going green with EtsyTwitter

join us in the EtsyTwitter Team to do your part and buy green!

July 21 through July 27, members of the EtsyTwitter Team will be selling special items that are green: upcycled, recycled, organic, sustainable, repurposed, earth-friendly, eco-friendly, etc. etc.

i have a special idea for this event, but i'm keeping it secret until then! let's just say it involves...elephants. and that's all i'm going to say for now. ;o)

for more information about this event, or to see how cool we are, check us out on Twitter, and feel free to peruse our blog.

graphic created so expertly by Susan. :o)

etsy teams

In my ongoing quest to sell some of my cards, I've joined a few different teams through Etsy.  What's a team, you ask?  That's an excellent question.

A team is a group of likeminded artists and artisans who work together and promote each others' work.  In the EtsyTwitter Team, we promote each other via Twitter.  In the EtsyGreetings Team on Google Groups, we share marketing tips, crafty advice, and we show off our work to each other. I also belong to the Chicago Style Crafters, and our common link there is our location.  The CSC is particularly awesome because they work together on local craft shows.

So far, what I've been getting out of these groups is dependent on how much I put in.  I posed a question to my Twitter team, and I got a bunch of helpful responses.  I'm relatively new to EtsyGreetings, but I've made at least one business contact, and the members have given me some good ideas, one of which is possibly wholesale to local shops.

Well, off to an Etsy lab for EtsyTwitter!  :o)

blog contest

Come visit my other blog to enter to WIN a set of pretty notecards, handmade with love by me!

The Owls Nest

Read my latest blog and leave a comment answering my little questions.  I'm going to pick a winner at random to be notified by email.  The deadline for entering is July 2, and I'll pick the winner shortly thereafter!

***Update:  I fixed the link.  Sorry about that, everyone!***

EtsyTwitter Team

I am proud to say that I am a new member of the EtsyTwitter Team!

For those of you who are not familiar with Twitter (where have you been?!), Twitter is a real-time social networking site where you update your status by "tweeting" with 140 characters or less.  That's pretty much all there is to it.  I compare tweeting to updating your Facebook or MySpace status.  The thing I like most about Twitter is that you're not wading through peoples' long-winded, heavily-coded profiles.  I've found that you can learn a lot about people in 140 characters or less.  I've also found that it keeps me from being verbose: I say what I mean, and I mean what I say. 

As an Etsy seller, I'm always thinking of ways to increase my customer base and exposure.  My sales have been in a slump since my craft fair, and I'm looking for ways to get my shop out of this rut!  So, I applied to become a member of the EtsyTwitter Team.  The team leader was only accepting 25 new members, and through clock-watching and diligence, I got in!

There are requirements for being in this Team, and that's what really attracted me to it.  I'm in a few other Etsy Teams, but they seem far less structured and active than this one. 

If you'd like to see what we're tweeting about, check us out!  If you search for the hash tag #etsytwitter, you can find what members of our team are making, finding, creating, listing, selling, etc. etc.  If you're an indie designer, enthusiast, supporter, lover, or all of the above, there are a lot of great resources on Twitter.

I'll be tweeting about this blog post soon.  :o)

New Article

Ok, so.  Most of you know that I have a special place in my heart for most things birds.  I recently discovered the cutest lil shop called Loyal Army, and of course, they have the Most Perfect Purse I've ever seen.

I think that if you're looking for a gift for a high schooler, Loyal Army is a one-stop shop for all your teenage needs, along with satisfying your indie shop sweet tooth!

craft show update!

i'm happy to say that the craft show on saturday was a great success for us here at The Owls Nest. i honestly didn't expect to sell one card. i really didn't; i was very prepared for this show to be a learning experience.

but i'm so proud to say that we sold plenty of cards, sets, and even a picture frame! what an exciting day...

here's a couple pics of the displays adam created for me, and me at my lil table! enjoy!

my big news

As some of you may know, I've recently started a little business selling my hand-stamped notecards.  Business has been sparse, so I decided to jump at the opportunity to participate in a craft fair as a vendor!  This will be my very first time selling my cards face-to-face, and I'm really excited about it!

If any of you are in or near Elgin this Saturday, I'd love to meet you!  Here's the nitty-gritty:

Elgin Parent Co-op School Craft and Gift Show

Saturday, May 30 from 10am-4pm

First Presbyterian Church of Elgin (basement)

240 Standish Street, Elgin, Illinois, 60123 

Hope to see you there!

the unsung south suburbs

Nestled in Frankfort, Illinois's historic district is a beautiful little nook called The Pickwick Society.  This combination of tea room and antique/gift shop offers over 30 different types of hot and iced tea, homemade scones and quiches, and a plethora of nostalgic tea services and modern-day accoutrements for the tea connoisseur.

