Thanks Etsy;-)-Fabulous Friday Feature

Good morning Family and happy Friday.

I woke up this morning to learn my Twisted Silver Necklace was featured in yesterday's Front Page feature.

The necklace was one of the select items I originally donated to Hearts For Haiti that didn't get a chance to go to a good home;-(. However the necklace is still a donated item to charity with 25% of its proceeds now going to the American Cancer Society.

It's Front Page treasury is a beautiful collection in itself. My favorites are these gorgeous Canisters Set Of Three by fantastic pottery artist dbabcock /Blue Sky Pottery. Ceramic fans must see her Etsy shop!


Thanks for visiting;-)

Pretty in Paper-Blog Feature Artist of the Week

Bad blogger..I know I know... hangs head...But I have something pretty and eco COOL I want to show you;-)

Brown paper Bag - Barrette byAnBlathPaipeir

An Bláth Páipéir (The Paper Flower) creates beautiful and unique flowers, wall art & hair accessories all made from 100% recycled paper. Her work is so intricate and interesting I just had to feature her work.

These sweet little Star Flower Earrings are my personal fav. How does she do it?

1 1/2 inch Magazine flower Barrette

Check her cool Facebook Page

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Paper-Flower/212251385897

Love is in the Air 2010- Part I

Love Love Love-who doesnt need some;-)

Last year I had a series of Valentine themed "Love is in the air"posts. They got such a nice response I wanted to do it again but this year I'll be posting items that go beyond Etsy.com

I did want to start of the love train with fellow Etsy Project Embrace Member GinnyHuber whose lovely Etsy Treasury received some Etsy Front Page love tonight! Awesome;-)






Congrats on your first FP feature Ginny! and for the love;-)

Give love eveeryday,

Ny

Ny at work in her favorite shirt :)- Update

Today is the fourth day of Kwanzaa, Today's principle: Ujamaa (oo-JAH-mah)(Cooperative Economics). Desired action- helping build and maintain profits and entrepreneurship, and economic self-sufficiency within the community. When I originally posted this blog, I wrote about a young woman I met a festival named Esra and her family. Esra had opened a small clothing boutique in the Bronx and was looking to add handmade jewelry to her shop. She also imports beautiful fair-trade bone, glass, semi and shell beads from the Congo that she uses for her clothing designs, with tons left over unused.

As part of contribution to Ujamaa in my daily life, I did sell her unused beads in my old destash shop on Etsy last year and Esra sold special collection of my hammered earrings in her boutique. Unfortuately the economic woes of 2009 proved to be a difficult first year for Esra so her store front was closed and her husband took over the property to expand a new branch for his already established travel agency.

I took these picyures of me creating some pieces tonight for Esra at the time.

It's so peaceful to sit in my room with my portable table and just hammer away comfortably. The pair I was making in these pics was my personal pair. Thats the only time I don't use gloves.

The tee shirt I am wearing I purchased from ZeCe Designs at Etsy.com
Consciousness - Hand screen printed women's ringspun cotton

As you can see I am a "big girl":) lol, but this shirt ( Size XL) fits me comfortably easy to wash and wear and 100% ring spun cotton that feels great on my sensitive skin. I am very happy to find great quality shirts that fit perfectly for my size.


Zece means "Ten" in Romanian, and Diana & Alfonso are the perfect "10" couple behind Zece Designs with an awesome selection of screen printed tees for men and women. Please check out Diana's oil painting art shop as well http://zecearts.etsy.com/ :)

Monthly giveaways & interesting news on handmade items, at ZeCe's blog: http://zecetrends.wordpress.com/

Thanks for visiting,

Be Well,

Ny

Gussy Up Your Gfts on a Budget: A DIY project-Archive

Original Post 3/2009

Hey family, I originally wrote this post March 1st. I have been blessed to receive several sales that weekend. As I was preparing the previous orders, I received an order that happened to be a birthday present for Jessica of "Or So She Says" blog . So I wanted to present something special but I had no gift boxes or spare tags..not even a organza bag nutthin!! Oh, what's a seller to do??

