Friday Feature: Butternut Baby™

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap in a Carseat by Butternut Baby

Hello and thank you for joining us in the latest Friday Feature, where a new artist is showcased each week. Today is mommy-duo extraordinaire of Butternut Baby™. Read on for more adorable photos of their beautiful item!

We are Genevieve and Mireille and we are the owners and designers behind Butternut Baby™. We are both moms of baby boys and actually met in prenatal class. We never imagined we’d be crafting and selling baby items together! Our shop can be found at www.butternutbaby.com

We created the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap, a unique and versatile baby blanket that will keep your little ones cozy and warm during the day, at night and on the go! 

The Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap’s revolutionary design replaces both a sleep sack that can be confining for older, active babies and blankets that seem to constantly come off in the middle of the night leaving our little ones chilly. The wrap is great for keeping your baby warm during the day while playing or relaxing because it is designed to allow babies to crawl, walk, or stand. Also, it fits perfectly in car seats, strollers and shopping carts to keep your little ones warm while on the go.

We make the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap in a variety of colours to reflect the diverse and fun personalities of babies. They are intended for babies 12+ months.

It is the classic story of a mom (or, in our case, two moms!) that could not find what she was looking for on the market. We brainstormed ideas together and eventually developed the pattern for the Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap by cutting and folding the Thursday morning flyers into various shapes. Genevieve still has the cutouts! 

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap in a Stroller by Butternut Baby

Our focus right now is on our Sleep ‘n Cuddle Wrap but we have plenty of other ideas we’d like to explore in the future. Stay tuned!

Finding a unique and meaningful name for our shop must have been one of the most difficult decisions we had to make in the very beginning. So many great ones were already taken! The name Butternut Baby™ was inspired by Genevieve's childhood country home, which boasts a squash patch in the front yard. After spending days going through hundreds of names, Genevieve glanced over to one of the recently picked butternut squashes and the name came to her. She often thought that the butternut squashes lying in the patch looked like swaddled babies cozy amongst the leaves. The fresh and fun name had both of us excited and so Butternut Baby™ was born.

Sleep 'n Cuddle Wrap on Babies by Butternut Baby

We currently sell our work through our website (www.butternutbaby.com), our Etsy shop (www.etsy.com/shop/butternutbabydesigns), Baby Bean (www.babybean.ca/sleepytime/sleep-sacks/butternut-baby.htm) and the Valley Plaza Pharmasave in Greater Sudbury. We are also planning on attending Ottawa valley events, such as the Spring 2012 Handmade Harvest Craft Show (www.handmadeharvest.com).  

You can connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. We will keep you posted on what is new, contests & giveaways and any other information you might find interesting. http://www.facebook.com/butternutbaby@ButternutBabyCo 

What a fantastic invention! Please visit their shops for more colors and cuteness! www.butternutbaby.com

Friday Feature: Maxies Knitwear

Luxurious Soft Pink Scarf by MaxiesKnitwear

Welcome to another edition of Friday Features, where a new artist from the wonderful world of the internet is featured. This week takes us to New Zealand, where we meet Julie. Read on to discover more about this fantastic fiber artist from Etsy...

Hi, my name is Julie and my shop’s name is Maxies Knitwear www.etsy.com/shop/maxiesknitwear I mainly create knitted accessories for women. Such things as scarves, cowls, fingerless gloves, hats, headbands. I also enjoy knitting coffee cozies and little matching bags … they look so cute together and make wonderful gifts if you fill the bags with yummy chocolates or other goodies! I plan at a later stage to start selling cute childrens knit accessories as well.

My mum taught me how to knit when I was really little and she's a fantastic knitter. I was truly inspired while growing up; watching her create the most gorgeous jumpers and accessories for my brothers, myself and whoever she wanted to bless.

In terms of doing other crafts...I have attempted at times to create greeting cards … lol unfortunately not very successfully! 

