Fun and Wacky Wednesday with La Lune Designs

Perfect for the chef or the cook. I would certainly get this for a friend in culinary school! I think this tote by La Lune Designs is awesome!

Must Have Monday - Soft Baby Blanket

No Whining Pleez! offers a great selection of handmade blankets and burp cloths! They are full of color and look so soft and clean. You will want to stop by this shop if you have a little one on the way or know someone who does!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - Join Me for a Cup of Tea?

Certainly, my love.

These tea cups by Simply Pretty Prints make me want to stay in on a Sunday just read a newspaper, have a conversation with my husband and daydream. I get relaxed just thinking about it! Doesn't it sound wonderful?

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

Please, please, please, oh please, oh please oh please. Play with me!

There is nothing cuter that when your dog wants to play. With favorite toy in mouth and a tail wagging with the speed of a tornado, they can convince anyone to take a break. And why not? You deserve it!

These handy toy bins by Woodin' You are perfect for helping you keep those toys picked up after a day of play and helping your dog find their toys when he/she wants to play with you!

On the Homefront with: Creations Anew

A wonderful person, a wonderful photographer. Creations Anew captures beauty both the rustic and pure in her photographs. Since pictures are worth 1000 words I will simply share a few here. Enjoy and be sure to visit this Homefront Team member's shop!

 

Thursday and Undiscovered: Three Owls Toy Studio

I love this elephant! So cute! Three Owls Toy Studio offers a wide variety of stuffed toys including, elephants, lions, bunnies, and turtles. Each toy is made from upcycled fabrics like wool skirts and blankets and velvet pants. It is definitely worth stopping by this undiscovered shop!

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with Hearts Treasure

Too Hip to be Square is a great title for this fun little bracelet by Hearts Treasure! I love the colors and it would be a great accessory to spice up that perfect dress!

Tuesday Talk - Studio Makeover PT 1

While I have been working on reorganizing my art room and painting area, I have come across others who are Spring cleaning their creative space. I will be featuring several people and hope that you will join me on this studio make over adventure! 

A Girl and Her Brush

Her studio makeover - why it was done and how 
by Wendy Brightbill 

"I just recently turned my new found love of collage painting into a business, a girl and her brush. Right now, I live in a home where I don't have an extra room devoted for my painting. I am really looking forward to the day when I do, but until then, I have to work with what I do have. Before my makeover, I was painting at my dining room table. I found it extremely frustrating because nothing was organized and we couldn't sit down to eat dinner as a family anymore. One day, I couldn't find one of my tools, so I decided something had to change.
 

I knew that I needed to be smarter about the way my room was designed. Function was key. All of the sudden, I saw my baker's rack in a new light. Before the makeover, I used it to show off my pretty dinnerware and glassware (things that I never used anyways). So I packed up all of my dining room pretties, and put them into storage. Then I scoured the house for baskets not in use and quickly organized my painting supplies placing them on the baker's rack. I thought about how I painted and arranged my easel, chair and supplies accordingly. I also turned my big wall into a gallery of all my favorite paintings. I can change them out as pieces come and go. For this makeover, I did not spend a single penny. I just repurposed items that I already had.

Before, I felt frustrated and scattered when creating. Now, I love the ease and function of my space. I know where everything is located and and can put all my supplies back in their home when finished. And maybe best of all, is the fact that we can use the room for what it is meant to be, a dining room. You may not have a whole room to devote to a studio, but you might have a corner. I hope my space inspires you to think outside the box." 

Must Have Monday - A Fabulous Purse!

Okay, I LOVE this purse by Breagha! It is great! Made with Harris Tweed and in a stunning orange and teal, this purse is bound to catch the eyes of others. Be sure to stop by the shop and see all the other wonderful purses!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - Children's Travel Pillow

Sunday is traditionally a return day from vacations full of fun and excitement. And the kids, well they are exhausted! Help them rest easy on the plane, train or car with an adorable travel pillow by Sygnet Creations. They come in a variety of colors and patterns! Stop buy and help your next vacation be the best one yet!

