Proud to be a member...

...of this fabamundo group...The Handmade Artists Forum!

Check out this feature over at the Beading Gem:

http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/04/handmade-artists-forum-and-shop.html

What a nice feature! I am so proud to be a member of this fine group from the very beginning!

More goodies on the way...until then,

'Spread the Love', Sat., Feb. 6, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Sat., Feb. 6, 2010:

'Twas Brillig at the Tulgey Wood
http://www.etsy.com/shop/thetulgeywood

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

LIBELLULES Ceramic Dragonfly Pendant Necklace



So pretty!! So sweet!! I just love dragonflies!! Plus there are so many other unique, beautiful, whimsical and fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces in this shop...you HAVE to stop by and see Nancy's work! I promise you won't be disappointed!

Okay...it's a snowy day here in PA so it's time to get outside and start shoveling! But I'll be sharin' more love soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010:

The Chainmaille Lady
http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheChainmailleLady

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Capri Blue Spine of the Centipede Chainmaille Bracelet



Holy moly!! GOR-GEOUS!! So many other beautiful pieces in her shop, plus tutorials, kits, & tools. Everything you need to get started in fabulous art of weaving chainmaille. Make sure to stop over, check it out and send her some love!

I'll be sharin' more love soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010:

TerrBear37
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Terrbear37

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Tree Of Love Card



Pretty, pretty, pretty!!! She has lots and lots of adorable items in her shop so make sure to get over there and take a look!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Tuesday, Feb. 2, 2010:

Braggin' Rights Gift Shop
http://www.etsy.com/shop/tcornell

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Oh So Retro Half Apron



Oh my goodness!! Super cute!! I'm sure you'll love her other items just as much! Make sure to check everything out!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Sat., Jan. 30, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Sat., Jan. 30, 2010:

Simply Naif
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SimplyNaif

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

VALENTINE - Coeur Bleu sur Blanc (Original Blue Heart Oil Painting/Medium Size/)




Simply beautiful! And I also want to make sure you know her personal story...

Words are hard to find to explain the different emotions surrounding Haiti, my family, me... So much we would like to do, yet all that seems to be doable right now is to give money to charities. I have two families in Port-au-Prince. One is fine, but they lost their house. The second, no news up to now. I want to help everyone in my family the best I can. This is why I decided that I will give 100% of the profits that I make on Etsy in the next few months, to my family back in Haiti.
By profits I mean that I will reimburse myself the shipping and keep $5 per items to buy new stuff and continue on creating. All the rest will be put aside to eventually help my family (eventually because right now with the roads and buildings destroyed, it makes it hard to even transfer them money directly).

Thank you to everyone who is participating in any way in helping Haiti and giving this country some hope back.

Namaste

UPDATE: Second family is safe. They also lost their house though and this makes me even more committed to give all of my Etsy profits, for the entire year of 2010, to both of my affected families. Thank you for shopping at Simply Naif!


Please take a look at her beautiful artwork and do whatever you can to support her efforts for her loved ones in Haiti.

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Fri., Jan. 29, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Fri., Jan. 29, 2010:

Rojagato Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/rojagatodesigns

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

MARIPOSA - Australian Jasper, Seed Bead and Crystal Bracelet Set



Isn't it just so pretty?!?! The colors are gorgeous! Now, you'll notice that the title of the piece says that it's a set...so a pair of darling earrings is included with the bracelet. Just make sure to visit her shop so you can see the set together...it's lovely! And I promise you'll find lots of other beautiful creations along with this one!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Thurs., Jan. 28, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Thurs., Jan. 28, 2010:

Pleasant Peasantry - Ceramics and Macrame (Pots and Knots)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/pleasantpeasantry

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Macrame Dragonfly Key Fob - Black 'n' Blue



Cute, cute, cute!!! I love anything 'dragonfly'!! I'm sure you'll love all of the other items in this shop just as much!

Make sure to get over there...enjoy!!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Jewelry by Nala

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured blogger/artist from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Jewelry by Nala
http://jewelrybynala.blogspot.com/

On her blog Nancy says, "The creative side of my brain is definitely dominant, and my math skills back me up on that! I'm just a natural born crafter. Jewelry making is not my first venture into the world of crafting, but it is definitely my favorite."

