This Weeks Featured Shop And Contest Giveaway

Getting to know The Comforting Om Shanti Handcrafts ...

A little about the seller

Name (and any aliases you have): Kate

Hobbies (or just random interests): I've been a student of history for fifteen years now -- the kind who makes the clothing to see how it's done. It's a lot of fun. :) I also try to get out and hike when it's warm enough, and now that I have a good camera I want to take a lot of pictures!

Tell me about yourself? A seeker and a writer, an herbalist and a maker. Living in beautiful Colorado within sight of the mountains. Mom to three cats and two rats. Trying to escape Walmart Hell.

Other etsy shops Om Shanti loves :
Archeress Arts
Sweet Tarragon
Hunting Heron
LeastLikely2Breed

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy? I created my account in January 2008, but didn't start posting things until partway through February. I was scared to, I think; I wanted everything to be perfect! Eventually a couple of friends provoked me into just posting stuff already, and I was off.

What exactly do you do (What do you make?): Beaded jewelry, necklaces and bracelets and earrings, as well as rosaries and paternosters (the medieval ancestor to the rosary). All-natural, good-smelling bath and body stuff. I want people to slow down and relax, take care of themselves -- my bath salts, bath teas and milk baths will help with that, I hope. Living in the near-desert I found my lips chapped worse than ever, so out of self-defense I started making lip balms too.

How did you first pick up your craft? For the jewelry, I'd been buying lots of stuff over the years and never got round to making anything with it. Then I started working for a friend who made jewelry, and I'd work on it there when her shop was slow -- I got a lot done! Eventually I ran out of beads and started selling my jewelry so I could buy more. As for the herbal stuff, I was given bath salts a couple of years ago. I hadn't had a bath in ages -- who has the time? But I made the time and it was wonderful, so relaxing, I loved it. Again it took me a while to actually get round to doing anything about it but once I did, I couldn't stop. And then there's the aforementioned lip balm story. Simple survival, that was.

Favorite thing about it? Making people relaxed and happy. Also all the good smells. And playing with pretty colours. Really, it's all about playing with things.

Any inspirations? Most of my jewelry is inspired by music -- each piece is named after a song and I post part of the lyrics in the description. If I'm making something custom, though, I just think about the person I'm making it for. My herbal stuff comes to me in all kinds of ways. Sometimes I get ideas from friends (like Leanna's Favourite Milk Bath). Sometimes I just get out my essential oils and play with them until it smells right.

3 items featured
Leanna's Favorite Milk Bath
Everything Citrus Ever Lip Balm
Beauty of the Rain Necklace

What makes these so special? Leanna's Favourite I first made up for a friend of mine who'e going through a very stressful time in her life. She liked it so much her boyfriend immediately bought her another bottle! So far it's the fastest to go from 'invented' to 'sold'. Plus I just really like lavender and chamomile. Everything Citrus Ever because the name amuses me. And it tastes good. Beauty of the Rain because it's subtle but gorgeous.

SALE

10% off of any purchase (not including shipping) if you mention this blog.

CONTEST

This Weeks Contest Winner Will Get $10.00 Gift Certificate From Om Shanti. With So Many Great Items The Winner Will Have A Hard Time Picking An Item:)

TO ENTER : Just Go To Om Shanti's Shop Find Your Favorite Item And Post The Name Or Link Along With Your Email Address Or Etsy Shop Address.

On Sunday The 6th Of July I Will Post The Winner. Good Luck Everyone !!

MORE ITEMS FROM Om Shanti ...

Contest Winner

AND THE WINNER IS ...

Reeva

Congratulations! Please contact itreallyaddssomething to work out the detail.

Thank you everyone for joining in and remember to check back every week for a new feature and maybe another giveaway. :) A new feature is posted every Monday Morning.

This Weeks Shop Feature and Giveaway.

Getting To Know The Delicate Shop It Really Adds Something!

A little about the seller

Name (and any aliases you have): My name isAnn, or I go by itreallyaddsomething on the web, some people just call me IRAS.

Hobbies (or just random interests): I love learning and making different crafts which is a given I suppose, but I alsolike: travel (going to Asia in May, I’m so excited!), movies, books, cooking ( I got this killerapple galette recipe, made it twice this week and they’re both gone within a few hours.) , video games (PC and consoles), can eating be a hobby? I love food!!!

