Behind The Art Monday

Today's featured Etsy shop is Capow. Crystal currently lives in Albany, NY and her shop is filled with fabulous photography as well as tote bags, wallets, clutches and a few vintage items.


Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

There are two main things that I focus on with my etsy shop: photography and sewing. I've been interested in photography ever since taking a class in high school and learning how to shoot and develop my own film and prints. I have been shooting for over 10 years, and was VERY against switching over to a digital camera at first, but now I don't know how I EVER lived without one!
As for the sewing, my mother grew up on a farm where my grandmother taught her how to sew, knit, and crochet. My mother would work on her crafts at night while watching TV, and I was curious and wanted to learn. She first taught me to crochet. Then she enrolled me in the local 4-H club, where I learned to sew from a pattern. She later taught me to knit...but for some reason I didn't take to it. After learning how to sew, I mostly quilted until about a year ago when I decided to try my hand at making a wallet. For the past year I've been sewing and making patterns for my own handmade accessories.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I think what inspires my sewing the most is great fabrics. When I see a bolt of REALLY awesome fabric I can't wait to cut it up and make it into something that's not only beautiful, but also useful.


What are your goals for your shop?

I would LOVE to be one of etsy's "Quit Your Day Job" stories some day, but I don't know if that will happen. For one, I'd need much more time to complete many more items. So my "realistic" goal for the shop is to have moderate sales so that the shop can sustain itself and maybe turn a little profit.

What do you do when you are not creating?

If I ever have a spare minute I try to use it to work on creating something, but between that and my full time job I usually squeeze in a hour a day at the gym. I really like going out for dinner with friends, going to see my boyfriend's band, Severe Severe, play, and hanging out with my cats.




What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I guess, technically, photography isn't crafting. That's the other big hobby that takes up most of my time. I just bought my first DSLR a few months ago with the slot machine winnings I made at the casino, so photography has become much more fun for me with a new camera to play with!

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
I was turned on to Etsy by my friend, and fellow seller, RainbowWrangler. I thought it was a really great idea, and made my own shop right away. I also sell at a local brick and mortar called Silver Birch Trading Company. I have some stuff consigned at www.feyhandmade.com. And I'm working on setting up a 1000markets shop as well.

Where can we find you online?

twitter: http://twitter.com/capowcapow
blog: http://capow1981.blogspot.com
facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/CAPow-Art-Design/49935081706


What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item right now is the tote bag with the black bird on it. It was a new pattern I was trying out, and I REALLY love the way it came out. I'm in the process of making a lot more!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

I've learned that you have to love what you're doing or no one else will. You can't make things because they are "in" and you just want a sale. If you don't absolutely love what you're making, it will be reflected in the end product.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I'm very grateful for every sale I've made through Etsy, but I'm even more grateful for the world of sellers and bloggers that I have been introduced to! Everyone I've found through Etsy has been totally amazing. You all rock!

See more from Capow by visiting her Etsy shop.
*********************************************************************************** Check out my blog giveaways while your here and win:
A $15 dollar gift certificate to Oceanside Creations and A knitted sweater bag from Bags of Blessings

Bags of Blessings Giveaway

Here's another fabulous featured artist with a giveaway to share with readers. Meet Amy from Bags of Blessings on Etsy and enter for your chance to win her Blue Recycled Sweater Bag.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Amy Gibbons. I am a stay at home mom in Westfield, IN, just north of Indianapolis. I have two wonderful sons aged 10 and 12, one fabulous husband and two slightly neurotic dogs. Even the dogs are male, so the testosterone runs high in our house. I think that is partly why I chose a girly hobby like knitting purses :)

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I started knitting seriously about 5 years ago when our church started a prayer shawl ministry. It was amazing to see the looks on the people's faces that would receive these shawls when they were going through a crisis time in their lives. I still do charity knitting with my church group, but my shop on etsy, www.bagsofblessing.etsy.com, features mainly handknitted and felted bags, purses and totes. As well as scarves, shawls and my newest items, my "Blessings" keychains.


