Freeform Beaded Pendants

My beadweaving continues. I can't stop creating my freeform peyote beaded jewelry. From my bracelets, to rings and now pendants.

And some exciting news - Bead Jewelry by Shopgirl jewelry are now available at The Waygoose, a Fine American Crafts gallery in Bethesda, Maryland! Woo-hoo!

Such a Cutie!

It pays to have a good model for your product shot and even better when the product itself is well made that customers just flock to your store in droves. Such is the case with The Portland Beanie Company. Since they opened their etsy shop last October 2006, they have sold 400 of these cutie beanies (adult sizes also available). Check them out!

Scarfguy Extraordinaire

Surfing through the stores in etsy one day, my jaw dropped when I landed into Scarfguy's shop. Handweaver, Fred Ullom of Ohio, weaves unbelievably beautiful scarves and shawls using luxurious natual fibers like superfine merino wool, mongolian cashmere, fine chinese silk, quviut and even yak! Each scarf is his own design and can take him 2 1/2 to 3 days to make. I am in awe.

A Trail of Hearts!

I found a novel idea for Valentine's Day! Dottyral of Dyed in the Wool Designs has these adorable crocheted hearts to romance your love on Valentine's Day:

"Here's [Dotty's] idea...On the night before Valentine's Day, hide these hearts everywhere...next to the coffee-maker, on the bathroom counter, in a pocket, in the car, in a briefcase. Your guy or girl will be finding them throughout the day. How about if you snail mail a heart to the office so they open it up on V day? Then, when your loved one comes home, the trail of hearts begins. Place a trail leading to a romantic dinner, a special gift, or straight to you."

That and more ideas on how to celebrate Valentine's Day. So visit Dyed in the Wool Designs etsy store for more heart ideas!

Rings!

I just had to share that I've started to make freeform peyote rings and this is the first one I've listed on my store called Mermaid Ring. Each ring will be one of a kind due to the nature of how these are made -- freeform, improvisational with no pattern. Even I don't know how these rings will end up. Where the beads, needle and thread take me, I will go!

Eclectic Jewelry Artisans

I've joined an incredible group of jewelry artisans --Eclectic Jewelry Artisans (eeja.org) who create just about the most fabulous pieces of wearable art you can find! Take for example this Chaos Ring with Rhodolite Garnet handcrafted by Ahna of Shattered Glass. Ahna's bold and original designs are not for the faint-hearted!

Pamper Yourself - Victorian Style

After a hectic rat race day, there's nothing like relaxing in a nice warm bath infused with bath salts like this Lavender Violet Bath Salts from Mishutka Design Studio, another inventive etsy artist. Their slogan "Vintage elegance. Modern comfort." says it all.

Starry Designs and Birds Nests

Another top Etsy store is Starry Designs from Singapore. Talented jewelry designer, Cindy, creates bold yet simple contemporary designs. My favorite is her signature piece, Birds Nest Rings. Clean, expert and uncluttered wire wrapping I so envy!

Etsy is the Place To Be!

My second home is Etsy - an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. It's a great community of artists and crafters featuring all their awesome work and craft. I'll be featuring interesting pieces as often as I can starting with one of my favorite sellers, Art by TR.

Art by TR features an awesome collection of home decor pieces made from metal. This Brass Light Switch Cover Plate is embossed with a colorful leaf and flower design. Light switch covers comprise the majority of their collection but also includes picture frames, garden stakes, night lights, welcome signs and gift boxes. The craftsmanship is just first rate!