Weekly Challenge

Hello lovelies!

For the first time ever,

we had no entries in our last Weekly Challenge!

Now I know the issue was not the theme.

Amarilys from To Mommy's Scrappin'

chose "All I want for Christmas" as the theme,

which should have been easy as pie for any of our teamies!

I'm going to chalk it up to everyone being in a holi-daze

and trust that the new year will bring a fresh start

for our good ol' Weekly Challenge.

With that in mind, our new theme will be

"fresh"

There are so many different ways to interpret this theme!

I want to see some creative thinking!

To participate in the fun:
1) Start creating!
2) List the item in your Etsy shop.
3) Contact me with a link to your entry by next Monday (December 20th) at 12 midnight EST.

**I just want to remind all of our teammates
who sell vintage or supplies that you can enter too!**

I also want to make sure that everyone knows you don't have to create something brand spanking new for the Weekly Challenge. If there's something in your shop that fits the theme, enter it!

I will post all of the lovely entries on our Weekly Challenge page as they come in. The new winner will be posted here next Wednesday. The winner then gets to choose the following week's theme, and of course, it's winner!

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Member Interview

Introducing...

Hi, I'm Deb Babcock and my etsy shop is called dbabcock. I set it up in 2006, shortly after Etsy started and didn't realize the implication of choosing a name that you couldn't change once established. I'm a studio potter and my shop is actually called Blue Sky Pottery.



I live in the beautiful mountains of northern Colorado where we average 350 inches of snow each year. It's a ski resort that is home to many Olympic team members present and past which means that when you go skiing, chances are you'll be on the slopes or the ski lift with someone who has particpated in the Olympics. Can you tell that I like to ski?

I'm married, no kids or pets (although I'd love to have a cat but Dave is allergic), and live out in the country a ways on 35 acres of woods filled with deer, elk, ermine, rabbits, sage hens and other beautiful wildlife.

I sell a variety of pottery, mostly functional pieces like baking pans, cups, berry bowls, rice bowls, salt pigs, french butter dishes and the like. But I've also recently started creating some home decor items like bookends, wall hangings and tiles.

Large Serving Bowl with Poppies


Kristin Love asked me if I wanted to be part of this special group when she got it started way back when. It's a good cause and a nice way to give a little something back when someone is kind enough to purchase my pottery through Etsy. It's also such a supportive group, and I enjoy the camaraderie and fun that each member brings to the team.

A Pocket Full of Posies Heart-Shaped Wall Vase in Lichen Glaze

My favorite creation is usually the last one that I made, so it changes constantly. Right now, I'm working on a couple new designs that I am enjoying immensely. One is a subtle floral design with poppies and the other is a very colorful design featuring the beautiful aspen trees in our forests here. I'm a Colorado Master Gardener and love studying the plants of our area, so these two new designs fit right in with my other interests.

Lunch Plate in Birch Aspen

In addition to my Etsy shop, I have a brick & mortar studio/gallery that is near the ski mountain here. So if any of you make a visit here, be sure to stop in and say hi. There are also about 15 galleries around the country that carry my work. So between Etsy, locals and visitors who buy my work, and wholesale orders to galleries, I keep as busy as I want to be.



In 10 years, I hope to still be skiing, gardening and doing pottery and that my art continues to grow and evolve and become better and better.

Thanks so much Deb!

Happy Christmas Eve and a Merry Christmas to Everyone!
Sending Blessings and Love All Around the World!!

Member Interview

Introducing...

My name is Glenda Garbutt and I am currently living in Toronto, ON. I am 47 years old and have been knitting for 30 years. I grew up all over southern Ontario so home for me is where my loved ones are. I had been taught to knit when I was a small child, but I found the activity so frustraing that I threw down my needles and did not pick them up again until I was 18 years old. Determined not to be defeated by this tricky foe I taught myself again with the help of a book and once I conquered it I realized it had conquered me. Now I am hooked (or should that be needled)!




The name of my shop is Wintergarden. Well I started designing flowers using wool in Canada (where many folks around the world imagine there is snow all year round) so the name seemed like a good fit. This venture is not my full-time job. I am a full-time mentor for young business professionals. For years my friends had been suggesting that I sell my creations, but I was afraid to try something entrepreneurial. In January 2008 I got all fired up to face this fear and give this a shot. How can I mentor if I am not willing to choose a little risk now and then? That was my state of mind. With some fun ideas for designs and a strong desire to develop my skills, I kicked my passion into overdrive and started to create.

