Workin' It Wednesday 8/21/12

This week I have two very talented artists doing two very different crafts. 

First up is Cindy (Durnell) Friend and her shop Handmade by Cosmo. She and I had a little conversation when she first joined Etsy, because I thought we might be related. Her maiden name is the same as my grandmother's and she lives in the same state my grandmother was born in. I didn't recognize any names she gave me, but I'm holding out for a score! Genealogy through Etsy, who woulda thunk!!

Anywho, she makes adorable stuffed critters in three different sizes, all hand stitched, and is very reasonably priced! Who wouldn't love to get one of these cuddlies as a special surprise? She also loves custom orders, so convo her up!

When Pigs Fly $10

Party Elephant $10

Dolphin $10

Next up is Cristina Jaco, a very talented painter from Brazil. Her shop is found HERE. Here is what she says about her work -- 

"Contemporary Brazilian Art - Original oil paintings and watercolors of people, animals, landscapes and still lifes. My number one goal is to evoke an emotional response in the viewers of my work. I paint with vivid, intense colors and love to capture expression and detail."

Her work is bright and beautiful, and there are many pieces that would look fabulous in MY house, on MY wall.

Red Tulips II Still Life $50

Rainbow Bridge Landscape $75

Red Macaws $75

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My husband has done quite a bit of cuttlebone cast jewelry in his shop. I really love the texture of this material, it's so versatile and very unique. It's like a fingerprint -- the cuttlebone gets burnt up in the casting process, so no two pieces will ever be the same.

What is a cuttlebone? Cuttlebone is a hard, brittle internal structure found in all members of the cuttlefish.  Cuttlefish are marine animals of the same class which also includes squid, octopuses, and nautiluses. Today, cuttlebones are commonly used as calcium-rich dietary supplements for caged birds, chinchillas, hermit crabs, and reptiles. Because cuttlebone is able to withstand high temperatures and is easily carved, it serves as mold-making material for small metal casting for the creation of jewelry and small sculptural objects.

Here are a couple of my husband's lovely creations cast in cuttlebone.

Cuttlebone Cast Ring $60

Brazilian Agate & Zircon $154

Diamond Engagement Ring $215

Numbers 6:24-26 "The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace." 

Quality Handmade Quilts & More

Today on Wednesday Promotion (Ha,ha, it's Thursday, am I a little late?) I am featuring Jayne's shop, TwiggyandOpal. Jayne makes wonderfully different quilts, lap quilts, baby blanket/quilts, and other fabric accessories. Her style is not traditional - her wording is "My design ideas are unique. I love color, texture and BOLD! Whether it’s modern or traditional, I always try to include an unexpected twist!"

  I have purchased two of her baby blankets/quilts - one for a friend's baby girl, and another for my own grandson. These blankets/quilts are heirloom quality and can be passed on to the next generation. She also takes custom orders, so check out her shop for a different kind of baby or bridal shower gift!

 

"Bugs" baby blanket/quilt $42

Business Card Holder $7


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September is Sapphire Month! Although most people think of blue when thinking of sapphires, they actually come in many fancy colors. They are the hardest gemstone next to diamonds.We have several natural sapphires in our shop. If you don't see the color you like, ask us! Chances are we can make a similar ring for you in the color and  shape you prefer. Click HERE to see the ring selection in our shop, Cutterstone. 

The Power of Promotion

When I first proposed to my husband that we start an online Etsy shop, he readily agreed and was excited to start designing and creating his own pieces. Over the years, he had torn out many, many pages of magazines that showed designs he loved. We started off with about 10 items in our shop, but not knowing much about marketing and such, business was practically non-existent. When I finally sat down and looked around at the resources out there on Etsy, I found that there were many teams with common goals, such as promotion and making your shop the best it could be. I joined a team called Handmade Circle, and found many fellow Etsians that I could share my concerns, questions, and elation at sales with. I can't say our shop is where we would like it to be, but we were happy with our sales last year, and I became online friends with many sellers who needed support just like we do! So, in keeping with the Handmade Circle tradition of promoting each other, and as a thank you to all the fellow team members that have supported and promoted us, I plan to promote others on my team at least once a week. Without Handmade Circle and The Foxes Den Team, I don't think we would have had the sales we have had.


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The first shop I want to promote is called TipsyGLOWs. She sells many wine-related goodies; wine bottle lights, hurricane lamps, wine cork jewelry, and wine glass charms, and she does custom work! From Rhonda's shop --

"TipsyGLOWs unique wine bottle lights add a touch of elegance and warmth to your home decor. Perfect as a wedding gift, bridesmaids gift, or party hostess gift. They are also perfect as as house warming gift. They're beautiful when displayed on your kitchen counter, china cabinet, or dining room buffet."

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The next shop is BagsByHags. I have personally bought several items from Marsha, and I love her products! She sells a variety of products, but a bible cover is the next thing I will purchase from her shop. How nice to have a beautiful, hand-made cover for our Lord's Word! From Marsha's shop --

"In our shop you will find unique One Of A Kind Purses and Tote Bags, Aprons, Bible Covers, and Home Accessories. I love recycling denim into everything! All of the items in our shop with the exception of the few items in the vintage and supply/de-stash section are handmade by me in my home. 

Faith is the main inspiration for my business, my Faith is very important to me, without it I would be wandering aimlessly through this world. Faith carries me through all of my days! "

So now I will promote our shop, Cutterstone. Here is one of my husband's current favorite rings that we are offering. We would welcome any questions you might have. We also can do just about any kind of repair work. Do you have a favorite piece that is just sitting in a box because it is broken? We can fix it! We can combine pieces together to make a new piece also. Convo our Etsy shop for more information. God bless you all and I pray that the rest of your week is productive and prosperous!