5/20/2010
My first "creative" custom order...
i really like getting custom orders, but it is so rare that you get a customer who gives you free rein with the design choices. i will say that she was patient and bought little things from me at first...then convoed me about adjusting a bracelet to fit her... than more small purchases...and finally this >>> a fantasy, bridal necklace for her winter wedding...how "cool" is that! hope she likes it...i just shipped it out today!
5/16/2010
Chana Bean... mysterious & pinch of surreal
I'm quite sure she is better know in her country of Japan... BUT here, i hope her name will become more familiar to us all...NATSUO IKEGAMI
I saw her artwork shown in a group presentation of the Etsy Japan Team and I was awestruck ever since. it reminded me of something...
when i was a young girl my father subscribed to the "New Yorker"magazine...not sure why, since he couldn't speak or read english (or so he said)...tho I suspect he knew some, being the "intellectual" that he was. I use to like the little cartoon-like illustrations that had no captions... they seemed to have a "secret" joke or view that was meant to be mulled over in my head that always "filled me"... with the "secret" answer, or a controversial view, or a confusion of thoughts & ideas I hadn't contemplated before.
As she says in her profile, her art work is mysterious, inspired by experiences in daily life & contains a hint of surrealism. Her Etsy shop is beautiful BUT if you want to spend some inspiring time looking at a chronological journey thru her world, go to: http://www.little-planet.org
here you will see the more professional artist... resume, galleries, past & present shows and, more importantly, see the progression of her drawings & paintings.
More sites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/natsuo & http://www.japanfocusetsy.blogspot.com
I saw her artwork shown in a group presentation of the Etsy Japan Team and I was awestruck ever since. it reminded me of something...
when i was a young girl my father subscribed to the "New Yorker"magazine...not sure why, since he couldn't speak or read english (or so he said)...tho I suspect he knew some, being the "intellectual" that he was. I use to like the little cartoon-like illustrations that had no captions... they seemed to have a "secret" joke or view that was meant to be mulled over in my head that always "filled me"... with the "secret" answer, or a controversial view, or a confusion of thoughts & ideas I hadn't contemplated before.
As she says in her profile, her art work is mysterious, inspired by experiences in daily life & contains a hint of surrealism. Her Etsy shop is beautiful BUT if you want to spend some inspiring time looking at a chronological journey thru her world, go to: http://www.little-planet.org
here you will see the more professional artist... resume, galleries, past & present shows and, more importantly, see the progression of her drawings & paintings.
More sites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/natsuo & http://www.japanfocusetsy.blogspot.com
Wilde Designs...art, crafts, designs & geekiness
Wilde Moon or Wilde Designs... one in the same, or maybe a prophecy of more things to come??
Wilde has been interested in crafting & jewelry since she was a little girl...now she's all grown up & is a graphic designer, sharing her work & joy thru the internet & her Etsy shop.
Here are just some of her other links you might be interested in:
http://tackyfab.etsy.com
http://powerups.etsy.com
http://wildedesigns.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/wildemoon
http://www.facebook.com/wildedesigns
http://www.biteyourtongue.net/daydream/buystuff.html
what drew me to Wilde Moon's site was her hystrical "CSI-like" depiction of the Barbie Murders...which i wish i could have included more pics of...BUT what can you do with a 30 second FREE video :D
Wilde has been interested in crafting & jewelry since she was a little girl...now she's all grown up & is a graphic designer, sharing her work & joy thru the internet & her Etsy shop.
Here are just some of her other links you might be interested in:
http://tackyfab.etsy.com
http://powerups.etsy.com
http://wildedesigns.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/wildemoon
http://www.facebook.com/wildedesigns
http://www.biteyourtongue.net/daydream/buystuff.html
what drew me to Wilde Moon's site was her hystrical "CSI-like" depiction of the Barbie Murders...which i wish i could have included more pics of...BUT what can you do with a 30 second FREE video :D
5/09/2010
Balanced...handmade beaded jewellery from Dublin, Ireland
Rachel created a handmade jewellery shop inspired by nature, women, and her surroundings....and what more inspirational ancient land than Ireland. She is originally from Northern California, and found her "road less traveled" with her husband & baby, ginger cat :D
Please checkout her Etsy shop, her website/blog, and her other venue (in Australia), Robin Street Market.
ATTENTION TO ALL READERS:
Between May 10th-16th, Rachel will offer 20% off anything in her Etsy shop (excluding shipping)....just use the code "streetnoodles" at checkout.
Please checkout her Etsy shop, her website/blog, and her other venue (in Australia), Robin Street Market.
ATTENTION TO ALL READERS:
Between May 10th-16th, Rachel will offer 20% off anything in her Etsy shop (excluding shipping)....just use the code "streetnoodles" at checkout.
Mother's Day Thought...
As I look back and remember the most important woman in my life…my mom, I’m shocked to see that I share more general characteristics with my dad when I was younger…artistic, moody, and wearing my “angst” on my sleeve at all times.
As I’ve grown & lived in the “real world”, my life seems steered by my maternal side….the planner, the worrier, the “what-will-people-think-of-me” person. Afraid to follow my dreams because that would be selfish, or too afraid to fail, or even too afraid to try.
Now finally my turn, though a bit late, finding the “Age of ME”. Finding out that the classic “break-up” line…”if you love her set her free” really is a east-meets- west philosophy of “letting go” of everything & having the faith that everything will come back to you stronger.
I still feel my mom’s presence in our family home…still at times hear her footsteps going down the hall checking in all the bedrooms making sure we’re all alright. I hope she made time to find herself.
As I’ve grown & lived in the “real world”, my life seems steered by my maternal side….the planner, the worrier, the “what-will-people-think-of-me” person. Afraid to follow my dreams because that would be selfish, or too afraid to fail, or even too afraid to try.
