Brainstorming

So, we've been thinking and we want to turn our art up a notch. Or several. We have been throwing different ideas around and we want our paintings and drawings to be better, in more sizes, on more subjects, in more styles and just more of them!

One way we have been going about it is education. Since I am the primary painter and he is the primary drawer, I have been learning as much as I can about what I do, and he is doing the same. Also, just seeing what's out there - on Etsy, on the street, in magazines, in museums - inspiration and examples are everywhere. We are trying to take away knowledge from everything.

What kind of art is your favorite?

Zuckermans Famous Pig Earrings by hollystott on Etsy

Fine swine, wish he was mine!

Red Ladybug Earrings by hollystott on Etsy

These cuties can bug me all they want :)

I like small earrings sometimes for low-key things like running errands - plus ladybugs are perfect for summa!

Sun Mosaic Wall Art - Upcycled by hollystott on Etsy

Maybe it's the hippie in me, but I love this :)

Handmade Bags and purses on Etsy - Black, White and yellow all over Clutch or Wristlet

Look to the left - I don't need to say anything else!!

Cirque YART by suenosdejmi on Etsy

Colorful, beautiful, unique, one of a kind - need I say more?

If you are daring, original and fun, this scarf is for you!

Darling Panda Earrings by hollystott on Etsy

Could these be any cuter?!

Pandas? check.

Earrings? check.

Ridiculously cute? CHECK!

hollystott's shop is awesome!!

Veridian...

I was inspired to do a search for pieces having something to do with the word "veridian" in honor of my newest painting, "Veridian Symphony". Enjoy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17913239 by AdornMeJewelry

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25170610 by BBGlassArt

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8622670 by JVDarcy

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19474178 by TRMACKSTUDIO

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23767707 by Pinkilicious

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21307567 by slvrlily

I hope you enjoy this collection and feel inspired!

Handmade Accessories on Etsy - April Showers Beaded Felt Rain Cloud Barrette by blackcatmima

This is the cutest brooch I have ever seen! It's good for a few reasons:

-it can dress up any shirt or jacket
-it's cute for work OR play
-it's super original
-it's a pretty hue
-it's a great price
-seller is fantastic :)

BlackCatMima!

BlackCatMima has one awesome shop! I like it because of the different styles of items she offers. I want to talk about her brooches because that's what I am most excited to see when I visit her
shop.

As you may know, I love talking about great shops, etc. that I see. I like to spread the word because it's hard to wade through ALL the shops online for good ones, even if you narrow it down to the etsy world. Allow me to help! :)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5465674 <=BlackCatMima's Shop

Here are some of my favorite brooches from her shop:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=16869491

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21801417

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21769152

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21765850

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=21764431

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21761837

AlexanderRose Debuts A Great Shop!

I love AlexanderRose's shop. It's got really candid photos and some great original art. Not only is the art totally my style, the photographs are a totally different side of RoseAlexander's talent. I love the two fresh views combined to create the original shop.

AlexanderRose is still pretty new to etsy and is awaiting their first sale!

http://www.alexanderrose.etsy.com/

Sweeter Than an IckyDog!

Today I want to showcase ickydogcreations.etsy.com!

In this store I always see unique items and crazy creatures - everything screams "the perfect gift" for the macabre friend in your life! Every item is creepy with a sense of humor. This store has personality you can "smell" a mile away!

For example, there are cuties like Claire the Octopus and Banjo the Mouse - a gift for even the light of heart. For something a little more hardcore, she offers up beasts like Charon and the hilarious Zombie Horse.

Another thing I love about the ickydogcreations shop is that if you want something custom, consider it done - and with flair! :)

Make sure to visit the shop and check out all the fantastic characters who live there. Who knows, maybe you will find a new buddy!

www.ickydogcreations.etsy.com

Regina Spektor!

In honor of the great singer/songwriter Regina Spektor, here are the great items related to her on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20359415 by LaCoque

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23474111 by luckytwentyone

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18165548 by watercolourstain

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23206731 by ZombieIrish

Enjoy!!

To The Lighthouse!

