Fabulous Find: FART Scrabble Wood Tiles

I searched for Etsy West Michigan artists today and of course the first item that really caught my eye was this listing for scrabble wood tiles spelling "FART" by The Empty Nest (luv4sams). I'm ridiculous at heart...what can I say?

Have someone you must get them for? Click here to go to the listing.

-Suzanne

Fabulous Finds: Elf Hat by KarlysKloset

This has got to be one of the cutest things I have ever seen! And the pic...so sweet :) Made by one of the fabulous Etsy West Michigan team members - KarlysKloset. Click HERE if you must have it! To search for more great Etsy West Michigan made items, search etsywmi team on Etsy.com!

Etsy Artist Feature: Doe Studio

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

My shop name is doe Studio. I design and crochet scarves, baby blankets, full sized afghans and other accessories; I also sell my nature photography prints and have recently added pendants (both glass and scrabble tile). I love the instant gratification that I get from all of these forms of art ~ each is unique and allows me to get creative in so many different ways!
My website is http://www.doestudio.ca or you can find me on Etsy at http://www.auntiedawn.etsy.com.
I also have a blog (http://www.doestudio.blogspot.com/)and a facebook fan page (http://www.facebook.com/doeStudio)

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

I wanted to give my shop a clean, crisp, fresh feel, even though my items are generally soft and cozy. I am currently working with a graphic designer to create a logo and branding for my shop and website ~ very excited! I have always tried to keep my color scheme calming and enjoyable!

3. What makes your items unique?

Since my addictions vary from crochet to photography to handmade pendants, I'd say it's my array of items that are as unique as the items are themselves! I usually don't use a pattern for my crocheted pieces, so each one is a little different from the next. That keeps my items looking and feeling fresh and unique; not only from other shops, but within the shop as well!

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?

Since spring is here in Canada (finally!!), I'm going to have to say this is my current favorite! It's also my best seller as far as my prints are concerned!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=42331612
I actually have it enlarged to 16x20 and have it hanging above my bed. I love the color, I love the flower it's self and all of it's soft and textured details!

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?

I am a proud member of the Ontario Etsy Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/ont.shtml) & EtsyMom Street Team (http://team.etsy.com/profilest/moms.shtml). Also, I am on a waiting list to join EtsyHookers ~ very exciting!

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?

I love that for each handmade item, someone has taken the time, care and love to create something from the heart. I think if you compare two similar items, you are going to find huge differences due to the fact that each artist has individual talents and an eye for their craft that sets them apart. There are so many talented artists out there, I could spend all day perusing Etsy sites and blogs!!

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

I have so many!!! I love pottery, jewelry and skin care items! Here are some of my favorite shops!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/madhattersoap
http://www.etsy.com/shop/LesTroisGrenouilles
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CampanaCeramics
I have far too many favorite items to list but I will mention one! I recently purchased a gorgeous Pandora style charm bracelet from jpJewels. Her bracelets are beautiful and inexpensive! A nice treat for yourself or someone you love without clearing out your savings account!! http://www.etsy.com/shop/jpjewels09

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

I have recently opened a sister shop on Etsy called "Om ~ Organized Mom". I specialize in creating lists, trackers and time management tools. My goal is to help other Mom's make the most of their time and regain control of their homes!! It's still in it's infancy stage and I am excited about working on and adding new items in the coming weeks.
www.omonline.etsy.com

Etsy Artist Feature: IllusionsbyDonna

1. What is your business name and website/shop URL? What do you create?

http://www.1000markets.com/users/13070

http://www.etsy.com/shop/IllusionsbyDonna

http://www.artfire.com/users/Illusions

I create one of a kind knits and jewelry.

2. What is the theme or idea behind your website/shop?

In early 2007 I spent 3 mos in Maine painting a house for a friend. The house was mostly empty, so to give me something to do I decided I would try some knitting. I quickly became pretty much obsessed with it. Upon my return home to Indiana my best friend twisted my arm into making some jewelry. By the Fall of that year I was selling knits and jewelry to friends. I became involved with Ravelry and met a local woman on there who encouraged me to open an Etsy store and become involved with our local Farmers Market. After a few months I opened stores on 1000 Markets and Artfire also.

3. What makes your items unique?
I have a background in art and as a decorative painter so color is my life. I get a lot of compliments on my color choices. Trying to do most things one of a kind keeps me looking for fresh ideas. I love making things that no one else has.

