Today's Featured Seller - Two Beans!

Once again, I am so far behind on this one, I'm embarassed to admit to it. ;)

The same day I asked for shops to feature and found 3Dots, I was also recommended this shop. So, being the curious sort that I am, I followed the link and found the most wonderful items! I immediately fell in love with Two Beans' shop and even though I had planned on only doing one feature from this group, I just had to add her in.

Again, I sent a few interview questions for her to answer. Lets see what she had to say, shall we?

Tell me a little bit about you, your art and your store

My name is Leah Csiszar, I've studied and practiced art for the majority of my life and plan to continue that habit until I run out of questions....... if that ever actually happens. I work primarily with all types of metals and currently I'm exploring a relationship between the traditions of textiles, weaving, and metal. Twobeans is an art shop of small works that I started with my partner, Charles Austin, in December of 2007. Charles has also been an active artist throughout his life, he primarily works with stone. We started twobeans as a place where people can shop for unique items for their homes, functional pieces and accents for their personalized living spaces. This line of work is a way that we can continue working through the winter, since it's small most of it can be made inside of our home, our sculpture studios are not heated yet, we live in Vermont so winter is a pretty long season. Also it's fun to change the way people look at things, we like to create some common objects in an uncommon way, I think it's healthy* ;)

What is your favourite piece and why?

My favorite piece right now is Baskets and Stone. I love to collaborate, and I feel our work complements each others well. There are a mixture of sensibilities in this piece which appeals to me, and I see it as art but also as practical. I also love epiphytes, they are beautiful plants and creating homes for them has been fulfilling for me.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by textures. I love to touch and have physical contact with the world around me. My hands are vital to me, I gather information, I work and I manifest with them. That is how I feel complete and ready for the next challenge.

If the world could only know one thing about you, what would you want that to be?

My existence in the art world.

What did you have for breakfast?

Green tea with jasmine, fresh oatmeal toast with some butter and honey, orange juice with some pulp. * yum *

What is the strangest pet you've ever had?

A friend gave me a spotted dogfish for my fish tank long ago, I named him Jupiter, he had a long salamander type of body with 4 little legs, webbed feet, and the most interesting feelers on his head. They were fuzzy and shaped like some kind of club moss, he looked like a Dr. Seuss character. He's no longer with us.

If you were a colour, what colour would you be?

green, so maybe I could photosynthesize.

Now, here are a few of my very favourite pieces.

Pinwheel Sculpture Bowl

Epiphyte hanging basket number 2



Egg Shaped Basket

I absolutely love the texture and visual appeal of these pieces. I'm sure you all agree that they are stunningly beautiful. I am continually amazed at the scope of talent on Etsy.

Be sure to click on Two Beans' banner (NOT designed by me!) to visit her shop and spread some Etsy love!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Today's Featured Seller - 3Dots!

Oh boy am I late on this one! I asked over the weekend for sellers to show me their stores for a feature and I'm just now getting to it. Bad me. ;)

But, once again, when I asked I had pages upon pages of stores to choose from. It's so tough sometimes! But, this store, 3Dots really stood out to me. Maybe it's because I love Inukshuks, I don't know. But there is definately something special about this seller and her shop.

I tried something a little different this time too. I sent a series of questions for her to answer. I thought it might be kind of neat to try it that way instead of all of you slogging through my horrendous thoughts and ramblings.

So, without further ado, here is 3Dots!

Tell me a little bit about you, your art and your store

Hi! My name is Lucie and i'm a 26 years. I live in Québec which is a francophone province in Canada. I'm really into modern Art and contemporary design. I studied Arts in college which helped me find my own style. I think all this is reflected in my shop. You can find one of a kind, simple and contemporary wood jewelry.

What is your favourite piece and why?

My favorite piece is hard to choose but I think it's this one, the "Tall Inukshuk" not only because it seems to be the most hearted in my shop, but because I just love so much the overall look of it. I love the wood pieces shapes and the way they are disposed. It just gets a lot of comments.

What inspires you?

As I said below, i'm really inspired by modern Art and contemporary design. I love linear and geometric shapes, i'm just attracted by them. Nature is also a great source of inspiration, I love the fact that i'm working with a natural material.

If the world could only know one thing about you, what would you want that to be?