Well I did what I always do..IMPROVISE

Then I remembered..I purchased these beautiful tags from TimelessPaperArts and decided to use these tags as center pieces for "gift bag boxes". I told Timeless about my idea and how I would blog about how I used her cards.

Here is what I presented Jessica's gift in.

I will show you HOW I did it in tomorrows' post. I have gotten alot of compliments from customers. I asked Timeless if she would consider making custom tags.. that would be cool!.

Here is a TimelessPaperArts recent blog post with her latest tags: Scalloped tags=featured-customer Visit TimelessPapersArts wonderful shop and her beautiful blog. http://www.timelesspaperarts.blogspot.com/

Time to get ready to go to Brooklyn this afternoon..it's a 90 minute train ride from the Bronx:-P

Be Well,

Ny

Holiday & Heritage Month - Native American Spolight - Joni Stinson

Hey Family, It's been a while since I posted for this particular blog series but I haven't forgetten!

Some of the fellow Native American Etsy artists are either a bit shy or really really busy at the moment for a intervew but have given me the ok to feature their beautiful work. Today's artisan:
 

Joni Stinson

Nation: Creek-Cherokee
Location Nebraska
Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/jstinson

 

 Native American Beaded Bracelet Prairie Rose in Teal and Orange Cuff

Please accept my invitation to take a personal spirit journey through my store. Ghi-Goo-ie is my great great great great great great Grandmother's name.She was also the Grandmother of John Ross, Principle Chief of the Cherokees in the mid 1800's. Ghi-Goo-ie translates from Cherokee to "Sweet Heart".

Native American Beaded Ornament (Angels in the Night Sky)

My designs combine traditional Native American techniques with contemporary elements, colors and materials.My work is symbolic and exemplifies my passion for my Nation and my art. My work is made in accordance with THE INDIAN ARTS AND CRAFTS ACT OF 1990, P.L. 101-644. This Act prohibits the use of "Native American" in the sale of products unless one is a citizen of a U.S. recognized Indian Tribe

Native American Ghi-Goo-ie Lapel Pin

In addition to my work, my store periodically features works from other members of our small collective. This includes the wonderful dolls by Peggy MacKenzie, Wolf Clan Seneca and Mohawk, inlay jewelry by Ernestine Ortiz, Santo Domingo, and Ray Sabourin, wood carver. Joni Stinson, Creek-Cherokee, is a beadweaver, jewelry designer and silversmith. She teaches beading at Blue Earth Intertribal in Omaha,Ne. Joni has been invited by the United States Department of Interior to participate in their National Park Service's "Artist in Residence" program. She sells her work at Pow Wows, Craft Shows, Galleries, and on-line.


If you would like to read her blog the site is http://jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com/ 
Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for your visit.-Joni.

Holiday and Heritage Month P 2. Happy Independance Day Poland!!

Hello family,

While I am cooking up a new interview with another Native American artist, I would like you to meet another fabulous Etsy Artist Steammachine from Poland who would like to share a special local holiday with us.

Hi! My name is Klaudia Kolbusz. I grew up in the south of Poland where I went to school for graphic design. Last year I moved to the western part of country and settled in Legnica, a beautiful city founded in the 7th century. My Etsy stores are: steammachine.etsy.com - clothes, accessories, prints and museumofsleep.etsy.com where I sell jewelry. My blog is: steammachineclothing.blogspot.com

So what inspired you to start crafting, what are your favorite materials to work with?

Initially i crafted for myself and for my friends, and thanks to their positive comments, i opened my first store on Etsy. I started designing because I couldn't see anyone creating the kind of clothes that I wanted to buy. I love clothes and I love the creative process. My favourite materials are: cotton and chiffon.