What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

All the blessings in my own life inspired my shop name as well as my work. I am fortunate enough to be a stay at home mom and I needed something to give me some meaning, definition and sense of self back in my own life. I believe my bags, scarves and shawls are wearable art. I hope they make the wearer feel a little bit brighter and special in having a one of a kind item like mine. My goal is that this increased sense of well-being that comes from wearing my art is passed forward to the people they encounter.

What are your goals for your business?

I haven't really set goals for my business. Right now, I am totally enjoying doing what I am truly passionate about, and getting paid to do it. If I come out making more money than I spent to make it -- great!


What are your favorite hobbies?

I love reading, playing volleyball, going to my sons' sporting activities, going to the beach, spending time with my husband and family, singing and hanging out with my girlfriends.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I was directed to Etsy through an acquaintance of a friend. Kind of a weird beginning, but it has blossomed into a great business partnership and friendship. I also do a lot of custom work by referral, and am slowly getting my merchandise out into boutiques and shops throughout the Indianapolis area.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=132171290455 or http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Bags-of-Blessing/72282814249

I am on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/bagsofblessing

I also have a website at www.bagsofblessing.net



What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item has to be any of my "Blessings" keychains. The whole idea behind them inspires me. I hand make them out of recycled, felted wool sweaters. I add beaded handles and inside each tiny purse a "blessing", in the form of an inspirational quote, scripture verse or customized message, is tucked. I think they make great gifts or party favors. I just love the idea behind an actual "Bag of Blessing".

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

It's all about bringing joy to other people. It's not so much about how much you sell, but the friends you make along the way, and the way you feel about yourself and your work at the end of the day.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I believe in kindness, generosity and the power of the human spirit. We all need each other to thrive. The more we can help each other out, the better off the world becomes.

And now for the giveaway!

Bags of Blessings is giving readers the chance to win this Blue Recycled Sweater Bag:


Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Bags of Blessings on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

~Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry leave one comment

~Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

~Enter any of the current giveaways on this blog -See left sidebar for a list- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered ( leave 1 comment per giveaway)

~Make a purchase from Bags of Blessings between now and midnight July 3 -5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction #

~Add your review of this giveaway to StumbleUpon using the Share Button on the bottom right of this post- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~Post this giveaway to any other social networking site (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) - 1 additional entry ( Leave 1 comment with the link to where you posted)

That's a lot of chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, July 3 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, July4 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim their prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of Bags of Blessings.
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See more from Bags of Blessings on Etsy.
Enter to win your choice of jewelry from Oceanside Creations- Ends June 30

Stranded Treasures Giveaway Winner!

Congratuations to Stephanie with winning comment number 13! She is the winner of the sweet little daffodil earrings from Stranded Treasures.

Please claim your prize within 48 hours. Thanks for entering everyone, and be sure to check the left sidebar for current giveaways.

Behind The Art Monday

Today's Behind The Art Monday interview features Julie from Juleseveland who makes fun and creative cards. They are beautifully designed so I hope you take a minute to get to know Julie and take a peek around her shop. Enjoy!

Introduce yourself.

My name is Julie Eveland, and I live in Lincoln, Nebraska. I make cards, and am in the process of making upcycled magazine bowls. I have been making and selling cards for about 5 years now, and love every minute of it!

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I started making cards after I started getting into scrapbooking with my sisters. I use stamps, stickers, mosaic scraps, my own handwriting, charms, paper piecings, you name it! It's so much fun to come up with ideas and create! I actually use to be a Graphic Designer so some of that creation revolves around my cards.



What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I get inspiration from a variety of things- magazines, graphic design books, computer galleries, even clothes. Once I get an idea in my head, I write it down and draw. I also keep a 3 ring binder full of ideas and occasionally look off the images. I love working with stamps (my obsession)...and watercolor pencils. I also can't get enough of cardstock!

What are your goals for your shop?

To try to sell at least one item! To get my name out there, and network with other creative artists.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Work, watch movies with my husband, spend time with my two cats, go for walks.



What are your favorite hobbies other than crafting?

