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

Tribute Tuesday with The Tempest Stone

Call out your tributes for Denise and her Etsy shop The Tempest Stone

One of a kind pieces for one of a kind individuals! Jewelry made with natural semi-precious stones that have been wire wrapped in solid argentium silver.

Receive 15% off from your purchase with coupon code: JULY2012 It will remain in effect until the end of July.

Now let's discover The Tempest Stone

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember having a very large orange walled play room in my house when I was about 5 years old. I remember just before Halloween thinking it would be an excellent idea to have a mural on the wall. So I convinced my little friend Nicky that it would be a great idea to do one...with those big black permanent markers. I did pumpkins and cats and witches and such, with my lovely 5 year old drawing skills. I even got a chair so I could do the tops of the walls too. I thought it was lovely. Then my parents came to find us. They, on the other hand, did not appreciate the beauty of my artistic endeavor, nor the black permanent marker medium we had chosen to use. Nicky got sent home that day and I believe I received my very first grounding. Still one of my fondest childhood memories.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I found Etsy by chance while surfing the internet one day. I originally made my pendants for myself and gifts for friends and family only. I am always wearing a stone and they tend to catch people's attention , so I started getting requests from people asking if I had a website where they could see my pendants. Being that I am not very technically inclined (I did purchase a domain name and hosting, but to date, still no web site!!!), Etsy seemed like a very nice, easy choice for someone like me. I have to say, I love the community that Etsy is. The talent on there is amazing, and I definitely spend more than I make!!

How did you come up with your shop name?

The shop name was a bit of a challenge for me. I had everybody I know trying to come up with something. A lot of them were revolving around the "D" in my name, as many friends just call me D. Then one afternoon I was wrapping a beautiful Pietersite stone, one of my favorites. It was a beautiful dark blue, black and brown swirly stone. It reminded me of the ocean on stormy day. I thought of how perfectly the stone reflected the nickname of Pietersite, The Tempest Stone. And my shop, The Tempest Stone, was born at that very moment. I knew it could never be anything but that.

Describe what creations you have in your shop

Currently I have silver, wire wrapped pendants. They are all made by hand, using just simple tools. Many people have a hard time believing that the entire pendant is set without the use of a blow torch or heat of any kind. It is simply many separate pieces of wire, manipulated to form the setting, this results in a piece of jewelry that can as strong as a soldered piece and will be with you for years and years if properly cared for. The majority of my pieces are semi precious stones, but I will occasionally wrap other things such as beautiful glass or shell. The silver I use is called Argentium silver (.930), which I love. It is a brighter silver, that is more tarnish resistant than the Sterling. While my true loves are pendants, I have plans to expand the selection in my shop to include other wire wrapped items, such as earrings and bracelets very soon. I have also recently started working with copper and love the look of it antiqued. For fun, I just made a fabulous copper and stone cuff bracelet for myself that people seem to love, so who knows, maybe it will make it onto the site too at some point.

What inspires you?

I am not sure if its so much that I am inspired as it is that I seem to have an almost intrinsic need to just always be creating something. In thinking about it, perhaps that is a part of what "inspires" means. Its just something internal for me I guess. I say that my hobby really is trying out new hobbies, of which I have had a lot. I have tried drawing, painting, glass etching, cake decorating, soap making, beading, wood burning, and the list goes on...and on....and on. There is always something to make. With my pendants, I can say that each stone inspires me. I never have a set idea of what it will turn out like until I am done. I might sketch a design for something, and in the end, it looks completely different. The stone has to choose its own design I figure. While I am capable of doing some of the more intricate or "curly" designs, I tend to make most of my pieces quite simple so that the stone is the overall centerpiece.


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Quite honestly, not a lot. I find that all my attention is on the stone when I work. I block out everything else around me. Each piece takes me a total of anywhere from 2 to 6 hours and I am usually pretty focused. There could be music or a tv in the background, but I wouldn't even be aware of it.

