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.

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!

Shimmer Me Blue

Shimmer Me Blue has been on Etsy since Sept. '08. Melissa is a stay-at-home mom, living in the Milwaukee area. Please check out this wonderful shop full of wonderful beads done into amazing designs and products.

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

I didn't even think about a name until I wanted to sign up on Etsy. I didn't want to have to change it once I was established, so I enlisted the help of my family and friends. I though of a few names, wrote them down, and asked for thier suggestions as well. After I had it narrowed down to about 10, I took a poll and the winner would be my buisiness name. Unfortunately (or not) that name was taken and ShimmerMeBlue was the second runner up! Looking back, I'm actually glad that first name was taken, because it wasn't as original.

#2. When did you start crafting?

I've been a creative person my whole life, it's always been inside me. I decided to try my hand at jewelry making last summer and have been at it ever since.

#3. What or who inspires you?

Beads of course, I look at them and think of what I can create with them. My true inspiration is my family though. My boyfriend and kids have been very supportive since the very beginning and that just inspires me to take it as far as I can.

#4. Do you have a day job?

If you count being a mother, then yes. Between making jewelry, taking care of the kids and the house there really isn't time for much more.

#5. What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?Definitely the Calm Serenity - Beaded Watch. I've wanted to make a watch for quite some time and just never did it, maybe out of fear. I'm glad I finally gave it a shot though because I couldn't be any happier with the result.

Friday's Fantastic Finds

Please take the time to check out these wonderful shops!! It would be nice to beable to show you more pictures from each shop - but I have only so much space!!

1) Tapestry 316
2) Bluebird Country Crafts
3) Creative Crafts 2009
4) Huayruro Peru
5) Arelel Designs
6) Percival Road Designs


I've also changed the Etsy mini's on the sidebars. Some awesome shops have donated their mini - Please take the time look at the mini's and look at their shops!!
Have an AMAZING day!!

Glitzy Things

Glitzy Things is a wonderful shop that has been on Etsy since Oct. 2008! Rosella resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Only 65 miles north of me!! Rosella also has a beautiful web store with vintage jewelry! You will find the link below.

1. How did you decide on your shop name?

I have a webstore that is called Glitzy Jewels which features some of the same kinds of items that are in my Etsy store. So when someone pointed Etsy out to me, I decided to use a similar name, ergo, Glitzythings. My web adress is http://www.glitzyjewels.com/ if you would like to look at my webstore. It also features some of my hand crafted items, as well as vintage jewelry.

2. When did you start crafting?

I started crafting a long time ago, probably in the early 70's. When I started having children (and not having much money) I started making toys, quiet books, dolls, and clothing for them. One thing lead to another and I began doing all kinds of sewing, crafting and painting. One of the things I am thankful for is that, even though I didn't know it at the time, I had talents that allowed me to do many things that helped my family and also allowed me to make a little money at craft fairs.

3. What or who inspires you?

Well, I guess it is that way I can see something beautiful developing before my eyes as I craft an item, or paint a picture, etc. Just to be able to use my hands and the talents I have been given, to create something wonderful!!

4. Do you have a day job?

I have a part time job that is nothing like what I do in my spare time. I have been a "support specialist" or in other words, office manager, secretary-clerk, for around twenty-six years.

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

The newest craft for me is the hand made purses and bags, and it is probably the most enjoyable I have done - after making children's clothes, which I did for years. I really love being able to take fantastic fabric (I love, love, love, fabric!!!) and craft it into a useful item that is also beautiful. I think my "chopsticks" purse it the cutest! ( I used chopsticks for the handles).

Audrey's Accolades:

I love this shop!! Rosella has such amazing vintage items. The bags are amazing, and the jewelry is stunning!! I love this bracelet and earring set!!

Unique engraved cuff bracelet with a flower and leaf pattern in champagne color over black on top of copper. The cuff will fit a 7 1/2" wrist, is 1 1/2" wide and is somewhat adjustable because of the style. The earrings are 1 1/2" long, made of the same materials and are for pierced ears. These are probably from the 70's.

Fantastic Finds!!

