Only Slightly Ingenious

Bloggin'

2008-08-15T09:21:00.001-07:00

I seem to be really really bad at this whole "keeping up the blog" thing. It's a good thing I have no real goals in life, or my friends and family might be horribly dissapointed in me.
Let's try this. I'll write up a whole bunch-a blogs, and then time them to come out every day or so, so that if I miss a day/week/decade, I won't feel so bad.
Clearly, nobody reads this!

T-minus 4 Days

2008-08-05T11:00:00.001-07:00

Somehow, somehow I made about twenty purses in three days.
That is more productive than I have been in about three months. Not to mention made a bunch of magnets (which maybe I will actualy put on display this year) and I have a few record CD organizers ready to to be put together. It looks like I might not need to panic anymore, though I would like to get a few more purses put together before Friday when we set up.
I've also redone all my jewelry displays with a black backdrop, instead of that awful beige and tie-died blue. It's really not all that surprising that the black makes all the earrings, necklaces and pendants look 100 times better.
I'm almost broke, and I sort of really cant wait until Folk Festival next weekend, partialy because I think I'll do really well this year in sales, but mostly because is signifies the end to a summer that turned out to be pretty hectic durring the times when I wasn't laid back watching it fly by.
I'm hoping too, when it's all said and done, I will be able to refill my etsy shop with new product, because I've been neglecting it for months.
Good luck to me!

Regin Folk Festival

2008-07-31T13:09:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm finally back in town, and all I have left to do is finish cleaning my appartment, and gfet jiggy with my sewing machine.
I had a fantastic weekend, full of great music, hitchhiking, meeting friends, buying stuff, and hangin' out.
Now I have to get my ass in gear, and sew relentlessly until next weekend, when I'll be setting up in beautiful Victoria Park, Regina, with my Partner in Crime.
As I said last time, I perfected a purse recipie, and I've started up.
Yesterday my mum took me to Value Village and I bought a gargantious bag of tough purse fabric.
This morning in the the and a half hours before work I pumped out four purses, and I am totally going home to finish up with a few more before I have a nap and start all over again.
Fun!

Hits andMisses

2008-07-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

The Ness Creek Music Festival was a hit!
I took up approximatly thirty purses with me (almost all I had) and I came home with three. Three! Plus I sold 75% of all my LP Notebooks and CD Organizers.
Concidering that purses are my best seller at any festival I go to, I'm going to need to get my ass in gear in the week between when I get home from Pemberton, where I am now, and the Regina Folk Festival, which is in two weeks.
Good thing I have perfected a reverible purse recipe that seems popular amung most tote purse wearers!
Thats all for now. There wont be much available on my Etsy shops until after all the hubub of the summer dies down!
PS, this Pemberton Festival is amazingand from what I understand, the booths are relitivly inexpensive, since they include the cost of your tickets and camping into the fee for the booth!

Merchandice

2008-07-15T10:52:00.000-07:00

I've made a decision.
Finaly, after three years of practice, I have perfected the over-the-shoulder, messenger style bag with the flap. Alot of people like the flap. My partner in crime and I had some dissapointed returning customers this May when we didn't have any purses with flaps for sale.

So I have perfected, not only a lined purse, with a lined flap, and a reversable strap (with lining and outer fabrics) I have perfected rolling all of these into one pretty grand purse.
A purse which will be the norm from now on, I says.

Which brings me to my next decisions. I'm going to stop making shirts, for now.
I'm sick of dealing with shirt displays, hauling mannequins, dealing with hangers, with the ribbons I need to make the shirts tie up (and always tangle together) I'm sick of not being able to sell as many as I can make, so I'm giving up shirts, and focusing on purses and record books from now on.

I'm also sick of bending wire. All I can seem to come up with is uninspiring, mostly looking pretty alike pendants and earrings. I love making jewelry, I love to sell it, and sometimes, it does sell, but not as often as anything else. Also, again, I hate dealing with the display end of things. I always loose one earring, or accidently bend a necklace, or else something is falling over. I hate it, and I'm not dealing with it anymore.

Too bad.

