Lilac

If you are looking for a cute accessory to your outfit this is the scarf you need to get. I found this at Boutique-a-holic Handknits on Etsy.

"Casual or formal – Depending of your clothing, the scarf can be used as casual or formal. You can use it as everyday wear,or put it over a nice formal dress. " She also can make this scarf in other colors if you her to. I asked Nevita a few questions to get to know her better.

How did you get started?

I live in Bulgaria, it's a small country in south-eastern Europe where only a small number of people know that there is such amazing place like etsy.com. Last year, a friend of mine was searching for online stores for good Christmas sales. She told me about this place. When I started searching in etsy stores, I got lost in so rich choice of handmade items. I always wanted to open a store and sell my hand knitted scarves and baby clothing. However, my full-time job, and pregnancy didn't bring enough confidence in this picture. When my beautiful baby daughter came to the world, she brought new hope and faith in myself. I found knitting section and crochet section and I was happily surprised that someone is selling so many handmade creations. At that time the idea that etsy.com is an easy way to create and maintain shop came into play. With etsy, I figured, I wouldn't have to care about renting and maintaining a physical shop, and at the same time I'd have flexible working hours. Now I stay at home as mother, enjoy spending time with my baby daughter, my knitting, and promoting my shop via interesting online tools.My etsy shop is http://www.nevita.etsy.com/



What is your favorite creative thing to do?

I learned to knit and make gobelin tapestry, when I was a child. I went to my grandparent's home, during school offs. My grandmother thought me different handmade techniques, such as knit, crochet, sewing and others. During the years, I was paying more attention to knitting and gobelin tapestry, and found I enjoyed it a lot. It became my hobby, and after my daughter's birth I decided I was determined to share the products of my passion with people around the world.Fir example this gray capelet is one of my favorite projectshttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=34763879



How long have you been doing this?

I am new at etsy, but I am knitting for about 10 or more years.



What is something most people may not know about you?

I like the Human Resources area and I am finishing my masters degree in Human Resources management. I enjoy interacting with people.I love to travel and regularly organize small trips through my country.

Blue Glass and Metal Birds

I am on a bird steak at this point. I just can't get enough of them. The beautiful necklace is from lilacpop shop on Etsy. Janna is very talented in many different creative ways. She says "LILACPOP gifts - where art, fashion, and function come together! "

"Each piece of jewelry that I make is not only one-of-a-kind but also very thought out. I try to achieve just the right amount of balance with materials, colors, and textures to make the best possible piece of jewelry that I would also wear myself! "

I asked Janna a few questions to get to know her better.

How did you get started?

I went to art school and got my BFA in Photography from the University of Michigan and while there I took so many different kinds of art classes. I really enjoyed painting, mixed media, and especially life drawing besides photography. I've always wanted to combine different mediums. Doing things the "normal" way never works for me! I had been making jewelry for friends and family and had just taken up knitting and crocheting (self-taught) when a friend of mine told me I should try selling it all. That's when I discovered etsy. I'd been selling clothing on ebay and was pretty experienced as a seller so it was very easy to transition over to etsy and much more fun to actually sell the stuff I was creating too.

What is your favorite creative thing to do?

I think my favorite thing to do is manipulate photos. I like to cross process them, mess with the color, and make them into something else. I really like to photograph things that most people would find ugly and make it appealing again. I think there is beauty in everything- you just have to look hard enough.

How long have you been doing this?

I have been selling on etsy for a little over a year now. As far as creating I have been doing it my entire life. I can remember making things when I was little and bringing them to my mom (also an artist) and loving her reactions to them. The funny thing is my 8 year old daughter does the same thing now!

What is something most people may not know about you?

Something most people might not know about me....I had some odd jobs while I was in college. I worked in the Biostatistics Department at U of M. I was the crazy funky art student walking around all the normal people! And I worked at a state park in Michigan for many summers. That was a great job. I had so much fun and met my husband there too.

Going Places

I just love the Wee Three Birds Crib Quilt from The Bobbins Nest shop on Etsy. If you like quilts, but you want one that look more modern than this is the place for you. Elisa has found a way to make these quilts pop and look unique.

She does all of the designs and her studio is smoke and pet free. She also uses only the highest quality of materials. I asked Elisa a few questions to get to know her better.

How did you get started?

I got started sewing and quilting when I was very young.

What is your favorite creative thing to do?

I have always loved creating new things for people. I love making people happy with things that I have put a lot of time into.

How long have you been doing this?

My mother was very supportive of this habit (something I have to work on with my clone daughter). Quilting as a profession came naturally when we needed "a little extra". I have a degree in Horticulture but found this to be a perfect fit with a growing family (I can still do laundry, make dinner, drive kids around while in the middle of working on a project).

What is something most people may not know about you?

I am a sucker for any "How To" book I can get my hands on, no matter I might never attempt deep sea fishing with my own home-made pole. I love clean sheets, and quiet time.

Handmade Vintage

This shop is just too cute not to take a look. Brown's Country Originals has such a unique feel to their pieces. I love to find cute one of a kind items for the seasons. If you are like me then this is the place to find that piece.


