Friday Features: Fattidame

Martino the Camel Bookend by Fattidame

Hello and welcome to today's Friday Feature, which is going to take you all the way over to beautiful Italy to meet Paola. Read on to discover more about her and her delightful creations...

My name is Paola and my shop's name is Fattidame  http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame  I create soft art…my puppies are really soft and funny ( I hope)! 

I got started when I thought it would be nice to see on the wall a portrait of my cat, so I decided to make it with fabric, and then I decided to go on with my soft art ! 

In doing other crafts... Some years ago I did découpage, furniture restauration, bijoux (jewelry)…I love everything I can do with my hands. 

Nina the Snail Soft Brooch by Fattidame

When I decided to start my adventure with Etsy, I had to choose a shop name! So I chose “Fattidame” that in italian means “Made by me”.  I think it’s a simple name, that remind to Italy ;)

I sell more brooches than wall art…and I hope that more and more people know and like my soft puppies ;) See my brooches here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame?section_id=7793649

I only sell my work on Etsy.com. A few years ago I took part with Filippo (my love!) in some craft markets, but now I prefer to sell my items on my etsy shop.

Diego the Scotty Dog Headband by Fattidame

Oh yes I blog….;)  I’ve just opened my new blog site: www.fattidameworld.blogspot.comand I’m on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002322407249

I usually take care of animals in my daily life…but opening my blog I descover a really interesting website: www.doveconviene.it/co2neutral/ I posted this iniziative on my blog and I invited everyone to partecipate! It’s really important to do something for our planet!!

Thank you so much Paola, your shop is beautiful :)
Please make sure to visit her shop and see more of her wonderful work: http://www.etsy.com/shop/fattidame


...Do you want to be featured? Leave a comment below with your website address so that I can get a hold of you via email or conversation.

Friday Feature: Kelly Bermudez

Heart of Wisdom by Kelly Bermudez

Today's Friday Feature is about a wonderful Christian painter on Etsy, the very talented Kelly Bermudez. Read more to discover her beautiful shop and a giveaway!

My name is Kelly Bermudez - Gentle Whispers Visual Devotions www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez I use acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. I love watercolor though. My hope is to bring joy and inspiration to others through my paintings.

Before I painted, I was actually a Police Officer for about 8 years. I was Military Police for 6 and a Deputy Sheriff for 2 and then one day the Lord called me to do art. I had never picked up a paint brush until about a year ago when God asked me to paint for Him. It was a leap of faith for me that is for sure! It has been a really exciting journey so far! Occasionally, I also enjoy scrapbooking and writing children's short stories.

A Dance for My King by Kelly Bermudez

“Gentle Whispers”....taken from 1 Kings 19:12...that we hear God in the still small voice...In the midst of all the noise in the world, God speaks to us in a Gentle whisper. “Visual Devotions” because, I want my artwork to be that Gentle Whisper that people hear God through. I generally have a verse that each of my paintings are inspired from. I am just starting out, but my prayer is that my art will be used to bring healing and hope to lives. Some people are more visual learners and a picture can touch the heart in a profound way. I am currently working on, "Gentle Whispers," a painting series of a very special Love Song. …it tells of God’s great love for His people. I can't wait to share it with you!

I really like “Heart of Wisdom.” I have sold more of this print actually through Facebook contacts.

I sell on Etsy and sometimes I have people contact me through Facebook.

Spring Lamb by Kelly Bermudez

 My blog is kellybermudez.blogspot.com/ I am currently using this blog for my Illustration Friday entries.

I am also on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kelly-Bermudez-Paintings/169726423093919  and Twitter: twitter.com/#!/kellybermudez10

I recently painted four paintings to be auctioned off for the Sudan Canvas Project. "The Sudan Canvas Project was founded to raise awareness of the atrocities towards women in Sudan. Through the power of art, this project strives to give victims of genocide hope through trade education." - Cynthia Davis, Founder thesudancanvasproject.org/  I have also donated numerous paintings for Church fundraisers. 

 What an amazing story, please visit her shop for more beautiful paintings here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/kellybermudez

ALSO! Kelly has graciously offered to give away a FREE print of her Heart of Wisdom print to a random participant. All you have to do is leave a comment below by April 19 at midnight EST. I'll randomly draw the winner. PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A WAY TO CONTACT YOU! Best of luck, I wish I could enter :)

Friday Features: Deronda Designs

Shades of Blue Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Today's Friday Feature post is about an amazing lampwork glass bead artist, DerondaDesigns. Read on to find out more about her incredible beads...

