Venetia Jewelry - Handmade Jewelry And Accessories

Etsy Monogramm Finds

2009-10-21T05:28:00.000-07:00

Im a sucker for anything monogrammed I just love seeing my initials splashed across something. Vain - moi?
Here are my current fave Etsy Monogrammed Items hmm I can just see them all with a "V" on them ; )

Monogrammed Cookies in Black and White by Sweet Ambs http://SweetAmbs.etsy.com

Monogrammed Candle by Initial Happy http://initialhappy.etsy.com

Sterling Silver Monogrammed Guitar Pick by Sherry Truitt http://sherrytruitt.etsy.com

Monogrammed Tissue Box by Monogramme http://monogramme.etsy.com

Initial G Soap by Painted Shed http://paintedshed.etsy.com

Hand-embroidered Coffee Sachets by Pillow Head http://pillowhead.etsy.com

Monogram Spectacle Case by Chaos and Anarchy http://chaosandanarchy.etsy.com

Custom Belt Buckle by Quid http://QUID.etsy.com

Sweet Baked Apples

2009-10-19T18:23:00.000-07:00


This dessert just shouts Fall to me. Cozying up infront of a fire place and munching on baked apples. They're easy to make and suprisingly delicious.


Ingredients:
4 Baking Apples (I recommend Gala because they maintain their shape)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/3 cup brown sugar
3 tbsp unsalted butter

Directions:
Heat the oven to 400F. Wash the apples, remove the cores and place in a shallow baking dish.
Next in a small bowl combine the nuts, sugar, and butter. (Chop the butter into small pieces. Spoon the nut mixture into the apples and pile some on top aswell. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes.

Eat warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Mmmm delicious!

Made me Laugh - Awful 90s Mens Hair Styles

2009-10-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Awful Library Books just unearthed this find: "Milady's For Men Only Styling and Techniques" from 1994.
What glorious mullets! I am tempted to get my hands on a copy as a gag gift for my boyfriend as he is currently growing his hair and is very much in the awkward stage!


http://awfullibrarybooks.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/just-for-men/

Etsy Seller Feature Able Mabel

2009-10-15T17:57:00.000-07:00

This weeks Etsy Seller Feature is on Etsy shop "Able Mabel" run by Jen and Leann, two crafty sisters from Western Colorado. Abel Mabel sell all kinds of household items such as aprons, coasters, light switch covers and baby items which as they like to put it "find the fun in functional".

" As artists, we are inspiried by everyday things around us...family, nature, colors, emotions, moods, etc. Give us a fun piece of fabric, paper or beads and it's off to the races! We love finding the "unusual" and making it into something functional!"

Here are a few questions I asked Leann who runs the business side of the shop:

You're very creative it seems like you do a litle bit of everything! Have you always been crafty?

I haven't always been crafty. In fact for many years I avoided anything crafty. I thought I could never do it, I didn't have the patience, etc.

What is your favorite craft?

I alternate between sewing and paper crafts as my favorites.

How did you first learn your crafts?

Trial and error. I experimented with various methods until I found just the right way to do it.

Do you have a favorite item in your Etsy Shop right now?

Probably this patchwork blanket. I had so much fun putting it together. The pattern was something that was totally random. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28289122

Do you do your craft full-time?

Technically, no. But I do something with it most days, even if it's just computer work. I don't necessarially create new product everyday.

Where do you find inspiration for your products?

Everywhere and anywhere. Fabrics, papers, color schemes, etc.

What do you love about your business?

The flexibility of it. The ability to use it as an "excuse" to create.

What makes you unique at Etsy?

I try to "find the fun in function".

Do you have any crafting tips to share?

Do what you love, love what you do. Push yourself to try new mediums, techniques. You never know what you might discover.

Do you have any small business tips to share?

Stay organized, even if you detest that part of the business.

Do you have any tips to share for anyone who is thinking about setting up an Etsy shop?

Keep at it. Don't give up even if the sales aren't rolling in. Take the best photographs you possibly can and then take better ones. Promote off Etsy if possible. Only invest as much money into your business as you can afford to lose.