Tell us a little bit about Independance/Rememberance Day. Are there any other special events/festivals that are coming up this Winter?

Poland signed its historic constitution in 1791 but its independence was to be short-lived as invading forces partitioned the country between Russia, Prussia and Austria the following year. It was not until 11 November 1918 that Poland was to regain its independence. To this day, 11 November is an important civic holiday that is recognised throughout the country and is marked with patriotic parades and festivities in many of the larger towns and cities.

Later this month we celebrate Andrzejki which is a Polish traditional day of St. Andrew. It was celebrated in the past mostly by women who wanted to find out about their future, in particular, if they were going to get married the following year and to whom. Within the year the tradition has been spreading from the Polish country side to Polish cities and adopting more commercialised forms. Nowaday it is all about having fun and pretending we are their to find out what will happen to us in the nearest future - fortune telling.

Then we have December sixth, St. Nicholas day - Mikołajki - a polish custom celebrated at 6th of December. In the morning that day children find small presents and sweets hidden under the pillow, in their shoes or other strange places... Although all of the children get nice present, the impolite and naughty kids can also find a birch.

Do you have a special family tradition(s) celebrated during this season?

I don't have any traditions that I do with my family but Catholics have many traditions during Christmas time http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_in_Poland

How did you come to find Etsy and sell your wares.

Two years ago a friend of mine told me about Etsy. I took a look around and decided that it was absolutely a place I wanted to be. I was hooked!

What are/ is your favorite piece(s) from your shop? Is there another skill that you would love to learn?

I like all of them! I put so much work into each piece and sometimes I treat them as they were my children.

I'd like to learn soldering. I bought a soldering iron a few months ago but unfortunately I still don't have time to try it out. I would like to learn so many skills! I make things to satisfy myself and my own need to create something but because I'm very critical of my work, I'm never 100% satisfied of the result. And so I keep learning and working, sweating and sometimes fighting with the things I do. But I love crafting. It teaches patience, temperance, and forbearance. For an artist, the best reward is when people appreciate our work.

What have you found to be the most difficult or challenging about selling your wares online?

Selling online is usually not as simple as adding a picture of your product but Etsy's Handbook, Storque, and Forums are unbelievably helpful. I would like to have more time to make better photos and write longer descriptions of my items. But the most difficult and challenging part is shipping my products. I go to the post office twice a week and wait in line 20 to 50 minutes each time. But I want to provide good customer service and I hate delays in shipping.

Why do you think people should learn more about international history and culture?

I believe everyone should learn about foreign cultures because not everyone is the same. Different people make this world beautiful and interesting.

Finally, Why do you think poeple should buy/support handmade?

I think people should support handmade because the world has become so less personal and so commercial. I think it brings value to our lives when we can connect with both the process and the designer.

Thank you Klaudia for stopping y and sharing your work and some of your culture with us. Do stop by and show Klaudia some Indie love;-)

 

Look for my next feature this Saturday- Tell me what you think of my features so far, is there anything in mind you would like to read about?- Do share.

 

Be Well,

 

Ny

Indie Archive- Morgan Street Patisserie April 2009

What a super day! Bright sun, super weather and more soap to spotlight!

Etsy Artist and another fellow EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color Team) member Morgan Street was gracious enough to stop by for a few.

Welcome MorganStreet

1. Introduce yourself _ name, location , Shop name and product(s)you create.

My name is Sharon, I live in Bridgeport, CT. Shop name is Morgan Street and I create all things Soap and Bath & Body.

2. Where did you get your shop name?

I'm originally from England and I my childhood home was on Morgan Street. It's where I learned all things crafty. I still have strong ties there because one of my childhood friends bought the house after my mom passed away and my best friend's parents still live on the street. Whenever I go back, it's like a big family reunion!