Horseback riding and reading

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

My friend that likes to glance through the images on the home page everyday brought me to Etsy. She got me and my sister hooked ever since. My sister also sells her work on Etsy. I have sold my cards at one Craft Fair & individual friends and family.

Where can we find you online?

I'm on Twitter and Facebook- Julie Eveland or juleseveland.


What is your favorite item in your shop?

My mosaic card. I put a lot of time and care into the mosaic cards and would hopefully find a home for them!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

That it takes a lot of work to get your name out there, and you have to put time and money into something to sell something.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

My sister also sells cards on Etsy- handmadecardsbyjen, and we kind of started selling on Etsy around the same time. We love making our cards and are our own worst critic! I would love to start friendships on Etsy, and meet lots of new people. Thank you!

~See more of Julie's work by visiting Juleseveland on Etsy.

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Don't forget to enter the fantastic giveaways featured on my blog. Check out the left side bar for a list of current ones.

Piper Riley Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Lindsay, the winner of the gorgeous peacock hairclip from Piper Riley! The winning comment was #22. Lindsay chose the Eden Peacock Flower Hair Clip as her favorite shop item and said "This one is the prettiest hair clip I have seen in a long time. Love it!"

Lindsay has been contacted by email and will have 48 hours to claim her prize. Thanks to everyone who entered!

Sewing Projects

Even before I got in to jewelry making I had a love for sewing. I love being able to transform a simple piece of fabric into something functional and stylish. My boyfriend bought me a new sewing machine for my birthday a few months ago to replace the broken one (so sad!) thats still collecting dust in my closet.

The first thing I made myself was a purse. It's cute but the sewing isn't so good on it. I couldn't figure out how to line it and get the straps to line up. I love it anyway!

My friend saw it and loved it too so I told her I would make one for her. I used a different pattern that looks more like a handbag and less like a grocery sack like mine. I gotta say I am proud of how it came out. A few amateur sewing mistakes like the inner pockets being in the wrong spots... oops!...but overall it looks pretty good. Thanks to tinyhappy for the tutorial.

And now Z... here is your bag!:

























The straps are nice and long so you could wear this as a messenger bag like I am here.
I made this one about 2 inches taller than the pattern. It actually fits my laptop perfectly so I might have to make one for myself.


I was feeling really ambitious that week so after I got her bag done I started in on a sewing machine cover for my machine. Now its a very stylish machine and protected from dust and a never ending supply of cat hair...ha ha!

Here is the super easy tutorial I used for my cover. I made a few added embellishments by making the cover a few inches longer than my machine and folding up the inner lining for a contrasting pattern. I also added a brown satin ribbon while I topstitched the folded up piece for a little something extra.

Stranded Treasures Daffodil Earrings Giveaway

Today I have another fantastic Etsy artist to share with you and another giveaway as well. (That's 3 giveaways going on at the moment! See left sidebar.) Today's interview is with Sharlene from Stranded Treasures, who makes the most gorgeous clay flower jewelry. I was amazed by how lifelike her flowers are. Check out the interview to learn more about Sharlene and enter the giveaway to win her beautiful jewelry for yourself!

Tell us about yourself .

My name is Sharlene and I live in a small condo in the center of town in a coastal city in Florida with my husband, a cat and a rescue turtle. I work from home and so my place is very inspirational for my creative side. Lot of flowers on the balcony, vintage and handmade items and very colorful accents yet calming. I’ve always felt it is so important that your home is your sanctuary.

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

My jewelry line consists of my hand sculpted clay flowers which I started creating about 6 years ago. I was trying lots of crafts and was doing macramé jewelry. I wanted to make my own large holed flower beads. When I stopped macramé, I just kept making the flowers. I’ve been creating jewelry on and off for over 15 years and eventually just blended the two crafts in one.



What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I love flowers and vintage style things so I’m always looking to reflect that in my work. I like the challenge of trying to re-create a style of flower. I always look through flower books and supply catalogs to spark different designs to apply to components. One of my favorite parts of making my flowers is color mixing and creating color schemes. I have books on that too that I often refer to.

