Celebrate with me! - There's a fab journal to be won.

 I am so excited to be at this point 1 year down the track.. There are so many kind and generous spirited crafters and customers who have helped get me here I wish I could do an honor roll for you all but I would most certainly forget some....well... perhaps a lot, but that happen now and then :P (to me it does)

So I say a big heartfelt, hugs and kisses THANK YOU.  To everyone who well, firstly chatted to me.  It was so nerve wracking walking into my 1st ever forum and saying Hi.  To those who answered my many questions with patience, who offered tips and critiques (invaluable). To those who commented followed, tweeted and fb'd and of course finally to those of you who actually bought something from my shop and brought a warm glow to the heart of a nervous crafter.  Hey if that's you MWAH.  I loves ya.

So what do we  do to celebrate this momentous occasion?  Well I took a poll and it seems all of you would like one of my journals.  (it was a short poll and not many took it but hey they all wanted journals)  

To give it a twist I'm going to let you decide your choice out of 3 vintage books you would like to have as a OOAK journal

                                                                                                                                                                   

Here's how to play "Happy Etsyversary re:deem"

To enter:                                                                                                 

Become a FOLLOWER of my Blog or LIKE my facebook.  Leave a comment here to tell me and don't forget to say which book you would like as a journal (please leave me a way on contacting you eg email)

For additional entries:

Become a follower of my blog or a liker of my FB page which ever you didn't do in step 1 (leave a comment)

Go to my shop and let me know what item you like the best (leave a comment)

Twitter about this giveaway (leave a comment)

Facebook about this giveaway (leave a comment)

Blog about this giveaway (leave a comment) 

Easy peasy :)

Your book choices from left to right (original pages from these books will be included in the journal)

A) - The Philosopher's Notebook by Monty Blandford pub 1952 ( a collection of poetry)

B) - The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley pub circa 1970 (children's classic)

C) - Curtain of Fear by Dennis Wheatley pub 1974 (fiction story based on the iron curtain/cold war)

This giveaway will only be open for my Etsyversary week (not like my birthday month haha) so closes

Sat 17th July at 10pm AEST.

Ok, now its time for cake and balloons!  Good Luck everyone.

We have a Winner!!

Congratulations to lucky number 9.

Briony from Petaliferous who is the winner of my Blog giveaway.  This gorgeous scarf will be winging it's way to her very shortly.  Thank you to everyone who entered and have followed, liked, blogged and tweeted I have been overwhelmed with the response...this was so much fun!!

And speaking of winners, I have been on a winning streak this week.  Firstly I won this totally yummy pearl necklace from Deb of Two Cheeky Monkeys.  Debs giveaway was hosted by the lovely Jess of Epheriell Designs on her blog.  I highly recommend both of these artists, for the excellent quality of their work and for being a couple of awesome chickies to boot.

This morning I opened my email to the news that I had correctly guessed a pet's name in a Etsy forum competition...go Stevey (I love unconventional spelling).   My prize is a beautiful set of hand painted notecards from Maria of mariadiana.  Maria has some very tempting looking cupcake designs in her shop.  I really love these.

Twas brillig!

                                                                                                             

"Beware the Jabberwock, my son!
  The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!                
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
  The frumious Bandersnatch!"

Ok went to see Alice in Wonderland and this is what I found there.....

Great movie, really enjoyed it but was left a little wanting... I love Jabberwock even the Monty Python animation.  Such glorious words by Lewis Carroll you can almost believe they are real.  I don't want to give away the story line to Alice for those who have not yet seen it but the poem is central to the story so it's quite mad!

Beautiful art direction and costumes (drool).  Not totally satisfied with the character development however my favourite character was the Red Queen... a bulbously BIG hats off to Helena Bonham-Carter.  I would see it again if only for all the eye candy it's really gorgeous.

