BESTeam Trio

Call me crazy, but it hardly seems as though Christmas happened.  The weather has been unseasonably warm in Illinois.  There hasn't been snow and the temperatures have been fairly steadily stayed in the 40's!  


In a few days we will begin a new year.  I'm not really one for resolutions, but I do have some goals and plans I'd like to execute as I'm sure many people do.  One thing that will not change in the new year is my love for discovering new Etsy products!  Today I am featuring items from three wonderful BESTeam members. Enjoy!

Vintage Brass Light

This reminds me of the vintage-inspired lamps I have seen a lot of in more recent years.  In fact, I bought one at Hobby Lobby and put greenery and a candle in it for the holidays.  I can see this vintage light from Redemption Art easily being converted to be one of these decorative lamps as well. The best part?  Free shipping in the US!

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Crochet Lace Scallops Wrist Cuff/Wrist Warmer with vintage button

Buttons and earth tones are a couple of my fall/winter vices.  This wrist cuff is such a great alternative to a bracelet.  If you need a pop of color in your wardrobe, GMaEllen Crochet Gifts offers this in other colors as well as several wonderful crochet crafts.

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Gears and Feathers Steampunk Flower Hair Fascinator or Accessory Clip

Every time I visit Poison Garden I find something new that catches my eye! Steampunk and whimsical accessories abound.  This fascinator is no exception to the truly unique pieces you will find. 

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Happy New Year!

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

BESTeam Quartet

This past weekend, after over a month of "trash talking", a few of my friends/co-workers and I had a Christmas decoration contest.  We had a great time having our decorating skills put to the test and indulging in food and holiday movies afterwards.  When the party ended I was thinking about how I had just finished decorating days before the contest and will have to be taking those same decorations down in a very short time.  Where has the time gone?!  


I'll be finishing up the next two days of work before packing up and heading home for our family festivities.  Although, it's a little too late to add items to my wishlist, I have decided to share some items I would love to have in my stocking!

 Brown Sugar Scrub Soap

I love the smell of brown sugar.  Whether it be baking cookies or one of my favorite lotions, the smell of brown sugar is one of my favorites.  This soap from Sandy Vern would be the perfect addition to my stocking!  Sandy has a variety of soaps, stitch markers and earrings to offer.

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An Owl Pendant with Malachite and Crystal Beads Necklace

 I've gained a liking for owls.  The popular bird has been popping up in several places and I would love to have this gorgeous necklace as an accent to my earth-toned wardrobe.  This owl is in good company amongst a beautiful variety of oriental inspired pieces at Blue & White Wear

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Bashful Beanie

I've seen people wear beanies and make them look so awesome.  I'm not sure I could pull the look off, but I love this beanie.  I especially love the mustard color - it is one of my absolute favorite fall/winter colors.  An assortment of knit accessories and adorable felt bows can be found at Knitful Dezigns .

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Christmas Lights, Blank Christmas Card, Colored Lights, String of Lights, Holiday

As the people closest to me know, I am insistent on giving cards for major holidays and some time just because.  I treasure the cards with handwritten messages in them.  That is why this card, or any card, from Empty on the Inside would be perfect for me!  
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Safe travels and Happy Holidays!

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

BESTeam Quartet

You would think that at my age the excitement of the holidays wouldn't cause me to become so excitable and lacking focus. I've found myself at work having a horrible time focusing on doing actual work. It finally dawned on me that it can be attributed to my excitement for the fast approaching holidays. A company Christmas party tomorrow, a decorating contest with co-workers Saturday and the obvious celebrations with family have me giddy with excitement and anticipation. In honor of these celebrations, I've gathered up some great "red" BESTeam items for you to enjoy!

Cherry Red Earrings

These earrings remind me of holly berries and would look great dangling from any ear at a holiday party! Busy mother and grandmother, Agnes of Beader Bubbe, offers a variety of jewelry sure to please a variety of shoppers.

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Earthy Warm Colors Hand Painted Charmeuse Silk Scarf - Red & Brown

You will be the talk of the party in a beautiful hand painted scarf from Joy Flower. Scarf styles are based on seasonal trends, fashion and Joy's personal inspiration.

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Christmas Fantasy Sterling Silver Earrings - Treasury Featured Item

Tucked amongst the cool, icy jewels and earthy accessories of ck Silver, these beautiful holiday earrings are a real attention grabber. Cindy's specialty of sterling silver can be seen in these elegant earrings.

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Red guinea feather,frida skull accent, Boho chic, hollywood glam, 1920s flapper girl, vintage inspired

Your hair can not be forgotten and this feather accent is the perfect accessory! Ms. Formaldehyde offers accessories you won't find anywhere else. If you are someone that loves to have a piece that generates a buzz, but not everyone will have, this is the place to shop

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

BESTeam Trio

Tis the season for decorating, shopping, baking, holiday parties and gift giving. It seems that each year the holiday season sneaks up quicker and quicker. To help your holiday preparations go a little smoother I've gathered up some perfect BESTeam items.

Orange and White Swirl Christmas Ornament

Trim your tree with this beautiful ornament from Our Home To Yours. BESTeam's fearless leader, Debbi, and daughter, Amanda, offer a variety of items ranging from decor, jewelry, hats and scarves, accessories and vintage.