What are your goals for your business? Is Etsy a full or part time job?

I am constantly working on my jewelry but I also freelance as a marketing assistant. I would love for my jewelry business to keep growing. I feel like I’ve been lucky enough to have it pay for itself but of course if that could expand it would be wonderful!




What are your favorite hobbies?

I enjoy container gardening on my balcony, sewing, playing the piano, bike riding, and going for walks around the neighborhood.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I was looking into online sites outside of ebay and came across it. I also am on Trunkt for wholesale hoping to reach some retailers.

Where can we find you online?

I can be found at www.StrandedTreasures.com, etsy (which is linked from my website) and Trunkt.org.




What is your favorite item in your shop?

Right now I like my blue and brown daisies necklace. I really like that color scheme.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

To be very focused when developing a product line. I used to create so many various items and it made it hard to evolve at one so I just started focusing on making flowers. And also photos! So important when selling online.



And now for the giveaway!
Stranded Treasures is giving readers the chance to win this beautiful pair of Daffodil Post Earrings:


Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Stranded Treasures on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

~Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry leave one comment

~Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

~Enter any of the current giveaways on this blog -See left sidebar for a list- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered ( leave 1 comment per giveaway)

~Make a purchase from Stranded Treasures between now and midnight June 24-5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction #

~Add your review of this giveaway to StumbleUpon using the Share Button on the bottom right of this post- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~Post this giveaway to any other social networking site (Facebook, Myspace, etc.) - 1 additional entry ( Leave 1 comment with the link to where you posted)

That's a lot of chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Wednesday, June 24 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Thursday morning, June 25 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of StrandedTreasures.
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See more of Stranded Treasures jewelry on Etsy.

Behind The Art Monday

Happy Monday! Today's Behind The Art Monday interview features Etsy shop joyuna. Her shop is filled with beautiful hand dyed yarns and knitted creations. She is also offering readers a 15% discount so head on over to her shop if you see something you like. Include the code "oceanside" in the notes to seller upon checkout.

Introduce yourself.

Hello, I'm Joyuna, and I make yarn. I'm a college student in Ohio, studying Linguistics, and selling on Etsy in my spare time to support my fiber habit.

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I spin, dye, and knit. I love knitting, and I've loved knitting ever since I learned. There's hardly a minute you can find me without needles. My addiction started with knitting, and then gradually grew to yarn and fiber in general. Now I spin handspun yarn on a drop spindle and a wheel, as well as dye yarn in my own kitchen in small batches. Most recently, I've been designing my own knitting patterns, which is a new and interesting challenge.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

My head is always full of patterns and colors. Give me a spare minute and I'll quickly begin filling the margins of a page with designs and ideas. Dyeing is so much fun because it's like I'm in elementary school art class all over again, mixing colors and seeing what turns out. My knitting is like that too - I improvise a lot of my designs, such as the knitted fruits.

Those fruits actually started as an accident... I was trying to knit a sphere, and it turned into a lime! And then I started knitting other fruits, because people loved them.



What are your goals for your shop?

My shop is really just an excuse for me to create more things. I never would have started writing knitting patterns if I didn't have the shop. The shop gives me an opportunity to branch out and try things I never would have tried otherwise, because usually I'm knitting for myself. Now, I'm knitting and spinning for other people.

What do you do when you are not creating?

Study... ha! I'm a full-time student, part-time crafter, though I wish it were the reverse. I also write articles for my blog, http://joyarna.blogspot.com . I love reading, writing, and learning languages.



What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I've recently gotten into baking a lot. There really is nothing like fresh-baked bread! And it's a lot easier than you'd think. Up until now, I thought I was hopeless at cooking. But I'm having a lot of fun learning and improving.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

Just Etsy at the moment. I've been a buyer on Etsy for a lot longer than I've been a seller, so setting up shop there was the natural choice.

Where can we find you online?

