Friday Favorites

Great Gift for Dad! Handmade Reclaimed Wood Organizer from TimberWoodsWares

My favorite earrings! Handformed Hearts from TheLovelySmith

Great Chevron Infinity Scarf from Milo and Molly

Tank top by Candie Ink

Father's Day gift ideas

Another team treasury challenge collection...what do you think?

Julie Ellyn Designs Giveaway on the Daily Dose of Handmade

Two winners! Two great prizes! Perfect for Spring and Summer, the first prize is a triple wrap gemstone and leather bracelet. Second prize is a pair of the New Chloe Earrings, super fun and flirty.

Daily Dose of Handmade: Win it Wednesday - 11 April

...now here is how to enter (be sure to enter each submission in separate comments):



1. Subscribe to the Daily Dose Newsletter (top right)

2. Follow Daily Dose on Twitter

3. Subscribe to Julie Ellyn Designs Newsletter at julieellyndesigns.blogspot.com

4. Follow Julie Ellyn Designs on Twitter

5. Like Julie Ellyn Designs on Facebook

6. Tweet about this giveaway and post your link

7. Heart Julie Ellyn Designs on Etsy and tell us your favorite item

*** OPEN WORLD WIDE ***
Winner will be selected 17th April using random.org

Good luck!

PRESS RELEASE: Bethenny Frankel Wearing Julie Ellyn Designs???

JULIE ELLYN DESIGNS to Contribute to Exclusive Celebrity Gift Bag for Bethenny Frankel

We're excited to announce JULIE ELLYN DESIGNS, in association with The Artisan Group, was recently selected to gift our handcrafted gemstone jewelry in an exclusive collaborative gift bag prepared especially for celebrity Bethenny Frankel, star of Bravo TV's "Bethenny Ever After", and former co-star of "The Real Housewives of New York".

To learn more about JULIE ELLYN DESIGNS and our products, or our participation in The Artisan Group's celebrity gifting initiatives, visit www.JulieEllynDesigns.etsy.com, or email jellyndesigns@yahoo.com.

For press inquiries regarding The Artisan Group, please visit http://www.theartisangroup.org or email press@theartisangroup.org.

We made the Front Page!

Ok, my treasury made the Front Page of Etsy...but that is still really cool!!! Here is a screen shot!

Even better, 6-7 items in the treasury sold!! Wahoo!!!

Daily Dose of Handmade: Daily Dose of Handmade - March 7 Sales

Daily Dose of Handmade: Daily Dose of Handmade - March 7 Sales: Daily Dose of Handmade - March 7 Sales It is time to shop Daily Dose enthusiasts!!! Here is a new round of items (in limited quantities)...

The first round went so well (My Cameron Earrings were featured) that the next feature is up! Look at that adorable fluffy puppy!!!

Etsy Shop Feature - Elephant Beads

A super huge thank you to Molly of Elephant Beads for contacting us to make a donation! Please take a moment to learn more about her shop and her lovely creations!

How long have you been crafting?
All my life! Once upon a time I planned to become an artist, but then turned to writing and teaching. But throughout my life I have enjoyed creating things and modifying the space around me to reflect my inner sense of harmony.

When did you turn your hobby into a business?
About a year ago I set up my Etsy shop, "elephantbeads," and began selling jewelry and metalwork bookmarks. I have a full time corporate job, but doing this creative work keeps my inner artist completely happy!

What is your favorite Etsy shop?
There are so many that I love! But here are some shout-outs for some of my favorite shops for purchasing supplies, because they may not get recognized as often as those of us who sell finished products, and they are such an important part of my creative process:
- PottyMouthGems - exceptional quality gems, pearls, and metalwork copper pieces, and her descriptions always make me laugh!
- VintageBeadNut – I love the unusual beads I can find in this shop. Working with vintage or unique beads is so much fun.
- UncommonBeads – I find some great beads in this shop, and exceptional values. It’s a pleasure just to see what they have in stock!