If the world could know only one thing about me, I would love them to know that making these pieces is extremely fullfilling for me. I'm really passionate about what I do and being able to show it through Etsy is such a great thing!

What did you have for breakfast?

This morning, I had Special K red berries for breakfast as almost every morning... I just can't get enough...

What is the strangest pet you've ever had?

I actually own the strangest pet. It's my cat. You migth think a cat isn't really strange but believe me, mine is. He's the ugliest you've ever seen for sure, he loves to eat salad, strawberries, watermelon and BBQ chips but no chicken or things cats usually love. He also likes to play like a dog. When we throw something away, he brings it back and wants to play again... What a weird cat !!

Ok, I just have to jump in here in defense of kitty. She is not ugly! I think she's beautiful. Don't you? ;)

If you were a colour, what colour would you be?

If I was a colour, I would like to be turquoise. I don't really know why but I think this color is refreshing and eye catching. I love turquoise!

I've picked a couple of my favourite pieces from 3Dot's shop.

Bubble Trouble

And a gorgous bracelet!



Well, I certainly hope you enjoy 3Dot's shop. I think she has absolutely stunning work! Be sure to drop by and spread some Etsy love. Just click on her banner (NOT my design!) to go there.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Shhhh......It's a Secret!

Shhhhh.......Don't tell Juju. It's a secret!


I couldn't decide who to feature on my blog today, so I decided to surprise my friend and feature her Vintage store today. She doesn't know, so don't ruin the surprise, ok?


Some of you will already know who it is I'm featuring today. Even if you don't know her personally yet, you will be familiar with her Morning Coffee Hour and 5:00 Newbie Chat Threads in Promotions. Juju is the all patient all suffering soul who puts up with the rest of us while tirelessly answering every single post. And there are a LOT of them! She gives up minimum 2 hours of her day, every single day to gather all of us together to give us a place to chat, have fun, dance on poles in fishnet stockings and promote our shops a bit too.


So, because of her selfless actions every single day of the week, including weekends, I've decided to say thank you by featuring her shop here for all of you to see.


Introducing....JujuToo!!!


Here is what she has to say in her shop announcement


Welcome to my shop. I offer vintage items that aren't found in every basement or brought out from the average closet, but those special, and sometimes rare, things that will evoke memories all while being of great quality. I also offer items that I make myself.


And here are some of the absolutely stunning items she has gathered for us to see




I have to start out the Product Parade with what I think is absolutely the coolest thing in her shop. It's new and I hadn't seen it yet, but I have absolutely fallen in LOVE with this!


A Vintage Rooster. Isn't he a hoot!!!
I love that little fella! He is absolutely gorgeous and would look great in my kitchen. ;)



Summer is coming. It's slow, I know, but it's coming. ;) How about a Retro Pitcher Set? It's not only bright and fun, it's a complete set of 6 glasses and a pitcher!






Now, couldn't you see yourself relaxing on your back deck this summer with a nice, cool, refreshing drink in your hand using this set? It's great!!!



Now this piece, I have to say is the most interesting of all the items in Juju's shop. It's a Rare Vintage Lenox Lighter and Cigarette Holder Set. Honestly, I'm not even sure what to do with this, but I love it just the same. It's so interestingly shaped and in pristine condition. I love this!

So, now that you've had a taste for what Juju has to offer in her shop, don't walk, run over there and get yourself something new (well, old, actually).

And while you're at it, don't forget to check out her other shop, Juju Designs for gorgeous hand painted children's items.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Random Ramblings

I didn't get my feature done today, so I'm filling up space with random ramblings. ;)

I think Etsy gave most of us heart failure today with the site meltdown. I for one sat in front of my computer compulsively hitting refresh and rebooting. I just couldn't figure it out! So much for saying I could give up on Etsy anytime. Apparently, I'm an Etsy Addict.

Hello, my name is Deon and I am an Etsy Addict....

Come on, admit it. You are too! Tell us all about your Etsy addiction. You'll feel much better once you admit to it. It's cleansing. ;)

The only thing that really bothers me about the whole thing is losing my views. Honestly, in my old crochet shop I wouldn't have worried about it. In my Banner Queen shop, it hurts. I feel like it makes me look like a really unpopular designer. But, I guess a fresh start never hurt anyone!

