Featured Etsy Shop: monicaj

Featured Etsy Shop: monicaj





1. My shop name is monicaj and I sell artwork mostly.

2. You can find me at: http://www.monicaj.etsy.com/ I also have a jewelry shop at: http://www.monicajtwo.com/

3. I've had my shop for a little over and year now.

4. There are a lot of things I love about Etsy, hmm, let's see I think my favorite thing about Etsy has to be all the friends that I have made. I am rather addicted to making treasuries, it's so much fun and a great place to socialize. And the people I've met are so nice and friendly.

5. My favorite thing about what I sell is that I am living my dream. I have so many things that I want to create and to sell what I love to do...well, that's my dream job!

6. My favorite item in my shop right now is the World of Flowers in light periwinkle. The colors in the background are very light, its hard to capture the true beauty in a photo.

7. I actually do not belong to any teams, I am not sure why. There are so many that I think I am not sure where to go. This is on my list of things to do.

8. As far as a fun way to promote my shop I have recently purchased buttons from http://www.pipinghotpapers.etsy.com/ with my painting and website on them and it has been fun to give them out. I also have a blog: http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/TheDrawingRoomwithMonicaj?viewAsOther=1

9. Oh, I have a lot of favorites. Where do I begin?
I love DrikaB bags. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15167888
And MichelleMoode's artwork. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15153896
Fray's scarves. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15017490
LeiLiLaLoo's work. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14658015
Elleabelle jewelry. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12666687
Hondamom's bags. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14582804
If I had a little on to buy for it would be humblebea’s dress.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13931657
This dress by kitkitdodge is lovely. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11961662

I could go on and on if you would like to see my complete list of favorites it is in my shop.

10. In my spare time I, well. hmm I was going to say I make jewelry. I guess that would considered work but it is another passion of mine. I love spending time with my family. And enjoy doing pilates and yoga. I am a member of a handmade card club. And recently have had rubber stamps made with some of my artwork.

11. I would like to say Thank you to Suzanne. I am truly honored to have this opportunity, you have brightened my day. Your shop is lovely!

Pumpkin Crazy!

It's Fall and it is time for yummy Pumpkin Soy Candles!

Since Pumpkin is my fav, I have many, many to choose from! Order at either http://blisscandles.com/ OR on my wonderful Etsy site at http://blisscandles.etsy.com/.

Just Arrived! New Fragrances

More New Fragrances Just Arrived!

We have been doing some very fun fragrance shopping over the last few weeks! Look what just arrived today!!:

• Autumn Spiced Tea - A creamy, seasonal spiced tea type, with a spicy clove/cinnamon and nutmeg top-note, a delicate green tea and ginger middle-note, with a creamy, sugary, milky-vanilla base-note.
• Brown Sugar Cinnamon - Sweet brown sugar kissed with a touch of Cinnamon Spice.
• Coconut Bay (Yankee Type) - Intoxicating scent of wind-swept palms and coconut milk. Wonderful!
• Pink Sugar (Type) - A sweet sugary lemon drop type with citrus top notes, spicy fruity floral middle notes and a sweet vanilla musky base note.
• Southern Praline - Nutty, sweet combination - great for Fall, Kitchen, and Christmas!

Stop in and check them out! http://www.blisscandles.com

Featured Etsy Shop: Treecycle

Featured Etsy Shop: treecycle

The Etsy community is full of a multitude of talented artists. Amongst this community of talent is an incredible team called InteriorDesignTeam (AKA DesignStyleGuide). This team is comprised of artists who create furniture, pottery, home décor, photography, paintings, various artwork, candles, lamps, bedding, and more.
If you are looking to redecorate or just for something special, search “interiordesignteam” to find these fantastic artists. Today’s featured artist is a member of this talented team.

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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

My shop name is Treecycle and I endeavour to sell woodturned items such as bowls, hollow forms, platters and sculptured pieces. I also make mirrors and small plant pots. At the moment I am hoping to add more items such as lamp stands, tea light holders and small vases. My partner makes greetings cards and one or two might make an appearance in my shop also.
2. What is your shop URL?

http://www.treecycle.etsy.com/

3. When did you start selling on Etsy?

June 08

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

Obviously with Etsy being worldwide it offers fantastic opportunities to enable my work to be seen and for me to see other beautiful creations which I wouldn't normally search for away from Etsy. Also no matter what time of day it is there is always someone prepared to offer help and advice via the forums if needed. It can also be counter productive because when I log in I find It so addictive to get away!!