How has Breast Cancer affected your life?
A very important member of my family won her battle with breast cancer and has been in remission for many years. Her sister, however, continues the fight, and her exceptionally positive approach to the process has set a new standard in my world for bravery. I have had other very close and dear friends who have lost the battle against other forms of cancer. We each have a different path to walk, and along my path I have appreciated the opportunities I’ve had to support others.

Thank you so much Molly for your generousity!!!
HUGS,
Julie
CourageforKristi.etsy.com

Etsy Shop Feature - dropmetal

Besides raising money to help Kristi's three young daughters, one of the greatest things about opening Courage for Kristi is meeting warm hearted and generous Etsy sellers...like Kacie and Micha of dropmetal! Please take a moment to read about how they started their shop and take a peek at their amazing creations.

Tell us about your shop.
Drop Metal was started by two designers with a strong passion for all things handmade, the simple country life, and creating unique products out of metal. Drawn together by overlapping creative fields, our goal is to reveal the true relationship with a product when quality is valued over quantity. When did you turn your hobby into a business?

We have both been crafting since we were old enough to have a curiosity about the world around us. We turned our hobby into a business in March 2011 - I quit my job in Seattle and moved to Tennessee to help Micah start this creative endeavor.How has breast cancer affected you?

I had a childhood friend who went through breast cancer when we were in middle school and I remember how hard it was for her and her family. Also, my college best friend's mother battled breast cancer while we were in school. She is one of the hardest working, most loving women I know - she has been a foster mother for over 30 years.

You can find other beautiful creations by this duo here:

www.dropmetal.com/

dropcloth.org/

Thank you so much for supporting our cause!
HUGS,

Julie http://www.courageforkristi.etsy.com/

Etsy Shop Feature - Poirier's Crafts & Creations

I would like to introduce a wonderful Etsy shop Poirier's Crafts & Creations who I met through the Etsy For The Cure Team. 100% of proceeds from her shop sales go to the Maine Cancer Foundation!!! Shop for a cause!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/81576899/breast-cancer-awareness-pink-tree-of

1. How long have you been crafting?
Man that's a great question!! As long as I can remember! When I was little like 6, I started to draw then the older I got I started to paint. I would paint anything I could get my hands on. Like rocks and wooden cut outs. At 12 I started sewing too. It just snowball from there. I tried selling my crafts and artwork at flea markets and nothing really became of it.

2. When did you turn your hobby into a business?
love working with my hands so I started working at a furniture store that made new cabinet, bookcase, and a ton of items, but they closed so I worked for a clothes pin factory....yep the wooden ones with the springs. Then that place closed and I found another place to work with furniture. Only this time it was with anitque furniture that need to be repaired and finished. I have worked there for 8 years now. I got laid off in Nov of 2010 for 9 months. Now being a person that has to be working with her hands I couldn't just sit home doing nothing so I started making jewelry which I have never done before. I started making so much I had no idea what to do with it. Some told me about Etsy, and that's when it all started. Now I'm selling some at two stores in my town. I also sell from baskets my friends and family take to their work. Now that I'm back to work I'm really busy doing all this stuff and I love it. I wouldn't have it any other way!

3. What is your favorite Etsy shop?
That is one question I have no one answer for! I have fallen in love with sooooo many shops. I have met so many great crafters and bead salers. Etsy has something for everyone and I love that.

4. How has breast cancer affected your life?
I will have to say I'm a lucky one and found out that the lumps that I have are just fatty tissue (they are keeping an eye on them), but having the doctors make a special appointment scared the crap out of me. That same year I heard on my favorite radio station Q97.9 a Breast Cancer Fundraiser call Cans For A Cure! I thought to myself I need to do it. So my family and I for 5 years now go around getting cans and bottles from everyone we know and help out the fundraiser. I have also met a woman that started Etsy the same time as me. We started chatting every night and she told me she had breast cancer! We are very close now and I'm glad to call her my Etsy Sister! So when I'm helping out I think of her.

Please visit Poirier's Crafts & Creations and shop for a cause!