Featured Artist: Najade

2008-06-11T13:50:00.001-07:00

From intricately woven bracelets and earrings, to painting clothespin magnets (cute and practical as an anything holder) Najade has got you covered.
I especially like her cutesy rings, made from vintage buttons, with a hand woven waxed-wool band to fit more sizes.
Check out some of her macrame hairpins and jewelry. She's got all sorts of rings, earrings, and bracelets. The detail in some of these tiny items is amazing. I know I wouldn't be able to see straight after trying to knot and weave something that little. Props to her!
Using glass, plastic and wooden beads as accents gives her jewelry a little more zing, and gives you a little more bang for your buck. Though, she averages about $10-$20 from rings to necklaces.
Plus, she is from Italy, and that makes me jealous. Don't you wish you were from Italy?
I love it! Check her out.

Featured Artist: Raquel Stanek

2008-06-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Do you know what I love the look of, but would never have the patience to bother trying to do?
Mosaic.
Not only would it be great fun to gather supplies (breaking glasses, plates, mugs etc. how great would that be?) but creating unique and beautiful designs would be totally satisfying.
This is why I bring to you, Raquel Stanek, who can create beautiful mosaic'd mirrors, candle holders, and even boxes to store your various treasures, using beads, shells, glass, and even gold.
Are you looking for an accent to your room, or even a unique gift for a friend? Look here, because she's got some gorgeous candle holders in fantastic shades of blue, purple, gold and red.
You can also find Raquel at PondBalls where she's got pictures of some super-cute animal sculptures, and even chairs that she's put together as well.
You can even contact her to attend mosaic classes which she teaches over a weekend.

Featured Artist : Ivylane Designs

2008-05-18T13:03:00.001-07:00

I love this woman, I've bought from her twice, and cant help but be ecstatic when I get my packages in the mail.
First it was a tampon-box notebook for Pocket Buddha for the holidays.
Then it was recycled crayons and a Crayola notebook for little G-man.
All of which arrived in great condition.
You know how I feel about recycling things, and theres always such neat pictures and cardboard boxes that I think need to be saved in some way, or at least have their lives stretched out a little longer.
Plus, lots of these books are great for list making, sketching, or even just using as a plain ol' notebook.
Great quality, recycled paper, and a harder chipboard backing keeps these little books from bending, and makes them last just that much longer.
Make sure you take a stop by IvyLane Designs and check out her vast assortment of recycled merch.

Featured Artist: Morgan Street

2008-05-14T16:26:00.000-07:00

I promised, again. And of course, I got distracted, again.
It's not that I didn't WANT to write an everyday, or every other day, entry. It's just that I get easily distracted by small shiny objects.
But, I digress. Why I really brought you together was to talk about soap. Thats right, I am fully aware that you all do not scrub behind your ears, or maybe even the bottoms of your feet. You are all dirty, dirty masses, and I would like to help rectify that.
So march your asses down to MorganStreet and take a look at her gorgeous selection of soap and bath products. I ordered some of these for the holidays, and not only to they look delicious and smell divine, but I got excellent service and a quick delivery, giving me one less thing to worry about during such a hectic time of year.
Using the "cold process" these high quality products are handmade from only the best oils, fragrances and butters, MorganStreet can give you a great product that won't be harsh on your skin, or your wallet. Which is nice, because, who likes to smell, look, and feel good, for a whole lot less? Plus if you buy in bulk, like groups of three or eight, you can save even more! Bonus!
With 100% positive ratings, not to mention this glowing review, how can you not support this lady?
You can also visit her blog, look her up on the Flicker, or find her on the Look Book.

Ribbons!

2008-04-24T13:04:00.000-07:00

How sad is it that for the last few days in my life, ribbons have been a favorite item of mine.
Comparable to the naked good looking boy, live music, and slacking off at work, ribbons are slowly making their way up the food chain.
I find it exciting that not only are the ribbons readily available to me (I can buy them at the shop downstairs from my work) but they are the perfect thickness, and each 2 meter roll is the perfect length for one tie-up shirt. I have been making allot of tie-up shirts, somehow I've managed to spend a few hours each day sewing, and I pump out a few new items every day.
Now that the weather is going to shit, I totally can use the cooping-up to my advantage.
Plus I get to hang out with Pocket Buddha when I go home today, and that will be pretty sweet, being as we keep seeing to miss each other, now that she works from 6-3, and when I am home, she is all sleeping and shit.

