Etsy Shop Feature: Sidheforest

Featured Etsy Shop: Sidheforest

What is your shop name and what do you sell?
My shop name is Sidheforest. And I sell Surreal and Fantasy Paintings in Acrylic, Watercolor and Ink.

What is your shop URL?
http://www.sidheforest.etsy.com

When did you start selling on Etsy?
I joined Etsy in March of this year as a buyer, and began selling this summer.

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
Oh man! The Talent! Gobs and Gobs of Talent. I was astonished by the sheer spectrum of items I could get expertly made, by the individual who made them!

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
I get to create my own Universe. I am an Artist. I live with paint in my hair and on my nails. And, I own one dress with no paint on it. ( For now...LOL) So the fact that I can paint all day, then sell what I love keeps me grinning from ear to ear.

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
My Favorite item is actually not in my store at the moment. "In the Beginning" . This one will be in the Etsy CO-OP Craft Ad in Nov. and will go on sale Oct 20 th. It can be seen on my EBSQ art page and the Sidheforest Fan site on Facebook. I love this painting because it was the first painting I did the way I wanted, in the colors I wanted, in the style I wanted, and turned out the way I wanted. As an artist I believe that "self" being a part of the art is what sets different artists apart. And "In the Beginning" was when I began to discover my own path.

What teams do you belong to?
I am not on any Etsy teams yet, I've been a bit shy. But, I think I should change that and find myself a team of two to join. Any suggestions? hehe

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Bragging about how cool Etsy is. Too many people have not heard of Etsy and I love spreading the word. I am also absolutely head over heels for my Moo cards. But, my biggest fun promoting myself is learning to have confidence in me and my work, so that I can talk about it with others.

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
Ok, I can so tell you about my favorites. I will try to make it a short list.
idea2lifestyle.etsy.com , bravegrrl.etsy.com are two of my favorite clothing stops!
oh, and elfland.etsy.com

then of course there's..... figurka.etys.com, buildersstudio.etsy.com, jodieflowers.etsy.com,
And obsoleteworld.etsy.com is one of my most favorite artist on Etsy!

What do you do in your spare time?
This is so easy! Reading, Reading, Reading....LOL I am an avid reader and go through books like potato chips. Early onset Rheumatoid Arthritis has taken away most of my gardening, but not yard sales, building a library, painting, and reading! Oh...and I will bashfully admit to being a bit of a facebook addict. hehe

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Thank you so much for helping create a wonderful day.

Great Etsy Finds for Fall!

Great Etsy Finds for Fall!


When I think Etsy, I think "fabulous!" I constantly asked people, "Have you checked on Etsy?" Few sites earn the bragging rights that Etsy does. Etsy means community, quality, handcrafted, customer service, gifts, home decor, jewelry, furniture, scrapbooking, beading, soaps, candles, photography, artwork, paintings, watercolor, drawings, primitives, and more, more, more!!!

If you haven't checked Etsy, you simply must! http://www.etsy.com/

Here are some of my favorites for the Fall season.

Etsy Buy Handmade blisscandles

10% Discount now Until September 6th!

"In Honor of" Garfield Park Craft Show SALE!!

Since we aren't doing Garfield Park this year, we thought we would offer a discount on our website! Now through September 6th - Take 10% OFF any order on http://www.blisscandles.com/ OR http://blisscandles.etsy.com/.

Use Coupon Code GARFIELD at checkout.

Have fun shopping! ~Suzanne

New Fragrances!

Say Hello to these New and Return Fragrances!



We have added more new fragrances and even brought back some old ones this year! Doing primarily online business has allowed us to expand our fragrance line considerably and we aren't stopping here. Keep checking back for more great new fragrances!


NOTE: Most of our special listings on Etsy have these fragrances listed. However, they will not all be up on the main site until this weekend.

