Keeping Etsy Weird

This is not your gramma's knitting circle. The super talented and independent crafters in Etsy Team Columbus are not afraid to fly their freak flag. Check out these peculiar, weird and geeky items.

Geek Love - iPod MP... tsurubride $30.00 ROMANCING THE SWAMP... ArtsiBitsi $14.00 The Oogly Friend - ... andreabaker $27.50 Steampunk Insect - ... JewelsofLuxury $45.95 Ghost Dead Black Ki... quilt7metal $9.99 Journal - The Blob redux4u $15.00 Glitter Plaid Penda... ReduxJewelry $15.00 Shrinky dink earrin... AdornmentsbyKar... $5.00 Super Fantastic Com... jannypie $16.00 Geek Collection- Sp... MollyStuff $40.00

For more weirdness, search on Etsy for "Etsy Team Columbus" + geekery

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE!!!

Today we extend warm wishes to Melanie of Mel's Clay. She is a valued team member and polymer clay guru. Furthermore she is doing her part to join the "green" or eco-friendly movement by incorporating recycled materials into her art. You will notice clay covered tins, light-switch covers and drawer knobs are amongst the usual wares in her shop. She also creates clay jewelry and coats ink pens with beautiful clay patterns. If you have a theme or color scheme in mind, she will happily work with you to design a unique and one-of-a-kind finished product. Please take a moment to visit her shop and join us in celebrating her special day!

Birthday Greetings to Maram!

Warmest birthday wishes go out to our very talented Mara! Her etsy shop is full of wonderful surprises...we encourage you to check out her handiwork...here is a brief sampling. Enjoy your special day lovely one.

http://maram.etsy.com

Wednesday Item of the day from Gardenia's Garb

Today we are focusing our spotlight on a truly unique new addition to our team: Gardenia's Garb creator Patty. We simply had to share this yellow pirate/peasant shirt for men from her shop. Seriously, the guys are always getting overlooked in the handmade universe...so BRAVO for this bold foray.

Here, in her own words, is a peak into the designs and inspiration behind Gardenia's Garb.

"All of our products are handmade in non-smoking homes by my mother and myself. We have been involved with Renaissance festivals for over 12 years. We make clothing specifically designed for performers. We try to keep our patterns, styles, and color of fabric appropriate to the time period, but we occasionally take flights of fancy when the mood strikes us."

"Being a performer and a Scottish country dancer, I understand what is required of garb that is going to be lived in and worn more as clothes rather than a costume. Our clothing is designed to be worn, danced, and played in."

Check out more cool fashions from the past via this link:

http://gardeniasgarb.etsy.com/

Also, look over her blog:

http://gardeniasmiscellany.blogspot.com/

Birthday Shout Out

Happy Birthday to our own Lenny of LCabanero Designs! In case you didn't know...she is a Mom and art educator who enjoys many different types of media. She can create a plush creature or monster based on your child's drawings. How cool is that? Do yourself a favor and go check out her TWO etsy shops. Links are provided below. AND HAVE A GREAT DAY Lenny! Hugs from your uber-proud team members :-)

http://lcabanerodesigns.etsy.com/

http://minigiggles.etsy.com/

http://lcabanerodesigns.blogspot.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from On a Limb

Team member Melinda has 173 people who "heart" her etsy shop! She is the creative mind behind On a Limb Paper Invitations and Social Stationery. Her designs are classic, clean and contemporary. Changes in color, font and personalization are all available. So, if you are in the market for thank you cards, wedding products, or birthday invitations, etc., you should definitely check out her links below. Namaste!

http://onalimb.etsy.com/

http://onalimbpaper.blogspot.com/

Monday's Featured Seller of the day tscrapper

Good morning loyal readers! Today we are proud to bring you a brief write up on team member Traci of tscrapper. She is a stay at home mommy and former 5th grade teacher. She has been scrapbooking for about 9 years and has translated that love into a thriving ETSY business with over 300 sales! Her creations include: invitations, banners, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, placecards, thank you notes, premade scrapbooks, altered items and ceramic coasters (just to name a few). She finds inspiration in many different forms from magazines, sketches, patterned paper and fabrics, even from her daughter. We love the modern, fresh and clean lines of her designs! Custom orders are always welcome so take a moment to peruse her chic offerings!

