Featured Etsy Artist ~ SparklyStrandz

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!