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Showing posts with label handmade artisan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmade artisan. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Handmade Harbor--A Caring Place To Promote Yourself and Other Artisans

There's a wonderful place on Facebook where handmade artisans can gather to promote themselves and other artists.  Or if you want to simply take a peek at everyone's newest designs, treasuries, etc and share them on Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, and other great online places...that's fun too!


It's a group called Handmade Harbor and is the creation of a wonderful jewelry artisan that we call NaLa!  You can see some of her beautiful and unique jewelry designs here!


Here are the basic rules for the page:

Welcome Handmade Community!
This is your place to showcase yourselves and your fellow artists. Please follow the posting guidelines:
1. Be a caring contributor to the group, commenting on other posts and sharing whenever you post something of your own.
2. Share new handmade artists with the group on Sharing and Caring Thursday, or any other time.
3. Have fun Caring and Sharing and making new friends!



There are posts on the Discussion Tab where you can share your links with other handmade indie artists and every Thursday is "Caring and Sharing" Day on Handmade Harbor where each member shares two of their favorite handmade artists.  The process is simple:  "Simply share your favorite handmade artists with the group by posting their links on the wall. Then be sure to let your artists know they've been featured on Handmade Harbor so they can enjoy their moment in the spotlight!"


And if you are on Flickr, you can join the Handmade Harbor Flickr group and share your photos with the group!!


Handmade Harbor is a kind and sharing group of artisans and the group is run by one of the most generous handmade artists I've run across.  Her belief in the handmade movement is unflappable and her caring and sharing of other artist's work started way before she began Handmade Harbor.  Because of this, and the warmth of spirit of all the members,  Handmade Harbor truly is a safe harbor for and handmade artists!!


Come on over and join us! The door is always open!!



Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Got A Package From Greece Today! My Artistico Giveaway Prize Arrived!

And here it is! 
It is so beautiful! I can't wait to have it framed!
Thank you so much, Kostas!

And there was a wonderful surprise tucked inside!
So beautiful!
Can you believe it?
 Even the packaging is cool!


Thanks again!

Wednesday, January 05, 2011

My New Treasury! Vintage Rose!

Vintage Rose

My new treasury
Featuring Members of EPL, Handmade Harbor, and Treasure Lover!


Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Franco Pellegrino's Open Studio/Gallery Event

Well, Zur Designs was fortunate enough to be invited to the third in a series of Open Studio/Gallery Event that showcase the wonderful artwork of Franco Pellegrino.  These events have been running throughout the summer and take place in Franco's Studio which is a gorgeous barn at the home of Franco and his wife Patricia who is a wonderful photographer selling framed work, matted works, and beautiful cards and other items.

I had really good responses from people about my jewelry and although I love selling on Etsy and creating great relationships with my customers, I must admit, it was great to talk to people about my designs in person and watch them actually try on my jewelry...something we only get to see in pictures!!

Congratulations Franco for another wonderful Open Studio/Gallery Event!!  Can't wait until the next one in October!


Sunday, February 21, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of February 21st!!


 
This week we are featuring three more fabulous Indie Junction Artisans: CW Images, Ogden Arthaus, and My Needle Habit.
Let's start with our first artisan, CW Images.  CW is a photography company that produces images and products that give your environment the style and beauty that you desire. The galleries focus on the beauty of nature and my unique abstract style of photographing light to create interesting compositions. Quality is number one as all products are professionally printed and checked to insure our best service for you. CW galleries feature images that are non-offensive and family friendly, perfect for your home or commercial uses including offices, boardrooms, and lobbies.
Places to Find CW Images:
Take a look at some of CW Image's beautiful photography!
 
Our next featured Indie Junction Artisan is Ogden Arthaus who creates everyday art in glass, metals, and stone!  In the artisan's own words: "I am delighted to show my creations- my expressions of self. I hope that you will see something that pleases you, inspires you or simply makes you smile.   Sometimes the hardest part of making arts and crafts is actually selling your work; and I mean actually letting it go. I really do love everything I make. I would love to KEEP everything I make. But, I also love making things and of course, buying materials, taking classes and trying new mediums, so I often find myself in this odd predicament. I know I have to sell my art, but I don’t want to (stamping feet)! But I have to. At least I am comforted by the knowledge that my Etsy friends will provide good homes for my treasures."
Places to Find Ogden Arthaus:
Take a look at some of the wonderful things you'll find in Ogden Arthaus!
  
