Flashback Monday(12/31)

Originally posted on April 10th, 2009 and entitled 'Art and Ourselves'

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I bet everyone understood this concepts before I even had the epiphany, but have you ever wondered why someone likes a particular something? Do we all have the same tastes, I think not, but I think some of us are very similar sometimes.

That being said, I personally believe that we put a little of ourselves in our work and what we do. Whether we know we are doing it or we do it subconsciously, I think our work is a reflection of ourselves.

Now my question to you is this.

When we are attracted to one person's handmade, artistic, photographed, or crafted creation, are we really attracted to them as well? I use the term attracted as strictly non-sexual, fyi.

What I mean by attracted is, if we meet on the street, would we strike up a conversation or if we meet at a local gathering such as a craft fair, would we become fast friends?

I can tell you that a lot of the people I have met on Etsy are wonderful people and I have met my share of friends from there. Going back, I have looked into their shops and have been either fascinated or captivated by their merchandise.

Quite interesting. This is something that I will have to consider further.

Tell me what you all think on the matter!

Flashback Monday(12/24)

Originally posted on March 19th, 2009 and entitled 'Trying Something New' 

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So I learned real fast that I'm not much of the blogger type. Well, I guess I am in some ways and in others I just draw a blank. Writing about myself is fine (when I have stuff to write about). Writing about how to's just isn't my thing (I get so stressed out)! What else would there be to write about?

Then the thought hit me. Advice. Critiques. Features.

I LOVE to help people and I do know how it is to start out on Etsy so why not lend a helping hand while publicising my blog?

Which is why, on top of my other random blog posts that you all enjoy so much, I will be doing featured sellers and shop critiques.

If anyone is interested, drop me a line!!

http://www.theeclecticelement.etsy.com/

An Auction for Survivors-Meet Ms. Sandy Newtown

What happened on Friday, December 14th will ever be on our minds and in our hearts; the senseless slaughter of 20 innocent grade school boys and girls and 7 teachers, principles and other adults took the whole nation, and possibly the world, by complete shock, surprise and left us all feeling completely and utterly heartbroken.

Our hearts go out to those people that lost their lives to an obviously disturbed individual and to their families who were left to pick up the pieces, but that's not going to be an easy task for anybody involved.

As a nation, we all have to ban together and show our support to the community and it's inhabitants; they need to know we're behind them right now!

{Image Credit}

{Image Credit}

Max of Krafty Max Originals is doing her part in supporting the community of Newtown and she made Ms. Sandy Newtown, a beautiful beadwoven bracelet comprised of cheerful blues, pinks, greens and yellows which come together to make a single, little girl in a pretty pink and yellow dress.

This bracelet shouts 'Hope,' especially with the single strategically placed pink heart on the middle of the little girl's shirt.

From 12/19/12 5:00am until 12/23/12, 5:00pm, this bracelet will be auctioned off to the highest bidder on Krafty Max's Facebook Fanpage. The minimum opening bid is starting off at $15.00 and from there, it's up to YOU!

The highest bidder will be required to send a Paypal payment to max@kraftymax.com as a gift, which means no fees will be taken out.

All proceeds of this bracelet auction will go to a survivors fund for the survivors and the community that has been hit incredibly hard by this horrible tragedy.

Flashback Monday(12/17)

Originally posted on March 18th, 2009 and entitled 'WooHoo, My First Sale!!'

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I think the title says it all :D :D :D

Yesterday, I made my first Etsy sale, and may I say, I flipped my lid! I was crawling all over the place getting things ready to mail today and writing a little thank you note to put in the package. It felt SO good to actually have made my first sale. I thought for awhile there that my stuff just wasn't going to sell, but I think that's every newbie's fear.

Now that I made my first sale, I'm more confident. I think the sale gave me the confidence I need to continue on.

So my advice for people who still haven't gotten a sale, or haven't had a sale in awhile is be patient(yeah, I know. Patience is a virtue) and just have fun with it. Eventually, you will make a sale and then your attitude will be renewed!

I know this is a short post, but I just had to share my good fortune and my advice with all of you.

