the Clever Crafter!

Aren't buttons fun? :) While looking for recycling shops I found Clever Crafter who makes wonderful button bracelets and earrings from guitar picks! I also just found out yesterday that she is having a give away on one of my favorite blogs - Christie Cottage! One lucky person will win their choice of button bracelet from the shop!! Please go and enter AFTER you have read the feature on this wonderful recycling shop :)

I'm from Lansing, Michigan and I've been crafting since I was 5 or 6 years old. I have a cat, Lily, that loves to "help" me while I work on projects and a wonderful and supportive boyfriend.

Once I started experimenting with different projects I always got the same reaction from people: "How clever!" Naturally, I decided this would make for a good shop name... Clever Crafter. I've had my Etsy shop for a couple of years with occasional sales, but I've just recently made it official with my DBA and State Sales Tax License. For the last couple of weeks I've noticed an increase in sales, and it's been great!

To be honest, my first thought was not in recycling for my projects, but rather in using things out of the ordinary to make unique jewelry. I think the first project was a bracelet made from puzzle pieces. I bought a puzzle from Goodwill and when I was almost done with it I realized that there were pieces missing. I decided that I had to find a way to use the puzzle instead of throwing it away. From there I've always looked for a different way to use items.

At the moment my addiction is buttons. I can't stop looking for new buttons in different colors and textures! I've also been looking at jump rings in different colors as I think about trying my hand at chain mail jewelry!

I like making the guitar pick earrings because they're all so different. Finding stamps small enough for the picks is a challenge in itself sometimes, but I like matching the stamps to the pick sizes and colors. Sometimes it seems that the colors just speak to me!

I can be found on twitter at www.twitter.com/cleverscorner and have a blog with regular features at http://cleverscorner.blogspot.com. I also have a shop on another site, www.zibbet.com/clevercrafter.

Featuring an Amazing Jewelry Shop

Beaded Jewelry By Susan is an amazing shop on Etsy. Susan has had her shop on Etsy since my Birthday this year!! (April) She has the most wonderful variety of necklaces and earrings, and an amazing talent and imagination! Please check out Susan's shop!! Susan is originally from Chicago but has lived for 46 years in Champaign-Urbana—a college town of twin cities in east central Illinois.


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
When I created my etsy shop this summer, it seemed logical to name it the same as my crafts show business. Beaded Jewelry by Susan is a pretty straightforward name, since my name is Susan and I make beaded jewelry!

When did you start making jewelry?
About 18 years ago, a coworker was going to a bead store at lunchtime and asked me if I wanted to go along. I didn’t know anything about beads but felt like getting out of the office. Wow! Like a candy store without calories! Love at first sight! Signed up for an earring making class right away; Carol Jo, the teacher, warned me that beads could be addicting. Hah! I didn’t believe her at the time. The rest is history.

Where do you craft? What would you love to add to your crafting space?
When I first started, I just had a box of beads in a cupboard and worked on the dining room table. Three years later, we moved into our present home where I have a great beading studio space: my husband installed a kitchen-type counter with cabinets underneath, just for beading! That’s where I do all my designing and photographing. The one thing I’d like to add, or rather replace, is my chair: I need more back support!

What does your crafting space look like? Do you have a picture?
The countertops all have storage units stacked on them—three high in some places. On top of the counters are 23 storage units. Each unit has four trays and each tray has 24 compartments. I have a lot of beads LOL! There’s a workspace in the middle with two lamps and room for my beading board. Underneath the counter are cupboards and drawers with smaller beads (especially seed beads in old film canisters and delicas in tubes), some plastic drawer units with stone chips, donuts, and bags of bead mixes, and other beading equipment such as wire, tools, etc.

What or who inspires you?
I’ve always loved working with color and design; before beading, it was painting in oils and acrylics. I love being out in the garden looking at flowers and out in nature and noticing color combinations and moods in the landscape. But mostly, it’s the beads themselves that inspire my designs. I just open a storage tray with compartments filled with beads and ideas start coming into my head.