I'm in a lot of places, under the username Joyuna. I'm an avid Twitterer http://twitter.com/Joyuna , I post photos on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/11560411@N07/ , and I made yarn is on Facebook here http://tinyurl.com/c3sghu . Like I said, I blog at the Joyarna Knitblog http://joyarna.blogspot.com . I'm also on Ravelry, where my username is Joyuna.


What is your favorite item in your shop?

I have a special connection with my handspun yarns, since I've worked so hard at them. It's a little like magic to take a ball of fluff and transform it into something you can use. My favorite skein of handspun is the beaded alpaca. It was an experiment, but one that I think turned out very well.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Patience! I've always been a very impatient person, but since learning to knit I know that patience is rewarded with great results. I'm learning that with my Etsy shop too, because I'm starting to gain some success.

You can see more of Joyuna's work in her Etsy shop. She would like to offer readers a 15% discount when you include the code "oceanside" in notes to seller upon checkout.

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Be sure to check out the giveaways going on now in the left sidebar.

And The Winner Is.....

***Update***

Unfortunately KitKat has not responded to claim her prize within 48 hours. I have chosen a new winner, Ashley, who says Ocean Dreams' "A Glimpse Into Tokyo is very pretty." Please claim your prize within 48 hours.

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Our winning comment for the Ocean Dream's Studio giveaway for the Going To The Beach Inspiration Kit is... Comment #5!

KitKat says "this card is so cute!"

Congratulations!
The winner has been contacted through her blog and will have 48 hours to claim her prize.

Giveaway From Piper Riley

Time for a fantastic giveaway from Etsy artist PiperRiley who describes herself as "just a gal from New Jersey." I love her shop filled with floral hairpieces, leather bracelets, and peacock feather hair clips. I love peacock feathers so I am so jealous that I can't win this one. Take a look at this beautiful hair clip that you can win. Enjoy getting to know PiperRiley and check out her giveaway below.


Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I started crafting about a year ago while my boyfriend was away on tour. He is a touring musician and would be away for months at a time, so while he was gone, I started crafting just to kill time . I am very new to Etsy and started off making vintage upcycled bracelets. I would take old belts and give them new life. Then I started to make hair accessories and TahDah!! Piper Riley was born

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

My biggest inspiration is nature. I work with alot of feathers and flowers. I love feathers!! Especially peacock, the colors are just so amazing and can go so many ways.

What are your goals for your business?

I would love to go full time because it is so much fun. My next step though is to do my first craft show. Not sure when yet but if that does well then hopefully I will be on the right track


What are your favorite hobbies?

I like being outdoors a lot so anything involving that. Snowboarding, swimming, traveling, etc..
I also love garage sales....not sure if that is a hobby or an addiction though :)

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

My roommate introduced Etsy to me. At one of our BBQ's I wore one of my hair pieces and received a ton of compliments, asking me where I got it so I told them I made it and everybody then said they wanted one. Thats when my roommate told me that I should sell on Etsy. I checked it out the next day and I was hooked! Buying, selling, critiquing, EVERYTHING!!!




Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Twitter..... twitter.com/heypiperriley
And on Facebook

What is your favorite item in your shop?

I made one of these for myself and haven't taken it off since, I LOVE IT!!




I also wear one of these a lot. It is simple but it really adds a lot to an outfit.



What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Not to get down if someone doesn't like your product. You can't always make everyone happy but you can try to do your best. Have faith in what you are selling and work your butt off!!!


And now for the giveaway!
PiperRiley is giving readers the chance to win this beautiful peacock hairclip:

Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit PiperRiley on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry leave one comment

Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

Follow PiperRiley on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment- 1 additional entry

Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

Enter any of the current giveaways on this blog -See left sidebar for a list- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered ( leave 1 comment per giveaway)

Make a purchase from PiperRiley between now and midnight June 19-5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction #

That's a lot of chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, June 19 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, June 20 via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of PiperRiley.
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See more of PiperRiley's work in her shop.

Six Month Etsyversary Giveaway!

Wow! I just realized today is my 6 month anniversary of being an Etsy seller. I can't believe it! So as a thank you to everyone who has helped me start up my shop and been supportive along the way I wanted to have a giveaway.

