Friday, December 16, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Today is purple and black day! I'm looking at four different shops with the color purple running through them all.

To start us off, here's an item for all us cold-weather folks. This hat by Our Home to Yours on Etsy looks just right for the cold upon us.


Next, an absolutely gorgeous hand painted silk scarf from Joyflower, on Etsy. I just love browsing through this shop and seeing all the color.


Here's a pretty little clutch from KC Dragonfly on Etsy. I think the black and purple motif is very pretty, and this clutch matches several other items in her store.


Finally, a neat bracelet by Beader Bubbe on Etsy. The black beads, with just a subtle touch of lavender, would go great with anything.


Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

NaNoWriMo

Now that it's over, I finally have time to write about it! The month of November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), which challenges people to write 50,000 words in one consecutive piece, starting completely from scratch on November 1st. Their website, which allows you to track your progress and get in touch though the forums with other local writers, is a wonderful resource.
This was the first year I've participated, and I'm proud to say I had 53,000 odd words by November 30th! This entitles me to the cool winner stamp you see above and allows me to purchase a cool winners t-shirt, and also print a certificate which I can do with as I please. NaNoWriMo is completely non-profit, so any money spent on their site goes to maintaining the site and continuing the writing programs they offer to schools.

If you're a writer or want to be a writer, I encourage you to check them out and maybe next year take the challenge. They say it's not about the winning, it's about feeling the accomplishment of just trying, but frankly, I like the winning. ;)

Friday, December 9, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Check out this fun and unique hand crafted sterling silver ring from Riorita on Etsy. This ring has a pomegranate design that you will not find elsewhere. Do you know what pomegranates remind me of? The myth of Hades and Persephone. If you don't know the one I mean, Google it!

I think I'll try to keep with the mythology theme, and while this isn't exact, it's pretty close! What does thread mean to you? This soap by Sandy Vern on Etsy has knitting needles and yarn, which may remind you of Grandma, but three other older ladies who played with string were the Fates.


Here's a pretty hair piece by Ms. Formaldehyde on Etsy. She has a variety of hair accessories, but this one reminds me of a tropical island, which reminds me of the ocean, which of course reminds me of Poseidon, God of the Sea.

I'm also supposed to feature Redemption Art on Etsy, but she's at an open studio sale today, so her shop is temporarily in Vacation mode! I'm so sorry I missed you, Connie! Please visit Connie's shop tomorrow when she'll be open again. I've featured items from Redemption Art in the past, and have found her to have a wonderful variety of Vintage, Hand-made, and Upcycled items.

Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Alcatraz Views

Do you know anyone interested in The Rock? Here is the perfect book! Released just last week, Alcatraz Views is a photographic collection of what was formally the prison for people who had escaped everywhere else and is now a tourist attraction.


Aaron Hockley of Vancouver, Washington, is the mastermind and photographer behind this 40 page montage of different sites around both the prison and island. You can buy the book HERE as a soft cover coffee table book or as an ebook for your Apple accessory (iPad & iPhone).

If you click on the photo of the cover of the book, you can preview eight pages to see what kind of pictures are included. You'll see that each picture also has an explanation, giving you information about the history of this iconic island.

Aaron also photographs events, professional headshots, and for companies. His website is http://www.hockleyphoto.com/.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Here is something brand new and bright from Chicky D's on Etsy! This pillow is bright and fun and full of color and life. In addition to the hair bows I have long admired, there are lots of great pillows just looking for a chair to rest on.


In other things bright, The Orange Windmill on Etsy has handmade leather journals. I particularly like this burnt orange colored thin journal, for people like me who are trying to keep their purses a little on the lighter side.

This cute wine tote from GMa Ellen Crochet Gifts won't fit in a purse, but it's ready to make any picnic a little bit more grown up.


Finally, I could not get by without showing of the beautiful chain bib necklace from Jewelry by Jaynemarie on Etsy. Just think of the necklines you could wear to show of the sparkle here!

Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Here's a brand new shop to Etsy! Creativity Bugs is hardly three months old, but already going strong. Look at this neat 2x2 base for a picture holder! The top part that holds the picture is a wire spiral.
Keeping it pink, here's something lovely and pink from Stitch Princess! While this apron is too cute and too handy for all the cooking you might be doing soon, Stitch Princess also makes a lot of beautiful custom dresses, both formal and casual.
This wreath from Angels N Everlastings reminds me of a relaxing beach cottage. I think the pink is soothing, and the seashells are just enough and not too much. This shop also has a lot of other neat wall hangings, and I noticed a beautiful angel Christmas tree topper!
I know I've posted something from Empty On The Inside before, but I just have to share this nostalgic card, just waiting for your own message. I call the shoes Keds, some go with Converse, and some with Chuck Taylors, but however you want to say it, I just want to say once upon a time, I had pink shoes just like these.

Friday, November 11, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Oh, wow! Check out this beautiful bangle from Riorita on Etsy! I absolutely love the simplicity of the design, and yet there are so many dimensions that it isn't just the same old thing.
Keeping with Simple in Silver look, check out this lovely Tree of Life necklace by Blue White Wear on Etsy.
Coming to us from CK Silver is the beautiful pair of hand hammered earrings. I think the touch of carnelian dangle just sets the tone. Have I mentioned how much I love carnelian?
Okay, I know this last one isn't silver, but gold is pretty close, right? The versatility of this lovely gold scarf by Joy Flower on Etsy is amazing, and doesn't it just look luxurious?
Remember to consider joining the for a great group devoted to giving each other a shout out through blogging!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Green is the way to go

Mint is a lovely color, and I just love this mint green choker by Poison Garden on Etsy. It's a little bit Gothic and a little bit steampunk, perfect as a gift for someone who needs a bit of dress up.




In other things green, check out these pretty seaweed earrings by KC Dragonfly. I think the dangle here will make a great shimmy/shake on the wearer! And while the earrings have been given the name "seaweed," I can't help but remember there's another holiday coming up which uses a lot of green!




Finally, I can't help but love this little green knit newsboy hat by Knitful Dezigns. How cute will it look on any child or baby you know? I also love that it is unisex, so it can be easily traded around!



Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Monday, October 24, 2011

BESTeam Feature

Here is a little known fact about me: I like elephants! I never realized I did until I somehow acquired a few figurines, a large picture, and a small rug the size of a door mat. Okay, the rug is technically not mine, but I kind of like to think of it that way. Anyway, how did this happen? It's hard to say. I'm not saying I want to become a major collector, but I do think these super sweet mini 1 inch figurines (sold by Redemption Art) are adorable, and I wouldn't mind seeing them in my stocking, hint, hint!


Other things that are pretty neat? Having nothing to do with elephants and everything to do with being absolutely awesome, check out this intricate red necklace by Las Flores del Sur. There are even matching earrings!


Moving along, how about some silver earrings with just a hint of turquoise, by Beader Bubbe. Reminiscent of the Southwest, they'd look great on anyone from anywhere.


Are you enjoying reading my features? Would you like to write some of your own, and be included in similar stories? Consider joining the BESTeam on Etsy!

Sunday, October 23, 2011

BESTeam Mixed Feature!

I am feeling the Fall Spirit! I have been indulging in some fall foods, from hot spiced Chai tea, of which I have never had before and may now be in love with, to McDonald's new pumpkin pie dessert, which was better than expected. Etsy is also getting Autumn oriented!

From Mossy Creek Soap is this delightful sounding Pumpkin Spice Soap:


This pretty Carnelian Necklace by Jaynemarie follows the color scheme of fall perfectly! I love anything in these earthy colors, and the extra sparkle bits are just great.

This gorgeous Scarf from Our Home to Yours combines some of my favorite colors, rust orange and brown. :) Doesn't the ripple effect look great?


Finally, this neat Mini Journal by The Orange Windmill would fit perfectly in your purse, with colors reminiscent of Halloween. I don't know about you, but if I don't write it down, I don't remember it, and if I don't have paper handy, I don't write it down!


Check out these great shops for lots of other yummy smelling, pretty items, great for yourself or as gifts during the upcoming holiday season. Heck, why wait for a reason? Gifts should be spontaneous and thoughtful, and anything here should meet its mark.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Time Management

I just wanted to have a quick post so you'd know I haven't completely left the building! I have a lot going on right now, and I am currently working on a plan for time management. Last year as soon as September hit, I sort of dropped off the radar until May, and I am trying very hard for that not to happen again this year, although clearly I've gone back to a few of my bad habits!

