As You Like It

BESTeam Weekly Feature: Fluttering Flowers

2010-12-12T16:41:00.000-05:00

This week's featured shop is Fluttering Flowers, which sells critters and decorations made of FIMO and Sculpey Polymer clay. These miniatures would make great stocking stuffers, and the plant sticks (available in many shades) will give some color to your houseplants if, like mine, they don't spend much time in bloom.
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Here are a few items from the Fluttering Flowers shop:

Eight Roses and Four Ladybug Plant Sticks:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/52022509/8-roses-and-4-ladybug-plant-sticks-for?ref=v1_other_2

4 Silly Penguins:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/63945059/4-silly-penguins-fimo-and-sculpey?ref=pr_shop

Small Shimmery Square Swirly Mirror:


http://www.etsy.com/listing/63971222/small-shimmery-square-swirly-mirror-fimo?ref=pr_shop

You can find more at the Fluttering Flowers Etsy Shop, on Twitter, and on the Fluttering Flowers blog.

'Tis The Season: Holiday Gift Ideas by Rae of Light Photography

2010-12-03T18:08:00.001-05:00

Rae of Light is a photography shop based in Joplin, MO. For those of us in the midst of holiday shopping, this shop is a great find, and there are options for everyone on your list: you can buy a fine art photography print for a sophisticated art lover on your list, a calendar for your boss, or you can stuff your stockings with magnets and puzzles.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48730030/fall-butterfly-fine-art-calendar

http://www.etsy.com/listing/48792506/blue-butterfly-fine-art-puzzle


http://www.etsy.com/listing/61083111/red-flowers-in-teal-bowl-5x7-etsy-art

You can view all Rae of Light items on Etsy. Don't forget to check out their blog, too!

Happy Thanksgiving Sale! 5% off in my shop!

2010-11-24T20:13:00.001-05:00

Just type in the coupon code HOLIDAY5OFF when you check out to receive 5% off in my shop.

http://dicarlos.etsy.com

This Week's Featured Crafter: Elizabeth MD Jewery Designs

2010-11-18T15:51:00.000-05:00

Shop owner Elizabeth, of Elizabeth MD Jewelry Designs, is a self-proclaimed fashion lover who started designing her own jewelry when she wasn't finding pieces that make her excited about wearing them. Her shop features handmade earrings, necklaces, and sets that are designed and constructed from beads and wire. In the spirit of individuality and uniqueness, her shop announcement proclaims: "You're one of a kind, so why shouldn't your jewelry be?"

Fuschia Pink Adjustable Pearl Nugget Bangle

Winter Moon Necklace and Matching Earrings

If you like these unique pieces, and would like to see more, visit ElizabethMD's Etsy shop at: http://elizabethmd.etsy.com. You can also find out more on her blog: http://elizabethmdesigns.blogspot.com.

Staying Sane and Chasing the Nuns

2010-11-07T07:21:00.000-05:00

This week's featured artist is Sarah, creater of Chasing the Nuns (Cerlandia). Sarah is a stay-at-home mom from Illinois, who "crafts instead of going crazy," and her shop is full of lovely and fun handmade items. Since I spent yesterday morning doing some baby visiting, I was smitten with this adorable butterfly bib..

Butterfly Bib

Sarah also crafts beautiful crocheted necklaces. This pink one can be worn long or short.

Crocheted Coral Necklace

And the crocheted zigzag with a sterling silver chain is such a fun and unique idea!

Black zigzag Crochet Necklace

Since shopping season is coming up, this "Good in the Hood" Mr. Rogers tote bag is a fun way to carry your purchases.

Mr. Rogers Recycled T-Shirt Tote Bag

You can check out all of Sarah's items in her Etsy shop. She also has a blog, and facebook page.

As always, leave Sarah some love in the comments section, and take a few minutes to stop by her shop!

Sister Act: Handmade Accessories by Ardent Reverie

2010-11-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

The leaves are down, bulbs are in the ground, the geraniums have found new homes in sunny first floor windows, and we'll all get to sleep an extra hour tonight after we turn back our clocks. There's not much left to do this fall, except stock up on cozy accessories. Need shopping inspiration? Sisters Melanie and Meghan Mina can help you out. Melanie and Mina are a creative duo who sell their hair clips, headbands, hats, scarves, necklaces and even original paintings in their Etsy shop, Ardent Reverie.

