Oceanside Creations

Handcrafted Holiday Sale

2009-11-01T09:50:00.002-05:00

Halloween was a blast and now the holidays are right around the corner. It's hard to believe how fast the year has gone. It's time to celebrate the end of another great year with a sale! It's a great time to get some of that holiday shopping taken care of with a Buy 2, Get 1 Free Sale through December 31 at my shop, Oceanside Creations.

I love knowing that I'm giving a special gift that no one else in the whole world will have. Delight the jewelry lovers you know with unique, one of a kind necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Here are a few of my favorites:

Misty Morning Sea Glass Necklace with Blue Aventurine

Spring Amethyst Necklace

Antiqued Copper Wave Earrings

I'm back...and FREE SHIPPING!

2009-10-18T10:27:00.005-04:00

I know its been a while since you last heard from me but I'm still here. It's been a busy few months making the leap from my home state of Maine to my new hometown in Washington. My fiance and I spent a wonderful week driving across this huge and beautiful country, stopping to take in the sights at Niagra Falls, exploring Chicago for a day, and making my life long dream of visiting Yellowstone a reality. What an amazing trip!

Here we are in the Portland area finally feeling like we are getting settled in. We have a cute but cramped apartment that is great for the 2 of us at the moment. It is right beside a park with walking trails that loop around a lake. I head out for a walk every day! I love that I can still be so close to nature and only a short drive into Portland. I have been enjoying my time here by getting to know my fiance's family, exploring the city, discovering some great eats, and of course diligently hunting for a job. That took a little longer than I thought but one came along just in time.

Now its time to get back in to my jewelry making. I haven't felt like I had time to work on it though I have had a lot of time on my hands. Focusing on other things I guess. It's hard to feel like I can have a hobby when I should be working at an actual job. Hopefully I will be inspired to start on some new designs for the holidays. I'm always excited to see what new ideas come along after taking a little time off.

~FREE SHIPPING~
Through October 31, I will be offering free shipping to US and Canada on all purchases.

Here are a few pieces to add some sparkle to your fall wardrobe:

Smoldering Garnet Earrings

Autumn Tribute Earrings

An elegant Jade Wirework Pendant with ribbon necklace

Glamorous Garnet Drop Earrings

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See more from Oceanside Creations on Etsy

Behind The Art Monday

2009-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Today's interview is with Etsy shop Beads Of Glass.

Introduce yourselves and tell us about your shop.

Beautiful handmade lampwork beads and jewelry for women who love one-of-a-kind artisan creations by artists Joyce & Harvey Richards. Our art is born out of a husband and wife collaboration. Our talents flow together to create unique pieces of artistic jewelry. I choose to work with glass because of the mesmerizing nature of the molten glass as it passes through the various temperatures of the flame. I feel in control until the flame changes my direction, at which time a miracle occasionally takes place. I try to translate my love of the glass and colors and luminosity into beauty and hope that you both see and feel that love in each bead I create. Harvey takes these artistic beads and with his sense of design, balance and form creates graceful, feminine, wearable art.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and favorite materials.

I use soft glass rods imported from Italy, Germany and other far off places to create my beads. I am inspired by nature and often use the glass rods to paint as I once used oils to paint on canvas. Color and the use of layered dots play a big part in my designs. I love to use glass infused with metals. These colors are manipulated in the flame in ways that help me bring out the metallic nature of the glass. Our glass beads are placed into a digitally controlled kiln to remove stress caused from manipulating the glass. Soaking the beads at almost 1000 degrees for hours and slowly reducing the temperature insures it's structural integrity so that you may enjoy your glass jewelry for many years to come.

We use only the finest materials and often combine the glass with semi-precious stones, pearls and either sterling or pure silver. Our aim is to give you a piece of art that you will treasure as you would an heirloom.

How did you get started with your work?

We are both self-taught artists and have exhibited and sold our work at various art festivals across South Florida. Our studio is located in SW Florida. We are members of Florida Craftsmen and have been members of the Englewood Art Center where we have participated in juried fine art shows. We have also been participating members of the Charlotte County Art Guild, The Arts and Humanities Council of Charlotte County and the Aiken Center of the Arts in SC.

What brought you to Etsy?

We found Etsy through other artists and we are still trying to get ourselves out there.

Where else can we find you online?

You can find us at:
http://www.lampworkbeadcreations.com
http://twitter.com/wildorchidbeads

What is your favorite piece in your shop?

You should check out our bracelets. They are colorful yet classy. My favorite is the Cherry Red with leaves and adorned with Bali silver.

You can find it here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18221381

Harvey's has started working with PMC and has made the most stunning earrings.

Aphrodite Pure Silver Earrings 999
His favorite can be found here http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24541386

What have you learned from your craft and selling on Etsy?

The most precious gift our art has brought us is the knowledge of how wonderful it is to have work that you love. Too be so immersed in what your doing that you forget it's work. The joy you feel when you have created a beautiful thing is very fulfilling and we think many people on Etsy have discovered this.
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See more from BeadsOfGlass on Etsy

Behind The Art Monday

2009-08-24T14:15:00.004-04:00

Today's featured artist is Belgian native Annik from Vintage Designs on Etsy. She lives in Spotsylvania, VA, near Washington D.C and has 2 daughters. She designs one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, incorporating vintage elements.

How did you get your start making jewelry?

It all started with a box of my grandmother's jewelry. I kept this box in a drawer for years and occasionally I would take it out to look at the wonderful jewelry in it. Some of it I could wear, but a lot of it lay broken apart in the bottom of the box. I felt it was such a shame not to be able to wear these pieces that meant so much to me for sentimental reasons. One day, I decided I would repair the broken necklaces so that I could wear grandma's things. From there the idea grew to start designing necklaces with a vintage flair. I decided to incorporate vintage beads into my own designs. Once I made a few pieces I was hooked and knew this was what I wanted to do!

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process.

I am inspired in a lot of different ways: fashion, colors in nature, period costumes, art... Usually, an idea for a piece will pop into my head and I'll try to sketch it out on a piece of paper until I can create the piece. Sometimes, I'll just look at the different materials I use and get an idea of how to put them together. I love to incorporate pearls into my work. I am smitten by the feel of the vintage elements I use; their details, the quality, the difference in colors from new materials...

What are your goals for your shop?

I want to add more & more pieces to my shop and hope to get more business. Who knows maybe someday I can do this full time?

What do you do when your not creating?

When I'm not creating I keep very busy with my children, work, home life, and trying to enjoy a few things I like to do to relax.

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

I came to Etsy because it is specifically geared towards handcrafted items. I have some of my items on Artfire as well.

Where can we find you online?

I am on Myspace, Facebook, Vintage Rising, Indiepublic & some others.
What is the most important lesson you have learned through selling your work on Etsy?

To be persistent and hang in there. It takes time to build up a customer base.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I have always been drawn to things from the past. It is fascinating to me to think who the items might have belonged to and what their story is.
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See more from Vintage Designs

Weekend Deals

2009-08-21T16:47:00.002-04:00

This weekend August 21-23, I am offering Free International Shipping on any purchase of $25 or more (before shipping charges). Shipping costs will be refunded via Paypal as soon as your order is received.

Here are some of my newest designs:
Beach Roses Sea Glass Pendant

Golden Olives Layering Necklace

Behind The Art Monday

2009-08-17T08:33:00.003-04:00

Today's interview is with Leeya Engel from Modi'in, Israel. Her shop is called Leeya and features fimo clay jewelry and singed organza blossom accessories. Leeya tells us, "I have always and will always love experimenting with crafts and new materials."

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

I love the way that the organza changes shape during the singeing process. I love making tiny precious details and setting crystals into my fimo creations. I love when something turns out evem more beautiful than I had planned. I love when things turn out beautiful without my having planned.
What are your goals for your Etsy shop?

My goal for my shop besides for having it cover the expenses of he materials I am always inevitably buying from various craft shops is to have an outlet for my designs. If I have a whole bunch of stuff I have made at home then I have no reason to make more. If the stuff starts selling then I have a reason to continue crafting and a justification for what I love to do.

What do you do when you're not crafting? Any favorite hobbies?