• Artic Air - This brilliant fragrance begins with tops notes of eucalyptus, spearmint, wild rose and dew fresh ferns leading to snow pines, blue jasmine magnolia and white lilies finishing with a base of white musk, balsam and sandalwood.
• Autumn Toddy - Sweet notes of pumpkin. Hot buttered rum and spicy nutmeg.
• Black Currant and Nectarine - Sun ripened nectarines infused with the crisp tanginess of black currant berries. Absolutely wonderful!
• Caramel Cappuccino - Hot steaming cappuccino drizzled with sweet, gooey caramel!
• Caramelized Pralines - An irresistible blend of sweet warm vanilla caramel, dark brown sugar and butter-drenched pecans.
• Cherry Coconut - Sweet, tart cherries blended with coconut cream. Scrumptious!
• Cinnamon Buns - Warm cinnamon buns fresh baked and drizzled with vanilla icing.
• Cinnamon Coconut Cream - This custom blend features delicious cream infused coconut and spicy cinnamon sticks for an unusual knock-your-socks off fragrance that is sure to please.
• Cotton Blossom - Soft breezy top notes of bergamot highlight this rich romantic blend of muguet and cotton flower. BBW Type.
• Cozy Home - Chock-a-block full of warm, housewarming spices with a burst of fresh apple.
• Cranberry Marmalade - Luscious blend of tart cranberries spiced apples and fresh California orange peel.
• Cucumber Melon Mint - Crisp, fresh cucumbers blended with honeydew and a dash of refreshing spearmint. An unusual, invigorating surprise!
• Energy - A refreshing, stimulating lemon type with top-notes of grapefruit, orange, mandarin and lemon, middle-notes of lavender and spearmint, and a cedarwood base-note.
• Fall Leaves - The crisp, sweet earthy scent of autumn with top notes of bergamot, hay, and dried flowers, a woody cedar-moss middle note, and a sweet, musky clover base note.
• Freesia - A clean floral fragrance reminiscent of fresh blooming wild-flowering freesia. It possesses an aldehydic green, floral rosy top note, a hint of spice with clover, cyclamen and jasmine in the middle, and a warm musky animalic base note.
• German Chocolate Cake - Delectable, chocolately cake with creamy chocolate frosting.
• Gingerbread Pumpkin - A scrumptious blend of sweet and spicy gingerbread infused with creamy pumpkin!
• Juniper Breeze - A nice airy floral with fruity and green notes. BBW Type.
• Lemon Lavender - A beautiful blend of lemon, French lavender, and green leafy hints with geranium, rose and eucalyptus oil on a base of Virginia cedar wood and vanilla.
• Lilac Rose - Sweet smelling Spring Lilacs and fresh Summer roses mingling with fresh greenery.
• Macintosh Cucumber - Crisp, fresh Macintosh combines with crisp, cool cucumber in this unusual refreshing fragrance.
• Mango Vanilla - Sweet, delectable island mango with a touch of vanilla to bring home the tropics!
• Orange Vanilla Pomegranate - Creamsicles melting into fresh, juicy pomegranate -- you just can't help yourself!
• Pomegranate Apple - A combination of fresh, sweet pomegranate and crisp apples. One of our new custom blends.
• Pomegranate Mango Swirl - Sweet, juicy pomegranate and refreshing tropical mango are the lives of this party! An absolute delight for the tropical fruit lover!
• Pumpkin Cake - My obsession with Pumpkin continues! Warm pumpkin cake frosted with thick, creamy white buttercream frosting. Definitely one of a kind!
• Pumpkin Spice - A warm spicy pumpkin-clove type with a cinnamon top note, a fruity vegetal pumpkin middle note and a sweet sugary vanilla base note.
• Pure Seduction (VS Type) - A yummy, fruity interpretation of the very popular VS Type.
• Sage and Pomegranate - A vibrant green floral with botanical sage, sweet pomegranate and tropical ferns.
• Satsuma - A wonderful fragrance with top notes of juicy pineapple, apple peel, grapefruit and oranges, middle notes of Mandarin Oranges and sweet sherbert, and base notes of orange, mandarin, and plums.
• Snickerdoodle - The childhood favorite scrumptiously wrapped up in a candle.
• Spanish Cedar - Muy bien! You’ll love whispers of oriental spice with undertones of soothing musk and the pleasant aroma of cedar for an alluring fragrance.
• Spearmint - Spearmint has been a long time native of the Mediterranean. The Romans claimed that this refreshing aroma had the ability to “stir up the mind”. Stir your mind up with this refreshing and minty aromatic fragrance!
• Spiced Wassail - For hundreds of years Europeans have warmed their homes in celebration with this delectably spicy punch. Apple, orange, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon make up this favorite.
• Strawberries and Champagne (VS Type) - A fruity, bubbly interpretation of the VS favorite. I swear you can smell the champagne bubbles!
• Stress Relief - Stress Relief is a blend of eucalyptus and spearmint combined to create the perfect relaxing fragrance!
• Sun & Sand - A YC Interpretation, this is for my customers who asked for something that smells like the beach. A wonderful blend of the outdoors and suntan lotion.
• Sweet Pea - A green spring-fresh bouquet with a top note reminiscent of watery-green-leaves, lily of the valley, and summer melon and apple. The middle note is a floral medley of jasmine and rose with zesty blend of orange and lemon oils and a base note of white musk and vetiver. BBW Type.
• Tranquility - This exotic floral fragrance is a creative mix of rich floral and woody musk base notes. Top notes of fresh ozone floral, muguet and sparkling citrus. A beautiful floral bouquet creates the heart of the fragrance, with notes of rose, jasmine, violet and lilac. A complex base of lasting patchouli, amber, cedar wood, powdery vanilla and musk complete this fragrance with nuances of licorice and spice.
• Vanilla Bergamot - Zesty, lemony bergamot with a touch of vanilla. Wonderful Spring, Summer, and kitchen fragrance!
• Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin - This wonderful fragrance takes soothing vanilla and hazelnut and spikes it with scrumptious pumpkin and spices to make a blend that says "you're home."
• White Ginger and Amber - A delightful blend of musk and sandalwood with top notes of jasmine. BBW Type.
• Wino Dreams - Fun blend of our fantastic Merlot and sweet White Zinfandel.
• Witches Brew - Mystical, spellbinding and hauntingly eerie fragrance just right for those Halloween parties.