4. What is your favorite item on your website or in your shop right now?
I made the Horsey Hat as a special order for a girl I was working with one evening. I love the way it turned out. She was ecstatic! In jewelry, the Organic Leaf earrings are one of my favorites. They are very simple and pretty. I’ve been very surprise that they haven’t sold. I made a pair of earrings for my daughter on those ear posts and she gets a lot of compliments on them.

5. What teams do you belong to? How do we search for their items?
On Etsy I belong to the INCrowd team. Items can be found by putting the tag incrowdteam in the search box.

6. What is your favorite thing about handmade items?
Finding things that are one of a kind and knowing that someone put a piece of themselves into each piece.

7. Do you have any favorite finds by other handmade artists?

Omigosh! There are so many. I get the Etsy Finds emails and I’m constantly finding things that make me go WOW!! The creativity that I see is just amazing. Some things I see I just would never have thought of myself.

8. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Other links?

One of my hats was featured in a handmade blog called Meylah for green things having to do with St Patricks Day. That is the first time I’ve ever been asked to do anything like this so it is pretty exciting for me.

http://meylah.com/blog/212/Going-Green-8-Products-to-Celebrate-St-Patricks-Day

Now Carrying Bliss Candles! The Peacock Main Street Boutique

The Peacock Main Street Boutique Opens in Downtown Sevierville

Sevierville, TN, February 18, 2010 - A new boutique has opened its doors in downtown Sevierville. The Peacock, located in the historic Christopher House at 213 East Main Street, opened earlier this month. The boutique features home décor and furnishings, as well as a bountiful array of gifts for every occasion. Unique offerings such as locally made jewelry and art, as well as an apothecary brimming with organic herbs for custom blends of bath salts and sachets are featured at The Peacock Main Street Boutique.

Browsers will find an inviting shopping environment with goods for garden and patio, the modern or retro kitchen, fun clothes, accessories and jewelry, books and cards, plus the store touts one-of-a-kind handpicked furniture just in time for spring redecorating. Store owner, Meleah McMahan, states she wants The Peacock to be “just like coming home,” a place where customers can take a little time out for themselves and enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the store while sipping a complimentary cup of hot tea. “People have been so impressed with the new look and feel inside the house” says McMahan. The new store kitten, “Chat,” named for the French word for cat, seems to enjoy her new home as well and can be seen darting throughout the store with her catnip toy from The Peacock Apothecary.

The Peacock will be celebrating their Grand Opening March 18 - March 20, 2010, which culminates on the first day of Spring. During the Grand Opening, onlookers and well-wishers will also be able to view the upstairs, newly renovated to accommodate classrooms and a meeting room. The upstairs of The Peacock will be open for yoga and pilates classes, as well as a meeting space for book clubs, moms groups and whatever else the community has a need. “We are really wanting feedback from locals, regarding what kind of classes they’d like to see at The Peacock, “ says McMahan.

The Peacock is open every day but Sunday from 11:00am until 5:30pm with extended hours until 7:00pm on Thursday and Friday. To contact the store or to sign up for classes, call Meleah McMahan at (865) 365-5555.

The Peacock Main Street Boutique can be found online at www.prettypeacockboutique.com or through their Facebook Fan Page.

Featured Bliss Fragrance: Lilac

Featured Bliss Fragrance: LILAC

Here in Michigan, we spend most of Winter waiting for Spring. What if we could jump start that process? With this wonderful, true, Lilac fragrance you can!

Back when I started my business, I searched all over for the perfect Lilac fragrance oil. One out of about ten samples stood out as the only choice! It was incredibly close to the real thing. Since 2004, people have bought my Lilac fragranced soy candles "in mass" because it's just that good.

Last year, you could catch me with real Lilacs in one hand and a Lilac candle in the other trying to sniff the difference :) Yeah...I'm a little silly!

If you need a little Spring, stop by my website ~ http://www.blisscandles.com or Etsy Shop ~ http://blisscandles.etsy.com and pick some up!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Bath and Body

The bath and body products on Etsy are just heavenly! You simply can't do better with expensive store brand items. Check out these great bath and body artists!























Want to be included? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Baby Items

So many cute baby items on Etsy and Artfire....check out these great shops!