I just visited this lovely little establishment today as part of a fundraiser for the Avon Walk (my friend's third year participating!  My aunt's a survivor!), and I couldn't be more pleased with my experience there. 

This little gem is just one of the best-kept secrets in Chicago's southland.  While the big city offers unlimited entertainment, I think that the south suburbs hold their own with charming little establishments like this one.  If you'd like to see more of what Frankfort has to offer, click here and lose yourself in the history of the south suburbs!

vote for Etsy!

HOORAY!  Etsy is among the finalists in CNET's 2009 Webware 100 Awards!  As it turns out, Etsy was the winner in '08.  They're going for back-to-back wins this year, so CLICK TO VOTE!

And be sure to spread the word to all of your indie and handmade friends. 

Thank you for supporting handmade!

*cute birdie vote tank top by loopd.  And it's on sale!

b*tches get stitches

Entertainment has become far too expensive, and in this economic climate, we're all looking for things to do that don't cost an arm and a leg.

For you crafty people out there, get stitchin'!  That's right, head right on over to Subversive Cross Stitch and pick out a pattern that trul expresses how you feel.  Readers, this is not your gramma's cross stitch.  The first pattern I ever used was this one.  I love it, and it hangs above my bedroom door.  I really do love seeing it in the morning before heading to work. :o)

Julie Jackson is the proprieter of this Subversion, and she started her business as anger management therapy while she was dealing with a "mean idiot boss" in 2003, and it has grown from there.

OHH, and best of all...she just opened an Etsy shop featuring a whole bunch of fun, crafty stuff.

So, when you're looking for something fun and inexpensive to do after work, or even over the weekend, look no further than Subversive Cross Stitch.  And the best part is, you have your very own handmade item to put in a frame, attach to a towel, or even make into a pillow!  What's better and more const-efficient than that?  (The answer is nothing!!!!)

Women in Construction

Have you ever heard of The National Association of Women in Construction?  If you haven't, I can hardly blame you.  I came across it on accident at work (a technical publishing company) and was completely intrigued.

According to www.nawic.org, "The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) originally began as Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas. It was founded in 1953 by 16 women working in the construction industry. Knowing that women represented only a small fraction of the construction industry, the founders organized NAWIC to create a support network. Women in Construction of Fort Worth was so successful that it gained its national charter in 1955 and became the National Association of Women in Construction."

There is a wealth of information on their site.  You can find information on a chapter near you, scholarship information, membership information, sponsor and partner information, career and apprenticeship information...there is literally a plethora of helpful links and facts and resources on this site.

This is a departure from my normal posts, but I hope that it gives you a sense of pride as a woman.  It did for me, and I wanted to share that with all of you.

Art Against Recession!

These are tough times.  The indie community wants to help!

Jen Wallace of IndieFixx started a new project in February 2009.  It's called Feed Your Soul (FYS), and it's a blog "coordinated by Jen Wallace...to help art lovers feed their souls with art in these recessionary times and to help artists promote their work."

If you're an artist, contact Jen to be featured on FYS.  If you're an art-lover, you've got to check out the pieces available to download for free!!  You get high-res images that you can print out and fancy up your place!  During the spring, who couldn't use a little bit of art to brighten up your space?

You can also find out information on all of the artists featured on FYS, and view the schedule of upcoming featured artists.

March--in like a lion

I've been on a mini hiatus over this past week.  There's a lot that's been going on in my little world: some good, some not-so-good.  But what's good is something I'm really excited about.

I love to hand-make greeting cards.  It's something I discovered about 2 years ago, and my interest (and stamp collection!) has grown exponentially.  I've gotten lots of compliments from friends and family who have received my cards, and I've had plenty of people tell me I should be selling my cards.

Well, I finally made the commitment, took the plunge, and opened up a shop for my cards on Etsy.  It's called The Owls Nest, and I've got some really great cards for sale right now.  I've also got a sweet sale going on: Any purchase ships free until the end of March!  I'm definitely open to custom orders and special requests, and I'd love to hear feedback and comments on my work.

Hey!  Check it out...I'm a Woman of the Web!  ;o)

sweet birdies

With Spring being just around the corner, I've been looking for ways to freshen up my living space after such a long, cold winter in Chicago.  One of my favorite illustrators to watch and follow is Kate of little doodles.

Her drawings are simple in subject, yet detailed in their execution.  As my friends and family know, I'm an avid (amateur) birdwatcher, and there is something so appealing to me about different artists' representations of our fine feathered friends.  The roly-poly, small-eyed, pastry-wearing birds of Kate's illustrations evoke my Warm Fuzzies to the max!