Life and times

2008-04-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

I'm in a feel-good mood, not only because I woke up next to a good looking naked boy, and I just had breakfast, but because I spent most of my day yesterday sewing, which is something I have not done in awhile. Also, I feel good because I totally needed to get a big run-on sentence out of the way.
Run-on sentences to me, are like pooping. Once a day you need to drop a big one and get it out of your way.
But, I digress.
I haven't really sewn in, I'm going to say close to three months, and oh boy did it feel nice to complete not just half an item, but five whole items. I stopped for an hour lunch break with family and friends, but I basically trucked right through from 9-5 and make a small (very small) dent in my fabric.
Like my Partner in Crime, I have decided to do a quality over quantity thing, and since my sereger is currently on the kaputz, I've been doubling up almost every seam, and making sure there's no rough cuts.
Quality going up on our items means not having to feel so bad to charge an extra five bucks for something. Quality going up on more items means items not looking bad next to poorer quality items from years past. Quality going up means potentially less items, but better lookin' ones.
Once it gets nicer outside I might thieve Jukebox Hero for a camera session in the park so I can throw some stuff up on my Etsy.
Folk Festivals here I come!

First Scramble of '08

2008-04-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

This morning I found out that I am not alone.
The other day I found myself thinking about the upcoming festivals this summer, and how lately I've been too busy dicking around to actually sew, not to mention complete any projects for sales. Apparently my Partner in Crime is having the same breakdown.
Each year I tell myself I want to have better quality products. Each year I try to make better quality products. But I am so lazy!
God forbid I fix my serger.
God forbid I buy threads that match the fabrics I have.
God forbid I put super-blow-out prices on the shitty three-year old purses I cant seem to shake.
I need to start focusing my days off, towards sewing, sorting, pricing, and last of all, ironing.
I have just over a month to get ready for my first festival of the year, and even though every year I tell myself that I'm not ready, I'll do it again for old times sake.

Featured Artist: Hearts and LaserBeams

2008-03-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

There is something so wonderful and fun about Hearts and Laserbeams. She's been on my favorite artists list for quite some time, and something always beings me back to her store wanting.
First it was the plates, one of which I cant find on her shop, but pictures an angry looking milk carton saying "Drink Your Milk" Which automaticaly makes me think of the Andy Riley book, "Fun Lies to Tell Small Kids" which has a cartoon of a kid with a horrified look on it's face and a caption reading, "Milk feels pain"
Enough about that stuff, more about this stuff!
The second favorite of mine had to be the "Fruits and Nuts" series of pictures put out, portraying various fruits engaged in activities with random celebrities.
My last, and certainly not least, favorite thing about Hearts and LaserBeams is are, the signature Robots. Robots as mermaids, robots with mustaches, robots loving cupcakes.
Fun is what this shop is all about, and it's suckin' me in like a hooker.

Featured Artist: BKMHattitude

2008-03-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

If there is one thing you need to know about my strange and obscure personal style, its that I love hats. I will base an entire outfit around a hat. I will buy clothes specifically, if they will go with my hat. Silly hats, fancy hats, floppy hats, stiff hats, I love 'em all. Which is why today I would like to bring this lovely crafter to your attention. BKMHattitude
I have to chose the hat to my right as my favorite. "Why?" You ask? It looks like wallpaper! And not just that, it reminds me somehow of that scene from Garden State, where Zach Braff is wearing a shirt made of the same pattern as the wallpaper.
Enough about sexy actors. Back onto the sexy, sexy hats.
You all love hats. Why? Because my opinion is the highest and most important, and if I love hats, then damned if you don't all love hats too.
Love them.

Featured Aritst: PlaynWithBeads

2008-03-12T09:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know what it is about shiny, brightly colored beads that make me so hungry! Maybe it's because they look like that Nerds candy. Either way, this puts me in a tough spot, because I want to eat them, but it's people! Soylent Green never looked so tasty.
Honestly though, beads can be anything you want. They can be simple, they can be delicate, they can be complex, they can be fun, they can be classy, and they can be oh-so-colorful.
You can find all sorts of jewelry at PlaynWithBeads! Earrings, pins, necklaces, and tonnes of fun!

