A Crafter's Life by Thirdeardear: crafts

Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: AliciasFindings

Inspired Jewelry Creations ..............

Kumihimo necklace with glass leaf pendant, brown kumihimo, dichroic leaf pendant by AliciasFindings

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

I am an outgoing,fun loving crafty woman. I find inspiration in nature and things around me.I am an ever changing and evolving person.

2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?

I find most of my inspiration from nature and things around me,but I also like to check out current trends and modify them to my taste.

3.Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?

I taught myself how to do basic beading,but am always learning new techniques from friends and tutorials. My mother has always been a crafty person,so I think I get my love of crafting from her.

4.Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in easy?

Always stick it out,even if it seems like you are not getting anywhere. You also need to network and market yourself,just like a brick and mortar shop does.

5. Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.

Three websites I cannot live without hmmm? Facebook for keeping up with family and friends,Pinterest because I have a pin obsession and Google for all the great things you can do there!

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why

My three favorite shops on etsy:
a) BeadsfromHaven-she always has excellent supplies and is an awesome person.
b) KleanKristi- for her awesome lip balms and soaps,not to mention her friendship.
c) All of my fellow etsy team mates who have helped me in some way...this list is so long and I thank them from the bottom of my heart!!

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?

I hope that my business gets me selling more with each passing day. I hope to be a regular at craft shows and a name that people recognize even if it is on a small scale. I wish to be making enough profit to not feel like I have to choose need over want.

visit her etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/AliciasFindings. What is your favorite item from her shop? Let us know in the comments below!

AWESOME ETSY BUYS: CUTE MOUSE AMIRIGUMI by Meddywv

Cute hand crocheted mouse, 3 inches not including tail. It comes with safety eyes.

This is a birthday gift for my daughter, she loves mice and pink...she surely loved this one! look how adorable it is, the piece speaks for itself =)

10% of all proceeds goes to the Olive Branch Animal Rescue and Refuge www.olivebranchwv.org . visit her shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/meddywv

10 SURE-FIRE WAYS TO GET YOUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOWING

1. Movement Gets Me Going!

2. Fun Equals Creative Thinking

3. Get the Ball Rolling and Don't Stop

4. Get Completely Uncomfortable

5. Spark Creative Visual Conversation

6. Place, Purpose, and Post-Its

7. Plan Ahead

8. Set Some Weird Rules

9. Know When to Take Time Off

10. Stay Motivated with Side Projects

TREASURY MONDAYS: GOOD AS GOLD

Happiness resides not in possessions,
and not in gold, happiness dwells in the soul.

1. Steampunk Gold Metal Chain Pin with Gold metal Coin and Key Charms- https://www.etsy.com/listing/157340878/steampunk-gold-metal-chain-pin-with-gold?ref=tre-2722773709-1
2. Pair of Gold Plated Copper Filigree Scroll Earring Findings- https://www.etsy.com/listing/165209817/pair-of-gold-plated-copper-filigree?ref=tre-2722773709-2
3. Bridal Wedding Faux Pearl Golden Handmade Earrings-https://www.etsy.com/listing/95854392/bridal-wedding-faux-pearl-golden?ref=tre-2722773709-3
4. Purple and Gold, Pearls, Tiger Pendent Necklace. LSU, OOAK Handmade Necklace. CKDesigns.US, Black Friday, Cyber Monday- https://www.etsy.com/listing/170405669/purple-and-gold-pearls-tiger-pendent?ref=tre-2722773709-4
5. Green and Gold Swarovski Earrings, Dangle, Post- https://www.etsy.com/listing/162548706/green-and-gold-swarovski-earrings-dangle?ref=tre-2722773709-5
6. Black Friday Sales Fashion Jewelry, Bracelet, Chunky Statement Bracelet, Beige Bracelet, Gold Bracelet, Yellow and Gold Chain Bead, Gold be- https://www.etsy.com/listing/121822978/black-friday-sales-fashion-jewelry?ref=tre-2722773709-6
7.BIG Beads Collection - Mixed Lot of Big Beads, 3 Bright Gold Acrylic Square Tube Bead, 2 Round Clear Gold Core - Chunky Fun for Your OOAK- https://www.etsy.com/listing/160621352/big-beads-collection-mixed-lot-of-big?ref=tre-2722773709-7
8. Vintage-1940s-kiss lock-golden-tan-pink tinted-Beaded-Purse-Kiss Lock Purse-40s silk purse-gold beaded purse- https://www.etsy.com/listing/115255508/vintage-1940s-kiss-lock-golden-tan-pink?ref=tre-2722773709-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: MEDDYWV

