Featured Blogger: BeadedTail

Howdy, Folks! I'd like to introduce you to this month's featured EtsyBlogger, BeadedTail, who makes beaded jewelry for animal lovers. There are designs that feature animals, such as these cute lampwork glass cat earrings...



and these adorable onyx Scottie earrings:



Or if you're a cat person and a dog person, such as myself, and you just can't choose, there are less animalistic designs as well, such as this gorgeous brass moon necklace:



And while you're shopping for yourself, why not pick up something for your furry friend too? BeadedTail sells cute collar covers, so your critter companion can dress up too. My personal favorite is the one with the cupcakes, of course...



So what's the best part of shopping with BeadedTail? A portion of the proceeds from each and every item is donated to animal awareness causes. Check out her profile for a list of the organizations she supports. And be sure to swing by her blog as well!

Now what are you waiting for? Get shoppin'!

And don't forget, everything in my shop is 10% off! Sale ends tomorrow! Don't miss it!

Featured EtsyBlogger: DizzyDragonflies

First off, let me apologize for being so scarce lately.  I'm afraid the blog's temporarily taken a backseat.  I've been super busy setting up my new work area/home office (yay!), trying to get it--and the rest of my life--organized, and doing some serious fiction writing (or at least plotting).  So, pardon my impromptu vacation.  I'll be back in full force soon!

In the meantime, let me introduce you to this month's featured EtsyBloggers team member, DizzyDragonflies!

Dizzy's specialty is hand-dyed yarn and knitted items. Let me show you some of the knitting before I get tangled up in the yarn...



Doesn't this look cozy? And pretty! I love the black and white and grays. Very classy. But if you prefer more color, check out Dizzy's shop. She has a couple of other beautiful scarves, and all just ten bucks! You know you're gonna want one next winter. Plan ahead! Snag one now!

Now, if you're a knitter/crocheter/yarn junkie, like myself, you're probably going to have a hard time getting to the bottom of the page without getting distracted by all that gorgeous hand-dyed yarn. In fact, I think I just felt a small breeze from the collective turning of heads. Careful, Knitters. You'll give yourselves whiplash.

Here. Let me show you a few of my favorites...



This vibrant beauty is called "Turn it Down a Notch," but I like it right where it is. I'm usually not fond of orange, but I have to admit it looks just beautiful here mixed in with those fiery reds. Like all of Dizzy's yarns, this one is 100% wool, so it's suitable for felting. And I think this one would look especially gorgeous that way.

Perfect Project for This Yarn: Felted bag. Or a long, fluttery scarf (makes me think of phoenix feathers).

Now, moving on to something a bit more demure...



"A Little Bad for the Girl" is the name of this one, and how appropriate. It's definitely girly with its pretty pink and soft gray. But something about the contrast is... well, a little bad. This is the girl that sneaks out of ballet class to have a smoke behind the studio.

Perfect Project for This Yarn: Fingerless gloves or armwarmers.

And last, but certainly not least:



This one is simply and evocatively entitled "Orchid" and was inspired by an actual orchid that Dizzy had blooming in her kitchen. Isn't that great? Dizzy's done such a wonderful job of capturing the colors here that I can just see that original orchid. In fact, I almost feel like this yarn ought to be used to make flowers, to bring it full circle.

Perfect Project for This Yarn: Aside from flowers, I think this would make a really lovely shawl or maybe a shrug. Something to wear in spring.

I could go on and on about these gorgeous yarns in all these beautiful colors, but my fingers would get tired eventually. So I shall stop here. Now off you go to look at the rest. Go on, now. Shoo!

Featured Blogger: TiLTcreations

Howdy, Folks!  After a brief blogging break (I was so busy I completely forgot!), I'm back.  And taking a bit of a departure.  This weeks dose of Monday motivation comes to you in the form of the Etsybloggers Team's featured blogger for February: TiLTcreations!

If you're looking for a bag of any sort - be it a clutch or tote or anything in between - TiLTcreations is the place to go.  She makes awesome bags in so many shapes, sizes, and styles that anyone ought to be able to find something to suit them.  I've found many things that suit me.  So many it was hard to choose a favorite.  But I think I've got it narrowed down...

How awesome is this?  Ok, so if you're not a crazy-huge Buffy fan like I am... I guess it might not impress you quite as much.  Me?  I think this is awesomesauce.  Especially because it's hand embroidered.  And it has a nice, cushy, quilted lining that would make this especially great for carrying around your laptop.  Or your ancient tomes.  And really, how often do you find a good tome bag?

What's that you say?  You're not looking for a tome bag?  Well.  That's okay.  TiLTcreations has other messenger bags and backpacks too.  Or maybe you're looking for something a bit less... utilitarian.  A bit fancier.  Something to match your shoes.  Well, if your shoes happen to be red (I swear, I didn't set out to make this a red-themed post), you could carry this little baby:

Ain't she delicious, in all her cherry, floral glory?  I believe we talked about how this is my favorite color combination.  But if it's not yours, not to worry.  This style comes in plenty of other colors and prints, as well. 

And so does the banglet.  What the heck's a banglet?  This is a banglet:

 

Part bangle.  Part wristlet.  Entirely awesome.  I don't know how many times I've looked at a really cute teeny weeny bag and thought, "Hey, that'd be great for carrying the bare necessities" and then decided against it because there was simply no hands-free way to carry it.   TiLTcreations has solved that problem, and done so in an innovative, stylish way - by giving this little purse a handle that's also a bracelet.  Or maybe it's a bracelet that's also a purse... 

I'll leave you to ponder that deep question yourself, Grasshopper.  I'm off to check out Tilt Too and see what sort of destash goodies await.  Ciao!

Thursday Threads: NicoDesigns

I suppose it could be argued that handbags don't technically fall under the category of apparel, but the title of this feature is Thursday Threads, and threads and fabric are most certainly involved here.  Also, it's my blog.  =P

So.  Without further ado, let me introduce you to today's featured Etsian, NicoDesigns, who makes some truly awesome totes and handbags, the most adorable baby shoes, and pretty pincushions and pillows, as well. 

Here are a few of my favorites:



Isn't this pretty? I love the colors (I've discovered I have a big thing for blue and brown together...), and the size would be perfect for all sorts of things. It's listed as a diaper bag--and a very stylish one it would be--but it would also be a great school bag or for my fellow knitters/crocheters, I think it would be great for those on-the-go projects.



Things like this make me wish I had a baby to dress. Aren't these just the cutest? And they're eco-friendly too! They're made with a recycled felt product and 100% cotton flannel. Oooh, flannel. Gosh, I wouldn't mind having some flannel-lined slippers for myself... Hey, Nico! Any plans for adult sizes? =P



How cute are these? And versatile. They have ribbon loops, so you could hang them as ornaments. They'd look lovely just sitting on a shelf. Or you could use them as pin cushions! I personally think a whole set of pin cushions would be a very handy thing to have. Then I could have one for every room, which would totally eliminate the "oh darn I left my pincushion in the other room guess I'll just stick these pins in the arm of the couch" syndrome.

But I digress. There are many, many more adorable items to be found in Nico's shop, so go take a look! And be sure to check out her blog, as well! NicoDesigns is this month's featured Etsy Blogger!