Skwiggle......

I've been severely behind in EVERYTHING lately, but today, I'm trying to get my internetS stuff in order! One of the sites I belong to--Skwiggle---has a relatively new feature--the Skwiggle Blog Ring---I missed last weeks featured blog--Zura at Creative Clown--so went to it today and this is what I found!

http://ktcherished.blogspot.com/

Zura has a great blog--featuring all sorts of interesting items--from her great creations to her wonderful features about other etsy artists. I only wish that I could be as creative and blog-great as Zura!

Remember--- go to http://ktcherished.blogspot.com/ , read and enjoy!

Now----I'm the featured blog this week---so please let me know when you stop by--and check out my etsy sites, as well! cigarboxbeads and suchandsort.

90/90 PurpleSnowPeas

Kathryn's talents are many- from great photographs to beautiful and unique knitted items! I especially like the photo of the overgrown window!

I also love the name of this shop - and I am a retired teacher, so I feel an etsy kinship with Kathryn!

PurpleSnowPeas is Kathryn Short, a photographer and all-around artist, who attended the Maryland Institute College of Art. She was a photography major, but also enjoys bookmaking and knitting. Kathryn now teaches art and photography at the high school level.

Kathryn loves to knit and crochet, take photographs while walking outdoors, craft small books for collecting thoughts, and anything else that keeps her hands busy.

Visit her blog where I talk about knitting and ETSY artists!
http://purple-snowpeas-shop.blogspot.com/

90/90 Deabusamor

Please check out Sheika's shop - she is such a well rounded artist! Message in a Bottle and Winter Solace are just a few of her great items!


Deabusamor is Sheika Lugtu, a self-taught dabbler in various mediums. Her ultimate goal is to create pieces of jewelry or art that makes you smile every day.

Roughly translated, Deabus Amor means 'Goddess of Love' in Latin. Though Sheika states that she is by no means a deity, she believe in sharing love and good-will through each item she creates.


Everything in her shop is handmade by Sheika in a corner of her studio apartment. She does have pets but she states that she takes measures to make sure her products are hair, dander and dust-free.

Sheika says that she usually is friendly (chances increase with presence of chocolate or coffee) and a little too loud, sometimes hyper and mostly crazy.

She says she doesn't bite, so don't be scared to say Hi.;>)))

Find her at:

My blog! (( http://omgcow.blogspot.com ))
My deviantArt! (( http://deabusamor.deviantart.com ))

90/90 cserpent

These great examples are just a few of Susan's beautiful designs! Please go to her etsy site and check out all her other great work!


cserpent's name is Susan and she is the creator of cserpentDesigns! Her husband nicknamed her Sea Serpent during their scuba diving days (picture a tall person in a purple and black drysuit with a pink flotation vest coming out of the water with big black fins on her feet ... yep sea serpent fits!). He even got her a sea serpent stamp to use for her "signature" on her hand made cards.

Susan got started in jewelry making when one of her soccer teammates got her to go to a wirewrapping class with her. Susan made her first bracelet in that class (and as she looks at it now she wants to take it apart and redo it to look a lot nicer!). susan then saw a beaded watch band in a magazine and figured she could expand on that idea and make herself a cool beaded watch band in PURPLE! (her favorite color). She started the watch band using gold plated findings, finished it up at another wire wrapping class and got interest from many of her friends and family in having jewelry made for them. Susan still was just dabbling and got really mad when the gold plated findings started to tarnish in a very short amount of time. From that she learned her lesson about making things that last - don't make them with gold or silver plated parts if you want them to last a long time and remain beautiful!

That 2nd wire wrapping class really drove her interest in making jewelry with beads. She took more classes in basic jewelry making (stringing, knotting, ...) and has been making jewelry for family and friends and other customers for 4 years now. Her jewelry designs are also for sale at a gallery in La Jolla, CA - Gili Anna - so she is starting to expand her sales base.

Meet Susan's sometime codesigner!
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Her mom enjoys buying beads as well, a little too well if you ask Susan! Since she won't stop buying them Susan told her she'll have to start making jewelry for sale with some of the many beads she's purchased (and which I "store"). She has made many jewelry pieces for herself, family and friends but she buys way more beads than she has used in these designs. So her bead bins overfloweth and her mom has to help clear them out by making designs to sell.
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Jewelry Group memberships:
Cserpent is a member of several Etsy team - Jewelry on Etsy (JET), etsyBEAD, California Crafters Club on Etsy (CCCOE), Tranquil Beading Oasis (TBO) and Bead Hive (BHV). These groups help provide support, store promotion, group buys to get discounts and design challenges to help stretch my style and my knowledge.

