Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Angela @ Bella Anela Jewelry

Click HERE to enter Bella Anela Jewelry!

Info about self: My name is Angela and I was born and raised in Hawaii. Although I love traveling to new places and learning about other cultures, I feel blessed to have Hawaii as my home base where I can return and inhale the Pacific air and enjoy the almost garishly bright sun reflecting off of the myriad of colorful plants and flowers.

I have a very active imagination. In fact, most of the time you see me, I am not "here". Wait, that doesn't sound too good. Creativity has always been a part of my life. Verbal expression has never been my forté. I've always loved dreaming up stories in my mind, and when I have the time, I write them down. I also enjoy drawing, painting, and so many other forms of artistic expression. I just wish I had more time, money and space to practice all of them more often. Right now I have several jobs that include working with children and in retail. My dream is to be able to spend more time creating jewelry and tutoring future presidents, but for now it must be cashiering and sweeping up glitter.


3 descriptive words for self: moody, empathetic, daydreamer


3 descriptive words for shop: imaginative, motley, slightly to the left of common


How long creating/selling product: I remember first creating jewelry back in the 7th grade. I once made these horrid-looking cartoon faces from fluorescent fimo clay and glued them to earring posts. Looking back I can now see how nice my classmates were being to me, because they oohed and ahhed over the little creatures when I wore them to school one day. I think it was more over the fact that I made them myself and had the guts to wear them in public.

I really got into making jewelry as an art and profession about 5 years ago when a very close friend of mine taught me basic wire wrapping skills. Since then I have never looked back. I immediately started to create jewelry to sell to her so she could sell them at her mobile jewelry booth. At first I was doing it just for fun. Jewelry making was yet another creative outlet for me, and I wasn't really interested in making it a career. I think the "high" I got from selling my art came when I started hearing compliments from customers passed on through my friend, and acutally getting special orders from her regulars. They liked me, they really liked me!


I love your story from grade school, how fun! I love looking back and seeing what I used to create and compare it to how far I've come. My Mom still has some pottery that I made for her YEARS ago!


Creative process: My inspiration for my designs comes from all around me. I will often see someone wearing something, or a picture of a piece that I like, and I'll go home and take out what I've got and use that inspiration to create something new and unique to me. And then there are those times when a silly friend will grab some of my materials, hold them together in a mock design and say with a guffaw, "What about this?". And the durned thing will actually turn out to be pretty amazing. I won't tell them that, though.

Other passions: cooking, scrapbooking/card making, working with children, other artistic mediums including drawing, painting, printmaking, etc...

Two fave items from shop: 
Vintage Lace Blue and Cream Cuff - I think the design represents all that I love about jewelry and accessories (color, romanticism, flirtiness, beauty), and I love the mixed medias represented.

The Age of Aquarius White Coin Pearl Ring - It's simple and lovely. I am very much a ring person, even though you can't really tell from looking at my shop.

Oh, that cuff is SO lovely.

Favorite shops: On Etsy? They would be:

www.etsy.com/shop/underoakstudios - love their item descriptions
www.etsy.com/shop/palmeras - now THIS is a jewelry artist!
www.etsy.com/shop/twistedsisterarts - those eyes...and those wire working skills!
www.etsy.com/shop/lonkoosh - I want one of everything from this shop
www.etsy.com/shop/ArtsyFartz - a fellow jewelry artist from Hawaii who gave me the encouragement I needed to open up my own Etsy shop!

Advice: Just do it! I spent several months researching this and that so I could make my store absolutely perfect before I even opened it. Truth is, although that research did help, I'm still learning about the ins and outs of Etsy and sales to this day. And I wouldn't have been able to get that kind of info if I hadn't just dived right in and let things happen.

Now it is my favorite part of the feature, where I get to share some of my favorite pieces from Angela's shop! (It was REALLY hard to just choose a few, by the way!)

Ohh, the stones on these earrings are amazing!

Aren't the colors on these earrings fantastic!? They look like candy.

Whenever I get more sales coming in, I am buying one of these bracelets! They are so gorgeous, Angela!

Angela, thanks so much for stopping by and letting us peak into your creativity! I have enjoyed learning more about you and the lovely items that you create. I love your shop.


Thank you for the gift certificate donation for the Mega Giveaway!

Friday Favorites ... Just a Day Late

So sorry for kicking this weeks Friday Favorites off a day late! We were pretty busy yesterday...took the kids to the park, got Jon from work, had dinner together at Chili's, etc. :)

I guess we can just call this Saturday Favorites...but don't count on this happening often.