HUGS,
Julie

Etsy Shop Feature - Sallie Bear

I would like to introduce a wonderful Etsy shop SallieBear and generous crafter behind the shop - Diane. As soon as I sent out a call for help to support Courage for Kristi, Diane was quick to respond. Here is a little about her and your lovely crochet shop:



Fuschia Hand Knit Hat by SallieBear

SallieBear on Etsy

1. How long have you been crafting?

I've been crafting (knit, crochet, sew, etc) since junior high school.

2. When did you turn your hobby into a business?

After my own two children got older, I began looking for ways to use my skills to benefit others. I have a website dedicated to charity crafting - www.yarngarden.webs.com. I also am the chapter coordinator for Bronx HeadHuggers - you can read the announcement on the yarngarde site. My Etsy shop allows me to support my yarn habit and make all the items I can then give away.

3. What is your favorite Etsy shop?

I certainly cannot pick out just one (or even ten) favorite Etsy shops. Everyone one is so talented and just about every shop has something I would love to purchase.

4. How has breast cancer affected your life?

As for Breast Cancer, my mother is a 24 year survivor.




Water Bottle Cozy donated to CourageforKristi.etsy.com



Please visit Diane's beautiful shop SallieBear on Etsy and check out her lovely donations on CourageForKristy.etsy.com

Thank you Diane!
HUGS

Julie

Etsy Shop Feature - The Tessy Tree

The Tessy Tree on Etsy advertises "A little bit of Life, Love and Rock n Roll Jewelry" and boy do they produce! Gorgeous pendants, bracelets, and rings...but by far, my favorite is the Tree of Life Pendants. So unique and utterly gorgeous!

To help us get to know Stef of The Tessy Tree and her gorgeous creations, I asked her a few questions...

1) How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting my whole life. Ever since I discovered I had hands! I've made anything from paintings to jewelry, and whatever else fits in the middle, I have probably made it.

2) When did you decide to turn your hobby into a business? I have wanted my own business my whole life. I have two wonderful children and I am so tired of missing out on them because of my full time job, so I said why not, people have always said they liked my stuff, the worst thing that could happen is no one buys anything and I have alot of stuff that I think is cool. And here I am. I have big plans for my business, this is what I want to do full time, so look out world, The Tessy Tree is coming.

3) What is your favorite thing about having an Etsy shop? I love having an etsy shop, because etsy has opened my eyes to so many wonderful artists out there, that I would have never discovered if I hadnt joined. I prefer handmade over anything factory so I love etsy and supporting others who are trying to make it on their own. Another thing I love, I met one of my best friends off of here in a forum asking for advice! Who would of thought!

4) Do you have a favorite design or go to piece that you always use or give as gifts? I actually haven't gifted very many of my own things, but if I were to do that of course I would custom make a tree with something my recipient loved, book themes are really popular.

5) What can we expect in the future? You can expect more trees with new themes and twists, trees for the home (which are almost complete for their debute) new pod designs, decorative plates and whatever else I am in the mood for :)

4 Peas in a Pod Necklace

Please visit The Tessy Tree at these following locations:

Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheTessyTree

SPECIAL OFFER TO OUR BLOG READERS: 10% off your order using the code TTree10

Happy shopping and thank you for supporting handmade!
Julie

I received the Versatile Blogger Award!

I have been given the Versatile Blogger Award by Lori of Black Sheep Beadery, and fellow Etsy D List team member. What a wonderful award and great opportunity to pass it along to another deserving blogger!

RULES:

• Thank the person who awarded you and link back to them.
• Tell 7 random facts about yourself.
• Pass the award on to 15 new bloggers.
• Contact each new blogger about the award (recipients be sure to respond).
  

Random Facts about Me!

• I grew up on a farm.
• My favorite color is white (though people like to argue that it is not a color).
• Crafting is my stress reliever from my day job.
• I am a candy-aholic!!!!!
• I drink way too much Diet Coke.
• My favorite flower is the ranuculous.
• It would be a dream come true to do Etsy full time.

