.

Breath 1-2-3... Let's shop!!

2011-10-04T22:56:00.000-07:00

After watching & agonizing over my husband as he recooped and then spending 5 days in the hospital being cleansed from the over medication by my own doctors...I think I deserve a break!

Just relax and "breathe 1-2-3"...BUT WAIT...I HAVE TO CATCH UP WITH MY ETSY SHOP! Need to make more things, need to find out what more neato stuff Etsy has cooked up for us...AND OF COURSE MY CUSTOMERS! ...how about a Fall Sale Oct.1-22

OMG! Finally a "Follow-up"

2011-08-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry for leaving my regular followers with a "cliff hanger"...it's been about a week since I was told John, my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer after a rather "lucky" appendictomy attack that forced the operation and lead directly to the cancer location and eventually the decision to take all of the suspected diseased area in one feld swoop.

John has to recoop from the initial operation which will be approx. 6 weeks....BUT this friday, they did get preliminary results that confirmed they got all, if not most of the cancer, BUT they are still leaving open the door that chemo may still need to be done...BUT we won't know till after a few more tests.

As i look back on this...it was the unspeakable nightmare anyone could ever hear about a loved-one, soulmate, friend/ love, BUT with the happy ending everyone wants in a movie. We are only slowly going through some hard "truths" that have come up in our screwy relationaship.

i married my "boy toy" husband...i'm the one who was suspected of dying first, due to my heart condition... John was always the healthy person still working, while i was forced to retire early...we sacrificed all for good cars for him & his job not realizing that i could not reach the gas pedals or brakes. So much of my time during the runs to the hospital & emergency rooms was trying tp negociate transport for both of us...all the while looking like i was going to have a heart attack at any moment.

We are now at the stage where i'm trying to slow him down at home...he's always been a work-a-holic, but knowing that he's forced to take it easy for 6 weeks is driving him to plan home projects...OMG!!! I would sit on him, but I think I might burst his stitches :D

I Don't Know What to do Without Him...

2011-08-16T21:31:00.000-07:00

this is just a short entry to mark a time i rather not even deal with...BUT so far it has affected to the point of confusion & numbness in my heart and soul.

on august 13th, 2011 ...my poor husband checked himself into the emergency ward with some on-going adominal pains. He was initially diagnosised with appendicitus and during the operation they found colon cancer. I was told that it was a God-send that he had suffered the appendicitus, otherwise the cancer might not have been found before it was inoperatable...so now there will be 6 wks. of rest to heal from the initial operation, then possibly chemo, definitely another colon operation & continued chemo therapy.

my regular followers know how much my husband , John means to me...he's my BEST friend, soulmate, and love of my life. For those of you new to this blog, quite of few of earlier writings have been about us (see links to them by clicking "love & crushes" header).

I'm sooo scared of what the future holds for us...i don't know what I would do without him...one of my biggest fears is physically not being able to help him through this. Though I think I could drive, I find that of the two cars we have, i'm too short & squat to touch the pedals while looking over the steering wheel...so at this point trying to find volunteer drivers to doctor & hospital appointments

Facebook...my continuing frustration with this icon

2011-07-11T03:52:00.000-07:00

I'm trying to figure if it's been a year since i tried to put up a fan page with my Etsy shop on full display... everytime I did, it would be up and running until the following day and then it would disappear.

I finanly tried to do it again...I think it took....I pray it took. If anyone has the time, please visit my fan page and tell me if it's still up and running...(preparing myself for another Facebook failure).

Thank You Simone!

2011-07-10T10:45:00.000-07:00

A while back I asked this amazingly talented artist, Simone; curator of the online gallery Ammiki.com , Etsy shop owner of Honeycup and others, and writer of the blog, girlstartup.com to design my blog banner.

Back then i wasn't aware of all the different "fires" she was maintaining...anyway I recently got a convo from her apologizing for not contacting me sooner about my blog banner she was working on. I found out that not only was she involved in soooo many projects BUT she actually got sick several months (probably due to exhaustion, i imagine).

I want to thank her for the beautiful blog banner above & being so dedicated...i really appreciate it. I also want to say i started to read her blog and was so happy someone i could relate too was noticing a "disconnect" at times between working hard and getting noticed and making sales. I for one plan to visit often to see how she documents her personal trials & tribulations of being an online business woman.

Jimi Hendrix ...tried to find his "star spangle banner" but this might due :D

2011-07-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

Click the "title" to be transported... (1967 i think)...Happy 4th!!!

Karakuri by Matthew Allard

2011-06-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Karakuri from Matthew Allard on Vimeo.

My Newest Obsessions...

2011-06-11T02:44:00.000-07:00

It a

ll started with a visit to my local "Goodwill Store". I found this well-worn straw hat that had a clump of "once-upon-a-time" fabulous fragile netting and what looked to be a once colorful assortment of millinery tiny flowers and assorted baubles. Then flashback further when i was a kid watching my mom hanging out the laundry...she'd always let me take one shirt and put on my head so that i could pretend i had long hair...AND THERE became the first day of a long obsession with my hair...the magical, unattainable haircut never quite achieved... popular hair accessories from every decade i lived through.

Above you'll find my new obsession with hair accessories (also have some new brooches too)using old & new elements and adding my "Goodwill" inspired embellishments to the mix.... strangely i'm too close to this work to judge it...not sure if it's good or not.

Lost Apostle...ancient methods in bronze to chronicle a modern world

2011-03-24T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm thrilled to announce a brand new (to Etsy) shop that uses some of the ancient methods of manipulating metals...bronze in particular. Another reason I'm thrilled is that James shop is definitely filled with a male perspective, though Nadya's presence is felt with her nature-inspired & fashion forward interpretation of goth skulls and whimsey.

But before I get too far lost in this article I want you to know that this story is about TWO creative people, James & Nadya...I'm holding off telling more about Nadya now, because she wanted to have time to spiff up her website and give me more current pics of her work....so her video & write-up is in "process". Please visit her website to get a hint of what's to come.

I first saw James shop thru his avatar in one of the threads, in the pared down forum...my head literally did one of those cartoon "double-take" neck turns...i just couldn't believe a "newbie" to Etsy would be so professional in his work and presentation.

So I convoed him and found that for the past 10 years or so, both he & his wife, Nadya, have had market stalls in London's Spitalfields & Portobello markets & have traded at these and others. He too also has his own website, where you can see more items and also purchase as well. James & Nadya just moved to Vancouver from the round about way of London, UK. Nadya is from Ottawa, they spent some time there...all their equipment is over there, hopefully soon, all will be shipped to them, completing their move....I wish them luck & sanity :D

I made the mistake of asking James about his Etsy "profile" where he says he learned about silversmithing from a craftsman in Asia using the most ancient of handmade tools that had been passed down from generation to generation...I was immediately launched into an odyssey that I envied & wished I had experienced...and for the rest of the day was swimming in daydreams of youthful adventures.

At the wee age of 22 yrs. he and his buddy went to Thailand...it was only suppose to be a 6 month "blowout" vacation...the short story is, he got back to the UK 8 years later!

When they ran out of money on the beach...they met some girls from Tokyo who had made loads of money as hostesses, so they followed them back to Japan and became bartenders, they had luck with free places to live and fortunate casino winnings which lead to an Asian "shuffle" for years...they built airports in Hong Kong, met princes in Kathmandu, ran a body-piercing business out of Taiwan, got shot in the Philipines, hitch hiked in Australia, got adopted in Fiji, stoned in Hawaii, shipwrecked in Indonesia, "Indiana-Jones" it in Cambodia, and somewhere in between learned how to use a couple of ancient silversmithing tools & started his own silver business.

Below is a short slide video of some of James work...I asked James what type of music he liked & before I could explain about copyright laws with music, he mentioned "Tool"...so just below his slide video is a YouTube video of "Tool"...you can mute this video and turn up the other...enjoy!

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LostApostle

Met James ...He loves "Tool"...I have no clue...so YouTube please educate me...

2011-03-24T15:29:00.000-07:00

I'm writing an article about James & his wife Nadya...and i planned to do a slide presentation of both their work. I asked what kind of music they like & before i could explain about copyrights James mentioned his favorite band "Tool"...didn't have the heart to tell him that I couldn't get the animoto video to produce with that band...so if you like to go "old-school" on this project...you can turn this YouTube video on full blast and play the animoto video with his work WITHOUT the sound...and enjoy BOTH :D

The Man Behind the Masks...

2011-03-17T12:45:00.000-07:00

David of ArtAkimbo at Etsy.com is a shy unassumming man of many faces...craftsmanship in not only in his work BUT in his avid submerging of character & body in his various successful acting & modeling careers...

Just like DeNiro, he sculpts his body to fit perfectly the roles he's assigned...like the heavy workout regimen he endured to get the perfect muscularture of Fabio, to stand in for him during a portrait sitting those two weeks in Tuscany, as Fabio was in rehab.

OR when he removed a rib and pared down to the petite size of the Divine Ms. M to carry on her tour of "Divine Madness" when she alledgedly "fell" off the stage in Sydney, Australia.

But lately he's had his most "real" & satisfying role as Stanley Tucci's sex scene double in "Burlesque", co-starring with Cher & Christina Aquillera. There is even talk that more Stanley Tucci parts might be offered to him because of his haunting similarity...those dark, sexy eyes & bald head.

**Disclaimer: All of the above info is made up per permission from the artist himself, who is such a shy, weird & private guy. Everything to my knowledge is fiction, though that "misstep" in Sydney sounds like a believeable possibility...haven't we all had a "misstep" in Sydney???

**Truth: Galleries & Museums David has been exhibited in:
Flagler Museum...Palm Beach, FL
Amarillo Museum of Art ...Amarillo, TX
Fuller Craft Museum ...Brocton, Mass
Clark Gallery ...Lincoln, Mass

Blogsite: (you'll be blown away) http://artakimbo.com/

Two Tightly Wound ... amazing collaboration!