Another installment of Friday's Fantastic Finds. I love these shops! Every week when I pick 6 shops from the list of followers I'm amazed at the talent out there. This week there is quite a variety of shops to choose from. They are all wonderful and worth a look see!! Please check each one out.

Also you will notice on the right sidebar that the mini's are from different Steampunk shops I have found on Etsy. I had decided to do themes each week with the mini's. After talking to my oldest son on the weekend, Steampunk became this weeks theme. Luke thinks that steampunk is the greatest art form out there and is amazed at what people can make. He's right - some of the items are truely amazing! If you have any ideas on themes for future weeks of mini's please make a suggestion in the comments. I change the mini's every weekend.
Now - without further ado - Friday's Finds:

Ashlawn Farms is a wonderful shop with rag quilts, bags and patterns. I bought one of her patterns to make raggedy bags! Ashlawn Farms is having a sale on rag quilt patterns until the 20th.



Creative Spirit Too is an amazing bead shop. They have polymer beads, handmade raw canes, jewelry, and supplies.



Hollyz Hobby has the most beautiful handmade quilts. They are also quilted the old fashioned way - by hand.



Lady Jane's Emporium has a variety of wonderful chic, whim, vintage, and prim items. These are my favorites.



Polka Dot Candle is a lovely smelling shop!! (I can imagine - can't I?) This shops carries, candles, and home frangrance sprays in wide range of scents.



Soft Pencil is a shop full of original art, prints, printable designs and more. Amazing talent.

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!

Fantastic Finds

Oh - it is so nice to have the computer back!! I was starting to drive my family nuts. At least I had a couple of books to read.
Here are the next 6 "fantastic finds" from my list of followers! Can't believe how many awesome shops are out in blog land.

Mama Mayborne Designs is an amazing jewelry shop on Etsy. She has earrings, bracelets and necklaces in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles.




Magick Moon Soap Wurks is a wonderful Bath & Body shop. They have a "Soap of the Month" club, and an amazing variety of soaps & lotions.




Book Wormz has wonderful book marks that are impossible to loose. With all the reading I've been doing lately - I might have to get one!!




Oodle Kadoodle Prim is a gathering of patterns & time worn treasures from the past, that have come together, from days of old and sweet simplicity. I think I might beable to fool the family with this pie!!




Hand Sculpted Jewelry has a wonderful collection of hand made jewelry. Very unique pieces!




Ashley Pahl Designs has a wide variety of cards, gift tags and stationary. These cards are amazing!

ss10001 Feature

This amazing shop ss10001 is run by Sherri from Nebraska. Amazing items - a must see shop.


How did you decide on your shop name?
My shop name is really unfortunate. It is ss10001 and I'm stuck with it:) There is a story behind that - sort of - years ago (like 15 years or so) when the ISP assigned my login, they gave me ss10001. No idea why. I started using it for my hotmail account and still have that one to this day. Sooo... when I signed up on Etsy to start buying, I signed up with that (never dreaming that I'd have a shop and that I'd be stuck with the name). So... that's the name of my shop.


When did you start crafting?
I've done crafts as long as I can remember! My grandmother had a ceramic shop when I was growing up so I painted ceramics, and maybe that's what got me started on crafts? Who knows. Anyway, over the years I've done everything from cross stitch to stained glass. I'm currently doing macrame, and I like to think it's a little different from the macrame I did in the 70's (yes, I did make plant hangers and an owl or two!). The pieces I make now are made using fine cord and seed beads and are a lot of fun. I hope you'll take a moment to check out my shop.


What or who inspires you?
I find inspiration in all kinds of things. Sometimes it's a bead or color of cord that I can't wait to work with and sometimes it's a color combination I see somewhere (like in clothing stores) that I want to try. Sometimes it's the season, like in the fall when the leaves are such pretty colors and I just have to try to capture that in a piece.


Do you have a day job?
I do have a day job. I've worked for the same company for over 24 years now - since I was 20 years old! I've been married for 22 years, lived in the same house for 21 years, done business at the same bank for 21 years... I'm drearily steady!