Well, those are my rambling thoughts for today. Check back tomorrow for something interesting!

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Today's Featured Seller - SudsMuffin!!

I did it again! I posted on the forums to see who would like to be featured and lo and behold I woke up to this time 9 whole pages of requests! I thought it was hard last time!

I ended up choosing SudsMuffin as my featured seller today, because not only is she a truly wonderful person, I think her banner and her product are absolutely scrumptious!!!

So, what does SudsMuffin have to say about her shop?

First, lets send you to her website. http://sudsmuffin.com/ It is just full of scrumptious goodies!

Personally, I am in love and in awe of her marketing of Suds Muffin Pink. She has adopted hot pink (I love that colour!) as her trademark. If you come into her Brick and Morter shop in New Brunswick, Canada, not only will you get some fun little presents like soap samples, lip balms or possibly even have your picture taken and posted on the website, BUT you'll get to see Mr. SudsMuffin parading around in his hot pink t-shirt! I love that she's got him to wear that not only in the store, but all around town too! You're my hero, Mrs. SudsMuffin. ;)

After more than 8 years of making Bath and Body products, it's no wonder that her Etsy store looks so very good! I have to send kudo's out to Mr. SudsMuffin, too. He's the one who runs the B&M and makes most of the product. What a guy!

Now, on to what you're really here for, the yummy, scrumptious product!!

Purple Sugar Soap! Seriously, this is gorgeous!!

Hand Dipped Vanilla Scented Incense Cones. Sooo relaxing!!




Do you know someone who is pregnant or just had a baby? This Mini Muffins Baby Care Kit would be the perfect gift!


Now, be honest. Are you not completely in love with SudsMuffin's store? Be sure to click on her banner (NOT made by me!) to visit her Etsy store and do some shopping. Or, if you're in the neighbourhood, drop by and see Mr. SudsMuffin. If you do, be sure to tell him I said "Hi!"

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Need A Good Laugh? Read On!

As you know, I generally feature Etsy sellers on my blog. But sometimes I come across something on the internet that makes me laugh out loud and I just have to share it with all my regular readers. This is one of those times. This is quite seriously one of the funniest writers I've ever found!

Ok, he's my husband. ;) However, I stand by what I said about being the funniest writer I've found. Not only is he hilariously funny, he's smart and witty too.

Read on to find out one reason why I love him so much. (and yes, he did have me design his banner. Nice and simple, just like me! LOL!)

Ok, enough of my rambling, here is his column for this week. Enjoy!

A Taxing Time

As an adult, I am legally allowed to own a calendar. I now possess quite a few, each provided under the guise of free by various businesses who wish to remind me on a monthly basis that I probably still owe them money. Money I don’t have on account of their services. Services which would have cost less had they not insisted I receive their free monthly advertising tool.

According to said calendar - securely hung between the fridge and birdcage on a nail driven into the drywall with a butter knife - it is now a new month. You might already know this and perhaps it doesn’t come as a life changing surprise but it does mean we are quickly heading into tax time. Meaning you may soon find yourself running from a dog named Bowser. Or Bruiser. A dog specially taught using your tax dollars. A tax dog trained on a strict schedule that undoubtedly involved a calendar. Perhaps one featuring cute furry woodland creatures frolicking gaily in a meadow. Perhaps dancing to the soft instrumental chords of cartoon music. Or perhaps not.

As a seasoned humour writer with nothing better to do, I have decided to help all the dedicated readers out there by writing an informative income tax column of at least 800 words. I do this completely for your benefit while unselfishly facing the very real danger of my acquiring yet another tax deduction.

I will accomplish this feat by starting the column in the bedroom, then moving to the kitchen, the loo and possibly even the top of the roof so the neighbours have something to talk about. Maybe even write letters to the editor about. Or the police.

Providing my laptop battery doesn’t die a horrible death at an incredibly inopportune time - like during a tricky game of Solitaire - I will finish this highly informative column hunkered in that special spot behind the water heater in audience of a family of spiders who absolutely refuse to pay taxes. This is the same place I hide when my wife wants me to do something domestic such as talking about our feelings or taking care of the children. The ones who call me Dad. The ones I am obligated by law to feed.