Blue Fingerless Gloves with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Is there a story behind my shop name?  Yes … it’s named after my beautiful cat Max! Max is a tortoiseshell, and she has the most gorgeous colourful coat. I love yarn that is colourful, soft and beautiful and the name just seemed to fit.  

With only 10 sales so far, there doesn’t seem to be an item that stands out as a best-seller. At present these fingerless mittens are really popularwww.etsy.com/listing/91145371/blue-fingerless-gloves-mittens-with  (seen above) 

At present my artwork is sold on Etsy, Zibbet and via my Facebook page. Late last year I attended a couple of local markets and plan to attend some over the next few months. 

Knit Drawstring Bag with Buttons by MaxiesKnitwear

Do I blog?  Yes I do! My blog address is www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.com and I mainly share about what’s happening with Maxies Knitwear or introduce other amazing artists I find (there are some really talented artists out there)  

Here are the other social networks I'm on:  Twitter: www.twitter.com/maxiesknitwearFacebook: www.facebook.com/maxiesknitwearBlog: www.maxiesknitwear.blogspot.comTumblr: www.tumblr.com/blog/maxiesknitwearGoogle+: plus.google.com/u/0/b/110704225387323282927/   

 I have one charity that I support – my husband and I are passionate about helping Orphans in need in Asia, so 25% of all our profits go to help the most adorable special needs children. You can read the full story in the ‘About me ’ section of my blog.  

What a great shop, and for a great cause too! Please visit Julie's shop, MaxiesKnitwear to see more beautiful hand crafted items:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/Maxiesknitwear 

...Would you like to be featured too? Leave a comment below with your website address and I'll either email or convo you :)

Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Friday Feature: Lucilight

"The Lord Will Protect You" Print by Lucilight

Today's Friday Feature is on great, multi-talented artist Lucilight on Etsy, who makes beautiful jewelry as well as inspiring prints. Read on to learn more about this fabulous artist from the Netherlands...

My name is Lucinde, shopname Lucilight, URL: www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight. I make prints with a biblical message and jewelry. 

I'm a Graphic Designer by profession, that's where my interest for the printed media comes from. I've always been a very creative child. I liked to draw, write and make cards. Combining these two (graphic design and creativity) resulted in making prints and other creative things for my Etsy shop.

 I make cards (by hand and digital) and I customize T-shirts (maybe this becomes a part of my shop)

Dark Grey Pearl Bracelet and Necklace Set by Lucilight

 My name is Lucinde. When I was brainstorming for a name for my shop my father came up with the name 'Lucilight'. We already knew my own name means 'bringer of light' what is a beautiful meaning. So he said; why don't use this in your shop name? And it fits really well for my shop. I want to shine a little light with the messages from the Bible, so that's the story behind my shop name.

My Favorite or bestselling items? They would be www.etsy.com/listing/89097397/psalm-1215-shade-from-the-sun-print?ref=v1...

and www.etsy.com/listing/81357478/alpha-and-omega-print?ref=v1_other_1 These are the prints that get a lot of admirers and get pinned on pinterest.

I sell in a local bookstore and online. I used to have a (dutch) webshop on my own site, it's temporarily offline but will be back soon. I hope to make it available in English soon. 

"Do All Things Through Christ" Print by Licilight

I don't blog yet, but I'm working hard to get a blog online. It will become a part ofwww.lucinde.nl, my Dutch website. When I'll get a blog it will be available in English and Dutch.

I'm just starting so I don't make profit yet. But I'm thinking about promoting charities in the future.

Thank you Lucinde! Please make sure you visit her shop to see more of her beautiful work:  http://www.etsy.com/shop/lucilight


P.S. Would you like to be featured for FREE on this blog? Visit this post and leave a comment: http://meglittlestudio.blogspot.com/2012/02/friday-features-i-want-you.html
or contact me through my Etsy shop for details.

Friday Feature: Kelly Bermudez

Heart of Wisdom by Kelly Bermudez

Today's Friday Feature is about a wonderful Christian painter on Etsy, the very talented Kelly Bermudez. Read more to discover her beautiful shop and a giveaway!

