Etsy Project Embrace

You guys, I love these finds! They've transported me to a cozy cottage in the middle of a golden field. I can feel the soft breeze tickle the high grasses and blow my hair across my face.

I think the heat around here may be getting to me.

Or maybe y'all are just that good with your sweet listings.

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-07-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

heatwave

phydeauxdesigns // birribe

noteworthycreations // emmarts

atlantisak // bbusyarts

btaylorquilts // schalle

To those of you who share my part of the world, stay cool, guys!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

summer fun...

opendoorstudio

...teamepe sure knows how it's done!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-05-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

hitting the road

opendoorstudio // noahandlilah // SimpleJoysPaperie // hoganfe

Safe travels to all of you hitting the road for this coming long weekend here in the States and happy days to those of you elsewhere staying put!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-05-12T00:19:00.000-07:00

casual fridays

littlebugjewelry // claylicious // polarity // shecological

JaneElizabeths // tmpenrose // 88editions // Waterrose

Some casually cool finds in easy-on-the-eyes shades of vanilla, denim, and cream from a few of our hard-working teamepers.
Hope your weekend ahead is filled with mental relaxation and productivity of the hands--something I'm constantly working for on my weekends!

:D

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-04-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Good evening, Team! I sincerely hope those of you in the southern portion of the US made it through the terrible storms last night. They passed just to the west of my area, thank God, but left some devastation behind in a couple of my neighboring states.

Sorry, this is such a late post for me, but I wanted to share a few things that jumped out at me whilst browsing through teamepe items. I'm really loving this soft, fruit sorbet palette right now and then I caught sight of that cute table and had to include it, too. I was tempted to try and collect some things related to the Royal Wedding, but I figured there's enough of that talk in the media right now so I spared you. ;)

emmarts // alvant // LimeintheSky // Lori411

TomLaurus

btaylorquilts // 5gardenias // slinkymalinkicat // sacredsuds

Thanks for the well-wishes from last week. I'm mostly better and so is my family. My 10-month-old has heard me blow my nose so much that she now mimics the sound. I'll excuse myself to the bathroom and, for every blow, hear a tandem "pffffff" coming from her crib across the hall. It's really cute.

Will you be watching the wedding coverage? I think I might try and catch some of it.

Be happy!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-04-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Hey, team. Just wanted to drop in really quick and apologize for not having an actual post for you all today. My household is sick and I just haven't had it in me to go a-hunting. I hope to be back to normal next week.

Here's hoping you are happy and well!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

mermaid's purse

PurpleToedGypsy // BabongoHome // sharonclancydesigns // peacocktaco

Fluur // quercusdesign // 5gardenias // yaelfran

MorningCalm // MazzyJewelryDesigns // happylake // LaTouchables

A bit of tranquility for your Thursday. I always find peace at the ocean's edge, but when the ocean is far from reach, a teamepe/etsy search is right at my fingertips!

Ahh. I feel calmer already.

Where do you like to go when in need of a mental escape? (Near and/or far.)

Not enough? Need more? Here you go: more ocean, beach, sun and sand from our team!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-03-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

birch & yellow

ForetTwo // emmarts // bysweetmom // Anhoki

alvant // RoughMagicCreations // claylicious // cityroad

AdroitJewelers // BeadFrenZ // dbabcock // nutmegdesigns

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-03-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

japan relief

martinrebello // StitchHappens7 // nocoro // IlluminatedPerfume

BlueRoseRetro

lisadjewelry

maryannwakeley // phydeauxdesigns // SolKat // AmeliaKayPhotography

dancingintherains

ErikaPriceOriginals

Slowing Down

2011-03-22T13:15:00.000-07:00

by: MaCherie Creations

For those of us who sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed by juggling all that we do, this video has a great message. It was recently posted by The Road Safety Council from Down Under. The focus is about road safety; however, there is a wonderful message that connects to how we live.

Just this morning I was adding more tasks to my todo list, feeling the familiar twinges of frenzy while figuring out how to get everything done. Then I received news from a dear family member who is undergoing another round of chemotherapy as surgery is not an option. And so I'm forcing myself to slow down so that I can focus on what truly matters: Life, loved ones, the promise of spring ...

by: Lori411

Two new tasks have been added to the very top of my todo list: "slow down and breathe".

Article written by Beyond the Rockz

Member Interview

2011-03-18T06:07:00.001-07:00

Introducing...

My name is Sule, I live in Istanbul the most crowded and magnificent city of Turkey.I am graduated from Business Administration Faculty,I am a pr professional besides having a shop on Etsy. Our shop name is “Bysweetmom”, inspired from my Sweet creative MOM. We opened our shop with “my sweet mom”, my mom is not familiar with computers so I manage our shop. We are a cosy family company. My sweetmom has been always so creative. When I was a child, I was watching her while she was sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating something new. She can’t sit without doing nothing and I am the daughter of my mom:) So, I love crafting since I knew my self...I am very proud of being daughter of such a SWEETMOM! She is a creative angel, perfect mom, good friend, excellent teacher, wonderful person… I learned lots of thing from her and still learning…
My beloved,creative sister Sebnem (aka “ shebbodesign” and ”pashiko” shops on Etsy), is the person whom introduced me with Etsy. She helped me lot, I learned everything about Etsy from her, all my photos are taken by my talented sister. She is also a good crafter and knitter. I am also a porcelain painter. We all family members feeds each other with our talents and creations. We all complete each other:)

I was looking for a new team and saw Etsy Project Embrace. The aim of the team influenced me and joined to team. Etsy Project Embrace is a good cause, unfortunately cancer is a very common disease, four years ago I lost one of my best friend from colon cancer and I am so sensitive about this disease.

Of all your creations, what is your favorite? And why?
It’s really hard to choose, I love everything in my shop. My favorites are my ponchos;
www.etsy.com/shop/bysweetmom?section_id=6621108

the cutiest one is our pinecone red earflap hat with pompoms;

the sexiest ones are the grey glitter crochet cuff

and the glitter powder pale pink wedding shrug;

What is your favorite possession, and why do you cherish it?
My favorite possession would definitely my silver jewelery. Without them I feel naked:)

Is there something special you collect? (If so, photos are very welcome!)
I love marionnetes, 4 years ago I took a puppet course ;so I can also make my own pupets:) and I have been collecting puppet for the past 4 years..

Do you have a blog? URL?
For the time being, unfortunately no. But, I already took my blog adress from blogger , creating my blog is the “major” topic in my next month’s TO DO list.