When I am not crafting I am probably doing homework or preparing for a lab or hanging with my hubby. I am pursuing a masters in Materials Science and Engineering. In addition to crafting, I like to paint while listening to soft music and to write poetry.

How did you come to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

A friend of mine turned me on to etsy one day and since then I've been hooked (serious spend-too-much-time-on-etsy-anonymous). I also sell my fimo earrings and rings in a local store.

Where can we find you online?

I twitter (LeeyaEngel) I facebook (Leeya Engel) and I have a craft blog where I talk about my work: http://LeeyaEngel.blogspot.com
What is your favorite item in your shop?

It's tough to pick a favorite item...I'd have to say these days its my Cherry Lover Earrings
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?

Great question. I have learned so many things. First of all I believe that by selling in a community like etsy I have been able to compare my items to those of others which helps with pricing and uniqueness. I find it so inspiring to admire the work of other crafters. My photography and photoshop skills have improved dramatically. I have also learned that creating an online presence and personality is an important thing and that it is something that you really need to build over time.

I hope that you enjoy etsy as much as I do! Happy crafting, shopping, and wearing :)
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See more from Leeya at her Etsy shop

Weekend Deals

2009-08-13T08:01:00.002-04:00

I will be moving from Maine to Oregon September 1st so I am offering great deals this month. Every weekend will be a new special. Here's this week's:

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 14-16, ALL EARRINGS are Buy 2, Get 1 Free. The lowest priced pair will be free. Please add only 2 pairs to your cart and indicate your free pair in the notes to seller section during checkout.

Shop Oceanside Creations

Behind The Art Monday

2009-08-10T06:56:00.002-04:00

Today's featured artist is Beth Reiman from BPR Designs. Beth lives in Portland, Oregon and does beautiful kiln fired glass work, making soap dishes, pendants, wine bottle cheese plates, vases, bowls and more. Beth says, "I have always loved glass and a few years ago I decided to take a couple of fused glass classes locally. I was hooked at once!"

I hope you will take a moment to get to know Beth and peek into her wonderful shop.

What inspires your work?

I think the colors in nature inspire a lot of my work. I love the outdoors and gardening. I think that is why you see so much green and blue in my shop. But I really love all color! When I am creating a functional piece (like a plate or bowl), I try to think of how and where I might use it to determine the design. I generally create to my own taste, although I often accept commission work of a particular style or color that I might not normally do on my own. The great thing is that often drives me to something new that I haven't tried before and it opens up my horizons! The primary material I use is fusible art glass, generally Bullseye, which is manufactured here in Portland.

What are your goals for your shop?

The primary goal that I have for my shop is to grow my business consistently and maintain a base of satisfied customers who love my glass pieces as much as I do, and will return to shop with me again!

What are your hobbies when you ae not creating?

When I am not in my glass shop, I like to garden, cook, travel, kayak or sip some wine on my deck! I think that my flower garden is my second favorite creative activity. I keep stealing lawn space to put in more dahlias!

How did you come to sell on Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

I first was referred to Etsy by a friend when we were looking for a wedding gift for a mutual friend. I couldn't believe how many great shops were out there! It seemed like a great community to sell in, once I decided to try to sell my work. I also do some art fairs locally.

Where can we find you online?

You can find me Facebook at http://www.face book.com/pages/BPR-Designs/82999911944 I am still "Twitter-free!"

What is your favorite piece in your shop?

My current favorite in my shop is my Galaxy bowl:

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned from creating and selling on Etsy?

The most valuable thing I have learned from my art and being an Etsy seller is the incredible power of networking. It is amazing how things catch on when you start connecting with others.

See more from Beth in her Etsy shop

New Favorites

2009-08-09T12:34:00.002-04:00

I just listed this Wire Wrapped Freshwater Pearl Bracelet and it's my new favorite in my shop. I love pearls. They are beautiful in such a simple way. This bracelet would look spectacular with the matching Freshwater Pearl Necklace and Earrings set.

See something you like? Click on the pictures to link to my shop.

Weekend Deals

2009-08-07T12:07:00.002-04:00

This weekend, Saturday August 8 and Sunday August 9, receive free shipping to US/Canada on any purchase. Your shipping charges will be refunded via paypal. Happy shopping!

2009-08-04T10:42:00.002-04:00

Just listed this lovely Sea Glass necklace with blue aventurine

Behind The Art Monday

2009-08-03T15:51:00.004-04:00

Today's Behind The Art Monday Interview is with Lynn Fraser from Liverpool, England. Her Etsy shop features original handpainted artwork in a variety of styles, along with cards and prints of her work. Check out her shop, LynnFraser on Etsy.com.
Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?

I have always been interested in drawing and painting.I attended nightschool to reawaken my desire to paint. Leaving work a few years ago, I was able to indulge that desire.I love to paint and can throw myself into another world when I'm creating a picture.

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

I'm inspired by beautiful photography and my imagination.Usually ideas come just before I go to sleep.Then my mind goes into overdrive with ideas rushing in.Hopefully I remember them when I wake up! I like to paint in acrylics on canvas. I love the near instant effects you can get with it,because of its quick drying nature.

What are your goals for your shop?

To open my artwork up to a larger market and learn how to promote myself successfully within Etsy.I find the people in the forums very friendly and like the sense of community.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Reading is my favourite hobby when I'm not painting.I love to get lost in a good book!
Anything from chicklit, a good ghost story to an autobiography. I always seem to be creating something.Otherwise I like to read and walk my dog on the beach.

How did you come to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?

A friend on Deviantart introduced me to Etsy. I also have a Folksy shop and my own website.

Where can we find your work online?
You can find me at http://www.lynnfraser.co.uk also on flickr, deviantart, artinliverpool, folksy, almiro gallery, and myspace.

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

I'm still learning with my art. The more I paint the more I learn. I like to flip from figurative to folkart style and popart painting. Also,I love the pleasure I get from standing back from a finished painting and thinking I did that!. The icing on the cake is when someone feels the same way about your work and buys a piece. I love to think someone has put my work on their wall and is getting the same pleasure in looking at it as I got from painting it.

See more from Lynn at her Etsy shop

I'm moving!

2009-08-01T09:28:00.003-04:00

~August Moving Sale~

I will be moving from Maine to Oregon September 1st so I am offering great deals this month. Every weekend will be a new special which I will post on my blog to keep you updated. Here's this weeks':

~Weekend Special August 1st and 2nd~
All items are Buy One, Get One 50% off!
Please contact me through my shop prior to your purchase for this deal so I may adjust the price for you. Lower priced item will be discounted.

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Shop Oceanside Creations on Etsy

Reviyve Giveaway Winner

2009-08-01T08:51:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to Aik with winning comment #16! Aik said" I love the Organic Shea Butter and Soy Lip Balm Set." She has won the Sweet Orange Scrub and Sampler Set from Reviyve.

You will be contacted by e-mail and have 48 hours to claim your prize. If I don't receive a response within 48 hours I will need to choose a new winner.

Enjoy your prizes!

Behind The Art Monday

2009-07-27T17:22:00.002-04:00

Today's feature is with Heidi from Etsy shop pickmeup, a jewelry shop filled with beautiful, creative and colorful pieces. I love all the gorgeous wire work that goes into giving her pieces a unique look. Heidi is offering shoppers free shipping through July so go take a peek.
Introduce yourself.

My name is Heidi. I recently returned from a stint in Sydney, Australia and am currently living in Nashville, Tennessee.

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

I make handmade jewelry. It started when I was putting on a necklace I had bought at the store. For some reason, I took a closer look and said to myself, "hey, I can make this!"

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

I tend to sketch a lot to get ideas (I got my spiral earring ideas from doodling one day). I work mainly with sterling silver and gold-filled wire with all sorts of gemstones and Swarovski crystals thrown in.

What are your goals for your shop?

My goal is to earn enough in a month to pay my car payment. After that, we'll see:)

What do you do when you are not creating?

I have a degree in Architecture. Unfortunately, I had to return to the States at this difficult time. So I'm also job hunting...

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I've recently started cooking and trying new recipes. I love good food! I'm also an avid reader and tennis player.

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

I was telling a good friend about my jewelry I was making and she suggested Etsy.

Where can we find you online?

I'm on Twitter: http://twitter.com/heidispickmeup
and I recently started a blog: http://pickmeupboutique.blogspot.com/

What is your favorite item in your shop?

