Thursday, February 28, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Celtic Goddess Jewelry

I really love what Andee Harston, of Celtic Goddess Jewelry has to say about indie artists on her blog site:
"Indie reviews by Celtic Goddess
I love independent artists and crafters. There is a unique energy that comes with every handmade product. We get a rare chance to connect with the maker of a purchased item. We know hands touched it and someone infused it with love. What are you waiting for? BUY INDIE"

She has owned her business for almost 7 years, and has been selling on etsy for 2.

"Necklace- Dragonfly sterling and red garnet, crystal and glass bead necklace" is completely handmade by Andee, including the sterling wire and bead dragonfly. She utilizes swarovski crystal, garnet, and glass to bring out the true beauty that is in every dragonfly.
"Bracelet - Sushi california roll jewelry - sterling silver" is such a cute item for that sushi-lover in your life.
"Earrings - Fluer de lis cherry amber sterling silver jewelry - east" are so beautiful, made from cherry amber and sterling fluer de lis.

Celtic Goddess Jewelry etsy shop
Celtic Goddess Jewelry blog

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - DAMdesigns

Danelle, from Bay Area, California, has a LOT of different items made from her original designs. You can find: original works, prints, photography, posters, notebooks, pendants and earrings, bookmarks and gift tags, as well as ACEOs and some 3D artwork. Her work is very unique and modern, most with bold colors and strong lines.


"Signed 8x10 Professional Quality Print", resembles a glass butterfly, with its stained-glass wings, and shaded body. Very pretty.
"5 Large Gift Tags from Real Art Print" is made by hand-cutting a print of one of Danelle's original pieces of art. I just love this idea!!
"Unique Earrings. Originally Drawn Piece of Wearable Art." Danelle draws her designs directly onto these discs and coats them for protection and shine. She also has pendants and keychains done in this fashion available.
Here is a necklace and earring set from JoAnnJewelry that was made using some of Danelle's art pieces.

DAMdesigns etsy shop

DAMdesigns blog (where I listened to her "Pretty Piano" playlist the entire time I wrote this blog - nice)

DAMdesigns myspace

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - QuirkynBerkeley

"Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley. Love Etsy." This is the first line of QuirkynBerkeley's bio on etsy. Pretty much says it all, I think. And with what she does with paper, I think I'm falling for it too!

"Fan the flames" with "delicately detailed Asian-themed fans and chrysanthemums laid out on a golden background, matted on complementary chocolate cardstock." Very elegant! You can find the perfect card for just about any occasion.
"Little Easter boxes" would make a perfect jelly-bean box at 2.25"x2.25". Or perhaps a ring for your little girl and a cool polished rock for your little guy? Let your imagination guide you for filling these cute boxes. Check out the other sets too!
"Flowers and plaid teeny tiny envelopes (set of 32)" are perfect for leaving little love notes around the house or car for your loved ones to find. They measure a tiny 1.25"x1.25" and each comes with an accordian-folded piece of white cardstock to write your tiny note on. Have fun with these! There are several different sets in other colors and patterns as well.

Visit QuirkynBerkeley at etsy to see all her beautiful paper offerings. Her bio is also very interesting.
To learn a bit more about her, visit her blog.
To drool over a very large selection of her eye-candy in the form of her paper art, run (or click very fast) over to her picture-trail albums. SO awesome!

Etsy Featured Artist - gilbea

Luxurious silk! AND on top of its already natural beauty, gilbea (sorry, I couldn't find her actual name...) adds to its richness by painting it in oh-so-lovely colors and patterns. So rich, so warm, so luxurious!
Gilbea is from Spain and used to be a watercolor painter. A few years ago, she discovered silk painting and became hooked.

"Silk Hand painted Scarf - Red and Grey Leaf and Flower Design" is SO beautiful and vibrant. I want this one! :)
One of a kind, this shirt is eye-catching with its unique hand-painted silk piece sewn on. The artist states that each shirt she makes has a one-of-a-kind painting.
"Silk and leather necklace" is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece of silk attached to a piece of leather and strung on a cord for a fun, unique necklace. So pretty!