Where do you hope to be, personally and in your artistic endeavors, in say 10 years time?
Living in a giant metropole (more than 13 million people lives in Istanbul, and Istanbul connects 2 different continents Europe and Asia; there is always traffic jam, so many people etc.) brings a lot of difficulties, even I love my born city, in 10 years time - I am dreaming to live in a peaceful and calm place near by the sea in nature surrounded by olive trees at Eagean side of my country. Living in a stone house - countinue creating with “my sweet mom” while listening the whisper of peaceful Eagean wind...
Thanks

Thank you so much for sharing!
xoxo

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-03-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

JaneElizabeth's // GlazedOver // btaylorquilts // BlueRoseRetro

Chocolate Stout Cake recipe // simplysuzula // loveartworks // LeslieLeeArt

Happy Saint Patrick's Day, team! Honestly, it's not a day I've ever really celebrated--even after turning 21. I did a little reading up on this holiday since, before now, I've known it more as Wear Green or Get Pinched Day, but figured that if it was named after a saint, there's bound to be more to it than wearing green and drinking Guinness. Surprise--I was right. It was once a religious feast day. I didn't know that until after I'd gathered these Irish & kitchen-themed items from our team. Serendipity strikes again.

Also, I found a recipe for Chocolate Stout Cake from Smitten Kitchen in case you're looking for something else to do with that Guinness.

FYI: According to wikipedia (which we all know is always 100% accurate), the color that was originally associated with Saint Patrick was...

...blue.

Next week, in light of the devastation in Japan, I'm hoping to gather plenty of finds supporting the relief efforts. Until then, this video will both warm and break your heart.

Member Interview

2011-03-11T15:12:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

Hi all! I'm Stephanie from Bonita Bellita and I'm so glad to have some time with you! Bonita Bellita is my etsy shop, and the name comes from my belief that everyone is in their own way beautiful (bonita is beautiful in spanish) and Bellita is my daughter who's nickname is Bella, and the -ita makes it more of an endearing term. It's also a play on Bella, Italian for beautiful. My shop holds lots of little treasures to choose from. Most are hair accessories, little blooming bobby pins are my favorite, but there also are rings, the occasional necklace, brooches, and I'll be introducing earrings and some home decor soon. Everything I make comes from my home in sunny southern California.

I learned about Etsy Project Embrace around Christmas time, when another shop Lillyella (www.etsy.com/shop/lillyella) told me about a fun Christmas exchange she was doing. I took a quick peek and found it was based on good etsy shops that wanted to do a little more than just sell fabulous items; they wanted to give a helping hand back to others who were hurting, specifically from cancer. It hit me personally, because my mom was diagnosed with cancer this last year. It made me want to do something. I decided this was a good way to achieve that goal.

Out of everything in my shop, I think my favorite to share with everyone is the Golden Afternoon hairband (www.etsy.com/listing/60053425/golden-afternoon-hairband). It was just an experiment, and it turned out beautifully. It's been requested for weddings and now there will be more color options coming soon from the fantastic feedback from everyone! The color just matches so much, and it flatters everyone!

Golden Afternoon Hairband

One of the things that inspires me is also one of my possessions most dear to my heart. My wedding ring. It's not just pretty diamonds or a promise of love, it's a symbol of the support from my amazing husband. His own wedding ring and mine were custom made by his grandparents so its generations of love, not just a brand new ring (although I would just love one of those too! Since I work with my hands on a constant basis, it's nice to see a little glint of sparkle and be reminded that my other half as well as my ring's is out there, loving me too.

I also like to collect photos... well, take photos is a better way to say it. I take all the photos for my shop, but I also do photography for fun on the side. All my family events, friendly gatherings, and just in general my life are always captured on my Canon camera. I keep cds of it all, I want to keep those memories for my children one day.

I try to share a bit on my blog, but I'm not always as devoted to it as I should be. However, if you'd like to visit me atbonitabellita.blogspot.com you're more than welcome to!

The current dream is to have some stores locally consign my items over the next few years (so far there is just one dear shop that does for my baby items) and then one day, probably during that 10th year, to have a brick-and-mortar shop. There will be expanded lines of clothes and house decor, which I also want to get involved in. I don't just want to hold my own items, but also those of other artists with a similar dream. By then I also want to be in a home with a garden, more fluent in spanish.

Thank you so much for sharing Stephanie!!
xoxo

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-03-10T10:35:00.000-08:00

semi-twee greens and sweet raspberry reds

1. Waterrose 2. dancingintherains 3. anthropologie 4. anthropologie 5. Lori411

1. slinkymalinkicat 2. 5gardenias 3 .mwri 4. elsahats 5. chie mahara

They're not just for Christmas!
(more sweet and vintage finds from our team)

--:D

Treasury Challenge

2011-03-08T06:47:00.000-08:00

Hello Teamies!

Announcing our "Green" Challenge Winners!!

KneeDeepOriginals

RandomOrder

CrabAppleVintage

Congratulations to all of our winners!

They will be our judges for the next challenge

and Rebecca from KneeDeepOriginals will be choosing our theme!

Thank you so much to all who participated!!

Stay tuned for the next!

xoxo,

Erica

Member Interview

2011-03-04T11:17:00.001-08:00

Introducing...

Hello Everyone
My name is Leslie Lee and my Etsy shop name is LeslieLeeArt, which is the name of my website, my email, my blog etc. Seemed like I should stick with it - it’s my “brand”!

I have been a professional artist of varying kinds all my adult life, mainly because my parents never told me I couldn’t be one. I was the last of four girls and the Wild One so they just let me choose my own route. I studied graphic design at Washington University in St. Louis MO but returned to my native Portland, Oregon to begin my career. When my daughter was old enough for pre-school I began taking sculpture classes and then got into ceramics, which had been a favorite medium as a child.
For nearly 25 years I pursued ceramic sculpture and even made the cover of Ceramics Monthly in 1994. (I always wanted to be a Cover Girl!) By then I had (re)married a potter and we had bought some land in Southern Oregon’s Applegate Valley to begin building our studios and home. In the middle of this adventure I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, which was caught earlier than it might have been thanks to a wonderful acupuncture practitioner who helped my body present symptoms. I had surgery and chemotherapy and started painting since I did not have enough energy to work with clay. Starting to paint was the silver lining in my cancer experience - I never went back to clay. This print, called HeartRoots was created as a thank you notecard which I sent to everyone who helped during my recovery. Later I had more cards printed and donated the sales to cancer research. Perfect for Project Embrace!