Featured Artist: Brock Photography

2008-03-12T08:45:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how come when I think of some of Brock's Photography I can only think, Prrreeeettttyy....?
Mr. Brock makes the strange combination of nature photographer and rock music photographer somehow work. Once after a few Guinness, he told me it was because he photographs nature like he's at a rock show. This totally makes sense to me, because nature can be more hardcore than I am in a circle pit. (And trust me, I'm pretty deadly in the circle pit)
Not only am I a definite support local arts, new users on Etsy, I love and support my friends as well. And this friend of mine has more talent with a camera than I have in my littlest fingernail. Not only is this post to let the world know about a deadly photographer, but to let this deadly photographer know that the world needs to see some more of his talent.
PS, all you alls out there totally know you need something to spruce up a few walls of your home. Header' over! BrockPhotography give him a hand everybody (applause)

Featured Artist: Smuttons

2008-02-28T07:57:00.001-08:00

I love buttons. I love buttons with a burning fiery passion of a thousand suns. Breasts come in a close close second, so what better to really blow my mind than smuttons?
First I started with a 10-pack, I thought to myself, "self, ten buttons is plenty, what are you even going to do with ten buttons?" After I got the first batch of buttons in the mail, and I was hooked. My friends were hooked, I doled them out like candy, or crack, and soon friends were storming up to me demanding their share of the smutty goodness.
This is when I ordered the second pack, and now approximately 30 people are walking around the Cityville with tits and ass all over their jackets, hats, and backpacks.
Wear them! Wear them loud and proud! My fathers wife giggled at them, my boss and co-workers demanded more, and I can smile and nod when people tell me they can see my nipple.
Visit Mr. Smuttons for more details, and some truly outlandish, and very well named, smuttons.

Denied!

2008-02-28T07:49:00.000-08:00

How awful, I fail, I totally fail at life and all that it entails.
First I was all like, "I do solemnly pledge to keep up this blog and all other bloggy things surrounding it, by writing amazing reviews about all that I see and smell, to death do me part"
Then I was all like, "My computer broke, and somehow I am too lazy to go to the library"
Then the internet was all like, "I hate you and your stupid pants"
To which I retorted, "Go eat some toast"
And here we are, updating two months and 12 days late, about how toast is really a horrible thing to deal with.
Time to get back on the wagon, I may have failed the 90-Day Challenge, but I will make my own goal. Keep this blog relatively up to date with the many wonderful sellers I find on Etsy.

Featured Artist: Mommy and Me Boutique

2007-12-16T20:41:00.001-08:00

(Today, I are singing, to the tune of "Katie, ku-ku-ku-katie...")
Aprons! Check out the aprons! They're so razzle-dazzle, fun and frivolous! I want to wear them, not just when I'm cooking, but when I have a day when I'm feeling glamorous!
(finish song)
Seriously folks, check out some of the stuff over at Mommy and Me Boutique and you'll so totally want to have babies and cook all day long, which is normally not something I would want to do. I know I need to make my mommy an apron for Christmas this year, and this is my jump-start to do so. Looking at her great designs makes me hopeful that aprons can be more than just a protection against flour (when you open the front door looking like a drug dealer, it can be awkward)
Although she doesn't seem to have any in stock at the moment, I believe I've also seen matching set's for Moms and children, so you can make messes in the kitchen together.
Plus you can check out her super-cute baby bib and burp cloth sets, a perfect shower-gift for the expecting.
You can also read her blog.

Planned Hiatus

2007-12-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

My computer broke, so I am updating from the library. I blame Jukebox Hero and his out-of-control porno obsession.
Either way, I cant do a proper post, because the library computers are all like, "No, you cant download that picture to your desktop and then upload it to the internet, who do you think you are? Some kind of spammer?"
So, as we are planning to fix the computron this weekend, I will be missing for a few days.
To leave you entertained, you can check out some new Etsy shops made by some friends of mine who are both pretty neato-photographers.
Brock Photography
Schmutzie

Featured Artist: Personal Treasures

2007-12-10T20:34:00.000-08:00

Though she's currently at a show until Wednesday, let's talk about Personal Treasures right now. Because I am impatient like that, and time stops for no artist!
When I tell people Etsy is a place where you can buy handmade crafts, I always shudder, because yes, you can buy crafts, but there are some things that surpass the world of 'craft' which I have not yet found a word for. This is one of those times.
Yes, jewelry making is a craft, but it can be hard work, time consuming, and painstaking. When I see something beautiful and well made, I am sometimes momentarily taken back by the price, until I think of things I may have made that I've been too scared to charge more for.
Using materials like solid golds and silvers, semi-precious stones and gems, and not to mention the thought and design that goes into them is certainly enough to make an expensive piece of jewelry worth it in the end.
Personal Treasures is my point and case.
Not that everything in the shop is super-expensive mind you, but that's what I ended up writing about, so deal with it, internets! You can also read her blog here.

