Featuring: DreamON

When browsing through today's featured shop, DreamON, be sure to click on gallery (you will find this on the right under the shop announcements ~ to go back, simply click on list), so that all the dreamy prints can be viewed at their best.

Ok, isn't this little fellow just adorable??!?! This wonderful original collage is of a Key West rooster scratchin' out a livin' in the lighthouse grounds. Less apparent in this collage, the lighthouse is a recurring theme in some of the paintings in DreamON. I just love the bright turquoise and red tail feathers in this rooster, and the proud head turned slightly away! What a stunning addition to any rooster collection!

Mary, the artist behind DreamON, has been an artist her entire life ~ her earliest memories are filled with drawing, cut and paste, and painting. She has a college degree in art, and has been informally taught by many great artists. Her skill is apparent in the dreamy quality she infuses into all of her bright paintings. I could try to explain her style, and what inspires her, but I think her own words say it better:

"I value the presence of a recognizable subject in my paintings. I love it when the center of interest appears in the midst of background objects that aren’t so well-defined. I want watercolor to look like watercolor, and I want my paintings to have a painterly look, not a photographic copy. Therefore I am an impressionist, because I don’t want to over-control the media."

Here are a few more of my favourites from DreamON. I'm really a flower person. If you haven't been able to tell by the few notebooks in my shop and my favourites, you would know by looking at the art on my walls at home. Everywhere you look, in my kitchen, living room and bedroom, is flowers. I even have a poinsettia already. The best thing about flowers is the bright colours. That's what I love about this landscape bougainvillea on a rampage. The shocking pink flowers in this beautiful watercolour painting are growing up and over the misty white house, and coming after the surrounding jungle!

These amazing purple flowers have also captured my heart. Flowers of vail appear to be deep plum petunias, bursting with colour and surrounded by lush green vegetation. This watercolour and ink painting would be a magnificent addition to any home. I have definitely added it to my favourites!

Alright, moving away from the flowers, but sticking with bright colours, these Egmont flamingos are sure to bring a smile to your face! Just look how casual these two look, wading around in the sea. This print would make a lovely gift for any occasion, and bring memories of warmer places when the weather here isn't quite so hot.

In fact, the cold wind and snowy-looking dunes in this card reminds me of the icier November weather. These Gulf Shore notecards don't look that bleak ~ though windy, the water beyond looks very inviting! These are definitely the perfect notecards to bring on vacation, and fill with stories of fish caught, water swam and beaches conquered.

DreamON is definitely a shop you want to mark as favourite, and look back on when you're looking for that perfect print or gift. Don't forget to check out her blog too!

Featuring: Elektra jewelry

Are you looking for one of a kind, handmade jewelry this holiday season? Look no further than elektrajewelry, where you'll find a nice selection of silver, gold vermeil (24k gold over silver), gemstones and vintage glass beaded jewelry. Custom orders, special requests and size adjustments are always welcome, so just send Elektra a convo ~ you're sure to get exactly what you're looking for!

A newcomer to Etsy (well, not that new anymore, but she still hasn't reached her first Etsyversary), she finally decided to open up shop in March of this year. Although Elektra started making jewelry over 10 years ago, we can all understand how busy life can be! For her, a full time teaching position and children to look after kept her from following this dream. And are we ever glad she finally did!

Here are a few of my favourites from elektrajewelry, starting with this show-stopper of a necklace! Lady in red features striking sponge coral rondelles in a bright brick red. Separated by silver tube beads, and finished off with a beautiful, unique clasp, this necklace is sure to be worn again and again ~ whenever you want, or need, to be noticed.

Bracelets ~ I've mentioned my love for them before. And these two are stunning! First up is purple passion, a gorgeous collection of genuine amethyst stones and lemon opalite rondelles, which have a lustrous pink tinge to them. There are Bali silver beads interspersed among the gems, with an unusual square silver focal bead and simple toggle clasp. A great addition to any wardrobe!

The other bracelet is always classy (and perfectly suited for this name)! A double stranded bracelet created with freshwater pearls, an intricate sterling focal bead, and completed with a magnetic sterling silver clasp, this bracelet is definitely the perfect gift for any female on your list ~ demure enough for your grandma or aunt, yet still classically modern for your younger sister or cousin!

Finally, I found these outstanding agate pendants ~ and I'm such a packrat when it comes to supplies. These simple top-drilled stones are just begging to be used in all your crafty creations. Each and every one of them would make a stunning focal pendant ~ and who knows? You might just be creative enough to think of another great use for them (the body of an angel for a Christmas decoration, perhaps?)!!

