A Glance Inside KreativeMindz

Featured Etsy Artist ~ SparklyStrandz

2008-01-31T15:16:00.000-08:00

Bare with me the next few weeks as I am going to try to get back into the routine of posting everyday. I have been SWAMPED with orders (which is a blessing) but that and the normal day to day life, and well honestly I don't HAVE the time to blog!

So tonight I am featuring an etsy shop called Sparkly Strandz. This shop is awesome, where the artist crochets and makes jewelry. There is all kinds of cool things, even some AWESOME nursing necklace!

Here is a bit taken from her profile:
I've had a love for crafts, especially crochet for over 25 years ever since my grandmother taught me at age 5. It was probably the best thing she could have done for my parents because it would keep me busy for hours. During college, I developed a love for beads--not just because they're sparkly, but because beads have such a rich history to them from around the world, and can be made from almost anything imaginable. Also, as an occupational therapist, I am able to use a variety of crafts and activities in my therapy to make it more fun!

I combined my love for crochet and beads and began making jewelry, baby onesies, hats, and all sorts of gift items about 10 years ago. "Sparkly Strandz" is an online store that you can visit and create your own jewelry by choosing the right color bead, wire, and length you want for that perfect piece!!

You can visit her etsy shop and also her blog to get a feel for this artist and her work. As usual I have some of my favorites listed. Thanks!

Featured HC Mama ~ MamaStone

2008-01-26T04:45:00.000-08:00

Ok...I've finally gotten around to featuring another HC Mama and later on today will also be doing an etsy artisian! So my HC mama for the day is MamaStone. She sounds so much like me in the sense that she enjoys "dipping her fingers" in all sorts of projects!
She has a HC shop, an Etsy shop and a Blog too.

Here is a bit taken from her profile:

Mom of 2, craft junkie, Proud Vancouverite.

My kids are the light of my life, a 3 year old boy and a baby girl. They are so sweet, they'd rot your teeth! :P

My current crafts are knitting, felting and beading. I've been known to sew, paint and crochet. I am constantly picking up new crafts. Spinning is next on the horizon.

So she does a beautiful job knitting, but also offers jewelry and it looks like computer things as well (like banners and such). Showing are some of my favorites!

Please swing by and check this mama out!

Featured HC Mama ~ Lautzy Soap

2008-01-18T04:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring another Hyena Cart Mama! This shop is SO yummy it is going to take ALL my will power NOT to fall off the wagon!
She is another WAHM making soaps, lotions, lip balms and other treasures! To see her entire shop please click here. You can also check out her blog here. All of her soaps and sundries are made from scratch by her in her kitchen. She does not use any mixes or bases, only high quality oils and butters. Everything is 100% mineral oil, paraben and formaldehyde free. She even has a soap of the month club! How cool is that???

I have pictured a few of my favorites from her shop...and trust me it was VERY hard to choose! Please stop by and visit this WAHM! I know I'm going to have to hop off that wagon VERY soon!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Tiffany Teske

2008-01-17T04:55:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring TiffanyTeske from Etsy. What a unique shop to stubble upon! I'm really lovin' this artist!

Here is a bit taken from her profile :
" I have loved photography since I was given a 110 camera at the age of 7, to capture memories on a family trip. I studied ballet, creative writing, and art in high school but did not take photography classes. Instead, I was "the after school photography club" and was taught by a science teacher how to use the darkroom. The chemicals got into my blood, and after roaming the US for 5 years (Arizona, Florida, Connecticut, & New York) I settled in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, population 200, and home to Sugarloaf USA, and decided to go to University for.... nursing? Well, yes, I did start the pre req courses, but fate stepped in, and after one summer colour printing course and some credit mishaps on the school's part, I switched my major to photography. I graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with both an Associate of Arts in Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2000 and a Bachelor of Arts Joint BA in Art and Photography (Magna cum Laude) in 2002. Did I mention that I drove 3 hours round trip to school, 2-3 times a week, for 5 years? If it weren’t for computer courses I would have driven even more… oh, and I met my future husband during this time, who was from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, a 12 hour round trip drive the other direction. I drove back and forth for three years before we married. Now, we live in Banff, Alberta, Canada, with our toddler, Quinlyn, and I WALK EVERYWHERE ;)

It has been a fun ride all along. If you want to know more, feel free to check out the About Tiffany section on my website at www.oldesage.com.

My Favorite Materials are... (I can't seem to get this to show up below)
TMAX and HP5 black and white film; Polaroid peel apart films for transfers and emulsion lifts; all kinds of paper; fiber based prints made in the darkroom; hand colouring markers; archival mats I cut myself; black metal frames for sleekness and gold gilded frames for romance; silver and copper jewelry components; gel medium; bamboo tiles; poker chips; bottle caps; watercolour paper"

As usual I chose just a few of my favorites, but be sure to stop by her etsy shop to see all the awesome things this artist has to offer. You can view her blog too! Thanks!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ StudioMarcy

2008-01-05T07:11:00.000-08:00

What a cool shop this is! ESPECIALLY if you are into beads and glass lampwork! And Marcy seems like such a happy soul, it gives her shop a VERY nice feel!

Here is a bit taken from her profile:
"Hi, I'm Marcy Lamberson, a glass artist who loves making people smile through my whimsical beads and sculptures.

