Thursday, April 29, 2010

TrendieTreasures




Friday Finds... TrendieTreasures


This is my 26th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy!

Good morning! I'm glad to introduce to you today someone who makes the most beautiful and trendy of clothing for young girls, as well as accessories and fabulous window drapes.
Reema of TrendieTreasures on Etsy is a very busy working mom that manages to work her magic all at the end of her scheduled day, and does it so beautifully it left me really happy to have learnt how much she must put into her business on top of doing her mom duties and her day job too! Totally admirable! I found her store whilst browsing last weekend, not realising initially that it was a very new store as the quality of her product photos is like that of stores you can imagine already doing really well! Stunning photography! And I can definitely see her being someone that will eventually make it like some of the well established Etsy stores as she seems to have all the right ingredients in her application that will make her business a success!


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)



-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) I’m a girl in mid 30’s who loves to design and create handcrafted children’s clothing inspired by kids themselves, cheerful nature and all beautiful things that surround me. I once wanted to be a Pilot, yes, I can fly solo. People call me Reema.


-- What is your business about then? My Etsy store offers handcrafted children’s clothing and drapes/curtains designed with simplicity and creativity.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? I’m a computer friendly person and love to browse web, when I saw what Etsy has to offer, I was inspired to unleash my creativity.


-- Are you working a day job too? Yes, hoping that one day I’ll be able to focus solely on what I love to do and not work 9-5 job.


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I grew up with fabrics all around me in my mom’s boutique. Now, I’m mother of two kids, loved to design for my 5 yr old daughter. This was about six months ago when I started to share my love of creating on Etsy.


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? My kids, I like designs to capture different moments of life, often inspired by kids themselves and their lively nature, leaving a bit of space for the quality fabric to be admired.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Handcrafted, comfortable and sassy!!

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? I wake up early in the morning, get the kids ready for school, drive them to school on my way to work. Come back home early, design and create something for my Etsy shop. My husband picks up the kids.. At night, I’ll catch up with my emails, shop promotion and facebook fans, twitter etc.


-- What's your favorite material and techniques to work with? I love to play with different kinds of fabrics, my favorite fabric is linen, I love the look and texture of linen. Also, flax (the plant which becomes linen) requires fewer pesticides and fertilizers than many other crops.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? Ideally, I would like to focus on Etsy shop and be able to quit my day job!!


-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? Go out with friends and family, we enjoy day trips of hiking, picnics and beach fun during summer. Love to play tennis, go swimming and spent time with my kids.


-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? Anything and everything


-- Any last words? This is what I always wanted to do.. have my own line of handcrafted clothing, accessories and all beautiful things I can imagine…Thanks to Etsy, I’ve been able to make it happen.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Double Digits



Wednesday...Gratitude!

No.10 Yey, I'm in double digits for this new feature! I wasn't too sure how it would catch on but I am really glad that it has been welcomed so well by my readers. And especially for those that has made features including me in some shape or form! It's always nice to say thanks, so to be able to continue doing so in this way, by giving a reciprocated feature for someone else's thoughts towards me or my work makes me happy!

lovely red photography, crafts and pieces of art from the handmade artists of etsy

TREASURIES AND FEATURES I'm going to try a new approach to my layout with this today, so you can enjoy larger images of the wonderful work I happen to love from all those artists that have recently featured some of my work. You can click on them of course to visit the listings directly! I* wish I had the ability to capture full screen shots, as I have only been able to grab the above treasury shot and none of the treasury easts as they are too big for my puny screen! I will link to them however so please stop by to check out all of the great work by the artists these lovely Etsians have featured :)


This gorgeous Black necklace is by a new seller to Etsy from Finland known as helmitarha and they popped me into the treasury featured above, full of all those wonderful and lusty looking reds :) Very grateful for that, the feature is gorgeous! Take the time to check out their store, my gosh I'm in awe at their beadwork!

DodoDesigns on Etsy featured my "fancy a cuppa?" kettle print twice (there's a photablet in their too) in this fabulous treasury east known as I Like To Feel The Wind In My Hair. The purse above is adorable and definitely one of my favourites out of all the textile accessories they have in their store!


CandeezApples on Etsy included my "Sky High" print in her Treasury East called You Are My Sunshine... Gorgeous collection. And also a fab textile worker, there is plenty of gorgeous bags and accessories to enjoy in their store! The Pink Polka Dot bag caught my eye!


So That's it I think for this week. I hope I havent left anyone out... if I have I'll pop you into next weeks feature :)

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Lightkeeping on Etsy



Tuesday - BESTeam Mosaic
weekly shoutout to the dedicated workers that like to help other handmade artists...