2011-03-09T01:17:00.000-08:00

Andrea & Amy make up this awesome jewelry design duo. Not only will you be getting some insight about them, BUT the video is a brand new venture, this talented duo has been working on.

Andrea & Amy met at a gem show. Both were beaders BUT wanted something more challenging...something unique, that NOT everyone was doing. "We wanted to use our creative energy to design unusual and beautiful pieces of jewelry"...it's safe to say they both wished they had been jewelers from the very beginning...as a paraphrased quote from George Elliot, "it's never too late, to become what you should have been".

Amy lives in NY & Andrea lives in CT. Everything is shared between the two...buying the gems & wire, to opening new accounts & managing their Etsy site. They take advantage of buying in bulk, by buying together. They email constantly & are in touch either by phone, fax, or ESP everyday.

A typical day for them?...They both work on their designs...Andrea works during the day and Amy in the evening. If they have to see a customer at their retail outlet to fulfill an order, they also coordinate that with other issues they have to address "face to face".

They meet weekly to exchange finished pieces of jewelry & supplies. "Our designs are each our own".They don't really collaborate on them, except to comment on how wonderful they are or share a new technique. "We are our biggest fans...we have to be!...Amy & I support each other...our husbands help to a certain extent but really it's just the two of us. We could use some extra support...Spanx might be an option ... :D "

I asked them if they ever considered their work "art jewelry" rather than just beadwork AND if they ever considered showing in a craft gallery. As they explained, some of their current retail outlets consider themselves artist's markets or galleries. They had done the craft show circuit and didn't want to continue because it wasn't the right venue for them. They did consider the high-end craft shows BUT the amount of work for the monetary reward didn't seem to be there.

My last question, in great Etsian flourish...what do you wish for you and your business in the future? ..."We hope to earn the admiration & recognition of our peers...we would LOVE to become famous jewelry designers. We would like to see a celebrity or ANYONE walking down the street wearing our designs (haven't yet). Amy wants a red Ferrari. I want a larger office."

With their combined talents & support of each other...who knows...I for one am a fan and wish them great success! Remember that they also do "custom work" & "bridal work"...contact them through their Etsy shop or here is their email: twotightlywound@aol.com

Attention...New Streetnoodle Banner courtesy of Jacy

2011-03-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Not only is Jacy the creator of my new Streetnoodle Banner, but she is featured in my slide/video presentation (see below).

For anyone looking for help with your own banners, shop tags, avatar, or shop identity of any kind..I would highly recommend Jacy. Her patience and artistic skills teamed with her technical knowledge simplified what I thought to be an undoable project.

Please contact her at her Etsy shop...I know you'll be as delighted as I was with the outcome.

Art by Jacy

2011-03-01T02:00:00.000-08:00

I met Jacy through an Etsy forum thread...I was so impressed by her spirit & passion, and when I saw her work, I felt it showed through...the following is all in her own words:

"It was the third grade that I knew I wanted to be an artist. Not just paint a pretty picture, but I wanted the life. I wanted to eat, breathe and sleep art and of course make a living off of it. High school came, and a combination of teenagery-emotions mixed with acrylic paint, had me funneling an artistic game plan. It was then that I knew my medium was paint and my fav subjects were anything in creation.

Skip about 10 years into the future, and I was stuck. At some point throughout this "game plan" of mine, I gave into a regular job and settled. I was unhappy and frustrated, sitting 8 hrs a day with no creative outlet. Can you imagine? Can you relate? Up until December of last year, I was working for someone else and not for myself, like I had wanted all my life! I realized at that point that I was scared of change & scared to take a chance. I was too self-conscious about my artwork and didn't allow myself to go through a normal artistic process. Instead I settled on a typical 9-5 job that constantly drained my ideas & energy.

But on December 2nd, 2010, my prayers were answered and I got...fired! What?! Actually, I wasn't even upset or nervous. I knew there was a bigger reason for it and I secretly felt it coming. Dare I say I was even happy & excited about it! I don't know how to explain it except that I knew that God was watching. That day I went home and not even 2 hours of being let go, I was cleaning out my dusty art studio & sharpening my paintbrushes! It was time for action!

It has been almost 3 months since then and I have never felt so free. My paintings are thriving & my name is getting more exposure. I am even able to sell my work in a new Agawam Ma store called "Hidden Treasures", an entire shop of handmade creations. Only 15 minutes away from my home in Enfield, CT! My Etsy store & online blog has been opening doors to so many great relationships & opportunities, including this one. Who would have thought that I would go from doodling on old receipt papers & boxes right into scribbing a guest post on a wonderful blog? (Brownie points! But seriously Ellen is wonderful).

I always knew it was what I wanted, but now I know that if you step out with confidence & faith, it can happen!

In one of my blog posts "How to Get Over Fear", I talk a bit more about my situation & give tips on how to not let Fear consume you. I list the lies that Fear likes to tell us & a list of what we need to say back.

We all come from different walks of life, but we have one common thread: we are human & we were created to create. Whether it's a hand-knitted floral blouse or assembling organic homegrown veggie Easter baskets, we use our hands to bring something new to this world. My hope is that we all can not only embrace that responsibility, but that we learn to see that we do have something we can offer to the rest of the world. That is the true essence of who YOU are!"

"Hidden Treasures"... 143 Main Street, Agawam, MA 01001

Hours: Mon-Sat 10:00am-7:00pm ...Sun 12:00pm-5:00pm

Website: http://www.artbyjacy.com

Etsy Shop: http://thiswayup1.etsy.com

Blog: http://thiswayupshop.blogspot.com

**To be announce later in few days, the new "streetnoodles" blog banner designed by Jacy at Thiswayupshop.

Adele ....a wonderful artist

2011-02-25T18:37:00.000-08:00

first saw her interviewed a couple years back on "60 minutes" (i think?), but just recently reintroduced to her talent on "ellen degeneres".

New February additions to my Zibbet shop

2011-02-17T17:38:00.000-08:00

These new February additions are at both my Zibbet shop & Etsy shop...come and see :D

Marionettes with Geahk Burchill

2011-01-29T03:04:00.000-08:00

Process: Marionettes with Geahk Burchill from Etsy on Vimeo.

"Fiction Failed This Family" by Ocelli from Ocelli on Vimeo.

Both these videos were reproduced here on this blog from Etsy's blog section, with the kind permission of Geahk Burchill.

We all know the irrational "fear of clowns"...I know I have experienced it, BUT Geahk's work is a bit refined, in that I find myself caught in a "twilight zone" of being fascinated, haunted, and a bit repulsed and uncomfortable by each intity he creates...not because they are so alien to me BUT that they touch upon a "magic mirror"...reflecting & amplifying the image I sometimes see and fear in the shadows of my soul.

The first video concentrates on the artist and his process...the second delves more into the results of his colaborative efforts. I did ask about his "pivotal moment" with the idea of marionettes. The following is a shortened paraphrase version of his response to a similar question last year.

In 1998, Geahk attended the birthday party of a friend's boyfriend. He didn't know anyone there except his friend Sue. It was held at a strange little apartment in Berkeley, CA...it was decorated everywhere with rusty trinkets, old dolls, small animal bones & sixties rock posters. There were children toys from the 1950's and a lot of candles handmade and melted down to the stubs stuck to the fireplace mantle. The carpet had been scavenged from an old theatre by the landlord and was an insane tangle of curling vine patterns with red flowers.

What made the party special was that someone had loaned the host a video camera. They were all poor artists from poor backgrounds...Geahk had never used a video camera before then. BUT like kismet, they all realized at once that they had to use this opportunity...they set up the grey crate (coffee table) as the stage...a little teddy bear with strings & bic pens acted as a controled puppet while more & more objects from all around the house were gathered to create a whole cast of characters with an organically ad lib story line emerged.

The birthday boy was Dave Huckins and the rock posters were his. He had done posters for Phil Lesh, David Crisman, Widespread Panic and Stringcheese Incident. He was also a puppeteer with his friend Adam Bolivar back in Boston. The had a troupe together with Sue Kenney (now Newman), called, the "The Scratch Bros. Presto-Digital Phantasmagoria!" Dave invited me into the troupe for a play called "The Mermaid".

More than a decade later, Geahk can't shake his addiction to puppets and marionettes in particular. In his travels, he organized several small troupes with friends and artists. "Twisted Things" & "Skin & Bones", to name a couple.

He started The CastIron Carousel Marionette Troupe with Adam Bolivar in the winter of 2003 in the basement of a shared house in SW Portland. Their troupe has set a tone for a long series of strange, beautiful, gory and unsettling puppet plays for grown-ups.

Please visit Geahk's amazing Etsy site, where he has new designs every Friday! (OMG): http://www.etsy.com/shop/GeahkBurchill

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gb-Designs/179229085425078

Marina Shafran...custom jewelry artist

2010-12-24T11:33:00.000-08:00

Marina's artisan perspective started to form in her early years in the beautiful city of Riga (Latvia), where she was born...she had come from a long line of craftsman of different disciplines.

At the ripe old age of 13, she became a fashion model & for the next 7 years traveled the world...educating herself in a "classroom" we all mistakenly consider glamourous and pampered. If anything it was exhausting hard work...BUT with benefits for a young woman with an exceptional eye for design and the growing skills of an artisan... seeing the "best of the best" made by the "best of the best" is an opportunity that she did not waste.

As you can imagine, true "passion" came from her long involvement in wearable art and the fashion industry. At age 20, after traveling most of the world...she came across San Francisco, and fell in love (as most of us do :D ) . She grounded herself in a position at as waredrobe coordinator of an exclusive boutique, "The Rafael's", which presents handmade wearable art.

