Friday, May 25, 2007

Friday Happy Hour™ Sales at Etsy


View the specific details of each shop in this forum thread.

I'm participating in tonight's sale too: Friday Happy Hour: 4-9 PM EDT, Friday, May 25. Buy one photographic print, get the second one at 50% of its regular price. Mention "Friday Happy Hour" in the notes to seller, wait to pay, and I will send an adjusted invoice through PayPal. Visit my electrikolor Etsy shop to see what's currently available.

Have a great Friday!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Etsy Bling...

...from the jewelers of Etsy. Well, not from ALL the jewelers and jewelry makers of Etsy—that would just be an extreeeeemely long post. But here are the works of five:

LLing2303
Tetty likes making jewelry using glass beads, sterling silver, pearls, gemstones, and polymer clay. The pendant shown here is made from black and blended green and yellow polymer clays.

AnnaAhrensNZ
Anna, is a "Kiwi chickie" (her words) now living in southern California who likes to work with a variety of materials, including glass, crystal, natural gemstones and shells. She loves to incorporate a little piece of home into her jewelry by often using Paua, a species of abalone (Haliotis Iris) found only in the chilly waters surrounding New Zealand.

letitiah
Letitiah describes herself as a "procrastinatory grad student" creating jewelry in Toronto, Canada. Her pieces are almost always drenched with a brilliant splash of color, as shown here in tangerine.

CavanaghCraft
Natalie Klein Cavanagh decided to turn her love of jewelry-making into an official business, and founded Cavanagh Craft in 2005. Her Zebracube collection (layered color resin beads) has been featured in the gift shop at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.

mebdesigns
The creator of MEBDesigns Jewelry loves stones, silver, gold, wood, and shell and taking a handful of these wondrous things and turning them into a unique piece of jewelry. Learn more at MEBDesigns blog.

What Is Etsy and Who Is Etsy?

The Etsy marketplace offers an economical, user-friendly variety of storefronts, an excellent alternative to the generally high commissions collected by galleries and the entry fees collected by art show sponsors. Artists and craftspersons can upload information and photographs about each item, set a sales price (not an auction), and add branding elements to a custom-named storefront, mine is named electrikolor. Overhead costs are kept to a minimum through a small sales fee (3.5% of the price) and a four-month listing fee of 20 cents per item, allowing the art to remain affordable yet readily accessible to any internet user. Etsy visitors can shop by a variety of intuitive and standard search tools to find items that match their needs, focusing on characteristics such as specific colors, geographic locations, mediums, materials, and subjects.




What can you find on Etsy? Definitely lots of things...and here’s today’s sampling:
How about a purse or pouch from theseawithin? Or some beaded jewelry from moppetsclosets? Or a market tote from AmandaMade? Or perhaps some unique sewn and crocheted items from CrochetandStitches?? Or maybe you’ve been looking for some lightweight jewelry options—like those made with polymer clay by Aleatorica? Or maybe you think an accessory made from a beautiful exotic material would be just the thing you need to express yourself better—like a pair of earrings or perhaps a bangle or a cuff from UNEARTHED?

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

Hands Off...

Okay, the hand's been declared NOT broken. Only a sprain. Yippee!

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

And Baby Makes...

The RowleyPocket and RowleyCloth by RowleyBaby from RowleyBaby at Etsy...a mess! You know it. You love 'em, and they're usually darn cute, but, let's face it—they're inherently messy. And you always need supplies to clean them up. You're cleaning their bottoms, their "sweet" spittle, and all parts in between. How do you keep up with it all?

How about with The RowleyPocket and RowleyCloth by RowleyBaby?

The RowleyPocket is a pocket that holds 2-3 diapers, a travel pouch of wipes, a tube of formula, a changing pad, you name it, you can throw it in there. Keep it in your diaper bag for better organization and efficiency, keep one in the glove box of your car, in Mom's or Dad's briefcase, or wherever you might need it for a diaper change!

You can also get a matching RowleyCloth—NOT your everyday boring burp cloths—and a matching blanket and/or bib. The RowleyCloth with a single ribbon loop sewn into the seam easily lets you link your Burp Cloth to your carseat or stroller. Get one in a fabric of your choice--maybe manly Camouflage for Dad, or a vintage print for Grandma, or something that coordinates with your favorite outfit! RowleyBaby turns caring for baby into a simple task: Isn't peace of mind a wonderful thing?

