BESTeam Feature:: Chaings the Nuns

A fellow Illinoisian, Sarah is a stay at home mom that has opted for crafting over insanity. The creations that have come from her aversion to crazy can be found in her Etsy shop Chasing the Nuns . Here you will find knit creations and bags made from old t-shirts.

Anything that you see knitted or crocheted can be made in different colors and yarn to suit your personal style. Customization doesn't stop there...if you are anything like me and have WAY too many t-shirts you will be delighted to find that custom bags can be made from your favorite old t-shirt. I can see this being a great gift for the person that is clinging onto that t-shirt that doesn't fit them anymore, but they just can't let go of the sentimental value of the shirt!

This adorable bucket hat shown is one of my favorite items. The color is so cheery! This is one of the hat choices for the little one in your life. Be sure to check out the Turkey Hat! I don't know if I would've known what to expect if I didn't see it for myself :)

You can find Chasing the Nuns on Etsy {click here}. Also follow her blog at http://www.chasingthenuns.com/. Last, but not least, show your support by becoming a fan on Facebook!

I've Been Awarded!

To my delight when I was doing my routine checks of my email I received the message from Our Home To Yours that I have been honored to be given these awards!! This mother/daughter team has a wonderful Etsy shop with crocheted items as well as some other great handmade artistery. They are also fellow members of the BESTeam. Be sure to check out their shop and

blog.

Here is what I now need to do:

:: Link back and thank my award giver. Thank you Our Home To Yours!

:: List 7 things about yourself that others may not know.

:: Chose 15 blogs deserving of these awards, and let them know.

7 Things About Me::

1 - I knew I wanted to study and become a Graphic Designer since middle school.

2 - I took dance lessons from the age of 4 til I was 18...I took ballet, pointe, jazz, tap and lyrical.

3 - I LOVE sports and am anxiously awaiting 2 o'clock to come so I can watch the Bears beat the Packers ;)

4 - The 3 cities I've lived in all start with the letter 'P'

5 - I used to HATE pink, but not my favorite color is hot pink (I still dislike what I call "baby pink")

6 - I've only flown once (well twice if you count the way back). This was for a wedding in Mexico which I think was the perfect first flight destination :) This also happened to be right at the news breaking about the Swine Flu!

7 - I love the Game Show Network and think I would be a good contestant on any sort of word game.

My 15 Blog Picks (in no particular order)

Ardent Reverie

Moon Angel Nay

Nina In Florida

Just The Goods

Little Peach Fuzz

Mystic Wynd

Love Elycia

I Knit and Bead

Off the Wall Expressions

From Shirlee

Giulliana

inkstrand

Write Owl

Elle's Beads

I Am Adorkable

BESTeam Feature:: Alexander's Designs

This week I bring you a husband and wife team that comprises Alexander's Designs. Here you will find truly unique jewelry created from a blend of Swarovski Crystals, lamp work and glass beads, semi-precious gemstones, sterling silver, fine silver, pewter and gold. The variety of bold colors and simple beauty will be sure to please a broad range of shoppers.

This team loves to create with their hands doing anything from construction work to jewelry making. They certainly sound like a versatile team! Jenny loved drawing and painting for many years until she discovered beads and her love of jewelry making in 2002. Since then she has been creating her own jewelry line with great pride and pleasure coming from seeing others wearing her art.

In 2005 Jenny's husband, Skip, caught the jewelry making bug after attending a lamp work bead class with her. Together they have taken classes in Fused Glass and Borosilicate Glass. They spend many hours working on their skills to bring you beautiful, high quality glass art beads and pendants!

If the beautiful pendant pictured above is appealing to you be sure to head over to Alexander's Designs {click here} and find something that will be sure to be one-of-a-kind!

BESTeam Feature :: Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna

A new year and a new computer and I am back ready to bring you another talented artist. Kicking off my first post of the new year I bring you Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna. A U.S. Citizen living and working over the border of British Columbia, Canada, Gilliauna brings over 20 years of experience in jewelry design to her colorful, quality pieces. These pieces include necklaces, earrings, bracelets, eyeglass chains, beaded lanyards, charms, zipper pulls, rosaries and more.

Each unique, hand-crafted piece is created with top-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Several pieces consist of re-purposed and vintage jewelry parts and beads as a way to help minimize waste and give back to the community since several materials are obtained from places like the Salvation Army.

Above, this beautiful beaded choker silver butterfly is an example of one of the many quality pieces offered. This and many other pieces can be found by heading over to Bits n' Beads by Guilliauna {click here}. See something that sparks your own creative genius? Custom requests are welcome!

There are several other places to find this shop. Be sure to find them at...

Facebook - http://facebook.comBitsnBeadsby Gilliauna

Blog - http://www.colorfulartisanjewelry.com

Twitter - http://twitter.com/gilliuana

Flickr - http://flickr.com/photos/gilliauna

deviantArt - http://gilliauna.deviantart.com

Tumblr - http://gilliauna.tumblr.com

The Meandering Musings Blog - http://www.handmadeshoppingguide.com