Let's get this party started!

I have grown to seriously LOVE Delphinium Flowers. They come in a million colors, and I just think they're beautiful!

For the longest time I thought it was one flower per stem, I had no idea this is what they looked like!

 Here is an Orange Delphinium Headband that is available in our shop.

Sa-woon over this image from Christina Evans Photography, right?!

Love this little box that allows me to watch tv shows whenever I want.

Who doesn't love a DVR?!

The newest L&O, Law & Order: UK...it's surprisingly so good.

What is better an L&O? L&O with accents. ;)

 Keeping with the movie theme..I love Redboxes! They are simply genius.

However, have any of you ever seen one this nice? All of ours are just a "red box".

 I grew up on these ladies, and I love them all! ...No, not the Golden Girls.

 The Disney Princesses!

Need a run down? Jasmine, Mulan, Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel, and Belle.

 Ariel has always been my very favorite Princess...I used to pretend to be her when I was little. But now, she has a tight race with this awesome lady:

Disneys "Tangled", Rapunzel!

For real, if you have not seen this movie, DO IT. It is awesome.

I am dying to get the kids an outdoor play set...I am hoping that the family will all chip in for the kids Christmas/Birthdays so that we can get them one!

However, I doubt they will chip in enough for this amazing play set from Play Mor! Seriously, isn't that incredible?!

Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle Beach!

I love the beach. I love SC. I love Myrtle Beach. And as long as the heifer Hurricane Irene leaves it standing, we will be there in a few short weeks!

I love Birds. I think they're beautiful, and graceful. That doesn't mean I want to OWN a bird, because I think in houses they're gross (NO offense!), but I love watching them in the wild.

Isn't she sweet?! Er, tweet? :P

Oh, I could look at a Rainbow forever.

This picure looks kind of fake, but I couldn't resist it. It has a barn, trees, and a rainbow...what could be better?

 Rounding out this week, is Waterfalls. I love looking at them, and listening to them.

Well, that is all for this week. See you soon for the next Sunday Blog Feature...we are getting close to wrapping that up, and then I will have to find another riveting topic...any suggestions?

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Melissa at MelissaGHollis

Click HERE to enter MelissaGHollis!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

-I'm 20 years old, married to my wonderful husband, Lincoln and currently a stay at home mom to my one year old son Milo. We are also expecting a baby girl in late September that we are naming Brooklynne. My life is extremely busy and crazy, but a whole lot of fun too. :)

Congrats on the new baby! :) Our youngest was also due (last) September, but she held on to October! Hopefully little Brooklynne doesn't do that, too!


Name three words to describe yourself.

-Creative ;) Ambitious and Talkative


Name three words to describe your shop.

-Bright, Fun, Functional

I love to make things that people need, but in fun colors and patterns. If you have to have washcloths, for example, why not have them in lime green and hot pink?

How long have you been creating? How long have you been selling your product, and what made you take the plunge to sell to others?

-I have been crocheting and knitting for about 4 years now, but only doing it seriously since I had my son. I started my business in November of 2010 and have been selling on etsy since then. It really started out as a hobby when I decided to delay my education (I was attending Western Washington University until my son was born). I needed something to do when my husband was at work late at night and Milo was asleep, so I started making him baby hats and someone commented that they might like to buy one, so I made more and started listing on etsy. :)

I am glad that you started selling, because I LOVE your washcloths!

Tell me a little bit about your creative process?

-My creative process is basically create when I can. Between nap times, walks, meal time, play time, bath time and bed time, my day is pretty much full. It is a real challenge trying to work only during nap time and not take time away from our family in order to create. Honestly, part of me is excited for when my son goes into preschool, just so that my day is a little more structured and so I can actually get something done during the day instead of working purely while my son sleeps.

Most of my work takes place after 7 pm when my son goes to bed. After his bedtime, I frantically crochet orders, package them and get them ready to send out (which I will do the next day when we pass by the post office on our daily walk) and then try to think of things to add to my inventory. On a good day, I usually only get things either made and packaged, or something new created and photographed, not nearly enough to be content with, but it is what it is.

I think those of us with kids definitely have to take what we can get! I know that on any given day I get ONE step of the process done.

Can we see your work space?

-I don't really have set work space. We are currently in a 2 bedroom apartment, and things are stored where ever there is space. I package at the kitchen table, I have a cylindrical organizer full of yarn in my bedroom, that sort of thing :)

What are your other passions?