Visit Gilbea's etsy shop for more beautiful silk art pieces.
To see what she's up to, and what's new and upcoming in her shop, visit her blog.
Her web page also has items that are promotional items and custom work, that you won't see in her shop.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Citrus Tree Designs

Citrus Tree Designs wide and varied prints, cards, and photomontages guarantee that there is something for everyone. (There really isn't a guarantee, but you know what I mean...) AND if you see something in one format, but would really like it in another, there's a good chance you can get it that way. Just covo her and ask.


"TIME TO MOVE - Original Photomontage Fine Art Print" is a unique and surreal print of a photomontage. Very cool.
"Just Play - Original Fine Art Photography Print LARGE" kinda makes you wish you were there watching the game. Cute and colorful!

"FRIENDS - Original Illustration Greeting Card w Quote from Henry David Thoreau " is sure to be a hit for your best bud, bonus points if they're a dog-lover too. Quote by Henry David Thoreau shown below.To see more of Citrus Tree Designs unique cards, prints and photomontages, go to her etsy shop.

Go here, to view her blog.

Etsy Featured Artist - mycatlulu

mycatlulu has wonderful gocco cards and accessories. I only discovered gocco recently (through etsy, of course). It is screen-printing, done with a small, tabletop set-up. The designs are not only unique, because you use your own drawings and designs, but, as Becca says, "all of the items will not look the same in terms of ink spread, that is what makes them unique, lovely and handmade." She also has some items printed with hand-carved rubber stamps.
"Lucky in Love Gocco Notecard" with its horseshoes forming a heart-shape, is a great way to tell your love how lucky you are to have them. Comes with a matching burgundy envelope.
"Custom Gocco Silk Screened Note Cards Stationary, Perfect for thank yous" the description says it all. Becca will customize it with your name(s) or sentiment. She designed this for her own wedding thank yous.

"Rock On Hot Pink 1 inch Button Pin" to attach to your bag, jacket, or special "button hat". For the serious rocker!

mycatlulu can be found at etsy, and Becca's blog at blogspot.

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Elektra Jewelry Design

Dina Cuomo, from Golden Bridges, New York, fell in love with 18kt and 24kt gold on a trip she took to Greece when she was 15. Her favorite materials to work with are gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver,semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads. She has also begun to use lampwork beads and Venetian Murano glass, which is becoming favorite materials for her. Her use of high-quality materials results in a high-quality product, no two of which are alike.

"Temple of the Stars Necklace Set" is made with top grade genuine labradorite stones, swarovski crystals and a beautiful sterling silver clasp.
"Lovely Lariat" is a fun and fashionable piece that, because of its length of 43", can be worn a myriad of ways. Made from fire polished czech beads that sparkle like black diamonds, tiny pale pink and lavender crystal beads and vintage swarovski. Two gorgeous swarovski crystal fuschia leaves hang from the ends. Lovely indeed!
"Amethystus" is the greek word that amethyst comes from, and it means "not intoxicated" because of the belief that this semi-precious stone would keep you safe from the intoxicating effects of alcohol. I'm not so sure it really works, but one glance at this stunning bracelet may have an intoxicating effect on you with its sheer beauty. Made with faceted amethyst beads and vintage glass, finished with a sterling toggle.

You may click on a picture to bring you directly to that item in Dina's etsy shop, or here to go to her "store front".
She also has a blog you can go to to read more about Elektra Jewelry Designs.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Backwoods Creations

Maryann Anderson, from the backwoods of Maine, opened her etsy shop, Backwoods Creations, in December of 2006. She has had much success in selling her folk art fabric animals. She also loves to do custom work, so if you have a pet that you would like to have "immortalized" as a fabric creation. Convo Maryann for the details.

"Rose Cuff Bracelet or Anklet Fabric Embellished Adornment for the Wrist" is made from two layers of cotton, embellished with embroidery. The roses are made from a silk/rayon mix. Very cute and comfortable-looking. Also good for those with metal allergies, like the artist herself.
"Celia Tabby Cat Fabric Sculpture Feral Feline EFA" is a fabric folk art cat. She is approximately 7.5" high and 14" long, made of handpainted muslin over a wire support. The EFA means that 10% of her "adoption fee" goes to Etsy For Animals and will be donated to an animal charity of the month.
"Rose Breasted Sparrow Fabric Sculpture OOAK" made of cotton over a wire support and filled with polyester fiberfill.

