Five years ago my friends would have told you I was the it girl for any type of music question. I knew the name of any band that came on the radio as well as the title of the album the song was on. The past 5 years I have gotten out of the music loop more than I would like. That is why I was ecstatic when I was chosen to review the new album by One eskimO! I had never heard of them before and was surprised to learn that they were a very popular Adult Alternative Band with a #1 song called 'Kandi’. When I started to listen to the album I quickly realized that I had heard “Kandi” a number of times and did not realize that it was One eskimO that sang it! One eskimO is now one of my favorite CD’s. I would not say that it is crank it up while I clean my house type of music but I will say that it is start me a hot bubble bath, light up some candles, and let me chill! I love the way that the music just flows together and it just makes me want to sway! I love this album and I am sure … [Read more...]

Getting to know Fantasydesign I grew up on Catalina Island. Went to Aspen Co, with friends & ended up falling in love. My husband & I built our own Cabin from standing dead trees & lived on Aspen Mountain for 14 years. I taught myself how to knit to keep my children in warm clothing. This latent talent grew into a way to support my family. I loved designing & creating hand knit clothing. First for children then into adults. My business blossomed into quit a prosperous undertaking. I was knitting for very famous people there the names would be easily recognized if spoken. We decided to change our life-style when the children started getting older & we moved to Northern Ca. I had three children. Children are Zeke 37, N8 is 36, & Heather is 32. Both the boys have made me a Grandma. I am a 10 year widow now. I was deeply in love with my husband & still am. Were together for 28 years, I miss him, everyday I think of him. He would love the new direction my … [Read more...]

Getting to know Kristin (seababe) Where are you from? and a little bit about you I am originally from Orange County, California. I've lived on the North Shore of Oahu for almost 4 years now! Wow, time fly’s! Living here in Hawaii is a pretty surreal thing. I just love it. How did you decide on your shop name? Our shop name was decided upon in a brainstorming session between David and I. We wanted something relating to the ocean, so we thought to go with "sea". Then, David added the Babe part, making the name "Sea Babe." It stuck well. What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why? I love making necklaces. They take a bit more time, but I actually like making the small links I have in many of my pieces. It can be methodical and therapeutic at the same time. What advice would you give to new artist? I would tell a new artist that once they decide to make a living by selling their pieces, they can expect long hours and a lot of hard work to get the … [Read more...]

Getting to know Janette (littlepinkplum) Where are you from? and a little bit about you I live in San Diego with my husband and three kids. I have two girls and a boy and became a stay at home mom after my son was born 4 years ago. I discovered Etsy in 2008 and started selling at that time. What items do you carry in your shop? I have pocket mirrors and magnet sets and am just starting to add my jewelry back to the shop. How did you decide on your shop name? My shop is named after two of my favorite colors. And the "little" part because I thought it sounded cute and also because I'm not quite five feet tall, so I guess the "little" describes me too! What is your inspiration when making a new item? I am inspired by nature (I love flowers) and I love baby animals, so quite a few of my products have flowers or animals on them and all of my cabochon rings are made of flower cabochons. What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy? I … [Read more...]

  Getting to know Heather (heathrock) Where are you from? and a little bit about you: I'm originally from NJ (and still consider myself a Jersey girl) but have been living in Maryland with my husband (Lee), American Bulldog (Socrates) and tortie cat (Gaia *newest addition*) for about 5 years now. I became a vegan about 7 months ago, and a majority of my art is focused on that aspect of my life. The rest has to do with my hippie ways :) What items do you carry in your shop? I currently carry original art work (and obviously prints!), paper goods (bookmarks & greeting cards) & upcycled gifts (jewelry, vases & boxes). I have them all intertwined in one shop which I call, heathrock designs. However, I'm considering breaking them up and opening a variety of shops to make everyone happy :) How did you decide on your shop name? I have been called "heath rock" by a slew of friends since the age of 13- I'm 29 now... and the nick name's still alive and … [Read more...]

Memorial Day Flowers Giveaway from Sabine at silkwormflorals Getting to know Sabine (silkwormflorals) My Husband and I retired early two years ago, from our challenging and stressful careers in California, and moved to beautiful St George, Utah, where the pace is much quieter, and the economy much better. While working full time in my career, I was also designing floral arrangements, and selling them at local craft fairs and consignment shops. When I retired, I knew I wanted to start an on-line business to sell my arrangements. I wanted a unique name for my business, which would represent what I sell. My Husband is actually the one who came up with SilkWorm Florals. SilkWorm Florals offers beautiful floral arrangements in every size, shape, color, and price. I also offer home decor items, such as pillar candle/votive holders, jewelry boxes, swags, metal servers, wreaths, etc., which are all decorated with silk flowers. Everything I make is made with the utmost quality … [Read more...]

  Getting to know Julia (Julishland) Where are you from? and a little bit about you I’m from Israel. I'm 27 years old, happy married and we have a daughter Alice =) I've started making jewelry a few years ago and enjoy every minute of it I love to create jewelry pieces that are unique and original What items do you carry in your shop? In my shop I have a big choice of leather jewelry that come in many different styles types. I love to combine leather with another materials, like beads, wire, artistic moss etc., so you are welcome to take a look =) How did you decide on your shop name? Once, it was my nickname on forums and chats, afterwards it became my second name, therefore there was no doubt about my Shop name What is your inspiration when making a new item? Most of my jewelry inspired by nature Do you have a blog, twitter, or facebook page? I have facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/julia.goland And mail list … [Read more...]

