Red & Aqua Inspiration

Since I missed Mosaic Monday (because for some reason I've been utterly exhausted), your weekly dose of inspiration is coming to you this late Wednesday night!

Red and Aqua . . . another of my favorite color combos! Enjoy!

1. shixie
2. Whatever is Lovely
3. Retro Rugrats
4. Cultivar
5. Breeding Fancy
6. jochris12
7. Bits and Bobs by Amy Smart
8. JustTheThing4U
9. melissahappystuff

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Feature Friday - Cherry Red Studio

Kathleen of Cherry Red Studio makes fun kitchy jewelry that takes me back to childhood when those plastic charm necklaces and bracelets were so popular. Remember those? I loved them and had a huge collection of charms. Read on to learn a little more about Kathleen and show her some love by visiting her shop! Click on pics to view/purchase.

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Kathleen, and I am currently a full time college student in Murfreesboro, TN majoring in Child Development and Family Services. I fill almost every second of free time crafting and making art. I love to craft, and I try to make it a part of every day, whether it be jewelry making, collaging, cooking, or tending to my tiny window herb and veggie garden.


How did you get started in your current craft?

I have been crafting for as long as I can remember, but I began jewelry making when I noticed how difficult it was for me to find affordable unique jewelry that fit with my interests and style(s). I started to make my own, and got many compliments, and often people would ask if I would make a custom piece, or tell me that I should sell my jewelry to others.

Where do you get inspiration for your jewelry?

I get inspiration from many things, especially unique fashion and color combinations that I see, vintage images, retro pin up style, dancers, and interesting works of art such as altered books and collages. I have many different interests, and my jewelry often reflects many different areas of inspiration.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

My workspace consists of a special space in my apartment that I have stocked with all of my art supplies. I have stacks and stacks of inspirational books and images, along with drawers full of the necessities, plus many inspirational bits and pieces of ephemera and vintage jewelry bits. I often travel and craft, though, so many times my workspace is wherever I currently am sitting!

Other than Etsy, where can we find you and/or your products?

I have a display at Sugaree's Boutique in Murfreesboro, TN, and also occasionally sell some items at the Curious Heart Emporium in Nashville, TN.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

Currently, I am having a Buy One Get One Half Off Sale on everything in the Etsy shop! You may buy any item, and receive a second item of equal or lesser value for half price.
Just write "buy one get one" in the notes to seller box.
I also love to do custom orders, so if there is something you would love to have, just ask!

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Mosaic Monday - Cameras

Happy Monday!

I did a little scrapbooking this weekend . . . inspired me to start taking more pictures (I've been slacking lately). Check out these fabulous cameras by Etsy sellers!



1. Old Camera by TeaCupieShop
2. sx70 - 30x30 on Metallic paper by WalkingToJericho
3. Photoshoot Hot Pink by IMCreations
4. Picture it closely by MadLibs
5. 9 Cameras by CB78
6. Camera Necklace by DetroitDollface
7. Lunastrella Instant Camera Print by johnwgolden
8. Vintage by lynneanelson
9. Felt mobile or camera case by latelierdeluluu


Have a good week! Pin It

Feature Friday - Get Noticed

Hello! It's Feature Friday once again! This week we will get to know Natalie and Jessa from GetNoticed Designs (aren't they the cutest?!).

Banner and product pictures link to their shop/products.

Tell us a little about yourself.

We are two close sisters/best friends who share a love of jewelry-making. There is a 2.5 year age difference between us but you would never know it. People often ask us if we are twins. We grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, WI and we both still live in WI. Natalie lives in West Allis, and Jessa lives in Sturgeon Bay.

We’ve been making jewelry since we were young. It started with our mom taking us to garage sales to search for old jewelry to take apart and make new. We still love searching for vintage jewelry to mix with modern beads, metal and wire. Our pieces are unique. We have very different designs from each other which help make our shop appeal to many people. Each piece is designed as something we would wear ourselves. It’s trendy, yet classic, and dressy…you will GetNoticed!

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

Our first memories of being crafty are going through our dad’s workshop and picking through the wood scraps left from his projects. We would put the pieces together, sand them and make gifts for our elementary school teachers. Both of our parents encouraged us to be creative and gave us the opportunity to do so.

Where do you get inspiration for your jewelry?

