the Upcycled Lime Green Floral Fabric Bangle from theApple both made the cut!

There are lots of other great items in the voter this week but I would love if you voted for one of my shops! This is really important exposure for my shops because: "The winner, along with some of the top picks, will be featured in the Members' Choice Gift Guide."

Thanks for your support and time!

To VOTE: Click HERE

I bought these really amazing turquoise cylinder beads that I’ve been having lots of fun playing with.  My most recent combination has been to mix them with some fun copper beads I have.  I am officially in love! 

Tick Tock Turquoise EarringsCopper and Turquoise Cluster Earrings Long Stacked Totem Earrings

Short Stacked Totem Earrings

I would love to hear what you think of the newest additions to theApple!

   I think it would be an understatement to say that it’s been a good week for treasuries and my etsy stores.  In both senses of me catching them, the ones I make being ‘hot’ and being featured in them.  So…hold onto your belts…I have a lot of treasuries to show off to you today! ‘Blue and Green’ was curated by Lori411.   I would definitely recommend checking out her shop…she has some gorgeous prints!  She featured my Blue Hawaii wristlet.  Cyndesplace put together this fun treasury called ‘Coffee and Quilts.’  She used my sister-in-law’s True Lover’s Knot for one of her quilts.    It was a first time feature for me in the stunning treasury ‘Color Burst’ by mymothersgarden.  My Tie Dyed Bucket Hat – Adult was featured…isn’t my model gorgeous?!  (Thanks Kels!) OOooh… another beautiful treasury.  ‘Eat customr – Fast Payment pleas’ was put together by ficklefaerie.  The title was supposed to say something like, “I was eating mint oreo’s” when this popped up…too funny!  My Hand Dyed Zebra Napkin Wristlet was featured. ‘HARVEST TIME,’ created by niftyknits featured my Apple Orchard Saddlebag purse.  This is one of my most recent creations. Barefootweaver featured my Cone Flower Candy Drop ring in this ‘Just for Fun’ treasury.  ‘Kudos to you’ was created by UniquelyNancy and one of her features is my Disappearing Dog Star Quilt.   ‘LoVe’ was created by GEOmetricSTYLE and featured Glass Heart Earrings from theApple.   AdornMeJewelry featured my Tie Dyed Bucket Hat – Adult in this ‘No Rhyme or Reason’ Treasury.   I’m in love with this fabulous bright and orange treasury ‘POW BOOM KAPOW’ created by CrazyDaisiesDesigns and using my ‘Swirling Oranges Wristlet.’  SuzyQQuilts, a fellow Quiltsy Team Member featured my Bird on a Wire Earrings in her girlish treasury ‘Pretty in Pink’.  QTandMore by sojournquilts featured Spring Flowers Quilt – Retro.   Sojo did an amazing blog feature on me a few months blog…if you missed it, here’s the link:  http://whatshoesiwear.blogspot.com/2009/05/interview-with-kim-kims-crafty-apple.htmlAnother treasury by SuzyQQuilts features my  Springtime Wonder Quilt (this is one of my absolute favorites) in 'Quilts Galore’.   pjlacasse created this stunning treasury called ‘Shades of….’ and featured my Spring Flowers Quilt – Retro. 

I’m thinking of starting up a treasury series called ‘them apples’ for the one’s I create from Kim’s Crafty Apple.  Ecspecially since apple season is rapidly approaching (14 days…and counting) and if I snag a treasury it will be complete luck.  This is my first treasury called ‘them Apples’ and it features the Amber Ruby Crystal Earrings from theApple.

I put this treasury together and called it ‘Umbrella’…I know…big surprise :)

‘An Unexpected Combo’ was another treasury I put together this week and it featured a Candy Drop and Marcasite Ring.

This is the last treasury I will show case today.  It features my Springtime Wonder Quilt.  ‘Random Beauty’ made it to the number 1 place of hottness really quickly and stayed there until it expired.  I was very proud…this is the first time I’ve ever had a treasury do that.  Thank you everyone who supported…clicked and commented…on this treasury to keep it in the number one spot.  See you all next week for another edition of ‘Treasury Saturday’. 

I fell in love with michelemaule’s ‘Someday Soon…5x7 Reproduction Print’ when I stumbled across it looking for things to fill a particular treasury. This is just one of many amazing images Michele has in her etsy shop. I had to see if she would do an interview for my blog and happily she agreed! I hope you all enjoy meeting her as much as I did!

Tell me a little bit about your background in arts and crafts.
I started making art as a young kid, and I always really enjoyed it.
It was my favorite subject in school. as I got older, it remained one of my most favorite things. So, after a lot of debate, I went to college, and graduated with a degree in it!

When did you first start creating things?
I began creating things at a very young age. Probably kindergarten is my earliest memory of making things. I remember some of my first art projects, and I remember always getting a lot of praise for the things I made.

What were the first things you created? and how did your creativity progress from there?
as I got older some of the more serious things I started making were paintings. I started painting when I was about 18. I was doing a lot of what I am doing now. Lots of painting and collage. It was a lot darker than the work that I am doing now. I think I've really learned how to express my ideas better throughout the years.

Is this your only business or do you do other things as well?
This is it! This is my one and only job and I love it.

Do you still dream about making other things? If so, what?
I'm always dreaming of doing new things. I really want to do more screen printing, and perfecting that. I'd also love to learn how to knit, or sew, but there are only so many hours in the day!

How did you come up with your shop name?
It was pretty easy. I just used my name. I think using your own name when having an online business is great for visual artists.

What are your favorite shops on etsy? Why do you like them?
There are so many! I really don't think I could pick one, two, three, or four favorites. There are so many talented people on Etsy. It really amazes me. Some of the ones that i am thinking of right now are:
http://www.beantownhandmade.etsy.com

The Garcia Tie Dyed Dog T Shirt
She has a Boston Terrier, and so do I, and I just love her shop.

I also love
http://www.mireio.etsy.com

Miereio Spa and Travel Pillow – Magnolia Blossoms
She has such lovely items. I want to buy it all.

and I love
http://www.theseawithin.etsy.com

Hungry Like a Wolf - Purple
beautiful bags!

How did you hear about Etsy?
My friend Angie actually told me about Etsy. We were at a craft fair, and she told me that she thought my work would do really well there. She was right!

Any words of advice to others?
Just work as hard as you can, and try to keep a positive attitude.
It can be rough sometimes, especially when you're first starting out, but it's so important to try and be as positive as you can.

It’s raining today!  Don’t forget your umbrella! Eloise Jumps in A Puddle by Flapperdoodle

Black Boa Second Line Umbrella by lizmpetro

Couture by UntamedMenagerie

Umbrella British Brolly Graphic Print Alternative Apparel Girls Cap Sleeve Vintage Soft T-Shirt by happyfamily 

Umbrella – Umbrella – Umbrella – Japanese Cotton Fabric – Fat Quarter from Meur