TREASURIES du Jour!

Oh My! Sometimes this is really hard to keep up with. Ever have the feeling you are just in over your head? And I'm RETIRED!!!! I've made it my goal to continue to honor those Etsyians who feature me in their Treasuries by showcasing them in my blog. And I love doing that! Right now, my life seems to have taken on a life of its own and my time is overloaded! I don't like how I feel - always racing from one thing to another and never doing anything well, it seems.

Currently I am in THREE Treasuries and have one of my own. So....let's begin!

Getting Better by FireFlyGlassDesign.



This lovely pendant would be a perfect fit for her own Treasury! What do you think?




Then there is this stunner: "TURQUOISE" by SkyBlueDesigns2



And while I like to find something from the curator's shop that would fit well into their own Treasury, SkyBlue is a designer of victorian-style hairclips. There was nothing fitting the color theme, I found this that I love - from her shop:



And finally - but not least important is "My Shirt" by RocketScienceShop.



I'd like to see these in this Treasury!

I've been TAGGED - yet again!

In the spirit of collegiality (is that the correct term when it comes to artist friends and cohorts?), I agree to fulfill the tagging concept - at least in part. Carol Dean Sharpe of SandFibers tagged me last week sometime, and I have simply been too busy to comply with the rules and regs. I'm not quite sure I should thank her but I'm supposed to share seven facts about myself, some random, some weird, so here we go:

1. I seriously studied ballet as a child and appeared in a local production of Hansel & Gretel at age 7.  I was HANSEL!!!
2. I served as co-editor-in-chief of my high school yearbook, Massapequa High School.
3. I married my college roommate's brother, and we're STILL married!!
4. I started a Masters in Speech Pathology but never completed it; rather I returned instead to teaching French and Spanish for 20+ years.
5. I finally got my Masters degree MANY years later - in none of those academic areas!  It's in career counseling.
6. I LOVE my husband's cooking!  For the first 25 years, I never knew he could cook (nor did he want to.)  Now he's the main cook and I'm the chief bottle washer!
7. I am so proud of my daughters and their accomplishments - despite some significant disabilities.  Love you, A & R!  OH.........and all three of just us "girls" are going to ALASKA next summer.  YAY!!!!

Here are three generations of us!

The rules are:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
   
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
   
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blog.
   
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
   

Here are my TAGGEES, and I don't really think it's fair to retag Carol's Taggees, so...........:

1. Jen of Doyle Jewellery Design
   
2. Sara of SaraWestermark
3. Janine of AltheaP
4. Judy of Fireflyglassdesign
5. Robin of Couture and Confection at Rue Vieuville
6. Lisa of Feathers and Treasures 
7. Pam of Kitty & Me designs

And I know some of you will not carry on the tradition.  Do it if you can, my friends!  I'm off now to let them know they've been tagged. Have a great Sunday!

Go RedSox!!!!

Boomer by Fireflyglassdesign

Happy, happy always to find myself in a Treasury! I'm late in promoting this one because I ended up working at the gallery yesterday to relieve another artist who couldn't stay the whole day! But Fireflyglassdesign featured my new Perfectly Periwinkle Pouchy Purse in this lovely Treasury called "Boomer."

Judy and I recently completed a wonderful trade! She sent me two of her really interesting dichroic glass pendants; I added fiber to both and sent one back to her for her own personal use (or to sell!) and I kept one. Here are photos of the two pieces. I kept the black one and sent the red back to Judy! Thanks, Judy, for the successful trade. I love my Etsy friendships!



Here is one of Fireflyglassdesign's pendants from her Etsy shop that would be a nice addition to her own Treasury! It's called "Colors of Royalty"

Carol Dean Sharpe of Sandfibers!

Carol Dean Sharpe of Sandfibers!  My 'Bbest' cyber-friend!

 

The woman behind SandFibers has become my best cyber-friend, through long conversations on IM, the kind of sharing that one doesn't often have with real, in-the-flesh friends.  She has been my rock through some pretty horrific times in the past year.  Her counsel is always valued: sincere, honest, practical, and always right on!  She lives in New Mexico; I live in North Carolina.  We've talked on the phone once but never met.  Perchance that will happen one day.....!