My name is Deronda and because it's not a common name, we decided ti would be perfect for my glass. My etsy shop is www.etsy.com/shop/derondadesigns 

I play with glass and metal. The beads are the big part of what I do, but the etched copper is something that comes and goes as the mood hits. 

How did I get started? Curiousity....my mom gave us the love of creativity and the encouragement to play with all kinds of stuff.

Pretty Pink Flowers Handmade Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

 Do I have any other arts/crafts? Oh wow, have you been sneaking into my closets? The curiosity has led me into all kinds of things from woodwork, to sewing, to painting, to scrapbooking, to ceramics and on and on it goes. But glass is still my first love.

A story of my shop name? Nope, it's just my name...nothing exciting there? 

Every set of beads I make is different so it's hard to pick a favorite anything. A lot of what you might see in the shop depends on my moods. The glass has always been a way for me to express things that I can't say outloud. 

Right now I am selling on Etsy and Artfire and I have finished jewelry pieces and other things that have nothing to do with glass or jewelry at our little store here in my hometown.

Ivory and Amethyst Lentil Lampwork Beads by DerondaDesigns

Sometimes I blog a lot, and then I get busy and forget...now that you have reminded me, i will probably blog soon. It'sderondadesigns.blogspot.com/

I do the FB thing: http://www.facebook.com/deronda.designs and you know that I am an addicted Plurker: http://www.plurk.com/Deronda

Her beads are incredible...I happen to have purchased the above beads, but you can find many more in her shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/DerondaDesigns
Have a great day!

Tuesday's Treasures: New Bracelets!

Summer Seduction Bracelet 5-Pack

As promised, I've got some beautiful new bracelets to show you today. Sorry for the late post...I seem to have lost track of time!
The first photo shows a beautiful multi-pack of bracelets, the first time I've bundled bracelets together like this, to give you a great value and lots of wardrobe choices.
I made 5 different bracelets on the same theme - summery, shiny, feminine - and made them so that they co-ordinate well together, but can also be worn apart if you just want a little glam. See my Etsy store here for details: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93557147/summer-seduction-5-pack-multicolored

Cleopatra's Blue Goddess Bracelet

This second bracelet I made to match my Cleopatra's Blue Goddess Necklace (found here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/91033798/cleopatras-blue-goddess-necklace). I made this bracelet with the same black beads as in the necklace, but I wound them on memory wire so that it will fit a variety of wrists. For more info, see the listing here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/93540180/cleopatras-blue-goddess-bracelet?ref=v1_other_2
These are some really great bracelets, made more awesome by the fact that, as they are on memory wire, they adjust to fit almost any wrist size...which makes them perfect for gift giving!
See you tomorrow,

Tuesdays Treasures: Cleopatra's Fire and Sand Necklace

Cleopatra's Fire and Sand Necklace

So I completely forgot that yesterday was Valentine's Day (belated happy Valentine's Day, btw), and forgot that I had my whole day scheduled around making Valentine's day great for the husband. He takes great care of me, so I like to make at least one day all about him :)

As such, I didn't post this necklace yesterday, when I should have, and I'm sorry. Without further adieu, therefore, here is the necklace you've been waiting for!

This incredible pendant necklace comes from Cleopatra's story. Inspired by history (the Egyptians were known for their multi-pendant beaded necklaces), this will be the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Wear this with your jeans or a sexy dress, and see how this powerful statement necklace changes your outfit from nice to fantastic in a heartbeat!

I imagine Cleopatra as a strong woman, after ruling Egypt for years, meeting and falling in love with Marc Antony. After having his twins, I can see her having something like this necklace made to treat herself. With its large focal beads, and smooth, deep red carnelian beads, this would have appealed to her as a powerful statement piece. 

The necklace as it drapes when worn

Using three large Autumn Stone beads, carnelian stone beads, silver-lined gold Czech glass beads, black glass seed beads and 14karat gold filled findings, I finished the piece with a handcrafted "S" hook clasp. 14 karat gold filled Wire Guardians are used on all strand connections for extra durability and a stylish look.

This incredible One-Of-A-Kind necklace is now available in my Etsy store. Get it while you can, this one is so beautiful, you really should treat yourself! http://www.etsy.com/listing/93027010/cleopatras-fire-and-sand-carnelian

Advertising Spots Available!

