Bottle Cap Mania!

Bottle Caps seem to be sweeping the nation. At the urge of my nieces, I've started making them and am having a ball doing so. Instead of adding them to ball chains and only being able to wear one style, I've decided to go the interchangeable route and put them on super strong magnets so that you can just pop one off and add another any time you want. My nieces store their extra caps on the fridge, which are great decoration, and that way they always know where they are.

Chokers are soft and stretchy and just slip on over your head. They'll fit anywhere from a 2 year old to an adult (but please supervise small kiddos while wearing).

For all my current styles and colors, visit my home page or my Etsy shop. Selections are always changing, so check back often.

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

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

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.

Featured Artist: Odds N Blobs

Glass marble Push Pins
Flowers Pack of 9
$5

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/

Glass Marble Bookmarks
Pack of 6
$4.50

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/

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

Ffeatured Artist: Toni Anne Wolfe

8 Inch Easter Penguin Dessert Plate
$12

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

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

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.

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

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.

She is shop owner of Autumnleah, and you can visit it here.

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

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

Featured Artist: Lazy Cat

Today's feature is on the Etsy shop of Lazy Cat. This shop is actually the work of three talented artists-Allison, Stasia, and Kelly. They too got their mad skills from their grandmothers and now try to make their creations more modern to apply to today's fashions.

They enjoy using the skills from their grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. They crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan bead crochet jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. They are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet. Check out this first piece. My favorite necklace to make is my "Chelsea" necklace in my shop and on my website because it's combining my two favorite things-beads and crochet. I LOVE this necklace and how the aqua beads look on the copper wire. Very beautiful. They have several different looks in their shop to choose from.

St. Lucia Necklace
$50

Now, aside from great jewelry, they have all sorts of beautiful scarves, hats, and baby stuff. Look at this next item. What could a tropical paradise have to do with a winter scarf? Plenty -- when you artistically combine the vibrant colors of an active volcano with a unique twisting pattern, reminiscent of the flow of molten lava into the sea. The Kona measures 52 by 4 inches, and is hand crocheted from nylon and acrylic blend yarn. Even on the coldest of winter days, take yourself on a trip to the Big Island of Hawaii with this elegant design.

Kona Scarf
$40

So go check out all they have to offer. You'll be glad you did. Don't forget to check out their blog for updates and artist features as well.

Featured Artist: Alternate Bliss

Alternate Bliss features a variety of mixed media art to hang on the wall or to wear. Right now she is focusing on making fine silver jewelry, Watercolors, and Art Charms featuring her artwork images. Currently she has two Etsy Shops. One for her art, and one for her charms.

In her Alternate Bliss shop (alternatebliss.etsy.com), you'll find her jewelry and art.

99 Red Balloon Earrings
$20

I've said over and over again that I am a child of the '80's, so how could I pass up featuring a darling pair of earrings called "99 Red Balloons". (aka 99 Luftballoons). This fine silver necklace and earring set was inspired by a combination of things:

The first is 1980’s protest song 99 red Balloons by Nena.
The second is the movie, “Le Ballon Rouge,” a short film directed by French film-maker Albert Lamorisse in 1956. This film follows the adventures of a young boy who finds a large, red balloon throughout the streets of Paris. In their wanderings around Paris, the young boy and the balloon encounter a gang of bullies, but tragedy is replaced by a magically happy ending.

This necklace and earring set feature features a hand sculpted cityscape with three city buildings and a red balloon made from sterling wire and red coral beads. I carved, sculpted, filed, sanded, and darkened this piece by hand.

Her second shop, Popblossom.etsy.com contains handmade charms that are a combination of graphic design, plastic, and resin.

Black and White Paris Ferris Wheel Pop
Blossom Charm Pendant
$4.00

This charm features a black and white image of a Ferris Wheel taken from a copywright free image and altered digitally. It is a combination of one of her graphic designs on plastic and sealed in a hard clear resin.

This is Charm 7 in Pop Blossoms Series 1 Charms.
Only 50 charms with this exact design will be produced.

Stop on by her shops for some Christmas shopping, and be sure to check out her blog as well.
(http://alternatebliss.blogspot.com)

Second Monday Treasure Hunt

Our First Monday Sale with Etsy Texas Crafters went so well that we are going to be doing other Monday promotions/sales now. This coming Monday (Dec 10) we will be having a Treasure Hunt. Hopefully, each month, the treasure hunt will have a different theme. This month, the theme is "Stocking Stuffers".

Here's the deal:

• Our December Treasure Hunt will begin at 12:01am on Dec 10Th & 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 (Percival, the Elf--shown above).
• 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.
• To view this month's participating shops, please see our team website at http://www.etsytx.org
• 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.

Featured Artist: Knuckletoes/Revinylized

Green Plaid Skirt
$20

Meet Katie, the artist behind Knuckle Toes! She tries to make her clothing and purses out of recycled materials. Anything from tablecloths, to pillowcases, to reused LP record covers. This not only gives her items a vintage feel, but it helps the environment, and what more do you need?