Now finally my turn, though a bit late, finding the “Age of ME”. Finding out that the classic “break-up” line…”if you love her set her free” really is a east-meets- west philosophy of “letting go” of everything & having the faith that everything will come back to you stronger.
I still feel my mom’s presence in our family home…still at times hear her footsteps going down the hall checking in all the bedrooms making sure we’re all alright. I hope she made time to find herself.
Crist Pottery...handbuilt pottery
The styling of Beverly Crist's handbuilt ceramic pottery has been a long time in the making. Always making art since early childhood, she got her B.A. & B.F.A. degrees from Florida universities and wherever she lived she always had a ceramic studio practice...in Florida, Texas, California & Germany.
She's been published in numerous ceramic/art books & magazines, as well as, had commissioned art work in Florida & California.
Not letting the moss grow under her feet, she also has been active in professional guilds & associations as an exhibiting member, instructor & board member.
Her work has been on display in several TV shows as well as a guest segment for HGTV's "That's Clever".
A couple of future gigs for Beverly is an impressive entry in a published ceramic/art book coming out in the Fall... "500 Vases". She'll also be in the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival, July 10th & 11th in Palo Alto. Come up and support her there & at her etsy shop.
She's been published in numerous ceramic/art books & magazines, as well as, had commissioned art work in Florida & California.
Not letting the moss grow under her feet, she also has been active in professional guilds & associations as an exhibiting member, instructor & board member.
Her work has been on display in several TV shows as well as a guest segment for HGTV's "That's Clever".
A couple of future gigs for Beverly is an impressive entry in a published ceramic/art book coming out in the Fall... "500 Vases". She'll also be in the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival, July 10th & 11th in Palo Alto. Come up and support her there & at her etsy shop.
5/01/2010
Leeya Engel...uniquely handcrafted jewelry
I saw Leeya in the Etsy forum, talking about her blog, asking others to join in on sharing their own on the "thread". I was so impressed with her Etsy shop and blogsite, that I immediately asked her if I could do this entry on her & her shop (see slide show above).
Leeya has been creative for a very long time...let's just say that crayons were involved :D ... and as soon as the concept of money crept into her life she spent all her "birthday money" at the bead shop.
She grew up in Manhattan and 5 years ago moved to Israel. Recently completed her B.Sc. in Physics and now lives with her husband in sunny city of Modi'in, Israel; pursuing her Masters in Materials Science & Nanotechnology.
Her life has truly been math/ science juxtaposed with crafts/ visual arts... creating a wonderful dynamic.
* member of the Etsy IsraelTeam
* http://leeyaengel.blogspot.com
* http://twitter.com/LeeyaEngel
* jewelry created in Pet Free & Smoke Free environment
Leeya has been creative for a very long time...let's just say that crayons were involved :D ... and as soon as the concept of money crept into her life she spent all her "birthday money" at the bead shop.
She grew up in Manhattan and 5 years ago moved to Israel. Recently completed her B.Sc. in Physics and now lives with her husband in sunny city of Modi'in, Israel; pursuing her Masters in Materials Science & Nanotechnology.
Her life has truly been math/ science juxtaposed with crafts/ visual arts... creating a wonderful dynamic.
* member of the Etsy IsraelTeam
* http://leeyaengel.blogspot.com
* http://twitter.com/LeeyaEngel
* jewelry created in Pet Free & Smoke Free environment
HELP! ...I Need Inspiration! ... (a contest?)
Have you ever just hit a wall ... losing all sense of creativity... getting a little depressed everyday that you can't express yourself with writing in your blog, your journal, going to your studio area and getting lost in your projects.
If you noticed I did a hell of a lot of slide videos for other people recently...animoto.com must have gotten pissed I took advantage of their "FREE" video setups :( ...BUT I was very happy to help promote others especially when I hadn't created anything in weeks.
But I feel the juices flowing again (slowly, but surely)... and I want to nurture it BUT I need your help.....I also want to keep promoting other artists, as well as having inspirational entries to help my readers...SO I PROPOSE AN ON-GOING CONTEST...
Open to anyone visiting or following my blog... IF you have any favorite websites, blogs, pictures (your pics, with permission to use them), movie critiques, your own writings, favorite TV show, recent art show you've been to, a group you belong to (book club, girl's lunch out)....ANYTHING & EVERYTHING that YOU find inspirational in someway.
Please write a brief proposal for your inspiration.... with a way to contact you...I'll contact you for more details...and IF your "inspiration" is choosen, I'll send you a free jewelry gift from my studio...and place it in my blog with full credit to you. This I feel should be an on-going contest... to give everyone time to think of things that really inspire you in small & big ways.
4/23/2010
Robert Seitz...artisan jewelry at it's best
When I first approached Robert for permission to write this entry about him & his shop, I mentioned that I thought he should be a "rockstar". I was surprised his shop wasn't "sold out".
Robert grew up in East L.A., but left it as a youngster to travel the country...after 10 years, he returned home to share what he learned about living a good & creative life. He brings culture, handmade skills & traditions, and variety to his life and others around him.
Currently Robert has a website under construction, BUT there are some lovely additional pictures of his work in the "gallery" section, as well as the selections from his Etsy site.
Robert grew up in East L.A., but left it as a youngster to travel the country...after 10 years, he returned home to share what he learned about living a good & creative life. He brings culture, handmade skills & traditions, and variety to his life and others around him.
Currently Robert has a website under construction, BUT there are some lovely additional pictures of his work in the "gallery" section, as well as the selections from his Etsy site.
4/20/2010
Zazu Faure/Los Angeles ...handcrafted animals from recycled materials
Zazu's motto is summed up in one word..."repurpose". Using all the little scraps she hoards away, she's inspired by nature, architecture, fashion design, fine arts & misshapened vegetables :D
She uses her scraps like a sculptor uses clay. She sees her job to strip down to "essential" forms & employ minimal moves to convey a creatures characteristics with simple sculptural forms & clean lines, so evident in her Etsy shop.