I use a 2000 degree torch and most of my glass comes from Murano, Italy. Every piece is kiln annealed for durability.

I teach private and group lessons and enjoy taking on custom commissions. While working out of my sunroom studio overlooking my garden and birds, squirrels, chipmunks and occasional wandering possums, sometimes I just made them into beads too! . I make them wear clothes and jewelry when turning them into little fun glass pieces."

I have a few of my favorites showing, but be sure to check out her shop for all the awesomeness she offers. You can also see her blog for more info.

Thanks!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Elements By Dawn

2008-01-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

Today my featured etsy artist is Elements By Dawn. You can view her shop and also check out her blog.

This shop is filled with some fine jewelry. Most of the silver/metal work looks as if it was done by hand (and I believe it was!). So if you are a jewelry lover, you really need to mosey on over and take a peep in this lovely little shop.

Here is a bit taken from her profile :

"Dawn is particularly drawn to creating pattern and texture in her pieces. Through pattern and texture, her designs take on movement, visual and tactile interest. Through the use of color and form, she communicates emotion and energy. Dawn's pieces range from simplistic shapes and lines, evoking a sense of calm; to heavily textured with bold colors and lines, suggesting passion.

Her obsession with circles, spheres, disks, and symmetry is expressed throughout her designs.

Dawn is constantly learning new techniques, as well as perfecting traditional methods of metalworking and design.

Additionally, she is a full-time student, wife, and mother of two boys. She enjoys listening to music of all types, especially industrial, techno, a little ska, and classical. Dawn is a self-diagnosed coffee and cheese addict."

I have chosen a few of my favorites to highlight. :D

Featured HC Mama ~ Laines Magnifiques

2008-01-03T03:47:00.000-08:00

So here is my first featured Hyena Cart Mama and her beautiful shop Laines Magnifiques. You can take a peek at her shop here and also a peek at her blog here.

This WAHM makes lots of cool things, from toys and play things to clothing and beautifully dyed yarns. Here work is amazing.

Here is a bit taken from her about me section :

"I'm Nicole, a WAHM to Ryan, 4 years old and Sarah who is 1 years old. I'm wife to my amazing and supportive husband Richard; we've been married for 10 years and together for almost 16 years!

For four years I was unaware of cloth diapering, and all the wonderful things that go along with it. I decided that with my second and last baby I would try it! Well we did and we love it! At that time I rediscovered my love of beautiful yarns and knitting! In my need to rediscover my creative side I began hand dyeing fabulous wool yarn.

It has also allowed me to stay home with my beautiful children and enjoy them, while maintaining my professional self by owning my own business, who could ask for anything more!"

I have highlighted a few of my favorites from her gallery, but please be sure to check out this great shop yourself!

New Year

2008-01-02T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm feeling so VERY positive about the new year ahead. As some of you know, '07 was a bit rough for us. So we are looking wide eyed at the wonder awaiting us in '08. I just know some awesome things are in store.

One of the things I am going to continue to do will be to update my blog with new items AND continue featuring the etsy artists, but I will also be adding a featured hyena cart mama about once a week.

So, what's new with KreativeMindz? Well, I have added a cool thing to my goddess wraps. Now not only do they come with instructions, but they now come with a pamphlet of 3 to 4 ways of wrapping your hair (depending on type of wrap). This is an exciting addition, that I believe will help make the goddess wrap even more versatile! I have also been busy sketching out and making mock play foods for kids, along with some clothing and bags of sorts.

Here's to a wonderful New Year filled with glorious possibilities!

Bless!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ darjeelingpaper

2007-11-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

Today we are featuring a super cool shop (and one I'm happy to have come across) called darjeelingpaper. Here you will find paper goods from greeting cards to hard bound journals.
The artist say this about his books : "Every book you see here is one of a kind; no two are exactly the same. Think of them as snowflakes. But instead of geometrical patterns made of ice, they're books."

And here is some information taken from his etsy profile.

"My name is Michael Gresh, and I am a man of many trades. Designer of hotels by day, craft inventor and schemer by night. I am a self-proclaimed "paper nut", and my work hopefully shows just that.

I am co-owner of DemiGod Studio, an ecclectic duo of craft & art show afficionados. When I'm not working on plans to open our very own shop, I bide my time coming up with new and inventive ways to use up the stockpile of paper I've accumulated over the years.

I started Darjeeling Paper, Ltd. as a way to showcase my paper goods, and to distinguish my works as a new product division of DemiGod.

Viva La Independante!"

I have 3 of my favorites showing from his shop, and one in mind for a great gift for my sister in law. Please swing by and check out his shop and also his blog. Thanks!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ ARoseByName

2007-11-28T04:48:00.000-08:00

This morning we are featuring the etsy shop ARoseByName. Here you will find some amazingly beautiful beadwoven jewelry and other treats! Amazingly gorgeous work!!!

Here is a bit taken from her profile :

"I am a self-employed wife and mother of two teenage daughters. I enjoy beading and find that it is my therapy for stress!

My daughters and I first tried beading many years ago. Over the years, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate. Although my girls no longer bead, they enjoy wearing the pieces that I have created.

My youngest creates cards. She thoroughly enjoys creating the original greeting cards that you will find here in my shop. She will also create custom cards...just let us know your preferences!"

