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Showing posts with label social network. Show all posts
Showing posts with label social network. 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!!



Monday, January 03, 2011

Lunaessence's Arts and Crafts World Expo Group on Facebook Treasury!

Lunaessence's Arts and Crafts World Expo Group on Facebook

A Treasury
by

Thank you so much for including my coil bracelet in this bold and beautiful collection!!


Sunday, January 02, 2011

Indie Junction Lemon and Lime Sorbet--My New Treasury!

Indie Junction Lemon and Lime Sorbet

Showcasing some of the many talented Indie Junction Members!

Thanks to 3littlebirdsboutique for help with the name of this treasury!!




Saturday, January 01, 2011

Happy New Year From Indie Junction!!

Happy New Year From All of Us at Indie Junction!

Take a look at some of the wonderful creations by many of the talented Indie Junction Artisans...2010 in Review!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Indie Junction Holiday Gift Guide For The Week of December 19th!!


Well, Christmas is almost upon us!  As you all wrap up your holiday gift shopping, just a gentle reminder that giving a handmade gift is not only a promise of something unique and of high quality...it is a wonderful show of support for all of us that have chosen to be part of the handmade movement.  Those of us who believe in the importance of growing handmade economies through craft, cultural heritage and community assets.   Honoring arts, artists and cultural traditions preserves and enriches community life. With technology and the web, this vision has been expanded globally but its meaning is the same; an appreciation of art and the artisan within the global marketplace.  A strong sense of community and a pride in the creation of quality goods and providing excellence in customer service.  So I think I can speak on behalf of our entire community when I say a resounding, "thank you for your support...and Happy Holidays!!"

Here is a selection of gifts that are each an expression of the artists themselves!  We are so proud to present to you the work done by our community!!








Well, this is just a sampling of the wonderful handmade creations by members of the Indie Junction Community and they all make wonderful gifts!  You owe it to yourself to check out the shops of the artisans presented here and search our team tag "indiejteam" to see more selections!  And if you still cannot choose, many of these shops offer gift certificates...which makes a perfect last minute gift or just a fun way to let someone on your list choose for themselves!

Indie Junction is great community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth. We are so proud to have the talented members featured here as part of our Indie Junction Community!  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!

Thank you for spending time with us today and have a wonderful, wonderful week!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of October 24th!!


Let's finish off October strong with these three wonderful artists: Elizabeth from The Elizabeth Bayu Store, Suzy from Suzy B. Designs and Vintage, and Tatiana of Teddysaur!!

Let's start with The Elizabeth Bayu Store where you will find handcrafted jewelry using 14 karat gold fill and silver metals and highlights gorgeous gemstones.  Elizabeth, born in Ethiopia, discovered her sense of style from her very sophisticated and fashionable mother, Zina. A ballerina and actress in Russia, Zina brought elegance and European worldliness to the African town where they lived, dressing in the finest Italian couture of the time. Zina was naturally the inspiration for her daughter's designs.  Elizabeth's inherited flare for style, fashion and theater lead her to follow in her mother's footsteps to a career as a model and actress. Capturing titles on her way towards the Miss USA pageant, she designed all of her competition evening gowns and wardrobe. Jewelry and handbags, however, remained a personal favorite.  In the artist's own words: "I love working with stones that have a special meaning like good health, good luck and serenity. Many of my designs are one-of-a-kind so you can enjoy being the owner of an exclusive piece."  Elizabeth also has a line of handbags which can be found on her website!!  Follow her on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook!

And now let's take a look at some of the wonderful jewelry you will find in her Etsy shop!!  And don't forget to check her website for her beautiful line of handbags!!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Suzy Berry a clothing shop where you will find a hand picked retro selection of quality Vintage and Fully Custom Made To Fit You Pinup and Vintage Inspired Dresses, Skirts, Tops, Shorts and Two Pieces! All Vintage can be re-produced in exactly your size, so don't hesitate to ask! In the artist's own words: "I have been hand sewing myself dresses since I was thirteen. I always got tons of compliments when I was wearing them out and so I bought myself a sewing machine and began to sew for others.  Every one of my pieces is totally unique. I never make exactly the same piece and I never use patterns. Each item is hand cut and constructed for a specific individual. I can make clothing in any size and I welcome your design ideas should you lie to have a custom dress from your own imagination."
Places to find Suzy Berry:

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things you will find in her shop!!
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Tatiana Kim owner of the Etsy shop Teddysaur where you will find artwork straight out of her imaginative little head!!  Tatiana once told me she wishes she could sit and draw and make crafts all day!  And if you ever are in Indie Junction chat when she is...you will get to appreciate the quick clever mind of a true artist!  Follow Tatiana's blog, check out her profile on DeviantArt, and become a friend on Facebook!
Now let's take a look at some of the work you will find in her Etsy Shop and on Deviant Art!!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We are so proud to have these talented artisans as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!

Have a great week everyone!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of October 17th!!


This week we have another group of talented Indie Junction Artisans!  We are proud to present:   Carol, owner of From the Hip Designs, Elizabeth from Raw Olive, and Holly from Holly & Sage!

Let's start with Carol, owner of From the Hip Designs.  From the Hip Designs is exactly that - unique items  created "from the hip"!  In the artist's own words:  "I am a painter, a knitter, a metalworker and jewelry buff, a mom, a dog and cat lover, a jewelry designer and collector of all things vintage. I love creating and hope you enjoy the gifts and goodies!"

Places to find From The Hip Designs
Carol has a place on her blog for artist links!  It's a wonderful way to meet other artisans as well as gain exposure!

Now let's take a peek at some of the wonderful things you will find at From The Hip Designs!!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is an newcomer to Etsy and Indie Junction, Elizabeth from Raw Olive where you will find natural olive oil bath and body products! In the artist's own words: "Raw Olive was born out of a desire to find pure, natural bath and beauty products for my family. I was shocked to learn that a lot of the "natural" products offered at health food stores still included potentially harmful ingredients such as parabens, sodium laurel sulfate, and petroleum. Considering that 80% of what you put on your body ends up in your body, food grade ingredients make sense! I started experimenting in my kitchen with natural ingredients in my cabinets such as cold-pressed olive oil, raw sugar and raw honey, to name a few. Soon enough, friends and family were hooked on some of my yummy creations.  Raw Olive has become a perfect marriage between my love for cooking and all things natural.  The creative process is what I enjoy most. With three girls, 8, 10 , and 12, I am constantly trying to create products that I feel comfortable with them using. Once I have an idea, I experiment in the kitchen until I'm happy with the final product. Once complete, I test the new product on my family and audacious friends and hope it's a hit."
Places to Find Raw Olive:

Now let's take a look at some of her wonderful natural body products!!
Our third Indie Junction Featured artisan is Holly from Holly & Sage where you will find unique handmade artisan jewelry and mommy necklaces.  In the artist's own words:  "I started making jewelry in 2007 and it quickly became an obsession! I have always had an eye for color and an appreciation for beautiful things, and designing jewelry let me put these interests to practical use.  I use many types of materials in my jewelry. I especially like turquoise and other natural semi-precious stones. Copper is my favorite metal to work with, but I use a lot of sterling silver, too.  I never use plastic beads unless they are being recycled from a vintage piece."  Her motto is "♥ I don't make jewelry so I can sell it, I sell it so I can make it! ♥"  You should also visit her destash store, Restashable Supplies!
Places to Find Holly & Sage:

Now let's take a peek at some of the wonderful designs you will find at Holly & Sage!!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We are so proud to have these talented artisans as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!


Monday, October 11, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of October 10th!!


Happy Thanksgiving Weekend to all our Canadian Friends...Happy Columbus Day Weekend here in the United States! Let's celebrate this week with three wonderful Indie Junction Artisans!  A round of applause for Carmen from Baublezptoa and BananaMiranda, Chelsea from Illustrations a la Mode, and Penelope of Mythology Patterns and her daughter from Flowered Dreams!

