Blog Roundup

Photo by StevendePolo on Flickr

The members of the Etsy's Best Kept Secrets team are so varied, with tons of different interests. I thought it would be fun to start a weekly series featuring what our members were up to. So, what were our members blogging about this week? Let's take a look (in no particular order):

• Peg's house is turning 100! One project down, and is she already eyeing another?
• Have you heard of the World Doodle Challenge? Joanne is showing off her contribution, Doodle #57.
• Anna-Karin finds beauty in a silent autumn morning, and takes you along.
• Catherine shows off a ghostly white treasury over on her blog.
• Louise has taken a big, big step (go Louise!).
• Sirpa's already Christmas shopping. How about you?
• Brandi's sharing a few trinkets that she keeps in her studio to brighten her day.
• Katja's on the search for a new bed.
• And Jo's not letting a little cold slow her down!

How about you? What were you blogging about this past week?

What we have made this week

1^st Row  ~ Made For An Angel, Catie’s Blue, Metalluxe, Jewels by L Designs, Made For An Angel

2^nd Row ~ Black Daisy Designs, MsBelle, Sirpa K Jewelry, Gemheaven Jewellery, Catie’s Blue

3^rd Row ~ Gemheaven Jewellery, Sirpa K Jewelry, Made For An Angel, Black Daisy designs, Metalluxe

4^th Row ~ Catie’s Blue, Jojobell, Catie’s Blue, Gemheaven Jewellery, Jewels by L Designs

5^th Row ~ Black Daisy Designs, Modeste Parisienne, MsBelle, Black Daisy Designs, Made For An Angel,

6^th Row ~ Modeste Parisienne, Jojobell, Jewels by L Designs, Gemheaven Jewellery, Jewels by L Designs

What I've hearted... today! Wall decal - Tall Simple Flowers

We've been fixing up the little guest loo and we're going all black and white and minimalistic in there... BUT.... I am pretty sure this gorgeous wall decal from Single Stone Studios is going to go up on one of the oh-so-white walls.

I'm not sure which colour we're going to go with yet, but you know what? These are removable so when/if we get tired of whatever colour we choose.... we can buy something else and put up there!! How clever is that? I LOVE it!

Tall Simple Flowers 

Our newest new member ~ Laura from Jewels by L Designs

The Fairy Tale earrings

We hearted one of Laura's pieces here recently on the blog... so you can imagine how thrilled we are to  welcome her this week as a full fledged member of the Etsy Best Kept Secrets team!

Her shop, Jewels by L Designs, will give you a better sense of her range as designer. Central to her work are wonderful glass works in brilliant colors and intricate layers which she and her husband Aaron create themselves in the flame. The glass elements are then incorporated into wire wrapped pieces with complementary gemstones.

The De La Mar Super Star necklace

Laura sometimes works her glass into animal shapes to produce large and striking pendants....

The Crème de La Crème necklace

...and more recently she has explored grays and black as well - very unusual for glass but so hip and elegant....Fashionistas, pay attention!;)

The Fuschia BonBon necklace

Just like the person behind the work, Laura's jewelry collections are pure joy and happy vibes! She not only creates glass, she also collects the prettiest Murano and Yayin beads which she now shares through her newest line: the BonBon necklaces, which debuted this Fall.

What I’ve Hearted This Week: Colorful Bowls by Element Clay Studio

Apparently, I have a new favorite color, and it keeps surprising me in the loveliest of things. A jacket here. A T-shirt there. A lovely scalloped bowl by Element Clay Studio here.

I’ve had my eye on Heather Knight’s Etsy shop for a while, and I’m always fascinated by the textures she borrows from nature for her bowls and wall tiles. Maybe you’ll enjoy them as much as I do?

I heart tea towels for geeks!

I don't have a lot of time to read many blogs but Sara's blog is one I have subscribed to because I enjoy her everyday down to earth writings. I also love that she doodles like me and puts her art on useful everyday items.

You can find her awesome housewares for geeks and everyone else at Girls Can Tell

Our newest member - Brandi from Catie's Blue

Do you like colour? Do dream, eat, think and speak colour? And do you also love jewellery? If you do you have probably come across this blog - Brandi Girl. And if you haven't... well then, you're in for a treat.

Glimpse, earrings

Brandi is THE Goddess of colour. The woman can take two impossible colours and make them compliment eachother to the level where you can't ever imagine one of them being without the other ever again. You don't believe me? Well, check out her store - Catie's Blue - and see for yourself. It is absolutely jam packed with gorgeous jewellery made with lovely gemstones and lampwork beads, in colourful, vibrant combinations, yet still very, very wearable. How does she do that?? For someone like your's truly (who pats herself on the shoulder for mixing black and beige...oooo) this is knowledge close to quantum fysics.

