Sunday, November 27, 2011

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).
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

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!

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.

LinkMauve 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.



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!



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.

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.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

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.

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!

LinkVintage 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.



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?



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.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

BESTeam Trio

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees, No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds - November! ~Thomas Hood, "No!"

November is here in full force and today the Illinois Valley saw it's first glimpses of snow. I am NOT ready for this despite the fact I have been having an internal battle over whether I should start decorating for Christmas or stick to my guns and wait til after Thanksgiving. I've always loved fall with the changing colors of leaves, bonfires, and being able to throw on a hooded sweatshirt and go. You can embrace the colors of fall all year with these great BESTeam products!

Veronica in sunny Florida is the woman behind Knitful Dezigns where you can find everyday items designed to make life more enjoyable. Her love of art can be seen in her beautiful creations. Be on the lookout for a new plush doll collection coming soon.

EMBER Hand Painted Silk Ruana Deep Red, Warm Brown & Sienna.
If you love art, but are hesitant to spend money on a piece that will hang on your wall and may blend in after a while. The perfect solution is a hand-painted silk scarf created by Joy of Joyflower. In 1989, Joy began painting scarves and you can see the superior quality and experience in each piece



Kristine of KC Dragonfly creates handmade goth and cosplay accessories. Her mission is to bring quality, hand-crafted designs with the hope that the owner will find inspiration in their KC Dragonfly item. I wish the leaves were still the vibrant colors of this bottle collar!
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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.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

BESTeam Quartet

Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles. ~Sonja Henie

After a very hectic couple weeks perhaps I should take the advice of Sonja in the above quote and pile on some jewelry. Not to say I've aged overnight, but I'm sure there are a few stress-induced wrinkles that have formed. Life is about balance and boy have I tested my skills. Do you find yourself not having enough hours in the day? Even if stressful times are unavoidable, take your mind off those wrinkles with these great pieces of jewelry from four fabulous BESTeam shops.

Butterfly Necklace

Agnes of Beader Bubbe is a mother of five and grandma of seven wishing and dreaming of the day that she will have more time to create more beautiful jewelry pieces. If it isn't already apparent, I LOVE butterflys so this piece instantly caught my eye!


Green Tea Aventurine and Onyx Earrings

Cindy of ck silver uses inspiration from nature in creating her designs. Classic silver pieces are made focusing on colors found in earth and ocean.



Eagles Drop Necklace

What do you get when you take an American born New Yorker who lived nine years in Bangkok, Thailand? Blue White Wear whose love of Chinese blue and white beads can be seen in a lot of her shop. This Eagle Drop necklace however is more of an homage to her home base of the U.S.


Shades of blue crystal bead dangle earrings

This mother-daughter duo and leader of the BESTeam are the women behind Our Home To Yours. Aside from gorgeous jewelry like the pictured item, you will also find a variety of items ranging from crochet scarves to home decor.
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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.