Let's begin with Carmen from Baublezptoa and BananaMiranda. Here you will find pendants made with Precious Metal Clay and some blends of this silver with gemstones.  In the artist's own words: "Artisan Jewelry has always held a fascination for me, and I have been making different versions of it for a long time starting with beads and now at my current favorite medium, Precious Metal Clay.  This shop is dedicated to those jewelry endeavors even though beads and gemstones manage their way into my jewelry, no matter what.  BananaMiranda holds most of those.   I love to be in my studio making things, and I love my wonderful husband who knows how important it is to me.   And I love animals, all kinds, and think as humans, it is our responsibility to love and protect them.   I am very interested and active in providing sanctuary to the lost and unwanted pets out there, and donate a portion of all of my sales to Best Friends Sanctuary. I also share stories and pictures of my beloved pets in my blogs among the pictures of my jewelry!   I am simply making my way, like all of you out there, and I do hope that something in my shops will entice you into a smile."

Places to find Carmen:
Now let's take a look at the beautiful creations you will find in Baublezptoa!
And take a peek at the wonderful designs you will find in Banana Miranda!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Chelsea from Illustrations a la Mode where you will find prints, ACEOs, bookmarks, and custom  completely hand-drawn fashion illustrations!  In the artist's own words: " I am Chelsea Easley, and I am a 20 year old fashion design major currently residing in lovely Los Angeles, CA.  I have been enamored by the world of fashion from a very young age, and have made to move to LA to attend FIDM and realize my passion for the industry into a career.  I've decided to beginning to branch out, and if Im going to be worked to death sketching for my classes, I figured I should try and share my art with fellow fashionites : )  I truly hope you enjoy my work!"
Places to find Chelsea:

Now let's take a look at her wonderful work!
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Penelope of Mythology Patterns where you will find easy to understand and sew, digitized patterns in all sizes.  In the artist's own words: "I started designing patterns after struggling with store bought patterns that never seemed to fit right or have clear instructions. I love sewing and making things and I'm really happy to have made an easier, more enjoyable way to sew.  When you purchase one of my patterns, you are automatically entered into that month's drawing to win one of my patterns for free."  Follow her blog for sewing tips and new designs and promotions! Penelope also helps her 11 year old daughter  with her shop, Flowered Dreams, featuring designs adorned with handmade flowers!
Let's take a look at some of the patterns you will find at Mythology Patterns! Aren't these just the most beautiful models?
And let's take a look at her daughter's shop!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We are so proud to have these talented artisans as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!

Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!

Monday, October 04, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of October 3rd!!


The beauty of October is reflected in the Indie Junction artisans we are featuring this week:  Maude from Bits and Barley and Handmade Heart Studio, Weird Tales--My Cabinet of Curiosities, and Victoria of  Little Wren Pottery!!


Let's begin with Maude from Bits and Barley where you will find fun and funky handmade accessories and decor!  In the artist's own words: "Hi, my name is Maude and I live in the awesome East Texas area with my husband, two dogs and cat. I spend my days running a family owned and operated lawn and garden equipment shop but in the evenings I step into the magical place I feel most at home, my studio. I love making things and love it even more if I can find a way to reuse or reinvent something. A lot of what I make is from recycled materials although some things are just being born. My primary hope is to make things that bring a smile to your face & add a little bit of fun to your life."


Places to find Bits & Barley:
Maude also sells her absolutely gorgeous photography on Etsy in her second shop called Handmade Heart Studio!


Now let's take a peek at the wonderful things you will find at Bits & Barley!
And here is some of the beautiful photography you will find in her Handmade Heart Studio!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Weird Tales--My Cabinet of Curiosities where you will a vast array of beautiful things such as jewelry, banners, and antiques.   In the artist's own words: "My greatest love, after my adorable husband and my lovely son, is crafting. At my 'cabinet of curiosities' -shop- you will find handmade pendants, brooches, rings, even banners and antiques.   I like mixing materials, doing alchemies and casting odd spells..!"
Places to find Weird Tales (besides wandering in the city):