Please share a favorite recipe

Ok, I have to admit it, I am not one that is capable of following a recipe. I have the best of intentions when I start, but somewhere around the middle I lose interest and start to ad lib. Every time I make the same dish it tastes different!

That said, growing up in Newfoundland, my Nan and my Mom used to make "Snowballs" and they were one of my favorite things in the world. My Mom and Dad came to visit recently and my son called to specifically tell Grandma to bring her recipe for snowballs so she could make them for him. I might be sharing a old family secret here now for all I know (but I doubt it), but these are too good and easy not to share.

Snow Balls
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup milk
3/4 cup sugar
1 cup coconut
1/2 cup cocoa
1 tsp. vanilla
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
Coconut to roll balls in

Combine butter, milk, sugar and vanilla in a saucepan and bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add cocoa. Stir until cocoa is completely dissolved. Stir in coconut and rolled oats. Let cool. Form into balls and roll in coconut. Store in fridge until set.

Simple, totally calorie free no doubt, and simply yummy!

Where else can we find you?

E-mail at thetempeststone@gmail.com
Facebook
Twitter

Now off to show Denise and her beautiful creations some love in her Etsy shop, The Tempest Stone

Meet Monday with Royal Regards

Please meet Sara and her Etsy shop Royal Regards

Handmade with love, Sara provides handmade cards for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, wedding, new baby or set of blank cards.

Now let's discover Royal Regards

What is your first creative memory?

The first creative memory I have is of coloring all the outfits in character coloring books as a young child. It drove my Mom crazy that I would only color the clothes and nothing else in the pictures. I have always loved fashion!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

 A friend of mine introduced me to Etsy a few years ago and I thought it was such a neat place to shop. I have only been making cards for a couple years but I knew as soon as I fell in love with the craft that I eventually wanted to open up my own Etsy shop.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted something catchy for my shop name and I knew I wanted "Regards" in there somewhere because I sell cards. My husband suggested Regal Regards but there is already a business with that name. Finally, I thought of Royal Regards and it was perfect. I love crowns because Sara means princess so marketing with crown images really appealed to me.

Describe the items in your shop

I have many different types of cards in my shop from all the different holidays, to birthdays, weddings, thank you cards, etc. I also make place cards for weddings and baby showers and really enjoy making those and coordinating thank you cards. It makes me happy to make something that is going to be used on someone's big day. My favorite cards to make are embossed cards. I love the different textures and think they are very elegant looking.

What inspires you?

I draw inspiration from many things. I love color, especially pastels. All 4 seasons here in Michigan inspire me as well and I absolutely love the beach! I have some starfish decor in my card studio to draw inspiration from on a daily basis.




What do you watch or listen to while you are creating?

I usually listen to a mixture of music from iTunes playlists when I create. I love a little bit of everything from country and classic rock to rap. I also often watch t.v. shows or movies on my iPad while i'm working in my studio. I love watching shows like Felicity, Dawson's Creek, Melrose Place, The Wonder Years, etc. that I watched when I was younger. 

Please share a favorite recipe

One of our favorite recipes this summer is for homemade pico de gallo.

-Dice 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes
-Dice 1/2 red onion
-Dice 1/4 cup cilantro
-Dice 1 ripe avocado
-Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and mix everything together really well.
We eat this on tacos, fajitas, quesadillas and nachos. It's a really fresh and tasty recipe!

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Wanelo

Now please go Sara some love and visit her Etsy shop Royal Regards and come back and tell us your favorite handmade card!

Salutations Sunday with i HartFelt and a GIVEAWAY

Please shout out your salutations for Heather and her Etsy shop i HartFelt

Full of whimsy and creativity...Heather offers unique gifts that are sure to charm your "hart."

Receive 10% off of your purchase by entering coupon code: SUMMER at checkout. HartFelt has also offered a great GIVEAWAY...please find all of the details at the end of the interview.

