SOTW – Frosted Treats

This week we have the whimsical and bakery inspired jewelry and accessories created by Jessica Mount from Frosted Treats on Etsy.

Jess creates her jewelry and accessories for the person who isn’t afraid to wear their imagination on their sleeve. Rarely are her pieces ever duplicated. Each piece is made a little differently. Jess isn’t satisfied with the colors straight out of the store, so she blends her own colors and seeks to incorporate a little quirk and charm in each piece.

Her advice to new Twitter users is to be consistent. “We all get busy and neglect our social media from time to time, but I have found that it is clear that my work gets the most attention when I’m active on Twitter and other networking sites. Also, know your audience. Crafters and people who buy and support handmade, love to be connected. That’s what the handmade community is all about. Finding an artisan that you like and connecting with their art.”

Her favorite artist is her grandma and great grandmother. “Great Grandmom has been sculpting for years – dioramas and three dimensional still life pieces. She’s also an accomplished seamstress. My Grandma would probably smack me if I called her an artist (or if she knew I was talking about her on the internet), but she’s got such an eye for style, design, and color. She’s also a quilter and a collector. “

We also asked Jess if she had $1M and had to give every penny away, what would she do with it and why? Her answer was this, “I have a lot of faith in the A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital in Delaware and the work that they do for children and their families. Without that hospital and the capable people there, who knows what would have become of my beautiful nephew.

She has been the most influential person in learning her craft, because she is independently driven and has taught herself through research and experimentation.

This is what Jess says you may be surprised to know about her, “The more I see where the world is going, the more I want to be a hippy farmer and be self sufficient in my own little world. Not because I’m a “stick it to the man” type of person, but because I love learning about how to make/do things for myself and I love the idea of a simpler life.”

If she could live anywhere else except where she currently lives now, she says it would be London, because in her imagination everything would be simply lovely.

We also asked her how her environment or locale influence her work, creativity or inventory? She said, “Truthfully, central New Jersey does little to inspire. But the people I know and love inspire me – their ideas, their interests, their favorite colors. I love being given an idea and the chance to run with it.”

And finally, we asked her if she were stuck on a deserted island with plenty of food and water, what three things would she want? This is how she answered, “Sunscreen – I burn easily. Books – Got to keep reading! Music – I’m at peace when there’s music around me.”

Special Deal for this Week:

Free shipping within the US/Canada – Use code SOTWSHIP. International customers will get a free gift.

And YES she ships Internationally!

Visit her at the following places:

Etsy Shop: frostedtreats.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/frostedtreats
Facebook: facebook.com/frostedtreats
Blog: miscmakers.com

SOTW - Threepeats

This weeks Shop of the week, Threepeats , is owned and run by the lovely Suzanne. In her shop you will find beautiful handmade necklaces and dangle earrings (for pierced ears). Her beautiful pieces are perfect for women of all ages who like vintage materials put together in a modern way.

Each of her necklaces and pairs of earnings is unique, OOAK (one- of-a-kind ), and eco-friendly. They are also eco and earth-friendly because she uses recycled t-shirt yarn, felted wool beads and vintage ribbons. She creates pieces that are casual and affordable but look more expensive.

Suzanne is a veteran member of the Etsy twitter team and her advice to new twitter members is to "have conversations with the people you follow. Check out their items, links and photos and let them know what you think".

I love to ask our members who their favorite artis are and why. Here is what Suzanne told me: "I like black and white photography. There is something very essential and eternal about it..so Dorothea Lange, Ansel Adams and Margaret Bourk-White all come to mind"

Special in Threepeats shop this week:

"I will be having an "earring clearing"-

All pairs of earrings in the shop will be on sale for just $5/pr (regularly $7-$9)

Prices will be marked down so coupon code are not necessary.