HeartRoots

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?
I think I was just exploring different features of Etsy and when Waterrose encouraged me I jumped in immediately. This is a great team and I am so grateful to all of you who have included my prints and cards in your Treasuries, chosen my work in Weekly Challenges, and made purchases.

Of all your creations, what is your favorite? And why?
I’d have to say the straw-bale home and adobe studio I designed and built with my husband and many volunteers. This is a creation that will endure and continue to inspire building in a more sustainable manner, with beauty and energy efficiency. The property is now for sale and people are having a hard time believing that we could ever leave this wonderful place, but the truth is we are artists who make things and then sell them so we can make more things. Our home just happens to be the biggest piece of art I have ever created and the one that makes a huge impression on people who visit here. If you’d like to see it go to StrawBaleHomeForSale.com and watch the video tour – guided by…me!

What is your favorite possession, and why do you cherish it?
My wedding ring (rose quartz in a gold setting), but what also pops up is our bright red leather couch, which was purchased with money my Dad left me, and on which I take a siesta ever day after lunch: my Heavenly Half Hour.

Is there something special you collect?
I don’t think of myself as a collector, but I am a sucker for more art supplies than I could ever use in a timely manner.

Do you have a blog?

leslieleeart.blogspot.com Twitter- LeslieLeeArt URL? www.LeslieLeeArt.com This is a site a share with my husband and our doings at our Hummingbird property where we have a small B&B and host summer ceramic and painting workshops. I need to separate all this into different sites, but the amount of time I spend on the computer is really taking a toll on my creative studio time; I also manage my husband’s Etsy store atwww.etsy.com/shop/dennismeiners. Lately he has been making terra-cotta cups and I have been painting them. It’s very fun and I’m looking forward to get more of them photographed and into his store.

Where do you hope to be, personally and in your artistic endeavors, in say 10 years time?
In ten years I will be 72 years old. I would like to be comfortably settled with Dennis in a small home in Portland, Oregon, with studios on the premises. I want to be enjoying my grandson who will then be 11 years old and possibly have a younger brother or sister. I would like to be able to paint every day and sell most of what I do directly from my studio, website or Etsy. Ideally I will find a young whipper-snapper who will take care of all the computer work I now do to market Dennis’ and my work, giving me more time to delve into making art that might be meaningful to people and help shape their lives.

Thank you so much for sharing Leslie!!

xoxo

Treasury Challenge!

2011-02-28T10:03:00.001-08:00

Here we go Teamies!
After a week of making treasuries,
Here are our 8 finalists for the "Green" Challenge!

Relax...It's ecofriendly, It's Green!

GREENtini-make mine Moss with an olive and a twist!

Set My Boat Adrift on a Spring Green Morn

Green Neutrals

Embracing Green

A Bit-O-Spring Green Magic

If You're Irish, Wear Green! If you're not Irish...

Come on Home to Green River

Thank you so much to all who participated!!
Remember, the winners of this challenge will use their
skills to judge the next!

Thank you to our judges: Stevie, Ginny, and Suz! Great job!
Good Luck!
Voting will End Sunday, March 6th
xoxo,
Erica

Treasury Challenge!

2011-02-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!!

I've been having a difficult time tracking down all of our Teamepe "Green" treasuries by searching and I know that our judges probably have too.

So... If you have made a treasury for the challenge, please, please, please post it on the Feb. Treasury discussion board so that it can easily be judged.

From now on, in the guidelines, we will use this as our tool for judging. Thank you so much everyone and great job treasury making!!

Don't forget the challenge goes until Noon tomorrow so there's still time to get that last one out there!!

Have a great Saturday everyone!!
xoxo,
Erica

Member Interview

2011-02-24T23:25:00.001-08:00

Introducing...

Tamela from HappyDogButtons

I live in the Pacific Northwest with my husband and our dog Jack. My shop is Happy Dog Buttons where I sell pinback buttons, magents and mirrors. I also sell dog coats, beds, jackets and dog toys under the name Happy Dog

I have always liked crafts, beaded jewelry, quilts, making handmade cards, and things for dogs and now buttons, magnets and mirrors. My favorite things to make right now are the mirrors.

In the past I have sold at craft shows which I love because of the interaction with people. I'm frequently asked if I have a website, so Esty was the answer I was looking for. I didn't realize there would be such a great community of other sellers. That has been the bonus.

Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser Pinback Button Set

I found the EPE team when searching through the Forums one day, it was a good fit because I like to raise money for the Susan G Komen 3 day with my Breast Cancer buttons. Many close family members have battled Breast Cancer so I participated in the 3 Day in Seattle in 2010 and it was one of the best experiences of my life.

Robbie Robot Pinback Button

Some of my favorite things are the handmade recipes that I inherited from my husband's Grandmother. I love to cook too so having her recipes means a lot. I used some of her recipes in our local Fair where I enter a variety of food competitions every year.

Bridal Thank You Gift Pocket Mirror

I hope to grow my etsy shop and open a new one for my dog items over the next few years so that it will begin to pay for itself along with the craft shows that I will continue to do.

I've started a blog, but it is very new (only 1 blog) and definatley a work in progress. happydogbuttons.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much for sharing with us!!

xoxox

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-02-24T08:19:00.000-08:00

Hello, hello! Another Thursday, more finds! Last week, I had intended to do a post about green, but then it went somewhere else entirely, but the green was still very much in my head. Maybe it has something to do with the coming of March and St. Patrick's Day. I'd remembered a few things I'd been looking at from our team members while I was browsing Anthro and then came across the garden journal pictured below. When I saw it was designed by Nathalie Lete, whose work I adore for its unabashed whimsicality, I googled her and found this image. It was fate; it paired perfectly with the items I'd already planned to show you today.

Nathalie Lete via meet me at mike's

Fanciful Garden journals by Nathalie Lete

Fresh Spring Grass quilt by btaylorquilts

Waiting for You by Lori411

Shamrock pin from opendoorstudio

Mimi Pinson (yellow) handtufted rug by Nathalie Lete

Seafoam & Robin's Egg Blue earrings by WildWomanJewelry

Note Card Collection by pleinairpainter

Paper Mache vessel (ooak) by Fluur

Yum! Great job, guys! I have a theme in mind for next week. I hope y'all have lots of sweet, whimsical spring flora and fauna for me to search! ;)

--katie :D

Treasury Challenge!