Abel Mabel can be found at the below places:

Etsy: http://www.ablemabel.etsy.com

Blog: http://mabelisable.blogspot.com

Artfire: http://ablemabel.artfire.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/edit/?id=102477962544#/pages/able-mabel/102477962544

Dreams Single Light Switch Cover

Magenta Stripes Lovie with Minky for Baby Girls

Large Blooms Full Apron

Un-noticed Housework Sign

Throw Pillow

DIY Packing Tape Transfer Halloween Votive Holders

2009-10-14T04:24:00.000-07:00

Heres an easy breezy halloween craft idea. Jessica from How about Orange shows us how to transfer spooky images onto votive candles and all you need is some clear packing tape and access to a laser printer.

For the full tutorial click here:

http://howaboutorange.blogspot.com/2009/10/spooky-packing-tape-transfers.html

I've Totally Been Featured!

2009-10-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Jewels of Saraswati included me in her second installation of Etsy Shops from New Jersey! I'm so flattered to be featured. Head over to her blog to check out the other Etsy NJ shops featured.

http://jewelsofsaraswati.blogspot.com/2009/10/etsy-in-nj-part-2.html

Eggplant Pasta Salad

2009-10-13T04:35:00.000-07:00

I love pasta and pasta salad is such a great staple. Here is a pasta salad with a twist that you can serve at your next picnic or bbq

Ingredients:

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 celery stalks, finely chopped
1 medium sized eggplant, cut into half inch pieces
1 pint of grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1/4 water
2 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
Pepper and red pepper flakes
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp capers
1/4 pine nuts

1 lb penne (I used whole wheat to make it healthier)

Directions:
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium high heat, Add the celery and cook 3 or so minutes until slightly softened. Add the eggplant and tomatoes.
Meanwhile combine the tomato paste, vinegar, 1/4 of water, 2 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of pepper and the sugar. Stir into the eggplant.

Reduce heat to medium low and cover. Cook until eggplant is tender (around 15-20 minutes).
Remove from heat and stir in the capers and pine nuts.

Meanwhile cook the penne. Toss with 1 tbsp of olive oil and let cool.
Combine the pasta and eggplant before serving.



Adapted from Real Simple

Spa Day Etsy Finds

2009-10-12T04:51:00.000-07:00

Fall is the time of year when I revert to my at home spa treaments. In the summer the sun gives my skin a nice glow but as the days get colder I find my skin getting dryer and my complexion looking duller and we cant have that! Oh no!

I will post a few of my at home spa solutions in the coming weeks but in the mean time here are my top Etsy Spa Finds. So when its cold outside invite your girlfriends round and enjoy a relaxing spa day

Turkish Bath Towel...PESHTEMAL by Turkish Bath http://TurkishBath.etsy.com

Therapeutic Neck and Shoulder Wrap Flaxseed and Rice Lavender Scented by Comfy Creations http://ComfyCreations.etsy.com

Aromatherapy Candle - New Organic Bergamot and coriander with essential oils by Lil Sprout http://Lilsprout.etsy.com

Foot Gunk No. 1 - deodorizing foot scrub by Sugar Chills http://SugarChills.etsy.com

Beautiful Bath Tea by monamiga http://monamiga.etsy.com

Red Currant Luxury Bubble Bath by Bubble Tub http://bubbletub.etsy.com

Lime Margarita Dead Sea Salt Cold Process Handmade Soap Bar by Lippincott Soap Co http://LippincottSoapCo.etsy.com

Gudonya Whipped Clean Foaming Body Wash in Citrus Blast by Gudonya Too http://GudonyaToo.etsy.com

Luxuria Silk Sleep Mask by Doodle Bugs Fun Fabrics http://doodlebugsfunfabrics.etsy.com

Tangerine Felt Flower Woven Spa Slippers by The Blooming South http://TheBloomingSouth.etsy.com

Organic Spa Facial Kit - Cleanser, Steam, Masque, Spritz, Serum, Moisturizer by Spa Goddess http://SpaGoddess.etsy.com

First Ever New York City Yarn Crawl

2009-10-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to stock u on new yarns?

This weekend 14 participating yarn stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn are joining forces to host the first ever New York City Yarn Crawl - a free self-guided tour for knitters and crocheters.