With temperatures dropping, these knitted accessories can help keep out the chill:


L'Amour Beanie

Frill Scarf

The hair accessories at Ardent Reverie include beautiful headbands and fun feathery clips:

Lotus and Potpourri Feather Headband

Midnight Symphony Feather Headband

If you're more into decorating your pad than your hair, Ardent Reverie's art department is a must-see:

Aurora Glow-in-the-Dark Painting

DIY Mending (Mixed Media)

Want More? Visit:
Webpage and Blog: http://ardentreverie.com
Shop: http://www.ardentreverie.etsy.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/ArdentReverie
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ArdentReverie1
Sign up for Ardent Reverie's Sales, Promotions, and Events! Email: ArdentReverie1@gmail.com

Steampunk Wednesday

2010-10-27T18:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Hump Day! Today's inspiration is brought to you by Lola, an Oregon-based designer and crafter whose Victorian-inspired accessories are available in her Etsy shop, Inkstrand. Lola creates beautiful pendants, purses, and rings that are handcrafted from new, recycled and found materials. Lola is a self-proclaimed history and sci-fi lover, and thinks of Inkstrand as an opportunity to infuse her "nostalgic nerdiness" into her work.

Take a peek at the stunning photographs of the pieces available from Inkstrand:

Steampunk Brass Two Gears Resin Pendant Necklace

Vintage-Inspired Light Bulb Illustration -- Brass Pendant

Pale Violet Red Victorian Embellishment -- Brass Pendant

For more about Lola and her crafts, take a minute to stop by her facebook page. I highly recommend her blog, especially since she wrote a lovely feature on my shops this week! And as always, leave some comment love!

BESTeam Weekly Feature: Mya Bruce Designs

2010-10-20T19:37:00.000-04:00

While I won't be planning any kiddie parties for a while (since I don't have any!), this week's post is for those of you who wake up to the sound of pitter-patter feet every day. Mya Bruce is now offering her design service to customize super fun invitations so you can throw a fabulous party for your little one. Not a birthday? Not a problem! Mya can design a card or invitation for any occasion you can think of! How about a Candyland tournament chez toi? Or perhaps a neighborhood haunted house? Even better, you could be the founder and host of the local chapter of the kindergarten literary society. Just send Mya your ideas, some pictures, and party details, and before you know it, you'll have every nose miner and ankle biter on the block lining up to get in.

Invitations, Announcements, and cards by Mya Bruce Designs can be ordered through her Etsy site. you can also find out more at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mya-Bruce-Designs/113429518702303

Can't Buy Me Love! (Or Can You?)

2010-10-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

It's been a week of ups and downs. The long weekend turned out to be great, and I had an awesome time Oktoberfesting, hiking, and spending time with friends and family, but it didn't start out so hot when I had to deal with my engine dying, and being stranded at school on Friday afternoon. Luckily, I have an awesome husband who took some time out of his Columbus Day to help me push my car down the hill to the tech program's garage (thanks, honey). As of today, Carr is back on the road, having been fixed by my very own students (thanks Auto Tech class) and I don't have to borrow a vehicle anymore (thanks, Mom). I'm back on the road for nothing more than the cost of a re-manufactured starter (thanks Autozone)! Even though dealing with car troubles is a drag, I gotta say that I really felt the love from everyone who helped me out. That's something you just can't buy.

Or can you?

Maybe love is something you can purchase, at least if you ask Toronto-based jewelry designer Kristina, who runs the Etsy shop Buy Some Love with her husband (and occasional help from the couple's toddler). This adorable shop features the sweetest necklace and earring sets that are most definitely made with love. Check these lovebirds out:

And here are a few other things I just LOVE in this shop:

Buy Some Love is all about showing some love too, and uses supplies and materials that are all purchased from other sellers on Etsy. Leave a little love in the comments section if you like what you see, and don't forget to check out Buy Some Love's blog and facebook page.

2010-10-06T17:06:00.001-04:00

This week's BESTeam featured seller is Danizabeth, who works as a graphic designer for a local newspaper. She is a passionate photographer who "love[s] being able to look at something and capturing its beauty in unexpected ways."