Our third featured Indie J. artisan is My Needle Habit featuring hand-embroidered items that definitely make a statement!  In the artist's own words: "Like so many others before me, I reach for a needle as a reaction to everyday life.  Every piece is an original design, hand stitched on best-quality vintage linen.  Your purchase arrives gift wrapped and ready to give. (Or keep!)  I love custom orders. What's on your mind?"
One of her political pieces was in a museum show juried by a curator from the Metropolitan Museum.  A few pieces are available at Gallery Aferro in Newark, NJ.  And, a few pix from the MNH archives can be found here.
Take a look at some of the designs you will find at My Needle Habit:
  
I hope you have enjoyed your visit today with these three fabulous Indie Junction artisans!  If you would like more information about Indie Junction simply click here.  Indie Junction is a place where indie artisans across all genres form a synergy that helps each individual achieve their goals within the handmade industry.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Today Is Intentional Stones!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Intentional Stones is the HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop for Wednesday! This beautiful shop is run by "...a couple of moms who make jewelry as a meditation to get through day to day life. "

"Meditation becomes art as we listen to the language of the stones."

Take a look at their beautiful Etsy Shop!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
IntentionalStones


Had trouble picking a favorite in this beautiful shop but I think I am going to go with "Floating on a Dream". Isn't it just gorgeous?Pale pinks and greens are highlighted by curved silver tubes connected by floating links. Like wearing springtime around your throat.

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Intentional Stones!

Monday, December 21, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--My Wired Imagination!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!

I visit this shop quite a bit and browse at the luscious gems and the great tutorials and wonderful designs!

In Bobbi's own words:

"I adore wire wrapping - I never tire of creating wearable art using straight wire and a pair of pliers. It is not my hobby, it is My Passion, My Love, My Living........

"All the work I list is handmade by me, including all my ear wires and most of my clasps; I never use solder, base metal, or plated metals. Each piece listed is the exact one for sale unless otherwise noted.. If you see a one of a kind piece that someone else beat you to, please convo me - in most cases I can make something similar."

Take a look at her wonderful Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
MyWiredImagination



Okay now time to pick a favorite....hmmm...I think I am going to choose this opal ring! The colors in it are awesome and the intricate wrapping makes it a stunning design! Isn't it gorgeous?


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at My Wired Imagination!

Sunday, December 20, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Ambient Girl Designs!


Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!
Nicola Viau is the owner of Ambient Girl Designs, a great stationary shop specializing in custom cards, invitations, gift tags and much more.


Take a look for yourself at her wonderful stationary shop: Ambient Girl Designs!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
AmbientGirlDesigns

I like lots of items in this shop but I chose Fancy Christmas Gift Tags as my favorite item!



Set of 5 tags. These beauties are definitely unique! Hand punched, hand stamped, hand embossed with silver on high quality card stock.
The back of each tag is white card stock so you can write your own personal special message! Finished off with silver eyelets and bright red ribbon, truly a bold statement!

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Ambient Girl Designs!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop Today is Deb Thuman's Shop!!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Deb Thuman's Shop. In the artist's own words:

"My art is the visual story of my personal history. It reflects my fascination with color and shows what is in my imagination. Life is way too short to play with just one toy, so I play with fiber, fabric, beads, and mud."

Take a look at her wonderful Etsy Shop!!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
DebThumans

Now comes the hard part...picking a favorite! This was really hard because I am nutty for ceramics and her jewelry was awesome but I am going to have to go with her quilt called "Glista". Love it and love the story behind it! Isn't it gorgeous?!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Deb Thuman's Shop!

Friday, December 18, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Haffina Again!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop is Haffina Again! This shop features handmade jewelry using semi precious stones and very unique designs!