(international shipping is available)

Etsy Shop: threepeats.etsy.com

Twitter: twitter.com/threepeats

Facebook: facebook.com/threepeatsJewelry

Blog: threepeats.blogspot.com

SOTW - PunkyJane

Our Wedding Day Mark Your Calendar Necklace

Happy October, folks! Our Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week comes to us from Sandy out in California - PunkyJane Jewelry. 

If you're in need of something personalized - PunkyJane's collection of hand stamped and personalized jewelry and accessories is the first place you should look. Names, dates, quotes, silly sayings - The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. There is a little something for everybody! Moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, brothers, sisters, friends, dogs, cats... Hamster? (Coming soon, perhaps.) Sandy's attention to detail, superior customer service and quirky/clever sense of style set her work apart. She is often inspired by her two favorite artists - her daughters, Hannah and Ella. "They have a way of looking at things that inspires me every day," says Sandy. "We could all use more of that child-like vision!"

Through online and print research and some good ol' fashioned trail and error, Sandy has honed her metal stamping over time. Her background as a graphic designer has helped her tremendously, "I love playing with letters! Now I just play with a hammer and steel stamps instead of the latest software from Adobe." 

Sandy is certainly a Twitter pro - Here's what she has to say for those just dipping their toes in the Twitter pool - "Have fun with it, but don’t expect too much. It takes a good mix of social media to help drive business, so don’t put your eggs in one gorgeous handmade basket (purchased on Etsy, of course!). I love the simplicity of the connections you make. Also, don't automatically follow everybody that follows you. Only follow the folks that interest you."

Here's another fun bit from Sandy - Not only does she collect erasers, but if stuck on a deserted island, she'd be eager to continue her Words with Friends games, "Do I have WiFi? Or 3G? Please? If so, my iPad so I could play Words with Friends! Okay, seriously...a raft, matches for a fire, and sunscreen. I burn easily."

Personalized Periodic Table Element

Now that you know a bit more about the mind behind PunkyJane Jewelry, be sure to take advantage of the Shop of the Week sale going on - 

Use the code PJSOTW for 15% off anything 

in my Etsy Shop, October 3-9, 2011.



Etsy Shop: PunkyJane.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/PunkyJane
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PunkyJaneJewelry
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/punkyjane
Pinterest: pinterest.com/punkyjane

SOTW - Smutopia

This week we have the nature inspired artist Jessica or “Smu” from Smutopia as our Shop Of The Week.

She designs necklaces, pendants, rings, earrings, bracelets and charms for the woman who wants her jewelry to reflect her unique style and her love of nature.

She spends a great deal of time searching out unique materials to use in her jewelry. One of her favorite sources for fossils and interesting stones are the gem and mineral shows she attends. She also uses wire recycled from a cable manufacturer to add an eco-friendly element to her jewelry.

Jessica suggests that new Twitter users spend some time learning about #hashtags and how to use them. That way users who share an interest in your topic can find your tweets, even if they are not following you!

If she had 1M dollars and had to give it all away, she would pay her parents back for which she is eternally grateful for their contribution to her college education. After that, she says she would donate the rest to DonorsChoose.org to help fund classroom projects at high poverty schools and to Water.org to help fund clean water initiatives across the globe

She says Ansell Adams (a girl after my own heart) tops her list of favorite artists. The stark natural beauty of his work captures her interest while stirring up her love for nature.

While Jessica is a self taught jewelry artist, her mother, who has always fostered her creativity and encouraged her love of crafting and creating is the most influential person in her craft. Growing up in rural Vermont has fostered an abiding love for nature that consistently shows up in her designs.

You might be surprised to know that Jessica has held a human brain in her hands as part of an event at the University of Vermont called “Symposium on the Brain”. She was absolutely fascinated and went on to major in Biology.

She says that if she could live anywhere in the world except where she currently is, she would live on the Outer Banks of North Carolina from January to November then Vermont (where she grew up and her family still lives) for the month of December. She says that she loves the Outer Banks and would treasure the opportunity to live on the beach, but when it comes to a picture-perfect Christmas, Vermont is the place to be.