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

The following is an interview with Knees and Paws from Etsy! Her products are absolutely adorable! 

 

Q: How did you get started in making animal costumes for children? 

A: "Knees and Paws are not something that I really consider to be animal costumes, but I suppose they are in a way. I think of them as an alternative to full body plush animal costumes, a set of hand and knee coverings for kids who love to play cats and dogs. They came into existence when I noticed an ongoing game of "doggies" at my son's preschool. A group of children there played pets for months. One mom said that she was unable to find soft, slip on knee pads online.

At that time, I was working an exhausting job that had me up at 3:00 am every day, but home at 1:30 so I could be available for my son after school. I had no idea that Etsy even existed. I did not know how to operate a sewing machine. I enjoyed making things with my hands, drawing, painting, and gardening but fabrics were an untouched medium.

I made a set of slip on knee pads for my friend's daughter by hand stitching together the calf section of a pair of soccer socks, adding polyfiberfill and covering it with novelty plush. I added the idea of paws later, after thinking of the spork...combination spoon and fork, combination paw and hand....

 

After the children at preschool received these prototype knee pads with delight, I wrote a patent pending application and received the official number in September 2009. That's when Knees and Paws and my gig at the sewing machine began."

Q: What is your greatest source of inspiration?
A: "I am continually inspired by my family, my friends, by philosophers like Bernie Seigel and Patch Adams and by people who survive extraordinary events.  I believe in useful things or information that teach self reliance, hope and positive ways to enjoy life."

On the Homefront with: Baby Love Blankets

I spy with my little eye - a paper clip! a heart! oh and dice!

These I Spy pouches by Baby Love Blankets are perfect for travel days, at home and in the classroom! They are engaging and are ever changing as you never know what you will find first. They would be a great addition to the Easter Basket too!

Thursday and Undiscovered: Little Cottage Pillows

This adorable mother cat and her 3 kittens is an ingenious item made by Little Cottage Pillows. It would make the perfect gift for a little girl! I see hours of pretend in the future!

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with barking bird art

A bird driving a flying saucer? What about driving a tractor? I have found the artwork on Etsy to prove it! These adorably whimsical prints by barking bird art are great for decorating a child's room! They are available in 4x6 and 8x10 sizes. You can also customize some of the prints with a monogram! Swing by this shop and see the wide variety of styles! There are even hedgehogs and elephants!

Tuesday Talk - A Navy Brat, An Army Wife

As a child I was what many people call a Navy brat. My father was a Navy Seabee, a construction battalion of the Navy. Their job was to construct and tear down buildings, make roads, clear areas for others to move through and much more. I have always admired my dad for his willingness to be a part of something that worked to protect the lives of others - military and civilians alike.

My Hubby in Afghanistan

I used to laugh and say that I would marry a man in uniform someday because of the admiration that I have for my dad and other military personnel. Well, I did. I married an amazing man!

 

We met about 2 years ago and I have been blessed to have him in my life ever since! Not only is Drew serving his country as an Army-man, his family is of the utmost importance to him. He is incredibly supportive in helping me run Art Whims too! He is my strength and the love of my life!

My dad in lower left corner

Cadet Leader Uniform

Now, my hubby and I volunteer with my dad for the Sea Cadets. This last Saturday I had the privilege of chaperoning cadets aboard the decommissioned ship the USS Turner Joy. It was an amazing tour!

Being an Navy daughter and an Army wife has certainly had its challenges, but it is in those challenges that we have all grown to appreciate life and each other more; I would not change a thing!

Forever a Navy Brat and Always a loving Army Wife!

Must Have Monday - A Black Coat

I will have to admit that I really like jackets and coats and am constantly on the look out for new styles of jackets and coats. In my hunt, I have come across this stunning, double breasted coat by REDDOLL! From the perfect tailoring and flattering cut, it is great for wearing out! I love that it has a tough military style while maintaining a feminine feel with its volume. There is nothing better than the perfect coat!

