If you are looking for a unique gift, stop by her shop.
Here is one of her creations, a hooked rug tapestry wall hanging:
This is a blog about creative fashion, art, interior, graphics, and handmade products. Zoica Matei and Susan Newberry share their tips, experiences, and invite you to join the conversation. There are DIY projects, pictures of handmade art, and links to shops.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Friday Finds Hand Hooked Tapestry and Snow Fashion
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! This week’s theme was “Snow Fashion” and we selected a lovey treasury curated by Vanessa Turnbull from “HeartWishezStudio. In her Etsy shop, Vanessa offers unique hand hooked tapestry wall art, needle felted gifts and souls searching acrylic paintings.
If you are looking for a unique gift, stop by her shop.
Here is one of her creations, a hooked rug tapestry wall hanging:
Treasury by Vanessa:
"Snow Fashion"
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Christmas trends”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
If you are looking for a unique gift, stop by her shop.
Here is one of her creations, a hooked rug tapestry wall hanging:
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Artist Showcase - Simply French Market
Welcome to another edition of Artist Showcase. I know I am a day late, but better late than never, right?
Because of my love for all things French, I have chosen the shop Simply French Market. The owners are a husband and wife team, Terri and Andy. Their shop consists of rustic, cottage, and French home décor. They design beautiful burlap pillows, artwork, and shower curtains. If you love shabby chic, you are sure to love their items.
Here are some of their beautiful designs.
Here are some of their beautiful designs.
French Country Rooster Pillow
Follow Simple French Market on Facebook
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
I hope you enjoyed seeing a few of Terri's lovely designs. Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be featured, just drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, November 21, 2014
Friday Finds: Unique Gift to Yourself :)
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! This week’s theme was “Unique Gifts” and we selected a lovey treasury curated by Lisa Carmichael from “CLEARSKINMinerals”.
In her Etsy shop, Lisa offers organic mineral makeup and acne safe makeup. She also accepts custom orders.
You can find her shop here.
You can also visit her website and her blog
If you are not sure what to start with ( like me) pick a sample of her makeup. It contains foundation and blush of ypur choice as well as Soothing Rice Powder veil. This week is in sale too!
Treasury:
Unique Holiday Gifts
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Snow Fashion”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
In her Etsy shop, Lisa offers organic mineral makeup and acne safe makeup. She also accepts custom orders.
You can find her shop here.
If you are not sure what to start with ( like me) pick a sample of her makeup. It contains foundation and blush of ypur choice as well as Soothing Rice Powder veil. This week is in sale too!
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Unique Bride and Groom or Anniversay Gifts
If you are looking for a unique gift to a new married couple that moved into their first home, or a gift for your parents who are celebrating many years of marriage, here is an idea: A custom hand drawing of their house with a custom message, ready to frame.
This is something that would be cherished and last for years to come.
It could be a special Christmas gift for the couple who is celebrating the Holidays in their first home, too.
The drawing could also have the couple's names, wedding date and address, and a special message like:
"Our First Home"
"And They Lived happily Ever After"
You can find these drawing examples in my Zoia shop.
Here is an example of my popular hand drawings:
This is something that would be cherished and last for years to come.
It could be a special Christmas gift for the couple who is celebrating the Holidays in their first home, too.
The drawing could also have the couple's names, wedding date and address, and a special message like:
"Our First Home"
"And They Lived happily Ever After"
You can find these drawing examples in my Zoia shop.
Here is an example of my popular hand drawings:
Here is a watercolor house drawing decorated for Christmas:
I hope you like my gift idea. If your loved one is a young girl, teen or tween I have multiple custom illustrations in my shop, and remember that your idea can be brought to reality too!
Until next time...
Visit Zoica's profile on Pinterest.
Monday, November 17, 2014
Artist Showcase - Aralia Designs
Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase. This week's artist is Cherie from Aralia Designs. Aralia Designs has beautiful unique handcrafted jewelry.
How did you get your start?
Really, it started when I first began buying retail jewelry. I would get it home and examine it thinking if I changed this and added that I would like it better. Before I knew it I was repairing jewelry for family members and taking classes at my local bead shops. My daughters actually suggested Etsy as a great venue. I had never heard of it and now I can’t imagine life without it!
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I am part of an entrepreneurial family - small business just seems to be part of our DNA. Helping my father start a company 30 years ago was a great learning experience. One of my daughters has a growing pet photography business and the other is just beginning a baby layette business.
