December 15, 2007

I have been on such a roll lately! After suffering through a seemingly endless string of bad days and weeks, I have finally gotten some much needed good karma.
I may sound crazy when I say this, but ever since I started blogging about sellers and their items, the happenings around me are so positive! I've been surrounded by generosity and appreciation, and it's just so wonderful. This has put me in a better mood, and I guess it's shown cos I've gotten several interviews and two job offers in the last two weeks. All this after being unemployed and getting no calls for a month! I'm going to start working for zappos.com, where my best friend works already and loves her job. We'll have a desk right near each other, so we'll see each other every day! And there are so many perks.... it's really going to be great, I can't wait to start.
I've got to tell you about a few days ago, though. The best day in like, forever. Friday I got up and realized that my part-time job, Hot Topic, was having a 50% off everything employee discount. But that also included clearance items, which I had been eyeballing this whole wall of jewelry clearance. I'm talking, after discount, super sweet necklaces and hair items for $1!!! So I was excited to go there and do a little "Me Shopping", but first I had an interview with zappos.com. I rocked that interview so hard, they hired me on the spot! After that, I remembered I had to renew my car registration, so I reluctantly drove to the DMV. Wah wah waaaaah. But I got a smog check in like 2 minutes, and I got a parking spot *right* by the door, without having to drive around for 20 minutes beforehand! So I stroll in, and holy crap... NO LINE. I renewed my registration and was out of there in less than 5 minutes. How does this happen??? Okay so after the DMV I went shopping and with all the clearance stuff, I actually ended up getting more than 50% off cos it was $260 worth of stuff for $100. Wowza. THeeeeeeeen, I go home and find out that my beautiful dog, Lulu, was chosen to be in a Pit Bull rescue charity calendar for 2008! She's on the cover AND on the December page. So rad!! And theeeeennnnn my husband calls and says he wants to take me out to dinner at our favorite restaurant, and it's going to be free! WooHoo for casino comps!
How awesome of a day is that? I haven't had a good day like that in so long, it really boosted my spirits.
And remember the generosity I told you about? Etsy has been so kind to me. OctopusMe's giving spirit and good nature is so wonderful. She's truly appreciative of the things around her and she's such a positive person! It's so nice to talk to her, cos it's calming and refreshing to see someone who is so content and thankful.
Then there's SunriseFiberLodgeStudio... my major etsy weakness! I try to avoid the shop cos every time I go in, I end up NEEDING to buy something. I'm not talking like, Oh that's pretty I'll think about buying it. I'm talking, I neeeeeeed this yarn like I need air. So I go in today, just to take a peek. And I find this:



It's called AfterMidnight. It's black with a silvery nylon sparkle. However, the price was listed a few dollars more than I had in my PayPal account. So I begged her to look at my shop and see if she'd be willing to trade me for the difference in the price, and she said that since I was such a loyal customer that she'd call it even for me. I was so shocked and grateful! I am really so appreciative that I don't even have words for it.

Usually at this time of year, I am disappointed by the selfishness of people. But right now I am almost overwhelmed with the giving spirit of these great sellers, and it makes me realize that not everyone is as self-centered as I once thought. There are truly kind and wonderful people out there that aren't just out for themselves, and that makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

To check out these shops go here...
http://www.OctopusMe.etsy.com
http://www.SunriseFiberLodgeStu.etsy.com

Happy Holidays, everyone!!!!!

SJane

Today's Featured Seller!!!!!

www.sjane.etsy.com

FAB-U-LOUS!!!!!!!!
Illustrations so cute I wanna smack myself.


Bandit Badge http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6825424


Lady Bunny Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7983607


Gossip Sticker Set http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5344064


Toothpaste Sticker http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7074844

Oh, Sarah.... How do I love your shop?

Sarah's illustrations and cutesy little guys are so adorable, I had to order one of her Bandit Badges myself. I had her put it onto a pendant instead, and she was super friendly. Very helpful. I, of course, HAD to feature her Lady Bunny Necklace, since my mom's a lady named Bunnie. And in the description of the Toothpaste sticker, she talks of her hate for the taste of the minty stuff. I could not agree more! It's awful!! The descriptions of her items give you a peek at Sarah herself. Super friendly, artsy, and down to earth.

I'm going to be *obsessed* with checking this site for new stuff. I hear she might do prints or something like that, so my fingers are crossed!!!

Lake

Today's Featured Seller!!

www.lake.etsy.com

I'd like to think if I made jewelry, that it would be just like the beauties made by lake.

So pretty. So simple. So elegant.