90/90 wittyworkshop

A look at the beautiful work of wittyworkshop!

wittyworkshop's name is Valérie Parizeault and she is a Canadian Illustrator & designer from Montreal. She is also the owner of Rose Flash, Playfully spirited Jewelry (www.roseflash.ca), a graphic designer AND an art teacher. She DOES live a very busy life! C'est la vie!

Inspired by whimsical moments, children’s universes, friendship and mignonneries, Valerie is truly living her dream life as an artist with her husband-cherie by her side and her black cat Tokyo (nicknamed minou) on her keyboard. Also, she is :

- A Treehugger, a chocolate passionate, a coffee conoisseur (Valerie has worked several years as a Prima barista), a French Canadian, a daydreamer, a wannabe yoga wiz (not there yet!), a good cook...

Her loves: Feist & Coral Egan (singers), reading really late, antiques of all sorts(she collects them), all things graphic design-related, especially typo, shoes, graphic patterns, blogging and taking pictures.

Her dislikes: the word hate, electronic cords, talking on the phone, the smell of celeri, waiting in line, beer, over talkers and drama queens.


blog: pot-aux-roses.blogspot.com
business-tip blog: bitethebusiness.blogspot.com
«real» freelance graphic design job: www.design.roseflash.ca
jewelry line: www.roseflash.ca

Valerie has been featured in:
Domino Magazine:
http://www.dominomag.com/galleries/objects/accessories/art/etsy_girls

Decor 8:
http://decor8.blogspot.com/2007/08/witty-workshop.html

Bloesem:
http://bloesem.blogs.com/bloesem/2007/08/prints.html

La Mode D'indie
http://msmignonette.blogspot.com/2007/08/pretty-pretty-witty-workshop.html

Cuteable:
http://cuteable.com/cuteable-finds-91/964

Apartment therapy Nursery:
http://nursery.apartmenttherapy.com/nursery/artwork/the-best-friend-series-036047

A VERY busy lady, indeed!

90/90 QuirkynBerkeley---yayyyyyyy!

I love what QuirkynBerkeley does!!! I could put pictures of her work up here all night! Please go to her shop and check out all her great goodies! http://QuirkynBerkeley.etsy.com

QuirkynBerkeley says: Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley. Love Etsy.
Beyond that, her style is eclectic and she loves to experiment. She gets completely absorbed in engineering her varied creations for hours. Each one is a new and unique production, made of treasures from her collection of paper and ephemera, transfigured into a single piece held together by a little glue, a lot of ideas, practice and work, and most of all, a great amount of joy. Some of her custom work can be viewed at http://www.picturetrail.com/photos/quirkynberkeley. Everything is made in a smoke free environment.

Her work is designed to be something that one person gives to another. She is lucky to have a craft that has a personal role in people's lives, and that can so easily become a part of the story of people's lives together. Gifts are imbued with all sorts of symbolic significance in every culture, and QuirkynBerkeley is always interested in the stories that people tell her about how they've used her cards -- who it was for, why they picked that particular card, why it touches them in some special way. Giving a handmade card is an act of intimacy since it is touched by very few hands-- the hands of the maker, the sender, the recipient. Being its creator allows her a role in a beautiful ritual.

It feels good to be the recipient of hand-written correspondence: no matter what the occasion -- there's a strong emotional connection during the moments of anticipation, and when it is held and read; the mystery of what's inside the envelope, wondering what prompted someone to stop everything else in their life and focus for a few minutes on writing this note. Your full attention for a few minutes is a very special kind of gift to another person, in a hand-written note that moment becomes frozen in time.

A handwritten note and its words can be touched by both sender and receiver and is always intimate; a handcrafted card is one that is created with these things in mind, and it is very likely the only one of its kind. Its maker sculpts the card from paper and other elements into a montage that is simultaneously an act of self-expression awaiting an act of overlaying it with new meaning in the giving from sender to receiver and used for one, specific moment in time.

QuirkynBerkeley makes beautiful things ---she also has a destash shop: http://quirkynberkeleytoo.etsy.com

90/90 catldy99

Isn't Judy's lampwork beautiful? Please go and check out her etsy shop- she has so many beauteous things!

Judy Richards - catldy99- resides in Portland, Oregon where it rains this time of year. A well kept secret is that it doesn't rain all year around.

Judy is a member of the Portland Bead Society, the ORBS (Oregon Regional Beadmakers Society) and the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers).

Judy makes lampwork beads and designs jewelry - unique and hopefully artful jewelry. She is always striving for new ideas, new shapes in glass.

Judy is inspired by nature (flowers, birds) depicted in glass. She loves abstract lampwork most of all with layers of glass and complexity. She is always striving to that goal.

She has done the work of reasonably exact glass beads - but yearns to break out of that toward something more complex and deep in an artistic sense. She also has a sense of humor and doesn't take herself too seriously - she is the owner of 2 cats, hence the cat beads. Judy likes to laugh and make others smile with her work.