Below is my list of blogs deserving this award:

megscrochetjewels.blogspot.com
glamourpusscouture.blogspot.com
cappiesuecreations.blogspot.com
muffintopdesigns.blogspot.com
fidosfunkfashion.blogspot.com
audreysgiveaway.blogspot.com
michele-byyourside.blogspot.com
janetmazorie.blogspot.com
livingwiththreemoonbabies.blogspot.com
loviesformybabies.blogspot.com
midnightcreations.blogspot.com
milkandhoneyhandbags.blogspot.com
minaturepatisseriechef.blogspot.com
nitelily3.blogspot.com
turquoise-angels.blogspot.com

Cure for Sarcoma...

Calling all shoppers AND crafters!!! Please take a look at this wonderful upcoming event hosted by the wonderful Rachel of Paper Cakes by Rachel of Etsy.

Personally, I love to mix my love of crafting with supporting beautiful charities. I found this wonderful opportunity through this Tradeaholic teammate who recently lost her loving mother to Sarcoma.

Here is Rachel's message:

Greetings to our Family, Friends, and Community,

We are writing to see if you would be interested in contributing to our important event. Our success depends on your contributions. We are aware that in these economic times, making a contribution for a cause can be challenging. Our event, Shop for the Cure, will raise money to fund research and raise awareness for Sarcoma. We are requesting that you donate one or more items that will be sold during our online event being held April 8th-10th. 100% of the purchase price for you item(s) will benefit our cause. Your generosity will be recognized by your name appearing on our website as being an important contributor to this special event.

The cause is living and fighting Sarcoma, a rare cancer that affects approximately 12,000 Americans each year. Sarcoma is an aggressive form of cancer. It represents 15% of all childhood cancers and 1% of adult cancers. Although there have been some advances in treating the side effects of chemotherapy, there has been virtually no significant progress in finding newer treatment methods for all forms of Sarcoma. Shop for the Cure is in partnership with the Sarcoma Foundation of America. The research funded at the Sarcoma Foundation of America relies on contributions from everyday people; people who want to find a cure.

Our mission is to build awareness for Sarcoma and raise funds for research to find a cure. It was an extremely painful experience to watch my Mother suffer due to cancer. We do not want others to go through what she and so many have endured. So we ask you from the bottom of our heart to please contribute in her honor and for all of those who have lost their battle with Sarcoma.

Every gift truly makes a difference. We hope that despite the current economy, you will still consider a generous donation as we continue to strive to raise awareness and find a cure.

Sincerely yours,

Rachel Schroeder

Founder

Rachel@cureforsarcoma.com
http://www.cureforsarcoma.com/

Time for great SALES!!!!!!!!!!

I love after Christmas shopping b/c of the fantastic sales!!!

Here are a few terrific ones that I found on Etsy:

Fun Accessories: 20% off your entire order through 11:59 1/1/11 using code: HOLIDAY20 at Sassybellewares
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sassybellewares

Gorgeous stacking rings: USE THE COUPON CODE BLOGSPOT25 for a 25% discount at MuffinTopDesigns http://www.etsy.com/shop/muffintopdesigns

HAPPY SHOPPING!

Julie

Breast Cancer Awareness Month - Please Support

Another wonderful feature of Courage for Kristi on Designing Impression's Blog!

http://designingimpressions.blogspot.com/2010/09/october-is-breast-cancer-awareness.html

Courage for Kristi - Featured

My lovely Dteam friend Sassybellewares featured my charity shop Courage for Kristi in her wonderful blog.

Please take a moment to look:

http://sassybellesspotlight.blogspot.com/2010/09/courage-for-kristi.html

DTeam Feature Shop - Lizbethsgarden

I am happy to showcase a fellow Etsian - Lizbethsgarden

To help us get to know Elizabeth and her craft, I asked her a few questions...

1) How long have you been crafting? I have been crafting almost as long as I can remember. I think I first really started collecting things to turn them into something new when I was seven or eight.

2) When did you decide to turn your hobby into a business? In 2009, when I realized I could make things that not many other people were making.

3) What is your favorite thing about having an Etsy shop? When I sell an item, I love knowing that something I made is going to a new home for someone else to love.

4) Do you have a favorite design or go to piece that you always use or give as gifts? I give my beaded tassel keyrings as gifts a lot. They look great and I know the recipient will find them useful -- everyone needs a keyring.