Flashback Monday(12/10)

Originally posted on March 14th, 2009

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This morning when I woke up, I was feeling a bit down. Everything that has happened this past week has taken everything I had stored out of me and to tell you the truth, it's a bit sad that it's all over.

But I didn't spend more then five minutes feeling like that because my mum snuck in and gave me a white plastic bag with something in it (Yeah, I know bad for the environment. We will work on it)! Well, to my renewed surprise, I had forgotten I asked her to peruse a garage sale for jewelry for me and I got my wish :D

Of course, this gave me my next blog idea! Upcycling =]

Different people have their different ideas and ways of creating things whether it be to buy the stuff new or make everything out of expensive materials, but NO MA'AM, not me. First of all, I don't have the cash to do that(I'm a college student for goddess sakes) and second, I could buy all new, but where would the character be?! I like to look at something I want to use and see its past. See all the nicks and scratches that make up the piece because those are what gives it it's life! Each piece has a story and who are we to deny it and throw away what we see as 'junk'?

This is exactly why I fancy myself and old soul. I enjoy shopping second hand and seeing what treasures I can find. Even before going green because a statement, I was the one shopping in a Goodwill or Salvation army and wandering up the isles of a lonely antique building.

My message is a seemingly simple one today. Go to a garage sale or Salvation army and see what you can find that interests you. Pick it up and hold it. Imagine what it was like in another life and what it could be for you. You will be proud of yourself for not only helping the environment(and your pocketbook), but that you gave something a new lease on life. When that's done, go ahead and tell me about it because I would love to hear!

Now I am off to sit outside in the beautiful spring weather!!

Treasury Alert!

Another five beautiful collections to show off today!

Enjoy :)

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Vintage Ten and Under Look What You Can Get by UtterDebotury

Gift Ideas by pheinart

Holiday Love by BrokenGhostClothing

Black Tambourine by Diva Meshia Arif



  

Cold and Blue Morning! by Silvia LaViola

Looking Back...

I'm currently in the process of going 'pro' as it's called with my healthy living blog, but unfortunately that means cutting down and deleting some of the posts I've accumulated in the past 3 (almost 4 years) that I've been blogging. 

As many of you may or may not know, The Eclectic Element was started as a promotional tool for my, Etsy shop(s), and has just grown so much over the years that I was pretty much forced to split everything up so it all didn't run together. 

It really breaks my heart to delete some of my earlier business-related posts, so I'm transferring them here, to my newest blog venture, where they'll never be forgotten by me and they'll see the light of 'blogger day' again by you all!

We shall we call it Flashback Mondays ^.^

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Originally posted on March 10th, 2009 and entitled 'Pull up a chair and make yourself comfy'

So in honor of my shop on etsy, The Eclectic Element, I am creating this blog as a marketing tool. However I really hope that it turns into something more then just that. I want to be able to help all of you if you need advice or share my ideas and thoughts when I feel strongly about the subject.

Lets just say, this blog is as much for you guys as it is for my shop =]

I haven't really thought about what blogs I would do and what would be their content, but I suppose that can come in time like one of my jewelry pieces. I look at one seemingly simple object and *BAM* there is my inspiration for my next piece! I couldn't begin to explain how my mind works (I know now that I get it from my mother), but It just does that way and I have learned to go with the flow.

I would appreciate every one's help in checking out my shop and giving me advice on what you think needs help, what I could do to help it along more, etc etc.

www.TheEclecticElement.etsy.com

Just give it a quick once over and comment me or message me or email me. Even if its just something simple like a compliment or something as complex as my shipping/pricing/blah blahblah, I want to know!

I shall keep working on this blog and getting some ideas on what to write in the mean time.

Saturday's Picks(12/1)-Winter Wonderland

Since today IS the first day of December, which in turn means the holidays are definitely upon us, I think I'll take today's Saturday's Picks and dedicate it to the impending season of Winter! 

