Weekly Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name", then add the link to the item you would like featured in the URL box.

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

Here are this weeks featured shops:











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Kimi's Jewelry & Gifts


Hello, my name is Kimberly Idalski, I live in Petoskey Michigan, USA. I'm a mom of two amazing children. Married for 20 years. We have lived a few places. My job moved us to this area in 1997. Since I was 19 years old I was a 911 emergency operator. I helped people all the time and loved every minute of it. Stressful but so rewarding at times too. I also worked as a Deputy in the Jail where we lived. In 97 I chose to move to a better paying 911 job in Petoskey and became a 911 supervisor here. I loved it. Sadly in 2005 I was in a near fatal car accident. I had 4 children with me in the car, I was not at fault in the accident. Thank god the only one injured was me. I have been through 14 major surgery's and 6 minor ones since then. Im due to have another next month. For many many years I was unable to do anything. Nothing helped the pain. The summer of 2011 I decided I was not going to live my life in bed, I was going to find something I loved and do it, even though I could never help anyone again I knew I needed to do something that would create joy in my life and others. So I decided to make jewelry. I started buying beads of all kinds. Then I came across a polymer clay bead made by Ikandiclay here on Etsy. Once I held it in my hand I fell in love. I asked her many questions and she told me where to start. From then on I was hooked. Now if I can cover it with clay I do. I found that while Im working with clay and making my jewelry and crafts I don't realize my pain. What a wonderful thing the mind is at times. Mind over matter is such a true statement. There are days when I cant create and I go through withdrawals and need my clay. My kids now even love it. Clay days at my house are so fun. I found something that saved me and that is creating. Im blessed to have that and an amazing family, 4 doggies, 2 parrots and a huge bunny. lol Needless to say my life is full and I love it.


Originally I had chosen the name for my shop to be Kimis-Jewelry-From-The-Heart, but everyone said that was too long. Then I considered The "bird lady art" because there is always one of my parrots on my shoulders while creating. No one liked that either. So I just randomly picked my initials Kimi and chose Kimi's Jewelry & Gifts, easy and simple. Since everyone called me Kimi growing up it kind of fit. :) So excited to begin I purchased business cards. That was such an amazing feeling opening that box seeing my name and the word artist next to it. I was no longer the handicapped bedridden mom. I was someone again. I had made over 300 items. Many of my craft friends on Etsy kept telling me to open a shop. I thought that I would get a ton of things made then open. Not realizing what a chore it is to list things. Ugh, I wish now I would have opened my shop in September of 2011. I'm still listing all my items and still creating almost everyday. So the list continues. But I love it so I don't mind :).

I hope when people look at my art they see color, beauty, hard work , and all the love that I put into each and every item. Some of my things are collaborated works of art, working with clay you use clay canes (which I dont like to make yet, I have tried but I prefer to create with them). So i met many amazing artists when I started purchasing clay canes. My favorite creations are hand sculpted. Be it a tiny little petal to a bright blue turtle. lol I love it all. Ill try anything once. I love when people give me an idea and ask me to create it, I love the challenge. Love creating something special for a person to love and cherish. That makes me happy seeing them happy. If I can make one person smile a day. I have been given the best payment there is.


My supply addiction is clay canes. There are
several artists on Etsy that I'm hooked on. I cant say no. Of course they create new ones daily. At this time I have over 300 canes. I have decided no more buying for awhile. Unless of course something catches my eye. LOL. I would have to say pink is my downfall and petal canes because I love flowers and love making flower creations.
When I'm not claying I'm a mom. I love hanging with my kids, creating with them, talking, playing games, watching them doing the things they love, my daughter is a cook, we all enjoy her creations, yum. My son loves football, basketball, hunting, fishing and playing video games. Sadly my disability's prevent me from doing a lot. As a family we love to go camping. We have an awesome camper. I know that's not real camping but it is for us. We also love boating, we have a pontoon and go out on long trips on it and have cookouts with friends and family and love to fish off of it. So when I'm not claying I enjoy every moment of every day, because im lucky to be here. I treasure everything, and strive to make a wonderful memory everyday for my family and I.

What Item do I enjoy making the most. I would say sculpting the black and red rose pendant. Because that is my favorite type of creating. Making barrettes with flower petals would be a close second. I have long hair and I love barrettes, I call them HAIR JEWELRY.

My motivation is to keep my mind clear and as pain free as possible. When I'm not creating I find myself going back into that painful slump. So I get in my studio, get my hands dirty and I'm happy as can be. I get excited about everything I make and cant wait to share it with everyone. To post on facebook, twitter, Etsy, Artfire, email all my friends and family. Whoever will listen. lol Im so happy with what Im doing I love to share it.


