Etsy Chatters Team MTG =-)

Hi there Chatters.

I would like to schedule a meeting in CHAT for Friday June 5th 8pm Eastern!

It is to discuss ideas, promos, etc.

It is great that the team are getting together and making these suggestions, promo ideas, etc.

~See you in CHAT~ "Etsy Chat Team"

Chat-a-thon / Sell-a-thon

Etsy Chatters Team member 2kute's idea for a Team sidewalk sale has inspired the notion of a weekend-long Sell-a-thon, and Chat-a-thon to go with it. Please plan to attend the Chatters Team meeting Friday June 5 at 8 pm Eastern time to learn more, or contact Jupita.

Let's meet DingsInsainity

1. Who is DingsInsainity?
Dingsinsainity is the brain child of a one man band named Emma who is a messy painter, eccentric drawer and somewhat insane cat lover.


2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?
I mainly focus on drawing and painter which I have done since a very young child (mainly on the walls back then) but I also love to knit and sew and am always finding great fun in trying new things (the messier the better).

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?
Other people are my main inspiration but things I see walking around and music are also a huge stimulus for me.



4. What is your favorite medium?
Oh that is a difficult one, I absolutely love finding new mediums, weird and wonderful ones produce some of the most fantastic work. For example of couple of years ago I made a corset entirely from sweet wrappers. I do find pencil and paper to be a trusty old friend now though that feels like second nature.

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?
At the moment it has to share my time with my day job but I live in hope that one day I can proudly say my art is my full time job 

6. How did you find Etsy?
My Mum was already a seller for a while on here before I joined and she had recommended it and one day I took the plunge and I’ve been addicted ever since.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?
I stubbled into the chat room the day I joined Etsy, at the time I had just finished college and was also (sadly) unemployed so had plenty of time on my hands and I was hooked within 5 minuets.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?
I’m not sure I could pick, the time and sometimes agony that goes into getting the piece how I like it is so different with each one and no piece is ever the same and I have never to this day hated doing any of the pieces I have but I think I would have to say custom pieces I do are my favourite as they are something somebody else has challenged me to do.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?
Oh there are so many great ones but I think I would have to go with AshleyG!

10.Tips for other Artists?
Never ever loose your enthusiasm, even if there are no sales, no new readers on blogs, don’t loose your enthusiasm because then you need to ask yourself if you’ve lost the essence of why you love creating what your creating?

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I ate ice cream for breakfast this morning hehe

12. Any parting words of wisdom?
Nothing big happens overnight!

and now the giveaway!!

Winner will choose a print of their choice from DingsInsainity!!
How to enter:

1. Blog about DingsInsainity (leave comment here with link)
2. Go to DingsInsainity.Etsy.Com and leave a message here with what your fav item is!
3. Tweet, Facebook, Etc about DingsInsainity (LEAVE A LINK HERE TO THE POST)

and the winners are.......

WOW~!! Thank you to all of our 200+ followers. We really appreciate your following our Etsy Chatters Team blog!

Keep watching this blog for tips, ideas, fun things and more giveaways!!

Now... For the moment you are all waiting for.........







THE WINNERS: (Random.Org picked)

The $50 Gift Certificate winner is: DANIII (She is choosing to spend her winnings at DoubleDippedSweets!!)

The $25 Gift Certificate winner is: Lexie (Shop choice TBA)

CONGRATS

Now, Daniii and Lexie.. You need to let me know what shop you want to spend your gift certificate in! I will get those G.C. paid and then you can go shoppin!!

(I will be messaging you both privately to let you know!!)

Update on the Giveaway!!

Welcome to our new followers!!

We are just 7 followers shy of chosing our TWO giveaway winners!

Once we reach 200 followers (or may 27) we will be randomly choosing TWO followers to win a GREAT prize.

Winner #1 will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to one of our participating EtsyChatters Team shops. (can be used in ONE shop - OR - Divided into two $25 G.C. to be used in TWO shops)

Winner #2 will receive a $25 Gift Certificate to one of our participating Etsy Chatters Team shops.

