Artist Showcase - Pretty Little Thorn

Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase.  Our featured artist is Paula from Pretty Little Thorn. Pretty Little Thorn offers one of a kind romantic and feminine creations, inspired by the Victorian, Shabby Chic, Steampunk, Lolita, Gypsy, Mori Girl and Boho genres.  Here is one of Paula's lovely items:

Bobby Pin Trio

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

I inherited my artistic nature from my mother, who was one of those women who could do it all. I received a diluted dose of her talent, and can't do it all, but realized many years ago that designing unique accessories is both fulfilling and challenging. Today, I work out of my home in San Diego. I sell my designs privately and at local events, as well as online.

Vintage Glass Earrings

How did you get your start?

Years ago, I worked in NYC, in an office near the bead district. I spent my lunch hours wandering in and out of the shops, chatting with the shopkeepers, and exploring their dusty backrooms and basements. The vintage components I found there became designs, which I sold at local shows. A happy accident was discovering a wonderful button shop. I began to collect vintage buttons, which are so decorative on their own, but when grouped together with other elements, they can make an amazing fashion statement.

Steampunk Earrings

Where do you get your inspiration?

I'm inspired by exquisite beads, crystals, filigree, buttons, and all things vintage. The feminine fashions of bygone eras are so inspirational as well.

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

A professional photographer found my shop on Etsy, and asked if she could take pictures of a model wearing my accessories. Her photos were published, and generated many sales for me.

Statement Cocktail Ring

What challenges do you face selling online?

My biggest challenge to selling online is the phenomenal amount of competition within the marketplace. To combat that, I keep my designs original for customers who prefer one of a kind accessories that can't be found elsewhere.

Statement Button Bracelet

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

I think the appearance of an Etsy shop is paramount to attracting shoppers. One very important aspect of that is having clear, bright photographs. Good photographs are often selected for treasuries, which are a great way to be seen.

Vintage Button Barrette

Thank you Paula for sharing your story with us.  Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to feature.  If you would like to be considered, just drop me or Zoica a note via Etsy convo.

Thanks for stopping by...

Until next time,

Friday Finds for Mother's Day

This week’s theme was “Mother’s Day”. While Mother’s day is this weekend and we hope you got her gifts, we could not resist showing you one more treasury created by Phunnie Wunsie from PhunnieWunsies. Her creations are welcomed gifts throughout the year. Phunnie makes funny and clever baby/toddler clothes.
Here is one of her adorable items:

 Mommy Little Alarm Clock Funny Onesie

Mother's Day Finds

2 Personalized Penny Keychains, Anniversary Gift, Husband Wife Key Chain, Boyfriend Girlfriend Gift, Customized Couples Keychains, 7 Year JewelryEveryday $21.95	summer scarves womens scarves turquoise scarf fashion scarves polka dot scarf gift Ideas for women womens accessories Scarf Shawl ScarfFASHIONISTA $18.95	Apple iPhone 4, 4s 5 5s 5c 6 6 Plus/Samsung S3,S4,S5 & S6 Henna Paisley Floral White Lace Print Ethnic iphone Cover Case AmysPartySupplies $9.97	Nautical Beach Bag Navy Stripes Monogram Extra Large Beach Tote Vacation Cruise Pool Ocean Carry On Bag Sailor Stripes Cabana Stripes maggieanns $55.00
They Call Me Giggy, Grandma Keychains, Mother Gift, Gift from the kids, Mothers day, Mothers Gift, Aunt Gift, Grandmother Gift HandmadeLoveStories $20.00	NURSE PERSONALIZED KEYCHAIN, Icu Nurse, w/name Medical Symbol, Caduceus Charm, Rn Np Lpn Nursing,Hospital Staff, New Nurse Graduate, Ma, Cna AnnmarieJewelryTree $10.95	Wrap Watch-Women Watch-Bracelet Watch-Brown Watch-Friendship Bracelet Watch-Montre-Women Wrist Watch-Friendship Gifts-Watch-Leather-Gifts 4MLeatherDesign $55.00	Open cardigan long cardigan womens cardigan woman knit cardigan oversized cardigan sweater women's fashion womens clothing mint cardigan knitfashionable $38.95
Glitter iPhone 6 Case, Glitter iPhone 6 Plus Case,Glitter iPhone 5c Case,Glitter iPhone 5s Case,Glitter iPhone 5 Case,Glitter iPhone 4s Case AModernStyle $12.99	Camel Fur Felt Velour Women's Fedora, Casual Winter Hat, Vintage Trim MakowskyMillinery $255.00	Jersey Turband, Twist Headband, Head Wrap, Twisted Center Hair Wrap, Cute Hair Accessories, Matte Jersey Turband IVORY ThreeBirdNest $24.99	Gift ideas long cardigans for women's cardigan woman cardigan Mother's day sweater oversized cardigan womens clothing gray cardigan 63 knitfashionable $33.95
PERSONALIZED TEACHER keychain, Teacher Appreciation, School Gift, Custom teacher gift, teacher gift personalize ThisAUsomeLife $15.00	Wedding hair accessories, birdcage veil, Rhinestone hair comb bridal, Bridal Headpieces, Ivory hair accessories svitlanasbridalveils $48.95	Custom tie bar, hidden message, tie clip hand stamped, personalized gold style LoreleiVella $20.00	Monogram wrap for apple chargers 2henCraftHouse $3.00

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 I hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Dear Dad” 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

Artist Showcase - Lida Accessories

Welcome to this week's Artist Showcase.  This week's artist is Lidia P from Lida Accessories. Lida designs crochet jewelry.  Here is one of her lovely items:

Crochet Necklace

Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.

My name is Lidia Puica and I graduated from the University of Arts and Design in Cluj Napoca, Romania. My creative business is focused around textile jewelry. I mainly work in crochet and embroidery techniques and I like to experiment with textures and colors and integrate new materials in my work.

Crochet Earrings

 How did you get your start?

After graduation I had to choose between getting a job or freelancing. I chose the later because it suited me better. I learned crocheting in my childhood, when I also started crafting. Later I realised that I can express many creative ideas through crochet, so my passion became a small business.

Red Crochet Necklace

 Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration from my surroundings. I’m inspired by life and nature’s perfection but many times it comes from the materials which I’m about to work with.

What has been your biggest successful moment so far?

My biggest success so far is being featured in Ellen Bakker’s “Textile Art around the world” book.

Black Crochet Brooch

What challenges do you face selling online?

One of the difficulties, especially in jewelry, is that the client cannot try on a product. Many times, even though I take pictures of the product on a model or I specify the measures, there’s the risk of it not being what the client expected.

What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy?

One should be friendly, active and should try to integrate in the Etsy community while behaving in a responsible manner with the clients.

Long Crochet Necklace

 

Thank you Lida for sharing your story with us.  Next week we'll feature another talented Etsy artist.  If you would like to be considered, just drop Zoica or me a note via Etsy convo.

 

Thanks for stopping by...

 

Until next time,

 



Friday Finds- Teacher Appreciation

Welcome to this week's Friday Finds. Our theme this week is "Teacher Appreacition” and we picked Johana’s treasury called “Teacher Appreciation Week”. It is full of teacher gift ideas.
 Johana is a very creative mom and has a shop called: PinkandBlueBonnets. She makes beautiful baby girl hats, newborn hospital hats, newborn beanies, baby headbands, and more.

