Etsy HAF Team "Spread the Love" Shops of the Week for August 31-September 6

It's that time again! Time for the Etsy Handmade Artists Forum Team's (HAF Team) "Spread the Love" campaign. A different member shop is randomly picked for each day. Then we try to promote that shop by whatever means possible. I've decided to make a weekly blog post featuring all of the shops for the coming week.
And now, without further adieu, here are my choices from the shops for the week of August 31-September 6.


Shop for Monday, August 31: ”Vintage” Beadlady5…”vintage” beads and more
A wonderful assortment of vintage beads, cabochons, charms, and some findings from the 60's, 70's , and 80's. From Staten Island, NY. Visit her other shop filled with unique, original, and eclectic handcrafted jewelry designs: Beadlady5.

Vintage Blue Glass Beads (6)--




Shop for Tuesday, September 1: AJ’s Designs...all thing mixed media
The art she creates are showdow boxes, collages on canvas, journals, art cards, greeting cards, bookmarks, mandalas, and holiday ornaments. From Tulsa, OK.

Christmas Ornament with Teal and Silver Diamond Topper--




Shop for Wednesday, September 2: Eclectically Chic by Emily Lazo…custom design handbags
Custom designed, one-of-a-kind, handmade handbags and accessories. From Kutztown, PA.

Medium Chocolate Faux Leather--




Shop for Thursday, September 3: Shendoe Ceramics
Ceramic figures and objects with a sense of humor and wit, and often with a sense of beauty. From Concord, CA.

Necklace Red Teal Flower Shapes-—




Shop for Friday, September 4: RioRita
Handmade silver and gold jewelry. From Haifa, Israel.

Lapis Lazuli Rosette Silver Earrings--




Shop for Saturday, September 5: Totally Unique Treasures…the ultimate recyclers
Handmade and vintage goodies for home and humans. Saving the planet, one accessory at a time. From New Waverly, TX.

Swarovski’s Everywhere Off-Center Circles Swarovski Crystals and Bright Silver-tone Chain Long Necklace--




Shop for Sunday, September 6: Tres Chic Designs…have your Tres Chic Jewelry Designs at affordable prices
Jewelry designed with thought to every woman’s taste and affordability. From Katy, TX.

Green Turquoise and Tigerseye Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings--




Check out all of these great shops! Give them an Etsy Heart and browse around--you may just find that special thing you've been searching for.

Watch for seven new shops featured next week!

It's Time to Vote! Summer Memories Challenge

It's time to vote in the HAFTeam Summer Memories challenge:

Voting Page

Vote for your favorite Summer Memory piece. Of course, I would love it if you voted for mine:



Everyone who votes is eligable to win this beautiful pendant from MakintheBestOfIt:



All details are on the voting site.

Thanks for voting!

Etsy HAF Team "Spread the Love" Shops of the Week for August 24-30

It's that time again! Time for the Etsy Handmade Artists Forum Team's (HAF Team) "Spread the Love" campaign. A different member shop is randomly picked for each day. Then we try to promote that shop by whatever means possible. I've decided to make a weekly blog post featuring all of the shops for the coming week.

My little shop was featured on August 23, and I got almost 300 new views of my shop items on that day. No sales, but that's the largest number of views I've ever had in one day (that I can remember).
And now, without further adieu, here are my choices from the shops for the week of August 24-30.


Shop for Monday, August 24: Virginia Nin
Handmade art from Puerto Rico, featuring one of a kind colorful handcrafted resin art pieces.

Sparkling Collection, Set of 3 uneven Stackable Rings. Model No.2--




Shop for Tuesday, August 25: Unkamen Gifts...from an un-common family
Handmade chainmaille, modern, fun jewelry, and Accessories, plus a new steampunk line.

Mini Rhiannon Earrings in Non-Tarnishing Silver-Plate and Czech Crystal Beads in Green and Blue--




Shop for Wednesday, August 26: Sister Jewelry's "The Pirate Chest"
Watches, bracelets, and necklaces made using handmade beads and semi-precious gemstones.

The Nina Crysocolla Swarovski Watch--




Shop for Thursday, August 27: Rose of Sharon Jewelry
Affordable, fun, fab handmade beaded jewelry for extraordinary women of all ages.

Hour Glass, Handmade Silver and Emerald Green Beaded Watch-—




Shop for Friday, August 28: Artsy Crafty
Adorable clothes for infants and toddlers.

Spring Lambs Set--




Shop for Saturday, August 29: Artistic Will
Beautiful sparkling glitter artwork. Hand-painted in stained glass style, shinning and brilliant with reflective radiance

Glitter Rainbow Beta Fish Paper Weight--




Shop for Sunday, August 30: Fiber Felter
Felted art, altered fabric, and wool.

Hand Beaded, Blue Heart, Pin or Brooch--




Check out all of these great shops! Give them an Etsy Heart and browse around--you may just find that special thing you've been searching for.

Watch for seven new shops featured next week!