So, FOLLOW the blog. Get to reading and visiting our shops.

You have a bit of time left (maybe).

Now.. Here are the contest rules and such:

1. When we have reached 200 followers OR May 27, 2009(whichever comes first!), we will choose a follower from our list by entering in the number of followers on Random.Org .

2. The Gift Certificates will be funded by the anonymous donors, once the winner(s) have been chosen and let Jupita know what shop(s) he/she wants to shop with, Jupita will notify the shops of the winners intent and let the winner know it is time to go SHOPPING!!!

3. GC CANNOT be exchanged for cash. Any costs above and beyond 50$ are the responsibility of the winner. If you don't use all the 50$, you will not receive the remainder as a cash payout.

What to do to WIN!!

1. Follow this BLOG!! (make sure your settings are such that it shows you dfollow the blog)
2. We will pick a random winner at time specified above (may 27 OR 200 followers) fronm the BLog Follower List.
3. Leave a post here about what you would love to purchase with your 50$ Gift Certificate!!



So, follow, follow, link, twitter, bring a friend, bring a dozen!!

List of Participating Shops: (will update as more join in!!)

1. www.MIASOPHIA.etsy.com -Beautiful Jewelry
2. www.DropsofJupita.etsy.com -sculptures, paintings, and more
3. www.Jupita.etsy.com - upcycled jewelry, journals, games, etc.
4. www.Danilykewoah.etsy.com -Knitted Goodies and Patterns
5. www.BALANCED.etsy.com -Amazing Jewelry
6. www.WINEMAKERSSISTER.etsy.com -Handmade Cards, Rubberstamps and more
7. www.VANTIANI.etsy.com -Collaged Goodies
8. www.LITTLEBOPEEPKNITS.etsy.com -Handpainted wool yarns and more
9. www.BOHEMEANNE.etsy.com -Amazing beaded accessories, jewelry and knitwear
10. www.CHROMASMEAR.etsy.com -Digital Collages, Shop banners and business cards, and more
11. www.HEARTSABUSTIN.etsy.com - Vintage and handmade jewelry
12. www.SASSYFRAZZLE.etsy.com buttons, accessories, jewelry and more
13. www.2KUTE.etsy.com - Crochet Goodies
14. www.SOJOURNCURIOSITIES.etsy.com -Victorian & Steampunk Inspired Sculpted Wire Jewelry
15. www.BLUENOSTALGIA.etsy.com -Elegant jewelry to add a sparkle
16. www.KristaLawhon.etsy.com -Upcycled Totes, Jewelry and more
17. www.DOUBLEDIPPEDSWEETS.etsy.com - Delicious treats for that sweet tooth
18. www.STITCHESOFTHEPAST.etsy.com Modern and Historical handmade clothing
19. www.HolisticallyHeather.etsy.com -Vegan friendly cloth pads, ribbon and yummy treats
20. www.thejewelrydream.etsy.com - Jewelry, Guitar picks, and more
21. www.FANCIFULFORM.etsy.com -Amazing handsculpted home and body decor
22. www.AKKRICKET.etsy.com -Sea glass, jewelry and then some!
23. www.VEGANSAMPLES.etsy.com -Vegan Sampler Goodie Bags
24. www.AUNTIEDIS.etsy.com -Soy Candles and Funky cool jewels
25. www.thewashhousestudio.etsy.com -Folk art and Fine art
26. www.queenbee92026.etsy.com -Jewelrym, Accessories and more
27. www.vireo.etsy.com -Handpainted wonders
28. www.HEATHENSHEARTH.etsy.com - Soap so good, you wanna EAT it
29. www.littleheathens.etsy.com -Everything you need for a clean little heathen!
30. www.ARTFULGOODIES.etsy.com -Unique Jewelry and goodies
31. www.wallexpress.etsy.com -Amazing Artwork
32. www.ORIONSTARS.etsy.com -Smell it like it is, amazing oils and more.
33. www.copeland89.etsy.com -Fine Art Prints, polaroids and more!
34. www.EclecticDiana.etsy.com -Tasty Teas, Aromas and more
35. www.mommiedidit.etsy.com - Custom Embroidery, sewing and more.
36. www.froggyfibers.etsy.com - Wonderful Handspun Fiber and more
37. www.littlepapoose.etsy.com -whimsical and fun creations.
38. www.mooshoopork.etsy.com -collectable or for play handpainted wooden cuties!
39. www.AtlanticCoastArt.etsy.com -lovely beaded jewelry and handmade cards
40. www.CowLickCutie.etsy.com -hairbows, clippies and more!
41. www.Bowquet.etsy.com - Adorable hairbows
42. www.Heartsabustin.etsy.com -delightful jewelry
43. www.Suebeebuzz.etsy.com -custom dreamcatchers, salves, seaglass and more
44. www.KnitsYoursKnotMine.etsy.com -patterns and knitted wares!
45.www.everimprovingme.etsy.com - storage bags, etbags, and more sewn awesomeness
46. www.HandCraftedByKaren.etsy.com - Crocheted goodies and candles
47. www.cappysue.etsy.com - Amazing Artwork!
48. www.sparklerocks.etsy.com - because every girl needs some SpaRkLe!
49. www.NemesisProductions.etsy.com - Soapy goodness, photos and more.
50. www.KymminNC.etsy.com personalized childrens tea sets!

