Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tribute Tuesday with Charm Store and a GIVEAWAY!!!



Please everyone welcome Pat from Macau and her Etsy shop Charm Store!!!




A charming little one stop shop for all of your creative needs! Let's discover Pat and Charm Store AND she is offering an AH-mazing giveaway!!! Please see all of the details after her interview.

Set of 10 Mini Deco Tape Assortment
What is the first creative memory you have?


I am a supply seller selling kawaii (cute) stationery and decorative tapes on etsy and my own site. When I was around 5 years my first creative memory that I had clearly remembered was making cards for my mother's birthday. 

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?


I am from Macau, I love everything cute and kawaii. Everytime when I buy anything that is cute I feel really happy. Getting kawaii stationery is so easy here even 24 hours convenient stores like 'OK' and 'SevenEleven' sells them and I had been to other places like UK and US and I know how difficult it is to buy these kind of stuffs there so I think why not try to open up an online shop to sell kawaii stuffs so I can share this wonderful and cute items to many people around the world. 


How did you come up with your shop name?


Originally my shop is 'Charmstore' because I sell charms in my shop too so that's the name I came up with. After selling for a year and a half on etsy I planned to open an online store and then I know that there are so many shops online with that same name so I then change it to 'charmtape' - which is just the products that I sells.

Jumbo Wide Strawberry Deco Tape


Describe what creations you have in your shop

Mainly I sell cute and pretty decorative tapes (made of plastic or washi), I sell origami papers, rubber stamps kit from Korea, cute cello bags from Japan, some miniature cakes cabochons and charms as well.

What insprires you?


I don't know if this is call inspiration but everytime when I receive new items from my suppliers I feel very excited and happy. I feel much more happiness and pleasure when my customers buy and like my products that they send me a appreciation photo that show me the creation that they made with the supplies that they bought from me.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Oh I love listening to my local radio all the time.


Miniature yellow cake cabochons
Please share a favorite recipe

Here is my favourite dish: "Stir-fried tofu with Mushroom"

Ingredients:
•3/4 pound firm tofu
•1 cup dried black mushrooms (dried shiitake mushrooms), or fresh mushrooms
•1 cup canned bamboo shoots
•2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
•1 tablespoon oyster sauce
•1 teaspoon sugar
•1 1/2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
•2 tablespoons oil
*a slice of ginger (optional)
*a few gloves of garlic (smashed)(optional)

Preparation:

Remove the tofu from the package and drain. Cut the tofu lengthwise through the middle, so that you have two equal pieces about 1-inch thick. Cut into large cubes.
I love using dried mushrooms (but its hard to find overseas), reconstitute by soaking in warm water for 30 minutes or until they have softened. Squeeze to remove excess liquid and thinly slice. If using fresh mushrooms, wipe with a damp cloth and slice.
Rinse the bamboo shoots in warm running water and drain. In a small bowl, mix together the dark soy, oyster sauce, sugar, and Chinese rice wine or dry sherry and set aside.
Heat the wok. When the wok is ready, add the oil. Add the ginger slice. Add the bamboo shoots, garlic and mushrooms and stir until they are heated through. Add the tofu and the dark soy/oyster sauce/sugar/sherry mixture. Stir-fry until the ingredients are heated through. Serve hot. This is very healthy and tastely especially with rice.

Plastic decorative clothes pins
Where else can we find you?
You can find me on etsy my shop name is CharmTape, this is where I sell mostly tapes and charms.

You can also check out my online shop at www.charmtape.com where I sell memos and other Korean and Japanese stationery.

Pinterest

and wanelo: Charmstore

and my email is charmstore@gmail.com

Twitter




And now for the GIVEAWAY!!! One lucky winner will win all of this...drum roll please...


1. Clear Flower Cabochon Set of 2

2. Pretty Dancing Fairy Set of 12 Stamp Set

3. Colorful Masking Stickers - 27 Sheets

4. Pastel Masking Stickers - 27 Sheets

5. Set of 2 Antique Bronze Key Charms

***Shipping will be included
THAT IS CORRECT...ONE WINNER...ALL 5 PRIZES!!! Now to enter...again remember you do not have to do all of the entries, but the more you enter the more chances you have at winning this fantastic giveaway!!!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3a999e32/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, July 30, 2012

Meet Monday with Crocheting for Baby

Let's meet Lauren and her Etsy shop Crocheting for Baby for our Meet Monday!!!




