Clever's Corner

BESTeam Feature: Omnipresents

2010-09-15T14:15:00.005-04:00

This week's featured Etsy artist has found a way to combine 2 things that she is very passionate about: jewelry making and her interest in new age healing and crystals! Have a specific sort of healing you could use? I bet you could contact this BESTeam member to find an answer!

Blue is my ultimate favorite color. I love the deep blue in this piece!

Even if you don't know what healing properties each stone may be associated with, isn't this necklace great for fall?? It reminds me of the many colors you can see in the trees.

How about this Jasper bracelet? "Jasper has healing properties as well. It is known for helping to provide awareness, protection, and insight. Great for healing." Who couldn't use a little protection and insight in this crazy world?

Be sure to swing by the artist's blog as well, http://omnipresents.blogspot.com. You'll be able to find new Etsy artists through this blog full of features!

BESTeam weekly feature: DiCarlos

2010-09-07T21:52:00.006-04:00

Please help me to welcome DiCarlos to the Clever's Corner blog! DiCarlos has a great little Etsy shop (www.dicarlos.etsy.com) featuring original artwork, jewelry, and cards!

I love the modern feel to this small painting, black and silver! And as everyone knows, fingerprints are unique, so I love the theme. Best of all? Only 5 inches, you can even decorate your work cubicle!

And just like you'll find in quite a few of my blog posts, I LOVE butterflies!! I normally wouldn't have added so many beads to a wire necklace, but I love the colors!

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's... yup, it's a bird!!

Isn't this a fun and summery card?? I love the indigos and teals and purples.

Be sure to swing by the shop for a full inventory of items to choose from! There are more cards, paintings, and jewelry to choose from, all completely unique and colorful! There's also a blog to check out at http://etsyasyoulikeit.blogspot.com for great features!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: Wearable Art By Pixie

2010-09-02T07:00:00.000-04:00

This week I'm pleased to show you a newer shop, open since only July of this year! At http://www.etsy.com/shop/wearableartbypixie , you'll find the most original glass tile pendants ever: these pendants are made using the original artwork of the shop owner!! The prize? Any pendant of the winner's choosing! That's my kind of prize... (PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY, SHIPPING WILL NOT BE PROVIDED OUT OF THE COUNTRY. THANKS!!)

Here’s what Debra had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

Asking what is your favorite piece of jewelry is like asking which of your children do you favor. I like them all for different reasons. Each piece is taken directly from a print of one of my original paintings. Each painting has a focal point or two. I’ve taken that focal point and created a Wearable Art pendant or earring. I’m really excited by how well they have been received. The first time I showed them I almost sold out.

I wear, Paisley Damask, Blue Butterfly, Tweet Orange, and Eccentric Ovals the most.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I’ve been an artist all of my life, but my jewelry line Wearable Art by Pixie really got started as a new way to use my art. I had been wanting to learn jewelry making for some time. It all just came together perfectly.

A lot of people ask why “Wearable Art by Pixie?” My nickname as a child was Pixie and the name Wearable Art was all over the place so I added my favorite name.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I belong to Christian Artists Promoting Shops or capsteam and Christian Artists Street Team or castteam. I would really recommend joining some teams. It’s a great way to network and make crafting buddies. People on Etsy have valuable information to be gleaned and shared.

If you had one super power what would it be?

To heal people. I’ve seen so much suffering as a Registered Nurse and if we all had physical, emotional and spiritual health life would be so wonderful for us all.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate. My friends and family know if I want something sweet only chocolate will do. I think it has to do with the rush of endorphins.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

A dolphin. I had the opportunity to swim with them in Hawaii and it was one of the highlights of my life. They are so smart and loving, and sooo cute!

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Not one but many. Visit my shop and you can see how much I love the artists on Etsy. I’ll name a few, GraeDawn, CleverCrafter, and all the people from capsteam and castteam!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

My family, a knife and seedlings among would have to be fruit, coco beans and sugar cane. Is that more than three items?

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

I’ve learned that nothing turns out exactly the way you think it will. I’ve learned that most “mistakes” are really happy moments. I’ve learned that patience in the process of learning a new craft always brings me to my happy place and produces a beautiful piece.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

List something every day, it keeps you near the front of the category you belong in such as art / watercolor. Heart loads of people, they will usually heart you back. Join some teams to get to know other crafters and help promote each other.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://wearableartbypixie.blogspot.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Wearable-Art-by-Pixie/117260118322045?ref=sgm

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There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit Debra’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow Debra’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from Debra’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, September 8th at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Debra. Thanks for your interest and entries!

BESTeam weekly feature: The Garden Room

2010-09-01T21:11:00.006-04:00

Welcome to my weekly BESTeam feature! This week's feature brings you great jewelry making talent from The Garden Room. You can find the etsy shop here: www.thegardenroom.etsy.com.

The green in there earrings makes me think of Spring, when the grass first starts to grow and the leaves are finally opening up on the trees... And best of all, the weather is warming up! Don't worry though, you can WEAR green all year round!

This great bracelet would make for a perfect bridal piece! Or for any special occasion really, white goes with anything!

I'm usually not a girly-girl, but lately I've really become quite taken with pink. So naturally, this great necklace and pendant caught my eye... perfect for spring and summer!

Part of the reason I don't make fancy jewelry is because I never would have thought to combine the peridot and turquoise that this great necklace uses. But don't they fit together nicely??

Don't forget to check out The Garden Room on Etsy and well as on the blog, http://patriciasnow.blogspot.com/

BESTeam weekly feature: OwlsomeGifts

2010-08-24T21:29:00.006-04:00

If you like owls you're going to LOVE this great Etsy shop! www.owlsomegifts.etsy.com is FULL of items dedicated to these wise nocturnal creatures. Growing up with a mother that collected owls has trained me to do a double take when I see owl related items, and even though this is my second feature for Owlsome Gifts, I found the jewelry just as intriguing as the first time around!

The only jewelry I wear is silver or white gold, so I was in love with all of these earrings. I only wish my mom wore earrings that dangle so that she could enjoy them too!!

I love these long ear hooks. I have beaded earrings that feature this same ear hook and I love the length! Very lightweight too, so no worries about stretching your ears :)

Looking for a splash of color?? No problem! Owlsome Gifts has a wide selection of owls in bright colors to coordinate with just about anything you could find in your closet! Stop by the shop today to find great jewelry, some vintage, as well as bookmarks and keychains. Take a peek at the blog too at http://www.owlsomegifts.blogspot.com for features and fun!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: SandTCreations

2010-08-18T22:55:00.010-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the UniqueDesignsByMsP giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #5, Jasmine1485!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with Paula to collect your prize!

Let me introduce you to a creative duo from Indiana. These beading gals bring amazing talent to their Etsy shop, http://www.sandtcreations.etsy.com/! You'll find a wide range of color and jewelry types in this shop, with reasonable prices too! You could even start your Christmas shopping, or simply enter to win this great bracelet to wear year round!

Here’s what S and T had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

I think that changes each time we list new items, but right now it's Cherries Jubilee: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50666338/cherries-jubilee-in-free-shipping

How did you get into your line of crafting?

We were invited to a "beading party" and a small bracelet and earrings cost us over $40. Yes we did use nice stones, but it seemed alot. Saundra said to herself that she could do what they did to make our pieces and bought a small set of tools, beads and findings. She began teaching herself, and then, while I was recovering from surgery, she gave me my birthday present early: a set of beading tools, findings and some basic beads! We beaded together 2 or 3 times while I was off work and then it grew and grew as we learned about stones and components, found sources and, eventually, set up a business.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes, right now these 3: AWETeam (Art Walk on Etsy) that promotes the First Friday Art Walk every month, BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) and INCrowdteam (Indiana team)

If you had one super power what would it be?

To read minds. I'm the most lousy office politician you have ever seen and would love to be able to tell if what they said was really what they meant.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Ice cream

What's your favorite thing about summer?

I HATE cold, so summer is always better. And I love long summer days of sunlight.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I have 3: Beadin Babe, Recycled, and Youniquely, Inc.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Oh my. One of our dogs, my air mattress, and a journal

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Well, unfortunately, if I'm trying to work on something new: wire-wrapping or silversmithing, once I mess up a time or two, I quit for a long time, so I never get that practice time in so I could do well. But if I'm frustrated with a design, I put it aside and find I can go back in a day or two and finish it up. It's as if, just thinking about it works through whatever problem I was stuck on.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

List plenty of items, people can't stay and shop if you only have 3 things to look at. And promote your store and work outside Etsy, draw in customers from facebook, twitter, myspace, a blog, videos, podcasts, stumbleupon, flickr, your own customer email list and whatever else you can think of. Have that website on every printed material you have, not just your business card.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

Blog: http://sandtcreations.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://companies.to/sandtcreations

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/Teri_B

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There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit sandtcreations’ Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow sandtcreations’ Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from sandtcreations’ Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, August 25 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with sandtcreations. Thanks for your interest and entries!

BESTeam feature: DramatiqueDesigns!

2010-08-17T07:37:00.006-04:00

It's time for your weekly dose of the Etsy BESTeam!! This week I bring you Erin from www.dramatiquedesigns.etsy.com! Erin's shop is full of great purses, wrislets, cell phone cases, and headbands!

Check out my favorite purse, a fun print of I Love Lucy... getting into trouble like always!

Pink is such a popular color right now, and I'm especially loving this shade!!

Looking for traditional black and white? You won't find traditional, but you will find this great black and white print sure to match any outfit!

LOVE the bright colors in this wristlet!!

A few months ago a new movie came out that had everyone going crazy for... Alice in Wonderland! Now you can get a cell phone case in the theme of Alice!

In addition to Erin's great Etsy shop, be sure to check out her blog at http://dramatiquedesigns.blogspot.com. Erin brings great features your way on a variety of topics and you can really pick up on her great and bubbly personality through her writing. This is someone I would love to meet in person for an afternoon of crafting!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: UniqueDesignsByMsP

2010-08-12T13:40:00.008-04:00

Welcome to another Focus Feature and Giveaway Thursday! First, let’s congratulate our winner of the Julessabjewelry giveaway. Using random.org, the giveaway winner is #11, dhesh! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch to collect your prize!