Aralia Designs is a dream come true for me as I can work at home around family needs and during the hours that I’m most creative and productive. My husband appreciates this and is very supportive. Yet, many of my projects are portable and technology is such that my business is with me wherever I go.
I am part of an entrepreneurial family - small business just seems to be part of our DNA. Helping my father start a company 30 years ago was a great learning experience. One of my daughters has a growing pet photography business and the other is just beginning a baby layette business.
Aralia Designs is a dream come true for me as I can work at home around family needs and during the hours that I’m most creative and productive. My husband appreciates this and is very supportive. Yet, many of my projects are portable and technology is such that my business is with me wherever I go.
How did you get your start?
Really, it started when I first began buying retail jewelry. I would get it home and examine it thinking if I changed this and added that I would like it better. Before I knew it I was repairing jewelry for family members and taking classes at my local bead shops. My daughters actually suggested Etsy as a great venue. I had never heard of it and now I can’t imagine life without it!
Where do you get your inspiration?
It’s everywhere. Nature is a great source of inspiration for color and shape. Surprisingly, so is fresh food! I watch closely what people are wearing in person and on television. I also read whatever I can in newspapers and magazines about upcoming color and style trends in clothing, jewelry and even home goods and furniture.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Probably that first review – it was positive! This is a customer oriented business. Pleasing the people that shop with me is my greatest success!
It’s everywhere. Nature is a great source of inspiration for color and shape. Surprisingly, so is fresh food! I watch closely what people are wearing in person and on television. I also read whatever I can in newspapers and magazines about upcoming color and style trends in clothing, jewelry and even home goods and furniture.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Probably that first review – it was positive! This is a customer oriented business. Pleasing the people that shop with me is my greatest success!
What challenges do you face selling online?
Well, trying to present your pieces accurately. Size, scale, quality, color, texture.....these are all difficult to convey in print. I try to use a model as often as I can. It helps to give the shopper perspective and hopefully to imagine what the piece would look like on her.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Put your heart into it. And while initially you may feel that everyone is your competitor, it isn’t really so. Etsy is a very welcoming community offering tremendous support and learning resources. Use them and remember to give back through treasuries showcasing other’s work and through the many teams. You probably won’t get rich but you’ll meet a lot of wonderful people!
Well, trying to present your pieces accurately. Size, scale, quality, color, texture.....these are all difficult to convey in print. I try to use a model as often as I can. It helps to give the shopper perspective and hopefully to imagine what the piece would look like on her.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Put your heart into it. And while initially you may feel that everyone is your competitor, it isn’t really so. Etsy is a very welcoming community offering tremendous support and learning resources. Use them and remember to give back through treasuries showcasing other’s work and through the many teams. You probably won’t get rich but you’ll meet a lot of wonderful people!
Thank you Cherie for sharing your story with us. If you would like to see more of Cherie's beautiful designs, follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be considered, please drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, November 14, 2014
Friday Finds Autumn Romance
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! This week’s theme was “Autumn Romance” and we selected a lovey treasury curated by Cherie, from “AraliaDesigns”.
Cherie has unique handcrafted jewelry in her shop, and her Sea Velvet Collection is one of a kind. You can check it out here.
Here is one of her beautiful designs:
We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Unique Gifts”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop.
Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time…
Zoica
Cherie has unique handcrafted jewelry in her shop, and her Sea Velvet Collection is one of a kind. You can check it out here.
Here is one of her beautiful designs:
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
How to Think Outside the Box and Free Printable
What does it mean to "think outside the box?" Next time you have a project, try and find a new way to do it. Here is a free printable to help get you in the mood.
1. Learn to listen. Stay quiet and listen to what other people are saying.
2. Ask a Child. Children are known to have great imaginations. Try to view things through their eyes.
3. Brainstorm. List and counter list and then list again. Let your mind go free.
4. Use both sides of your brain. First think in analytical terms only. Then think about it from an emotional point of view. Which works better?
5. Sleep on it. Allow your mind to daydream. Who knows you might come up with something when you least expect it.
6. Surround yourself with creative people. Their creativity might just rub off on you. You'll be inspired when other people are inspired.
7. Work backwards. Start with the end goal - what you want to accomplish and work backwards. What is it going to take for you to get there?