2011-02-19T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hello Teamies!!
It's time for another Treasury Challenge!
The fantastic winner from our last, Stevie from DBSJ, has chosen a particularly versatile theme for us...
"Green"

Do with it what you may, but you must follow these rules:

1: Each treasury must have Green in the title, tagged with teamepe, and posted on our discussion board for February Treasuries- Just to ensure we see it!

2: Each treasury must have AT LEAST 8 TeamEPE members included. These are to increase our chances of a FP to spread the word out there, so try to show off your team members!

3: The challenge will begin at noon on Monday Feb. 21st and will go until Noon Sunday Feb. 27th. This gives a whole week for trej making. Anything posted between those times is fair game. I'll post the top 9 treasuries on the blog for voting!

Now...
Our awesome judges who were the top 3 in our last challenge will use their skills judging this one:

Stevie- DBSJ
Suz- SimplySuzula
Ginny- GinnyHuber

Then the winners of the "Green" Challenge will judge the next!
Good luck everyone!!

xoxo,
Erica

Member Interview

2011-02-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

Introducing....
Hi, my name is Liz and I live in Dunedin, Florida. The name of my shop is Far Field Designs. When I was a child, I used to wander around the fields and woods of Ohio, so I named my shop after a poem called Far Field by Theodore Roethke that reminds me of those days. I sell handmade jewelry; mainly necklaces.

I learned about EPE by looking through the list of teams on Etsy. My father has stage 4 lymphoma, so I'm painfully aware of the effect that cancer has on people and families.

Handmade Eco Organic Cactus Skeleton Necklace in Silver

My favorite creation is my silver cactus skeleton necklace. I found a dried cactus part laying on the ground with all of these cool crevices, so I just had to see it captured in pmc. It took me forever to paint each layer of silver paste in each crevice, and then file each nook and cranny after I fired it. It's got a very interesting look, and it's definitely one of a kind. My other necklaces are are very varied. Some are made from charms, druzy geodes, and bronze. I usually have a lot of design ideas racing through my head, so it's hard to decide on what to make next.

Handmade Bronze Frozen Charlotte Baby Head Necklace

Are pets possessions? My favorite possessions are my cats; who I just love!
I don't have a blog or URL. I haven't figured out what to blog about yet.
I collect vintage charms and findings for jewelry making. I find them at flea markets and on ebay. They're like treasures to me.

Light Blue Crystal Druzy Geode Necklace

In ten years I'd like to be living with my husband in the mountains somewhere, close to nature. Hopefully, I'll still be creating jewelry and taking long walks in the woods and fields. I'll probably be on the lookout for interesting textures and shapes in nature.

Handmade Spike, Etched Cone w/Fluorite, Purple glass Charm Necklace

Thank you so much for sharing Liz!!
xoxo,
Erica

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-02-17T09:00:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, Team! I stumbled upon these first two springy visual treats a few days ago and they called to mind wagashi so I went searching through our team's spring listings and other areas of Etsy to see what else I could find that reminded me of the bright, Japanese confections.

Tanabata inspired installation by Ebony Bizys

Cherry Blossom @ Snow Queen by Chun Eunsil

Rose Rakugan wagashi photographed by bananagranola

Lilac Fancy pom pom poncho by sweetmom

Fresh Start by JaneElizabeths

Fresh Spring Leaves hand-painted appetizer bowls by ShebboDesign

Best Mochi Friends by poppopportraits

Posey earrings by WildWomanJewelry

Sakura Blossom card holder by dancingintherains

Spring Flower Bouquet fascinator by elsahats

Traditional Long Kimono with Wide Obi by Asianexpressions

Japanese Wagashi in felt wool by GlucoseArtroom

Wasn't that fun?! --katie :D

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:00

l'oiseaubleu

Flight Pattern earrings by noblegnome

Flight solar print by 88editions

The Beauty of Life pin by hilarypfeifer

Castile Blue Ceramic Nesting Bowl trio by DancingDolphinPotter

She Wore a White Veil by reneeanne

Mother of Pearl shawl pin by BeadworksbyKerri

Bluebird mini watercolor by KneeDeepOriginals

Found Feather by emmarts

Organic Owl pouch by shecological

Sorry, guys; I'm not feeling so hot today, so commentary will be brief, but I do want to say blue birds make me happy and, because our team has lots of blue and bird-related items to peruse, I have reason to be very happy. Enjoy with me! --katie :D

Member Interview

2011-02-04T12:38:00.000-08:00

Introducing....

I am Andrea Badgley, and I live in St. Paul, Minnesota. My shop is Sacred Suds, and I handcraft spiritually inspired essential oil soaps. Many of my soaps are inspired by ancient Goddesses, including a healing Goddesses like Kuan Yin and Eirene, and as I deepen my Yoga practice, I have begun adding Yoga inspired soaps to my shop as well.

How did you learn about TeamEPE?
Back in the olden days, when we still waited into the middle of the night to grab a T West (remember those?), I remember seeing a lot of team EPE treasuries, and I was always amazed by the talent showcased in those treasuries. I learned about the team through those collections, and when my mom was diagnosed with endometrial cancer last year, I was so glad I had seen those treasuries. I needed a support group, and what a beautiful group I found in Etsy Project Embrace.

Aphrodite- Goddess of Love, handmade cold process soap
Amber, Rose, and Ylang Ylang- Vegan Friendly

Of all your creations, what is your favorite? And why?
I think it would have to be my Aphrodite soap. It was my first Goddess-inspired soap, and at the time that I created it, I had been pregnant or nursing for four (loooong) years. I felt frumpy, haggard, and like I had no identity of my own anymore. Someone else always needed something from me, and I felt I would have nothing left to give if I didn’t give myself what I needed.
And what I needed was to feel beautiful, and sexy, and womanly in a non-Mom way. I wanted to feel radiant, like a Goddess! So I turned to Aphrodite, “the lover’s goddess, beautiful, gold-crowned, a blossom riding the seafoam…” (Homeric hymn to Aphrodite). To me, Aphrodite (or Venus) represents the energy that we as women feel when we are confident in our femininity and beauty, and I wanted to channel that energy. Every time I smell the soap it makes me feel beautiful.

What is your favorite possession, and why do you cherish it?
Right now? My down comforter! I'm from Georgia, and this Minnesota winter thing is way beyond any cold I've ever known.
No, my favorite possession would have to be my engagement ring. It is a sapphire in a setting of two butterflies. My husband had it made for me, choosing the sapphire because it's my birthstone, but also because the sapphire represents both the heavens and the oceans, as well as sincerity, fidelity, and romantic love. It makes me feel very loved.

