Monday, September 29, 2008

ETC Has Secrets!


Today is the fifth Monday of the month, which means Etsy Texas Crafters is having our "ETC Has Secrets" promotion.

Look through the list of participating shops to find Armadillo Tex (cute little critter seen above)hidden in up to two items in each shop for your chance to get a free item with purchase!!! Each shop can have up to two secrets, and will let you know what the "freebie" is.

Here's search results if you want to go check it out!
http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_type=tag_title&search_query=teametsytx+etcsecrets

Or you can search for ETCsecrets

Be sure to check back each Monday for a different promotion from Etsy Texas Crafters

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Super Sassy Socks

Aqua/Turquoise

Multi Colored
Light Pink


Lime Green

Now available in my Etsy shop, as well as on my Website. AVailable in Light Pink, Hot pink, Purple, Lime Green, Aqua, and orange.

Sizes available:
0-6 month
6-18 month
18-36 month
3-5 years

$5/pr, or $12/3 pr

Friday, April 18, 2008

Occupational Therapy Splints

Image from http://www.benefitsnowshop.co.uk

One cool thing Occupational Therapists get to do is make all kinds of splints for various injuries to the shoulder, elbow, hand, and fingers. They can be quite tedious to form, especially when you're starting from scratch, but the perfectionist-artistic part of me loves it. The first splint pictured is what we would make for a patient that has had some sort of radial nerve injury that results in not being able to lift the wrist and fingers.

Image from http://emedicine.com

The second splint pictured here is probably one of the most common that we have to make. I especially get a lot of these working with older adults that may have had some sort of stroke, brain injury, or spinal cord injury that results in contractures of the fingers or wrists. Luckily for me with an increasingly larger caseload per day, some companies make pre-fabricated splints like this one and we just have to add the straps and heat them up for small adjustments to avoid pressure areas.

One very basic splint an OT can also provide is for the relief of tennis elbow. This basic splint pictured below provides pressure at the attachment of the muscle to divert the force to another area to allow the painful area time to heal while not having to work so hard.

Image from http://benefitsnowshop.co.uk

More to come on the field of OT, so check back to learn about this profession, and feel free to ask anything.

Thursday, April 3, 2008

April is National Occupational Therapy Month


This month is National Occupational Therapy month and is designed to raise awareness of the field of OT. I cannot tell you how many times I have to explain that "Occupational Therapy" has nothing to do with helping someone find a job. I thought I would post a general Press Release statement by the American Occupational Therapy Association as an explanation of what OT is. I'll be posting some other info about OT's throughout the month in hopes that someone will gain a better understanding of my field and what we do for our patients.

Occupational Therapy:
The Profession that Focuses on Life Skills

For millions of people, the service of occupational therapy is a lifeline. People of all ages receive it to help them participate in the activities of their daily life. Sometimes people need occupational therapy to do things we take for granted, like getting dressed, being productive at school or work, eating unassisted, even socializing.

Occupational therapy doesn't just treat medical conditions, it helps people stay engaged in the activities that give them pleasure or a sense of purpose, despite challenges.

Occupational therapists do this by helping people surmount their disabilities or medical conditions to do everyday things. The nature of the therapy depends on the individual and their environment; occupational therapists consider the whole person when developing a therapy plan. Occupational therapists collaborate with physicians and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach.

Children, for instance, sometimes have behavioral or developmental problems that limit their educational progress. Lawmakers believe occupational therapy is so important to the well-being of children, federal law mandates that schools must offer occupational therapy to children who need it.

Occupational therapy is "outcome-oriented," which means therapists help clients work toward achievable performance goals.

In rehabilitation clinics or hospitals, occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants help adults learn or regain skills that allow them to do meaningful things like working, driving, shopping, even preparing a meal. All types of people need this kind of help everyday, from a worker injured on the job to a grandparent recovering from surgery or a stroke.

Occupational therapy helps avoid health problems, and makes it easier to live with them.