Now we are off to discover i HartFelt

What is the first creative memory you have?

My earliest memory would have to be my mom and I sitting in our craft shop preparing for a holiday bazaar one year. We had a garden where she grew tons of amazing flowers that she would dry in our shop and make gorgeous flower arrangements and I made birdhouses out of recycled cardboard from cereal boxes. I wish I had kept one of these treasures. I am a lucky girl in the fact that I have two very special crafty grandmas.

 One grandma (my dad’s mom) taught me to embroidery and knit! It has stuck with me to this day. I can still envision us sitting on the couch like it was yesterday, she patiently teaching me the ins and outs of embroidering and knitting. Embroidery is still my most favorite. My other grandma (my mom’s mom) had a wood shop and a craft room. I remember she had supplies galore that she collected from garage sales & she then stored everything so neatly and organized in her craft room. She had any supply in any color you could think of. In her wood shop I once used a piece of her scrap wood to make a cat ornament by painting, nailing, and wood gluing. I still have it to this day and use it on my tree at Christmas time.

I hope to provide my children and grandchildren creative memories too! I think it is too important not to share these artistic handmade qualities with the next generations.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

Lots of support from my husband who believed in me and is inspired by my driven, motivated personality to get things done! I first heard about Etsy from a dear friend who is like a sister to me, and the most creative lady I know. We met in Kindergarten but became friends around 4th grade, and still remain friends to this day even though we reside in different states. Check out her amazing art & coasters in her shop: Art by Julia: www.skerry.etsy.com

How did you come up with your shop name?

I knew right away I wanted to come up with something that meant ‘from the heart.’ I believe that anything handmade comes from the heart (&soul). My husband and I together late one night came up with HartFelt by iHart. HartFelt means ‘from the Hart’ and iHart means ‘I love.’ I also wanted to incorporate the word ‘Felt’ in my shop name because that is what all my softies are made from. Hart‘Felt’ it became. I shortened the name to ihartfelt for Etsy so it would be easier to remember and find. I also intentionally misspelled Hart to be as unique as possible.

All my original softies come with a handmade felt tag with an ‘i’ and a ‘hart’. This has become my most unique feature found consistently on all my softies. I have heard the most inspiring comments on how cute the tags are.





Describe what creations you have in your shop

I specialize in all things felt: ornaments, baby mobiles, softies, and party favors for special occasions and home decor.

My designs reflect originality, charm, special attention to detail, and creativity - my intention is to offer a great alternative to mass produced dime a dozen gifts.

I create everything by hand, the patterns, cutting out the felt, and stitching all the pieces by hand.

What insprires you?

My inspiration comes from my toddler son who is now three years old, my supportive husband, nature- birds are my favorite, seasons- I love the fall, holidays – Valentines, Halloween and Christmas being my favorites, & love. I am truly blessed!!


What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I am almost always watching a movie with my husband in the evening while I do a lot of my sewing, cutting, and stuffing. I love action, drama, and comedy the most. I do like to listen to music too.

Please share a favorite recipe

Pear Nutella Muffins

2 C. stoneground whole wheat self-rising flour
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
½ C. brown sugar
1 egg
¾ C. reduced fat milk
2 T. canola oil
2 large pears, peeled and grated
¼ C. Nutella

1.Preheat oven to 375* and lightly grease 12 muffin tray

2.Sift flour and cinnamon into a large bowl and add in the husks. Add the sugar, combine, and make a well in the center.

3.Place the egg, milk, and oil in a jug or bowl and whisk with a fork until combined. Add to the dry ingredients and fold in with a large metal spoon or rubber spatula until just combined. Do not over beat. Gently fold in the grated pear.

4.Spoon half the mixture into the bases of each muffin tin, then place 1 tsp. of Nutella in the center of each. Top with the remaining mixture. Bake for 20 minutes, until risen, golden and firm to a light touch. Leave in the tins for about 3 minutes, then lift out onto a wire rack to cool.