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed with The Vintage Thread

And breathe... hmmmmmmmmf ahhhhhhh

Taking deep breaths while near the aromatherapy pillows of The Vintage Thread is surely going to help you relax. The pillow measures approximately 10x8 inches and is scented with lavender. It is perfect to have at the office or on the couch as you finish your day. This would even be great for the college student during finals week!

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

These finger puppets by stay awake and play are awesome! Made of felt and with tons of care these puppets are sure to be a new favorite for your little one! She has dinosaurs, peacocks, space themed puppets, monsters, fairies, and the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf!

On the Homefront: Jewelry

Eternal Eden - Earrings $14

When I was browsing through the Homefront Team's items and sellers this week I was oooing and awing over all the beautiful jewelry; we have some very talented artists on our team that is for sure! So I thought that I would highlight a few of the pieces that I adore. If you like what you see simply click on the picture or the shop name below and it will take you to that item or shop. Enjoy!

 The Madison Gallery - Emerald Bracelet $48

 Blue Room Gems - Earrings $27

 A Nursing Reminder - Nursing Reminder Bracelet $15

Thursday and Undiscovered: Laura Lights

These lampshades by Laura Lights are absolutely stunning! The substructure of the lamp shades are made from Kinwashi /Rice paper and additional papers are appliqued to add color and visual interest. Please swing by this undiscovered Etsy shop see all the various designs - and! there is green craft jewelry too!

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with Holiday Candy Lane

Holiday Candy Lane has been quite the hit on Etsy lately. I have seen them featured on the front page, in treasuries and much more! I am sure that you can see why with delectables like the rose shaped cookies pictured above. The shop is just so much fun!

Tuesday Talk - Business Outlook

 

Over the last two months I have focused on expanding Art Whims with more product lines, more color options and new photography. I have been really blessed by custom inquiries that have challenged my creativity and opened my eyes to a whole new world of product possibilities.

With the reassessment and expansion in the products available at Art Whims and Art Whims Paper, comes a new look at how to network both online and offline. I have found that talking with people on twitter with the occasional plug for Art Whims has led to new fans and a steady group of new followers on the blog and my facebook page. It has also been really helpful to start connecting individually with team members on Etsy; now we can network together and I absolutely love to promote others! Offline I am currently investigating new packaging options. I have also ordered new business cards from MOO! that will arrive in 5 days! I am thrilled to see how they turned out (the informational side is pictured above).

This has been a great reevaluation, and a wonderful experience!

Must Have Monday - Lovelia Coin Purses

About a week ago I was in chat, talking with fellow Etsians, networking, and admiring the variety of talents when I came across Lovelia and the wonderful coin purses that can bring joy to anyone's face! These purses are bright and come in many different forms such as the frog pictured above, ladybugs, raccoons, koala bears and more. They would be great for helping children learn how to save their money too; it would be absolutely adorable to have a mommy and me set! In each purse you could have a simple ledger on a piece of paper on which to add and subtract the money going in and out of the purse with your child.

A Day of Rest and So Relaxed - Defining Relaxing

 

Merriam-Webster (2010) defines relaxing in many ways, but this one seems most applicable to this column: to "seek rest or recreation." I know, you are probably thinking to yourself: Rest? Recreation? How do I find the time? The answer is not to find time, but to make the time to do what you enjoy. I can say that I personally do not follow that simple rule often enough, but I have been taking many steps toward finding the time to rest and go outside. Lucky for me, many of my business tasks are both recreational and restful; I get to go on photography adventures such a hiking and to conservatories, and paint while talking with my amazing husband or watching TV when he is not home. And a good laugh is always a great way to find a moment of peace - I am so thankful my hubby has such a wonderful sense of humor!

What does relaxing look like in your life?

Let's Play, It's Saturday!