It was during her experience at "The Rafael's", that her creativity was inspired by the wonderful handmade designer art jewelry, by some of the most famous and notable artists of the time...some of whom she was able to meet, or view their work in galleries around the world.

It took quite a bit of time to hone her skills & master some of the techniques, BUT a few years ago she finally made the move to being a custom jewelry designer... Marina believes that by wearing handcrafted designer jewelry, you can reveal your exceptional personality. Because of this belief, she feels her designs are very detailed & meticulously handcrafted with hundreds of small detailed & precious components.

Currently Marina has her studio in the heart of San Francisco...and she sells exclusively through Etsy...and loves custom work, so feel free to contact her: contact@mshafran.com with your requests.

Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/mshafran

Website: http://www.mshafran.com

Easy Breezy Giveaway Results

2010-12-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just a quick notice...all who participated in the giveaway are winners...your "grab bag" prizes are being packaged tonight and hopefully will be shipped tomorrow.

Though I contacted everyone by email, some may fall thru the cracks...unfortunately due to prior business & family commitments, if I don't hear from you with mailing addresses within 24hrs. ...your winnings will be forfeited.

Hope to hear back from all of you... have a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

My Etsy Shop...Deadline for before Christmas delivery is Dec.19th

2010-12-12T11:42:00.000-08:00

JUST REMEMBER... deadline for before Christmas delivery deadline, from my Etsy shop, for the continental US deliveries ONLY, is Dec. 19th.

After that the 2oth seems okay, BUT i can't guarantee. Please be aware that I will be continuing to offer FREE SHIPPING using USPS Priority Mail thru Christmas Eve...WHY? you may ask...I have a theory, that most people buying this late and for who, are all adults (at least old enough NOT to believe in Santa Claus [in public :D ] )... so if this is the case, you can forewarn your friends & family recepients that their gifts are in the mail & may be a few days late.

HO, ho, ho ....Merry Christmas!!!

meredithdada @ Etsy.com...ooak handmade beaded art

2010-12-10T13:53:00.000-08:00

Meredith, from the Etsy shop, "meredithdada" considers herself lucky that she grew up in a family of artists. Her mother was the strongest influence being an art teacher by trade and being known for her pottery & ceramic work, as well as being skilled in drawing & painting. Meredith got a well rounded education in the arts at a very young age. Her grandmother was a talented artist as well...taught china painting out of her home & was a avid crafter. Her grandfather worked mainly in wood and has taken up painting recently and at 93 yrs. old & still paints everyday. Her father who was a heavy machinery mechanic, retired and pursued his passion for photography & is submerged in it full-time now.

You'd think that with this kind of pedigree and the fact that for the longest time she thought everyone had a full artist studio in their backyard, that she would have chosen Art as her major in college...but NO, she chose to major in Psychology! ...go figure :)

Creative expression had always been a big part of her life & so natural...like breathing. College is suppose to be a safe place to find new roads, to experiment with different options. There was a time in college though, where Meredith focused only on academics & working to pay the rent and like so many of us who know that "art" is what keeps us sane and happy...Meredith pathed her own way to realize how much "art" was NOT a hobby or even an option...BUT a necessity for the balance and fulfillment in her life. With the early encouragement of her future husband, to take her "art" seriously and to get it out there for people to see & enjoy... she finally found the balance & happiness that had been lost to her for a while.

Five years ago, Meredith's beloved grandmother died. She use to make elaborate Christmas ornaments & ball gowns for Meredith's Barbie. She left Meredith a huge bin, full of glass jars with all sorts of colored beads and rhinestones to touch & inspire her...as you can see thru her work in her charming Etsy shop, "meredithdada".

As if "all-knowing", her grandmother gave Meredith the perfect project & skill to be used in her role as stay-at-home Mom... a transitional creative outlet that lends inself to an energetic 2 year old's erratic schedule ..far better than the messy & somewhat dangerous mosaic tiling she was involved with before...which she may return to as her family dynamics change.

Not in Denial But Still a Little Raw...

2010-12-09T15:20:00.000-08:00

My brother, Gary, who had long been suffering from the family curse (heart disease & diabetes), died in his sleep on November 24th, 2010.

He was waiting for his friend/ex-wife to come back home with his 2 grown sons and his little sweetheart grand-daughter. He had plans to spend Thanksgiving holidays with them ....but during this long road trip, his family was on, they were called when Gary didn't show up for work.

Though I know Gary wanted to die in his sleep, it doesn't take away the sense of loss his family & friends all felt...how i felt.. somehow cheated of time & words with him.

The following is the eulogy I gave to show a different side to Gary...the child...the young energetic man I knew and came to admire.

Eulogy for my brother (died 11/24/2010):

Thank you all for gathering here to honor and mourn the death of Gary Ikemoto...I still find it strange to say these words because, I've yet to accept them.

When Sonja asked me to do part of the eulogy...the part that reflected my fondest memories of Gary, I realized I didn't have RECENT ones.

As with all families (I guess), we seem to go off in all directions, only seeing each other during rare family gatherings or sad functions like these.

So my fondest memories were of things I learned from Gary when we were kids.

***May I preface here by saying that Gary, as a child, was a bit of a "rag-scallion"...he was the "golden child" of our family...smart, charming, the only male off-spring...HE COULD DO NO WRONG...and nothing bad seem to touch him.

CASE IN POINT: when he got his first bicycle...he had a bad fall & suffered facial laserations...which healed into one of his most endearing features...A ONE_SIDED DIMPLE.
What can I say, he took advantage with his natural charm & singular dimple of many a fine maiden in high school & college... :D

When we were kids, our paternal-grandfather came to visit...he brought both of us equal size mason jars filled with pennies! Gary & I thought we were millionaires...each of us emptying our jars in the middle of our beds and running our fingers thru this "treasure".

Gary then taught me about loans, line of credit...and BALLOON PAYMENTS...and within a week's time he had all my pennies.

I think Gary was in 3rd grade and I was in 2nd... he had his heart broken for the first time by May Chung, his first girlfriend...it was the first time I felt an emotional closeness to Gary.

To ease his pain, he declared one day that he would never marry AND that he would NEVER have children...BUT if he did, he would name them horrible names so they would always hate him for eternity...names like Ezekiel...Jethro...Poindexter.

I joined in with his pledge and for however long it takes to get over a love like May Chung...

We would go along with our day as usual, BUT every once in a while, one or both of us would squeal out "Ezekiel"..."Jethro"..."Poindexter"...and break out laughing with delight.

(OMG Brian [Gary's first born]...you came so close to being a "Poindexter"!)

When life went on and Gary grew into a fine young man & married Sonja & shared Erin and later his own boys Brian & Todd... that "bad name" pouting child was gone & I saw a miracle...the rebirth of "father knows best" played by my brother, Gary...I WAS SO PROUD OF HIM!

I call it a miracle because growing up...we never knew a father who could show love so openly as Gary...this was HIS CREATION...HIS GIFT to his sons.

I know they will miss their father in the moments, days, and years to come...BUT whenever they express their love to their family or others, or when Lily laughs unprovoked...they will all feel their father's legacy & presence.

I love you Gary...you're the best brother I could have asked for.

Caught in the Stages of Denial

2010-11-27T03:27:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick note to say that earlier this morning, i was informed my older brother of only a year, had died in his sleep the day before...i've tried to wrap my mind around this, BUT just can't. In true CSI fanatical fashion, i won't believe it till i see the body, read the autopsy...even then i know he can't be...dead.

Spectacular End of the Year...Easy-Breezy Giveaway!!

2010-11-17T02:53:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to have a giveaway long before this time so everyone could relax for most of the holidays and have a little something extra to look forward to...a SURPRISE to add a little spice to our lives.

But life got in the way and I forgot and so many things are lumming...Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year AND tax time !!! ...So to lighten the load for all of US, I decided to have an Easy-Breezy Giveaway... as trouble free as I can make it for all involved.

I'm not sure if the younger generation had these, but when I was a kid the local drugstore every year around Christmas would have a big bin of "grab bags" for sale...No one knew what was in the bags...but it was always of more value than the price of the bag and all the proceeds went to a local charity. The bags were beautifully wrapped & were a clear temptation for all us kids & visually stimulated adults with child-like dreams..."what could be in the bags??"...mom would let us all buy one, but we had to put it under the tree till Christmas, adding to the "mystique".

IMPORTANT POINTS:

This Giveaway will run thru DECEMBER 15th...giving me time to mail everything out before Christmas.

Participants can only enter ONCE, this way everyone will have an equal chance to win..I would prefer you enter by following me on my blog & reporting back, BUT another way to enter is to go to my Etsy shop and pick one item you like & report back under comments...don't forget your email so I can contact you if you win.

blog: http://nineandahalfdesign.blogspot.com
etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/streetnoodles

There will be MULTIPLE winners since I will be reducing my inventory in bundles worth $50-$75+ each.

I would prefer to keep the participants domestic so deliveries should reach you before Christmas, BUT if any international client wants to participate, please know that your prize will contain smaller items (probably jewelry or cards) to keep the mailing cost down...and please know there is no way I can guarantee a before Christmas delivery.

So GOOD LUCK to all...I hope this simple giveaway will add to your child-like wonder and yet be easy on your adult duties over the holidays :D

I'm Ashamed for Many Things, BUT Not For Presenting This Extraordinary Contemporary Folk Art Dollmaker Duo

2010-10-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

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My confession to being ashamed is for not acquiring permission to present this slide presentation from "Cart Before the Horse", a remarkable art doll shop at Etsy. I had noticed their shop and their increditable creations months ago...i even convoed them for permission to use their images, but was unable to make contact of any kind.

I only hope that they will understand my selfish motivation to introduce them to my readers & followers. They have done an extraordinary thing in connecting their doll images to our feelings, our common history, our connectiveness instead of our differences. Historical touchstones are referenced, but there seems to be subtle new references, a sense of humor with every stitch, and a dry wit at times.