What would YOU buy?? hmmmm...


(Not redeemable for cash. Winners will be contacted by Jenn (Jupita.Etsy.Com / notquitephotojenic). The winners will choose the shop(s) they want to redeem their certificate in. Shop will be notified and paid from the EtsyChattersGiveaway donors. Then winner will get the go-ahead for shopping! Anything above and beyond the award amount is the responsibility of the winner(s))

Misty Does Melt & Pour

Melt & Pour soap (MP) is considered the easiest soap to make. This is true in the fact that there's no waiting for your soaps to cure like when you make Cold Process soap, and there's no playing with dangerous chemicals (lye) as you do in both Cold Process and Hot Process soap.

But don't let the "easy" term fool you. There is a lot more that goes into making MP soap than just melting and pouring.

First you need to find a good base. We use only all natural bases, which means none of our soaps contain SLS (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) or other chemicals. This is a personal decision, and I am not bashing bases or people who use bases with SLS in it. There are MANY suppliers you can find by doing a simple google search.

Once you find a quality base, there are a few more things you need. Soap molds, a scale, microwave safe bowls, spatulas, measuring equipment, skin safe colors/dyes, and of course, skin safe fragrance and/or essential oils.

For this soap you will need the following:

Scale

2 microwave safe bowls/pyrex measuring cups

2 spatulas

pipettes to measure your fragrance/essential oil (you can use small measuring cups, too...like the kind that come with your liquid cold medicines)

All Natural Goat's Milk Soap Base

Cafe Mocha Fragrance Oil

Sweet Orange Essential Oil

Coffee Grounds

Skin safe dye/color

Now that you have it all, you can just melt, add your color and scent and pour, right? Nope! When it comes to fragrance and essential oils, knowledge is important. Many fragrances and essential oils aren't skin safe at certain percentages or at all. Do your homework and research the maximum amount that can be safely used in your soap.

Ok, now that I have that out of the way, let's have some soapy fun!

Today we are making 2 bars of layered Orange Mocha soap in our all natural goat's milk soap base. The top layer will be scented with Sweet Orange Essential Oil and the bottom layer will be scented in Cafe Mocha Fragrance Oil. For this soap, I am doing equal amounts of soap for each later....meaning, my mold will make a 5 ounce bar of soap, so I am going to do 2.5 ounces for each layer.

First, I weigh out my soap. 5 ounces for each scent (remember, 2.5 ounces per layer, per bar).

Next I put my soap in the microwave for 1 minute on half power. Don't use full power...you want to melt your soap, not cook it! 1 minute is perfect to melt the soap completely without leaving it too hot. If your soap is too hot, any fragrance you add to it will evaporate as it cools.

