Welcome Wednesday with Royale Couture Jewels

Please welcome Royale Couture Jewels on Etsy

Looking for a little bling for a great gift? Then let's discover Royale Couture Jewels

What is your first creative memory?

The first creative memory I have was when I went to a local craft store and was looking through all of their gorgeoous beads and started to piece everything together! It was amazing!


Who or what began your creative journey on Etsy?

My wonderful and inspiring grandmother began my journey. She was so into crafts that I decided to follow her foot steps and start making bracelets myself. Everytime I come up with a new design, she is first to be shown. We have a great "crafty" bond.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I came up with my shop name because I wanted to have an elegant title for my jewels to be known by. I want my customers to love it too and before the name was finalized they helped give there opinions. They thought it was a great name that reflected me and my bracelets.

Please describe the items in your shop

In my shop we sell "Sideways Cross Bracelets" they are comfortable, stretchy bracelets that can be made with a variety of beads. The bracelets are made for women, men, children, and babies. They are great as gifts and for a bride along with her bridesmaids. We also sell "Rhinestone Love Bracelets" which are also stretchy and can be made with a variety of beads. They are grat for any occasion and add a gorgeous look to any outfit.

What inspires you?

What inspires me is my Grandmother. She would always make jewelry when I was younger and I always wanted to be like her. I took a plunge and started making bracelets which I love to do. My grandmother gives the stamp of approval on each bracelet.

What do you watch or listen to while creating?

While creating, I watch any show on the BRAVO! Network , I absolutely love their shows and each person on every show has a distinct jewelry style which inspires me to create bracelets!


Please share a favorite recipe

A favorite recipe of mine is low calorie chocolate cake which I saw on Hungry Girl. You need chocolate cake mix, club soda, and low fat hot chocolate packets. You mix it All together and add it into a cake pan, heat it up for 350 degrees and wait 20-30 minutes! I do it a bit different then the actual recipe but it still comes out great.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook

Now please show Royale Couture Jewels some Etsy love and visit her shop!

Salutations Sunday with Tennessee Craft Company

Please shout out your salutations for Michelle and her Etsy shop Tennessee Craft Company

With quaint, country living decor; Tennessee Craft Company has great items to complete your simple living look that will also make great gifts!

Michelle has offered a drawing for one lucky winner! Please read about the details at the end of this interview. Now let's discover Tennesse Craft Company.

What is the first creative memory you have?

I guess that would have to be coloring with my mom. I always loved to color when I was small. After that I would have to say making my first quilt. My grandmother showed me how to hand piece it, and when I finished that she quilted it, so that quilt is very special to me and I have it hanging in my bedroom.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I had heard of Etsy through friends and on the Internet. I went and checked it out one day and I knew I wanted to open my own shop.

How did you come up with your shop name?

I wanted my shop name to be a true reflection of me, but also say something about my shop. I chose Tennessee Craft Company. The Tennessee part is of course because I live in TN and always have and am very proud of my heritage. The Craft Company part covers all the things I like to do and thought I might want to list in my shop at some point. I love all things crafty, so this was a good fit for me.

Describe what items you have in your shop

I sell Mason jar soap dispensers in various sizes and lid options, and Mason jar pin cushions. I love Mason jars and the look it brings to a room. These dispensers can be used for soap, hand sanitizer, lotions, and anything else that needs a pump dispenser.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my heritage. I remember Mason jars growing up used for canning and drinking glass, and I like to think that my soap dispensers are a little part of the past that I can bring into something we can use today.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to the television going in the other room. Actually it just provides some background noise as I really don't know what the show is about. I just like to have a low noise going on around me since I am so used to noise all the time.

Please share a favorite recipe.

That would hands down be crock pot roast, carrots, and potatoes. Just throw them all in the crock pot with a seasoning pack and let it cook. It is so delicious and reheated seconds only get better.

Where else can we find you?

Facebook
Blog

For anyone who orders from Tennessee Craft Company through the end of April; Michelle will be putting their name in for a drawing to win a free pint size soap dispenser with a white pump and galvanized metal lid. The drawing will take place on May 1st, 2012.

Now please show Michelle some love and tell us which is your favorite item in her Etsy shop...while browsing her great creations; why not favorite her shop and a couple of her items too? Thanks for following and I hope you enjoyed learning about Tennessee Craft Company!

***Tennessee Craft Company has offered one of her items on my facebook page for my "fAveritte creations appreciations 1000 Facebook fans GIVEAWAY!!!" Check it out here...and have fun and good luck :)

Welcome Wednesday with Bankie Baby and a Giveaway

Please welcome Katey and her Etsy shop Bankie Baby

We love the babies and children in our lives so deeply. Katey creates unique gifts the baby in your life will love for years and years to come. Perfect for baby shower gifts or for your own little one.