"To encourage exploration of the city's yarn shops and promote the needle arts, 14 of New York's largest yarn retailers are hosting this special event, Friday, Oct. 9 through Monday, Oct. 12."

There will also be a scavenger hunt involving all 14 stores and prizes to be won!

For more info about participating stores check out www.nycyarncrawl.com/

Etsy Seller Feature Green Eyed Butterfly

2009-10-09T04:46:00.000-07:00

"Dancing"

This weeks Etsy Seller Feature is on Patricia Halstead from Etsy shop "Green-Eyed Butterfly". Pat was born and raised in New Jersey but currently lives in Diamond Bar, California, thirty miles east of Los Angeles. Pat sells her original art prints, ACEO's,original paintings, bibs, totes for children, shirts, and book plates in her Etsy shop. Each of her prints is an original drawn by Pat, colored on the computer and printed with a Hewlett Packard Pro printer using archival Vivara ink.

"Bird Floral"

"I love to draw and have been doing it for many years. As a grandmother, I particularly enjoy doing art for children's rooms."

"Print on Canvas"

What do you love about painting and drawing?
I have painted and drawn all of my life and it's just a natural way of expressing myself;
it's relaxing and gives me a lot of pleasure.

Do you have any formal training in painting and drawing?
I studied art, design and computer illustration in college and received a certificate in
design.

What attracts you to oil painting?
There are times that I enjoy oil painting but I usually prefer watercolors and computer
illustration.

For those of us who dont know, what are ACEOs?

I paint a lot of ACEO's which are art trading cards. These are always 2 1/2" X 3 1/2"
and are either originals or limited edition prints.

Do you have a favorite item in your Etsy shop?
Usually my favorite item in my shop is the one I just completed. I'm happy with the way
my "Dancing" print turned out which is my largest one, 14" x 18". It is very colorful
and was inspired by my grand daughter who loves to dance and always wears her sunglasses.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_list_2&listing_id=29055529&ga_search_query=dancing&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_7237070

Do you do your craft full-time?
I fit my artwork into and around my other responsibilities involving my husband who is retired and my family. I try to work on it everyday.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration for my watercolors and oils in nature; I love painting flowers. My whimsical
art work is mostly geared toward children and my grand daughter has been my inspiration for that.

"Bookplate"

"Baby Onesie"

What do you love about your business?
Since I love to draw and paint, having an online business is a way for me to showcase my
work. It also gives me great satisfaction when someone like something enough to buy it.

What makes you unique at Etsy?
I would say that most artists on Etsy are unique because we all create from our imaginations. There are so many wonderful artists there and they all want to sell their work and and each is unique in their own way.

"Frog Tea Party"

"Nursery Print - Elephant"

Do you have any crafting tips to share?
I guess the only crafting tip I have is to learn as much as you can about your craft through
classes, books and the internet.

Do you have any small business tips to share?
Having a small internet business takes a lot of work. There is so much competition that you have to spend a lot of your creative energy finding ways to be seen. I personally list and renew several times a day since it's so easy to get buried on Etsy. I spend some time in the forums but mostly I find places to advertise which requires a lot of searching. I also have other online shops and a Facebook Fan Page.

Do you have any tips to share for anyone who is thinking about setting up an Etsy shop?
If you plan on setting up an Etsy Shop be prepared to promote constantly and getting known takes time..

Shop Green Eyed Butterfly at the below places:

Etsy: http://greeneyedbutterfly.etsy.com
http://www.winkelf.com/greeneyedbutterfly
Buy and Sell Handmade : http://www.madeitmyself.com/user/greeneyedbutterf.aspx
Handmade Fusion : http://www.handmadefusion.com/shop.php?user_id=100918
Art Cards Wanted : http://www.artcardswanted.com/artist.cfm?MID=4243
Facebook Fan Page : http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Green-Eyed-Butterfly/91914178096

Knit Converse High-Tops

2009-10-08T04:47:00.000-07:00

I love me some Converse, they are the perfect running around shoe, but in the winter I tend to abandon them for shoes that will keep my feet a little warmer....but wait! What if I made a pair of these Knitted Converse?