Time Off

2007-12-10T18:04:00.000-08:00

I am sitting here listening to Blink 182 ('cause I am awesome) and thinking about my business.
Over the past week, I have sold two CD organizers made from LP's, and a ring.
It didn't even occur to me that until the other day, I hadn't made anything new since I started my job. For a month, I have been too busy to sew, too busy to twist around bits of metal, too busy to take photos, and too busy to think about the upcoming festivals of next year.
Yes, I realize those festivals are six months away, but considering how much more stuff we sold this year, than the year before, imagine if I sold that much more next year. I'd be out of stock after the first two days!
As much as I love my job, it makes me consider taking 5-10 hours less a week, making it a full-part-time job. I have this theory in my head that if I spend those extra hours making things, I might be able to sell more on my Etsy shops. Because I'll have more stuff.
Plus you may notice that my new photographs are one-billion times better than the old ones. That is because I am learning, and I spend my day off updating what I had in photographs. Already it has gotten me more views, and a sale!

What do you think? After the holiday season, should I ask for a few less hours a week and see how my business does with a bit more effort?

Featured Artist: Lost Mitten

2007-12-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

The eighties are back! Though the hair, the leggings and the music may frighten me a little, the overwhelming urge to hop to the living room and make love to my Nintendo does not. Though Lost Mitten doesn't have much in stock at the moment, I'm hoping her stuff will be back with a vengeance too.
Though I hate hate hate perler beads, I love love love what she's done with them. From piggy banks (up), to coasters, to business card holders, she's somehow made them appealing again.
Not to mention she's got a button maker (down) I always wanted a button maker, and look what she can do with it!
But not all of her merchandise is nostalgic and campy, you can also check out some of her knit and crochet wearables. I especially like the poncho. I especially like any poncho.
I've stumbled across Lost Mitten's store before and ogled around. I've even almost bought something, and upon realizing I was broke for the next week and a half, stopped myself.
Maybe after the holidays, when I don't need to shop for other people, the greedy bastards.
You can also find her here!

Rippin' Rappin' Roarin' into Action

2007-12-09T08:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah, so the title of this post makes me sound like a douche bag, I'm comfortable with that.
Either way, the other night in a drunken burst of energy, I thought to myself, I should make something. I should make many things, and I attempted. Out of 4 cards, one turned out perfect, and the other three I will discount. For some reason I thought it would be a good idea to put the cards neatly in the envelopes before all the glue was dry. Don't ask. Either way, I think I will spend a good portion of today attempting to "work" right after I spend the other portion of the day convincing myself that being on the computer is a bad idea, and I didn't need to check my email that fifteenth time.E

Featured Artist: Tiffany Teske

2007-12-03T17:36:00.000-08:00

Wow. I don't know how I've never noticed Tiffany Teske's artwork before. It's original, sexy, and timeless.
She's a great photographer, and sells all sorts of different prints. From aged photographs like the on on the right, to crystal clear black and whites like the one below.
From what I see, she focus's mainly on women, which is always a biggie with me. Plus they're naked with fruit, sushi, and nature all around them. As you can see, I'm favoring the "Polaroid Image Transfers" she does. They just seem to be the ones I am attracted to. I blame the breasts :)
Women aren't all she photographs though, theres architecture, nature, and plain ol' stuff!
You can read more about her here.

Featured Artist: Yaslani

2007-12-02T07:18:00.000-08:00

We all have necks. At least, I hope we all have necks, thats where our food goes down, and I'm sure we all like to eat. Eating is a big favorite of mine, which is why today I have picked Yaslani as my featured artist of the day. She makes some wicked pendants out of photographs, magazine clippings, etc. brushed onto bamboo tile. These give off a vintage vibe, plus they're yellow, and thats just plain fun.
Yaslani will also do custom pendants with your choice of photograph of picture. Plus, not everything with Yaslani is necklaces, you can also check out her mixed media paintings and collages.
I stumbled across this shop before I started the 90-Day Challenge (which I have totaly begun to fail) and I remember distinctly thinking, "I should bookmark this, this stuff is super cute, and really inexpensive"
So, there you go! And here you go again, to read more

