Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy!

This week on Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy the theme is "Back to School".  When I began my search, I realized that Etsy merchants have SO much to offer, I think I will have to do several on this theme just to give you a taste of what available in the wonderful world of handmade to equip your children with quality products as they head off to school this fall!

So let's start with some school supplies--one of MY favorite categories!

rice petals - a set of 10 washi-coated pencils by maoiliosa

 BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! buy any pencil set and get a FREE pocket mirror! let me know which mirror you choose in the 'message to seller' box during checkout; if no mirror is chosen, you will receive a random one :) •
10 beautifully hand-wrapped #2 graphite pencils featuring cream, tan, and vibrant red japanese rice blossoms. each unique pencil is approximately 3.5 inches long (no eraser). made with gorgeous, genuine japanese washi paper.
i have left these un-laquered for comfort of use and easy sharpening with either a manual or electric pencil sharpener. the tops will fray just a little when sharpened.
packaged in a gift box, and includes a gift tag for easy giving. this set is perfect for teachers, students, writers, artists, party favours for guests, and more!
design placement will vary on each pencil, but don't worry - your set will be just as beautiful as the one pictured :).

Altered Decorated Embellished Back To School Custom Clipboard for boys and girls and teachers by PigTailsPaperTrails

Its that time again--back to school! These custom clipboards are a great tool for organization. I have one for each of my children and I keep important school information at hand for the week--hanging on the side of my refrigerator. They are also great for doing homework in the car or at after school activities. 
If you would like yours personalized, convo us.
By purchasing this custom clipboard, you will receive one (1) clipboard in your choice of colors, theme and personalization.
The examples shown are from previous clients and we may not be able to reproduce exactly. But we have LOTS of colors and patterns to choose from. You just let us know what you have in mind and we will create it for you!  We can also create journals, binders, bookmarks and many other items to match.

15/15.4 inch LAPTOP/NOTEBOOK SLEEVES by DahliaHandbags

She has laptop sleeves in all shapes and sizes!   I chose the picture for the 15/15.4 inch laptop but you can customize a sleeve for any laptop or notebook!  Additional fabric choices are located at her Flickr ♥♥Fabric Showcase♥♥.   You can view other laptop sleeves here as well!! 

Well, that gives you a tiny sampling of all the wonderful "Back to School" supplies you can find on Etsy!  Hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy!  Stay tuned and have a great week!!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of August 15th!!

This week at Indie Junction, we are featuring three more wonderfully talented artisans: Kim from Among the Ruins, James from Jimbob Art, and Jennifer from Ella Joe Couture.
Let's start with Among the Ruins where you will discover handcrafted steampunk jewelry, gothic jewelry, handmade chains and wire jewelry. Kim, the shop owner, recycles vintage watches, skeleton keys and old jewelry.  In the artist's own words: "I am very down-to-earth and so is my jewelry. I love honesty and simplicity. I love natural raw materials. I love re-purposing old used up things, giving them new life. I love honoring things that deserve honor. Like a piece made 100 years ago on which the finish has worn off and left a beautiful patina - a hint of it's former youth, yet absolutely covered with the overwhelming beauty of having survived the ages. Edges are softened, corners are rounded. It is a gentler thing than it once was, a more valuable thing. There are so many kinds of beauty in the world, each with its own merit and place. As for me, I am most at home with old beauty, found among the ruins...I love taking old things and making them new again. Every piece I design is unique and one of a kind, and is made with the utmost care and passion."
Places to Find Among the Ruins:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Flickr

Or stop by Chat on Indie Junction and say hi to Kim there!
Now let's take a look at some of Kim's wonderful creations!

Our second Indie Junction Featured Artisan is James Ward Designs who is owner of  Jimbob Art on Etsy, offering a range of original drawings and prints, clothing and crockery. Each piece is handmade and a one of a kind.  In the artist's own words: "I am an illustrator working in London. I hope to create something that is unique and special in each piece of work. My artwork has been displayed in galleries including Shoreditch Town Hall and Stroud House Gallery. If you'd like to commission drawings or prints, please email me with details.  The main focus of my work is Natural History and my drawings have a heavy narrative element. I create these narratives using both scale and anthropomorphising the animal subjects – giving them human motivations and behaviour set in unusual contexts or juxtapositions. The medium I invariably use is pen and ink and I am obsessed with Rotring pens (architect’s pens) as they allow me to produce finely detailed drawings."
Places to Find James Ward's work:

• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's take a look at some of his wonderful work!

Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Jennifer of Ella Joe Couture where you will find handmade "Petite Chic" designs for your little one! All of these onesies are going to be handmade specifically for your princess or prince. All designs can be made in any size including adult unless otherwise stated in the item description as some of their items are One Of A Kind!  In the artist's own words: "I am a stay at home single mom! My lovely daughter Ella-Joe is my muse, my inspiration, my life and my love. I first started making headbands for her after I found only one in a store that I thought was soft enough for her little head! After spending much time perfecting my headwraps and bows I decided to throw some onesies together. To my surprise and sadness my onesies sold like hotcakes and my headwraps... nada! So, then my focus switched to what apparently the general public thought I did better. Now I am trying to find that balance of doing both equally as well. And, also be the absolute best mother I can! And, learn all the ins and outs of selling my goods online... Looks like I have a long list of things to accomplish! Please come on this journey with me!"
Places to find Ella Joe Couture:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Zibbet

Now let's take a look at some of the beautiful clothing you will find at Ella Joe Couture!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction's new home is coming up on two months old!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

A Really Beautiful Treasury!

Late Summer Hues

by

JemmDee

Thanks so much for including my czech glass beads in this gorgeous treasury!!  Love the color pallette!!

Some New Listings From Zur Designs

Here are some of the things I've been working on over the past few of weeks!


Delicate Vintage Style Sweetheart Locket

I just fell in love with this vintage heart locket and I imagine it holding two old sepia pictures! I adorned it with accent flowers in lucite, swarovski crystals, pearls, and czech glass and a beautiful swarovski crystal teardrop that gives it endless sparkle. It is mounted 18" antiqued brass O shaped cross chain with an antique tibet bronze swirl hook toggle clasp! So pretty, so delicate, and a bit of the old world to enhance your outfit!!

Bountiful Harvest EarringsThese vanilla czech glass drops surrounded by colorful bicone swarovski crystals reminds me of a wonderful harvest, just picked from the garden. Antiqued bronze headpins hold the vanilla drop and dancing crystals in place and handmade bronze ear wires tie everything together. These earring dangle approximately 1 1/4 inch from the ear.

Fields of Lavender Earrings

I absolutely love these Czech Amethyst Luster Faceted 10x13mm Teardrops and I decorated them with assorted colors of swarovski crystal bicones all wire wrapped so that they dance above the amethyst drops. I tied it all together with handmade silver ear wires and Fields of Lavender Earrings were born! They dangle about 1 1/4 inches from the ear.

Czech Glass Ruby Azuro Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring
Wow these Czech Glass 10mm Ruby Azuro Faceted Rounds are just so brilliant! The rich ruby color and then shades of blue and purple that just sparkle in the light! I wire wrapped this in sterling silver wire and the results are truly breathtaking when you slip this ring on your finger!! I know this because I made one for myself!! The ring shown is a size 7 but I also have one available in sizes 8 and 9...or I can customize a size just for you!

I Hold You In My Heart Vintage Style Necklace

Whenever I lose someone I always say that I hold them in my heart forever. This thought came to mind as I was creating this necklace. I found this wonderful large vintage puffy heart embossed with a lovely pattern and painted a bright orange and green. I added a filigree wire wrapped in flowers, some lucite and pearl accents, and a lovely czech glass flower and hung it from an intricate 18" antiqued brass rope chain. The piece is tied together with an antique tibet bronze swirl hook toggle clasp!

The heart pendant itself is large, approximately three inches so it makes a wonderful statement and will be a favored accessory!

Azurite Malachite Antiqued Bronze Wire Wrapped Ring

I love this azurite malachite stone! The vividness of both blue and green and the oval shape make it a perfect stone to generously wrap in antiqued bronze wire.The result is a beautiful little ring you'll be happy to wear every day that combines a contemporary style and a vintage flair! The ring is a size 7 but I can customize a size that's just right for you!

New Orleans Blues Necklace

The focal point of this 24 inch necklace is the extra large faceted crystal in a deep rich color blue. Add to that an ornate elongated bead cap, an antiqued bronze filigree decorated with vintage lucite flower and swarovski crystal accents, and a large vintage key. The piece is tied together with a wonderful antique brass chain and held together with a vintage style swirly toggle clasp.  I was listening to bluesy, jazzy New Orleans style sax music while creating this necklace reminding me of the rich and vibrate history of that city that not even nature can take down!