Enjoy :)

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8x10 Winter Snow Icicle Wall Art from TerraVision
 

$25.00

Periwinkle Purple Winter Tree Earrings from OstaraMoonJewelry

$34.95

 

Ornate Steampunk Snowflake Tree Topper from splendidcolors

$15.00

Etched Snowman Ceramic Mug from desolationallie

$12.00

Winter Penguin Needle Felting Kit from wildethyme

$12.00

3rd Annual Challenge of Color: The Reveal

I know I've been completely MIA on this blog and I take full responsibility in the fact that I'm all over the map doing 9 million different things at once! Unfortunately when you take on more than you can handle, things suffer and this blog is one that has suffered o.O

Either way, I'm glad I was able to at least finish my Challenge of Color pieces before my health took a nosedive early this week. Three things about this challenge and my pieces:


1. I suck at structured colors. I had the worst time trying to match what I had in my stash to the colors from my palette. It's very appropriate this hop is called Challenge of Color! 

2. I wish I could have done WAY more than two pieces, but I'm trying to be happy with what I did get accomplished. A life lesson I'm still struggling to learn and accept on a daily basis: You can't be perfect!

3. I wasn't able to do the absolutely stunning color palette I received justice with all it's colors because I sadly didn't have all the colors that came with it in my stash. I had to pick out a few colors and work with those, but all in all I'm happy to have been able to stick to a few colors out of my palette even if it wasn't all of them.


Before we venture to my pieces, here is a little reminder of the color palette I received:

Sierra De Velasco

On to my pieces!

Firstly, I opted for a bracelet since they are my specialty...

Dream a Little Dream

For the bracelet, my inspiration came from the silver tone crescent moon focal piece and, of course, my color palette! As you can see, I went for a 'cool color' theme and pulled out the lime green, deep blue and plum purple to work with. All beads come from my stash whether they be purchased or upcycled.

The chain is one of the elements that is upcycled from a simple multi-chain necklace I took apart just for this project and is made to alternate sides of each larger bead in the bracelet.

The silver tone 'Dream' charm was a last minute addition because I felt the focal need a wee something else to make it perfect ^.^

Next in my Challenge of Color pieces is a pair of earrings, similar in color to the bracelet, but with more of a teal taken out of my palette rather than the dark blue.

Also, I chose to run with a gold tone base rather then silver.

To be quite honest, this pair of earrings was a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants creation; I had no idea what I envisioned when I picked up those large focal beads so I just ran with it and I think it turned out pretty darn good!

Used were smaller glass beads with little bits of upcycled gold tone chain in between to give it that 'full' look.

Just an FYI, I plan on selling both of my pieces in the near future, so if you're interested or know anyone who's name these two pieces are loudly shouting for a holiday present, leave me a comment or send me an email! :)

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Make sure to stop by our beautiful hostess's site, Erin of Treasures Found, and see what she created as well as the rest of the 80 other Challenge of Color participants! 

Erin Prais-Hintz
Brandi Hussey
  Rebecca Anderson

Kris Auderer  

Chrizette Bayman

Lori Bowring Michaud  

 Courtney Breul 

Lynsey Brooks
Stephanie Buss 

Iveth Caruso
Shannon Chomanczuk
Lisa Cone
Cece Cormier

Lori Dorrington
Dawn Doucette
Jeannie Dukic    (life threw her a curveball, spread some sunshine to her anyway!)
Kim Dworak
Beth Emery
Janice Everett
Pam Farren
Donetta Farrington
Gloria Ferrer

Cherrie Fick
Therese Frank
Patty Gasparino
Tanya Goodwin
Ambra Gostoli
Jess Green
Denielle Hagerman
Mary Harding
Karla Hartzog
Kim Hora
Emanda Johnson
Jennifer Justman
Sue Kennedy