I found these while browsing craftzine they would make a super fun fall project.
For full instructions click here: http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/09/flashback_knit_converse_high-t.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

P.S Don't you just love the little puppy in the background?

I'm Baaaack!

2009-10-08T04:43:00.000-07:00

First of all - Apologies for being MIA the past couple weeks. Life got in the way as it does and my regular "day job" has been so busy I have barely had time for anything else and no time to update my blog : (

Anyhoo I'm trying to make a conscious effort to sneak in the odd blog post here and there so you will be hearing a lot more from me again (whether you want to or not) ha!

xoxo

Venetia Jewelry

Oh and stay tuned for a new giveaway coming soooooon!

DIY Sparkle Shoulder Sweatshirt

2009-09-28T03:51:00.001-07:00

Its not secret that shoulders are *BIG* this fall. Shoulder pads, shoulder designs etc - everyone designer is focusing on the shoulders. So why not add a little sparkle to your shoulder with this quick and easy DIY design.

All you need is an old sweatshirt some sparkle you want to attach to your shoulder and some fabric glue.
And there you have a stylish new look for fall!

(P.S Remember to let the glue dry 24 hours before wearing)


Sweatshirt from American Apparel
Appliques can be found at MJ Trim

Groove on Grove - The Devyl Nellys

2009-09-25T06:09:00.000-07:00

Tim from http://timothyherrick.blogspot.com/ did a really nice write up of my friends band The Devyl Nellys who played a great set Wednesday at Grove Street in Jersey City.

The final Groove on Grove will be next Wednesday from 6-8.

For more info on The Devyl Nellys check out their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/thedevylnellys

Little Shop of Etsy Horrors

2009-09-23T03:55:00.000-07:00

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays - any excuse to play dress up and stuff myself with candy!
Here are some spooky Etsy Halloween accesorries to get you in the mood..are you scared yet?

Zombie Fun Pack Vinyl Wall Art by Pill box Designs http://Pillboxdesigns.etsy.com

Grey Skeleton by Gush 4 Plush http://gush4plush.etsy.com

Little Vampire Mary Jane Shoes by Em and Sprout http://emandsprout.etsy.com

Embroidered Heart Pillow Case by Tada Boutique http://tadaboutique.etsy.com

 Macabre rings by Foamy Wader http://foamywader.etsy.com

Skeleton hands with metallic pink painted nails clip by Sisters of the Moon http://SistersOfTheMoon.etsy.com

Joined Dia de los Muertos Sugar Skull and Roses- Green Necklace by Horribell http://horribell.etsy.com

Super Mario Fingernails

2009-09-22T04:17:00.000-07:00

Super Mario has always been on of my favorite games but perhaps this is taking it a little too far?

Pretty cool though!

Super Mario fingernails via BoingBoing


http://www.boingboing.net/2009/09/12/super-mario-fingerna.html

Etsy Seller Feature Cards Between Friends

2009-09-21T04:24:00.000-07:00

This weeks Etsy seller feature is on Maricela Flores at Cards Between Friends . Maricela lives in Fayetteville NC and is a stay at home mom raising her 3 kids who are 16, 14 & 5 - she used to be in the military!

Ok, so have you always loved stationary?
Stationary wasn't my first love. I remember picking up a plastic canvas kit my sister left on her bed and I started following the pattern in the booklet. Ever since then I've fallen in love with any craft possible. Sewing, cross-stitch, tatting & card making with rubber stamps. For some reason I have no talent for scrap booking, but wish I knew how to crochet. But I do still have the magnet which was made out of the plastic canvas.

What made you first decide to start making cards and selling them?
I first started making cards around 2001 when a friend invited me to go to a class her friend, who was a demonstrator at the time, was giving. It has always been just a hobby & creative outlet until recently in October 2008 when I set up shop in Etsy. I did this after encouragement of family members. I don ' t regret any second since joining. It ' s hard work & time consuming, but very rewarding doing this for myself.