MAKES 12 – To freeze muffins, cool them completely then wrap individually in aluminum foil. Place them in a large airtight bag, and seal. Allow to thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Where else can we find you?

Blog
Facebook
Pinterest
E-mail: ihartfelt@yahoo.com


NOW LET'S SEE WHAT ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL RECEIVE!!!

 

HartFelt Fourth of July Stuffed Hanging Owl Party Favors by iHart - Set of 3

***SHIPPING IS INCLUDED TO ALL ENTRANTS

These sweet owls are a perfect touch to your baby shower or birthday party decorations, can be used as a party favor for your special party, or hung in your baby nursery or toddler room.

Party Favor Owl was designed with LOVE & careful attention to detail: hand drawn, hand cut, handstitched, some smaller pieces hot glued, & stuffed with 100% polyfil.

Mr. Party Favor Owl measures approx. 2" by 2" wide.

NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to to do all of the entries...but keep in mind the more you do the more chance you have to win!!! Good luck

a'>http://www.rafflecopter.com">a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with Loopy Bird's Boutique

Please welcome Louisa and her Etsy shop Loopy Bird's Boutique

Based in London, Loopy Bird's Boutique's aim is to create bright, fun and unique handmade accessories at an affordable price, guaranteed to put a smile on your little one’s face.

Now let's discover Louisa and her creations

What is the first creative memory you have?

Watching films and cross stitching with my mum when I was a little girl.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My biggest inspiration has to be my mum, she’s always supporting me and keeps me going, she suggested I started to sell my work back in 2009 then I came across Etsy and that’s where it began!

How did you come up with your shop name?

At the time I set up my shop, I had another hobby – bird watching and obsessing over my new SLR camera, I used to go and take hundreds of photos of birds at nature reserves, which is where the ‘bird’ came from and the ‘loopy’ refers to the loops made by the stitches when I am sewing, crocheting and knitting.  Also the Loopy part of my name describes my personality - forgot to mention that!

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I sell handmade hair accessories using bright and colourful fabrics and buttons, I also crochet flower headbands and brooches. But in the future you may see something very different from me!

What inspires you?

Anything bright and colourful, I have taken to using Pinterest for inspiration.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Harry Potter! They put me in the zone, and once I start, I cannot stop!

Please share a favorite recipe

It involves a good Yorkshire Tea Bag, 1 teaspoon of sugar, some boiling water and a little semi-skimmed milk! Yes, a good cuppa! - My all time favourite recipe!




Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Blog
Ravelery






Now please go show Loopy Bird's Boutique some love and come back and tell us what your favorite item(s) are!

Meet Monday with Timeless Avenue and a GIVEAWAY

Please meet Ger from Dublin, Ireland and her Etsy shop Timeless Avenue



Bringing you inspired creations by the speculative, steampunk, fantasy, and all things vintage, Timeless Avenue creates one of a kind, single, original pieces that all are given individual quirky names.

Ger is also offering one of her creations as a giveaway...please see all of the details after the interview.

Now let's discover Timeless Avenue

What is the first creative memory you have?

I've always been creative and it has manifested itself in so many ways over the years, through my creative writing, my graphic design, and now my jewelry. I've always known I was creative and theres a certain buzz I get when I make something I'm especially proud of.

But it all started years ago when my mum said to me “ah sure, just write a little story,” when I was eight years old and bored. I hung out of her as she folded the ironing one Saturday morning when the eighties had just ended and Irelands then recession still bit at the ankles. I twisted in between her legs and bounded around the Hoover as she got on with the week’s housework. I was a nimble child, too young to know to help and pick up a duster and too youthful to think of what to do to pass the long Saturdays before school would eventually take the weekends away with homework, studying, exams and thoughts of prospects.