Custom Dog - Amigurumi - Hand Crocheted is made by Meddywv, a wonderful etsian and a wonderful friend. Visit her Etsy shop @ https://www.etsy.com/shop/meddywv

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
Well, I'm the VP of a no-kill animal rescue, The Olive Branch Animal Rescue and Refuge. I have a shop in Sistersville WV along with the Animal Rescues Pet Supply store and I live on a farm with my husband, 4 horses, 3 cats and 2 dogs. My kids are grown.
2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
I guess my inspiration comes from all the animals in my life.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I've been crocheting since the 6th grade when my teacher taught me. But only have been doing amigurumi for the past 2 years.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?
tips would be to be persistent and keep at it....it took a year for my etsy shop to catch on. lol

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.3 favorite websites for my crafting
etsy!
i can't live without the following websites: Etsy (of course), the Olive Branch www.olivebranchwv.org , and facebook (to keep up with my kids!) lol

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
TEDARLA, for her bows that she makes for me, Caribbean Scents for her body butter which I adore, and SoapArt for the best clove soap i've ever used!

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
in 10 years i hope my hands and my eyes allow me to keep crocheting!!!

*************WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM MEDDYWV? WE"D LIKE TO KNOW!****************

WEDNESDAY REVIEWS: How to sell your Crafts Online

With over 400,000 sellers on Etsy, how can you make YOUR shop stand out and increase your sales? This is a key question for many crafters and artists who are selling online these days. Now here are all the answers and much more from author and Etsy seller Derrick Sutton. Based on his self-published guide, and drawn from his practical experience, you will learn how to boost your Etsy sales, attract more customers, and expand your online presence. Derrick shares his proven online sales and marketing knowledge in an easily accessible format, complete with simple actions steps at the end of each chapter. Learn how to completely optimize your Etsy shop, website, or blog, and much more.

Blue Skies

“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue, and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true”

1. Beautiful Blue Earrings- https://www.etsy.com/listing/97050919/beautiful-blue-earrings?ref=tre-2722677287-1

2. Aqua and White 3 Strand Beaded Stretch Bracelet - Custom Made to Size- https://www.etsy.com/listing/90388699/aqua-and-white-3-strand-beaded-stretch?ref=tre-2722677287-2

3. Cameo Boy Angel Praying Soap- https://www.etsy.com/listing/129007050/cameo-boy-angel-praying-soap?ref=tre-2722677287-3

4. BOGO Bashful Blue Stampin Up Satin Ribbon- https://www.etsy.com/listing/167048933/bogo-bashful-blue-stampin-up-satin?ref=tre-2722677287-4

5.Spiral Scrubby - Blue Tones 4"- https://www.etsy.com/listing/162159342/spiral-scrubby-blue-tones-4?ref=tre-2722677287-5

6. 10 mm Blue Melon Shape Magnesite Beads- https://www.etsy.com/listing/164845448/10-mm-blue-melon-shape-magnesite-beads?ref=tre-2722677287-6

7. blue houses set of 2 potholders hot padshttps://www.etsy.com/listing/159986196/blue-houses-set-of-2-potholders-hot-pads?ref=tre-2722677287-7

8. Fimo flower Wire-wrapped ring- Blue Flower, size 4-12- https://www.etsy.com/listing/165555375/fimo-flower-wire-wrapped-ring-blue?ref=tre-2722677287-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: TAKUNIQUEDESIGNS

Square Glass Magnets Set of 3 Colorful Abstract Flowers by Takuniquedesigns. What do you like about this seasoning mix? We’d like to hear from you!