Do you have a day job?
Five years ago I retired from teaching and academic editing and started working at home doing freelance editing of books and journals using my computer and e-mail.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
This is a hard question to answer. My designs are all my favorites in a sense—they’re my creations, my “babies.” But there is one necklace and earring set that was especially fun to create because my husband and I worked on it together. He was doing some wireworking with a jig and made some sterling silver elements that I had drawn an idea for, and I used them in between groups of handmade Chinese lampglass beads on wire. The finished piece, called Black-and-White and Wire Fantasy Necklace, was selected for inclusion as a project in a Lark Books publication in 2006.

Becca's Bead Creations Give Away

AND THE WINNER IS!!

Erin!
Congratulations!!

Thanks to everyone who entered.


Becca's Bead Creations is an amazing jewelry shop on Etsy. Everything in Becca's shop is so unique and beautiful! She has had her shop on Etsy since July, 2008 and resides in Manchester, New Hampshire. Becca has made an amazing pendant as the Give Away Prize, but before we get to that - why don't we learn more about Becca!


How did you decide on your shop name?
I decided on the name Becca's Bead Creations because I am proud of the items I create and wanted to shout to the world, this is what I do.

When did you start making/designing jewelry?
I started making jewelry while I was in high school by making my own hemp jewelry because it was the in thing to do. After I started I just couldn't stop, I made all my own jewelry and then started making it for my friends. During college I started attending craft fairs and expanding the type of jewelry that I made. I now wire wrap pendants, and work with semi-precious stones. I decided to start my own business about a year ago so I could fund my hobby.

Where do you design/create? What would you love to add to your space?
My husband and I were recently fortunate enough to purchase a home and I now have a craft room where I work. I have made it my own haven. I am an avid Red Sox fan and have covered one whole wall in baseball photographs. The window overlooks the yard and lets in a large amount of light, allowing me to sit and daydream up new creations.

What does your crafting space look like? Do you have a picture?
My crafting space is messy, unorganized and needs more shelves.

What or who inspires you?
I get inspiration from everywhere. For example, one of my summer jobs during college was picking peas on a farm stand. I loved the way the peas looked inside the pod. So I wrapped three pearls making them look like three little peas in a pod.

Do you have a day job?
I do have a day job, I am a paralegal at a law office.


What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
The item I most enjoyed creating are my necklaces with the Japanese Five Yen Pieces. In the Japanese culture the Five Yen Piece is good karma or good luck. I love the thought that one of my creations will bring someone good luck.

NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!



Becca has made this beautiful Pendant for the Give Away. This creamy fresh water cultured pearl is sitting snugly wrapped in argentium silver. The pendant measures 1 7/8 of an inch long and 3/8 of an inch wide.

Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away.
Use the Graphic Link Below to enter.
Please fill out a SEPARATE form for each Entry!

THIS GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!

* For the first entry - Go to: Becca's Bead Creations
Pick your favorite item and come back here with the link.
* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link.
* 1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where
You can twitter this:

@audreyscrafts Win a Beautiful Handmade Pendant: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/2009/09/beccas-bead-creations.html

*1 extra entry for each of my other give aways you enter - just comment telling me which one you entered.
* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased and a link to the invoice.

The draw will take place on: October 12, 2009 at 10PM Central
Good Luck Everyone!!

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Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded.
Thank-you for entering!!

Comments do not count as entries!
Please use link above!!

The Princess Next Door Aug 26

Give Away!

Click on Picture
to Enter!
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Princess Next Door has been on Etsy since November 2007. What a wonderful shop!! Tina uses bright colors and wonderful shapes to make her items. Here is what she says about her shop.


My name is Tina and I live in Athens, Greece. I liked making things with my hands since I was a child. I tried jewelry making occasionally in the past, but since little after my first son was born, 4 years ago, I do it on a permanent base, and it seems I will go on for a long time.

Until a couple of months ago my husband and I owned a shop and I worked there. But we decided to close it and now I m thinking about the next step. In the meantime I have enough work to do taking care of my two little boys.