I am trying to figure out a regular schedule where I can post here twice a week: one feature as I've been doing lately and the other about the arts and crafts that I'm up to. I hope that the days I post here, I will also post something new to Facebook.

I'm going to write down a schedule I think I can stick to, and we'll see how it goes for a while. I think the visual reminder to make this a priority will help. As with many of you, I imagine, I sometimes have trouble balancing all the different aspects of my life, from my family and house care to my full time day job to trying to make Absolutely Kismet a better business.

Happy blogging!

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Ms. Formaldehyde Feature

Today's feature is on Ms. Formaldehyde on Etsy, created by Kelly. This shop comes to us from San Diego, CA. As the shop name suggests, Kelly creates a lot of things with skulls and spiders, with a focus on earrings and hair accessories. She also has a lot of flowers and feathers to balance what may be a somewhat macabre look. These 3 inch matching orange hair clips are perfect for those looking to get a head start on October revelries.

I realize this white flower is neither skull nor spider inspired, but Kelly also specializes in classic wedding hair accessories. I'm a sucker for any pretty clippie for my hair! Just send her an email, and Kelly will be happy to customize accessories for wedding parties or any other special event needing a little extra panache.

Saturday, September 24, 2011

A Different Kind of Feature

Instead of writing one post on one shop, I'd like to share a little bit about several.

First up is Chicky D's on Etsy. It was created by Danielle, and she makes the most adorable hair bows! I absolutely love hair accessories, and when I don't have to dress up for work and look professional, I am not above wearing bows in my hair. Check out one of my favorites at Chicky D's. These pretty, mini, green bows have the cutest lady bugs on them :) There are literally three pages of different hair bows at Chicky D's, so be sure to check them out.


Next on my list is Empty on the Inside, also at Etsy. Find her on Facebook and in the world of blogging. Empty on the Inside is run by Annie, and she creates fun cards on the outside so you can say what you want to on the inside. As I was looking through Annie's cards, this one caught my eye. It's pink and green camo on the outside. The town I live in has recently had our National Guardsmen deploy for at least a year, and I think it's so important to give and receive mail from loved ones. While email is great, it's hard to carry in your pocket to take out and reread whenever there's a spare moment.

Last, but not least, of course, is GMaellen, run by Ellen on Etsy. Her shop is filled with crocheted treasures, many of which I aspire to create some day. Until that day (many years in the future), I will content myself with buying other people's handcrafted treasures, like this lovely rag rug. It measure approximately 3x3 feet. I think the colors just blend together perfectly to work in a variety of rooms.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about these new shops as much I have enjoyed writing about them!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Ancient Oils on Etsy Feature

Ancient Oils on Etsy is a cute little aromatherapy shop run by Lilly! I love that she has a degree in metaphysics and various certifications in holistic energy healing, giving her blends specific healing properties. Several of her creations were created out of personal need, such as the peppermint blend roll on to relieve sinus pressure.

This custom blend massage oil also has a soothing peppermint and wintergreen scent in addition to essentials oils to specifically target aches and pains.


Keeping with the peppermint theme, here is a neat peppermint foot scrub! It has a luffa inside, making it ready to go whenever you get home.


Finally, here is an opportunity to create your very own custom scent! I think this is a great way to mix several of your favorite scents to create a signature perfume.


Maybe you couldn't tell I was in a peppermint mood when I wrote this, but check out Lilly's shop to discover her many other aromas!

Find Lilly Here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/ancientoils
http://LivingVibrations.blogspot.com

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Sandy's Soaps and Things Feature

This feature looks at Sandy's Soaps and Things on Etsy! Sandy's shop focuses on bath things (cold process soap, molded soap, bath bombs and more), but she also has jewelry, knit things, and knitting markers. She lives in Stamford, Connecticut, United States, where she is surrounded by a medley of animals.

I absolutely love the smell of vanilla in all its manifestations, and that goes for vanilla soap! Here is some made with goat's milk and cocoa butter that will leave you both moisturized and smelling good all day :)


I know summer is coming to an end, but these yummy-looking orange creamsicle pop soaps are making me think of Halloween! How perfect would they be to put in a specially made Halloween bag for the grandkids? Just warn the kids not to actually eat them! ;)


Now that the kids have their own gift, how about one for yourself? These light pink bath bombs smell like pink sugar, and while I'm not entirely sure what scent that is, they sound so delicious I'm tempted to find out!


