Special Announcement...

We have a new member in our Etsy Team Columbus family. He is Ethan Reed Harris. Welcome to the world, baby boy! Congrats to Mama and Papa Harris as well. These photos were too adorable not to share. Enjoy.

Monday's Featured Item of the day from BabyGee's

Good morning everyone! Today we shine the spotlight on a core team member with her self-penned introduction...

I am Michelle T., a stay at home mom with 2 great kids. My little business, Baby Gee’s, is home-based and all sewn by me. I offer items for babies, such as blankets, burp cloths, bibs and hooded towels. I can embroider names and dates on items to make them even more special. I also have ventured into making bags and totes, which you can never have too many of I think. Stop by often for new handmade items. If you are looking for something handmade and cannot find it, let me know - maybe I can make it for you.

*The items pictured are the Green Sunburst bib and burpcloth. They are appropriate for a girl or a boy and are generously sized. Note the tie closure which prevents your little one from pulling it off easily. Both are machine washable.

To get to know Michelle and her creations better, please visit any of the links listed below. Thanks!

http://babygees.etsy.com/

http://babygees.com/

http://babygees.blogspot.com/

TGIF Item of the Day by Luxury

Team leader Michelle is about to become a first time Mommy any day now. However that doesn't mean her two etsy shops are lacking for merchandise!

Many jewelry designers will tell you they tend to hoard their favorite beads. When those same people see all the gorgeous gems Michelle has to offer...they get that itch...that craving...that desire to HAVE THOSE BEADS! hahahaha Once you look over her fabulous selection you'll understand why.

Pictured above are branches of angel skin coral. These delicate top drilled beads have just a kiss of subtle pink and peach color. This is among the most coveted of coral varieties just begging to adorn the curve of a woman's neck and clavicle.

For you fans of steampunk style and recycled vintage pieces (skeleton watches in particular)...be sure to check out Jewels of Luxury too!

Links to both of Michelle's etsy storefronts are provided for you below. Have a great weekend and enjoy!

http://luxury.etsy.com/

http://jewelsofluxury.etsy.com/

Thursday's Featured item of the day by Crazy Craftn Ladies

Team member Audra has TWO Etsy shops where her fun-spirited creations may be found. We're excited to share the links with you below. Also, we think her self-written profile is a perfect introduction to our readers and have reprinted it below. Enjoy!

Crazy Craft'n Ladies was born out of the love of crafting and wanting to start my own family business. I learned to crochet when I was 5 years old. I took about a ten year break as I grew up and went off to college and by "accident" got back into crafting again. Ever since I have fallen in love with expressing myself creatively and have taken on more types of crafting: knitting, quilting, jewelry making, papercrafting (scrapbooking, rubberstamping and card making).

I like to make things that I would like, something that I would buy from someone else, if I couldn't make it myself. The items featured in this Shoppe will be made by me and my Mom, Sandi. Every once in awhile we may feature an item that was made by a friend or another family member. We will always let you know!

Crazycraftnladies was opened as an etsy buyer in 2006 and opened as an etsy seller and shop in 2008.

Keep an eye out for LanieBugJewelry. Our full jewelry line will be featured on LanieBugJewelry in the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

http://crazycraftnladies.etsy.com/

http://laniebugjewelry.etsy.com/

Audra's blog:

http://www.crazycraftnladies.blogspot.com/

Aressa's How-To Video

Wednesday Item of the day from Daisy Mae designs

In today's featured shop you will find glass pendants, magnets, push pins and more. Browsing through Daisy Mae Designs' shop is a fun experience with lots of colorful and unique patterns. Team member Kristy is a Chicago transplant, now living in Columbus and about to enter parenthood! Her shop name honors her sweet, lazy pet beagle. When you get a chance to visit her online store, be sure to read over her profile to see the many places her creations have been featured (it's an impressive list). Here are several links to help you get better acquainted with this fab artist.

http://ksickles.etsy.com/

Her photography:

http://www.dreamstime.com/ksickles_info

http://www.istockphoto.com/user_view.php?id=2384369

Her supply shop:

http://daisymaesupplies.etsy.com/

Etsy's How-Tuesday (a few hours late!)

Tuesday's item of the day from Tsuru Bride

Okay gang...this might be confusing...yesterday's featured seller did a profile for her blog on today's featured seller a few days ago. We think they are both AWESOME, so are reprinting the sassy interview here today. Be sure to go look at all of the popular creations Meg of Tsurubride has designed and listed for sale in her etsy shop (clutches, business card holders, change purses, and Ipod sleeves like no others you've ever seen before). A link to her blog is also posted. TRES Talented....

Who are you and why should we care?
I am TsuruBride and I make adorable, metallic leather accessories. You should totally care, since if you're ever feeling down my products always make people smile, and who doesn't like smiling? Except for mean, bitter people, but they're horrible at accessorizing anyway. Oh, maybe that's why they're bitter....

How do you plan to take over the world with your creations?
My evil plan consists of an abundance of cuteness. With each creation I melt more and more hearts, until eventually, all that left is warm, mushy feelings, and I swoop in for the kill! Victory will be mine!