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Gingerbread Men Apron, adult one size fits all

Whether it's baking for an office party or cooking for your family holiday gathering, this adorable apron will surely bring the spirit of the season to the kitchen! Stitch Princess, Faith, has been sewing since she was a child and her experience can be seen in her beautiful works of dresses, aprons, purses, and small quilts. You will also find digital downloads of her photography (Gift idea perhaps??).

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Alphabet Wine Glass Charms - Set of 6 - Your Choice of Letters

When the decorating and cooking is complete, you'll be ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor. What better way than sipping a glass of wine while using these glass charms from Absolutely Kismet?! Fittingly, the inspiration behind her wine charms began two Christmas seasons ago when on a search for a set for a relative. After realizing she could make individualized sets much better or less expensive than what was in stores began her making several sets.

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Hopefully these items will help the holidays merry and bright :)

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

Cyber Monday

In honor of Cyber Monday, everything at Chicky D's is 20% off! Use coupon code GIVETHANKS at checkout to enjoy savings on your entire purchase (exluding shipping).

Chicky D's Accessories and Gifts

BESTeam Quartet

I've NEVER gone shopping on Black Friday and I LOVE to shop. However, I do not love crowds of people. I'll admit it, I have about zero patience for crowds of people. There is practically nothing appealing sounding to me about being bumped into and then forced to stand in slow moving lines to save money. I promise I'm not a Scrooge and I honestly do have a lot of respect for anyone that can do this. But on that note, with the ever evolving world at our fingertips known as the internet, why not stay in the comforts of your own home this year and support hard-working artisans and crafters?

Whether it be as a hobby, a means of extra income or the sole source of income for their families, there are so many options for a unique shopping experience for gifts that you will be sure to not need a gift receipt for. Here are some great shops to get your Black Friday shopping started from the comforts of your own couch!

Decorative Wooden Calendar - green, bright pink, orange

Two sisters, Sandy and Sue, of Illinois share the passion for crafting that started as making gifts for family and friends and has since evolved into a business venture, Creativity Bugs. Here you will find paper a variety of gift items including paper crafts, handmade cards, holiday gifts and more.

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Mauve Handmade Crochet Clothespin Angel Ornament with Stand

Sticking with her crafting standby, Ellen from Washington finds crochet to be where she findsmost inspiration in part because of her roots. Her fondest memories involve watching both grandmothers creating beautiful things which the talent was obviously passed down to Ellen. Her shop, GMaEllenCrochetGifts, grows every day so stop back often.

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Garden Fairy Pink Lemonade Sun Catcher

Looking for a bit of whimsy? Poison Garden is the place for you! Suzette, Crystal, and Melissa bring their imaginations together to create whimsical and eccentric pieces of jewelry, accessories, decor and artwork. Best of all...they are offering 30% off Black Friday-Cyber Monday by using a coupon code found on their shop!

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Leather Journal, Embossed Turquoise, Hand-Bound 4.5x6 Journal

Absolutely beautiful leather journals are the creation of Shirley of Ontario, Canada. The Orange Windmill is a throwback to her Dutch roots and favorite color, orange. The process of making these journals a therapeutic, from scratch process allowing this busy mother an escape to silence. You too can escape by filling the pages of your new journal.

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Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! Please consider shopping handmade this holiday season.

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.

BESTeam Quartet

"Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we're here for something else besides ourselves." ~Eric Sevareid

I've always loved everything about Christmas, but it has been somewhat puzzling to me as to why today I have such a strong urge to want to attend Christmas Eve church this year. Christmas Eve service has always been my favorite from the time I was a small child performing as an angel in the play. There's something magical about the stained glass windows being illuminated by candlelight while flurries of snow dance through the sky. Unfortunately, it has been years since my family has made it to a Christmas Eve service as shameful as that may be given the fact that is what Christmas is all about.

I'm also not one that likes to skip over Thanksgiving and start decorating early. I understand that a lot of people do start putting up decorations prior to Thanksgiving, my Mother included, so they are able to enjoy the beauty as soon as that last bit of pumpkin pie is consumed.

I'm breaking with my normal sentiment of not skipping over Thanksgiving and presenting some wonderful BESTeam items that reflect the holiday season.

Holiday Wreath, Front Door, Christmas, Gold, Holiday decorating

Judy of Boston is the lady behind Angels n Everlastings. She previously operated a dried flower business from home, but took time away to raise a family. Now that her children have grown she is back to business with gorgeous pieces such as this beautiful wreath!

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Vintage Japanese Christmas Candy Dish

A return trip to Connie's shop, Redemption Art, brings a vintage piece that seems very childlike and playful. I can just imagine filling this candy dish with some peppermints to have at the ready for a warm cup of hot chocolate.

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Christmas Greeting Card, Pine Tree, Red Ornament, Blank Card, Holidays, Christmas Tree One

Another return visit brings me back to the shop of Annie known as Empty on the Inside. Don't let the name fool you, this shop has a great message to go along with this great card! If you are anything like me, you love getting mail (the non-bill variety, of course). What better form of mail than of the handmade variety?

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Open ring sterling silver with a faceted Ruby Zircon

A new face to the BESTeam family, Riorita brings beautiful handmade jewelry from Tel Aviv, Israel! This Ruby Zircon instantly caught my eye reminding me of the beautiful poinsettias of the season. Be sure to check out her shop and give her a welcome to the BESTeam

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As a member of BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team) myself, along with the members of this team promote each other by blogging, Twitter, Facebook, in treasuries, etc. For more information please visit: Boosting Etsy Shops Team or the Etsy team page.