I'm On Heartsy!

I am featured on Heartsy today! 

Heartsy is sort of like Groupon. Its a place to buy "deals" from other Etsy shops. 

They have one main feature each day, and then several other shops as well! I am 

really looking forward to whattoday brings. I have been painting like 

crazy to get ready for it, so I wanted to share 

with you some of my newest items! 

I hope you enjoy! Remember to check out my other items at 202 Designs!

Etsy Shop: Sophie Snaps

What will I find in your shop? 
I make hair clips, hats, and clip holders for little girls. Each item is one of a kind. I make the clips from fabric yoyos, buttons, felt appliques, ribbon, and beads.

How did you come about opening your shop? 
I began by making hair clips for my baby when I realized how much I had been spending on buying clips for her! Soon I realized she had way too many to ever wear, and friends began asking me about buying them. SophieSnaps evolved from there.

What is your favorite item in your shop? 
The yoyo clips in general - they are so versatile and fun to work with. I have always loved this one in particular www.etsy.com/listing/65685445/dotty-hair-clip

What is your favorite Etsy Shop? 
Do I have to chose just one??! I love MarasFabric for fabric squares to make yoyos. I adore TheTessyTree's necklaces - I just ordered one for my older daughter's birthday! The baby items in VicariousClothing crack me up! And ClaudineMJ is incredibly talented.

Etsy Shop: Heatherlyone

What will I find in your shop?
I currently make jewelry, knit wear and avocado buttons. I always strive to make things out of environmentally friendly & natural materials, and repurpose things wherever possible. I really dig forests and oceans and glaciers so whatever is on my mind at the time will usually come out in my work. Lately Japan has been on my mind with all this tragedy (I used to live there) so I have been making more wooden chiyogami (Japanese paper) earrings. I'll be branching out soon to other avocado things and bags.

How did you come about opening your shop?
It all started with the avocado buttons. I LOVE avocados and I hate waste so it suddenly occurred to me that rather than throwing the pits into the compost bin, I could make them into something that people would love. That, combined with the fact that I had been out of work for a long time and needed to just make things happen for myself was the impetus behind heatherlyone.

What is your favorite item in your shop?
Wow, tough question. I'm partial to a lot of my items but I think the one that speaks to me the most is the Icelandic fairy-flower necklace. I also have a soft spot for the Deep teal blue cowl neck cozy because I just learned how to knit and it was the first one I ever made - and it turned out perfect!

What is your favorite Etsy Shop?
This is the most impossible question because everyday I find new shops that absolutely blow me away. The level of artisanship on Etsy is just so humbling. But for actual purchases I tend to gravitate towards fiber artists such as designsbyamber (www.etsy.com/shop/designsbyamber) and seamstresses that make comfy organic clothing like moonseats (www.etsy.com/shop/moonseats) or joclothing (www.etsy.com/shop/joclothing). It's too much awesome!

My First "Stylish Blogger" Award!

I would like to thank Pikes Peak Pillow Company for presenting me with my first stylish blogger award! I feel very honored and blessed for being  recognized. Thank you, Terri!

 The rules for accepting this award are:  

1.) Give thanks to the person who gave you the award, and link back to them
2.) Mention 7 facts about yourself
3.) Pass it on

Here are 7 Facts About Me:

1. I just got married last June. My husband is obnoxious and crazy and I love him for it!

2.  I am a graphic designer and work at a hospital. I love my job and the people I work with - its been such a blessing!

3.  I am a part of a church that my dad pastor's over, and I am ever so greatful for it! More importantly, I love my Lord and Savior and  live my life for Him.

4.  My husband got into biking last year. I almost fainted when he told me how much the bike that he wanted to buy was! But now I just bought a bike as well, and although I've only had it a few weeks I am already loving it! 

5.  I went to South Africa almost two years ago, and will be going back soon with my husband - My heart holds a special place for Africa and for the people there that need the Lord.

6.  Right now I am totally addicted to chocolate pudding with whip cream and oreos on top. I feel like a pregnant lady with cravings - but I promise I'm not pregnant!