Zazu is a LA based building designer focusing on residential remodels...as she explains, practicing architecture with a lower case "a".
More creatures can be seen on her Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157623898662762/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755463097/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755258839/
Please mark your calendars for (2) upcoming shows:
May 15th (LA area), 9am-5pm... Red Rabbit Spring Arts & Crafts Market,
Glendale Civic Auditorium
May 22-23 (Bay Area)... (showing & teaching a class as part of Etsy Plush Team)
Maker Faire at the San Mateo County Event Center
Also sells locally in Sierra Madre at the artist's co-op, Belles Nest
She uses her scraps like a sculptor uses clay. She sees her job to strip down to "essential" forms & employ minimal moves to convey a creatures characteristics with simple sculptural forms & clean lines, so evident in her Etsy shop.
Zazu is a LA based building designer focusing on residential remodels...as she explains, practicing architecture with a lower case "a".
More creatures can be seen on her Flickr site:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157623898662762/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755463097/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755258839/
Please mark your calendars for (2) upcoming shows:
May 15th (LA area), 9am-5pm... Red Rabbit Spring Arts & Crafts Market,
Glendale Civic Auditorium
May 22-23 (Bay Area)... (showing & teaching a class as part of Etsy Plush Team)
Maker Faire at the San Mateo County Event Center
Also sells locally in Sierra Madre at the artist's co-op, Belles Nest
4/19/2010
A needed follow-up on Krista Raak's earlier article...
I had tried for days to contact Krista via email, BUT after a few days of my mail returned to me, I thought I would never reach her so I used her website for information and was able to gather (2) pics of her work from a public access source...both of which i remember to be older works.
Today, I received an email out of the blue from her, giving me permission to use some current works (see video above), some more links where you can enrich your senses viewing her many talents as; embroidered jewelry & accessory artist, digital artist, and art doll creator. She has hinted that the on-line work may slow-down just a bit to allow her more time to discover the world of art dolls & couture fashion.
If that wasn't enough, she has a wonderful blog, though she confesses she doesn't have as much time as she wishes to make regular entries.... still check it out. It is filled with inspirations & rich examples of her works to come....I CAN'T WAIT!
Today, I received an email out of the blue from her, giving me permission to use some current works (see video above), some more links where you can enrich your senses viewing her many talents as; embroidered jewelry & accessory artist, digital artist, and art doll creator. She has hinted that the on-line work may slow-down just a bit to allow her more time to discover the world of art dolls & couture fashion.
If that wasn't enough, she has a wonderful blog, though she confesses she doesn't have as much time as she wishes to make regular entries.... still check it out. It is filled with inspirations & rich examples of her works to come....I CAN'T WAIT!
4/18/2010
Queen Size Bed vs. Cal King Size
Lately my husband , John, has had a "metro-sexual" bug up his ass... wanting to paint every room in our house, starting with our bedroom. So for the past 10 day's & counting, we've been sleeping in the guestroom which has the queen mattress we first did the "evil deed" when we first met in 1999.
So this experience has started a mental checklist in my mind of the "pros & cons" of queen size vs. cal-king:
(pro) the queen seems firmer & more comfortable.
(pro) the king is a sleep number bed so i can adjust it firmer.
(pro) the queen bedding is so soft & fluffy & warm.
(con) the king bedspread smells slightly of kitty pee...a gift from 'stella'.
(pro) the queen only allows space for one cat to sleep with us.
(con) the king allows for all the cats to sleep with us BUT the terriory fight in the morning is scary.
(pro) for some reason, john doesn't steal the queen size blankets.
.......BUT when all is added up, (2) basic 'truths' come out:
(1) though the queen size was more than ample when John & I were flexible, lean, & world-class acrobatic practictioners, the queen was sorely lacking space for us now.
(2) my sleep number has grown from 35 to 60 in 11 years.... in 10 years, i'll be buying our bed from "Posture Pedic Cement" bed company.
So this experience has started a mental checklist in my mind of the "pros & cons" of queen size vs. cal-king:
(pro) the queen seems firmer & more comfortable.
(pro) the king is a sleep number bed so i can adjust it firmer.
(pro) the queen bedding is so soft & fluffy & warm.
(con) the king bedspread smells slightly of kitty pee...a gift from 'stella'.
(pro) the queen only allows space for one cat to sleep with us.
(con) the king allows for all the cats to sleep with us BUT the terriory fight in the morning is scary.
(pro) for some reason, john doesn't steal the queen size blankets.
.......BUT when all is added up, (2) basic 'truths' come out:
(1) though the queen size was more than ample when John & I were flexible, lean, & world-class acrobatic practictioners, the queen was sorely lacking space for us now.
(2) my sleep number has grown from 35 to 60 in 11 years.... in 10 years, i'll be buying our bed from "Posture Pedic Cement" bed company.
Krista Raak, one of my favorite websites...
I first discovered Krista's website about 3 or 4 years ago, through a wonderful entry in 'Modish' blog. Back then she was making mainly bags & clutches, decorative cuffs & brooches. She's now added more to her repetoire.
In 2001, she began her journey by embellishing handbags for the most practical reason...she couldn't find one that was suitable for HER eveningwear. After that she started to make these bags for her friends as gifts.
As a former jeweler, she was intrigued by an idea to make jewelry out of scraps of brocades, silks, lace & beadwork. Combining her love of hunting in antique stores & secondhand boutiques, she collects vintage pieces of fabrics, laces, ribbons & buttons...washing them, cutting them into pieces and sorting by color & materials.