Welcome to another Focus Feature and Giveaway Thursday! This week will be dedicated to Paula at www.UniqueDesignsbyMsP.etsy.com. Paula has some great jewelry to show off and a couple pairs of fingerless gloves that I’m in love with! Be sure to enter the giveaway to win these unique earrings!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/51505419/reservered-clevercrafter-giveaway-my

Here’s what Paula had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

I am a rather fickle "Mom". My favorite is usually whatever I am working on at the time. Why? When I am working on a piece, no matter what that piece is, it has my full attention. As the piece comes to life, I think about how I would feel wearing it. If I wouldn't love wearing it, I scrap it and start over. Once it is completed and listed, the piece is forgotten until it is sold.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

For as long as I can remember, I have enjoyed fabric and fiber; the texture, the color, the drape, and of course the fashion. I remember raiding my Mom's fabric stash for bits of and pieces to make clothes for Barbie; learning how to use a needle and thread to fashion the tiny pieces into fashionable dresses, skirts, tops, and pants. Then I discovered crocheting and that I could create "Barbie Fashions" with yarn. I absolutely love the cozy feeling of hats, scarves and gloves, not to mention sweaters (but I am too impatient to make a lot of them). Then, as a child of the sixties, I fell in love with beading when the Mom of a friend opened her very own bead shop. Adding the sparkle and shine to the color and texture I already loved made jewelry making a natural evolution for me.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I belong to 2 groups on Etsy; BESTeam and Sac-Etsy. Both groups are very supportive and great choices for me. BESTeam has connected me with numerous Etsy vendors from all over the United States and some from Canada and Europe. This group has also taught me some great marketing techniques. Sac-Etsy is a local group for me, being a Northern California Girl. The members are great in supporting the local artisans; helping with Etsy and also other local outlets for their creations.

If you had one super power what would it be?

I have to choose just one? :) I don't know if this is considered a super power, but for me it would be endless energy. I have so many things that I want to do and not enough energy to get them all done.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Again with the choices! :) Let's see, would it be the chocolate bar hiding in the silverware drawer, the lovely fragrance that I sprits on daily that makes me feel sexy, or the time I give myself to read the fantasy novels (at least that's what they are labeled). I believe in extreme self-care, so I indulge on a regularly scheduled basis.

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

I am one of those people who is not crazy about the summer season. The best part about the summer months, for me, is the longer daylight hours.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Sooo many choices! If you visit my facebook page, you'll find that I have over a hundred "favorites". I try to share the love when looking for gifts and those little luxuries, and I pounce a lot just to experience new artisans. For instance, my hostess for this feature, CleverCrafter, has some wonderful pieces. She uses simple items in an unexpected way to create unique one of a kind jewelry pieces.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

There are days that this would be a dream come true. Stranded on a deserted island, I would want a pen and paper so that I could write that epic novel I have been telling myself I would write some day; and the third item, hmmmm, maybe my blackberry so that when my novel is complete I would be able to call someone to come pick it up.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

I have learned that creativity can't be rushed. It can be encouraged, but it takes the time it takes to come into full bloom. Trying to rush it causes more frustration and steals the joy from the project.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Love what you are doing. Do some research. Join at least one great support group. Be patient, this is not a "get rich and famous quick" forum.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://www.uniquedesignsbymsp.blogspot.com

http://www.twitter.com/myuniquedesigns

http://www.facebook.com/paulasdesgins (yes, there is a typo here, but I am stuck with it)

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Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit Paula’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow Paula’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from Paula’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, August 18 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Paula. GOOD LUCK!!

BESTeam weekly feature: Lightkeeping

2010-08-09T19:47:00.007-04:00

Happy Monday!!! I hope everyone had a productive weekend like I did... 43 new Button Bracelets and 7 new pairs of Button Earrings made, all set on the display stand and ready for my show on Wednesday! Boy were my hands cramped up!

This week I'm pleased to bring you a feature on fellow BESTeam-mate Anastasija from www.lightkeeping.etsy.com! In her shop you will find the most beautiful lampwork beaded jewelry: bracelets, earrings, and necklaces!

I love the classy look of the simple red and white. Search the shop, she has a black and white set as well!!

These earrings would look great with your favorite pair of blue jeans...

And these are just perfect for summer!

Necklaces more your style? Take a peek at this blue and white piece, you'll get so many compliments!

Be sure to check out Anastasija's blog as well at http://lightkeeping.blogspot.com. You'll find new pieces from her collection as well as artist features, and I loved the colors and music on the blog too. So much fun!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: JulessaBJewelry

2010-08-05T07:54:00.011-04:00

Welcome to another Focus Feature and Giveaway Thursday! First, let’s congratulate our winner of the Keiglass pendant giveaway! Using random.org, the giveaway winner is #2, Lyudmila! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch to collect your prize!

Today I bring you a new giveaway from Julessa of www.julessabjewelry.etsy.com! This shop is full of handmade and uniquely designed jewelry and tutorials to make your own! Julessa will be giving away this amazing set from her shop:

I’m wishing that I could enter to win!

Here’s what Julessa had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

My absolute favorite thing in my shop is my latest addition, the Sterling Silver Fringe Bracelet. I've been toying with this idea for awhile and now that it's a reality, I'm planning a whole new line basted on this particular "fringe" idea.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I started crafting when I was very young. My mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were all quilters, painters and artists of some sort so I began at a very young age. Although, I didn't get into jewelry until 2004 to get my mind off my studies in college. I started out beading and when I got impatient with it, I began a few silver-smith classes and instantly found my passion. I love the torch and the silver and making something three dimensional out of wire, sheet and gemstones.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes, I belong to the Boosting Etsy Shops Team of wonderful artisans and I've met some great friends along the way with Etsy.

If you had one super power what would it be?

I would say super strength, although all the wire bending is making my forearms look like Popeye the Sailor {smile}.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure?? Ahhh, great question! I'd have to say my morning pot o'coffee. Yes, I said POT of coffee. I love the smell, the taste and the warmth, especially in the winter.

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

My favorite thing about the summer is opening the pool and watching my labs go nuts! Really, my one baby, Bailey, she only gets 30-minutes at a time because she sprains her tail if I let her go too long. She weezes, pants and is thoroughly tired after 30-minutes, but if I don't stop her I have to hear her whine each time she sits, lays down or gets excited and tries to wag her sprained tail. If the vet hadn't clued me in, I would never have known dogs could sprain their tails.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I have a brand new favorite jewelry shop it's stickmanjewelry and I just adore these designs. I have a ton of other favorites, but right now Virginia and Edward's shop is just so cute and cuddly, I couldn't go without mentioning it!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

My hubby, because he makes me laugh, all the sterling silver wire in the world and my torch with unlimited oxygen and propane!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Well, I'm not one to sketch a design or really try to work out on "practice" materials and it has had its share of ups and downs because of that... I'm learning that an idea in my head doesn't necessarily constitute a great design. So, now I'm making a better effort to work things out on paper first then try to build it with materials - I still haven't quite decided on the "practice" materials thing, but I'm sure it will come to that someday when my designs get a little more advanced.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

My advice to new Etsy shop openers? Well, first find your passion. Make sure you shop reflects who you are as an artisan and don't browse too much at other artists of your type because it can make you a little disheartened at times. I learned that the hard way and found when I just design the things I like and what I think my clients will like, I'm much happier as an artist and a business owner.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

Blog: http://jujubeejewelrydesigns.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Charlotte-NC/JujuBee-Jewelry-Designs/102307866471655?ref=sgm

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jujubeejewelry

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Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit Nina’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow Julessa’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from Julessa’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, August 11 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Julessa. GOOD LUCK!!

BESTeam feature: VieForColor

2010-08-03T08:06:00.012-04:00

Happy Tuesday!

First off, here's your friendly reminder that there is a giveaway going on... Be sure to check out the prize and enter to win!

http://cleverscorner.blogspot.com/2010/07/focus-feature-and-giveaway-keiglass.html

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I've also been working on improving my shop and have been playing around with new, and hopefully better, photos. Here's 3 new listings from last night:

Pretty in Pink

Peachy Keen

Candy Apple

Come visit the shop at www.clevercrafter.etsy.com and find your favorite button bracelet! These bracelets are made with high quality materials and are tested for strength so you can rest assured your bracelet will not break!

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And now onto our BESTeam feature!

This week brings you a relatively new shop, open on Etsy since May! www.VieForColor.etsy.com has a great collection of hand painted clothes as well as handbags and originals on canvas.

Nobody will show up at your next party wearing the same dress as you if you have this one!

Loving that gold shimmer!

These bright colors are great for a summer evening out!

Looking to accessorize? Check out the handbags too!

Be sure to check out VieForColor on her blog as well at http://vfcshop.wordpress.com/ for features and new painted pieces!!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: Keiglass!

2010-07-29T07:11:00.002-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the youaremysunshine giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #25, Melody from www.EverybodyElse.etsy.com!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with youaremysunshine to collect your prize!

This week I'm pleased to show you a relatively new shop, open since February of this year. Check out http://www.keiglass.etsy.com/ to see that she brings you jewelry and other creations in handmade glass work! Almost every piece is named after a city or other place that this unique artist has visited! For this giveaway, keiglass has made a special piece. There's no link to view, but here are 3 photos:

Here’s what keiglass had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

Well, i like a lot of my jewelry for their pretty colors and shapes but I believe my favorite item is my Waterfall Wind Chime - http://www.etsy.com/listing/48090400/glass-wind-chime-waterfall

The tinkling chime it makes is so cheerful and makes me smile. Plus the colors are some of my favorites, and i just think it's so pretty outside in a tree or on a porch!

How did you get into your line of crafting?

Just before moving back to Colorado and getting married, my at-the-time fiance's second mom invited me over to make some glass pendants as presents for my wedding party. She also started up her torch and let me make some beads. It was so amazing. i had no idea you could do this at home and i became totally hooked!

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I belong to two groups: The BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) and the LAWST Team (Loud and Wacky Street Team). Both teams are about support between fellow etsy artists and are full of fun, great people!

If you had one super power what would it be?

Oh this is a tough one... I think it would be fun to be a sponge- like Peter Petrelli in Heroes- because you get to try out all the different powers. If i had to just choose one though i'd have to go with flying.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Mint Oreos dipped in Marshmellow fluff. YUM and Addicting.

What's your favorite thing about summer?

NOT the heat- this current nationwide heat wave is Killing me. I'd have to say outdoor swimming pools and picnics.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

There are so many amazing shops with talented artists so i couldn't choose just one! Here's a link to my Favorites, but it's definitely not a fully inclusive list- there's just so much great stuff on here!

http://www.etsy.com/people/keiglass/favorites

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Husband, Dogs, and sunscreen. I would love to add some books but how do you just choose one?!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Slow down. I often move ahead with a fun idea without having fully thought about the steps needed for the final project. It makes it sloppy and lacking. Taking a little extra time is the most important thing for me!

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://www.keiglass.com

http://www.facebook.com/keiglass

https://twitter.com/keiglass

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit keiglass’ Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow keiglass’ Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from keiglass’ Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, August 4 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with keiglass. Thanks for your interest and entries!

BESTeam Feature: Gilliauna

2010-07-28T08:27:00.009-04:00

Good Morning and welcome to another BESTeam feature! This week I'm happy to bring you a beautiful collection from the craft team at www.gilliauna.etsy.com! All of these jewelry items are rich in color and texture, and you're bound to find something in just about any price range.

I'm in love with this emerald green...
And these soft shades combine so well!!

I'm not a fan of yellow gold myself, but with so many great pieces in their shop, I had to include a little gold for everyone out there.

Looking for a truly unique gift?? Check out the selection of handmade rosaries! Bracelets or full length, these rosaries are the best for First Communion, Confirmation, Graduation, Weddings... any of those important times to remind someone of their faith!