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

Wood is such a fantastic medium to work with and can hold some wonderful suprises whilst being turned, in fact many a time I have had an idea for a piece then changed my mind once the grain pattern comes through! It also offers the chance to try various ways of applications such as paints, stains, oils and textures, resins etc, etc.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

Tough question this one! It is true to say that I do have favourites but to choose one mmm...well I will go for this one because I went with an idea and although challenging for me came out just as I envisaged, the form, the colour and how it finally 'sat' when finished.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12588380

7. What teams do you belong

Design Style Guide, a wonderful and friendly team!

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

On Etsy when time permits I enjoy going into the promotion forum, and away from Etsy I show at a few craft shows and enjoy handing out my buisness cards and spreading the word! I am trying to get more out of various other things like my space and flikr but not being into all this computer stuff find it hard to get my head round it all but I will...
9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy?

I, like everyone else have quite a few and to choose a few again is tough but here goes...
If I didn't turn wood I would be tempted to have a go at pottery but could only dream as being as good as these people...
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14565270
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8773008
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=12830762
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8628222
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14525272
and as far as art goes..
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13034698
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8117104
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11311830

10. What do you do in your spare time?

I really enjoy attending rock concerts, listening to rock music such as AC/DC, Deep Purple, Rush, Aerosmith, Nickelback, the list is endless! Motorbikes feature heavily in my spare time, going for a ride out to our beautiful English countryside also offers touches of inspiration, and also the odd drink or two helps the chillout factor!!

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Even though I have not sold anything on Etsy yet (I am patient!) I love what I do and get a great buzz out of people hearting and commenting on my work, It makes me feel like I'm going in the right direction.

Featured Etsy Shop: holycraft

Featured Etsy Shop: holycraft

The Etsy community is full of a multitude of talented artists. Amongst this community of talent is an incredible team called InteriorDesignTeam (AKA DesignStyleGuide). This team is comprised of artists who create furniture, pottery, home décor, photography, paintings, various artwork, candles, lamps, bedding, and more.
If you are looking to redecorate or just for something special, search “interiordesignteam” to find these fantastic artists. Today’s featured artist is a member of this talented team.

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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? My shop name is thanks to my husband's creativity--Holy Craft! I sell an assortment of things, but my main items are customized wooden blocks, infant/toddler hair bows, and squash albums.

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

3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I started selling in May 2008, so I'm still a bit of a newbie :) I started a craft blog and had several friends ask if I was selling on Etsy. Finally I gave in!

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? I love seeing all the fabulous handmade creations that are out there. Etsy has such vast talent! I also LOVE the street teams! I honestly don't know where my sales would be without them.

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I started a lot of my crafting as gifts to people for baby/bridal showers and/or wedding gifts. I love creating something that makes someone else happy. Now, I love coming up with new designs for my blocks and I get so attached to them :) My hair bows started as solutions to my daughter's beautiful, but long and in-her-face hair. Hardly a day goes by that she doesn't wear a bow of some sort! The squash albums are just such a fun and surprising take on a gift album or brag book.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? I think my favorite item right now is my Customizable Wooden Blocks in Amy Butler's Lotus Tea Box--http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14686884 Amy Butler is one of my favorite designers and I just love the striking colors and pattern of these darling blocks!

7. What teams do you belong to? I belong to some wonderful teams! FAM (Fabulous Artistic Moms), EtsyMom, CAST (Christian Artists Street Team), FAST (Fiber Arts Street Team), EtsyHookers, ETSYWMI, and Interior Design Team (Design Style Guide).

8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I love to promote my shop in the forums. It's fun for ME, but I don't know that it's the most effective. My other main way to promote is through my blog, http://holycraft.blogspot.com/. Recently I was able to promote my shop through the honor of being chosen as one of the finalists in the Etsy Handmade Kids Challenge--Home Decor category. That was really cool!

9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have so many favorites! I love the work of the mother/daughter team of http://tootsieandgrace.etsy.com/. I purchased a "Maguire the Monkey" print, inspired by my son Maguire. It's just darling! http://elegansnobbery.etsy.com/ has the cutest "snobs" and sock monkey drawings. I love purchasing gift tags made from prints of her drawings. Not only do I love the kitschy jewelry and accessories from htt://luv4sams.etsy.com but I just crack up every time I read one of her descriptions! I recently purchased a "stash & go pouch" from http://ablemabel.etsy.com/ and love it! I love big purses, but all of my "junk" gets lost in them. I use the stash & go pouch to help keep my cosmetics/personal items/medications/bandaids/etc. organized in the vast cavern that is my purse :) Some of my other favorites are http://ljdesigns.etsy.com/, http://bamdesigns.etsy.com/, http://hullabalooboutique.etsy.com/, http://koriclarkdesigns.etsy.com/, and http://novitajulien.etsy.com/.

10. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time?? Ha! I love to read, play outside with my 2 kids (Ashlyn age 3 and Maguire age 20 months) and husband, crochet, scrapbook, wander through Hobby Lobby and local fabric stores, sing and dance (in the privacy of my own home or car!), drink coffee and diet dr. pepper, and spend time online blogging or chatting in the forums on Etsy.

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? My blocks recently also became available on a fabulous new website http://www.gokye.com/. Check out that Go Kye has to offer for children and babies!

About My Etsy Shops!

About My Etsy Shops!

I had so much fun doing this for another blog, I thought I would put it on my own!

1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? I have two Etsy shops! My main shop is Bliss Soybean Candles and Gifts which sells high end, decorative soy candles in jars, teas, gift sets, and the occasional votive. My other shop, Posies for Lewis, sells photography.

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

3. When did you start selling on Etsy? Back in 2007. I actually gave up after a few months in 2007 and then came back in 2008, learned the “tricks of the trade,” and began to do very well. Posies for Lewis opened in 2008.

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? There are so many! Etsy has such a wonderful range of artists. Where else can you go and buy a $2 item or a $2000 item, both of which are fantastic?! I love turning people on to Etsy. From the seller side of things, the buyers are high caliber. I have sold on other sites as well and I just find the experience with Etsy buyers to be top notch! I also love the teams I am on. People are so wonderful and supportive. It is fun to create treasuries, network, blog, and all of that good stuff

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I have to admit I am one of my biggest fans. I have always been a candle addict – especially soy because it is just so much healthier and performs so much better than other waxes. I often tell people if you can’t afford to buy from me, at least promise me you will buy soy. I am so proud of my items because I know the quality is top notch and I love almost every single one of my 140+ fragrances! Sorry…I just can’t stand Patchouli and Clove…not my thingJ I’m all about the food, Fall, and Christmas fragrances making this my favorite time of year! I love to put fun gift sets together and am always keeping my eyes open to see if my suppliers have added any new jars or lids.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? Oh dear! That’s tough. I LOVE my bigger jars. The Premium 16 oz jars are my fave because of the rusty lids. However, being a candle addict, a girl needs more candle than that so I make the 26 oz for myself! My favorite fragrances are Pumpkin Souffle, Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin, Cozy Home, Cinnamon Buns, Cinnamon Spice, Cool Citrus Basil, Spiced Apple Pecan, Energy, Coconut Bay (new!), Caramelized Pralines, Victorian Christmas, Twigs of Spruce, Balsam and Spice, and Pumpkin Pie. I have several more but those are ones I can’t do without!

7. What teams do you belong to? Etsy West Michigan, Interior Design Team/Design Style Guide, Cruelty Free Etsy, MICE, and Cottage Style. All are wonderful teams!

8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? I do so many things. I love to comment in Treasuries and create them. I am just never home any more when they open up! I like to talk in the Forums. My new favorite is doing Etsy Shop features on my blog (http://blisscandles.blogspot.com/) and MySpace page. I am always developing promotional materials. I have the best time with this because I create my own stuff and send it off to VistaPrint and it looks like I paid big bucks – too cool! Yes, I am a computer nerd

9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? I have so many! I love Serendipity’s stuff – always have: http://anneball.etsy.com/. I found a handbag shop that is way cool: http://daphnenen.etsy.com/. Dennis Anderson is very inspirational and has wonderful products. He has been so successful on Etsy that he quit his job!: http://dennisanderson.etsy.com/.

10. What do you do in your spare time? Ha! I don’t have spare time. I have been making time to go to the beach lately though and it is time to start thinking about raking leaves and cleaning up the yard.

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? I highly encourage people to shop and sell on Etsy. The sellers and buyers are wonderful and the products are outstanding. If you are a seller, don’t give up. Learn the tricks and eventually it will pay off!