Blast Off Any Occasion Card

I see you do a lot of collage type cards - what are your favorite cards to make?
My favorite are water coloring and also dimensional items, not necessarily just cards. Such as party favors for my kids birthday parties and classes.
The reason why I enjoy water coloring is because it ' s very relaxing and easy to get lost in my own little world...very therapeutic! When all the coloring is done, that ' s when the glitter is added with a glitter pen for sparkle. It just finishes off the whole piece.
I love that you send cards directly to the recipient that ' s a great service - do you write the message too?
I can and have written the buyer ' s message on the card before sealing it up. With everything else going on in our lives, it ' s nice to have someone else take care of that for you.
All the buyer has to do is leave me a message at the time of purchase. I ' m in constant contact with the buyer and sometimes I worry that I ask too many questions. But it ' s important for me to get the message and the card right.

Do you have a favorite item in your Etsy shop?
For now, my favorite item in my Etsy shop is my Water Color Gnome. It ' s always been one of my favorite stamp sets, but shamelessly underused.
The image begs to be water colored, that ' s when the sweet gnomes start coming to life. And also the colors on the card along with the decorator paper makes for a lovely combo.

Do you do your craft full-time?
Making my custom orders, samples, updating my shop, sending out orders, taking, editing & posting photos and showing my shop to does require quite a bit of time. Many hours a day are spent doing this as many who do the same thing realize. A lot more than Iâ€™ve ever imagined! So i do consider it to be full time. I love it!

Where do you find inspiration for your paper products?
Inspiration comes from ALL OVER! Everywhere I go, everything see, just like many other artists. I love experimenting with different color combinations, techniques & layouts.
And if I mess up or it just doesn ' t look good, no one has to know!
90% of my inspiration comes from other card makers who graciously share their work on various websites. It ' s amazing what they 'r e capable of creating.

Bug Bag Toppers

What do you love about your business?
I love coming in contact with many different people on Etsy. I can feel their excitement when I show them a card I came up for them for their special occasion. Custom orders keep me out of a rut and forces me to try new things. They tell me about the person, what they like, and a few more questions later, I come up with a card that I hope they like and approve. Most of my sales are through the Etsy website since that ' s where I advertise my shop the most.

What makes you unique at Etsy?
My cads are 4 " x 3 3/4 " rather than the average 4.25" x 5.5". I started making them this size about 2 years ago. For some reason, they were easier for me to work with. The smaller space helps cozy it up a little. That ' s when my design style started to emerge.

Butterfly Note Cards

Do you have any crafting tips to share for anyone who likes to make their own cards?
The right type of inks and papers make a HUGE difference on how your cards turn out. Quality really does count! I started out with the cheap-o, flimsy papers, but moved on up to top quality items. The envelope also makes a tremendous difference. My cards come with a beautiful standard size Kraft envelope.

Halloween Treat Pouches

Do you have any small business tips to share?
Be proud of your work and don ' t underestimate yourself. You ' ve got to be constantly promoting yourself, or else you ' ll drown in the sea of sellers. Go through the forums for valuable information and many other resources Etsy has to offer. Lots of information out there from fellow Etsy sellers. Learn from their mistakes and share yours also!

Lunchbox Notes

Do you have any tips to share for anyone who is thinking about setting up an Etsy shop?
There ' s no such thing as a dumb question. Ask or post it and more than likely someone has an answer for you. I ' ve learned so much from others and gladly share my info that might help someone else sell. A good experience was getting my shop critiqued during one of the virtual labs. Just by watching others shops get critiqued is also helpful

Pumpkin Faces Tags

Is there any other information you would like to share with my readers?
Buyers can definitely tell when your heart is put into your products. This is true for me since I'm a buyer, also. I think for a lot of us sellers, we work so hard at tying to sell our product, not just for the money...which definitely helps, but also for being acknowledged.
Sometimes it's just as gratifying to hear someone tell you how impressive your work is.

Rust Cocoa Bronco Card

Cards between Friends can be found at the below:

CardsBetweenFriends.etsy.com
Facebook (CardsBetweenFriends)
twitter.com/BetweenFriends

SplitCoastStampers (Maricela)
Spanglish Team on Etsy

Sparkly and Bright Christmas Card

Maricela in her own words:

Lets start writing to friends & family, not just for birthdays & special occasions, but also in random, showing that we're always thinking about them whether the live near or far. Don't you just love it when you get a card in the mail?