Katey has offered a wonderful giveaway from her shop Bankie Baby...details are at the end of her interview.

Now let's discover Bankie Baby!

What is the first creative memory you have?

My first creative memory is intimately tied to the first family garden that my mother planted. I was 4 or 5 and we'd just moved to a new house and finally had a little yard. I remember sitting out in the sun with her, popping little white bean seeds into the cool spring soil. I remember how novel it felt to see my mom getting her hands dirty and how amazing it was when the beans finally popped up. Later in the summer it was incredible it was to eat those first sweet, green beans. It felt like a revelation to experience being connected to nature like that. And that feeling has inspired my personal creations ever since.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I was introduced to etsy by my friend (and now sister-in-law!) Liz Dickey. She makes amazing clocks made from recycled bicycle gears. Her store is: 1.by.liz. When Liz told me about etsy, I had been making and selling organic baby blankets wholesale for many years. She inspired me to create an etsy store as a way to get some of my more creative and personal baby blankets out in the world.

How did you come up with your shop name?

My shop name comes from my family name, Behnke (pronounced Bankie). My mother began the Bankie Baby journey more than 25 years ago when she started making polyester fleece baby blankets under the name "Bankie by Behnke". When I took over the business in 2006, switched to 100% organic cotton fleece and I changed the name to "Bankie Baby" to make it cuter, and easier to remember (and spell!).

Describe what creations you have in your shop

I make personalized, super-soft organic baby blankets! Each one has a unique, colorful, applique design, usually featuring a parent and baby animal combination. They are bright, cute and sweet and can be personalized with baby's name to make an unforgettable one-of-a-kind gift.

What insprires you?

I am inspired by the love that people have for the new babies in their lives. I have witnessed this love both personally and professionally and it is something that I strive to give expression to in every one of my blankets. My feeling is that each baby comes into this world unique and beautiful and I hope that my blankets offer a way to express that love.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I listen to music and sometimes books on tape. Right now I am in the middle of listening to the Lord of the Ring Trilogy. I'm also embarrassed to admit that I like to keep up on General Hospital and all sorts of other "bad tv" while making my blankets.

Please share a favorite recipe

Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake (based on a Bon Appetit recipe, 2002)
Makes 10-12 servings

Ingredients:
I C (2 sticks) butter
8 ounces of chocolate (semi sweet or dark depending on your preference)
1 C sugar
1 C unsweetened cocoa powder
6 eggs

Preheat oven to 350F. Butter 10" springform pan. Line the bottom with waxed paper. Gently melt butter and chocolate over low heat. Stir to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Mix sugar and cocoa in a large bowl. Add eggs, whisk to mix. Slowly whisk in chocolate/butter mixture. Pour batter into your cake pan. Bake for about 45 min, or until a tester inserted int he center comes out clean. Cool cake completely on a rack. Run a knife around the sides of the pan, release the spring. Cover and refrigerate. Keeps well for a week inthe fridge.

Serve cool, or slice and rewarm in the oven.

This cake is super chocolatey and rich. Delicious by itself or with a chocolate butter cream frosting!

Where else can we find you?

My business website is: www.bankiebaby.com
Facebook

Now to see what one lucky winner will win!

Set of Two Organic Lovie Baby Blankets -- Personalized Free for Your Hip Eco Baby

*****Katey will personalize them with one name on each blanket.
*****Ships free in the USA.

The blankets measures 16"x 16", the perfect size for little hands and arms to hold and snuggle. The topside of these adorable lovies are made with 100% certified organic cotton fleece and sport a darling poppy heart. The backside is made in the mirror image with poppy fabric and a sweet organic white heart.

Katey carefully designs, cuts and sews every blanket.
Machine Washable.
Handmade. 100% Made in the USA.

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

Welcome Wednesday with Favor Me Designs and a Giveaway

Please welcome Janice and her Etsy shop Favor Me Designs

If you need any decor for any holiday, Favor Me Designs is the place to look. Everything is created from paper for those special occasions. Janice knows the importance of making that special event uniquely yours. She would be happy to work with you to achieve the look you desire for your special occasion.

Currently she is running a promotion for 15% off of your purchase from her shop with coupon code: FAVORME

Favor Me Designs is offering a great giveaway...please see the details at the end of this post or check it out under the "Giveaways" tab under my blog header. One lucky winner!

What is the first creative memory you have?

I was never very creative as a child. I do remember my mother holding knitting lessons for myself and some friends at around the age of 7. The only thing I ever managed to make was a very long, uneven scarf. I discovered paper crafting via scrapbooking after my son was born and fell in love with it. It's the one craft that I can say I do pretty well at.




What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

My sister introduced me to Etsy a few years back as a shopper. I decided a year ago to give the selling thing a try-mostly to justify all my "toy purchases". It has really grown significantly and now my goal is to hopefully turn my little shop into a full time job. I have a ways to go yet but I think it is attainable.