Now I am going to measure out my Sweet Orange Essential Oil and add it to my melted soap. I am using my scents at 2%.

I mix that thoroughly until the essential oil is completely blended with the soap.

Then I add my color. When it comes to color, start on the low side and add a drop or two at a time until you get the desired color. Becareful not to add too much....a good rule of thumb is, if your soap suds turn colors when you use it, you added too much dye. The bubbles and suds should remain white.

Once your color is added, it's time to pour our first layer into the mold. You can then let it sit out and firm up, or if you are impatient like me, pop the baby in the freezer for about 10 minutes...it will harden up quickly.

While that's in the freezer, it's time to start on our bottom layer. Once again, melt down your 5 ounces of soap in the microwave for 1 minute at half power.

Add the Cafe Mocha Fragrance Oil and mix it in well...

then add your coffee grounds. For this soap, I did about 1.5 to 2 teaspoons total for both bars. You can increase or decrease this to suit your tastes. Mix well.

Now, I let this sit for a while. I want my soap to cool considerably, to almost a runny, gooey stage so that 1) the coffee grounds will suspend nicely and not all sink to the bottom or rise to the top and 2) when I pour this layer, I don't want it to melt my first layer.

Once your soap has cooled and is ready to pour, take your mold out of the freezer and then spray with rubbing alcohol. About 3 good squirts per soap. This serves 2 purposes. 1) the alcohol serves as an "adhesive" for the two layers. It allows the top and bottom layer to stick together. Without the alcohol, when you unmold your soap, the two layers would come apart. 2) the alcohol gets rid of any air bubbles that form on the top of the soap leaving a nice smooth surface. Don't worry...the alcohol complete dissapates from your soap as it hardens up.

Now you are ready to pour your second layer. Once you have poured, let your soap sit until it has firmed up and is ready to be unmolded. Again, if you are impatient like me, after about 5 minutes, put your soap back in the freezer for a about 15 minutes or so and then it will pop right out of your mold.

Congratulations!!! You have made soap! Not just any soap...but a deliciously scented Orange Mocha TWO layer soap!

Nemesisproductions giveaway

Sorry for the delay.

#3 Bree Johnson said...
cupcake one is soo cute!

May 3, 2009 12:18 PM

You are the winner of nemesisproductions chatter giveaway. Please email me at jupitadesigns(at)yahoo(dot)com with your snail mail address! I will forward it to her, so you will receive your prize~!

heartsabustin giveaway winner!!

Lucky number 12~

fashionfrugality said...
I really like the Tango bracelet! I think it would look gorgeous in a wedding!
kkondek at gmail.com


Please Email me with your Snail Mail address so that heartsabustin can post out your prize!!

Miasophia Rocks.. Come and meet her and a giveaway too!

Let's all say a cheery hello to miasophia !!

One of our chatters with some amazing jewelry. Here is a bit about her:

1. Who is miasophia? I am a suburban stay at home mom who dreams of fancier things. I adore where I am in my life, but I love Italian art and French design. Vintage European design captures me the most. I love how feminine it all is.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?
I am a jewelry designer and have been designing for a little over two years. But only began selling it on etsy a little over a year ago.



3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?
Books mostly. Since my beautiful daughters keep me occupied here I study books.

4. What is your favorite medium? While I am currently trying to focus on silversmithing I can’t seem to keep away from vintage things. I seem to find vintage beads wherever I go. I buy the old jewelry, take it apart and viola! New fun things to create!

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?
My full time job is my daughters, so I would say my Etsy shop is my Art.




6. How did you find Etsy?
Watching Martha Stewart, the BlackApple was making one of her dolls. I went to investigate and was hooked that day!

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?
How does anyone explain an addiction? You find your self in a situation where you feel the need and drawn into whatever feeds that need! Ha ha. I love the friendships, fun, interesting people and amazing artists you find in there. Even the occasional drama is fun. Everything is better with a little spice.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?
Wow, every week it changes, depending on what I create. Right now I’m working on a very long necklace made from vintage rosary chain, so right now, that is my favorite of what I'm making. However, I wear simpler things. I have made and then kept and constantly wear a simple purple bead on a chain. It is really fun. I sit and spin it on it's wire while I think. It seems to suit me.