Carol and I have also shared art!  We have collaborated on projects, and I am the proud owner of several of her pieces, most of which we traded.  She has several of my bags (and scarves too, I think!)  In addition, she has tagged me twice!!!  So.....I am returning the favor.  But first.............!

Yesterday I found myself in one of Carol's awesome Treasuries, "perchance to dream."  It's a beauty - all creamy and dreamy!

I like to feature artists who feature me in their Treasuries by showcasing one of their pieces that would fit right into their own Treasury. So here is Falcon Felted Beaded Pendant. Carol is best known for her beadweaving, but the Fiber in SandFibers is equally talented. I love this piece that so beautifully combines her talents!

The Bbest Reds by VintageC1

VintageC1 sells vintage sewing patterns. I usually like to thank those who include me in their Treasuries by locating something from their Etsy shop that would fit the theme of their own Treasury. This is the closest I could get - this very cute pattern from the 70s. I DO remember sewing clothes for me and my daughters during that era. I know! I know! I'm dating myself, but..........!

I just discovered that vintageC1, aka Chris1, has another Etsy shop - of dichroic glass and other wonderful work, and it's here! Go check it out please for some pleasant surprises!

More Treasuries!

Pink, Not Pink Treasury by AltheaP

A lovely Treasury by AltheaP (aka Talking Dog) and real name, Janine Maves of Raleigh! She has included my nuno felt pin/brooch - for which I am grateful! I'd have wanted to include this magnificent silk scarf by Janine in her own Treasury. See what I mean? And she has honored those of us who are donating a portion of our October proceeds to the Cure.



Here's my own recent Treasury, thanks to Claire Bateman, one of the Port City Pottery and Fine Crafts artists, who has introduced me to book arts, called "Come Write Along!"

Sara Westermark - Metalsmith/Jeweler

I am privileged to know and share gallery space with Sara Westermark, jewelry artist and metalsmith - and much more!  She is mother of three, lyric soprano, teacher, bright and articulate, and a joy to work with, and just plain FUN!  Her work is awe-inspiring!  I am the proud owner of a pair of her earrings and a gorgeous copper bracelet.

Sara is also an Etsy artist, and as you will see from her interview answers, she is versatile and multi-talented.  It is my pleasure to present her to you.  And I urge you to check out her various venues and online locations, including her blog.

AND............on November 13 from 2 - 8 PM, Sara and I will host a Holiday Show of Wearable Art at Port City Pottery & Fine Craft! I am so pleased!

1. What is the name of your etsy shop and what do you sell? Sarawestermark is my Etsy store name and its pretty easy to remember because it is my real name too! http://www.sarawestermark.etsy.com

2. Where are you located? Wilmington, North Carolina in the United States of America

3. Do you have your own website/store outside of Etsy? I show work in local galleries and I have my own website--but my website is really a work in progress. In April of this year I joined Port City Pottery and Fine Craft in downtown Wilmington, and I have been so blessed to not only have great sales, but to be a part of a great group of women and men. I also show my work at Blue Moon Gift Shops in Wilmington, Carolina Creations New Bern, and in Klines' Salon in Columbia, South Carolina.

4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started? I have been making and designing jewelry since I was in high school. I originally wanted to go to a trade school to learn metalsmithing, but due to family pressures I chose a career that had a 4 year degree--the very practical art of singing! I have a master's in music from the University of Missouri and still teach private lessons at home. I can't keep my hands still and have always wanted to make things that I saw in my mind. I started to invest more time and money into my "hobby" and my husband began to encourage me to actively sell my work. In the beginning I did small home shows at friends' houses and small fairs. I keep putting myself out there and constantly challenge myself to do new techniques. For every Christmas and Birthday, my husband and family buy me a new tool or piece of equiptment. On our second Valentine's Day (I scolded him the first time around for wasting money on flowers, chocolates and balloons) he tied some heart balloons to a 12 pound anvil! I couldn't be happier. I don't scold him for spending money on tools!

5. Who or what inspires you to create? I love abstract images, line, texture, color and of course faceted stones! I also love synthsizing nature and abstract ideas together. I love to experiment and try out new things. My 7 year old daughter sometimes gives me ideas by making fairy necklaces out of dried up leaves. I love to see the world in her eyes.

6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind? Baroque music or anything on NPR. I absolutely love This American Life with Ira Glass, Lake Woebegon with Garrison Keillor, Car Talk with Click and Clack and anything opera.