I enjoy very much making my papier mache jewelry, the idea of taking a humble material like paper and glue and make something beautiful is very appealing to me. I called my Etsy shop “the princess next door” having in mind every day girls who, although they can’t afford much for jewelry, they want to stand out, by wearing something special,different and not mass produced.

Jewelry making is not the only craft I enjoy. I love making things myself to decorate my home. Which reminds me that right now there are many half –finished projects which I have started and left aside because a new idea occurred to me, and which I must put in order soon. I d love to learn new techniques in jewelry making but also try a list of other crafts: sewing, crocheting, knitting, felting, name any craft and I’ll say “oh, I want to try this!”

I also have a BLOG which is in a “vacation mode” right now, but I plan to get back to it after summer.

Beads And Bobs

Click on Pictures
to Enter!
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Beads and Bobs is an amazing shop on Etsy. Jill has had this shop on Etsy since June. She also has an amazing graphics shop which I posted about below!! Both are wonderful shops. Jill lives in Scotland!

I've been interested in creating for as long as I can remember. My mum used to run an after school craft club which I would go to, then once I was too old I started to help run it instead. The love of making things has stayed with me and when I recently found myself out of work I decided to start up my shop and make what I enjoy doing part of my living.


I used to live in the city but a few years ago I moved to the Highlands of Scotland and now I am surrounded by mountains and forests. I think this has helped reinforce my love for natural materials such as the wood beads I use in some of my necklaces - these are probably my favourite items right now in my shop as I love the feel and colour they can offer.






For now my beads occupy me (so many on offer and so many ideas to get through!) if I do get to the point where I get a chance to diversify I would love to make my own paper and see what products I could produce using that.

Epheriell

Win 3 BARS OF SOAP!!

Click on Pictures
to Enter!
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Epheriall Designs is an amazing jewelry shop. Everything is so delicate and elegant, yet you could still wear this jewelry with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Jess has earrings, bracelets, necklaces, some beautiful sea glass items, and even some bridal items. She also has a wonderful BLOG that Jess updates on a regular basis.

How did you decide on your shop name?
'Epheriell' has been my online handle for as long as I can remember. It just seemed natural when I was starting up this jewellery business that I would call it that - it seemed to fit perfectly for me!

When did you start crafting?
Only around last September. I read a novel that inspired me to try knitting again.. and it all just snowballed from there really. When I started working with metal I found my passion :)

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I'd love to try woodworking one day - the father of a friend of mine makes gorgeous wooden bowls - I'd love to give that a go.

What or who inspires you?
All the other awesome crafty/arty people I've met online are my biggest inspiration. Just being a part of the creative community is what keeps me going and keeps me creative.

Where do you craft?
Mostly in my study, that I share with my fiance. I have a big desk in there that I do the majority of my jewellery-making at - however I do my silversmithing in the garage, where I have a bench set up. As for other crafts - such as my new love, embroidery - I do them wherever! In bed, watching tv...

What does your space look like?
Well, the garage is a bit of a mess, but my study is becoming more lovely over time - especially as I add bits and pieces of art and all the pretty things that come in packages from other Etsians! As well as my desk, I have another table in the opposite corner, and some shelves, and this is where I store some of my crafty supplies, as well as paperwork. I also have a big cork board that I stick business cards, postcards and other bits a pieces to.

What would you love to add to it?
Oh, I'd like a whole room to myself! But then I'd get lonely :) I think more lovely things to hang on the wall and more 'organising' tools will be the next additions. My space has a tendency to get very messy very quickly, so anything that helps organisation is a bonus!

Do you have a day job?
I do indeed! I'm the manager of an after-school maths and English tuition centre. It's a great job, with awesome hours. It allows me to spend a decent amount of time on my own work, which is great.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Hmmm, well, my most precious piece is probably my 'Wedding Bracelet' because I made that to wear to my upcoming wedding. My best creation has probably got to be my 'Little Square Hoops', because they've been my most popular seller! And I loved making all of my sea-glass pieces - though I haven't been doing much of that lately, as they unfortunately haven't sold very well - so as much as I love them, I have to hold off till I can afford to make more!