Today we launched a new item concept in our shop - ink drawings on blank notecards! We are excited about this product because not only does it bring a new functionality to our art, it also gives people the chance to still personalize something and give it to someone else. We are proud to present our first listing, Lighthouses.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23815399

In this listing we have 3 different notecards, each with its own original ink drawing of a lighthouse scene on it. These are all depictions of real lighthouses that exist. The insides of the cards are blank for you to write your own messages!

We plan on doing several more themed notecard packs and even offer custom sets, along with our drawings/paintings.

Enjoy and please leave any feedback you may have!

Treasury!

Yay, we are featured in a new treasury! This one has delicious looking colors...check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=49976

Business Wish List

If i were to create a list of 5 things I wanted for my business, this is what the list would look like:

1. Studio. This could even be a corner of a room where I could set up all of my art supplies so it could be ready to go when creativity strikes. I imagine a craft table, chair, easel, shelves overflowing with all kinds of supplies, books, a candle and an mp3 player. By a sunny window.

2. Supplies. In order to complete my dream workshop, I would need supplies. For me that would be tons of oil paints, acrylic paints, canvases, brushes, a couple of palettes, books of art, pencils, pens, markers, posterboard, fabric, a sewing machine, ribbon, paper - basically a craft store! It would be amazingly inspiring. Impossible not to create!

3. An occassional friend. I think it would be a fun addition to have a fellow crafting friend hang out in the "studio" and craft along. Perhaps I would paint and she would crochet, or I would do origami and he would draw, or I would sculpt and they would etch.

4. Classes. I would love to take all kinds of art classes. Not at random but anything that sounds interesting I would like to try out. Taking all of that experience home with me would be so rewarding and so much fun, plus my new skills would bloom into new pieces that I could be even more proud of.

5. Red Tape Finished. This would be completely and utterly amazing. I want to turn my Etsy shop into a full-time gig, and I know in order to do that some planning and paperwork needs to take place. Tax information, in some cases licensing, promotion, budgeting - I'd like all the initial planning to just be done so I can focus on making art and telling people about it.

If I had these five things, business would be more terrific than it already is (because who isn't having fun with their Etsy shop already!) and would fill up life with a little more spice and pizzazz.

Thank you to http://www.cindypack.etsy.com/ where I found this beautiful necklace (pictured above). On sale now!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23256998

But Come Ye Back When Summer's in the Meadow...

Hello everyone!

I keep finding cool stuff, left and right on Etsy! I guess that's just the nature of the beast. :) What I'd like to share is the world of fiber arts. Today I want to showcase the store suenosdejmi! Her shop has many scarves, bags, gloves, etc. and all of it is diverse and gorgeous in its own way. I recently purchased a scarf called Harvest Time! You can see it here: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=14999088

I can't wait to get it, I am going to wear it everywhere!

Another lovely scarf in the store is Meadow. This scarf inspired this blog entry. I love the colors and the visuals the name evokes - a meadow, a rolling Irish plain, greenery, health, beauty, bounty - all of which this scarf is about. Plus, it's at a great price. So, without further ado...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8612894

Please leave your commentary! :)

As the Wind Blows...

Today I want to talk about a great etsy shop I found that sells extremely awesome looking wind chimes! Not only are the prices great, the artist agreed to make me a custom chime! There are different sizes available with a huge assortment of available colored glass. The shop has 100% positive feedback and several frequent sales. Woo hoo!

Check 'em out!

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5065518 CagedBirdSings

Please leave any comments you'd like!

Love Punch

A new painting! Check it out, and feel free to leave any commentary you may have - I'd love to hear it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23053888

More Treasuries!

Yay, today I've discovered we are in more etsy.com treasuries! Check 'em out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49270
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49201
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=49121

Let me know which ones you like! :)

Fish Flower

Hello again! Today I would like to share this picture I found, done by http://www.theeye.etsy.com/.

This picture goes terrifically with the decor in my friend's house and I will probably buy it for her! Good thing she doesn't read this blog, haha.

Here is a link to the listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15382598

TheEye has great stuff in her store, everything is extremely professional looking! The pictures are bright, attractive, crisp and beautiful. This store is great, I urge you to check it out!

Treasuries!

Yay, we are featured in treasuries! I think these are the first we have been featured in - I'm not positive because I just learned about Craftopolis. Craftopolis (http://www.craftopolis.com/) is a great site that you can not only advertise on but you can also find out if you are currently in any etsy treasuries!