Prana- Breath of Life handmade essential soap
Peppermint- Vegan Friendly

Eirene Goddess of Peace, handmade cold process essential oil soap-
Lavender and Oats- Vegan Friendly

Do you have a blog? URL?
Yes! www.blog.sacredsuds.com/

Where do you hope to be, personally and in your artistic endeavors, in say 10 years time?
I hope to have figured out a way to balance my family life with running a rapidly growing business out of our home! In 10 years, both of my kids will be too grown up for me to think about right now. But I would like to be settled into our forever home, with happy, confident children who actually want to share their lives with my husband and me (they will be teenagers in 10 years). I envision free time to ride my bike, to practice yoga, and to sit still. I would love to have my own soap studio by then, dedicated solely to Sacred Suds (i.e. - not shared with our living space).

Thank you so much for sharing!
xoxo

Treasury Challenge!

2011-01-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Hello Teamies!
After 43 votes we have the winners of the
"Fresh New Year"
Challenge!

I'm Looking at The Fresh New Year!
DBSJ

Fresh As A Daisy In This Fresh New Year
SimplySuzula

Make Colorful Memories In a Fresh New Year
GinnyHuber

Congrats to our Winners!
Everyone did a beautiful job.
Thank you so much to all who participated!

Remember, our winners get to use their treasury making
talents to judge our next challenge and Stevie from DBSJ will be giving us our next theme!
Stay tuned and stay creative!
xoxo,
Erica

Member Interview

2011-01-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

Liz from Fierce Angel's Fantastical Finds.

I live in Glen Burnie, MD. My shop is Fierce Angel's Fantastical Finds; when I was in high school I had a dear friend who gave me the nickname "fierce angel" one day randomly and even though we grew apart and the friendship faded, the nickname became an important part of who I am. I always dreamed of using it as the name for an off-the-wall boardwalk shop where I would sell unique treasures. So when I decided to try selling jewelry on etsy, it only made sense to incorporate it in my shop name. I sell bracelets, anklets, and necklaces made out of hemp with different kinds of charms, beads, and metal clasps.

I learned about Etsy Project Embrace while I was searching around on etsy. I had wanted to join a team on etsy for awhile, but some of them are real selective about when they allow members to join. In the past year I've gotten involved in some of the American Cancer Society's events, like Relay For Life, and I've been selling some of my jewelry as a fundraiser for those events. So when I found EPE, and learned how the team started and what their mission was, it seemed like a good fit. I was accepted to join the team right away and I'm excited to be networked with other crafters who are helping make the world a better place.

It was hard to pick a favorite out of my jewelry, but my favorite right now is the Lilac Hope Awareness Ribbon bracelet (shown below), and that's because it combines my favorite color, purple, with my favorite metal spacer beads that I've found so far, and my favorite charm, the Awareness Ribbon with HOPE engraved on it. The charm is made by Blue Moon Beads and it's perfect for raising awareness and funds for a great cause.

It's tough to pick a favorite possession, but I think it would have to be the baby blanket my Grandma made for me. There's something special about an item that someone took the time to make by hand especially for you, and that blanket went everywhere with me when I was younger. I've had to put away in a storage bag because the yarn has started to unravel in several spots and especially after losing my Grandma this past year, I would hate to have anything happen to the blanket.

I collect Nightmare Before Christmas stuff. I love anything by Tim Burton, and this was the first movie I saw with my fiance when they re-released it in 3D. (Below are pictures of one of my NBC snow globes and one of my cat, Jasper wearing a Jack Skellington hat).

I do have a blog written under a pseudonym, ccatbqfm.blogspot.com/

In 10 years time, I hope to be successful enough that I can afford to spend lots of quality time with those that I love. Artistically, I hope that I can find ways to continue to fund-raise for the American Cancer Society and other causes by creating things that I enjoy making. Crafting is in my blood, and even if I can never make a successful business, I'll be happy as long as I'm still creating.

(Below is a picture of myself and two friends at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, I'm the one in the KISS T-shirt, KISS drummer Peter Criss is a breast cancer survivor)

Thank you so much for sharing!!!

xoxo

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-01-27T10:02:00.000-08:00

Afternoon, teammates! My quasi-inner goth is crying out again!

Spring Barns in Hamburg etching by ThePolkaDotMagpie

iggy & lou lou ceramics at The Grand Social

Garden Detail by 88editions

1853 Morris Butterfly print from slinkymalinkicat

Black Gothic Romantic Cameo wrapped in filigree by atlantisak

William Dean Howell'sTheir Wedding Journey from ProsperosBookshelf

Here's more from our team if you have a need to indulge your inner--or outer--goth!

--Katie :D

Weekly Challenge

2011-01-26T09:34:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

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

Our winner is Melinda from Crabapple Vintage
with her shabby chic vintage tin.

Andrea (who choose our winner this week) said, "Wow, this is a tough decision! I think I'm going to have to go with Melinda's tin, though, because I love her description of fortune having an air of not only mystery, but of possibility as well. I think her tin captures that mystique perfectly.”

Congratulations Melinda!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our only other participant:
Erica from Mazzy Jewelry Designs

You can check out her fabulous entry
on our Weekly Challenge page.

Melinda's choice
for this week's theme:
"rejuvenation"

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 (January 31st) at 12 midnight EST.

**I 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

Fresh New Year Treasury Challenge

2011-01-23T19:07:00.000-08:00

After some very serious deliberation...
Here are our 9 finalists!

Once Upon Another Fresh New Year...

Make Colorful Memories in a Fresh New Year

Fresh New Year in Color

I'm Looking At The Fresh New Year!

Fresh As A Daisy In This Fresh New Year

A Fresh New Year- Crisp Greens...

A fresh new year...be cool,calm, and creative!

Breathe the Fresh Air of a Fresh New Year!

The Gift of a Fresh New Year

Thank you so much to all who participated in our first challenge of the New Year!

Voting will end Sunday, January 30th at Noon so lets get voting!!

Member Interview

2011-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Introducing...

Hi, my name is Patty Woodside and the name of my shop is Patidecaz. My shop name is a mixture of my name, my birthday is in December, and I live in Arizona. I'm married to an adoring and loving husband, we've been together for just over 25 years. We raised a blended family together (1 daughter, 3 sons), we have eight grandkids (4 girls, 4 boys). We enjoy boating on the lakes, camping, and hiking. We love to travel.