Panda Cub

Panda Cub has been on Etsy for almost a year now. It's a wonderful shop run by Stephanie. She has everything from earrings to bobby pins/hair clippies to buttons and magnets, plus a lot more. What a wonderful shop!! Stephanie is from Toronto, Ontario Canada. She updates her BLOG on a regular basis. Stephanie is offering a $15 store credit to one lucky person who comments on this post - just tell us one item you would like to purchase with the store credit!! The winner will be picked on Saturday Morning, bright and early!!

How did you decide on your shop name?
I originally had a shop on Etsy called "blue pebble" which was purely jewellery, but I wanted something more fun and memorable when I wanted to venture into other accessories. My sister and I tossed around a lot of ideas, and pandacub was born. I've loved pandas since I was very young and this was a good tribute to these endangered animals and my cultural heritage (I'm Chinese). I'm glad I changed names too because now there's a healthcare consulting company here in Canada called Blue Pebble!

When did you start crafting?
I've been playing with crafts since as far back as I can remember. My mom introduced me to all sorts of fun things as a child, including Shrinky-Dinks, homemade playdoh, papier-mache, knitting, etc. I've been stringing beads since I was 4! I started focusing on accessories about two years ago.

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I've love to learn to sew so I can make and hem my own clothes. And I'm fascinated by resin jewellery and polymer clay creatures.

What or who inspires you?
Everything inspires me. Bright colours, funky textures, travelling. My sister is a great inspiration to me because she's so creative and great to bounce ideas off of.

Do you have a day job?
Unfortunately, yes. I'm off to the "corporate world" at 7am and then not back home until about 6pm. But I daydream about not having a day job all the time!

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I'm in love with my line of Star Sign Rings right now. The vintage intaglio cabs are just stunning and since I only have 2 of each, they're very rare and unique. I think they look amazing paired with the golden-toned filigree rings. This was one collection I was really excited to put together and offer in my shop.

I'm on You Tube (sorta)

Well, actually one of my candle holders is on You Tube. LOL I've joined this amazing advertising blog Handmade Highway . The blog also a directory, not just advertisement, and your space is permanent, you can add links when you've been featured places etc. The advertising is the most reasonable I've found on the net. This is a video of some of the shops you can find there. If you are a shop that is looking for advertising - this is the place for you!!

Fire Seed

Fire Seed is an amazing bead shop on the internet. Louise lives in Merrickville, Ontario Canada, and makes the most amazing beads. One day, I want to watch someone make a bead from start to finish.



How did you decide on your shop name?
I tried to think of something memorable that also described a little of what my shop was about - my glass beads are made in the flame - so they really are a little like Fire Seeds!

When did you start making beads? Can you tell us a bit about the process?
I began making beads in 2006 - I was completely hooked after seeing beads with frogs on them and then realising what people were creating with glass - I've never had such a burning desire to do something - oops that's a bit of a pun, but it's true. I was scared to death to light the barbecue let alone a torch that uses gas, so it really was a calling of some kind.

Each bead is made by melting coloured rods of glass in the flame of a torch that uses oxygen and propane. The glass is applied to metal rods that have been dipped in a clay based liquid - without this they would be stuck to metal for ever! I shape the glass using tools, decorate it with different colours of glass and sometimes use silver foil or leaf. There really is no end to the possibilities of styles, shapes and colours that can be used in a bead. Once the bead is complete I put it right into my kiln where the stresses that have built up in the glass while it's been worked are allowed to release. This creates a bead that is strong and durable. Each one is really a miniature work of Art - I think that is what's so appealing, no two are exactly alike, and what better than Art you can wear!

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
Oh yes! I'd love to do felting, and also work with some of the metal clays that are out there, esp. bronze clay. I could list a whole lot more, but those would be top of the list.

What or who inspires you?
Almost everything! Other artists, nature, things I read or see, wallpaper, fabrics, colours, - even advertising can be inspiring at times!