I am giving away a 15 dollar gift certificate good towards your choice of jewelry in my shop. All you have to do is visit my shop, leave me a comment telling me your favorite item AND why along with your name and a way to contact you. The giveaway will run from June 10 through June 30. I will choose a winner on July 1 using the random.org widget on the right sidebar.

Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Oceanside Creations and leave a comment with your favorite item AND why. Your feedback is really helpful when coming up with new designs.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already are- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet this line along with a link to this giveaway: Win your choice of handcrafted jewelry from Oceanside Creations
Leave 1 comment with your Twitter username - 1 additional entry

~Become a fan of Oceanside Creations on Facebook - 1 additional entry (Leave 1 comment)

~Enter any of the other giveaways on this blog between June 10 and June 30- see left sidebar for a list of current giveaways- 1 additional entry per giveaway entered (Leave 1 comment per giveaway entered)

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments with link to where you blogged)


Thanks for entering and Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Tuesday, June 30 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Wednesday morning, July 1 at 9 a.m. via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 24 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you.

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Enter to win a Peacock Hair Clip from PiperRiley~ Ends Friday, June 19th.

Etsy Yart Sale Discount and Free Shipping

This week is the 2nd annual Etsy Yart Sale! Many Etsy shops will be offering sales and discounts this week starting today June 10th and running through Sunday, June 14th.

Oceanside Creations will be offering the June Buy One Get One 50% Off Sale for the entire month of June. During the Yart Sale I will also be offering Free Shipping to US and Canada. This deal ends Sunday at midnight so hurry on over to my shop for special savings on handcrafted jewelry. Please convo me prior to purchase and mention the Yart Sale special so I may adjust prices and give you free shipping. Happy shopping!

This Week's Giveaways

I'm always on the lookout for great giveaways from Etsy sellers so I thought I would share them with my readers too. Here are some I have entered this week:

~PURE Natural Minerals giveaway on Salad for Breakfast's blog- Win a $10 gift certificate for mineral makeup -Ends June 14

~Win an 8x10 print of your choice from Artgasm on Nature Manipulated's blog -Ends June 14

~Win An Etsy Pro Business Start Up Package valued at $40 from Cherry Tart Designs on A Giveaway Everyday- Ends June 12

~Win a Craft Space Makeover sponsored by Venezie Bags and win lots of awesome prizes to get you organized and crafting in style.



~Win a fine silver sparklette tag from The Pretty Peacock on Etsy It Up! plus save 10% on a purchase with discount code~ Ends June 17

~Win a Rose Soap Duo from Luxury Spa~ Ends June 12th

~Win 3 amazing soaps of your choice from Pink Parchment Soaps ~ Ends June 30th
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~And don't forget to enter my giveaway featuring Ocean Dreams Studio. She is giving away a fun scrapbook Inspiration Kit.

Behind The Art Monday

Today's featured Etsy artist is Stephanie from Stoopher and Boots. Enjoy the interview and I hope you will check out her super cute shop.

Introduce yourself.

My name is Stephanie, proud owner of Stoopher & Boots. I live in NYC and am blessed with a loving family that is supportive of my artistic pursuits. So much so that I named my company after my Father's nickname for me (Stephanie/Stoopher) and my sister (Betsy/Boots).

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I design and decorate clothing and accessories. I started by looking for a creative gift idea for my sister's second set of twins (yes, second). I decided to try out designing shirts and got such wonderful feedback I thought I would continue. I took pictures of what I'd made, posted them to etsy and things took off from there. Now I've expanded into adult and dog tees too.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I'm inspired by color. I love mixing colors and creating images that highlight those combinations.

What are your goals for your shop?

Eventually I would like to have a shop of my own and expand into more retail space. My products are being carried by a boutique in NYC, but I hope to grow that reach.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I have a corporate job that takes up quite a few hours of my day (and night). This business has really allowed me to have a creative outlet which utilizing the business skills I've gained in the corporate world.