I joined Etsy in June of last year to sell my pink bracelets I made to help a friend raise money for the Komen 3-Day Walk. It was held in Phoenix, Arizona in November.
I have had breast cancer twice in two years, and then had breast reconstruction with tissue expanders (for seven months). My last surgery was in September, 2010.
In the past, I have participated in several cancer walks - but last year, I just helped with fundraising.
I had read about Etsy Project Embrace on the Storque blog. I knew then that EPE was the team I needed to be involved with.

I'll tell you a secret - My entire Etsy shop is kept inside a brown leather ottoman in my livingroom.
I sell many different things in my shop. I have pink bracelets, small quilted items, jewelry that I made, vintage jewelry, linens and other vintage items, craft supplies, pincushions, little girl's dresses, and a Pay it Forward section.
Lately, I've been working on several things made from Pendleton wool.
I try to make something everyday (often, several things). It's a great motivation for creativity, and I am never bored. There's a quote by Picasso that says: "Inspiration exists, but it has to find us working"
I sew, make quilts, make jewelry, knit socks, crochet, cross stitch, embroider, make cards, scrapbooks, and I am writing a book with my granddaughters.

I would have to say that my favorite creations are the quilts that I make. My family is very important to me - they are the recipiants of most of my quilts.
I am also a member of Project Linus - a national organization that provides all kinds of blankets to children in need. The blankets are distributed to hospitals, police and fire stations, and disaster aid services. It's important to me to do something that matters.

I have a blog. You can find me here at
patidecaz.blogspot.com

Pink Ribbon for the Cure Pink Pearl Bracelet Fundraiser

My favorite possession would have to be my sewing machine - and my craft room. I am happiest when I can assemble some supplies and put them together to make something wonderful. It's very rewarding to me.

Besides collecting craft supplies, I am a collector of Postcards, Huckleberry Hound, and Sock Monkey.

What are my goals as to where I'd like to be with my artistic talents in 10 years?

I enjoy challenges and always love to try something new. I strive to do things that will make a difference in someone else's life.

As our technology keeps evolving, Who knows? Maybe one day I'll be cyber-crafting with aliens from another universe! Wouldn't that be wild?!

In the meantime, I'll just keep on living life to the fullest and staying cancer-free!

Thank you so much for sharing!!!
xoxo

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-01-20T09:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning, team! The following color scheme of teal & mustard mixed with earth tones has been chasing me around the web the past couple weeks, but I've corralled it long enough to share it with you all today. Enjoy!

Hooded Infinity Scarf by NorthChild

Colorful Yellow Turquoise from ForetTwo

Sculptured Edges photograph by emmarts

Library of Camo nail polish from StrangeBeautiful

Food Thoughts organic pot holders by Fluur

Totally Twisted sterling stacking rings by visionquest

Round and Round ceramic buttons by hodgepodgearts

Honey Bee cup by GlazedOver

Bronze Zinnia Pendant Necklace by littlebrownbird

So much texture! I love it! More earth-toned goodness, courtesy of our team here.

--katie :D

Weekly Challenge

2011-01-19T04:58:00.001-08:00

Hello lovelies!

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

Our winner is Andrea from Sacred Suds
with her Valentine Hot Goddess Gift Set of Handmade Soap.

Joe (who got to choose our winner this week) said, "I could easily give both of these artists a Blue Ribbon for First Place." But he chose Andrea's entry because "bearing in mind the 'saucy' challenge, I find that the soap maker created a complete package of color, fragrance and well researched descriptions that are both satisfying and 'saucy.'”

Congratulations Andrea!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our only other participant:
Pearl from The Beading Gem

You can check out her fabulous entry
on our Weekly Challenge page.

Andrea's choice
for this week's theme:
"fortune"

"I think it can be interpreted lots of different ways," said Andrea. "And I can't wait to see what the team comes up with."

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 (January 24th) 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!

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Member Interview

2011-01-14T06:56:00.001-08:00

Introducing....

Hello, I'm Anne from WishArtGlass. I've been a professional glass artist for 15 years. I design and make stained and fused glass candle holders, suncatchers, jewelry, and garden accents. I currently live in Pikeville, KY, although I've lived most of my life in Cincinnati, OH. I live with my wonderful husband, Sam and my 5 year old son, Nathan. We have two dogs, Tiggy (we refer to her as a "pitiful bull") and Rose (a tiny "Chorkie" we found hiding in our bushes).

Wish was the name of my brick and mortar shop/gallery which I owned in Cincinnati. I closed the shop when my son was born. Before Wish I owned a funky little vintage and handcrafted store in Columbus, Ohio. Etsy seemed a natural fit for me.

I found Etsy Project Embrace after being included in a treasury curated by Mollie of RoughMagicCreations. I had been looking for a team. I liked the strong sense of community on this team and there is no doubt that this is a wonderful cause. I'm absolutely grateful to have been able to connect with such caring people.

When I discovered glass, I never looked back. I'm self taught. I get an idea and then I experiment until I make it happen. I always keep my mind open to "happy accidents" because they often send me in a new direction.

My day usually starts after I drop my son at kindergarten. I grab a cup of coffee then hit the computer. I answer emails, list/renew items, check treasuries, tweet, and then fill any orders. By late morning I'm cutting glass. The images typically need to dry for a few hours, so then I solder and bead the previous day's fusings. After lunch I return to the freshly cut pieces, add any details to them, then load them into the kiln. I usually fire it later in the evening. In the afternoon I drop off packages at the post office and then pick my son up from school. Evenings are spent with my family. I blog and check emails again aftr my son has gone to sleep. I find it hard to stay awake after 10 pm. So much for my previous rock & roll lifestyle!

Swirls and Orbs Fused Glass Suncatcher

I collect blown glass and Mid Century Modern home decor. I also have an incredible collection of vintage fabric. I used to sew frequently but haven't had much time to endulge in that for a while. I would have to say that my favorite item is this venus fly trap. My husband and son planted and have nurtured it together. It's strangely entertaining.

Peacock Feather Fused Glass Hanging Lantern

I blog at www.wishartglass.blogspot.com. I'm also on Facebook www.facebook.com/pages/Wish-Art-Glass-Anne-Simon/56600659065?ref=mf and twitter as wishartglass. I read more on Twitter that I tweet. It's become my personalized news feed. My blogging is inconsistent at best. When I'm busy with work I neglect the blog (and housekeeping, apparently).