9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?
Unfortunately, I can’t pick one. I love the other jewelry artists who create, I love the newbies just finding their way, I love to see the pottery (amazing stuff there!) and the photographers and painters. I can’t say I have just one favorite.

10.Tips for other Artists? Stay true to yourself and your vision. Surround yourself with people and things that feed your soul.

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.
I don’t wear much jewelry at all! Earrings (just studs), an simple necklace (one of my favs is a purple solitary bead I created for my shop but kept for myself) and a ring my daughter got me in Greece, which I only wear when I go out.

12. Any parting words of wisdom?

The thing I struggle with the most is not getting caught up in the commercial side of Etsy. Also there is a huge “I can make that” draw. I try not to look too often at many jewelry artists who are similar in style to me because I find myself thinking in their designs. I have to go back to my books and clear my head to re-focus on what it is I want to create. So, I would say for other artists to know yourself and what you want, stay focused on your true desires and abilities and, no matter what the sales numbers say, you will love what you are doing. That is how I stay an artist and not get caught up in the commercial side.


Want a chance to WIN one of Miasophias Pieces? Well, you are in luck!! miasophia Is giving away this lovely necklace.

For your chance to win:

1. Leave a comment about your fav item in miasophia Etsy Shop.
2. BLOG about miasophia and link us to the post!!
3. Tweet a link to miasophia and to ETSYCHATTERS then leave comment here with that link.

So THREE chances to WIN!! How fun and wasy is that?? hmmmm..

We will choose a winner by random number generator at random.org next Friday. The winner will be notified Via Convo or Email (so make sure your contact info is clear in the comments)

How To-torials!!

Hi Etsy Chatters and Followers!

This week there has been a poll posted on the right side bar. It was requesting input on what kind of HOWtos you would like to see on the blog.. So far.. SOAP MAKING is in the lead.

So, you have the rest of today to vote..

In the meantime.. Etsy Chatters whole create soapy goodness... Reply to me and let me know who would like to do a pictorial, how to for the blog.. on SOAP MAKING!! Something simple, that your everyday crafter can try their hand at. =-)

Chat with you real soon!

Let's Meet Heartsabustin! -Friday Blog Feature

1. Who is heartsabustin?

heartsabustin is a two-woman, mom and daughter team who work respectively out of Knoxville, TN and Wilmington, NC. Mom Kathryn is an ophthalmic tech during the day and daughter Erin is a stay-at-home mom at Etsy guru for the heartsabustin team.We found a mutual love for jewlery making about three months apart three years ago.

2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

Kathryn went to the Ringling School of Art in Sarasota back in the freewheeling 70s and became a fabulous master watercolorist. Three years ago, she discovered the immense satisfaction of stringing beads and bits of metal on beading wire.

Erin taught herself to sew when she was twenty ('cause she can't draw or paint worth a lick!), and has immersed herself in several fun crafts - crocheting, quilting, home sewing and cross stitch. Jewelry making became an extension of the clothing sewing because most commercial jewelry is just not that cool. (Can we get a heck yeah on that one?)



3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

Everywhere - dreams, magazines, colors, shapes. Kathryn and Erin both have tear sheets all over their repective work spaces in their homes.

4. What is your favorite medium?

Gemstones, glass beads, vintage findings, and sterling silver with gold-filled thrown in for fun. Swarovski crystals are a must in almost every piece we make.

5. Is Etsy a full time job, or just an on-the-side project?

For Kathryn, her full-time job is working for an ophthalmologist. For Erin, her full-time job is being a wife and mother. So for both of us, it is a side job, but one that we take great satisfaction from and have a lot of fun doing!


DANCERS

6. How did you find Etsy?

Kathryn found it while browsing the Internet one fateful night. Last July, she set up the storefront, but we had to wait until Erin got a computer to begin listing items.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

The usual way - Erin was bored and decided to check it out. She'd never been in a chat room before - ever. She found lots of friendly people who were willing to answer a newbie's questions. She got totally hooked!