Don't forget to check out the blog at http://www.colorfulartisanjewelry.com as well to find great features, giveaways, and more jewelry of course! This will be one of your new favortie shops!

Hump Day Humor

2010-07-28T08:25:00.005-04:00

Focus Feature and Giveaway: youaremysunshine

2010-07-22T13:49:00.010-04:00

Welcome to another Focus Feature and Giveaway Thursday! First, let’s congratulate our winner of the MissPrettyPerfect handbag giveaway! Using random.org, the giveaway winner is #7, LaughingFridge! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch to collect your prize!

This week will be dedicated to the lovely and talented Nina and her Etsy shop chock full of items featuring fabric flowers! Check them out at www.youaremysunshine.etsy.com! Nina will be giving away a $20.00 gift certificate for you to spend in her Etsy shop, so start looking for your favorites!!

Here’s what Nina had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

http://www.etsy.com/listing/31178796/necklace-like-a-monet-painting-in-blue
I love this necklace because of its sunshine colors. It always makes me smile. I think it epitomizes my shop.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I have always created something since I was very young. Jewelry making I started about 7 years ago as a hobby and a stress reliever from a demanding sales job.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes, I belong to my local group, North Florida Craft Revolution, Busy Moms of Etsy and Boosting Etsy Shops Team.

If you had one super power what would it be?

Understanding children. especially a teenager. I have a 13 year old and it seems my husband and I both need super powers to understand him.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Tobleron, gummy bears, potato chips, whipped cream.

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

The beach. We live very close to the beach here in Florida and we take the kids at least once a week.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I have many many favorite shops! Just about any beads supplies shop is my favorite. I also love the purse shops, the graphics shops, the stamps shops, the vintage shops.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

I would take my husband and my 2 sons. It would be very hard to live without them.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

I see many Etsy shops that are very successful, far more than my shop. I get very tempted to lower my prices, my shipping, etc. I think I should create less expensive items. I have learned that crafting for me is primarily a creative process, not a business process. If I am not creating what I love, I am not happy with my business.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Take good pictures. Join a team. Read the forums.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://ninas-day.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/mysunshine4etsy

http://youaremysunshine.facebook.com

http://youaremysunshine-etsy.flickr.com

http://mysunshinevintage.etsy.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit Nina’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow Nina’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from Nina’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, July 28 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Nina. GOOD LUCK!!

Tuesday's Top 10: RED!

2010-07-20T07:17:00.002-04:00

It's been a while, but now that I'm moved and starting to get settled it's time to get back to my daily features! This week's Tuesday's Top 10 is bringing you RED in honor of Etsy Christmas in July!

Personally, I am offering 20% off all button bracelets in my Etsy shop (http://www.clevercrafter.etsy.com) until July 25th! Get your Christmas shopping started early with great deals from fellow teammates of mine from the CAPSteam too! You can find links to sales and PRIZES too by checking us out here: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6575123

And as always, be sure to check out these 10 featured Etsy artists to see more of their great work!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/flameboyant?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/christystudio?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/andrada?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PrinceDesignUK?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/v2vozart?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ruthscrafts?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/botanicalbird?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hawkgerber?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StitchesByKryss?ref=seller_info

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Designsbyjesy?ref=seller_info

BESTeam weekly feature: Waterwaif

2010-07-19T18:39:00.003-04:00

For those of you that are familiar with my blog, I'm sure you remember the focus feature and giveaway that I did not too long ago on Waterwaif. She had more entries for the giveaway than any other giveaway I've done! And for good reason: She was giving away her gorgeous jewelry creations!

Now I'd like to introduce her to you as a part of the BESTeam. And I've got good news... She's been busy bringing you new pieces to drool over!!

The green in these earrings is one of my favorite colors, so deep and vivid!

I'll be going up north next weekend for a 2 mile open water swim, so I've had beach on the brain. These earrings are perfect to wear by the sea! (or lake I suppose!)

Be sure to visit Waterwaif's shop on Etsy at www.waterwaif.etsy.com and read her blog for more features on Etsy artists and new creations at http://waterwaif.blogspot.com.

Focus Feature and Giveaway: MissPrettyPerfect!

2010-07-15T10:47:00.006-04:00

Welcome to another Focus Feature and Giveaway Thursday! This week will be dedicated to MissPrettyPerfect and her amazing handbags. Check them out out www.missprettyperfect.etsy.com! Be sure to enter the giveaway below to win this great wristlet!

Here’s what MissPrettyPerfect had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

They're all my favorite. It's just a certain joy that I get from the entire handmade process, from beginning to end. The adrenaline I get from the fabric selection process, the sewing, and to the photography sessions, are all heartfelt. Anything created by me are All my babies.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

My mother taught me to sew at the age of 5. I grew to love it and then hate it while I was in school for Fashion Design. But it just so happened that after graduating from Parsons School of Design in New York City, I landed a job as a seamstress for a private label handbag designer. Ellen Eichel, the owner, taught me about handbag production and leather sewing. She told me many times that I really had a 'gift' but I didn't see it. After moving back home to North Carolina, I started to develop a line of my own handbags. My label, MissPrettyPerfect, was born in Fall of 2007.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I am a member and proud Group Leader of the BESTeam! Boosting Etsy Shops Team is a group of Social Networkers who utilize our Blogs, Facebook and/or Twitter accounts to promote fellow BESTeam members each week. For more information about this awesome network of Etsy Shop owners, please visit our BESTeam Blog at http://boostingetsyshopsteam.blogspot.com

If you had one super power what would it be?

My super power would be to create whatever I imagine! I'd forever be a Millionaire, a million times over.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

oooh.. Chocolate Chip Cookies. Yummy!

What’s your favorite thing about summer?

I love the freedom that Summer brings. You have the freedom to wear free, flowy dresses. You have the perfect excuse to take a long vacation. And time with family is great in the summertime with outdoor family bar-b-que! It's such a care-free season in life.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I admire everyone who has a passion to make handmade items and the guts to sell them. I Love Etsy, so therefore I love all of Etsy's Shops!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

I would have to have a Solar Powered Wireless Laptop Computer with a built in camera, a pair of Titanium Scissors and an Assistant who can hand-sew like nobody's business! I'll make this deserted island a Vacation Spot in no time :D

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

In my experience, the most frustrating projects have turned out to be the Best finished product. It usually works this way in life anyways.. Let no thing keep you from The Prize, is what I say.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Trial and Error is how I learned. Stay current on your Etsy shop no matter what. There is always something to work on. Your images, profile, shop announcement, and overall promotion needs to be tweaked, consistently. Also, devote time to the Etsy Forums. You can learn a lot of great tips there, from seasoned sellers.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

MissPrettyPerfect Blog: http://missprettyperfect.blogspot.com
MissPrettyPerfect Etsy: http://www.missprettyperfect.etsy.com
MissPrettyPerfect FanPage: http://www.facebook.com/missprettyperfect
MissPrettyPerfect Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/toiyah
MissPrettyPerfect Online: http://www.missprettyperfect.com

And if you're ever in the New York City area, you can check out MissPrettyPerfect Handbags at Urban Alchemist, located at 343 5th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11215

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit MissPrettyPerfect’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow MissPrettyPerfect’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from MissPrettyPerfect’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, July 21 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with MissPrettyPerfect. GOOD LUCK!!

Hump Day Humor

2010-07-14T18:13:00.005-04:00

Welcome to another Hump Day Humor! I try to check out these LOL cats daily just to make it through my day with a smile. Hope these humorous kitties make you smile too!

BESTeam weekly feature: Leo and Junie

2010-07-12T21:46:00.002-04:00

Join me in welcoming Christine from www.leoandjunie.etsy.com! This super cute Etsy shop has only been open since January but already carries 33 sales under her belt and I can guarantee more to come! Christine's jewelry is all cheerful and well made, as you can see in these great pictures below!!

I'm in love with these earrings and have wanted to get them for so long! Can't wait til I have money to spend on myself!

Aren't these lilac flowers just the cutest??

Stop by Christine's shop to find great vintage inspired jewelry in any color you're looking for! And don't forget to stop by the blog too at http://leoandjunie.blogspot.com for great features on our other BESTeam members and so much more!!

BESTeam feature: ComeShopPinkLemonade!

2010-07-07T22:04:00.006-04:00

Welcome to another BESTeam intro!

This week I bring you Paige from comeshoppinklemonade.etsy.com! Paige's shop is full of trendy tops with fabric rosettes adorning the shoulders. What a great way to recycle!! Here's a couple of my favorites:

In addition to these great tops, Paige offers great accessories and jewelry for every outfit! These scarves are another great upcycled creation in Paige's shop.

And I love these chunky necklaces! I usually don't go for big jewelry, but the colors really draw me in.

And don't forget to check out her blog at www.simplyhandmadebypaige.blogspot.com!

Focus Feature and Giveaway!

2010-07-02T08:08:00.007-04:00

Just like any other Thursday, it’s time to start the day with a huge CONGRATS to the winner of the waterwaif giveaway! So without further adieu, CONGRATS to entry #41, Very Married! I’ll put you in touch with waterwaif for your gift certificate!

Welcome to Blue Forest Jewellery! This Etsy shop features bold and colorful jewelry made from the greatest glass beads and other stones! The giveaway from this shop will be these great earrings you see below (open worldwide) so start searching for the perfect outfit to wear them with!

Here’s what Alison from Blue Forest Jewellery had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

It's hard to pick one when you love all the colours, but I do favour this 'Picasso' bead necklace because it's so different and it has almost every colour of the rainbow in it

http://www.etsy.com/listing/39275682/handmade-red-picasso-glass-bead-necklace

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I've done lots and lots of types of craft throughout my life including dressmaking, tapestry, lacemaking, cardmaking and so on. For a while I was a primary school teacher and did loads of art and craft in the day as well. But just at the moment, it's mostly jewellery that I'm focussed on - I'm such a magpie!

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes! The BESTeam and the Lonely Jewelers on Etsy

If you had one super power what would it be?

I'd like to be able to make more hours in the day - mostly for crafting, but also for being with the OH and the pooch. Family time is so precious, isn't it?

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate definately. It goes straight to my hips, but I can't resist it. I'm learning to live with my hips and enjoy the chocolate now after years of battling with both of them!

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

I would be my chocolate labrador because he has the best life we can give him - walks, food, sleeps, play, meeting other dogs and people - and he loves every experience that comes his way. And he lives in the moment, not worrying about the past or the future - which is a lesson we could all learn from.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

The mix of art and jewellery in this shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dollydaydream456

is really beautiful. I love art and the Frida Kahlo influence here and the folksy style are my kind of thing. And of course, like Blue Forest Jewellery, the shop is all about colour!

There are about another 200 shops on Etsy I also love...

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Husband, dog and pliers ;-) But if I'm not allowed people and pets, I'd choose my kindle (stocked up with lots of novels), a big tapestry projects and my pliers!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

If something's not working, move on from it. That's what I love about making jewellery because you don't have to get bored and frustrated with a piece that is giving you difficulties, and there's no one hassling you to get it finished, so you can just try something else. It's great to have somewhere where you can try out new things and there's no risk!

