Another poll

For this poll, I will be giving away a pair of earrings of your choice, from my etsy shop, any value!

I created this necklace and am trying to decide which length looks the best. The necklace is made of graduated sizes of dyed red quartz on a gunmetal chain. Do you prefer the short, medium or long length? Please leave a comment with your choice of length and the earrings you would like to win, and I will randomly choose a winner next Friday, November 7th at10PM EST.

[Edit] I've decided to try it with 2 different tops to see what you think.

Don't forget to leave either your e-mail address or etsy username. If I cannot contact you, you cannot win. Good luck!

Featuring LoveYu

So I mentioned that I met some fellow indie artists at the Avondale Arts Festival. Well one person I met was Wren from Love Yu. She makes cute plushies and I had to get one for myself. Well, it'll be a gift for one of my many nieces. She's going to customize one for me and I'll be able to pick it up when I see her at the next festival. Can't wait! I may have to get more so that the other nieces don't get jealous. Anyway, here is a sampling of her critters. Be sure to check out her shop and she blogs too.

And stay tuned for the upcoming poll/contest. I promise I'll post it soon.

Avondale Autumn Festival Weekend

As you may or may not now, I had a booth at an arts festival this weekend. I had never heard of it before, so I didn't know what the turnout was going to be like. Well, it was not so great. I don't know if it was the show itself, the economy or a combination of both, but there wasn't that much traffic. You live and you learn, right? Anyway, here are pics of my booth. What do you think? Would you come into my booth?
Well now that I have pictures, I can apply to the bigger shows which will hopefully mean more business for me!

Oh, I did meet some other indie artists, which is always fun. I even did a trade with someone who makes cute plushies! She's customizing one for me, so I'll get it in 2 weeks when we're both at the Cabbagetown Chomp and Stomp festival. Can't wait!

Etsy Front Page!

I created a blue treasury a few days ago and it made it to Etsy's front page! In Etsy world, this is very exciting! Unfortunately I didn't get a screen shot of the actual front page, but here's the image of the list:Sellers featured in this treasury are:
Lillyella, mystudio, DewberryVintage
TickledPinkKnits, dennisanderson, crankbunny
stephaniegibson, polarity, f2images
macraMe, avie, blockpartypress

On another note, I'll be posting a new poll soon where you'll be able to win a piece of jewelry, so stay tuned!

Thursday Etsy Favorites - Elm Studios

If you're looking for unique personalized gifts, then I suggest you check out Elm Studios. Erin and Rick create personalized pottery with cute designs that are very affordable. I haven't purchased anything from the shop yet, but that's because I am trying to figure out what to buy. One look at their shop, and you'll see why.

Avondale Autumn Festival and Sale!

Happy happy hump day! Since I will be participating at a local Arts and Crafts market this weekend, I will not be running a special this weekend. Instead, I'm doing a special for today only. All necklaces in my shop will be discounted 15% off if you mention my blog on checkout. This offer valid until midnight tonight.

For thos of you in the Atlanta area, I hope you'll come out to the festival. It takes place on Sat from 10-6 and Sunday, Noon-5. There will be over 75 artists and vendors, so it should be a great time. The festival location will be on the corner of Lakeview Place and Berkeley Drive in Avondale Estates. Hope to see you there!

Weekend in Asheville, NC

Our Asheville weekend was filled with good food, fun town and great nature watching. I think the leaves will start peaking in a week or two, but we did drive a bit on the Blue Ridge Parkway, aka "America's Favorite Drive." We only drove a bit of it, and if it were warmer, we probably would've done a little hiking. G and I didn't make it to the Biltmore Estate this time around. We would've only had a few hours to see it, and for a $42 entrance fee, I think I would like to be there for longer than that. Just another reason to go back and then check out the Biltmore village as well. Anyway, here are a few shots of the trip.

A cool looking Bistro in Downtown Asheville.

A shot of the Grove Arcade, home to retail shops, restaurants, offices and luxury apartments.