Hand Stamped Vintage Style Medallions

Well, I got a hand stamping kit for my birthday and am having so much fun with it! These brass oval tags can be stamped with inspirational messages, names,or personalized in any way. Each tag is surrounded by a cluster of bright flowers and beads and hung on an antiqued brass 16 inch chain. They look good by themselves or layered with other necklaces.
The ones I have in stock right now are:
JOY--surrounded by pink flowers; sure to bring joy to you every day
LOVE--featured swarovski crystals and pearls; make someone you love really happy...even if it's yourself!
SEEK--a great inspirational message for everyone surrounded by a garden of flowers in orange and turquoise
MEH--hehe I love this word...and sometimes it just says it all; features a black webbed jasper rondelle and pretty green flowers.  The size of the tag accommodates three to four letter words best. Just convo me on what you want your charm to say and preferred color palette.

Yellow Flower Vintage Style Wire Wrapped Ring
This ring began with a beautiful yellow african jade stone, generously wire wrapped in antiqued bronze wire, and topped with a pretty yellow flower with a creamy swarovski pearl nestled inside. The ring is a size 7 but I can customize the size just for you!

If you are giving any of these designs as gifts, they will arrive on your doorstep beautifully packaged and ready for giving!  And remember, there is always FREE SHIPPING at Zur Designs!

Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy!

Well, lately I think I've been thinking of the end of summer and the crisp beauty of autumn.  So let's look at some wonderful picks from Etsy that are all about autumn!!  So let's begin!

Autumn Tequila Sunrise Flower Earrings  by Jewelry by NaLa

Lovely hand dyed 14mm tequila sunrise ruffle frosted Lucite flower bead caps fade orange into gold and hold beautiful 6mm fiery lemon yellow and orange fuchsia two tone clear Czech glass bell flower beads. Copper brown seed beads and 4mm AB honey amber Czech glass faceted rounds form the flower stamen. Antiqued brass bead caps, melon beads and daisy spacers finish the design. Earrings dangle 1 1/2 inches from the tops of antiqued brass no lead or nickel lever backs.

Autumn Scene In Pastel by Dale B. Craft

Original pastel of an autumn scene in beautiful bright color-comes framed and matted - actual pastel measures 16x20

Fall Leaf Woodburned Gourd Bowl

This gourd bowl measures 7 1/2 inches tall and 31 inches around. The maple leaves were woodburned then cut out. The many fall colors were then added with dyes, then sprayed with poly urethane.

Visit these wonderful shops and get a taste of the beauty of Autumn!  I hope you've enjoyed this week's Window Shopping on Etsy!  Stay tuned and have a great week!!

Banana Sorbet Treasury by Natalya 1905

Banana Sorbet

by

natalya1905

Thank you for including my necklace in this beautiful treasury!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of August 8th!!

Well, let's put our hands together for this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans: all extraordinary talents:  Woody Loo, Headchange, and CreatiKnit!!
Let's start with Woody Loo where you will find Joyful Usable Art using paper mache, felt, and pillowcases!  In the artist's own words: "I strive to create USABLE ART that will make people SMILE.  That's why I draw on pillowcases and not on paper, I recycle paper, plastic bottles and containers and transform them from waste into beautiful figurines and   castles. I love needle crafting felt too, so I make cute bunnies and adorable flower ponytails.   A year ago, a friend's Birthday wish for me was that I would DO WHAT I LOVE AND LOVE WHAT I DO.  Ever since then I've been trying to do just that:  I sit and draw, stitch and explore, creating for kids and kids at heart while using various materials.
I'm unveiling the results on etsy now, for you to enjoy."  You can follow Woody Lou on Facebook and Twitter!
Now let's take a peek at some of the wonderful things you will find at Woody Lou!!

Our second Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Headchange featuring handmade creations of all kinds: vintage prints, antique maps, collage kits, and supplies! In the artist's own words: "Husband and wife.  We live in a secluded little corner of the world. Bristol is nestled in the Appalachian mountains A place were hand crafting is a part of most every family in one form or another.  We spend the better part of our time together making things (sometimes just a big mess)."
Places to find Headchange:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's look at some of the wonderful things you will find at Head Change!!

Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is CreatiKnit, featuring a variety of fun, handknit items from apple cozies to beautiful berets!  In the artist's own words: "I LOVE knitting and was absolutely hooked the moment I held knitting needles! It has always been very relaxing for me to work yarn through needles. I am a mom to 2 precious daughters and 1 adorable son. Both of my teen daughters are fascinated by Etsy and are discovering all the ins and outs of managing an online business. With all they are learning, I hope it helps them to one day be independent business women themselves."

• Blog
• Twitter
• We Love Etsy

Now let's take a look at some of the beautiful things at CreatiKnit!!

We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction's new home is coming up on two months old!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

A Bountiful Harvest Treasury!

A Bountiful Harvest Treasury

by 

The Pine Cone Tea Cup

Thanks so much for including my earrings!

Happy Birthday Leo!!

A Treasury For You!!

Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy!

This week's Window Shopping Theme is....BBQ!!  There are a lot of great ideas on Etsy to enhance your next cookout!!  Let's take a peek at a few!!

Gourmet Spice Rub and Barbeque Kit with Recipe Ideas from Purpose Designs!

A perfect gift for your outdoor chef!

This lovely frosted gift box contains eight 1.75 inch (48 mm) glass top containers filled with 8 savory and exotic rubs that will have you wanting to fire up the grill every night.

The Rubs

:: Chimichurri Rub ::
This rub originates from Argentina. A mix of herbs and spices- when combined with oil and vinegar it becomes a sauce for grilled meats. Lovely on fish, veggies or red meats.

Contains: oregano, basil, parsley, thyme, coarse sea salt, black peppercorns, savory, smoked paprika (pimentón), garlic powder, crushed chili peppers.

:: Cocoa & Spice Rub ::
This fragrant cocoa rub works best when meat is grilled over a lower heat for a longer time period. The combination of dark cocoa and spices is heavenly, and great on some pork ribs.

Contains: white peppercorns, ground coriander seeds, ground cinnamon, coarse sea salt, dark unsweetened cocoa powder, ground nutmeg and ground cloves.

:: Cajun Spice Rub ::
Heat and a touch of garlic combine nicely in this rub to complement almost any grilled meat, especially flavorful on chicken.

Contains: paprika, cayenne pepper, black peppercorns, minced garlic, onion flakes, oregano, salt.

:: Moroccan Spice Rub ::
This rub is based on the traditional ras el hanout, which translates to head of the class. Best used with red meats or sprinkled over BBQ'd potatoes. Try making some authentic kebabs with this rub!

Contains: cumin seeds, coriander seeds, allspice, awojan, black peppercorns, ground cloves, fenugreek, coarse sea salt, crushed chili flakes.

:: Scandanavian Rub ::
This is the rub you want for every wild salmon filet you grill this summer. So simple and so good. Amazing added to pasta salad too!

Contains: dill weed, lemon pepper, sea salt and chervil.

:: Mexican Rub ::
This smoky rub contains three different types of pepper- ancho, guajillo and crushed red chilies. Turn up the heat on a nice sirloin or flank steak with this rub!

Contains: cumin seeds, coriander seeds, guajillo, ancho and crushed red chilies, minced garlic, onion flakes, oregano, sea salt.

:: Jamaican Jerk Rub ::
A taste of the islands that is great as a rub or as a marinade. You can use this on everything from chicken to pork to firm white fish, it's always a winner!

Contains: pimiento (allspice), chili powder, crushed chilies, coriander, mustard, black pepper, ginger, garlic, thyme, paprika, basil, cloves, oregano, salt.

:: African Berbere Rub ::
Berbere is the fiery heart of Ethiopian cuisine, a hot and earthy combination when used on the grill. Try some on steaks, grilled corn, or chicken wings.

Contains: cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, ground ginger, garlic powder, fenugreek, cardamom, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, allspice.


These rubs are NOT commerical mixes, but hand blended in small batches by me. Includes serving suggestions on the ingredients insert included with the kit.

Each container holds about 1 ounce (30 g) of spice rub.
box size: 4 x 4 x 2 inches (10 x 10 x 5 cm)
Containers are labeled on the side and are individually sealed for safe shipping.

Steak Turner from The Knife Shop

When friends are over whip this out and let everyone guess what it is, you'll hear all kinds of replies. It started out as a old rusty railroad spike. When heated to 1900F degrees and hand hammered out it becomes a medieval looking steak flipper. Works great on roasts and chops too. Not good with fish though.. Approx. length 15-17in. When done barbecuing maintain polished steel with a little cooking oil.