Now let's look at her wonderful Cabinet of Curiosities:
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Victoria of  Little Wren Pottery where you will find ontemporary handmade English dinnerware for your table. All the pieces are handcrafted  in Sunderland, England in stoneware clay.  In the artist's own words: "In 2007 I graduated from Dundee University with an undergraduate degree in Interactive Media Design but I also love working with my hands to create pottery.I find that in the digital world we're all too often removed from creating real tangible things, my Dad encouraged me to take up pottery after graduating. He's a great potter himself and I certainly wouldn't be half as good if it wasn't for him!I'm from Sunderland which is a coastal city in the north east of England. It has a great reputation for pottery and ceramics and in some small way I feel like I'm carrying on the tradition.  My work is inspired by other local potters, being outside in my garden which has quite an active bird population and Japanese pottery - in particular the potter Shoji Hamada.  Although pottery is my main pastime I also do other creative projects and I'm a keen knitter."  Catch up on what's happening with Little Wren Pottery on Twitter and on her blog!!
Now let's take a look at her wonderful pieces!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We are so proud to have these talented artisans as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!


Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of September 26th!!

Happy Autumn Everyone! And welcome to another in a series of Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  This week let's give a big welcome to artist/illustrator Betty at nouvelle gamine, jewelry artisan Nancy of NRJewel7 and in2vintagejewelry2, and designer of unique handbags Mackenzie of  Avocados & Lace!!
Let's start with the art of  Betty  Jordan Wester at nouvelle gamine where you will find prints from the artist's original paintings! In the artist's own words: "i create outsider art featuring downtrodden ms moneypennys on interdimensional holiday.   growing up in cardiff by the sea, a sunny seaside town in southern california, i developed a fascination with the seemingly ordinary concealing the extraordinary, smallness in the face of urbanization, & restraint in a culture of excess. my work explores the themes of unconventional beauty, innocence, decay, imperfection, sublimated sexuality, transience, impermanence, mystery, & horror.  my inspirations are: japanese prints, librarians, secretaries, middleclass girls, shy people, beards, pale suits, maladjustment, sea creatures, the supernatural, freckles, ktla channel 5 on sundays when I was a kid.  currently, i live in san francisco with my husband mikael & our beautiful baby karl cousteau."  To find out more about the story behind the work, follow her blog and friend her on Facebook!

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful work you will find at novelle gamine!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Nancy of  NRJewel7 where you will find uniquely designed necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and brooches.  In the artist's own words: "I have a love of jewelry and I love making jewelry. I get inspired when I see a person or magazine ad with a great designed piece of jewelry. I like making unique, one of a kind pieces. I construct some of my jewelry using vintage earrings, brooches, and necklaces. Seeing a vintage piece of jewelry starts my creative juices flowing.  Color is also an inspiration when I start creating funky, trendy, repurposed necklaces and pandora like bangles and snake chain bracelets. I try to add new items each week and I will be adding new pieces using new medium."  Nancy has a second jewelry shop on Etsy for all her vintage creations!  Follow her on Twitter and become a friend on Facebook!
Now let's take a look at some of the lovely jewelry you will find at NRJewelry7:
And here's some designs you will find in her vintage shop!
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Mackenzie (and Peanut) from Avocados & Lace where you will find fashionable handbags using unique fabrics that inspire creative, one-of-a-kind designs.  In the artist's own words:  "I am a Middle School Humanities Teacher in New York City. When I'm not teaching (or breaking up fights) I'm usually traveling. I absolutely love to go new places and do new things. I love to push myself out of my comfort zone, learn new languages and haggle for cool stuff at local markets. Ideally I would be able to travel the world all day every day. I'm still working on making that a reality though :o) I have a 10 year old English Bull Terrier (a Spud's Mackenzie Dog) named Peanut, who faithfully sits by my side as I work. I rescued her about a year ago and since then she has brought a ton of joy into my life, not to mention a ton of joy to my neighborhood. Everyone knows Peanut and everyone loves her.  I learned to sew very young and grew up doing tons of arts and crafts. I kind of put that on the back burner when I moved to Brooklyn 8 years ago. By joining etsy it has allowed me to rekindle my passion, tap back into my creative side, and help me to connect with new people. I am very happy I have a chance to have fun making some cool purses...and hopefully my arts and crafts habit will pay for itself this time :o)"  Check out her blog for more about Avocados & Lace!
And now let's look at her designs!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We are so proud to have these talented artisans as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!
Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Indie Junction Featured Artisans for the Week of September 19th!!


