Where Creativity Blossoms

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Vote for your FAVORITE EtsyBABY Spring Fling Challenge Item!

8:50 AM |

I recieved this email today and it solved my dilemma on what to write on my blog today!:

Good Morning EtsyBABY!!!

Today's the BIG DAY!!! It's time to cast your vote! The surprise is that now there will be 2 winners of the Spring Fling Challenge! We will vote as a team here in our forum: http://shopetsybaby.com/etsybabyforum/index.php?topic=696.0

AND now we can spread the word and have the PUBLIC participate in this event too! The winner of the PUBLIC Poll and our PRIVATE poll will each receive FREE EtsyBABY Ad Space!!!! Voting closes on both polls on March 30th!

... refer everyone to this link where they can vote! (only one vote per person, and please do not vote for yourself!, lol) http://shopetsybaby.com/SpringFling2009

I hope everyone had a great experience with our 1st team challenge! Good Luck!!!

Jen
EtsyBABY Team Leader
GoldtoneDesigns

Here is a list to all THIRTY-EIGHT Entries (in no particular order)!

This is my entry for the 2009 EtsyBABY Spring Fling Challenge. I had the brighter Spring Flowers Quilt entered at first, but then I somehow managed to find the time to make this. I just love the pastels and the contrast in colors. I have decided to make a series of Spring Flower's Quilts. This one is called 'Spring Flowers - Pastels'. Next on the list is 'Spring Flowers - Retro.'

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Monday, March 2, 2009

VickiDiane EXPOSED!

10:01 AM |

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Today I'm going to introduce you to a wonderful seller on etsy, VickiDianeDesigns. VickiDiane puts together these amazingly stunning and popular treasuries that 'exposes' the artists' of etsy. It's a wonderful opportunity to see the face behind the work...like going to an online craft fair! I have worked with her on a couple of different treasuries and she has been very supportive, laid back, and helpful all at the same time. I figured it was time to introduce this wonderful artist to the rest of you! I sent Vicki my standard questions and she sent me back a wonderful story of herself, her beginnings and her inspiration. I'm proud to be the one EXPOSING VickiDiane today!

My background is from an extremely artistic family. My father was a famous film director in partnership with Douglas Fairbanks Jr in the late 40's early 50's. I acted in a couple of his films when I was very young as he died when I was only 8 aged 42, and I later went on to drama school. He used to be very musical and paint and sculpture a lot. Mum was his nurse and was a brilliant pianist. This was in the UK. I was a professional singer and pianist for 20 years travelling all over the (hot) parts of the world: the Bahamas at 19, the States, Middle East. Then I met my husband 20 years ago and was semi *tamed* and took up portrait painting and jewelery making instead of gallavanting happily across the globe.

I am self taught and worked in the famous Camden Market in London... progressed onto large Trade Fairs and continued doing painting, but on marble, a medium I picked up and copied the

idea after a trip to Spain, (a very unique idea and concept), but too blimmen heavy to carry around doing shows with! I also spent 3 years selling in a shop in the Laines in Brighton, which was full of American tourists, and a GREAT learning time for me.

I don't do anything except sell my designs here in Southern Spain, (where I've been living now for nearly 12 years) and do the fashion shows in the area, making jewellery to match the models outfits, which I absolutely love. I sell to a few shops and basically sell through the internet as times are pretty tough all over and shops are opening and closing daily here.

I sometimes think I'd like to go back to playing the piano and singing the blues, but that was a while back...and I'm really quite shy you know :o ( REALLY Kim !! I still don't believe her...! )

I honestly have NO idea how I heard about Etsy... sometimes I wish I never had, (not really) because it nearly rules my life, and the time difference with my Etsy friendships is always 6, 7 or 8 hours difference...(Spain is ahead) so I never get to bed until at least 2 in the mornings .

I started the Artists of Etsy Exposed Treasurys about last Spring 2008 and am on number 54 or 55 and have only another 75,800 to go to cover everyone... except Etsy keeps expanding, (and so will I if I spend so many hours on the computer ). (I used to play tennis and go to the gym every day but Etsy is quietly pushing in.... SUCH a wonderful sado masochistic addiction I love to hate !!)

The EXPOSED Treasurys took off almost straight away and as soon as a Treasury is up and running now, the convos flood in for people asking to be featured. Many I never hear from again, but the people who ARE featured usually are so lovely and grateful, and I've had many back 2 or 3 times now, as the sales are usually in double figures and the viewing public has gone up to 3000 a few times now. If people stop looking, I shall wind down, but that I think is a long way off and I simply LOVE meeting the Teams and new artists, loads of which I've admired from afar. It's magic to know who I'm talking to, as I AM such a nosy bugger!!