My name is Kelly Bermudez - Gentle Whispers Visual Devotions www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez I use acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. I love watercolor though. My hope is to bring joy and inspiration to others through my paintings.

Before I painted, I was actually a Police Officer for about 8 years. I was Military Police for 6 and a Deputy Sheriff for 2 and then one day the Lord called me to do art. I had never picked up a paint brush until about a year ago when God asked me to paint for Him. It was a leap of faith for me that is for sure! It has been a really exciting journey so far! Occasionally, I also enjoy scrapbooking and writing children's short stories.

A Dance for My King by Kelly Bermudez

“Gentle Whispers”....taken from 1 Kings 19:12...that we hear God in the still small voice...In the midst of all the noise in the world, God speaks to us in a Gentle whisper. “Visual Devotions” because, I want my artwork to be that Gentle Whisper that people hear God through. I generally have a verse that each of my paintings are inspired from. I am just starting out, but my prayer is that my art will be used to bring healing and hope to lives. Some people are more visual learners and a picture can touch the heart in a profound way. I am currently working on, "Gentle Whispers," a painting series of a very special Love Song. …it tells of God’s great love for His people. I can't wait to share it with you!

I really like “Heart of Wisdom.” I have sold more of this print actually through Facebook contacts.

I sell on Etsy and sometimes I have people contact me through Facebook.

Spring Lamb by Kelly Bermudez

 My blog is kellybermudez.blogspot.com/ I am currently using this blog for my Illustration Friday entries.

I am also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Bermudez-Paintings/169726423093919  and Twitter: twitter.com/#!/kellybermudez10

I recently painted four paintings to be auctioned off for the Sudan Canvas Project. "The Sudan Canvas Project was founded to raise awareness of the atrocities towards women in Sudan. Through the power of art, this project strives to give victims of genocide hope through trade education." - Cynthia Davis, Founder thesudancanvasproject.org/  I have also donated numerous paintings for Church fundraisers. 

 What an amazing story, please visit her shop for more beautiful paintings here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez

ALSO! Kelly has graciously offered to give away a FREE print of her Heart of Wisdom print to a random participant. All you have to do is leave a comment below by April 19 at midnight EST. I'll randomly draw the winner. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A WAY TO CONTACT YOU! Best of luck, I wish I could enter :)

Friday Feature: Nicole Portlock

Smoke Fired, Wheel Thrown Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

 This week's Friday Feature comes all the way from Ireland, with Nicole Portlock's beautiful porcelain work. Read on to find out how she makes these beautiful creations...

Hi my name is Nicole and my shop name is nicoleportlockwww.etsy.com/shop/nicoleportlock?ref=si_shop

I make handmade vessels using a potter’s wheel, and porcelain clay. I use a process called ‘Smoke Firing’ to decorate the surface of my pieces. This process is one of the most basic and elemental ways to create marks on the ceramic surface. My vessels surface is totally unglazed. 

I feel that smoke firing is a good counterpoint to my control freak tendencies whilst creating on the potter’s wheel. Porcelain is just fabulous to use on the potter’s wheel, but it does take skill and patience. For me there is no other clay like it, because with a blunt tool you can then burnish (polish) the surface much more than any other type of clay. I burnish or polish my porcelain so that the finish surface has a satin feel and shine, which also makes the piece tactile.  

One of a Kind Smoke Fired Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

I absolutely love smoke firing! I think that smoke firing speaks to the kid in me as well as to my pyromaniac needs (most potters are closet fire-nuts we just have a legitimate outlet). Fire is my paint brush and smoke is my ink, but this suggests that I have control over where the marks will be made, and I don’t. I can use recycled metal wires and various combustible materials to try and influence the smoke marks, but ultimately is it up to the weather and atmospheric pressures that day as to how fast my smoke kiln burns, what direction the flame takes and what marks are left. 