Finally, we asked her if she were stranded on a deserted island with plenty of food and water, what three things would she have to have? She said, “Electricity, a computer and internet access. Maybe that’s cheating, but with those things I could amuse myself indefinitely, order whatever else I wanted and communicate with the outside world without ever leaving my island paradise!”

She also ships internationally and best of all, she is having a special.

25% OFF purchases during the week of her SOTW.

Just use discount code SOTW25.

LINKS TO SMUTOPIA:
Etsy Shop: smutopia.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/smutopiajewelry
Facebook: facebook.com/smutopia
Blog: smutopia.blogspot.com

SHOP OF THE WEEK - Crochet Gal

This week the Etsy Twitter Team would like to showcase the Crochet Gal as the Shop of the Week.  Now, you will expect to see some super crocheted items in her shop, and you will, but she doesn't stop there.  She offers her special yarns for you to create some of your favorite items as well.  She also has something that is quite unique--wooden soap dishes.  Yes, wooden soap dishes that she hand cuts herself in a collaboration with her partner who uses the Etsy account UnclJohn.

Wooden Soap Deck/Dish

Aren't these just the greatest??  Think about stocking stuffers for the upcoming holidays.  They come in a three pack and you will need several.  Cute little gifts with a handmade bar of soap all wrapped up in cellophane with a pretty ribbon.

Her favorite artist is Jill Walterbach, aka The Wooden Wizard, www.thewoodenwizard.com
"Her work has always inspired me to push beyond my limits. I’m amazed at what Jill can do with a scroll saw. "

Her love of crocheting is evident in her work.  In her own words, "Currently, I am a crochet professional working in the industry. I love to work with any type of materials. If it can be stranded, it can be crocheted. Many of my items are of my own design, some of which have been featured in major publications. Most of my wearables are one of a kind pieces. I'm always looking for fresh, new ideas so if there is something that you would like me to make, please get in touch. I enjoy a challenge and as long as I have a picture to go by, I can usually make the item."  

Crocheted Lace Shawl

Val has created many lovely items, the one pictured here is Alpaca and Silk in sapphire blue; doesn't it just scream soft and comfy??  Wrap up in one of these for a night on the town with that little black dress and you will turn heads.

She also carries a wide array of yarns and other threads so be sure to browse her shop.

She is a member of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). 

Now for her sales for the Shop of the Week:

15% off select yarns

 

Enter Coupon Code: Twitter15 during checkout 

SOTW – Jaybird Designs

If you crochet, you are going to love this week’s Shop of the Week. Jennifer J. Cirka from Jaybird Designs, is a professional crochet designer who has been recognized in every major national and international crochet magazine, including Interweave Crochet, Crochet!, and Inside Crochet. She has had her Tulip Baby Set on the cover of the April 2010 edition of Crochet World Magazine and she also won the Flamie Award for the Best Children’s Design with this design! And if that doesn’t fix your craving for great crochet features, she also has a book published with Leisure Arts called “Top-sy Turvy”

She offers custom crochet items and unique and original crochet patterns for the DIYer in you.

Things you may not know about Jennifer: She trains Gracie Barra Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing. The most influential person in her craft is her grandmother. She learned the basics of crochet from her grandmother, Martha Hardway who was also an avid seamstress and quilter. She also believes she gets her creativity from her grandmother.

Jennifer loves the colors in Western Colorado and the Rocky Mountains and with the ski trends and winter sports community, she is inspired and gets a jump start on her hat creations.

If she could choose to live anywhere in the world besides where she currently lives, she would choose a place that had consistent 65-75 degree weather so she could always wear jeans, boots and sweaters. If she was stuck on a desert island, she would need her crochet hooks, yarn and her family.

When we asked her if she had a million dollars to give away, what would she do with it? She said, “That's a hard question! I'd break it up and send to The American Cancer Society in memory of my maternal Grandmother who taught me to crochet. I'd send some to The American Heart Association in memory of my father. And the Muscular Dystrophy Association because my husband has Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease and we'd love to find a cure! But there are so many other worthy causes I'd love to help too.”