7. What do you like least/most about your craft? I hate to inhale the tiny filings of silver and copper--makes my sinuses act up! 

8. Describe your workspace? I am in transition--I have half of my work bench in my musty dirty garage and a work space in our dining room. My husband is making me a new workbench and we are going to completely move me back into the dining room. 

9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist? Knowing that something that I made is treasured and meaningful.

10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business? Do what you love and the money will come, and don't quit before the miracle happens.

Jewellery (Jewelry!) Artistry! by Jen Mckeogh

Doyle Jewellery Design

Today I'd like to feature a fellow Etsy artist that I've just "met" by chance, by responding to her call for artists to feature in her blog. The Etsy forums can sometimes be a daunting place where one never knows what will happen, how people will respond to you, whether you'll be a thread-killer or fomenter. I replied to a thread by Jen McKeogh of North Star Jewellery from County Donegal, Ireland. Within a matter of hours, she had sent me her list of interesting and thoughtful questions, and within days, I was featured on her blog, Doyle Jewellery Design. Her communication has been warm and engaging, and so I am delighted to return the favor.

I asked her to reply to her very own questions (that's kind of cheating, but....!), so I reprint her answers and showcase some of her very lovely jewellery designs. Please visit her Etsy shop!

1. What is the name of your Etsy shop and what do you sell?

The name of the shop is www.northstarjewellery.etsy.com and I sell my handcrafted jewellery which is made from a wide variety of materials such as freshwater pearls, semi precious gemstones, crystals and glass.



2. Where are you located?

I am located in Co Donegal in Ireland


3. Do you have your own website/store outside of Etsy?

I have a website and I also have a blog.


4. How long have you been doing your craft/art and how did you get started?

I have always been very creative and have been painting and drawing since being old enough to hold a pencil. I got interested in jewellery when pregnant with my daughter. I got a bad case of that whole nesting thing but a bag of very strangely shaped knitted squares later and I knew that knitting needles and I would never be friends! So I turned my attention to the fascinating world of jewellery and beads and have never looked back. I have been making jewellery for 4 years now.


5. Who or what inspires you to create?

So many things, nature definitely, words from a song, a piece of music, the colours in a restless sea of dancing waves...the world is full of inspiration if only we open the eyes and the heart.




6. Do you listen to music when you work, and if so what kind?

All the time! Anything from heavy metal to classical to old 50's classics- all depends on the mood.


7. What do you like least/most about your craft?

I like most that there are endless creative and learning possibilities in the world of jewellery making. I love to push at the boundaries of my skills to see how far I can take a new technique, and the thing I don't like would be that I have to outsource all my materials as supplies are quite limited here, and what there is can be quite expensive.




8. Describe your workspace?

Its a newly renovated room just off the kitchen, and its all mine! I have my office in one tiny corner and the rest of the room is totally devoted to my jewellery making and painting. Its filled with light most of the day and it has the most beautiful view from the window. i look out over miles of rolling green hills and forest and farmland, no urban jungles to spoil the view!


9. What is one of your best moments as a crafter/artist?

When you make something for someone and that moment when they try it on and turn to you with that look that says 'I am so happy with this' - that gets me every time!


10. What advice would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own craft business?

Being self employed is a tough road and you've got to be prepared to work really hard to get where you want to go, but believe in yourself and your talents, keep your faith up and you will do well. Art/crafting as a career is incredibly rewarding. Aside from being your own boss and not having to get up at ungodly hours of the morning to commute a million miles to an office, I totally love what I do. How many people do you know can stand up and say that?

Payback is Hell by Midnightcoiler!

Midnightcoiler curated a very interesting Treasury West that I found myself in this morning! Cute title and subtitle ("Er....I mean Swell!")



Here is an item from her own Etsy shop that would find itself right at home in her own Treasury!

It's called Warm Chestnut Sunburst Ornament, and I think it is stunning!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

My day yesterday started off with a 7:30 AM breakfast in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Jan Wutkowski of aMuse Artisanal Finery invited me to attend. She herself has just completed treatment, and she could be the poster child for this cause, with her sunny smile and unbelievable positive attitude. Jan is a milliner, so of course she suggested we all wear pink hats. Well, I don't wear hats, let alone pink ones! I made and wore this Hot Pink Bernadetta scarf that is now listed in my Etsy shop.