Blossom Vines http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8141966


Caviar Ring- Custom Size http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7730975


Dragee Ring Pair size 6.25 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8169553


Nonpareil Ring Pair- Custom Size http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7129629

I like that she got a few of the names-- dragee and nonpareil-- from sugar decorations for cakes. Dragees were always my favorite extra to use on the cakes I decorated as a kid. The oxidized silver in the Caviar ring (my favorite) is rich and lovely, and the matte-like finish on the Nonpareil rings is something I've never really seen before. Certainly not pulled of as gorgeous as this, that is. It's soft and soothing silver, rather than the shiny look of sterling people are most used to. Sort of reminds me of a wedding cake covered in fondant-- soft and incredibly smooth. She's got me thinking of sugar I can't help it!!

I am so fond of her jewelry. I realize it's pretty much one of a kind, but I can't wait to see more items in her store. I want to see what she comes up with next so I can add a new item to my list of stuff that I covet.

December 2, 2007

I'm currently working on some new stuff for my shop. Got a scarf in the works, some painted mirrors that are looking SUPER, and some more pins. The mirrors are ones I got from my crafty friend Crystal, and I was like "Ooooh I could paint some cute stuff on those." So I am. I started with some pearl white paint and got an entirely different effect than I imagined. It is like a whitewash. Really beautiful. Reminds me of birch bark cos you can see the grain of the wood underneath it still. Very cool. Other than that, nothing too spectacular.
I still don't have a job. Gonna have to go work for the family at the boot store. I guess a paycheck is a paycheck. If I even get one! My husband says I probably won't even get paid! I really hope he's joking cos I wouldn't wanna work there during the craziest busy season (biggest rodeo of the year is held here every year) and not get something out of it. I would rather be at home making stuff for my shop.
I thought I was getting sick, but fortunately for me I believe it's passed. I have gotten two migraines in three days though. I was hoping that had passed also, cos I hadn't had one in a while. It was such a relief not to get them 3-4 times a week. I hope it hasn't started again.

GetIntimidnated

Today's Featured Seller!!

www.GetIntimidnated.etsy.com

There are so many stuffies on etsy it's hard to choose. But this seller's creativity is seemingly endless. Most of the Mr. Beardsleys in her shop are in disguise. So it's like you get two dolls in one!



Mr. Richardton Beardsley http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8016684


Pimp the Chimp Beardsley http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7803585


Baby of Baby Beardsley- Yellow Smock http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7822389


Masked Man Sully http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8129500


Little Lammie http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7811319




I think it's so cute that the masked Beardsleys look like garden gnomes. Or even like those fuzzy dogs with the mustaches and beards, what are they... schnauzers? I don't know if it was intentional but it's great all the same. I would love to get one of those guys home and switch his disguises off and on, maybe getting a couple of them and trading up like I did with my brother's GI Joes when I was little.

I found this shop while looking up Smashing Pumpkins items on a whim, and I found Mr. Beardsley disguised as Billy Corgan. It was perfect, obviously the work of another Pumpkins fan. It was correct down to the Fender Stratocaster and the tiny orange belt. Of course I decided I must have this and let her know that it was the best thing ever created. Too bad you guys can't see it, it was really great.... but it's MINE!!

And just in case you haven't noticed, or couldn't really tell from the picture, the lammie doesn't have legs. Nope. None. Zero out of four. Why, I don't know. But it's funny and sad at the same time. Makes you want to take her home, huh??

Fat Daddy Bake Shop

Featured Seller of the Day!!

www.fatdaddybakeshop.etsy.com

Got a sweet tooth? PMS? Forget that... Do you have eyeballs??? The first time I laid eyes on these wonderful little guys I fell in love. And started drooling.



Candy Cane Christmas Party Cupcake http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8058104


Plain Jane in a Party Dress Cupcake http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8100408


Berry Berry Dark Cupcake http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8092768


Cuckoo For Coconut Cupcake http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7933411


Sugar Daddy Cupcake http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8056379

Okay. Now close your mouth and wipe your chin off.

She's the type of person you pray you move next-door to. And she uses the highest quality ingredients in these little pieces of heaven, so you know she loves what she does. I am amazed at the originality this lady has. The twists on holiday favorites like sugar cookies and candy canes? Genius! I imagine she is always coming up with recipe ideas, waking up in the middle of the night to jot the newest scrumptious one down. She's sold over 1000 of them in just four months, so you know she's doing something right!!