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Neglecting my blog

Dear blog (and my blog followers),

I hope you can forgive me for not writing since last Friday. In Thursday night's softball game, I collided with a guy who seemed to think he was entitled to the second base that I was charged to protect. I have to admit that probably for the first time in my life, I actually dropped the ball on impact. What that means to someone outside my body, is that the impact REALLY must have hurt. Anyway, I played out the game, and was able to hit a zinger past the guy who had run into me when I next got up to bat, and we did win the game. The offshoot is that I have a swollen, green, bruised right hand, which makes typing a little more subject to typographical errors and a tad more difficult. So, although my thoughts continue to flow freely in my head, they're just not flowing as easily onto my keyboard. I've committed to NOT playing volleyball tonight or softball on Thursday, and have been doing my RICE therapy diligently, but there remain some motions that are painful.

So, if you can see it in your heart, please forgive me for not writing as often as I should. Now I have to go convince my dog that I can still play ball with him, albeit with my spastic left hand...

Edna

Friday, May 11, 2007

Friday Freebies...

On the Sunny Side of the Barn
Check out my site on Etsy, pick an image, send me a message* there with your mailing address and the name or title of the image you'd like, and get a FREE 4x6 inch photo!

*You have to register at the Etsy site to send a message. If you prefer not to register at Etsy, you can still get a free print by using the Contact Me link on the front page of my ElectriKolor web site. Valid only on May 11, 2007.

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Kudos to Delias Thompson Designs

Three Point Organic Flower by Delias Thompson DesignsEvery person selling jewelry (or jewellery if you prefer) on Etsy shows different styles and techniques. I definitely have an admiration for those who are metalsmiths that transform metal elements into new shapes by cutting, casting, forging, hammering, soldering, and forming the raw metal into pieces of artisty. Here is how Delias Thompson describes the design of the Three Point Organic Flower shown here:

This piece is from my organic collection. It is representative of the type of work I am most known and celebrated for. It is hand fabricated from sterling silver meaning that I cut, form, and solder all pieces. The center stone is a 6 millimeter faceted garnet. The piece features a window in the back to allow light to shine through the beautiful red of the stone. All of the edges are hand chased with small tools and a hammer. The focal point hangs from grade AA faceted teardrop garnets. This piece has been signed by the artists.

View more work in her Etsy shop at deliasthompson.

Tuesday, May 8, 2007

Making It in Ceramic, Glass, Grout, and Foil

A number of years ago, I met a woman named Chris Heisinger. Both of us were working in technical professions, and eventually learned about our far more creative sides and years later wound up shared a crafts booth. We're close in age, have both left the corporate world behind to pursue our passions and interests, and continue to stay in contact. I have one of Chris's B&W photos in my home, but do not yet have a piece from her current passion of stained and mosaic glass arts. If you're in the Chicago area, give a shout out from me and be on the lookout for fun pieces by Chris. Learn more about the work of Chris Heisinger.

Twinkle-y Flowered-y Disco Garden Ball by artandartifacts on EtsyDo you have an old bowling ball? Many glass artists are transforming these balls into garden Gazing Balls. This Twinkle-y Flowered-y Disco Garden Ball features a sampling of floral and other patterns in vitreous glass tile, glass gems, mirror pieces, and stained glass. This self-trained artist playfully calls their FUNctional Art NaiveOutsiderTramp Art or N.O.T.Art and also creates clocks, mirrors, flower pots, lamps, and tables. Learn more about artandartifacts on Etsy.

Monday, May 7, 2007

MoveIt™ on Monday...

Freebies! Visit my Etsy electrikolor shop today, Monday, May 7 and look around, select a photo item that you like, send me a convo (the messaging feature from the Etsy site) with your address, and I'll send you a 4x6 photo print. No questions asked (unless you forget to include your address)! This promotion is from now until Midnight central time (based on message timestamp). Want to join the MoveIt™ on Monday promotion? Click in...

Have a "good hair" day...

Stonehenge Inspired Barrette from msotherdenartglassAs a person with naturally curly, wavy hair (aka, it has a life all its own), I'll admit that it's taken a long time to come to terms with these sometimes lovely and sometimes wiry locks, fighting for straighter, less frizzy looks. Lollipop Hairbows for Lollipops and Lizards Launch Bows from DaddysLittleGirlBtquAs a child, braids or barrettes would have probably been a good option, but I don't remember my mom and older sisters helping with my hair--except for arranging a haircut when it seemed especially unruly!

Fused Glass Ponytail Holder from artglassfusionToday I rely on a hair dryer that has a straightening attachment that actually works, some pretty awesome haircare products, and can even get my hair to cooperate when I shoot photos of myself. Other days, I let my curls and waves do whatever they want. Then, there are those days when barrettes can turn a "bad hair" day into one that's better. My hat is off to those of you who make hair adornments!