She uses her skills in ribbon embroidery & millinery techniques combined with hand embroidery & beading. The connecting thread is literally a reverence to the past eras...Baroque, Victorian, & Art Nouveau . It is not uncommon for Krista to study pictures or old movies where elaborate vintage gowns & accessories are shown with fantastic fantasy flora. Please feed your eyes with her website... and leave wanting MORE.
4/16/2010
From the window of Miriam Dema's studio...
All of Miriam's work is handmade or screen printed in limited editions at her studio in the mountains of Los Angeles. As she says, "I read lots of old books and magazines while I breath the musty smell deeply and sneeze."
She's not limited by color or imagination...as she straddles between a retro post-war styling & our modern world, to present strong visual & current subjects more poignantly.
Check out her Etsy shop for extraordinary buys, her blog site for her brand new things & frequent musings, and her website that shows her earlier work.
Please mark this on your calendars... Miriam will be participating in THIS WEEKEND's Spring Brewery Artwalk... a free weekend of open artist studios at the world's largest art colony located in downtown L.A. , the BREWERY ARTS COLONY.
Open 11am- 6pm, Sat.- Sun. April 17th - April 18th, 2010
2100 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Ph# (323) 223-6089
email: info@breweryartwalk.com
website: http://www.breweryartwalk.com
She's not limited by color or imagination...as she straddles between a retro post-war styling & our modern world, to present strong visual & current subjects more poignantly.
Check out her Etsy shop for extraordinary buys, her blog site for her brand new things & frequent musings, and her website that shows her earlier work.
Please mark this on your calendars... Miriam will be participating in THIS WEEKEND's Spring Brewery Artwalk... a free weekend of open artist studios at the world's largest art colony located in downtown L.A. , the BREWERY ARTS COLONY.
Open 11am- 6pm, Sat.- Sun. April 17th - April 18th, 2010
2100 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Ph# (323) 223-6089
email: info@breweryartwalk.com
website: http://www.breweryartwalk.com
4/13/2010
Unmasked at Etsy.com...a remarkable artist & shop
Peggy is a remarkable artist as her work speaks for itself. She has (2) online shops; one at Etsy & the other at 1000Markets, where you can buy her ooak ceramic mask wall hangings as well as smaller proto-types which originally are used to work out the logistics for larger works, but with forthought become pendants & wall hangings.
If you dare to expose your child-like wonder with your mouth gapping open at every piece you are exposed to, you should view her website & blog site to get a more spiritual sense of the woman behind the mask.
Peggy has also been published in the collector's section of "American Style" magazine... i was impressed, i can't even afford a subscription :D
If you dare to expose your child-like wonder with your mouth gapping open at every piece you are exposed to, you should view her website & blog site to get a more spiritual sense of the woman behind the mask.
Peggy has also been published in the collector's section of "American Style" magazine... i was impressed, i can't even afford a subscription :D
OMG! Mother's Day is just around the corner!
If you are like me, you owe so much to your Mom... she was the first one i turned to for advice...okay, okay maybe the 2nd or third, especially on advice about sex or boys in general...BUT after my peers told fairy tale stories of where babies came from, i always knew my Mom would tell me the truth (& maybe a little lecture with it).
She was also the one who I totally dumped my adolescent angst on and she still loved me!
She deserves so much more, BUT we can start with a hug & a kiss and a day long celebration of a life well lived & maybe something well thought out about to commemorate your love.
Go to CCC (California crafter's club) of 1000Markets.com ...and view the fabulous Mother's Day Gift ideas the market has come up with.
Exceptional Handmade Bags by Vicky Riley
With special ocassions just around the corner... from weddings, proms, formal events, and those well deserved romantic dinners out with someone very special...those oversized purses or ackward clutches just won't cut it.
Vicky's classic evening bags are exquisitely made and are the perfect accessory to a lovely dress or gown that needs just the right compliment.
Visit Vicky's Etsy site to shop on line and also her blog for inspiration & her inspirations behind her work.
Vicky's classic evening bags are exquisitely made and are the perfect accessory to a lovely dress or gown that needs just the right compliment.
Visit Vicky's Etsy site to shop on line and also her blog for inspiration & her inspirations behind her work.
4/12/2010
Announcing the winner of the "SUPER_DUPER GIVEAWAY"...
Due to some technical difficulties, there will be some changes to the final giveaway.... you see it was raining "cats & dogs" (in California...i know that in itself is weird)....BUT i got a graving for Chinese food...dim sum to be exact and when i reached into the hat to pick out the winner....i did grab a definitive winner, BUT i also had (2) other names stuck to my fingers...lesson learned ...always wash & dry hands thoroughly before picking names from a hat :D
The definitive winner is "Annie"... remember you have 24hrs to email me back with your identity & mailing address. If no contact is made you forfeit your prizes to one of the other 2 runner-ups... "Lu" & "Irene".
Now the winner will receive the giveaway prizes as well as the "super-size" extras randomly choosen from my studio..... the "sticky finger" selectees (Lu & Irene) will receive a consolation prize selected from my studio.
So Annie, Lu & Irene...email me at: ellen@ellenikemotodesign.com with your mailing info within 24hrs.
4/05/2010
My first this year...SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY!!
We are excited to announce our super-sized, "SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY" which starts, April 5th, Monday (day after Easter) and ends April 12th, Monday, 6:00pm PST.
Anita from Monkeyminddesign09 at Etsy has generously donated a set of her handmade cards…and along with her “giveaway” gift, I’m adding my own necklace to sweeten up the pot for our “Super-Duper Giveaway” winner….BUT WAIT…there are twists & turns to this giveaway… MORE ways to enter and INCREASE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN…and with “Spring Cleaning” on the brain, more additional items to win as well.
So here are the Rules:
Anita from Monkeyminddesign09 at Etsy has generously donated a set of her handmade cards…and along with her “giveaway” gift, I’m adding my own necklace to sweeten up the pot for our “Super-Duper Giveaway” winner….BUT WAIT…there are twists & turns to this giveaway… MORE ways to enter and INCREASE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN…and with “Spring Cleaning” on the brain, more additional items to win as well.