What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I am a new owner of a puppy and kitten and I adore spending time with them. They are a wonderful addition to my life.
What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I've always heard great things about Etsy and I felt it was a good place to get started. Through word of mouth I was able to secure a relationship with a retail boutique in NYC. I've also started selling at craft fairs.

Where can we find you online?

Other than etsy (http://stoopher.etsy.com), please follow me on Twitter and join my facebook group



What is your favorite item in your shop?

Hard to pick a favorite, but here are two I'm very proud of:
Rockabilly Onesie
It's A Small World T-Shirt

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?
Mostly, this has been an amazing creative outlet for me. I've also met people from all over the world through Etsy and am amazed by all of the talent that is out there.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I love what I do, and hope you do too.

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Win a Going To The Beach Scrapbooking Inspiration Kit from Ocean Dreams Studio.
Enter here.

This Week's Giveaways

Here are a few great giveaways I entered this week. Check them out and win yourself some great prizes. Feel free to add your own giveaways in the comments.

~A Giveaway Every Day- Win a great Avon product
-This is a great site featuring - you guessed it- a giveaway everyday!

~The Bragging Mommy- Win a $25 gift certificate to Inspire Your Walls.
- Decorate your home with beautiful vinyl wall art

~Etsy It Up!- I entered to win a beautiful monogrammed silver bracelet from Lauren Nicole Gifts.

~And don't forget to enter my giveaway featuring Ocean Dreams Studio. She is giving away a fun scrapbook Inspiration Kit.

Tile Me Beautiful Giveaway Winner!

Our winner is janetfaye who says "I like From Sunrise to Sunset" (Tiled Mirror). Congratulations on winning a $20 gift certificate to TileMeBeautiful on Etsy!

Giveaway from Ocean Dreams Studio

Happy Friday everyone! Here is a great giveaway for anyone who loves to scrapbook. Sierra from Ocean Dreams Studio is giving one lucky reader a Going To The Beach Inspiration Kit (pictured below). Her kit features some really fun and summery decorative papers, handmade tags, ribbons and everything you need to capture the memories from your summer vacation fun. I hope you enjoy meeting Sierra and enjoy her wonderfully whimsical shop!



Tell us a little about yourself.

A little known fact about me is that I am originally from Utah and I am a small town girl, even though I now live in a high paced life. I decided to stay in Southern California after I graduated from college and now I work with a creative magazine company! In my spare time I am always trying to think of new items to create for Etsy. I love to give gifts to people and lately I am enthralled and have enjoyed learning more about interior design and yoga!

Tell us about your art. What do you make and how did you come to your craft?

I make a little bit of everything. I make domino and scrabble necklaces, head bands, inspiration kits, digital art, photography, watercolor painting, and whatever else I can think of for the future. My mom inspired me with her Etsy shop to create to my heart's content. I have been making art and crafts since I was a little girl and it has always been a part of me. On my 23rd birthday she gave me a domino necklace made with a stamp, glitter, and beads, and ever since then I decided to create new necklaces and whatever else inspires me at the moment for Etsy.


What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

I am inspired by current fashions, anything vintage, lovely, sparkly, bright, cheerful, and has a story behind it. I always love tying in a good story with my work of art.


What are your goals for your business?

My goals are to keep on creating, believing, and not settling for anything less than who I am. There is always going to be bigger and better ideas than my own, but that is when I need to believe in myself and reach for the stars. I also would like to continue watercolor painting and branching out more in the mixed media direction too. I would also love to learn how to sew really well so I can create altered clothing.


What are your favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies besides creating art, of course, are reading, writing in my journal, training for 1/2 marathons by jogging and going to the gym, recently learning yoga, watching movies, going to the beach, traveling, watercolor painting, and learning more about interior design, to name a few.

What brought you to Etsy?

My mom brought me to Etsy. She inspires me every day with her creative living and beautiful creations. You can check her out at vintage1955.etsy.com if you love all things vintage!

Where can we find you online?

You can find me on Twitter (oceandreams4u), Facebook, and my blog oceandreams4sierra.blogspot.com


What is your favorite item in your shop?