Hopefully I've wet your appetite and now you'll click this link and check out elektrajewelry. You won't be disappointed!! Check out her blog too for more amazing artists in the 90 day challenge!!

Featuring: Tiffany Teske

It is certainly evident, from my featured artist's shop, TiffanyTeske, that photography is her passion. She has been playing with cameras ever since, at 7 years old, she was given one during a family trip. During high school, the science teacher showed her how to use a dark room ~ not as a course, but as part of the after school photography club. Of course, when it came time to decide on University, Tiffany went for something sensible ~ nursing, actually. But it wasn't long before her true love took hold and she graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography and a joint BA in Art and Photography. Quite impressive, and it shows in her shop. Lucky for her, it was during her time at University that she met her husband ~ a Canadian. Seems like his roots were stronger than hers, and they now find themselves in Banff, Alberta with their toddler, Quinlyn.

And just looking at this one photo, with stunning pink poppies in all their glory, we can give thanks that Tiffany chose not to continue on with nursing! In fact, these pink lovelies are a gorgeous 4x6 print on a 5x7 card ~ making this a wonderful card to send for any occasion, and one that your recipient is likely to keep and frame (the larger card serving nicely as matting).

Please do check out this shop! 10% of all sales at TiffanyTeske go to her local Victory Thrift Shop's snowsuit and winter clothing fund. What a great cause in which to lend your support! As a bonus, all pendants (which feature original photo by TiffanyTeske) have FREE shipping until the end of the year. Perfect for gift giving this holiday season (especially for anyone with a tight budget!)!! If you don't see a pendant you like, but do love a particular photo, just send a convo and ask for a custom one! Although I assume it would be better to be sooner than later, especially if you want to get one for the holidays ~ I'm sure it's going to get quite busy for everyone! As an example, here is my favourite pendant ~ decked out with purple coneflowers, which look like blooming daisies, my favourite flowers! The warm orange of the bamboo tile brings out the striking burgundy of the centres of the flowers. Oh yeah, did I mention that shipping is FREE??!?

You can also ask Tiffany to be on her mailing list, that way to can get updates on any specials or new items. Furthermore, if you can't see anything you like just yet ~ or can't decide on something for someone else, you can always get a gift certificate for later use. And something to always keep in mind: Tiffany is willing to trade! Just ask her if you see something you like (have I mentioned that this is such a great way to increase your sales and feedback rating?)!

Here are a couple more of my favourites. This photo is called funky felt by the bushel, and it's a very homey original image ~ it reminds me of home, my gramma knitting by the fire. You'll have to go to the listing to find out how this photo was made ~ it sounds slightly complicated and very tricky! Either way, it came out gorgeously, with very warm tones that would look very cozy in any library, den, living or sitting room.

Another card that I really like is this orchard gems. Those juicy apples look good enough to eat ~ they are literally making my mouth water!! What a pretty card to send a thoughtful note any time of the year (but especially in the summer and fall)! Plus, as the card above, it comes with it's own matting, making it a very versatile piece of stationary ~ it could easily be framed, and would look outstanding in a kitchen!

Finally, I found this card in TiffanyTeske's clearance section. It's called wedded bliss, which makes it perfect for me! My brother is getting married in the summer, and the colour his fiancee has chosen is light yellow (I'm the only bridesmaid, and I'm having trouble finding a dress in this colour this time of the year ... hopefully in the spring). This would make a perfect card to send for the wedding or for the shower! Daisies, as I've said, are a favourite in our home, and that bouquet would be extremely appropriate. I've definitely marked it as a favourite so that I remember it in the spring!

This is only a small selection of TiffanyTeske originals!! Please check out her shop!! Her artwork can also be found at a few different places online: her website, trunkt (wow! This really attests to her superb photography), Flickr, another image site and IndiePublic. Plus, if you're looking for collage and mixed media supplies, check out her other Etsy shop: queenqq (which is still a work in progress). Of course, don't forget her blog, where you can find great features on other amazing artists taking part in the challenge.

Another treasury? What luck!

Yeah, that's right ~ I'm really lucky with treasuries! Now I have one in treasury west as well as the main treasury. Please check them both out!!

Green Envy is the same treasury I've had in the west before, so scroll down if you want to see a pic of it. Or better yet, click the link! This one is featuring the wonderful artists of CCCOE, as described below. The more you click, the better my chances of winning!
UPDATE: OK, that one didn't last very long, but I did get yet another one! This one is called Lovely, just lovely ~ and I've included some of my absolute favourite artists on Etsy! The four alternates are amazing too, so I will try to alternate a bit. And I will try to get a picture up as soon as I get home!