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

Wow, there are so many! Erin's personal favorite right now is her new "Queen of the Sunflowers." It shows a certain maturity starting to form in her polymer clay work.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)?

Kathryn's would probably have to be ImagineStudio. Not only is her artwork amazing, she is a wonderful, sweet person on top of it! Erin is hooked on DukDesigns right now. Who knew Erin would be such a bag freak?




Opals and Avon

10. Tips for other Artists?

Believe in yourself, and everyone else will believe in you, too!

11. Tell me a secret about yourself.

Erin is 100% terrified of the rattlesnake rattle earrings that Kathryn just bought. LOL

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments?

Having an Etsy shop is a LOT of hard work, if you want it to succeed. We spend entirely too much time doing this, but we love it. We have found that if you really love something, you are willing to work your tail end off for it, no matter what.



Sunflower Earrings!!

Heartsabustin has put these adorable sunflower polyclay earrings up for a giveaway!! HEre is what you do:

1. Go to www.heartsabustin.etsy.com and choose your favorite thing. Come back here and post what you like!! (1 entry)
2. Follow US! (leave a comment here that you follow) (1 entry)
3. Tweet a promo to heartsabustin.etsy.com, then link us to the tweet (1 entry)

Next Friday, I will random.org to choose a winner. That winner gets these CUTE earrings!

Oh and dont forget!! Follow the Chatters Team blog for a chance to win a 50$ or 25$ gift certificates to one of our participating shops!! SO VERY EASY!! We will be choosing the winner(s) once we reach 200 followers (or May 27th whichever comes first)

100 follower/ 50$ GC giveaway update

Etsychatters.Blogspot.com has surpassed 100 followers. Now, we want to thank you!

Prize:
First Prize: a 50$ Gift Certificate to use at a participating shop from Etsy Chatters Team (can be split into two $25 GC to use in two shops)

Second Prize: a $25 Gift Certificate to use at a participating Etsy Chatters Team shop.

(Gift Certificates not redeemable for cash.)


Now.. Here are the contest rules and such:

1. When we have reached 200 followers OR May 27, 2009(whichever comes first!), we will choose a follower from our list by entering in the number of followers on Random.Org .

2. The Gift Certificates will be funded by the anonymous donors, once the winner(s) have been chosen and let Jupita know what shop(s) he/she wants to shop with, Jupita will notify the shops of the winners intent and let the winner know it is time to go SHOPPING!!!

3. GC CANNOT be exchanged for cash. Any costs above and beyond 50$ are the responsibility of the winner. If you don't use all the 50$, you will not receive the remainder as a cash payout.

What to do to WIN!!

1. Follow this BLOG!! (make sure your settings are such that it shows you dfollow the blog)
2. We will pick a random winner at time specified above (may 27 OR 200 followers) fronm the BLog Follower List.
3. Leave a post here about what you would love to purchase with your 50$ Gift Certificate!!

Simple as that.

Winners will receive a convo or email from Jupita.Etsy.Com letting them know they won, and requesting the name of the participating shop they would like to go on the shopping spree in!! Once the information is received, the GC will be purchased. Jupita will then notify the Winner that they are ready to go shopping!!

FUN STUFF!

So, follow, follow, link, twitter, bring a friend, bring a dozen!!

List of Participating Shops: (will update as more join in!!)