7.  I start Farrels (a weight loss program) tomorrow and I have to run the mile outside. Right now it is SNOWING! But, my husband recently participated in Farrels as well and I am determined to beat his time in the mile (rain, snow or shine), ha!

I am very excited about giving this award to two other people! Here are my picks. They are fabulous bloggers! Check them out! 1) Mattie's Social Circle   2)Maison Elevenses  

Again, thank you, Terri! This has been a lot of fun!  

Kristin/202 Designs

Etsy Shop: Jen Doyle Designs

What will I find in your shop?I design and make mostly one of a kind jewelry and hair accessories, and I also make bridal pieces so you will find a mix of both everyday and bridal pieces in my shop. I use quite a few techniques in my work and at the moment I LOVE making beaded flower hairpins so you see lots of those too!

How did you come about opening your shop?Well, I turned what started as a hobby into an official business in Jan 2009 and have built up a good Irish online customer base over the last 2 years. I love all things handmade and discovered Etsy ages ago when looking for a few bits and pieces, and I really like the vibrant Etsy community, and it's international so I figured that it could be a good way to reach a much wider audience for my work. So I took the plunge and opened my Etsy shop at the end of February this year!

What is your favorite item in your shop?It would have to be Karina's Hairvine. That was specially designed for a bride last year and has become one of my most popular pieces. www.etsy.com/listing/67767867/karinas-hairvine 

What is your favorite Etsy shop?Ooh, so hard to choose- there are so many fab shops on here but I really like www.etsy.com/shop/spiritofthenorth and alsowww.etsy.com/shop/TianaCHE 

New Notecards

Hey Everyone - I just added some notecards to my shop! 

I am so excited to share them with you!

First, I have the Painted Thank You Notecard Collection. For these I took my 

favorite paintings and turned them in to cards!

Next, I have my Make A Wish Notecard Collection. This collection carries cards for all sorts of occasions: birthdays, wedding, get well, graduation and more!

Then, I re-vamped my Thank You (Nature Set) and my 

Have I Told You Lately That I Love You? Collection. Enjoy!

Etsy Shop: Thundersales

What is your favorite item in your shop? My favorite item in my shop is from my mens line. Its a Silky black button down dress shirt that I have upcycled and embelished with a really vibrant skull and red rose fabric. It is one of the first that I made and still my fav :)

What will we find in your shop? In my shop you will find a mix of upcycled mens shirts, womens hand bags and purses and an unusual hair wrap./headband that is multi faceted in its use. I use recycled fabrics as often as I can, but I have a great love for colors and textures so I like to shop for unusual and beatiful fabrics too. 

What is your favorite shop? There is so much great shopping here on Etsy so 1 favorite shop is hard to say. But I do dream one day of owning one of the fairie style dream coats from Enlightened Platypus. Meanwhile I'll be shopping as many of my fellow etsy-ans shops as I can :)

How did you come about opening your shop? Now for how I got here..... I joined almost 2 years ago, half heartedly. Then when I lost my job and had to rely on all my resources I started selling the things I used to make just for fun. I started doing craft shows and ended up getting serious about my Etsy shop. I had discovered and remembered who I really am. I'm an artist with visions and a creative nature that has to be heard. Watching my visions materialize is what makes me the happiest.

Etsy Shop: Hayley's Paper Love

What will I find in your shop?I create mini scrapbooks. I like to use “found” or “reclaimed” materials like paperbags, children’s board books, and oversized playing cards. I’m into being as “green” as possible so materials that are destined for the trash I will gladly take them and see if I can create something beautiful out of them. 

How did you come about opening your shop?I have two little boys and I love to scrapbook their memories and I wanted to share my creations with everyone. I always got a lot of positive feedback about the pages I made for my boys so I decided that I could definitely open my own shop on Etsy; a couple of my friends had Etsy shops and I thought that it would be a good place to open shop.

I started out making 12x12 inch premade layouts where you could just place your 
pictures and voila, instant scrapbook! As time wore on my shop evolved into only mini scrapbook albums; although I still do the 12x12 inch pages as custom orders. I love making the mini albums because they can capture one specific moment in time and you can place them anywhere; on an end table, shelf, or on your desk at work. 