My advice to new shops is READ THE DO'S AND DONT'S OVER AND OVER. Create with love and love what you do and everyone else will see that and love your work as well. When you put 100% into it, it shows. Take great photos. Im re-doing some of mine. Have a better camera now. Like all struggling artists not all can afford amazing cameras. but if you have $20 and want great quality see this man: Littlebigshot is business name. He designed an attachment for cameras and you wont believe the quality. Amazing difference. I don't know him but sure am glad another artist sent me his way. Lastly never give up, we all have our days when things are so slow that we wonder why we create more when things are not selling. Dont think its you. Dont ever give up, if you love it. Eventually the right person will come along and love it too. Patience . Happy Sales and Creating Handmade to all.

I am on many sites. I'm on Kimi's Jewelry & Gifts, Facebook, Pinterest, Flicker, Twitter, Artfire and at times I sell on ebay, searches under, kidalski, Kimis_Jewelry_From_The_Heart@yahoo.com or Kimis-Jewelry-From-The-Heart . Here on etsy my email is the same but my search is: kidalski.






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Thursday - TAG YOU'RE IT treasuries

This thread will be new every Thursday.
Will run for one day only.
All treasuries will be added here!

THEME: Mother's Day Gift Guide

RULES:
10 shops from the PCF Team
6 random shops from Etsy.
































Treasury by:
Ceraminic

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTY5NDA2OTl8MjcyMDE0MTIzOQ/for-my-mum




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Weekly Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name", then add the link to the item you would like featured in the URL box.

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

Here are this weeks featured shops:




JewelryByAmyT
 
 
Ceraminic
 
 
petitepaintbrush
 
 
wehive
 
 
AulaniPhotography
 
 
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2 Big Events

Our Spring Scavenger hunt is starting tomorrow!! This is going to be huge! (I hope) Check back here tomorrow for the link to the first shop and instructions. 


Jennifer from thenosweatshop and I (BuffaloCreekCrafts) are participating in a big auction on FB. Going to try this and see if it's something we can do in the future with our team. The auction will be held HERE on the following dates: 


Be sure to check it out for some really great deals!!

Eclectic One-of-a-Kind Art


*Where are you from?
 I was born in Springfield, Ohio. After graduating I met my husband at work. We married in 1966, and not being able to work together, decided to move to Mt. Vernon, Ohio to better ourselves. Our son was three at the time when my spouse's work took us to Wichita Falls, Tx. Some time later we were transferred to Houston, Tx; and on to Baltimore, MD. In 1989 we were transferred to N.C. and have made our permanent home here. 

*Tell us a bit about yourself. 
Mainly, through the years, I've worked as a clinical medical secretary/hospital transcriptionist/and physician's office secretary. I think of myself, as far as my work is concerned, as a Jill-of-all-trades. While I certainly enjoyed working in the medical field, my best job was being the first woman to be heard live on the radio in Wichita Falls, Tx. It was station KNIN; I did commercials, the weather, and worked as a secretary to the owner. I've been retired for 18 years and was dedicated to volunteer work, participating in Meals on Wheels and with Social Services' at-risk children. 

*How did you decide on your shop name? 
I found Etsy through an ad in Parade Magazine. I wasn't interested in opening a shop at that time, or so I though. I signed up with my user name of parsnips45 - yes, I did. It's when I decided to open a shop, I found out the members could not change their names. (Of course, I didn't read the fine print beforehand!) Through the course of the next year I made up quite a few shops names, hoping Etsy would change their mind. The day I saw my wish come to fruition, I immediately changed my shop to This Art Of mine, and now it's history. 

*Why did you start your business?
It's the popular story of looking through shops and thinking to yourself...I can do that, I should open a shop! 

 Two of my best friends and a sister were the instigators and had, for years, suggested I open my own shop. I was the volunteer art director for an out-of-town art museum and the members also encouraged me. I've been sewing and drawing since the age of five. I don't think there's been a day that's gone by since then, where I haven't thought of creating something...anything, for pleasure and giving away. I live and breath art and sewing and can't imagine living without them. It defines my life (to some extent) and is a way of relaxing and shutting out the world when necessary. Though, it also allows me to meet people whom I would have never met and gain new friends. Most of all I enjoy the fact that I'm able to introduce people to unique and one-of-a-kind works that will make them laugh, be in awe, simply enjoy, or wonder...how'd she do that? 