I really love this type of beading. I have done a few beadwoven pieces and know how difficult and intricate it can be working with those tiny beads.

I've picked out a few of my favorites from her shop (showing). Please also visit her blog. Thanks!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ AnneDundas

2007-11-27T14:37:00.000-08:00

Tonight we are featuring another very talented etsy artist. This shop is called AnneDundas and she makes some beautiful lampwork beads, jewelry, and so much more!

Here is a bit taken from her profile :

"I have been creating jewellery since early 2004. It quickly became a passion which helped fill the time while caring for my mum who has MS.

Jewellery then lead me to the wonderful world of lampwork beads. Yet another way to play with colours. It's such a thrill to play with molten glass watching it flow and form beautiful objects.

I also spend my time designing business cards, etc for other jewelery designers."

You can really tell the amount of time and energy she puts into these beads and pieces. Just beautiful work!

I picked some of my favorites (although it was difficult to choose only three). Please be sure to check out her shop and also her blog!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ LazyCat

2007-11-27T03:40:00.000-08:00

Today our feature is on a beautiful shop called LazyCat. You will find a beautiful assortment of jewelry and some fun and useful knitted items too.

Here is a bit taken from their profile :

"Lazy Cat Gifts was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there. All of us had grandmothers who crocheted, however Kelly was the only one who had really learned well. She "retaught" the rest of us how to do it, and after honing our skills for several years making many gifts for many family members and friends, we decided to try to sell some of our creations! We had a good start at a local craft show and found Etsy.com while searching for a gentle way to beginning selling online. (Plus, Etsy comes with the bonus of a great community of artists!) Etsy is also great for us, because Kelly has moved to Philadelphia, while Allison and Stasia still live in Ann Arbor. However, we keep in touch every day!

We enjoy using the skills from our grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. We crochet in both yarn and wire, creating jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. We are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet, and we love making custom items!

We are updating our store all the time, so please check back often to see what new goodies have appeared!

Currently, we are featuring Kelly's mom's items in "Ruth Ellen's Creations" as she is unable to make her own website, so please check out her beautiful quilts and tasty dog treats. NOTE: Tasty dog treats are currently out of stock for the summer months. They will return in the fall. If your doggie is desparate for some more, please send us a convo/message, and we'll see what we can do."

As always I have a few of my favorites showcased, but please be sure to visit their shop and also check out their blog.

Featured Etsy Artist ~ SimplySaidBySarah

2007-11-26T19:29:00.000-08:00

Tonight our feature is on SimplySaidBySarah, a sweet shop with some very nice paper goods and more. And all proceeds go to a very good cause.

Here is a bit taken from her profile:

"Sarah Orton is a graphic design student in North Carolina. Her flair for design stems from a lifelong interest in crafts and her pieces demonstrate a fun spin on a contemporary sense of style. Encouraged by the requests she’d begun to receive from fellow employees and friends, Sarah decided to combine her creativity with her business sense, and Simply Said by Sarah was born. Each piece is handcrafted and unique, and is sure to add a tasteful touch of originality to your home!"

I picked out a few of my favorites (showing). Some really great gift ideas!!! Be sure to visit her shop and her blog too!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ ThatsHeadley

2007-11-26T03:54:00.000-08:00

Today we are featuring a very creative, yet elegant jewelry shop called ThatsHeadley! You can check out the shop or view her blog. You can really tell this artist puts alot of heart and soul into her pieces. She has some beautiful work!

Here is a little taken from her etsy profile :

"That's Headley! Jewelry Designs is about a journey in wearable art in semiprecious gemstones, wire, and glass. Color, texture, balance, and richness are my design goals. I've been "beading" since junior high, and for the last couple of years have expanded my use of wire wrapping. I've also added silversmithing to my techniques. Silver is always bona fide sterling at the least, and sometimes fine (99.9% pure) silver.

I rarely make two pieces alike, because I like to have fun wearing jewelry, and seeing myself coming and going is not fun! Sometimes, though, when something comes out especially wonderful, I might make just a few to share the fun. I love to do custom work, too, so if you have something inspirational you would like to have a custom piece to wear with or to, send me a picture or description of what you would like, and we can be creative together!"

I, of course, have some of my personal favorites showing, but please stop by and check this shop out for yourself!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ CraftyMoose

2007-11-20T15:55:00.000-08:00

CraftyMoose is our featured artist tonight. You can view their shop and also CraftyMooses blog.

This shop has a variety of items. All sorts of cool prizes for the upcoming holidays. I know I have a few things marked as great gifts!

Here's a little bit about CraftyMoose taken from the etsy profile:

"I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I am self-taught and have enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. Most recently, I have found myself drawn to beads and have returned to the art of french beaded flowers. I enjoy making original, one-of-a-kind butterflies & dragonflies. I am also introducing a new line of one-of-a-kind beaded art dolls and suncatchers. Custom requests are welcome."

I have a few of my favorites showing, but you HAVE to check this shop out for yourself.

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Backwoodscreations

2007-11-19T16:12:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am featuring a VERY unique shop called BackwoodsCreations. You can take a peek at her shop and also her blog. This shop is full of awesome creations...things I have NEVER seen before...super cool!