Consider our growing senior population: Healthier people are living longer lives. Occupational therapy research proves that keeping people active and healthy as they age will not only improve their quality of life, it will lower their health care costs as well. That is why there are occupational therapy programs focusing on wellness and prevention - to help seniors stay healthier and remain active in their homes and communities. Trained therapists can make homes safer for people with reduced mobility and failing vision. Occupational therapists can also teach seniors new driving techniques that will keep them behind the wheel longer, as safe drivers.

Occupational therapy addresses one of the most important aspects of rehabilitation and recovery - the return to a normal life.

Occupational therapy has its roots, a century ago, in helping war veterans return to life at home. These days, occupational therapists work in rehabilitation hospitals and on the front lines of combat. Some occupational therapy programs help soldiers recognize and relieve stress. In addition, occupational therapy helps soldiers learn to care for themselves after an injury, including helping them use artificial limbs.

In recognition of all the ways occupational therapy contributes to society's well-being, April has been designated as Occupational Therapy Month.

To find out more about occupational therapy and how it might help you, visit the American Occupational Therapy Association's Web site, www.aota.org.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Interesting blog of the day


I will occasionally be posting some links to blogs that I find interesting or different that I either come across or hear about. I saw this one today on CNN, and just thought I needed to share it. This will also just serve as another means to keep up with some links that I wish to visit again.

Today's blog is http://little-people.blogspot.com
This artist makes minature little people (hence, the name) and leaves them all around the city of London for others to discover. However, before he leaves, he takes photos of them, and they are just beautifully done. Click here, or the link above to visit and look at all the tiny pieces of art and the magnificent photos.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Houston Bead Shows

Just a few shows I have found listing for that is upcoming in this area.


Houston Bead Market
May 31-June 1, 2008
The Stafford Centre
10505 Cash Rd
Stafford, Texas 77477
(click here for info)

April 4-6, 2008
International Gem & Jewelry Show
(
Click here for more info on this one)
Visit this link to see exhibitor info, lists, or to buy tickets
Reliant Park, Houston

November 7-9, 2008
The Houston Bead Society
The Annual Bead & Jewelry Show

(Click here for more info)

June 20-22, 2008
International Gem & Jewelry Show
Houston Reliant Center


Monday, March 24, 2008

Bridal Strandz Now Open for Business


I am very proud to now have a bridal jewelry shop open on Etsy (BridalStrandz) I may or may not add these to my website as well. We'll see how it goes. I have enjoyed being a part of making several brides' jewelry over the past few months with some very special requests. I love the elegance of pearls and crystals, and that I can offer quality jewelry for fractions of the costs of brick and mortar bridal boutiques. I mean really, some of them are just outrageous, and it's not even quality jewlery. If you are in the Houston area getting married, I would be pleased to work with you and even meet with the bride or bridal party to special fit lengths at no extra charge so that they are perfect for the necklines of those dresses!!

Please visit (and bookmark, and pass it on) http://bridalstrandz.etsy.com, and new items will be added daily.

Thursday, March 13, 2008

Featured Artist: A Breath of French Air

Soap $4.25

I saw a lovely shop on Etsy today. It's ABreathofFrenchair, and she has fabulous bath and body products. Check out these soaps that are pictured above. They are called "Achoo Cold/Flu Goats Milk Bar Soap" for those achy muscles. They have Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Lemon, Lavender, (for soothing cold symptoms) and Oatmeal (for soft skin). In fact, I think I'll be getting these tonight, so don't jump in line ahead of me!!

Bath Salts
$5.00

As if her soaps and scrubs, and lip balms weren't luxurious enough for you, she has some great bath salts. I might need some of these, too, but I'll have to ponder which ones for now.

Other places you can find A Breath of French Air:
BLOG: http://allthingsetsy2222.blogspot.com/
INDIPUBLIC:http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/ABreathofFrenchAir
FLICKR: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/ABreathofFrenchAir?viewAsOther=1

Monday, March 10, 2008

Featured Artist: VanessaCavacoDesigns

Vintage Motif Sparkle Notecard
$1.85

Vanessa Cavaco has a way with the modern and funky, as can be seen with her fabulous designs. I know I'm awesome at repeating myself, but if I've said it once, I've said it a billion times "I loves me some sparkly". (hence "sparkly strandz"). I love this sparkly notecard found in her Etsy shop. I just might have to have one. And I'm the one in the family known for being anti-card. Maybe I'm getting soft in my ripe old age!