http://tscrapper.etsy.com/

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to JILL of OUT OF THE PINK SKY

Warmest birthday wishes to team member Jill. She's a clever gal whose jewelry designs reflect her sense of irony and unique artistic vision. You would be remiss not to visit her shop and ogle her beautiful creations. Jill, you're like a fine wine my dear...just keep getting better! Have a WONDERFUL day :-)

Belated Congratulations!

Andrea Baker was the winner of our April team design challenge. The theme was "punk rock." She created a business card cozy from recycled blue fabric with a guitar motif (former shirt) and achieved victory with 21 votes in her favor! Join us as we congratulate her for a job well done. While you're at it, visit her etsy shop to see the many other unique creations she is offering. KUDOS crafting friend!

Here is a cute Q & A Andrea was good enough to complete so our readers can get to know her better!

What kind of items do you create?

Business Card Cozies, Check Book Cozies, Aprons, Totes, Handbags, etc.

How long have you been creating?

I have been creating now for several years and have enjoyed every minute of it.

What or Who are your creative influences?

I see creative influences everywhere I look. In my family, in my friends, in nature, everywhere.

Do you work outside of the home/studio? I am also an Independent Silver Consultant for Inspiranza Designs. www.inspiranzadesigns.com/AndreaBaker as well as an Independent Beautify Consultant for Mary Kay. www.marykay.com/AndreaBaker

What is your education as it pertains to your craft?

My mom was a seamstress when I was younger. She used to make wedding gowns and I remember the little shop she used to work at. The drive way was lined with apple trees. Mom taught me a lot that I never used over the years but when I became a stay at home mom I was looking for something to fill my time while my daughter was at school. Sewing became that hobby and I was able to turn that hobby into a business.

What is your favorite part of creating handmade items?

I absolutely adore being able to take fabric and turning it into an item that will be used.

Do you have any connection likes you'd like to share?

I have several ways you can connect with me. They are all listed on the following link.

http://www.andreabakerdesigns.com/?page_id=549

or

http://andreabaker.etsy.com/

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Be sure to check back on the 10th of each month to see new design challenge submissions and vote for your favorite. May's theme will be "Eco chic."

Friday's Featured Item of the day by Silverflame

Team member Kristin is the creative force behind etsy shop Silverflame. You might find a variety of items for sale there...including vintage beads, patterns, fabric and gorgeous handcrafted stone and sterling jewelry. Here is a copy of her self-written profile:

I started making jewelry in my high school art class, and it was then that I decided to become an artist. I was living in Texas, and I studied jewelry making, metalsmithing, and lapidary arts in college. I apprenticed, too. I have been a jeweler for 20 years, and I’m still learning. In fact, I’m taking classes right now at the Columbus Cultural Arts Center with an emphasis on lost wax casting and faceted stone setting. My fascination with metals and stones will never end. I cut and polish many of my own stones, so they are completely unique and serve as inspiration and focal points for my jewelry designs. I see my jewelry as tiny sculpture, made to adorn the human body. My work is greatly influenced by historical jewelry, especially ancient excavated pieces. All of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind. My pieces are all different expressions of the beauty I see around me.

*Now friends, focus your attention on this breathtaking ring design. Using an amethyst colored Brazilian agate...Kristin has created a chunky yet feminine accessory and signature piece. You cannot help but marvel at the translucent and opaque layers of purple, lavendar, gray and white. The billowing and bubbly patterns of the stone have been ground and polished for maximum effect within the ring setting. And speaking of the setting...it is sterling silver and has a unique waterfall design.

We hope you'll visit Kristin's shop for more examples of her art and supplies. Here is a direct link:

http://silverflame.etsy.com/