Random Red Circles Fused Glass Necklace

In 10 years I hope to have a happy son in high school and to continue to grow closer to my husband. We would love to travel internationally as our son gets older. I just started working on my business full time again this Fall after staying home with my son. This past year saw incredible growth, which I hope will continue. I want to broaden my skill set. I've been playing with more lampworking techniques which I plan to incorporate along with other techniques into more upscale home decor items. I love my bread and butter suncatchers and candle holders, but have some fabulous ideas for bigger items!

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-01-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

Good morning, team! I've found quite a few things I'm into this week so, rather than try to contain them all into little boxes, I'm just going to plaster them to this page. Lately, I've been really into this primitive/folksy/whimsical aesthetic--not sure why, exactly--so I'm going to foist it on you and hope you enjoy! (Click images for links)

First, these original, painted photographs from team member, maclancy. Why am I just now discovering these?! Too pretty to be considered irreverent yet so deliciously arbitrary. They make me way happy!

Next, girls' dresses from designer Aneeth Arora. I love the feeling of age that comes from something so new.

How about these mixed media lavender sachets from team member, LaTouchables? Relaxing and gorgeous!

In keeping with the whole mixed-media theme, Spring no. 19 from missouribendstudio:

And finally (or else I'll go on forever...), some lovely vintage bric-a-brac from team members, 5gardenias...

...and simplysuzula

I enjoyed reading your comments from last week's color trends post! I always read them, but--despite my best intentions--don't always get a chance to respond. I'd love to hear what you all are into these days. My eyes never stop craving candy!

Have a sweet day, everyone! --katie :D

Weekly Challenge

2011-01-12T08:54:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

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

Our winner is Joe from Prospero's Bookshelf
with his set of 3 vintage postcards depicting scenes from
the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Kristin (who got to choose our winner this week) said, "I was a 'goner' when I saw the Bridge from Joe! Talk about all kinds of metaphors for connecting and building bridges between people, Nations, cultures...connecting us all by reaching across and over difficult terrain, not to mention they are somewhat engineering marvels connecting pieces of iron or timber or whatever to reach across the chasms."

Congratulations Joe!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our other
oh-so talented participants:
Anne of Wish Art Glass
Stevie from Designs by Stevie J
Mollie of Rough Magic Holidays

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

Joe's choice
for this week's theme:
"saucy"

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 (January 17th) at 12 midnight EST.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Treasury Challenge!

2011-01-10T16:14:00.001-08:00

Hello Teamies!
I know it has been quite some time since our last challenge-
I take full responsibility.... My hand has been slapped!

Now....
For our latest and greatest-
CrabAppleVintage has chosen our first theme of 2011!

Drum roll please...

Fresh New Year!

Challenge Guidelines are:

1. The challenge will begin Friday, Jan. 14th at noon and will run to Friday, Jan. 21st at noon. Any treasuries made between those times are in the running!

2. Each treasury must have "Fresh New Year" in the title and be tagged with teamepe so the judges can find them.

3. Each treasury must have a minimum of 8 Team members included- these challenges are meant to bombard Etsy with treasuries from our team and get our word out there!!

Our wonderful judges will be the winners from our last challenge way back in 2010...

CropCircleClay
BlueberryCream
CrabAppleVintage

Alright, lets swarm the FP with Team EPE!!
xoxo,
Erica

Finds 'n' Fancies

2011-01-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

(image found here)

Forest Green Scarf by phydeaux, Happy Childhood Memories by yvetteinufio

Karoline, crocheted cuff by Fluur, Self Reliance by catwalk

(j.crew images found here)

Spicy Carnelian Viking knit necklace by AudreyGardenLady, For the Birds by hadleyhutton

Up High by Lori411, Floral Paisley zipper pouch by oktak

(j. crew images found here)

Hi, hello! Happy New Year! I hope 2011 is treating you kindly so far!

I don't normally do this, but a few days ago, on a whim, I looked up Pantone's color forecast for this coming spring and found it too cheery to not share with you all today. Isn't it an uplifting, re-energizing palette? I know I can sure use a little of that now that the holidays have passed and left me in a chilly, worn-out fog.

I saw a lot of these colors while searching through the team's spring offerings. I have to ask, as artists/designers, how much do a season's projected trends influence your designs? Personally, I don't pay much attention (I'm not that organized!), and just do what feels right but I can certainly see the value of tapping into "what's hot."

I hope this has added some pep to your step! --katie :D

Weekly Challenge

2011-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

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

This week we had just one sad, lonely little entry.
It's fabulous, but sad and lonely none the less.
Thank you, thank you, thank you to
Kristin of loveartstudios
for taking the time to participate by
entering this fabulous black and white photo entitled "Tracks."

Thank you Kristin!

Now there are 82 pieces that come up in an Etsy search
when you put in the tags "teamepe, fresh."
Here are just a few of the pieces that could have been entered:

Fresh spring grass quilt, btaylorquilts; Tomatoes 5x7 photo, emmarts; Candy baby cardigan, bysweetmom

Peridot stacking ring set, littlebugjewelry; Sugared grapefruit body butter, bodyluxe; Fresh zucchini hand-painted vase, shebbodesign

Kristin's choice
for this week's theme:
"connections"
Kristin said: "I can't seem to get that word out of my head. We are all connected on this planet. We are connected on a Team and here in Etsyland. Our connections are what we live and breathe everyday: Family, Friends, Job, Pets. We're connected physically by roads and we travel across our connections.... I don't know, the possibilities seem ENDLESS on this one."

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 (January 10th) at 12 midnight EST.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Weekly Challenge

2010-12-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Member Interview

2010-12-24T09:03:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-17T03:30:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-16T20:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-16T12:16:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Member Interview

2010-12-10T03:00:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-08T19:00:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Season Of Light Treasury Challenge

2010-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-01T13:40:00.000-08:00

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.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Season of Light Treasury Challenge!

2010-11-30T14:20:00.001-08:00

Hello Teamies!!
I know all are counting down the days to Christmas,
but first...
Here are our fantastic finalists!

Season of Candy Cane Dee-Light!

A Season of Light, A season of Calm

Golden Light before the Dawn in the Season of Light

A Season of Light

Season of Lights Challenge- For November Babies

Oh, Beautiful Season of Light and Color!

Season of Light-Dazzle Her with Shiny and Bright

Wonderful, Incredible, Magical~season of Light~ Sky is The Limit

Thank you to all who participated,
and a huge thanks to our judges- Suz and Joe!!

Voting will end Monday, December 6th.
Happy Season of Light Everyone!

Novem-Beard Interview!!!

2010-11-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Hello Teamies and Happy Thanksgiving!!
Here is our last Novem-Beard Interview,
Thank you to those who came out of the woodwork
to let us get to know them...