One of my first and favorite creations is my Yellow Jade Spiral Earrings
I think they are a TRUE pick-me-up- how could you be in a bad mood while wearing those earrings?!

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

Be patient with your shop- you never know who is looking!
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Giveaway winner

2009-07-25T09:03:00.004-04:00

***Update***

This prize was not claimed within 48 hours and a new winner has been chosen and notiified by email.

The winner of the Papermepretty giveaway is Comment #3, Olga, who says "I love the love birdies, they are absolutely adorable!!"

Congratulations on winning these fabulous customized business cards!
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Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win some great skincare products from Reviyve

Giveaway!

2009-07-24T11:00:00.009-04:00

Today's interview and giveaway features Michelle from Reviyve. She runs her own business, offering a great variety of skin and health care products on several websites and recently opened a shop on Etsy . Today she is offering readers the chance to try some of her products through a giveaway.

Enjoy meeting Michelle and enter below for your chance to win.

Tell us about yourself.

I am Michelle Howard from Westchester County, New York. I am married with 3 children of my own, a step daughter, and a cat that thinks she's human. I am President and co-owner of Reviyve LLC a personal care e-commerce business presenting my clients with alternatives to healthy living. I currently manage two e-commerce stores that offer stress relief & pain management products and handcrafted skin care products as well as other private labeled natural skin care products. In the near future I'll be offering Kathy Ireland Essentials, a new Dead Sea Cosmetics line that is totally paraben and sodium laurel sulfate free. In addition to my sales efforts, I write a monthly ezine for both of my sites.

My husband is a motivational speaker and conducts regular blog talk radio interviews with small business owners that need assistance with promoting their businesses. You can find him on blogtalkradio.com and his show is The Coach K of Life Show. In addition to his speaking career, Karriem manages an e-gourmet coffee store, http://premiumcoffeebyrv.com.

How did you get your start?

Oh boy I think I covered what I have to offer and now a little about why my husband and I started our business.

We started our business with the initial goal of being able to work from home full time so we could spend more time with our children and work our own schedule. My youngest son Christopher is diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy so he was my biggest determining factor. I want to some day leave a legacy for my children and ensure their financial well being. If I depend on my day to job to do it, then it's just a dream. Instead, I've turned my dream into goals that will eventually become a reality.

As time goes on I discover that I really do like helping people so I guess you can say that's one of my goals as well.

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

I do not create my own products. There are so many great artisans available so why reinvent the wheel. Besides, marketing and researching, which is my field of expertise, is very time consuming. I have someone else to hand craft my skin care/bath & body line, Blended Naturals but I am fully aware of the ingredients that formulate them. My role consists of designing my packaging, labels, websites, brochures; assembling sampler sets, gift baskets and promoting my products at events, shows, parties and in the near future I'll be contacting spas and alternative health providers in my local area. I am also heavily into the design and marketing of my skin care line and I consume my own products daily because I have sensitive skin and other products on the market have not been so kind to me. Besides, one can be more passionate about what they have to offer when they consume them.

For my stress and pain relief line, I look for items that will assist my customers with addressing their pain and stress safely...hence, alternative products. I have personally used a number of the items on my site to ensure their quality and effectiveness. I spend time researching these items and then I offer them to my customers along with tons of information about a variety of stress and pain related issues.

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

It is my goal to run my business full time out of my home. Once all of my debt has been eliminated, I will purchase my own home and create a home office to work from. While this is currently a part time gig (says my finances), I expound a lot of energy into it and I work many many hours coming up with useful content to share with my website visitors, blog readers and ezine subscribers.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Writing, Reading, Shopping, Watching Movies

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

While I do sell on my own websites, I decided to try Etsy out in order to get more exposure for skin care line, Blended Naturals.

Where can we find you online?

Where can't you find me?! LOL Ok, here's where you can locate me and my goodies:

http://www.deadseastorebyrv.com - Dead Sea and Natural Skin Care, Bath & Body Products
http://www.stressreliefbyrv.com - Stress & Alternative Pain Relief Products
http://www.deadseastorebyrv.blogspotcom - Fresh Radiant Skin Blog
http://www.stressreliefbyrv.blogspot.com - Stress and Alternative Pain Relief Blog
http://www.10steps2success.blogspot.com - Work from Home Success Blog
http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/profile/Reviyve
http://twitter.com/reviyve
http://www.linkedin.com/in/reviyve
http://www.facebook.com/Reviyve
http://onlineshoppingmall.ning.com/profile/Reviyve
http://sistapreneurs.ning.com/profile/MichelleH owardSmith
http://beautiesonthego.ning.com/profile/Michelle
http://wozone.ning.com/profile/Michelle624

What is your favorite item in your shop?

In my natural skin care shop, my favorite items are the Organic Shower Gel (favorite essential oils to scent with are relaxation and honey almond) and my customer's favorite: The Brown Sugar Scrub & Combination Facial Mask.

In my stress and pain relief shop, I don't have a favorite item but more so of a favorite line which is the Magnetic Therapy line. I LOVE these products. I had a double foot surgery in Nov, 2008 and the magnets are phenomenal at alleviating pain and swelling.

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your business and creating your products?

The most valuable thing that I have learned thus far is that being successful is not just about making sales but it also includes building relationships and meeting interesting people along the way. Will everyone like and want to buy my products? Nope but there are many who do and those are the individuals I am seeking to connect with.

Lastly, I'd like to add that running your own business is HARD work and there are many times when I feel discouraged. When you experience discouragement, my suggestion is to go back to ground zero which is remembering why you started your business in the first place.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

Yes, are you surprised? :-) I invite anyone who is interested in skin care, beauty in general or ways to live stress and pain free without the side effects caused by traditional medicine, to subscribe to one of my monthly ezines. You won't be disappointed. I do not spam but I do feature many guest writers as well as write my own unique articles with information from research conducted as well as my personal experience. I also tend to write with a comical twist at times. You can subscribe at:

http://www.stressreliefbyrv.com/newsletters/subscribe - Stress Less Ezine

OR

http://www.deadseastorebyrv.com/subscribe - Skin Naturale Ezine

Michelle is giving away a full size jar of Organic Sweet Orange Sugar Scrub along with A Sampler Gift Set :

Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit either Reviyve on Etsy, http://www.deadseastorebyrv.com or http://www.stressreliefbyrv.com and leave a comment with your favorite item. Please be sure to include your email address in your comments or have it visible in your blogger profile. You want to know if you won, right?

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

~Visit my shop, Oceanside Creations, and share your favorite item- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~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 including @OceansideJewlry in your tweet - 1 additional entry (leave a comment letting me know)

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments) Include a picture of the prize for a 3rd entry and leave a 3rd comment

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

~Add Oceanside Creations to your blog roll- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment with a link to your blog)

~Make a purchase from Reviyve or Oceanside Creations between now and midnight July 31 -5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments telling me what you bought

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

Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, July 31 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, August 1st 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 by responding to the email. If winner does not claim their prize within 48 hours 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 Michelle.
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Behind The Art Monday

2009-07-20T10:18:00.003-04:00

Today's Behind The Art Monday interview is with Lisa from Thoughtful Expressions. she makes jewelry, greeting cards and cute beaded flip flops. Enjoy!

Introduce yourself.

My name is Lisa Anderson and I'm from Atlanta, GA

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

I make jewelry and have started making beaded flip flops for the spring and summer seasons. I got started making jewelry because my husband and I walked in the Breast Cancer 3-Day last year in memory of my mother and someone suggested that I should make jewelry and sell it as a fundraiser so that is what I did. I received a lot of compliments and raised a lot of money so I decided to try it out as a business and here I am.

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

I am inspired when I see something that is beautiful or relaxing and a name will pop into my head and then I will create something to go along with that name. Sometimes I just see some pretty beads and a design comes to me. I enjoy working with all kinds of beads. I love the sparkle of swarovski crystals and the beauty of lampwork beads. I like functional pieces that you can wear with a variety of outfits.

What are your goals for your shop?

My goal is to create quality jewelry that people fall in love with. There is nothing like seeing a piece of jewelry and wanting to match everything you wear to it! I also want to provide quality jewelry that everyone can afford and unique pieces that you won't see on anyone else.