Her shop also has a collection of great labels and tags that you can have customized. I'm pretty sure I'll be stopping by to get something sassy for my earring and nursing necklace tins!

Here are a few other places on the web you can find Vanessa:
www.vanessacavacodesigns.com
www.bluesugarpress.com
www.nasteenotes.com

♥ BLOG:HTTP://PAPERCHICK.BLOGSPOT.COM

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Featured Artist: Purrfectly Divine

Rose and Siam Crystals and Swirls Necklace
$45

I've been making jewelry for so long, that when I see such beautiful work from someone who hasn't been "in the biz" that long, it's refreshing. I love the jewelry in purrfectlydivine's shop. I also love that she is also a special education teacher. I am an occupational therapist, so I know the love and devotion that goes into working with anyone, not just kiddos, with special needs.

You can also go visit her blog at http://purrfectlydivine.blogspot.com for other artist features and background of her work.

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Featured Artist: Odds N Blobs


Today's featured artist has such a cute shop and wonderful products. I noticed them a while back, and I'm glad to finally getting around to doing a little feature. She claims "I am a 22 year old girl stuck in my own little world. I love sitting in my craft studio making little nic nacs to give to friends and family."

She makes the most adorable little sets of pushpins, magnets, bookmarks, and notecards. They would make fabulous gifts for a friend or co-worker, just a little something fun.

You can check out her Etsy shop by clicking here, and don't forget to go check out her blog as well at http://www.oddsnblobs.blogspot.com/

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Featured Artist: Unique Charm

Decadant Truffle Charm Bracelet
$15

Unique Charms on Etsy offers a variety of fabulous polymer clay charms and bobbles. As you can see, she specializes in "sweet" little treats for you. I just love this X Box charm. It looks like the one I made my husband buy me. He actually agreed to getting a pink controller for the extra one when he realized that when his "dudes" come over they'll be the ones using it!!

These are all made from polymer clay as I mentioned. I can barely get a round bead to come out looking right, and I admire people that can sculpt and create such tiny little works of art out of clay. They are so fun and unique.

X Box 360 Charm
$15

Stop on by her shop to see all her work. Also, you can find Leslie at the links below:

E-mail: LesliesUniqueCharm@yahoo.com
Blog: http://www.uniquecharms.blogspot.com
IndiePublic: http://www.indiepublic.com/profile/UniqueCharm
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21571133@N05/

Monday, February 18, 2008

Featured Artist: Artish

"Flames" neckwarmer/scarflette
$26

These fabulous neckwarmers/scarflettes can be found in Etsy Shop Artish. At artish you'll find a work of art you can wear on your body or use in your home.

From Leticia:
"I've been drawing, painting, sewing, and 'creating' in general for as long as I can remember. there is nothing quite like giving a gift or owning something that has been made by hand."

"I particularly love to make scarves. I love the surprise that often comes from combining unusual textures and colours. I love adding details, features and embellishments. I especially love how a great scarf can transform an ordinary outfit into a fabulous one."

"My inspiration comes from the colours and textures around me in the hunter valley (australia), my family, my painting and drawing, and from the cities and countries i have visited."

"useless information about me?
i am a sucker for shoes that i don't need, dangly earrings, music, old-fashioned bicycles, things that go fast, anything red, potatoes, the smell of a new book, alchemy's chai tea, and painting and drawing."

So go stop on by her Etsy shop and see what she has to offer.

Gold (scarf)
$37

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Ffeatured Artist: Toni Anne Wolfe

Fellow Etsian Toni Anne Wolfe has a great shop that features prints, tiles, and dinnerware that is sure to please. Go pick yourself up something unique that you'll enjoy for years to come!