Introducing Wayne...

I live in Lansdale, PA in a one bedroom two studio row home. My wife and business partner, Margaret Almon, came up with our name, Nutmeg Designs. Nutmeg has nothing to do with our craft, but all to do with an old nickname. Design is what we love to do. I primarily sell stained glass sun catchers and small panels. I collaborate with Margaret on mosaic signs. I design the lettering and numbers and cut out the pieces. Then I hand them to Margaret, who glues them down and does the background creating the mosaic.

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?

Margaret told me about it and I loved the idea.

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

Lets get back to designs. My favorite design is now called the Dr. Ed Mandala. It is named in memory of a good friend who died of pancreatic cancer. The last time I saw him in public was at a craft show and he bought a mandala. Soon after he died I named it after him and have donated 30% of all sales to pancreatic cancer research. The one he bought.

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

Got to go with two and they both came from my grandmothers. Mamie was a quilter and I own a few of them. She was the first crafter I knew and the Log Cabin quilt in blues, which she made for Margaret and I, is the one we use. From Mom Mom I got years of strudel and the lesson on how to make it. She taught me shortly before she had a stroke and that day spent in her kitchen is seen as a blessing for sure. I am the one who now makes it for our family. Under the quilt, making strudel

Is there something special you collect?

Back in the day it was baseball cards. Now it is craft with a special love of Scherenschnitte and art ceramic tiles. Tile of squirrels , Scherenschnitte

Do you have a blog? URL?

My blog is named Stratoz and is about all that I do and love: stained glass, Pennsylvania, jazz, friends, Margaret, food, teaching, science, and spirituality, gardening, and birds. http://stratoz.blogspot.com/

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

Seeing my teaching career coming to an end and seeing my crafting career soaring. I want to do special projects where someone tells me of a concern for a loved one and I take that into my studio and create a moment of hope out of glass.

A most special commissions: Hope for a Friend

Thank you so much Wayne!!

Weekly Challenge

2010-11-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Hello lovelies!

It's time to announce our Weekly Challenge winner!
This week's theme was "first frost."

Our winner is Gabriele from emmarts
with her "Sugared Blur," a cool fine art photo.

Leslie said: "Although the other entries beautifully captured the hard brilliance of ICE, I liked the warm colors peeking through the cold sparkle of frost in Gabriele's photo."

Congratulations Gabriele!

A huge, hugtastic thank you to our other
oh-so talented participants:
Stevie from Designs by Stevie J
Kristin from loveartstudios

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

Gabriele's choice
for this week's theme:
"A time for reflection"

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 (November 29th) at 12 midnight EST.

Happy creating!
xo, Jen

Season of Light Challenge

2010-11-20T07:04:00.000-08:00

Hi Teamies,

I know that this is a busy time for everyone

and challenges are definitely not a priority.

So, to make it a bit easier on everyone, we are going

to extend the Season of Light Challenge treasury making phase!

Because of Thanksgiving, any treasuries made using the challenge

guidelines through

Sunday, November 28th at midnight

will be judged for the prize!

Thanks everyone and keep making those treasuries!!

Thank you so much to Joe who so graciously offered to

judge this one with Suz!! Good luck everyone!

xoxo,

Erica

Member Interview

2010-11-19T03:00:00.000-08:00

Happy Novem-Beard!!

We continue with...

Hi, I am Brent LaRue, LaRueGraphics, and I live in Ontario. I am originally from a small town called Glencoe, but moved to London for college and university. I have a two year diploma for
Multimedia Design and Production and am now in my forth year at the University of Western Ontario. The shop name is my last name and since everybody usually chooses designs as the ending, I chose graphics just to be that much different. I sell custom graphic design as well as simple etsy banners. A lot of my custom services are down due to a heavy school load.

How did you learn about Etsy Project Embrace?

I was interested in joining a club to increase views of my shop at first. I decided to choose Project Embrace because its a noble cause and cancer has affected my life as my father died of it when I was only four. Than again, I don't know many people that cancer has not had an effect on there lives so I believe Project Embrace is a good cause.

My girlfriend Ashley, (I call her Ashe).

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

Choose One Slim 3 Piece Set - Deep Woods - Banner/Avatar Package

I really like the atmosphere that was created on the "Aura Woods" banner. Kinda spooky, but makes you want to step into the banner and take a look around. Also, its nice not making girly stuff all the time :)

Deep Woods

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

My mom took a picture with myself and my dog the day he was put to asleep. She asked me to smile and I created the fakest smile in existence. It's a bit funny now that I'm over it. But at the time I was pretty hurt. I have the picture which she enlarged and framed. Wow, this is a twisted story now that I think about it. I still enjoy having it for the good memories (just not that day).

Ancient Book-Banner/Avatar Package

Is there something special you collect?

I have a book series I collect that intrigues me. I take really good care of all the books and don't wish to pass them on which is a bit obsessive, but oh well. It comprises of two authors, Steven Erikson and Ian Esslemont.

Triple Daisy- Banner/Avatar Package

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

Teaching children as I am a applying to Teachers college shortly. Hopefully doing graphic design on the side to add income.

Night Time- Banner/Avatar Package

Thank you so much Brent!!

Which is the Brightest Season of Light Treasury??
	Season of Candy Cane Dee-Light
	A Season of Light, a Season of Calm
	Golden Light Before the Dawn in the Season of Light
	A Season of Light
	Season of Lights Challenge- For November Babies
	Oh Beautiful Season of Light and Color
	Season of Light- Dazzle her with Shiny and Bright
	Wonderful, Incredible, Magical-Season of Light-Sky is the Limit

pollcode.com free polls

Which Treasury makes you "Green" with Envy??
	Relax...It's ecofriendly, It's Green!
	GREENtini-make mine Moss with an olive and a twist!
	Set My Boat Adrift on a Spring Green Morn
	Green Neutrals
	Embracing Green
	A Bit-O-Spring Green Magic
	If You're Irish, Wear Green! If you're not Irish...
	Come on Home to Green River

pollcode.com free polls

Which is the Freshest of the New Year??
	Once Upon Another Fresh New Year
	Make Colorful Memories in a Fresh New Year
	Fresh New Year in Color
	I'm Looking at a Fresh New Year
	Fresh As A Daisy In This Fresh New Year
	Fresh New Year- Crisp Greens
	A Fresh New Year- be cool, calm and creative
	Breath the Fresh Air of a Fresh New Year
	The Gift of a Fresh New Year

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