What do you do when you are not creating?

When I'm not creating jewelry I am taking care of kids. I have 3 of my own and also provide childcare full time.

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

I would have to say spending time with my family. They are the most important thing to me and we do a lot of things together. Sometimes we even design together!

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

A friend of mine told me about Etsy and suggested that I try it out so I did. I have also sold at a few festivals and to people I know. My daughter is my little sales person at her school. She has sold a lot of things to the teachers!
Where can we find you online?

Etsy is the only place for now. I haven't branched out anywhere else yet but I'm looking into it.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite jewelry piece in my shop right now is the Sparrows Flight necklace and earring set

My favorite non-jewelry piece is this pair of flip flops that would be great as comfortable reception shoes for a bridal party and they will go great with a little sun dress.

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

Patience for one. Both in creating the jewelry or flip flops and in waiting for sales. Also the importance of networking and being involved with others to get the word out about my shop.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I love creating things that others love to wear. I am constantly thinking about what other things I can try. Oh, the best part about what I do is that a portion of all sales goes to help fight cancer!

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See more from Thoughtful Expressions in her Etsy shop.

Papermepretty Giveaway

2009-07-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Today's feature and giveaway is with Shalon from Papermepretty. Her fantastic shop is filled with customizable paper goods from business cards to gift tags. I love her colorful designs that would add a professional touch to any Etsy shop. Hope you enjoy discovering this wonderful shop and enter the giveaway for a customizable set of business cards.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Shalon. I live in the same town where I was born in Elkhart, Indiana. I love it here although outsiders would wonder why. Not too much going on here. I love design and have been a freelance designer for the past 7 years. Although graphic design isn't my primary job, it's my secret love.

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

I am a designer of all things web & print. I mostly design stationery goods and couture graphics. I started out several years ago with the deep curiosity of how things on the web are all put together. I was obsessed with web design for some time before I realized everything all relates back to visual appeal. That is how my love for graphics were spawned.

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

Since I mostly work with my computer, I rely on my graphics programs to get my jobs started. I work with adobe illustrator, photoshop, fireworks, and dreamweaver depending on the project. Illustrator is my most favorite. I also couldn't design with our inspiration from fabrics, paper, and vintage materials.

What are your favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobbies are reading, sipping tea, and visiting my local bookstore. I love thrift shops. I love love photography.

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

As for now I am still a corporate american. It would be my dream to be a full time designer and I do see that in the future. It wasn't until about a year ago I believed it could be possible. Now I'm in the process of getting all my thing together. I know it can be done, I just have to do it!

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

I found Etsy by accident. I was looking for a venue to sell my works and I fell in love with this site! Most of my work is listed on my etsy site and my blog. I'm mostly a freelancer so I take a lot of private sales & custom works.

Where can we find you online?

Find me on Etsy at www.papermepretty.etsy.com
Blog: www.designartsoul.com
twitter: twitter.com/shalonestrada

What is your favorite item in your shop?
This is a tough one! I would have to say that one of my favorites is couture deluxe business cards. There's nothing like the first impression you put on people when you had them your card. People take you serious when you take your business serious.

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

Artists appreciate other artists. I want to be involved in a environment of the appreciation of handmade goods.

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

I'm a mom to Rocio and Fiance to Israel. I'm work in the corporate world by day and I design by night. I'm a lover of all things true and live by faith. I'm a average girl living the life that was set out for me and living my dreams.

And now for the giveaway!
Papermepretty is giving away a set of 250 matte 1-sided business cards. The design can be customized by the winner and printing will also be included, however logo and illustration design will not be included.

Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Papermepretty on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item. Please be sure to include your email adress in your comments or have it visible in your blogger profile. You want to know if you won, right?

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

~Visit my shop, Oceanside Creations, and share your favorite item- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~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 including @OceansideJewlry in your tweet - 1 additional entry (leave a comment letting me know)

~Blog about this giveaway with a link to your post- 2 additional entries (leave 2 comments) Include a picture of the prize for a 3rd entry

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

~Add Oceanside Creations to your blog roll- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment with a link to your blog)

~Make a purchase from Papermepretty or Oceanside Creations between now and midnight July 24 -5 additional entries ~ Leave 5 comments with your transaction number

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

Good Luck!

Giveaway runs through Friday, July 24 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, July25 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 Papermepretty.
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See more from Papermepretty.

Behind The Art Monday

2009-07-13T08:16:00.003-04:00

Today's Behind The Art Monday Interview is with DES from Etsy shop Whiteserenade.

Tell us about your art. What do you make?

I enjoy photography, graphic design, stained glass, mixed media paintings, paper mache and jewelry.

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

I really can't sit still. I'd rather be junking or in my workshop. I've always been driven to create, and I have a passion for graphic design and reclaiming and repurposing materials. I love transforming something that might otherwise end up in a landfill into something beautiful, functional, and one-of-a-kind. I also love the art of the 20's and 30's and I've recently started painting vintage girl faces. My favorite material is recycling vintage French paper.

What are your goals for your shop?

Just do what I love to do. Create share and give. I donate some of my profits to www.bloodwatermission.com

What do you do when you are not creating?

I'm a wife, mommy and house keeper. I am very blessed to work at home and be available for my kids.

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

Working out exercising. If I don't workout I can't sleep.

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
I sell in two shops in my area.

Where can we find you online?

Currently, only on etsy. I'm afraid of those places. Honestly I don't like being on the computer too long. It grabs you and I get nothing done.

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My recycled milk glass candle holders.

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

Don't give up on your art. It's easy to get discouraged as you see other sellers. I do what I do because I enjoy it.

See more work from whiteserenade on Etsy.com

Buddhakittyglass giveaway winner

2009-07-11T06:23:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to SmuTopia Jewelry, winner of the Buddhakittyglass giveaway! Our winning comment was #21 today.

SmuTopia says "I love this purple tray from buddhakitty! It was very hard to choose--in the end it came down to my fav color."

Behind The Art Monday

2009-07-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

Today's featured shop is Bijoux Designs For You. April and her mother Glenda live near Toronto, and together, create beautiful jewelry, wine charms, bookmarks and more.

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

Our journey has taken us down many paths over the years. At Bijoux Designs For You you will find a variety of fun and affordable beaded jewelry, bookmarks, wine charms and home decor items. Several years ago I took my mom to a jewelry making class for her birthday, and we were both addicted!

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

We are inspired in many ways. Sometimes its trying something new, sometimes a particular bead or charm will inspire something, sometimes I just feel like I need a new piece for myself to wear and want to share it with the world!

What are your goals for your shop?

We have just begun to focus on our party favors, such as our bookmarks and are looking to sell them wholesale. We would love to someday open our own boutique selling wonderful handmade items.

What do you do when you are not creating?

I am mommy to a beautiful nine month old and I waitress a couple days a week. Other than that I try and catch some sleep sometimes! My mom is talented in so many things. She is also a fantastic cook and baker and I wish I lived closer so I could enjoy her homemade cookies more!

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?

Back in the day when I had more time I was an avid reader. Nothing like loosing yourself in a great book. Also pre-baby I think I made shopping a hobby! My mom is also a reader, baker, cook, sewer, painter. She wears many hats.

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

We have been travelling the craft show circuit and doing home parties for years but finally thought we needed to take the online plunge. Mom discovered Etsy and we both instantly fell in love with the community. We also have a shop on Artfire under the same name. After discovering that we have more beads (and can't stop buying them) we also opened a supply shop www.rougeriverbeads.etsy.com .

Where can we find you online?

You can tweet with us at http://twitter.com/bijouxdesigns and check out all the happenings on our blogs http://bijouxdesignsforyou.blogspot.com and http://rougeriverbeads.blogspot.com

What is your favorite item in your shop?

So many fav's but I really do love the shell and pearl necklaces. They are so cute for summer!

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

That just opening a shop doesn't equal sales! It's a constant learning experience to take better pictures, write better descriptions, improve and innovate our products and of course promote, promote, promote!

Anything else you would like us to know about you?

Fun facts: I'm addicted to coffee, the color pink, have a black lab named Lily and still cry when I watch the movie Ghost!