A goal of mine is to get people to write more to each other. Emailing is so fast & convenient, which is perfect in this instant gratification time, but who doesn't love receiving a letter in the mail still? To know someone took the time to send you something is even more gratifying. And to make it even more special, a card that has been personalized and put their heart into making it.
So let's start writing to friends & family more often. It's time we stop distancing ourselves and once again form that bond with our loved ones.

DIY Tee-cycling

2009-09-18T03:58:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been trying to get very creative with my clothes. Fall is here and I'm dying for a new wardrobe but money is tight so I'm recycling and re-inventing my old clothes. Having cleared out my closet the other week I found a few items that I wouldn't wear again due to holes and what not but that I still basically liked so I cut them up and stuck them on other clothes to see how they looked. Why not?

This tshirt was my first attempt. I took and old tank top that had a cool design on the front and carefully cut it off and attached it to a plain grey tee to give it a fancy bib necklace kind of style. I just used fabric glue as I have yet to aquaint myself with a sewing machine (fingers crossed I'm getting one for Xmas). It assures me on the bottle that I am able to wash this without it falling off - we shall see!




New and updated for Fall '09!


Next week I will be showing how to inject some glamour into an old sweatshirt...stay stuned!

Etsy Top Picks for Fall

2009-09-17T06:43:00.000-07:00


There's definitely a chill in the morning air and Im packing a cardigan instead of flip flops and a sun dress. Trying to hold on to Summer but it definitely feels like the beginning of Fall!



Here are some cozy Etsy finds to get you through the Autumn

Pumpkin Spice Soap Wedges by Sapone Soaps http://SaponeSoaps.etsy.com

Chunky Citron Yellow Scarf by Kerrera Skye http://KerreraSkye.etsy.com

Small Autumn Maple Leaf Bowl by Gourds by Design http://gourdsbydesign.etsy.com

Flora Ballet Flats by Hydra Heart http://HydraHeart.etsy.com

BRAIDED SHRUG IN CAFFE LATTE by Couvert http://couvert.etsy.com

Autumn Oak Rust - eco friendly, handmade greeting card by The Spotted Sparrow http://thespottedsparrow.etsy.com

Autumn Collar by Flutter http://flutter.etsy.com

Omiru

2009-09-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a website that I love called Omiru. Omiru is a style and shopping guide dedicated to real style for real people. They cover everything to figure flattering shapes, fashion trends, most importanly affordable fashion. And they tell you where to buy everything.





Im loving this Vena Cava Khaki Zip Dress in their shopping section. Only $88 from GAP

You can even contact them with your very own style questions such as what to wear on a summer vacation to Spain!


http://www.omiru.com/

Peanut Butter Popcorn Best Movie Snack Ever?

2009-09-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I love nothing more than curling up on the sofa and watching a movie or a really good HBO show! And of course I have to have a little something to snack on. I love popcorn but it can get a little boring so I figured why not take popcorn and slather it in one of my favorite foods (peanut butter). The results were delicious - I ate pretty much this whole bowl by myself I am ashamed to say and it only took 5 minutes to make...couldn't be simpler!

(makes a large bowl about 8 cups)

Ingredients:
1/4 cup popcorn kernels
Kosher salt (to taste)
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup of your favorite peanut butter (I recommend Skippy All Natural Extra Chunky - extra chunks = added crunch!)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:
Coat the bottom of a large pan with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. Add the popcorn kernels and place the lid on the pan leaving a small crack for the steam. When the popcorn starts popping move the pan back and forth rapidly to ensure evenly popped popcorn. When the popping slows down take the pan of the heat.

Pour the popcorn into a bowl and salt to taste.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you remove any unpopped kernels!

Next combine the honey and sugar in a small saucepan and bring to the boil. Simmer for a minute then remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Once the peanut butter has melted mix in the vanilla then pour the peanut butter mixture over the popcorn and stir until all the popcorn is evenly coated.

Once the popcorn has cooled carry to the couch and dive in!

