Gimme Your Stuff!!

While browsing blogs I came across one where they posted about a cultural exchange blog. A What? Well - I had nothing better to do - so I went to check it out.


Gimme Your Stuff is a blog that hooks people up around the world so they can exchange cultural items and learn more about the other person, their country, etc. Hmmm. This could be fun!! So far there are 680 "Amassadors" from 42 different countries. You can pick the country and who you would like to exchange with.

Now the hard part!! Which country to start with and what to send? There are so many countries to choose from and so many I would love to see. HELP!!!


They have lots of pics of swaps that have happened already. Gives me a few ideas. I live in the Sunflower Capital of Canada - so I guess I'll have to get/make something with sunflowers on it.
I can also offer:
magazines
craft books
cook books
cards
hand painted items
bags
soaps
lotions
lip balm
Canadian souvenirs
almost anything you like
Here is my shop: http://audreyscountrycrafts.etsy.com

Things I like:
soaps
lotions
bags
cultural foods
souvenirs
post cards
cards
candies
note books
anything really (I'm not picky)

So if anyone would like to Swap something - Please contact me!!

Firehouse Jewelry

Firehouse Jewelry has been on Etsy since June of 2008. Jennifer is from Lenoir City, TN and a senior in High School. She also has a wonderful blog Jen's Jewelry. Please check it out!

#1. How did you decide on your shop name?

My dad owns an antique fire truck, and my workshop is the upstairs part of the barn in which he keeps his fire truck. I call the barn the “firehouse” so I decide to name my business after where I work. Also, it meant I could use different parts of his fire truck to display my jewelry at craft shows.

#2. When did you start crafting?

I was home from school and was annoying my mother. She had bought some polymer clay, and was planning on making me something, but when I was annoying her she gave me the clay and a book she bought. I started to play with the clay, and a couple weeks later Firehouse Jewelry was born.

#3. What or who inspires you?

Just about anything. I have gotten ideas from all sorts of places. One of my pieces was inspired by a shirt my friend wore one day (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18832511). Another piece was just me playing around with some scrap clay (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17983605).

#4. Do you have a day job?

Does a full time high school student count, because I am a senior in High School. For me school is like a job because I am an honor student. I have a 4.179 GPA. I have one of the hardest senior schedule in my class. I am taking Physics, A.P. Calculus, Biology II, and Peer Tutoring.

#5. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?

Valentines Day Swirl Heart Polymer Clay Earrings (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19453424). I enjoyed making this piece the most, because I had a lot of trouble learning to make the hearts look good and be of similar size. The difficulties made me feel so successful when I succeeded in making them.

Audrey's Accolades:

What a beautiful shop!! Jennifer makes the most amazing beads. I love the designs on her beads and the way she puts everything together. Jennifer has some really lovely earrings and necklaces, but I really like this pendant!

Craft it Forward

I was trying to figure out what to post this weekend. Nothing exciting is happening here - just waiting for the snow to melt. While browsing other blogs I came across Curse Words and Birds. It's a great blog and they have a wonderful shop on Etsy - Polly and Ester.

Well - on their blog they are having a "Craft it Forward" contest. What a great idea!! So now I know what I will be doing this weekend too!! Was trying to figure out how to give out prizes. 

Here are the rules to winning.

The first five people to respond to this will get something handmade by me.
There are some restrictions, though:

~I make no guarantees that you will like what I make.
*What I create will be just for you.
~You’ll receive it this year (2009).
*You have no clue what it’s going to be. It could be ANYTHING handmade!
~And in return, all you need to do is post this text into your blog and make 5 things for 5 people.

Respond in the comments section… first 5 people win!

Please leave a way in the comments for me to contact you for your address once you have posted about the "Craft it Forward" and offered prizes. Also it would be helpful to know what your favorite color is.

Fantastic Finds

Hope everyone has an awesome Easter Weekend!! Don't eat to much chocolate!! Here is another installment of Fantastic Finds. Please visit these awesome shops.

Baroness Bijoutery is a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy. She has necklaces, chockers, earrings, bracelets and more. Also a very nice sale happening right now!!




Beyond The Picket Fence is an all natural Bath & Body shop. They carry soaps, creams, salts, scrubs and body oils. They have quite a few specials happening now too.





Designs by Lashelle is another jewelry shop. She has some lovely pieces. These are my favorites from this shop.





Momma B's Front Porch is a wonderful painting shop!! Love her items - have even painted a few of the same things my self. She does an amazing job!!





Kitts Krafts has a variety of items. Notebooks, purses, wallets, pouches, and jewelry just to name a few. Really a lovely shop!!




Patch First Shop comes to Etsy from Thailand! Another wonderful jewelry shop that carries necklaces, earrings, bracelets and some vintage items.