My love for clay begins when I went to a pottery evening class at a local school whilst still working and living in England. I was looking for a hobby and something to do with my hands. I had always loved handmade things, but the main drive was because I didn’t have any outlet for my creativity during the day. I was inspired by the teacher on this night class, but also by the clay process. At this stage I had no formal art training, so I was fortunate enough to be able to go part-time as the company I was working for was reducing head count. This allowed me to follow an access to higher education course two days a week at the local college. Although on this course you try every imaginable creative process, my love for clay had not changed. Amazingly just as I was finishing my access course, the company I was working for made me redundant, which was brilliant! I don’t think I would have had the confidence to take on a full time degree and move to another country if the lure of a regular pay slip had been there. 

Unique Smoke Fired Porcelain Vessel by NicolePortlock

I don’t do any other craft, but I do make some of my own decorating tools out of recycled materials. 

My shop name is my maiden name, and I’m often asked why I haven’t changed it to my married name. There isn’t any feminist agenda, only the fact that my partner and I had bought that domain name and set up my website before we decided to get married. 

My favourite pieces out of my shop are the black ball topped vessels, but I have found that the more archaeological looking pieces are selling at the moment. 

I only sell through Etsy currently, as I only have a few pieces left in this range. I am working on a new range and I plan to have a few pieces in some of the local galleries as well. But Etsy will be my main point of sale as I like the customer interaction. 

I don’t blog at all, mainly as I try and spend as much time as I can in the studio, and I prefer to keep interested people updated using Twitter @NicolePortlock and Facebook. Facebook/nicoleportlockceramics

Isn't her work amazing? Please visit her shop for more beautiful ceramic pieces: http://www.etsy.com/shop/nicoleportlock

Friday Feature: Belle Cosette

Clara Bow Bracelet by BelleCosette

Today's Friday Feature post is all about gorgeous vintage, upcycled & elegant jewelry by BelleCosette from Etsy. Read more to learn about this great artist and her creations...

Hello! My name is Scharlyn O'Connor, my Etsy shop is: BelleCosette, at:www.etsy.com/shop/BelleCosette I make mainly jewelry, with an emphasis on upcycling & repurposing. I also love vintage ephemera, and recently made a quirkly Valentine's banner from one of my favorite pieces. www.etsy.com/listing/91389201/no-kisses-valentines-banner-garland 

Initially, I had a retail store in a small tourist town that was hit hard by the economy, and I started making jewelry to keep myself busy during slow times and as a way to add to the store inventory. I eventually closed the shop and kept my new creative love going by opening an Etsy shop. 

Alice in Wonderland Cuff by BelleCosette

I'm a serious Pinterest addict, and I'm open to creating anything from gifts to home decor items. I've started posting some of these as tutorials on my blog. I also love making embellished greeting cards from an amazing collection of family photographs I have...Organizing my photographs is the big project I hope to get done this spring.  

 I actually started a blog around the same time I opened my Etsy store, and I created the name as my ‘alter ego’, to take the edge off of putting it all out there. I have a page on the blog with a picture of me dressed up as a little girl, and as you can see I was obviously destined for a life in the style and design world. www.bellecosette.blogspot.com/p/who-is-cdf.html 

I've really only actively started working on my Etsy shop for about two months, so I can't say that I have a best selling item yet. My favorite item is the 'Return to Paris' Upcycled Cuff Bracelet, I made a second one for myself and wear it all the time! www.etsy.com/listing/74175756/bracelet-cuff-upcycled-return-to-paris I've made several versions of these cuff bracelets. At my day job we ship large quantities of merchandise every day, and I started making cuff bracelets from the core of the packing tape rolls. The possibilities are endless!

Vintage Style Sparrow Bracelet by BelleCosette

Currently I sell only on Etsy, but I do get the occasional request from friends. I recently had a friend bring me a big bag of old jewelry from her mom's jewelry box and I created some matching bracelets from the old pieces for gifts for her to give to her nieces.