See more from Bijoux Designs For You at their Etsy shop.
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Enter to win a Blue and White Glass Tray from Buddhakittyglass

Bags of Blessings Giveaway Winner

2009-07-04T08:51:00.001-04:00

Our winner is comment #12, JC who says "I love the Hot, Hot, Polka Dot Purse!" Congratulations you won the Blue Sweater Bag. Thanks everyone for being a part of the giveaway!

July Giveaways

2009-07-03T12:16:00.012-04:00

I love to enter giveaways (and win!) There are always some great giveaways going on so I thought I would make a list of all the ones I come across for the month so you can enter too.

~Head on over to A Giveaway Everyday and enter to win one of three items from beddingsets.com. They are giving away your choice of 3 bedding items: A Pink Zebra Sheet Set, A Simple Luxury Terry Robe, or a Shag Rug. Ends July 12

~Win 2 5x5 photographs from courtneyleigh at Mustardseed by Carollai's blog - Ends July 7

~Win this Sushi Themed Stationary Set from Notebooks, etc. over on Salad for Breakfast's blog

~I love these magnets from Pretty Much Art. You can enter to win them at J. leigh Designz blog during the 4th of July bash. Ends July 17th

~Win this Pink Sugar Glycerin Soap from Michelle's Unique Gifts at J. leigh Designz blog - ends July 19th

~Win a Romantic Evenings Set from Ultimate Nights at J. leigh designz blog- Ends July 10

~Win a $20 gift certificate to abel mable at J. leigh designz blog- Ends July 20th

~Red, White, and Blue Soap giveaway from Desert Soapstsone- 3 winners- ends July 31
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Don't forget to enter the fabulous giveaways on my blog. See the left sidebar for a current list

Buddhakittyglass giveaway

2009-07-03T09:00:00.001-04:00

Today I have another exciting giveaway to share with you! Enjoy meeting Steena from Buddhakittyglass and enter to win one of her fabulous glass trays. Check out her work below and see more at her Etsy shop.

Tell us about yourself.

I am Steena, owner and artist behind Buddha Kitty Glass. I live in Seattle which is a mecca for glass artists and a great place to create fused glass. Over the years I’ve studied fused glass, cold working glass, lamp working, glass bead making and stained glass at Pratt Fine Art Center in Seattle.

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

My love of glass goes back many years. During a college trip to Europe, I became fascinated with the stained glass in the cathedrals. Upon returning home, I took my first class in glasswork and learned how to make stained glass windows. This served as a wonderful introduction to the world of glass art. From there I began to learn glass bead making and became intrigued by the amazing transformation that takes place in glass once heat is applied. These glass beads became parts of handmade jewelry that I gave to friends and occasionally sold at small craft fairs. A cross-country move and new neighbors served as my introduction to fused glass. My new neighbors in Virginia commented on a glass bead necklace I had made which turned into a discussion about kiln formed glass. My neighbor’s mother taught fused glass. We talked about my fascination with glass she suggested I try one of her mother’s classes. I signed up for her class and was immediately captivated by kiln formed glass. Shortly after the class, I purchased my first small kiln and began perfecting the art of fused glass in my basement in Virginia. After several years, my husband and I decided to relocate back to the Pacific Northwest. The Seattle area is renowned for its glass art and is a wonderful location to continue to pursue fused glass. I continued my study of fused glass and kiln formed glass at Pratt Fine Art Center. In January 2009, I launched Buddha Kitty Glass. When I am not fusing glass for Buddha Kitty Glass I also serve as a docent at the Museum of Glass, leading tours of the beautiful glass art collections. Being a docent at the Museum of Glass is another way for me to share my enthusiasm for glass art with others.

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

My favorite material to work with is glass! Specifically though I love to make pattern bars of glass, which are thick layers of glass fused together. I then cut them into pieces on a tile saw which reveals the patterns created from stacking the glass. I fuse these pieces into the glass dots seen thought my work. I really enjoy mixing colors together in random patterns in the bars and seeing the amazing results, which come from it.

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

I would like my shop on Etsy to get so popular that I have to buy a much bigger kiln to keep up with the orders! Seriously, I would really like to have this become my full-time work and eventually have a brick and mortar shop with my glass.

What are your favorite hobbies?

A few years back I started trapeze lessons and really love it. I also just bought a canoe and can’t wait to get it out on the water with my family. Besides that I love to travel. I went around the world in 2005 with my husband and would like to do that again in a few years.

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

A friend and I were discussing the art work we made and she told me about Etsy. She wanted to start a shop there but her internet connection was not working properly so I said I would do some research for her and let her know how it worked. After researching the site for her, I decided to start my own.

Where can we find you online?

Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buddha-Kitty-Glass/79270261377?ref=mf

We Love Etsy:
http://etsylove.ning.com/profile/BuddhaKittyGlass

I Heart Rummage:
http://iheartrummage.ning.com/profile/BuddhaKittyGlass

Fused Glass Artist:
http://www.fusedglassartists.org/Buddhakittyglass

And of course:
http://www.buddhakittyglass.com

What is your favorite item in your shop?

I can’t play favorites it makes the other pieces of glass jealous.

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

Its really been wonderful seeing people react to and enjoy my art. It is great to get to share this with people outside of my friends and family.

And now for the giveaway! Buddhakittyglass is giving readers the chance to win this blue and white glass tray:

Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit Buddhakittyglass on Etsy and leave a comment with your favorite item. Please be sure to include your email adress in your comments or have it visible in your blogger profile. You want to know if you won, right?

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

~Visit my shop, Oceanside Creations, and share your favorite item- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment)

~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 including @OceansideJewlry in your tweet - 1 additional entry (leave a comment letting me know)

~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)

~Become a fan of Buddhakittyglass on Facebook- 1 additional entry (leave one comment)

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

~Add Oceanside Creations to your blog roll- 1 additional entry (leave 1 comment with a link to your blog)

~Make a purchase from Buddhakittyglass between now and midnight July 10 -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, July 10 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, July11 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 Buddhakittyglass.
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Oceanside Creations Giveaway Winner

2009-07-01T08:44:00.003-04:00

Comment # 27 was our winner today, belonging to Quilting Diva. She says "You had me at "orange"! Burnt orange bracelet is one of my faves."

Congratulations! The $15 gift certificate is yours.

Behind The Art Monday

2009-06-29T09:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-26T08:31:00.006-04:00

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!

2009-06-25T09:09:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-22T09:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-20T10:07:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-19T08:59:00.008-04:00

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

2009-06-17T08:53:00.006-04:00

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

2009-06-15T08:17:00.003-04:00

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.....

2009-06-13T08:30:00.002-04:00

***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

2009-06-12T08:55:00.007-04:00

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!

2009-06-10T14:11:00.019-04:00

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

2009-06-10T13:49:00.006-04:00

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

2009-06-09T09:19:00.011-04:00

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

2009-06-08T08:31:00.001-04:00

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

2009-06-06T08:16:00.005-04:00

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!

2009-06-06T07:37:00.003-04:00

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

2009-06-05T07:51:00.001-04:00

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!

2009-06-01T12:56:00.002-04:00

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

2009-06-01T09:37:00.001-04:00

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.

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

A Few New Ocean Treasures

2009-05-30T11:20:00.004-04:00

I went on a sea glass hunt a few days ago on a local island. I found SO much sea glass but only a few pieces that were true "treasures". These were the little lovelies I found and transformed into simple wire wrapped pendants perfect for care free summer days.

See something you like? Click on the picture to head to my shop.
Don't forget to enter the giveaway one post down!

Ocean's Teardrop Pendant

Northern Star Pendant

Giveaway Time!

2009-05-29T08:30:00.006-04:00

I have a very special shop to share with you today...plus an awesome giveaway! Michelle from TileMeBeautiful is offering readers the chance to win a $20 gift certificate from her Etsy shop. Read the interview below to find out more about Michelle and her work and for your chance to enter the giveaway. This is one not to miss!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Michelle Gunnell (yeah, it rhymes). I live in Spring, TX. It's a little bit north-west of Houston. I have a spoiled rotten dog. Her name is Jersey. She's a 4-year-old Lab/Pointer mix. I have a BS in psychology, but I'm not sure what I'll ever really use it for. I don't really want to get a Master's at the moment.