Featured Artist: Indigo Luna

2007-11-27T20:18:00.001-08:00

It is that time of year again, or at least it's that time of year here. It is freezing outside, and I have to get up ten minutes earlier just to put on all my wintertime gear! Saskatchewan would have mighty lovely winters if it weren't for the bitter, dry wind!
That is why today my post is dedicated to the snuggly looking crochets at Indigo Luna This hat looks super soft, and thats half the fun of winter, the soft scarves, the brightly colored accessories that cry "Summer is coming!" Plus not to mention the cutsie X-mas ornament to the right! I've been shopping like mad on Etsy for the handmade challenge, and I suggest you start. Here. Also, you can read her, and all the nice things she has to say about things!

Featured Artist: Darjeeling Paper

2007-11-21T18:47:00.000-08:00

Hats off to the male crafter. Not to be sexist in any way shape or form, but it's nice to see that not only women can make beautiful things.
Every note pad you see on Darjeeling Paper is one of a kind, as he says, like a snowflake - only made of paper, not ice. So, a paper snowflake?
From handbound notebooks with stunning covers, to greeting cards and stationary, you can find great stocking stuffers for friends, family, or yourself if you're as greedy as me. I especially like these business card holders and Bush greeting cards. Send them to your friends as an apology for saying or doing something silly that you feel ridonkulous for!
Read him here
Micheal also co-runs Demigod Studios.

Featured Artist: Wyred on Wire

2007-11-20T21:24:00.000-08:00

Ah, A fellow wire artist! Plus, like me, she's Canadian, that counts too! She's also apparently on this webring that was hiding right under my nose.
Using wire, glass beads, gemstones and a spark of fun, Wyred on Wire creates one of a kind, funky jewelry, like the pendant to the right. Using the same materials, plus just a touch of class, she can make dressy earrings like the ones shown here. Plus this beaturiful turquoise one over to the left here.
It's hard to look at jewelry, or anything neat on Etsy without looking for excuses to buy it, and I'm trying hard right now folks.
Either way. I need you to do me two favors.
One, check out this awesome ring, which is rightfully named "Ice Queen"
Two, check out her blog

Featured Artist: So and Sew Crafty

2007-11-19T10:28:00.001-08:00

And in this corner, from Opp, Alabama, meet So and Sew Crafty! From Holiday stockings to baby gear, she can attack you from all angles! Blankets and quilts, towels and stuffed animals, So and Sew has got you covered.
She's been sewing for over thirty years, so we can only assume her 100% positivity rating means a little something.
Check out this autograph dog, what a neat idea for a gift. Like a cast, only less painful, less itchy, and less stinky.
Plus cute purses. I can never get enough of cute purses.
Very nice.
And her blog introduced me to this!

Featured Artist: Elektra Jewelry

2007-11-18T20:24:00.001-08:00

Before we begin, I apologize for my brief hiatus, my birthday weekend went a little overboard! Now, we begin.
When I look at jewelry made online, most of the time I think, "I wish I had that talent. I wish I could make something that is classy and one of a kind" Well, this is one of those times.
Meet Elektra Jewelry, where class and style have a love child with fun and frivolity!
Using bold, in your face colors, she creates one of a kind jewelry that can deffinatly stand the test of time, and make me want to have a fancy party, just so I can wear them! I'm super, a little bit in love with this blue bracelet to the left.
From bracelet's, to necklaces, to earrings, and even some sets, all of her pieces are made with quality materials which include vintage beads, gold vermeil, silver and semi-precious stones.
Read her here!

Featured Artist: Lazy Cat Gifts

2007-11-16T08:37:00.000-08:00

Dude! You need to check out Lazy Cat, and you will see that these ladies are clearly far from lazy! From necklace and earrings sets, to scarves, to felted handbags, they have totally got your back. Or your neck, apparently.
I don't know how they do it, but they makes these gorgeous jewelry sets that look like a wire factory and a bead factory exploded and had the most beautiful illegitimate children. Actually I lied, I do know how they do it, they crochet them. Imagine!
Their passion for crochet doesn't stop at jewelry, it goes on. Check out the beautiful scarf on the right, it looks like a truffle/macaroon/haystack, and I just want to snuggle it. And the platypus. LOOK AT THE PLATYPUS! Looking at beautiful jewelry makes me inspired, and I might need to spend some of this day off creating things. Here, read this.