Visit my booth at Cafe Handmade

Suzie’s Armoire: filled with charms

Posted using ShareThis

Vote for me! Thanks in advance. :-)

Etsy HAF Team "Spread the Love" Shops of the Week for August 17-23

The Etsy Handmade Artists Forum Team (HAF Team) recently started a "Spread the Love" campaign. A different member shop is randomly picked for each day. Then we try to promote that shop by whatever means possible. I've decided to make a weekly blog post featuring all of the shops for the coming week. So without further adieu, here are my choices from the shops for the week of August 17-23.


Shop for Monday, August 17: Mylingy’s Purr-fect Candles
The home of "uniquely" exquisite, highly scented home-made, hand-poured candles, votives, tarts, and tealights.

Japanese Cherry Blossom Votives--




Shop for Tuesday, August 18: Yuko Designs
Pretty and feminine handmade jewelry from Japan, using Sterling Silver,14K Gold-filled, and Antique Brass metals, with Gemstone beads.

Apatite flower, moonstone oxidized silver chain necklace--




Shop for Wednesday, August 19: Victorian Fantasy
Bringing the fantasy of Victorian romance, femininity, and elegance to reality.

Lovely Lilies, Romantic Offset Necklace made with Vintage Bellflowers--




Shop for Thursday, August 20: MakintheBestOfIt Chainmaille
Chainmaille for everyday, using stainless steel, copper, sterling silver, or bronze.

Sterling Daisy Chain Necklace—




Shop for Friday, August 21: Christine’s Jewel Box
Fun, funky unique jewelry for stylish women, using beads, metals and gemstones from Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, cities in the US.

Yummy, Candy Earrings--




Shop for Saturday, August 22: Shabby Rose Boutique
Specializing in her origional dog clothes designs, handmade with loving care for your pampered pooch.

Fluffy purple tutu, dog clothes costume dress ballet--




Shop for Sunday, August 23: Suzie’s Armoire
(Yes, yours truly.) Unique beaded bookmarks, charms, jewelry, quilts, and more. (How am I suppose to pick a favorite from my own shop, lol! I LOVE them ALL!)

Beaded bookmark in blue, white, and silver, with a flip-flop charm--




Check out all of these great shops! Give them an Etsy Heart and browse around--you may just find that special thing you've been searching for.

Watch for seven new shops featured next week!

Alina Necklace = Pretty One

Finally have my entry ready for the HAFteam's Summer Memories challenge! I saw this pendant in KanYoFuse's Etsy shop, and decided it would be the centerpiece of my Summer Challenge project.
For me, this summer has meant spending time at the local pool with my kids--while they swim, and I relax, LOL! This summer my 5yo daughter taught herself how to swim. Which left me to sit back, and read, and create. I actaully made this piece AT the pool on Friday (8/14). I started with square white shell beads, and round blue shell beads, and tiny pearls. I then added in glass beads in the colors of the water, bright and shimmering, to pick up the blues of the pendant. I finished it off with off-white and sandy shades of small glass beads.
Since I give all of my necklaces names, I'm calling this one Alina (pretty one), in honor of my DD since her favorite color is now blue, and her swimming was the inspiration for the piece.





Watch for details on the upcoming challenge voting contest, and find out how you can vote for my entry (or another favorite). We will be giving away a prize to one lucky voter!

Etsy HAF Team "Spread the Love" Shops of the Week for August 10-16

The Etsy Handmade Artists Forum Team (HAF Team) recently started a "Spread the Love" campaign. A different member shop is randomly picked for each day. Then we try to promote that shop by whatever means possible. I've decided to make a weekly blog post featuring all of the shops for the coming week. So without further adieu, here are my choices from the shops for the week of August 10-16.


Monday's Shop: CrazyButCute
Everything here is 100% hand-sketched, hand-cut, hand-stitched, and made for YOU.

Embroidered Paper Lantern Trio in Hoops--




Tuesday's Shop: CraftyPantsCarol
She uses recycled materials from around her home, vintage and used materials from estates and garage sales, and new things that add interest.

Fused Plastic Evening Bag/Clutch Purse, Patchwork Design--




Wednesday's Shop: BitsyCreations
BitsyCreations offers custom graphic design: logos, business cards, web headers, web banners.

Fabric Labels, Iron-On or Sew-In--




Thursday's Shop: WhiteRavenArts
All the art and prints are handmade, hand-printed, and hand bound (unless otherwise noted in the descriptions) as one-of-a-kind pieces or in very small editions.

Aeryn Daring Airship Jules Verne Letterpress Postcard Print--




Friday's Shop: Foret
Artisan jewelry and accessories with a luxe sophisticated ethnic flare and a healing touch.

Turquoise and Black Jade Bracelet--




Saturday's Shop: SeedlingsBits
Handforged jewelry findings, earwires, supplies and destash beads.

Bopeep with Sturdy Swirl, Handforged Argentium Sterling Silver Earwires--




Sunday's Shop: ATouchofGlassJewelry
Handpainted fused glass pendants and jewelry.

Handpainted Fused Glass Steampunk Bracelet--




Check out all of these great shops! Give them an Etsy Heart and browse around--you may just find that special thing you've been searching for.