This is precisely what she does in her Red Truck Series, available as 8 x 10 matte prints on Etsy. Though the series is titled after a rusting truck that Danizabeth found in a salvage yard, the photos seem to be more about the details than about the truck itself: these photos tell the story of the texture of cracked paint juxtaposed with the blistered metal of the door handle; the persistance of the foliage that is growing into the cab; an acoustic guitar leaning out the window; a hood ornament with a shadow etched in orange rust.

The automobiles of yesteryear comprise the subject matter in many of Danizabeth's photographs, and titles like "Pink Lady," and "Happy Car" highlight the distinct personality of each model.

My very favorite image in Danizabeth's shop is "Tagged." This image deconstructs the car into its components by revealing divided shelves stacked with labeled car parts. I love the repetition of the shapes and the textures of scuffed wood, worn metal, and frayed rope.

Danizabeth's images are available for sale in her Etsy Shop. You can also follow her blog and become a fan of her facebook page.

If you like what you see, show Danizabeth some love in the comments section!

The Best of BESTeam: New Treasury

2010-10-03T15:53:00.001-04:00

I just made this fall-themed treasury that features the beautiful work of BESTeam members:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ca8db1c63448eef8ca0f8c7/october-sunday

Glass Wall Hangings and Watercolor Prints by Elizabeth O'Hara

2010-09-28T21:12:00.000-04:00

This week's featured artist, Elizabeth O'Hara, is the creative force behind not one, but two Etsy shops: Elizabeth O'Hara and Elizabeth O'Hara Glass. Elizabeth lives outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and is "inspired every day by the patterns, sounds, colors, and textures of this ever changing landscape and city on the Chesapeake Bay."

In her art shop, Elizabeth sells watercolor prints, and mixed media paintings that take inspiration from everything from feathers to tapestries.

Watercolor Archival Print, "Bird"

Watercolor Archival Print, "Dreaming of Kilm"

Elizabeth's love for working with glass stems from a childhood experience when she found a treasure on the beach in Captain's Cove in Alaska: dozens of Japanese fishing net floats that had washed up on the shore. Elizabeth O'Hara Glass offers wall hangings that combine fused and/or cast glass with a variety of materials including hand made paper clay, waxes, mason stains, colored pencil and gold or other metal leaf.


Fused Glass Wall Art, Multicolored Green

Fused Glass Wall Art, Bronze Orange

Find out more about Elizabeth by reading her blog, checking her tweets on Twitter, or becoming a fan of her Facebook page.

If you like what you see, show Elizabeth some love by leaving a comment below.

Who Doesn't Love a Great Sale? (50% off at Wayfaring Magnolia!)

2010-09-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

I'll be the first to admit it. I'm a sucker for a good sale. What luck that Amanda Esch, the creator of the Etsy shop Wayfaring Magnolia, is offering 50% back via Paypal on any order placed by Friday!

Amanda is a recent college graduate, who currently resides in Nashville. She's a self-proclaimed gypsy, who serenades the masses with her beautiful music, and also expresses her creativity through artwork and her latest endeavor in fashion design.

While browsing Etsy, I came across a few absolute gems on her site:

How could you not adore this simple acrylic Lovebirds painting?

Amanda also creates picture frames out of lovely paper, like this Wildflower Picture Frame.

These handmade Blue Flower Fabric Buttons are a last reminder of summer, and so pretty with the contrasting blue petals and orange centers.

I saved the best for last. When I was a kid, we had a blue plastic cowboy boot milk cup that used to belong to my dad. Of course, despite the fact that everyone fought over the cowboy (cowgirl) cup for years, it doesn't get much use these days. This Vintage Glass Cowboy Boot Bottle, however, is made for big girls. Perfume bottle? Maybe. But I'd probably rinse it out, fill it with whiskey, and pop it into my saddlebag while I rode off into the sunset.

If you like what you see, make some noise! Then stop by Amanda's new facebook page, her Etsy shop, or her blog to check out her stuff. (Since her birthday was last Tuesday, you can even leave her a message with some belated birthday wishes.)

Yay Storque!

2010-09-19T20:22:00.001-04:00

I just checked my google analytics for my Etsy page, and got a big shocker when I noticed that my shop got over 500 hits yesterday. I felt a little weird googling myself (doesn't that sound dirty?), but I just found out that my Green is for Girls Notebook was in the Storque!