Now the only problem I have is picking out which bird(s) I want from her Etsy shop!  This one, or...

...or this one?  Or another one...?  :o)

And for more of Kate's work, check out her portfolio.  Although her Etsy shop features her little birds, her portfolio presents more varied subject matter.

poodlebreath.

The image that "poodlebreath" conjures in my mind is one of warm, reeking air in my face, then a slobbery kiss landing on and near and around my mouth.  And then having to thoroughly wash my face.  :o)

Please put that image aside, because this poodlebreath couldn't be farther from the dog kisses you're envisioning.

An artist from Vancouver, poodlebreath makes hauntingly pretty porcelain sculptures.  A lot of her work is wearable art: brooches and pendants.  But what drew me to her shop on Etsy was this amazing wall hanging.  She calls this "little helping hands," and I think it's one of the most unique pieces I've ever seen.  It would be super-cute as a hanger for your jewelry, as the artist suggests.

Another piece I adore is her "Blue and White Sinking Fairytale."  It would be perfect by the sink, or on your nightstand...somewhere safe to put your rings.

Her work is completely ethereal; silent and brooding, yet dainty and beautiful.  And the artist herself is somewhat of an enigma as her profile on Etsy is minimalistic at best.  I feel that it adds to the quiet mystery and fantasy of her work.

juicy jewels...

Brilliantly colored, lusciously sparkling...the jewelry from BeijoFlor is a sumtpuous treat for your senses.

I can almost guarantee that you've never seen jewelry like this before.  Born in Brazil, educated in gemology, horticulture, language, and cultural studies, Nicole Lauandos-Meier is the founder of BeijoFlor.  You can see that her designs are inspired by her diverse educational background and, of course, by "the festive Brazilian culture."

Check out some of these delicious, joyful pieces:

beijo de rubi: bi-color chalcedony.  YUM!

pera incandescente: blue labradorite. Unbelievable.

And these are just a few of her pieces.  You've got to check out her Etsy shop for her collection.  You will not be disappointed!

And...*swoon*...she's offering a 30% off sale. 

You'd better get there before I do!

a crime you'll love committing

If you're looking for makeup that's definitely not run-of-the-mill, you've got to check out Xenia at LimeCrime.  You'll find amazingly bold eyeshadows and fabulous, multi-purpose glitters.  She also offers her own set of quality makeup brushes, a foundation primer, finishing powder, and unique blushes.

I recently bought Dragon Scales, and I've been getting compliments on it every time I wear it.  It's versatile, and the way it catches the light is remarkable.  I even wear it to work!

The next shade I plan on purchasing is Nymph...subtle yet sparkly.

Xenia even offers video tutorials and makeup tips based on common beauty queries.

Step out of the box and give LimeCrime a try.  "So bright; it's illegal!"

about my name...

How about a little shameless self-plug on a Sunday night (or Monday morning, depending on when you read this..)?

I'm going to be selling my hand-stamped cards.  Completely on a fluke, I decided to participate in a holiday craft fair in October, so in order to get ready for that, I'll be beefing up my stock.  I decided to start a personal blog devoted solely to my crafting, which you can read here.

My name for my little shop/blog is The Owls Nest; thus, the change in my moniker on PNN.

There's not too much happening on my blog yet, but I plan on uploading some images soon.  I'll post here again when that happens, but until then, I wanted to put the word out there.  I'm excited for this new opportunity, and I look forward to getting feedback on my work.

*end self-plug*  Thanks for reading!  :o)

PS--I will definitely continue to post my indie and handmade finds on PNN; don't you worry!  ;o)

Renegade...

If any of you, my lovely readers, live in or near Chicago, Brooklyn, L.A., or San Francisco, you need to find out when the next Renegade Craft Fair is taking place.

I was doing some research on when the Renegade Craft Fair will be in Chicago, and it led me to Timber!, which is owned and operated by the founder of Renegade! 

Renegade's founder's name is Sue, and she organizes each fair.  Her husband Mat creates the posters for each event location.  I didn't realize it at the time, but I actually met Mat at the Renegade Holiday show this past Christmas!  He was very friendly, and his work is gorgeous.

But I digress.  After trying to sell her adorable jewelry at different art fairs, Sue realized that there aren't many in-person venues that support DIY crafting. And Renegade was born.

You'll find so many unique, hip, and classic crafters, artists, and artisans when you visit your local Renegade Craft Fair.

Also, if you ever find yourself in Chicago, check out Renegade Handmade, Sue's storefront that carries products from many of the crafters you'll meet at the fairs.

Jewelry Against Recession!

Can purchasing handmade jewelry help pull our nation out of this recession?