Watch for seven new shops featured next week!

Addicted to Treasuries

It's probably a good thing that I didn't figure out the whole "Etsy Treasury" thing until just recently. I've had my shop open on Etsy for six months now, but finally decided to "take the plunge" and start making treasuries only in the past month or so. And I've found that it is completely addictive! It's fun to search through all the wonderful handmade items on Etsy to find "just the right ones" that fit the theme I came up with. (At the end of this post, I will present a TON of screenshots from ones I've done recently.)

Maybe I need to back up a second, and try to explain Etsy treasuries for those that have never done or seen one before. A treasury is a user created gallery of 12 items (+4 alternates) that are listed on Etsy. The buyers and sellers of Etsy get to make the choices, not the "Powers That Be" at Etsy. We get to be creative and promote handmade and vintage items to the online community. Some people list things they would like to buy, some pick items from friends or team members, some choose items that match a theme, some people even search on keywords for items from total strangers that fit their theme. However you pick the items to list, it's fun to create them, fun to look at them, and even more fun to share them.

Once I made my first treasury, I immediately thought of another idea, and then another, and...I had to start writing a list! It's not complicated to get a treasury once you know the secrets of using sites like craftopolis for their countdown clock. See, Etsy only opens up Main Treasury when the number of treasuries drops below 333. And the magic number on Treasury West is 222. So you can't just go and create one whenever you feel like it. You have to wait until the exact moment the number of current treasuries drops below the magic number. There's still some amount of suspense involved.

You check the countdown clock throughtout the day. Or you just happen to get lucky and sit down at the computer and see that it's opening soon, which is a big rush if you don't have your Poster Sketch filled in--hurry, hurry, pick some items. What was my next theme again? Where's my list? (Now "soon" can be in an hour or two, because sometimes it takes me that long to find 12-16 items to include! We all know how easy it is to get lost looking at handmade items on Etsy.)

Then you sit there, looking at the bottom of the treasury screen, waiting for the box to pop up so you can enter the (hopefully creative) title you thought of for your next treasury. It's a little like waiting for an online auction to end. This is where the adrenaline rush really kicks in. "Did I get it? Am I too slow? Did I blink and miss the box?" Then you have to make sure you type the title correctly, because you can't fix it later. A moment of hesitation...

You click the button! Did it work? Yes! Then the watching and waiting pays off. It's time to enter the beautiful items and share your choices with the Rest of the World. The only downside is that your creations only last for 2-3 days until they, too, expire and decrease the number of live treasuries. But, hey, that just means it's time to make the next one!

And now, for you viewing pleasure, some of those expired treasuries, captured forever as screenshots. (You didn't think I'd let all that hard work just disappear, did you?)

"Finer Folks You Will Never Meet"


"The People That You Meet, When You're Sending Out a Tweet"


"Running in Circles...Can Sometimes Be a Good Thing"


"Pretty, Purple Please!"


"HAFTeam Treasures"


"Teal, or No Teal?"


"I'm Just Peachy! Orange You?"


"CMYK: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black"


"Back to Basics: Red, Yellow, Blue"

Just wait until you see what I come up with next!

Summer Citrus: Another Beautiful HAFteam Treasury

Well, the patriotic treasury expired this morning. But that just meant that I was free to snag another one! I actually got the idea for this one right after I did the first one, and have just been waiting for the chance to create it. I searched HAFteam on Etsy, and the mosaic mirror caught my eye. And the colors went well with my ACEO I had just listed. So I started picking out things that had orange and green in them. And yellow snuck in along the way. The result is a pretty beautiful treasury, IMO, showcasing the talent and diversity of the HAFteam once again. Enjoy!

(Click the title to see the treasury and to comment. Remember to help our ranking by clicking on the beautiful items. Thanks!)



And here's another that is now expired, but I thought I'd post a picture so you can see what you missed! This one I did in dark shades of green and black. I was inspired by the gorgeous bead in Seedlings ring.

RED, WHITE, and ROCK N ROLL

I finally snatched up a treasury collection on Etsy! I'm so excited since this is the first one I've gotten the chance to create! I've included items from the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) Team, and tried to show a variety of styles/materials of handmade items. I only wish I had spaces to include something from everyone on the team! Click the article title to be taken to the treasury itself. Click, Comment, and Enjoy! Support the quality of handmade, and celebrate the freedom of creating handmade!

I lost my "sole" in Devil's Den

Devil's Den is an outcropping of rock that was very important during the Battle of Gettysburg. We've went touring the battlefield today, and my 11-year-old LLBean boots finally "gave up the ghost" as it were. After climbing around on the rocks, I realized I had no "sole" left to my boots.


When we got back to the hotel, we were making jokes about my boots, and I said "I lost my 'sole' in Devil's Den!" I thought it was pretty Klever with a Kapital K.

A Treasury of Collaborators

Woke up this morning to find that one of my bookmarks is in a treasury. Check out all the great items from fellow Collaborators in Cahoots!



Then click on the title above to go to the treasury and "click & comment" on some beautiful items. You might even find something you just have to buy!