She states
"This is an outlet for all my random and melancholy creations
limited edition prints
handpainted tiles
handpainted dinnerware
various crocheted cozies
unusual appliance cozies
and occasionally some original paintings and sculpture

All of my work is one of a kind, similar items are made, but no two are exactly alike since everything is hand painted/made
Currently all of the ceramic tile and dinnerware are store bought "made in china" and aftermarket handpainted by me

visit my website for artwork that i don't plan to sell
www.toniannewolfe.com

or my blog for links to my favorite items, and updates on my studio
http://toniannewolfe.livejournal.com/"

Love Me-Not Wall Hanging
$10

Saturday, February 16, 2008

New Styles

New styles of nursing necklaces up in my shop now. Some haven't been added yet, but will be over the next few days, so stay tuned. All of them are $15 dollars, and for a limited time, if you purchase and put "matching earrings" when checking out, you'll get a free pair of matching earrings! As always, my nursing necklaces come packaged in a little metal tin with a crochet cotton face scrubbie as a little extra added bonus!

So, go check out the shop today!
http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com


Striped Tortoise Shell

Teal Crystal

Rhodonite and pnk glass

Graduated black crystal with lampwork focal bead

Serpentine Jade and silver filigree

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Interchangeable Earring Sets

Interchangeable earring Starter Set
$16
Available at:
http://sparklystrandz.com
or
http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com

I have a new item in my shop and on my website. I don't know why it's taken me so long to get these going again. It was always my best seller.

It's a set of interchangeable earrings. It comes with a pair os sterling silver ear wires that close for extra security, and 4 sets of drops in classic colors-Garnet, Crystal, Jet, and Pearl.

Each set will come packaged in a little metal tin that will not only help keep the earrings all in one place and easy to find, but great for travel as well. As an extra bonus, the tin will also contain one of my crochet cotton scrubbies (that you can use on your face, dishes, etc).


For only $16, this is a great starter set, and you can always add extra dangles from my site or my shop for a greater variety.

Monday, January 21, 2008

ETC: Giving Back to the Community

Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC), the street team known for First Mondays, is now celebrating Third Mondays by giving back to our community. Each month, participating team members will donate a percentage of their sales for that day to a charity selected by the team. Please help support this worthy cause by shopping the participating stores!

For January, ETC members will donate to Homes for our Troops. This organization is building and remodeling homes for severely wounded veterans. Proceeds from our sales will be donated to assist in the modifications of the home of US Army Specialist Latseen Benson, who lost his legs to a roadside bomb in his second tour of duty in Iraq.
http://www.homesforourtroops.org:80/site/PageServer?pagename=Spc_latseen_benson

Our ETC Cares promotion for January will begin at 12:01am Monday, January 21 and end at 12:00 midnight the same day (Central time -- that's 1:01am Monday to 1:00am Tuesday, Etsy time)

The participating shops are listed below, along with a description of their donations:

http://etsytexascrafters.etsy.com
ETC Team Shop
20% of all sales will be donated

http://2muchstuff2day.etsy.com
Hand knit cloths and baby items and natural stone jewelry
25% of all sales will be donated

http://artspot.etsy.com
Treat yourself to *Enchanted* bath and body luxuries
25% of all sales will be donated (excluding wholesale orders)

http://bailliesbagsbaubles.etsy.com
Purses, totes, diaper bags, backpacks, and accessories
20% of all sales will be donated (Will also accept purchases that buyer wants to donate back to Homes for Our Troops April Gala Silent Auction!)

http://bybethstudio.etsy.com
Handmade quilted items such as fabric postcards and mini quilts
20% of all sales will be donated

http://cinnascents.etsy.com
Retro style aprons
20% of all sales will be donated

http://comfortandjoycrochet.etsy.com
Warm, fuzzy, and fun handmade scarves and neckwarmers
20% of all sales will be donated

http://craftiness.etsy.com
Small wooden objects: pens, knitting tools, vases, etc
20% of all sales will be donated.