The only advice I can offer to new fellow Etsyians is that Treasury making is SUCH fun and promoting is the only way to get yourself known....promote, join Teams, join in Forum threads and push your shop at every oppurtunity.... the odd showcase. Just don't give in !!

Looking through people's shops and Treasury's is something I truly love and I have a handful of artists that I am in awe of and am continually on the prowl for more. Beware !!!!!

I hope you enjoyed meeting VickiDiane, the woman behind the amazingly popular EXPOSED treasuries, as much as I did. I would strongly encourage you to take a few minutes and browse through her etsy shop...not only is her jewelry gorgeous and unique, but her pictures are great. Different backgrounds used in unique ways and even some models you wouldn't expect for a piece of jewelry (a cat!).

If you aren't sure what these 'EXPOSED' treasuries are that I'm referring to you could go and look in either the main treasury or treasury west and there is usually one right at the top of the list. Otherwise go to my Treasury Saturday blog articles to see some that I was featured in. I have been lucky enough to be 'exposed' quite a few times!

Thanks again for the interview Vicki! I hope to expose myself to you again one day!

Labels: interview |

7 comments

Fabulous Feedback

9:55 AM |

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Here is some feedback that I've recieved from my customers.

"Hi Kim--My husband and I were at the WIST trunk show last night and bought a few items from you for Christmas. Just wanted to say thanks for the great jewelry at fabulous prices. All of your things were absolutely awesome--it was so hard to pick what we wanted to get!Anyway--just a quick hi and thanks. Both Andrew & I were completely charmed by you & your jewelry last night. We'll be back for more in the New Year, no doubt about it! :)
Happy holidays--Erin."

"Wow that was fast! I received my wristlet today and it is soooooo cute! And well made too...thanks!" -ArtsyTwinCat

(Diane's Quilts)
About the Tree Silhoutte at Sunrise Wallhanging: "Half way out of the package my husband was commenting on the gorgeous colors in this quilt. And the tree is very spooky - perfect for Halloween. Thank you!"

and for the Evergreen Beauty Wall Hanging:
"The Sunrise Quilt was my husband's favorite of the two I purchased but I LOVE the Evergreen Beauty. Please thank Diane for both quilts and let her know they have a good home. Her work and color selections are appreciated." -Mooselodge

About a hand-dyed onesie: "Thanks so much, it is even lovelier than the picture shows! I am very impressed, amazing! :-)" -pawintheair

About Blue Magic Earrings: "Prettier than the photo! Super quick delivery! Thanks so much!" -ForQuiltsSake

About Rain Storm Hand Dyed Hoodie: "Great seller, easy to talk to, willing to answer questions. Thanks!" - MadamAtom

About Confetti Craziness Hand Dyed Fabric: "Great colours, can't wait to get sewing." - marj285 (from the United Kingdom!)

About a Candy Drop Ring: "I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my RING!! Very FUNKY & UNIQUE. Thank you so much!! " -writepaw

About the Goldstone Orbs Bracelet from theApple: "Beautiful bracelet and very comfortable to wear. Thank You!" -briscosgal

About HoopsandLoops -Hint of Teal Earrings: "Love them! Quick shipping...a pleasure to work with." -soccerchi92682

About River Rock Earrings: "Wear them almost every day, love them, excellent quality!!A+++seller" - pypersmeme

About Flower Garden Candy Drop Ring: "TheApple was very helpful through the whole process and I am in love with my new ring! Thankyou :)" - lalolii

About a Candy Drop Ring (custom): "Wonderful etsy artist! Goes the extra mile and then some. Thank you so much! A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++" - samsaroni

About the Tie Dyed Bucket Hat - child M/L: "Adorable and just right for spring! My daughter (age 4) LOVES the colors. Thanks so much!" - TwoBlueMice

About a Custom Order Hand-Dyeing: "Darling onesies dyed beautifully!" AND "Great hats, and beautifully dyed, thank so much!" - amycr

About Budweiser Earrings: "these are so fun. my daughter loves them especially... " mom, your earrings look just like dad's cans!" - JenSport

About Budweiser Earrings: "One of the coolest peices I've ever owned- thank you! And I LOVED your packaging and story! Rock on!" -kmutschig

About Watermelon Madness Tie-Dyed Onesie: "Awesome! My girls could not wait for him to sport his tie dye onesie!" -bellasymphony

About Snails and Butterflies Hand-Dyed Onesie: "Love it!! Thank you!!" -tktracy

About Grow Vertical-ACEO "Great ACEO!! Fast shipping! Good communication!! Thank you!!!" - nikid