Dylan & Jo are the creative force behind this charming shop, a modern "mom & pop" collaboration . Each doll is individually sewn, drawn & painted. They usually come as limited editions of 25. Pieces are signed, numbered, and dated by the artists themselves, Dylan & Jo.

Along with a charming variety of art dolls, Dylan & Jo also have very affordable quilt pattern kits of their own creation & style... which I can only guess is an off-shoot of their instructional FREE blog articles that walk you through some of the most delightful craft projects... see their blog; http://thecartbeforethehorse.blogspot.com

My favorite new Fall TV series...Terriers

2010-10-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

Donal Loque and Michael Raymond-James are the stars of this series about two buddies who due to a series of strange circumstances become "unofficial" (no license) private eyes. Donal is a disgraced "clean" alcoholic ex-cop doing whatever odd jobs to survive...Michael is talented ex-thief who has become tight friends with Donal helping him with whatever odd jobs arise...they drive an old pick-up that has the faded name of the previous owners' business painted on it's side...in a depressed ocean side community.

You've probably recognize the actors' faces...great contemporary character actors have that great distinction to be recognized BUT not quite really. I've seen Donal over the years in comedies, dramas, & vampire films & have had a crush on him for years...with Michael i recognize him, "but not really":D

What makes this my favorite new Fall series is the acting & writing, BUT i really like the maturity of the producers to not expect instantaneous bravado or recognition of the characters, BUT to show a slow burlesque-like tease of each character introduced from Donal's stressed out old cop partner trying to quit smoking by chewing & inhaling thru an endless supply of nicotine filter tips and Michael's relationship with a gorgeous vet student, who he burglarized & fell in love with on the spot (unbeknowst to her)...add the only dog in the mix, a stout & loveable english bulldog.

There is one more thing i have to mention... more of a prediction really about Michael Raymond-James...my husband thinks i'm crazy, BUT this is my thought....remember "Thelma & Louise" and the monumental appearance of a young Brad Pitt introduced as a charismatic convenience store robber...so polite & charming. I get the same vibe from Michael's character in this series...a comical, zany, polite, sweet, charming & sexy "outlaw".

Whatever it is...i hope you will at least watch it once or TIVO it & watch it at your leisure...would like to hear what you think.

Conclusion: Facebook is like an abusive boyfriend...that your parents like!

2010-10-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is dedicated to Erica who made a comment on the previous "Facebook entry"... my opinions are my own, and based on a 7 hour bout with Facebook trying to get my fan page up and running.

Facebook is like an abusive boyfriend that your parents like... everyone told me i should have a fan page with Facebook, even though i told them i didn't trust them, found them confusing & hard to deal with...following the "rules" they set, and yet with every inelegant programers' frustrated "loops" & turns there was an obvious intent to make me feel stupid and inadequate..HEY, i'm a college graduate, went to grad school, got my masters...BUT i'm suppose to find a microscopic phrase or single word that is inherently frought with "misdirection".

"4Q" you Facebook! ... no Faceless, mega entity, hiding in the darkness of annonimity is worth 7 hours of my time...unfortunately you've got the general public ("the parents") bamboozled...so sorry Erica...i did get my fan page up, BUT I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I DID IT! ...my only hope in some alternate universe, all of us abused victims will gather mattresses around the faceless Facebook building & burn it down...using self-defense due to post-traumatic stress as our defense.

Facebook...devil or angel??

2010-10-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

this is just a short blurb for me about my confession that Facebook is a total mystery to me...i HATE IT, yet i keep returning to it because i know it must have mystical powers i should be tapping into...i just don't have the magic sword or key or "portal" that will allow me to navigate without getting lost and frustrated beyond belief.

there is a wonderful blog called "I dreamed I saw"...if you see it you'll see how special it is...visually & content-wise. It was developed & designed by an amazing branding & website design/ development group, www.houseoftearsdesign.com . at a blissful time a few months ago i was under the delusion that i could make enough in sales to employ them to help me shape my empire...but alas, the sales have slowed and I had to tell Kirk, the rep there, that I couldn't afford their services. I guess we hit it off, because he spent a little longer on the phone telling me some good "free" advice of what i could do for myself...the first being, to create a Facebook fan page for my business.

so in honor of kirk's patience & generousity... i plan to dedicate a few hours daily to conquer my fear of Facebook! ...let the challenge begin!

JunqueGypsy @ Etsy.com

2010-09-17T04:58:00.000-07:00

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My blog followers will attest that this is the first time I've ever done a promotional write-up for a vintage shop. When you see Leonda's shop, JunqueGypsy, you may also ask "why?"...a few pics are a little dark & some blurry, and the items aren't "staged" like Etsy might like them to in the "Etsy-way"...BUT if you look at the items themselves you'll see the quirky, eccentric, fun nostalgic mix you get from her shop and the passion that this woman gives in her collection...my video doesn't do it justice.

It all started 30 years ago when Leonda first "absconded" (nice way to say, ripped off, stole, took without permission) with a wide collar swing 50's classic black "Donnybrook Original" coat from the high school drama department.

Since then over a dozen different countries, the thrill of the "hunt" and "discovery" is the same from a foreign bazaar or a local flea market. Her fondest "hunt" was a local dumpster diving incident with a friend holding her by her ankles as she braved filth, disease & dignity for an antique watering can.

The entrepreneur side has always been there since childhood. Her grandparents, Mammaw & Pappaw, were true Kentucky hill people. She remembers their house always nice & tidy, but on closer inspection, all the knick knacks & such had price tags on. People would come by regularly and have private shopping tours...and on weekends, they set up a table at the local flea market.

Before she opened her Etsy shop, Leonda had accumulated a huge collection of stuffed animal toys, but when her husband complained to "get rid of those typhoid toys" she immediately placed in a trunk in the basement and 30 years later after a career in teaching, she rediscovered them and also rediscovered herself & her passion in a "vintage" business. When in her first antique show, a woman ran up and grabbed one of the stuffed animals, squealing, "Billy! It's Billy". Turns out her mother had thrown her favorite stuffed friend out decades ago.

Not only is Leonda having fun digging out her vintage wares, researching the history, and on occasion, hearing "the rest of the story" from their purchasers...BUT she is part of a cherished few who DON'T think that Wal Mart or the urban mall are all that great. In a society where we don't think twice about throwing away "stuff"...or people. It's nice to know there are people who value things for their iconic beauty & their personal history to people

Please visit the JunqueGypsy and have fun remembering :D

Would you believe...a free full length video as a "Cracker Jack" surprise!

2010-09-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

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This is what you get if you make an ungodly amount of "free" 30-second videos... a free full-length video. i actually could have used up to 3 minutes worth of time...but i just lost count of the number of pics i was downloading from my files :D

It's not going to win any awards BUT i love it anyway :D ...i hope you'll all enjoy.

daisical... handmade nature & vintage inspired jewelry

2010-09-03T23:47:00.000-07:00

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Brittany is the energy & style behind this relatively new shop at Etsy (just over a year old)... i say this because since finding her shop thru her blog, i've been so impressed with her style AND "styling" of her shop & blog. Beautiful & professional presentation, yet an obvious warm human factor, making all her work so approachable & wearable.

please visit & spread the word about Brittany's shop & blog:

shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisical

blog... http://prettylittlevintage.blogspot.com/

A Beautiful New Blog I'm Following...

2010-09-03T03:24:00.000-07:00

just a quick announcement about a wonderful little new blog that i'm following:

http://prettylittlevintage.blogspot.com/

brittany who started the blog also is a fellow Etsian and has a lovely shop there:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisical

brittany has graciously invited me to be her first Etsy interviewee and i'm so honored i could spit :D Get comfortable...get some popcorn...it's long like one of my story-telling sessions here.

Fidana...unique, high quality, handcrafted jewelry

2010-08-03T05:28:00.000-07:00

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The unusual shop name comes from a combination of the owners' name, Hana, and her beloved yellow Lab puppy, Fido.

Hana who came from the Czech Republic found her way to America when after graduating with her Masters in Pharmacy wanted to travel to the US then settledown back home....BUT as we all know about "the best laid plans"...she met her future husband here and now calls this "home". She works at Apple currently...don't get me started here....I'm still trying to figure out how to ask her if she gets store discounts for the iPhone & iPad....but then I realize that I'm still trying to figure out how to use my cell phone!!! I would definitely be a waste of technology : (

Since early childhood, she has been making creative use of her hands & mind through many ways...the sand in shoes, twigs collected in pockets, & pretty pebbles hidden under pillows.

It was about 7 years ago that she picked up wire into her hands for the express purpose of making jewelry. Since then she has strived to perfect her craft and to specialize in unique, high quality handcrafted jewelry. She focuses on detail and infusing her own style to each piece as well as using the best quality natural stones & materials.

Checkout her website: http://www.fidana.com

and Blog which is brand new: http://www.fidana.wordpress.com

Etsy shop: http://etsy.com/shop/fidana

ElenaMarySiff...collage & assemblage artist @ Etsy

2010-07-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

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I first met Elena as the energetic manager of more 1000 Market groups than was (i thought) humanly possible. I became a fan when we both had dealings with another 1K individual, who shall remain nameless, who basically pissed us off.

I guess "fan" does not quite explain it...more like "goddess"! I know in any venue group, it is usually against some unimpeachable rule that you can't say anything bad about anyone else...even though they were raised by wolves and hurt people right & left, we can't righteously react to them. Where did being an online artist/designer equate to losing your moral compass & BALLS???