Finally, her advice to Twitter users is to tweet often, but don’t get too personal.

She also ships internationally and best of all, she is having a special for the EtsyTwitter readers!

20% OFF purchases until September 11, 2011.

Just use discount code etsytwittersotw.

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/JaybirdDesigns
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/jaybirddesigns
Blog: jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com/

SOTW - The Grand Design

This week’s Etsy Twitter Team’s Shop of the Week is The Grand Design, owned and operated by CJ Grand, based in Ontario, Canada.

This shop is filled with all manner of Steampunk inspired jewelry and accessories as well as Metaphysical Healing Stone jewelry. Add in some lovely Kanzashi folded fabric flowers, and this shop is perfect for customers seeking something out of the ordinary.

One of a kind pieces made with reclaimed bits and trinkets make for unique, beautiful, and environmentally friendly fashion statements. Unclaimed keys dangling from delicately weathered chains, corset style cuffs, and ornate pocket watches will satisfy Steampunk enthusiasts and fashionistas alike.

Not only can you find CJ’s designs on Etsy, Sci Fi convention goers may have spotted The Grand Design. CJ is a self-confessed “nerdy sci fi cosplaying geek.” If given the chance to live anywhere, CJ wouldn’t stray from her Canadian home, though relocation to British Columbia may be in the cards. “It’s such a beautiful area and I love the mountains. Everything seems so flat here after visiting there.”

When asked what advice would be essential to new Twitter users, CJ suggests getting your content exposed, but keeping it interesting and relevant. “Don’t inundate your followers with advertisements for yourself. Post about other artists and interesting information related to your type of art.”

Speaking of other artists, CJ speaks highly of CreaturesFromEl on Etsy, as well as Ed Beard Jr. Though they use different mediums, both of these artists focus on dragons, which CJ collects. Though CJ strives to keep her creations unique and self-inspired, she uses YouTube on occasion to develop new techniques and get accustomed to new mediums.

Though her jewelry and accessories play on the imagination, on a deserted island, CJ would approach the situation with a practical eye. “How about a boat? Why does no one ever choose a boat? Or better yet a yacht. Okay if I can’t have that then I guess I would want an E-reader with an unlimited supply of titles, a movie theatre with every movie ever made and a solar generator to power it all.”

To celebrate being the Shop of the Week, The Grand Design is offering a discount for ETT readers:

Use coupon code SOTW15 and receive 15% off your entire purchase.

P.S. The Grand Design ships worldwide!

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/cjgrand

Twitter: twitter.com/TheGrandDesign

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Design/29485470104?

Blog: cjgrand.blogspot.com/

SOTW – Kelli Craft Studio

I am pleased to present this week’s shop of the week: KelliCraftStudio which is owned and operated by Kellisa Watkins.

Kelli creates handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and stationary. The items created at Kelli Craft Studio are for the busy Every-woman from 16 to 99+ who wants to adorn herself with one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry and want to send their personal correspondence in a more intimate way.

While some jewelry artist design big statement jewelry or more modest yet expensive jewelry, Kelli Craft Studio provides classic, dainty jewelry styles at a reasonable cost. During this time of an unstable economy, it is nice to be able to look expensive without making the expense. Also, the lovingly handcrafted greeting cards are not only made on quality card stock, but the precision and attention to detail is used to create miniature art pieces a recipient would keep for years to come.

You may be surprised to know that she started her first creative business when she was in junior high school. It was called Kelly's Korner. She sold crochet clothes, dolls, and gift baskets.

When asked who the most influential person in teaching her craft she answered, “I have had classes and knowledgeable instructors who have given me the proverbial keys to my creative “car”, but experience and a drive to improve my skills have kept me going. My family and friends have influenced me to feed the flame of my creative spirit and for that I am grateful.”