Do you have a day job?
Yes, I do real estate photography for a virtual tour company and also web design.

#6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22867829 I think the Space Monkees are the most enjoyable. They are fun, I can't help but smile when I make them, and I'm never quite sure how they will look until they are done. The pupils of the eyes are very important because they really make the face expressive.

Designs by Kari Give Away July 21- Aug. 4

The winner of the Adorable Angel Earrings from Designs by Kari is:





Arlene Harrison!
Congratulations!!




Designs By Kari is an amazing jewelry shop. She carries necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more. She has had her shop on Etsy since the end of January. Kari currently resides in Perkinston (South) Mississippi with thanks to the U.S. Navy.



How did you decide on your shop name?
I've had this name for years. My mother and I would do craft fairs and I needed a name. It was the most simple I could think of, and while some of my designs are similar to those you've seen, they are all slightly different and designed by me. Kari.

When did you start crafting?
As far back as I can remember. My mother taught me to cross stitch and sew. But, when I was about 10 we learned about Jewelry. Growing up with boys, my mom and I needed to find something for us Girls. We found this little shop and when we walked inside it was the most amazing sight. Beads wall to wall, work spaces and friendly faces. Oh, what were we in for? Well, a love for jewelry making, color, special time together, oh and the bill. The store still exists, though it’s changed locations several times: Beadin' Path

Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I’d love to learn fused glass. Etsy has a few remarkable fused glass artists and I’m in awe of their work.

What or who inspires you?
I’m always intrigued by nature. The natural span of beautiful colors and combinations that appear in our everyday lives. I love the delicacy and simplicity of nature.

Do you have a day job?
I do! I work for an Engineering Firm as their office manager which requires little or no creativity. I also have two children, so a busy mom am I.

What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Sea of Dreams
This piece was something my mother cam up with and through her description I created it. This necklace is a terrific piece that can be worn with jeans or that fabulous black dress.

I’ve also enjoyed making these new earrings in my shop.
Earth Candy - Green because they are fun and funky.


Now for the Give Away!!
Kari is offering this adorable pair of earrings as the Give Away Prize! These beautiful earrings feature Pink Swarovski flat rounds in 6mm and 4mm Rose fresh water pearls, they are accented by a gold wing design that's heavenly.
They measure about 1 1/2" top to drop.




Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away:

* Go to:Designs By Kari
* Pic your favorite item and come back here with the link.
* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link
* 1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where
* 1 extra entry for every time you do this - twitter about your favorite item in the shop, leave me a link
* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased and a link to the invoice.

The draw will take place on: Aug 4th!
Good Luck Everyone!!


***********************************************

Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded to Kari.
Thank-you for entering!!

Little Studio Jewels

Little Studio Jewels is a wonderful shop on Etsy. She has earrings, necklaces, wrist and ankle wear, and has started collections! They are amazing!! They are called the NeoAmour (NewLove) Collection - Based on Powerful Women of the Past, but Redesigned for Women Today! Meg is from Merrickville, Ontario. This is what Meg says about her home town: "Merrickville is an artist town, full of wonderful artists' shops, and I'm not among the shops, unfortunately, lol" Well - maybe one day Meg, you just never know!! Would love to visit one day and take a tour with you. Meg also has a wonderful BLOG that she updates with new items from her shop and give aways!! Meg is offering to give one lucky person, who comments on this post, $10 their next purchase in her shop!!

And the winner is: Cabin & Cub!!! Congratulations! Thank-you to everyone who commented.


How did you decide on your Shop Name?
I started my business offline in 2005 and Little Studio Photography was what I registered. I started selling my jewellery full-time through my business in 2007, so I added "Jewellery" to my business name so people wouldn't be confused. When I started on Etsy, I thought an Etsy search title of "littlestudiophotographyandjewellery.etsy.com" would be too long, so I settled on "LittleStudioJewels.etsy.com" - not quite what I wanted (LittleStudio was taken), but it was all that was available! The business name is still officially "Little Studio Photography and Jewellery", however.