3. What brought you to crafting soap?

When my niece was young she had terrible eczema and was unable to take regular baths like her siblings. I felt so sorry for her, I told my sister that I was going to make soap that she could use. I purchased a couple of books and read them over and over for about 6 months before I got the courage to make my 1st batch of soap and I haven't stopped since. ps - my niece has beautiful skin today :-)

4. How did you come to find a home on ETSY?

I had heard about Etsy on and off for a couple of years but didn't fully grasp what it was about until one day, quite by chance I happened on the site again. On that very day at that very time, I signed up and started listing products. I had no expectations at that time but figured it couldn't hurt.

5. What is (are) your favorite pieces in your Shop

That's a difficult one. They're all my favorite. If I had to choose just one, it would be the Chocolate Cake Lip Balm!

6.What is the best piece of advice you can give other aspiring soap crafters who are considering selling their craft?

My best advice would be to do what you love and do it well. Never think you know enough as there's always new things/techniques to learn.

7. In your opinion, why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society especially in today's economy?

Speaking from my own personal experiences here. My company didn't give raises this year and some companies even cut salaries. Despite this, I am able to create what I love. If customers are buying my products, I in turn am able to turn around and spend it right back on Etsy which hopefully is enabling that seller to keep their lights on or buy from another seller. It's just good all around for the handmade movement.

8. Where can we find you other than Etsy to learn more about you? Any other shops?
I'm in the process of resurrecting my own website. The address will be morganstreetsoap.com

My blog is: morganstreetsoap.blogspot.com
Twitter: twitter.com/morganstreet
Flickr: flickr.com/morganstreet

Indie Archive- The Soap Seduction -April 2009

Simple Sunday Soap Special--Try and say that four times fast LOL!!

I wanted to have those fabulous Friday features but with the gorgeous weather we have been having here along the East Coast I don't blame my features for taking it in;-)

I did get a chance to grab Awesome ArtFire Artist LOVELY Lady behind

The Soap Seduction

1. Introduce yourself _ name, location , Shop name and product(s)you create.

Hello world! My name is Patrice Harrison and I am the brains behind the beauty of The Soap Seduction. I craft soaps, candles, and bath and body goodies.

2. Where did you get your shop name?

I really made the name up out of nowhere. I knew I wanted "soap" in the title so there would be no mistake about what it was I sold. I also wanted something that would be memorable and something a little risque, and nothing says that like "seduction." ;-)

3. what brought you to crafting soap?

I came to make soap as a result of my ashy-prone skin being dried out even more by the commercial detergent bars. Even the so-called "moisture" bars did nothing for me. I also wanted a soap in the scents that I like. I'm very partial to food-based fragrances as I know a lot of people are, and I just couldn't find that commercially. Everything was floral or fruity-floral.

4. How did you come to find a home on ARTFIRE? What are the challenges you find selling your goods online?

Believe it or not, I found ArtFire through a forum thread on EAOC (Etsy Artists of Color). The question was "Does anyone sell on ArtFire...?" and I was like "What the heck is ArtFire..." and with one click, I was hooked. It was new and growing, as I am, and what better way to establish my fledgling business than with a fledgling craft venue. It can be considered a risky move, but I'm quite happy there, and I've been relatively successful in the 4 1/2 months I've been selling there.

The challenges of selling online is staying afloat among the ocean of competition. Sometimes I lose focus because I compare my shop to others, but I find that can lead to discouragement and ultimately failure because you feel you don't measure up. I've since learned that I am unique in my own right and that there's room for everyone. I won't appeal to everyone, but I do have a loyal following.

5. What is (are) your favorite pieces in your Shop

My favorite item of the moment is this orange and bergamot soap.

It's both fruity and earthy which makes a seductive (pun intended) combination. It's still curing, but it will be available the week of May 10th.

6.Is soap making/ body products your main income, or do you have a "day job" also?

I only wish it were my main income. I do have a day job. I've been in banking for almost 15 years. I enjoy it, and I like knowing where my money is at all times...LOL.