1. www.MIASOPHIA.etsy.com -Beautiful Jewelry
2. www.DropsofJupita.etsy.com -sculptures, paintings, and more
3. www.Jupita.etsy.com - upcycled jewelry, journals, games, etc.
4. www.Danilykewoah.etsy.com -Knitted Goodies and Patterns
5. www.BALANCED.etsy.com -Amazing Jewelry
6. www.WINEMAKERSSISTER.etsy.com -Handmade Cards, Rubberstamps and more
7. www.VANTIANI.etsy.com -Collaged Goodies
8. www.LITTLEBOPEEPKNITS.etsy.com -Handpainted wool yarns and more
9. www.BOHEMEANNE.etsy.com -Amazing beaded accessories, jewelry and knitwear
10. www.CHROMASMEAR.etsy.com -Digital Collages, Shop banners and business cards, and more
11. www.HEARTSABUSTIN.etsy.com - Vintage and handmade jewelry
12. www.SASSYFRAZZLE.etsy.com buttons, accessories, jewelry and more
13. www.2KUTE.etsy.com - Crochet Goodies
14. www.SOJOURNCURIOSITIES.etsy.com -Victorian & Steampunk Inspired Sculpted Wire Jewelry
15. www.BLUENOSTALGIA.etsy.com -Elegant jewelry to add a sparkle
16. www.KristaLawhon.etsy.com -Upcycled Totes, Jewelry and more
17. www.DOUBLEDIPPEDSWEETS.etsy.com - Delicious treats for that sweet tooth
18. www.STITCHESOFTHEPAST.etsy.com Modern and Historical handmade clothing
19. www.HolisticallyHeather.etsy.com -Vegan friendly cloth pads, ribbon and yummy treats
20. www.thejewelrydream.etsy.com - Jewelry, Guitar picks, and more
21. www.FANCIFULFORM.etsy.com -Amazing handsculpted home and body decor
22. www.AKKRICKET.etsy.com -Sea glass, jewelry and then some!
23. www.VEGANSAMPLES.etsy.com -Vegan Sampler Goodie Bags
24. www.AUNTIEDIS.etsy.com -Soy Candles and Funky cool jewels
25. www.thewashhousestudio.etsy.com -Folk art and Fine art
26. www.queenbee92026.etsy.com -Jewelrym, Accessories and more
27. www.vireo.etsy.com -Handpainted wonders
28. www.HEATHENSHEARTH.etsy.com - Soap so good, you wanna EAT it
29. www.littleheathens.etsy.com -Everything you need for a clean little heathen!
30. www.ARTFULGOODIES.etsy.com -Unique Jewelry and goodies
31. www.wallexpress.etsy.com -Amazing Artwork
32. www.ORIONSTARS.etsy.com -Smell it like it is, amazing oils and more.
33. www.copeland89.etsy.com -Fine Art Prints, polaroids and more!
34. www.EclecticDiana.etsy.com -Tasty Teas, Aromas and more
35. www.mommiedidit.etsy.com - Custom Embroidery, sewing and more.
36. www.froggyfibers.etsy.com - Wonderful Handspun Fiber and more
37. www.littlepapoose.etsy.com -whimsical and fun creations.
38. www.mooshoopork.etsy.com -collectable or for play handpainted wooden cuties!
39. www.AtlanticCoastArt.etsy.com -lovely beaded jewelry and handmade cards
40. www.CowLickCutie.etsy.com -hairbows, clippies and more!
41. www.Bowquet.etsy.com - Adorable hairbows
42. www.Heartsabustin.etsy.com -delightful jewelry
43. www.Suebeebuzz.etsy.com -custom dreamcatchers, salves, seaglass and more
44. www.KnitsYoursKnotMine.etsy.com -patterns and knitted wares!
45.www.everimprovingme.etsy.com - storage bags, etbags, and more sewn awesomeness
46. www.HandCraftedByKaren.etsy.com - Crocheted goodies and candles
47. www.cappysue.etsy.com - Amazing Artwork!
48. www.sparklerocks.etsy.com - because every girl needs some SpaRkLe!
49. www.NemesisProductions.etsy.com - Soapy goodness, photos and more.


Chatters Team Shops. Please let me know via REPLY to this if you want to be one of the shops participating in the giveaway. Keep in mind, you will receive payment for the 50$ GC from the "donor".

vantiani giveaway winner

Vantiani says:

Winner is, post reply number four. Notquitephotojenic!

"NotQuitePhotoJENic said...
I love your collage work. It is great! "

Chat Team Treasuries are awesome

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56116
clickies!!

Let's meet NemesisProductions

It is the time of week again where we meet our Chat Team Members.. This week Nemesisproductions is on the hotseat!!