As in other years, children are not only an invaluable collection of germs, but also a fine source of personal income tax deductions. This because children tend to be very costly and require constant supervision in order to keep really bad things from happening to the family pet. Tragic events which all too often result in emergency trips to the local veterinarian; a highly trained professional who willingly provides a detailed bill featuring way too many numerical place settings. Fortunately this bill can be used as a medical expense deduction so long as you don’t mind filing all subsequent returns from the comforts of a federal prison under the watchful eye of Spike the Cellmate.

The good news is not only are children considered dependants, but they are also a proven source of stress. Offspring induced parental stress can result in any number of tax deductible psychological disorders treatable by yet another highly trained professional who would like nothing more than supply you with a new calendar. And himself a new summer home.
So yes, tax time can be trying, but paying our fair share is an acceptable fact of life for those who choose to live in a country that routinely allows squirrels to pass unchecked through customs. A country that encourages citizens to roam freely from sea to shining sea in vehicles that cause birds to drop festively from the sky. Vehicles powered by a product produced by an oil company whose high life executives have way more tax deductions than you even though they make thousands of times more. Executives who collectively paid a total of $4.36 in tax in 2006 which they secretly passed onto the consumer (you) even though it ($4.36) will be refunded to them (them) in 2007 as a capital loss. Not that I’m bitter (jealous).

So what can you, an everyday law abiding citizen, do to alleviate some of your tax burden? Other than becoming a cell mate? Well, leading financial experts suggest investing in a well rounded RRSP. Not only do RRSP’s provide a simple yet effective tax shelter, but they allow for the false security of financial stability upon your retirement. An event that will not happen until you are a hundred years old.

At this point you will be classified as an antique and presented a certified centenarian certificate paid for with your tax dollars. Also, if you are lucky - and by lucky I mean really, really lucky - perhaps they’ll even give you a new calendar.

Let me know if you need help hanging it.

Contact: vaughan_reid@hotmail.com

Copyright © Vaughan Reid

Bunny Butt Apothecary

As those of you who are regular visitors to my blog know, I try to feature an Etsy seller whom I`ve designed for. Well, in my infinate wisdom, I forgot to ask someone permission yesterday. So, instead, I posted in the Business and Marketing forum asking who would like to be my feature today. I woke up to 7 pages of requests!


It was so difficult to pick just one, but in the end, I just couldn`t resist the Bunny Butt. As a current slave to my bun Fred, and having seen the bunny butt so often in my own home, it made my choice easy and obvious!


So, without further ado (or boring stories from me! LOL!) Here is Bunny Butt Apothecary!!

Lets start with the shop announcement

You've reached the Bunny Butt Apothecary, LLC - purveyors of fine hand-crafted soap, balms, butters, perfumes, and other lovely smelly things. Here at Bunny Butt, we firmly adhere to the principle that what goes on your body, goes in your body. That's why we're here to bring you no-nonsense bath and body that's as fresh as it gets and show once and for all that natural can smell darn pretty!

Now onto the fun stuff. Product!! ;

Rosemary Mint Soap

I think I could eat this!! Wowzers!

Or, how about some Mojito Whipped Body Butter!

Or of course you could choose Zen Facial Butter!

I`m sure by now, you can all see why I chose Bunny Butt Apothecary as my featured seller for today.

Not only is the shop name absolutely hilarious, but the photo`s are absolutely stunning, the product is wonderful and amazinly well priced. Plus everything is vegan. It doesn`t get any better than this people!!

Be sure to stop by Bunny Butt Apothecary. Stay for a while, take a look around and treat yourself to something pretty! Just click on her banner (which was NOT made by me, by the way!) to get to her store.

Have a great day everyone!

Sometimes You Meet The Nicest People!!

A while ago, I was approached by Tiles to Mosaic to design her a new banner. Well, I have to tell you, this was one of the easiest and most enjoyable banners to do. I absolutely fell in LOVE with the salamanders you can see in the banner. Aren't they just the sweetest things?


In fact I loved them so much, and I had such a great time playing with them, I made her an avatar for free

Today, I went to pick up my mail and guess what I found in my mailbox? My very own salamander magnet! Isn't that just the sweetest thing to do? I'm so happy with my new magnet.