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

I tile just about anything I can get my hands on. I use mostly flooring tiles. They're thicker and more substantial than your usual mosaic tiles. They just have a look that I like better. Glass is my favorite, but I enjoy using ceramic, slate, and stone tiles as well. Most of the things I have right now are housewares, but I have so many ideas and I'd love to expand into different areas.

I actually discovered my craft in the middle of my divorce. I was hurting and needed something that I could do for myself. Something that I could throw myself into and really love. I needed to create something, if that makes any sense. I was never, ever good at art growing up, so I went for something kind of untraditional. During the really dark parts of the divorce, I was holed up in bed watching HGTV all day. I've always loved tile, but seeing it used so much in so many ways was what really got me thinking.

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

My personal style inspires a lot of it. I have to be careful to branch out to things that I normally wouldn't choose for myself though. I forget that someone out there likes different stuff than me. I just make things I would love to own. Standing in the flooring section of the store always inspires me! There's so much to look at. I usually don't create in wholes. I'll see a color tile mix I like or a beautiful 4"x4" tile and then my piece comes together around that one element.

The actual creating process can be kind of long and tedious. When you work with individual tiles, it’s hard to get them lined up. The type of mosaics I do require a sense of symmetry and evenness. I nudge, push, and pull each tile probably at least 20 times. If the piece is wooden, there’s two coats of stain or paint and two coats of sealer/polyurethane. Depending on the type you use, that could take up to four days. Then you stick the tiles down. The next day you can usually grout. I do two coats of grout, so that takes two days so that I can be sure the last coat is dry. I can’t seal the grout for another 24-48 hours, and I use two coats of that as well. That takes another day. There isn’t a whole lot of instant gratification involved. It’s usually almost a week before you get to see your finished product. You also have to be willing to get messy. I get grout all over myself - my elbows, my ears. I don’t use gloves when I grout (oops!). They get in my way and I feel like I have more control over the tile without them. Everything about it is sticky, smelly, or messy. I love it though!

What are your goals for your business?

I would love to be able to support myself doing this. Baby steps though! I'd just like to start out with some steady sales. Maybe get into some local shops. I have plans to do craft shows with my best friend, who also sells on Etsy. I'm mainly in the stage where I'm trying to get my name out there an network. I truly believe that good connections make for a good business, so I'm trying to support the handmade community and get involved in any way possible.

What are your favorite hobbies?

Running and biking with my dog. We do a lot of that. I also LOVE to read! I've pulled many all-nighters to finish a great book. Tiling takes up a lot of my time right now. I love to spend time with my best friend Stacy and her daughter Kaitlin. And does shopping count as a hobby??

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

After I decided I wanted to make my tiled stuff, I decided it might be nice to make some money at it! I had purchased something from a friend of a friend about a year ago on Etsy, and it came to mind. I didn't know much about the whole handmade movement until I started selling, but I've found it incredibly interesting and easy to immerse myself in. I also sell on Artfire, Zibbet, and Made It Myself.

Where can we find you online?

http://tilemebeautiful.etsy.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/tilemebeautiful
http://www.zibbet.com/TileMeBeautiful
http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/tilemebeautiful.aspx
http://tilemebeautiful.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/tilemebeautiful
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=1696249263&ref=profile

What is your favorite item in your shop?

Can I pick a section? My trays are always my favorite! A serving tray was the first thing I made, so that's special. Plus, I just love them. I also invest the most time in them.

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

That you get what you give. I love to buy from handmade sellers and promote people on my sites. I love to chat in the forums and just make friends with other sellers. You get great advice, critiques, promotion and support.

And now for the giveaway!
Michelle is giving readers the chance to win a $20 gift certificate to her shop!
Here's how to enter:

First you MUST visit TileMeBeautiful 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 a link or 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 Michelle's shop TileMeBeautiful -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 5 at midnight EST. Our winner will be chosen on Saturday morning, June 6 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 TileMeBeautiful.

Turkey dinner- Take 2

2009-05-28T19:20:00.005-04:00

I wanted to share with you a quick and delicious dinner idea I came up with tonight. Things have been a little tight lately and our fridge is on the empty side so I was trying to come up with something cheap and healthy using what I had on hand. I had some leftover turkey and gravy from Mom's dinner last week along with some rice from yesterday so I put them in a bowl added some frozen peas and corn along with a little water to thin it out and threw it in the microwave until hot. And voila!...instant turkey stew! It was really tasty, not to mention frugal and pretty healthy. I thought it was a nice way to disguise leftover night even if I was the only one who ate it...sometimes you just can't compete with McDonald's.

Lovely Blog Award!

2009-05-28T14:07:00.005-04:00

I received a Lovely Blog Award today from the blogs Tile Me Beautiful and Life As I Know It: Southwest Edition! Thanks so much ladies!

Once you are awarded, you must then make a post about receiving the award and list the blogger's name and blog in your post, choose 15 of your own favorite blogs, and let each of those blogs know they have been awarded!

I just started blogging so I have been on the hunt for other blogs to enjoy. Many of these are Etsy related, others food related and some are just for fun.
Here are the 15 blogs I'm passing on the Lovely Blog Award to:

Pretty Pink Mama
Meditations from the Moondog
The Cooking Photographer
Venezie Bags
LilacPOP
Mustardseed
Cathlin Cooks
Tartelette
All My Wedding Faves
Etsy It Up!
Dream Sequins
so much yarn, so little time
Married and Lovin' It!
Olivebites home of uncorked + polarity
Accent Yourself Handcrafted Jewelry

Behind The Art Mondays

2009-05-24T10:09:00.005-04:00

This week's Behind The Art Monday Interview is with Kieu from tealightshoppe. She is 20 years old, originally from Texas and is currently living in San Francisco. Kieu is offering readers 25% off their purchase when they leave the code "mail02" in the notes to seller upon checkout. Hope you enjoy meeting another great Etsy artist!

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

I make cute limited edition accessories ranging from necklaces and bracelets to cell phone charms. It all started when I was at the art store and came across some polymer clay. I was playing around with it and had the idea to make some cell phone charms. It then expanded into other mediums like jewelry making.

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

I take most of my inspiration from the beach. I like using beachy colors like blue, mint and sand. I usually choose the colors I like first and then I go about making my items from the beautiful colors I've chosen. It's kind of spontaneous, but it's been working for me thus far. My favorite materials to work with are Swarovski beads and polymer clay.

What are your goals for your shop?

I want to expand to different kinds of accessories and I want to turn this shop into much more then a hobby. I'm actually unveiling a new set of accessories soon so be on the lookout for them.

What are you doing when you aren't creating?

I'm still in college so when I'm not crafting, I can be found at school.

What is your favorite hobby?

My other favorite hobby is web designing. I've been doing it for over six years. I just like being able to make artwork into something functional, like a website.

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

Etsy seemed like the perfect community for me, since most of the shops there sell handmade items. Currently, I don't sell anywhere else, but eventually I hope to have enough customers to make my own website and sell it through there.

Where can we find you online?

Twitter: http://twitter.com/tealightshoppe
Blog: http://tea-light.net

What is your favorite item in your shop?

My favorite item is the Swarovski Dangle Bracelet. It took me a very long time to make it.

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

I've learned to not sell my art for less than it's worth. From being an Etsy seller, I've learned to take good pictures, because your customer won't be able to see the product in real life so the pictures must convey the product as best as possible.

Anything else you would like us to know?

I do make custom items so if you ever need something for a special occasion, you can always let me know.

You can see more from tealightshoppe here.

All photos are courtesy of tealightshoppe.

Are you featured?

2009-05-23T10:05:00.003-04:00

I just created a new treasury full of one of my favorite colors...BLISSFUL BLUE! Lot's of great Etsy artists are featured in this one. Are you one of them? Check it out to find out.

Giveaway...What do you think?

2009-05-22T15:11:00.004-04:00

I've been thinking about doing a giveaway on my blog. I don't have a lot of followers right now so I'm not sure if anyone would like me to feature their shop at this point. I was thinking I would do a giveaway of something from my shop to kick things off and hopefully grab a few more readers. I would love to know your thoughts on a giveaway prize and have created a poll on the right side of my blog to get your opinions. Do you prefer to win a great handcrafted item from a featured shop or would you rather win a gift certificate so you can choose your own prize?