Here is one of her beautiful creations:

Baby girl hat with bow and rhinestone

Teacher Appreciation Week

Teacher appreciation week gifts, Teacher gift ideas, school teacher gifts

Teacher Gift - "The Best Teacher" Chalkboard Style Printable Digital File 8x10 JPG File PrincessSnap $8.00	Teacher Gift Customized Crayon Monogram Frame with your choice of letter, name and size. prettypaperparty $35.00	Teacher mug, paraprofessional mug, preschool teacher mug, 15 oz mug ArtByLaurenW $13.99	Owl Teacher Sign Back to School Custom Personalized -Trio Wood Blocks Stack - Classroom Decor/Gift - Wooden Block BlendedCreationsInc $15.00
Teacher Hand Stamped Gemstone Bracelet - great teacher gift, hand stamped gemstone bracelet StampedFrosting $20.00	2015 Teacher Planner PlumPaperDesigns $16.00	Personalized Teacher Desk Nameplate/ Office Desk Name Plate StudioFourDesigns $20.00	Reserved for Denise Teachers Wreath for Classroom CustomWreathsAndMore $95.00
Teacher Appreciation - Thank You for Helping ME Grow Sign - Printable PDF - Instant Download starflight $3.75	Teachers stamp VinoBackyardDesigns $25.00	Personalized teacher gift, end of year gift, teacher appreciation, You have made a difference, rhinestone apple, daycare babysitter, special buttonit $25.50	DIY Printable Teacher Appreciation "Thank You For Helping Me to Bloom & Grow" Gift Tags ImagineCreateAdore $5.00

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I hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Mother’s day.” 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

Featured Artist-Jenn Stuhl from GloryGift

This week we are featuring a talented jewelry artist Jenn Stuhl from GloryGift. Jenn makes individually hand crafted jewelry pieces to cherish and celebrate the special times in life.

Leather Wrap Bracelet Silver Stardust and Pearls with Floral Button

 •Tell us a little about yourself and your creative business.
 Glory Gift makes handmade beaded jewelry. Our main focus is Boho leather wrap bracelets and cuffs, wire crochet necklaces for weddings and hand knit wire cuffs for customers. Our jewelry is perfect for an individual who likes to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece through custom orders for personal wear or gifting to a loved one. We personally walk our customers through start to finish process of creating unique, fresh, heirloom quality pieces.

 Boho Little Elephant Beige Pearls on Brown Leather Wrap Bracelet

  •How did you get your start?
 My life was forever changed in an instant! While on a family trip to California a few years ago, I entered a small bead shop. The jewelry pieces were such intricate works of ART. I took pictures of so many (that is all I could afford). I asked a few questions to the owner and went home to immerse myself to learn a new style of jewelry expression and make it my own. I started dabbling and after making a few necklaces, I would wear them out to different places. People would stop me cold in my tracks and ask, "where I got them" and a business was born.

Cuff Bracelet in Mint with Bullseye Button

  • What challenges do you face selling online?
It is very challenging to keep prices attainable with cost of running a shop online. There are always costs. Such as relistings, listing, shipping, cost of materials and always your time involved. Another challenge is getting pictures that are breathtaking. This is always a learning process and each discovery in the process takes time but develops skill in the long run. Lastly, it is a challenge and delight to feature other artisans. This is a challenge with a HUGE blessing. When you take the light off yourself, you see how dazzling others are (to fun)! I have been with a team of artisans for a few years and I just love them. They make every day fun and we together enjoy the journey. One of my teams that I am very involved in is Tagt Team on Etsy. The leadership is knowledgeable and fellow crafters are fantastically gifted.

Sable Pearl Wire Crochet Necklace 

 •What advice would you give someone just starting out on Etsy? Love what you make! Go the extra mile for your customers and always be looking for ways to factor in quality and unique touches of handmade wonder. It has been a pleasure sharing from our five year involvement on Etsy. It is an incredible venue to share our artisanship. We hope you have been blessed by walking through our shop door and sharing our magic. Jenn

Aqua and Turquoise Blue and Sea Shell Cuff Bracelet

Thank you Jenn Stuhl for sharing your story with us! Next week we'll select another Etsy artist to showcase. If you would like to be considered, just drop me or Susan a note via Etsy convo. Thanks for stopping by... Until next time, Zoica