What is your favorite item in your shop?I love my Perfectly Peacock Accordion Album. Peacock feathers have been an obsession of mine for a while and when I saw this paper I was so excited to be able make a scrapbook out of it.

What is your favorite Etsy Shop?There are so many, I can’t choose one! I love Chicalookate; she does photography and makes magnets, coasters, notebooks and record album bowls, not-to-mention she’s a fellow Michigander! 
I also love OrangeFuzz; they have the best smelling soap! 

Etsy Shops: Peace Love Polka Dots

What will I find in your shop? Currently, you will find handmade items for your li'l guy or gal. I am fully stocked with all sorts of pacifier clips & hair accessories. But will soon be adding much more of a variety of items for your littles and Mommy, too. 

How did your shop start up? I named my shop, "Peace, Love, & Polka Dots" because the world (my world, at least) wouldn't be complete without those 3 things. My home is on a constant pursuit for peace, love, and polka dots. 

What is your favorite item in your shop? It's hard to decide on my favorite item. Obviously, I love them all, or I wouldn't have created them. But, I must say I love the pinwheels. They are precious, funky, and unique all in one yet suitable for even newborns. I love them because they're adorable and unique. And, because you won't find another girl in Target wearing the same one as your Princess. They can match nearly any outfit! I also love the tiny clippies embellished with felt flowers because they are so simple, yet so pretty sweeping back bangs. 

What is your favorite Etsy Shop? And, it's nearly impossible for me to narrow down my favorite Etsy Shop. I must say though, I love Isamay Designs. She has fabulous ribbons, and has super fast replies and shipping. My first Etsy purchase was from Briar Claire before I began making my own bows, and their site still makes me happy.




Check out my  facebook page where fans will be notified of sales, giveaways, and see products before they're listed.
www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Peace-Love-Polka-Dots/149802485048864

Etsy Shop: DM Designs

What will I find in your shop? My shop features a fairly wide assortment of items including magnets, drink trinkets, baby blocks, and paintings. I love creating custom and personalized work and am always up for new projects. To date, my largest request has been for personalized artwork for nurseries. Simply let me know the theme or bedding, and I will create a painting with the child's name to match! They make excellent baby shower gifts! 

How did you come about opening your shop? I actually toyed with the idea for quite a long time before finally opening my shop in January 2011. I have been creating work for clients since 1998, but finally decided I'd love to reach a larger online market.
I already had a blog (danimariedesigns.blogspot.com) and had recently started a Facebook page (facebook.com/fb.dm.designs), so I knew Etsy would be a great addition. I especially love that each site can interconnect with the other. I currently work full time and am taking classes for my Masters in Art Education (bust, busy) so... when those slow down, I know I'll be able to offer an EVEN LARGER variety of items in my shop! I've been VERY pleased with the results so far though! In my first month, with only about 25 items listed, I've already sold 8 items on Etsy. 

What is your favorite item in your shop? Currently, my favorite item is my ""Peas in a Pod" Painting, and it actually seems to be my most popular item so far too (featured in 9 or 10 treasuries!). 

What is your favorite Etsy Shop? Oooo ~ choosing a favorite is so difficult. There are tons of unique shops out there, but I must say I am loving the style and color palette of CORID's shop right now (very spring-feeling)! 

Etsy Shop: Dazzling Adornments

What will you find in this shop?: In Dazzling Adornments you will find mostly earrings, I can't help making them! There are also necklaces, bracelets and new wine glass charms. I'm currently working on a new line of earrings for non-pierced ears. This will include magnets, cuffs and screw back earring posts.
How did your etsy shop come about?: I have been making jewelry for 2 years, but I think I have learned the most about it since I opened my shop in Feb. I just got married last May and bought a house that needed some work so I decided to be a stay at home wife and get some of those projects done. Then I started having more and more time to myself as tasks got completed. When I was working I made jewelry for some craft shows just for fun, so a friend of mine on Etsy gave me the motivation to get back to jewelry making and to open a shop. I can't thank that friend enough, so far I LOVE IT!
What is your favorite item in your shop?: My favorite item changes daily, everyday I try to take new pictures and post new items and that newest item I always feel is my best because I have learned so much from each design I do. So right now my favorite item are my Colorful Ear Cuffs.