So here are the Rules:
please make sure to leave separate comment for each entry;
In your comment, please include contact info & whether you are a multi-entry participant...so i can reach you & know you're eligible for the "SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY".
Winner of this giveaway will be chosen April 12th, Monday, 6:00pm PST
Winner has 24 hrs. to answer my email OR new winner will be drawn.
Here's how to enter:
MANDATORY ENTRY: please visit anita’s shop, Monkeyminddesign09 AND my shop, Streetnoodles…choose (1) item from each of our shops and report back to this blog and tell us which (2)pieces you like.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
add Monkeyminddesign09 OR Streetnoodles as your “favorite” on Etsy (leave your Etsy user name)…will get (1) extra entry for EACH shop you favor.
Follow Monkeyminddesign09 OR Streetnoodles on Twitter…will get (1) extra entry for EACH shop you follow.
Tweet this giveaway (leave your tweet link)... will get (2) extra entries.
Follow my blog …will get (2) extra entries.
Post about this giveaway in your blog (leave link, worth 2 entries);
Purchase from Monkeyminddesign09 AND/OR Streetnoodles and let me know (5 entries).
Remember to leave your contacts in the “comments” area and leave separate comment for each entry.
***Now the Super-sizing of this giveaway***
The winner of this giveaway will be chosen on April 12th... if they made multiple entries, we will add an additional random item from my studio... so if you won, and in total, have 5 entries, you will receive not only the original set of cards from Monkeyminddesign09 & my necklace from Streetnoodles, but also (4) additional randomly selected items from my studio... which will be selected from handmade scarves and jewelry….my attempt at “spring cleaning” :D …so let’s get started …good luck to everyone!
p.s. for those followers of "made in canarias", if these rules sound a little familiar, it's because i think ave has the best blog for "giveaways"...amazingly organized and well thought out. so i mimicked to a certain extent some of her guidelines...please checkout her blogsite..
4/01/2010
Talented Etsian of unique paper expressions...
Anita of Monkeyminddesign09 is the creator of these wonderful handmade greeting cards, calendars & note cards.
She recently left the Ad world as an art director & graphic designer to get back to her "love"... designing & making things by hand. Though now based in Denver, Colorado, Anita is originally from Sante Fe, New Mexico which generously shared it's rich cultural heritage & artistic diversity. Along with it this rich inspiration & of the Etsy handmade community, she has developed her own creative style.
Check her out on Facebook & Twitter too.
She recently left the Ad world as an art director & graphic designer to get back to her "love"... designing & making things by hand. Though now based in Denver, Colorado, Anita is originally from Sante Fe, New Mexico which generously shared it's rich cultural heritage & artistic diversity. Along with it this rich inspiration & of the Etsy handmade community, she has developed her own creative style.
Check her out on Facebook & Twitter too.
3/31/2010
Frankideas...a colorful & talented etsian from "down under"
Rowan, a New Zealander living in Australia for 20+ years now, started a collaboration with a friend fresh out of Interior Design studies and called themselves Frankideas which still sums up Rowan's shop ethos, "simple straightforward and a little off beat".
After 2 kids and life in general that came at Rowan & her friend...they adapted and plans changed to designing furniture...then to designing clothing...and now mainly jewellery.
Now all we have to do is enjoy the fruits of a well traveled life.
After 2 kids and life in general that came at Rowan & her friend...they adapted and plans changed to designing furniture...then to designing clothing...and now mainly jewellery.
Now all we have to do is enjoy the fruits of a well traveled life.
3/30/2010
Batty's Bath...bath & body products
Jamie is the Etsy shopkeeper...along with being a university student finishing her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in visual arts. She has a deep passion for star-gazing, tree-hugging, animal welfare (she has 3 rescued dogs), and a clearly defined Halloween obsession.
You can find her at her Etsy site and her blog , where she's sponsoring a "giveaway" right now!, check it out.
You can find her at her Etsy site and her blog , where she's sponsoring a "giveaway" right now!, check it out.
The Antonio Treatment.... I'm in "hot crush mode" !
If you are a HGTV fan, you must have been blown away when the "Design Star" contest came down to the last (2) designers standing...Antonio Ballatore & the handsome "smiley guy". The odds and past selections gave the "smiley guy" a big advantage BUT THANK GOD FOR THE JUDGES & HGTV for seeing the intrinsic value of this man named Antonio (a name to revere & easy to remember) with unconventional handsomeness & far less white teeth :D
An "original" who can combine function & style together beautifully... leaving NOT a "boutique hotel" looking living space, BUT an actual modern take of space for people who "live" in every inch of it. The most recent "Antonio Treatment" project was the revamping of an artisan seamstress' livingroom/workspace, diningroom & nursery... (see the past program on www.hgtv.com ) ... you'll know why i wish i lived in L.A. so i could get an Antonio Treatment too.
3/27/2010
The Colorful Life of Etsian, Zemphira!
Are you shy of exuberant colors and patterns???? ....then "please step away from this entry...DO NOT CLICK this video".....okay, okay...i gave you fair warning...at least see it with a friend or family member ("buddy system") so if one of you become mesmerized, the other one can "talk you off the edge"... :D
Checkout Zemphira's Etsy shop
Checkout Zemphira's Etsy shop
3/25/2010
Special lady...Special Etsy shop
Deniz's Etsy shop, Reflectionsbyds, holds an exquisite array of unique, one-of-a-kind (ooak) knit & crochet wearable accessories....chic & cozy items that can be worn everyday & EVERYWHERE, making EVERYDAY very "special".
what i couldn't believe was that Deniz ONLY started knitting/ crochetting about ONE YEAR AGO! ...around the time she discovered ETSY.
what i couldn't believe was that Deniz ONLY started knitting/ crochetting about ONE YEAR AGO! ...around the time she discovered ETSY.