Take a look at her lovely Etsy Shop for yourself!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
HaffinaAgain

Now it's time to pick my favorite! Another tough choice amongst all these pretties but I am going to go with the Fluorite Dangle Earrings! They are just gorgeous!



Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Haffina Again!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Monday, December 14, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop For Today--Bead Lady 5 Designs!

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team!The HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of the day is Bead Lady 5 Designs! All her jewelry pieces are handmade, original, unique, and eclectic. Only the finest materials are used. Creating jewelry is a great passion of hers so if you have any questions please feel free to contact Bead Lady 5 Designs.

Take a look at her wonderful shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
BeadLady5

After much browsing, my favorite item in Bead Lady 5's shop is the Vintage Style Cameo Crystal and Freshwater Pearl Necklace Set! It's just beautiful!
A lovely floral 30x40mm cameo mounted on a nicely detailed antique brass setting and embellished with olivine Swarovski crystal rhinestones is the focal point of this beautiful necklace. A lovely antique brass leaf bail with another crystal rhinestone attaches the cameo to a beautiful necklace of white fresh water button pearls and olivine Swarovski crsytals with antique brass filigree bead caps. This 17 inch vintage style necklace with a 2 1/2 inch pendant drop is a very strikingly beautiful necklace.
Matching earrings are included that dangle 1 inch from the ear wires.


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Bead Lady 5's shop!!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of The Day--Lanee's Crochet

Handmade Artists' Forum Etsy Team! Today's featured shop is Lanee's Crochet. A shop where you'll find awesome crocheted hair clips, cotton scrubbies and cloths, scarves, and more!

Check out her Etsy Shop for yourself!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
LaneesCrochet

Okay, now I need to pick a favorite...this is always hard for me but I am going with the Pink Rave Crocheted Handbag with Pin! So pretty! I love the colors and I love the design!

Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Lanee's Crochet!

Thursday, December 10, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop Today Is dbVictoria!

Handmade Artists' Forum!
Designs by Victoria is a wonderful shop where each piece is either personally handcrafted or embellished! She carries wire wrapped jewelry, embellished parasols, and other artful creations.

Check out this lovely shop!

Etsy
Buy Handmade
dbVictoria
I, as always, had a hard time picking out a favorite item...but I finally went with the Steampunk Green Garnet, Vesuvianite, and Brass Necklace...isn't it gorgeous?!
Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Designs by Victoria!

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

HAF Etsy Street Team Featured Shop of The Day Is Celtic Crossing

Handmade Artists' Forum!
Today's featured shop is Celtic Crossing. This gorgeous shop is filled with beautiful handcrafted jewelry using such mediums as wire and stone.

In Celtic Crossing's own words:

"This a labor of love and I hope that you will find something here that will catch your eye and you'll just have to have!

I have done gem cutting in the past, so working with gemstones is a joy for me and I do have a background for it. I am knowledgeable in properties of the stones so please feel free to ask me about a stone if you'd like to know more about it.

I am also a Reiki Master, and so with each piece of jewelry I make it is infused with positive energy before it leaves my hands and is sent onto you!

Enjoy your time browsing through my shop and please "heart" me, as I am putting up new things all the time"

Check out Celtic Crossing's wonderful Etsy Shop!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
CelticCrossing

I don't know which of these beautiful pieces I'd pick as a favorite....hmmmmm....I think I will go with Simple Love:

Simple and elegant! This would make a wonderful gift...even if it was for ME!!!


Click on the links to learn more about the Handmade Artists Forum (HAF) or the HAF Etsy Street Team! Enjoy shopping at Celtic Crossing!

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

The Friendship Pendant


I've been thinking a lot about a friend of mine that I don't see too often anymore but still talk to quite frequently. It's one of those friendships that no matter what our own personal circumstances and no matter how much time passes, we are the same when we get together and it's like no time has passed at all. And when we need one another for support or even just a kind face; we know that we can count on one another--no questions asked.

Those are the types of friendships I value...friends that are almost like family and will always have a very special place in my heart.