Go to Maryann's etsy shop for more fun creations.
Maryann also keeps a blog, which you can find here.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Personal Treasures

Personal Treasures' etsy shop owner, Phyllis Mufson, is not only a jewelry artisan, but also a "creative career and small business coach". Learn to succeed in your business by one who is a success in hers. Phyllis has a website wholly devoted to her business coaching and consultation practice.
Her jewelry-making is designed with quality and performance in mind. She says, "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."
Her use of quality materials, such as vermeil, sterling silver, semi-precious gemstones, pearls, and more, ensures a high-quality piece of artisan jewelry.
"Turquoise and Coral Charming Necklace" features charms fashioned from turquoise, red coral, and vermeil, hanging from a gold-filled chain. Gorgeous!
"Sparkling Garnet Bracelet" has a "timeless, elegant" look.
"Art Nouveau Style Amethyst Earrings" made with fine gem quality Amethyst briolettes, and vermeil chandelier earring posts, are sure to draw attention.

Phyllis' Personal Treasures etsy shop can be found here.
Her blog, here.
And another of her etsy shops, Mufi Jewels, with more quality goodness, can be found here.

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Mooretaste

Toni Moore lives in Australia with her husband and two small children. She enjoys creating beautiful jewelry from silver, copper, gemstones, crystal and more. Take a look at a few of my favorites from her etsy shop.

" Floral Copper and Blue Resin Pendant" is made by cutting sheet copper into shape, cutting out the design, soldering an edge around it to hold a resin in back so it shows through the cut-out design. Very pretty.
Each link in "Handcrafted Sterling Silver Bracelet" is handmade using sterling silver, which is shaped and hammered. Toni liked this one so much she made another for herself. I don't blame her, it's really nice!
"Itsy Bitsy Domed Earrings" are a pair of hammered sterling earrings. I just LOVE the look of hammered metals!

For more of Toni's work, visit her etsy shop.
To learn more about Toni, and to read her Featured Artist blogs, go here.

Friday, February 15, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Elements by Dawn

Dawn, who is a full-time student, wife, and mother of two boys, actually also finds time to fashion beautiful jewelry. She does incredible metalworking and chainmaille. She uses quality material, such as Argentium silver, which she explains in her shop.

"Fine Silver and Tourmalated Quartz Necklace" has a beautiful hammered fine silver (more silver content than sterling) disk, and quartz and onyx gemstone beads.
"Argentium Silver Chainmaille Bracelet" "was created by weaving 337 handmade links into a graceful Japanese Chain Maille pattern." Gorgeous! "14kt. Goldfilled Marquise Earrings with Argentium Silver Detail" "Three Hammered Marquise-shaped Leaves are suspended from hand formed Gold filled ear wires. The ear wires have been meticulously filed smooth for comfort and lightly hammered to add strength and durability and feature a tiny Argentium™ Sterling Silver bead detail." A work of art!

To go directly to an item featured here, click on its picture.
To go to Dawn's etsy shop and see more beautiful, handcrafted jewelry, go here.
To read Dawn's blog, go here.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Elle Belle

Elle Belle is a group of five women who have collaborated in making a shop full of quality baby items. They are moms who came up with ideas when they wanted baby items that were different and better than what they were finding in stores. They started making their own things and figured that maybe others would like what they came up with. I sure wish they'd been around when my kids were born, almost 20 years ago. A lot of thought has gone into making these items.

"Retro Floral Ring Sling" is a great way to carry your baby or toddler, up to 35 lbs. It keeps baby close to your heart, and helps with bonding, which is so important in those first years.
"Personalized Crinkle Corner Satin and Fleece Tag Blanket" is a fun way to keep those busy hands and minds occupied.
"Personalized Bath and Beach Towel" is so much nicer than those teeny hooded towels you find in the stores. How I wish I'd had some of these for my babies. They actually have enough thick towel to cover the baby. And, you can have it personalized with baby's name.

