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 Feature :: Poison Garden

TEAM TUESDAY

Don't be scared, this shop won't hurt! In fact, the only spell you are likely to fall under from any poison is that of love...love for the beautiful merchandise found at Poison Garden! In Lafayette, IN this garden is tended by three ladies, Suzette, Crystal and Melissa. In this garden you will find whimsical, eccentric and romantic pieces with NeoVictorian, Gothic and Steampunk inspirations. For the individual looking for a standout piece, this is the place to go!

The jewelry, accessories and art in Poison Garden is made of found material, vintage jewelry, ribbons, beads, feathers, bones, crystals and more. If you haven't found the piece perfect for you this isn't a problem...these ladies adore custom orders so be sure to drop them a line. They also offer gift certificates if you know of someone that would love the gift of handmade, one-of-a-kind accessories.

See what's growing in the garden:

The Navigator Steampunk Pirate Neo Victorian Collar

Autumn Leaves Beaded Necklace vintage style, hippy bohemian

Beaded Suncatcher - Green Black and Clear

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TEAM TUESDAY

BESTeam Feature :: Zen25

The reasoning behind why people create pieces of art varies. How they got started, what inspires them, and why they continue to create cover a broad spectrum. An energy channel is what drives Maureen of Zen25.

After her father was diagnosed with Stage IV Cancer, Maureen stayed with her parents during the last few month's of his life. During this time she needed a distraction and positivity in an otherwise difficult time. She found that crafting jewelry was the meditation and peace she needed where she put so much of herself into each piece "that it creates an incredible release for (her) heart, mind, and soul". That was the birth of Release Me Creations.

"...A little bit of glamour, a little bit of fun, a tiny bit of cuteness, with a smattering of punk" describes what can be found at Zen25. Everything from necklaces, cuff links, money clips, rings, earrings and more can be found utilizing anything from feathers to beads.

When Maureen isn't finding her release through crafting she is not only teaching, but also training in martial arts including American Tae Kwon Do, Muay Thai Kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu! She shares a home with a husband and two dogs: a brindle Great Dane, Mango and blonde Pomeranian, Dax (what a cute little ball of fluff :)

A few of my favorites:

Silver Guitar Charm Post Earrings Rock and Roll Style

Silver Cuff Bracelet Sky Blue Paper Airplane Whimsy

Tourmalinated Quartz Bullet Necklace Peacock Feather

For a variety to suit almost any fancy head over to Zen25 {click here}. You can also find information about Maureen's shop at the following places:

www.releasemecreations.com
http://releasemecreate.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-TX/Release-Me-Creations/187693621254709
http://www.twitter.com/releasemecreate

BESTeam Feature :: inkstrand

Anyone that has taken a look at my Etsy shop and blog will know that I am a lover of the aesthetic of vintage and nostalgic items. This week I bring to you a fellow BESTeam member who also has an eye for the same aesthetic to create vintage inspired jewelry and accessories. A young designer/crafter who went "east for college, south for design school and returned home up north" is behind inkstrand. Her fondness of history, sci-fi/fantasy movies, Victoriana/Steampunk, video games and retro fashion has been taken and made into what she describes as "nostaligic nerdiness" and infused into the works you see (and could be wearing).

Fresh Lavender Victorian Ornamental Adjustable Brass Ring - Chromata Ornamenta collection

This design is something I am consistantlly drawn too. The pairing of an antique ornimental design with a colorful lavendar pigment creates this beautiful and afordable ring.

Vintage Grandfather Clock Illustration brass pendant

My Great-Grandfather owned and operated an antique store from his house. I believe that is where at least one of the antique clocks came from that my parents have. Their collection has grown and I am always fascinated by the intricite decorations and pieces of each one. This pendant reminds me of these clocks.

Craft Revolution Zippered Pouch / Pencil Case - Cotton

Instantly my eye went to this pouch. the design on it is great! It is big enough to hold pens/pencils, paintbrushes, scissors, cash and keys, but is still small enough to slip into any bag.

These and several other great items can be found at inkstrand's Etsy shop {click here}

You can also find inkstrand on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/inkstrand

Follow her blog http://www.inkstrand.blogspot.com/

And don't forget to become a fan on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/inkstrand