BESTeam Trio

Where has January gone?! I've felt incredibly overwhelmed and keep thinking the feeling will pass soon.  I've started a new schedule at work...after three years I am finally back to a Monday thru Friday schedule.  As much as I have been wanting this, it is definately taking an adjustment to not have Tuesday off to do my "chores". 

Aside from having Tuesdays for chores, I had been trying to do my BESTeam blog features on Tuesdays.  Better late than never??  Without further ado, I present to you three fabulous BESTeam shops.

Yellow and Turquoise Glass Bead Earrings

Patty's Dream Designs has a variety of jewelry sure to delight anyone who loves to accesssorize.  The color combination of blue and yellow is a family favorite of mine.  When I say this, I mean my parent's house was predominatly in a blue and yellow color scheme as it was all of our favorite colors at one point.  The loud blue and yellow flower wallpaper was recently replaced by a much more subtle taupe.  These earrings remind me of home :)

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Clutch Purse w/ Flap, ThinkGreen fabric--reversible black/white

Two things I love, typography and being more eco-friendly combined for this awesome fabric clutch!  I mean, seriously, any graphic design/typographic nut would love this fabric alone.   Stitch Princess, Faith, has been sewing since the age of four specializing in dresses, skirts, aprons, purses and small quilts. She also dabbles in photography which can be seen in her Etsy shop.

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Vintage Milk Bottle Farm Fresh Maple Valley Farms

Connie's shop, Redemption Art, is always filled with new and awesome vintage and ecclectic finds.  Another reminder of home is this milk bottle.  My parents have a collection of antiques which include several milk bottles.  Now, if some island air and warmth could be packaged in this bottle I'd be set :)     

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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

2012 came in a lot less calmly than I would have hoped.  I intend to write a blog depicting how I rang in my New Year's celebration.  To summarize, minutes before the stroke of midnight, two teenagers broke into a large, historical building and set fire to a boat that was being stored in it.  The resulting fire spread destroying a large portion of the building and lasting almost a full week.  How did this have anything to do with me and my celebration?  I happened to be with three co-workers/friends...a sports editor, a reporter and chief photographer.  Somehow this graphic designer became a spot videographer that night.

After the chaos of this terrible event waned, I finally had some time to think about where I'd like to see 2012 take me.  Do you make resolutions?  If so, do you keep them?  One of my hopes is to transfer my blog to a new address (which is already reserved with a banner just waiting to be used).  I want my blog to be more of a reflection of the business I am doing now with the name that is meaningful to me.

Gold spirals and silver bangle, 925 silver and gold cherry bangle

I don't wear a lot of bracelets because I feel like they get drug across the desk while I'm working, but this bracelet is to die for!  Riorita handcrafts artisan jewelry in silver and gold - original, one of a kind and limited edition items can be found.  You can easily create a gorgeous complete accessory ensemble with Riorita creations as she lovingly makes necklaces, earrings, hoops, rings, bracelets and bangles.

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Small Dangle Glass Earrings with Roses - Spring Blue

It may come as a surprise to a lot of people, but blue was my favorite color up until the last few years.  Despite the fact that hot pink practically consumes my life these days, I still have a special place in my heart for blue and these earrings are no exception.  KC Dragonfly also has beautiful jewelry pieces as well as parasols and purses. 

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Dressed Chesnut Plush Furry Fox - named Mommy Fox

When I was a child there was a television show called "Mapletown".  A vast majority of people my age do not recall this show, but I loved it and had several of the figurines to prove it.  This adorable Mommy Fox reminds me of one of the characters from the show. With forty years of experience, Coldham Cuddlies handcrafts adorable animal creations and rejuvenates those that have been aged with love.   

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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

"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.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

BESTeam Feature

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Albert Camus

With the flowers of fall appearing in full force in the Midwest, this week I bring you four shops with flowers that can be enjoyed all year. Wouldn't it be great during a snow-filled winter to look at your wall and see the beauty of a spring flower? Or to be able to walk around all year with flowers finishing off an outfit as the perfect accessory? Take a look at these wonderful shops to keep the flowers blooming all year!