Creativity is in our blood. We grew up in a home where sawdust and craft paints were a common and comforting aroma. Our dad would plan and execute the woodwork while our mom sat at the kitchen table, diligently painting every detail on their prized and respected crafted creations until dawn. It was their ambition and drive imprinted on us early on that have inspired us to think analytically and make one-of-a-kind jewelry.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

Both of our workspaces are similar. They involve the couch, a table and a big mess when we get everything out. Hopefully some day we will be able to have a room dedicated just to jewelry-making.

Other than Etsy, where can we find your products?

Our products can be found in a Milwaukee boutique called SweetKicks. They can also be found at bridal shows in the Milwaukee area.

What is your best marketing advice?

Word of mouth is the best marketing. We started by telling all of our friends about our shop, and asked them to spread the word on to their friends. This initial word of mouth marketing really helped us out. We keep our customers, friends and family up to date by sending out one page newsletters that feature some of our latest designs. We also have a group on Facebook that has grown a lot and is a good way for us to get messages out about new products and updates on promotions.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

We offer free shipping on all of our items in the continental United States. The cost of shipping is so small, that we decided that our customers shouldn’t have to pay for it. We also donate $1 of every item sold to the American Cancer Society in memory of our mother and other loved ones lost.

Custom orders are always encouraged and accepted, so if you see something you like but want a different color, or combined designs, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate your wishes.

It is our mission to offer one-of-a-kind jewelry at reasonable prices while raising money for a good cause. We promise you will GetNoticed!

While preparing this feature, I browsed Natalie and Jessa's shop for quite a while. I loved looking at all of their creations. They are definitely hip and trendy pieces . . . I was instantly hooked and didn't leave the shop until I had purchased this for myself!

What are you waiting for?! You must run, not walk, over to their shop and pick out a little piece (or two) so you yourself can Get Noticed!

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Mosaic Monday - Turquoise & Lime

Turquoise and Lime is one of my favorite color combos.

Be INSPIRED!



All photos in this week's mosaic are Etsy Sellers! Links to items are below.


1. The Carribean knit cowl
2. sea foam and chocolate no2
3. flower in your hair- headband
4. SweetSavannah (2T-4T) CLOCHE ... ' MEGAN'
5. Lemon Tree and Blue Ray Vegan Eye Shadow
6. Elegant Whimsical Chandelier Picture Frame
7. Retro Bathing Beauty fused glass pendant
8. Home mantle clock
9. Green and Turquoise Daisy Crochet Headband Pin It

Feature Friday - Stimples and Strummels

This weeks feature interview is with Valerie of Stimples and Strummels. She has the most amazing photos, photo art and baby art in her shop. Keep reading to learn a little more about Valerie. (Click on the pics to view/purchase)

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Valerie and I am a stay-at-home mom of a 6 year old boy and a 21 month old girl, living in beautiful Winter Park, FL. I have a bachelor's degree in fine arts from the University of Florida, and was a professional graphic designer, art director and illustrator in advertising for 15 years before I had my son.

I have always loved art and design, but never really loved advertising. I always wanted to create art on a less commercial, more intimate level. I am thrilled that the internet gives me the opportunity to do exactly what I want.

My current creative pursuits are, "Welcome Baby" art, sweet personalized paintings and drawings for nurseries; and altered art photographs, in which I capture images of the world around us digitally and then manipulate them for a more painterly, expressive feel.

What is your first memory of being craftsy/artsy?

Hard to say . . . pretty much coincides with my first memories of anything! I have been drawing since I could hold a pencil. My mom recorded in my baby book that when I was two-and-a-half years old, I had a special name for patterns like dots, checks, etc, -- stimples and strummels. That silly phrase became the name for my online shops. I love the creative, free-spirited, funny, originality of it.

Where do you get inspiration for your art?

Everywhere I go, from everything I see! The forms and shapes of every day objects and events as they occur have a natural and spontaneous beauty that is often overlooked, and that I lvoe. The world is full of amazing images! I enjoy the challenge of capturing the most interesting composition within the confines of the two-dimensional fram. My photographic images are almost never arranged or staged compositions, as traditional still lifes would be.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

If I had one, I'd show it to you! In my not-so-large house, it's wherever I can carve out a niche. When my daughter was born, we had to give up the computer room, so I got relocated to a converted coat closet. For painting and crafts, my favorite space is actually the laundry room -- great light in there and I've taken over the utility closet with art supplies. I also installed track lighting in the garage so that I can do larger paintings. I'm not one to let lack of space stop me from creating, but good light is key.

Where can we find your products?