If you had to be on one reality TV show, which one would it be and why?
Has to be Project Runway! I'm obsessed with that show as it is, and with my background in fashion design it just makes sense. Plus it's one of the least embarrassing reality shows, and I'd like to hold onto my dignity as long as I can.

Describe one of your prized possessions.
Warning: I'm about to get all sentimental here....
I was trying to pick something like my grandmother's cameo or knick knacks I've collected from my travels, perhaps my sewing machine. But then I thought about what if the house burned down, what would I try and take with me, and the answer was easy - my husband. Now part of this is that my husband has started over in life many times and doesn't have a lot sentimental attachment to objects, and this has definitely rubbed off on me. As well, if I had to start over in life, I feel like as long as my husband was along for the ride, I'd be OK. And I think he'd be OK with the label of "possession", as long as I was his possession as well.

Taking the characteristics of different animals, describe your ideal hybrid pet. What would you name it?
I'd take the short stubby legs of a dachshund, my cat's ears and her purring, an elephants trunk, and some whale's fins. Oooooo.. I would totally mix in some robot action as well. I would name him Fluffy. I like the idea of having a really generic name for an oddball. This, by the way, is going to be in my new line of purses. LOL!

Answer the following statements, for each category, in such a way that it expresses the diversity of your tastes:

a. Music: I like The Decemberists, but I also like Bettye Swann.
b. Movies: I like The Philadelphia Story, but I also like Ironman.
c. Food: I like chocolate, but I also like sushi.

When you close your eyes, do you dream about Night Ranger?
No, but I do dream of Knight Rider.... mmmmm..... oh KITT, you sexy beast of a car.....

http://tsurubride.etsy.com/

http://www.tsurubride.com/

Monday's Featured Item of the day from Out of the Pink Sky

Wow! Here's a true conversation starting accessory we just had to share with our readers! Team member Jill runs Out of the Pink Sky on etsy. These earrings are, in fact, a reproduction of the MRI of her head. Clever aren't they? Jill's shop is full of lots of interesting and wonderful earrings, pendants and more.

Originally raised in Louisville, KY, Jill and her husband now call Columbus, OH their home. They have a pug named Xander. She loves reading, gaming, and, of course, crafting. She has a bachelors and masters in medical sociology and works in brain cancer research. However she says she's not truly happy unless she's doing something creative.

We hope you'll stop by her shop to browse her unique wares....OH! And her blog is fun reading too. Links to both are supplied for your convenience. Have a great week everyone!

http://outofthepinksky.etsy.com/

http://www.cellardoor.blogs.com/

ETC Etsy Treasury

An Etsy Team Columbus Treasury put together by Mary Moon Designs
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=47532

Take a peek

Take a peek at the new blog background for Etsy Team Columbus- and use the new Subscribe links to get ETC posts in your blog reader or email.

TGIF Item of the Day by ARTEEST

In team member Kathryn's shop you will find all original and affordable acrylic and oil paintings. She has been drawing and painting on and off for about 21 years. Custom requests are always welcome, as are changes to size and color scheme.

The painting you see here is one of many in her trees series. (We own one of her originals and our goal is to procure several) This particular one is called "Essence." Doesn't it bring to mind a fleeting sunset? You know...that one delicate, ultra rare moment when the light is perfect, and the shade so vivid it takes your breath away?

In addition to her etsy shop, Kathryn's work may also be found online at Boundless Gallery. Links are provided below. Stop by on your next coffee break for a virtual vacation. Have a great weekend everyone!

http://arteest.etsy.com

http://www.arteest.boundlessgallery.com

Thursday's Featured item of the day by Maram

Another member of our team trying to be as eco-friendly as possible is Mara. Her etsy shop is called Maram. There you will find one of a kind pins, purses, zippy bags, hair accessories and pocket mirrors. Much of the material she uses is recycled from old neckties, sheets and sweaters. She is always striving to improve her skills and produce high quality, unique, affordable items.

Check out this felted wool zippy bag. We love the bold colors! It measures 9.5 inches wide by 7 inches deep. The flower and button details are all hand sewn. Once again, this was fashioned from what was a sweater in a "former life." Knowing you're keeping one more item from going into a landfill somehow makes shopping slightly more guilt-free, doesn't it?

Please take a moment to stop in to browse the eclectic selection of items to be found in Mara's shop using the following link:

http://maram.etsy.com/

Have a great day!

Monthly Team Challenge Kick-off

Our diverse team of artists are proud to announce a new monthly activity we're going to try out. The fun part is that it's INTERACTIVE. We want YOU, our readers, to vote on submissions for each month's creative challenge and help us select a winner. Basically we will announce a theme and team members will have until the 10th of the month to submit their item for consideration. These will then be posted to our blog page. Voting will be open for one week. The party with a majority of votes will be proclaimed winner. The victor receives: bragging rights, gets to pick the next month's theme AND a nice little write up here on our blog with information on them and their business.

We will also be encouraging our team members and readers to spread the word about our challenges. Post a link from your personal blog to ours! There will be no restrictions on the mediums our creative minds may use. Won't it be interesting to see what they come up with when we give them a nudge and free reign?