Judy's dream buyer is the Sundance catalog.

Probably the best things she has made are jewelry with her own lampwork beads and semi precious stones that have sold thare are really pushing the envelope of what we think of as jewelry and adornment.

Judy's background:

B.A. University of Minnesota Magna Cum Laude in Technical Theatre
Coursework in Graphic Design at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco, CA
Coursework in lampworking - Portland, OR
Member of the International Society of Glass Beadmakers
seller on ebay for 5 years - over 500-100% positive feedback

90/90 DreamON

These are just a few great examples of DreamON's artistry---difficult to choose a favorite, but I love those red high heels!

Having lived in Colorado most of DreamON's life, she earned her BA in Art Education at Colorado State University. Additionally, she has taken workshops and studied with a number of local and national artists. She belongs to several art groups in Florida and one in Colorado. She has won numerous awards in juried and non-juried art shows. She is married and currently lives on the West Coast of Florida.

She values the presence of a recognizable subject in her paintings. DreamOn loves it when the center of interest appears in the midst of background objects that aren’t so well-defined. She wants watercolor to look like watercolor, and she wants her paintings to have a painterly look, not a photographic copy. Therefore she is an impressionist, because she doesn’t want to over-control the media.

DreamON loves to paint using a variety of techniques. Having taken an experimental art class for the last 4-5 years, she is likely to paint anything, and she us always "playing."

OTHER WEB PRESENCES:

http://DreamsAboutArt.blogspot.com
www.mary-hamilton.com

FUNDRAISING. . .
DreamON will be sharing a percentage of the proceeds from patriotic items with the The Fisher House™ Foundation. It's a small thing shr can do to support caring for our nation's military families.

90/90 LazyCat

Aren't these great? Crochetaloopa! I especially like the crocheted jewelry AND the zoo series!

Lazy Cat Gifts was created by three friends in Ann Arbor, MI. Two of them were in medical school at the University of Michigan and the third worked in a laboratory there. All of them had grandmothers who crocheted, however Kelly had the most experience.

After honing their skills for several years making many gifts for many family members and friends, they decided to try to sell some of their creations! They had a good start at a local craft show and found Etsy.com while searching for a gentle way to beginning selling online. (Plus, Etsy comes with the bonus of a great community of artists!) Etsy is also great for them, because Kelly has moved to Philadelphia, while Allison and Stasia still live in Ann Arbor. However, they keep in touch every day! And, they are all so excited Kelly is moving back to Ann Arbor in June!

They enjoy using the skills from their grandmothers to create wonderfully hip and modern pieces. They crochet in both yarn and wire, creating artisan crochet bead jewelry, scarves, hats, etc. They are constantly looking for ways to expand crochet, and they love making custom items!

My entry in CCCOE Witchy Women challenge---

The gold beadwoven choker I just finished---Sunshine of the Soul---from a REALLY disasembled
old necklace---bought in an Antique Store a long time ago----everything in an old plastic bag!

The white beadwoven choker is The White Witch of the Ice Forest--my entry in CCCOE's March challenge

okay---this is me! ;<)

I'm going to do a 90/90 later, but I thought I would do my own thing first! I belong to etsy-beadweavers and we're having a challenge right now--it's called 'Stormy Weather' and there are so many beautiful beadwoven entries- it's so difficult to choose! I don't have an entry this time ---I entered one of my necklaces in CCCOE 'Witchy Women' March challenge, and didn't get anything 'stormy' done----BUT --- please go to: http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com drool first and then please vote!

I tried to do a screenshot here of the entries, but last time I did that---I did something *wrong* and messed up my computer---so---go look your ownselves!
;>)))

90/90 Craftymoose

These are just a few of Craftymoose's great creations--from Frieda the Frog to Rosita, the art doll--to her beaded flowers to her ACEOs---go to her etsy site and see all of them!

Craftymoose has been crafting for as long as she can remember. She is self-taught and has enjoyed painting, needlework, quilting, polymer clay and jewelry making. She has tried most crafts at least once. She always returns to her first love, beads, and have returned to the art of making french beaded flowers.

Craftymoose also enjoys creating aceos-those 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" cards that are so addictive to make and collect. You will usually find them made with a variety of materials and methods.

Her beaded art dolls and suncatchers were born out a need to do something else with beads. Some are "people", some animal-themed, all have a personality and a heart!

The name Craftymoose came about because of her love of crafts and her husband's love of moose. Her avatar is the head of a 4'+ tall moose Craftymoose made him one Christmas!

90/90 Signaturesterling

I've only featured Signaturesterling's beautiful earrings---BUT----she has so many other beautiful items---please go to her etsy site and look at them!