A little bit of handmade love for baby...and a little bit of handmade love for mommy! Let's discover Crocheting for Baby.

Crochet Newborn Wrap or Hammock
What is the first creative memory you have?


My first creative memory is crafting with my mom. She is so creative and she always had a craft for us to work on.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?


I never knew about Etsy until my cousin opened up a shop and was telling everyone about it. As I was browsing around I thought, hey...maybe I can start a shop too! I was pregnant with my daughter then and was starting to get back into crocheting.

How did you come up with your shop name?


My shop name came about when I was pregnant with my daughter and I was crocheting lots of baby items. They are my favorite! All those tiny hats, booties, blankies...it just makes me smile. That's how the shop name crocheting4baby came about. I occasionally will list some things for us grown ups but I try to stick to children's items.

Boo Boo Monster


Describe what creations you have in your shop

I mainly have crochet hats for lots of ages and photo props for infants. I love getting to see all the itty bitties in my creations! It's starting to give me baby fever now that my little one is three!

What inspires you?

My daughter for sure. Sometimes my friends will ask if I can create something for them {the football hat was one request} so I try. If it works out, I list it!

Crochet Flower Earwarmer Headband
What do you listen to or watch while creating?


The only music I get to listen to is Laurie Berker & Raffi {children's artists}. When my little one is sleeping I will put on Adele or watch my millions of shows I need to catch up on that I have on the DVR. Some of my fave shows are Desperate Housewives {so sad it's over}, GCB, Touch, Switched at Birth. Sad to say I am addicted to Teen Mom and get suckered into watching Jersey Shore with the hubby. BAD!






Please share a favorite recipe

Ok, this is the ALL TIME BEST recipe for alfredo sauce {but it's probably so bad for you!} allrecipes.com/recipe/quick-and-easy-alfredo-sauce/detail.aspx I use the recipe just as written and it is perfect every time!

Where else can we find you?

You can find me a few places around the web:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/crocheting4babyetsycom/353070108042599
Twitter {although it's mainly for my blog}: twitter.com/tutusteaparties
Blog: tutusandteaparties.blogspot.com
Pinterest: pinterest.com/lfrank1018/

Football Hat or Beanie

Sunday, July 29, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Mamma mia e Me and Mamma Mia Bridal

This is a first...a Salutations Shop featuring one woman with two shops!!! Let's meet Sevda from Instanbul, Turkey and discover her two shops Mamma mia e Me and Mamma Mia Bridal







Teal cocktail hat from Mamma mia e Me
What is the first creative memory you have?

When I was very little, 3-4 years old, I detached sparkling beads, embroidered on the evening gown of my mom. I was picking only 4-5 beads per day in order not let my mom take cognizance of the situation.

After a while I compiled a lot of beads and made a bracelet with them, then my mom realised that the lovely gown became “weeded”.

At the same ages, once, I “scraped” with a nail, a house drawing to our house entry wall (I became architect though!)



What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I saw Etsy, first in Facebook and fascinated with a huge variety of arts&crafts items. Then decided instantly to open my shop just for my already existing designs, to be able to show them woldwide.


Bridal fascinator headpiece from Mamma Mia Bridal



How did you come up with your shop name?

My first Etsy Shop’s name is “mammamiaeme” which means “my mom and me” in Italian. The first idea to open shop in Etsy come up to my mind with the traditional tatting laces that my mom used to do.

 I was thinking to combine modern and traditional by using these lovely laces in modern designs. Consequently “tatting laces from my mom and designs from me” gave birth the name “mammamiaeme”.

Then, when I opened my bridal shop, I wanted to conserve my previous brand name by adding “bridal” but since it was too long, it became to “MammaMiaBridal”

Describe what creations you have in your shop

For both of my shops, I rather prefer create upon my creative mind. I dont follow mot-a-mot current fashion. I like making unusual, unconventional accessories and jewelries. I like work with all kind of fabric but I also like to re-design, re-use all kind of materials. I make mostly unique items or limited editions such as 2-3 items per design.