So, I wrote a short story about a talking telephone. It was an old rotary dial telephone in glorious pink. It sang Kylie Minogues I should be so lucky when it rang. I was after all, a true child of the eighties. I lay on the brown linoleum floor in our extended front hall, with a cushion under my elbow, my legs kicking the air behind me as I wrote with a red pen on a wad of old computer paper with the sides punched and corrugated. That story was the first of many. By the time I was twelve, they had ended up in a shoebox tied into mini scrolls with multicoloured ribbons keeping them in place. But it didn’t stop there.



What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I was looking for a particular type of necklace which I couldn’t find in any of the shops, so randomly one day I decided to make it myself. I found myself scrolling through the thousands of suppliers items on Etsy and instantly fell in love with the idea of creating my own jewelry. I began this journey with just a few ideas, which has just exploded! I almost made it to 100 items and suddenly I was back down to 90 again because of sales.

It’s an amazing feeling to have someone else wear one of your creations and love it as much as you do.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I struggled with my shop name for quite a while. I wanted it to have importance and meaning, to stand out and be remembered by my customers. In the end I chose the title of a poem I wrote about 15 years ago. Timeless Avenue is a short poem about the future and about friendship and I felt it was quite apt as my shop name since I love nothing more than to pass on my work to friends as gifts.



Describe what creations you have in your shop

I make steampunk and vintage inspired jewelry and I’m learning something new and wonderful about my style and craft every day. I love nothing more than to order a batch of vintage watch movements and create beautiful intriguing jewelry with them, from necklaces to earrings and cuff links (which all sold out so quickly!)

It’s all a little bit kitsch and a whole lot of me!

Everything I make in my shop I make for myself. If I won’t wear it, I won’t make it. There’s definitely a little bit of me in every piece. The majority of my pieces are one of a kind because I like to make something different every time. And I especially love when someone asks me to change an element of a piece I’ve created because it’s what they’d prefer or like. Putting the personal element into my jewelry is what I’m all about. I want someone to wear a piece of my jewelry for their friends to say, “oh that is so you”! I want my customers to know that the piece they have bought was made especially for them.

What insprires you?

So many things!



Inspiration is incredible because it literally can come from anywhere. I could see a color and long to use it in a bracelet or necklace. I love looking at old movie posters, and love trying to incorporate the imagery I see. Anything dystopian, futuristic and steampunk is obviously a huge influence on me and I love the intricacies of the inner workings of machinary. Watch parts are a big element of steampunk jewelry. I spend ages just looking at them before I decide on how I’ll magic them into a beautiful piece of jewelry.

Essentially, I try to combine something hard with something soft and beautiful. So a rough metal watch piece matches perfectly with a sepia tone ballerina!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I’ve recently developed a Netflix addiction! I prop my iPad on the side of my craft table and watch series after series. So far I’ve watched, or rather listened to!, entire series’ of Heroes, 4400, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and I’ve just started on Lost again from the very very beginning!

Making jewelry and watching tv has to be one of the most relaxing things I do!



Please share a favorite recipe

My favourite recipe is Chocolate Banana Bread. Its a tradition in our house to make atleast four loafs of banana bread every Christmas, and my husband is always asking me to make some more. Its simply beautiful, tastes great and the best thing, is that it is so quick and easy to make! My problem is that every time I make it I change the ingredients ever so slightly, and believe it or not my husband knows! He always knows when I've done something different. This epicurious recipe is one I've been sticking to for a while, and it passes his taste test.

Chocolate Banana Bread with Walnuts

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted, chopped
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup mashed ripe bananas
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 9x5x2 1/2-inch metal loaf pan. Whisk first 4 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Combine chocolate chips and walnuts in small bowl; add 1 tablespoon flour mixture and toss to coat.
Beat butter in large bowl until fluffy. Gradually add sugar, beating until well blended. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Beat in mashed bananas, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat in flour mixture. Spoon 1/3 of batter into prepared pan. Sprinkle with half of nut mixture. Spoon 1/3 of batter over. Sprinkle with remaining nut mixture. Cover with remaining batter. Run knife through batter in zigzag pattern.
Bake bread until tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 1 hour 5 minutes. Turn out onto rack and cool.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Pinterest

Now let's see what one lucky winner will win!!!



