Featured Etsy Shop - MY VINTAGE ALCOVE

The Holiday decorating and shopping season is upon us!!!   The Fall Décor is up and if weather soon permits the pumpkins will adorn the porch.  Our Fall and Christmas décor is filled with our own DIY projects or from other artists, mostly from my favorite Etsy Sellers.

This weeks featured favorite shop or shops is My Vintage Alcove and Haute Interiors :

My very first Etsy shop was my hand-crafted shop, “Haute Interiors LLC”. I began incorporating a few vintage hardware pieces into it & they sold very quickly. I was then bitten by the “vintage bug”. I did not like the cluttered look of my shop, so I opened my vintage shop in 2010, “My Vintage Alcove”, and it has changed my life!

 I grew up in the 70s with the Avocado Greens and Harvest Golds of that era. For some reason, as a child I was drawn to kitchenware of that period. I remember my mother throwing away perfectly good pieces, and I would go behind her, pull them out and save them. I would pre-shop her garage sales and kept items I would later take to my apartment. I remember her commenting to me how common these items were to her. They might have been common to that time, but I loved them.
As an adult, I look back at these pieces and reflect on the quality, how they were made & how well they have survived the passage of time. When I am out shopping, I purchase these quality houseware & home décor items that I am drawn to. I love reading the notes from my customers of how they saw an item in my shop that triggered a happy memory from the past, or all of their family members had an item and they wanted one of their very own, or why an item was gifted to another. These are part of the reason why selling vintage is so fulfilling for me.

 My goal is to grow my shop to the point where it will help support my family. Last autumn, I learned what persistence, dedication & consistency achieved for my shop. Therefore, at the beginning of 2013, I set goals for myself to grow my business. Etsy is definitely a learning experience, but it has also been a fun journey along the way. I get excited every time I hear the cha-ching of a sale on my phone, or see what new destination at item will be shipped to. It still amazes me that I am engaging in commerce internationally.

 Etsy is a wonderful world-wide marketplace, and I am an avid supporter of the hand-made and vintage movement. Etsy is a blessing for me and it has allowed me to achieve things that I never would have thought possible for me.

 ~ Michele Nicholson.

Etsy Seller Spotlight - Twisted Thread and Hook

I fell in love with Etsy years ago, first I loved the concept that everything was either handcrafted, vintage or used to create.  I also loved the fact that this new site was populated mostly by women, that this venue was giving them a voice and capability to sell their art and creations without the cost of a brick & mortar store front.  I have over the years been amazed at the creativity and ingenuity of the artist on Etsy, and amazed of the major success of some of the Etsy sellers.  I have had the great honor to meet some wonderful women and men, so we are starting a new weekly Etsy Seller Spotlight!

So to start off our new weekly Esty Seller Spotlight is the talented and lovely Magdalena of Twisted Thread & Hook.  Her stunning shop features amazing hand crafted rope rugs and doormats.

Magdalena's Story:

I grew up in Poland where my mom introduced me to crocheting. Throughout the years, I tacked different form of craft and art, but I always found my way back to crocheting. One day I was looking for something unique to make and came across a doily cotton rope rug. I fell in love with it and from that moment, I've been designing and making my own rope rugs. I took that idea even further and started making cotton rope bath mats as well as jute rope doormats and rugs. Both cotton rope and jute rope give great texture, unique look which is what I love about them. However, with my kids in mind, I kept thinking what I could use to make the rugs nursery and children room friendly. That's how fleece rugs idea came to live. I truly love the softness of these rugs (and so do my kids who tend to lay on them more than walk).
  

 When I was growing up, my family summer vacation was always on a sailboat. My love for sailing was deeply rooted in me. After making few of the rope rugs, it came to me all of the sudden that I could create some great nautical rug designs.

 I'm so excited to be able to share my passion for crafting, sailing and handmade with others.

Here are a few ways you can stay in touch and see my new designs.
Facebook:

www.facebook.com/TwistedThreadAndHook
Etsy: TwistedThreadAndHook.etsy.com
Storenvy: TwistedThreadAndHook.storenvy.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/MyTwistedThread
Tumblr: TwistedThreadAndHook.tumblr.com/

Pink Antiqued Brass Flower Stamping Earrings Tutorial

I adore raw brass findings and stampings, and already carry several styles in my shop, Alyssabeths Vintage.  These pieces are so easy to use as is or to age or patina using several different methods from fumes, to chemicals and even paints.

These sweet little flower stampings are found in my shop, I often used them as cabochons in jewelry creations but decided to punch a hole into them to create connector pieces (I found my metal punch at Michaels in the jewelry section)

Then I cleaned with brass pieces and buffed just a bit with a low grit file to give the pieces extra texture to hold the paint.  Once good and dry apply paint, I used regular acrylic craft paint in pink, again let dry completely.

After these have dried I removed bits of the pink paint with a low grit file until I felt that I had enough of the golden raw brass showing, then sealed with a clear matte finish (make sure your pain or sealer is lead free).

Waiting some more.... and then I simply added gold earring hoops and vintage Czech glass rhinestone teardrops!  So easy and very little time!

Happy Crafting!

Beth

This is where we are linking this week!