As an Army man, my husband is all about finding new ways to be prepared when we go out on adventures, whether it is hiking or camping. The 550 cord survival products by Woods n' Water Inc. really made me smile because I knew that my hubby had never seen anything like this! I shared the link with him, and he was just as excited as I was! The word out of his mouth "Ingenious!" I must agree. These items are definitely on our shopping list for the camping season this summer. I cannot wait to get my 550 cord in such stylish accessories!

On the Homefront with: Sissy's Pretties

These necklaces by Sissy's Pretties are so great! Appropriately titled by a fellow Homefront Team member as "Pearls of Wisdom" these little acorns are composed of a "hand stamped sterling disc that hugs a lovely fresh water pearl drop in Cream." What I really like about this necklace is that you can get it customized to the scripture you would like! So cool!

Other items available in this wonderful Etsy shop include bracelets, earrings and much much more! Be sure to stop in and look around - that perfect gift may just be in this shop!

Hope you all have a great day!

Thursday and Undiscovered: ozzart

 

Ozzart uses a vairety of materials to create these pieces of embroidery hoop framed art including, thread, calico, and paint. All I can say is, neat! These are so colorful, unique and fun; they are truly wonderful! You will definitely want to swing by and check this shop out. Decorating has never been so much fun!

Also visit ozzana for handmade clothing and ozzesories for hats, scarves and other accessoies.

Fun and Wacky Wednesday with The Gleeful Peacock

New, fun, whimsical, fantastic! These adjectives describe the headbands by The Gleeful Peacock exactly! The headbands come in a variety of styles and colors. From floral designs to more mechanical concepts these headbands are a great way to accessorize this summer!

Tuesday Talk - Wedding Favors

 

For some time I have been thinking about what kind of wedding favors I could make to sell on Etsy. I love to do custom orders and then I got this inquiry that really got my wheels turning! How about wedding favor magnets they asked, and my response was yes! It was such a wonderful idea! The great thing about this gift is that it captures that special moment and the recipients of the magnets can use them to hang a wedding picture on the fridge! So, in the next few days I will be busy creating a variety of designs to offer on Etsy. Stay tuned for these and be sure to pass the word along!

Must Have Monday - Floreal - Artist Interview

Last week I had the great pleasure of getting to know Ruchi of Floreal in the Etsy chat rooms. She agreed to do the following interview so that you can learn more about her and the jewelry she creates.
 
Q: How did you get started in jewelry making?
A: "My jewelry making adventure started three years ago…I landed in this bead shop (somehow) and fell in love with the beads…colors…

Since I am relatively new (as a seller) to Etsy, I would like to focus on listing more pieces in my shop….get my name out there. I am in no rush…. but ultimately I do see myself having my own brand/label."

Q: What mediums/ materials do you like to use?
A: "I love experimenting with different materials. I have used beads, stones, metal, polymer clay for my jewelry do far. I would love to use precious metal clay, feathers and felt beads."

Q: How long have you been creating?
A: "Ever since I was a little kid I would create stuff…things like friendship bands, cards. Also, I have a degree in architecture. So, if it’s not jewelry, then it’s something else. The idea of creating something from scratch is so exhilerating….empowering. It’s like meditation for me.

I think I get it from my mom. My mom is super creative. She is one of those people who can pickup any art easily. I mean she has not had formal training in fine arts but she used to stitch our dresses when my sister and I were little.. knit, do embroidery, screen printing, paint, cooking... I simply admire her ( and my dad )."

Q:  What is your greatest source of inspiration? Why?
A: "Colors…I think colors are my greatest inspiration. I get inspired by the colors around me.. nature, flowers…. For me the first thing that comes to mind is the color combination. It is beginning of the design process. Jewelry design is more of a dynamic, evolving process for me…very spontaneous."

Q: Is there anything else that you would like for your fans to know?
A: "I am so attached to every piece I design. I don’t think I will ever list anything that I would not put on (wear) personally. So every art piece is like a part of my personality. I love to do custom work."

Please swing by Ruchi's shop to see more of her wonderful creations! The colors are magnificent!