The banner at the top of her shop page says "Fat Daddy Bake Shop Loves You."
Well, I'm pretty safe in saying the feeling is mutual. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

Nov. 27, 2007

Yesterday I didn't post anything cos I went with my friend, Crystal, to lunch and then to her house to just sit around and do crafts. I knew this girl was crafty, but WOW. I felt like a kid in a candy store! I had no idea where to start. I'm talking every single craft you can think of, it's in her house and she can show you how to do it. Insane.
I recently told her to go check out etsy, and sell the things she's made, cos she's so good at all of it. Her things are so wonderful, I'd buy all of them if she'd let me. I can't wait for her to get her shop up and running so I can feature her. I think she's going to do very well.
As for me, she showed me how to make clips for your hair, so I think I'm going to try that out. I've been wanting to for a while now, I just wasn't sure how to attach the clips properly. I bought the cutest little tiny child-size clips in different bright colors so those will be fun to use. And then for adults I got basic black. Can't go wrong there.

Nov. 25, 2007

So I've been told I should talk a little about myself on my blog as well. Share what's going on, how my day was, the etsy stuff I'm making. I have to admit it's a little strange. I'm not one to write out stuff like this.

I'll tell you one thing, though. I am NEVER moving again. Okay, maybe once since I can't stand the place I've moved to. But never again afterward. I hate every aspect of it. Because of moving, things I've kept bottled up for a while have uncorked and come to the surface. Very stressful times. And to top that off, I am unable to spend any time on what calms my nerves-- painting, knitting, or sewing. I just today got my internet back. I was without it for four days I think it was, and for me, that's like taking away oxygen.

I did, however, get a new phone. Well, new to me. I had a pink Razr. Which I hated. My uncle works for the company that I have service through and I told him at Thanksgiving, "I haaaate my phone. As soon as I'm available to upgrade, I'm so going to your store and you're gonna get me a good phone. And immediately after that, I'm going to back over my pink piece of crap with my car a few times, and then set the lousy thing on fire." His girlfriend then says that she just got a new phone and her old one is still working quite well, and if I want it I can have it. So I took it. It's got a full keyboard for texting (my preferred way to communicate), and I don't even care what else it's got, it's not a pink Razr!!! I am seriously thankful this Thanksgiving.

Bradli

Today's Featured Seller!!

http://www.bradli.etsy.com/

Before etsy, I was afraid of handmade soap. Cos I heard a lot of jazz about, if you make it wrong it can burn your skin and blah blah blah. I was pretty content with my cucumber and green tea Dove bar. But after seeing some of the beautiful creations on etsy, I am intrigued. And have been wanting bar after bar after bar of it.



Coconut Cream Cake Scented Handmade Soap http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8042148


Handmade Soap-Vegan Pear Fig Scented- Limited Edition http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7906708


Kiwi Cold Process Soap- Handmade- Fresh Kiwi Added- Vegan http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7731537


Raspberry Lemonade Shea and Cocoa Butter Cold Process Soap http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7229939

So my girl, Bradli is from my home state, Indiana!! We're from opposite ends of the state, but we're still Hoosiers!! I recently ordered and received the coconut cream cake, raspberry lemonade, Corona Beer (gift for my brother-in-law Mick), and vanilla marshmallow. Every once in a while she does these outrageous sales and I just can't help myself. The Corona soap is so cute... it has salt all over it! Sure it's for exfoliation but that is just the cutest idea. The other scents are so wonderful, you almost wanna lick them! That's probably a bad idea though so I really don't suggest it.

I can't wait to draw a hot bath and lather up with one of them. I'm almost afraid to use them, they're so pretty! Check bradli out if you want any kind of bath product, she makes them all!

CarmelaJay

Today's Featured Seller!

www.CarmelaJay.etsy.com

Let's go over a few things I am obsessed with.
*glitter
*skulls
*sacred hearts
*curls and spirals

CarmelaJay's items include all of the above. How could I NOT love them? Holy crap, they're awesome!! I go to her shop at least three times a week to see if she's got new items. They're so unique, and rich with culture.




Christina Corazon Vida http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6443586


Dead Pez Murphy http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7561735


Grover Corazon http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7657487


Koz Vida http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7548969


Ms. Parrot Vida http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7888328

The items in CarmelaJay's shop are inspired by the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, it is a tradition to remember and celebrate the lives of those precious family members who have passed. It is often misunderstood, and thought to be gruesome or scary, when it's just the opposite. A beautiful ceremony to honor those that came before them.

I don't really know too much about the significance of the decorated skulls or the sacred hearts, but I recognize their beauty. CarmelaJay presents these pieces so beautifully that it makes me want to learn more about the history.

Plus.... They're SPARKLY!!!

MelissaMoss

Today's Featured Seller!

http://www.melissamoss.etsy.com/

There is just no other way to put it. Melissa Moss and her art are just plain rad. The way she uses color is so calming, even if the painting features a nasty, toothy, sea-like creature. Swirls and dots and lines... so simple but yet so amazingly alluring.