Lightkeeping on Etsy... Another brilliant featurer of other artists to show you today!
Lightkeeping on Etsy, also known as Anastasija (beautiful name!) hails from all the way over in Cork, Ireland and makes some of the most beautiful jewelry you'll find on Etsy. She works with lampwork beads, Swarovski crystals, genuine precious and semi-precious gemstones and pearls, and states in her profile that she is very flexible when it comes to customizing pieces to your own preferred standard and gift wraps for free! Perfect for gifting I say for those that want to get something absolutely stunning for their loved ones :)
I have included 6 of my favourites from her store int he mosaic below but i must insist that there is so much that I would have loved to have included, so it's well worth visiting this store to see what else is available!

And Lightkeeping's Blog
... Has such a beautiful botanical look throughout! The banner is stunningly floral and the side bars are packs with more gorgeousness, be it her own information or links to other fabulous places that she supports in the handmade community. And of course the actual posts make a wonderful read, particularly if like myself you enjoy finding out about new artists and crafters from around the world and their work. You can find her musings here... Lightkeeping's blog. Definitely worth visiting when you have a moment!

All items are clickable and will take you directly to Lightkeeping's listings...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Chocolate



Monday Magic... Chocolate!

fareme
Ferrarel
raimondiphotography
86bananas

DreamsFactory
shirleyborchardt
chashway
FullOfGlee
bekandlee

AltarDesigns
2and2

Karmi84

Introducing my 30th installment of my weekly feature, Monday Magic! These Etsy.com sellers all share something special... Fabulous work! Yet, somehow like many sellers on Etsy are wondering where all their admirers are! So this is where I feel it's time to showcase the undiscovered talent of Etsy, on Monday each week so they have a chance to shine like the best of Etsy do :)


All of the sellers names can be typed into the navigation bar on your browser followed with ".etsy.com" (dot etsy dot com) to take you to their stores. Otherwise click on an image to go directly to their listing!


I am now taking requests for next weeks Monday Magic Expo. If you would like to be a part of it, you are required to 0-19 sales in your Etsy store, and the theme is 'Hearts!' Contact me via convo @ http://moonangelnay.etsy.com to send in your requests, plus a link to your suitable item :)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Good Golly



Sunday - Coffee and Cake
weekly musings, articles and mostly babble...

HandmadeSpark NEW TUTORIAL POST... I'm glad to be writing a blog post after my Handmade Spark article has appeared on the HandmadeSpark site today. I'm used to them appearing on Sunday afternoons, but it's nice and early so thanks Tim!
I have a planned de-stress, do nowt at all day today... She says. Whether this will materialize or not depends entirely on whether my little boy doesn't impersonate the ol' Loony Toon Tazmanian Devil, and my efforts to spring into active labor actually works LOL Yes... I will be relaxed when that is established... at least for the first few seconds, but it's the period of chill time AFTER that I seek :)

My article on Handmade Spark is now up!

Finding your spark : Product Photography - Photo Compostition



You can still catch my previous posts here:
* Finding Your Spark - Product Photography - Lighting
* Finding your spark : Product Photography - Getting The Best Out Of Your Photography
* Finding your spark : Product Photography - Making A Lightbox


NON-WORK RAMBLE ... So... no change from last week *sigh*. Still waiting for my squidgy little girl to hurry up out of her dwelling in my tummy. I'm hoping we won't have to force eviction on her like we had to with our little boy at 42 weeks (I don't even want to THINK about that time frame... ooooo stubborn wasn't the word LOL), and even though I am 37 weeks now so far she has been indictating that she may be considering the idea of "the outside world".

I'm just going with it *bounces on the pilates ball*! You know, obviously it'll be good for her to be in there for as long as possible, but the early labor signs have been showing for a few days and I could quite HAPPILY go into active labor if it is meant to be!

We are all suffering for my pregnancy at the mo; the other half having to juggle his job AND the house duties that I am unable to do (reluctantly unable to do... the lack of control is killing me), my son is too young to understand why mommy can't drive him to his weekly groups, take him to parks and is rendered tortoise-like if she is ever left on her back. And me... well I can get on with all this online stuff easily as thank goodness my fingers aren't pregnant, but not being able to stand for more than a few minutes at a time, the slow pace of the housework getting done, and the PAIN is quite the downer!
I had pelvic problems when having my son, so badly that i had to see a chiropractor 4 times a week for 3 months! So far I have battled through avoiding that position in this pregnancy but I am feeling the effects of what remains of my poor bones, although at least I am managing them better. So what may be normally difficult for a woman in her Third Trimester, I am unfortunately unable to do slightly less. And it's doing my nut in so... hurry up baby! I need to be active again! :)