8. Ask questions. Being creative requires an inquisitive mind. Ask yourself why, how, when, etc.
9. Get out of your comfort zone. Try something different; gain new insights. Who knows you may find something you really love.
10. Don't be afraid to try something new. Look for unconventional solutions. Be willing to change.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Right click on image and save to your computer.
1. Learn to listen. Stay quiet and listen to what other people are saying.
2. Ask a Child. Children are known to have great imaginations. Try to view things through their eyes.
3. Brainstorm. List and counter list and then list again. Let your mind go free.
4. Use both sides of your brain. First think in analytical terms only. Then think about it from an emotional point of view. Which works better?
5. Sleep on it. Allow your mind to daydream. Who knows you might come up with something when you least expect it.
6. Surround yourself with creative people. Their creativity might just rub off on you. You'll be inspired when other people are inspired.
7. Work backwards. Start with the end goal - what you want to accomplish and work backwards. What is it going to take for you to get there?
8. Ask questions. Being creative requires an inquisitive mind. Ask yourself why, how, when, etc.
9. Get out of your comfort zone. Try something different; gain new insights. Who knows you may find something you really love.
10. Don't be afraid to try something new. Look for unconventional solutions. Be willing to change.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Monday, November 10, 2014
Artist Showcase - Pillowlink
Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase where the spotlight is on Rosita from Pillowlink. Rosita makes beautiful and decorative pillow covers and throws made from natural fabrics.
I lost my job during 2008th crisis and had to do something for living. We tried emigrate to North to earn some money for living, but it did not work for me as I found myself very nostalgic about my country. I came back from North and decided that I am pretty strong to work out some idea to earn at least for living. I made some research and in 2011 December opened my pillows shop Pillowlink :)
Where do you get your inspiration?
I found it in many daily things. Simplicity and nature is most inspiring aspects. Also help to others are very important part of my daily work. At the moment I am helping to local artists find some way to sell their handmade items. The selling is not the main point I think - creating and making process is the engine. From it depends - will you sell or not.
I think I am not very successful person:) I have to work a lot to get same what others get just as lottery.. So I find successful moments while working. But if I have to say - the biggest successful moment is that I found Etsy in 2008th accidently. The co-worker of husband told in "a half of lips" about some platform where you can sell handmade items.
Only good quality items can bring success, so selling online it is important to show quality of items through photos. In stores customers can touch and feel items, here they don't.
Also SEO and promoting was challenge to me. It is always big pleasure to create, but without promotion I would not sell my pillows.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Be patient and work as much as you can :) If you will work couple hours a day - you will earn for coffee, if you will work 8 hours per day - you will earn for living. At the moment there are so many information on Etsy blog, onhandmadeology.com and other websites about selling on Etsy tips. You just need to take it and understand. Of course - the main thing your handmade items! Be unique with them!
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
I run Pillowlink full time and it is the best thing that happened to me in this life. Except my lovely husband and my sweetie daughters :) I am a photographer by graduation, but was studying sewing technique as well. I love to do creative work - I adore to plan my day on my own.
How did you get your start?
I run Pillowlink full time and it is the best thing that happened to me in this life. Except my lovely husband and my sweetie daughters :) I am a photographer by graduation, but was studying sewing technique as well. I love to do creative work - I adore to plan my day on my own.
How did you get your start?
I lost my job during 2008th crisis and had to do something for living. We tried emigrate to North to earn some money for living, but it did not work for me as I found myself very nostalgic about my country. I came back from North and decided that I am pretty strong to work out some idea to earn at least for living. I made some research and in 2011 December opened my pillows shop Pillowlink :)
Where do you get your inspiration?
I found it in many daily things. Simplicity and nature is most inspiring aspects. Also help to others are very important part of my daily work. At the moment I am helping to local artists find some way to sell their handmade items. The selling is not the main point I think - creating and making process is the engine. From it depends - will you sell or not.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
I think I am not very successful person:) I have to work a lot to get same what others get just as lottery.. So I find successful moments while working. But if I have to say - the biggest successful moment is that I found Etsy in 2008th accidently. The co-worker of husband told in "a half of lips" about some platform where you can sell handmade items.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Only good quality items can bring success, so selling online it is important to show quality of items through photos. In stores customers can touch and feel items, here they don't.