Do I dare call myself "green" when i'm really just in love with "small"?
i'm a native californian..i was a "half-ass hippie" in my college days...tried to understand why my vegetarian friends were snippy when i pigged out at either Carl's, McDonald's, or the Colonel's (what i call the "holy trinity")....and NOW i do what every responsible "earthling" does...conserve water, recycle trash & pressure my husband to replace our "gas-guzzlers".
as with all my "new age" experience there was always an element of hedonism...i was a dam good-looking half-ass hippie in those long peasant dresses.... AND CONFESSION... i think those electric cars are soooooo CUTE.
3/24/2010
SpringDream... Etsy shop by Stephanie Orange
above i made a sample video of just a few of stephanie's pieces. as you can see, steph is not a newcomer...she had a really successful wedding line for years. but after so many crystal beads and pale blue accents & making the same necklace over & over again, she just got BORED (haven't we all been there).
so it was about that time when her "thrill tank" was almost empty, that the economy tanked as well...and her day job was demanding her to travel more. so what's a girl to do?...pull up her bra strapes and make some changes!
though she has been reading up on the adventures of "wholesale" possibilities, her passion is creating a daytime jewelry line of one-of-a-kind pieces, yet still keep a toe-hold on her "grassroots" in the wedding arena.
i love her delicate pearl hairpins & white hydrangea tiara...makes me want to get married AGAIN :D checkout her etsy site AND feel free to contact her about any questions and/ or maybe a special order.
so it was about that time when her "thrill tank" was almost empty, that the economy tanked as well...and her day job was demanding her to travel more. so what's a girl to do?...pull up her bra strapes and make some changes!
though she has been reading up on the adventures of "wholesale" possibilities, her passion is creating a daytime jewelry line of one-of-a-kind pieces, yet still keep a toe-hold on her "grassroots" in the wedding arena.
i love her delicate pearl hairpins & white hydrangea tiara...makes me want to get married AGAIN :D checkout her etsy site AND feel free to contact her about any questions and/ or maybe a special order.
3/22/2010
3/09/2010
I Dreamed I Saw... a unique & bountiful resource blog
i confess i'm not the best blogger in the world. i don't write in it everyday, only when the spirit allows. when i do go blogging, i want to be entertained and inspired at the same time and this wonderful blog fills the bill.
when you're at the home page you'll be awed by the witty intros and skillfully selected items that paint vivid "stories" for us. you'll find yourself spending hours looking at a majority of etsy shops that easily scale the author's parameters of "the most beautiful, strange, & whimsical items available on the web".
dare to get lost in this most addictive resource and you'll find a number of "categories" like; furniture, lighting, gifts, accents, wallpaper, ceramics & glass, books & art, and jewelry. pick one and you'll be presented with an abundant number of thumbnail pics...click one...then DARE to click the "Buy" button and you'll be transported to the website where you can read about the treasure or buy it.
what is so wonderful about this blog is that there is a strong sense of communal creation... tho Gay created the blog, the blog is sustained and grows with the generous links & ideas shared by it's readers..... THANK YOU GAY for such a wonderful site.
when you're at the home page you'll be awed by the witty intros and skillfully selected items that paint vivid "stories" for us. you'll find yourself spending hours looking at a majority of etsy shops that easily scale the author's parameters of "the most beautiful, strange, & whimsical items available on the web".
dare to get lost in this most addictive resource and you'll find a number of "categories" like; furniture, lighting, gifts, accents, wallpaper, ceramics & glass, books & art, and jewelry. pick one and you'll be presented with an abundant number of thumbnail pics...click one...then DARE to click the "Buy" button and you'll be transported to the website where you can read about the treasure or buy it.
what is so wonderful about this blog is that there is a strong sense of communal creation... tho Gay created the blog, the blog is sustained and grows with the generous links & ideas shared by it's readers..... THANK YOU GAY for such a wonderful site.
3/06/2010
2/07/2010
1/04/2010
Alyn Carlson & My Fall Into "Recliner-land"...
I recently started to read the Etsy blog section and was delighted to read about a former “Berkeley-ite” named Alyn Carlson who seems to be a bit of a Rennaisance woman; a devoted follower of her “muse”, an artist extraordinaire, graphic designer, actor, one of those people you want to hate for being able to easily assess her talents in a multitude of directions, BUT you can’t because she’s so NICE (damn it!).
Her write-up in the Etsy blog was attributed to her style of décor as reflected in her 28 year renovation of her idyllic "church/house"… you can see pics of her renovation in her Flickr photostream, BUT when you read her blog & Etsy shop you’ll realize there is far more involved.
NOW the reason for this rather lengthy article… it’s my confession, that I have an abnormal LOVE for my Lazy-Boy recliner I recently got...my husband says that i'll be talking to him & in mid-sentence will fall fast asleep...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
There was a time I was like Alyn… having a love of art, design, structure, lines…I would cream just walking close to a low profile Italian sectional or a classic comfortable English wingback…(omg) even just talking about such things makes my juices simmer a bit….and when I see just a sneak preview of Alyn’s pictorial of her Church house, tears well up as I realize “it can never be…” for me since I finally crossed the “recliner barrier” AND have CATS (4 of these little suckers).
We have 7 sofas & love seats which are all at different stages of destruction. We have used blankets, slipcovers, plastic containers, & disposable bedliners (one cat likes to pee when she’s "horny"). I’m seriously thinking of vinyl or concrete sofas vs. crocheting little “kitty-booties” to protect the furniture ...plus satisfying this desire to drive the cats crazy running around on the wooden floors & sliding into walls… I think that is called passive-aggressive behavior on my part (my shrink would be proud).