Here is a bit about this shop taken from her profile:

"I have been doing the arts and crafts thing since I was a wee child. Mom always said idle hands can make trouble. I love keeping the creativity flowing and still find time to get into trouble. My creative endeavors are somewhat eclectic. Currently I am making art dolls and painting. If you are interested in learning more about me and my artistic leanings check out my blog at www. backwoodscreations.blogspot.com.

All of my items are made in a smoke free environment but we do have pets (2 corgis - Rudy and Cleo and 2 cats- Stella and Minnie)."

Showing are some of my favorites from the shop, but be sure to stop by to check it out for yourself!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ MommyandMeBoutique

2007-11-18T18:59:00.000-08:00

I decided to also feature MommyandMeBoutique tonight. This shop is so cute! Really, they have some great things. You can view the entire shop or scope out their blog too.

Here is a bit about this shop from their profile :

"Designer fabrics, beautiful trims and ribbons are the materials I love to work with to bring you items that you can be proud to purchase and enjoy using. Loving care and personal expression are put into each one. Aprons for adults and chidren are my speciality. Whether it be cooking or entertaining, these aprons are designed for today's mother and child to show off their own sense of style; you can be sure "these are not your mother"s aprons."

I am once again showcasing some of my favorites, but you should definatly check this shop out for some great things!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ LizStaley

2007-11-18T16:15:00.000-08:00

LizStaley is our featured etsy artist tonight. You can check out her shop and her blog. Here you will find an assortment of funny, funky and "geeky" items. A true variety of items.

Here is a bit taken from her profile :

"grew up in Baltimore, but am now living in Greenville, NC. My mom got me into arts and crafts when I was really little (I wanted to help her paint ceramics when I was a baby, so she'd give me a paintbrush, a cup of water, and a rubber ducky. Took me awhile to figure out that it's supposed to change colors when you paint it though!). Ever since then I've loved to draw and create things.

Now, I love doing art, crocheting, and am getting into making ACEO cards and sewing. I've been crocheting and drawing for years. I also love to make button pins. I tend to go on what I like to call "craft binges", where I'll make a whole bunch of a certain thing, so if you see long stretches of buttons or crocheted items in my listings, you'll know I've been on one!

My hobbies when I'm not creating things are watching anime, playing tabletop role-playing games (Dungeons and Dragons; Big Eyes, Small Mouth; D20 Modern, West End Games' D6 System, etc), building web-pages, and playing on GaiaOnline[dot]com. I also have a gallery on DeviantArt and Flickr, both of which you can find with the user name lizstaley as well.

I find that I really enjoy blogging abou tmy crafts as well! You can visit my blog at http://livewirechick.blogspot.com

In addition, I also write and illustrate a story that I publish to the web, and have been working on since I was a senior in high school. It's gone through many, many versions and updates, and I'm eventually thinking about having it published. You can check that out at http://www.oap-studios.com/akaryuu

Oh, and I'm an emote junkie, so... BE WARNED!!"

I have showing some of my favorites from her shop, although it is hard to choose!!!

Please stop by and check this fun artist out!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ SilverDragon

2007-11-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Today's feature is on SilverDragon. You can check out the shop and the blog. When first entering this shop, I was amazed at the beautiful jewelry this woman makes! WOW!

Here is a bit taken from her profile:

"I have always been an artist and one of my earliest art memories is also one of the influences that has stayed with me from the very start. I was four years old and my nursery class had a field trip to a local museum in Rochester NY. I was completely mesmerized by the textiles and beadwork of the native Americans. I don't know how long I stood there just gazing at the work and absorbing all that the creator had to say.

My path as an artist, however, was a duet of both fine and performing arts. I am a (retired) ballerina as well as a published artist, having done illustrations for a CD picture book, "Papa CArdinal Finds Breakfast" by Sandra Wellborn. One of my paintings accompanied and essay I wrote for an Astronomy textbook. (I also hold a Masters Degree in Astrophysics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy NY and have worked as an astronomer and still teach astronomy as an adjunct professor for University of Maryland University College.)

My work has continued to grow and expand and I now also count myself as a mistress of the art of beadweaving. My paintings and drawings are as important to me as ever, though, and I don't find enough time to do all that I want!

All of my work is one of a kind (with occasional limited editions -- I have a hard time doing things more than once!). I like to play with color and texture, experiment with shape and drape and form.

Human beings, I think, are happiest when they are allowed to create. I know this is true for me."

That last part is so TRUE for me I know!

Anyway, check out this awesome shop! Some of my favorites are pictured.

Featured Etsy Artist ~ CelticGoddessJewelry

2007-11-16T03:49:00.000-08:00

Today my feature is on CelticGoddessJewelry. You can check out her shop and her blog. I am familiar with this artist too. She does some AMAZING work! From necklaces and earrings to beautiful headpieces, paintings and photography too...most of her work is truly one of a kind!

Here is a little about her from her profile :
"Celtic Goddess Jewelry was started in early 2001. My name is Andee Harston. Art has always been prevalent in my life. I love to draw, paint, sculpt, make jewelry, and most recently, photography. I am influenced by spiritual learning, nature and goddess and celtic imagery. I identify very strongly with my celtic heritage. I am a Buddhist pagan living in the Orlando area. Please feel free to contact me for further information or custom inquiries.

Http://sacredwaters.etsy.com
http://celticgoddessjewelry.com (gallery)
http://celticgoddessjewelry.etsy.com"

I absolutely love this shop and all the goodies she has inside. Check it out.