A picture from our drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Wall St. in Downtown Asheville

Weekend Update - Highlands, NC

On our way up to Asheville, we took the scenic route and stopped in the Highlands. During the drive, G and I were a little disappointed that the leaves hadn't peaked in color yet, but when we got to the Highlands, we were very happy. The colors were so vibrant. Of course, we didn't actually stop to take pictures, so you'll just have to use your imagination. I do have some shots of the main drag of the Highlands. Very quaint. We stopped in to Buck's Coffee Cafe for some hot cider and tea. I was not prepared for the temperature drop. I know, I know, we were going up to the mountains, but it's kind of hard to wrap my brain around 50-60 degree weather, when it was 80 in Atlanta. So the tea and hot cider hit the spot.While on Main St, we stopped in Kilwin's Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop. Everything looked so good! Here are some shots of the truffles. I bought a few, but I only got to sample 2 of them since G at the rest! And he didn't even tell me until I said, oooh, I can't wait to try the other flavors! Damn him! Now looking at these pics, I am so craving them. ARGH! Oh well, I'll head over to The Chocolate Bar in Decatur at some point.
I just had to take a picture of these "Bubble Gum Buddies." Aren't they adorable? I don't think I could actually eat one!

If you like food blogs and want to read all about our good eats, check out G's blog.

Weekend Special

G and I are off to Asheville, NC for the weekend, and I'm really excited about it. I've heard great things about it, and G has a whole food itinerary planned out. So, while I'm away, I have a store special for you all. 15% off all earrings in my shop! Just mention my blog when you check out, and I'll either adjust or refund your account when I get back. This offer is valid until this Sunday, 12pm EST.

So take advantage, have a great weekend, and happy shopping!

Thursday Etsy Favorites - The Toki Cafe

I almost forgot that it was time for my Etsy Favorite pick of the week. Today, it's all about the cute factor. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals and anthropomorphic creatures. I made an attempt at making an amigurumi bear, but didn't follow through. I made the pieces, but didn't feel like sewing up all the parts. So, I think I'll just buy these cute dolls from someone who enjoys making them. With that said, I found The Toki Cafe's shop while browsing through Etsy. She makes the cutest food items such as dumplings and pork buns, and photographs them in steamers. So clever! My favorite are the Mario Bros mushrooms.

Photos taken from the toki cafe's etsy shop

Fashionada '08

This past Saturday, there was a fund raising event called Fashionada '08. It is put on every year by the "You Can Make A Difference" Foundation to raise money for cancer research and to create awareness for early detection of melanoma. The founders had a daughter who died of melanoma skin cancer at the age of 33. My fabulous make up artist friends, Tracy and Natalie, did the make up for many of the models and invited me to tag along. Some of the designs featured were coats from Zara and dresses from Betsy Johnson. I am a huge fan of Zara coats, and they had some great ones on display. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures, but I did get some of the dresses.


And Natalie ended modeling one of the lovely Betsy Johnson pieces! You go girl! She did great and walked a lot better than some of the other models. Now, I know this ain't America's Next Top Model, but really, how hard it is it to walk? Doesn't she look fabulous?

Orange Treasury

I've been glued to my computer all morning and managed to create a treasury. I call it, "Orange you glad, I didn't say banana?" I thought it was clever, if I do say so myself.
Featured in the treasury:
Lynn Cardwell Pottery
elleabelle
flutter
Kreativlink
AnaNg
Tresijas
meganmccann
xenya
paperandtee
Zygopsyche
ringsnthings
DasheDesigns

Weekend Special

Hello everyone! I am excited to announce my first special that I'm running through my blog. This special will run all weekend, so be sure to take advantage of this. Starting today until Sunday, 10PM EST, I am offering a buy one get one 1/2 off sale from my shop. Just mention my blog in the message to seller, and I will refund the discount back to your account. The discount will be applied to the item of lesser or equal value. The holidays are creeping up on us, so you may want to start shopping early!

Happy Shopping!

Thursday Etsy Favorites - Xenya

It's that time to feature another one of my favorite Etsy artists. This week is Julie Shiel of xenya. I discovered her shop while I was curating a treasury and am so glad to have stumbled upon it. She was kind enough to answer few questions so we could get to know her a little better.

How did you get started in photography?
I started working with photography seriously a couple of years ago. I am disabled and actually have three shops on etsy to help with my bills. I am trying to promote my photography more so I can drop some of the other stuff! Urban exploration is my favorite thing to do, but I have to be having a 'good period' to be able to explore.

How would you describe your work?
My photography is documenting the abandoned and forgotten places and things that most people never see. I find them beautiful in their decay as they return to nature. I like to see the bones of these places and research their history. Some of the most amazing things I have seen have been at abandoned hospitals and similar facilities. For the most part my photography is as I saw it but I'm teaching myself photoshop a little here and there and would like to get more into digital collage.