When I came home, inspired by so many local women touched by this disease, and by so many survivors and supporters of the cause, by chance I snagged a Treasury and dedicated it to all those women worldwide who live with or have succumbed to this disease, including my grandmother and my sister-in-law. My mother also died of cancer, but not of the breast. So here is Survivors!

Door Prize! by Scarf It Up!

In planning our Wearables Show at Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts on November 13, Sara Westermark and Scarfitup (ME!) talked with the owners about door prizes. This wasn't exactly what I had in mind, but somehow the theme of doors and then KNOCKERS emerged from my brain while curating an Etsy Treasury. So here is a selection of Knock-Out Knockers from a variety of Etsy artists, called "Door Prize!"

And speaking of door prizes, I made some mini-felted soaps yesterday - first time trying my hand at this! And the results are adorable! They are great little add-ons, door prizes, favors, etc.

Cranberries! by AJewelryBoxx

Lulicade Goddess AGAIN!!!

Three artists joined forces to create Lulicade Goddess: Carol Dean Sharpe of SandFibers, Lisa Peters of LisaPetersArt, and me (Louise Giordano) of Scarfitup!  Lulicade is currently appearing in this Cranberries Treasury on Etsy, thanks to AJewelryBoxx.  Lulicade Goddess is available in SandFibers Etsy shop and is viewable in this lovely Cranberries Treasury until Sunday.

This bracelet from AJewelryBoxx would fit quite nicely into her own Treasury!

Return from Charlottesville VA

We decided to go away for a few days for our anniversary.  We hadn't planned on it really because we hadn't been able to get a pet-sitter for this time period.  Of course that became moot with Max's passing, so off we went to Charlottesville VA to see Monticello, Ashlawn, and UVA.  We stayed at a not too memorable B&B in town, in a 200 year old building that could have been very nice.  Unfortunately, it was rather shabby, and while the proprietors were very pleasant and accommodating, it just didn't live up to the standard we've experienced in Cape Cod, Seagrove NC, or Newport RI.  But no matter, it was good to get away, and the visit to Monticello was BEYOND outstanding! 

Thomas Jefferson's home in the most gorgeous countryside, superb guides, excellent weather, and amazing history brought to life: all this made for a fab getaway!  Now back to reality.

First I must catch up on the Treasuries I just found myself in!   I discovered "Shop Till You Drop" by MysticSilks.  It's a lovely theme of lavender, violet, and the like.  She included my Twilight Freeform Crocheted Neckwrap, and I discovered her Sparkling Burgundy Scarf as an item that would do rather nicely within her own Treasury!

Then I found "Touches of Turquoise" by jnoriginals! JN included my Tijuana Teal Scarf. But be sure to look at this felted little number in JN's shop that would be right at home in HER Treasury - or in your home!

The Funky Felter's Holiday Gift Guide!

Shalana, the Funky Felter, has put together a unique advertising piece for the holidays. It went live last night and will be active until January 1, 2009. The Holiday Guide (and you can also click the widget/logo on the left side of this page to get there) contains photos and links to approximately 55 Etsy shops that chose to participate in the Guide. You can shop by category or link to a Galleria of photos from the various shops. Here is a partial view of the page (grrrr! because I can't get my computer to take a snapshot of the whole page!)

I highly recommend you take a look at Shalana's shop and many of the other shops featured. Scarfitup is pleased to be amongst these talented artists! Here are two of my newest creations.

LOVE That! By SandFibers and Warm and Whimsical by Scarfitup!

My delightful and loyal cyber-friend, Carol Dean Sharpe of SandFibers, has included one of my new nuno felt scarflettes in this amazing Treasury, called Love That!  I must admit that I LOVE that!  And in keeping with her lovely color theme, I have selected this from her shop, a pendant that would fit right into this very lovely Treasury.   

My Treasury, Warm and Whimsical, created this morning, is a tribute to Max, our PBGV that died last week. I was really quite surprised to see the various PBGV items on Etsy, particularly by daniellesoriginals. So our grieving process continues (and IS getting better!). I find these remembrances do help.