Featured Etsy Artist ~ CreativeSundries

2007-11-14T16:18:00.000-08:00

Tonights feature is on CreativeSundries...and mother/daughter team. This shop is full of vintage fun and handmade goodies. You can check out their shop and read their blog.

You will be sure to find something for everyone is this shop! Here is a little bit taken from their profile.

"We are Sarah and Carol, a mother-daughter/friend-friend team who loves to create and also to find unique vintage items in Minnesota. We love being part of Etsy!

We specialize in vintage treasures and unusual ephemera, as well as handmade ATCs, notecards, crocheted cuffs, and jewelry.

Thank you for visiting our shop!

Please visit us also at:
creativesundries.blogspot.com
indiepublic.com/profile/creativesundries"

It was hard to choose...but I have showing some of my favorites from their shop.
Please be sure and stop by and pay these ladies a visit!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ CoconutPalmDesigns

2007-11-14T06:34:00.000-08:00

Today I am featuring CoconutPalmDesigns, a sweet little shop filled with some beautiful handcrafted wooden signs and aceo's. Check out her shop and her blog.

Here's a little about coconutpalmdesigns from her profile :

"I am a Canadian living in Belize, Central America and also a graphic designer. Woodworking and sign design is my newest crafting passion but art has been in my blood since birth.

Sign making has turned into a great outlet for my creative energies and finally I am using my graphic design training for something exciting.

Custom orders are welcome. Please feel free to contact me if you have a particular sign you would like me to make for you."

I am showing some of my favorites from her shop...please go check these out for yourself! Thanks!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ wanderlustNpixiedust

2007-11-12T17:18:00.000-08:00

Tonight I am featuring wanderlustNpixiedust. What a fun and unique shop, with such a variety of items! You can view her whole shop and check in on her blog.

When first entering her shop I was immediately drawn to the sparkles (I am a fairy lover .. remember?). What a great idea for crafting...and beautiful colors too!

Then I realized there was so much more...such a variety.

Here is a little something taken from her etsy profile:

" I love antique and vintage everything. Clothing, jewelry, linens, textiles, anything beveled, books, ephemera, you name it. The older the better. In my spare time I like to dabble in all things crafty. I've recently begun a blog of my own where I love to share bits and pieces of the buried treasure I've collected over the years.
Check it out if you have the time: http://wanderlustnpixiedust.typepad.com/ In advance, welcome to my world..."

What a fun world it is! :D

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Alilsumptinsumptin

2007-11-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

Todays featured artist is Alilsumptinsumptin. You can visit her shop or her blog. This shop is very quaint with lots of beautiful treasures waiting to be found. Her lampwork beads are beautiful and she even has different items where 100 percent of the purchase goes to charity! It truly is a wonderful cause.

Here is a little taken from her profile:

"Whimsy brings me great joy and touches that little girl within me. Most of my creations reflect this aesthetic and frequently incorporate two things I love and enjoy: flower gardens & dogs. All my pieces are one-of-a-kind, oftentimes containing handcrafted Artisan Lampwork glass beads - wonderful little works of Art in themselves.

All of the Artisan Lampwork beads I use in my pieces have been properly kiln annealed by each respective glass artist to ensure long-lasting durability."

Stop by and check out this sweet shop!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Indigoluna

2007-11-06T05:17:00.000-08:00

This morning my featured etsy artist is Indigoluna. This woman does some AMAZING work!
You can check it out for yourself at her shop or you can also read her blog.

Here is a bit about her, taken from her etsy profile.

"I have always been an artist. I have always drawn, cut, pasted, painted, collected, sewn, written and dreamed. I have been driven by the question, “What if?” (and fighting against its archenemy, “That won’t work!”)

I also wear many other hats. Among other things, I am a sign language interpreter, an energy worker, a minister, a blogger, a wife to a wonderful and creative man, and a mother to two wild and amazing little girls. All of these roles shape and change and inform my art.

I am a 5th generation Oregonian. This lush and verdant environment is in my blood. I grew up in a valley surrounded by tree-covered hills and blessed with a great deal of rain. I memorized the names of flowers as a child. I picked basketsful of mushrooms in the damp woods and studied moss and built forts inside of blackberry thickets. After traveling the United States, I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

My work has appeared on the cover of the 2005 Quilting Arts Calender, in Artella Magazine, Art/Quilt Magazine, Fiberarts Design Book 6, as well as many juried shows."

I went through and picked out some of my personal favorites from her shop, but there is such a wide variety. I would think anyone who entered her shop would be sure to find something. What an amazing artist!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Cryztalvisions

2007-11-05T15:49:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I stumbled upon this shop! It is my kind of jewelry (as I am a rock/crystal lover myself!)

Tonights feature is on Cryztalvisions. Have a peek at her shop and her blog too! She has some amazing jewelry!

Here is a bit about her taken from her profile :

"I have been fascinated by crystals and stones for as long as I can remember. I had some wonderful teachers during my childhood who passed on their passion for nature, geology, crystals and gemstones. I come from a long line of artistic souls on my father's side of the family. My great grandmother was a very talented artist who started painting late in life. She left behind some amazing oil paintings that I will always treasure. She also painted and fired china, she had a fantastic eye for detail and could paint tiny pictures small enough to fit on a thimble. My father was an accomplished, well rounded artist and crafts person and spent many years teaching art in the public school system.