"I love creating and want my shop to be fun to visit, cheerful and bright and show that love I have for handmade!"------Theresa, owner of TAKUniquedesigns

1. Tell me a little about yourself.
I'm a mother of 4, grandmother of 5 and love creating! I work full time so I don't have the time I'd like to devote to crafting but I always manage to create something new each week!
2. Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?
For jewelry, my inspiration comes from beautiful beads and findings - I love beads, charms, pendants, connectors and as I'm shopping for them I'm creating that new piece in my mind! It's pretty much the same with everything I craft, I search for the supplies and the ideas form!
3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I learned a little about jewelry making from a sweet lady at a show I visited ~ from there I taught myself, always searching websites and tutorials. I went from jewelry on to magnets, cards, keychains, etc. I love learning new crafts.
4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?
a. get all the information you can on what you make, learn your craft well

b. get onto some teams and get to know some of the wonderful people on etsy, there are soooo many!

c. find your niche ~ the thing you want to be known for, enjoy the most and work that ~
d. have fun!!!

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.3 favorite websites for my crafting
etsy!
willowruncrafts.com
beadaholique.com

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.
3 shops for my crafting
Gardeninggalatwork - she has all kinds of wonderful bags for packaging orders.
Karenscraftsupplies - she has everything you need to make pendants, magnets, etc.
Bellasbeadhabit - all kinds of beads and charms, etc.

7. Where do you see your crafting business in 10 years?
Hmmm, in 10 years I will probably be doing about the same with my business, because for me, my business is more of a "therapy". It's something I love to do and removes all the cares of the world while I'm doing it! But maybe in 10 years, I will have a craft room!!

Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TAKUniqueDesigns

TOP 10 REASONS TO SCRAPBOOK

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling.

1. Naturally preserve your heritage.

2. Passion for Photography

3. Scrapbooking is a fun, creative outlet.

4. they make fantastic personal gifts!

5. Scrapbooking Supplies Are Not Expensive

6. Scrapbooking can help you clean up your attic!

7. Scrapbooking allows you to connect with others.

8. Get Reacquainted With Yourself

9.Scrapbooking is rewarding

10. Document milestones.

For Scrapbooking supplies, Please visit: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13725242

TOP SCRAPBOOKERS (.....or scrapbooking suppliers)

Scrapbooking is a method for preserving personal and family history in the form of a scrapbook. Typical memorabilia include photographs, printed media, and artwork. Scrapbook albums are often decorated and frequently contain extensive journaling.

Here are our top 8 Scrapbookers (or Scrapbooking Suppliers). Write in the comments below your pick for the top scrapbooker=)

1. LAYOUTSFROMTHEHEART- https://www.etsy.com/shop/LayoutsFromTheHeart ( http://layoutsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/)

2. BAYLEAFBUTTONS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/BayleafButtons

3. SCRAPHAPPYMAMA-
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ScrapHappyMama

4. MYPAPERMEDIA-https://www.etsy.com/shop/MyPaperMedia

5. DEBKCREATIONS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/debkcreations

6. STAMPINKSCRAP- https://www.etsy.com/shop/stampinkscrap

7. THECHARMINGMAGNOLIA- https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheCharmingMagnolia

8. WHITEWOLFeNATIVEARTS- https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhiteWolfeNativeArts

For more scrapbooking supplies, pls. visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13725242

CRAFTING FOR A CAUSE

Supertyphoon Haiyan barreled through six central Philippine islands on Friday, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes with ferocious winds of 235 kilometers per hour (147 miles per hour) and gusts of 275 kph (170 mph). By those measurements, Haiyan would be comparable to a strong Category 4 hurricane in the U.S., and nearly in the top category, a 5.H orrified residents spoke of storm surges as high as trees and resulting in over 1,000 fatalities. 10%of proceeds from the HANDMADE GIFTS section will be donated to the victims of typhoon Haiyan. https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13471791

FABULOUS FRIDAY FINDS: GAGIRLJEWELRYANDGIFT

Gourmet Olive Oil Bread Dipping Seasoning Mix (Pesto), Organic, Handmade by Gagirljewelryandgift. What do you like about this seasoning mix? We’d like to hear from you!

1. Tell me a little about yourself.

I am a stay at home wife and mother who has always loved crafting! I am a big fan of natural, organic products. My seasoning mixes are made with organic spices and herbs. My bath and body products are made with all natural ingredients.

2.Where does your inspiration come from when crafting?

My inspiration comes from different things. Maybe just a thought I have. Sometimes from other items I see that I like. Also, like I said, I am big on natural products, so that influences a lot of my work. I like working with seashells, gemstones, and other natural items.