Online I'm on Etsy, 1000Markets, Facebook and Flickr. My shop name is Stimples and Strummels.

What is your best marketing advice?

Get yourself out there! Nothing beats it. Get your name on every website and blog you can. Enter art/craft contests. Join groups like Etsy teams and Yahoo groups. Donate your merchandise to charity and school auctions. Make as many contacts as you possibly can. People like to buy from merchants they are familiar with.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

Stay tuned and check my shop often . . . I do hold sales pretty regularly. I also love to chat, so feel free to drop me a line anytime!

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My Favorite Things

When I actually have the time to browse through listings on Etsy, I always find things that I would love to have.

Cupcakes are so popular right now and I have to admit I have kind of hopped on the bandwagon. How cute is this little cupcake stand by MichelleMiller?! Not only could I use it for a cute little cupcake but I could use it as a display or for some pretty little candies . . . the possibilities are endless! And, of course, it has to be red since that is my favorite color.

These adorable rings are perfect for spring and would be adorable as an accessory to that little sundress you have hanging in your closet. SapphireLizzard makes these rings custom. That means you get to pick your favorite colors!

How about this lovely print? It would go perfectly in my studio, if I only had some free wall space (may have to move things around). LuckyBluebirdArt has many prints that I would love to have hanging in my house.

Speaking of my studio . . . I need another chair in here and I would love, love, love to have one in zebra print to match my curtains. I adore this one by FabulousMess but I'm afraid it's a little rich for my budget. If you end up buying it, let me know so that I can envy you. :D Pin It

Mosaic Monday Inspiration - Daisies

Because they are my favorite . . . .

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My First Blog Award

Thanks to PickMePaperDesigns, I have received my first Blog Award!

The rules for this award are as follows:

1. Add the logo to your blog *check*

2. Link to the person from whom you've received the awards *check*

3. Nominate eight blogs of your choice *check*

4. Leave a message on the nominees blogs *check*

I have nominated the following as Kreative bloggers:

1. Paper Cakes

2. Pickles on Pizza

3. Robot Love

4. Little Lovables

5. Two Happy Stampers

6. vol25

7. Rachel is a Dreamer

8. Mandizzle

Congrats girls! You are Kreative Bloggers!

Nothing really going on for me today. Working on getting caught up after taking a little break to rest. Thank you to those who sent me well wishes while I was a bit under the weather.

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Feature Friday - EllaParry

This weeks feature is Ella of Ella Parry. Ella paints charming and whimsical pictures. My favorites are this one from her "The Dreamworld Collection" and this one called, "Love is like a flower". If you haven't seen Ella's work, what are you waiting for? (Click on the banner above to be taken to her shop.)

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in Cambodia and grew up in Hong Kong. I have always had a strong passion for art ever since I was able to pick up my first pencil as a child. I developed my artistic skills mainly through self-teaching and through studying Commercial Design at the First Institute of Art and Design. After graduation I studied Graphic Design at the Hong Kong Technical College in 1998. Since completing my studies I worked as Graphic Designer for five years, which helped to further develop my graphic design skills. By 1999 I moved to London with the intention to study Visual Art at Camberwell College of Art but due to family circumstances I was unable to complete my study, although this did not deter me from continuing drawing for my own self-enjoyment. Now I work as a freelance graphic designer and illustrator and of course I open my online art-shop on Etsy last year.

What is your first memory of being crafty/artsy?

My first memory of being artsy was when I was in primary school, I drew a big red apple in my art class. I won first prize and it was posted in the school hall for a whole month.

Where do you get inspiration for your art?

My inspiration comes from everyday life, for example the inspiration of “ Pink tree” was from the beautiful tree which is next to the bus stop near my flat and the “little Curly” is the image of my myself when was a little girl.

Tell us a little about your workspace.

I don’t have my own studio at the moment; my workspace is my bed in my bedroom, kitchen and the dinning table in the sitting room.

Where can we find your products?

You can find my products at my shop: http://ellaparry.etsy.com/

What is your best marketing advice?

Let people know what you are doing—talk about your work and have a postcard or business card with you all the time. Sign up for different social web sites to promote you shop. If you have budget buy some advertising space or showcase every now again.

Is there anything else you would like the readers to know?

I am offering free shipping (including international) for all the greeting cards in my shop from March to May 2009.

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Blah

Just a quick post to let you know that I'm still here! I've been a bit under the weather lately and will be back to blogging soon!

Hope everyone is having a good week! Pin It