How did it all start?
I started in photography as a kid, always fascinated by cameras and how you could get really really good images. In high school I was lucky enough to get into an arts-specific school and did some sort of visual art for at least 2 hours per day in school. We did photography and darkroom classes and I was hooked!
The jewellery came later in high school when I wanted to be able to wear cool jewellery, but couldn't afford the things I wanted. I loved items in a jewellery store, but could only afford the cheap stuff in those unnamed "teen" accessories stores - you know the ones; cheap prices, trendy pieces with such horrible quality, it's a wonder they are still in business. I started making my own jewellery, focusing on quality materials and craftsmanship and making pieces similar to things I'd find in higher-priced stores, but without the higher price tags!

Are there other crafts you would to try?
I would love to be good at sewing. I'd love to be a better (read: faster) knitter and crocheter. I love to knit, crochet and sew, but I need WAY more practice at them - my jewellery just seems to take up all of my time (which I really don't mind)!



Where do you get your Inspiration from?
Wow, that is a hard one! My fiancee inspires me, for sure - he went to university and worked his butt off to get his current job, which he loves to death and gets paid well for.
I'm also inspired by powerful women of the past, which is where my new jewellery collection, NeoAmour (which means NewLove), comes from. Women like Boudicca, Marie Antoinette, Elizabeth 1, all had positions of power, dealt with people hating them, trying to kill them, stop their way of life, etc., and they said NO! This is how things are going to be, deal with it (and they looked pretty fabulous doing it)! Basically, I suppose, I am inspired by those with courage, who are willing to work for what they want and are always trying to improve themselves.

What is your day job?
I was originally planning on working and going to school, in addition to running my business, but in early 2006 I got really sick with Fibromyalgia, and by the end of 2007 I was unable to work outside my home, which is when I started pushing my business. I do not qualify for disability (I was off sick and didn't work enough hours to get it), so my business, Little Studio Photography and Jewellery is my only source of income. This is now my "full time" day job, and I hope that one day it will be a "full pay" day job also.

What is the favorite item in your shop and why? Oh gosh, this is tough! I love my new collection, it is so inspiring to read about these women, do research on jewellery of that time, and then translate it to something we'd wear today. I love my NeoAmour collection, probably my newest pieces from the NeoAmour Marie Antoinette section would be my favorite - she was so feminine and unafraid to do different things with jewellery. The newest pieces - the Pink Daisy Lace Necklace and matching Bracelet - were wonderful as I had previously done all wire work, and these are actually bead woven (using special thread and 'sewing' the beads together in a specific pattern to achieve the desired effect). They took ages to make and every second was such a labor of love, I can't even describe!

Papillon Jewelry

Papillon Jewelry is an amazing jewelry shop. Tho Dihn is from Vietman and has had her shop on Etsy since the beginning of May. Tho uses wonderful beads to make earrings, bracelets, necklaces and more. She also has a BLOG that she updates daily.



#1. How did you decide on your shop name?
"Papillon" means "butterfly" (French), which symbolizes "CHRIST'S RESURRECTION" in Christianity. Hence, this shop was named "Papillon" to celebrate this joyous event and my new life in Him. This name came to me around Easter time, when I was sitting in my parents' garden and saw a beautiful butterfly. Also, my preference for eco-friendly packaging also reflects this "resurrection" theme since by making recycled envelope and card, and use fabric wrapping, I "revive" the material and enables my customer to do so, too.

#2. When did you start crafting?
For as long as I can remember, I've tried every craft I could get my hands on. Origami, painting, scrapbooking,card making, flower arranging, crochet, knitting,etc. However, I only came to acceptance and appreciation of my artistic side later in college when the overwhelming amount of schoolwork made me realize how my craft was truly my oasis and my creative outlet :). Since then, I took my craft more seriously and eventually started PapillonJewelry.

#3. Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I would definitely try soap making. I'm very thankful for soap makers. Their products are amazing "pick-me-up" which not only smell great and make us feel clean and fresh but also look like a true work of art!