6.What is the best piece of advice you can give other aspiring soap crafters who are considering selling their craft?

The best advice I can give to aspiring soap crafters is be able to defend why you charge what you do for your craft. I can't tell you how many times I've been hit with the "I ain't paying no $5.00 for a bar of soap when I can get 10 bars for the same price at XYZ store...." And to that I tell them, "First and foremost, you're not buying soap, you're buying heavily-scented, overly-drying detergent bars...." Being able to defend your passion is key in any business forum.

7. In your opinion, why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society especially in today's economy?

Let's face it, our economy sucks right now. With so many people out of work, it can be challenging to convince folks to buy your handmade products, but I believe that handmade is the best way to go. It's not only the major corporations who are suffering, but the small business owners are too. Many handmade artisans rely on their craft to support themselves and their families. You may not realize it, but you're buying that bar of soap or those gorgeous pair of earrings are pumping dollars back into our economy. Where do you think we're buying our supplies from? You guessed it: Other small businesses and sometimes, the major corporations. Also, many handmade artisans are using sustainable materials to craft their goods, so not only is handmade healthy for our economy, but our environment as well.

8. Where can we find you other than Artfire to learn more about you? Any other shops?

I'm trying to take over the web...LOL. I currently sell on Etsy, Funky Finds, and 1000 Markets. I also twitter (http://www.twitter.com/SoapSeduction), and I blog almost daily at www.thesoapseduction.blogspot.com.

Thanks so much for sharing with us Patrice!!! and continued success. Please visit her shops and enjoy the Seduction;-)

Patrice Harrison

www.TheSoapSeduction.artfire.com

www.thesoapseduction.etsy.com

www.thesoapseduction.1000markets.com

http://thesoapseduction.blogspot.com

Adore This Soap!:Fabulous Friday Product Review of The SoapSeduction

I don't know about you but this soap made me hungry just looking at it!. My goodness doesn't it look like a yummy piece of warm creamy fresh baked chocolate yellow cake that you packed to take with you for lunch? One of my blog followers Patrice@TheSoapSeduction calls this her Damn Damn Damn Chiffon Soap which is a Lemon Chiffon Poppy seed creation filled with warm natural handcrafted goodness. Patrice explains the mishap behind this soap in a very funny post on her blog.

I had always admired her work and enjoy reading her informative and entertaining blog. I had read an early blog post where she was asking followers for advice as to what to do about the soap? I had posted a comment to send it as a sample with orders to see how folks react to it, then I offered to try a sample myself and blog about it.




I also ordered the Adore -Cocoa Butter Cold Pressed Soap. I received my order, which came quickly all the way from Washingon,DC these soaps were packaged in a beautiful drawstring canvas satchel which I LOVE because it a smart, stylish and environmentally conscious packaging strategy. I am already reusing the satchel as a change purse that is easy to wash and use for something else. The scalloped tag with the shop link and the listing of ingredients I thought was a very professional and informative touch as well.


So what's the verdict on the soaps? I ADORE both soaps. Since I suffer from Eczema, my skin reacts to soap irritants as fast as a few hours to as slow as a few weeks. Soaps, oils, creams and lotions with fragrances or colored soaps were a torture to look at as I wanted to indulge in using them but would pay for it EARLY later. But I must say the Adore and Damn Damn Damn Soaps are heaven on my skin, No IRRITATION, NO FLARE UPS , NO RASH! The fragrances are not perfumey,very light and fresh. Great lather and a nice clean finish. My confession- I have been seduced and loving it!