Featured Etsy Shop: jn3 Hand Crafted Woodworks

Featured Etsy Shop: jn3 Hand Crafted Woodworks

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The Etsy community is full of a multitude of talented artists. Amongst this community of talent is an incredible team called InteriorDesignTeam (AKA DesignStyleGuide). This team is comprised of artists who create furniture, pottery, home décor, photography, paintings, various artwork, candles, lamps, bedding, and more.
If you are looking to redecorate or just for something special, search “interiordesignteam” to find these fantastic artists. Today’s featured artist is a member of this talented team.

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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell?

jn3 Hand Crafted Woodworks is the name. I sell items that I build in my wood shop, mainly candle holders, bookends and these cool little things that seem to suspend a bottle of wine in mid-air (I call them "Wine Rests"). And I build small bookcases to order so they fit perfectly a particular set of books or DVDs -- say a favorite trilogy or series. I have a lot of fun building this stuff.

2. What is your shop URL?

http://jneale3.etsy.com/

3. When did you start selling on Etsy?

June 27 of this year.

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy?

I used to sell my wares in a gift shop in Burleson, Texas, and the place was very crowded. The ladies who ran the store were nice but shelf space was at a premium and because of the over-crowding it was difficult for customers to see clearly what I had to offer. At Etsy I have my own virtual shop where I don't have to compete with anyone else, at least not during the time a potential customer is actually "in" my shop. I can change photos and update descriptions at a moment's notice -- on a whim, even -- and I can spend all the time I need in my shop instead of minding the store because the customer can take care of just about everything except delivery of his or her purchases.

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell?

My favorite thing about what I sell is the building process. Measuring, sawing, shaping, gluing, clamping, and sometimes taking a brand new idea through the development stage in the process. I just love working in my shop. Working with exotic hardwoods is wonderful, especially during the finishing process when the figure and colors of the wood jumps out.

I turn on the radio to SportsRadio 1310 AM, The Ticket out of Dallas, crank up the machinery and start cutting and assembling parts and the hours just glide by. It's very relaxing.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why?

My favorite items in my own shop would be the bookends simply because I first began making them because I needed them to keep my books and DVDs organized. The design arose out of simple need. It's a clean, beautiful look and it has room on it to display small items, statuary or even photographs.

7. What teams do you belong to?

I belong to the Design Style Guide Team (Interior Design Team). I've really enjoyed the camaraderie and encouragement I've received since I joined a couple of weeks ago.

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

I used to be a photographer back when dinosaurs roamed the earth. More recently I was a graphics artist for about 13 years. It's nice to be able to put my knowledge to work when I take photos to display items for sale in my shop. I have a digital camera now, so that part's different than it used to be, but I also still have all the software and two Macs to run it on so I can clean up the photos and make the items I build look the way they do in real life.

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

Pretty much anything from Imagine Studio, especially this great piece called The Jester's Wife (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.phplisting_id=14770225). Both Supernova Designs and Candy Corn Studio make jewelry out of the dice we use to play Role Playing Games... I love that stuff! Nanette Gilligan at GlamGill Studios does these beautifully detailed collages like the one she calls The Satellite of Love (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13368746).
There's a painting called The Elyssa, Tall Ship From Galveston
(http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=472061) from RH Radcliffe Designs that has a special place in my heart because I've been aboard that ship several times. And Eliza Gauger has some of the most amazing art I've seen in years at http://elizagauger.etsy.com/ and everyone should do themselves the favor of dropping in to see her stuff.

And then there's the woodworking crowd. The good ones are too numerous to name, so just let me point you to Craftsman Trom (http:// Craftsmantrom.etsy.com/), Aussie Woodcraft Design (http://AussieWoodcraft.etsy.com/) and Sewelson Woodcraft (http://sewelsonwoodcraft.etsy.com/). You can't go wrong with any of those shops.

One more thing, there's this great shop called Bliss Candles (http://blisscandles.etsy.com/) that should be mentioned, not because you own it, but because, as someone who is on the other end of the candle equation in that I take finished candles and use them to create something else, I appreciate the time and effort that goes into making them. From what I can see you do a great job.

10. What do you do in your spare time?

Watch movies and television shows on DVD, mostly science fiction, fantasy, action and horror films, and my family is really into Buffy and Angel and Firefly. I am a fiend for football, pro or otherwise. I listen to rock music by bands like Rush, Metallica, Mudvayne, the Beatles, the Who, Mushroomhead. I help out with the percussion sections in the junior high and high school bands. And we play a variant of the Storytelling System role playing game called The House. It's a science fiction/adventure/horror game set in the distant future on the remnants of Earth.

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share?