http://ducttapeanddenim.etsy.com
Vintage papers, trims, craft kits, and collages
20% of all sales will be donated

http://killerbeedesigns.etsy.com
Purses, Wine Bottle Carriers, Business Card Holders, Hair clips, Skull-themed items, and more
10% of all sales will be donated

http://kathydkeith.etsy.com
Photo note cards, excess supplies, vintage, bookmarks, art, flower pens and more.
10% of all sales will be donated

http://lavenderlizard.etsy.com
Crocheted Apparel, Accessories, Scrubbies & More
20% of all sales will be donated

http://mychinamosaic.etsy.com
China tiles and ready made arrangements for mosaic art
50% of all sales will be donated

http://preciousbeads4you.etsy.com
Sterling silver and 14K gold-filled supplies
15% of all sales will be donated

http://preciouslinks.etsy.com
Custom made jewelry, homemade doggie dresses and dolls
10% of all sales will be donated

http://spadazzle.etsy.com
Acrylic collage, artwork, prints, cards, & more
$1 will be donated for each item over $5 sold

http://sweetwolf.etsy.com
Funky Handmade Items for You and Your Home
25% of all sales will be donated

http://thistlecraft.etsy.com
Hand-painted Glass and Window Clings, CD Collage Cards, & Other Fun Stuff
25% of all sales will be donated

http://ultratrixie.etsy.com
Eclectic Vintage, and other Super Cool Stuff
25% of all sales will be donated

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Featured Artist: Ann Burke

Lattice Work Bracelet
$48

Today's featured artist has a LOT of patience. Her beadweaving work is absolutely beautiful. She is appropriatly a member of Etsy Beadweavers Street Team (check out their blog). As you can see from the bracelet above, she puts some time into her work. I think the colors in this bracelet are very soothing.

Purple Beadwoven Doily Earrings
$38

These earrings are another example of her bead weaving work. I am a little partial to purple, and I think these are also very beautiful. Seriously, I cringe at the thought of working with such tiny beads, but I do admire those that can do it!

So go check out Ann's shop to see some beautiful bead work, as well as other necklaces, bracelets, and brooches to name a few.

You can also visit her blog: http://myfairladyvt4.blogspot.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Featured Artist: Autumn Leah

Today's artist is Autumn, who is not only a fellow Texan, but a fellow stay at home mom (ok--I work a day or two here and there to get out of the house). She started making jewelry keep her sanity. With a degree in graphic design, it has given her the edge on making other things as well.

Sassy Girl Bow and Headband
$9

This cute little bow comes on a soft lacy headband (which, if your baby girl is anything like mine and BALD still at 16 months, you 'll need it), and can also be detached to be put in the hair of an older girlie (which in my daughter's case it will be 3 years old!!). She's got a good variety of baby boutique items.


If you have a business on the internet, especially Etsy, you'll need a banner. I said she made other things as well, and her banners that are available for purchase at a very reasonable price are very cute. You can look at them here.

Don't forget to go check out her blog while you're at it: autumnleahdesigns.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Featured Artist: Katrin Lerman Jewelry

Be My Valentine Necklace
with Silver, Pearl, and Coral
$79

Today's artist comes from a family of makers and has been doing jewelry since she was a little girl (if making friendship bracelets is considered jewelry. She is originally from Germany, then settled in Massachusetts almost ten years ago.

Katrin now has a beautiful baby girl and tries to spend every free minute (and those of you who have a baby know that there are few) creating jewelry. Her sketch book is filling up with ideas and she can’t wait to get working on all those ideas and designs!!!

In honor of Valentine's Day, I had to choose this beautiful heart pendant. It's made from pearls and coral, and great for all year 'round, not just V-Day! Also, the earrings pictured below had to be included because being from the south Texas coast, we don't see much snow, so "Snow Queen" stood out at me not only for the name, but the beautiful design.