-Oh I have so many! God, for one, writing, I would LOVE to write a novel some day, and this may sound really strange, but one of my biggest passions in math! I would love to become an accountant one day. It's what I was going to school for before I got pregnant with my son. Mostly I just love how in math there is one answer, you know? In so many areas of life there is gray area, but math is very black and white. You either have the answer or you don't. I love that.


What are your two favorite items from your shop, and why?

-My two favorite items are my gray fingerless gloves because they are just so fashion fabulous :) and my face scrubbies because I love their bright colors!

What are some of your favorite shops?

-I love so many shops on Etsy! My favorites are probably ones that sell things like candles and other girlie items. I also love all of the shops that do trades because I am a bit of a shopaholic and trading my items makes it much easier on my husbands wallet. ;)

Lastly, what is some advice that you would offer to those interested in starting their own shop?

-My advice, find something you love to do and try to make money doing it! BUT think it through before you get in over your head! When I started my etsy shop, I thought it would be just something that I did in my spare time, but found out it was much, much more demanding than that! You have to make something, take good pictures, list the item, then try to get people to find your item to buy them. It is no easy task, but if you really love what you do, it makes it really worth it.


Now it is my favorite part, I am going to share a few of my favorite things from Melissa's shop! :)

Isn't this neckwarmer great? I love the bright colors that Melissa uses!

These cotton washcloths are so great! If you haven't tried crochet washcloths, seriouly, DO it! They are fantastic.

Melissa, thanks so much for stopping by and sharing with us! I really enjoyed learning more about you and your craft! 


Thank you also for the generous Face Scrubbie donation to the Mega Giveaway!

Friday Favorites

It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday,
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend.
It's Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday!

Well, yikes...that is not a song that I enjoy having stuck in my head, but I got to say; I do agree with those lyrics.

..Sorry Rebecca Black, you and your cheesy "Friday" song did not make the Friday Favorite cut.

Buuuut, let's see what did.

First, let's address the Mom in me. I LOVE GAIN!

Seriously, this detergent smells A M A Z I N G! So good you could....ALMOST drink it? Not that good, I don't want you to end up on "My Strange Addiction".

Yes, it is happening..I am blogging about diapers.

Target Brand Diapers...they are second to none.

 The people are Crayola are genuises. Period.

What will they come up with next?!?!

Mohair Yarn.

This stuff is SO soft. I just bough a large skein for sweet little baby Halo's and I love the way that it feels.

Who is ready for Winter?!

Frosty is! (and so is Susan, as a matter of fact!) This guy is the inspiration for a reaaaally exciting mini top hat that is coming to the shop soon! Squeeeeal.

Oh baby Keurig, you make morning coffee FUN. I love putting in my little K-Cup and letting you do the rest of the work.

 Fedora hats have always been my favorite..ever since Britney used to rock them back in the day...

Oh Brit-Brit, you are the reason that I spent over 35.00 on a Plaid Fedora Spring Break my Senior year of High School.

But I think they're even cuter on teeny tiny Toddler Boys!

I got my own little Toddler Dude one on clearance at Target the other day. 4.28 = score!

GO HERE! You will not be disappointed.

I am addicted to Ruffle Fabric. I just bought some in Turquiose for my girls for our Fall Family Photo Shoot, and it is awesome! What a way to cash in too, PRE ruffled fabric?! GENIUS.

 I need to figure out where to find these big boys, STAT! Quick everyone, place an order so we can start the "Susan needs HUGE Diamond Earrings fund!" I kid...I kid.

Well, kind of. I DO want them, maybe my Lover will get the hint. ;)

Alrighty guys, that is all for today! Stay tuned for a new product post in the near furture. Enjoy your weekends, and enjoy your "Friday, Friday!"

Blog Feature Sunday - Get to know Linda @ Solcreation's For You

Click HERE to enter Solcreation's For You!

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.



-Our shop is a colaboration of 3 creative minds- 1 mom and 2 daughters who love to create. Oldest daughter makes all the jewelry and youngest makes and helps with baby clothing.  Our shop is filled from jewelry to baby clothes and handbags.  We love using all elements and combining them as much as possible thus making us Eclectic. We love using from Vintage to new supplies in creating a finished product.  A percentage of sales goes to Meningioma Mommas, a Not for Profit Foundation that provides support and helpful information that helped me through surgery when I was diagnosed with a tumor. Another percentage goes to other Foundations, at least 1 to 2 a month.  We love giving it is our passion to use our shop to help others.