Also if you would be interested in doing a giveaway and feature on my blog leave me a comment.

Back To Work I Go...

2009-05-21T07:19:00.003-04:00

I'm headed back to work today at my "real job" after being partially unemployed for a few months.Things are very slow in the restaurant industry in Maine especially in the winter/spring so I have had some time off, working one or two days a week and sometimes not at all. Not a totally terrible thing, but I am looking forward to getting back to my job. I have enjoyed my time off. Getting to spend lots of time with my fiancee, my friends, and getting my jewelry business started, along with spending lots of time with my family before I move across country in a few months has been great. I am however getting really bored and being broke all the time is no fun so I'm really glad my little break is over!

Behind The Art Monday

2009-05-18T07:50:00.004-04:00

TODAY'S BEHIND THE ART INTERVIEW IS WITH LAUREN COOPER FROM ETSY SHOP LOLOGARDEN. SHE HAS BEEN MAKING JEWELRY FOR 6 YEARS FROM HER HOME STUDIO IN GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN. SHE ALSO MAKES BEADED WINE STOPPERS AND UTENSIL SETS. THIS MONTH LOLOGARDEN IS HAVING A 50% OFF SALE WITH FREE SHIPPING.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ART. WHAT DO YOU MAKE AND HOW DID YOU COME TO YOUR CRAFT?

I MAKE STERLING SILVER JEWELRY WITH GLASS BEADS AND GEMSTONES. I'M SELF TAUGHT AND MY WORK HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE SKILLED AS MY BUSINESS HAS GROWN. I STARTED MY CRAFT AFTER A LIFETIME OF CREATIVITY. I CHANNELED ALL MY ENERGY INTO THIS ONE MEDIUM AND HAVE HAD SO MUCH FUN WITH IT.

WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK? DESCRIBE YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS AND TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE MATERIALS TO WORK WITH.

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A NEED TO BE WORKING ON A CREATIVE PROJECT. IT IS MY FOCUS. I'M INSPIRED BY THE BEAUTIFUL NATURE THAT SURROUNDS ME IN LAKESIDE WEST MICHIGAN. SOME OF MY ITEMS FEATURE RECYCLED LOCAL BEACH GLASS. I'M CURRENTLY CRAZY ABOUT WORKING WITH METALS AND HANDSTAMPING PENDANTS.

WHAT ARE YOUR COALS FOR YOUR SHOP?

I WOULD LOVE FOR MY SHOP TO GROW AND TO BE ABLE TO SHOWCASE MY ART TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE. MY LOVE GOES INTO EVERYONE OF MY PIECES AND I WANT THE PEOPLE WHO PURCHASE THE ITEMS TO LOVE THEM JUST AS MUCH AS I DO.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT CREATING?

I'M A MOTHER OF ONE WITH ANOTHER ON THE WAY SO WE ARE ALWAYS PLAYING OUTSIDE, COLORING, ETC. I'M ALSO PASSIONATE ABOUT COOKING, HOME DECOR, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CELEBRATING LIFE. I HAVE PRACTICED YOGA FOR 9 YEARS AND ENJOYING HIKING AND RUNNING.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOBBY OTHER THAN CRAFTING?
COOKING FOR SURE.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO ETSY? DO YOU SELL ANYWHERE ELSE?
A FRIEND TURNED ME ON TO ETSY AND I LOVE IT. I LOVE THE COMMUNITY. I ALSO SELL AT ART SHOWS AND THE MUSKEGON MUSEUM OF ART GIFT SHOP.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR SHOP?
MY FAVORITE SHOP ITEM WOULD BE MY GEMSTONE BRACELETS WITH HANDSTAMPED PENDANTS. SO SIMPLE YET THEY MAKE A GREAT STATEMENT.

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU HAVE LEARNED FROM YOUR ART AND BEING AN ETSY SELLER?

TO ALWAYS IMPROVE YOUR ART AND YOURSELF.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I'M AN HONEST AND WELL-ROUNDED PERSON WHO IS IN LOVE WITH ART AND ETSY. I WANT MY SHOP AND MY ITEMS TO REFLECT MYSELF.

HOPE YOU ENJOYED GETTING TO KNOW ANOTHER GREAT ETSY ARTIST. YOU CAN SEE MORE WORK FROM LOLOGARDEN IN HER ETSY SHOP.

Buy Two, Get One Free Sale

2009-05-16T07:50:00.004-04:00

There are some a-MAY-zing deals right now in my shop's Clearance Section! I have a huge clearance section right now filled with great jewelry. I'm moving soon and it's time to clear out the shop. All clearance items are Buy 2, Get 1 Free plus Free Shipping to US/Canada and $2 Flat Rate Shipping anywhere else! The clearance section will not be part of the 20% off Blog Sale as they are already reduced.
Please complete checkout by selecting "other" as a payment method. I will send you the revised invoice with your new total which you can then pay. Happy Shopping!

Another hiking adventure!

2009-05-14T12:53:00.007-04:00

I went hiking this morning at the Thorne Head Preserve in Bath. I was all excited when I set out for my hike, always enjoying finding a new place to walk. Lots of local history here too, which I found interesting. A friend had told me about this place last year, I went once, but never really got around to exploring it too much. Well today I sure did. There were no maps at the trailhead when I got there, and although I looked at a map online before I left, the trails were not well marked. There were signs for the major trails, but there were so many other little trails, running everywhere it was hard to tell which one was "the trail". So I must have tajen a wrong turn somewhere, because I ended up at a totally different trailhead about half a mile from my car. Frustrating and somewhat panic inducing, but I figured out where I was and walked along the road to my car. Luckily this place isn't too remote or I would have been more worried about being lost.

It was a very nice hike anyway. I followed the main trail, an old logging road up to the overlook to a wooded cliff looking out over the Kennebec River. Then eventually found my way onto North Creek Bridge Trail, the trail I had wanted to take. I think I must have walked every trail in this small area to finally find the trail I was actually looking for. I ended up on a trail that took me down along a tidal wetlands, really beautful with all the birds flying overhead, and across some really rustic little bridges. Despite getting "lost" it turned out to be a nice little adventure.

Have You Seen What's New?

2009-05-14T07:28:00.003-04:00

A few new pieces I've been working on this week:
See something you like? Just click on the picture to head on over to my shop.

Misty Morning Wire Wrapped Sea Glass Bracelet

Misty Morning Wire Wrapped Sea Glass Necklace

Black Pearl Necklace and Earrings Set

Out With The Old...

2009-05-13T21:26:00.008-04:00

I have started a clearance section in my shop to move out some of the older pieces and make way for the new designs I have been working on.

Some of these I think of as "learning pieces", ones I made 6 months ago when I was just starting out on Etsy, nothing really "wrong" with them, they are just not as refined as the designs I have been working on most recently. (Isn't it great to look back on your older work and see how far you've come!) Others have simply been reduced in price and are waiting for a good home. So go check out these great deals and find yourself a treat.

~Weekend Deal~

Now through Sunday May,17 at Midnight EST all CLEARANCE items are Buy 2, Get 1 Free (lowest priced item is free). Clearance items are not included in the 20% off sale because they are already marked down. Please complete checkout by selecting "other" as a payment method. I will send you the revised invoice with your new total which you can then pay. Happy Shopping!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-13T07:35:00.006-04:00

Wolfe's Neck State Park in Freeport, Maine

Wedding Jewelry

2009-05-11T15:05:00.009-04:00

Here is the newest bridal set from Oceanside Creations! Creamy white 8mm freshwater pearls are showcased in this stunningly elegant silver plated necklace and earrings set. A toggle clasp with a twisted rope design closes just below the throat, securing a 16 inch chain, and giving way to a trio of falling pearls. The matching earrings feature hoops in the same twisted rope design with wire wrapped pearls.

May Sale For My Blog Readers:
Save 20 percent off your purchase in May plus receive free shipping in US/Canada and discounted shipping internationally. Just send me a message through my shop with the items you would like to purchase and I will discount them. Please include the words "blogsale". Clearance items are not available for the 20% off discount.

Behind The Art Mondays

2009-05-11T07:20:00.012-04:00

Today is the first in a weekly series of Behind the Art Monday interviews featuring Etsy artists and their handmade work. This week's featured shop is Mod3rnart from Corfu, Greece. Hope you enjoy getting to know these talented artists!