What is your favorite etsy shop?: As for my favorite Etsy shop there are so many! But I absolutely love the designs this bead shop comes up with: Powers Art Glass. Favorite item of hers: www.etsy.com/listing/68946376/lampwork-focal-bead-jewel-flower-iv.

Etsy Shop: Tickle Bugz Garden

What will I find in your shop? The collection of things in my shop is always evolving! I started out just making cute little baby girl hair accessories and dresses, but then I figured why not something for us Momma's too? I use a lot of materials that I've collected over the years, cottons, satin, felt, beads, etc. I'm so inspired by the beautiful creations I see other lovely ladies making!

How did you come about opening your shop? I am a graduate student getting my PhD in Microbiology. As you can imagine, it's a pretty technical field and I've always needed a creative outlet. I love to do things with my hands and I really enjoy figuring out how to make something new. I've always made gifts for friends, from baby quilts to purses to bows. This Christmas was the "year of the Hair accessory"! I got a ton of encouragement from my friends and family to open my own shop and support my "habit"! So, I took a leap of faith and launch my shop this past February. It's been a little slow to start. I have a nearly one-year old baby girl who consumes nearly all of my "free time", so in between loads of cloth diapers and making dinner, I try and squeeze in time to make new pretty things for my shop.

What is your favorite item in your shop? Right now, with spring on the horizon, I'm loving color schemes with light grey! I've been using a couple of prints from the Patty Young Sanctuary line and I have a few hair pieces in the shop using that fabric. However, I made a new pillowcase dress that I absolutely love, www.etsy.com/listing/68972119/pillowcase-dress. I loved it so much, I'm making another one for my daughter to wear for Easter!

What is your favorite Etsy Shop? Like I said, I am sooo inspired by what I see others making and selling on Etsy! If I had to pick one, I love TheMonkeyMoos! Her accessories are so beautiful and so intricate! I'll admit, I've spent tons of time just trying to figure out how she makes them!

Etsy Shop: Rose Mary's Glass Art

What will I find in your shop: I love working with glass, and my Etsy shop features items I've handmade in my studio (actually it's just my garage that no longer has room for any cars). I use powdered glass frit and pressed plant leaves to make my fused glass plates. I also have glass votives that are so beautiful when lit, decorative wall vases, crosses, business card holders. I am working on dichroic pendants and will have those in my shop very soon. My favorite glass items are my lampwork beads. They are so exciting to make, and opening the annealing kiln the following morning is like Christmas morning! My favorite glass is the silver glass from Double Helix. I have sets of beads in my shop now that are made with transparent blue glass and Triton silver glass. The silver glass becomes metallic when reduced in the flame. Magical! I also have bracelets made from my handmade beads and they are connected with sterling silver wire wrapping.

How did your shop start up: I opened my shop after a gallery where I sold my work closed. I also was encouraged by my friend who has an Etsy shop. It was an interesting experience, especially taking the five photographs for each item. I finally got a new camera and macro lens that made my life so much easier. This is an exciting venture for me and my few sales since opening in January are encouraging. The support from other Etsy sellers is also so welcome and unbelievable.

What is your favorite item: My favorite item in my shop has to be the set of beads made with Triton silver glass and transparent blue that I mentioned above. I love the square "pillow" beads and round "lentils" that are made with a metal press. The beads are beautiful.

What is your favorite etsy shop:  My favorite Etsy shop? How can I pick one? As I am a "newbie", I have not had much time to explore the world of Etsy, but I have a few favorites featured in my shop. I just ordered a necklace from wearableartbyjude and it is lovely. She takes photographs and uses them in her jewelry. The photograph in the necklace I purchased was taken in the U.P. of Michigan, where I grew up. How special is that?

Etsy Shop: The MaKu Collection

What will I find in your shop?I LOVE to create. In my shop you’ll find jewelry made with very different mediums; from classical gemstones necklaces to pendants that are made with digital graphics and resin. Other than jewelry for ladies, I also make cute necklaces for little girls.