Friday Finds Are Earth Friendly

Welcome to this week's Friday Finds.  Our theme this week is "Earth Friendly." Our first treasury was curated by Andreea of Funky Print Studio. Andreea designs letterpress printed business cards, calling cards, greeting cards, stationery, and wedding invitations.  Here is one of Andreea's lovely items:

Letterpress Wedding Invitation 

 

Friendly Earth

Planet Earth Pocket Mirror - 3.5 Inch Mirror CassiesCoasterShop $7.00	Blue Earth Spiral Goddess Statue earthdeva £12.00	LOTR inspired Middle Earth map iPhone 5c case GelertDesign £8.00	Felt Bird Brooch, Fabric Bluebird Brooch Earth Friendly Amuru £7.50
Wood Earring,Tree of Life, Maple Hardwood, Earth Friendly, Real Wood Jewelry, Tree Lover? Great Gift,Environmentally Conscious. realwoodjewelry $14.95	Earth Day Bracelet , Cork Bracelet , Wrap Bracelet , Vegan Bangle , Vegan Jewelry , Vegan Wrap , Sustainable , Earth Friendly , Eco Friendly amyfinedesign $48.00	Crochet rustic nesting storage organizer baskets set of 2 spring decor easter decor easter egg basket natural hemp round eco earth friendly byTheCrochetBug $35.00	Light Pink Felt Earrings Studs Post Light Weight Eco Friendly Earth Friendly byTheArtBug $18.00
Upcycled cream & light brown earth tones wool bangles, unique and earth-friendly bracelets set RomeosFactory $16.00	Earth Friendly Burlap Journal Eco Friendly Recycled Rice Bag Journal DharmaKarmaArts $31.55	personalized CLASSIC RACER - a natural and organic wooden toy for boy or girl, earth friendly, waldorf-inspired, heirloom keepsake gift SmilingTreeToys $20.00	Handmade earth friendly unique sustainable corrugated cardboard Photo Frame with Gaj image carving with liner wood Sylvn forever SylvnStudio $50.99
Multicolor paper flower earrings, recycled paper, earth friendly, sustainable jewelry PensieriCreativi $23.00	Barcelona Rag Rug 100% recycled, earth friendly, colorful rag rug, geometric rug, long rug, eco friendly rug, crochet rag rug, washable rug WhiteChairShop €50.00	COOK LOVERS gift with love Organic SPANISH Extra Virgin Olive Oil unrefined 3.4 oz glass free Earth friendly kraft sack CuchiOrganics $7.49	Smart Phone Eco Stand in Kinwashi . Adjustable, Portable Earth Friendly Device Stand EcoStands $30.00

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Our next treasury was curated by Veroni of Silk Painting with Love. Veroni creates one of a kind hand painted scarves and pillows.  Here is one of Veroni's beautiful items:

Hand Painted Silk Scarf  

 