Tell me about yourself? I’m a Chinese American gal that currently lives in sunny California with my boyfriend. My mom is a very crafty woman so I think my brother and I got our craftiness from her. I remember I used to make these cute animal masks for myself and my friends when I was in first grade, and when myfamily moved to Taiwan when I was 8, I learned about a lot of great Chinese crafts, like paper carving, Chinese knots, paper lanterns… etc. Some of these we had to learn how to make in art class, but I still enjoy making them nonetheless.

Other etsy shops It Really Adds Something Loves ...
There are too many to choose from, so I’ll just pick a few

I love lizbee’s shop, shemakes beautiful jewelry and I think she is extremely cool as she is the voice of one of my favorite anime, Shin Chan!

papercutsbyjo takes the technique of one of my favorite craft and use it to create more modern and western art! Seeing his art really makes me smile!

mizusugi’s ribbon ball ornaments are simply amazing!

I was only going to list three, but I just have to mention jenngee’s shop. I have never seen coffee corsets before, and hers are so beautiful! I think I’ll have to start drinking coffee now. LOL!

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy? I have been on etsy since late February of this year.

What exactly do you do (What do you make?): I make handmade silk thread flowers using a very unique Chinese folk art technique that is disappearing as it involves lots of time and patience to slowly wrap silk threads around paper and wires to create the desired shapes. The silk thread should be carefully placed next to the one before it in order to achieve maximum sheen and smoothness. Besides the traditional form of flowers, I am also starting to make my craft into different forms, like butterflies, four leaf clovers, and my most recent design which I haven’t showed it to anyone (as of now) besides my boyfriend and my very first customer is the double hearts. It is kind of difficult to explain what I do, but if you take a look at the last photo of each of my listing, you'll be able to see a little bit of the process.

How did you first pick up your craft? I learned this craft from my grand aunt when I was about 9 years old. She was one of the few people that still teaches this craft so I was able to learn from the best, and I’ve been making these beautiful silk thread wrapped flowers ever since.

Favorite thing about it: I like the fact that it can stand the test of time. Even though it is a traditional art form, it can still be made to have a modern appeal.

Any inspirations? My inspirations comes from a lot of places, nature, TV shows, maybe something I saw while reading a magazine, when I play games… you never know when or where an idea will come to you.

Featured Items:

3 color silk flower brooch
Royal blue flower necklac
Lucky Charm

What makes these so special: I chose these three items as they are a great representation of my work. The brooch is very close to the one I learned to make when I was a kid. I really like the necklace because I came up with this design myself, it was by accident, though; I was holding the little flowers together thinking of what I should do with them, and it hit me: “it looks great just like this!!! Very simple and pretty!”

As for the Lucky charm, believe it or not, that one little four leaf clover took me longer to make than the three flower brooch. The leaves had to be a certain shape and angle otherwise the silk thread will not wrap right, but I still needed it to look like a clover, so it took a lot of trials and errors to make it work. I almost gave up at one point, but I'm glad I didn't cause it's one of my favorite piece.

SALE ...

Anyone who makes a purchase and mentions that they found my store from De Lavande’s blog during the week of the article will receive free shipping.

CONTEST GIVEAWAY ...

This weeks Winner will get a royal blue or silver flower necklace from It Really Adds Something, Winner’s choice.

TO ENTER : Go to It Really Adds Something's shop pick a favorite item and post the link or name here on the blog. Sunday the 29th the winner will be random picked, name posted and contacted. Gook Luck Everyone !

MORE ITEMS FROM IT REALLY ADDS SOMETHING ...

This Weeks Shop Feature

Getting to know the Inspiring cinnamonspice ...

Name

Kim aka Cinnamon

Gina aka Spice

Hobbies (or just random interests):

Kim - Travel, mostly outside the U.S., reading, crafting with my kids

Gina - refining and expanding our Pillow Kid family, art museums, Chicago history, crafting, learning to play my guitar, and yearning to return to the Carribean seaside.

Tell me about yourself?

Gina - I've been an empty nester for the past several years. I am approaching my 22nd year with the Federal Service. I grew up in the Washington Metropolitan area and relocated to Chicago Illinois in October of 2000. I think that Chicago is a fascinating city. It's got that small town ambiance with a big city flare. Cinnamon & Spice Crafts is a dream come true for me. The foundation of our business is quality, honesty and creativity. I love the fact that my partner and I can critique with open minds for the better of the final product without any hangups.