What inspires you?

Mainly my inspirations come from the nature. I love nature, flowers, leaves etc. I think thet reflects to my creations, where there are lots of flowers, leaves patterns.


Ring bearer pillow from Mamma Mia Bridal


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

This is very strange for most of people I know but, I like to be alone and silent when creating. This is the time gap that I can listen my self, return in my.

Rarely some smooth classical music I listen but I mainly prefer not to listen someting.


Terracotta fabric flower necklace from Mamma mia e Me


Please share a favorite recipe

This is my “most loved” food. “Sarma”, which means “wrapped” in Turkish. It’s a general name given for some different kind of vegetable leaves such as “grape leaf, cabbage, chard, sorrel etc.”, stuffed with some ingredients with meat (to be served hot as main dish) or without meat (to be served cold as starter).

But I rather prefer one which is made with grape leaf and meat. Although we call this is as Turkish food but it can be found also in Greece.

Stuffing made of “rice, minced meat, chopped onion, spices, tomato or red paprica sauce, margarine or butter” is put on the boiled grape leaves and it’s wrapped as a finger, put in an casserole, put some water on it and cooked on a stove. It’s hot served. Yagourt souce or butter souce with tomato can be added on it also.

If you’d like to see some.

www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=etli+sarma&hl=tr&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=is...

www.google.com.tr/imgres?q=etli+sarma&hl=tr&sa=X&biw=1280&bih=709&tbm=is...


Where else can we find you?
I have shop only here on Etsy, nowhere else since I haven’t no more time to manage somewhere else.

Hand knit socks from Mamma mia e Me


Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tribute Tuesday with The Anatolian

It's Tribute Tuesday!!! Please welcome Belgin and her Etsy shop The Anatolian from Europe!!!




Handmade Turkish bath and beach towels by the Anatolian Women who are by nature environmentally friendly! Some of them are organic too.

Belgin is offering a 10% off discount to her Etsy shop The Anatolian for my readers with coupon code: 20072012. Please note that the shipping cost is 9.00 USD per towel and involves international shipping.

High quality Turkish towel in pink, Peshtemal
What is the first creative memory you have?

When I was 7 years old I was trying to create my garden house by using all the materials which I could find in the nature and at home. My mom was really angry when she found out that her precious textiles were lying in the garden.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

A simple Google search. I found Etsy while I was looking for online shops where handmade stuff are sold.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted to admire the women of Anatolia who have been making these nice towels for centuries. Therefore I have given the name 'The Anatolian' to my shop.
Describe what creations you have in your shop

Turkish towels that are handwoven and from (organic) cotton and bamboo.
What insprires you?

All colors, sea and sun. In summary the summer time.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen sky radio where the songs have powerful lyrics and music


Handwoven natural soft cotton bath towel, Kilim Peshtemal


Please share a favorite recipe

 Arugula Pesto Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Toasted Walnuts and Black Currants

Recipe Summary

High quality ingredients are key to this dish - peppery arugula pairs perfectly with the grassy extra virgin olive oil, while the currants add a surprising touch of sweetness.

Recipe Servings: 6 - 8 portions
Recipe Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Recipe Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

for Pasta Salad

1 pound Delverde® Farfalle pasta, cooked and cooled
1 tbsp Lucini® Delicate Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Lucini® Extra Virgin Olive Oil, to moisten if needed
2 large fresh Buffalo Mozzarella balls, cubed
Zest of 1 lemon
¾ cup dried black currants
½ cup shelled walnuts, toasted
Arugula Pesto (recipe below)



Best quality Turkish bath towels
for Arugula Pesto

3 cups packed arugula leaves, stems removed
¾ cup shelled walnuts, toasted
½ cup fresh Parmesan cheese
1 ½ cups Lucini® Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 head garlic, roasted (6 cloves will be used)
½ garlic clove peeled and minced
½ tsp salt
Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut the top of the garlic head off, about a centimeter in. Place entire head, cut end up, on a piece of foil, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper. Wrap garlic with foil like a beggars purse and place in the oven for about 30 minutes. The garlic is finished when it is soft and creamy.