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Enjoy your crafting, work on your shop but don't get obsessed with it, and don't expect too much too soon. 'Keep calm and carry on' is my favourite motto.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://blueforestjewellery.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/blueforestjewel
http://www.folksy.com/shops/BlueForestJewellery
http://www.dreamaid.com/store/BlueForest

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit BlueForestJewellery’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow BlueForestJewellery’s Blog, where there are many great giveaways available! (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from BlueForestJewellery’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, July 7 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Alison at BlueForestJewellery. GOOD LUCK!!

Brought to you by BESTeam!

2010-06-30T21:12:00.003-04:00

WHEW!! What a week!! I usually run my BESTeam features on Mondays, but this week I have spent so much time moving that I couldn't even get to the internet until today!

That being said, I'm pleased to introduce you to CROCHETIZE! This fun Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/crochetize) is brought to you all the way from Europe and showcases the most intricate and beautiful crocheted lace gloves! Styles range from fingerless to fingertips and come in an assortment of colors. Think wedding:

Or opera:

Or even just for fun!

Not only does this talented chick crochet great gloves, but be sure to check out the accessories too! I love long necklaces that I can double up or wear as a single strand.

You can check out the blog as well at http://crochetize.blogspot.com. Be sure to swing by crochetize, and maybe leave a note that we want to see more!!

Lily Loves...

2010-06-25T09:27:00.003-04:00

Good Morning!!

Before we get to our Friday Feature, I have to first congratulate reneek as the winner of the ConstantGalore giveaway! Thanks for entering, and I have let the twins know, they'll be in touch!!

Now, this week Lily was a little extra playful, and her favorite toy is a homemade one... a simple toy made with 2 strands of yarn and a glittery pom pom tied to the end! Paw picked this week is 7 different hand dyed yarns from 7 different Etsy shops! Be sure to check out their other great color choices!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamfiber

http://www.etsy.com/shop/OnTheRound

http://www.etsy.com/shop/laughingrat

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cantrix

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SpinSpanSpun

http://www.etsy.com/shop/knitpurlgurl

http://www.etsy.com/shop/purewool

Focus Feature and Giveaway!

2010-06-24T10:45:00.005-04:00

Just like any other Thursday, it’s time to start the day with a huge CONGRATS to the winner of the ourhometoyours giveaway! So without further adieu, CONGRATS to ChristieCottage! I’ll put you in touch with ourhometoyours and that amazing quilled cross will be on its way to you!

Welcome to Waterwaif! This Etsy shop (www.waterwaif.etsy.com) features the most gorgeous jewelry at the most reasonable prices! The giveaway from this shop will be a $20 gift certificate (open worldwide) to use on any item, so start the search for your favorite now, be prepared when you win!

This giveaway is not just for the winner though!! For the week that this giveaway is running on my blog, Waterwaif is offering 10% off everything in her shop for readers of the Clever’s Corner Blog!

Here’s what Waterwaif had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

I don't necessarily have a specific item that's my favorite at the moment. In the past when an item was my favorite, I'd have to make extras and keep one for myself until I realized how much money it was costing me. Oops! I really like the sea glass necklaces I have listed right now but I couldn't pick a favorite. Maybe the one with the sand dollar!

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I've always been a big fan of finding, owning, and wearing jewelry but for so many years I've had the hardest time finding pieces that I just *had* to have. There was always a reason a piece wouldn't work for me or I'd find myself saying "If only it looked like this... then it'd be perfect." I've been wanting to make my own jewelry for years but always put it off to do other, more immediate things like family and home. I finally said "Enough!" and just DID IT.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

The only team I'm a member of right now is the Boosting Etsy Shops Team. I participate in a few other Etsy-themed groups but BEST is the only one actually sanctioned by Etsy.

If you had one super power what would it be?

The power to heal. There is so much pain and suffering in the world, both humans and animals. I wish I could just hold someone or something and make it all better.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Laying in the sun. I shouldn't do it as often as I do but I just can't help it. There's something so healing and fulfilling about a sunny day at the beach.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

My first instinct is to say an owl and my second is to say a tiger but then when I stop to think about having to hunt and rip apart my meals, and I realize I'd rather be a sea turtle. They're such gentle, peaceful giants who enjoy the beach as much as I do.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I have way too many favorite Etsy shops to even begin listing them! My favorites list is a mile long. A good hint to what my favorites are in any given week is to check out my Tempt Me Tuesday blog posts. I list 4 or 5 favorite items each week from other sellers.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Hmm, can I say my husband and my two children? That's three! If I had to choose things and not people, I'd choose my floppy straw hat, a bikini, and a favorite book that I wouldn't mind reading over and over again.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Nothing. I don't learn from my frustrations except that sometimes I just have to walk away. A fresh pair of eyes sees everything totally differently.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

I wrote a blog post about this very thing!
http://waterwaif.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-just-hit-25-sales.html

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

Blog: http://waterwaif.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/waterwaif
Twitter: http://twitter.com/thewaterwaif

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit Waterwaif’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow Waterwaif’s Blog, where there are many great giveaways available! (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from Waterwaif’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 30 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning and prize details will be arranged with Waterwaif. GOOD LUCK!!

Hump Day Humor!

2010-06-23T11:31:00.003-04:00

BESTeam feature: SewDandee!

2010-06-22T13:01:00.003-04:00

Welcome to another BESTeam introduction feature! This is one of my favorite shops for humorous cards, and I can't wait to have the right person to buy one for! Dandee (http://www.etsy.com/shop/dandee) has a wide range of cards to choose from in her shop, one for any occasion. These cards are witty and sarcastic, right up my alley!

I'm loving this engagement card!

Birthday...

Baby...

and even for dad!

In addition to her line of cards, Dandee carries equally awesome switchplate covers and this screen printed kitchen towel!

Don't forget to check out the SewDandee blog at www.sewdandee.blogspot.com! She'll keep you up to date on the latest and greatest!

Tuesday's Top 10!

2010-06-22T07:24:00.005-04:00

Good Morning and welcome to another Tuesday's Top 10! With this week marking the first official day of summer, I decided that what we needed was a collection of items that were "just beachy!" Please be sure to click on each Etsy shop and cruise around. These great shops have more than just the beachy items seen here! Are you ready for your trip to the beach?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MountainGlassDesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ericosmicgirl

http://www.etsy.com/shop/orchidsdream

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Daisy18181

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ERiaDesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RetroNowBeader

http://www.etsy.com/shop/SherriConley

http://www.etsy.com/shop/beachgrasscottage

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LandlockedMermaids

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jmliss

SPECIAL FEATURE and GIVEAWAY!

2010-06-18T08:30:00.004-04:00

Well here’s a crazy twist! This week I’ll be running a second Focus Feature and Giveaway!

Welcome to ConstantGalore, another great Etsy shop run by twin sister team Joy and Jamie. While each sister has her own individual shop (http://jamieribisi.etsy.com and
http://ribsmalone.etsy.com,) they have come together to create ConstantGalore and carry a variety of items! Please be aware though, some may consider their chocolates to be “offensive” in manner as they are ADULT ITEMS. Think crazy bachelorette party… :)

ConstantGalore will be giving away this one of a kind collage artwork card! I love the texture on this card, the cardstock itself and the stitching! http://www.etsy.com/listing/10757843/blog-giveaway-special-put-it-in-writing

Here’s what Joy and Jamie had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

Joy: http://www.etsy.com/listing/19569237/the-letter-a-art-quilt-sale
This mini art quilt was a lot of fun to make and reminds me of being a kid and birthday parties! Hand stitched and so much texture...it is really a fun piece.

Jamie: http://www.etsy.com/listing/8296092/blue-polka-dot-towel-set I love these embroidered towels that Joy made-- she has a few sets listed and they're fun to mix & match in the bathroom...plus they are very usable and brighten up a room at the same time.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

Joy: Well, I don't think that I have a "line" of crafting...I make so many different types of things. I guess I got into that because I can never pick just one thing that I like making the most! I love working with fabric, cooking, making jewelry, photography, and collecting vintage goods...so that's why we birthed Constant Galore - for a place to house all of our assorted crafts.

Jamie: I'm really more of an artist and have been for as long as I can remember. Joy & I were always making things with any materials that we could find. We love experimenting and trying whatever we can get our hands on. Constant Galore came out of :the other" stuff that we were making outside of our fine art.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Joy: Etsy Maine Team

Jamie: Etsy Maine Team and VAST (Visual Artists Street Team)

If you had one super power what would it be?

Joy: Jedi mind tricks.

Jamie: These are not the twins that you're looking for (waves hand)

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Joy: Watching Tough Love on VH1.

Jamie: Laying in bed with a cool breeze, watching tv, snuggling my doggy, and doing nothing.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

Joy: Our dog Sammy. He has it made. Belly rubs in the morning. Belly rubs in the afternoon. Belly rubs at night.

Jamie: I'd be Sammy, too! He must be in the nirvana stage of being because he leads a very charmed life.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Joy: There are so many great shops on Etsy. I don't know if I can just pick one...but one of my favorites is a fellow Maine Teamer who has gorgeous jewelry:
www.quenchmetalworks.etsy.com

Jamie: I really love Paintbox by artist Harry Stooshinoff http://www.etsy.com/shop/Paintbox I've purchased many paintings from his shop and have a nice little collection going :) I love the quick studies and his color palette.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

Joy: My paddleball game, my toothbrush, and this magazine. And that's all that I need.

Jamie: Joy, what a jerk...but you'd also need that chair. :) I'd take my husband Brian, my doggy Sammy, and a Swiss Army knife-- I hear that they're helpful when stranded.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Joy: Keep on truckin'.

Jamie: I'm going through one right now! What I always recommend doing is dropping whatever you're working on and starting something else. Liberate yourself in some way and that will free your thoughts and ideas. When I paint, I like to work on a few pieces at once so that I don't feel tied to the idea of having to finish one in order to move on to another. Working on one thing at a time will put you in a box fast and you can't be creative that way. I also like to remind myself that not everything has to be great, they will be tons of duds and the good thing is that people don't live & die by my art work so no harm done!

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Joy: List often, join teams, heart lots of items, and most importantly: Take great photographs of your products!

Jamie: BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU DO! If you don't no one else will. Having confidence in yourself and your work will come across in so many ways. Also, have great photographs and show lots of angles.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://constantgalore.blogspot.com/
http://jamieribisi.etsy.com
http://ribsmalone.etsy.com
http://www.SweetlandRetreat.com Sweetland Retreat: our Artist Retreat in Maine

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit ConstantGalore’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow ConstantGalore’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from ConstantGalore’s Etsy shop, OR either of the individual Etsy shops and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Thursday, June 24 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Friday morning and prize details will be arranged with ConstantGalore. GOOD LUCK!!

Focus Feature and Giveaway!