Husband Anthony Modeling the
Coulour Me Happy Cowl

Knitting can be a big investment of time so I decided to try knitting accessories and jewelry. I had never knitted flowers before so I just picked up some needles and started experimenting. I am a librarian (among other things) so I was determined not to copy the designs of others. I get ideas for flowers and designs from the colour of yarn, nature, friends, antiques, travel and now customers. Often when I am looking at yarn, it reminds me of a loved one or favourite place or happy memory. I hope it's possible to capture and share a little of the joy and love I have experienced in my life through the work I create.

Traffic Lights Bangle

I learned about Etsy Project Embrace from Ginny Huber. I found the group and wanted to promote their efforts in treasuries and she asked me why not join the group. So I did! Thanks Ginny! Is there any family that has not been touched by cancer? It's a great cause with great members who inspire me to be a better person.

Fireside Blossom Corsage- Fuchsia Red and Charcoal

My favourite creation is the teal rose which is featured in my avatar. This is one of the first pieces I made and I loved it so much that I could not bear to part with it. If the beauty of flowers could be captured by freezing I imagine that they would look like this rose.

My favourite possession is a paperback copy of Thomas Hardy's The Woodlanders which was the first gift my husband ever gave to me. I am still in love with him after 18 years. I am a very blessed woman.



My husband and I are avid Asian art and antique collectors. I love Tibetan paintings, Japanese ceramics and furniture, Mughal miniatures, Victorian jewelry and British painter, J.W. Waterhouse. My husband and I met while working in Japan where we had the opportunity to travel extensively through out Asia. This experience transformed my life and gave me the chance to visit places I had only ever dreamed of. We began a modest collection of wood statues, ceramics and antique furniture. The idea of owning something that has been loved my many people is fascinating to me. If only these pieces could talk imagine the people they have known and the events they have lived through. Antiques and art can really open up your heart and mind to the glory of handmade (not to mention the joys of recycling and reusing).

In 10 years time I hope to be healthy and productive. I hope to continue mentoring people (as this activity has had a very important positive influence in my life) and I hope to get the chance to work in libraries again. Every day that I wake up is a miracle and I hope I have many more in the future to develop my passion for handmade. I also hope to get the opportunity to meet more artisans. The kindness of people on Etsy has become a constant source of inspiration for me. Thank you for the opportunity to share a little about myself!

Thank you so much Glenda!!

Finds 'n' Fancies

 Vintage Putz Village Log Cabin from 5gardenias, Retro Christmas Hand-embroidered Ornament by Waterrose

Vintage Christmas Ornaments from merrysunshine, Vintage Ornaments from Poland from theclassicfarmhouse

 Growing up, our Christmas tree was decked in mid-century (or earlier) glass, aluminum, and plastic ornaments, was lit with bubble lights and strewn with silver icicles.

I grew up in the 80's.  

My parents believed in the value of age and never felt a need to update our tree's look. When we decorated it each year, we pulled most of the ornaments from their original boxes. See, my grandparents owned an antique shop and taught my parents to save all the packaging of potentially collectible items. (Consequently, I am now afflicted with savetheboxitis.) I developed an appreciation of all things old at an early age and learned to handle them with care. When I blew into the plastic-encased aluminum spinner ornaments (my favorites), I did it gently. I watched as my parents handled the oldest and most fragile ornaments, waiting to tackle the job of placing silver icicles on the branches--also done carefully. Reading over those last few sentences, it seems as though decorating the tree was a tedious job in our house, but I prefer to think that it was simply done with respect and reverence--indicative of the way we celebrated Christmas then and how I hope to celebrate it now that I'm the one in charge of handling my little family's fragile ornaments. 

How do you remember celebrating this time of year as a child?

I won't be posting next week as I'll be preparing for Christmas. This is the first year we're hosting the festivities at our house (eep!) and I expect to have my hands full! Whichever holiday you're celebrating, I hope you all have a happy one! --katie :D

Weekly Challenge

Hello lovelies!

It's time to announce our Weekly Challenge winner!
This week's theme was "winter wonderland"

Our winner is Amarilys from To Mommy's Scrappin'
with her Let it Snow Christmas Card.
Those gorgeous glittery snowflakes
just screamed winter wonderland!

Congratulations Amarilys!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our other
oh-so talented participants:
Pearl from Beading Gem
Melinda from Crabapple Vintage

You can check out their fabulous entries
on our Weekly Challenge page.