Nifty Thrifty Things, Homemaker on  a Dime, Craft-O-Maniac, CRAFT, Mad in Crafts, Skip to My Lou, Sugar Bee Crafts, Cherished Bliss, Not Just a Housewife, HomeWork, LadyBugBlessings, Hope Studios, Ginersnap Crafts, Ivy & Elephants , Elizabeth & Co., Someday Crafts, Free Pretty Things, House of Hepworths, 36th Avenue, French Country Cottage, One Artsy MaMa, Charm of Home, Flaunt it Friday, Simply Create

Glitter Pink Christmas!

Shabby Chic and all glittery and pink Christmas Treasury featuring hand crafted and vintage treasures from Etsy!

Blog Features !

Normally by now I have posted a new frugal craft project, but to be honest time got away from me this week and I didn't finish my project.  I'm getting ready to open a new Etsy shop in the next couple of months selling vintage jewelry, findings & beads and more of my great flea market and estate sale treasures!  I'm really excited about this new little shop and pretty much got all wrapped-up in it this week.

But.... on another good note I'm feeling a lot of blog love this week having my blog and Etsy shop featured on tow separate blogs this week.  I'm truly honored and thrilled!

Kelsey over at Poofy Cheeks is doing a crafting space series and featured my new Shabby Chic crafty space this week!  I hop you pop over and give my little feature some love and if you have a crafting space that you'd like to share please contact her.

And then over at Home Spun with Love Kristen featured my blog and several of my favorite craft projects, and my litte Etsy Jewelry shop!

I hope you stop by to visit both of their crafty fun blogs.

Oh... and don't forget to make a comment to enter the Bead Knead Gift Certificate Giveaway, last day to enter is this coming Wednesday.

Valentines Day Jewelry SALE

Hello everyone!  I'm having a Valentines Day Jewelry SALE in my Etsy shop, use promo code VALENTINE10 for 10% off your purchase.  I also only charge a flat $2.25 shipping on jewelry to one address, no matter how many pieces you purchase.

Long Santa Fe Red Rose Turquoise Necklace

An elegant, long southwest inspired necklace features a large lipstick red rose pendant adorned with a vintage glass turquoise glass teardrop strung on a long 24” textured antique brass chain with a front closure heart toggle clasp closure.

Sweetheart Bead Rhinestone Charm Bracelet

Chic assemblage bracelet created in retro colors of pink, black & mint green. Charm bracelet features a black enamel charm accented with pink rhinestone drop, bracelet chain created with pink rose cabochon connector, vintage mint green beads, milk glass pink beads, faceted & heart beads, tiny pink faceted Czech glass beads, vintage white enamel and rhinestone connector and a black enamel bow connector.

Vintage Chic Winter White Pearl Flower & Rhinestone Earrings

Romantic, vintage inspired winter white earrings featuring detailed vintage oval Lucite ivory carved flower beads adorned with old rhinestone spacer beads, vintage cream pearls and antique white pearl glass tulip beads

Secret Heart Floral Locket Ring with Black Rose

Romantic, vintage style renaissance floral embossed antique brass heart locket adorned with petite black rose flower cabochon, set on matching adjustable floral filigree embossed antique brass band.

~ And the Winner Is ~

Drum roll please ... the winner of my first (but not last) giveaway is - Julie Light! 

Congratulations, I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Look for a new giveway coming in February!  This one will be featuring an Etsy shop gift certificate from my friend BeadKnead.

Cameo Inspired Etsy Treasury

Christmas Jewelry SALE !

I can't believe it, but Christmas is only 5 days away and I still have gifts to wrap and cookies to bake!  I also can't believe that today is the last day for holiday shipping.

I still have a few Holiday jewelry pieces in my store and have marked these down, so think of stocking-up for next year! 

Pink Chic Christmas Wreath Cameo Necklace Vintage Style Rhinestone & Snowflake Charms. SALE - A very chic, vintage style Rose Pink & Cream Christmas Holly Wreath Cameo Pendant Necklace. This lovely and elegant necklace features a large Christmas wreath cameo in antique brass lace edge setting accented with a little vintage antique brass snowflake and tiny pink swarovski rhinestone drop.

Christmas Cheer Sparkle Locket by Alyssabeths. SALE - Elegant, bright and cheery Christmas Sparkle Locket featuring a lovely oval brass locket adorned with a repurposed vintage ruby red round glass cabochon framed by bright clear rhinestones. Locket is adorned with charms created with a vintage emerald green glass leaf, tiny ivory pearl & ruby red faceted Czech glass bead.

Yummy Gingerbread Men Vintage Jewel Assemblage Earrings by Alyssabeths. SALE - Fun and flirty Christmas earrings crafted with an assemblage of vintage glass jewels and charms. Each long dangle earrings features a vintage red octagon milk glass jewel set in antique brass, aqua enamel bows, tiny ruby red Czech glass faceted beads and then a precious antique brass gingerbread men charms.
 
 

Vintage Chic Christmas Holly Berry Earrings by Alyssabeths. SALE - Festive and elegant, vintage styled Holly Berry earrings crafted withrepurposed vintage emerald green glass leaf beads, dangles of cherry and burgundy red glass pearls and tiny faceted Czech glass beads, all suspended from claret red faceted Czech glass oval beads.

