There's something "mystic" here...

Generally, jewelry is not my passion, but there is something about the creations of Karen at http://mysticwynd.etsy.com that speak to me in a poetic way.  Her passion for designing and making each individual piece in her shop is evident even at first glance.  The ring that I'm sharing with you here shows an incredible elegant simplicity.  Please visit her shop for the piece that speaks to you.  Whether your taste is floral, ethnic, fantastical, whimsical or spiritual, you'll find something that you can't resist!  You'll be pleasantly surprised at her reasonable prices and free shipping as well. 

Diamonds are forever...

...at least according to James Bond!  As we can look forward to April, the month of diamonds, I thought I'd share a different kind of diamond with you:  the diamond stitch.  Not long ago, a bride contacted me to commission a pine needle basket which will carry the Stefana (Greek wedding crowns) at her approaching wedding.  After some research, I found that the number three is important in many Greek ceremonies, including a wedding.  The center of the basket begins with two walnut slices tightly joined to symbolize the bride and groom.  Then three circles of stitches surround them, two in chain stitches and the center in the diamond stitch so that the sparkle of their love will always be chained together. 

After she received the basket, she was gracious enough to send a photo of the basket with the stefana inside.  These stefana are especially precious to her as they were worn by her parents as well.  I've included her picture as well as one of the basket before it was mailed.   I'm thrilled that she is so pleased!

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Ready for St. Patrick's Day

Are you one that "wears the green" on March 17?  If so, here's just the perfect new addition to your jewelry wardrobe!   From the shop called Faerie Garden Fancies, this polymer clay sparkled shamrock is sure to bring good luck whether you wear it or use it as a bit of decor.  You can enter this delightfully eclectic shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/BunnyKissd  Enjoy!!

Going green

As the green movement becomes increasingly important in our world, the Etsy Bloggers Team has asked us to tell how we are participating in this vital initiative.  In our home we recycle and reuse as much as possible.  Hopefully our efforts will help preserve our fragile planet for ages to come.

In my Etsy shop, the pine needle baskets, such as the one shown here, are another example of recycling.  All the pine needles used in this art are harvested after they fall and would otherwise have been burned or put in land fills.  This 4" pot is an original design and a great example of going green.  Even the broom corn that accents the rim has been dyed green.  It is available in my Etsy Shop, http://peacoxcreations.etsy.com

"Joy" to you and me!

Here's great news for those of you who like to print your own greetings.  Just visit http://theartofjoy.etsy.com/ for absolutely adorable original art designed for you to purchase and then use with your own computer and printer.  The example I've chosen to the right is one of her precious Kokeshi Doll designs, but there are so many more from which to choose.  She'll even help you personalize the items.  Take a chance on looking soon;  you'll be glad you did!

"Moo"vin' on to the Super Bowl

It was impossible to resist!  But it was impossible to find a cow with a cheesehead in a Packer Jersey!  We in Packer Nation (aka most of Wisconsin) are always proud of our dairy industry and our green Bay Packers, but today we're udderly full of pride and milking it for all it's worth.  Our Pack defeated the Chicago Bears yesterday to earn a place in Superbowl XLV.  So on February 6, the Pack will face a very worthy opponent, the Pittsburgh Steelers.  GO, PACK!!

What do you think?

My Etsy Bloggers Team has asked what business goals we have for 2011 and I'm torn. My first inclination was to say I want to be the "scrubbie queen" of Etsy, but I can't let go of wanting to really promote the pine needle baskets.
Certainly, the nylon net scrubbies are great sellers: they're practical, inexpensive, and kind of cute. You can see two of the apple scrubbies here with a small basket.
But if you check out the second picture, I wonder if you agree with me that the baskets are a greater art form. Even though they are practical, they are pricey, and far fewer folks know about this type of basket.
Which are you more likely to order? Have you tried the scrubbies? Do you know about pine needle art? Any ideas or thoughts would truly be appreciated!