...Actually, I don't know.  BUT, what I do know is that Beth of Freshie and Zero is offering bi-weekly special pricing on select jewelry, a sale that she calls "Modern Economy Specials."

As you're browsing Freshie and Zero's lovely handmade gold and sterling silver jewelry, you'll note the modern-yet-classic designs with the character one can only get from handmade jewelry.  Recently Beth has been working more with semi-precious stones and pearls which lend some color and variety to her classic designs.

(As a final thought...What I'm craving from Freshie and Zero is her Idee bracelet.  I love the organic look of the silver focal piece, and the chain is simply darling!  Don't you agree?)  :o)

what a clevergirl...

I have an obsession with gun imagery.  What started this obsession is the Miss Parker necklace from clevergirl.  I blame her.  ;)

When you visit clevergirl's shop on Etsy, you'll notice a lot of gunmetal and oxidized silver.  I think that the grittiness of a darker silver lends a modern flavor to the vintage glass, Bakelite, and Lucite focal components she uses in her pieces. 

While reading her profile for information for this blog, I noticed that she is completely self-taught in silversmithing and jewelry design.  I would have never guessed that based on how artful her pieces are.  Her creativity is an inspiration to me, and I hope that you find something you get obsessed with in her shop. 

At least I won't be the only one.

An Office fansite

"That's what she said."

If you recognize this phrase from NBC's hit comedy The Office, then you need to check out OfficeTally.

This site is run by one Office fan.  Her name is Jennie, aka Tantster, and she is a most diligent webmaster.  She updates the site constantly; you can often find multiple posts in one day.

Some stats from OfficeTally:

Start Date: February 4, 2006

Number of Posts: Over 1800

Number of Comments: over 88,000 (!!)

For how important this blog is to "Dunderheads" everywhere, check out some of the links on the About page. 

"Bears. Beets. Battlestar Galatica."  And OfficeTally.  :)

modern jewelry with vintage flair

"Inspired by Chicago architecture, junk car lots, works of fiction, film noir, art-deco design, and the magic that is vintage glass," Leaves of Glass incorporates grit and industry into delicate, feminine jewerly designs.

Perhaps I'm biased, as I am the proud owner of the Bronzeville Bracelet by Leaves of Glass.  But I think that if you like handmade jewelry that incorporates a certain vintage glamour, then Kate Rimorton of Leaves of Glass is someone you should check out.  Her work is feminine yet edgy; beautiful with an attitude.

From earrings to bracelets to necklaces that feature oxidized silver and vintage components, Leaves of Glass has something for all the "stylish dames" in your life.

A Print A Day keep the winter doldrums away

Yasmine at A Print A Day is generous...she shares downloadable artwork with her readers!  You can download and print gift tags, notepads, and various patterns to use for all your personal crafting needs! 

You can also purchase her coordinating kits by visiting her shop.  And, she gets bonus points for donating a portion of the proceeds to charitable organizations dedicated to fighting hunger and poverty.  YAY for goodwill!

Her blog includes links to available downloads, an "homage" section (a fun trip down memory lane!), and a "projects" section.

I can't wait to use this little lovely soon...

IndieFixx

IndieFixx by Jen Wallace is one of my absolute favorite blogs to read.  It's a great way to discover new designers, artists, and artisans, and it's also a great way to connect with other people who believe in buying handmade.

One of the more recent posts announced that the IndieFixx Shop will soon be closing its virtual doors!  I was immensely saddened to read this news, but I understand that it's important to put your personal life at the top of your priority list.  I commend Jen Wallace for making this difficult decision.

Sooo....to help Ms. Wallace clear out her stock, click the link above and get some great deals on indie and handmade merchandise!  Happy Shopping!

Buy Handmade

Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas is handmade.  I've been good (mostly), so please fill my stocking with artisan jewelry, organic bath and body products, vintage-inspired clothes and shoes, original art, handthrown pottery...You know what, Santa?  To make it easy on yourself, just visit www.etsy.com.

Love, Me

Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade.  If you're looking for the perfect gift that's unique, lovingly created, and completely unexpected, try Etsy.  

Etsy was conceived in 2005 by Rob Kalin, and with help from Chris Maguire and Haim Schoppik, Etsy was launched that same year.  The majority of sellers on Etsy are women, and in July 2008, Maria Thomas was named CEO of Etsy. 

According to stats found on the site, there are over 1.2 million members, and over 200,000 total sellers.  If you think you can't find a gift for that person who has everything, think again: there are over 2.8 million items currently listed for purchase.  Merchants are selling virtually anything on Etsy; from original paintings to stuffed animals to silkscreened ties to letterpress wedding invitations. 

With a user-friendly interface, amazing search features,  and an ever-growing network of sellers, you will find that Perfect Gift for everyone on your list at Etsy.