2010-06-17T07:24:00.004-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the ComeShopPinkLemonade giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #4, Amber from HeArtEscapes.etsy.com!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with Paige to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This week’s feature is ourhometoyours, a diverse Etsy shop run by a mom and daughter team. Mom, Debbi will be answering all of the interview questions from her point of view :)

Debbi will be giving away a beautiful paper quilled cross to decorate your home or office with! *PLEASE NOTE, this giveaway will be open to UNITED STATES ONLY!* You can find out more about this cross here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/42754507/white-quilled-cross-framed

Here’s what Debbi had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

Probably the bunnies that Amanda makes,. and of course, my hats!

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I don't really have a line of crafting, I love to try and do everything. I crochet, knit, needlepoint, cross stitch, sew, paint, quill, make jewelry, whatever strikes my fancy. Amanda is a terrific artist, I'm trying to get her to take the time and paint/draw something, but she is very busy with her toddler son and school work. She just started to crochet and really enjoys it. She will be graduating next year from the Art Institute with a masters degree in graphic design. She is very talented.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

My favorite is the BESTeam!!! I just joined the CAST_team, (Christian Artist Street Team) but haven't really had time to do anything with them.

If you had one super power what would it be?

Spread peace. When your in strife of conflict, it affects every aspect of your life. You become sick, angry, and joyless. But when you "practice" peace, you can survive, and even thrive, thru the conflicts of your life. That's why I serve the Prince of Peace.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Soap operas...namely All My Children and One Life to Live. I've been watching them with my sister since 1977. I missed about 10 years in the 90's when I had to work outside the home, but when I started watching again, I had no trouble following the story lines because it's always the same people (or their kids) with the same problems, LOL. My sister and I just enjoy laughing over some of these stories. Pure fiction and entertainment.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

A cat. They are dependent on us for food, shelter, and love, but they have such an attitude of independence. I love that.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Oh, that's hard. There are so many. My first would have to be TwirledTreasures. The things she can do with slips of paper are amazing. Then MissPrettyPerfect, love handbags! Oh I could go on, and on, and on.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

My best friend which is my husband, my bible, and my guitar.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

I'm always harder on myself then anyone else. I know where the opps are, and I can see them even though no-one else can. I've had to learn to let go and just enjoy the process of self-expression.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Don't get too caught up in the busy work. Yes, you need to list, and re-list, and learn about search engine stuff, but keep your creative juices first. If you don't enjoy what your doing, then don't do it.

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

http://www.ourhometoyourscrafts.blogspot.com I've really become attached to my blog. I wish I had more time to just write and not sell.
http://www.twitter.com/ourhometoyours I'm not very consistent with twitter. I don't have a cell phone, so when I'm online on my pc, I have so many other things to do.
http://www.facebook.com/ourhometoyour facebook is by far my favorite online thing to do.

I also just started a second shop, http://www.vintagevinyls.etsy.com
I love music, and vintage, and wanted to share my albums. I have way too many to listen to myself.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit ourhometoyours' Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow ourhometoyours' Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from ourhometoyours' Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 23 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with ourhometoyours. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Hump Day Humor!

2010-06-16T14:38:00.004-04:00

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-06-15T07:30:00.000-04:00

This week's top 10 is a special one for me. As Father's Day is fast approaching, I decided to make a collection in honor of my own father, much like I did for Mother's Day. Mom collects owls, so I featured owls in many forms in May. Dad? He's a car guy. He has 2 classic cars of his own that he's restored, one a 1965 Dodge Dart convertible and the other a recently finished 1973 Challenger. This car gave him quite the challenge! But it looks amazing.

So! This week's feature brings you 10 different Etsy artists that have found a way to recycle old license plates. All very functional and decorative, be sure to check out each shop for more of their great work!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/OldRedBarn

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RRDesign13

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShabtownSigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tomboyART

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tagliatela

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LilRedHouse

http://www.etsy.com/shop/recycledartco

http://www.etsy.com/shop/StoryTimeClocks

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nymermaid

http://www.etsy.com/shop/randitan

BESTeam weekly feature: UniqueDesignsbyMsP!

2010-06-14T17:20:00.005-04:00

It's another Monday and time for another GREAT BESTeam introduction! I'm pleased to introduce you to Paula, from UniqueDesignsbyMsP.etsy.com!

Like so many of us on Etsy, Paula has been a crafter for as long as she can remember, with some of her first projects being outfits for Barbie and pal Midge. I can remember doing the same thing for my barbie, using a small knitting loom to make skirts for all of my dolls! I'm sure there are many more of you ladies out there that did the same!

Fast forward to her current interests in creating with focus on color! In Paula's shop you'll find some great crocheted accessories like these Raspberry arm warmers!

Paula also has a great selection of beaded jewelry. Here's a couple of my favorites!

Don't forget that Paula can design great jewelry focused on your birthstone. I recall hearing from many women born in November that they aren't too fond of their birthstone, but how can you pass up this great bracelet with Topaz and Pearls??

Be sure to swing by Paula's shop at UniqueDesignsbyMsP.etsy.com and her blog at http://UniqueDesignsbyMsP.blogspot.com where you'll see more about her own projects and some great features as well!

Lily Loves...

2010-06-11T07:12:00.005-04:00

Good Morning!

This week's Friday Feature brings you another theme that Lily Loves... BUGS! Since the weather has gotten nicer and the windows and doors are open, I've seen Lily watching bugs and even trying to catch them. Be sure to click them links below the photos to visit these great Etsy shops and show the artists some Etsy love!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/REALBUTTERFLYGIFTS

http://www.etsy.com/shop/serena933

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlackBaroque

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sushipot

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LisaJohnstonSmith

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ara133photography

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DetrickImages

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-06-10T07:20:00.006-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the FirstLightGlass giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #17, Christie Cottage!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with FirstLightGlass to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This week’s feature is on Paige’s Etsy shop, ComeShopPinkLemonade. Paige’s shop is full of fashionable women's tank tops, chunky necklaces and other jewelry, and accessories like purses, bobby pins, and so much more! Prices are VERY reasonable and you’re sure to find a gift for any woman in your life.

Paige will be giving away a gift certificate to her great shop!

Here’s what Paige had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

My favorite item is my Pink and Yellow Ruffle Tank Top (http://www.etsy.com/listing/45692058/womens-ruffle-pink-and-yellow-tank-top)I love the brightness of it! It makes me happy! :)

How did you get into your line of crafting?

Well, I have always had a dream of becoming a fashion designer. One day I stumbled upon the blog- MadeByLex and saw all of the tutorials- they inspired me to pull out my sewing machine and follow my creativity!

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes, I belong to BESTeam and CAST.

If you had one super power what would it be?

Flying! I have always wanted to fly... :)

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate cake and mint chocolate chip ice cream!!! Why did you bring that up? Gosh, now I need some... :)

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

I would be a dog, they are probably the most spoiled animals- that was the deciding factor for me! :)

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Oh, there are so many amazing Etsy stores! Hanging Halo is one of my personal favorites though! Her paintings are AMAZING and quite affordable! I have one, and absolutely love it!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

My bible, a 10 lb bag of apples (got to eat!), and a giant jug of water.

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

To set them aside and keep moving forward. If I get stuck on a project, I toss it to the side, work on something else, and come back to it later. Sometimes you need a fresh perspective to get through those rough spots.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

My advice would be to get in the forums and start a critiques thread, get some more experienced sellers to tell you what needs improvement in your shop. It helped me tremendously! Also, get a blog and host giveaways, feature other etsy sellers, and promote your own store. A good blog makes a HUGE difference; it gets your name out there!

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

www.simplyhandmadebypaige.blogspot.com
www.facebook.com/pinklemonadeFB

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit ComeShopPinkLemonade’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow ComeShopPinkLemonade’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from ComeShopPinkLemonade’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 16 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with ComeShopPinkLemonade. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-06-08T12:05:00.007-04:00

* Please be aware that blogger is still limited in what I can do. I'm not able to change anything with the text still, but I'm determined to get this post up! *

Welcome to another round of Tuesday's Top 10! This week brings you ORANGE as as theme, and I couldn't decide on on just 10. So we're doing a Tuesday's Top 12!

As always, be sure to visit each shop below the photos to see more great items and show these artist's some Etsy LOVE!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/yarnplaycafe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DestinyPhoebe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artoncrafts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTemptingTart

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlotteRumple

http://www.etsy.com/shop/garrettgirlcreations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelScents

http://www.etsy.com/shop/oneluckybaby

http://www.etsy.com/shop/knottyblanket

http://www.etsy.com/shop/earthslings

http://www.etsy.com/shop/WildAppleDesign

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielasDesigns

BESTeam feature of the week!

2010-06-08T11:32:00.004-04:00

Welcome to another BESTeam feature of the week!! This week I'm excited to introduce you to BlueForestJewellery! This great Etsy shop is full of fun and colorful jewelry handmade in the UK! Check out these great pieces below:

The pinks and purples look so great together!!

Loving this green!

PERFECT for fall!

You're sure to find something perfect for a gift or yourself at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueForestJewellery! And don't forget to check out this UK based business on blogger too at http://blueforestjewellery.blogspot.com!

Trouble with Blogger

2010-06-08T09:28:00.001-04:00

As some of you may be experiencing on your own, blogger is giving some members trouble with their posting. I am one of those unlucky souls... Everytime I try to add a photo in, the image is switched to html text in my posting window. I also am now unable to edit any regular text by size of font, bold or italics, or color! This is all VERY frustrating as I have a BESTeam feature to post as well as my Tuesday's Top 10!! I will be getting things posted as best I can, so please hang in there with me! Have a great day guys! And if anyone knows how I can fix my blogger, feel free to contact me and let me know! theclevercrafter@yahoo.com

2010-06-04T07:34:00.005-04:00

Oh how I dropped the ball this week. With the short week I was thrown off with work and with my blog posting. So, you may have noticed that I missed Wednesday's Hump Day Humor. Well, I also forgot to have Lily make her Friday selections, and that cat is so lazy she didn't even take the initiative to do it herself. So today I've posted some great LOLcats, dogs, and even a monkey! Enjoy :)

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-06-03T08:03:00.010-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the RoseRidgeCreations giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #4, HavannahSoy!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with RoseRidgeCreations to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This week’s feature is on Dawn’s Etsy shop, FirstLightGlass. Dawn’s shop is full of beautiful bowls, pendants, and more all made from fused glass. Prices are VERY reasonable and you’re sure to find a gift for any woman in your life.

FirstLightGlass will be giving away an adorable lady bug pendant! You can click on the link below the photo to see more details about this item. Check out the shop, http://www.firstlightglass.etsy.com/, to see a full line of products!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/20755793/ladybug-stacked-fused-art-glass-pendant

Here’s what Dawn had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

My favorite item is my Colorful Coral bowl. I love the multitude of colors and the organic shape of the bowl. The shadows created by this bowl are beautiful.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46420571/colorful-coral-bowl-fused-art-glass

How did you get involved in glass?