3. Who taught you and how did you learn to craft?
I am self taught as far as most of my crafts! A lot of research and trial and error. I am a licensed cosmetologist, and have taken a course in natural health and healing.

4. Any Specific Tips you have for newbie crafters starting a business in Etsy?

Take great pictures. Use a white background, and take close up shots. Use a program to lighten pictures that are too dark. Get involved with teams and build a network of friends. Promote, promote! Facebook, pinterest, twitter, rebelmouse, etc.

5.Name 3 websites you couldn’t live without.

Etsy, facebook, pinterest.

6. What are your 3 favorite shops and why.

Simplysurina, TakUniqueDesigns, MLDesignWorks. I purchase a lot of my supplies on Etsy, and these shops have a lot of what I use! MLDesignWorks is where I get my shop banners and avis!

7. IWhere do you see your crafting business in 10 years?

hope to have a business that is doing well enough to pay bills and be self supporting!

Visit her etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/gagirljewelryandgift

WINNING WEDNESDAYS: TAURUS ZODIAC CHARM

A very pretty and unique Taurus Charm (Size: approximately 15 mm) exuding the endurance, stability and practicality of the Taurus.

This simple yet elegant charm is not only completely unique but this item passes the standard of nickel content. The silver/ chrome plating glistens to catch peoples eyes with its delicate beauty!

Interested in buying more quantities of this charm? https://www.etsy.com/listing/156683257/zodiac-charms-taurus?ref=shop_home_active&ga_search_query=Taurus

To view more zodiac charms and other charms, visit my etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?ref=si_shop

What design would you put this charm on? Leave a comment below to be entered in a drawing to win this ring. (sorry, limited to US residents only). Drawing will end at the end of November 2013.

TREASURY MONDAY; GREENER PASTURES

HOW TO MAKE A WIRE-WRAPED RING

HOW TO MAKE A WIRE-WRAPPED RING

Here is a picture of a ring I made out of Fimo Beads:

To see more designs: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThirdEarDear?section_id=13471791

Proper sizing is important to both fit and comfort of the ring. For best results, use a ring mandrel and wrap the wire directly around it; this is a long, cone-shaped object that's either marked with ring sizes or used with a ring-sizing measurement tape. If you don't have these items, tie a string around your ring finger to find the most comfortable length, then use the string to draw a circle on a piece of paper; use this as your guide when making the ring. (Do not build the ring by wrapping the wire directly around your finger, as it's very difficult to get a good shape this way).

Make the basic ring shape by wrapping the wire through the bead hole, around the mandrel and back to the edges of the bead. To make the wire thicker, wrap a second time if the bead hole is large enough to allow this. You may also wrap the second layer of wire in tight coils around the first to make the ring's band thick and strong while giving it an interesting look.

Always take care when you cut the wire to pay attention to where the trimmed edge goes. Adjust the length to keep the ends of the wire on the top of the ring and away from the finger so as to avoid any sharp edges that could dig into the skin. For further precaution, use a nail file to smooth out the sharp ends of the wire.

TREASURY MONDAY: FLOWERS EVERYWHERE!

1.       a Floral Letterpress Linocut Blank Card : Rose, Lily, Protea, or Daisy by Twotonnepress- For people who like to know, Letterpress printing is a technique of relief printing using a printing press. A worker composes and locks movable type into the bed of a press, inks it, and presses paper against it to transfer the ink from the type.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/114424741/a-floral-letterpress-linocut-blank-card?ref=tre-2722569495-1
2.       Handmade White Crochet Flower Headband by TrueColorsBoutique- How adorable is this headband on a little girl. She will truly be the center of attention wearing this. https://www.etsy.com/listing/123264285/handmade-white-crochet-flower-headband?ref=tre-2722569495-2
3.       Beautiful and bored – Portrait by Maria Jose Treasures- Maria Jose truly captures the emotions on every porrtrait. ACEOS also available. https://www.etsy.com/listing/152924720/beautiful-and-bored-portrait?ref=shop_home_active

4.       Felt Flower with button center - you pick the backing, by 2sweetbeans- Marissa, the creator of these , is truly a wonderful lady, and a very creative one at that. This felt flower would look good as a magnet, imagine displaying your children’s artwork with this on a refrigerator? How cute! https://www.etsy.com/listing/121622423/felt-flower-with-button-center-you-pick?ref=shop_home_active