Hmm, favorite item. There are too many to choose from, but I love Dreaming of My Prince in Paris vintage tag...I had fun making it because I seriously adore Paris ever since I went there when I was 16!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Art comes in so many forms, and each is individually made with love and care. I think every artist has something wonderful to offer. Fear should never stop someone from creating, coming up with new ideas, and striving to be the best artist they can be! Oh, and art is a journey. Whenever I am creating I learn something new about myself and it helps me relax as well in the chaotic moments of my life.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I am an ocean dreamer and hence my Etsy name and blog name! I have loved the ocean ever since I was little, so it was my dream to move to California and live here by the sea. Now that I live near the ocean I will continue to dream my dreams into reality and I hope you do the same!

And now for the giveaway!
Sierra is giving readers the chance to win a Going To The Beach Inspiration Kit!
Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Ocean Dreams Studio and leave a comment with your favorite item.

For additional entries you can do any or all of the following, leaving ONE comment for EACH:

Become a follower of this blog or let me know if you already do- 1 additional entry

Follow Oceanside Creations on Twitter AND tweet about this giveaway. Leave your Twitter username in your comment - 1 additional entry

Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments)

Make a purchase from Sierra's shop Ocean Dreams Studio -5 additional entries
Leave a comment with your transaction #

That's 10 chances to enter this fabulous giveaway!
Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, June 12 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, June 13 at 9 a.m. via the random.org widget in the right sidebar and will be announced right here on this blog. Winner will be e-mailed and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If winner does not claim their prize a new winner will be chosen. When leaving comments please be sure your e-mail address is available for me to contact you. All photos are courtesy of Ocean Dreams Studios.
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Don't forget to enter the giveaway from Tile Me Beautiful as well. Scroll on down! Ends at midnight EST Friday, June 5 so hurry!

Summer Sale!

Secret Garden Bracelet

I'm celebrating the start of my favorite season with a great sale! Through June ALL jewelry at Oceanside Creations is Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off. This is the perfect time to treat yourself to to some fun summer designs.

Also, I have a huge Clearance Section filled with great deals on reduced price designs.
See shop for details on this sale.

Behind The Art Monday

Once again it's Monday and I have another great Etsy shop to share with you! I hope you enjoy my interview with Susan from the really fun shop MagnetGames.

Introduce yourself.
Hi! I am Susan. I am living on an island right now. Specifically, Mercer Island in the Pacific Northwest. I have also lived in the desert and in the smallest state here in the united states.

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I make fun for your fridge. Currently, I am solely working with perler beads. I design games for your fridge (mario, tic-tac-toe, tetris, etc.) I am also kind of a nerd and as a result I make other nerdy items out of perler beads, like glasses and veggie burgers!


What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.

Video games and goofy faces inspire my work. I usually spend 2-3 days designing and testing out my ideas before I come to the final product.

What are your goals for your shop?

My main goal is to make everyone's kitchen a bit more colorful. I would also like to turn your fridge into a little mini-hangout while your family is preparing dinner. I have lots of educational and conversation inspiring ideas in the works.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I tutor mathematics and computer science (hopefully teaching in the fall), play with my doggies, write code, listen to post rock, and eat lots of fake meat!

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

Playing board games.




What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I had been here a few times to look around and shop and decided I wanted to try it out. I do not sell anywhere else yet -- maybe one day.

Where else can we find you online?

I recently started this blog: http://etsytechnologyhelp.blogspot.com/ which aims at answering all your software questions related to Etsy.



What is your favorite item in your shop?

Hands down, my veggie burger!

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

I am brand new! I do not have any heartfelt lessons I have learned yet. I really love all the love around here -- man it just makes me smile.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I am super awesome and want to be your friend! Stop by and say Hi!

You can check out more fun for your fridge from MagnetGames at her shop. Thanks for joining me for Behind the Art Monday!

Thanks to MagnetGames for use of all photos.

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There is also a great giveaway going on now from Etsy shop TileMeBeautiful. Enter here.