Click here for the link for emilybidwell's handmade blog entry, "Etsy Finds: Don't You Forget About Me." (You have to scroll down a bit -- I'm in the "Teacher's Pet" section, of course.)

How-To Make a Spanish Tile Wooden Mailbox, Step-by-Step Guide

2010-09-18T18:00:00.003-04:00

PART 1

While honeymooning in Spain, my husband and I purchased a set of beautiful tiles that spelled our last name. We were living in an apartment then, but now that we've got our own place, we decided to use the tiles to make a personalized wooden letter box for our front porch. Here is a step-by-step guide for making the mailbox. You can leave the front plain or embellish it with your own name tiles or design.

Before we start, a few words about shop safety. My man Norm Abram says it best: "Be sure to read, understand, and follow all the safety rules that come with your power tools. Knowing how to use your power tools properly will greatly reduce the risk of personal injury. And remember this: there is no more important safety rule than to wear these — safety glasses."

My safety glasses.

Seriously. Wear safety glasses. Fashion police are not allowed in wood shops anyway.

Materials:

* 1/2" x 6" x 6' hardwood plank, for sides, lid, and top plate
* 1/2" plywood (we purchased a 2'x4' sheet and had plenty leftover)
* Piano hinge, cut to 16" long
* Weather-resistant wood glue
* Brads for tacking joints together (2-3 per joint)

* Optional: Name tiles

Tools:
* Table saw (We used a table saw for all cuts, but you could certainly use a miter saw for the cross cuts and angles.) Make sure you have or make a jig for cutting angles if you're doing that on the table saw.
* Router
* Brad nailer (A hammer would work just fine too.)

Okay, let's go.

First, cut the side pieces out of your hardwood.

Use your miter gauge to push board through table saw at an angle.

Using a set of dado blades, cut 1/2" rabbet on longest edge (9 1/2" side), and 1/2" dado on the 7 1/2" side

Please do not cut off your fingers!
The saw wasn't actually running here!

Use the router to make a 1/2 " rabbet on the bottom edge between the dado and rabbet you already cut.

Cut plywood in three 16" long sections, and cross cut to match heights of mailbox back, front, and bottom. You will have to angle your saw blade when you cut the bottom and front pieces to make the plywood flush with your dado and rabbet cuts.

Fit pieces together, and use waterproof glue and brads to secure everything.

Hope you have lots of clamps! Clamp everything together until the glue dries.

To be continued...

2010-09-17T18:34:00.000-04:00

Whew! I made it to Friday, and the forecast for this weekend is mostly sunny with a 95% chance of eighty-something summer reading projects, and a 5% chance of constructing a new mail box. (I'll take pictures as I go and put up a how-to guide once it's done.) My to-do list is nothing to sneeze at, but it's been a loooooong week, and tonight is my night to relax, sip some wine, catch up on my magazine reading, and do a little Etsy browsing.

Speaking of Etsy, I'm a little late on my BESTeam blog feature. This week, I am featuring the beautiful beaded work of Elle Carmon, proprietress of Elle's Beads. Elle is a paralegal by day, and a talented jewelry and accessory designer after hours. Whether you're looking for funky bracelets or eco-friendly brooches, you will most definitely find something lovely in her shop. Here are a few of my favorites:

Black and Cream Re-purposed Vintage Style Adjustable Ring:

Black and Brown Polka Dot Barrette Clip with Vintage Button:

Vintage Inspired Blue Beaded Dangle Earrings:

Elle's beautiful work is available on Etsy, and you can also buy her pieces, find out more about her, and read her blog on her website, http://elles-beads.com/. Happy weekend!

Fall Color Feature: Unique Designs by Ms. P

2010-09-06T10:08:00.000-04:00

The heat wave has passed, and I've been noticing more leaves in my yard every day. For those of you who are looking to accessorize your fall wardrobes, let me introduce you to Paula, or, as she is known on Etsy, Miss P. As you browse through her shop, Unique Designs by Ms. P., you'll notice beautiful colors and textures in all of her items. She loves working with fabric, fibers, beads, and just about anything else textural, colorful or sparkly.

As I am in the midst of a seasonal accessories update, I first noticed the Golden Topez Family Bracelet, which features beautiful freshwater pearls and Swarovski crystals.