I've been creating unique pieces of jewelry for almost 20 years now, and I'm still excited by the process. I have an insatiable appetite for learning new techniques that push the boundaries of my creativity. Along the way I have also been drawn to studying and practicing various energy healing arts, like Reiki, chakra balancing, Earth based energy medicine, shamanic practices, and Angel Therapy. I have found combining my love of minerals, my artistic eye and skill in jewelry fabrication and design, along with my heightened sensitivity to energies creates a powerful synergy. I love to immerse myself in the creative process and I'm fascinated when some pieces seem to magically design themselves. I am pleased to share my passion with you here.

I delight in creating these pieces! Each one is unique, with its own energy that I feel as I work with the materials. They transport me to a place of deep knowing, relaxation and happiness as I work. My pieces not only look wonderful when worn, but also carry with them the special healing energies of each gemstone or crystal. My work is a constant exploration of the interconnectedness of all life.

It is my hope that you will find a very special piece that speaks to your heart.

What's with the "Z" in Cryztalvisions? You may ask. It's an homage to one of my wonderful teachers who pronounced crystals: "creezzztals""

Swing by to check her out! :D

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Lostmitten

2007-11-05T05:48:00.000-08:00

I got a bit bombarded this weekend with kids and sewing, so I didn't have time to blog. So to catch up I will be featuring 2 etsy artists today and 2 tomorrow.

So today we have Lostmitten. You can check out her shop and her blog. This shop is so fun and colorful, and has such a variety!

Here's a little bit about lostmitten, taken from her profile. "Hello! My name is Lauren, I'm 25 years old, and I create all of the crafts for sale in the Lost Mitten Etsy Shop. I'm currently living in Brantford, Ontario, Canada with my fiance, Paul. My personal website is: lostmitten.org.

I have been creating handcrafted items for my Etsy shop, Lost Mitten, since September 2006. Paul and I are both huge video game addicts, ranging from the early days of the NES and SNES up to the latest games (especially for the Wii and DS!). I am continually inspired by my love for video games in creating many of my original crafts.

The items in my shop are all highly unique and original - I came up with all of the ideas on my own. I continually try to be creative by crafting new and interesting items for my shop.

In addition to video games, I love to knit and crochet! I also love to create journals and other paper goods, as well as needlepoint, acrylic felt creations, pinback buttons, and jewelry.

I hope that you enjoy the items in my shop, and that they make a wonderful gift for yourself or someone that you love."

Again, this shop is SO fun!!! You gotta check it out! :D

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Earthcharms

2007-11-02T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today I am doing another feature on an amazing Etsy Artist, Earthcharms. You can check out her shop and also her blog.

I am somewhat familiar with this shop, as we are members of the same team on etsy. Another unique jewelry maker and artist. Here is a little bit about her from her etsy profile.

"I am living in a city full of country (or a country full of city?) and enjoying the strange mix of urban and natural settings.

I have loved nature and stones since I was very young. My father taught me the scientific side, and my mother encouraged the spiritual side.

I am a practicing Kitchen Witch with a love for the Celtic side of Paganism. All charms, necklaces, and bookmarks are lovingly put together by me while my cat tries to do dances on my lap.

Along with stones I also adore: photography, modeling, singing, snarking TV shows with my friends, Scrabble, makeup, crazy cat behavior, creek walking, getting piercings, clothes, and buying CDs.

All photos are taken by me and are not to be used by anyone else for any purpose without my expressed permission. Neck model is my sister Brianna, my friend Kaci, or me.

I do have a cat who "helps" me while crafting. If you a severely allergic to cats, you probably shouldn't make a purchase."

She also gladly accepts and encourages custom orders. Please stop by and check this lady out!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ FancyFreeMe

2007-11-01T16:21:00.000-07:00

I have another featured artist today. The coolest thing about this is finding all these neat shops! This is Fancy Free Jewelry Designs. You can check out her etsy shop and her blog too.

I really like this shop and the "uniqueness" of it. I most likely will be picking up a thing here or there for the holidays...and have an eye on that necklace for myself!

Here is a bit about the artist Deanna Roux from her profile.

"I can't help it! Creative juice runs through me. I love to create! Among my original works of art are: written works (poetry, short stories, children's stories), glass murals, wall murals, acrylic paintings, watercolor paintings, collage art, tile paintings, storybooks and jewelry (my favorite wearable art).

My most treasured original pieces of art are my two children (okay, my husband had something to do with that) who are pretty creative people as well -- in drawing, painting, dancing, music, writing and in humor.

I make what I love. I only use the best materials I can get my hands on. I use sterling silver, glass, seashells, natural stones and leather. I go crazy when it's time to replenish my stock because it's so fun to mentally design new pieces as I shop.

Perfectionist, passionate, picky -- choose your descriptor. I make sure everything I create is something I love and something I would be happy with if I were the buyer. I have a pile of pricey "duds" that did not pass muster. But I have decided being particular is not such a bad thing after all! Because once you hold your new piece in your hands, you will feel the workmanship, the passion and the patience that each piece exudes."

Etsy has such talented people!!!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ MineralMagic

2007-11-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

Today's featured etsy artist is Mineral Magic Cosmetics and More. You can see their shop here and also check out their blog here.
I was glad to see and find this shop. Although I don't wear makeup, I am passionate about the things that are in the makeup my sisters and mom and other family members use, and also the makeup my daughter may someday use.