#4. What or who inspires you?
Fruit and Flower. Living in a tropical country with tons of wonderful fruit all year round, I enjoy observing many vibrant color combinations, different textures, shapes and forms of the fruit (beside eating them. Yum! :) Plus, since I love flower arranging, I also have a keen ideas for flowers, it different shades of color, the well-balanced structure and lots of delicate detail. Those are the things that inspire me a great deal in jewelry making.

#5. Do you have a day job?
My "day job" (with no pay!)is being a junior hair stylist, meaning I'm still in school for hair styling for another 6 months. I'm all about making a woman beautiful, can't you tell? :)


#6. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I enjoy making my "A trip to the wood" Necklace the most. Here it is:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24893884
It is not necessary difficult to make. Its vibrant color combination is really fun, and there are lots of movements and textures as well. Plus, it is both sophisticate and almost childlike at the same time. I'm still a child at heart, and making this necklace really brought back lots of beautiful childhood memories.

Dazzled Beader

Dazzled Beader is a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy. Melissa is from Janesville, Wisconsin and has been on Etsy since February! Welcome to Etsy!! Melissa has a BLOG. It features new offers and specials. 10% of all proceeds from her Etsy shop goes to the humane society. She decided to write stories about animals on her blog in addition to information about her newest listings.

#1 How did you decide on your shop name?
I got into making jewelry when I joined a group of women called Bead Dazzlers. We'd get together regularly and make jewelry and eat and talk. I was hooked. Since my Bead Dazzlers friends dazzled me into beading, I decided Dazzled Beader Designs was a great name for my shop.


#2 When did you start crafting?
I've always liked arts and crafts. As a youth, I was in 4-H and did a lot of drawing, painting, photography, floral design and macrame. I started making jewelry a year and a half ago when I joined the Bead Dazzlers group. I have learned so much since.



#3 Are there other crafts you'd like to try?
Glass bead making sounds interesting or maybe I'd like to take up crocheting again. I admire people who can sew, I've never had much patience or luck with sewing.

#4 What or who inspires you?
I get inspired by seeing what kind of jewelry my friends are making. I also get inspired when I see all sorts of pretty beads and chain online and in catalogs. I have a notebook I draw design ideas in when I'm inspired.


#5 Do you have a day job?
I have a day job. I work as a graphic artist for a newspaper. I design the ads and lay out the paper.


#6 Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
The Stunning Symphony jewelry set. It was a great experience in thinking outside the box and became one of my most unique pieces. I worked hard practicing making many note links and treble clef pendants on my wig jig before I moved on to the final piece. I'm pleased with the result.

Melissa has a wonderful give away happening on her blog!! It's this amazing bracelet! Click on the picture and it will take you to the give away. The rules are easy - just follow her blog and an extra entry pick your favorite item from her shop and leave a comment telling her what it is. Please check it out!!

Fridays Finds and Fun Stuff

Ok - first I have to tell you about this wonderful blog and shop I've come across. The shop is Kim's Country Cottage. Kim has the most amazing afghans, candles, doilies, graphic designs, and totes. This shop is a must see!! You would not believe what she is giving away on her BLOG!!

That's right, the afghan in the above picture! Isn't it amazing? She is giving this away to promote the opening of her Etsy shop!! This is what she writes about the afghan: "Created with soft white yarn and adorned with mauve rosebuds and frosty green leaves, this afghan is the perfect size for a single, twin size bed, or as an adornment for your favorite chair."

The contest is open until the 15th of June and the rules for entering are really easy!!

Now for my Fantastic Finds!! More really great shops. I've decided to add 3 brand new shops (no sales or very few sales) to my fantastic finds. After all, this blog is about helping other crafters by promoting their products/shops. Please check out these amazing shops! Just click on the picture.

1) Agrafina 2) Busy Bead Lady 3) CS Paper and Beads
4) Robin Zebley 5) Lil Sticks Woodworking
6) Sensoria Design 7) The Curious Rabbit
8) Venezie Bags 9) The New Dawn