This Purple Jasper Bracelet is also lovely:

Miss P. is all about keeping your hands decorated, whether with a beautiful bracelet, or with a pair of colorful fingerless gloves. You can view her other wares on her Etsy shop, and read about her finds and features on her blog and Twitter page.

Smart Ass Cards by Sew Dandee

2010-09-01T16:43:00.001-04:00

Today was the first day of school (179 to go!), and so far so good! Maybe I'm just so intimidating, or maybe the 90+ degree sauna that I teach in kept everyone subdued, but I haven't met any obvious candidates for the inevitable "Class Smart Ass" title yet. While the wit was missing among my sophomores, I found it after school today as I was browsing through the funny and sometimes naughty cards created by Sew Dandee on Etsy.

Some of these cards look like things I might find scratched into my desks in a few weeks. Like this one, which can also be spelled on an upside-down calculator (58008):

But, seriously, guys. They're not all dirty. There's even a "Lovey Dovey" cards section:

Dandee sells handmade cards for a variety of other occasions, including "Birthday Shmirfday" and "Just Skuzz." She also sells music and movie light switch plates (some naughty, some nice). You can buy Dandee's work and find out more about her in her Etsy shop, on her blog, and on Twitter.

More Back to School!

2010-08-24T09:26:00.002-04:00

I'm shipping out another back to school order this morning -- so exciting! And I got busy last night creating even more stenciled folders, notebooks, and binders. Photographed and posted them this morning. You can see everything in my shop here.

BESTeam Feature: The Garden Room

2010-08-23T23:34:00.002-04:00

Patricia Snow, creator of The Garden Room is a mostly self-taught artist who sells unique jewelry made from semi-precious stones in her Etsy shop.

Her Artisan Agate Pendant Necklace has beautiful color variation in the stone.

And the brass leaf filigree over faceted green quartz beads is a pretty combination on her Enchanted Garden Earrings.

Patricia also sells supplies in her shop, including strands of beads you can use to design your very own pieces. You can see all of Patricia's items in The Garden Room, and you can keep up-to-date with her projects by following her blog.

Front Page!

2010-08-18T15:28:00.005-04:00

I made Etsy's front page yesterday, and my item (and another) sold! Woot!

Oh La La! BESTeam's Ecarlate Boutique est Très Bien!

2010-08-18T14:46:00.005-04:00

Having recently moved into a new home, I will be the first to admit that I am quite obsessed with decorating lately. My eyes lit up the second I spotted the pillows at Ecarlate Boutique. My first thought was that these were some très jolie oreillers!

Ecarlate Boutique is a mother and daughter team that creates beautiful French-inspired accent pillows. Both have experience working in interior design, and it shows in their well-crafted pieces, inspired by nature, and created in delicate neutral tones with well-placed pops of color, and occasional accents of buttons and ribbons.

I love the colors and the shape of this Teal and Green Bohemian Pillow:

One of my favorites is this "Tribal Pillow," which features an intricate red and brown paisley print:

And isn't this "Dark Gray Felt Pillow with Wool Ivory Floral Applique" just beautiful? I like the simplicity of the colors with combination of the textures in the ivory center.

If you like what you see (I sure did!), or if you'd like to discuss a custom order, you can keep up-to-date about Ecarlate Boutique on Etsy and on their Blog. A bientôt!

2010-08-16T13:26:00.009-04:00

I'm back!

Although Chris and I didn't take the original month-long trip we had planned, we had an amazing time during the two weeks we spent on the road. We started off camping on the beach in Delaware.

Then we drove to Virginia to attend my friend's wedding in Shenandoah, which ended when a transformer blew up and started a fire. Luckily, it was after the cake was cut, and nobody got hurt. And, really, who gets pictures with firemen in their wedding album?

We drove down the whole Blue Ridge Highway, from VA to TN, and did some backpacking in the Smoky Mountains, too. It was GORGEOUS.

Now that we're home to our doggie, my summer reading pile is shrinking, and August is halfway over, school is on my mind. So, without further ado, here is the new Back-to-School section of my Etsy shop: CLICK HERE!. So far, I have stenciled folders and notebooks with a variety of themes. Let me know what you think!