Hey everyone, I hope you all had a fantastic weekend. In Canada, today we are all just getting back to the grind after the Victoria Day long weekend (also known as May 2-4 weekend). People are sleepy, people are sunburned and bug-bitten, I am trying to contain the chaos that is my brain as I am learning everything about online businesses that Etsy and other people have published online in the last 3 years so that I can really get my jewelry business humming :)

In that vein, I am offering readers the chance to advertise on my blogs (I have three. Yes three) for a very low monthly rate of $1/month. For this, you get a 200x200 pixel stationary ad of your website, blog, whatever you would like (so long as it is G-Rated). The ad will be run on all three of my blogs for just $1 per month. Yes, you read that correctly. 1 ad, $1 per month, on three blogs. It's a steal!

I have 2 spots currently (you can see them on the left hand side of each of the blogs, underneath the mailing list sign up), and will begin the new ads in June. If you are interested, please email me with the subject "Blog Ad" to Meg (at) LittleStudio (dot) ca to get started!

But hurry, there are only 2 spots left!

Oh wait! I forgot the best part! I'll also do a little blog post about your shop (if you have one), showcasing your items. If you don't have a shop, I'll do a little blurb about your website or blog :)

Hurry hurry!

Saturday Squee - The Cutest of Etsy, May 14 2011

(Pirate Hat for Your Puppy by LenaPavia)

I've decided Saturdays should be devoted to Squee. Because we all need a little happy to get our happy weekends started.

What is squee? Look at the photo above. Isn't it so Cuuuuuuute?? Just makes you want to go EEEEEEE!!! That is squee - it is so cute and adorable it kinda hurts. Like a hangnail you just can't ignore. But happy. Always happy.

Happy is good, and so is Squee. So here is my pick of Squee from Etsy this week. I Hope you like it!

Do you have an idea for a Saturday Squee - The Cutest of Etsy post? Leave the link in the comments below. I screen all comments, though, so please, no profanity, nudity, or otherwise non G-Rated links, or non related links. (You know who you are. And I'll delete you. As always.)

Have a great Squee Saturday!

New Jewelry!

Gold and Lapis Lindsay Ring

Well, it is only 2 days until my first public jewelry show, Spencerville Sparkles, and I have been working like a busy bee getting more jewelry made. I thought I'd tempt you with a few goodies that I've just finished and photographed, let me know what you think! I am also looking to know what YOU would like to see in jewelry - silver, stamped jewelry, gold, bead weaving, silver smithing, etc. I would love to hear what you look for in jewelry so that I can continue to make you happy :)

Lapis and Gold Seed Bead Memory Wire Bracelet - Fits just about every wrist size!

Remember: even if you can't make it in person to the show, Mother's Day is on May 8, so maybe you'll find something you like here. I can mail with priority post for an additional fee, to make sure it gets to Mom on time ;)

Hand Painted Ceramic and Swarovski Pearl Memory Wire Bracelet - Adjustable to Nearly Every Wrist Size

I haven't listed these yet in my Etsy Store, though I do have new earrings listed there, please take a look: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels?ref=si_shop

Sterling Silver and Swarovski Crystal Birthstone Earrings - October

Many jewelry pieces are still 50% off, so you can get a great deal on jewelry for mom... and maybe get a little something for yourself as well!

Sterling Silver and Swarovski Pearl Birthstone Earrings - June

Also, many of my pieces are customizable, all you have to do is ask. I am more than happy to make something to suit your needs and tastes - I'm here for you!

Have a great day, I'm off to make matching birthstone necklaces to the Swarovski birthstone earrings, more details on those later!

Squee Saturday: Treating the Doggies in Need

Ultimate Doggie Brownies - Made with Doggy Safe Ingredients

Imagine you don't have a home. You may have had a home once, with a loving family, but they decided you didn't fit in with them any more, so you are left at a shelter. Day after day, strangers come and feed you, fill you water bowl, and maybe, if you are lucky, take you for a walk, but mostly you sit in your cage, waiting for someone to take you home. Sad, right?

Now imagine there is a wonderful woman out there, who happens to bake doggy treats. She not only bakes doggy treats, but she sells them on Etsy. Imagine a woman who also sells cookies to be donated to doggy shelters. Now you have Shari from Ciao, Hound.