Do I blog? Yes, it's a lot of work, but I learn something new every day, and I'm really enjoying exploring the world of blogging. There is an endless number of amazing people out there, and the amount of inspiration is overwhelming sometimes! I have a big spreadsheet of ideas for the blog as well as my Etsy shop and I try to do something to improve them every day, along with creating, listing and posting! Um, and that's of course after family, farm, full time work, friends, you know, life! I try to incorporate a little bit of all parts of my life in my blog. www.bellecosette.blogspot.com/

I'm on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelleCosetteDesigns Twitter:twitter.com/BelleCosette Pinterest: pinterest.com/bellecosette 

Thank you for this opportunity! I have an amazing and challenging life (don't we all?), and I feel so blessed to have such a fullfilling creative outlet. Sales are so rewarding, but only second to being able to do what I love.

Isn't she amazing? Please visit her shop and see more of her romantic jewelry today: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelleCosette

Friday Features: Memorable Imagery

Army Boots and Baby's Black Shoes by MemorableImagery

This Friday Feature is full of great photography from Memorable Imagery on Etsy. Read on to learn more about this great artist...

Hello, my shop is Memorable Imagery - memorableimagery.etsy.com and I create Digital Photography. 

My passion for photography dates back to my early childhood with a strong admiration for my family's photo's and the historical value they hold in my heart. Over the years I developed an interest for creating my own photography and it has led me to further schooling and ultimately Etsy.

Occasionally I create hand made items as gifts or for the holidays, but no other art seems to interest me as much as Photography. 

I chose Memorable Imagery as my shop name because it explains exactly what I want my photo's to portray.

Soft Pink Shadow Heart by MemorableImagery

My most popular photograph is "In a Soldier's Footsteps". A little over a year ago it was on exhibit at the Bakersfield Art Gallery "the Foundry" as part of the Wounded Heroes Fund. The personal nature of this photograph touches the hearts of so many who can relate and for those who support the sacrifices the military and their loved ones make.

I sell my work on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery and through word of mouth.

My blog consists of both my Photography and Vintage shop. I write about new items, treasuries, features, recipes, and anything else I find interesting enough to share with others. You can see it here at: memorableimagery.blogspot.com I'm not on any other social networks at this time.

Loving Leaf by Memorable Imagery

I'd like to thank you, Meghann, for the opportunity to be featured in your blog. I love being a Photographer and hope that others will enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating it. 

As for charity, I have offered assistance in a range of areas, from helping the homeless to organizations such as the Salvation Army. I've been blessed in many ways and enjoy sharing such with others.

Such a great artist, and a wonderful person to match! Thank you for reading about Memorable Imagery, and be sure to see their amazing shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery

Tuesdays Treasures: Cleopatra's Fire and Sand Necklace

Cleopatra's Fire and Sand Necklace

So I completely forgot that yesterday was Valentine's Day (belated happy Valentine's Day, btw), and forgot that I had my whole day scheduled around making Valentine's day great for the husband. He takes great care of me, so I like to make at least one day all about him :)

As such, I didn't post this necklace yesterday, when I should have, and I'm sorry. Without further adieu, therefore, here is the necklace you've been waiting for!

This incredible pendant necklace comes from Cleopatra's story. Inspired by history (the Egyptians were known for their multi-pendant beaded necklaces), this will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Wear this with your jeans or a sexy dress, and see how this powerful statement necklace changes your outfit from nice to fantastic in a heartbeat!

I imagine Cleopatra as a strong woman, after ruling Egypt for years, meeting and falling in love with Marc Antony. After having his twins, I can see her having something like this necklace made to treat herself. With its large focal beads, and smooth, deep red carnelian beads, this would have appealed to her as a powerful statement piece. 

The necklace as it drapes when worn

Using three large Autumn Stone beads, carnelian stone beads, silver-lined gold Czech glass beads, black glass seed beads and 14karat gold filled findings, I finished the piece with a handcrafted "S" hook clasp. 14 karat gold filled Wire Guardians are used on all strand connections for extra durability and a stylish look.