The fresh feel of autumn is in the air!  What better time to present you with three fresh new Indie Junction Artisans:   Yanessa B,  Nancy, owner of Designs in Stained Glass and Nancy's Bags Etc., and CreativExpressions 76!

Let's start with Yanessa B. where you will find handmade jewelry, paper goods, hair accessories. You are certain to find  something handmade you absolutely can't live without!  In the artist's own words:  "All pieces are carefully handcrafted by myself (well….sometimes with the help of my amazing husband Nick!!!). CUSTOMER SERVICE is an important part of my business, so I will do what I can to accommodate your needs or desires!"

Places to find Yanessa B:
Now let's take a look at some of the wonderful things you will find at Yanessa B...all things lovely!
Our next Indie Junction Featured Artisan is Designs in Stained Glass where you will find handmade stained glass art, suncatchers, panels, and more!  In the artist's own words: "Hello. My name is Nancy and I live in Rhode Island. I have been designing and creating stained glass items for many years. I use the traditional Tiffany stained glass method.  I take great care in designing a pattern, and choosing just the right glass that will compliment the design. It is difficult to capture the true beauty of stained glass in a photo. Each piece will look different at different times of the day and under different lighting.  I have been selling my panels, sun catchers, candle holders, lamps, and other stained glass items at local consignment stores, and gift shops for many years."  Follow Designs In Stained Glass on Facebook and Twitter! Oh and if you live in Rhode Island, you can see Nancy's work at Waves of Creation in Wakefield!
Let's take a peek at some of the work you will find at Designs In Stained Glass:
Nancy has a second shop: Nancy's Bags Etc. where you will find handmade handbags, purses, organizers, clutches, etc... in many different styles.  Nancy says:  "I have been sewing for many years. I became interested in sewing by watching my Mom and my sister when I was very young. I started making dolls clothes then went on to making my own clothes.  Many years have past, our children are grown and are on their own and I am still sewing. I used to make them cute little outfits when they were young. Now I sew items for my home, (pillows, quilts, slip covers, etc.) and a few clothes for myself.  I started quilting about 20 years ago and have made many beautiful quilts for my home and for family and friends.  Recently I have found a new love - sewing purses and bags. I put all my years of sewing experience and my love for sewing into each item that I make.  Everything is made by myself in my lovely new sewing room and smoke free home."
Now let's take a peek at the wonderful work you will find at Nancy's Bags, Etc.:
Our third Indie Junction Featured Artisan is CreativExpressions 76, where you will find a variety of products such as soaps, lotions, sprays, body wash, paintings,  and magnets.  In the artist's own words:  "CreativExpressions76 produces a variety of interesting, innovative and downright fun products! This venture combines interest and talents in art and painting and love of all things that'smell good.'  The result is an ambitious crafting business that produces handcrafted bath and body products in all shapes, sizes, scents, colors and varieties, along with handpainted and designed keepsake boxes, wooden magnets, small paintings...and more! Beyond just making the average consumer 'feel good,' these products are also perfect for organization fundraisers, wedding and baby shower favors and gifts for family and friends!"
Places to Find Creative Expressions 76:

And if you are from the Euclid, Ohio area, stop and see them at:

Studio 76
291 E. 222nd St. #145
Euclid, OH 44123
Inside Shore Cultural Centre

Now let's take a look at some of the wonderfully fun, smell good items you will find at Creative Expressions 76!
We hope you have enjoyed this week's Indie Junction Featured Artisans!  We feel immensely privileged to have artisans of this high caliber as part of our Indie Junction community! Indie Junction is a wonderful community that brings together artisans from across all mediums in the spirit of collaboration, support and growth.  For more information about Indie Junction, please go here!  We'll be waiting for you!!
Indie Junction is having a community-wide contest!  It's called Bannerama where we are asking members to stretch their creativity and design a new banner for our site!  It is open to all those who join our community!  Check out the details here!

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