Yes. Part of the lyric for Free Will by Neil Peart of Rush:

You can choose a ready guide
In some celestial voice
If you choose not to decide
You still have made a choice

You can choose from phantom fears
And kindness that can kill
I will choose the path that's clear
I will choose free will

Thanks for this opportunity, Suzanne. I appreciate it.

Featured Etsy Shop: newleafdesigns

Featured Etsy Artist: newleafdesigns

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? My store name is "newleafdesigns", I sell handcrafted jewelry and my photographs.

2. What is your shop URL? The url is http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5335690

3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I've been store on etsy since November 2007.

4. My favorite thing about etsy is the support from any number of different venues and now especially from our "Etsy West Michigan Team."

5. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? My favorite thing about what I sell is that my jewelry is made from a number of beautiful natural materials that I have always loved. I absolutely love stones and I get to work with them and do my best to bring out the beauty of all the different parts I use in a piece of jewelry that is at least as beautiful as the sum of it's parts.

6. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? Oh, my favorite piece?...Like children , can you really have a favorite?

7. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? ..."Patricia" is FABULOUS, has a gorgeous pendant, awesome clasp and she is really unique. I love the Carnelian, Pearl and Garnet combination.

8. What teams do you belong to? I am on only one team now, Etsy West Michigan.

9. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? If shopping Etsy is promoting the shop, that is definitely the most fun thing I do!! I am on Flickr, although that is officially not supposed to be promotion...


10.What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? There are wonderful suppliers - one of the many is irismishly, a fabulous clay artist, and there are way too many talented people to choose a favorite. nonakednecks is another artist that rocks, I bought a ring I wear every day from her. Fantastic, I love it!

11.What do you do in your spare time? My spare time...is online when I'm supposed to be making jewelry! Seriously, with a full time job, a house, a yard, my etsy shop and having pieces in an art gallery, I work in my art room in my "spare" time.

12.Do you have anything else you would like to share? Yes, I am going to be a Grandma very early next year and we're getting a wedding together for this month! Spare time?...

Featured Etsy Shop: dkpottery

Featured Etsy Shop: dkpottery


The Etsy community is full of a multitude of talented artists. Amongst this community of talent is an incredible team called InteriorDesignTeam (AKA DesignStyleGuide). This team is comprised of artists who create furniture, pottery, home décor, photography, paintings, various artwork, candles, lamps, bedding, and more.

If you are looking to redecorate or just for something special, search “interiordesignteam” to find these fantastic artists. Today’s featured artist is a member of this talented team.

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1. What is your shop name and what do you sell? dkpottery

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

3. When did you start selling on Etsy? I started selling on Etsy April 4, 2007.

4. What is your favorite thing about Etsy? There are so many things-Listing is reasonable, all the people that I have meet through Etsy are very nice and the teams that I am on are great.

5. What is your favorite thing about what you sell? I would have to say my favorite thing about my work is that I love doing it so much.

6. What is your favorite item in your own shop and why? One of my favorites is a steamer. I made one for myself and use it daily.


7. What teams do you belong to? I am a member of Etsy Mud Team, Design Style Guide, Indiepublic, We Love Etsy and a few more that I can't think of right now.

8. What is the most fun thing you do to promote your shop? We had a mug swap last year. I waited by my mailbox for a week anxiously waiting for it to arrive. By the way it was great!

9. What are some of your favorite finds by other sellers on Etsy? Oh wow, there are so many. I am redecorating a bedroom right now and one item that I am looking at are the wall decals.


10. What do you do in your spare time? Spare time. What is that! I work full-time, make pottery at night and I did plant a garden this summer, which I have to say looks kinda sad. I also spend as much time as possible with my new grandson.

11. Do you have anything else you would like to share? Making pottery is something that I love doing even if I didn't sell anything. Being able to sell my work and other people enjoying it is an extra bonus.

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

Candle Club Discount Now Valid on My Etsy Site!

The Bliss Candle Club 10% discount is now valid for my Etsy site!
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Join the Bliss Candle Club and enjoy these benefits:

• 10% Discount on EVERY internet order you place
• Special discounts and deals throughout the year
• 5% Discount at Shows with your Club Card in 2008 (EXCEPT BENEATH THE WREATH)
• Birthday discounts and gifts
• Earn credit when you refer friends to Bliss

Sign up today! EMAIL us at customercare@blisscandles.com with:

Your Name
Email Address (required)
Birth Date (at least Month and Day)
Mailing Address (optional)