Before I blurt out the secret...I'll move on to Elena's work which is as dynamic as she is. Here are a few of her sites & sites she's vested in:

Etsy shop... http://www.etsy.com/shop/elenamary

Elena's personal website... http://www.elenamarysiff.com/

Blog: featuring Etsy artists who are members of the "making change" etsy team, concerned with political,environmental & social agenda... http://artofmakingchange.blogspot.com

This group is also opening a store at 18th St.Art Center for 3 months... http://18thstreet.org/events/making-change-elena-siff

She has also created custom books for birthdays, graduations, and any special occassion...see examples: http://www.vampandtramp.com/finepress/elena-mary-siff.html

Face Book page: http://www.facebook.com/ElenaMarySiff

Noah Erenberg...extraordinary abstract artist

2010-07-30T12:12:00.000-07:00

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Noah Erenberg is the son of Elena Mary Siff who has grown to be a fine abstract artist in his own right. His obvious talent being inspired and nurturned by family & friends.

Asked what his favorite colors are...the straight forward answers are red, blue, pink. When asked what "art" means to him, he says it makes him feel wonderful & happy he's an artist. He does his work outside...being directly inspired by the neighborhood, trees, ocen, surf.

He was invited to join an international exhibition of visionary art called, "Internal Guidance Systems" which traveled the world from 2006-2008.

His art is featured in a new book titled, "Drawing Autism" by Jill Mullen, Mark Batty Press, NYC http://markbattypublishers.com/books/drawingautism

Also see more of his work on a website he shares with his mother: http://elenamarysiff.com/noah/index.html

My "Bird & Butterfly" additions...

2010-07-29T18:05:00.000-07:00

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Axels Castle...lovely vintage inspired jewelry

2010-07-13T04:31:00.000-07:00

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Sorry for my language BUT hell I just don't know why this Etsian isn't selling her jewelry by the truck load.... and just as I was going to blow a gasget I read her convo to me that she confessed she was the worst at any kind of self-promotion of her jewelry...thus her esquisite shop remains "obscure".

OMG, I've seen inferior pieces from shops who charge twice as much for less quality, style & "panache"...if this artist isn't placed under your Etsy favorites at least I'm going to spit ...and you don't want that.... spittel on monitors and keyboards is just so messy.

PLEASE check out her jewelry shop, Axel Castle, and also her very successful supply shop, Blueladore.

Coty Lee @ Etsy...handmade ooak women's apparel

2010-07-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

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Coty Lee is a self-taught seamtress & designer. She started her clothing line in 2007. Passionate about her work using new & recycled fabrics, stretchy cottons a particular favorite of hers, the recycled finds find its way organically into her designs as she goes thru her reconstruction phase.

What caught my eye was that her designs are simple silohettes & so wearable & comfortable ...PLUS i love, luv, lov the return of the "dress" WITH POCKETS no less. What can I say, I've never been a fan of purses, just for purse sake, when a pocket can hold the essentials... ID, credit card & folding money (just in case)...okay, maybe "tic-tacs" & lip gloss too.

I've always wondered what the BIG BAG said about a girl.... "my right shouldar is 1 inch lower than my left", "guess what I have at the bottom of my purse; spare diapers or petrified pieces of doggie doo-doo?", "take me home, I have my toothbrush & hair dryer with me"..."please, don't notice I'm homeless".

Sorry...(back to Coty Lee's shop)... her dresses seem to have a simple silohette BUT then you see some interesting darting, or blocking, and buttons that draw your eyes like a well practiced magician's act to appealing focal points.

If you're lucky enough to live in the area, she sells at the "Honey Pot" @ 86 Lexington Ave. in downtown Asheville, NC.

Fluxplay...wonderful flow of methods & technique

2010-07-07T10:48:00.000-07:00

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Maria Whetman's online presence was first introduced to me thru the wonderful "carrotbox" blog quite a while back. I recently rediscovered it when i saw her Etsy shop under my "favorite listing"...talk about "a mind is a terrible thing to waste"...mine in particular :D

Maria has 22 years experience as an art-jeweller & metalsmith as well as being a well qualified teacher & lecturer.

She has always admired the designs & colors of many printed steel biscuit tins, tea caddy's, olive oil cans, and using these recycled tins along with silver, copper, brass & steel; she'll combine traditional silversmithing & jewellery techniques with mixed-media & non-traditional approaches to make one-of-a-kin & limited edition handmade jewellery.

Want to see more of Maria's work?:

BLOG: http://www.fluxplay.blogspot.com

WEBSITE: http://www.fluxplay.co.uk

FLICKR: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fluxplay/

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/FluxplayJewellery

UK HANDMADE COMMUNITY: http://ukhandmade.ning.com

Steel Magnolia (my fav!)... BUT OMG, I must step away from YouTube

2010-07-05T03:41:00.000-07:00

A Bygone Memory of My College Days...plus I still love the song

2010-07-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Bethenny Getting Married?...exchanging one addiction for another

2010-07-04T11:06:00.000-07:00

I know a couple of weeks ago I proudly confessed that I was a "Housewives of New York" junkie. I also know that there are those who love the Orange County original wives over the New York & those who can't live without the Jersey wives or the Atlanta group...and god knows what will happen as the D.C. wives make their debut. BUT I DON'T CARE...I LOVE BETHENNY & JASON!

I was pretty much vested in it only because I loved Bethenny's humor & openess in the "New York wives"...and my OCD came out when I kept on watching the island vacation, 3-part reunion, & the lost NY wives tapes OVER & OVER again...only coming up for air to watch that late night Bravo show ("what's Happening?") ... and just to add (since i'm not vested in the Jersey wives), the live performance of Danielle, tho coming out of left gay field...was very good to excellent (she has a good voice without the help of recording "magic")...I just wish I didn't have this idea in the back of my head that she looks more & more like a transvestite as she gets lost in cosmetic surgery.

Back to Bethenny's new show...I finally hit the crossroads of fan to possible fanatic when the "perfect man" Jason dismisses Bethenny's perfect impression of "Bride-zilla" demanding he help her with the wedding decisions... and his response is "...but honey, the games on".

And though at the time of this blog print, it hasn't been shown BUT in the trailer, it is suggested that Bethenny has to make a decision to pee in a champagne bucket in her wedding dress... I salute her assistant & wedding planner for going WAY BEYOND their job description.

I can't wait to see the next episode!

Almapottery @ Etsy.com

2010-07-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

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Almapottery...narrative pottery that begs us to slow down & listen

2010-07-01T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm one of those people on Etsy who love to be inspired by other Etsians...gathering "favorites" for my wish list & endlessly planning to buy them all with money I don't have :D

Remember those TV programs about "hoarders" (people who can't throw away anything...piles of papers, magazines etc. for years)...well I'm one, except I collect "invisible things" in all my "favorites" listing & waiting till my computer can hold no more :D

So when I decided to find more inspirational Etsians I decided to just rummage thru my "favorites" file and was delighted by my rediscoveries...Almapottery, being my first.

First off, when I read her profile I was so engaged & vested in her story about her great-grandfather and her love and creative connection to him.

Lavinia came to Michigan via Romania right after college following her soon to be husband. She had studied ceramics in college & high school (an art academy) and as i've come to admire her even more...she says she SURVIVED an art academy! Though she has at least 22 years of experience in ceramics, she's restless & eager to get involved in so much more as a creative person; photography, painting, drawing, glassmaking, & printmaking.... BUT she recently found out she can't sew (shhhh, let's not bring this up again...an apparent sore spot for lavina :)

When talking of her art school days, her friends are more important than what the school could offer...feeling more like a bubble, insulating the students from the real world, creating pietre dishes of "idealism" & "cynicism" that seem somewhat hollow, lacking the human passions & exchanges that could cultivate a bit more beauty & pleasure in the world.

Lavinia has been interviewed in Etsy, and other blogs which she has listed on the front page of her shop...i didn't list them only because the list is so long... a sign of so many fans. She also has a fan page on facebook...with my lack of facebook navigational skills, for the life of me I couldn't find it....just to let you know, i haven't been able to find my OWN fan page!

She also has her own beautiful blog: http://almapottery.blogspot.com

Anuart at Etsy.com

2010-06-21T18:39:00.000-07:00

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Anuart...a ceramicist in love with the unpredictable "process"

2010-06-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

I'm witnessing this artist's work with some history & knowledge of this medium, though I confess I'm NOT an expert so please read this review with that in mind.

Troughout the history of our country, there have been "craft movements" come in a "fury" and fade back BUT never really die out totally...and amongst all the craft disciplines, ceramics has always been near the "eye of the storm". Back in the early 70's I was fortunate to be able to study under several great ceramicist, ALL of whom I didn't appreciate until they left my school.

The first was Rita Yokoi, who was one of the youngest Fullbright scholar recipients who was granted study with Japan's ceramic master at that time...she had confess she loved the experience BUT hated the regimented way of teaching...spending months just throwing a "simple" tea cup/s...until it was perfect and up to the level of excellence of her teacher.....than months of doing repetitive glazing techniques til her "sensai" felt her skills "good enough"...than the firing process...

The other instructor was a young guest professor...highly recommended & was working on his Master's. His skills were amazing BUT his teaching sucked... I remember he showed part of his work at the end of term...they were simple thrown plates, bowls, cups...BUT what was so different and amazing was the glaze work.... amazing true reds, cobalts, oranges, gold, silver with textures and surprizing bubbles & craters on the surfaces.

Both these artists taught me to appreciate the unpredictablity of the process... Rita never made the perfect tea cup, but it didn't stop her from trying or knowing the importance of that action. That guest professor got his Master's, but i would imagine he keeps trying to control the glaze formulas & predict the outcome & smiles broadly as he opens the kiln and finds it's nothing he expected.

Anu & Tracey are studio partners and make up "serenity studio ceramics" ... and have that same sense of wonderment that ceramicist and watercolorist alike have...i wish them well on their journey...checkout their adventures thru their blog.

