Taking a break from my blogging hiatus to announce:
The SATeam’s Summer Sizzler Sale is Here …. SSSH!!!! The SSSH sale will be held from Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August, so start saving those pennies for some fabulous deals!
www.kadydid.etsy.com (Marys Garden on Etsy) and www.ramblingrosedesigns.etsy.com
Kady is on both of her shops free shipping on all orders of $20 or more as well as 10% off everything – see her shops for more details on payment
www.islandgirl.etsy.com Lynne says buy one and get one of lesser value free – buy the higher priced one pay with paypal then go back and buy the cheaper one and click on other for payment.
www.DancingWindDesigns.etsy.com Sue has two great offers. Free earrings with the swag necklaces and free shipping with orders over $30.00
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Want to receive the latest Simply Shiny post via email? Click here Want to be notified of the latest ShinyAdornments artisan handmade jewelry sales and special events only available to newsletter subscribers? Sign up for mynewsletter.
Ok, so I HAD to share this one. It’s a personal fave.
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Want to receive the latest Simply Shiny post via email? Click here Want to be notified of the latest ShinyAdornments artisan handmade jewelry sales and special events only available to newsletter subscribers? Sign up for mynewsletter.
Shiny Spotlight Thursday
There are some really talented artists, designers and creators that sell their handmade items on Artfire and etsy. I thought it might be nice to highlight some of the things that caught my eye this week while browsing.
Clicking on each image will link you to the seller of each item, if you decide you simply must purchase it.
If you haven’t opened an account on etsy to purchase handmade items, you really should. Also, if you haven’t checked out Artfire in a while, you need to browse the new shops and the new studio designs. Artfire doesn’t require you to open an account to purchase handmade goods. Easy peasy.
Did you know you could purchase handmade food on etsy and artfire? There are some really, really, delectable food items available for sale. But how do you know the brownies or cookies or cake that looks so good is safe for you and your family? Ask. Ask the seller if he/she possesses the appropriate local and state certificates and licenses. Also, review the buyer feedback, specifically looking for repeat customers.
The sellers highlighted below all state they are properly licensed and certified to make and sell good eats. I am pretty sure I’ve gained at least 5 lbs just from putting this post together.
Go enjoy some!
Almond Clusters from Nicoles Homemade Treats
Neapolitan Marshmallows by Vintage Confections
MENAGE A TROIS Three Fruit Marmalade from Marmalady
Cinnamon Walnut Rugelach from Bears Baked Goods
XXX Rated Chocolate Bliss Brownies from CupCakes in Jars
Pink Cotton Candy Chocolate BonBons from Sugar Mohawk
Loaded Big Boy Snicker Deluxe Cookie from The Fetching Hound
Do you have a favorite edibles seller I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.
Happy Shopping everyone!
Look for the Shiny Spotlight every Thursday.
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Want to receive the latest Simply Shiny post via email? Click here Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewsletter.
From time to time, I profile fellow artisans from Artfire and etsy. Today’s artisan profile belongs to Gail from Melissa Meman Designs. Melissa is a fellow member on the Starving Artists Jewelry forum. If you’d like to chat with like minded, seriously talented artists, join us.
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today?
self-taught…fell in love with ornate glass earrings they use to sell at Pier1 Imports in the early ’90s…found a bead store and started making them! After many different phases, styles, settled in on my current style based on wire-wrapped links and other wire coiling, weaving and wrapping techniques.
What are your favorite materials?
sterling, copper, and bronze wire, gemstones, vintage and czech glass, artisan lampwork
What are your favorite pieces to create?
I love creating earrings, usually because they are quicker. I can create a design, then move on to something else faster! I also love creating my rosaries.
What inspires you?
Patterns in vintage fabric, colors in nature, swirly wrought-iron architecture, lots of talented jewelry designers
How do you describe your design style?
Eclectic. I try to incorporate lots of different style elements.
What artists have influenced you, and how?
Eni Oken, Iza Malczyk, Sharilyn Miller and many more wire and metal artists.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
Having fun with my hubby and 8 year old son, singing, gardening, cooking, reading, working a 9-5 job as a project administrator for an environmental engineering firm.
SPECIAL FOR SIMPLY SHINY READERS: Melissa is offering a 20% disount on a purchase from her shop. Just enter “Shiny” at checkout (on www.melissameman.com) or contact her for revised invoice on Etsy or Artfire.
Thanks Melissa!
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Follow via email: Click here
Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewslettermore...
I finished a bezel set artisan fused glass pendant this weekend. I love the bright rainbow colors. The bail is set on straight and all the seams have been buffed into oblivion. But, you do NOT want to know how long it took me to make the silver into the smooth and glossy finish you see here. Just trust me in that the price for this baby does NOT reflect the effort. LOL
I don’t normally leave the sterling in the finished product all shiny, as I have an unnatural love of LOS. But, I think the shiny surface looks really nice with the roygbiv spectrum, don’t you?
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Follow via email: Click here
Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewslettermore...
I saw Eric Idle on the Late Late Show, which prompted me to check out all the Month Python stuff on YouTube.
Here’s a classic for your Friday Funny.