  Memorial Day Giveaway   $10.00 Gift Code for LeksiDesigns! Check out all of the wonderful items Brooke carries in her LeksiDesigns Etsy Shop! Getting to know Brooke (LeksiDesigns) Hello! My name is Brooke Mosley. I am the owner of Leksi Designs. I make custom hand stamped jewelry and handmade flower accessories. My shop was named in a pretty simple way. My daughter, age 7, is named Aleksis. Some people call her "Leksi" for short, so there it is...Leksi Designs! In addition to one daughter, I have a husband, Tim, who is a Highway Patrolman and two small dogs, Jasper and Toby. I actually got into stamping metal jewelry when I was shopping for a piece for myself. Everything I looked at was so expensive! So, I just thought I would make it myself! People started asking me about the pieces I was wearing....and my ETSY SHOP WAS BORN! I work full-time during the day for the local school district and take Master's Courses in the evenings as well. I also coach cheerleading … [Read more...]

  Getting to know Amy (ArtofAmy) Where are you from? and a little bit about you Hello everyone! My name is Amy and I live in Little Old New Zealand! I am an artist of fanciful whimsy and nonsense! I love imagination and adore fairytales which I think you will notice when you see my artwork! Art is my passion and my hobby and I am currently working very hard to make it my career. I am engaged to a wonderful man who is very supportive and encouraging and I am very lucky to have him in my life. We also have a fat little cat who thinks she owns everything! She is not very supportive nor is she encouraging but I am lucky to have her to! What items do you carry in your shop? I Sell Original Art Prints of my own Paintings and paper crafts such as Postcards, Up-Cycled Greeting Cards and Recipe Cards which all feature my Whimsical Artworks! How did you decide on your shop name? I am an Artist named Amy so artofamy was created! Its both introductory and … [Read more...]

  What to wear for the rest of your life Ageless secrets of style by Kim Johnson Gross Co-creator of Chic Simple On the Back “I woke up one morning and couldn’t believe this was my life. I had turned fifty, sent my youngest daughter to college, closed my business, divorced, and none of my clothes fit. Not only had my life changed, buy my body was changing without my permission!” Check out Kim's facebook fanpage and a video on the book My Thoughts I will admit that I am one of those women that have more clothes than I actually wear. I would say about 85% of my closet has not seen the light of day for over a year. In the first chapter of this book Kim talks about getting rid of the clothes that you don’t wear. It was hard for me but I did. I guess that the clothes that I wore in high school 8 years ago will honestly probably never fit me again. I have been holding on to them in hopes of me one day being that size again ..HA! And after reading the first chapter and Kim’s … [Read more...]

Back of the Book Old habits die hard. But what if your best (or what you think are your best) habits are to blame for the extra pounds you’re packing? Spending hours on the treadmill, cutting fat intake, labeling certain foods “off limits”- these are all behaviors that actually work against your body. http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446548601.htm You can also check out Thatsfit, DailyMe, and FoxNews to read more about Jackie Warner My Thoughts This is why you’re fat! Wow! What a statement! I did not know how to take this book at first. That is a bold statement to make in a book title. This book is amazing. At first Jackie tells you about your body and what it does to the foods you eat. She also helps you to find a way to “diet” that does not feel like you are dieting! I am on my 3rd week in the book and I love it. The first two weeks Jackie actually has you add food to your diet! WHAT? Add food!! But it worked! I am very excited for the things to come with me and … [Read more...]

Put on Your Crown Life Changing Moments on the path to Queendom by Queen Latifah On the Back of the Book “There seems to be an epidemic of lousy self-esteem in this country, especially among young women, and if concerns me deeply. We ladies have stopped putting ourselves first, and I wanted to share something with you that would help you feel empowered and make you recognize the individual and innate beauty that is you” My Thoughts I have always been a big Queen Latifah fan. I love that she just knows who she is. She is not afraid to be herself and has never changed for anyone. She is also a genuinely happy person. Queen Latifah has always been one of my favorite role models but she is also one that I never really knew much about. She stays out of the lime light and glitz of Hollywood and is not seen in the tabloids or papers too often. When I read her book I could hear her voice saying everything. It was awesome. Most of the time when I read biographies it is about the … [Read more...]

  Getting to know Tracy (Design Lab 443) Where are you from? And a little bit about you I live in a charming town called Webster Groves, about a 15 minute drive from downtown St. Louis. I love the area, most people walk their kids to school and there are a lot of locally owned shops. I have been a freelance Graphic Designer for 9 years, which lets me stay home with my kids. I love to blog, I think of it as a journal, I have a bad memory so this will help me remember all the little things I don't want to forget about my life. I love to make things, everything... sew, quilt, paint, embroidery, scrapbook, craft, cook. It all feeds my soul! How did you decide the name for your shop? My graphic design business is Design Lab 443 so I just used the same name. The "443" is my house number. How did you learn to embroider? Self taught through the internet, I love the internet! What items do you most enjoy making and why? I love making plushy friends, I love to think … [Read more...]