As I was thinking about all this I realized that there should be a special piece of jewelry to commemorate this type of friendship. Hence, the Friendship Pendant was born. I incorporated a special Celtic knot into the design because to me, the Celtic knot symbolizes the timeless nature of the human spirit, of love, and of life itself.

I used a square rhyolite bead as the focal piece because the black and gray and blue of that gorgeous stone reminds me of a clear night sky the color of midnight blue that only reinforces the feeling that some things last for an eternity. The squatty little blue swarovski crystal perched on a bali spacer on top of the stone just draws out the blue even more. Then I placed the pendant on a 25" sterling silver chain with a toggle clasp.

The Friendship Pendant can be purchased at my Etsy Shop. Perhaps you have a friend that would appreciate this timeless piece to symbolize a friendship that lasts forever!

Monday, November 02, 2009

And The Winner of Lunarbelle's Giveaway Is...


Steffi Snape! Congratulations Steffie! You should check out her blog called Mizz Snape Lives For A Day! It's really a great one with giveaways and some wonderful insights into this young writer's world!

I would like to thank Lunarbelle for participating as this week's Feature Etsy Artisan and thanks to all that took a peek and participated! Hope you enjoyed the feature!

Monday, October 26, 2009

This Week's Featured Etsy Shop is: Lunarbelle and She's Having A GIVEAWAY!!!!

This week's featured Etsy Shop is Lunarbelle! Her shop and her designs are just beautiful!

She is located in Australia and loves making jewelry. She almost feel like beads have taken over her life! When you start dreaming about them then you know it is a passion! Many of us know what that's like!!

The name Lunarbelle was derived from: Lunar because her sign is Cancer and Belle is her daughter's nickname.

She started making jewelry about five years ago and has been plying family and friends with her creations! She also sells pieces at a local gift shop and on ebay in Australia.

She found Etsy and thought it would be a wonderful place to list some of her work. She is a proud member of the DUST Team on Etsy, a group of Australian Artists, Crafts people and Artisans who support Etsy and wish to promote independent Handcrafted Goods here in Australia and
worldwide.

Take a look at her wonderful shop for yourself!


Etsy
Buy Handmade
Lunarbelle


Here are some places to find Lunarbelle:
To commemorate being the Featured Etsy Shop this week, Lunarbelle is having a GIVEAWAY!!! In addition, for this week only she is offering a 15% discount on all items in her shop to all my blog readers!


Take a chance at winning this lovely pair of dainty crystal cathedral bead earrings.
The beads used are a cathedral cut and are lined with copper which gives them a lovely pink/purple glow. A little gold plated bead cap sits on the bottom and a little gold plated heishi bead sits on the top. The earring hooks are gold plated and are an elongated shape which is flattened at the front. The drops measure 15mm from the bottom of the hook.

Okay here's how it works:

1. Go to Lunarbelle's shop and choose an item you love and leave a comment at the end of this post about your choice
2. Follow Lunarbelle's Blog

Completing those two basic tasks will earn you one chance into the giveaway!

Extra Credit

1. Follow this blog--Zur Designs
2. Follow Lunarbelle on Twitter
3. Follow Zur Designs on Twitter
4. Become a fan on Zur Designs Facebook Fan Page

On Monday, November 2nd I will tally it all up, run it through the random drawing software and announce the winner!

Oh, and if you would like to promote your blog, Facebook page, etc...mention it in your comments!

Thanks everyone and good luck!!!

Monday, October 19, 2009

My Very First Featured Etsy Shop is: Crystal Pearl! And There's A GIVEAWAY!!!

Crystal Pearl offers beaded t-shirts, tanks and lingerie, plus beautiful vintage and antique jewelry, including gold and silver, brooches, necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, etc.

The shop's proprietor comes from a family well-versed in the art of needlecraft. As a child, her mother made a lot of the clothing for the family, her aunt worked in the center of London as a seamstress, and she herself, from a very young age, designed her own doll clothing, studied needlework and continues to make clothing for herself today!