Featured Artist: StaciRose

2007-11-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Oh! Oh! It is so hard to chose what you like best when it comes to StaciRose's shop. From beads to photo frames, mirrors to paintings, you don't know where to look first!
It's nice to see another Etsy shop thats like a flea market. I mean that in the nicest possible way, mine's the same. Great prices, all sorts of one of a kind stuff.
I love these pendants, polymer clay is so tasty looking, I just want to lick it, I like to think it would taste like tuti fruti.
Also, how cool is it when women paint other women? I love it when I can see how women see each other and feel about each other, or how women see and feel about themselves. Only women and gay men could paint real women. Love it!
If you take a look at her blog, and scroll down the sidebar, you can find all sorts of neat stuff. Like this!

Featured Artist: Thats Headley

2007-11-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

I am super loving these earrings by Thats Headley! This gal specializes in jewelry, and not only is is affordable and unique, but it's fabulous.
Using semi-precious gemstones, wire and glass, she does what I want to, but am too chicken to try.
Also, if you check out her "Hope for Whirled Peas" collection, she's got, not only free shipping, but a memo saying some of the proceeds go towards the Fisher House Foundation.
But I digress. Check it out, the detail in some of these pieces is amazing. This one too! It's nice to see somebody with such attention to detail, and the courage to use color. COLOR! Check out the blog while your at it. Because I said so.

Featured Artist: Banana Showcase

2007-11-12T18:01:00.000-08:00

Purses! Purses!
Today's post is brought to you by the letter "Banana Showcase" Try not to be confused with "Banana Hammock"
From messenger bags to tissue holders, Banana Showcase has got you covered. Again, unlike banana hammocks.
Okay, I'll stop with the grossness.
I love some of the fabrics this lady is into, the teal one on the left is my favorite, but this little Pink Panther one is coming in a close second (hint hint hint) I'm sure you'll find something for your holidays list, weather your shopping or hoping.
Weather your reading, or shopping, she's got you covered. Plus check out the pictures of her adorable granddaughter.

Feautured Artist: Sparkly Strandz

2007-11-11T07:54:00.000-08:00

When I think of the words, "Sparkly Strands," I think of this great scarf I have, which my dad gave me last holiday season. It's a mixture of blue, purples, and indigos, and it's got some kind of tinsel spun into some of the yarn. It's a fabulous scarf.
Well, Sparkly Strands doesn't make scarves. But, she does crochet some adorable baby onsies, as a change from her regular earrings, necklaces and bracelet's. She does allot of wire and beads, just like me! But unlike me, she has some wicked talent and creativity. I've always wanted the courage to work with gems, even if they're raw, even if they're super common, and especially if they're cheap to begin with. I even went as far one day to spend a couple dozen dollars on some big nuggets of polished stones, which I promptly lost.
Either way, this lady is deffinatly worth checking out, you can visit her shop, or read her blog

Featured Artist: Mineral Magic

2007-11-10T15:21:00.001-08:00

Meet Mineral Magic, she makes great earth, vegan, and hippie friendly makeups, skin creams, fragrances and brushes.
Healthy bath and body stuff is always something I long to have. I don't wear makeup, take allot of baths, or wear perfume. Sometimes you're lucky if you get me to scrub down with anything but plain ol' soap, unless it was a gift I was given (maybe I stink?)
Either way, there's something about eco-friendly, chemical free beauty products that makes me wish I were girlier. Not only is this kind of stuff super good for your skin and body, but it's way less harsh and overpowering than some of the beauty products you see out there.
Read her testimonials (all 100% feedback!) and you can see the quality of her product.
Read this blogger-babe here and even check her out at her own fancy personal website.

A Blogs Blog

2007-11-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

I have taken the advice of many, and decided, I won't torture the readers of my regular blog, day in and day out with talk of crafts, and crafters, and shiny things I can make other things out of.
No, I have put my foot down, clicked the mouse, and made this separatist blog. The Quebec of my blog, if you will. It wants to break away, and be different, but still leach from it's parent-blog. Not unlike a 14 year old.
Either way. We shall begin.
The first thing I am going to do, is re-start the 90-day-challenge.