Once you take a peek at her beautiful creations it's obvious that she loves what she does! Here are some of my favorites:

Bloom Where You Are Planted Pendant Necklace



Winter Whispers Swarovski and Silver Bracelet



Crystal Ice Swarovski Elements Earrings



So beautiful!! I LOVE the Crystal Ice Earrings the most!

These items are all for sale at her Etsy shop, Jewelrybynala. Take a stroll over there to see more of her unique, handmade jewelry! Her creations feature a variety of sterling silver, Czech glass, Crystallized Swarovski Elements, semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls and other fine jewelry materials.

If you see something you like let her know. She's also known to "tweak" existing pieces in her collection into custom ordered designs. Simply ask and she'll work to come up with a special creation just for you!

And please don't forget to stop by her blog, too!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Wed., Jan. 27, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Wed., Jan. 27, 2010:

Paradise Sunrise Essentials
http://www.etsy.com/shop/paradisesunrise

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Kahuna Coffee Lip Smoothie- Lip Balm



Wow!!! I use lip balm constantly so every flavor caught my interest! But I'm also a freak for anything coffee flavored so that one was definitely at the top of my list. And along with the large variety of lip balms there are handmade soaps galore! Make sure to get over there and check everything out!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Tues., Jan. 26, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' featured shop for Tues., Jan. 26, 2010:

Lisianblue
http://www.etsy.com/shop/lisianblue

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Once In A Blue Moon Miniature Stained Glass Suncatcher



Oh my goodness...what is it about the moon that I love so much?!?! Although I liked so many of her items I just couldn't stop going back to this blue moon...love the colors! I'm sure you'll love her other items just as much!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

HAF Etsy Team Challenge 'Frozen Moments!'

The Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Street Team (HAFteam) has started a challenge that will last for the next two weeks. The theme of the challenge is Frozen Moments...very fitting for this time of year!

To see the incredible creations handmade by our talented artists click this link:

Frozen Moments.

To take part in this challenge it's very simple...

Choose your favorite HAF Etsy team members’ work and then cast your vote. The winning HAF Etsy Team member will receive two weeks of free advertising on the Handmade Artists’ Forum and the HAF Blog.

But wait!!! There's something in it for you, too! Once you cast your vote make sure to leave a comment saying that you voted. Leaving a comment automatically enters you to win this beautiful handmade bead by Rachel Elliott Glassworks.



The bead is a clear, hollow borosilicate bead with deep engraving by eye using a diamond lathe. It measures 5cm long x 2cm at its widest diameter and has about a 3mm hole in each end. Rachel does such beautiful work, you can also find her lovely creations at her Etsy Shop!

The names of all those who comment will be put in a basket once the voting is completed. A name will be pulled and the winner will be contacted via email to figure out the shipping details. It's so simple you'd be crazy to pass it up!

Good luck and remember you can only vote once so make a good choice!

More good stuff on the way...until then,

'Spread the Love', Sun., Jan. 24, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Sun., Jan. 24, 2010:

In A Beautiful Daze
http://www.etsy.com/shop/InABeautifulDaze

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Hope - Mounted Original 5x7 Art Photography Print



FABULOUS!!! She has a beautiful variety of other artwork, too. I had a hard time deciding which piece to showcase so paying a visit to her shop is a MUST! You won't be disappointed!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Melanie Lynn Designs

Earlier this morning I posted my 'HAFTeam Spread the Love' featured shop and choice for today, Sat., Jan. 23, 2010.

When you visit her Etsy shop you'll see that Melanie Lynn only has (2) items listed for sale...which I mentioned in my post. Well, it turns out there's a reason for that...

...a few moments ago I heard from Melanie Lynn. She explained that the reason they removed most of their listings and only have (2) items left is because they recently opened a new online store:

www.melanielynndesign.com

Oh my goodness!! Even though it's not an Etsy shop I'll still 'spread the love'! Take a look at these:

Green MultiChain Necklace



Tiny Green Circles Earrings



Simply fabulous! Click those links and get your fannies over there and see all of the beautiful designs!

I'd like to wish Melanie Lynn and her team all the very best with their new online shop! With such beautiful items I don't think it will be hard to find success!