What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most?
I think the item in my shop I enjoyed making the most would be the Aztec Purple bracelet: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17642403 just because I had such fun putting purple and copper colors together. Unexpected, but I really like the piece a lot.





Audrey's Accolades
WOW!! What amazing items! I never knew someone could make such wonderful items with beads. Sherri has so many unique styles and designs to choose from. What an imagination. Well, If you haven't noticed - I'm into earrings. Here are my favorite:


The beads have shades of green and yellow as well as teal. I knotted them up in teal cord in a pattern that almost looks like a little flower. There are #8 silver lined crystal seed beads for some sparkle as well as an outline of shiny teal delica beads. Very fetching.Earrings measure about 1.5" overall (.5" of that is the silver tone ear wire). Dainty little dangles.

Vadjutka

Vadjutka is a shop on Etsy. Judit is the person behind the amazing jewelry in this shop. She comes to Etsy from Budapest, Hungry! After reading this feature - please go check out her blog: Crafts Then and Now.

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

My shop name is my name. My name is Judit Wild, but Hungarians use family name for the first. Vad is the Hungarian word for "wild", and Jutka is a nickname for Judit.

#2. When did you start crafting?

Well, I guess in elementary school - I sew dresses for my Barbie doll -, but systematic jewelry making came into my life in 2002.

#3. What or who inspires you?

I am inspired by art history, colorful fabrics, flowers, food, different cultures, and sometimes by rock.

#4. Do you have a day job?

Yes, I am a sociologist specialized in media research, and before that I was a journalist for 10 yrs.

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

Well, it is sold by now, but it was the Frida necklace: I love fabrics, painting and personalities, and these 3 things are combined in a jewelry. Nevertheless, I find the necklace cute :-). http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=11909159

Audrey's Accolades:

Once in awhile you find a great shop on Etsy that you just have to "heart" so you can find it again. This is one of those shops. I was first drawn to the fact that Judit uses fabric and beads in her projects, with wonderful results. I asked her what the fabric was glued to & it's a perforated metal disk. Sometimes the fabirc is set into a steel filigree. How ever Judit makes her jewelry the outcome is amazing! While looking through Judit's shop I noticed that she has gift certificates! What a great idea!! Please take some time to check out her shop.

It was hard picking my favorite - but of course I did. I love these earrings!

This pair of earrings is made of a lilac silk with stripes, bisque colored lucite flowers and turquoise colored faceted glass bead. The base is a brass filigree.

Monkee Baby Creations

Monkee Baby Creations is an Etsy shop owned by Beth, who lives in Diboll Texas. Beth loves vintage and loves unique handmade items. She love to put a vintage spin on newly made creations. She also has a blog - Luv My Monkeys.

1. How did you decide on your shop name?

It didn't take long, as I have a daughter who ADORES monkeys! Not to mention that since I have four kids, it kinda had a double meaning lol, and they climb like monkeys and I love em!

#2. When did you start crafting?

OH MY. HMMM. Probably in my teens on an off and on basis. Never for money at that point. Just because I liked it! I cant tell you how many times I got into trouble for getting into my moms paints....

#3. What or who inspires you?

Those who make something outa nothing. Whether it be crafting, or even life. It takes a lot for a person that has a pretty lousy life to turn it around and become a success.

#4. Do you have a day job?

Yes~! I work at the hospital paging the Dr.'s and calling stat emergency codes. I am currently going to school for nursing so that I can become an RN. Once I do that, I plan to work the weekend shift, two 16 hour days, and be off for 5 days so I can Etsy.

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

Well I don't know if I could really pick one. I love the sock monkey earrings, but I also love the scrapbooking.

Audrey's Accolades:

WOW!! What a selection of items in Beth's shop! Let's see - there are earrings, beads, pouches, bottlecap magnets (can never have too many magnets on the fridge!) findings, and a lot more. Here is my favorite - though I must say it was a tough choice.

Pay those bills in style! Beth took a plastic bill or coupon organizer measures about11" wide, and embellished it with old book print, twilight sayings and pics and an old button. Very cute and different!