Her favorite artist is Salvador Dali. “His surrealistic work is strange with a hint of understated beauty. If you look at one of his paintings, your eyes can go past the initial image to beyond. I love imagery.”

We also asked Kelli if she had a million dollars and she HAD to give every penny of it away, who would she give it to and why? She said, “I would give away every penny to my children and my family. My family has provided me with a beautiful future and I want to give back. My children are the future and I want to pay it forward.”

Finally, since this is the EtsyTwitter Team, we have to ask something about Twitter… We asked if she had any advice to give to a new Twitter user and she said, “Don't feel compelled to follow everyone who follows you. Pretend like Twitter is a dinner party where you invite the people you don't mind conversing with. In turn, you need to also be that interesting dinner guest to your followers and share yourself.”

She is having a special 20% OFF this week. Just use discount code SOTW20.

Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KelliCraftStudio3
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KelliCraftStudi
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KelliCraftStudio

SOTW- MostFavoriteAunt

It's August and the kiddies are getting ready to go back to school!! Can you hear the adults all cheer while the kiddies hearts are racing?? During this time we, parents and teachers, are running about trying to get the school stuff together. But look no further for cool knits and flair (buttons). This weeks shop of the week, MostFavoriteAunt, is perfect for any kid, kids at heart or anyone who doesn't want the fun to stop!

This shop truly has the "MOSTFAVORITEAUNT" and her name is Pam. Now there are a lot of Knits and flair shops out there on etsy. But in Pam's shop her items are inexpensive and have personality. "I have a day job, and my ETSY store is for fun. People can buy a little piece of me for not too much money."

I asked Pam the following questions and you can see what a kind, loving and thoughtful person Pam is!

What advice would you give a new Twitter user? Be yourself! Talk about you! People want to know about you, not just see a link to the products you're selling.

If you had $1M and HAD to give away every penny, to whom would you give it and why? There are a few projects that are very close to my heart - and from time to time you'll see listings for them in my ETSY shop. AIDS Network, Susan G Komen Foundation, Newborns in Need, and Handmade Afghans Project (HAP)

Who was the most influential person in teaching you your craft and why? My grandma. Not only did she teach me how, she was a wonderful example of why. Our family has some amazing heirloom crafts: rocking horses, afghans, tablecloths, furniture, etc. Not only is it a gift you can use, but a little piece of you.

How does your environment or locale influence your work, creativity, or inventory? When I'm not globe-trotting for work, I live in Wisconsin. The winters are long and cold. It's the perfect climate for wooly warmers. (BRRR!!)

For the month of August: Free USA shipping with coupon code ESOTW.

I do ship internationally!!

(If the country is not listed, please convo me for shipping price.)

Etsy Shop: MostFavoriteAunt.ETSY.com

Twitter: Twitter.com/MostFavorite

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=5547792&trk=tab_pro

SOTW – Aquarian Bath

We are thrilled to have the pleasure of featuring Cory Trusty from AquarianBath for the Shop of the Week!

Cory makes soaps, shampoo bars, aromatherapy items, perfumes, lip balms, herbal salves, and lavender neck pillows. She also offers a growing list of supplies including Raw Unrefined Shea Butter (the yellow good quality stuff!), Raw Cocoa Butter, Candelilla Wax (a vegan beeswax alternative), and Bentonite Clay.

Her items are especially good for people with sensitive skin or a sensitivity to scents. She also has specialty soaps and salves for people with skin problems.

I just love that all of her scented items are made with pure essential oils and are lightly scented. She does not add any chemical fragrances, which people often can have a reaction to if they are sensitive. And for those of you who prefer unscented items, she makes unscented soaps too!

Now if that wasn’t enough…. all of her soap bars are hard, long lasting, and do not contain palm oil with consideration to Orangutan Habitat.

When we asked her what advice she might have for new Twitter users she said, “Make your own lists on Twitter! It makes it much easier to keep up with different groups of interest.”

You can really tell that she stands behind her products and her products are a representation of who she is and what she believes. When asked if she had a million dollars, she says she would “give it to people doing alternative energy research and building community gardens.”