So, I'm featuring one of the nicest people and most gorgeous shops I have run across, Tiles To Mosaic. If you click on her banner above, that will take you to her wonderful shop. Be sure to check out her sold items too. There is some stunning work in there!

Here are two of my favourites in her shop right now:

A gorgeous Treasure Box!

And the cutest Bird Tiles!

As you can see, Tiles To Mosaic has some stunning things to offer you! Take a minute and look around her shop, you will not be disappointed!

Have a great day!

The First Family Day In Ontario

February 18, 2008 is officially Family Day in Ontario.


My biggest question is, what does this holiday actually mean?


To me, it's a made up holiday to give those who already get every other holiday off, another day to stay home. My husband works for Goodyear and he is at work on this day. There is no management in today, they all got the day off. But all the blue collar workers are there, slugging the tires like every other day.


What about the worker who has to work two jobs just to make ends meet? Where is their holiday? They are the ones who truly need the day off with their family.


I'm not begruding anyone time with their kids and loved ones. Really I'm not. It just seems to me that this day is a sham. Those who truly need this day to be home with their kids, aren't getting it. They have sent their kids off to a babysitter so they can go and work a low paying job just to put food on the table.


Something about this just isn't right.


I'll be working here at home today on orders. I may sit down and watch a movie with my kids. But my hubby will be at work on the first official Family Day along with many, many others there at Goodyear and at other blue collar jobs. Where is their Family Day?


Seriously, what is the point?

Today's Featured Seller - BrendaVan!

I was contacted by Brenda about a week or so ago asking if I would put together a package for her. She needed a cohesive look for her store, business cards and labels. After working together for about a week, we finally have a winner! Brenda was an absolute joy to work with, very clear in what she was looking for in a design and very patient with me when I didn't get it just right. She has inspired me to add a Custom Shop Makeover service to my store. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9583738

I absolutely love Brenda's shop and I just had to have her as my featured seller today! Here is what Brenda has to say about herself, her shop and her craft;

I live in a suburb of Kansas City, KS/MO with my husband and our two cats - my daughter attends school in Florida. I love to create and because my career in insurance is fairly structured, my creative outlets are really important to me.

I started making jewelry to feed my desire for one of a kind pieces; this uniqueness is very important to me so each item in my shop is one of a kind and I strive to make each of my pieces appealing, affordable, and luxurious by working with freshwater pearls and semi-precious gemstones.

My pieces are available in my Etsy shop at BrendaVan.etsy.com - I'm looking forward to your visit!

Be sure to visit Brenda's shop!

Have a great day everyone

Today's Featured Seller - MamaMayBorne Designs

A while ago, I decided to offer web ad design services in my shop. Brooke, from MamaMayBorne Designs was my first buyer of that service. I absolutely love her items and her photography is supurb.

Here is the ad I designed for her




This is what Brooke had to say about herself, her store and her craft


I love jewelry... the way it flatters, flirts and plays hard-to-get. It creates an attraction that is intensified by its magnetic appeal AND promises satisfaction by pleasing every style, mood and occasion. Jewelry is seductive and always leaves me wanting more.

Romantic designs that are subtly sexy are very enticing. I strive to create pieces that captivate and compel approving glances from adoring eyes. My jewelry designs also emphasize durability and versatility to make everyday wear possible.

I enjoy playing the matchmaker who joins the wearer and their object of desire into a long-term, enduring relationship. That's what makes me so passionate about creating the opportunity for women to display their love affair with jewelry.

Sincerely,
Brook "Mama" Mayborne

Be sure to stop by her store, you will not be disappointed!! Just click on her ad and it will take you there.

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Today's Featured Seller - Pretty Little Shop

Today's featured seller is Pretty Little Shop. I had so much fun making this banner and avatar set, it's silly. Not only was Laurie incredibly easy to please, she was also one of the most genuinely nice people I have met. So, please, be sure to visit her shop and take a look around! Just click on her banner to go there. You won't be sorry!