Featured Etsy Shop: Raid My Stash

Featured Etsy Shops: Raid My Stash & ClawTreeDesign

This blog features another wonderful Etsy West Michigan artist who has two shops. Check out her shops and don't forget to search "etsywmi team" for more great Michigan finds!

1 and 2 - I have two Etsy shops. The first is RaidMyStash.etsy.com
- a little supply shop where I sell small quantities of beads for those who want to try something new without a large investment. My other store is ClawTreeDesign.Etsy.com. Here I sell handmade jewelry in different styles as well as fiber art scarves and handbags.
3 - I started selling on Etsy this summer, and am actually still stocking the ClawTreeDesign store and plan to "launch" it this fall.
I'm still figuring out how to do that.
4 - My favorite thing about Etsy is the creativity of the community.
I can just browse for hours, amazed at the work that I see.
5 - I love that I sell items that are actually used and worn and enjoyed by people. I love to hear someone tell me how much they still like a piece of jewelry years after they bought it.
6. - Currently the favorite item in my shop would be either the shell bracelet with seed beads and pearls "I found Another Shell" or the highly textured nuno felted handbag " Look At Me Now". Both were so much fun to make, both are unique and beautiful in their own way.
7. – I belong to the West Michigan Etsy team. I am new to Etsy and therefore new to this team, but I have enjoyed meeting members of the team and am impressed by how congenial and supportive they are.
8. – I haven't yet promoted my shop, but I will do so this fall. I appreciate suggestions… I did participate in Etsy day at the Fulton Street Artisans Market, and that was fun.
9. I have a list of favorite items that grows daily. I lately have been looking at nature photography, ceramics, and some copper metal
work jewelry. All things that I do not make, but love to have…
10. My art is my spare time lately. I love to read, to hang out at the lake with the kids. I enjoy knitting and crochet, I like to walk and in the winter I ski when I can.
11. The only other thing I could share is the inspiration for the name of my shop – Claw Tree Design. A claw tree – as I call it - is a tree that for some reason has roots exposed that appear to be reaching for or clinging to the ground. I see these trees as a metaphor. They all started out as seedlings in a place that should have given them the nutrients to grow, but for some reason the ground underneath them changed, shifted, eroded, went away. Some trees then just die, but the claw tree extends its roots as far as they need to go in order to hang on to what it needs to stay alive and growing.