Meanwhile, place 1 ¼ cups of walnuts on a half-sheet tray, drizzle with scant amount of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then gently shake to evenly distribute seasoning over nuts. Place the nuts in the 350 degree oven and toast until lightly brown, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup walnuts for pesto and ½ cup walnuts for garnish.

In a food processor combine the arugula, salt, ¾ cup toasted walnuts, 6 cloves of roasted garlic and the ½ clove of raw garlic. Pulse while drizzling the olive oil into the processor. Lastly, add the Parmesan cheese and pulse. The texture should be fairly smooth by the end of the process. Cover with plastic wrap so that it is touching the pesto and no air can reach it. This will avoid oxidation and keep your pesto green. Reserve in the refrigerator.

Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. After the pasta is cooked and cooled, add the arugula pesto and toss until all the noodles are coated. Add the remaining ingredients, except walnuts, and toss. If the dish needs more olive oil to moisten, don’t be afraid to loosen it as much as you prefer. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Garnish with walnuts.


Bridesmaid package - Set of 3 Turkish bath towels
Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter: The Anatolian @VeryAnatolian

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Salutations Sunday with Mind of Ash

Please shout out your salutations for Ashley and her Etsy shop Mind of Ash (Aloha would be a fitting salutation here because Ashley is from Hawaii!!!)




Ashley will send essences of her home state of the Hawaii seashores to you with her creations!

She has also offered a discount for my readers! If you mention this blog post in your checkout notes on ETSY-or like her on facebook  and mention this blog post; you will recieve a 15% discount on your entire order, which will be refunded after you purchase.

Hawaiin puka shell and fresh water pearl necklace
What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember myself as a pretty energetic creative little girl, always climbing trees, imaging dreamworlds as I sang songs, and created something out of, well, nothing. I do remember one summer staying with my grandparents and my Grandma getting out a little canvas for me and my little sister and letting us pick out a picture and have some fun painting and getting messy, which is a great first memory of creativity and artistic expression.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

Circumstances sometimes cause you to search for new options and a new path in life, so when health problems began to make a change in my ability to work full time, I started to create jewelry and paint silk scarves with my mom who was already successful with her talent. I knew of Etsy from friends, and having browsed the site myself it looked like a cool place to meet other artists and get inspired, and of course use it as a marketplace for people out there to find me as well.


How did you come up with your shop name?


MindofAsh came about because I didn't want to confine myself to one art form, or one media, I at first was interested in collage, multi-media, different dying methods with silks, and paper art, card making, even wood working. SO...I decided to call it "Mind of Ash" so that I could express whatever creativity came out of my mind, and into my hands eventually ending up in someone else's life as a part of my mind...It has also had double meanings with others who think it means the other ash: the end result that comes from fire...which is a cool way to look at it too.


Mini seashell and root beer glass bobby pins


Describe what creations you have in your shop


Right now I have mostly Puka Shell beaded earrings and necklaces, all of which are hand picked from the beaches of my island home here in Hawaii, Lana'i. Each is completely unique and gives every piece a natural one of a kind feel that cant be completely duplicated. I also make many glass beaded bracelets and necklace earring matching sets.I like to stay colorful and unique as much as possible.

What insprires you?

Having always lived in a naturally rich environment surrounded by turquoise ocean at the coast and forested valleys and mountains, I find inspiration by colors and natural materials I find such as shells, sea glass and vivid sunsets and flowers I am fortunate to live with every day.


Rainbow colored seed bead hoop earrings
What do you listen to or watch while creating?


I gotta say that I find classical music or instrumentals very thought provoking, Philip Glass and the amazing singer songwriter harpist, Joanna Newsom is very helpful in transporting me to that creative place...just to name a couple.





Please share a favorite recipe

I like to make Mung Bean salad as a healthy, fresh protein rich go to meal.

Boil Green Mug Beans -unpeeled, non-split (quantity depends on how much salad you want and for how long haha)

Boil first for 10 minutes, then boil new water again, and boil again for 7 minutes

Drain, let cool, checking that texture is still slightly firm, but not hard that you cant chew it .

Add whatever flavoring ingredients you want depending on your taste.