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product? 
(1) When people take their first look at my shop, I wish for them to think it's very unique and realize they'll not find my items anywhere else on the internet, or in brick and mortar shops for that matter.
 (2) I'm an interesting and creative artist/person, who enjoys life and derives pleasure from interpreting my original ideas to the world. 
(3) I would hope they'd be able to see the humor in some of my pieces and the beauty and originality in all of them. Also, appreciate all the nuances I work into each piece to make it one-of-a-kind. 
(4) To believe it was made especially for them.
 (5) Realize I offer the best of both worlds in quality, craftsmanship, supplies, and reasonable prices affordable to almost everyone. And, finally, that my customers deserve the best I have to offer and realize I'll do almost anything to make them happy. 

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up? 
Beads and lace, handmade paper, beads and more beads. Found and donated stuff, paint, paint brushes, vintage appliques, ribbon = lordy, lordy, the ribbons = and dried/silk flowers. Ashamed to say...so much fabric that I'm running out of storage room. Color is my middle name! I doubt there's anything I'd pass up, though my husband reminds me there are limits from time-to-time! His famous line is, "What in the heck are you going to do with that thing? You always manage to find the strangest stuff!". 

 *What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy? 
 I'm a voracious reader and sew for pleasure. I so enjoy going to the mountains and the beach when we're able. Time with friends and visiting my 'spread all over the country' family when I have a chance. Most of all hanging with hubby and our animals for sheer pleasure and enjoyment. *Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why? Hands down my Virgo Art Doll. I swear, she began to come alive in the middle of her creation. I believe it was because I kept messing with her and she was totally fed up. I started finding items on top of my work table that I would have never considered; that's the truth. I'm sure I'd put them there at one time or another and forgot, though I like my story better! Her face was the most difficult for me. I allowed the paint to flow all by itself and decided to be satisfied with the results. That rarely happens. :-)) 


 *What keeps you motivated? 
Waking up in the morning knowing I'll have the best day of my life because I'm alive. My husband "having my back". Getting the natural high of creating something out of nothing and people actually appreciating it and, most of all, looking at it and then buying! There's nothing better than that except low-fat buttered popcorn! 

 *If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be? 
Don't take yourself too seriously. Join a few teams/groups without over- extending yourself and have fun. Use Twitter and Facebook and network for yourself, and other shops you enjoy promoting as well ~ when/if you have the time. Remind yourself you come first so you're able to take care of your family and your shop; the rest will fall into place. Don't be shy about asking anyone questions and more questions. Believe and Breathe 

*Are there other places on the net we can find you? 
FB: www.facebook.com/pages/ThisArtOfMineetsycom/121027454659567 
Twitter: twitter.com/#!/ThisArtOfMineUS
Wanelo: www.wanelo.com/parsnips45 
Blogger: parsnips45-thisartofmine.blogspot.com/ - work in progress 

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Tag - You're It Treasuries

This thread will be new every Thursday. 
Will run for one day only. 
All treasuries adhering to the rules will be added to this post.

 THEME: Sunny Days 

RULES: 
10 shops from the PCF Team 
6 random shops from Etsy. 



TREASURY BY:
JewelryByScotti 
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODA4ODI5OXwyNzIyNjcyMDU2/you-are-the-sunshine-of-my-life

Weekly Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name", then add the link to the item you would like featured in the URL box.

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

Here are this weeks featured shops:



carriesattic
 
 



RUSTICNORTHERN
 
 



Ahkriti
 
 



MadebyMegShop
 
 



ShatteredbyLight
 
 



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Simply Notes & Totes


My name is Sherry Jones - I live with by wonderful husband of 26 years in the heart of North Carolina in a small town called Franklinville. We have three awesome children: Kelly, married with two adorable children; Katie, a newlywed and soon to be graduate from WCU and our handsome son, Kasey, a junior at WCU (Western Carolina University).

Simply Notes and Totes was started in 2005 after much prayer. My husband and I have a small (mom and pop) commercial printing company and with the changes in technology and economic conditions - our business began to take on many changes - and I needed something to do to supplement our income - After receiving a sewing machine very unexpectedly for Christmas in 2004, I felt that was an open door and my answer to prayer. 

I hope that when people/friends visit my shop that they can tell that I take great pride in trying to make the very best totes and accessories that I can. I use high quality cotton prints and try to make something for the young and the young at heart.
SN&T is a family operation. My sister-in-law, Ann, my husband, Sam and both
Katie and Kasey help with cutting, ironing and tagging.

When we aren't sewing, printing or traveling to our craft fairs, we play music together and enjoy our church family. I play piano, my husband, drums, Kasey plays saxophone, piano and sings, and our daughter, Katie plays the keyboard, flute and sings. We love the outdoors as well and like to garden and plant flowers.

I do home parties and enjoy watching the host pick out her favorite tote for hosting a party. 