I love that you all three work together, what a fun family business! And how great of you to give back like you do.
 
Name three words to describe yourself.


-Creative- Artistic- Caring

Name three words to describe your Etsy shop.


-Creative- Eclectic – Artistic

How long have you been creating? How long have you been selling on Etsy, and what made you take the plunge to sell to others?


-Mom has been creating and sewing since she was 10 yrs old, her daughters learned from her as we made Christmas Crafts and always had crafting projects going on in our home. Our shop open when people who were buying some of our accessories encouraged us to try out Etsy. We have been on Etsy for 1 year now.

Tell me a little bit about your creative process?


- Creative process is by taking one or two items and inivisioning a finished product sometimes going thru just about everything before were happy with what we invision the outcome to be.


What are your two favorite items from your shop, and why?

Vintage Meets Mod Cosmetic Bag
 Hammered Funkys Hanging from a Chain Earrings

I can vouch for Sol's stuff, it is fabulous! I own a lot of it, and all of it has really impressed me. Also, Linda is an absolute doll to work with.



What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?


-Art shops- other Jewelry shops and pretty much anything unique- we also love finding unique and different supplies from Vintage to new.
 
Lastly, what is some advice that you would offer to those interested in starting their own Etsy shop?

-The best advise for new Etsy sellers is to browse through other shops to get ideas on how to create their own- and feel free to ask others questions – you will find people love to help. Most important thing that we have found is take the best pictures you can as photos are very appealing to buyers.

Now it is my favorite part, I am going to share a few of my favorite things from Linda's shop! :)

This Butterfly Set is SO cute! I love Butterflies!

This Pirate Set is absolutely the best. We have it for Anastasia, and it looks SO stinkin' cute on!

Thanks so much for joining us, Linda! I have really enjoyed getting to know more about you and your girls! I love you business and wish you nothing but success in the future! :)


Thank you so much for your generous donation to the Mega Giveaway!

Friday Favorites

It's that time again, friends! :) Friiiiday Favorites.

I love Fridays...because that means I am one day closer to having Lover Jon home with us. I treasure weekend family time, and am so glad that I have a sweet husband who enjoys hanging out with us, too!

Sappy, sappy..mush!

Okay, here we go....

I LOVE these chips! I have always loved Doritos, but these Spicy Nacho ones really kick it up a notch. Delicious!

Who doesn't love an adorable Garden Gnome?! I want some of these for the front yard, but I doubt Jon would allow that. He is a firm believer of no statues/deer/etc in the front yard.

Oh, I am LOVING the Classic Bows right now! I am adding a ton to the shop lately, AND Bow Ties for little dudes are coming soon! (Shh!)

I have really enjoyed working with Lace lately. I love the elegant and feminine look that it gives.

Oh dear Christian Louboutins...I want you so bad. so So SO bad.

I have always been a bang hater. And now I am a bang lover. WHY does it take me SO long to get on  the bandwagon?

Old fashioned/Vintage Parasols! Isn't this lovely?! If I were a professional photog, I would be ALL over these. Sooo GWTW.

This makes me READY for Halloween. Think I could convince the family to do this?!

I think I have a better chance of convincing Jon to let me do this....LOL.

Thanks for joining me!

Want a chance to win one of these Blueberry Lemonade Hair Clips?!

Just leave a comment saying what your family is planning to be for Halloween this year?! I will draw a random comment winner on Sunday.

See ya soon!

Cr o c h e t.H a l o s - Making Them My Own

Have you seen these things?! They are seriously the CUTEST things for photography props, and well; for any little one to wear!

They are soft, comfortable, and are versatile enough to wear all of the time.

I instantly fell in love with them.

There is a fine line between loving an item and creating your version; and a copy cat. The latter of which I never want to be.

In all honesty, I have no idea how others that make these sweet little Halo's make them; all I know is how I create them.

Of course, mine DO look different than others on the market, and I am not quite ready to give away all of my secrets...but, I do have one amazing stand out factor to mine; they have elastic backs.

Most of the Halo's on the market either are closed and don't have much stretch room (so you have to order a specific size), or they have 4-5" long "tails" on the back to tie them. (Can you imagine how hard that could be on a newborn?!)

The **new** Crochet Halo's from Nesto are ordered in any size that you need (NB-XL), and then since they are yarn and don't give very much...the elastic that we use offers 2-3" additional inches so that the headband can be worn for a much longer time period.

I know, I know...I am a headband genius. :P

Here are some of my newest lovely creations:

These ARE available in the shop.