Click on the picture to bring you directly to that item's listing.
If you would like to see more items they make, and there are all sorts of different things, go to their etsy shop.
Go to their blog, here.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Wyred on Wire

The first thing you see in Alicia's Wyred on Wire etsy shop announcement is, "Are you ready to get noticed?". That is exactly what will happen when you wear one of her wired art jewelry pieces!
As most of us do, she remembers the moment when she fell in love with making jewelry. She was 8 years old, and received a jewelry kit from her grandparents. The materials she uses has graduated from plastic cord and pony beads, to semi-precious gems, crystal, sterling, and more.

"My Krazy kaotic life " is hand-wrapped sterling wire and quartz beads. I wish my chaos looked as lovely. :)
"Turqouise Cha Cha Bracelet" is made with turquoise and hematite beads and nuggets, wrapped with sterling, and attached to a handcrafted sterling silver chain.
"Pretty Purple Petals" earrings are made with Swarovski crystal for a very noticeable sparkle!

For more jewelry to drool over, go to Alicia's etsy shop, Wyred on Wire.
To learn more about Alicia, and her friends and aquaintances in the art and etsy world, see her blog.

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Mineral Magic/ Mineral Makeup

Mineral Magic and Mineral Makeup are now two separate shops. Mineral Magic is now the shop of Timmy, Kelli's autistic son. He makes some pretty neat items. Mom, Kelli, who owns Mineral Makeup, uses only the purest ingredients for her make-up. She says, "I make all of my makeup. I buy the individual micronized minerals and use my own recipes. I do not stand on a mountain with a jackhammer and drill for my own! :D These are already pre-crushed. :)"

"SUPER SALE - 25 Jars of Color - What U See IS What U Get - With 3 PROFESSIONAL Synthetic Brushes, Brow Groomer And Makeup Case".

"3 Gram Jar Of Mineral Makeup Plus Trendy Cosmetic Mirror - Great For Teens And Tweens - Choose Ethnicity". Her titles say it all!

"Soap On A Rope Sundae Scented Made By Timmy" is one of the many offerings in Timmy's shop, Mineral Magic.

For beautiful, healthy make-up, go to Mineral Makeup.

For Timmy's soaps, Smelly Jelly, and other cool items, go to Mineral Magic.

Mineral Makeup blog.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Etsy Featured Artist - Deabusamor

Deabusamor's "Funky polymer clay jewelry, photography and art!" is what she says. Funky, and cool. (Yeah, I'm old, I say cool.)

"Winter Solace" shows that sometimes there IS beauty in darkness. This listing is for an 8x10 print, but the artist will discuss other options for sizes if you convo her.
"Ocean in Sleep -- Polymer clay Pendant" is a very organic-looking pendant made of stamped polymer clay, various glitter powders, acrylic paint for accents and is coated in clear varnish.
"Purple Tako Heart Sugar -- OOAK Polymer clay pendant" is a wild, and alien heart. I can't believe the things people can do with polymer clay. This one's really cool.

To see more,and to find out what Deabusamor means, go to Deabusamor.
To see what the artist is up to inside and out of etsy, go to her blog.

Etsy Featured Artist - myfairladyvt4

myfairladyvt4 is an etsy shop run by Ann Burke, of South Burlington, Vermont. She is a stay-at-home mom (Yay!) of two kids, married, and has two cats and a toy poodle.Most of her items are beadwoven bracelets, made by stitching tiny seed beads together, usually one bead at a time. She makes some very lovely pieces, which are mostly OOAK - One Of A Kind, so the piece you buy from her will be unique.

"Rutilated Quartz and Smokey Quartz Necklace, Bracelet and Earring Set" with its neutral colors will go with just about anything.
"Antique Rose Bracelet" is a beautiful cuff using a few beadweaving techniques. Very feminine with the rose, centered with a Swarovski crystal.
"Kyanite Dangle Earrings" made with sterling chain and earwires, and kyanite gemstones, will spruce up any outfit.

You can find Ann's etsy shop here.

She also has a blog, here.