I always add free minced garlic, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, or basil, red and yellow bell peppers, and maybe canned salmon, tuna, or your own seasoned chicken breast.

Top with balsamic vinegar and olive oil, or your favorite salad dressing. And just let those flavors mingle.....

Very nutrient rich, fresh, summery, and can be in the fridge for anyone who needs a quick snack or light meal.


Tiny beach in a bottle vial necklace


Where else can we find you?

Well if you happen to be visiting the islands you can find me a the Local Artist Showcase Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Four Seasons at Manele Bay.

I also have a Facebook page, which features many of my other items that have sold or sample designs that may not be on Etsy:
www.facebook.com/pages/Mind-of-Ash-Designs/157920334274239

I also have a Pinterest Page that I post new listings and love to re pin other inspiring designs:
pinterest.com/mindofash/

If you have any further questions you can always email me too at: MindofAsh@gmail.com

Friday, July 20, 2012

Fun Friday with Handmade Summer Toys

School is just around the corner! Have fun this weekend with your kids and make some cute and simple handmade toys!

LOVE these fish clothes pins from tipjunkie.com








AND these dragonfly clothes pins from Parents.com





These woven paper balls could be fun from How About Orange!





LOVE THIS!!! 'nuff said...from Read Between the Limes





Rock Bugs!!! from Family Fun




So simple...so cute...so ingenious! Rock dominoes from Growing a Green Family





Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Bohemia Jewellery

Please welcome Nikki and her Etsy shop Bohemia Jewellery for Welcome Wednesday




A colorful shop filled with beautiful beaded creations from Malta, Europe. Let's discover Bohemia Jewellery!

Teal multicolored dangle earrings
What is the first creative memory you have?

Ever since I was a little girl, I always loved doing crafts, cooking and sewing. One of my earliest memories is waking up at 6am as a small girl and sneaking into my mother's sewing room where she kept her machine and all her fabrics.... I wasn't allowed to use the machine but while she was sleeping, I used to be happily sewing along - mainly clothes for my Sindy doll!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

Actually I used to attend Jewellery classes with a bunch of old ladies and one week a young English girl called Alison turned up to join us. I was so happy to have found someone my age I got up and went to sit near her. We were chatting and I mentioned having so many jewellery pieces at home I wasn't sure what to do with them all! She told me "Oh don't you have a shop on etsy?' Of course I had no idea what etsy was then, but I can assure you I rushed home to check it out and set up my shop within 2 hours of discovering it!! I absolutely loved the idea!!

How did you come up with your shop name?

Well really I've always been a sort of Bohemian kind of person - I love the colors, the decadence, the eclecic mix of Bohemian style dress... so it was inevitable really. My husband tried to persuade me to have a different name, but I refused to change my mind. The name is perfect I think.


Teal, coral, lime green wire wrapped hoop pendant


Describe what creations you have in your shop

For some reason, I have become addicted to making earrings! I absolutely adore Beaded Hoops, and I think they are really popular and sell very well. I obviously sell a lot directly and in hotels, so most of my sales are not on etsy. The colorful beaded Bracelets in different colors are also really popular but they take hours to make, so there's a limit to how many I can have at one time!


Citrine quartz wire wrapped earrings
What insprires you?

I'm constantly searching through magazines and shops - just because I love jewellery and dressing up! My 6 year old daughter is obsessed about clothes and jewellery and shoes so the 2 of us are always coming up with ideas. I also adore looking at new jewellery designers and see what's coming up, even online I believe there are excellent resources for designers.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Believe it or not, I love listening to worship music - HIllsongs, Delirious, Tim Hughes, Lydia Stanley, MercyMe, Kari Jobes, Kim Walker.... the list is endless! They are all amazing musicians and I find great inspiration in listening to them whilst working.....