This incredible One-Of-A-Kind necklace is now available in my Etsy store. Get it while you can, this one is so beautiful, you really should treat yourself! http://www.etsy.com/listing/93027010/cleopatras-fire-and-sand-carnelian

New Celtic Knotwork Drawings

A long, long time ago I posted photos of a drawing I did, with the phrase "Siochan Leat" (meaning "Peace Be With You) on it and a myriad of Celtic knotwork. Today, I wanted to show you that one again as well as a new drawing that I have finished, and one that is in progress! The one above is about 8-1/2" x 10-1/2", done in pen, pencil and waterolor pencil. I didn't use water over the watercolor pencil as I had already done the gold pen on it and I am afraid it will smudge...For now I am not making jewelry as I have boxes of already made jewelry that I have decided must sell before I go and make any more. The sale is still going well in my Etsy store, check out the new items here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels
Lest I drown in jewelry (I am sure there are worse deaths), I am taking some time to go back to my drawing roots:

Here is another one I just finished, a Green Celtic Knotwork Circle. I used pencil, pen, ink and watercolor pencils. I painted the watercolor pencils to give depth to the knotwork and border. It is about 8-1/2"8-1/2".

Here is a closeup of the knotwork. I used gold pen in the center to give light to the middle, like sunlight shining through the center.

Here is my newest work in progress, a Celtic Cross done in knotwork. Here you can see the pencil drawing, and I have started to go over it with pen and when that is done (I have already done about 3/4 of it now at this posting), I will start to go in and color each part of knotwork and background of the cross. I am contemplating what to do the background of the whole piece...do I do grass and sky, or just leave it white? What do you think?

Another question arises...what do you think I should do with these drawings? Should I make blank greeting cards with them? Would you like to purchase or receive a card with something like this on it? I am interested in opinions, so please join in the discussion :)

On the exercise front, I am (sort of) plugging away at it. I'm trying to do yoga everyday, but with the weather changing, I am finding my fibromyalgia pain is coming back. The good news is that when I do yoga, the pain almost instantly lessens or goes away so that is absolutely fantastic. I just need more cardio...I went for a walk with Arwen yesterday (she says hi!) and that was wonderful. I need to get out there more with her and also ride my stationary bike more. Anyone know a really good company for doggy rainsuits and boots? Arwen needs to get some as the roads are wet and I now have half the dirt road on my hardwood floor...hmm...maybe I should go and clean that up...

See you soon, and please, let me know what you think of the drawings and what I should do with them!

Saturday: The Sale is Still Going Strong, and So Am I!

The Sale is still going strong in my Etsy shop - more items have been added so be sure to check out all of the great deals.

I am still exercising as per my pledge on Chatelaine's Fresh Start Contest. I did 40 minutes of yoga on Monday, 30 minutes on my bike followed by 40 minutes of yoga Wednesday morning and then another hour Wednesday evening, and I rode my bike for 30 minutes yesterday morning, followed by an hour of yoga in the evening - woo hoo!

Have a great weekend!

HUGE 50% Off Sale in My Etsy Store!

I need to make room for all of the creations I want to make, and to do that, I am selling almost all of my jewelry for 50% off! Why not get your holiday shopping done now, and have some money left over to buy something for yourself? See the sale section here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlestudiojewels
Happy shopping!

Time to Celebrate My 2 Year Etsy-versary!

It's been 2 years to the day since I opened my shop on Etsy, LittleStudioJewels - http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels - and to celebrate, everything in my shop will be 20% off before shipping and taxes! I'll refund your discount through PayPal after you've paid.

What a great deal! Feel free to contact me with any questions.

Happy shopping :)

Fabulous Friday: Special Deals for This Weekend Only!

This Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, join me in my Etsy store for great deals on your holiday shopping:

Buy 2 items - get 20% off
buy 3 items - get 30% off
buy 4 items - get 40% off

The more you buy, the more you save! As always, all purchases are gift wrapped and come with a free blank gift card. Purchases over $10 get a FREE surprise gift!
Hope to see you soon!