Necklace, Wedding, White Pearls, Black MOP Flower and Onyx Beads
Jaynemarie
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Stone Bead Handmade Necklace Exquisite Faceted Fluorite and Pearl Necklace with Sterling Silver Rose Pendant Indigobjects
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Poppy Pin Brooch Fabric - Petroleum Blue

Flores del Sur
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Calla Lily Photograph Hahnemuhle Giclee Fine Art Print 8x8, Matted
Solhful
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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

"Enthusiasm is excitement with inspiration, motivation, and a pinch of creativity." ~Bo Bennett

This week I ask the questions, what inspires you? How do you take your inspiration and turn it into something fabulous? This week's trio brings three very inspiring shops: The Orange Windmill, Empty on the Inside and CK Silver. What better place to capture your ideas than in a beautiful hand-bound leather journal?! The Orange Windmill is the perfect place to find just that. A dutch girl calling Canada her home, Shirley loves all things handmade. Her journals are made from scratch of hand-cut leather and hand torn sheets of paper. They are so gorgeous I wouldn't want to dirty the pages.

Leather Journal, Green, Hand-Bound 4.5 x 6 Journal

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Annie from Empty on the Inside wants you to use your own inspiration to finish the cards she makes. Phrases of beauty being skin deep and beautiful inside and out morphed into Empty on the Inside. This name is not a reflection of sadness or loneliness, but instead a symbol of leaving space on the inside of her hand-painted cards for a personal, heart-felt message. So grab that pen and put the card giants to shame!

Bouquet of Flowers Blank Greeting Card

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If writing down your thoughts aren't working stir up any ideas, wearing this inspirational necklace may be not only a great accessory, but a motivator. Cindy and Marilyn, a mother-daughter team, create classic pieces of jewelry in their shop CK Silver. These sterling silver pieces are beautiful, timeless, elegant and unique incorporating freshwater pearls, semi-precious stones and Swarovski crystal.

Fancy Jasper Inspirational Necklace

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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

Sun tanned toes ticklin the sand
Cold drink chillin in my right hand
- "When The Sun Goes Down" Kenny Chesney

In a new BESTeam format, I will now be featuring not one, but three shops weekly! This week I've chosen a beach theme showcasing items from Redemption Art, Ms Formaldehyde and Our Home To Yours.

The plane is first landing on the Hawaiian islands to check out Redemption Art. You may remember Connie's shop from my feature last week. Her store brings hand picked items found in places from high end estate sales to neighborhood garage sales. Doesn't this Vintage Ceramic Sea Shell exude the feel of Hawaii??

A short hop off the island lands us in San Diego, California with Ms Formaldehyde. Specializing in accessories which incorporate styles of gothic, voodoo, glitter fashion, lowbrow, lolita pin up and dita burlesque these accessories will be sure to get you noticed. Her love of tiki, Polynesian, Hawaii and Day of the Dead can be seen in items such as these Black Tiki Earrings

To wrap up our beach tour we'll stop on the east coast in North Carolina to check out Debbi and Amanda's shop, Our Home To Yours. This mother-daughter duo offers a wide variety of handmade creations including scarves and jewelry. They are currently working on stocking up for the holiday season so be sure to check back often for new items. A trip to the beach wouldn't be complete without a pair of flip flops! These Funky Fuzzy Lime Green Fun Fur Flip Flops are so great, you might not want to kick them off :)

Chicky D's Air has landed for the evening. Next flight will be departing the week of September 26th. Until then, please take some time at each of these fabulous shops!

BESTeam Feature :: Luto Jewelry

TEAM TUESDAY

Do you find yourself wanting to accessorize, but not wanting to pay some of the high prices to achieve a complete ensemble? This is exactly what motivated Leonnie to start making jewelry!

In Manchester, England, after frustrations of mounting prices Leonnie began making jewelry for herself before launching her shop, Luto. With help from her boyfriend and testing out Ebay she finally took the plunge into the Etsy world to allow her products worldwide at affordable prices.

Currently, Luto is in the process of a major re-vamp that will end with additional items and gift service. While you are anxiously awaiting these changes take a look at some of my favorite items...then visit Luto and find some favorites of your own!

Nature Charm Bracelet - Aqua, Cream and Dark Blue

Mixed Colour Leaf Charm Bracelet

Antique Gold Disc Necklace

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