Oh, did I mention I got a sweet discount as a participant of TheSoapSeduction Stimulus Package-That's right, become a follower of her blog and receive 15% off your purchase; now that a squeaky clean deal;-)

Check out Patrice's shop at either her Etsy or Artfire location. And let her know that Ny sent you;-)

Be Clean with Care,
Ny

Indie Inspirations- Interview With Sydney Austin Designs

I had the pleasure of finding this beautiful Indie Artist at Etsy.com and had to grab a few minutes to chat with her. Please welcome

~ Hip Handcrafted Jewels for the Stylish Chick ~

1. Welcome to Indie Inspirations!-Please introduce yourself;-)
My name is Robyn Wren Bourne. I'm originally from Baltimore, MD. I currently live in Greensboro, NC. My shop's name is Sydney Austin Designs. I design and make one of a kind jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, cocktail rings, and bracelets.

2. Is your shop name your real name? It's has a beautiful ring to it.
My shop name is not my "real" name. Sydney is my daughter's middle name and Austin is my son's middle name.

3. What inspired you to start making jewelry? What are your favorite materials to work with?
My brother and I made earrings years ago and we stopped. A few years ago I took a jewelry making class in Baltimore and I fell in love with all of the gemstones that are available.

I rec'd lots of compliments from the designs I made in class that I decided to give jewelry making another shot. I love working with gemstones, vintage beads, lampwork, metal, freshwater pearls, swarovski crystal, and wood.

Urban Cowboy Necklace

4. How did you come to find a home on ETSY?
I found Etsy by doing some research on Google for selling handcrafted jewelry.

5. How does it feel to have your own on-line shop? What have you learned so far about running your own business?
I love having my jewelry available online. I am currently in the works to obtaining my own website that will hopefully be up and running by December 2009. Having your own business that a lot of hard work and dedication.

6. What is your favorite piece in your Shop?
My Surrender Earrings are my favorite item in my shop. They are so much fun! Perfect for anybody in the law enforcement field.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15891323

7. Do you find yourself trying to keep up with the latest trends/fads or do you march to a different drum of your own. Do you have any special projects that you are/will be working on?
I get inspiration from current trends, but mostly I like to march to my own beat. I would love to take metalsmithing classes. I want to learn how to work with a torch. Right now I have a beautiful handmade lampwork mother/baby pendant that I am trying to create into a beautiful necklace.

8. What is the best piece of advice you can give other jewelry designers?
My advice for other jewelry artisans is to be diligent, always continue to study your craft (take classes, go to workshops), be flexible (especially now in this tough economic market), but most of all be consistent!

9. In your opinion, why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?
Handmade products benefit society because a lot of materials we use are recycled. We take vintage beads, scrap metal, natural materials, and make them into something beautiful. When you buy handmade you are supporting small businesses. Plus you are getting a quality product.

10. So, is there anywhere else we can find you other than Etsy to learn more about you? Do you have any other shops

I have a blog: http://www.sydneyaustindesigns.blogspot.com I am also on twitter: http://www.twitter.com/sydneyaustin Also, I have a flickr account which shows a lot of my designs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sydneyaustindesigns/


Fabulous!!- Thank you so much for coming by..Good luck to you & keep those gorgeous creations coming!

Thanks for the opportunity to be featured in your blog!

-Robyn

EmmalineBride- Artist of the Week

This week from June 29th- July 5th my jewelry and exclusive interview is being featured on EmmalineBride- the handmade bridal boutique.- You can also check out their gorgeous bridal blog at http://emmalinebride.blogspot.com/ 

Emmaline bride is always looking for artisan talent, so if you are a crafter who loves to make wedding or gift items visit EmmalineBride's Be Featured section and contact them with all your questions.

Be Beautiful- or Handsome;-)

Ny

Nyblaque's May Blog Giveaway-Cause She Said So!!

OneSheTwoShe's Mariel and Jessica

These awesome divas have been gracious enough to host my jewelry giveaway on their FABULOUS blog.

So all you have to do to win an item of your choosing, is to
Check out this hot momma's blog by clicking the Icon above which will take you to directly to or so she says and follow the contest rules as indicated.

Good Luck! You can enter until Wednesday at Midnight. The winner will be announced Thursday at noon. And for all you not so lucky, I am offering 20% off your purchase!