How did you come up with your shop name?

When I initially was planning my shop I thought I would center it around wedding invititations and favor boxes and a friend came up with the name favor me. Well the wedding thing has taken a detour and I'm now doing children's parties and loving it. No one appreciates the concept of theme parties like children!

Describe what creations you have in your shop?

I have birthday and name banners and party favors, little gift boxes and am open to creating anything paper.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by my child. He keeps me up on all the trends for kids. I also receive some great inspiration from my customers. My favorite banner is my Dr. Seuss photo banner that was a custom request from a customer.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

Lately I've been listening to Lady Gaga or Adele. I also like to catch up on tv shows on my computer-that I miss when I am stuck in my room creating. Last weekend I watched all 5 episodes of this season's Voice.

Share a favorite recipe

One of my favorite recipes is a knock off of Outback's Chopped Blue Cheese Salad.

Ingredients
Candied cinnamon pecans
1/3 cup pecans sliced-lengthwise

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 Tablespoon dark brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons butter, melted
Salad
3 cups chopped butter or bibb lettuce
3 cups chopped red leaf lettuce
3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
1 green onion, chopped
Blue cheese vinaigrette dressing
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Slice each pecan half into at least three lengthwise pieces.
Combine the cinnamon and brown sugar.
Toss the pecans with the melted butter, then with the cinnamon/sugar mixture, making sure to coat them all evenly.
Put the nuts on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5 to 8 minutes, until sugar is caramelized.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and slide the pecans off of the parchment to cool.
Chop all of the lettuce into small bite-sized pieces; and rinse them with cool water.
Slice the green onion.
Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
Place the chopped lettuce into a serving bowl large enough to allow you to toss the salad.
Add the vinaigrette and toss thoroughly.
Sprinkle with the chopped onion.
Break the cooled pecan slices apart and sprinkle them over the salad.
Enjoy!

Where else can we find you?

Blog

Now for the giveaway.....drum roll please.....Favor Me Designs is giving away a $15 gift certificate to her Etsy shop!!! You could have stunning decorations handmade by Janice for your next special occassion!

***You do not have to do all of the entry options...but keep in mind, the more you do the higher your chances are of winning!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Now please go show Favor Me Designs some love at her Etsy shop!

Welcome Wednesday with Bow Peeps And More

Please welcome Paisley and her Etsy shop Bow Peeps And More

What little girl doesn’t want to be a princess or ballerina and twirl around the house?! Bow Peeps And More will provide you with a cute assortment of girly accessories for any occasion...birthdays, holidays or just a fun and adorable ensemble for everyday dress up!

Currently she is running a promotion for 10% off or your purchase with coupon code PRINCESS10

Now let's meet Paisley and discover her Etsy shop, Bow Peeps And More!

What is the first creative memory you have?

I remember very vaguely making my dad a “lucky fishing hat” for father’s day when I was about 5. Looking at it now, it was the most horrific thing! But my dad still wore it and still has it to this day!

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?

I wanted this headband so badly that I saw in Claire’s. Instead of over paying for something I could easily make myself, I gave it a try. Once I started making bows and headbands, I couldn’t stop! I was receiving lots of compliments and people told me I should start selling them!

How did you come up with your shop name?

I thought about my shop name for a long time. It’s so hard to come up with something that defines what you do! I asked my family for suggestions, and my dad came up with Bow Peeps. I added the And More because of the tutus I make.

Describe what creations you have in your shop?
I make tutus, hair bows, and headbands that are EXTRA girly ;]

What inspires you?

The birth of my newest cousin and best friend’s baby definitely inspires me. Seeing all of the cute little outfits they have, I want to make accessories for all of them! The tutus I make just make me smile when I finish one...they are so pretty! I love to see pictures of the girls wearing them.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I’m a big movie fan, so I usually watch a movie while working on my inventory. My guilty pleasure is the 100 Years of Disney boxed set; so many times it’s a Disney movie!


Please share a favorite recipe.
Crab dip! This is so delicious

Where else can we find you?
Facebook

Please show Paisley some love and visit her Etsy shop , heart her shop and favorite a few of her items. Leave us a blog post of some of your favorite items from her shop so we can check them out too :) Don't forget to like her on facebook also...tell her fAveritte creations sent you!

Welcome Wednesday with Mylana and a Giveaway

Please welcome Clare and her Etsy shop, Mylana

Ecclectic, bright, and unusual are the key words she uses to describe her shop filled with soaps, candles and jewelry. I love her use of recycled materials for her packaging and shipping. Most of her soaps are vegan, with her most popular recipe containing olive oil and coconut oil, for a simple, but luxurious soap.

Currently, she is running a promotion with the code "TEAMBORO" for 15 % off.