She enjoys spending her weekends and evenings at the local pub with her friends and family. She is also in business with her partner in crime, where they sell handmade clothing, jewelry, and purses (made from recycled material) at local folk festivals in the summertime.

The green plaid skirt pictured above is made from old tablecloths. It is a lime green with a yellow and orange plaid design on it.

Her side project is her second Etsy shop, revinylized.etsy.com
This shop has been devoted to all of her messing with vinyl. From sketchbooks, to CD books, to purses and bowls, old unusable LP's can be made into anything, and how cool is it to recycle?

Strawberry Shortcake Record Tote
$30

This cute purse was made from the cover of an old LP! Strawberry Shortcake came back with a smash, and this purse totally celebrates that. The LP cover has been coated on both sides with a waterproof plastic, and has been sewn into a totebag with a solid black material for the outside and strap, with a fun, bright pink and white flower patten for the liner and the underside of the strap. The strap is short enough to wear over one arm, like a tote, but long enough to put over one shoulder and under the opposite arm like a messenger bag.

Be sure to check out Katie's blog as well as her shops for info on her work as well as other artists (http://revinylized.blogspot.com)

Featured Artist: Simply Said by Sarah

Pink Holiday Gift Set
Lots to choose from

Sarah Orton is a graphic design student in North Carolina. Her flair for design stems from a lifelong interest in crafts and her pieces demonstrate a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style. Encouraged by the requests she’d begun to receive from fellow employees and friends, Sarah decided to combine her creativity with her business sense, and Simply Said by Sarah was born. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, and is sure to add a tasteful touch of originality to your home!

Chocolate flowers Cup Cuddler
$6.50

Proceeds from the sales from this shop will be donated towards NEDA

"NEDA is dedicated to expanding public understanding and prevention of eating disorders and promoting access to quality treatment for those affected along with support for their families through education, advocacy and research"

Millions of women, men, girls and boys suffer from eating disorders. Eating disorders are illnesses with a biological basis. They are very serious, life-threatening illnesses and currently there is no cure. Help is available and recovery is possible for these sufferers. Every donation counts.

So go check out what Sarah has to offer, and be sure to check out her blog as well for info on her items and other artists. (http://simplysaidbysarah.blogspot.com)

Featured Artist: IndigoLuna

One Lizard Two Lizard Art Quilt
$150

Meet Rachel Kitterman. She is a self-proclaimed art addict. Her primary passion is fabric and she has been making art quilts and dolls for over a decade now. She also loves paper, altered art, mixed-media, knitting, crocheting, jewelry, artist books, photography...pretty much, if it will hold still, she'll make art out of it.

In her shop, you will find an ecclectic sampling of all the creative things she loves to make.

She also wears many other hats (maybe even the one shown below--I would). Among other things, she is a sign language interpreter, an energy worker, a minister, a blogger, a wife and mother to two "wild and amazing little girls". All of these roles shape and change and inform her art.

2 Stripe Fuzzy Wuzzy Crochet Hat
$28

Rachel also loves to write, so go check out her blog-- http://indigoluna.typepad.com

Proud member of EarthPath Artisans Street Team E.A.S.T. Search for "east" to see other amazing goodies made by this talented team.

Featured Artist: EarthCharms

Maiden No More-Carnelian and
tourmalated quartz choker
$24

EarthCharms offers jewelry and other accessories made with natural stones, adding a strong emphasis on the metaphysical properties of each stone. Wonderful for personal use or gifts, the items you buy here are intended to bring luck, health, and prosperity into your life!

Look at the beautiful necklace pictured above. This is an example of what you'll find in her shop. I love how she lists what the materials are and what they mean. For example, for the carnelian necklace:

-Carnelian - Find success.
Key words: Vitalization, capability.
Hardness: 7
Zodiac Signs: Taurus, Cancer, Leo
Numerology: 5 and 6
Chakras: Navel, solar plexus, heart

-Quartz - Amplify positive power.
Key words: Power, amplification, enhancement, luck.
Hardness: 7
Zodiac Signs: All
Numerology: 4
Chakras: All

-Tourmaline
Key words: Inspiration, balance
Hardness: 7 - 7.5
Zodiac: Libra
Numerology: 2
Chakra: All
Black Tourmaline/Schorl: Capricorn, 3, 4, dispel negativity

I always say I love beads and jewelry beyond just being "sparkly" because of their history and meaning, and she does a wonderful job of proving that.

I also love these earrings. They are made from shell and citrine. If you want to read about the properties of this item or these stones, you can visit her Etsy shop and read her listing!



Other places to find earthcharms:
blog: http://www.earth-charms.blogspot.com
site: http://www.stones.salyx.net

communities:
http://www.myspace.com/salyx/
http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/earthcharms
http://www.flickr.com/photos/80954354@N00/
http://picasaweb.google.com/salyxwoodbine/