Please share a favorite recipe

One of my favourite recipes has got to be a very Mediterranean one, Greek actually! It is a cold pasta dish made with crushed garlic, lots of black olives, lots of fresh mint and basil leaves (torn not chopped), lots of freshly peeled chopped tomatoes, crushed feta cheese, and a good extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix all these ingredients together and then add the cooked pasta. Place in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. It's amazing and in this heatwave, I think it goes down so well with a good bottle of chilled white wine.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/BohemiaJewellery

Blog:
http:// BohemiaJewellery.com

Etsy:
www.BohemiaJewelry.etsy.com

Twitter:
twitter.com/BohemiaJewelry

Flickr:
www.flickr.com/people/bohemiajewellery/

Pinterest:
pinterest.com/bohemia/

Interview:
www.maltainsideout.com/business-profile-nikki-felice-jewellery-designer/


Orange and purple beaded hoop earrings







Monday, July 16, 2012

Meet Monday with Lilee's Gram Knits

It's Meet Monday time with Teresa and her Etsy shop Lilee's Gram Knits




Such a fun shop to explore through with every knitters dreams of supplies!

Teresa is also offering a giveaway...please see the details after the interview.

Rainbow hand dyed roving wool
What is the first creative memory you have?

Making stationary for presents with my watercolors. I was a kid and i would spend my allowance on a box of envelopes and a pad of lined stationary and I would paint balloons and flowers on the corners of the paper and the envelopes and make stationary sets for people.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

Hmm....I don't really recall....I am always making things and I think it was someone at the local yarn shop mentioned to me that I should try selling my stuff. I have had a store a long time, with only an few things. I have really only just started working it this year.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My Granddaughter's name is Lilee. Whenever I am knitting something, no matter the shape or color, she will ask me what I am knitting for her, she gets disappointed if the item is not for her. She is one of my most precious inspirations and I wanted to include her in my creative life too.


Fairytale Themed Stitch Markers


Describe what creations you have in your shop?

I have hand spun, hand dyed and other yarns, I have stitch markers and other things to help knitters. I also have a line of up-cycled clothing I am working on. Pretty much if it has something to do with fiber and is brightly colored I am drawn to it.

What inspires you?

Life, Color, My Family

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I have an I pod and I love to listen to books on it. I don't even have any music on it, just books. I love fantasy and Stephen King. If I am not listening to a book, I like to have the TV on for the noise.....The show doesn't really matter, I think I just like the noise.


Wool Yarn, Sock Yarn
Please share a favorite recipe

My husband is allergic to corn. So there are many things we cannot use around my home, or eat, so I have had to learn to be very resourceful. This is probably one of my favorite recipes. And the most money saving also.







Homemade Laundry Detergent:

1 c borax
1 c washing soda
1 bar of soap (ivory or fels naptha)

First, grate your soap.
Then, combine all ingredients in your jar and shake until well mixed.
Use 1 tbs per load

It doesn't bubble up, but it does get your clothes clean and we save so much money, and Hubby doesn't break out from his allergy.

Where else can we find you?

www.lileesgramknits.com goes to my Etsy shop
lileesgram.blogspot.com/ is where I blog
twitter.com/lileesgramknits is my twitter
www.facebook.com/LileesGramKnits is me on Facebook
lileesgramknits@gmail.com is where you can email me.

NOW LET'S SEE WHAT YOU CAN WIN!!!

***Please remember you do not have to do all of the entries, but the more you do the more chances you have to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Hand dyed wool hanging out to dry

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Welcome Wednesday with Poppy Drops

Let's all welcome Pauline and her Etsy shop Poppy Drops for Welcome Wednesday!!!




Personalized creations from the east coast of Australia, south of Sydney. Let's discover Pauline and her creative story.

Moon Pendant
What is your first creative memory?

My first creative memory is of bedtimes snuggled under the blankets at around the age of 4 with my prized container of colourful beads of every shape and size. I'd string necklaces and bracelets till I practically fell asleep on the job, then I'd pull them all apart and start again!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I first discovered gorgeous personalised jewellery last year after seeing a TV celebrity wearing a piece, and ordered a necklace with my children's names on it for Christmas. On receiving it I fell in love and knew immediately that I wanted to make similar jewellery and share it with others.

How did you come up with your shop name?

The shop name Poppy Drops came about because I wanted a name that's fun, but most of all easy to remember. Poppy Designs was unavailable, so Poppy Drops it is.
Spiral Quote Personalized Men's Leather Bracelet

Describe the creations in your shop

My shop is filled with personalised stamped jewellery and accessories. I began with sterling silver pendant designs but have since introduced many other items. These include: bracelets, men's and children's jewellery, bookmarks, keyrings, and pet tags. Some of my items also cater for communion, new mum and cancer awareness. More recently I've been experimenting with different metals, silk and leather. More designs are in the pipeline so stay tuned!