I asked Mike and Donna a few questions to get to know them better.


How did you get started?

We are a husband and wife artist team. I work with wood, chalkware, clay and papier mache. My wife works with dried, fresh and artificial flowers and hypertufa. These creative passions led us in 2008 to start Brown’s Country Originals. The name came from our one of kind work, living in the country and our last name.Besides the paper mache and chalkware we have a line of garden items my wife makes country/primitive hypertufa birdbaths, flower planters and flower pots. Hypertufa is a lite weight concrete. I make country/primitive wooden potting benches, planter and garden stakes.

What is your favorite creative thing to do?

Paper mache because it allows me to my creative powers.

How long have you been doing this?

about 20 years

What is something most people may not know about you?

I love to spend time with my wife and son fishing and camping.

Love Notes

I just love these note cards from ViveLaFranceDesign on Etsy. All of her cards are handmade of course and so unique. I am always looking for some cute thank you cards and such.

She makes all kinds of cards and they also come in box sets as well. I like to get cards and give them as a pick me up for friends of mine. I asked Kara a few question to get to know her better.

How did you get started?

I have painted since I was a young girl and was equally interested in crafty things. I decided on a career in Graphic Design which allowed me to be creative, but didn't take away from my painting. I only worked for 3 years out of college due to a rare disease and although most of my time was spent lying down, I would muster up the energy to paint for a while each day. When my condition became worse and I didn't paint, I felt lost. As I finally started to get my health under control, I would make Christmas cards for family and friends, sell small watercolor paintings at local craft fairs and start a painting. I found etsy a year ago but didn't have the energy to commit until this past June when I finally felt ready.

What is your favorite creative thing to do?

I truly love painting. I get lost in color. Slowly watching the painting emerge off of the blank canvas. It's my meditation.I also love making cards. I love paper and creating a feeling with color. Never over doing it-- keeping it simple.I think my paintings are complex and expressive and my cards are simple, bold and elegant.

How long have you been doing this?

I have been painting since I was 7. My art teacher at school called my parents to tell them she thought I had real talent. After that, I started going to private lessons. I think I've always made cards. I would make them for my mom and leave them under her pillow. She still has many of them.

What is something most people may not know about you?

Finally feeling better has led me to find Pilates. It's the best thing ever. It has allowed me to become fit after years of pain and stillness.

Lets Cook

Found a super cute item today! If you like to still look cute while cooking than I have a great apron find for you! If you can't cook at least look good while taking the store bought items out of there boxes. :) Also you can make it with this easy pattern from Pretty Ditty's on Etsy.

The great thing about this apron pattern it can be reversible or non-reversible. It also has a variety of sizing all in one from small, medium, and large both in adult and child sizes!!!!

I asked Jamie the shop owner a few questions to get to know her better.

How did you get started?

I started making aprons after I made one for my sister. The positive response was enough to make me sell them. I then went into pattern making, because the demand became a bit to much for me to keep up with, so making a pattern was a nice solution. I now enjoy making other patterns aside from my apron design.

What is your favorite creative thing to do?

That changes from week to week. Recently, I've really enjoyed painting and paper cutting. I also enjoy painting peg dolls.

How long have you been doing this?

I've been sewing since Home Ec class in Jr High School. However, it wasn't until I turned 30 that I became serious about it.

What is something most people may not know about you?

I feel like I tell everything about myself on my blog. Probably too much. So, this is a difficult question for me. Hmmm... I'm still not on Facebook.

So go check it out. Click on the highlighted shop name in the first paragraph to go straight to her shop!!

Unique Find

I came across this amazing pure wool cape the other day in yystudio on Etsy. The Dark Grey Gray Pure Wool Cape Poncho Cloak Coat Batwing Victorian Bolero is a great piece to complete an outfit!

A piece with a bit of movement and freedom in the cut. When it comes to determining what’s in style, the cape style jacket is a particularly timeless piece that will take you through the seasons.

I asked Echo the designer a few questions:



How did you get started?

I got started because my mom and my aunts are tailors just retired 3 years ago. I have been dreaming of having my own design clothings for long time. They made them for me, and I got many compliments and many people ask me where can they buy it. So I started to work on it:) I moved my design to Etsy half a year ago.




So please go and check out this shop it is so unique.

Beautiful

I have been searching for really unique items on Etsy. I have found so many nice items and will share them soon. I have found accessories, dresses, jewelery, and so much more. Please check back soon and I will post all my top finds. I will also link the items to there shop so if you like them you can go get more information. All items are all handmade!!

Free Free Free

Well I desided to give a free gift to anyone who wants it. If you are looking for a free Etsy banner than look no further. I have designed a few for you to take and use for your shop.

Just right click on the banner image and save to your desktop. Then open it in a program like Photoshop Elements and add your words. It's that easy!!!

I hope you have fun using them and let me know if you need more information on designing.