Anu's Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/anuart
Tracey's Etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/primativepots
Anu's favorite charity: Pennies for Peace www.ikat.org/

Grace Potter & the Nocturnals...live performance of "White Rabbit" 2009

2010-06-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

Who Knew Ellen D. was right about Grace & the Nocturnals

2010-06-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

This was the first year I ever watched from beginning to end, "American Idol"! I always thought it cheesy and more concerned to expose the drama between the judges than finding the "talent" of the year.

BUT I'm more surprised that I found Ellen DeGenernerous an excellent judge of talent & well-knowledged in popular music. ...so as the ball bounces, I watched Ellen and found her with a guest band one day ...and again I was surprised....Grace Potter & the Nocturnals are a welcomed throwback to that "golden age" of the early 70's where the music was "perfect".

Chatham Girl by Zara Carpenter at Etsy.com

2010-06-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

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Haute Couture Hats at Etsy? OMG!

2010-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I hope I'm not overstating this observation... but I think you could see hat designs of this level of wit and style sitting on top of the heads of beautiful models on the runways of Paris.

I've been a long-time fan of the designers of the UK, from my early exposure to the Beatles, Barnaby Street, Mary Quant...and please don't ask me what I did when I first heard of Alexander McQueen's death...balled like a baby for days.

There is something lovingly cock-eyed & irreverent in their view of "the classic" or "historical" references that always returns to an exquisite interpretation of "modern".

Zara Carpenter is inspired by her surroundings of the historic naval port of Chatham and her favorite artists & writers; Mark Ryden, Edward Gorey, Oscar Wilde, Lewis Carroll, & Angela Carter.

She makes her own hats from found objects & materials and also mends & repairs antique hats. Please feel free to contact her if you would like to have her create something custom & special for you.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/zaracarpenter

Sas Colby...mixed media artist (video)

2010-06-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

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Sas Colby... a Facebook reaqaintence surprise!

2010-06-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

Recently, just when I was about to walk away from my "Facebook" membership due to a rather negative "South Park" episode which scared the shit out of me... I got this email announcement that a "Facebook" member was answering my call for a "friend".

OMG! ...I had almost forgotten that I had seen my old art instructor on "Facebook"...Sas Colby.
She was a visiting professor from Connecticut...back in the early 70's, she had come to our college through the Feminist Art Program at that time. It was amazing back then when the art department was male dominated and very conservative & "narrow" in it's definition of what constituted "art".

Though Sas was introduced to many of us thru that program, her real secret to longivity has always been the art. For 30+years her use of diverse mediums (textiles, photography, painting, drawing, collage & assemblage) to create her art from abstract to representational work has served her well.

She's noted for her artists' books, engaging her audience with her medium, her intimate scale...inviting the viewer to see, feel & smell her art>>>pushing the boundaries of books.

Sas currently lives in Berkeley, but spends her summers in Taos, New Mexico. She has taught her popular "mixed-media workshops" at the Mable Dodge Luhan House in Taos and also frequently accepts "visiting artist" positions with universities and conferences.

Website: http://www.sascolby.com/
Represented by: http://www.fenixgallery.com/

Mustardseed & Moonshine video....

2010-05-28T17:14:00.000-07:00

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Mustardseed & Moonshine...an extraordinary crockery

2010-05-28T16:49:00.000-07:00

The slide video above captures only a small selection of extraordinary botanically based crockery, which could stand on it's own as art objects, BUT it's also so practical; being safe to use in conventional ovens, microwaves, and dishwashers.

It is a South African based crockery founded by Kate Carlyle in 1992, who wanted to celebrate her love of the botanical form in Cape Town.

I grew up in the 60's & 70's and fell in love with "Fiestaware"...remember them?..so colorful, heavy as hell, and though it was hard to break, it was fun to know you could always buy cheap replacements in different colors to add to my collection...these are far from "cheap", but well worth the artful rendition...plus for the "modern purest", white on white is available :D

Checkout their fabulous website: http://www.mustardseedandmoonshine.com/

OMG! my name is Ellen, and I'm a "Real Housewives of New York" junkie!

2010-05-22T11:23:00.000-07:00

Just to preface this...my Tivo has been on the spritz for over a week because my cable company found another way to hold me ransom and squeeze more money out of us.

Finally had to give in if only to see BRAVO'S Real Housewives of New York...my favorite of the wives series...almost missed the Housewives' "vacay" in the Virgin Islands. ..OMG!

Several things seem to gel for me with this episode...a justified "public" resolution.... like finally making it into the room with the "portrait of Dorian Grey"....pulling off the cover to see the real character and soul of Dorian, NOT the beautiful public creature, BUT the monstrous being... (Jill will never look beautiful to me again).

There was a "curve ball"...the truly beautiful soul of Sonja who diffused the psychotic break of Kelly at the dinner table and made the rest of the group realize that Kelly was "broken" and she needed support and care NOT confrontation.

I found that in that one dinnertime... Sonja brought out what no one else had nurtured... what I had seen of all these women (Bethenny, Alex & Ramona), a loving supportive nature...resulting in a true concern for Kelly's well being.

Now in contrast, I see Luanna as question mark...maybe if you buff her real hard you might find a "sincere heart", BUT she still seems mismerized by her own title as "the countess".

With Jill I see the "publicity hound" that she claims Bethenny is.... and the wielding of her social power and need to be the center of attention as a dangerous trait. When Kelly accused Bethenny of daily attacking her & her children in the press, I felt a strong belief that Jill would be the more likely to generate hurtful gossip, she's been doing it since day one...she has been doing that with Alex & her children and when Kelly did the Playboy spread, it was Jill who made her opinions known.

Jill I think has found a kindred spirit in Luanna...both of them in awe of her "countess"-ship, and an attraction in their own narcisstic view of things...when they do something vile, they laugh it off & dismiss any kind of criticism, everything was meant as a joke...BUT GOD FORBID if anyone they feel is "beneath them" does the same, it is an unforgiveable SIN & they are bannished from their "world"... with the infamous words, "WE'RE DONE!"

On a last note...I find Jill's husband to be the best of all the husbands... so level-headed, gentle, loving & loyal...and another necessary note, Ramona's husband, Mario, is the SEXIEST, not only in looks but the way he loves his wife & daughter...and of course he could talk to me in Italian any where & anytime!!! :D

streetnoodles does "custom" :D

2010-05-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

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My first "creative" custom order...

2010-05-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

i really like getting custom orders, but it is so rare that you get a customer who gives you free rein with the design choices. i will say that she was patient and bought little things from me at first...then convoed me about adjusting a bracelet to fit her... than more small purchases...and finally this >>> a fantasy, bridal necklace for her winter wedding...how "cool" is that! hope she likes it...i just shipped it out today!

Chana Bean at Etsy.com

2010-05-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

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Chana Bean... mysterious & pinch of surreal

2010-05-16T10:57:00.000-07:00

I'm quite sure she is better know in her country of Japan... BUT here, i hope her name will become more familiar to us all...NATSUO IKEGAMI

I saw her artwork shown in a group presentation of the Etsy Japan Team and I was awestruck ever since. it reminded me of something...

when i was a young girl my father subscribed to the "New Yorker"magazine...not sure why, since he couldn't speak or read english (or so he said)...tho I suspect he knew some, being the "intellectual" that he was. I use to like the little cartoon-like illustrations that had no captions... they seemed to have a "secret" joke or view that was meant to be mulled over in my head that always "filled me"... with the "secret" answer, or a controversial view, or a confusion of thoughts & ideas I hadn't contemplated before.

As she says in her profile, her art work is mysterious, inspired by experiences in daily life & contains a hint of surrealism. Her Etsy shop is beautiful BUT if you want to spend some inspiring time looking at a chronological journey thru her world, go to: http://www.little-planet.org
here you will see the more professional artist... resume, galleries, past & present shows and, more importantly, see the progression of her drawings & paintings.

More sites: http://www.flickr.com/photos/natsuo & http://www.japanfocusetsy.blogspot.com

Wilde Moon at Etsy. com

2010-05-16T10:49:00.000-07:00

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Wilde Designs...art, crafts, designs & geekiness

2010-05-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

Wilde Moon or Wilde Designs... one in the same, or maybe a prophecy of more things to come??

Wilde has been interested in crafting & jewelry since she was a little girl...now she's all grown up & is a graphic designer, sharing her work & joy thru the internet & her Etsy shop.

Here are just some of her other links you might be interested in:

http://tackyfab.etsy.com
http://powerups.etsy.com

http://wildedesigns.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/wildemoon
http://www.facebook.com/wildedesigns
http://www.biteyourtongue.net/daydream/buystuff.html

what drew me to Wilde Moon's site was her hystrical "CSI-like" depiction of the Barbie Murders...which i wish i could have included more pics of...BUT what can you do with a 30 second FREE video :D

Balanced at Etsy.com

2010-05-09T14:08:00.000-07:00

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Balanced...handmade beaded jewellery from Dublin, Ireland

2010-05-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Rachel created a handmade jewellery shop inspired by nature, women, and her surroundings....and what more inspirational ancient land than Ireland. She is originally from Northern California, and found her "road less traveled" with her husband & baby, ginger cat :D

Please checkout her Etsy shop, her website/blog, and her other venue (in Australia), Robin Street Market.

ATTENTION TO ALL READERS:

Between May 10th-16th, Rachel will offer 20% off anything in her Etsy shop (excluding shipping)....just use the code "streetnoodles" at checkout.

Mother's Day Thought...

2010-05-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

As I look back and remember the most important woman in my life…my mom, I’m shocked to see that I share more general characteristics with my dad when I was younger…artistic, moody, and wearing my “angst” on my sleeve at all times.

As I’ve grown & lived in the “real world”, my life seems steered by my maternal side….the planner, the worrier, the “what-will-people-think-of-me” person. Afraid to follow my dreams because that would be selfish, or too afraid to fail, or even too afraid to try.