Pumpkin Bread for Dogs - Another Fabulous Treat

This Saturday, I wanted to show you how to get a warm fuzzy. I'll tell you my story.

Every month I donate to a charity and this month I wanted to donate to a charity somehow, and got thinking of all the wonderful shops on Etsy that make treats for dogs. I thought how wonderful it would be if I could buy some doggy treats and donate them to the shelters for the doggies that don't have homes yet. Yes, I realize shelters need food and blankets, but just once, I wanted to give the dogs treats to make their day a little bit more special. I found Ciao, Hound on Etsy and immediately wanted to buy some of her delicious-looking doggy confections. However, being in Canada, I know that any food items coming from the USA can take forever due to customs. I asked Shari if she would be able to do me a favor - could I buy some of her treats, and could she then deliver them to her local shelter?

She said Yes!!

So now I am here to tell you this story, so that maybe you will do the same. If you are able to give blankets, or other required items to your local shelters, please do. But once in a while, maybe you could give them treats too, just think of yourself in the doggies' position. Wouldn't it be nice to once in a while have an amazing yummy in your tummy to brighten up your day?

I think you'd like it too ;-)

Another New Bracelet!

Here is another new bracelet with rainbow fluorite beads dangling from a sterling silver chain. Rainbow fluorite is hard to find in good quality, so it is expensive to use, but the results speak for themselves - gorgeous jewelry that no-one else will have!
I created a custom hook and "S" clasp from sterling silver wire, and then hammered it for strength and durability.
The drape on this piece is really fantastic - it isn't very heavy, but flows nicely on your wrist, as you can see here. This is now available on my Etsy Shop: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51503481/flora-sterling-silver-and-rainbow
Thanks for visiting!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: New Bracelet!

Boudicca Sterling Silver Hearts Bracelet with Amethyst, available in my Etsy Store: http://www.etsy.com/listing/51423235/boudicca-sterling-silver-hearts-bracelet

Thank you for stopping by, have a great day!

Happy 4th of July!

Arwen and I would like to wish all of our American friends a happy and safe Independence Day. Happy 4th of July!!Here is a new ring I just listed on my Etsy store, I hope you like it. See more here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/LittleStudioJewels
Have a great Sunday!

July's Charity of the Month: Rescue 100

This month's charity of the month is Rescue 100 Foundation. They are a non-profit horse rescue that regularly receives horses seized by the Alberta SPCA. Many of these horses are able to have perfect lives - the only problem is that their previous owners neglected them so badly they often need months of rehabilitation to be healthy enough to be adopted. This takes a substantial amount of love, attention and money. The results, however, are worth it. Keep reading to see one success story of many at Rescue 100:
The above image is of Saffiya, one of the first horses rescued by Rescue 100, in a herd of about 100 horses (sadly, not all of them made it) seized from a farm by the Alberta SPCA (they have since had more horses - the SPCA has had TWO major seizures alone this year, resulting in many horses being kept at the farm). She was so starved that she would stand like this, in the middle of frigid winter, for hours, too weak to move. You can see her belly is bloated from lack of food, her coat is rough and falling out from lack of nutrition, and she has almost no muscle, and nearly zero fat. She often had to be hand fed by the wonderful people at Rescue 100. It was a labor of love, however, as she was eventually healthy enough to be adopted, and her new owner sent a photo of Saffiya in her hew home:
What a transformation, and such a happy ending! This truly is an act of kindness and love, and as you can see, the results are definitely worth it. I wish I could adopt one of them, but right now, I could only keep a horse in the yard with Arwen or in the house with all of us, and I don't think they'd like the stairs. That, and Arwen likes to be the only one pooping in the yard ;-)

10% of the sales before taxes and shipping will be going towards this noble cause. You can purchase items from my Etsy store here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlestudiojewels or you can go and donate directly to Rescue100 via their website here: http://rescue100.ca/?page_id=43


Images are copyright Rescue 100 Foundation

Wordless Wednesday (almost)

Find them here in my Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/shop/littlestudiojewels

More New Jewelry Photos!

Bookmark with Lampwork Glass Monkey Bead

Here are some more new photos of items in my Etsy store - sorry for the break in between posts, I really am here, I swear :)

Rosin Gold and Swarovski Crystal Dangle Earrings

Gold and Swarovski Flower Brooch Pin

Forest Queen Citrine and Glass Earrings

Boudicca's Celtic Dots Ring

More coming soon, thank you so much for stopping by, have a great weekend!