Kim - I recently left a 15-yr career with the government to stay home with mt two little ones! During this period I've had more time to let the creativity flow and realize a life-long goal of working for myself.

Other etsy shops cinnamonspice loves :

Sincerely.etsy.com ,
xueoriginals.etsy.com,
Sybile.etsy.com,
sweetdreamsdesigns.etsy.com,
muyinmolly's shop,
moonmum's shop,
littleglimpses's shop,
mommymafia2008,
Nikki’s Nacs,

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy?

We've been on ETSY since January 2008.

What exactly do you do (What do you make?):

We specialize in paper goods, altered art and needlecraft gifts for all occasions. We have a line of multi-ethnic, customizable, crotcheted dolls aka Pillow Kids. Gina's currently working on a smaller version which will be viewable on the blog within the next several weeks. Kim's niche is paper crafting. I began with custom scrapbooks and altered frames, and have expanded to making vintage cards and embellished gift tins.

How did you first pick up your craft?

Kim - I began scrapbooking or "cropping" about 10 years ago. I still remember my first album, a Christmas gift for my boyfriend who is now my husband. I used glue sticks and construction paper, thank goodness my techniqes have evolved!

Gina - with regard to crotcheting my aunt taught me when i was about 7 or 8. From there I just experimented over the years. I've always had an interest in crafts. My grandma used to buy craft kits for us when we were kids. I guess that's where my interest began. The first pillow kid I made was for my daughter when she was about 10 years old. So many people liked them I began to make and recreate them over the years.

Favorite thing about it:
Gina - the flexibility of working your own hours, having the freedom to create, exchange of ideas

Kim - The joy that comes from making a treasured gift for another person! Once, after I designed an album as a gift, the recipient called me and tearfully thanked me for a speciall gift. That's what I live for!

Any inspirations?
Kim - I love the holidays and "baby" related items, so ?I usually draw upon those themes.

Gina - everything I see and do inspires me

SALE !!

"Pillow Kids" we are offering 10% off each mini doll or buy two or more and get free shipping.

MORE ITEMS FROM cinnamonspice ...

Contest Winner

AND THE WINNER IS ...

BunnyB

Congratulations! BunnyB you may pick 1 item under $20.00 from my shop or get $20.00 off and free shipping on any item in my shop.

http://delavande.etsy.com

Thank you everyone for entering to win, and come back tomorrow for a new blog shop feature.

Starting today Monday June 9th through Saturday June 14 I am holding a contest for one $20.00 Item from my shop or $20.00 off any item from my shop winners choice.

To enter go to Delavande take a look at my items, find one that you would call a favorite and post the name and/or link to this blog. Along with your favorite item make sure to tell me how to get in contact with you. 2 entries - post here that you have added a link to this contest to your blog. Get a third entry by posting your favorite items from this week’s featured shop under that post FrayBabyBibsandMore .

A name/shop will be picked Sunday the 15 .

Sunday the 15th I will use a random number generator to pick and post the winner of the contest. So don’t forget to check back Sunday to see if you have won... . Best of luck!

Weekly Featured Shop

Getting to know the Colorful Fray Baby (FrayBabyBibsandMore) ...

A little about the seller

Name (and any aliases you have): Liz Davis, "mommy"

Hobbies (or just random interests): road trips, photography, blogging, baking, reading

Tell me about yourself? I am a military spouse. My husband is a helicopter pilot in the Army and we just moved from Hawaii to Germany! We have a 2 year old son, who is the inspiration behind a lot of my boy items in my shop.

Other etsy shops FrayBabyBibsandMore loves:
theflashbulb - original sewn art, prints and notecards.
moosethreads - Custom crocheted clothing for infants up to adults.
craftheart - All kinds of miscellaneous crafts.
bethjt - Beth Thompson Jewelry, Fine Art, and More!
bealoo - Fun, Fresh, Art for Kids - Mixed Media Illustration

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy? since march 12th of this year

What exactly do you do (What do you make?): i make baby gifts: bib sets, burp cloths, lovies, blankets and gift sets. I also make tote bags of all sizes. I have small pouch bags, tiny totes, purses for little girls, medium totes and large carry all totes. I just started making little boy "stuff holders" - kind of like a tool belt but with more pockets - we can't call it an apron can we? :)

How did you first pick up your craft? Well I grew up watching my mom sew, quilt, smock, you name it - while I was growing up. I have always been interested in it and experimented here and there with the sewing machine. When I was about 9 years old my neighbor taught my how to cross stitch and I loved playing with the embroidery floss - which is why I use it in some of my items I make. I started sewing more when I was pregnant with my son and again when my husband was deployed. This past Christmas I started up again and haven't stopped since!