Bird Cage Summer Bird Pendant Dangle Earrings vintage inspired with crystal beads - Birds of a Feather

*****SHIPPING INCLUDED FOR ALL ENTRANTS!!!

These dangle earrings are so light and comfortable to wear. They are simply adorable and eye catching. These bird cage earrings dangle at approximately 2 inches in length.

NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries, but the more you do the more chances you have at winning.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with Thats A Wrap Baby and a GIVEAWAY

Please welcome Sarah and her Etsy shop Thats A Wrap Baby



Sarah offers beautiful handmade items for your natural family and friends...wonderful baby shower gifts!

Sarah has also offered one of her creations for a giveaway...please check out all of the details after the interview.

Now let's discover That's A Wrap Baby

What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative endeavor as child was writing. I loved to create crazy stories. I remember making a book of stories for my mom as a gift one time. I'm pretty sure she still has it!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I started making and selling wraps on Ebay, before there was an Etsy. I was so excited when I discovered such a comfortable and cute way to wear my baby that I just had to share it! When I wanted to step up my business a bit, Etsy was the natural step.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My business began with just the wrap style baby carriers - That's A Wrap! was just a cutesy name I came up with on a whim. I guess it just stuck!



Describe what creations you have in your shop

My business has really grown in the past few months and morphed in to a "Natural Family" boutique of sorts. I make wrap style and mei tai baby carriers, wool and wood teething toys, amber teething necklaces and beeswax wood polish. And you can usually count on a few other items thrown in the mix! I love trying out new mediums, so you can never be too sure what you might find.



What inspires you?

Definitely my children. There are five of them! They are great and they love to see me create and help me come up with new ideas.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Usually kids playing. If I really need time to work, my husband will take the kids out to the park or something - then I relish the silence!

Please share a favorite recipe

My youngest daughter turned two today and we had people over for a cookout. The bean salad I made was a hit, so it's the perfect recipe to share here!
1 can black beans
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can kidney beans
3/4 C. each - apple cider vinegar, sugar, and olive oil
3/4 t dry mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 t basil
Drain and rinse the beans, put in a bowl.
In a separate bowl, mix the dressing. Pour dressing over the beans and toss. Chill salad for an hour before serving.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Blog

NOW FOR THE ITEM UP FOR GRABS!!!



Needlefelted Wool Butterfly and Wood Teething Toy, Teether, Waldorf

***Shipping will be included for all entrants

This toy is a completely natural and safe way to sooth a babies gums and provide a bit of whimsical play.

The butterfly is made with 100% pure wool felt and all of the embellishments are securely needle felted together. The felt is completely natural and super soft. This is not the acrylic or eco-felt that you find in your local craft store!

The ribbon attaching the flower to the wood ring is made from organic cotton.

Our wood rings are sealed with our own food grade, handcrafted beeswax polish. Wood can be spot cleaned with a damp cloth. Wool is naturally anti-microbial, therefore not requiring strong cleaning. It can also be spot cleaned with a damp cloth.

NOW TO ENTER...please remember you do not have to do all of the entries; but the more you do...the more chances you have at winning!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with ElectronicGirl

Please welcome AnnMarie and her Etsy shop ElectronicGirl



If you are looking for a unique, one of a kind gift for that hard to buy for person...BUT that is full of "geeky awesomeness"...ElectronicGirl has quite the selection for you to check out!

Now let's discover AnnMarie and her Etsy shop ElectronicGirl

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember when i was very little, I think around 5 years old, I would draw pictures with crayons and right next to me my Grandpa would be doing an oil painting of me. My mom still has that painting of me. My grandpa passed on a long time ago.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

A co-worker told me about the site and we both ended up opening shops on Etsy.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My hobby is building electronic art + I'm a girl = ElectronicGirl. Pretty much self-explanatory. :)



Describe what creations you have in your shop?