Recent Photography Posted to moonangelnay.etsy.com...
Hungry Caterpillar 5x7 Inch Archival Print. Green, grey and brown. Munching and crunching all in sight, in crystal dew of the morning lightNot All Black and White 5x7 Inch Archival Print. Black and white with hints of blue and pink. Lobelia flowers through night and day, show their true colors in their own special wayPansy Spray 5x7 Inch Archival Print.  Black and white, with hints of pink and rainbow colours. Light bursts forth from a promising bloom
Vintage Rose 8x8 Inch Archival Print. Brown and Pink. Old and failing is expected yet beauty within is forever setPaw Prints 8x8 Inch Archival Print.  Mottled navy blue and rainbow. To take up a challenge in your day, it's a walk in the park that they always sayCoco Pink 8x12 Inch Archival Print. Brown and Pink. Candy Chocolate little Star, Even the plainest of things stand out from afar


NEW STUFF ... I am chuffed to bits to have worked on lots of new prints which have been making their appearence recently in my store! You can catch them in the photos above and of course click them to have a larger look on the actual listings :)
Everything else that is new consists mostly of researching this sodding Page Rank polava, as well as planning a new look for the blog. Nothing radical, but I would like to tidy up the side bar, make it easier for people to subscribe to my feed and to arrange my posts in a way that the page loads faster. I may change it so the posts are partial with a "read more" link, as it'll mean less images on the homepage that slow your PC's down, and introduce static pages devoted to each section of the blog... as well as bringing in 3 more catagories that should have been done a million years ago (tuesdays and wednesdays are being neglected!). Any opinions are welcome!

That's it for now. Have a great weekend all!


moonangelnay x

Thursday, April 22, 2010

KatrinShine



Friday Finds... KatrinShine


This is my 25th interview of the amazing not-so-well-known artists of Etsy!

Hi everyone! Another Friday Finds for you all to enjoy, and another new artist is ready to tell you more about herself!
For today's feature, I would like to bring to your attention the amazing textile jewelry and fashion workings of KatrinShine on Etsy! I noticed Ekatrina's store initially through noticing her presence in my Etsy forum threads. I am on there daily so I always notice if someone new pops up, and considering she had been posting for a while up to that point I thought it was about time to get in touch and ask if she'd like to do the interview! I had always enjoyed checking out her new stuff when she offered her gorgeous promotions up in the threads, so I'm very excited that she gave the time to take part!
I'm not used to interviewing anyone in Europe other than the UK, so I was really interested that she lives in Italy and intrigued by her working processes, as you will see there is loads of vibrant and unique variety in her work!


(Just click the images to go direct to the listings)



-- Tell me a bit about you! (Name, Age, Location, and give us a random fact whilst you're at it.) My name is Ekaterina Fedotova, I'm 29 y.o.. I'm from Russia but I’m living in Italy because my husband is Italian. From the last 2 years I’m living in Brindisi.


-- What is your business about then? I create textile jewellery, bags and pillow covers in Patchwork spiral stile, boned corsets and bustiers and also medieval and historical dresses. Right now I'm making a lot of new necklaces because I found amazing silky fabrics. I also think that I’ll create bracelets and earrings from this fabric.


-- How did Etsy come into your life? Until 6 months ago I had never heard about Etsy. But after moving in Italy I didn’t find a work and decided to open online shop. After browsing in Internet I found Etsy and fell in love with.


-- Are you working a day job too? No, I have my days full between my husband, friends, house work and my creations.


-- How long has the artist in you been 'unleashed' for? I have been an artist all my life and I have been loved to do something creative for me, my family or my friends. I finished Art School and this can say all for you. From my childhood I like very much all kind of needle and craft work. I sewn dresses for my dolls or something for me and my family. I always try to put in my job some part of me and make it most qualitatively.


-- What has been the inspiration behind your business? I inspired from all world around me, colours and textures. When I see some amazing fabric I at once have many ideas what I can create from it. And than I like to observe how my ideas put into life.


-- If you could describe your products in three words, what would you tell me? Unique, creative, brightly

-- What would an average working day for you be like from dawn til dusk? I wake up at 8:00 with my husband and after he gone to work I go to the computer to look my e-mail, blog, facebook etc. I renew items on Etsy, check in on forums quickly, promote my store. Then use all my morning to create new items, to make and edit photos. At 1:00 when my husband return at home before a lunch we go to run 3-5 km in park. Afternoon I use to do my homework, but also to study because I do postgraduate studies.


-- What's your favorite material and techniques to work with? Of course fabrics!! I like to sew anything, but my favourite technique is Patchwork Spiral stile. This particular technique gives room to imagination as small pieces of fabric assemble an inimitable design, that’s why every piece of work made in this style is very unique and original.


-- What is your ideal vision for the future for you and your work? I would love to open a real business, trade mark – not just working at home. And to be fabulously successful would be nice.


-- Away from work, what do you like to do for fun or to wind down? I go out with my husband or friends in bar or in cinema, read something. Sometimes in summer I partecipate to historical festivals and Role playing games. Also I study Pizzica (Tarantella Salentina) – it’s traditional dance of this region of Italy, called Salento.