I have been working with the glass medium since 2003. I have always painted and enjoyed being creative, so when my church offered a stained glass class I decided to try it out. I fell in love with the medium of glass and soon filled my house (and my friends’ and family’s houses) with stained glass. Several years ago I took a fused glass class and was hooked on this new creative process. I soon had a kiln and home studio set up. Fused glass feels like I’m painting with glass.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I belong to the Creative Glass Guild of Etsy, the North Florida Craft Revolution Street Team and the Etsy Trade-A-holics Street Team.

If you had one super power what would it be?

I would have the super power of Cooperation on Demand. This would come in very handy with the family.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is Vidalia onion dip. I could eat an entire bag of chips in one sitting with this delicious dip.

If you could be an animal what would it be and why?

I think I would be a dog. My dogs sleep all day, wake up to play when the kids get home from school, have their meals prepared for them, and end the day with lots of tummy rubs. What a life!

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I try to do as much of my shopping on Etsy as possible to support the handmade community. I have so many favorite shops I can’t narrow it down to one, ten or even twenty - too many great shops out there!

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

A GPS beacon, food and water. I’m all about being rescued!

*This is my favorite response to this question yet! Everyone else is up for a mini vacation, Dawn’s ready to GO HOME!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

When I get frustrated during the creative process I have learned to take a break and look on it with fresh eyes the next morning. The answer seems so obvious after a good night’s sleep.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned since I began selling on Etsy is to try and list or re-list something every day. This lets you stay at the top of the search lists so it is easier for buyers to find your items. It is amazing how fast items move back in the searches. I also recommend joining an Etsy team. It adds a real sense of community to the artistic/creative process.

Blog, twitter, facebook links?
http://firstlightglass.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/FirstLightGlass

http://www.facebook.com/First.Light.Glass

http://firstlightglass.artfire.com/

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

There is only one MANDATORY ENTRY, necessary to collect your email address for contact if you win:

Visit FirstLightGlass’ Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow FirstLightGlass’ Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

Make a purchase from FirstLightGlass’ Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 9 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with FirstLightGlass. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-06-01T08:05:00.012-04:00

Good Morning!

Welcome to another round of Tuesday's Top 10! This week's theme is MOSAICS! I love the colors and chaos in mosaics and I chose a wide range of color themes and items to showcase this week. Please be sure to check out each artist's Etsy shop for more of their wonderful work!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrookedMoonMosaics

http://www.etsy.com/shop/peanutbutterandjilly

http://www.etsy.com/shop/sooz1

http://www.etsy.com/shop/maryhatfield

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MashedPotatoMosaics

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fakezen

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shelldesigns

http://www.etsy.com/shop/harvestmoon13

http://www.etsy.com/shop/hillspeak

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ForTheBirdsMosaics

BESTeam Feature

2010-05-31T19:10:00.007-04:00

Time to start off another week with a BESTeam Feature! This week brings you a unique collection of vintage clothing from empressjade.etsy.com! In this great Etsy shop you'll find a collection of over 200 pieces of vintage clothing and accessories from the 1940's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. Here's my favorite night gown:

Isn't the color beautiful??

You'll also be able to find a dress for any occassion, like the two below:

And don't forget the accessories! Coats, jackets, jewelry and shoes!

You'll be a sharp dresser in any of Empress Jade's items!

Be sure to check out her blog as well, at empressjadevintage.blogspot.com! You'll find more vintage treasures to browse through!

New BLOG in town...

2010-05-28T10:07:00.003-04:00

I’ve been reading in the Etsy forums where people ark if crafting bloggers ever blog about themselves and their lives. Originally I wasn’t sure about sharing my life with complete strangers, but now I’ve started a huge new phase in my life and I am excited to share it! So if you’re looking to get to know me better, feel free to check it out!

http://letterstojackie.blogspot.com

You’ll be able to follow me through my journey to new health! And you’ll always be able to catch the regular features at Clever’s Corner.

Lily Loves...

2010-05-28T09:25:00.008-04:00

This week's Friday Feature brings you earrings, but just like every Friday, all of the items showcase cats! I've found some of the cutest car earrings on Etsy! Be sure to click on the links below each image to see the artist's full shop!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JessicaC

http://www.etsy.com/shop/fazjewelry

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jersey608

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Bijunea

http://www.etsy.com/shop/annettesexpressions

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cissyface

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaganGypsy

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-05-27T07:40:00.002-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the LaughingFridge Magnet giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #8, Kat from Kei Glass!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with LaughingFridge to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This week’s feature is on RoseRidgeCreations. This shop is FULL of the most gorgeous accessories! You’ll be amazed at the talent this gal has with a sewing machine, with a product line including walker bags, wheelchair bags, fleece socks, purses, aprons, and the most adorable dresses for little girls!

RoseRidgeCreations will be giving away a pair of her FAMOUS fleece socks! You can click on the photo below to see more details about these great socks. Take my word for it; you’re going to want these socks. I have a pair and will likely even wear them through the summer when the air conditioning is too cool for my toes! Check out the shop, http://www.roseridgecreations.etsy.com/, to see a full line of products!

Here’s what this busy seamstress had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

The funnest things to make are the fleece socks, but the most rewarding items I sell in my shop, by far are the walker bags. The reason is because of the amazing feedback I've gotten from the recipients about how much easier they have made their lives.

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I don't remember ever not crafting, but I started selling what I make when the economy took a downturn and it became apparent that my job was about to be eliminated. It's the best thing that ever happened to me. I love going to work everyday in my sewing room now!

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

Yes, CABT a bag and purse group and CSST a cottage group.

If you had one super power what would it be?

I'd like the super power to make time stand still or even go backwards. There are never enough hours in the day for me.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Can I have two? lol. I love a glass of wine and a couple of miniature dark chocolate Reese's cups when I'm done sewing in the evening.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

Well, don't tell Miss Bianca, but I'd really like to be a cat. They are just the most beautiful creatures to watch prance gracefully around. They even lick their paws with grace.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

If I won the lottery, the first thing I would do would be to buy everything that allstrungout1 has in her shop. I've bought lots of her things, but I'd really like to own her entire shop.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

David, Bianca and chocolate. We could make our own wine:)

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Gosh, I think I learn something new everyday sewing. Almost everything in my shop is my own design and those designs morph everyday into better designs each time I make them. After 40 years of sewing I rarely have to use a seam ripper any more, but there was a time I used it more then the sewing machine.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Promote and diversify. Do everything you can to make sure everyone you touch knows about your shop and try to find a niche that no one else is filling.

Blog, twitter, facebook links?

Twitter: www.twitter.com/roselady53

Blog: http://www.roseridgecreations.blogspot.com/

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Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

Visit RoseRidgeCreations’ Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow RoseRidgeCreations’ Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Make a purchase from RoseRidgeCreations’ Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, June 2 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with RoseRidgeCreations. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Hump Day Humor

2010-05-26T07:00:00.006-04:00

No words needed, the photos speak for themselves... ENJOY! And may you make it through the rest of the week sane!

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-05-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

When I was growing up my family used to take a vacation every summer in Arcadia, Michigan. We rented a cottage and stayed for a week, traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Frankfurt, and any other small town along Lake Michigan that caught my parents attention. But what I remember most? Laying on the bed in the cottage and listening to the sound of the waves crashing along the shore. And collecting petoskey stones and beach glass!

This week's Top 10 brings you some beautiful jewelry from Etsy artists that have incorporated beach glass into their artwork! Be sure to click on the links below each photo to see the other jewelry these artists have made!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BeachGlassMemories

http://www.etsy.com/shop/newsprout

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aquablueseaglass

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Oceanmiststudio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wewillrockyou

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecstasea

http://www.etsy.com/shop/frillz

http://www.etsy.com/shop/tidetotreasure

http://www.etsy.com/shop/byAMOR

http://www.etsy.com/shop/AdroitJewelers

Monday, Monday...

2010-05-24T08:27:00.007-04:00

Happy Monday! Or happy for me at least! Had another great quilt show weekend, made decent sales, and have a lot of interest in custom jewelry, so here's hoping the interest turns into orders! I was also approached and asked to join a quilt show next year as a vendor on my own! Scary to think about, but a year to get prepared!

I've also been spending a lot of time brainstorming on my shop promotion as my sales have slowed dramatically. I've come up with a daily business checklist that I'm hoping will help me to be sure to get my promotion done as well as some extra promotion for teammates and threadmates.

Couple of quick reminders before we get to the BESTeam feature for the week: First, don't forget to enter the LaughingFridge art Magnet giveaway!

http://cleverscorner.blogspot.com/2010/05/focus-feature-and-giveaway_20.html

These fun and funky magnets will brighten up even the dullest of days when you pass by your fridge!

And second, don't forget to take advantage of the free shipping in my shop right now! I have my whole first page dedicated to red, white, and blue for Memorial Day and 4th of July. Order today and I'll ship tomorrow to get your goodies in time for Memorial Day!

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And now let's get to the feature! Welcome to Anne of October54Gallery! Anne's shop is full of amazing photography to accent any room in your home!

This photo is my absolute favorite from October54Gallery. Even amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City, Anne captures this scene and shows a peaceful and calm park to relax in!

Another favorite, I certainly wish I was on a bench by the water instead of being stuck in an office today!

I'm also a huge fan of the flower photography, especially with the special effects that were used to create a more artful photo.

Be sure to check out October54Gallery for yourself and cruise through the great prints for sale! You can also find Anne on her blog at http://www.october54gallery.blogspot.com.

Friday Feature! Lily Loves...

2010-05-21T09:54:00.009-04:00

HAPPY FRIDAY! I cannot emphasize enough how glad I am that Friday is finally here! I will be busy with another quilt show sale this weekend, so wish me luck! I'm hoping to get quite a few button bracelets sold, generate some more interest in my shop, and come away with another couple hundred dollars to help out with upcoming bills associated with moving into a house!

Well I cleaned out my closet a month ago for a clothing swap among friends. We decided beforehand that anything left over was going to Goodwill, so I made sure to pull out anything I haven't worn in the last 6 months. I ended up coming home with only a jacket (and a nice suede one at that!) so my closet is a little low... I can't seem to find any clothes for casual wear!

Lily helped me cruise the internet and here is what she suggested for filling my closet and drawers back up. Be sure to click the links under each photo to show these Etsy shops some love and see all the other great items that they carry!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Stormsmom

http://www.etsy.com/shop/rctees

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZoeChen

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BucketArts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NYILLUSTRATION

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BirkaScandinavian

http://www.etsy.com/shop/boygirlparty

Oh! And the clothing swap? We ended up taking 2 CAR LOADS of clothes to Goodwill!

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-05-20T07:44:00.010-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the Mystuff2 photo greeting card and bookmark giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #44, Flory!!! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with Mystuff2 to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This week’s feature is on LaughingFridge, a GREAT shop with the brightest and most cheerful magnets you’ll find! The shop owners, a husband and wife team, do a great job of working together on these creations! My first purchase to get into a Buy and Stay thread came from LaughingFridge, an adorable owl magnet that I bought for my mom. She loved it and has it front and center on her fridge!