My husband has actually created what I can only call a Max shrine on his desk. There is the lovely wooden box with engraved nameplate which holds Max's ashes, surrounded by no less than half a dozen framed photos of Max, a special album to his memory, a paw print that they created at the crematorium, and rosemary that apparently signifies remembrance. I am happy that my husband has gone to all this effort, because it is part of HIS process. He doesn't show his emotion, but this pup meant everything to him, so I know he is hurting, even though he can't seem to show it. The "shrine" is a start!

Two New Treasuries!

My Bbest Friends by Vintagec1




I found myself in this gorgeous TWEST this morning, thanks to VintageC1 on Etsy.
Her selections in teal, aqua, and turquoise catch my eye - because it's my favorite color family. I like to select an item from the curator's shop that would fit perfectly into her own Treasury, but this time it doesn't work because vintagec1 sells vintage patterns. As a former sewer, um, er, person who sews! - I love these old patterns! So I selected one to showcase here and encourage you to take a look at her collection of patterns. Here is one I particularly like:

:

It was amazing to find an opening in TWEST myself this morning, so I created "More Ffabulous Ffiber," to showcase some great-looking fiber from the Bbest Team. It will be there for two more days, so have a look.

Feathered Friends by JunkYardGypsy!

YAY for the birds! Today I found myself in another lovely Treasury, this one by JunkYardGypsy. It's called "Feathered Friends" and it's not what you think! She included my Fizz and Feather Cachecol - thank you, Gypsy.

To honor Etsy curators who feature one of my pieces in a Treasury, I like to showcase them here. So here is JunkYardGypsy's Retro Lilac Dress and Scarf - Vintage Garb. Hmmm.....I love that scarf. It looks to be perfect for nuno felting!

Wait Teal You See This! by NightSkyJewelry

BBEST is the BBEST!!!!

NightSkyJewelry from the Bbest Team on Etsy has developed a new TWEST around my absolute favorite color! And she has included my Tijuana Teal Scarf in the Bernadetta style line. I am crazy about the color but also about these NightSkyJewelry earrings, called "Oh That's Just Grape - Amethyst and Turquoise Earrings."

Wait Teal You See This is there for another couple of days!

Lulicade Goddess is BAO Item of the Week!

What is BAO, you ask? It stands for Bead Art Originals. And Lulicade Goddess is the work of three collaborating Etsy artists. Carol Dean Sharpe of SandFibers and Lisa Peters of LisaPetersArt are both members of BAO. Carol designed the beaded bezel surrounding Lisa's ceramic button. I (Scarfitup) designed and developed the fiber necklace. It's available in Sandfibers' Etsy shop with a special deal between now and Sunday.

Purchase Lulicade Goddess by midnight Sunday and receive free shipping. You will also receive a coupon code good for 10% off any single item on your next Sand Fibers order. And to sweeten the offer, I am offering a coupon code for 10% off your next Scarfitup order as well.

Thanks to So Many of You!

The week has certainly had its ups and downs! I've had three Etsy sales this week, three at Port City Pottery & Fine Crafts (that I know of!), a trade with SandFibers, and a private sale - that's all I can think of or know of at the moment! This could be a record for me!

I have met/made some extraordinary cyber-friends this week, through Etsy sales and otherwise, artists themselves, most notably Lisa of Feathers and Treasures and Robin. I joined Fiber Focus, and that is becoming a very interesting site for the fiber-minded! And I am quickly learning the positive vibes from Ravelry, an amazing knit/crochet resource.

So that's been the good of the week! Of course the absence of Max has cast a pall over the household, but we are surviving, and we WILL. Last night we had our next-door neighbors (who lost their Moosie the day after Max) over to dinner. It was hard, but while we shed a few tears over our beloved pets, we also shared a bunch of laughs and memories of Max and Moose as well as of the collection of respective pets that came before them. So.....Samantha and Babe, we toasted to your memory along with Max and Moose.

So now I must get on with some belated Etsy thank yous. Earlier this week, Boutikihut kindly included one of my pieces in her Treasury. It's long-gone now, but I don't want it forgotten. As usual, I like to showcase something from the curator's own Etsy shop. So here is WOW! by Boutikihut, in which she included my WOW! Red Hot Wow Freeform Necklace, still available in my Etsy shop. And here is an item from her shop that would have fit well with her WOW! theme: Gunne Sax Vintage 80's Prom Party Dress 11/12 Red Black