At SignatureSterling, you will find personally designed and handcrafted jewelry ~ especially sterling silver with semiprecious stones, lampwork beads, Swarovski crystals/pearls, Czech glass, charms, and "signature" items ~ Specialty collections include Buckeye Nation, Hairspray, Show Your Colors, and Little Black Dress. Beautiful...unique...signature...YOU!

Since her first trek into a Toronto bead shop two 1/2 years ago, she's been an avid beader and jewelry designer. She enjoys designing, creating, and just plain playing with a variety of beads. And yes, she IS a Buckeye fan - GO BUCKS! When she's not beading, she loves being a soccer mom - can you tell?

Signaturesterling is active with other terrific, creative “Etsians” – the TBO (Tranquil Beading Oasis), the Bead Hive, EtsyMom, and EtsyBEAD. Need help finding these talented artists? Go to the Etsy home site and search for TBO, BHV, EtsyMom, and EtsyBEAD in tags, titles. You'll get a great list to choose from!

Committed to high quality in supplies and design, she is a SRAJD (#1111), Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer.

You'll also find Signaturesterling at signature-sterling.blogspot.com

90/90---Ulixis

These are just a few of Amanda's creations! She is talented in the button/jewelry department AND the notebook making side of her craft!
'Ulixis' name is Amanda, she is 21 years old and she grew up in the middle of nowhere - Northern Ontario. My parents home is across from a river (separated only by their front lawn and a dirt road) and surrounded by fields. As such, she's constantly inspired by the beauty of nature, particularly wild flowers, morning dew and flowing water.

Amanda is currently a fifth year (undergrad) Honours Biology and Pharmacology co-op student at McMaster University. This is her last semester, and it has been tough ~ especially since she was working for a whole year on her thesis. She investigated smooth muscle migration in real-time using videomicroscopy. It was fascinating, and Amanda is returning to continue her project for her Master's (and hopefully PhD). As such, she is quite a science geek... which is also a source of inspiration for her.

Amanda has been crafty her whole life, and enjoys making a variety of things. When she was younger, it was drawing, then making wreathes and dolls and beading. Now, her focus has switched to making notebooks and jewelry. She loves the range of colours, shapes and sizes that beads come in, and she constantly collects more and more. Buttons are also a huge favourite. She also enjoys cooking, reading, writing and problem solving.

Please check out her blog, ulixis.blogspot.com. She is trying to keep it up to date, though she is extremely busy. She always tries to post on any Etsy purchases she makes and receives. Additionally, Amanda is taking part in the 90 day blogging challenge, where I'm supposed to feature a wonderful Etsy artist once a day. Unfortunately, she's been too busy lately to be consistent, but she is trying. ((I know what you mean, Amanda!!- marilyn g))

a skwiggle blog-ring------------

I recently joined 'skwiggle' and there is a new feature-- a blog-ring! The first blog being featured on skwiggle is http://michabellacreations.blogspot.com/

Please go there an bask in the greatness of Michelle and friends! And check out that cutie- Chloe---another one of Michelle's 'creations', along with her jewelry! ;>)

90/90 VanessaKimble

Vanessa's prints and notecards are beautiful and imaginative------but I like her button the best!!;>)))

Vanessa Kimball is a graphic designer for a design company called Ekcetera Productions. www.ekcetera.com

She is also glued to her computer. She wonders if there's such thing as a design addiction. Oh and Vanessa is also addicted to Lipsmackers lip gloss. Strawberry Kiwi to be exact. Don't judge. :)

She also enjoys interior decorating, tennis, music, painting, vintage, IKEA, listening to The Current,coffee table books and art.

You can also check out her blog.
http://vanessakimball.blogspot.com It's pretty random stuff.

90/90 Backwoodscreations

I love all of backwood's goodies---but especially the embroidered cuffs! Good job!

Backwoodscreations has been doing the arts and crafts thing since she was a wee child. Her Mom always said idle hands can make trouble. She loves keeping the creativity flowing and still find time to get into trouble. Her creative endeavors are somewhat eclectic. Currently she is making art dolls and painting. If you are interested in learning more about Backwoodscreations and her artistic leanings check out her blog at www. backwoodscreations.blogspot.com.

As a member of Etsy for Animals (EFA) please look for items that will have a percentage listed in item description donated to the specified charity of the month. Their website can be found here http://www.etsyforanimals.com.

Creating fabric animal sculptures and mixed media pieces is where it's at for Backwoodscreations. All items are made in a smoke free environment. She will take suggestions for new critters so just let her know what you have in mind. Items are not toys for kids.

Backwoodscreations recently got given a ton of sheet music from Victorian Times on up to the the late 60's. Because she doesn't want to buryher own work with supply listings she has opened Second Life Supplies under the username SecondLife. ( www.SecondLife.etsy.com )

Check out her blog at www.backwoodscreations.blogspot.com for info on whats up in my world.