Crystal Pearl offers high quality vintage jewelry and unique upcycled and hand embellished items of clothing using a variety of materials such as faux jet, amberite, metallic buttons, acrylic buttons, ribbon, synthetic fur, and 80 year old glass Chinese trade beads specially imported from Thailand!

Take a look at some of the offerings in Crystal Pearl's Etsy Shop!!

You can also follow Crystal Pearl on:



Etsy
Buy Handmade
CrystalPearl

As featured artisan of the week, Crystal Pearl would like to offer a special giveaway, her amberite whirlygig pendant, to all my blog readers. To the lucky winner of this week's drawing, Crystal Pearl is offering this beautiful handmade silver and amberite pendant on a colored plaited leather thong. Various thong colors available (please specify if you have a color preference and she will try to accommodate.) Great for clubbing!


Here's how it works:

1. Become a follower of this blog--Zur Designs
2. Become a follower of Crystal Pearl's blog

Those two steps will win you one chance at the amberite whirlygig pendant.

For extra credit (for all you over-achievers out there!) each one of the following activities will earn you one extra chance in the prize drawing:
  • Become a fan of Crystal Pearl on Facebook
  • Become a fan of Zur Designs on Facebook
  • Follow Crystal Pearl on Twitter
  • Follow Zur Designs on Twitter
  • Become one of Crystal Pearl's contacts on Flickr
  • Become one of Crystal Pearl's contacts on Burdastyle
Leave a comment at the end of this post telling me that you have completed the two basic steps and what extra credit steps you took and on Monday, October 26th I will tally it all up and announce the winner! Also, if you'd like to mention your blog or other sites...feel free and I will follow you back!

Also, if you have an Etsy shop and would like to be a featured artisan on my blog, leave a comment after this post with your shop link and I will convo you!

Thanks in advance and Good Luck Everyone!!!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Virtual Craft Shows to Promote Your Business


Virtual craft shows combine the fun and excitement of live crafts shows with the convenience of being available 24/7 all year round. you don't have to lug your items from show to show and there's no fighting the elements either!

Typically, the way these online craft shows work is that they allow handmade artisans to rent a virtual booth for minimal money. When a buyer clicks on an item within that booth, often times they are directed right to the artisan's selling site to make the sale. Not only do they get the lowest price possible, but it gives added exposure to the artisan's online shop!

One of the key advantages of these virtual craft show sites is that they typically use many effective online marketing techniques to drive traffic to their site on behalf of the artisans. These include:
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Social Networking
  • Blogging
  • Article marketing
  • Link Building
  • Pay per Click Campaigns
  • Project Wonderful
  • Online Classifieds
These are all things many of us do for ourselves and it takes a great deal of time and effort. Renting a booth at a virtual crafts show enables us as artisans to concentrate our efforts in other areas...including creating new designs!

Here a couple of the virtual craft shows available to get you started!
  • Handmade Crafts--Rhonda Jai, founder of Handmade Crafts, is dedicated to the handmade artisan community. She developed this site to help artisans reach a broader audience as well as to create an awareness of the industry as a whole. Handmade Crafts Virtual Craft show utilizes all of the online marketing techniques described above AND they are also beginning to use Podcasts available on their Handmade Buzz blog as well! It's well worth checking out as a means to promote your online store.

  • Cafe Handmade--founded by a husband a wife team, Len and Kerri Testa, who love all things handmade and wanted to create a place to foster the handmade industry. They created their online craft show with a look and feel of traditional crafts shows. Hence the features on their website such as interviews with artists, the Cafe Homemade Lounge, Blockhead radio, and the aisles of the virtual craft show itself...all give the look and feel of attending a live show. They have about 10,000 visitors a month to their site and market your shop utilizing all internet marketing tools available to them. You owe it to yourself to check them out!
Often virtual craft show sites offer special discounts (for Twitter Followers for example) and run periodic specials on booth rentals. They are committed to the idea of handmade crafts, the sites foster a feeling of community for both buyers and sellers, and they are a wonderful way to enhance exposure to your work!

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