Ema Kilroy
Lee Koopman
Linda Landig
Kirsi Luostarinen
Cynthia Machata
Alicia Marinache
Beth McCord
Mary K McGraw
Karen Mitchell
Cheri Mitchell-Reed
Aimee Moisa
Karla Morgan
Penny Neville
Becky Pancake
Kashmira Patel
Alice Peterson
Kayla Potega
Debbie Price
Bobbie Rafferty
Caron Reid
Nicole Rennell
Cynthia Riggs
Andrea Ross
Sally Russick
Annie Scherz
Pam Sears
Renetha Stanziano
Sandra Stein
Kristen Stevens  (her Muse is on vacation - hop over and give her Muse a nudge ;-)
Tracy Stillman   (hard to bead with a wrist injury, send healing thoughts)
Sherri Stokey
Lola Survillo
Kay Thomerson
Jo Tinley
Emma Todd
Cory Tompkins
Pam Traub 
Melissa Trudinger
Michelle Tucker
Shelley Graham Turner
Monique Urquhart
Rachel Van-Walsh 
Patti Vanderbloemen
Lesley Watt
Lynn White 
Joan Williams

3rd Annual Challenge of Color

Aside from the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party, I've not really taken part in any sort of jewelry challenge or blog hops.

Not for lack of trying mind you!

I never know where to go to catch most of these hops or challenges and I'm either too late, too broke, or too sick to join in on the fun *tear*

Thankfully, Erin of Treasures-Found.blogspot.com and a little bit of universal magic had me signing up barely on time for the 3rd annual Challenge of Color Challenge & Blog Hop!

For those of you who don't know about the challenge, you can read up on all the details HERE.

This year, inspiration for the colors comes from satellite pictures of the planet earth-How completely awesome is that?! Thanks to Brandi of Brandi Girl Blog, each satellite image is paired with a color scheme much like the ones you might find in the paint section at a local Home Depot or Lowe's, but MUCH better ^.^

Here was the picture and color scheme I was sent...

Sierra De Velasco

I'm absolutely in LOVE with the colors I got! Like big-puffy-heart in love.

Now all I need to do is find beads and parts and just let the creativity flow! If you're interested in seeing some of the other stunning pictures that inspired these color schemes you can check out the Earth As Art image gallery.

What would YOU like to see me make in this color scheme?

Inspirational Tuesday(11/13)

{Image Credit}

“The vision that you glorify in your mind, the ideal that you enthrone in your heart - this you will build your life by, and this you will become.”

--James Allen 

What inspires YOU today?

 

A Painting & A Custom Bracelet

I've been blogging since 2009 and when I began blogging, I started following several different people, some of which have been become some great friends over the years and to whom I still loyally follow to this day!

One of which is my friend Jennifer of Eighty MPH Mom.

Recently, Jennifer picked up painting as a hobby and if you've seen some of the pictures she's done, you wouldn't believe me when I say she JUST started. Her paintings look more like a seasoned artists' than someone who just started!

One of which, I absolutely fell head-over-heels in love with...

{Image Credit}

I just had to have it and a deal was struck! We came to an agreement we'd do an even trade; her painting for a custom piece of jewelry from me.

Boy was this a fun project!

Jennifer specifically asked for something that incorporated a butterfly in it and I immediately thought of the perfect piece that had her name written all over it.

I've had that cloisonne butterfly piece since I started making jewelry which was 7+ years ago! It was sitting all that time because it knew it was destined to be this bracelet ^.^

I sent some pictures of the bracelet when it was finished off to my lovely friend eagerly anticipating her opinion. Honestly, I'm always nervous when I do custom work; what if the client doesn't like the way it turned out?

In this case, I didn't have to worry. She LOVED it with a capital L :)

Now to wait until tomorrow to send it off!

Body Parfait Giveaway ends TONIGHT!

For those of you who haven't entered this blog's first every giveaway, you still have time!
Who WOULDN'T want this incredible handcrafted bath and body bundle?

Giveaway ends tonight at 11:01pm CST! 

Enter Here

Saturday's Picks(10/20)-Happy Halloween

Seeing as this Wednesday is All Hallows Eve, also known plainly as Halloween by most, I thought it would be very appropriate to pick some Halloween-related items for today's Saturday's Picks :)

Enjoy! 

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1 Dozen Ghosts, Bats and Spider Webs Halloween Cookies from rollinindough

$27.00

8 bit Zombie Love Moleskin Lined Halloween Journal from blackbirdandpeacock

$14.00

Creepy Halloween Vintage Doll Head Garland from RawBoneStudio

$15.50

 

Fantasy Talon Claw Ring from bowsandarrowsvintage

$18.00

 

Halloween Party Creepy Mason Jar Set from bittersweetlemonade

$14.00

Krafty Max Originals Special Deal!