Shades of Red, bracalet

In her own words:
"Color never fails to inspire me; it has always been a part of my artistic journey, always been a creative tool. What began with crayons as a child evolved into technical theater work in high school, then painting in college. But the idea to create jewelry didn’t fully form until I stumbled into a bead store on a 2007 vacation - literally, I tripped walking in.

When I straightened up and looked at the walls and tables full of colorful gems, something in me clicked. Seeing the possibilities of those shiny, sparkly beads lined up like a rainbow excited me in a way I couldn't ignore; I had to create with them, and I started that day. "

Alison necklace



We are thrilled to have Brandi with us here on Etsy's Best Kept Secret. Welcome!  
Anna-Karin and the rest of the gang

What I've hearted this week: Mystery Gate - Leather Journal

Artreasury on Etsy

I always have a sketch book with me, you never know when you get inspired. I especially like leather journals, there is just something special in them. There is only one problem now: which one to choose?

Sirpa @ SirpaKJewelry

What We Made This Week

Some of our latest creations....

From left to right across:  GemHeaven, Sirpa K Jewelry, JoJo Bell, Made For An Angel;
Row 2:  Black Daisy Designs, Modeste Parisienne, Metalluxe, MsBelle;
Row 3:  JoJo Bell, MsBelle, Black Daisy Designs, Sirpa K Jewelry;
Row 4:  Made For An Angel, Sirpa K Jewelry, Modeste Parisienne, GemHeaven.

What I have hearted this week

MORGAINE Cuff Bracelet

Can you imagine the hours Ivy of EderaJewelry spent creating this exquisite bracelet? I could immediately see it as the perfect accessory for a Chanel runway.

Ivy’s art is rooted in centuries old techniques and materials which have become very rare and I love how she infuses her pieces with lots of soul and a cool, modern twist.

Make sure to visit her blog too. You will step into a world which is just as rich as her beautiful collections and her signature lace motifs.

What I have hearted this week

French Grain Sack and Burlap Pillow Slip

 

I think this cold weather must have me nesting ~ we're decorating our lounge /living room / sitting room or whatever you call it where you live! I love probably what's called a contemporary classic look and this cushion is just my cuppa tea ;) It's got such a great rustic look, I adore it ♥

 

Jolie Marche offers French Country Decor including burlap pillows, French script curtains and European inspired home decor accessories.

 Check out Jolie Marche on Etsy. 

 and her new blog is  www.simpleeverydayglamour.blogspot.com

 It's full of beautiful things like reading a beautiful glossy magazine!

What I've hearted this week: Peacock clutch by Mermaids Dream

Mermaids Dream on Etsy

I can't seem to get enough of peacocks right now. This clutch is beautiful, shiny, silky and made of my favorite colours. Here you can find another favorite of mine. So, if you don't know yet what to get me for christmas... *wink, wink*

Sirpa @ SirpaKJewelry

What I’ve Hearted This Week: Stackable Rings by Art’s Gallery

I find that as trends come and go, a lot of designers tend to be pulled in the same direction. One designer starts adding little details to their work and soon you see others are adding little details to theirs as well. It’s a rare find when something different in the way of jewelry catches my eye.

I was happily surprised by what I found in Art’s Gallery. Maybe I don’t browse as much as I used to, but to me his work has a definite feel of uniqueness. Aren’t these rings just wonderfully rustic? A modern cut with an old-time feel. Makes me think of Robin Hood and Lady Marion.

What I have hearted this week

"I" - original 20x30 papercut by Papercuts by Joe

Would you believe me if I told you, that the eye above, is cut from one big sheet of black paper mounted on a white illustration board??

I know!! It's hard to believe. Still true. Talent like this never ceaces to amaze me. How does he do it? Why doesn't the paper tear? Why doesn't he slip and cut where he's not supposed to cut? How does he get all the angles just right? Really... HOW, does he do it?

Going throug the shop Papercuts by Joe is a never ending journey of wonder. Take a look at these ropes. Or this tricylce (perfect for a child's room) or why not these couple on bikes? Mind-boggling. (And make sure to click the images to see the larger version. The details are truly amazing.)