Handmade Tile Coasters--BBQ--Set of 4 by Little Coaster Gnome

These barbeque coasters are made from ceramic household tiles and measure 4.25” x 4.25” (approx 11cm x 11cm). They are backed with four squares of cork to avoid scratching your surfaces and are sealed with a waterproof varnish to protect against water damage. Patterns may vary slightly depending on cut of paper. This set of 4 coasters comes with a paper wrapping for easy gift giving.

BBQ Invites by Plum Pudding Design

Perfect for any backyard summer barbeque. Invite friends to your backyard barbeque with these bright cards. 

Blank space available to write the necessary details. Set contains 8 A2 sized cards and natural stock envelopes. 

Original illustration digitally printed on 100% post consumer waste recycled paper.

 I hope you have enjoyed our BBQ Theme Edition of Wednesday Window Shopping on Etsy!  Stay tuned!  Have a great week!!

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of August 1st!!

What an exciting way to start out August with these three talented Indie Junction Artisans: Kreations by Kelli, Janine Basil, and Sylas Studios!!
Let's begin with Kreations by Kelli a shop where you will find whimsical necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and pouches! In the artist's own words: "I've been creating jewelry for a few years now and I love it. It's fun and innovative and it's one of my biggest passions. I'm a little obsessed, but that's okay. :)  When I'm not wire wrapping my heart out you can find me doing a variety of things: reading, writing, playing piano, drumming, working out, knitting, taking photographs, and enjoying an assortment of other hobbies.  I'm best known for my very colorful and quirky pieces. I have no age range, in fact. I sell the same items to seven-year-olds as I do to seventy-year-olds. (Kind of cool, I know!) Everything I make is fun and cheerful... always something different!"
Kelli has a second shop on Etsy called Geekel where you will find photographs, prints, shirts, totes, pouches, pillows, jewelry, and other various items.
Kelli is presently a college student at the ohio state university majoring in photography and creative writing.
Places to find Kelli:

• Blog
• Facebook
• Twitter

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things that you will find in Kelli's two shops!
Kreations by Kelli...
And Geekel:
Our second featured artisan is Janine Basil who is a designer of retro style hats, fascinators, headpieces and accessories. In the artist's own words: "ve been involved in fashion/fabrics/making in various ways for most of my life. Millinery has always bubbled under the surface, but now I'm making it the focus of my passion!   I'm inspired in all sorts of ways. I love vintage hats, which probably shows. I work in a gorgeous fabric shop so I'm always picking up lovely bits and pieces. Things I see day to day sometimes spark thoughts. Everything is an inspiration!"
Janine was recently featured in an article by Amity UK for the UK edition of Storque!  You can follow Janine on Twitterand be sure to visit her website!  Oh and Janine is now selling her glitter fabric in her supply store!!
And now what you've all been waiting for...Janine's wonderful hats and accessories!!

Our third Indie Junction featured artisan is Sylas Studios featuring metal creations to wear and hold.  Her new collections feature antique and vintage buttons set in silver as well as some enameled copper and some higher end stone and gold pieces.  In the artist's own words: "I've been making things all my life, and a few years ago was able to go to art school to learn more. I have a background in metalsmithing, both sculpture and jewelry, but I do love beading too. I spend a lot of time drawing and designing jewelry and art-to-wear items, so most of what I offer will be in those categories, however I do all kinds of metal work and art and will once in a while post goblets or inkwells and the like.
Locally my business consists of custom work and teaching. Etsy is one of my forums for selling "ready-mades" or what I would describe as pieces I make for fun.  I should mention that worked for both a bead store and gemstone wholesaler. I have learned how to professionaly string pearls and do beading repairs, as well as picked up a great deal about gemstones. You may find that I go into particulars about gemstones in my listings and this is why.
I also do my best to keep my studio as "Green" as possible. That is a little challenging on my budget, but it's something that I full-heartedly believe in."

Places to find Sylas Studios:

• Website
• Blog
• Facebook
• Flickr

Now let's take a look at the gorgeous designs by Sylas Studio!

We hope you have enjoyed this week's featured Indie Junction Artisans!  Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  Indie Junction's new home is a little over a month old!  Due to changes within Ning and incredible growth of our community, we have moved to a brand new home!  Many thanks to the design team of Nicky (co-owner) and her husband Steph for creating a wonderful site for all of our members!  With this new site we can not only continue to add value for our members but also keep the site free!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!