Amarilys's choice
for this week's theme:
"All I want for Christmas"

To participate in the fun:
1) Start creating!
2) List the item in your Etsy shop.
3) Contact me with a link to your entry by next Monday (December 20th) at 12 midnight EST.

**I just want to remind all of our teammates
who sell vintage or supplies that you can enter too!**

I also want to make sure that everyone knows you don't have to create something brand spanking new for the Weekly Challenge. If there's something in your shop that fits the theme, enter it!

I will post all of the lovely entries on our Weekly Challenge page as they come in. The new winner will be posted here next Wednesday. The winner then gets to choose the following week's theme, and of course, it's winner!

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Member Interview

Hi Teamies!
Introducing...

We are Mark and Emi Franzen, we live in Grafton, WI (just outside of Milwaukee), and our Etsy shop is F2images. We chose our shop name for a few reason, "F" being first letter of our last name, and there are two of us. Also, f2 is an aperture setting...so little play on a photo term. We sell our photographic prints on Etsy, and locally.

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?
Hmm...it's been a while, but I believe we were first involved through Jenn ofwww.etsy.com/people/jennreese7 on Etsy.

Of all your creations, what is your favorite? And why?
Probably the Rock Island train image. It was part of an assignment for using the zone system and shooting a large format 4x5 sheet film camera. (Ansel Adam) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_SystemIt really is a different feel and craft shooting film vs. shooting digital.

www.etsy.com/listing/10256275/8x10-rock-island

Is there something special you collect?
My wife and both love vintage furniture and other home decor items, but I've been collecting oil lamps for the past 15 years.


Do you have a blog? URL?
stimulatedmind.blogspot.com/ Although things have been so busy since we've moved, and the blog has not been updated as often as we'd like!

Where do you hope to be, personally and in your artistic endeavors, in say 10 years time?
Probably a professional photographer at my current day job. It would allow me to expand my creativity in a professional environment which I think would be extremely satisfying. Currently most of the images in our Etsy shop are from my wife's shooting. Some are mine, but I would definitely like to be shooting more, and challenging myself creatively.

Thank you so much Mark an Emi!!!

Finds 'n' Fancies

 Warm Lanterns in the Snow by newivystyle, Quilted Soft Sculpture Nesting Bowls by btaylorquilts, 

Girl with a Chocolate Bolero by LaTouchables, Cinnamon Brown Czech Glass Necklace by GlitzGlitter

If it were up to me, right now, I'd be wrapped up in something warm, sipping--nay, slurping-- a mug of Trader Joe's Vanilla Cinnamon Black Tea and reading a book whilst throwing a glance at my lit-up Christmas tree every few pages or so. But, I've got some work that's not going to complete itself so I'll be attending to that instead. I'm afraid those glances at the tree will look an awful lot like this. 'Tis the season!

Here's hoping you're able to grab a moment today to do some relaxing! --katie :D

Weekly Challenge

Hello lovelies!

It's time to announce our Weekly Challenge winner!
This week's theme was "oh so quiet"

Our winner is Leslie from Leslie Lee Art
"Seeking Center" limited edition giclee print.
Ngan said "I definitely felt serene as soon as I saw it."

Congratulations Leslie!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our other
oh-so talented participants:
Kristin from loveartworks
Dona from Random Order

You can check out their fabulous entries
on our Weekly Challenge page.

Leslie's choice
for this week's theme:
"winter wonderland"

To participate in the fun:
1) Start creating!
2) List the item in your Etsy shop.
3) Contact me with a link to your entry by next Monday (December 13th) at 12 midnight EST.

**I just want to remind all of our teammates
who sell vintage or supplies that you can enter too!**

I also want to make sure that everyone knows you don't have to create something brand spanking new for the Weekly Challenge. If there's something in your shop that fits the theme, enter it!

I will post all of the lovely entries on our Weekly Challenge page as they come in. The new winner will be posted here next Wednesday. The winner then gets to choose the following week's theme, and of course, it's winner!

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Season Of Light Treasury Challenge

Announcing our Fantastic Winners!!

Rose of WaterRose

A Season of Light

Kristin of LoveArtWorks

Season of Candy Cane Dee-Light!

Thank you so much to all who participated and especially our wonderful judges,

Joe and Suz!

Such beautiful treasuries from everyone!

These winners get to have their ad on our blog for an entire month

and they get to use their treasury making abilities to judge the next!!

Congrats!

Member Interview

Introducing....