What are 3 foods/desserts/snacks you couldn't live without?
Three snacks I can't live without would probably be nuts, sesame sticks and hazelnut hot chocolate!

Name 3 of your favorite etsy shops.
Picking out three favorite esty shops is very difficult! There are so many ones I love and wish I could buy things from! I discover new ones every day. Today some of my favorites are JacqleenBleu.etsy.com
NoMonet.etsy.com
ThisYearsGirl.etsy.com

What is the current sale you are running?
The sale I currently have is to try to raise money for my car. The engine blew up. So, I'm offering a free 5"x7" with the purchase of any 8"x10" or larger regularly priced photo. I will run the sale through the rest of this month so now is a good time to get my work! Most photos are available in a variety of sizes on request. Just convo me!
Thanks so much, Julia!

A little funny

A few days ago, I was in the car listening to the morning show on a local pop station. I just heard a little snippet of it, but basically a caller called in and told the DJs of a dinner date she had planned with her boyfriend. She was going to meet his parents for the first time. So, she decided to Google his parents, and what did she find out? His dad is her gynecologist.

Meeting Local Indie Designers - Throwing Stars Jewelry

So I mentioned in a previous post about going to Youngblood Gallery's Kraftwork. Well, I also wanted to let you know of another artist I met, Amy Leff from Throwing Stars Jewelry. Her jewelry is really beautiful, and she's super nice too! The pieces are mostly Sterling Silver and Gold filled wire jewelry that are forged, hammered and soldered, with accents of semiprecious stones. I would describe them as organic with a modern twist; definitely worth your time to check out her site.

We have a winner!

Thank you to everyone who entered my first giveaway contest. It was so much fun!

The Leaves in Dewdrops was the most popular style by far, so that will be offered in my online boutique shortly. And congratulations to Hyla Waldron to winning my first voter contest! She also voted for the Leaves in Dewdrops, so she will be receiving a pair of her very own. If you would like a pair for yourself, please contact me for a reserved listing. These earrings will be on sale for $60.

As a thank to the rest of you who entered, if you order any jewelry from my shop, I will refund 20% of your total purchase (before shipping) through the end of October. It's never too early to start thinking about holiday gifts, so be sure to take advantage of this. I do have everyone's names, but please put a note in the message to seller to remind me. Discount applies to jewelry items only.


I will be posting a store special later on this week, so make sure to check back! I will also have another drawing later on this month. Thanks again, and Happy Monday!

Vote!

It's official! I have registered to vote in the State of Georgia. The last day to register is tomorrow, and luckily for me, I saw a table at the Old 4th Ward block party where they were signing people up. They also had free food, brisket, chicken wings and hotdogs, sponsored by Whole Foods. Yum!

So speaking of voting, today is the last day to vote on your favorite pair of my leaf earring designs. I will be selecting a winner tonight and will post it tomorrow. I hope everyone's having a great weekend! It's time for me to go back to my jewelry bench.

Meeting local indie artists - Avie Designs

On the first Thursday of every month, Youngblood Gallery and Boutique host Kraftwork, where local indie designers set up tables and sell their goods. I stopped by there last night with a friend to check it out. While there, I met Avis, the creator of Avie Designs. She makes stationery, cards and various paper goods with fun, stylish designs. She's also super sweet. I had actually contacted her through Etsy to get her scoop of the Atlanta Gift Mart that happened a few months ago, so it was great to actually meet her in person.

She's also a blogger where she previews things she's working on and features other Etsy artists. Don't you love the way she hangs her goods from wooden clothes pins? Definitely worth a visit to check out the rest of her creations.

And don't forget, you have two more days to enter my contest for a new pair of earrings!

Thursday Etsy Favorites

It's Thursday, which means I will be featuring fabulous items or sellers from Etsy. This week, is Jeweled Ambrosia. We actually traded jewelry boxes a few months ago. She's a busy woman being a mother to two boys, a hair stylist, a crafter and jewelry designer. Her collection is vintage inspired and very romantic, in my opinion. Definitely worth a look:

This last one is called "Kiss of Death" and is part of her Twilight collection; pieces inspired by Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga novels. I haven't read these books yet, but I think they're right up my alley. Happy Shopping!

Don't forget to vote and enter my contest for a free pair of earrings!