Etsy Seller Feature Squid Art

2009-09-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

This weeks Etsy seller feature is on photographer Katie from Squid Art. Katie lives in Melbourne, Florida and named her Etsy shop after her adorable and hyper Jack Russell terrier. Katie first got interested in photography after taking a few photography classes in high school where she fell in love with the dark room process, and describes photography as her other half.

She spends her days "in a middle school classroom trying to teach a bunch of hooligans some English" and takes pictures in her spare time.

Katie : "Whenever I can, I dive head first into a new design project. I’m not happy unless my walls are covered with art and my camera is full of pictures."

For any amateur photogs Katie has tons of photography tips on her blog http://squidart.wordpress.com , where she posts tutorials about photoshop and photography styles, such as bokeh and ttv.

Do you have a favorite photo?
A favorite photo? That is a hard one. Right now, I think it is my " Some Things Last Forever Print " .
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28231459

I stumbled across this tree in the mountains when we were on vacation this summer. It reminds me of that feeling when you want to tell the whole world that you love somebody. It makes me happy.

Where do you find inspiration for your photos?
I wish that I had a better answer for this, but it really is just anywhere. Something, and it can be ANYTHING, sparks an idea, and I just go with it.

What do you love about your business?
I love that I can take it in any direction that I want. All I have to do is imagine something, and if I work hard enough, I can take my business in that direction. Etsy gives us all a chance to share our art with other people. I don ' t have to be a famous photographer or in a gallery to let people all over the world see my photos. I love that!

What makes you unique at Etsy?
I hope that my pictures can answer this question for themselves. W hat you see in my shop is not in every other shop, and I hope that my pictures bring you some kind of happiness and serenity when you see them.

Do you have any tips to share for anyone who is thinking about setting up an Etsy shop?
Do a lot of research before you start! There is SO much information in the forums. Start reading and start making lists. Ask questions. Etsy is a strong community of people going through the same thing that you are. Know that it will take a lot of your time, and you probably won' t make much money. But also remember how much you love to do your craft and how cool it is to see your work in your own online store and in other people ' s homes.

Squid Art can be found at the below:

Etsy: http://squidart.etsy.com
Blog: http://squidart.wordpress.com

Embroidered Graffiti

2009-09-11T04:24:00.000-07:00

I recently came across Jacquelyn Royal who does embroidered renditions of famous graffiti. Its really quite brilliant. Where do people get such great ideas?!


http://www.jacquelynroyal.com/

True blood Etsy Finds

2009-09-09T17:53:00.000-07:00

My favourite HBO show True Blood is drawing to a close again, (it seems like it only just started again?!) and I will be mooching around Sunday nights with nothing to do. Maybe some of my fave Etsy "True Blood" finds will help ease the withdrawal...

Horrorshow Soap - GLOWS in the DARK - True Blood Sookie by Dug Shop http://dugshop.etsy.com

True blood garnet ring by Idle Hands Designs http://idlehandsdesigns.etsy.com

True Blood Stainless Steel Waterproof Charm Pendant Necklace by Creative Rampage http://CreativeRampage.etsy.com

"I'd rather be drinking blood" Onesie by Rhymes with Twee http://rhymeswithtwee.etsy.com

Merlottes Bar and Grill Decal by Simply Bitten http://simplybitten.etsy.com

True Blood Fangbanger wooden bangle by Faboo http://faboo.etsy.com

Eric Scrabble Tile Pendant by Designs by Appletree http://designsbyappletree.etsy.com

Vampire Fang Earrings by Bees Creations http://BeesCreations.etsy.com

True Blood Buttons by Roundies http://roundies.etsy.com

BITE ME, BILL Bracelet by Jack and Ella http://JackandElla.etsy.com

Ahh I feel better already ; )

My new Bracelet Cards

2009-09-08T17:04:00.000-07:00

So Michele @ Favorably Fashioned (http://favorablyfashined.etsy.com) helped me out once again and made me these stylish bracelet cards to wrap my bracelets around before sending to to my fab customers.


Michele also made me some earring cards but I have yet to get around to photographing those (*sigh* another thing on my to do list)

I think it's a big improvement aesthetically speaking - what do you all think?