Feelin' Fine about Fall! Inspired to create!

OK. Now I feel it. It's really here... The crisp fall air. The scent of winter just around the corner. The last bits of sun fight to peak through the clouds. It is Fall. I love it. I think it is the time of year when God breaks out his giant box of Crayolas (Deluxe box with 64 colors) and has a blast coloring leaves and skies. His creativity has once again inspired me to create too. Here's a few new pieces I just added to my shop. Happy Fall ya'll!

Introducing our new line of vintage inspired jewelry!!

Hello, Well it has been too long since I have blogged (again I neglect you my poor ol' blog) but I have another good excuse... I have been busy working on a new line of jewelry for TreeBySea.com. Until now we have only carried fine silver jewelry. (http://www.treebysea.etsy.com/).

Just yesterday I launched a second store featuring soldered glass slide pendants, collaged ephemera pendants, and romantic victorian jewelry with swarovski crystals and antique metal.

Please visit the new store on Etsy!! http://www.treebysea2.etsy.com/. Thanks for visiting! Wish me luck!

TreeBySea.com - It's Alive!!

Just a quick note. Yea! It's a done deal... I know have a .com as well as my etsy store representing the silver jewelry that I have been making using art clay and my beloved kiln. Please pop in when you get a chance - www.treebysea.com. It's a pretty short and sweet site with just one page, but that's all I need for now I think.

Check back soon for more crafty how to blogs.

Buy Handmade from Etsy - What's an "Etsy"?

In case you did not know it, there is a revolution going on. The movement to buy handmade is growing. People are sick of the mass produced low quality items they see in stores. Thousands are literally making a public commitment to buy handmade. There are many blogs and sites devoted to promoting this trend and I think it is great. Viva la revolucion!

In fact, a new buzz word has been coined as a result of the movement - "Craftivism".

The reasons people give for buying handmade from indie artisans are many, but here's a few that I have seen:

• Better for the environment - No factories, etc.
• Does not promote bad labor practices/slave labor
• Can get better quality items
• Like one-of-kind, unique things
• Keeps crafting and hand work from becomeing a dying art
• Promotes "Made in America"/country pride
• Supports a new generation of crafters
• Better value - Get more for your money
• Promotes the "little guy"
• Crafts are a true reflection of a culture throughout history

Etsy ("Pronounced ett-see") is definately on the forefront of the movement. "What's an 'Etsy'?" you ask. Well, Etsy is a wonderful online community/store/street fair/swap meet/meet & greet where crafty and artistic people from around the world sell their handmand items to people who truly recognize & appreciate the work of an atisan when they see it. A huge number of people sell via etsy including me - My store.

Here's a video talking about how it started. This is now a really big deal. They pretty much set the bar for buying and selling handmade on line. Recently, the founder was featured on Martha Stewart show and I have seen Etsy mentioned in many, many magazines.

Here are some other members of the handmade consortuim:

Craftster.org
indiepublic.com
Craft:

Please buy handmade! Thanks!