BESTeam weekly feature: The Garden Room

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 feature: DramatiqueDesigns!

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: JulessaBJewelry

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!!

Focus Feature and Giveaway: Keiglass!

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

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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 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

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!

Focus Feature and Giveaway

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





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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 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!