Also SEO and promoting was challenge to me. It is always big pleasure to create, but without promotion I would not sell my pillows.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Be patient and work as much as you can :) If you will work couple hours a day - you will earn for coffee, if you will work 8 hours per day - you will earn for living. At the moment there are so many information on Etsy blog, onhandmadeology.com and other websites about selling on Etsy tips. You just need to take it and understand. Of course - the main thing your handmade items! Be unique with them!
Thank you Rosita for sharing your story with us. Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be considered, please drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Friday, November 7, 2014
Friday Finds Give Thanks Treasury
Welcome to this week’s Friday Finds! This week’s theme was “Give Thanks” and we selected a lovey treasury curated by Mei and Frank from “etchythings”, named “Grateful”. Mei and Frank make custom stamps and engravings that can add a special touch to your gift giving. Just in time for the holidays!
Here is one of their stamps:
Snowflake Stamps Choose Your Style at Checkout
Treasury: Grateful We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Autumn Romance”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop. Thanks for stopping by! Until next time… Zoica
Here is one of their stamps:
Snowflake Stamps Choose Your Style at Checkout
Treasury: Grateful We hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Autumn Romance”. If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Susan a link via Etsy convo by Thursday afternoon and we will take a look. Remember, if your treasury is featured, we will feature an item from your shop. Thanks for stopping by! Until next time… Zoica
Monday, November 3, 2014
Artist Showcase - Ceraminic
Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase. This week's artist is Ildi from Ceraminic. Ildi makes Christmas ornaments and little ceramic dishes to decorate your home as well as beautiful and unique ceramic jewelry.
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
Hi, my name is Ildi. I'm a group psychotherapist and an economist, mother of 2 girls, wife of an engineer and a ceramic lover from the Netherlands.
How did you get your start?
I like to see our world in a creative way and I am very interested in most of the things that have to do with crafts. As many other girls, I learned knitting at a young age, then I started sewing clothes for my dolls, made cross stitches, tried decoupage techniques, glass and silk painting and when I learned pottery I knew it this is my destiny. 3 years ago I found Etsy homepage and started my business.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature is the most important for me, if we talking about inspiration. I like walking. In the forest I always see something with an interesting shape or color, as well as beautiful plants, leaves and bugs.
For my Christmas ornaments the main inspiration is my kitchen. I love cooking and baking. I often use traditional folklore and decoration motifs on my ornaments.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Last year before Christmas Season I had a very successful time. I always try to find new direction, new decoration, unique thing and if other people like it and buy it, this is a very warm feeling.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Making a great photograph. This is the key selling online. It is not enough to take pictures only once, you need to follow the trends and reshoot your pictures often.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Online business is more complex than people think in the first time. To be creative and making things is fun but you have no guarantee other people will like them too. You need to try different items, different colors, different style and do not give up. Be trendy and unique and do not forget you have to be ready at least 3 month before season. Try to make beautiful photographs and be very helpful with your customers.
Thank you Ildi for sharing your story with us. Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be considered, please drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
Hi, my name is Ildi. I'm a group psychotherapist and an economist, mother of 2 girls, wife of an engineer and a ceramic lover from the Netherlands.
How did you get your start?
I like to see our world in a creative way and I am very interested in most of the things that have to do with crafts. As many other girls, I learned knitting at a young age, then I started sewing clothes for my dolls, made cross stitches, tried decoupage techniques, glass and silk painting and when I learned pottery I knew it this is my destiny. 3 years ago I found Etsy homepage and started my business.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Nature is the most important for me, if we talking about inspiration. I like walking. In the forest I always see something with an interesting shape or color, as well as beautiful plants, leaves and bugs.
For my Christmas ornaments the main inspiration is my kitchen. I love cooking and baking. I often use traditional folklore and decoration motifs on my ornaments.
What has been your biggest successful moment so far?
Last year before Christmas Season I had a very successful time. I always try to find new direction, new decoration, unique thing and if other people like it and buy it, this is a very warm feeling.
What challenges do you face selling online?
Making a great photograph. This is the key selling online. It is not enough to take pictures only once, you need to follow the trends and reshoot your pictures often.
What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?
Online business is more complex than people think in the first time. To be creative and making things is fun but you have no guarantee other people will like them too. You need to try different items, different colors, different style and do not give up. Be trendy and unique and do not forget you have to be ready at least 3 month before season. Try to make beautiful photographs and be very helpful with your customers.
Thank you Ildi for sharing your story with us. Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be considered, please drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.
Thanks for stopping by...
Until next time,
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