Before I show my really demented side going through my repertoire of “kitty-torture-jokes”, let me tell you, I do love my cats, they are all rescued cats, BUT that doesn’t make me trust them….IF the kitty bowl should ever go empty, and I have the misfortune to fall unconscious on the floor, I KNOW I will be next on the "kitty food chain of life".
1/01/2010
Congratulations to our new "Giveaway" winner...
Congratulations to "mymothersgardens" for winning the giveaway!!! It has been a pure pleasure to host these last 2 giveaways (of the year)...it surely will not be the last :D
Have the very best & happiest of New Years! ..... wooo! 2010!!!
12/21/2009
Another "Giveaway"??? Are You Insane?
i'm sponsoring another "giveaway" before the year's end...crazy i know!!! it will start Christmas Day & end New Year's Eve...Dec. 25th - Dec. 31st....the contest will close New Year's Eve midnight & a winner announced on NEW YEAR'S DAY.
the one thing i always noticed as i became an adult was that if you are the female of the species, there always seems to be a "double-edge sword" with every "good thing" that comes along.
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puberty comes along & wowy-zowy you're finally growing breasts (a good thing) just as you're told that "aunt flo" will be visiting you every month for the rest of your productive YEARS!
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christmas which was soooo special as a child (a good thing) is now such a chore...cleaning the house for family & friends, while making a zillion course meal as delicious as any "quick-fire winner of top chef" could do.
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this year we'll have a "giveaway" contest to look forward to AFTER Christmas...Yeah!
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ENTER as many times as you can for the best chance to win...
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MANDATORY ENTRY: Enter all (4) things to count as one mandatory entry (if you have them):
(a) enter your etsy shop
(b) enter your blogsite
(c) enter your website
(d) enter your contact (email) info
.
EXTRA ENTRIES:
**most of these entries will be based on finding things about other participants & in the end promoting each other's shops, blogs & websites.
**in the beginning, use either my info to create your entries OR FOR MORE FUN...use info from shops, blogs, & websites that are only known to you :D
**try to spreadout your entry info to include as many shops, blogs & websites as possible.
.
- go to ANY participant's etsy shop (except mine), and report back with the shop name & 2 items you like from the shop
- go to ANY participants etsy shop (except mine) and add to "your favorites"...report back with the name of shop.
- go to ANY participant's website (except mine) and request a "link exchange"...report back with the name of shop.
- go to ANY participant's blog (including mine) and "follow" them...report back with name of shop.
- go to ANY participant's blog (including mine) and add their blog to your "favorite blog list"..report back with blog site..
- go twitter and tweet about any aspect of ANY participant's etsy shop, blog or website that you liked...report back with link.
- IF you write an entry in your own blog about ANY participant's shop (except mine), that would be worth (3) official entries.
- IF you make a purchase from anyone's shop, you earn (5) official entries.
AGAIN at the start of these "comments" we will be in need of one or two participants to start adding extra entries...here are my mandatory information to start...don't forget that in a pinch or just to add some spice add an ETSY SHOP, A BLOG, or A WEBSITE you like:
- My Etsy Shop http://streetnoodles.etsy.com/
- My Blog http://nineandahalfdesign.blogspot.com/
- My Website http://www.ellenikemotodesign.com/
- Email ellen@ellenikemotodesign.com
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!! ...i will be "super-sizing" the prizes as i did before, BUT will hold off laying-out the criteria until i find out what i have left in my studio :D
12/13/2009
"Super-sized" Giveaway Winner
So Kay, you have 24 hrs. to answer my email announcement....if after that period I don't hear from you, someone else will be drawn for the winner.
Just so you all know, I had a blast doing this giveaway...reading the responses and being excited everyday that there were people finding my blog & shop and taking the time to participate...thank you all so much.
So in celebration of this celebration I'm adding another layer to this giveaway... any participant who didn't win BUT managed to contribute 5 or more entries will be contacted for mailing info so I can send them a "little-thank-you" prize :D
Happy Holidays to all !
12/05/2009
The Super Bowl of Giveaways ! Dec.6th to Dec.12th
i've always wanted to sponser a "giveaway", but always procrastinated saying i wanted a theme or reason for it ... well, it finally happened. this winter i've noticed how the cold has penetrated my bones, how my glasses still can't help focus my vision, and my back looks more like a question mark as i work over my studio table.
I wish i could streamline my body... but instead i'm streamlining my Etsy shop, concentrating on my jewelery design... clearing out my studio bins filled with purses, scarves, cards, and art dolls.
So here are the Rules:
- please make sure to leave separate comment for each entry;
- In your comment, please include contact info & whether you are a multi-entry participant...so i can reach you & know you're eligible for the "SUPER GIVEAWAY".
- Winner of this giveaway will be chosen December 13th;
- Winner has 24 hrs. to answer my email OR new winner will be drawn.
Here's how to enter:
- MANDATORY ENTRY: please visit my Etsy site, Streetnoodles. Look at all of my items and then return here at my blog and let me know 2 pieces you like.
- EXTRA ENTRIES:
- add Streetnoodles as your favorite on Etsy (leave your Etsy user name);
- Follow Streetnoodles on Twitter
- Tweet this giveaway (leave your tweet link);
- Follow my blog
- Post about this giveaway in your blog (leave link, 2 entries);
- Purchase from Streetnoodles and let me know (5 entries).
- Remember to leave your contacts in the comments and leave separate comment for each entry.
***Now the Super-sizing of this giveaway***
The winner of this giveaway will be chosen on Dec. 13th... if they made multiple entries, we will add an additional random item from my studio... so if you won, and in total have 5 entries, you will receive not only the original earrings, but also (4) additional randomly selected items from my studio... which will be selected from handmade scarves, purses, cards, & art dolls.
if you work it right, a large portion of your Christmas list could be filled.