Now finally my turn, though a bit late, finding the “Age of ME”. Finding out that the classic “break-up” line…”if you love her set her free” really is a east-meets- west philosophy of “letting go” of everything & having the faith that everything will come back to you stronger.

I still feel my mom’s presence in our family home…still at times hear her footsteps going down the hall checking in all the bedrooms making sure we’re all alright. I hope she made time to find herself.

Crist Pottery at Etsy.com

2010-05-09T11:44:00.000-07:00

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Crist Pottery...handbuilt pottery

2010-05-09T11:16:00.000-07:00

The styling of Beverly Crist's handbuilt ceramic pottery has been a long time in the making. Always making art since early childhood, she got her B.A. & B.F.A. degrees from Florida universities and wherever she lived she always had a ceramic studio practice...in Florida, Texas, California & Germany.

She's been published in numerous ceramic/art books & magazines, as well as, had commissioned art work in Florida & California.

Not letting the moss grow under her feet, she also has been active in professional guilds & associations as an exhibiting member, instructor & board member.

Her work has been on display in several TV shows as well as a guest segment for HGTV's "That's Clever".

A couple of future gigs for Beverly is an impressive entry in a published ceramic/art book coming out in the Fall... "500 Vases". She'll also be in the ACGA Clay & Glass Festival, July 10th & 11th in Palo Alto. Come up and support her there & at her etsy shop.

Leeya Engel at Etsy.com

2010-05-01T16:07:00.000-07:00

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Leeya Engel...uniquely handcrafted jewelry

2010-05-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

I saw Leeya in the Etsy forum, talking about her blog, asking others to join in on sharing their own on the "thread". I was so impressed with her Etsy shop and blogsite, that I immediately asked her if I could do this entry on her & her shop (see slide show above).

Leeya has been creative for a very long time...let's just say that crayons were involved :D ... and as soon as the concept of money crept into her life she spent all her "birthday money" at the bead shop.

She grew up in Manhattan and 5 years ago moved to Israel. Recently completed her B.Sc. in Physics and now lives with her husband in sunny city of Modi'in, Israel; pursuing her Masters in Materials Science & Nanotechnology.

Her life has truly been math/ science juxtaposed with crafts/ visual arts... creating a wonderful dynamic.

* member of the Etsy IsraelTeam
* http://leeyaengel.blogspot.com
* http://twitter.com/LeeyaEngel
* jewelry created in Pet Free & Smoke Free environment

HELP! ...I Need Inspiration! ... (a contest?)

2010-05-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just hit a wall ... losing all sense of creativity... getting a little depressed everyday that you can't express yourself with writing in your blog, your journal, going to your studio area and getting lost in your projects.

If you noticed I did a hell of a lot of slide videos for other people recently...animoto.com must have gotten pissed I took advantage of their "FREE" video setups :( ...BUT I was very happy to help promote others especially when I hadn't created anything in weeks.

But I feel the juices flowing again (slowly, but surely)... and I want to nurture it BUT I need your help.....I also want to keep promoting other artists, as well as having inspirational entries to help my readers...SO I PROPOSE AN ON-GOING CONTEST...

Open to anyone visiting or following my blog... IF you have any favorite websites, blogs, pictures (your pics, with permission to use them), movie critiques, your own writings, favorite TV show, recent art show you've been to, a group you belong to (book club, girl's lunch out)....ANYTHING & EVERYTHING that YOU find inspirational in someway.

Please write a brief proposal for your inspiration.... with a way to contact you...I'll contact you for more details...and IF your "inspiration" is choosen, I'll send you a free jewelry gift from my studio...and place it in my blog with full credit to you. This I feel should be an on-going contest... to give everyone time to think of things that really inspire you in small & big ways.

Robert Seitz...rdotell at Etsy.com

2010-04-23T03:58:00.000-07:00

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Robert Seitz...artisan jewelry at it's best

2010-04-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

When I first approached Robert for permission to write this entry about him & his shop, I mentioned that I thought he should be a "rockstar". I was surprised his shop wasn't "sold out".

Robert grew up in East L.A., but left it as a youngster to travel the country...after 10 years, he returned home to share what he learned about living a good & creative life. He brings culture, handmade skills & traditions, and variety to his life and others around him.

Currently Robert has a website under construction, BUT there are some lovely additional pictures of his work in the "gallery" section, as well as the selections from his Etsy site.

Zazu Faure/Los Angeles at Etsy.com

2010-04-20T18:48:00.000-07:00

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Zazu Faure/Los Angeles ...handcrafted animals from recycled materials

2010-04-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Zazu's motto is summed up in one word..."repurpose". Using all the little scraps she hoards away, she's inspired by nature, architecture, fashion design, fine arts & misshapened vegetables :D

She uses her scraps like a sculptor uses clay. She sees her job to strip down to "essential" forms & employ minimal moves to convey a creatures characteristics with simple sculptural forms & clean lines, so evident in her Etsy shop.

Zazu is a LA based building designer focusing on residential remodels...as she explains, practicing architecture with a lower case "a".

More creatures can be seen on her Flickr site:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157623898662762/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755463097/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/zfla/sets/72157605755258839/

Please mark your calendars for (2) upcoming shows:

May 15th (LA area), 9am-5pm... Red Rabbit Spring Arts & Crafts Market,
Glendale Civic Auditorium

May 22-23 (Bay Area)... (showing & teaching a class as part of Etsy Plush Team)
Maker Faire at the San Mateo County Event Center

Also sells locally in Sierra Madre at the artist's co-op, Belles Nest

Now....please 'Let it Be'...(a prayer)

2010-04-19T16:45:00.001-07:00

'Across the Universe'...Let it Be

2010-04-19T16:28:00.000-07:00

Bonheur at Etsy.com...follow-up on Krista Raak

2010-04-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

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A needed follow-up on Krista Raak's earlier article...

2010-04-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

I had tried for days to contact Krista via email, BUT after a few days of my mail returned to me, I thought I would never reach her so I used her website for information and was able to gather (2) pics of her work from a public access source...both of which i remember to be older works.

Today, I received an email out of the blue from her, giving me permission to use some current works (see video above), some more links where you can enrich your senses viewing her many talents as; embroidered jewelry & accessory artist, digital artist, and art doll creator. She has hinted that the on-line work may slow-down just a bit to allow her more time to discover the world of art dolls & couture fashion.

If that wasn't enough, she has a wonderful blog, though she confesses she doesn't have as much time as she wishes to make regular entries.... still check it out. It is filled with inspirations & rich examples of her works to come....I CAN'T WAIT!

Queen Size Bed vs. Cal King Size

2010-04-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Lately my husband , John, has had a "metro-sexual" bug up his ass... wanting to paint every room in our house, starting with our bedroom. So for the past 10 day's & counting, we've been sleeping in the guestroom which has the queen mattress we first did the "evil deed" when we first met in 1999.

So this experience has started a mental checklist in my mind of the "pros & cons" of queen size vs. cal-king:

(pro) the queen seems firmer & more comfortable.
(pro) the king is a sleep number bed so i can adjust it firmer.
(pro) the queen bedding is so soft & fluffy & warm.
(con) the king bedspread smells slightly of kitty pee...a gift from 'stella'.
(pro) the queen only allows space for one cat to sleep with us.
(con) the king allows for all the cats to sleep with us BUT the terriory fight in the morning is scary.
(pro) for some reason, john doesn't steal the queen size blankets.

.......BUT when all is added up, (2) basic 'truths' come out:

(1) though the queen size was more than ample when John & I were flexible, lean, & world-class acrobatic practictioners, the queen was sorely lacking space for us now.

(2) my sleep number has grown from 35 to 60 in 11 years.... in 10 years, i'll be buying our bed from "Posture Pedic Cement" bed company.

Krista Raak, one of my favorite websites...

2010-04-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

I first discovered Krista's website about 3 or 4 years ago, through a wonderful entry in 'Modish' blog. Back then she was making mainly bags & clutches, decorative cuffs & brooches. She's now added more to her repetoire.

In 2001, she began her journey by embellishing handbags for the most practical reason...she couldn't find one that was suitable for HER eveningwear. After that she started to make these bags for her friends as gifts.

As a former jeweler, she was intrigued by an idea to make jewelry out of scraps of brocades, silks, lace & beadwork. Combining her love of hunting in antique stores & secondhand boutiques, she collects vintage pieces of fabrics, laces, ribbons & buttons...washing them, cutting them into pieces and sorting by color & materials.

She uses her skills in ribbon embroidery & millinery techniques combined with hand embroidery & beading. The connecting thread is literally a reverence to the past eras...Baroque, Victorian, & Art Nouveau . It is not uncommon for Krista to study pictures or old movies where elaborate vintage gowns & accessories are shown with fantastic fantasy flora. Please feed your eyes with her website... and leave wanting MORE.

Miriamdema at Etsy.com

2010-04-16T16:00:00.000-07:00

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From the window of Miriam Dema's studio...

2010-04-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

All of Miriam's work is handmade or screen printed in limited editions at her studio in the mountains of Los Angeles. As she says, "I read lots of old books and magazines while I breath the musty smell deeply and sneeze."

She's not limited by color or imagination...as she straddles between a retro post-war styling & our modern world, to present strong visual & current subjects more poignantly.

Check out her Etsy shop for extraordinary buys, her blog site for her brand new things & frequent musings, and her website that shows her earlier work.

Please mark this on your calendars... Miriam will be participating in THIS WEEKEND's Spring Brewery Artwalk... a free weekend of open artist studios at the world's largest art colony located in downtown L.A. , the BREWERY ARTS COLONY.