In line with the movie I want to.... "Investigate today things that begin with the letter M"

1. Maps your Journey - by Terror Dome  2. M cutout - by Tamara Designs   3. Miniature Bunnies - by Julie Blanchette
4. Mittens - by Melp Designs  5. Medieval Heart Brooch - by Tractor Girl 6. Mini Monster no 5 - by Ben Conservato



Things that make you go Mmmmmmmm!  As we are coming into the cooler months I recommend you check out Melp Designs.  The gloves and ankle warmers are fantastic and all of Mels designs are eco conscious...love it.

Well I did enjoy my adventure to Wonderland and the 'Hubby' was suitably impressed as well, though possibly not enough gratutitous violence for him to say he 'loved it'.

On the Etsy front I have not created a thing in over 2 weeks but there are many projects simmering away on the backburner.  I've been away at a conference in Sydney and some of the things I learned there are inspiring me to try and lend my craft to more causes than just micro enterprises for developing countries but I wont divulge more until they solidify.  Needless to say we can and must do something to help bring relief to suffering humanity I am hoping to use what I have in my hands and I would like to encourage you to use what you have in yours too.

                                                   

Feeling the Love...

What a great week!  Received a lovely convo this week from Amanda of Calico and Co to let me know she had featured my Love Cards in her Blog.

 Calico and Co is described as an Indie and Handmade blog featuring a treasure trove of independent Artists, Designers, Crafters, Photographers and more..
I spent a little time reading through her Blog and found so many interesting artisans, some of which also work with an ethic close to my heart. the eco friendly handmade craft.  Amanda is a graphic designer herself which shows in the crisp and clean layout and engaging photos.

You can also find her on Etsy at Amanda Fuller Designs however she is vacation mode at the moment.  Why not give her some Bloggy love as she is a true champion of the Independent Handmade movement.


This feature contains quite a few Aussie DUSTers


More BLOGGY Love.... Yet another lovely convo from Violet of Artshus letting me know I had been included in her recent showcase of Aussie Etsians.  Violet should go into marketing she makes everyone sound fantastic!!!   This Blog is a feast for the eyes and the ears as you also get to listen to her great taste in music. C'est tres chic.

Now for anyone with a shoe fetish (guilty as charged) Violet has an amazing collection of shoe themed art and craft in her Etsy shop Artshus by Violet,  being a Bag Lady as well..I think this is my fave item

Black and Red Patent Artshu Canvas Bag

Violet is a talented lady and has another shop Paris Accent which is full of ooh la la fabulous tags and gift cards.  I have to say I was torn between these 2 lovely tags.

Oh so chic and romantic the Paris mannequin and roses and the Paris Cafe Sillouette Tags 


I hope you take the time to visit these wonderful generous spirited blogs.  To take a quote from one of Amanda's featured artists  Green Olive Design  "A handmade object is infused with the love and energy of the maker. Handmade has a story."  Amanda and Violet are tellers of the story and I am very grateful that they have taken the time to tell a little of my story.  For the week leading up to Valentines Day I have felt the Love and I gotta tell you... it feels real good. :)

Another little moment in the sun.

Well...what can I say???? A convo from one of my fave artists and bloggers came today to let me know she has featured the journal she bought from me in her Blog.

Chrissy from Artdecadence is an artist that caught my eye as soon as I ventured into Etsy.  She has the spirit and instinct of a true artist with a natural flair and style. If you don't follow her Blog  go on over and follow now, it is a delight for the eyes the soul and the spirit not to mention a wicked sense of the funnies.

Check out Chrissy's Etsy Shop for her anatomical themed goodies.

 

Anatomical Print With Thread

The Miseries of Human Life Recycled Journal

A little change in direction finds new joys.

I have enjoyed a new aspect of my crafting over Christmas by indulging in my love of all things Paper. Far removed from the bags and purses that I have been doing and perhaps a confusing change in direction for my shop having been in the forums reading up on how you should keep your shops uniform!  Being a bit of an eclectic personality I find enjoyment in a variety of projects.  