We asked her who her favorite artist is and why and this is what she said, “I have a science background and I really love the Symphony of Science videos. I find them inspiring:
<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XGK84Poeynk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>”

She has been influenced by “Susun Weed in terms of the herbal aspect of my work. She has done a lot to make herbalism accessible and popular in North America. Susun Weed encourages the use of locally grown wild herbs for creating herbal medicines.”

When asked, If you had to live anywhere else EXCEPT where you are (cost, no object :), where would it be and why? She said, ”I would say Kiribati. I'm already thinking about moving there for a while, and wondering if there is a way to do it with out closing my business, because it is very remote (South Pacific). My husband has business there over the next 2 years, so multiple trips are anticipated. Kiribati has the most wonderful Virgin Coconut oil and everything grown on the islands is pesticide free. I would love to make soap there from locally grown virgin coconut oil.”

Cory happily ships internationally. Priority packages ship next day, the same as domestic packages. First class ship within 4 days.

This week she is having a special for the Etsy Twitter blog readers: coupon code: EtsyTwitter for 10% off enter the coupon code at checkout

LINKS TO YOUR:
Etsy Shop: aquarianbath.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/aquarianbath
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aquarianbath
Blog: store.aquarianbath.com/index.php/blog

SOTW- Fibrous

This weeks shop of the week Fibrous, is run and owned by the fabulous Thea. In this adorable shop you will find quirky little animals out of wool, up cycled pincushions, and unique things for your home. These items a great gifts for any women, collectors,people who like quirky and unique thing. You will find that each of her little animals have their own personality.

When Thea and I talked about advice to give to our fellow twitters she told me "Spend at least 5 minutes a day looking at your twitter stream and chatting with all the awesome people on there. No one likes to be ignored, so spread a little love and say hi to people. "

I asked Thea Who was the most influential person in teaching you your craft and why.?

My great aunt. She taught me how to knit and crochet, which eventually introduced me to felting which transitioned into needle felting.

One thing I love about Thea is how big her heart is. I asked her the $1million question and her response was "I give it to a organization that fights world hunger."

This week only:

10% off with coupon SOTWTIME

(yes, she ships internationally)

~~~~~

Etsy Shop: fibrous.etsy.com

Twitter: twitter.com/fibrousarts

Facebook: facebook.com/fibrous

Blog: www.fibrouscreations.com

SOTW - TamaraGarvey

I am so pleased to present this week’s shop of the week: TamaraGarvey, which is owned and operated by original artist and illustrator Tamara Garvey.

Tamara creates Original art, illustration prints, fabric, note card sets, and lockets, all of her whimsical and nature-based pen-and-ink drawings. The quirky and cheerful illustrations combined with her unique sense of humor are perfect for the young and young-at-heart and are what sets TamaraGarvey apart from the competition.

We interviewed Tamara and learned quite a few interesting things about her as an artist and person.

You may be surprised to know that Tamara loves horror and thriller movies (a girl after my own heart), she lives in Brooklyn, and she has a soft spot for animals. Her illustrations are playful and quirky and she is inspired by a bold and fearless artist who is not afraid to push the boundaries.

Tamara’s work is inspired and influenced by the seasons. She loves drawing trees and they are often present in her work, as well as color schemes and imagery that change with the seasons.

When we asked Tamara if she could live anywhere EXCEPT where she was currently living, she stated that she just moved to Brooklyn last year, but would love to go back to Savannah, Georgia.

We also asked Tamara if she had a million dollars and she HAD to give every penny of it away, who would she give it to and why? She said, “I would split it between the Humane Society and as many local animal spay/neuter organizations as I could find. Ever since I was little, I've been a huge animal lover. If I could fix anything at all, it would be the epidemic of unwanted pets whose lives are wasted.”

Tamara’s favorite artist is Yayoi Kusama, because she is fearless! Her work is conceptual, decorative, bold, crazy, touching, boundary-pushing, and ridiculous, all at once. And the most influential person in teaching her her craft was “A figure drawing professor who was very big on beginning our drawing sessions with gesture drawings. They're such a great way to loosen up, and even though my current illustrations don't rely on a realistic human figure, going to neighborhood figure drawing sessions is still one of my favorite pastimes, just for the exercise and process of it.”

When she was asked if she were stuck on a deserted island, what three things would she want, she simply stated “a close friend, music, and a stick so I could doodle in the sand”.

Finally, since this is the EtsyTwitter Team, we have to ask something about Twitter… We asked if she had any advice to give to a new Twitter user and she said, “Take the time to find people to follow whose tweets/links you're really interested in, and interact with them. You can use Twitter to hold bonafide conversations, not just make one-way declarations.”

Be sure to stop by her shop and check out all of her lovely items. It comes nicely packaged and ready to use or frame.

She also ships internationally and best of all, she is having a special Buy one print, get one FREE! Just mention the free print in your checkout notes when you buy the first one.

Etsy Shop: http://tamaragarvey.etsy.com/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/tamaragarvey
Facebook: http://facebook.com/tamaragarvey

SOTW- Pretty Whimsical

This weeks shop of the week is Pretty Whimsical, run and owned by Stacey. Stacey makes one of my favorite items on etsy,

Scrabble Tile Pendants. Stacey pendants make great gifts for any woman in your life (Mom, Aunts, sisters, bus drivers, school teachers and more!) She has many different styles to choose from to fit everyones personality and likes.

I am blessed to have one of her beautiful pendants that shows the thing I love most, twitter. Stacey has always shown all of her customers fast and friendly service, quality and positive feedback. "I treat my customers the way I would want to be treated."

Her advice to any her fellow tweeters out there is "Have fun with it. It is a business tool, but I also enjoy chatting with the people I follow and sharing interesting info. I run across."

Stacy's favorite artist "has always been Claude Monet. I love his use of nature, and color. The two paintings I most admire are "Woman with a Parasol" and "Waterlilies"."

One of my two favorite questions to ask our team members is If you had to live anywhere else EXCEPT where you are (cost, no object :), where would it be and why? "I am a country girl at heart...I have always wanted to own a farm, raise cattle and have a huge garden."

The second one is if you had $1M and HAD to give away every penny, to whom would you give it and why?

"I have two children with Juvenile Diabetes (Type 1) and would gladly give 1M if it would help find a cure for this terrible disease. "

Be sure to check out Stacy's shop ask she had so many pretty pendants and a great sale going on right now! (see below)

Use coupon code: FREECHAIN

to receive a 24" silver ball chain with each pendant ordered.

(Yes, she does ship internationally.)

Etsy Shop: www.prettywhimsical.etsy.com

Twitter: twitter.com/prettywhimsical

Facebook: www.facebook.com/prettywhimsical

Blog: prettywhimsical.blogspot.com

SOTW - RhodesAnnalsDesigns

In the beautiful shop RhodesAnnalsDesign, Claire sells beautiful gifts (crocheted, knits, bags, bunting, and lip balm). She has many great products that are usually bought for others as a special gift or a "treat" for themselves.