Favorite thing about it: The process is relaxing and the final result is so fulfilling. I also love that I can be challenged by a project as well, like when a friend asked if I could make totes that matched the pouches I made, I had to figure out the dimensions, where to stitch, where to snip, how to install the straps, etc, etc...I've had numerous requests for aprons so I am going to try to draw up some patterns soon.

Any inspirations? My mom and all other crafters out there. It is amazing what we can make when we put our minds and imaginations to it.

SALE

10% off entire purchase (not including shipping) when you mention DeLavande.

MORE ITEMS FROM FrayBabyBibsandMore ...

Contest WINNER

AND THE WINNER IS ...

Kari

Congratulations! You win 2 fairy Cards from luluvillage.

Please come back tomorrow for another great giveaway.
DeLavande.etsy.com Enter to win a $20.00 item from my shop!

This Weeks Featured Shop

Getting to know the lovelydolly Fashion

A little about the Seller

Name (and any aliases you have): Lovelydolly

Hobbies (or just random interests): Fashion

Tell me about yourself? My dream is to become a Fashion Designer

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy? Just opened my shop

What exactly do you do (What do you make?): Fashion for Blythe and Pullip Dolls

How did you first pick up your craft? Wanna start my dream even its pretty small

Favorite thing about it: need to be creative

Any inspirations? My dream

MORE ITEMS FROM lovelydolly ...

Weekly Giveaway Enter To Win Contest

CONTEST GIVEAWAY, ENTER TO WIN ...

luluvilliage has kindly offered 2 fairy princess cards with envelopes to the winner of this weeks Blog Contest, All you need to do to enter is post your favorite item from her shop. Sunday june 8th The winner will be posted. Good Luck all!
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Getting To Know The textured luluvillage ...

My shop is luluvillage, it was named (with the help of my kids) after an imaginary village of LULU people where everyone does what makes them happy and happiness makes the world go round!

A little about the seller

Name (and any aliases you have): Luluvillage

Hobbies (or just random interests): I love painting, oils are my favorites. I adore glass and smalti, both of which I use to create mosaics. Glass is a fantastic medium, highly underutilized: light travels differently depending upon the specific intensity of color, changing the look and feel of the piece. Smalti is a fantastic handmade glass from Italy, its surface is textured unlike the regular stained glass, therefore it reflects glass unpredictably creating wonderful textures.

Tell me about yourself? I am a collector of colors and textures, whenever I travel I bring some back; I am an artist and writer, with a strong belief that creativity is a flow of energy, which may be blocked but never stopped. I believe that creative expression is to be encouraged and protected. I am a mother of two little people whose boundless creativity is an inspiration for mine.

Other etsy shops luluvillage loves:

I love the flow of expression of Heidi Burton

CozyMoments is a fantastic body shop

and I am moved by the beauty of the stone vessels of the TwoBeans

to name just a few.

A little about the Store

How long have you been on etsy? I have opened an etsy shop in November 2007, but did not get serious about it until a couple of months ago.

What exactly do you do (What do you make?) As a relative newbie, I am going in several directions: prints of my original artwork, custom mosaics and mixed media items like mirrors, frames and handmade cards.

How did you first pick up your craft? I've always been inclined to do something that involved small object manipulation. However, overtime it's the universal aspect of creativity that attracted me most: I feel that all of us are like the small parts comprising a whole, along the lines of small glass pieces falling into place to form a mosaic image.

Favorite thing about it: Over the years, I feel my work has acquired a quiet soulful aspect to it, that I treasure most. I am less concerned with the final form than with the initial impulse to create: the process of putting something new together makes me feel alive, privy to something new that has not existed until I touched it with my hands.

Any inspirations? Traveling is my well of inspiration: I take hundreds of pictures in an attempt to absorb the feel of the places, their textures, their moods. I am also big on movies- they provide a change in perspective, and, therefore, a new view point.

MORE Items From luluvillage ...