Want to be included? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Home Decor

Etsy is the absolute best place to find Home Decor! Check out these great shops!











Want to be included? Email me.

Fabulous Finds: Pomegranate Fig Laundry Soap

When I get super busy with orders, I tend to buy little things to "sooth" and "pamper" myself. I decided to try some handcrafted laundry soap from Maylee's Garden on Etsy about a month ago and have been addicted every since! Everything she says about her soap is true.

Because of allergies, I have had to buy fragrance free soap and dryer sheets for the last couple of years. So...needless to say, buying laundry soap with fragrance was a gamble! I have no issues whatsoever with the Pomegranate Fig, Lilac, or Lavender Vanilla. All have the perfect amount of fragrance which lingers days after the linens are washed.

I highly recommend this soap....not only does it do a wonderful job of cleaning your clothes and linens but it is a wonderful little "pamper" if you need it!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Jewelry

People love jewelry! Here are some great handmade items to help you get your fix. Find more on Etsy and Artfire!

















































Want to be included in the directory? Email me!

Handmade Directory: Handbags/Purses

Ahhh...handbags and purses...one major addiction for many people! Here are some great handmade items to help you get your fix. Find more on Etsy and Artfire!







Want your shop featured in the directory? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Toys

Here are some fun shops with toys for children and adults! For more handmade toy treasures, go to Etsy and Artfire!










Want your shop added to the directory? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Knitted Items/Yarn/Wool

Check out these handmade knitted items, yarns, and wools. You can find more fantastic handmade items like this on Etsy and Artfire!









Want your mini added? Email me!

-Suzanne

Handmade Directory: Wedding & Special Occasion

Try these great handmade items for your wedding or special occasion! More wedding items available on Etsy and Artfire.



Want your mini added? Email me!

-Suzanne

After the Etsy Feature - What are the Numbers?

While sitting here the other day looking around at the dwindled jar inventory, I thought to myself - "Self - I wonder how many items and jars you sold as a result of the Etsy Artist Feature?"

Of course, I had a large customer base already which helped but here are the numbers sold from November 6, 2009 to December 25, 2009:

Total Items Sold - 1150

Premium 10 oz Jars - 792 (66 cases!!!)
Premium 16 oz Jars - 150 (12.5 cases)
Mayo Jars - 108 (9 cases)
Elite Jars - 49 (12 cases)
Premium 26 oz Jars - 20 (1.75 cases)

*Remainder of items were holiday items, votives, and tea lights.

Whew! No wonder I'm still tired :)

Loves,
Suzanne

Fabulous Finds: Wristlet for I-Phones, Cameras by janinekingdesigns

One of my favorite Etsy sellers is JanineKingDesigns. This wonderful shop features high quality handbags, laptop bags, wristlets and more. Last year, I made my first purchase from this shop and was pleasantly surprised by the quality and detail.

These little wristlets are heavily padded and extremely well crafted. They are the perfect size for the little cameras that are so popular and are also a great size for the IPhone or ITouch.

Available in a variety of fabrics, these products are a must have for us technology junkies!

Coming Soon! Bliss Soybean Candles at Woodpointe Pharmacy

Woodpointe Pharmacy, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan near the Woodland mall on 28th Street and the East Beltline will soon be open and carrying Bliss Soybean Candles!

The pharmacy, hoping to open in mid-January, will carry a limited number of Premium 10 oz and Premium 16 oz jars by Bliss. In addition, the pharmacy will be carrying other Michigan made items so be sure to stop in and support Michigan artists and companies!

With the large customer base that we have in Grand Rapids, we are very excited about this new opportunity to offer our customers another place to purchase our products. Bliss products are also available locally at Calico Cat in Grand Haven, Michigan on Washington Avenue.

Go Ahead....Delight Your Senses! (TM)

-Suzanne

Fragrance Descriptions - As of December 24, 2009

Want to see the latest and greatest fragrances and their descriptions?

Check them out HERE!

-Suzanne

New Fragrances

New fragrances are in stock and ready to order!

-Apple and Pumpkin Strudel**
-Honeysuckle Jasmine**
-Pumpkin Brulee
-Raspberry Truffle**
-Vanilla Lace

**Highly recommended!

You can order these fragrances using the Price Break listings in my Etsy shop - http://blisscandles.etsy.com

-- Posted From My iPhone