Rocky Mountain Dreaming: Colorado's Own Swing Station Studio

2010-07-29T13:46:00.007-04:00

This has been quite a week! Our adorable nephew Eddie is staying with us and attending the class my husband is teaching, and the class that I've been teaching ends tomorrow! Then it's Vermont for the weekend, and down South to Virginia for a wedding next week. (Hey, y'all!) After the wedding, Chris and I were planning to drive west for a rest-of-the-month cross-country road trip. Unfortunately (or fortunately, I suppose), he is starting a new job, and found out that he has orientation in mid-August, so we will have to truncate our trip. (If anyone wants some AAA maps & guides, I have lots. Hopefully we'll be able to use the National Parks Pass another time this year.)

The state that I was most looking forward spending time in during our trip was to be Colorado. Between visiting with great friends in Boulder and seeing the Rockies again, I was psyched to go. As consolation, here is a little piece of Colorado in my BESTeam Blog feature of the week: Swing Station Studio, out of Fort Collins.

Heather, the creator of Swing Station Studio, crafts beautiful purses, clutches, and housewares
using gorgeous pre-washed fabrics, and super cool designs like these pieces from her "box purses" collection:

Bridal Heidi Grace Letters Print Box Purse

Summer Sky Blue Leaves Mini Box Purse

This 4.5 x 5 inch Blue Floral Print Pouch would be great for lunch money or parking meter change:

And this Sailing Flags Print Zippered Pouch would make a great make-up bag (or a map pocket for the road trip-inclined!):

Swing Station Studio is on facebook and has a blog. If you're lucky enough to be in Colorado, you can see Heather's items in person at Mama Says Sew, 21 East Mountain Avenue, Fort Collins, CO.

Well, I am off to see Shakespeare In The Park perform Othello, so I will bid you adieu.

Just Peachy: BESTeam Feature on Little Peach Fuzz

2010-07-21T21:57:00.002-04:00

Rachel Bash is the crafter behind Little Peach Fuzz, an Orlando-based shop that sells jewelry and accessories. As I browsed through Rachel's goodies, I was struck by her creative use of unexpected materials, like this Multi-Colored Button Bracelet:

And these great Layered Yellow, Aqua, and Brown Button Earring s:

I instantly fell in love with this Dragonfly Origami Lotus Hair Clip:

And who would have thought to put a zipper on one's head? This Gold and Navy Nautical Zipper Headband totally works!

Little Peach Fuzz takes a fun and out-of-the-box approach to design that pushes the boundaries of what we wear, and where we wear it. (Say that ten times fast!) You can view Little Peach Fuzz's blog at: http://littlepeachfuzz.blogspot.com
and Etsy page at: http://littlepeachfuzz.etsy.com

Enjoy!

Say Who? Owlsome Gifts, BESTeam Blog Feature of the Week

2010-07-13T13:47:00.008-04:00

Besides being a nocturnal bird of prey, the owl stands as an important symbol to myriad cultures in the ancient and modern world. Whether you look at an owl and perceive wisdom, magic, wealth, clairvoyance, or secrecy, you can find an owl to snuggle up to, wear, or tack on your wall at Owlsome Gifts on Ets y.

The theme and title for Owlsome Gifts are inspired by a Chi Omega Sorority mascot, and, true to this sentiment, it is full of hooters (the feathery kind).

My summer reading list is loooooooong this year, so I was delighted to see the bookmark section. For me the most practical one would be this Owl Clock Bookmark, which will keep track of time while I let it slip away:

And, really, what is more adorable than this Stuffed Owl?

As jewelry-obsessed as I am, I just couldn't ignore this Yellow Owl Necklace. Isn't it great?

Don't forget to check out The Owlsome Gifts Blog -- you'll find even more reviews of owl products from all over the internet.

I'll see owl of you later.

BESTeam Weekly Blog Feature: CK Silver

2010-07-06T14:49:00.003-04:00

Fourth of July festivities are over, my suitcase is unpacked, and I'm back to work. Luckily, the class I'm teaching this summer is out by 12:30, so I can spend every afternoon as I like it. I've got a list of around-the-house things and craft projects that I can't wait to get my hands on. But first, drumroll please, is this week's BESTeam Feature, CK Silver.