Life can be like this. We start out with certain expectations and
plans. Sometimes, our plans don't work, our hopes are not fulfilled, things change, shift, erode, disappoint. We can then be like the claw tree and reach out to cling to what we need and what we know is good.

My avatar is a sketch I made years ago when learning how to draw. A claw tree was a difficult subject given my lack of experience but it turned out well. That was the first time I thought that I may just be able to create. It gave me the encouragement to continue drawing and eventually to pursue my creative urges into different mediums. Creating beautiful things is one of my roots.

Featured Etsy Shop: Cottonseed

Featured Etsy Shop: Cottonseed

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Check out this great Etsy West Michigan artist! Search “etsywmi” for more great finds from the beautiful state of Michigan.

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Cotton Seed - I sell wearable treasures and gifts, pretty packaging, and jewelry findings.
2. What is your shop URL? http://www.cottonseed.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? July 2008.
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing about etsy is the friendly, helpful, community of people. And the very high level of integrity in workmanship and business ethics. Etsy allows people like myself to share with the world what I love to do and am all about.
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? My favorite aspect about what I sell is the shear creativity to make a one of a kind wearable treasure, and know that someone will take it home and love and enjoy it!
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? My favorite item in my shop is my vintage silver spoon bracelets. The idea of taking something old and well used and loved and giving it a new beautiful purpose gives me great joy. I get compliments every time I wear mine!
7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to ETSYWMI (etsy west michigan) - - ETSYWWWG (etsy wild wise witty grandmamas)
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Talk TALK tAlk taLk talK !!! net work on line.

9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Banners, clothes, jewelry, soap.
10. What do you do in your spare time? I am a grandmama, I love to garden, ride my bicycle, walk with my husband, be with my family, read, my church, make quilts for the red cross, mend clothes for the seniors in our town, and talk!
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Thanks so much Suzanne, for this opportunity to share. Being an older person, not schooled on computes from day one, I have learned so much about this world of technology. And every day I find people who are so helpful, knowledgeable, caring, sharing and funny! all on the internet, mostly on etsy. I wish all of you in your business endeavors "all the best".

Racermann's Handmade Creations

Featured Etsy Shop: Racermann's Handmade Creations

One of the wonderful teams I am a member of is Etsy West Michigan. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be featuring these fantastic crafters and artists. Want to find more great finds from Etsy West Michigan? Search "etsywmi team" and you will find a wonderful array of items for yourself and the upcoming gift giving season!

Racermann's makes beautiful pendants, earrings, necklaces, charms, and miscellaneous craft items. Here is what they had to say about their shop:

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? Racermann's Creations

2. What is your shop URL? http://racermann.etsy.com

3. When did you start selling on Etsy? July of 2007

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Looking at all the talent from around the world

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? Making things with my hands.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Sunset on mars Pendant, 1st item I made

7. What teams do you belong to? etsywmi (Etsy West Michigan)

8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? Chat with people

9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Butt Freckles

10. What do you do in your spare time? I work on crafts, Estate Sales

Features Etsy Shop: Serendipity

Featured Etsy Shop - Serendipity




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What is your shop name and what do you sell?
Serendipity. I sell jewelry storage... Earring Holders, Necklace Trees, and Bracelet Holders. Sometimes I sell thumbtacks too, they're just fun to make.