Can Only Be From God

Do you ever get these moments in your day that you feel like you can just breath. I know no other way to explain, but to say those moments when you see something or hear something or even smell something that just calms you and you can just breath deep. Well mine is everyday I go to pick up the bug from school. I go the same way everyday and around the same time....It is at this part in the drive where I am changing from the 15 interstate to the 94 and I am turning and going up a hill and when I get to the top it is a beam of sun light clear as day, but not the kind of sunlight where it hurts to look at...It is just so pretty and I feel all my worries and anything bad that might have happened in the day just slip away and BREATH!!!!

Alabama Haystacks

I am about to tell you the best secret of Alabama....Alabama Haystack.....yum, yum, yum!!!!
They are so good it will make you want to slap your mama....LOL(just a little southern humor). I remember growing up as a child and my mother teaching me how to make them. And I can't wait to teach the Bug. But for know I will share this recipe with you and I hope you pass it on too.

Alabama Haystacks:
1 bag of chow mien noodles(the crispy ones)
1 cup of creamy peanut butter
1 bag of butterscotch morsels

Place peanut butter and morsels in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for about 1 min. and stir. Keep heat a little at a time and stirring so you do not burn. Once melted stir in noodles. Once the noodles are covered get your cookie sheet and a large spoon and start placing you stacks (Haystacks). Don't forget to lick the spoon, this is very important! Once they are all placed put the cookie sheet in the frig for an hour or two or until hard. Once they are hard start eating!!!
Warning: You will never be able to eat just one!!!!!!! ;)

Let me know what you think. Have a good one!

Thanks and Kisses

I find myself these days getting headaches with these terrible two's. And I feel like it is just so bad and nothing could be worse. Well I listen to the same radio station every morning taking Bailey to school. They always end with a blogger note. The other day this one made me re-think how I should be saying only 10 tantrum this morning...today is a great day!! There are people all over the world fighting for their life everyday and all I have to worry about is if the Bug is going to be wild today or good. It really makes you think that if you think you have it bad someone some where has it 10 times worse. So hug the friends, kiss the ones you love, and give a call to someone you haven't talked to in a long time. And when you wake up in the morning say Thanks and Kisses Today is Going to Be a Good Day!!!!

Turning Heads Saturdays

Everyone loves Saturdays. You can turn your head to so many things you normally wouldn't let go during the week. I didn't just turn my head when I saw the Bug put her fork on her foot and then use it to eat. Thank goodness she is only 2 and it is only 9am, so she's not dirty yet. I didn't turn my head to the mountain of laundry that I should get done today, but know that it will still be there tomorrow and it can't just walk away. Also I didn't turn my head to the full trash can that if I put anything else in it will explode ...it's Saturday...relax!?!



Do you have any Turning Heads Saturdays?


http://www.mcklinky.com/linky_include_basic.asp?id=2965

Picks for August

I have chosen some new items for this month. All of the items are found on ETSY and you can click the shops name and it will take you right to their site.

Enjoy!!!

SerendipityByErin

BlueMoonCandleCo

thegreenlizard

3of4clothing

makingstuffwithlove

washwhendirty

msjewelrydesign

tinyspace

Hope everyone like the pick this month. And please let me know which one is you favorite!!!

Top 10

Ok who doesn't love a good deal and all handmade. Well I know I do and I have pick these 10 sellers from ETSY that have the cutest items. If you like them check out their stores and you might find something else that you like as well!

Original Designs by Anna

We can all use a Guardian Angel!

Azitas Surprises's Shop

New Star Bright Bracelet

Bijoux Designs for You's Shop

Garden Goddess Earing in Amethyst

Uncommon Vintage's Shop

Silver Fairy Blossoms

MadeByKatarina's Shop

Red Fire-Beadwoven Bracelet

Mayas Kalupi's Shop

Wristlet-I love the 70's II

Luli Bags's Shop

Extra Large Oilcloth Pouch - Pink and White Flock-Style Pattern

Fuzzy Wuzzy Soap's Shop

Cupcake Gift Basket

Klosti's Shop

Yellow Polka Dot Dish Towel Dress

Kute Klipboards by Amy Shop

Set of 5 matchbook notepads SLICE OF SUMMER

I just love all of these items. Just click on the shop name and it will take you straight to they're shop. If you know of someone who would like these items pass this blog site along. Thanks for viewing and I will be posting more soon. Have a great day!!

Shop Etsy

Soon I will be post 10 etsy shops. These items were sent in by the shop owners and chosen by me. We already have some really great ones just waiting for a few more. Please come check us out again soon.

www.etsy.com

In Stores

So I am very proud to say that my clothing for FlipFlopFancy will be in a childrens Boutique in FL. I am so very excited. I am coming up with new ideas everyday so checkout my site if you get a chance. http://www.flipflopfancy.etsy.com/.

Easter 09

Today we all (Monika, Emma, Bailey, and me) decorated cookies and painted while the boys went and played golf. From what I can tell the the girls ate more sprinkles than they put on the cookies. We also did some paintings and surprisingly the girls lasted for a good 45min.Hope everyone has a great Easter!!

New at Flip Flop Fancy

I have a ton of new items in my store. I love getting to sew and create new things. It is what relaxes me at the end of the day. If you like my stuff then pass the word, there is nothing better than word of mouth. Business has been great. I have been doing order after order. Look back soon I am going to post some of my favorite things I have found on Etsy.