Birthday Bow Bundle from Beccasbowtique Be sure to visit the following Etsy shops for hair adornments and much more:
artglassfusion | Beccasbowtique | DaddysLittleGirlBtqu | msotherdenartglass

Help the Blogless

Recently I posted a forum topic If you DO NOT have a blog over at Etsy to offer some virtual ink to those folks without their own blogs. Had anyone asked me at the beginning of 2007 if I would ever have a blog, I believe my response would have been something like this: You know, I never really thought that I had enough interesting things going on in my life to write about them, let alone freely share thoughts with a bunch of strangers. Today, I have a very different answer, and that is I love to blog! To those of you reading these posts, thanks for indulging my creative spirit, which I have FINALLY allowed to come to the forefront of my life.

In my other life, I worked as a writer for others, generally with a technical writing approach. I forgot what a joy it is to just write what I feel and enjoy and am doing and seeing. On top of that, I have the luxury of not having someone fret over the words I choose and my choice for active voice. "I did this" NOT "This happened to me."

My crusade to help the blogless isn't just an altruistic endeavor, but also a necessary part of my need for self-expression. To those of you just thinking about doing a blog--don't start it until you're ready; and to those of you who are already doing it, blog on!

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Stylin' for the pet set...

Are you handling Rufus and Snoopy with the best looking leashes around? Maybe you just haven't visited TheModernPet shop on Etsy. Here you can find handmade leashes, collars, and other pet care products specifically for dogs and cats. The owner of this shop is studying to be a veterinarian, and helps defray the costs of school with this venture. Return customers can refresh their pet's collars purchased here for a discounted fee. For their dogs, they'll need to refresh with Funky Dog Deodorizer!

Saturday, May 5, 2007

What to do on a dreary day?

As laurageorge states:

"I like to make things that comfort me, in whatever way...I hope they make you feel something good. I think we should all feel good, don't you?"

So even a "rainy day", the illustration by Etsy shopowner laurageorge shown here, turns those evil little rain clouds into something that can bring a smile to your face.

As for what the day is like here in Wisconsin, it's dreadfully overcast, meaning that it would be an EXcellent day for some outdoor photography. Now, if I could just get a visit from my creative muse. Yo, muse, come to me. But first, I must nap...

Friday, May 4, 2007

Two Doors Down

Purple Door by Daniel Powers Old Savannah by Robert East
There is a bit of mystery in every door that we see, and these kinds of photographs have a tendency to pique just about everyone's curiosity. The image on the left, titled Purple Door, by Daniel Powers (aka murphysrun on Etsy), and the image on the right, titled Old Savannah, by Robert East (aka robeastman on Etsy, make quite an interesting pair. What is inside--is the building filled with people or things? What happens or happened here? Who walks through these doors and why? Does the photographer have an interesting story to tell about the journey that led them to each particular door? So many things to ponder...and so many photographs to enjoy.

See more pieces by these talented photographers:
More by murphysrun More by robeastman

Check out this Doors of Etsy treasury, or take a look at my own Viney Door.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

Kudos to Bonny Jewelry

Introducing a new addition to my blog, a Kudos section, that will feature the work of other artists.

BonnyJewelry avatarBonny Jewelry (aka BonnyJewelry on Etsy) takes the "Bonny" part of her name from the Scottish origin meaning "beautiful, fair and pretty". Here's what this New Hampshire Etsy store owner has to say about her handcrafted beaded jewelry work:

I love all types of crafts - needlework, painting, cross-stich - but I am totally hooked on making jewelry (I think it's the immediate gratification of making something and being able to wear it right away!) It all started when my best friend introduced me to a little bead shop that she had found. I was overwhelmed with all of the choices and colors that were available and had a difficult time choosing the materials that I wanted to use for my first “creation”. It was all downhill from there (thanks Eileen!)...

I tend to experiment with lots of different beads types and styles – I find that the creative process is ever changing and evolving for me depending upon my mood when I sit down with my beads and design board.

Visit BonnyJewelry on Etsy

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

Black Gold - Wake Up and Smell the Coffee



Will be shown at Indigo Coffee & Tea at 300 South Main Street in Verona, WI at 7 PM on Friday, May 11. Visit the new coffee house, enjoy a cuppa (insert divine beverage here), see the lovely art, mingle, and watch the movie. Learn more at www.blackgold.com.