My name is Jackie and my shop is Monarchdancer. I sell crochet items that range from photo props for babies to capelets and hats for women.
I'm a big fan of nature and wildlife. I love, love....butterflies. A few years ago I needed to think of a new e-mail addy. I love butterflies and immediately picked one of my favorites, Monarchs. Just the way they gently and softly fly around.... made me think of dancing. That's how Monarchdancer got started. I got sooooo many compliments on this addy that I decided to use it for my shop name.



I have lived on Long Island all my life. I'm minutes from the Atlantic ocean, not too far from farm country and about 60 miles from New York city. I am married with three wonderful children. Joshua, Kristen and Katie. Joshua
and Kristen are in their early 20s and Katie is my baby, at 16. I have a yellow lab named Jake aka Devil Dog, and 7 cats that live in my house. I take care of a few friendly strays (all neutered/spayed by me) and some ferals outside. I guess you could say I am a cat lover :)

I am LPN and lost my job in the beginning of '08. I was doing private duty and
the woman I cared for was hospitalized and subsequently passed away. I was
really burnt out and just wanted to try something different. A few months
later I discovered etsy and it was love at first sight

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?

Kim from Slinkimalinkicat convoed me in July of '09 and asked if I would be interested in joining teamepe. I had heard of Laura and what she was
going through and knew this was the team for me. The members on this team are some of the nicest and most supportive people I have
ever met. I am so proud to me a member of this incredible group.

Of all your creations in your shop, what is your favorite? And why?

I think it has to be my tan bear beanie. It's been on the FP and featured in the storque, it has been my biggest seller. It's just so cute :)

What is your favorite possession, and why do you cherish it?

The cast iron deer lawn ornament that's in my backyard. It involves a very funny story that took place in the late 70s.
My father was a NYC policeman at the time. My father and a few police buddies spent an afternoon painting the exterior of someone's home for
some extra money. It was a very sultry Summer afternoon that involved drinking. At the end of the day, my father came home quite drunk and carrying
this extremely heavy deer over his shoulder. Said the homeowner gave it to him. My father passed away suddenly in 1983. My Mom sold the family home
in 1998 and asked if I wanted the deer. Of course I did! Now it proudly hangs out in my backyard.

Is there something special you collect?


I love buying and collecting handmade items from my favorite etsy sellers. I have beautiful creations from hareanddrum, twolefthands, maidofclay, bugunderglass, the nightjar, bubbletime, seapinks and many more.

And of course, I collect yarn :)

Do you have a blog? URL?

http://monarchdancers.blogspot.com/

Where do you hope to be, personally and in your artistic endeavors, in say
10 years time?

It's hard for me to look that far ahead. I do hope that I will still be on the path of handmade. I truly enjoy it. Being happy and healthy is also at the top of my list :)


Thank you so much Jackie!!

Finds 'n' Fancies

I can't stand it. These slippers, handmade by Karmen Sega in Australia, are throwing me into a fit of child-like joy. Wouldn't you just love to slip these on this winter as you steal away to the kitchen in the middle of the night for that slice of holiday pie you declined at dinner? I know I would. But in my case it would be a second slice of pie because it's not in my make-up to decline a piece at dinner. 

  And speaking of stealing away to the kitchen...

... I'd love to have these block prints by Amanda Kindregan greeting me (and cheering me on) as I make my way to the refrigerator.

I hope those of you who celebrated Thanksgiving have made use of all the leftovers and are having fun prepping for this upcoming Holiday season! See you next week! --Katie :D

Weekly Challenge

Hello lovelies!

It's time to announce our Weekly Challenge winner!
This week's theme was "a time for reflection."

Our winner is Ngan from Daily Dose
with her Introspection necklace.
Gabriele was immediately grabbed by its beauty...

Congratulations Ngan!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our other
oh-so talented participants:
Rebecca from Knee Deep Originals
Melinda from Crab Apple Vintage

You can check out their fabulous entries
on our Weekly Challenge page.

Ngan's choice
for this week's theme:
"oh so quiet"

To participate in the fun:
1) Start creating!
2) List the item in your Etsy shop.
3) Contact me with a link to your entry by next Monday (December 6th) at 12 midnight EST.

**I just want to remind all of our teammates
who sell vintage or supplies that you can enter too!**

I also want to make sure that everyone knows you don't have to create something brand spanking new for the Weekly Challenge. If there's something in your shop that fits the theme, enter it!

I will post all of the lovely entries on our Weekly Challenge page as they come in. The new winner will be posted here next Wednesday. The winner then gets to choose the following week's theme, and of course, it's winner!

Happy creating!
xo, Jen