Pretty in Pink, AKA Mini Blog is featuring some of my favourite artists doing their best in blush. The wonderful folks over at Mini Blog will pick a treasury (and its creator) to feature on the front page of Mini Blog. What a wonderful opportunity!

On a sad, stressful, worrisome note, Pat (my boy friend) has been sick for almost a week now. He's had a killer headache / migraine ~ light, motion and noise sensitive, we went to emerg a couple days ago. The doctor gave him something that didn't help, so he recommended not to take any pain killers for 2 days. Then go see our family doctor. Last night was really bad, he couldn't take it anymore ~ so he took some painkillers and was finally able to sleep through the night. This morning, he still wasn't feeling better, but almost. Hopefully he'll be better by tonight and on his way to feeling more like himself. Poor guy ~ it worries me so much, I just want to do something to help, but there's nothing to be done.

Otherwise, I've been getting quite a few packages everyday, but I haven't taken any pictures yet. I will try to before I start packaging and wrapping things for Christmas and birthdays. I still have to empty my camera of pictures from Rhode Island.. so hopefully I'll get around to doing all that this weekend. I also finally received all of the supplies I needed to start making one (of 3.. still waiting on some beads) bracelet for Pat's sisters ~ it's starting to look really pretty!! :)

Ok, it's almost lunch time ~ I'm off to check on Pat. I'll have a 90 day challenge feature for you this afternoon!

Featuring: Giftbearer

Today I'm featuring Giftbearer, which is slightly intimidating, since Pippit Carlington, the artist behind giftbearer, started the 90 day challenge, a great marketing tool for any Etsy artists who blog. In fact, a quick glance at her blog and shop profile makes you realize you're in the presence of greatness (well, not technically in the presence, but still... Pippit is an amazing person and artist!!)!!!

Pippit creates and carries jewelry with a contemporary tribal style, using several different media. She has been artistic her entire life, and has been formally trained at Callenwolde Center for the Arts, The Atlanta College of Art, and Atlanta Jeweler's School and Studios. She is inspired by nature (which is highly evident in many of her pieces) as well as political and social issues ~ in this way, she tries to educate the public through her art. Pippit has quite a diverse heritage (including French Canadian!! :) Just like me!), which also influences her work.

Aside from running her business (along with several websites and blogs), Pippit finds the time to volunteer (online support for individuals with autoimmune disorders, donated art items for the survivors of hurricane Katrina) and mentor other artists. In fact, she has developed Artvision, a psychosocial rehabilitation program (which she operates out of her home), which guides and helps artists with mental illnesses and learning disabilities in opening and running their own shop. Pippit is truly an outstanding person!!

If you are interested in being kept up to date with Pippit's shop and activities, please join Giftbearer's Customer Community on Zaadz. Also check out her other non-Etsy stores, Smashing Darling and Mindt. She can also be found on Flickr and MySpace.

Here are a few of my favourites from Giftbearer's shop. I really prefer my jewelry to be simple and stunning. And those evergreen fine silver earrings are certainly both, as well as absolutely gorgeous! These are made with small sprigs of a real evergreen tree (it looks a lot like cedar to me), coated in silver and strung under simple light pink pearls and a shell-like silver bead. Simply stunning!!!

Another set of earrings that I love are these Saturn spiral earrings in purple jade. The pretty mauve bead looks amazing surrounded by concentric silver circles. Yet, these earrings are still understated enough to be able to wear them to work everyday, or to do grocery. Striking and wearable ~ the best kind of jewelry.

Here is another piece that shows off Pippit's nature influences. Oh, by the way, doesn't she take amazing pictures? I couldn't get over how spectacular this budding vine bracelet looks amid all those dead leaves and that bright green sprig of grass. Made with fine silver painted over a real vine (which was then burned away), I was actually surprised that it wasn't wood. It looks like a silver maple twig... but far more durable! On each of the buds is a genuine Chrysoprase stone, in a delicious green. What a unique find!! You are sure to get many compliments and inquiries on where you found such a one of a kind creation!

Another versatile piece of jewelry is this effortless 14k gold braided ring. Very sweet and simple, this would be a perfect ring for everyday ~ and a great anniversary or birthday gift. In fact, I think these would make lovely wedding bands ~ it isn't too feminine, and I'm sure if you convo Pippit, she can work something out with you (by making the groom's ring slightly wider or something).

Go ahead and check out Giftbearer, you won't be disappointed. I'm certain you might even cross a few people off your holiday gift list! While you're checking Pippit out, be sure to click on one or all three of her blogs: artlifenewsblog (where you'll find other 90 day features), zaadz and MySpace.

Treasury!

