pearls.

Earlier in my life I was a textile artist and that sensibility influences my designs. I'm concerned with how the jewelry drapes and moves with the body. I'm also inspired by my customers. In addition to my ETSY stores I sell through private jewelry shows so I get to see how women respond to the jewelry. I talk with them about what interests them, and find out which designs are particularly flattering to wear.

If you like Personal Treasures but are looking for something more simple or casual please visit my Mufi Jewels store at http://mufi.etsy.com.

You can learn more about my coaching practice at http://phyllismufson.interfaceias.com.
I also have a blog where I write about creativity and creative people – http://personaltreasures.blogspot.com.

I sell wholesale. If you are interested in carrying my work or hosting a jewelry party please email me.

Be sure to check out the rest of the lovelies in her shop!

Pretty In Pink

Today I am featuring Kelicat and some of her beautiful pink creations .
http://kalicat.etsy.com
http://honeyandsweets.blogspot.com/



About the artist:
Kalicat has trained in jewellery at Central St Martins and Hatton Gardens, in London. Mom of 2, she says: "I enjoy painting and illustrating Fashion, jewelry-making and dreaming about all the things I will create in the near future".

Each item may be made in gold, sterling silver or base metal, with the stones of your choice when available.

ABOUT THE JEWELRY

All metal is sterling silver unless stated otherwise. Findings are either purchased as is or made by myself: handsawn, soldered, fabricated and crafted by me ;)

I source gemstones from suppliers around the world. All of my jewelry is made with top quality stones and designed to last.

If you have any questions about a specific work please ask! I guarantee each item for 6 months and can also change the length of the piece, or the nature of the gemstones, pearls, beads etc. whenever possible to fit your desires.

Becki's Designs

My featured seller today is Entyqua (Becki’s Designs).
(http://entyqua.etsy.com
http://beckisdesigns.blogspot.com/)
What she has to say about herself:
I am Becki I am a SAHM to one gorgeous little girl!
About the creations
I make both costume and genuine stone/metal jewelry as well as finish Jewelry boxes, card making and other paper crafts and coming soon I will be doing clothing as well! I have a lot of creative outlets
For my Jewelry: I use a lot of natural stones and beads for my creations, my favorite being wood and gemstones. I also love to use pearls weather they are freshwater or faux pearls have a very elegant feel to them and always and a touch of class to every piece they are used in! All my jewelry designs are Hand made with care a love. Also you will always find each piece is very unique and will never be recreated. If you need a necklace or bracelet made to a certain size please specify during checkout, if I have the extra materials I can make the changes! I also LOVE to do custom work! I love to share ideas with others to come to a creation that might not be with out two great minds working together!
For the Finished Jewelry Boxes
I LOVE to paint I love to decorate I love to take something ordinary Like a plain unfinished wooden box and make it dazzle. These are one of my favorites of my hobbies. They come to me from a craft store plain dull and wood colored and ends up with color and flair and style I love the transformation!
For the paper crafts
I am a scrapper I will always be a scrapper I have so much scrap I don’t know what to do with it! SO I make cards and other paper related crafts! I wish I had enough time to do this more than I do!
For the clothing
COMING SOON!! Can’t wait!
Be sure to stop by Becki's shop and see if there's anything special your Mom might like!

Thats Headley

ThatsHeadley is my feature today!
http://Thatsheadley.etsy.com
http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com

What she has to say about herself:
That's Headley! Jewelry Designs is about a journey in wearable art in semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass. Color, texture, balance, and richness are my design goals. I've been "beading" since junior high, and for the last couple of years have expanded my use of wire wrapping. I've also added silversmithing to my techniques. Silver is always bona fide sterling at the least, and sometimes fine (99.9% pure) silver.

I rarely make two pieces alike, because I like to have fun wearing jewelry, and seeing myself coming and going is not fun! Sometimes, though, when something comes out especially wonderful, I might make just a few to share the fun. I love to do custom work, too, so if you have something inspirational you would like to have a custom piece to wear with or to, send me a picture or description of what you would like, and we can be creative together!

My blog, where I put my newest creations and comment on life, the creative process, and other fabulous Etsy artists can be found at http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com
Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD) #231

Member Art Jewelry Collective
Member Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC)

Smoke-free, kitty-friendly home and studio

Some of her work is found below, but be sure to look at the rest of her shop!

Corazon Espinado Necklace in Sterling Silver, Garnet and Freshwater Pearl

Nereid Sacred Heart Necklace in Abalone, Mother of Pearl, Aventurine, Seaweed Quartz, Glass and Sterling

Looking for some sparkle?

Find it in sparklystrandz's shop!
Sparkly Stradz
http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/

What she has to say about herself:
I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, I developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!

I combined my love for crochet and beads and began making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items about 10 years ago. "Sparkly Strandz" is an online store that you can visit and create your own jewelry by choosing the right color bead, wire, and length you want for that perfect piece!!

A couple of samples of her work:

Nursing Necklace-Serpentine Jade Gemstone

Interchangeable Lever Back Earring Starter Set-CHOOSE YOUR 4 COLORS

Be sure to browse the rest of her beauties in her shop!

A Pretty...

Rock!
That is who I am featuring today :).
http://aprettyrock.etsy.com
http://www.aprettyrock.com
http://www.aprettyrock.com/blog
What she has to say about herself:

"Oh Shiny!" should definitely be my mantra and says a lot about me. :) But if you are looking for something a little more concrete from me, here you go...

Yazmin Wickham of A Pretty Rock creates one of a kind or limited edition pieces of jewelry. Brought to life with carefully selected gemstones, mineral stones and freshwater pearls, the collection is meant to lend affordable, quality elegance to all.

There is no reason why every woman shouldn't have A Pretty Rock in their life!

Here are just a couple of samples from all of those "pretty rocks" in her charming shop!

Flora - Hairpins - Pink Shell Flowers

(It's items like this that make me wish my hair would keep such things in place!)

Fresh Cut - Quartz and Peridot Wrapped Sterling Silver Earrings

Be sure to check out the rest of her shop!