Eco-friendly finds

Black Lingerie Maxi Slip/Nightie - Lace Lingerie -Bamboo & Organic Cotton Lingerie / Underwear Made to Order luvahuva $98.00	350 Lavender seeds organic non gmo garden flower aromatic Lavandula spica Magicgreekgarden Sold	Felted Honey Bee Mobile in Wool for Baby Nursery - Eco Friendly Kids Home Decor - Felted Wool Mobile (Made to Order) SewnNatural $115.00	Fawn Pink Roses Organic Cotton Cami Bralette katastrophicdesign $40.00
Pets bed / Cat bed - cat cave - cat house - size S ready to ship - eco-friendly handmade felted wool cat bed - grey and natural white AgnesFelt $109.00	CUSTOM Rosemary for Remembrance Rustic Flower Girl Wicker Basket Ivy bazketmakr $30.00	Stuffed bunny rabbit hare doll,Easter bunny child friendly plush softie rabbit bunny toy - cute soft stuffed toy - gift for boy and girl HappyDollsByLesya $29.00	Vera Organic Natural Perfume, 4 grams - An ode to the Ojai Valley, where the orange groves meet the sea, lavender and the wild sage brush. IlluminatedPerfume $100.00
Eco-friendly Candle Scented Hand Made Candles Reusable River Shells Set Of 8 pcs Home Decor LessCandles €6.00	Lilac Fuchsia Yellow Gold Wrap Necklace Wool Statement Necklace Felt Bead Felt Wool Jewelry Fiber Necklace Eco-friendly totalhandmadeD $25.00	Montessori Geometric Solids - Waldorf Wooden Toy - Eco Friendly Toy - Wooden Shapes Toys - Homeschool CakeInTheMorn $20.00	Large Cork Bag - Eco-Friendly Natural Vegan Tote Bag MyCottonHouse £80.00
Writing set - thank you envelope stationary - thanksgiving - writing paper eco friendly recycled kraft brown envelope - europeanstreetteam InghettaDesign $8.90	Felted purple mittens merino wool gloves with flowers storm grey arm warmers Russian style women mittens Valentine day - handmade to order AureliaFeltStudio $39.00	Lilac Blossom Handmade paper Recycled Vintage paper Blank card Purple Lilac Mauve Blue Gold Silk threads Petals Embossed Flower card Floral McRtyCards £3.00	Organic Lavender Body Butter - Body lotion - all Vegan body butter - Natural moisturizer with Shea butter. 1.7 oz Herbolution $10.00

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Our final treasury was curated by Paula of Pretty Little Thorn. Paula''s shop offers one of a kind romantic and feminine creations, inspired by the Victorian, Shabby Chic, Steampunk, Lolita, Gypsy, Mori Girl and Boho genres. Here is one of her lovely items:

Steampunk Brass Cuff 

 

Ode to our Planet

wedding GOWN alternative bohemian sustainable bride dress novelatelier $880.00	Felted wool slippers beige - organic wool felt slippers with rubber soles - Eco-friendly house shoes - felted slippers WoolenClogs €69.00	Leopard Jar Necklace Black Friday Miniature Wild Animal - miniature leopard in a 3cm glass jar on a 16 inch silver plated chain PeachesandPebbles £20.00	book art print - Bear & Book Butterflies - book nook decor book nerd Book Decor book gift book theme book lover gift cute gift for friend FabFunky $22.00
Stainless Steel Curl Book Ends -Eco friendly goods for your home or office. hammeritout $20.00	Tree Hugger Earth Lover Organic Cotton T-Shirt GreenPlanetTees $17.99	Polymer Clay Leaves Metallic Finish Steampunk Cobochon SeamsVictorian $5.95	FREE Shipping BAKE LOVERS gift with love Eco Friendly box Organic vanilla extract double fold 3.4 oz Organic Ceylon Cinnamon 1.5 oz glass CuchiOrganics $19.99
Down To Earth (Patchouli) bar soap - 5oz MollyMuriel $6.00	Fine Beige Cream Lace Bradford Pear Rustic Natural Wooden Pivot Ring Box by Tanja Sova tanjasova $55.00	Geocaching Log Books / Set of 3 AnnReneeLighter $8.00	Soft Woven Poplin Pillow Cover (with insert option), Printed with Night Owl Illustration, Artistic Fantasy Home DecoR TheWishForest $35.00
Recycled Italian Military Canvas Bag // Handmade by peace4you, GERMANY // Model paul-2153 ( multiple options ) peace4youBAGS $319.00	Large Lavender Organic Body Scrub with Dead Sea Salts - essential oils and Vitamin E, 16 oz - 454 grams - wooden scoop JenSanHomeAndBody $27.00	Long ethnic rustic shell and textile earrings, brown orange Indian sari, Tibetan agate brown beads, OOAK handmade jewelry. Montroulezgirl €19.00	Woodland Wedding Spring and Summer Antler Wreath DesignsbyTinaCollins $99.95

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 I hope you have enjoyed this edition of Friday Finds. Next week’s treasury theme is “Teacher Appreciation.” If you have a treasury you would like to submit, just send me or Zoica 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…