5) What can we expect in the future? I'm going to move the focus of my shop more to my keyrings. They're my best seller and I want to spend some more time highlighting how beautiful and useful they are.

Please visit Lizbethsgarden at these following locations:
Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/lizbethsgarden

Blog: http://lizbethsgarden.wordpress.com/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lizbeths-Garden/180426967818

Happy shopping and thank you for supporting handmade!

Julie

Give Away from The Lime Grasshopper...

Hooray! It is time for another great give away! I met Satrngrl of The Lime Grasshopper...as a member of the Etsy DTeam (awesome group) and she is sweet enough to offer the coolest summer accessory to all of you!!!! Win this Plarn Market Bag by checking out her shop (see ways to enter below)!
Let's meet Satrngrl of the Lime Grasshopper!!!!!

1) How long have you been crafting? I have always been "crafty". From sewing, to laying tile, to wood-working, to working construction, to car repair, I have always liked to work with my hands (thanks to my Dad for teaching me even though I was a girl). It is a great feeling to finish a project that you can use :)

2) When did you decide to turn your hobby into a business? I taught myself to knit and crochet a few years back. As I got better, I needed a way to fund my yarn habit. I had browsed Etsy before and figured why not. I am still amazed that people buy my little creations.

3) What is your favorite thing about having an Etsy shop? I LOVE to receive special requests/custom orders. It makes me so happy to receive a return convo from a super-satisfied customer that the finished product exceeded their expectations!

4) Do you have a favorite design or go to piece that you always use or give as gifts? All my friends have beer Ploozies to match their kayaks. Everyone gets a Ploozie for their bottle, can or coffee mug from me.

5) What can we expect in the future? Everything plarn! I love creating items for everyday use that are keeping plastic bags out of the landfill and off the beaches! I am working with my fiancee now to put to use up-cycled computer parts and seashells we have found while kayaking.

Now for the exciting part...the give away!!!

You can enter up to 4 times

1) As always visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/satrngrl choose your favorite item, and put it in with your post (Required)

2) Retweet and put in another post

3) Become a follower of my blog and post in another comment

4) Blog about this giveaway, and put the link in with another post

The lucky winner will be announced on August 2nd!!!!!

GRAND OPENING of Sweet Pea Boutique!!!!

My new felt pretend play food shop Sweet Pea Boutique has opened!!!! Please come visit this fun shop on Etsy!!!! Here you will find fun, child friendly, felt play foods that encourage imaginative play. All items are hand cut and hand stitched (using eco-friendly felt) to ensure the best quality.

To honor my Grand Opening, I am offering two free colorful lollipops with every order! Just put "FREE LOLLY" in the message to seller. This offer is good until the end of May.

Happy shopping!

Julie

Pom Pom Wand Give Away sponsered by RainbowStarDesign

I am tickled pink about this next giveaway!!!

It is from my favorite Etsy children's shop, RainbowStarDesigns.

This shop is filled with cutsie and frilly lovelies that your little one will be

thrilled to wear. My girls adore (almost as much as me) the hairclips and

magical pom pom wands that they use to put on super fairy

shows almost every night.

The lucky winner will receive a magical pom pom wand (see photo below)!!!!!

Terrific for pretend play and goes perfect with a tutu or a princess gown.

How to enter:

1. Click on RainbowStarDesigns shop and take a look around.

2. Come back here and leave a comment on THIS POST telling me what your favorite item is in the shop!

3. Please leave me your email address or another way to contact you. If I cannot contact you, I will choose another winner. If you win, you have 48 hours to respond.

4. You have until Thursday, April 15th, at 12 midnight EST to enter. Check back Friday, April 16th to find out if you are the lucky winner!!

Earn extra entries--add a new comment for each one that you do:

* Heart RainbowStarDesign’s shop and let me know in a comment.

* Become a follower of our blog!

* Blog, Twitter or Facebook about this giveaway, then come back and let me know where you posted.

**For five extra entries, make a purchase from the shop and leave a comment letting me know!!**