My most popular items are def the GlowHearts and GlowPixels. However, I do make small figurines of obscure animations too.

What inspirers you?

Really, it could be anything. The color of a flower..the motion the wind makes..how the sun hits something or some concept will just pop into my head. Just never know.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to random things on Pandora or have a movie playing in the background.

Please share a favorite recipe
A super easy and light weight meal I make for myself alot is this:

tortellini
raw shrimp
fresh basil
zucchini
red pepper
garlic
olive oil
lemon
salt/pepper
cherry tomatoes, cut in half



-heat pot of water to boil. add tortellini. cook as directed
-sauté in pan: oil, salt/pep, garlic, zucchini, red pepper. when the zucchini is half cooked add shrimp & juice of lemon to taste.
-when shrimp is cooked. turn off heat. add fresh basil, tomatoes, drained tortellini. toss together. add a little parmesan cheese & serve.
yum!

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter

Tribute Tuesday with Stockannette

Shout out your tributes for Annette and her Etsy shop Stockannette



Hand knit items for the children, adults and the kitty cats in your life!

Annette has offered a 15% off coupon to my readers with coupon code: FAVERITTE

AND she is offering an item from her shop for a GIVEAWAY!!! Please see all of the details to enter below this interview.

Now let's discover Stockannette

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember sitting beside my Grandpa while he was playing “Happy Trails to You” on the organ, and he let me hit the sound effect button that made horse-hoof-like clip-clop noises (he also let me clip-clop on “It’s a Small World” and “My Marie,” too).

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

People saying, “You should SELL these!” or asking, “Where can I buy your knits?”

How did you come up with your shop name?

There is a stitch in knitting called "stockinette" (it’s the one that looks like tiny Vs). Since my name is Annette and I knit every day, Stockannette became the name of my Etsy shop!



Describe what creations you have in your shop? My original designs, including a pumpkin hat (for kids and grown-ups!), baby pom pom hats, scarves, and most recently, cat toys.

What inspires you?

There’s nothing quite like seeing someone smile when they put on something I made. Every time we get those cards with family photos on them and I spot someone wearing one of my creations, it brings me joy!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

The Walking Dead, True Blood, Breaking Bad, Project Runway, John Hughes movies. I love rockabilly and 80s music.

Please share a favorite recipe

Chicken baseballs
3T light cream cheese (softened)
2 tsp. light butter (melted)
4T chopped onion
2T skim milk
a dash of salt and pepper
2 cups cooked cubed chicken
1 tube reduced-fat refrigerator crescent rolls

Combine top 5 ingredients.
Pour over chicken & stir.
Open crescent rolls - make 4 squares (by smushing the diagonal lines together).
Put 1/4 of chicken mixture in the middle of each square. Draw opposite corners together and press to seal ‘seams,’ making into a ball shape.
Bake 20 min at 350○. Makes four (each is 4 Weight Watchers Points, FYI).

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Twitter
Blog
Pinterest
Handmade Movement Group - mission is to give new and undiscovered Etsy shops a boost of hearts and sales, via kindly “Sneak Attacks” twice a week. Some ‘Sneakers’ call me ‘the Reminder Bee’.

NOW LET'S SEE WHAT ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL GET!



Knit Toy for Cat or Kitten...please see other pics here

Measures approximately 68 inches long. Place in garment bag or knotted pillowcase and machine wash in warm water, tumble dry on low.

***THE WINNER MAY RECEIVE THEIR TOY IN A DIFFERENT COLOR THAN WHAT IS SHOWN IN THE PICTURE***

Now to enter...please keep in mind you do not need to do all of the entries for a chance to win...but the more entries you do, the better your chances are of winning :)

PLEASE refer back to "Where else can we find you?" for all of the links.

a Rafflecopter giveaway