Get a jump on your holiday shopping with this incredible opportunity courtesy of Max of Krafty Max Originals handcrafted jewelry!

Until the end of the year, she's offering more bang for your buck-Just take a look at this deal....

If the promise of extra money doesn't entice you, just feast your eyes on some of the absolutely gorgeous items in her shop. She's truly one incredibly talented jewelry designer, that's for sure!

 Connect:

Website

Twitter 

Facebook

Blog

Items in Post: 

Top Left: Zaira Teal Free Form Beadwoven Necklace with Silver Plated Beads

Top Right: Green Pine Cone and Acorn Swarovski iPhone or Smart Phone Charm

Bottom Left: Ballerina Girl Beadwoven OOAK Bracelet

Bottom Right: Carnelian Leaf and Swarovski Crystal Necklace Set

Disclaimer: I was compensated for the above post. All opinions expressed above are 100% mine and mine alone unless otherwise stated.  My opinions are strictly informative; please make sure to do your own research into a company and/or particular product before committing to purchasing.

Vibrant & Vivid--TheCandyTree

A big, warm welcome to Emma of The Candy Tree on Etsy!

Joining us all the way from Livingston, which is just outside Edinburgh in Scotland, Emma shared with us that her shop name came from an old painting she did in college-"The name captures my love of colour and nature so it works well with the vibrant products in my shop."


And vibrant they most certainly are! But I'm getting ahead of myself...

Emma began crafting after she bought a pair of handmade earrings back in 2005 and decided to try it out for herself! From there, she ended up teaching herself  jewelry design and before you know it, she branched out into cross stitch and knitting. 

Working as a legal secretary by day, Emma spends her nights and weekends doing what she's passionate about: crafting!

"I make sterling silver jewellery using glass beads and pearls, knitted scarves, fabric button rings, patchwork cushions and cross stitch. I always enjoy learning new things so it's difficult for me to focus on one craft."

With all of the arts and crafts Emma dabbles in, there are many supplies she's worked with, but two of her favorites are glass pearls because they come in such vivid colors and good quality wool yarn because it's so thick and warm.

The Candy Tree consists of a plethora of different products, some of which include knitted, ruffle, and ribbon scarves, necklace, earrings, and bracelets, cross stitch and patchwork items. All of these different items have one thing in common: they're bright, vivid and vibrant! 

Advice from Emma: "Selling your hand crafted goods online is incredibly competitive so it's important to have amazing photos and to learn as much as you can about SEO - be a sponge and soak up as much information and advice as you can!"

Things to keep in mind about Emma and her products:

*Keep up-to-date with all The Candy Tree happenings by following on Twitter @TheCandyTree125 and liking on Facebook.

*Care to learn a little more about Emma and follow some of her adventures, like hunting for Conkers? Make sure to check out her The Candy Tree blog!

*For payment, shipping, and other important information, make sure to check out her Shop Policies Page.

For those of my readers located in the United Kingdom, from now until the end of October Emma is offering free postage! Simply use Coupon Code FREEPOST12 at checkout.

Of course a big thank you to Emma from The Candy Tree on Etsy for allowing us this wonderful feature and interview! 

Items in Post:

Fabric Button Rings

Red Cowl Infinity Knitted Chunky Wool Scarf

Pink Daisy Flower Cross Stitch Antique Silver Frame Earrings

Work It Wednesday(10/24)

Work It Wednesday is a meme for any type of artist and crafter regardless of what you do, where you're located, or what medium you work with...If you create with your hands and your heart, you're welcome to link up with your latest work(s)-in-progress! 

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This week, I'm showing you the start of either a bracelet OR a necklace; not sure which yet, but that particular detail will be chosen from the person I'm making this for. 

I like the color scheme I've laid out, but it might change depending on my vision as I work.

What are you working on this week?

Care to link up with me? 
 Grab the WIW button!

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