And this ship.... would be perfect for my DH, the sailor-guy. I wonder if I should go Christmas shopping?? :)

What we have made this week

From left corner, going down:

Jojobell, Black Daisy Designs, Sirpa K Jewelry, MsBelle
Sirpa K Jewelry, Made For An Angel, Gemheaven Jewellery, Modeste Parisienne
Gemhaven Jewellery, MsBelle, Made For An Angel, Black Daisy Designs
Made For An Angel, Metalluxe, MsBelle, Gemheaven Jewellery

What I hearted this week: exquisite Murano Yayin glass bead necklaces

The Raspberry BonBon necklace

Actually I did better: I bought one and hearted several more for later! Check out Laura of JEWELS by L Designs's ravishing new BonBon line of smaller necklaces. The focals are from her personal collection of Murano and Yayin glass beads, so you know they were chosen with great care and love. I just adore the happy bright colors and that they will make awesome Holiday gifts!

Laura also makes her own glass beads which she then incorporates into her wire wrapped gemstone jewelry. You can see those and her BonBon collection here.

What I have hearted this week

Anasousa on Etsy

I just love everything knitted and therefore this is the favorite time of the year for me. Don't you think this would look great on me?

I asked a few things from the designer, since I wanted to get to know her better. Her name is Anabel and she is an argentinean living in a Paris, a crafter since a little girl and a passionate creator.

This same piece happened to be her personal favorite too. The reason for this is that the hat was an asked project by the fashion student for a photo session with a tribute to "Elsa Beskow" (swedish illustrator) as a subject. This is what Anabel wrote me about this piece:

"So, she asked me for a "pine cone" shaped crocheted hat and a photo of the illustration as a guide... I took a real one, studied it a little bit and with nothing else than imagination I made it real. I sold this one last year but I still has it as an item made to order for all the new fans with a goblin spirit."

You can find more beautiful items in her shop on Etsy!

Sirpa @ SirpaKJewelry

What I’ve Hearted This Week: A Necklace in the new Twilight series by Delias Thompson

I admit, I was probably drawn to this first because of the name, and because I am a huge “Twilight” fan, but after seeing the piece up close it is totally its own thing and has nothing to do with the popular book series.

I’m already a huge fan of Delias’, but if you’re not, check out her store here and let yourself be swept away by her awesomeness.

Oh, and there is a matching ring here. I’ll gladly wear it, too.

Psst. I have a feeling this will have to end up under the Christmas tree ... just for me.

What I have hearted this week

Small pierced Nighlight

I love candles ~ you'll find them all over my house ~ this nightlight by Wendy Jung is just special ~ you can have with or without the heart but for me the heart is just adorable.  This is definately on my wishlist!!

Be sure to check out the other fabulous pieces in her shop won't you!

Find Wendy's shop HERE

Jo@gemheaven

What I Hearted this Week

"Piccabu Elephant and Molehill Mouse are best friends, they help each other gain perspective on life. They prove that the very big and the very small can be friends and help each other."

These little ones touched my heart!

These adorable playmates are created by the Australian artist Florence Forrest and her fabulous creations can my found at Flying Star Toys on Etsy.

~JoJoBell

Mulberry Muse

One of my favorite items on Mulberry Muse.

When I first saw her art, my heart was stolen, propably because my romantic soul hearts everything in vintage and because her work is just amazing. Therefore, I want to introduce the woman behind Mulberry Muse and her beautiful work to you all.

Would you tell a little bit about yourself?

I was born in a small village in England called Eaton Socon, near Cambridge, and moved to Australia with my family as a child. I studied Graphic Art and Design in Adelaide, South Australia, and was apprenticed to leading packaging designer, Wytt Morro & Son.

As a packaging designer And Illustrator I have worked in Adelaide, London and Sydney.

My home is now on Sydney, Australia, where I live with my husband and two children and our two senior fluffy Himalayan cats.

How did you start this job?

I never really wanted to pursue any other career, art and design have been my passion since I was a small child. I worked freelance for a Sydney based greeting card company for many years when my children were small. It was about three years ago that I decided to try and sell my own designs online and Mulberry Muse and Cafe Baudelaire were created.

Vintage graphics have always been a passion of mine. An avid collector of beautiful packaging and vintage ephema I sometimes buy a product simply for the package it is in. Finding a vintage button card or music sheet can inspire a whole new collection of designs.

What part of your business do you enjoy the most?

Designing, creating a new piece is my favorite part of my work. Sitting at my computer with an audio story to listen to and I am off in another world bringing a new piece to life.

Using photoshop and computers to work with is a recent addition to my portfolio. Previously everything was done bu hand, even lettering. I now combine both techniques collaging original work with vintage images digitally on photoshop.

What is your favorite piece you have ever made?

My most favorite piece of work I have made is a difficult to choose but I do love this one:

Marie Antoinette Le Secret A shopping spree in Paris

Sirpa @ SirpaKJewelry