Here is what Laurie had to say about herself, her store and her craft:

Welcome to my Pretty Little Shop~I'm Laurie & live in York PA, but am a native Baltimore-ian. I have been a Domestic Engineer (SAHM!) since March 1998 when my son Ian was born. I also have a 2 year old daughter and loving and supportive husband. My family and home are my pride and joy & I feel very lucky to be able to spend so much time enjoying the things that mean the world to me. Comfort, a warm atmosphere, candles, a nice fire and a cozy blanket- that's heaven to me. I have loved drawing, photography, crafting, knitting and just making anything I could get my hands on for my entire life and gotten away from it for a while. I have re-discovered my passion for gorgeous fabrics, papers, yarns & softness and decided to go with it this time. I love to create and learn new things and I have a new philosophy: Do what makes you happy! It works. I wanted to try to create a feeling of prettiness, comfort and warmth in my Home and Personal Accessories shop. I want to pass that along- and hope someone else enjoys using my creations as much as I enjoy making them. I am very grateful and thrilled to be a part of a creative community now and love to have those juices flowing again! I hope you enjoy your visit to my shop~

Thank you for visiting and I hope you have a great day!

Today's Featured Seller - Monnda

Every day I am blessed with meeting wonderful sellers on Etsy who ask for my help. Not every day soI meet someone as wonderful as Monnda. I feel honoured to have her as my featured seller today.

Here is what Monnda has to say.

I just love making jewelry! I make original one of a kind jewelry and a few production pieces. I can't do a lot of production work, because the production work somehow changes into one of a kind jewelry. It is a good thing that I never had to work on an auto assembly line! Gold, silver, bronze, copper, and steel have all been used with precious and semi-precious stones, bone and glass to make unusual pieces of jewelry.I am the founder of Grass Roots Arts Inc, a 501-C3, for the promotion of the Arts. I started the Orange County Open Studio Tour, The Arts Market on Town Commons and am the past president of the North Carolina Society of Goldsmiths.

Please be sure to visit Monnda's store. You will find many gorgeous pieces of art there and have the pleasure of meeting one of the nicest sellers on Etsy.

Have a great day and don't forget to check back tomorrow to see who the featured seller will be! It just may be you......

A Snowy Day - Again!

Well, it snowed here in Ontario Canada again. Shocking!!! Actually, we've had a great Canadian winter for the first time in a very long time. I'm really enjoying it..

Today is another hard working day for me. I'm actually almost all caught up on my orders, which is nice. I can't believe how truly blessed I've been lately with sales. I'm not complaining, that's for sure. ;)

I did manage to create a few banners that I'm really proud of yesterday. Sometimes, things just come together perfectly.

I'm going to go back to featuring stores I have created banners for here as well. The way sales have been, it would be a lot to do each one. So, I'm going to pick a shop a day to feature. Keep checking back to see who is next. ;)

In the meantime, I wanted to show off my first logo design. I'm especially proud of this as it was the first one I did and she was sooo excited about it.

First is the black and white version. I actually prefer this one myself. I think the design really pops in black and white moreso than the colour. Of course, that's just my humble opinion. ;)






This is the colour version of it. She wanted to be able to use the logo for making buttons and such for promotional purposes, so the round logo was perfect for her.








Of course, if anyone is interested in logo design, I can certainly do it for you! You can visit my store at http://www.thebannerqueen.etsy.com/ and we can work together to design it perfectly for you. I can also do "lighter" logo's if that is what you would like.


Well, that's it for me today. Have a great day!

100 Sales and A Bit About Me!

Well, I have to say my blog has been sorely neglected this past month or so. I hereby delcare that I will make a concentrated effort to get in here and make a post a day! Ok, well, we'll see how that goes. ;)

I had such an exciting day on Etsy yesterday. I made it to 100 sales!! Yippee!! Yay!! Major, overwhelming excitement for me! I'm still a bit behind in my orders, but I'm working really hard to get them done. Some just take longer than others and that's what slows me down.

I decided that since I haven't been on here in so long, it would be a good idea to post a little bit about myself and my life. I even have a couple of pics to post. I finally have a pic where I don't think I look horrid. That's a miracle in and of itself.


This is myself and my son Ethan, who is 8.
Isn't he a handsome little devil? He was upset at his big sister in the background because she was horning in on our picture. He's a bit sensitive sometimes. ;)


This is my daughter Adara (seen cackling madly in the background above) Isn't she gorgeous?? She starts highschool next year and I'm so worried about her! ;)







So, that's me and my kids. I don't have any pics of my hubby right now, but trust me, he's real. ;)

Have a great day!