Snow Queen Earrings
$129

You can find all of Katrin's designs at her Etsy shop, as well as her second shop that she's opened up with her sister. For more behind the scenes information visit her blog at http://katrinlermanjewelry.blogspot.com



Sunday, January 13, 2008

Etsy Texas Crafters Treasure Hunt

January's Texas Treasure Hunt
By now everyone is familiar with ETC's awesome First Monday’s Sales event when dozens of ETC shops participate by listing fabulous sales in their shops. Since 1st Monday’s are so popular we thought we would give 2nd Mondays their day in the spotlight too! 2nd Monday’s are Texas Treasure Hunt days!
On the 2ND Monday of each month, ETC (Etsy Texas Crafters) will host a Texas size Treasure Hunt!
WINTER WONDERLAND Treasure Hunt details:
  • This month we want to warm you up Texas Style! Willy the Perky Penguin has escaped from tiddlyinks shop & is running amuck through Texas Etsy shops picking out all his favorite items to warm you heart, warm your spirits or just plain keep YOU warm.
  • Our Jan Treasure Hunt will begin at 12:01am on Jan 14Th & end at 12:00 midnight on that same day (Central time -- that would be 1:01am Monday to 1:00am Tuesday, Etsy time).
  • To play, search participating ETC member shops to find a minimum of 10 items with the designated image in the items' photos.
  • When you've found 10 or more items, convo your list of the URL addresses (links) for those items to http://ArtSpot.etsy.com
  • If there is more than 1 correct entry, by the midnight deadline, all correct entries will be placed in a stocking & one winner will be drawn. If there are no complete & correct entries, the person with the most correct entries will be designated that month's winner. Winner will be notified/announced no later than midnight on Tuesday Dec 11Th.
  • ETC members are not eligible to win.
Tip:
The more items you find and submit, the better your prize selection will be. The winner will get too *choose* 1 item from their submitted list as their prize!
Disclaimer:
In the event that the winner’s 1st choice of prizes sells during the contest, winner would have to choose another prize from their submitted list. Have fun hunting!
Tabitha, aka http://artspot.etsy.com, and the whole ETC Team
participating shops (in random order)for Jan:

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Nursing Necklaces

I've posted about my nursing necklaces that was added to my Etsy shop and website a while back, but I thought I would add pics of a few more styles, as well as a way to purchase here from the Blog. (you'll find that over on the right-hand column).

As a mother of two small children (ages 1 and 2), and owner of a jewelry and craft business, I was always a little upset when I first had my babies that I never could wear my earrings or necklaces, or even bracelets because they would inevitably grab and pull really hard (you never know how strong babies are till you have one of your own), and I was always scared they would snap my jewelry and accidentally choke on a bead (my mind always went to worst case scenarios).

Crystal and Pearl
$12

I began to make these necklaces out of my desire to have something "Sparkly" to wear that would also be safe for my kiddos to play with while they were feeding.

I call them "Nursing Necklaces" because that's how I used them, but they are perfect for bottle fed babies as well.

The pendant is made into a loop style that baby can grasp, and tied in a continuous piece of organza ribbon to prevent the beads from being able to fall off. These necklaces are not meant to be a replacement for a teether toy. Even though babies are small, they can bite down rather hard and accidents can happen, so please supervise when wearing.

The length of this necklace is approximately 20", which is a little longer than average, but long enough that baby can reach it. The ribbon makes it feminine and light weight, and suitable for everyday wear.

Just listed: Baby Leg Warmers





I've come up with a simple, yet fabulous pattern for crochet baby leg warmers. They are already listed in my Etsy Shop, and are added (but not published) to the home page. If you want to browse around my shop or website, feel free, but you can purchase and customize these babies right here if you want to (over in the right hand column)!!

These are crocheted leg warmers that is a must-have for any baby this season. They help keep their little legs warm without having to fuss with pants that will ride up and you don't have to remove them for those diaper changes!!

Baby leg warmers are also terrific for adding a little padding when baby is busy crawling around.

Available in:
Pink
red
black
aqua
white
Lavevnder
(or pretty much any color you like!!)

Please make a note of the size you want when ordering, otherwise I'll be sending size 6-12 month.

0-6 month are approximately 9-10 inches in length.
6-12 month are approximately 10-12 inches in length.
12-18 month are approximately 12-14 inches in length.