Tell us about your art. What do you make? How did you come to your craft?
We make handmade silver jewelry from original ideas and techniques. Design and modernism has always been a passion of ours and from there we decided to apply it to jewelry.

What inspires your work? Describe your creative process and tell us about your favorite materials to work with.
Ideas come from life-from what surrounds us. The island provides tons of natural inspiration but we tend to mix that with very modern ideas as well. It is almost like we try to bridge the modern with the natural. We love sterling silver, titanium, copper, ebony and brass.

What are your goals for your shop?
To one day live off the sales ;)

What do you do when you are not creating?
Working 9 hours a day-7days a week to make a living.

What is your favorite hobby other than crafting?
Writing, web design, yoga, bike riding, music,

What brought you to Etsy? Do you sell anywhere else?
A friend exposed me to etsy and fell in love. I also sell on dawanda.

Where else can we find you online?
twitter, flickr, www.mod3rnart.com, http://mod3rnart.com/Blog/Blog-Mod3rnart.html

What is your favorite item in your shop?
The Girl with the Pearl Earring Ring

What is the most valuable thing you have learned from your art and being an Etsy seller?
Everything takes time and some things take lots of time ;)

Anything else you would like us to know about you?
We hope life smiles on you all

You can check out more of Mod3rnart's work on Etsy.

I'm being featured!

2009-05-08T15:26:00.003-04:00

Today I am being featured by my fellow Etsy artist Capow on her great blog. Check it out to learn more about me and my jewelry.

I am also being featured on MysticWynd's blog. If you are a jewelry maker or just someone who loves to wear it you should check out this very informative article with great tips on choosing the perfect necklace or bracelet for you.

Behind The Art Mondays

2009-05-07T15:03:00.004-04:00

Beginning on Monday May, 11 I will be featuring some great Etsy artists and their shops. Each week I will have an interview with a talented artist, your chance to meet the person behind the art. If you are an Etsy artist interested in being featured on my blog please contact me through my shop and I will send you a short list of interview questions.

Never heard of Etsy? Check out your place for all things handmade here: http://etsy.com

A Sale For My Blog Readers

2009-05-06T08:47:00.005-04:00

This month at Oceanside Creations I am offering free shipping to the US and Canada and discounted shipping anywhere else ($2 flat rate no matter how many items you purchase).

Receive 20% off your order by sending me a message through my shop with the code "blogsale" letting me know which items you will be purchasing and I will discount them for you. Or checkout and I will refund your discount through Paypal.
Sale ends 5/31

Happy Shopping!
http://oceansidecreations.etsy.com

Over the marshes and through the woods and to the beach I go!

2009-05-05T08:23:00.010-04:00

The beach at the end of the trail

A view of the ocean and marshes from the summit

Yesterday I went on a little hiking adventure to Morse Mountain in Phippsburg, Maine, not far from where I live. I have always enjoyed hiking, trying to pack as many hikes in as I can into our short summers, and I really enjoyed this hike especially because it leads down to the ocean, which I LOVE. This very small mountain is part of a nature conservation area run by Bates College, but they are nice enough to share it with nature loving visitors. The trail is a 2 mile road leading over a beautiful marsh, through the woods filled with happily chirping birds, up the mountain and back down the other side on to a very secluded and peaceful beach. A really nice place to walk, and I love that the beach is so quiet. My favorite beach, which is literally down the beach from this place is always so overcrowded, so this could be a nice alternative for a refreshing swim after an enjoyable hike.

A quick Twitter tip

2009-05-03T10:31:00.003-04:00

Have you ever wanted to design a personalized Twitter background for your profile page? I spent several hours yesterday sifting through websites with customizable Twitter templates trying to find one that was just right for my business profile on Twitter. No luck. Couldn't find one I liked. I wanted to be able to add text and pictures and couldn't find one that was working for me.

This morning I came across a great site called FreeTwitterDesigner.com which allows you to cusomize all the colors, add text, add pictures and pretty much anything you want. Pretty easy to use too. Just make sure you have Adobe flashplayer 10 installed first or you won't be able to save your work. I ended up with a background using a picture that I took and my Etsy shop name and web address. I wanted to add a few pics of my jewelry but I think they made the file size too big because I couldn't get my background to save. Take a look at my Twitter profile here (and maybe follow me too! I will follow back). Have fun with your new background!

Mother's Day Sale!

2009-05-01T11:25:00.003-04:00

A HUGE Buy One, Get One 50% Off Mother's Day Sale is going on now at Oceanside Creations!

All items are Buy One, Get One 50% off now through May 5, 2009 with free shipping (anywhere!) on purchases of $20 or more. Please send me a message through my shop before purchase and mention this offer so I may discount your items.

I would be happy to gift wrap your Mother's Day gift with a personalized note and send it directly to your Mom. Just leave me a note in the "message to seller" upon checkout with the message you would like to include and the address where you would like the gift sent.

Happy May! And Some Goals For Spring

2009-05-01T10:43:00.004-04:00

Today is the first day of May and it has really started to feel nice and springlike in Maine. This past week has been beautiful, which has inspired me to get outside more to enjoy the weather and walk to town to do errands instead of driving the 2 minutes to get there. I decided that it being the first day of May, it would be a good time to set some goals for myself to stay motivated with my work and personal life.

My first goal is to keep being active and to continue walking around town or going hiking whenever I get the chance. I have also started doing yoga again which I love. I have been pretty inactive this past winter because I have been unemployed, and starting my business has led me to quite a lot of sitting, whether at my craft table or in front of my computer screen. So, I discovered a great yoga site, Yoga Today, which offers free streaming classes that are pretty easy to follow, and have started doing a class each day. I'm not nearly as flexible as I would like to be, but after doing a yoga class I feel really good about my body and feel strong and healthy. I want to keep being active and maybe drop a few pounds in the process.

My second goal is to stay motivated with my jewelry business. This winter has been really slow... selling a pair of earrings one week, a bracelet a month later...and it's easy to get discouraged, as much as I have enjoyed being creative. Lately I have been working really hard on promoting my shop through blog and Facebook giveaways, starting my own blog and promoting my sales on Twitter, which has helped. I'm still fairly new to Etsy, having started my shop in December, 2008, and I think my shop is finally getting out there a little more. My goal is to keep making jewelry and promoting my shop, and to make a few more sales than I did in April, which with 7 sales is by far my best month so far. So I want to stay motivated with making jewelry, promoting my business and developing my blog (perhaps with a giveaway!)

Another goal is to keep saving money for my big move this fall. I am moving from Maine to Portland, Oregon with my fiancee to be closer to his family, but mostly in the hopes that there will be more job opportunities in the restaurant industry out there. We have both been unemployed since January, working only one or two days a week at the restaurant where we are both cooks, so saving money has been tough. My goal is to start saving more once work picks up and be able to take off for Oregon in the fall.

So I guess those are the 3 big goals I have right now. Feel free to share some goals you have for the coming months. I always find it very inspiring to hear what others are working towards.

And The Winner Is.....

2009-04-30T09:03:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Heather Leavers, winner of Oceanside Creations' April Facebook Giveaway! The prize was a $10 gift certificate to my Etsy shop, Oceanside Creations good towards any item in the shop. Thanks to everyone who became a fan this month. More giveaway fun is sure to follow on this blog, and I hope to have a Facebook giveaway every few months. Follow Oceanside Creations on Facebook to hear about upcoming giveaways for Facebook fans.

Yep...I'm starting a blog

2009-04-28T18:30:00.002-04:00

I heard that having a blog could be good for business, so I thought why not give it a try. One more way to spread the word about my jewelry can't hurt. I never really thought of myself as someone who would ever want to post my life all over the internet (who would read about it), but I have enjoyed the sense of community that being part of Etsy.com has brought and see this as yet another way to connect with this great network of artists. After signing up for Tim Adam's Etsy Marketing Secrets e-mail course, where he strongly suggests starting a blog to promote your craft, I decided to give it a try. I will use this forum to talk about my jewelry making business, to share about myself, and to promote other artists.

If you blog and happen to read this I would love to know about it. What do you write about? How often? Any helpful tips about interesting readers and sharing your art with others would be great.