Okay...more goodies on the way!

'Spread the Love', Sat., Jan. 23, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Jan. 23, 2010:

Melanie Lynn Design
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Melanielynndesign

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Zen Circle Earrings (Black)



A very unique design...love it!!! She only has one other item listed for sale in her shop, but if you check out her sold items you'll get a good idea of her style...such lovely work!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Lynwood Jewellery

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured bloggers/artists from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Lynwood Jewellery

On her blog Susan shares a mix of hints and tips and problems and resolutions that she and Bev experience on their journey through the Bejewelled and Beguiled world of jewellery making.

Then over in their Etsy shop - Lynwood Jewellery - Susie and Bev handcraft necklaces, bracelets and earrings in sterling silver, PMC, semi-precious stones and beads. Their jewellery is eye catching and unique and perfect for women who appreciate individuality.

Here are photos of a few of their gorgeous pieces:

Bright Blue Pearl Shell Beads on Sterling Silver Bracelet



Arabian Style Bracelet Made From Sterling Silver with Swarovski Beads



Chunky Green Bracelet with Fresh Water Pearls and Green Beads



Oh my goodness! Aren't they so, so pretty!! As you can tell from my choices I love color and I love bracelets!!

Please make a point to visit the Lynwood Jewellery blog and join in the conversation by commenting on the posts. And don't forget to click on over to their Etsy shop, too! You won't be disappointed!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Fri., Jan. 22, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Fri., Jan. 22, 2010:

HJM Gifts
http://www.etsy.com/shop/hjmgifts

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Hang in There - Textured Fine Art Signed Giclee Print



OMG!!! This is so pretty and the little heart in the center was a sweet surprise! Make sure to take a look at her other beautiful artwork!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

Fiber Artist Too

Time to share the inspiration of another fellow artist and blogger from the Handmade Artist's Forum.

This week's featured blogger/artist from the Handmade Artist's Forum Blog Ring is:

Fiber Artist Too
http://www.fiberartisttoo.blogspot.com/

On her blog Libby White shares her artwork, experiences with fiber and felting as well as stories about her dogs, friends and family.

During the day Libby works as a microbiologist at the Center for Disease Control and has been in this line of work for 25 years. Feeling very burned out from her day job she is looking forward to retirement which is only 5 years away. Meanwhile, Libby enjoys spending time dabbling in a variety of art mediums and has found felting and dyeing roving to be the most fun.

Take a look at this pretty and colorful bag she made:


Multicolor and Fiber Crocheted Bag



Meanwhile over at her Etsy shop, Raven 333, Libby has a variety of her creations for sale and, believe me, it is filled with wonderful treasures! Take a look at these photos and see for yourself...are they wonderful or what?!?!


Antique Wooden Shoe Form Decorated




Beaded Bracelet FreeForm Peyote



Libby has been practicing her art for 20 years and gets inspiration from dreams. As well as being a serious fiber artist she incorporates elements of collage, rubber-stamping and found object art. Plus she also designs art dolls which are absolutely incredible!

So if you like to see more of her work please visit her Etsy shop. And don't forget to click on over to her blog for even more inspiration and fun!

I'll be sharing more good stuff soon...until then,

'Spread the Love', Tues., Jan. 19, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Tues., Jan. 19, 2010:

Crazy Quilt Homestead
http://www.etsy.com/shop/CrazyQuiltHomestead

And here's my favorite item:

Queen's Velvet, Suri Alpaca Locks, Animal Friendly Spinning, Felting, Embellishment Fiber



Fabulous color!!! The touch of brown mixed in with that pretty blue caught my eye. I'm sure you'll find something wonderful among all of their fibers and yarns! Make sure to get over there and check everything out!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,

'Spread the Love', Mon., Jan. 18, 2010

The Handmade Artist's Forum Etsy Street Team's 'Spread the Love' Featured shop for Mon., Jan. 18, 2010:

Horse 'n' Round Studio
http://www.etsy.com/shop/horsenround

And here's my favorite item in her shop:

Caribbean Wedding Necklace



A unique design and so pretty! Make sure to get on over to her shop...I'm sure you'll find lots of other beautiful pieces!

More love to share tomorrow...until then,