Staying motivated is easy when doing something you love gives you such joy. I can have a very stressful day (in my other job) - and get behind my sewing machine and its like everything goes away - it brings me much peace.


We can be found here:
www.simplynotesandtotes.etsy.com
www.pinterest.com/simplytotes
www.twitter.com/cottonblossoms
www.facebook.com/mytotes



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TAG - You're It Treasuries

This thread will be new every Thursday. 
 Will run for one day only. 
 All treasuries adhering to the rules will be added here.

 THEME: What's in Your Easter Basket

 RULES: 
10 shops from the PCF Team 
 6 random shops from Etsy. 

Treasuries by:
 CherubsGarden  
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MTg3NDI4NDJ8MjY3MzI0ODAzMA/sunny-yellows
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Weekly Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name", then add the link to the item you would like featured in the URL box.

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

Here are this weeks featured shops:




ElegantQuirk
 
WintergreenDesign
 
rainbowofcrazy
 
FlutterbyConnections
 
PioneerArtisanworks
 
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Charity for April & May 2012 is: Fight for Maddie

We have choosen to help a five year old girl, Maddie, who has a malignant brain tumor.  We are collecting items to send Maddie with the hope that these gifts will bring her some joy and help make her feel like a princess.

We are also sending money to help pay for Maddie's medical expenses.  And we are supporting her mom and dad by sending items in an attempt to help make this time a bit more bearable for them.

Here is a something about Maddie that we have copied from Maddie's Facebook page.
"Many of you know about our precious Maddie, who is five years old,   and was recently diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), a very aggressive malignant brain tumor. Although this the most common brain tumor in adults, it only accounts for roughly 9% of pediatric brain tumors, translating to affecting only .00036% of all children in America! We are establishing this Facebook page to share information and request your support, prayers, well-wishes and contributions for help in fighting this terrible disease."
Maddie's Gift Wish List:

·         hair accessories (Maddie is losing her hair)
·         toys
·         dolls
·         clothes for Maddie's 15" doll (please make them a bit large as Maddie is having trouble dressing her doll)
·         coloring items
·         craft items
·         stuffed animals
·         jewelry appropriate for a 5 year old
·         decorative kid pillows
·         large hole beads to string on a necklace or ribbon
·         decorative ribbon or necklaces for large hole beads
·         anything a little 5 year old princess might enjoy
·         things to help make it a bit easier for mom
·         larger tote bags for hospital and doctor trips
·         things to help make it a bit easier for dad

All items should be sent to Jenn the owner of Etsy's thenosweatshopis. You can contact her at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/thenosweatshop

Ways to Donate Financially: 

1) maddiescancertreatment.chipin.com/maddies-treatment

or

2) you can also send it directly to the organization at:
Fight for Maddie
P.O. Box 120340
Arlington, Texas 76012

PCF Contact Information:

Jenn at http://www.etsy.com/shop/thenosweatshop is the point person for our April-charity-of-the-month

JewelryByAmyT at http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryByAmyT is our over-all charity point person / shop

PCF’s Etsy Team Charity thread: http://www.etsy.com/teams/10036/promoting-creative-friends/discuss/10039836/page/3/?post_id=122005284

PCF’s Facebook Charity Thread:  http://www.facebook.com/pcfteam/app_106878476015645

Arlene's Crafty Creations


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself...
I am from Long Beach, Calif. I have lived here my hole life. I am a stay at home Grandma. Since my grand daughter was born I have watched her 1 to 2 days a week and she just started a pre K class a few weeks ago and now I am trying to get use to not seeing her so much.

*How did you decide your shop name?
I went through a few ideas but want a name that let me create and list a verity of things because I am always trying new things.

*Why did I start my business?
What really started me thinking of selling my craft was the backpacks and the baby blankets, they are 2 things I make that people love when they get one. Plus a place to list my creations. I had 2 friends that told me about etsy and it took about a year but I finally jumped in and started my shop.

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
On my Supplies...Great Deal and Great Quality. 
On my handmade items... Great Craftsmanship, Very useful, Unique and got to have it.

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
Great Deal on Fabric...or a unique print and patterns.

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
I like going to the movies and spending time with my Grandkids. We go to Disneyland alot as the grandkids the Magic there.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
I love making the Baby Blankets because they are the most useful and the moms really love them. I love it when people get use out of something I make and love the item.

*What keeps you motivated?
The joy people get out of my creations.

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Something someone told me... Since people can't touch your item you have to have great pictures to get people intrested in your product. Pictures mean the world when running a online shop

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
Not at this time but I do hope to start a blog and a facebook page soon.




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