The Artist Behind The Etsy ~ Treasures of Jewels

Being a part of the Etsy community, not only as a seller but as a customer, I have come across many talented individuals.  With this series, I hope to introduce you to some of these creative people, finding out where they find their inspiration, and a little bit more about them.

This morning I’d like to introduce you to Linda of Treasures of Jewels, new to Etsy this year. Linda makes beautiful pieces of jewelry and has quite a varied assortment.  I think her Gypsy necklaces are my favorite!  Take a look through her shop, I’m sure you will see something that catches your eye for yourself or as a gift.  Linda’s prices are quite affordable as well.

Hello, I am Linda Atkinson.

I lived up and down the east coast,but now I reside in beautiful Utah. Where you are surrounded by mountains, a gorgeous sight. I live with my Daughter and her family. I have four wonderful Grandchildren...3 girls and 1 boy. Their ages range from 6 years old to 21 years old My grandchildren are a good part of my life. I watch over the two younger grand kids after school, work on designing my jewelry, and work a weekend job. Always busy on something ,not a dull moment.

I started an Etsy shop with a desire to get my jewelry to a bigger clientele, I have been selling at homes,workplace,and by word of mouth. I know it will take time to build my clientele, but I am willing to work at it. I love the Etsy community ,everyone is willing to help any way they can. I feel like I belong here on Etsy.

I can look at colors and textures that are in the fashion scene and from there my creativity explodes. My creativity starts with a theme and from there I choose colors and the designing begins.  I also have customers who like to be part of designing their jewelry and then between the two of us their treasure is created.

I get so excited after designing a piece of jewelry. I know the love and time spent on creating that treasure. Designing new pieces, developing my own flair , and knowing that one of my pieces can be someone’s treasure.  I just had a customer call me from North Carolina today and told me how she loves her necklace. Wow ,that was a great feeling I had, to know a customer would call me to express her pleasure.That's what I love about creating.

Thank you for sharing your Etsy story with us, Linda!  You can visit Linda’s Etsy shop here.

This feature will be taking a holiday break, returning in January, 2015. 

If you, or someone you know, has an  Etsy shop, selling handmade items, and would like to be considered for a feature on The Artist Behind The Etsy, just send me an email (kpassarette(at)yahoo(dot)com) to let me know. 

A Very Simple Christmas ~ 2014

This is probably the first year that when I say I’m going to keep things “simple”, I really am keeping things simple!  I have left about 75% of my decorations in their bins and hope to go through them all after Christmas and donate some stuff.  So here are some bits and pieces of Christmas in our home this year.

 

I just want to pick up a bunch of fresh greens at the grocery store, which I will put here and there (and on the mantel top).  It will fill in the “white” spaces nicely and I love the smell. Maybe next year I will be more in the mood and will just go crazy with my decorating!

The Artist Behind The Etsy ~ Laurie Ann’s Creations

Being a part of the Etsy community, not only as a seller but as a customer, I have come across many talented individuals.  With this series, I hope to introduce you to some of these creative people, finding out where they find their inspiration, and a little bit more about them.

Good morning, friends!  Please welcome a new Etsy seller to the feature today, Laurie from Laurie Ann’s Creations.  Laurie makes some really cute things and offers them at very reasonable prices.

My name is Laurie Painter I am originally from a small own in Eastern Oregon (Baker City, OR).  I now live in a really small town of Amity, OR located western Oregon.  I have always loved crafting.  I learned how to  sew when I joined a 4-H group.  I don't really like to sew clothing but do really enjoy sewing dolls, toys, bags etc.  I am also a quilter but I just quilt for enjoyment. 

I love the outdoors.  My family goes camping just about every weekend during the summer and I take my sewing machine with me.  I have 2 grown children, no grandchildren yet.  I am the Yamhill County Sports Manager for the Special Olympics which I enjoy very much.  I work as a bookkeeper, among other duties at a small newspaper in Keizer Oregon.  As you can see I am a very busy person.

I opened a shop with etsy after a friend of mine suggested it since I really don't have time to go to all the craft shows so this seemed the best fit for me.  My shop opened about 2 months ago.  It's off to a slow start but I expected it and I am hoping it will take off soon. 

What inspires me is children and our athletes in the special Olympics seeing things that might help them with everyday life or to bring a smile to there faces.  Also finding ways to recycle old things into new items makes me feel good.  Sewing is not the only crafting I do.  If I see something new that looks like fun I usually try it.  Basically I enjoy making  things that make people happy. 

Thanks for sharing your Etsy story with us, Laurie!  I hope you will visit Laurie’s Etsy shop (here) and check out some of the things she has made.

Christmas Inspiration

I went to our favorite nursery yesterday with my daughter and granddaughter ~ Grandma’s Garden.  I’ve never been at this time of year so I was curious to see what they have.  Besides real Christmas trees, wreaths, swags and other greenery, they had some decorated trees inside.  I took some pictures for ideas to look to for inspiration in future years. 

I really love this owl themed tree!  They had so many different owls to choose from.  It could get a bit pricey buying all the materials needed to do this tree as one small owl was $12.99.  So cute, though!  I will have to look for some owls at the after Christmas sales to maybe do one of my smaller trees next year.

I love the way they did the top on this tree, too.

I also really liked this smaller nature tree with the birds, birdhouses and owls mixed in.

Here are some of the other pretty trees they had decorated.

Some great ideas for decorating urns or birdbaths during the winter season.  Makes me want to get a birdbath just so I can decorate it like this for Winter!

And they had some small pots pre-done that you could purchase.

It is always inspiring when I visit this place.  So many great ideas to take away and, of course, if you don’t think you can reproduce it you can always just buy it!  I may have to make another trip back before Christmas (and then after to see if any of those owls are on sale!).

 

Cutest Stocking Ever!

I was recently contacted for a custom order to make a Christmas stocking.  A very special Christmas stocking.  The young woman shared with me that she wanted a stocking made that would be for a baby.  This was how she and her husband were going to announce to their family that they are expecting.

She wanted a toile fabric, but the toiles I have in my supply are not very baby-ish.  I wound up suggesting what I call a storybook toile to her and sent her a picture of it.  She loved it and this is how it turned out.

I used Osnaberg to line the stocking as well as for the cuff.  The yellow background of the storybook toile and the neutrality of the Osnaberg keep the stocking gender neutral.

The hanger is a piece of yellow satin ribbon sewn in place with a button ~ for cuteness.

I ordered extra of the fabric, so I have enough to make a few more.  Or something else, equally as cute!  I also whipped up a little bunny out of some of the scrap cuttings that I sent along as a little gift.

Cutest stocking ever! It was a pleasure to have a small part in this happy occasion.