Now I know there are sooooooooo many places on etsy that sells knits and crocheted products. BUT THEY ARE NOT CLAIRE'S. Claire's products are made with love for the craft. You can see this in her pictures. She pays close attention to details to make every item extra special.

Claire told me that her favorite artist was Dali: "When I was growing up I was fascinated with Dali – the idea that there were no rules. Clocks could melt on trees! (http://dali-gallery.com/) As a knitter I’ve always been in awe of Kaffe Fassett’s (http://www.kaffefassett.com/Knitting.html) work and I’m a huge fan of Debbie Bliss (http://www.debbieblissonline.com/). "

We all have a story on who the most influential person is in teaching our craft. Heres Claire's story: "Both of my grandma’s taught me to knit, my mum taught me to crochet and to sew, my aunt (who is only 10 years older than me) taught me to embroider and cross stitch, my grandma’s neighbor taught me how to make lace and I have a collection of wooden bobbins. I think it is very important to ‘pass it on’ and I've been teaching the children in my son’s class how to knit. "

It is also known that our environment or location can influence our work, creativity and inventory in our stores

"I, Claire, started my Etsy shop after moving close to where I was born (after living in Scotland, the South East of England, Wales and then back to the South East) which is very close to Sherwood Forest. Unfortunately it’s not quite what you see in the films but the local woodland and countryside is very soothing and I feel a lot more grounded here. I think my cowls have a lot to do with my childhood fantasies of being Maid Marion."

Claire is offering our readers the following deal for this week only:

I’m offering 15% off in my shop with the code RADTWEET

(Yes, she does ship internationally! )

Etsy Shop: www.RhodesAnnalsDesigns.etsy.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RhodesAnnals
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RhodesAnnalsDesigns
Blog: http://claireannals.wordpress.com
LinkedIn: http://uk.linkedin.com/pub/claire-annals/7/407/749

SOTW- Maubys

If you've ever wanted to learn to sew then you have to check out this weeks shop of the week Maubys! Maubys is run and owned by the lovely and talented Aubrey. In her shop you will find patterns that "targeted at sewers, beginners to experienced, who are looking for easy to follow patterns. My main focus is sewing patterns. I also create other small items to sell on Etsy when I feel inspired or just want to sew! Some of the items that I make to photograph for patterns or tutorials I also sell on Etsy."

After doing many one on one sewing lessons, Aubrey has focused on writing my patterns in a simple step by step method with a photo or diagram for just about every step. "Basically my patterns are very similar to my free tutorials that I post every week. I do not believe that sewing should be a mystery or feel overly complicated. My favorite comments about my patterns or teaching are when people say, “Wow! That was so EASY!”

In Aubrey's case its not just one person who inspires her. She told me "My whole family! I come from creative stock. While none of them ever taught me to sew they were always creating things throughout my life. My parents built their home themselves when I was a kid, I even helped! My mom was always up to something crafty, basket weaving, painting, floral arrangements, stamping, sewing, you name it and she did it. Even my great-grandparents were creative! My great-grandma had a rock polisher and made jewelry, she crocheted well into her early 100’s (yes, really). My great-grandpa would use his wood tools to create toys and knick knacks. "

Aubrey also has such a great sense of humor. I asked her what is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you "My age. People are always surprised by my age. But I am not telling! ;)"

(we will see about that ;) )

At Aubrey shop she

will be offering 25% off all items in my shop

with the coupon code, ETSYTWITTER

Etsy Shop: www.maubys.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/maubys
Facebook: facebook.com/maubys
Blog: www.maubys.net

SOTW- Mysassyglass

This weeks shop of the week, MySassyglass, is run by the amazing and talented Susan. Her pendants and earrings are loved and purchased by women, ages 6 through 90. You can see this in Susan's one-of-a-kind glass slides, pendants and earrings." I love to work with both plan glass and dichroic glass."

We discussed her favorite artist and why: " One of my favorite artists in David VanNoppen. He is a very talented glass blower. I have always been interested in glass blowing but fear that my wrists are not strong enough for this type of glass art. This is why I have embraced fused glass"

Susan has a heart of gold and you can see this in her answer to "what would you do with $1 million dollars"?

"Since my last three grandchildren have all spent time in a neo-natal unit of a hospital… I would love to use the money to set up a fund to help parents pay for this much needed and usually totally unexpected expense. "

This week only Susan is offering a: 15% off all items in the shop. Use code SASSY. Discount will be refunded at checkout. (this seller ships internationally)

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/mysassyglass www.etsy.com/shop/mysassysupplies

Twitter: twitter.com/Mysassyglass

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MySassyGlass

Blog: mysassyglass.blogspot.com/

Written by

Jen

Jenco13