That Was Fun...Part 3

Well here is the last installment of my office redo until I get my new workbench and last set of shelves. At that point I'll move our giant laser printer onto the shelves and transfer my jewelry making supplies to the new workbench, move my cork board above my reading area (see below), and then relax! Here are my shelves, totally organized! I was able to fit all of my jewelry books and magazines, business books, painting inspiration photos, frames, sewing machine, general office supplies and junk, board games and some of my favorite Etsy artists' artwork.
Here is my beautiful new desk! I got it from Ikea and it is fabulous! I was able to fit one of my filing cabinets right under the desk, with room for a storage box full of old computer stuff behind it (old hard drives, etc.). It is wide and deep enough to hold my laptop, stereo, water glass, to-do binder, scrap paper binder (I told you I'm into the 3 R's, lol), my pen pots (recycled from old tea-leaf cans covered in scrapbook paper), and my "freebie box" - all of my materials that go into making freebies for you when you order more than $10 from my shops. I like to keep it in front of me so that if I have a little extra time I can fill it by making gifties for you! Even better is that my desk is in front of my window so that I can see outside when it is light and be inspired by my forest. The desk is also over my heating vent, which has turned out to be quite handy in keeping my perennially cold toes nice and toasty!
Here is my temporary work desk. It is clean! I have my tools in the storage drawers to the left, with my vice and anvil in front. Then I have my 2 bead and finding storage drawer sets (they are overflowing, so the next time Canadian Tire has a sale on these "Parts Drawers", I'll be getting ANOTHER one, LOL! I also have room to work, which is great, as well as being able to store my various-sized plastic baggies (in the white boxes next to the bead storage) and my photography light is on top of a box to better light up my light box, which I now have room for! See the last photo for my new light box.
Here is what will be my reading corner. I have Arwen's bed so that we can be near each other, I have my tall bookshelves with some books, and many pieces of Etsy Artisans' art - from Epic Farms, Crazy Bliss, Art By Marilyn, Visual Smiles Gallery, Bunnies and Hares by Dragon House of Yuen (not pictured, but I now have them on my small bookshelf), and more! I'm going to put more of my books on the smaller shelf and eventually find a comfy armchair/reading chair to put right beside it that I can curl up in to read a good book for hours on end. I also had room for one of my yoga mats and light hand weights, so that I am able to get in a few good vinyasas or arm curls when waiting for things to load :)
Here is my fabulous light box! Constructed from a standard cardboard filing box, I lined it with plain white paper to bounce the light around in it. I have a white background for dark pieces, and for lighter pieces I have this grey background (it looks brown here, but that is from all of the different light sources hitting it in the photo). This allows me to have more even lighting and get more consistent photos of my jewelry. I finally have room for it, and room to store it when not in use, so I am very excited about this!

Well, that is all for now, I'll keep you updated on the new workbench and shelves as they become available. I'm also starting to (slowly) purchase metalsmithing equipment to expand my jewelry knowledge and techniques, so I will be sure to show you the new tools as I get them :)

For those interested, the heavy duty shelving units (Spacemaker Brand) are from Canadian Tire and cost $45.99 each. They are 36inches wide, 70inches tall and 16inches deep. The desk is from Ikea and is Mikael model in beech/white and was $69.99. It is approximately 55inches wide, 29inches deep and 29inches high. The filing cabinets were fromZellers, on sale for $39.99 each (I got 2) and are for standard, letter sized documents. The black storage boxes were also from Ikea and were the Kassett series, both the CD boxes and Magazine boxes. They came in sets of 2 per kind and were $6.99-$17.99. The parts drawers and storage drawers on my work desk are from Canadian Tire and ranged from $13.99-$29.99 at regular price, but I waited until they were on super-sale. The workbench (still to come) is a stainless steel-topped workbench from Canadian Tire and is regularly $199.99 but I got it on sale for $89.99. The total office overhaul (7 years overdue), cost about $550. Prices are in Canadian Dollars, not including taxes.

Have a great day, I am off to enjoy my nearly finished, and SO much better, art space!