Keep reading and be sure to enter the giveaway
!
Here is her QnA:

1. Who is NemesisProductions?

I love all things spooky, enjoy goth and industrial music, wear black as much as possible, adore black cats and bats, and like sci-fi and fantasy. I have even done my fair share of dice rolling while playing an elf.


2. What kind of crafting/art do you do? How long have you been doing it?

I'm a life-long bath and body junkie. I make all of my product myself, as well as take all the product photos, handle all the packaging and shipping as well as customer service. I have always loved photography as well as bath and body items, so it brings me a great deal of satisfaction making things for others that I would want to buy myself. In fact, I use the stuff I make all the time, and I also continue to buy soap from other artisans. Everyone has their own style, and I love to try out things that I can't do or are different from my creations as much as I can. I also really enjoy having more control over what I put on my body, and knowing the ingredients.


A print from nemesisproductions.

I've been taking photos for years, since I was going to clubs and seeing bands play live, which is where I first became a shutterbug. A few years ago a friend bought me a digital camera as a gift, and the rest, as they say is history. I ended up going on a last-minute urban exploration trip and was amazed with the images I managed to capture. I've been serious about photography every since.

3. Where do you pull your inspiration from?

I pull inspiration from all over. I now find myself looking at objects, cake and cookie molds, and flowers wondering how I might use them to create soap or how they would look embedded in a bar. I really enjoy doing custom orders...I like the inspiration customers provide, and some of the things people have requested have become staples in my shop.

4. What is your favorite medium?

I guess my favorite medium would be my soap bases. They are the start of any soap project. My essential oils and fragrance oils are a very close second.

5. Is Etsy your art your full time job, or just an on the side project?

Etsy is my full-time job. No doubt about it.



Jewelry!!!
6. How did you find Etsy?

I actually found out about it on the abandoned places community on livejournal. I had asked where some of the photographers there sold their work, and someone recommended Etsy. I decided to check it out, and here I am.

7. How did you become ADDICTED to Etsy CHAT?

I became addicted the minute I found it! I was very fortunate to meet some lovely people right away, and it took a long time for me to have a negative experience in a chat room. My regular chat crew is funny, talented, and a great stress reliever. I laugh a great deal more, and I think that I would be very lonely indeed if I wasn't in chat. I've always liked being active on the internet, especially with chat rooms and instant messengers, so being in the chat on Etsy is just natural for me.

8. What is your favorite piece that you have done?

Wow. It's so hard to pick just one. I think my current favorite is my I Heart soaps. They're fun.

9. What is your favorite Etsy shop (other than yours)? Again, another incredibly hard question! There are so many amazing shops. I do have a serious soft spot for mooshoopork's shop though. Her little people are just too adorable.


This Skull in heart soap is soooo cute!
10.Tips for other Artists?

I think my biggest tip is to continue to give yourself credit. Sometimes being an artist/artisan can feel like it's a never-ending struggle or that you really aren't getting anywhere, but if you truly love what you create, always be sure to cheer yourself on even if others don't support you and your decisions. NEVER let someone tell you that your creations are worthless or a waste of time.

11.Tell me a Secret about yourself.

I'm actually a ninja.

12. Any parting words of wisdom? Questions? Comments

Just love yourself, and remember that you are a person who deserves respect and courtesy. Always be sure to give it in return. Don't look to others for the source of your self-esteem...it has to come from within. In the end, it doesn't matter what others think. If you can look at yourself in the mirror and be happy with who is staring back at you, then you're on the right path.

And remember, be excellent to each other!

Giveaway you say?



Pink Sugar Tar Soaps

A set of two Pink Sugar Tart Soaps. These cute soaps are a blend of olive oil glycerin, oatmeal, and aloe vera glycerin soaps and colored a nice soft pink. SLS and paraben free and vegan friendly. They weigh roughly 2 - 2.5 oz ea.

Next Friday we will draw for a winner.

What to do? Go to nemesisproductions.etsy.com and come back here posting what item you like best. GOODLUCK!!