With summer beginning to fade, I know I have about six months of cold, dry South Dakota winter coming my way. Anything to keep my skin moisturized is a plus, and, hey, taking a nice long bath after a full day of work (where I leave and come home in the dark) is something to look forward to any time of the year. :)

Find Sandy here:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sandyvern
http://theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com

Monday, September 5, 2011

Elizabeth MD Jewelry Feature

Good morning! Today's feature is on Elizabeth MD Jewelry on Etsy! Elizabeth comes to us from Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. She is a girl with lots of eclectic interests, from Kawaii to Lolita and a whole lot more. Elizabeth is particularly interested in history dealing with the Gothic and medieval eras, although it's hard for her to say no to anything rockabilly! You'll also see a strong influence stemming from her love of nature and animals. Here are a few things from her shop - be sure to check it out today, as many things are on sale!

This fun red ring is right up the alley of anyone looking for something attention grabbing!



This neat hammered metal flower pendant would go with whatever you're wearing! It would be great to dress up an outfit or wear casually with a pair of jeans. Don't forget the matching earrings!


Finally, here are some eye-catching Swarovski earrings! I just love how the chain flows down. I can picture them being worn and swaying as you walk.


Ways to connect with Elizabeth MD Jewelry:

http://elizabethmdesigns.blogspot.com/
www.twitter.com/ElizabethMD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/elizabeth_m_designs/

Monday, August 22, 2011

Our Home to Yours Feature

This week's feature is a shout out to the Mother/Daughter team at Our Home to Yours on Etsy! They live in Stony Point, North Carolina and both use art and crafting as a way to relax and unwind from their sometimes hectic days. Debbi (mom) and Amanda (daughter) have independent lives (Debbi loves staying home and raising her own children, foster children and a newly adopted child while Amanda has her hands full with a full time job and a toddler!), but they stay connected through the creations they offer at Our Home to Yours.

Check out this bright necklace! It still feels like summer where I live, and the colorful piece would go great at any outdoor event. I'm not sure if it's the flowers or the fun colors, but I feel like going to a luau every time I look at this picture :)


I also absolutely love this memory wire bracelet. It's described as having bohemian style, and I think that's just about right! The colors feel earthy and could be worn with anything from a pair of jeans and white t-shirt to a long skirt ready to go dancing.

And finally, this hat is just too cute! While I may still be living the summer dream, parts of the world are getting ready for autumn or coming out of winter. Wouldn't this make a great way to change seasons in style?


I hope you take this opportunity to discover the other great jewelry and accessories that Debbi and Amanda have in their shop!

Find them here:
http://www.ourhometoyours.etsy.com
http://www.ourhometoyourscrafts.blogspot.com

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna

Hey, everyone! Here's another fun feature for you: Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna on Etsy! Bits 'n Beads is a partnership shop with the more vocal Leal at the helm. Leal (a 23-yr-old college student) lives in Washington State and has partnered up with good friend Gilliauna (also of Washington State) to bring you quality handcrafted jewelry. I have to say, I'm a little partial to those WA people, of my home state!

I just love the colors on this pretty charm, which could be used on a cell phone, zipper, or wallet.


How about this neat necklace? Anything with a lock and key motif is popular right now! The accent beads on this piece just seem to give it that something extra special.


One of the most popular items in this shop is the wire wrapped earrings. The ear wires are hand shaped, and the teardrop briolettes hand wrapped. These go with anything and have a sparkle that can't be beat. Not to mention the fabulous color! I love anything amber! (Although they do come in many other colors.)


Don't forget, Bits 'n Beads strives to be environmentally conscientious by cleaning and reusing as many parts as they can from older vintage pieces.

There are lots of places you can find the owners of Bits 'n Beads:

Website - http://www.bitsnbeads.com
Facebook - http://facebook.com/BitsnBeadsbyGilliauna
Blog - http://www.colorfulartisanjewelry.com
Twitter - http://twitter.com/gilliauna
Flickr - http://flickr.com/photos/gilliauna
deviantArt - http://gilliauna.deviantart.com
Tumblr - http://gilliauna.tumblr.com
The Meandering Musings Blog - http://www.handmadeshoppingguide.com


Etsy Accounts associated with this Shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/gilliauna
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bitsnbeads
http://www.etsy.com/shop/twisttheleaf
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