Have Fun!! Be Giving, Ny

Feature Friday- Awesome Indie Interview with Danielle Designs-12/13/08

I snagged this great interview with DanielleDesigns@etsy.com_ CHECK it out!


1. What brought you to crafting?

Hmmm, that's a hard one to answer since I've been crafting pretty much my whole life! I just love crafting, and I guess I was born that way! Whenever I discover a new project, I throw myself into it with almost obsessive force. Although, I'm like that with most things in my life (I'm a Scorpio, hehe)

2. Where do you receive you inspiration?

Usually my design inspiration comes from a different project. I'll be making one thing, then I'll think of something else, so I'll go start that, and so on, and then I realize I hadn't finished the first thing! I also receive inspiration from my parents, not design-wise, but they've always supported me to do whatever I want and follow my dreams. Also, from the Etsy community! I decided to start my new section, decoupaged bangles because I saw one on etsy and thought, "that's so cool, I want to do that"!

3. How did you come to find a home on Etsy? do you sell anywhere else?

I found Etsy a couple years ago, and I honestly don't remember how! I think I maybe saw an ad on myspace or something! Somewhere on the Internet, at any rate. I do not sell anywhere else. I've looked at all the other crafting sites, and none of them seem to live up to Etsy in terms of layout, ease of navigating, and mostly the community section! Who knows, in the future I may branch out, but Etsy will always be my base!

4. What is (are) your favorite pieces in your Shop

Wow that's a really tough question. I love all my pieces, although for some it is harder than others to list instead of keep lol! Among my favorites would have to be my 'Silver Couture' decoupaged bangle, and also my rainbow rose earrings made from polymer clay, which have 36 hearts and have still not sold!!

5.Who are your favorite artists? Include a link to their site /blog if possible

Well I am also a photographer, so I really love Ansel Adams' work and also Annie Leibovitz (She is AMAZING!!! My Idol!!!) For Etsy artists, I really love artists who find a way to repurpose/recycle in a unique way, like NormalIsBoring, who sells jewelry made from recycled balloons! Or alilyamongthorns, who makes jewelry made from recycled Starburst wrappers! I've done trades with both of them and I just love wearing their earrings and telling people what they're made of! And then of course directing them to etsy! ;)

6.What is the best piece of advice you can give other indie crafters?

Just keep at it. List every day, or as much as you can, and get featured on blogs, any exposure you can. Twitter is an amazing tool I have recently found. I have over 3,000 followers now, and every time I post one of my items, I get about 15 views immediately! It's also cool to personally connect with other Etsy Artists and other people on twitter who might not know about etsy.

Here's my twitter: http://twitter.com/DaniellsDesigns. I love new twitter friends and I follow everyone back! I'll also be glad to answer any questions about twitter or etsy for any of you newbies out there!

7. In your opinion, why do you think that buying and selling handmade products benefits society?

I just love everything about it! For one thing, it supports individual artists, not huge corporations where the income is distributed very unevenly between the CEO and the average worker. And the community it so fun! To me, the whole process is just more loving than going to WalMart! The products are made with love, you respect the artist so much more, and there is a personal touch! I could go on and on about this, but I think if you are reading this blog you know what I am talking about. :)

8. What are your goals for 2009?

I would love to sell more of my new decoupaged bangles, I just got into it and I am loving it, and I would love to get feedback that it is a worthwhile venture. Here is the section: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5263188&section_id=5802382

I've sold one so far, but if I don't end up selling any, I will just keep them all to wear for myself! No loss there! I don't really have any definite goals, but I plan on listing one item every day, although that usually doesn't last very long! Anyway, a big thank you to you Nyblaque for featuring me on your blog! And thank you to everyone reading this! :)

Thank you Danielle for sharing your amazing work with us!