Here is some info taken from MineralMagic's profile :

"I take great pride in my makeup line and guarantee 100% satisfaction. Mineral makeup is pure, crushed minerals from the earth, that improves your skin condition. It provides an SPF (sun protection factor) of up to 20, depending on how much you apply. It is an anti-inflamatory for your skin, as well. My makeup does NOT contain bismuth oxychloride, which is kin to arsenic, and is most likely the reason for skin discomfort and bad skin reaction.

Since these minerals are 100% pure, bacteria cannot be supported and there is no expiration date. There is also virtually no allergy risk. It won't clog your pores and is used as a mineral supplement for your skin.

I am married with one child and live in Pennsylvania.

I went to Rutgers University for purchasing and finance, and Manatee College for radiography. I am also a licensed cosmetologist.

I have recently added my son, Timmy to my store. He's nine, has autism (is high-functioning), and has made smelly jellies, aroma ice beads and more.

I am teaching him about business and how to manage his money. He's worked very hard on his products. Please see his work in the Made By Timmy/Awareness Section of my store."

Once again, I will be hearting this shop for future buys for my family members! :D

Featured Etsy Artist ~ MyFairyBabies

2007-10-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today's featured etsy artist is MyFairyBabies. You can check out her shop here and her blog here.
I have had my eye on this seller for sometime now. I LOVE all things fairy .. so this makes sense.;)

She has some very unique dolls ... bringing fantasy and imagination to your child. She also has some sweet little shirts and other unique "fantasy" related items. She also offers custom work!

She has two boys ages 5 years and 18 months, and a daughter 6 weeks.
She puts a lot of love and time into her items and would love for them to get a new home where they can be appreciated!

I am totally going to get one of these fairybabies for my little fairy baby!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ Earmark

2007-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

The featured artist for today is Earmark. You can check out their etsy shop here and their blog here.

This shop has a little something for everyone for sure!! Here is a little about them from their etsy profile...

"We are here to create happiness. We strive to bring out the creativity and imagination in you. Our first and foremost goal is to make you, the client completely pleased, not only with our product but with our service. We will do everything we can to make this process a smooth and pleasurable experience for you. No matter what your request is we will work to accommodate everything your heart desires.

We are dedicated to providing all of you with the finest quality materials and unique, fresh designs. We have an obsession with paper products, and we cater to the customers that share our obsession. All of our stationery is printed on recycled paper too!"

They also offer custom cards, which is so cool! This shop got a new heart from me today!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ SummerSea Herbs

2007-10-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

I'm familiar with this etsy seller. She has a wonderful shop with lots of useful and fun things!
You can check her shop out here and her blog here.

Making herbal products is an absolute joy for her, and she knows that her love of Nature comes through in her work! (and it does)
She is a certified Herbalist with over ten years of experience healing with herbs.

She makes her herbal products with the finest organically grown and ethically wild-crafted ingredients available. Why Organic? Because she believes that her products are truly better when she uses ingredients which have NOT been irradiated, treated with pesticides or sprays. Your body and spirit needs good, clean energy! Making every product with only organic ingredients costs a little more, but it's worth it!

Summer Sea Herbs is a small company, and she personally makes all of her products in small batches, by hand. This ensures quality control and product effectiveness.

With many years experience as a medical Herbalist, and many more as a practicing Green witch, all her products are made with great care and skill. Whether you want a delicious tea or need an incense blend to assist in magickal workings, you can be confident that she has taken great care in blending your item. All her medicinal and magickal formulas are tried and true, developed from the personal needs of her community over the years. She keeps her product packaging to a minimum, re-usable and recyclable, to have a low impact on the environment. It makes her very happy to help people through the use of herbs!

She has a wonderfully unique shop, with something for everyone!

Featured Etsy Artist ~ LunaChick

2007-10-27T06:05:00.000-07:00

Today's featured artist is LunaChick. You can check out her etsy shop here and her blog here.
When first entering her shop you can tell the variety of items she has to offer!
Each of her designs combines quality materials, including natural gems, precious metals, crystal and organics such as pearls, amber and shell, to make for a truly unique wearing experience.
Her shop offers lots of one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry pieces. From bracelets to chokers, earrings to necklaces, she has something to please just about everyone! She makes a point to use the most unique gemstones she can get her hands on: unique colors, cuts...the more unusual the better!
She specializes in chainmaille and sterling silver wirework designs with gemstone accents.
Each piece designed to bring about a positive change in mood to the wearer. She believes that jewelry should be expressive and bring attention and compliments.

If you don't see what you are looking for, just ask. She accepts custom work at no extra cost, and inquiries are more than welcome.

Featured Etsy Artist

2007-10-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my first featured etsy artist Giftbearer. You can see her etsy shop here
and her blog here.

When first entering her shop I was blown away by her unique jewelry. WOW!
She has been an artist, pretty much from birth. Dipping her fingers into all sorts of things! She works in several mediums; including acrylics, watercolor, drawing, clay sculpture, and jewelry. A multicultural influence is evident in her work reflecting a diverse heritage of Iroquois Indian, Hawaiian, Russian Jewish, and French Canadian. She is strongly influenced by nature, political and social issues, and uses her art to educate the public.