-- What are you likely to search for on Etsy? I like to search necklaces and bracelets! I flip over it - only fancy how many I have at home? Also I’m searching fabrics, but there are so many things which I want :)


-- Any last words? I love working with custom orders, so if you didn’t find the bag in colour what you want you always can order it. I can create any corset you want. All corsets and dresses in my shop I can sew in other colour and size.
Thanks for the opportunity - been great to discover the broader Etsy community! I hope people enjoy my shop and will find something they love!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

lovely lovely



Wednesday...Gratitude!

No.9!!! I have had an interesting week thanks to the new Etsy Treasury East and the fact that i hit 600 hearts in my store!
I haven't had the time to make a treasury myself lately but it has been lovely to find out that some people have popped some of my work into their own so I'm pretty chuffed about that and of course want to offer my thanks for spreading the word about my work! So obviously today's feature is dedicated to those lovely Etsy artists and also due to the lateness of the BESTeam list last week I can now offer my thanks to one of my fellow members for featuring me on her blog!

TREASURIES There are 4 lovely treasuries that I have managed to find myself in the past week. Three being treasury easts and one normal treasury. If you check out the 4 photos on the left they will take you to each of the sellers items (that I love!) and I'll let you know just who they belong to now from top to bottom. OwlSomeGifts on Etsy is at the top with this little cutey, and when visiting their store you'll find a whole host of owls to enjoy! They are a fellow BESTeam member and kindly popped me into their treasury. It has expired though so no link I'm afraid!



The first treasury east I made it into was one curated by ClassicallySimple on Etsy, who has a beautiful jewelry store full of fabulous pieces that you should definitely sheck out! Another BESTeam member too so I am glad to return the favour and I'm sure you'll see this fab store for a bigger feature again on my blog sometime in the future.




The second treasury east I made it into was one curated by SloaneSiklos on Etsy, who has a gorgeous Art shop and happens to be newish to Etsy! I always urge people that visit my blog to check out the sellers with 0-19 sales so please do check this store out, some of the pieces as you can see on the left are stunning!




The last treasury east I made it into was one curated by WeeSparrow on Etsy, called Dream, and the collection of items here are just wonderful! They are from the UK like myself and have a lovely jewelry store fully of vibrant pieces and the prices are pretty good too! The earrings on the left are my faves!




FEATURES Well this was a lovely read when I noticed it go up. SwanMountainSoaps on Etsy popped me into a fab blog feature last week that really made me smile for how sweet it was, and how the philosophy behind my art was really focused on! BlueMountainsoaps' store is something else, it really is. I had a browse after gushing all over their beautiful blog to find it REALLY hard to leave lol! It's just beautiful, and I'll definitely be trying some of their skin products someday!


So That's it I think for this week. I hope I havent left anyone out... if I have I'll pop you into next weeks feature :)

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

YoursTrulyDear on Etsy



Tuesday - BESTeam Mosaic
weekly shoutout to the dedicated workers that like to help other handmade artists...

YoursTrulyDear on Etsy... I had this grand list yesterday of things I hoped to achieve by the end of the day. Yet alas, it all fell apart by the time I got the little man up to bed, and at that point all I wanted to do was go to bed myself lol!!! But I took the time to have a look at the newly curated BESTeam feature list to see whom I would be showing off to you all today. And I was delighted to be welcomed to a blog and store full of some of my favourite things! Cute kids and crocheted items! Yey!
YoursTrulyDear on Etsy, who calls herself Miss Jess on her blog is a college student (soon to graduate!) from Utah. After visiting her store (this is a team effort shop by the way!), you just can't help but come away smiling. There are waaaaaaaay too many cute pictures of lil ones showing off her work on there, and everything looks great which I'm sure you'll see in the mosaic!
I think she deserves a grand pat on the back for both managing her store alongside college as I know how hard it can be just being a mom and trying to do the same! Her work shows off a very fun and free quality which is expressed with gusto on her Etsy homepage that to me shows that a lot of pride and release comes with being able to do what she loves outside of her "have to do's" of the day! Well worth visiting this store!

And YoursTrulyDear's Blog
... Is a stunningly wonderful blog to both look at and read through. The banner opens the page with the title "The Mundane Adventures Of Miss Jess", yet her adventures hardly give you the impression of the 'feeling' associated with the mundane from the way she writes. Her style of expressing herself in words is very lighthearted, entertaining in many ways and I do believe that this is one of her outlets of release that reflects the fun aspect of her nature in the same way her work does in the shop. So for anything she may consider mundane in her world, she gives you a very positive impression into what may be something of the complete opposite in reality! I always admire when people can look into the mundane or difficult things in their lives and come out of the fray smiling or laughing even. This lady definitely is one of those people! YoursTrulyDear's blog is worth visiting too when you have a moment!

All items are clickable and will take you directly to YoursTrulyDear's listings...