Mylana has also offered two of her items from her shop for a giveaway...please see the details at the end of this post or check it out under the "Giveaways" tab under my blog header. One lucky winner will win both!

Let's meet Clare and discover her Etsy shop, Mylana.

What is the first creative memory you have?

The first memory I have relating to something creative is when I was maybe 4 or 5, I was looking at the wood knots and patterns in our garage door and I remember later trying to replicate the swirls and lines in a drawing.

What or whom began your creative journey on Etsy?
After my husband died in 2010 of cancer, my sister contacted the site Regretsy (features the worst things on etsy) about having an urn donated for his ashes, because we couldn't afford one, or his funeral. When they said yes and donated the urn, I looked at the

site and then thought about Etsy and wondered if I should set up a shop for some extra money.

How did you come up with your shop name?
I like to play the video game World of Warcraft and it was the name of my first character- a troll priestess.

Describe what creations you have in your shop?
Mainly, I make soap, candles, and jewelry. I do have some odds and ends like magnet and incense, but those are items I only make occasionally.

What insprires you?
I try to be inspired to make things out of what I have versus planning on what to make and ordering ingredients. I want to use up materials I have first. My biggest inspiration is nature and foods. Lately, I have been on a big green tea kick- I love that scent!

What do you listen to or watch while creating?
I usually listen to the itunes radio. I like new age music and some electronica/dance. I also like Tori Amos.

Please share a favorite recipe
I love to cook and usually don't use recipes, just add a pinch of this and a handfull of that, but this is th e basic version of an easy vegetarian chili I make:
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can black beans
1 can red beans
1 12oz package frozen corn
2 pouches of Chili Seasoning
1/2 Onion, Diced
Salt and Spices to taste (garlic, red pepper flakes, cumin)

I mix everything together in a stockpot and simmer it for about 30 minutes, adding water if it gets too thick. This freezes up really well.

Where else can we find you?
Facebook
Twitter
I only sell on Etsy right now, but I do blog for our regional Tennessee Etsy Team:
borocrafters.blogspot.com/

Now see what you can win!

Winner will get BOTH pairs of earrings!!!
***You do not have to do all of the entry options...but keep in mind, the more you do the higher your chances are of winning!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome Wednesday with a GIVEAWAY!!!

Here is my first Welcome Wednesday post where I will be featuring an Etsy shop every Wednesday. I am starting with my shop fAveritte creations and I will also be doing a $15 gift certificate giveaway to my shop! I will announce the winner on Wednesday, Feb. 8th. Please see how to enter at the end of this post under "read more"...super easy to enter!

Welcome Wednesday with fAveritte creations

What is the first creative memory you have?

For me it was making mud pies and painting our childhood tree house with the mud. I would use tree limbs as my paint brushes. I also hung up some gunny sack curtains out of old grain bags.

What or whom began your creative journey?

I found out I was pregnant with my first child and wanted to create his nursery decor. I received a cute fleece blanket with bright primary colors and friendly monsters...this sparked the inspiration for his decor. I made everything from his mobile to his bumper pad to wall decor and even some stuffed monster dolls. I also made a prayer flag with monsters on it and a fellow student suggest I check out Etsy and market my flags on there. So I did and here I am :)

How did you come up with your shop name?

My married last name is Averitte...we have to tell many people how to pronounce it. "It's like favorite without the f." So I stuck the f in front of Averitte and came up with fAveritte creations!

Describe what creations you have in your shop?

I have many, many silly creations...and over half of my shop is custom products. I create alot of superhero/robot inspired pj and tooth fairy pillows for boys; I create custom peace sign pillows and ladybug pillows for girls that match their bedroom deocor; earrings; custom prayer flags for kids bedrooms to match their decor; many unique toys like a dinosaur or caterpillar stick hobby horse; birthday party fabric goody loot bags and the list goes on...numerous unique creations for the young and young at heart.

What inspires you?

Everything that is bright and colorful and silly! I love loud patterns on fabric and coordinating them together. Many of my sons coloring books, clothes, reading books and toys also inspire the kid in me to flow out into most of my creations. My husband also has a great talent for whipping out fun and creative drawings...many of my items facial expressions are inspired by some of his silly drawings.

What do you listen to or watch while creating?

I either have an old sitcom on like Wonder Years or Everybody Loves Raymond (that is if my son is not watching Sesame Street or Thomas)...or I will listen to anything accoustic. City and Colour, Iron and Wine, Ray LaMontagne...just to name a few.

Please share a favorite recipe

I LOVE me some Frog Eye Salad! http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Frog-Eyed-Salad/

Where else can we find you?

Etsy shop - http://www.etsy.com/shop/fAverittecreations?ref=si_shop

Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/fAveritte-creations/167262824900

Blog - http://www.faverittecreations.blogspot.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/AmyAveritte

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/favecreations/