Oh, hey, look!!! I just got into the treasury! This one is for the miniblog ~ they're going to choose one out of all the entries to be featured on the front page of their blog. (Oh yeah, and take a look at which treasury is already on their front page ~ yes, that's my first treasury ever!!)

What do you think of my pretty pink treasury? (Pictures coming soon!)

Oh yeah, and thank you to all 90 day challenge participants (and others) for leaving all your wonderful comments ~ I really appreciate it!

featuring: alternatebliss

If I post this feature today, I will finally be all caught up with my 90 day features. My trip to Rhode Island (and sick boy friend) have made this catching up progress slow. But here we are, and I am pleased to introduce another multi-talented artist with 2 Etsy shops, based out of Utah. First we have alternatebliss, which carries original art, prints and fine silver jewelry. In this shop you will have FREE shipping on orders over $20! In her second shop, popblossom, you will find charms or pendants made with a combination of graphic design, plastic and resin.

Here are a few of my favourites, starting with alternatebliss. This lovely poppy watercolour ACEO is pretty enough to frame, and perfect to add to your collection. A simple and sweet reminder of our veterans, something with which you can easily decorate any room (only make sure the matting in the frame is wide enough to balance the miniature painting ~ please see the listing for a great example).

Another gorgeous piece from alternatebliss is this watercolour and ink "Crisp Green" print. A gorgeous blend of blues, yellows and greens, this print is sure to brighten up any room. I love how the stark black ink picks out the flowers from the blur of colours. A stunning addition to any room and a great gift idea!

Alternatebliss also carries stunning silver pieces, my favourite being this snowflake necklace. The intricate snowflake lies on a simple silver oval, making this a very versatile piece of jewelry. Perfect for a cold night out, or for lazing by the fireside, this pendant is sure to be worn all through the holiday season, and during the heat of the summer, when a cool thought is needed. Also a perfect gift for the holidays!

Now for my top choices from popblossom charms. There are quite a few lovely pendants, and many funny ones too. I really like the simplicity and stark beauty of this black cherry blossom pendant. It would be impossible to find an outfit that would not look good with this necklace. Perfectly balanced on a simple silver chain (or whatever you want to hang it on), this show-stopper is sure to turn more than a few heads!

Another favourite from popblossom is this grey flower pendant. Another completely versatile piece ~ I love items I know I'll be able to wear with more than one or two outfits, and in more than one situation. This one is perfectly demure for an office meeting, but still cute enough for that first date. It would make a fantastic gift, especially to yourself!

So please be sure to hop on over to these two shops, alternatebliss and popblossom, what I've shown you is merely the tip of the iceberg! There are plenty more wonderful designs in store! Make sure to take a look at her blog too, where you'll find more of these 90 day challenge features of great Etsy artists!

Yay!! All up to date!! Stay tuned for other great shops taking part in the 90 day challenge!

featuring: knuckletoes / revinylized

Today my feature is on a multi-talented artist, Katie, who I'm proud to say is a fellow Canadian, from Regina, Saskatchewan. Anyone else in that area? You might be lucky enough to catch Katie at the surrounding Folk Festivals, or at least you can save on shipping (just ask her how)! Katie's main shop is called knuckletoes, and there she carries her jewelry, cards, clothing and purses. As a side project, revinylized emerged from her playing with recycled vinyl. There you'll find records and their covers remade into book covers, purses and bowls. In fact, she tries to incorporate recycled material into all her creations ~ how cool is that?

First, a couple of favourites from knuckletoes. That tote bag is exquisite! It is the perfect, large, multi-purpose, versatile bag that can be used for all your needs and looks good doing all of it. The pretty plaid lining brightens up the neutral tan corduroy, but is still soft enough to go well with anything. Nothing more cool or useful!

My other favourite from knuckletoes are these gorgeous orange squiggle earrings. A stunning green and orange bead is caught between the flowing curls of silver wire. These earrings are very striking and sure to get noticed no matter where you wear them.

Now from revinylized, there are a ton of really cool album covers to choose from. I particularly liked this sketchbook with the BeeGees LP cover. Filled with 100 blank pages, there is a pocket in the side where the LP used to go. There, you can hide away any mementos, as well as card, pencils, erasers, rulers and pretty much anything you might need. What a handy and neat looking notebook!

My other favourite was this Sesame Street purse. Featuring the count, the bright numbers make quite an eye-catching accessory! The LP covers are held together with strong black and white plaid material, all recycled. A perfect gift for anyone growing up with Big Bird, Elmo and the Count!!

Be sure to check out both of Katie's shops: revinylized and knuckletoes. Each shop has a blog (revinylized and knuckletoes) you should check out, as well as Katie's Myspace and IndiePublic.