Good Luck !
p.s. for those followers of "made in canarias", if these rules sound a little familiar, it's because i think ave has the best blog for "giveaways"...so organized and well thought out. so i mimicked to a certain extent some of her guidelines...please checkout her blogsite (see my blogroll).
11/29/2009
I'm on a New Treasury West !
I normally don't present any of my treasury entries in my blog, BUT i thought i would just mention this one because of the lovely creator of the treasury.
I checked out her blog and was immediately carried away to this violet bellas world...so much creativity & joy in what she's doing. As i've said before i'm fascinated with technology that brings ideas to life...some day i want to have my blog warm & welcoming as this one.
11/23/2009
New Lockets in my shop
I just love the look of these locket-like pendants. they actually should be called amulets. you remove the top jumpring and you can fill the piece with whatever you like. it allows for fairly thick 3-D objects to be placed inside... i've thought of charms, crytals, secrets...maybe the name of someone you secretly love ? :DShhhhhh! a BLOG SALE...20% off !
I pride myself in having great everyday low pricing...BUT between November 23rd & November 30th, i'll be holding a blog sale on everything at my Etsy & 1000Market stores.
Just mention this blog sales notice during the ordering process...usually in the "message to the seller" area. I'll then credit your Paypal account 20% of the purchase.
11/22/2009
I Dodged the Bullet... :D
well i dodged the bullet... my in-laws decided to host thanksgiving this year. i don't have to "fake" making a turkey. come to think of it, i don't even like turkey...i'm a chicken or ham gal, maybe even a medium-rare steak fan.
i will be making a sugar-free apple pie and oatmeal cookies and bringing them to the table, not because i want to, BUT because it's my Thanksgiving survival plan.
i don't know why, but my in-laws all know i'm diabetic, BUT they will never make any consession for that "weakness"... in fact they go out of their way to make it harder for me. i don't take it personally though. over the years i've noticed something strange about them... a true phobia against the OLD & SICKLY. may i define this a little clearer... age is not the factor alone, but it is being old and what they perceive as "needy" in any way... needy for financial help, emotional help, physical help... total oblivious to the human condition that very few escape, including themselves. maybe if they "deny" it hard enough the "aging gods" will bypass them.
so until they realize denial is not a fool-proof plan... they will probably be administrators of a "solent green" factory in a future life :D
11/12/2009
Scared again!
I'm scared again...going in for some emergency laser eye treatment this early morning...can't sleep.
My eyes tend to bleed at times, nothing ghoulish, just tiny bleeders that leave what the doctors call "spider webs". If you looked at my eye you would not even see it, but looking outward, I do...in normal people they usually disapate & fade away so the vision isn't effected for long, but for some reason (probably due to my diabetes) my bleeders don't act normally & stay & I'll get more bleeders until my eye is filled with these little "spider webs" that float about like thick algae floating through sea water.
It's time like these that I become scared & disgustingly maudlin...trying to think of what I could do if I lost my vision being an artist most of my life...Monet painted well into his blindness...his figures becoming more abstract BUT those amazing colors could not be restrained.
I know I'm no "Monet", but with technology, maybe I could see a bit longer or at least clearer...I hear that fonts can be enlarged :D
I'll try to sleep now...crossing my fingers & toes...knocking on wood.
My eyes tend to bleed at times, nothing ghoulish, just tiny bleeders that leave what the doctors call "spider webs". If you looked at my eye you would not even see it, but looking outward, I do...in normal people they usually disapate & fade away so the vision isn't effected for long, but for some reason (probably due to my diabetes) my bleeders don't act normally & stay & I'll get more bleeders until my eye is filled with these little "spider webs" that float about like thick algae floating through sea water.
It's time like these that I become scared & disgustingly maudlin...trying to think of what I could do if I lost my vision being an artist most of my life...Monet painted well into his blindness...his figures becoming more abstract BUT those amazing colors could not be restrained.
I know I'm no "Monet", but with technology, maybe I could see a bit longer or at least clearer...I hear that fonts can be enlarged :D
I'll try to sleep now...crossing my fingers & toes...knocking on wood.
11/08/2009
Peace & Love Market of 1000Markets is wearing it's heart on their sleeves with a great Benefit Auction...
One of my favorite markets at 1000 Markets.com is again dispalying their hearts on their sleeves by sponsoring a Benefit Auction for "A Place to Bark"...an animal rescue facility located in Tennessee.
Bids are being taken Sunday Nov. 8th thru Saturday Nov. 14th at the Peace & Love Market Forums.
Just make a comment with your bid. If you are a member of 1000Markets that's all you need to do...if you are a newcomer & don't want to join at this time, just make your bid and leave your email address so you can be contacted in case you win.
If you are like me... a generous heart BUT with a hole in my pockets right now, consider making a donation, leaving your contact info :D
Wonderful Christmas theme jewelry has been donated and it will be fun to see how high bids will go... Winner will be announced November 15th ! ...Let's come an support the people who listen to the creatures who have no voices.
11/04/2009
The talented Artisans of the Video (above)
the artisan from "wear it out" market who participated in this video:
headband shoppe, tissage, streetnoodles, tickled pink knits, hyena, storybeader, a stone's throw,
the pila shoppe, silver river metal, moxie and oliver, briana e., vigilante labs
headband shoppe, tissage, streetnoodles, tickled pink knits, hyena, storybeader, a stone's throw,
the pila shoppe, silver river metal, moxie and oliver, briana e., vigilante labs
10/24/2009
Cat Lovers or Haters...just in case you missed it...
i had seen this site about a year ago and my immediate response was "LOL"...but as i thought about the fact that my cat, grayson (who looks like the gray cat above) likes to eat his own hair...even likes to consume the "dust bunnies" that i breed to my husband's horror...talk about the HUGE synthetic hair ball he would have to endure!
here is the site if you missed it on the explorer front page: kittywigs.com
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