Etsy Love H & J Star Creations

Do you hear the clock ticking faster, I sure do and time is running out to finish my Christmas shopping!  This year I've purchased a good deal of my gifts for my family here and away from Etsy, yes I am seriously addicted to this wonderful shopping site.  And why is that, well I prefer hand craftsmen ship, massed produced items are so impersonal and to me so boring.

As you know I'm a frugal crafter, design and sell jewelry on Etsy.  But I have a secret passion for fabric, love the stuff and guess what I can't sew, so I am always fascinated by those who can.  Take H & J Star Creations for example, she crafts purses, totes reusable lunch bags and so... much more!  It's amazing to me.

I adore her shop on Etsy, the unique designs and the BIG, BOLD colors and wonderful prices!  I asked Judy to tell us a little about herself:

"Thanks! I have always loved to sew, and about 5 years ago when my son was in a play they asked me to sew the costumes.. I was hooked again, just loved all the fabric choices out there. I had originally discovered etsy as a buyer, and my daughter made a lot of jewelry, so we first started with a shop for her.. h (holly) and j (judy). She soon tired of it, but I was hooked! Can't remember what I did before all this... "

Ok everyone, remember to clock is ticking, according to the USPS December 20th is the last day to ship for Christmas deliveries with first class shipping.  So get your clicking fingers ready and over to Etsy to check out H&J Star Creations!

Etsy Artist Emily @ Yireh Jewelry

Emily is the owner and creator at Yireh Jewelry and is very interesting and well traveled young woman.  At 20 she has done more and traveled more than most adults that I know. She has traveled to Guatemala, Indonesia, Thailand, Italy and Australia to help with medical mission work, in fact most of the proceeds of her jewelry sales goes directly into her mission work.

Her jewelry is fun, spiritual and youthful. Each piece is unique and inspired by nature created using feathers, shells, stones, beads, all from the Earth. They actually remind me of my old hippie days in the 70s (yep I'm that... old).

What inspires Emily's jewelry creations?  " I consider myself an advocate of freedom and always try to encourage everyone I meet to live out the best life possible and to really go for it in everything they do, and follow their dreams. That's what I try to represent with my jewelry"

You can read about Emily's adventures and see her beautiful photography, on her blog http://freedbird.com/.

Holly Jolly Etsy Christmas Gift Guide

Here is my Christmas Gift Guide #2!  If you love handmade, creative and one of a kind gifts and holiday decor I know that you have found Etsy by now.  I found Etsy quite by accident years ago and fell in love with the concept, and that I could purchase such creative, handcrafted items all year round, I didn't have to wait for a craft show and .... I could purchase online and it's delivered directly to my home! 

Hope you take a look at my little Holly Holly Christmas Gift Guide, it's very bright and cheery.

Easy Ho Ho Ho Christmas Banner

Too easy and too cute Christmas Banner.  I decided on Ho Ho Ho for my Santa Mantel, but you can use what ever webdings suits your fancy.  All you need is a computer, interesting webdings fonts, cardstock and ribbon.  I used my Microsoft Photo Shop adding two different unique webding fonts and one of my favorite regular fonts, both in crimson red, then just printed on cream card stock, punched holes (I did reinforce the back of my hole punches) sting with ribbon and there you go!  This would be a cute and mess free holiday craft to do with your kids!

And would you believe my hubby thinks I have too many ornaments of the tree!!!  Personally, I don't think you can ever have too much bling on the tree!  lol

**Christmas Black Friday and Cyber Monday Week Sale **

10% off everything using Coupon Code - HOLIDAYSALE, November 22 to December 1. And… receive a coupon code for 10% off of your next purchase! All items will come beautifully gift wrapped with a Christmas gift tag included.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Alyssabeths

Chic Handcrafted Vintage Inspired Jewelry, Gift Tags, Hand Stamped Ribbon & Flea Market Treasures.

You purchase handmade because of the uniqueness of the product! Materials that I use to create my jewelry are silver plate, pewter, sterling, jewelry grade epoxy resin, beads, faux and glass pearls, crystals, collage and altered art, and very often vintage and antique accents.

This Weeks Featured Artist – Yours Truly Dear Baby

One of the newest members to the Boosting Etsy Shops Team Yours Truly Dear Baby. They have handmade bibs, burp clothes, blankets, onesies, and pillowcase dresses.

This shop is made by two best friends just trying to make the world a little cuter!

♥ To view features on our shop, http://www.etsy.com/shop/yourstrulydearBaby
♥Their Blog http://yourstrulydear.blogspot.com/p/featured.html
♥ Facebook page can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/yourstrulydear

Two friends with a very cute shop, and being me and loving vintage and the whole re-purposing thing my favorite items are the pillowcase dresses, how cute is that. Almost… makes me wish my step-daughter was little again, lol.  I don't know when they find the time to create these cute baby things though, Jess gets to go camping for work - I want to go camping for work!

vintage pillowcase dress - 3T - love birds

baby bib - vintage green print with orange houndstooth - unisex