About Sweet Cupcake Apron - Dark Purple: "So cute. Thanks!" - momerath

About Bird on a Wire Earrings "Love the earrings. Thanks" - fabulousfunkychicken

About Teal Rain Earrings "Cute and well made" - Esria

About Refreshing Floral Earrings and Black Bird Earrings "They are awesome! Beautifully packaged and look fantastic! Thank you very much." - allypops

About It's Berries - Earrings "Quick shipping, excellent communication. Went out of their way to send as a present. Thanks!!" -yyendyss

About Sewing Machine Charm Earrings "They are great! Thanks so much!" - DianesCorner

About It's Berries - Earrings "Gorgeous earrings. They are beautiful" - bb1228

About Budweiser Earrings "very unique and well-received by my Budweiser-afficionado friend" - Ridge Rascals

About Teal Rain Earrings - "Beautiful earrings! great seller" - madebylaurenb

About Shocking Green Marquise Candy Drop Earrings "love these earrings, would definitely shop again, thank you!" - madebylaurenb

Vintage Typewriter Alphabet Rings "this was my first etsy purchase and I hope they all go this great! excellent communication, the cutest packaging ever and an adorable item to boot. thanks!" -saradi09

the Apple Charm Earrings "Lovely apple earrings; prompt mailing. Thank you." - Mary848

About Watermelon Madness Tie-Dyed Onesie "Awesome! My girls could not wait for him to sport his tie dye onesie!" -bellaymphony

about Striped Flower Garden Wristlet "another beautiful item from a talented artist" - karolsvintageart

about Blossom Beautiful ACEO-OOAK "cute...thanks!" - adora

Pink and Purple Hand-Dyed Bubble Romper 18 mo "love love love this!! I will def be back for more clothes for my cutie...thanks!!!" -adora

Reflecting Waters Wall Hanging "I love everything about this...awesome :)" -adora

Sparkling Tulips in Bloom - Zippered Pouch "I think the pouch is really pretty. Love the fabric. Useful for work. thank you." -jnttsmn

Daisy Fields Pillowcase "Beautiful and unique pillow case. I am enjoying it." - jnttsmn

Deep Autumn Beauty Quilted Table Runner "I'm very happy with this runner. It's beautiful. Thank you!" -illini9701

Montana Star Quilt "This quilt is absolutely breathtaking. The quality is impeccable. The level of detail is just unbelievable. It is a piece of art draped across my bed and I will treasure it forever. I highly recommend Kim's Crafty Apple to anyone! You will not be disappointed!" -mslwcla

Labels: feedback, handmade, kimscraftyapple, theapple |

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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Work In Progress - My Woven Quilt

11:10 AM |

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I have chosen to enter my woven quilt into the virtual quilt festival because of a few reasons:

1) It took me four years to complete it
2) I love the color
3) It's a technique you don't see very often!

I hope you enjoy reading about this quilt! Since publishing this post, I did decide to remove the beading and I entered it into a quilt show. It was really fun seeing my work hanging up for everyone to view and people were amazed that it was really woven!

I also was a guest blogger for Quilting Gallery and I wrote: Woven Wonder - a Tutorial? if you are interested in reading more details as to how I completed this project.

I also hope you take some time (I think I've become obsessed with looking through the quilts) to see everyone else's work...there is some Amazing talent out there!

- update 4/19/09

I HATE matching my corners when piecing a quilt. I absolutely HATE it. So, one day I had this brilliant idea (or so I thought at the time)...I would WEAVE a quilt...that way, I didn't have to worry about my corners matching. I should add here that I had this brilliant idea in the beginning of 2005.

My first step was to dye really long pieces of fabric that I would have quilted together by Barb. I headed over to Diane's basement, cut long pieces of fabric and dyed away. I had a lot of fun!

Barb decided to host Easter at her house that year and she was kind enough to let me try out her long arm quilting machine. Now THAT was a lot of fun! I think I quilted two of my panels together for this quilt. Barb did the rest of them.

A year later, I finally pulled the quilted fabric out of the bag and cut strips out of them. I then bound each edge of the strips and started to weave. Once I had it together how I wanted it...trust me, it took quite awhile and a little help from my hubby to have it square...I loosely stitched each intersection together so it would keep it's shape while I was binding the outer edge.

Now that the whole quilt was bound and put together I cute out my loosely stitched intersections and realized that it just wasn't going to stay together. Every time I pulled it out of the bag I spent an hour re-laying it out smoothly...hmmmm...how could I fix this? I sent it back to Barb and she quilted at each intersection. Doing this helped to keep the quilt in the square shape but kept it's 'woven' quality.

I have started to embellish this quilt with beads several times. My latest plan was to embroider it with circles of beads...I'm now thinking I may not even do that. I might just take these beads off as well, and use it as a quilt.