What is your shop URL?
http://anneball.etsy.com/ (I signed up as a buyer and should have changed it when I started selling)

When did you start selling on Etsy?
I signed up as a buyer in December 2006, and then I started selling about a month later.

What is your favorite thing about Etsy?
There's a lot of things I love, but my favorite is that I get to stay home with my little boys and not have to get a job where I'd have to wear nylons. Plus now I hardly even do craft shows, Etsy brings the buyers right to my door out here in the middle of nowhere.

What is your favorite thing about what you sell?
Everything is useful. I love art too, but I'm a big fan of functional.

What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?
The "girl power" design. The bright colors are happy. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13458075

What teams do you belong to?
West Michigan Street Team and Design Style Guide/Interior Design Team

What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop?
Promotion isn't fun for me, I'm so not a salesperson.

What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?
I can't even name them all. I've gotten presents for Christmas, graduations, Mother's Day, on and on and of course a few things for me that I just "had" to have! Here a couple of my favorite shops: lollipopart.etsy.com LingGlass.etsy.com tilleyjewels.etsy.com

What do you do in your spare time?My what? Ok, I guess I have a little. I read every night-I've given up on tv except for The Daily Show, I'm in love with Jon Stewart. Before my kids were born I loved rowing. I really want to get back into shape so I can join a crew team next year.

Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Just thanks so much for featuring me on your blog. If I ever get any more of that fabled free time and have my own I will return the favor because I'm a huge Bliss Candle fan.

Featured Etsy Shop: reneesFUNKYcountry

Featured Etsy Shop - reneesFUNKYcountry

I decided to start featuring Etsy Shops that I fall in love with. I found a wonderful gem called reneesFUNKYcountry the other day that has adorable handpainted products and decor. I sent her my questionnaire and here is what this fun artist had to say!
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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? reneesFUNKYcountry...mixed media hand painted whimsical art
2. What is your shop URL? http://reneesfunkycountry.etsy.com/
3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I signed up on Etsy in December of 2007 but i didn't start selling until the first part of February 2008...
4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? Jeepers, that's a HARD question to answer...probably the amazing talent!!!
5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? Coloring/painting outside the lines!
6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Probably the Personalized Family Name Piece...it's the piece that i know touches the hearts of my customers...it's all about those you LOVE and letting them know!

7. What teams do you belong to? etsy cast and metsy teams
8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? ART shows because i get to meet my customers and GAB, GAB, GAB!!!
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I LOOOVE other artists paintings, purses/bags, jewelry, fabric...I could just eat up all my profits on etsy...no problem at all!
10. What do you do in your spare time? I can't get enough of watching my boys at any sport and laughing with my family ....i enjoy cooking, reading, walking, camping, SHOPPING!!!
11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? THANKS TO ALL MY CUSTOMERS WHO ALLOW ME TO LIVE MY DREAM and TO GOD WHO CONTINUES TO BLESS MY WITH IDEAS!

"Fall" in Love with Bliss Soybean Candles!!

"Fall" in Love with Bliss Soybean Candles!
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It is that time of year again and we couldn't be more excited! It is time to start bringing out the yummy Fall candle scents. Already the orders are pouring in for these fabulous finds!

My Etsy shop now has special listings for the multiple purchase discount structure with shipping and pricing already determined.

So stop in and load up on some of these great favorites:

• Harvest
• Cozy Home
• Pumpkin Pie
• Carrot Cake
• Pumpkin Thyme
• Pumpkin Souffle
• Caramelized Pralines
• Creamy Caramel
• Cinnamon Spice
• Cinnamon Stick
• Cinnamon Buns
• Cappuccino Hazelnut
• Vanilla Hazelnut Mocha

Our Premium 10 oz Jars ~ Our Main Jar Candle Line

Fall Layered Jars

The Wonderful 16 oz Jar with Primitive Lid

The 16 oz Mayo Jar