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Want to receive the latest Simply Shiny post via email? Click here Want to be notified of the latest ShinyAdornments artisan handmade jewelry sales and special events only available to newsletter subscribers? Sign up for mynewsletter.
Shiny Spotlight Thursday
There are some really talented artists, designers and creators that sell their handmade items on Artfire and etsy. I thought it might be nice to highlight some of the things that caught my eye this week while browsing.
Clicking on each image will link you to the seller of each item, if you decide you simply must purchase it.
If you haven’t opened an account on etsy to purchase handmade items, you really should. Also, if you haven’t checked out Artfire in a while, you need to browse the new shops and the new studio designs. Artfire doesn’t require you to open an account to purchase handmade goods. Easy peasy.
Today’s Spotlight was inspired by the lazy days of summer. Enjoy!
Summer Breeze Fine Art Photographic Print by Jennifer Squires
Margarita Pitcher by Little Pig Pottery
Wide Brim Sun Hat from Nadine New York
Handmade folded Notecards from Photo Teresa
Happy Shopping everyone!
Look for the Shiny Spotlight every Thursday.
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Want to receive the latest Simply Shiny post via email? Click here Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewsletter.
From time to time, I profile etsy and artfire artisans. Today’s profile belongs to Jean Ann from Little Pig Pottery. I love artisan pottery, and have purchased quite a bit over the years. I was browsing items on etsy when I stumbled across her shop. Her art is FANTASTIC and well worth sharing with you. I’d highly encourage you to take some time to browse her shop and blog.
Jean Ann says “welcome to Little Pig Pottery where you will find dragonfly painted pottery, wobbly cups & stilted vases. It is now summer and things are heating up. Someone is knocking on my door. “Little pig! Little pig! What have you got in the kiln?” Why a few new dragonflies dear Wolfie, some yarn holders and as always more mugs. ”
Where did you start and how did you learn to make the products you are creating today? Why pottery?
It was a 20 cubic foot gas kiln that snared me—one that was approaching 2300 degrees Fahrenheit. It was September 1997 when I rounded the corner of the darkened kiln room. A low rumbling shook the place. There on the floor I saw Will, my first ceramic instructor, on his knees peering into the flame. It was too much. I turned and fled. From that moment I was hooked. I was found in that studio working as much as allowed. A year later I returned to school & earned another bachelors degree, this in in Fine Arts ceramic studio—of course. I am also pleased to report that you can now find me on my knees in front of similar flaming hot kilns.
What are your favorite products to make?
Perhaps it is my masks (found on my web site http://www.littlepigpottery.com) . Each is an individual and I let the process of throwing the slab dictate the face in the making.
What was your favorite custom project for buyer?
It has to be a special buyer and I have only a couple of those. They give me general wishes & let me take care of the rest. “make me three mugs…and surprise me.”
What inspires you?
I love to look at all kinds of forms–the forms of birds, of fish, trees, of humans. Also, I love structures–bridges, dams, boats, and fire hydrants. I take pictures and sketch those things that I find striking. Beyond looking I like to take clay and explore the spirit and personality of these forms. It is that conversation between the beloved form, my hands and the clay which proceeds to the making of my art.
Any artists that influence you?
Love the work from Old Europe 6500-3500 BC, the geometrical abstractions of pre-European America, and African masks of all types. More recently: Glimt, Khalo, Schiele, Rouault. . .
What was your biggest handmade oops?
I’m not sure how some low fire clay got into my supply but it did. I made a couple masks, a pig and, well I am not sure what else, because they turned into kiln puddles and took out a few other pieces with them.
How do you spend time when you are NOT creating?
In my garden, walking/hiking, like to watch birds and about any wild thing in my vicinity.
What advice would you give to an artist just starting out? What do you wish someone would have told you when you first started selling online?
I still view myself as starting out but think from what I know the best advice is: Get good photos. The investment in lighting and background and learning photo techniques is worth it. The best advice I received was from the programmer helping my start my web page. “Think Geek and Google often”
Do you have a newsletter for potential customers to join?
Yes, Sign up as customer at http://www.Littlepigpottery.com and make sure the sign me up for newsletter box is checked. I try and send one out quarterly. Around Easter this year I started a yearly giveaway for my newsletter and blog followers. I am planning on doing it again next Easter. I also have monthly discounts at http://www.Littlepigpottery.com, found in the Specials category.
Thanks Jean Ann!
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Follow via email: Click here
Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewslettermore...
A few weeks ago, I asked for your advice about what supplies I’d need for my first silversmithing class. Well, I’ve taken those supplies and put them to good use. Ok, maybe not good, but put to use none the less.
I finished my very first ring. It’s a bit wonky as the bezel slid when I was fusing it to the ring shank. But, all together not horrible. I think I am going to LOS the textured shank and then it needs polished.
I wish the weather would cooperate a bit so I could spend a bit more quality time out in the garage with my torch. 100+ degree weather is NOT conducive to this however.
Don’t miss a single post. Follow this blog: Click here
Follow via email: Click here
Want to be notified of subscriber only sales and other special events from ShinyAdornments? Sign up for mynewslettermore...