How did you come about opening your shop?I’ve been a stay at home mom for over 8 years. After my youngest one turned 5 last year, I started to think about going back to work. I wasn’t ready to go back full time since my kids are still young and it would be too stressful to try to balance mommy duties, house duties, and work duties at the same time. I was in the Information Technology field for a long time. When my little girl was around 2, I started to do a lot of arts and crafts projects with her. That probably sparked the creative side of me. I started making jewelry in the spring of 2010 and I got a lot of compliments from my family and friends. Making jewelry became my addiction since then. In the fall of 2010, I opened up an online store, The MaKu Collection,www.makucollection.com, selling my jewelry and also some hair accessories. I like to help people so I decided to contribute a portion of the profit to schools and non-profit organizations.

I discovered Etsy while I was searching for supplies online one day and it instantly became my favorite place to visit. I loved it so much that I decided to open my own Etsy shop.

What is your favorite item in your shop?I love everything I’ve listed in the shop. If I have to choose one item, it will be the Glass Bead and Gemstone Necklace made with Lampwork Bead, Amethyst Rounds, and Swarovski Crystal Pearls.


What is your favorite Etsy Shop?There’re so many nice shops on Esty it is very hard to pick a favorite one. I probably have a dozen in mind. Since I love beads so much, I’m going to pick beadandribbon today. Their Picasso Czech beads are absolutely beautiful.

Etsy Shop: Sweet Little Threads

What will I find in your shop: In my shop you will mostly find items for babies and children although sometimes there are things for Mama's too! Currently I am making personalized lovey blankets that come with an applique initial. Those are my most popular item. Blankets are custom made so even though I specialize in lovey sized blankets, I can also make other sizes. I make hair clips and head bands for babies, children, and Mom too! Coming soon...birth announcement blankets. I have one almost finished and it is just precious!!

How did your etsy shop come about: I opened my shop about a year ago, shortly after my second daughter was born. I started making bibs and burp cloths for her and then for friends as baby gifts. They were a HUGE hit. Everyone loved them and suggested that I open my own business or website. I'd always loved Etsy, so I decided Etsy would be the perfect place for me to start out. Sadly, I wasn't able to put the time and effort that I wanted to this past summer and fall because our family moved, but now that we've settled I am really excited to focus more energy on my creations!

What is your favorite item: Right now, my favorite item is my personalized lovey blanket. It is my favorite because it is such a personal gift for a baby! Each blanket has it's own special story and I just love hearing from my clients about why they are purchasing the blanket and who it's for. This particular blanket was purchased for a couple expecting their first baby and the baby was being named after a mother who had passed away. How sweet is this blanket that the J has a heart on it?? It just made my heart melt. www.etsy.com/listing/68795485/personalized-lovey-blanket

What is your favorite shop: My favorite shop is Veronica's Closet Creations. Her personalized creations for children and babies are to die for. Her closet dividers are the perfect finishing touch to any baby nursery! She has hair bow holders, name plaques, and more! Definitely check it out! She's so talented. www.etsy.com/shop/vclosetcreations?section_id=7681526

I also love the shop Elmwood Eye Candy. www.etsy.com/shop/lizbenz She has some really interesting (and Buffalo, NY inspired!) artwork that I am amazed by.

Etsy Shop: Ruby and Jane

What will I find in your shop? Fashionable hair accessories and jewelry.

How did you come about opening your shop? I learned to make crocheted baby booties from a neighbor. I really liked the booties but they needed something more so I invented a pattern for a flower to go on top of them. Later I was looking for new flower ideas on the web and ran across this headband from Abercrombie and Fitch with a flower that wasn't as cute as mine for $32! I thought it was so ridiculous to pay that much for a cute headband so I started toying with different ideas. I soon realized that I was much more talented at the hair stuff than the booties :) However, I still wasn't wanting to give up totally on crochet so I came up with the earrings.

What is your favorite item in your shop? My tatted earrings. Even though they are the devil to make, and I will probably end up with carpal tunnel syndrome thanks to those little babies...there is a timeless grace about tatting and I plan on creating even more designs to sell.

What is your favorite Etsy Shop?www.etsy.com/shop/jennifermorrisbeads
(I know cliche but who doesn't love this shop?!?)
www.etsy.com/shop/struffoli
(My dream is to be able to knit and crochet like she does)