Personalized Guitar Pick Key Chain

What inspires you?

What inspires me? Well, I appreciate simple, clean lines, which you'll see in some of my pieces where the stamping is the star attraction. I love the beauty of nature, and like to use silver bird and beach inspired charms in my work, as well as gorgeous green beads and peridot Swarovski crystals. But most of all, I design pieces we can all enjoy wearing every day, lovely reminders of the people, places and times that are so special to each of us.



What do you listen to or watch while creating?

My working space overlooks gorgeous views of our local lake and mountains, and I feel fortunate to have such a great spot to enjoy my coffee and stamp to my heart's content.

Please share a favorite recipe

My favourite recipe is carrot cake. I've tried a few recipes and loved them all, and I think it has to do with the scrumptious cream cheese frosting that always tops them.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/poppydrops1


Mother's Jewelry



Now please head on over to Paulin's shop Poppy Drops and come back and tell us what your favorite creations are!!! I adore this Live With Passion Necklace

Monday, July 9, 2012

Meet Monday with Tre Sun Designs

It is Meet Monday...so let's all meet Lauren and her Etsy shop Tre Sun Designs




Beautiful handcrafted wearable artisan creations inspired from the past. Let's discover Lauren and her creative story.

What is your first creative memory?

I have always been a creative soul. One of my first creative memories involves miniature stuffed Koala Bears. I created cities with houses, roads and even miniature signs for my collection of small Koala Bears to play within. I made everything out of discarded cardboard or paper. I was into recycling before I even knew what it meant to reuse!


What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?


A few years ago my good friend purchased a beautiful pair of earrings for me as a birthday gift. I found out she purchased them from an Etsy shop. I had never heard of Etsy up until that point and once I checked it out I knew Etsy was a community of artists I wanted to be part of. I had been creating jewelry and selling my designs at a few local boutiques and creating an Etsy shop was just another avenue in which to sell my designs.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted to create a shop name that would somehow incorporate my love for my three children so that is how the name Tre Sun Designs was developed. “Tre” in Italian means 3 and in my Etsy shop banner and on my business cards I have 3 suns, each sun representing one of my sons. 




Describe what creations you have in your shop

My Etsy shop offers vintage inspired, upcycled jewelry and gemstone designs. I have many different types of jewelry including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings but all of my designs have a vintage vibe. My jewelry is made from high quality natural brass which is nickel and lead free, sterling silver or upcycled vintage metals.

What inspires you?

My inspiration for my jewelry designs comes from the beads and stones I purchase and the vintage pieces that I find. I love creating new jewelry designs from vintage finds!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Music is a huge part of my design process. It really motivates me and helps to get my creative juices flowing. I listen to my IPod or Sirius Radio and really enjoy Indie Rock and 80’s new wave music. 


Please share a favorite recipe

Lasagna Cupcakes. These are a great appetizer.
Ingredients
• 1/3 pound ground beef
• salt and pepper
• 24 wonton wrappers
• 1 3/4 cups grated Parmesan cheese (7 oz)
• 1 3/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (7 oz)
• 3/4 cup ricotta cheese (3 oz)
• 1 cup pasta sauce
• (optional) basil for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
2. Brown beef, and season with salt and pepper. Drain.
3. Cut wonton wrappers into circle shapes (about 2 1/4- inches) using a biscuit cutter or using the top of a drinking glass. You can cut several at a time. Note: For a more rustic look, no cutting necessary!
4. Reserve 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese for the top of your cupcakes. Start layering your lasagna cupcakes. Begin with a wonton wrapper and press it into the bottom of each muffin tin. Sprinkle a little Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese in each. Top with a little meat and pasta sauce.
5. Repeat layers, ending with pasta sauce. Top with reserved Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. To remove, use a knife to loosen the edges then pop each lasagna out.
7. Garnish with basil and serve.

Where else can we find you?

Pinterest: pinterest.com/tresundesigns/



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