She has mentored artists with mental illness in a psychosocial rehabilitation program she developed called Artvision which she operated out of her home on a shoestring budget. The project was fully self-supporting, receiving no government funding.

Artists in the program received help and guidance in learning all aspects of how to run an art-based business. This prepared them to earn money using a talent they already have.

She has become involved in a number of volunteer efforts; including providing online support and treatment information to people with autoimmune diseases, and has donated art items to benefit the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

Just a wonderful lady all around! Stop by, check her out, and grab some beautiful, unique jewelry while you are there! I am still in awe with her items!

Autumn Harvest

2007-10-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

This is a piece for the Autumn EAST Challenge. You can check out all the challenge pieces here.
EAST is an awesome VERY talented group from etsy. You can learn more about EAST here.

I am so excited how this piece turned out. This was a vision that has been swimming around in my mind for awhile. I used different cottons, organic cottons, batik cottons, hand dyed canvas, and a piece of vintage upholstry fabric for the moon. I appliqued it all together with different colored embroidery threads. My husband made a frame from stained poplar to compliment the piece. You can see more pictures and details about this piece here.

Thanks!

TAG! Your It!

2007-09-19T05:55:00.000-07:00

So I was tagged by summersea . Tagging means I'll tell you 6 random things about myself, and then in turn, tag 6 others to do the same. The hardest part for me is choosing 6 others ... I don't know if I even know 6 other bloggers. :0

Ok so here I go....

1. I believe in and LOVE faeries! I had a nice collection of them (and still do) except now most are missing a wing or two (good ol' kids). For my wedding I was a faerie and so were my bridesmaids. Faeries ROCK!

2. I had both my kids at home, and if I have anymore I will have them at home too. Natural Childbirth is the most AMAZING thing I have ever done in my life!

3. I have a serious fabric obsession. When I go into a fabric store the ladies RUN b/c they know I am going to be coming up and have them cut atleast 20 different fabrics. tehehe ... I just can't help myself. So I try to stay out of those places unless I really NEED to go or have the MOOLA to spend!

4. I cry when I laugh. And not just tear up. Full blown tears rollin' down my face, with the slightest haha. It runs in my family (my mom and sisters have it too).

5. I have 3 dogs and a cat. YES...3 dogs. It's like having xtra kids! :D

6. I LOVE dreadlocks. There is just something about them, I don't even know. I have loved them since I was 14 I think and I saw this mama with locks past her butt, and her two babes had them too. They were beautiful, natural and pure. For some reason I was enthralled.

Ok...so there are six random things about me. Now I tag dragynsfyre , greenfingers , luminosities , lunachick , nettlefly , and spiralkins .

NEW wooden kreations added

2007-09-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

I know, I am a HORRIBLE blogger! There just isn't enough time in the day to keep up with all the things that need to be done. I promise I will try and be better! :D

So my husband, Beau, has finally started to add some of his own kreations to KreativeMindz. He is a carpenter and skilled craftsman and has been adding wooden boxes and signs of sorts. We have also begun making different wands from our beloved Harry Lauder Walking Stick Tree we had to cut down at the beginning of the summer.

Here are some of the things we have been working on.

Spring is in the Air

2007-04-27T04:53:00.000-07:00

It is for sure!!! I have been busy sewing like a mad woman. With custom orders flowing in, it has been a bit hard to keep my etsy store filled. Here are a few things I have been working on.

I finished this pair of sweet capri pants the other day. With appliquing and all. I have a few more of these cut out (in different fabrics of course) and ready to be sewn. These turned out super cute and are VERY comfy too!!!

I also did some major goddess wrap fabric shopping the other day. I have a TON new fabrics, so the goddess wraps should be filling my store very soon.

I also have some open back apron tops cut and ready for sewing as well. These are so wonderful for the hot days approaching! I just LOVE spring and summer. It makes me all happy inside :

Custom Orders

2007-04-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

I absolutly LOVE doing custom orders!!! As far as making clothing for someone, I think it is almost easier to do a custom piece. That way it is personal and will fit best and when making a custom piece, that person is in my mind the entire time I am making the piece.

I just finished this pair of custom patchwork pants last night. They are made will black and grey patches of corduroy with 3 embroidered skulls down the front right leg. There are 2 back pockets and a secret stash pocket too! He is stopping by today to pick them up. I can't wait for him to try them on. They look sooooooo comfy! I am always so excited when someone gets their custom order....their one of a kind piece! It's a warm and fuzzy feeling :)

Anyway, just wanted to share my excitement. Thanks for reading :)

Introducing KreativeMindz

2007-03-12T16:25:00.000-07:00

Hello CyberWorld. I am quickly going to introduce KreativeMindz and will post more about us very very soon.

As of now, KreativeMindz consists of my kreations. Mostly handmade, kreative threadz of all kindz. I truly enjoy imagining up a piece and watching it come to life.

I have been sewing now for 15 years. I recently received the most wonderful gift from my family, an embroidery machine. I feel so very blessed! And basically my mind is racing with visions and thoughts of things to come. My notebook is getting rather full actually.

Please visit us at http://www.kreativemindz.etsy.com or you can check out all of our works at http://www.myspace.com/kreativemindzthreadz.

I will be posting more soon, so feel free to check back!

Love and Light
Bless