Fabulous Friday Feature-Indie Archives-"A Man and his Metals"- Timothy Adam Designs Created 4/30/08

Timothy Adam Design is a metal guru..not to mention a great Etsian who love to help out as best he can within the Etsy Community....He is the mastermind behind the promotional catalogs of Etsy Artists "Handbook to Handmade Volumes"

"the handbook to handmade" is a monthly volume of 36 ETSY artists and their shops...this is a promotional tool that is used to help promote artists and etsy. the first volume was a success, with a great mix of artists from 36 different cities from around the world.".-Timothy Adam Designs
There have been 5 volumes created and published since January 2007 with Volume # 6 currently accepting new artist...(cue plug.. LOL) visit http://etsypromobook.blogspot.com/ for more info or contact Tim @ TimothyAdamDesigns.etsy.com

I had a chance to thank him again for featuring me as one of the 35 artists in the Volume II "Handbook"(pg.8) and catch him for am interview:


Introduce yourself:
*** Hey Timothy Adam here....full time metal artist and blogger...I live in Grand Rapids Michigan with my talented wife and my Jack Russel, Sadie.

What inspires you?
****Modern art and modern architecture


Your current favorite piece?
**** http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11226003

What got your started in your craft?
*** about 3 years ago my sister in law in Baltimore, who is a furniture designer..she started the spark..and i have not stopped ever since

One weird fact about you or your shop
***** 3 years ago i had no idea i had a creative side!

How did you come up with your shop name?
**** That's an easy one....it is my name and i design stuff!

Do you have any advice for other Etsians or artists in general?
*** you always need to love what you are doing and have fun..once the fun stops..it is time to do something different..

What are your goals for 2008?
***** 2008: First goal was to go full time with my art and i have done that...second goal is to hit 1000 sales on etsy...third is to keep building my blogs!!

Thanks Tim...oh BTW...Sadie gave her seal of approval

here are some more awesome links of Tim's to check out
a how to video on the etsy mini:
http://critiquesandreviews.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post.html
www.timothyadamdesigns.blogspot.com

Find Motivation: featured in word and art

INNOVATION -Innovation is the introduction of something new to apply to your business, sense of direction or method of living. A great post about Innovation written by Eviestoolemporium reminds us of Innovation's continuous cycle that drive us to keep going.

Circles in art can also be an innovative tool on a sensory level, visualizing the beauty and the power of innovative continuity:

SILVER BRACELET - GREEK KEY- Jewelry

Gorgeous vintage-style bracelet hand crafted in. 925 pure sterling silver. Beautiful Greek fashion that never goes out of style. Created by Etsy artist www.artistico.etsy.com

Little Victories Add Up To Big Success- This blog post written by Jack Humphery reminds us to Cherish the small victories in life that hard work and perseverance with steady patience pays off.

So spread your wings of faith and take flight...maybe these beautiful birdies can join you on your journey.

Striped Birdies - Set of Three Note Cards

Beautiful handcrafted note cards in bright colors pattern so easy to brighten anyone's day..send to someone and fill with words of encouragement, or write a note to yourself:-) Created by Etsy Artistwww.ThePoint.etsy.com

Love is in the air....From Top to..Bottom: Indie Valentine Features part 3

Lookin good gorgeous! Nothing wrong with a little self-admiration. You can give yourself this super cute 2.25inch hand pressed pocket mirror laden with pink, white and red hearts. A very cool personal gift.

www.flirtbuttons.etsy.com

Fabric Covered Pocket Mirror

And of course you gotta give your limbs some lovin to! Pamper your body with super smooth Satin and silk body lotion. With the wonderful healing moisture of Shea butter and Aloe, and anti-oxidant properties of Vitamin E. Your body will LOVE you for it.

www.shineyourhineysoap.artfire.com

LOVE SPELL PAMPER YOUR HINEY SATIN AND SILK LOTION 2OZ

Lots of love from buttons to bums- tee hee I couldn't resist.

Thanks for visiting ,

Ny