LaughingFridge will be giving away 2 magnets! Happy Sunflower and Church on the Hill could be yours! Check out the shop, www.laughingfridge.etsy.com, to see the many other magnets LaughingFridge has in stock!

Here’s what this husband and wife team had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

My favorite is Dr Mewlittle, because it looks like our cat and the little critters make me smile, and because it was made by John!http://www.etsy.com/listing/37788259/aceo-fridge-magnet-orignal-art-dr

John’s favorite is the UFO Dolphin Sighting, because he’s just a spacey kind of guy. And he’s into UFO’s as if you couldn’t tell from some of his other magnets, lol http://www.etsy.com/listing/37229937/fridge-magnet-aceo-ufo-no-4-dolphin

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I gave John a mini scroll saw for his birthday because he liked doing marquetry (wood inlay pictures). He discovered he could cut out funny looking cat shapes, we found some old craft paints stashed away, and the rest is history! (Well, we haven't made history yet but are working on it.) I love to draw so designing new magnets is fun for me. John and I really enjoy spending time together working on our magnets and bouncing ideas off each other. We spend a great deal of time laughing, which hopefully translates into our work!

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

We are members of the Loud and Wacky Street Team, the Dachshund Team, the Military Brats Team and the Portland Etsy Team. We also participate in a couple of BNS promo threads. This is the one of the best things we’ve done on Etsy, not only for shop exposure but because we’ve made some wonderful online friends!

If you had one super power what would it be?

I would want to have the power to stop time so I could finally get some things finished!

John would want to be able to hypnotize anyone, anytime. Scary thought….

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Mine is eating M&M’s or Cheezits and watching Project Runway.

John’s is eating ice cream and watching NCIS and CSI reruns.

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

I would want to be a pampered pooch, and then I could retire in luxury!

John would want to be a beaver so he could gnaw on wood all day, haha.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Oh my, we have so many favorite shops, I wouldn’t want to hurt any shop’s feelings by listing one and not the others! We do have a few favorites listed on our blog.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

I would take John, my sketchbook and a pencil

John would take me, a ham radio, and a swimsuit

*I do wonder why John is bothering to bring a swimsuit… Stranded alone on an island and already bringing his wife? I should think a swimsuit wouldn’t be necessary… LOL!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Always have Q-tips handy! No, really, sometimes a mistake can be turned into a wonderful piece of art. Or you put it in your stack of Chernobyl items just to have a good laugh now and then. (I must acknowledge a teammate, fiberpuppy, for that term we now use for failed projects, lol)

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

Don’t get discouraged! Be patient and don’t expect that first sale to come the day you open shop. Join an Etsy team that shares your interests; you’ll make friends and gain more exposure too. Etsy also has many self-help articles on running your shop, taking photos, customer service; the business end of being an artist. Most of all, though, love what you do and it will show in your work!

Blog, twitter, facebook links?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaughingFridge

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaughingFridgeArtMagnets

Blog: http://laughingfridgemagnets.blogspot.com/

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Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

Visit LaughingFridge’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow LaughingFridge’s Blog. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Make a purchase from LaughingFridge’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 26 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with LaughingFridge. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Hump Day Humor

2010-05-19T08:01:00.006-04:00

A husband had just finished reading a new book entitled, 'You Can Be THE Man of Your House.'

He stormed to his wife in the kitchen and announced, "From now on, you need to know that I am the man of this house and my word is Law. You will prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, you will serve me a sumptuous dessert. After dinner, you are going to go upstairs with me and we will have the kind of sex that I want. Afterwards, you are going to draw me a bath so I can relax. You will wash my back and towel me dry and bring me my robe. Then, you will massage my feet and hands. Then tomorrow, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"

The wife replied, "The funeral director would be my first guess!"

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Tuesday's Top 10

2010-05-18T09:41:00.012-04:00

Good Morning! Or rainy morning if you're here in Lansing, Michigan...

Today's feature brings you pottery of all different kinds! You'll find vases, bowls, mugs, serving dishes, and my favorite, a family tree windchime custom made for your family! Be sure to click on the links below each photo to show the artists' some Etsy love!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Raku4u

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KbOriginalsetc

http://www.etsy.com/shop/laurelarts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/OneClayBead

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dorothydomingo

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JMNPOTTERY

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aostendorff

http://www.etsy.com/shop/islandgirlpottery

http://www.etsy.com/shop/cyvonneh

http://www.etsy.com/shop/nlemoine

Monday Madness!

2010-05-17T07:48:00.007-04:00

Good Morning!

I hope that everyone had a fabulous weekend, I know I did! Not enough relaxing time, but it was worth it for me. I ended up going to a quilt show on Saturday and Sunday and sitting with the booth for the quilt shop that I sell my button jewelry in. I did some adjustments on length for customers that were buying, and made some requests on the spot. I ended up making about $200 in my 60% alone, since I sell on consignment! I was VERY VERY excited. Next weekend? Another quilt show on Saturday! And this one is about 4 times the size, attracting at least triple the crowd! I won't be eating or sleeping much this week, you'll find me playing with buttons!

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This week's BESTeam feature brings you the Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/lightkeeping, where you can find BEAUTIFUL handcrafted lampwork and beads jewelry! Anastasija lives in Ireland and really has an eye for color combining!

Isn't this necklace just amazing?? My favorite color lately has been pink, so I really liked these fushia beads in this piece.

This set is by far my favorite in Lightkeeping's shop. I never wear yellow gold, so anything silver or white gold is going to strike my fancy!

And I may just have to come back to purchase these earrings... Hope nobody snatches them up before me, I need to make a couple sales before I can treat myself!

In addition to the pieces that you can find in her shop, Anastasija is able to make length adjustments to pieces and also welcomes custom orders! That's my kind of shop! You'll also find her in the blogging world at http://lightkeeping.blogspot.com/ where she runs a weekly BESTeam feature and shares other fun tidbits in between! Be sure to visit her Etsy shop and show her some Etsy love!

Lily Loves...

2010-05-14T07:53:00.009-04:00

Lately I’ve had a lot of things to keep track of. I’ve made myself notes but they keep getting lost! Lily recommended I use these magnets to keep my notes in order on my fridge. You should probably check out the shops too and find magnets to help with your organization!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/PENDORA

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MisfitGirl
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tigerpixie

http://www.etsy.com/shop/CharlieCarter

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jbwolen

http://www.etsy.com/shop/donnapool

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kathi2923

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-05-13T07:50:00.014-04:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to another focus feature and giveaway! First, let me announce the winner of the pleasurearts earring giveaway. Using a random number generator from Random.org, the winner is… (drumroll please…) #16, Laughing Fridge!!! And keep your eyes peeled next week because Laughing Fridge will be my focus feature and giveaway! Congrats and I’ll put you in touch with pleasurearts to collect your prize!

And onto the next… This is another shop feature that I am VERY excited to bring to you. I met this WONDERFUL shop owner in the Etsy forums and soon began making purchases and trades with her. I have gotten 2 sets of bookmarks from Mystuff with great photos of flowers and customized the Bible verse on the back so that I could give them to the girls in my Bible Study group. The girls LOVED them and it was such a pleasure to work with Mystuff on the custom orders!

Mystuff2 will be giving away 2 cards and 2 bookmarks of the winner’s choice! Check out her shop, http://www.mystuff2.etsy.com/, to see the photos that you’ll be able to choose from if you’re the lucky winner! Fear not, Mystuff2 will be shipping worldwide, so enter from any location!

Here’s what she has to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

My favorite item in my shop changes as I add new ones. Every day in April and (so far!) every day in May I've added a new listing a day to my shop, and each time I think "This one's my favorite!" I think "Get in my Belly!" makes me laugh the most, while I find "One in a Million" inspirational. And I enjoy doing bookmarks for people who come up with their own quotes for the personalized backs - I like seeing their quotes and have found new favorite quotes that way!

How did you get into your line of crafting?

I ended up in photography because I'm a perfectionist. I wanted to watercolor because it looks so loose and free and effortless - but that's exactly why I'm no good at it. In taking a photo I enjoy "capturing" without having to "create". There are certainly creative aspects to it, because I find that I'm getting better the more I practice - as with anything! And it's both an excuse to travel as well as a challenge to see more when traveling - it makes me keep an eye out.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I belong to a few groups on etsy. POE is the Photographers of Etsy Street Team, and I was excited to be asked to join. I'm also in a new group called CAPS, for Christian Artists Promoting Shops with a group of lovely ladies dedicated to helping promote one another. And as I mentioned earlier, I'm a part of the May Listing Club, a group of shops who all committed to list one new things in their shop every day this month. I participated in the April group and was AMAZED at what a difference it made for me!

If you had one super power what would it be?

I thought I was going to say I'd want the "ability to read minds" super power, but realized that would probably make me less happy rather than more, so I'll go with... teleportation. It'd be nice to wake up on a beach in the Caribbean, or visiting Europe, or seeing the Great Barrier Reef, or ...

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Guilty pleasure... do I really want to admit to having any? Cupcakes. I can't pass up a cupcake! It's like a mini-party!

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

If I could be an animal... I love animals. I'd like to live the life of my dogs! I've always been fascinated by herons - how they stand so still, so solitary, all day. I swam with wild manatees in Florida and that was just one of the best moments - to have a wild animal choose to interact with me! That would be it - I'd be a manatee and engage with humans.

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

Wow - to pick just one favorite shop on etsy would be tough. I'm going to steer clear of naming friends I've made and lovely PEOPLE, and stick to SHOPS. I was a shopper here for over 2 years before I started selling and have bought almost 3 times as many things as I've sold, so I have lots of favorites!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/joanscrafts - I love her quilled Christmas ornaments and am going to buy the whole collection one day!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Loustudio - I was going to try to stay away from friends I've made on etsy, but since I've bought more from this shop - sometimes making a new purchase before my last even arrives! - this list wouldn't be complete unless I told how much I love Lou's cards!http://www.etsy.com/shop/Buttonwilloe - I collect Christmas ornaments and am going so far as to replace my kids' "Baby's First" ornaments with some from this shop - LOVE them!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/klosti - my dishtowel dress is my new favorite purchase

http://www.etsy.com/shop/chelebert12 - she was the first to make a purchase from my shop, so she'll always have a special place in my heart!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/baked - I sent the most amazing gifts from this shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BragginRightsBath - and this year all my out-of-town family and friends are getting a "Birthday Cupcake Bath Bomb" from this shop - what'd I tell you about my guilty pleasure?

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

If I could be stranded with my hubby, a computer with Internet, and someone to cook for me - I wouldn't be stranded at all! I love to read, and I could read endlessly on the Internet, so that covers so many other wants. Maybe I'd need money in the paypal to download books, though...

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

I've learned to enjoy what I do. I LOVE watercolors - but I'm better off enjoying someone else's, and doing my own thing. I buy photography from other artists because I love what they do, but it wouldn't be my style to duplicate it. And what I've learned here on etsy is that we all have different taste. Something I'm not that thrilled with may be my biggest seller, so I have to remember I'm not just creating for me!