So following my heart/gut that place that says 'go for it' I added my new line of recycled journals and other papery goodness to my shop.  Well the change has been for me a breath of fresh air.  Not only do I feel the shop looks more rounded out (I intend to add more different lines in the future) but a fresh wind of sales and enthusiasm has been sparked.  The support and the encouragement by so many lovely fellow crafters including the fantastic DUST team has given a sense of achievement and joy.   I want to say a very heartfelt thank you to all those who have encouraged and bought and shared your thoughts and ideas with me.  

The Storque Article article featuring talent from Down Under. My Love and Romance recycled journal is amongst them.

When you least expect it.......

Here I am eyeball deep in end of year madness thinking "I should put my Etsy shop on Vacation mode since I'm hardly there."  Today I log in and find I am featured in 2 treasuries and at the same time managed to get my treasury in as well (right place, right time).

I have to thank Stacey at sunweeds  who selected the sunniest yellows for her 'My Pretties'  cheery  treasury.  Check out her shop and her gorgeous button bouquets.  And also Angela from StellaPearl  who has some stunning hair flowers with a quirky edge

My Be Kind REWIND Treasury is full of clever DUST team members.  It's also a bit of a Christmas wishlist from a old skool, retro, vintage loving girl.  Now to get that memo to Santa....

A Treasury West feature

I awoke this morning to a lovely message from toolisjewelry letting me know that one of my mini clutches was featured in her treasury.  It has certainly been exciting to see my bags appear in treasuries by other Etsy artisans especially when there is so much high quality work out there.  Finding such encouragement in the early days of my business endevours certainly helps in the 'what were you thinking' days. Well now that I am feeling ridiculously pleased with myself I should go and face the realities of making actual money and get to work.

New Treasury - A Royal House

This started off as a 'what not to wear' treasury but after about 3 picks I realised there was a distinct Purple theme so it became a Royal House instead. I love doing treasuries and I hope the featured get as much of a buzz out of it as I do...(seriously doubt it though)

It's the day for purple!!!

My purple ruffles pouch is in this lovely treasury by retroattck.

Treasury 8th Sept 09 - The day after Halloween

Despite all the frenzy about Halloween I've always enjoyed the day after "All Saints Day" mainly because it's my birthday :).  However I do love all things angelic so here is my tribute to them.

This treasury made the FP on Thurs 10th Sept.  My first one and it was very exciting to see it there.

It's a really big virtual world

Whew! it has only taken nearly 2 months but I have finally gotten it together and delved into Blogging.

Having just launched my new stores redeem designs on Etsy and Zibbet  and started tweeting on Twitter (I know shameless self promotion) my poor family have not seen me without my nose buried in a computer or sewing machine for quite a while.

I want to thank  all those who have helped me step into the online community. Big hugs to my lovely supportive family who think everything I create is fantastic (bless 'em) my huge circle of friends and my new crafter buddies from the Down Under Street Team  who have all the answers a newbie needs.

I have always loved being involved in the creative process in what ever form that takes but I also have a passion to help make our world a better place.  Redeem designs is the amalgamation of these 2 passions in that a portion of the profits from my business are going to support micro enterprise industries particularly in developing nations.  Micro enterprise industries help people help themselves by providing that initial boost to start their own business.

Recently a couple of girlfriends and I held a "swap til you drop" party - hilarious and a real purse friendly way to get a new outfit.  The money we raised by setting out a donations box bought a sewing machine and 6 months training for a woman in India through a micro enterprise venture run by an organisation called Empart    I have decided to keep supporting Empart and hope to add others as the business expands.

Well this is turning into a long post.  I am excited about the small new steps I have been taking.  I will be featuring all sorts of fun things here. All things arty and the artisans, green issues especially recycling and upcycling and any charity, aid and enterprise organisations that inspire me.

Look forward to meeting and making like minded friends and seeing you here in my small microcosm of the www.