CK Silver is a mother-daughter team that creates beautiful jewelry that pairs silver with freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, and semiprecious stones. Their well-crafted pieces are unique and thoughtfully designed. I love the caps on these Pearl Wrap Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings:

CK Silver also has a jewelry of the month club. If you're like me, and love getting mail and surprises, it is nothing short of brilliant. (You can even pick out the pieces you want in advance.) Jewelry of the month is available in gemstones here, and freshwater pearls here.

Stop by and visit CK Silver's Etsy shop or post a comment on their blog.

Enjoy the day and stay out of the heat!

Thanks for the feature, Maria Bella!

2010-07-01T08:26:00.001-04:00

I was featured in Maria Bella's blog: http://maryannartist.blogspot.com/2010/06/besteam-featured-artist-of-week.html

My Latest Project: Unexpected Knock

2010-06-30T11:55:00.004-04:00

Happy Wednesday! I am having a great day because my jury duty was canceled!

I started a new Etsy project yesterday: Unexpected Knock, which is a collections of cards, drawings, and paintings inspired by Emily Dickinson's poems.

Come visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/UnexpectedKnock

Waterwaif: BesTeam Member of the Week: Dicarlos

2010-06-28T14:09:00.001-04:00

Thanks, Waterwaif!

Waterwaif: BesTeam Member of the Week: Dicarlos

BESTeam Weekly Blog Feature: Artesia

2010-06-28T07:56:00.003-04:00

Although Marie Jones is on sabbatical for the summer, you can look forward to August 20, when she will re-open her Etsy shop, Artesia. Her skin and bath products are all-natural and handcrafted, and you can be sure that they were tested on family and friends, never on animals. (Because, really, bunnies with lipstick only belong in cartoons.) Best of all, 10% of Artesia sales are donated to Water 1st International, which grants funds to communities to establish sustainable safe water systems.

Look forward to buying products like these colorful lip balms ($3.50, http://www.etsy.com/listing/37803541/pink-lemonade-lip-balm-vida-bonita-line) when Artesia is back:

Shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtesiaProducts
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ArtesiaProducts
Blog: http://myartesia.blogspot.com/

Hot Diggidy Dog

2010-06-27T09:17:00.002-04:00

In honor of summer, and my doggie, I created this treasury on etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c1e7acdbd2f8eeffe393268/hot-diggidy-dog

Shop Local

2010-06-26T10:03:00.001-04:00

I picked up my first CSA farm share of the year on Tuesday, which got me thinking about how important it is to support local businesses. With that in mind, I went on a search for Etsians near me. Here are a few from Woburn and surrounding towns that I really liked:

Wiggle Collars makes beautiful graphic dog collars. I will definitely be taking a look when it's time to go Christmas shopping for my dog Katie.

www.etsy.com/shop/WiggleCollars

LinocutsBySteve makes charming hand-rubbed block prints on Japanese rice paper. I liked the simplicity and contrast (and local history!) in his "Old Stone Face" print:

www.etsy.com/shop/linocutsbysteve

Out of Stoneham is Parrish Relics, which features Gothic and historically-inspired jewelry. Great photos too!

www.etsy.com/shop/parrishrelics

Just the Goods

2010-06-22T09:33:00.000-04:00

My first feature is a shop on my Etsy BESTeam: Just the Goods

Based out of Winnepeg, Just the Goods makes all-natural skin and beauty products, including shaving solids, body butters, toothpaste, bath melts, and facial skin care items. You won’t find fancy labels or elaborate packaging here – just a high quality product that you can feel great using because it’s good for your body and the environment.

Just the Goods focuses on safety, quality, and responsibility. Nothing is artificial, most items are vegan, and, whenever possible, items are shipped in recycled materials.

Here are a few of my favorites:

These heart-shaped fizzy bath melts come in a variety of scents, or you can order them unscented:

I also like these tinted glosses, which come in peppermint, lavender, sweet orange, and sweet fennel. (And if you buy four, you get one free!)

Shaving solids come in yummy flavors like rosemary lemon and chai spice, and can be purchased with or without a canning jar.

If you’re not sure what you want, you can order four samples for only $2.70: http://www.etsy.com/listing/46350094/new-your-choice-of-any-four-vegan-items

Just the Goods will also consider your requests for custom blends.

To view their shop, visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/justthegoods

You can also follow their blog at: http://justthegoods.wordpress.com/