Open 11am- 6pm, Sat.- Sun. April 17th - April 18th, 2010
2100 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
Ph# (323) 223-6089
email: info@breweryartwalk.com
website: http://www.breweryartwalk.com

Unmasked at Etsy.com

2010-04-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

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Unmasked at Etsy.com...a remarkable artist & shop

2010-04-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Peggy is a remarkable artist as her work speaks for itself. She has (2) online shops; one at Etsy & the other at 1000Markets, where you can buy her ooak ceramic mask wall hangings as well as smaller proto-types which originally are used to work out the logistics for larger works, but with forthought become pendants & wall hangings.

If you dare to expose your child-like wonder with your mouth gapping open at every piece you are exposed to, you should view her website & blog site to get a more spiritual sense of the woman behind the mask.

Peggy has also been published in the collector's section of "American Style" magazine... i was impressed, i can't even afford a subscription :D

OMG! Mother's Day is just around the corner!

2010-04-13T18:20:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, you owe so much to your Mom... she was the first one i turned to for advice...okay, okay maybe the 2nd or third, especially on advice about sex or boys in general...BUT after my peers told fairy tale stories of where babies came from, i always knew my Mom would tell me the truth (& maybe a little lecture with it).

She was also the one who I totally dumped my adolescent angst on and she still loved me!

She deserves so much more, BUT we can start with a hug & a kiss and a day long celebration of a life well lived & maybe something well thought out about to commemorate your love.

Go to CCC (California crafter's club) of 1000Markets.com ...and view the fabulous Mother's Day Gift ideas the market has come up with.

Vicky Riley Weddings at Etsy.com

2010-04-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

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Exceptional Handmade Bags by Vicky Riley

2010-04-13T16:52:00.000-07:00

With special ocassions just around the corner... from weddings, proms, formal events, and those well deserved romantic dinners out with someone very special...those oversized purses or ackward clutches just won't cut it.

Vicky's classic evening bags are exquisitely made and are the perfect accessory to a lovely dress or gown that needs just the right compliment.

Visit Vicky's Etsy site to shop on line and also her blog for inspiration & her inspirations behind her work.

Announcing the winner of the "SUPER_DUPER GIVEAWAY"...

2010-04-12T18:46:00.000-07:00

Due to some technical difficulties, there will be some changes to the final giveaway.... you see it was raining "cats & dogs" (in California...i know that in itself is weird)....BUT i got a graving for Chinese food...dim sum to be exact and when i reached into the hat to pick out the winner....i did grab a definitive winner, BUT i also had (2) other names stuck to my fingers...lesson learned ...always wash & dry hands thoroughly before picking names from a hat :D

The definitive winner is "Annie"... remember you have 24hrs to email me back with your identity & mailing address. If no contact is made you forfeit your prizes to one of the other 2 runner-ups... "Lu" & "Irene".

Now the winner will receive the giveaway prizes as well as the "super-size" extras randomly choosen from my studio..... the "sticky finger" selectees (Lu & Irene) will receive a consolation prize selected from my studio.

So Annie, Lu & Irene...email me at: ellen@ellenikemotodesign.com with your mailing info within 24hrs.

My first this year...SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY!!

2010-04-05T08:09:00.000-07:00

We are excited to announce our super-sized, "SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY" which starts, April 5th, Monday (day after Easter) and ends April 12th, Monday, 6:00pm PST.

Anita from Monkeyminddesign09 at Etsy has generously donated a set of her handmade cards…and along with her “giveaway” gift, I’m adding my own necklace to sweeten up the pot for our “Super-Duper Giveaway” winner….BUT WAIT…there are twists & turns to this giveaway… MORE ways to enter and INCREASE YOUR CHANCES TO WIN…and with “Spring Cleaning” on the brain, more additional items to win as well.

So here are the Rules:

please make sure to leave separate comment for each entry;
In your comment, please include contact info & whether you are a multi-entry participant...so i can reach you & know you're eligible for the "SUPER-DUPER GIVEAWAY".

Winner of this giveaway will be chosen April 12th, Monday, 6:00pm PST

Winner has 24 hrs. to answer my email OR new winner will be drawn.

Here's how to enter:

MANDATORY ENTRY: please visit anita’s shop, Monkeyminddesign09 AND my shop, Streetnoodles…choose (1) item from each of our shops and report back to this blog and tell us which (2)pieces you like.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
add Monkeyminddesign09 OR Streetnoodles as your “favorite” on Etsy (leave your Etsy user name)…will get (1) extra entry for EACH shop you favor.

Follow Monkeyminddesign09 OR Streetnoodles on Twitter…will get (1) extra entry for EACH shop you follow.

Tweet this giveaway (leave your tweet link)... will get (2) extra entries.

Follow my blog …will get (2) extra entries.

Post about this giveaway in your blog (leave link, worth 2 entries);

Purchase from Monkeyminddesign09 AND/OR Streetnoodles and let me know (5 entries).

Remember to leave your contacts in the “comments” area and leave separate comment for each entry.

***Now the Super-sizing of this giveaway***

The winner of this giveaway will be chosen on April 12th... if they made multiple entries, we will add an additional random item from my studio... so if you won, and in total, have 5 entries, you will receive not only the original set of cards from Monkeyminddesign09 & my necklace from Streetnoodles, but also (4) additional randomly selected items from my studio... which will be selected from handmade scarves and jewelry….my attempt at “spring cleaning” :D …so let’s get started …good luck to everyone!

p.s. for those followers of "made in canarias", if these rules sound a little familiar, it's because i think ave has the best blog for "giveaways"...amazingly organized and well thought out. so i mimicked to a certain extent some of her guidelines...please checkout her blogsite..

Monkeyminddesign09 at Etsy.com

2010-04-01T19:18:00.000-07:00

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Talented Etsian of unique paper expressions...

2010-04-01T18:55:00.000-07:00

Anita of Monkeyminddesign09 is the creator of these wonderful handmade greeting cards, calendars & note cards.

She recently left the Ad world as an art director & graphic designer to get back to her "love"... designing & making things by hand. Though now based in Denver, Colorado, Anita is originally from Sante Fe, New Mexico which generously shared it's rich cultural heritage & artistic diversity. Along with it this rich inspiration & of the Etsy handmade community, she has developed her own creative style.

Check her out on Facebook & Twitter too.

Frankideas at Etsy.com

2010-03-31T04:17:00.000-07:00

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Frankideas...a colorful & talented etsian from "down under"

2010-03-31T03:56:00.000-07:00

Rowan, a New Zealander living in Australia for 20+ years now, started a collaboration with a friend fresh out of Interior Design studies and called themselves Frankideas which still sums up Rowan's shop ethos, "simple straightforward and a little off beat".

After 2 kids and life in general that came at Rowan & her friend...they adapted and plans changed to designing furniture...then to designing clothing...and now mainly jewellery.

Now all we have to do is enjoy the fruits of a well traveled life.

Batty's Bath at Etsy.com

2010-03-31T03:53:00.000-07:00

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Batty's Bath...bath & body products

2010-03-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

Jamie is the Etsy shopkeeper...along with being a university student finishing her B.S. in Psychology and a minor in visual arts. She has a deep passion for star-gazing, tree-hugging, animal welfare (she has 3 rescued dogs), and a clearly defined Halloween obsession.

You can find her at her Etsy site and her blog , where she's sponsoring a "giveaway" right now!, check it out.

The Antonio Treatment.... I'm in "hot crush mode" !

2010-03-30T02:35:00.000-07:00

If you are a HGTV fan, you must have been blown away when the "Design Star" contest came down to the last (2) designers standing...Antonio Ballatore & the handsome "smiley guy". The odds and past selections gave the "smiley guy" a big advantage BUT THANK GOD FOR THE JUDGES & HGTV for seeing the intrinsic value of this man named Antonio (a name to revere & easy to remember) with unconventional handsomeness & far less white teeth :D

An "original" who can combine function & style together beautifully... leaving NOT a "boutique hotel" looking living space, BUT an actual modern take of space for people who "live" in every inch of it. The most recent "Antonio Treatment" project was the revamping of an artisan seamstress' livingroom/workspace, diningroom & nursery... (see the past program on www.hgtv.com ) ... you'll know why i wish i lived in L.A. so i could get an Antonio Treatment too.

Zemphira at Etsy.Com...

2010-03-27T10:53:00.001-07:00

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The Colorful Life of Etsian, Zemphira!

2010-03-27T10:38:00.000-07:00

Are you shy of exuberant colors and patterns???? ....then "please step away from this entry...DO NOT CLICK this video".....okay, okay...i gave you fair warning...at least see it with a friend or family member ("buddy system") so if one of you become mesmerized, the other one can "talk you off the edge"... :D

Checkout Zemphira's Etsy shop

A Very Special Etsian, Reflectionsbyds

2010-03-25T15:05:00.000-07:00

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Special lady...Special Etsy shop

2010-03-25T14:17:00.000-07:00

Deniz's Etsy shop, Reflectionsbyds, holds an exquisite array of unique, one-of-a-kind (ooak) knit & crochet wearable accessories....chic & cozy items that can be worn everyday & EVERYWHERE, making EVERYDAY very "special".

what i couldn't believe was that Deniz ONLY started knitting/ crochetting about ONE YEAR AGO! ...around the time she discovered ETSY.

Do I dare call myself "green" when i'm really just in love with "small"?

2010-03-25T12:46:00.000-07:00

i'm a native californian..i was a "half-ass hippie" in my college days...tried to understand why my vegetarian friends were snippy when i pigged out at either Carl's, McDonald's, or the Colonel's (what i call the "holy trinity")....and NOW i do what every responsible "earthling" does...conserve water, recycle trash & pressure my husband to replace our "gas-guzzlers".

as with all my "new age" experience there was always an element of hedonism...i was a dam good-looking half-ass hippie in those long peasant dresses.... AND CONFESSION... i think those electric cars are soooooo CUTE.