Ready to ship in 3-10 busi 5. Flower Beads, Plastic, Royal Blue, 16 mm, Jewelry, Supplies, DIY by gagirjewelryandgift- Any creation would look absolutely beautiful with these acrylic beads. https://www.etsy.com/listing/164099382/flower-beads-plastic-royal-blue-16-mm?ref=tre-2722569495-

6.     4 x 6 Photo Print Field of Daisies White Flowers by Krafterskorner- “If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would go to more dances. I would ride more merry-go-rounds. I would pick more daisies.” https://www.etsy.com/listing/129190942/4-x-6-photo-print-field-of-daisies-white?ref=tre-2722569495-6

7.     Red Poinsetta Silk Flowers by beautifulswagstore- Christmas is around the corner! A favorite Christmas flower is the poinsettia, with its beautiful, red, star-shape. It is called the "Flame Leaf" in Central America or "Flower of the Holy Night" and was brought here over a hundred years ago by Dr. Joel Poinsett, our first ambassador to Mexico. https://www.etsy.com/listing/116694541/red-poinsetta-silk-flowers-cij?ref=tre-2722569495-7

8.     red fimo rose wire-wrapped ring, US5,6,7,8,9,10,11 by Thirdeardear- Pretty Red Rose Fimo Flower Ring, Handpainted and wire-wrapped with a silver artistic wire. Flower size is Size : 22 x 7mm. This beautiful ring is so light and looks so fresh, you almost feel the cool summer breeze as you wear it. Simplicity and Elegance at its finest https://www.etsy.com/listing/129937621/red-fimo-rose-wire-wrapped-ring?ref=tre-2722569495-8

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)

SATURDAY REVIEWS: HEART-O-MATIC

http://www.craftcult.com/heartomatic.php

The Heartomatic provides a simple way to view and track activity in your Etsy shop. View who (and when) someone has hearted your shop and products. You can also track increases in total views for all of your shop items. The Heart Charts graph your shop and item hearts by month, week or day, and provide extra insight into your shop activity with additional stats.

TREASURY MONDAY: SUNSHINE! BEAUTIFUL SUNSHINE!

No matter how hard things get in life , just don't worry about it, hold firm to your grounds and fight with your head up because after a heavy rain there will still be sunshine.

1. YELLOW AGATE- These beautiful semi-precious gems will surely make your masterpiece shine! https://www.etsy.com/listing/96003728/yellow-fire-agate-14mm-round-8-long-14?ref=tre-2725090876-1

2. SPIRAL SCRUBBY- These scrubbies are so soft, you can use it on baby’s skin. Take it from me, I have 7 of them ;) https://www.etsy.com/listing/130360474/spiral-scrubby-yellow-and-white-4?ref=tre-2725090876-2

3. BEADED HAIRCOMBS- Wearing these hair combs will surely add a spring in your step! https://www.etsy.com/listing/100199820/beaded-hair-combs-golden-buttercup-one?ref=tre-2725090876-3

4. LILY PHOTO- Feng Shui believers hold Lily as the emblem of summer and abundance. https://www.etsy.com/listing/108373911/4-x-6-photo-print-yellow-lilies?ref=tre-2725090876-4

5. CRYSTAL ENCRUSTED PENDANT- Elegance becomes you as you wear this pendant. https://www.etsy.com/listing/121594635/green-and-clear-crystal-encrusted?ref=tre-2725090876-5

6. ANGEL- Meet Raechel the Guardian Angel, she will protect you and guide you through your rough patches. https://www.etsy.com/listing/73052711/rachael-the-guardian-angel?ref=tre-2725090876-6

7. HAIRCLIP- Winnie The Pooh Inspired Sculpted Hair Bow….handmade with love from grosgrain ribbons and a pom pom nose attached with an alligator clip https://www.etsy.com/listing/120487379/sculpted-winnie-the-pooh-inspired-hair?ref=tre-2725090876-7

8. FIMO BEADS- Drilled side to side, these beads are a perfect addition to any creation. https://www.etsy.com/listing/127519575/fimo-flower-17?ref=tre-2725090876-8!

***WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM FROM THE ITEMS ABOVE AND WHY? Voice your opinion in the comments below and be featured in the future boards of TREASURY MONDAY =)