Burden Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5896700


Lura Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7217573


Moon Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7968946


Oase Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7361885


Verlin Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7914640

One reason I haven't lined my entire home in her work?
I'm afraid I'd be drooling all the time. I can just stare at these prints, lavishing every wavy line, every spiral. You can definitely tell Melissa Moss studied color psychology in college. Her use of color is beyond doubt unlike anyone else I've seen.

So be warned... I'd get your prints framed immediately if I were you. I doubt they're drool-proof.

OIive

Today's Featured Seller!!!

www.OIive.etsy.com

Beauty. Whimsy. Variety. Birds.

OIive sure likes her birds. She's got several areas of specialty listed on her shop, but it's very apparent her fondness of the feathered creatures. I've only put one example of her fowl obsession below, but if you look at her site you'll see what I'm saying.


The 2nd Cutest Sheep Ever Pillow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7957714


Out On A Limb Wall Hanging http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7345242


Painted Modern Pillow http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7858033


Village Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7366652

OIive is a real sweetheart. She loves Christmas so much that every item sold from November 3 to December 3, gets an entry into a contest. The winner gets a present picked straight from their favorites list. She truly appreciates her customers, and really shows it. OIive's items are more than just stuff that she's sewn together, they're little pieces of her. You can see the love she puts into every item, and I find her whole shop to be simply marvelous.

OctopusMe

Featured Seller of the Day!!

www.OctopusMe.etsy.com

Okay so I have a thing for octopus. Octopi? Yeah.

This is creativity at its best. Usually when you think of an octopus, you see swirling arms, suction cups, an angry mouthless octopus face.... And OctopusMe utilizes the tentacles alone. The jewelry on this site is so captivating, I find myself looking at the site for what must be hours.



Small Curly Duo Unmatched- Octopus Tentacle Earrings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7853173


Versatile OctopusMe Tentacle Ring http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7568068


Curly Octopus Tentacle Pendant http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7851684


3 Octopus Suction Cup Stacking Rings http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7629572

OctopusMe also provides a bit of education on the subject in their shop announcement and profile. I, for one, had no idea that an octopus will sometimes rip its own arm off and wave it around in order to distract their foes, because they can simply grow a new one! I know I'd be distracted if someone I was fighting ripped their arm off. Bitchin!!

My favorite is the tentacle necklace. I would love nothing more than to get one of these for Christmas. Or for no reason at all. Any takers?


Remember to stop in each day for a new, groovy featured seller. And also stop by my shop www.thelulubean.etsy.com if you like.

Beautiful Pottery.

Today's featured seller is...

www.JMNPOTTERY.etsy.com

Jennifer Nesbitt makes the most beautiful pottery. Totally unique. I fell in love with the rust heart brooch (below) and begged her to make me a custom wall hanging. It's similar to the gray heart hanging (also seen below) and I could NOT be happier. She is such a sweetheart, so friendly to me when I approached her. And inexpensive!! I told her she should raise her prices. I'm sure Jennifer will be very successful with her pottery... how could she not??? It's amazing!!



Wheelthrown Three Point Swirl Serving Bowl moss green turquoise rust http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7228747



Wheelthrown Poison Skully Mug ARSENIC rust copper http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7474543


Handmade Spiked Heart Wall Art Opal Gray Purple Turquoise http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7836902


Handmade Spiked Heart Brooch rust copper http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7455077


Handbuilt Soap Dish with Spiked Heart and Feet black rust http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7711097

I sincerely hope to be making more purchases from her in the future. She is extremely talented, and so creative. I've never seen anything like her pottery before. Do yourself a favor and buy some of her pieces before she gets famous!!

LOVE her.

Featured artist of the day.......

www.stoopidgerl.etsy.com

How much does Stoopidgerl rock? Well, she rocks my socks off.

Her photos have that dirty, ominous vibe but are also sweet and childhood-memory inducing. And her resin jewelry is fantastic. Glittery and girly, yet humorous and sometimes creepy. This chick has mastered the art of combining the pretty and the ugly.




Take Me To Candy Land Fine Art Holga Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7753671


Sweet Tooth Candy Sprinkles Resin Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7661585


Swimcap Fine Art Print http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7702017

Rich Bitch Superstar Resin Necklace http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7839907

Above all, her work is colorful, sparkly, thought-provoking, and beautiful. I truly wish I could buy her whole shop. She is obviously someone who thoroughly enjoys what she does, and it is reflected in her work.

Thank you, Stoopidgerl, for being so effing rad. Rock on with your frock on!