Here we are:

1. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=47733
2. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=48085
3. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=48047

4. http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=48026

So far I've had a lot of views on my painting, Paradiso (pictured). It is featured in two of these treasuries. Please let me know what you like! :) A special thanks to my two etsy teams, Eclectic Artisans and OWLS.

Disarm!

Hello! Today I want to share with you a bizarre and unique purchase I recently made. I found the shop HotLegs http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6449336 by accident while just browsing etsy. Turns out, I actually have an issue with my apartment door not fitting the doorjamb enough and the smoky hallway odor always seems to seep under. I hate the smell and was usually shoving towels under the door, but I still found that gross (I want to use my towels for me, not for nasty smells!) and wanted a new solution.

After I had found the HotLegs shop, I favorited it because I thought the shop sold such a unique item - arms and legs either for draft stoppers OR just because! When I realized I had a true need for one of these bad boys, I immediately went back and made my purchase. I'm expected the "Amy Winehouse" arm to arrive any time now. And yeah, they all have funny celebrity names.

So take a look at this shop. It's guaranteed to provide you with an awesome conversation piece for your next party!

Flower Field & Pond - Pretty Painting I Found!

Hello everyone! Just wanted to showcase yet another cool etsy item I found - this one is by shop owner AlexanderRose http://www.alexanderrose.etsy.com/ and is titled "Flower Field & Pond". It really reminds me of a sleek Monet and I really like it a lot. Looks like this shop is pretty new and so far I like the items inside it. Take a look! Just wanted to share :)

luckytwentyone is GETTING MARRIED!

Hello! This post is both fun & exciting...Justin and I (Andrea) of luckytwentyone are getting married May 24, 2009!

I wanted to share the wonderful items, shops and friends we've found while searching for the unique items we need to make our day that much more special. :)

These invitations couldn't be more perfect! I found them at: http://www.bgdesignstudio.etsy.com/

This beautiful garter set was exactly what I was looking for (to fulfill my 'something blue') and I found it for a great price from vvngifttrendy! http://www.vvngifttrendy.etsy.com/

This veil is absolutely beautiful and what I was looking for to go with my dress. The day I introduced a friend to etsy, she helped me pick this out! The veil was from the etsy shop http://www.fascinatingcreations.etsy.com/ and it was VERY hard to choose a veil from their fun selection!

Next, we found Justin's wedding ring at http://www.hawaiititanium.etsy.com/ which was perfect...he couldn't have dreamed a more perfect ring for himself. :)

I hope you've enjoyed learning about our special day...I will keep you posted! :)

Finally, a new bag!

Hello! I just wanted to show off this cute new pouch I just bought on etsy! It is so ME I cannot even begin to describe it.

I am the kind of person that feels guilty if I spend money on myself...to buy this was a real statement. But, I haven't purchased a new purse in probably two years. Before that I think it was 5 years. I feel entitled! Besides, if I hadn't have swooped this up, I would have thought about it every time I saw a purse in the store that doesn't measure up to this. It's almost like someone custom made this for me, but I wouldn't have know to ask for it.

Just had to share how much I love it. :)

Check out more of these gems at http://www.glamourdamaged.etsy.com/

New Banner!

Hello again! While on the quest to find some feedback on which things to improve on with my etsy store, I came across a seller with not only fantastic feedback, but also a great store herself.

DetailsDelights not only helped me come up with ways to improve my store, she made me a banner for my store!

The banner is now on display at my etsy store (and proudly, I may add) but for those who can't wait to see it, here it is...(see above)

I don't need to set up a new poll to hear about how beautiful it is! It's very colorful and unique. A lot like the items in DetailsDelights' store. If you're looking for functional, beautiful, unique and quality embellishments, kits, cards - you name it - at a great price, check out her store. It's fantastic! Here are a couple of my favorite items...(see above banner for pictures)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20136034

These Irish tags are perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

I love this glitter sticker...there are a thousand things you could use this for, and it's pretty!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22049328

These tags are so cute and very trendy, might I add. I can see people of any age liking these...

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18853192

DetailsDelights also has a blog, check her out at: http://detailsdelights.blogspot.com/

I suppose one of the many things I've learned today about etsy is you need to remember to get out there and just get to know the wonderful resources around you in this great online community. There really is nothing like it!