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

I've only been selling on etsy for 4 months, so I'm not a wealth of information, but I will share this. I love to read and collect bookmarks, and so I opened a shop with 70 bookmarks - and only those bookmarks. Once I added greeting cards, I found out just how many people don't use bookmarks - or only need one. You have to push yourself to try new things - things that scare you even! I've been scared to offer prints, and just last week the lab tech where I have my photos printed called to see if she could buy one in a 12x18 size to give to her mom for Mother's Day! I probably wouldn't have made the leap to prints yet, but that inspired me to think outside the box. And I entered my first-ever photo competition this month and took "Best of Show" - with the first photo I've ever blown up to an 8x10 size: http://www.carycitizen.com/2010/05/05/jaycees-photo-contest-winners/

I have to direct you now to the listing for the item in the photo above:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45957718/custom-shop-promotion-and-advertising

This listing is for CUSTOM bookmarks that you could use for your own shop advertising! I can't wait until I'm getting enough sales to have Mystuff make me custom shop bookmarks to give away for advertising!

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Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

Visit Mystuff2’s Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Post what message you will have written on the bookmark if you win the giveaway. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Make a purchase from Mystuff2’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 19 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with Mystuff2. Thanks for your interest and entries!

Hump Day Humor

2010-05-12T07:55:00.007-04:00

Wednesday, and time for Hump Day Humor to get you through the rest of the week with a smile!

Last week I started on a major lifestyle change, or as it's sometimes called, the evil DIET. I did well, dropped 4 pounds last week, but boy is it frustrating! I work at a desk so I crave snacks all day... Anywho, I stumbled upon these last 2 LOLcats while cruising the web in an attempt to distract myself from snacks... and how appropriate they are!! Now I at least have something to laugh about :)

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-05-11T07:37:00.011-04:00

Good Morning! Tons of rain coming down here in Lansing, Michigan, but inside this blog is bright and springy! Tuesday's Top 10 brings you PINK this week! Be sure to click on the links below each photo to show these great artists some Etsy love!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RedCrowArts

http://www.etsy.com/shop/shmugusta

http://www.etsy.com/shop/walkonthemoon

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybynatsuko

http://www.etsy.com/shop/KeepCalmPosters

http://www.etsy.com/shop/louielouiebebe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/11tyone

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BloomfieldCandleCo

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryWorksbyKim

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Gnipmac

Oh So Blue...

2010-05-10T07:41:00.005-04:00

It's a blue, blue Monday... but a great blue!!!

We're talking blue the color, as in Blue and White Jewelry Wear! This week introduces you to my fellow BESTeam Etsian, BlueWhiteJewelryWear! This New York born gal has been living in Thailand and fallen in love with the blue and white beads as well as some of the other colors of the oriental. Her work shows off these great oriental beads so well!

I absolutely love this necklace with the stars, it just looks so delicate and fun!

I would never have thought to mix pearls with these glass beads, but the look is so clean and femanine!

Looking for more color than just blue and white? No problem! Here's a great piece that brings in other colors and sticks with the oriental theme.

If necklaces and bracelets aren't your thing, you'll still find great earrings to wear with the blue and white beads from the orient!

Be sure to stop by Blue and White Jewelry Wear on Etsy to see what you can't live without! You can also check out http://bluewhitewear.blogspot.com to follow this artist!

Lily Loves...

2010-05-07T08:10:00.010-04:00

Another Friday, another Lily Loves... feature. Lily decided to honor some kitty cat mommies this week, and personally selected the 7 items below from Etsy artists showing off mom cats and their young. Be sure to use the links to visit their shops! And HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY from myself, and of course, Lily :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/olivetto

http://www.etsy.com/shop/HomeStudio

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lauramccabe

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Peggers

http://www.etsy.com/shop/aleksandar

http://www.etsy.com/shop/friendsfromtheheart

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtoftheMoment

And of course some Mother's Day Humor...

Focus Feature and Giveaway

2010-05-06T07:22:00.010-04:00

Last week’s Focus Feature and Giveaway winner was chosen using a random number generator and was lucky number 7! Congratulations to… OMG, this is too funny… the winner of Unique Kreations giveaway is PLEASUREARTS, and she just happens to be hosting this week’s giveaway!!! That said:

Happy Thursday and welcome to my second Focus Feature and Giveaway, hosted by Dee from pleasurearts, http://www.etsy.com/shop/pleasurearts! I met this Etsy artist in the forums on her buy and stay thread and fell in love with all of her earrings! Dee donates half of all her sales to charity and uses the other half for more supplies, so of course I was excited to support this shop! Here’s one of the pairs of earrings I bought. I get so many compliments when I wear them!

As with all of my blog posts, I wanted to keep the feature fun, so you’ll notice that a few of the questions are a little off the wall and give you a glimpse into the artist’s inner thoughts and creativity :)

The prize? 2 pairs of earrings!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45940748/topaz-baubles-earrings http://www.etsy.com/listing/45892395/ivory-cream-pearls-earrings

Here’s what Dee had to say:

What’s your favorite item from your shop and what makes it your favorite?

It is hard to choose as I like all of them. I have got so many varieties I enjoy making. I do love flowers so I can say most of my flowers earrings are my favorites but I love the color and the style of the earrings I use as my avatar a lot!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/45153994/deep-pink-flowers-earrings

How did you get into your line of crafting?

Only by chance, I was browsing in a bookstore and saw a book on how to make jewelry. Took one look and was instantly hooked. I love learning new things so I thought, why not? I can make some of those! Once I start, I cannot stop. I enjoy making them so much. I decide to turn this newfound passion into something useful by selling my jewelry and giving the profits to charities.

Do you belong to any groups on Etsy?

I am a member of EFC team (Etsy for Charities).Etsy for Charity (EFC) is a group of artists all fueled by the passion of helping the community with their crafts. Check out EFC Team Blog at http://efcteam.wordpress.com/. You can register at http://etsyforcharity.ning.com/ to be a member of EFC Team.

If you had one super power what would it be?

Just one? Wish I could have more, as I would love to be able to disappear at will and travel to places without having to be on the planes or have the ability to make fabulous food appear out of thin air at mealtime! Well the list can go on…

Ok, seriously, if I have to choose just one super power, I guess I would like to be able to control people’s mind and instill peace and love in it so we can stop the roots of all evil and stop all the atrocities going on in this world.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Too many to count! You probably will need a separate blog for it.I love Lychee martinis so I always enjoy an evening out with friends and have a cocktail or two before dinner. I know far too many places that make wicked Lychee martinis! Guilty but pleasure, definitely!

If you could be any animal what would it be and why?

I would love to be a pampered pooch! Imagine having someone loving you, cuddling you, pampering you and catering to your every little whim you demand (yap)!

They bathe you, feed you, buy toys for you, buy beautiful clothes for you, give you a lovely dog house with luxurious bed, take you to the grooming salon, adorn you with a diamond collar…..oh the possibilities are endless. I definitely aspire to be a pampered pooch!

(Do not let my hubby see this; he probably says ‘what are you talking about? Haven’t I done all those for you already?’ lol, do not take me seriously here, I like to joke!)

Do you have a personal favorite Etsy shop that you would like to share with readers?

I have loads of them! Etsy is full of wonderful talented people. It is so hard to single anyone out in particular. I am bias, though; as I have so many wonderful friends whom I met in the forum. They are my personal favorite shops! They are all the great shops on my list, please check them out here, you will be spoiled for choices: http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6509863

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you take with you?

What! I have to be on a deserted island, how can I survive without all my gadgets, internet connection, mobile phone signals, etc….??

3 things? I think I will cheat. I will take my hubby, my daughter and my dog “Chubby”! They are my three best companions I cannot do without them!

From my own personal crafting I’ve been through frustrating moments with new projects. What have you learned from your own crafting frustrations?

Not quite frustrated with the new project but I get frustrated if in the middle of crafting something, I get interrupted. I like to finish my pieces in a calm and happy environment with no interruption. I learned earlier on when I started making jewelry that I will craft when nobody is around at home.

What advice would you give to new Etsy sellers?

When we start something, we are always full of hope and enthusiasm. We feel positive and excited. Remember those feeling and hold on to them because you will have to be strong and keep at it at Etsy. You need to put a lot of time, effort and patience into it. It is so easy to get discouraged at time but patience and the ability to stay positive will help a lot!

Blog, twitter, facebook links:

Blog - http://pleasurearts.blogspot.com

Twitter - http://twitter.com/Pleasurearts

Anyone can post and accumulate up to 15 entries for the giveaway! Please be sure to include your email address so that you can be contacted if you win, and don’t forget to post each entry as a separate comment!

Visit pleasurearts Etsy shop and post your favorite item here. (1 entry)

Follow Clever’s Corner Blog and post to let me know you follow. (1 entry)

Tell me your guilty pleasure. (1 entry)

Follow pleasurearts on twitter and post it here. (1 entry)

Tweet about this giveaway and post the link here. (1 entry)

BONUS ENTRIES!!!

Make a purchase from pleasurearts Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

Make a purchase from The Clever Crafter’s Etsy shop and post the transaction here. (5 entries)

The giveaway will end on Wednesday, May 12 at midnight (Eastern Standard Time). Winner will be contacted Thursday morning when the next giveaway is posted and prize details will be arranged with pleasurearts.

Hump Day Humor!

2010-05-05T09:42:00.003-04:00

Tuesday's Top 10

2010-05-04T08:12:00.012-04:00

This week's Top 10 is a special one for me. With Mother's Day coming up on Sunday, I wanted to choose a theme that would honor my mom. Well, mom's favorite is owls, so here they are! Be sure to click the link below each photo to visit these great Etsy shops to find something for yourself, or maybe even your own mother :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/wildsunart

http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinchface

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ashleywhitejacobsen

http://www.etsy.com/listing/46123271/retro-orange-and-brown-bold-owl

http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbee55

http://www.etsy.com/shop/MarketStreetBroads

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Ahpeele

http://www.etsy.com/shop/primbydesign

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachelleD

http://www.etsy.com/shop/bagsanew

Monday Morning Madness

2010-05-03T08:15:00.010-04:00

Good Morning!

I had quite the weekend with my Etsy shop! Swing by to see the new product lines: button earrings, button necklaces, and CUSTOM button jewelry made from YOUR BUTTONS!!

Here's just a few of my favorites!

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This week's BESTeam feature brings you wonderful watercolors, pencil sketches, and jewelry from Etsy artist Patricia Snow's shop, The Garden Room!

Every piece of art that you find will show the artist's love of color in nature. The birds, flowers, and scenic landscapes all show off the brightest shades of color!

These lilies are my absolute favorite! I have always had a love for lilies, and I can't wait to move into my new home this month to plant my own lilies in a rainbow of colors!

I love this bracelet with the black pearls to match every outfit!

Be sure to visit Patricia's shop to see more of her great artwork! Stop by her blog as well to see what she's doing with her art and for more BESTeam features!