April and May's themes have been chosen in advance. They are (officially): April will be PUNK ROCK inspired and May is LOVE YOUR MOTHER - EARTH in honor of our planned Eco-chic Craftacular (5/16 & 17). Possible future themes include: Freaks & Geeks, Buckeye Fever, Jamaican me crazy, Bohemian Rhapsody, Hollywood Squares, and Miami Spice.

Remember you are welcome to post your remarks by clicking the link provided under each blog submission. We all love reading your comments and thoughts.

Wednesday Item of the day from Sew Darn Simple

Greetings friends! Today we'd like you to meet team member Susan of Sew Darn Simple. She has been sewing since she was a young girl. In addition to sewing, Susan crochets and cross-stitches, and does some home interior design, too.

Her shop contains purses, wallets, checkbook covers, cell phone cases, tissue covers, cosmetic bags and eyeglass cases like the one you see here. It is lined and has a lightweight padding with velcro closure. She has many other fabrics in stock and custom orders are welcome.

Stop by her shop to see all of her cute and practical accessories. An eyeglass case is the perfect item to pick up for your sunglasses now that the weather is getting nicer! Namaste.

http://sewdarnsimple.etsy.com/

AND

http://www.sewdarnsimple.com/

Etsy's How-Tuesday

http://www.etsy.com/storque/article/3546 for more details...

Do you know those various piles of artwork and photographs that you wish you had frames for? Or those various things you've collected that are tacked to your wall that kind of make your bedroom or living room wall look like a tattered scrapbook? Why not spice up your home decor with an embellished mat in a frame or a custom fabric frame from scratch? This week Kayte Terry of this is love forever shows us what to do!

Tuesday's item of the day from Mels Clay

Newer team member, Melanie, is an accountant by day and a polymer clay artist by night. She enjoys creating her own beads and mixing them with other materials to design unique jewelry. Her shop also includes polymer clay covered pens, recycled tins and pendants. We have personally watched the painstaking time and attention which goes into each part of her process. She textures her clay, mixes her own colors , builds her canes, reduces them and then begins slicing and arranging according to what she is working on at the moment. Even then she is still not done....baking follows as well as tedious sanding and then varnishing. It requires patience and seems to be a true labor of love!

Check out this pink chrysanthemum pattern on the tin pictured above. Doesn't it look delicate and ladylike? In truth it's actually pretty durable. The tin may be used to hold money, change, gum, candy, mints, emergency sewing kits, and any number of random trinkets. To view this unique handcrafted piece and more, please click the link below which will bring you to Mel's etsy shop. Enjoy!

http://melsclay.etsy.com/

Videos from Molly

Hi, my name is Molly and I'm a member of Etsy Team Columbus and owner of MollyStuff! I am going to share videos with you from Etsy on a weekly basis!

Here's an example of a video from Etsy. Tomorrow, I will share another Etsy "How-Tuesday" video!

Monday's Featured Item of the day from Spacedog Studios

Good morning all! Hope everyone had a nice weekend :-)

This morning I was inspired to search etsy's tags and descriptions with the 'etsy team columbus' term. This is a great way to browse a wide selection of items created by individual artists on our team without going from shop to shop (and hence, typing in each shop name).

One of the most creative people on our team is Sarah of Spacedog Studios. Why do I say this? Well, first of all, she is doing her part to bring back the art of hand-binding books and journals. She uses interesting patterns, colors, materials, papers, etc. In this more eco-aware age, she is recycling paper and fabric scraps, as well as selling vintage goods. Her wares include scrap packs, sketch books, bookmarks, flash card packs (as seen here), artwork and more. The clever results of her labors have plenty of personality and are sure to inspire you. Seriously, I'm wondering if there's anything she CAN'T do? Did I mention her day job involves floral design for a popular craft store chain? What an enviable CREATIVE life!

We could ramble on all day about this team member and her unique designs, but the best way for you to get to know them is to go and LOOK! Links are provided for both of her etsy stores. Feel free to return here and comment on your favorite items!

http://spacedogstudios.etsy.com/

http://junkdog.etsy.com/

Friday's Featured Item of the day

Lynda of Armando Javier Design is a self-confessed textile and leather addict. Add denim, chenille, and silk to that list as well. Her weekends are spent tooling leather and designing new bags and coats. It's no wonder her bags are to-die-for with all that passion behind them!

Check out the stitching and hardware on this "WAVE" clutch! I mean, yow! FIERCENESS, right? To refresh our knowledge of Lynda's handiwork, we perused her shop and wares just now and were left...how shall we say this? COVETING. Her distressing, patterns, carvings and stampings on those leather beauties is nothing short of divine. You must check them out for yourself!

If you happened to pick up the March issue of Ebony magazine you'd have found our illustrious team member's OBAMA bag mentioned on page 50. Her popularity is building on that momentum, so she is now signing and numbering her designs.

We especially loved her cute anecdotes for her "Angie" cross-body bags! Here is a link to bring you right to her doorstep. Enjoy!

http://armandojavierdesign.etsy.com/

Thursday's Featured item of the day

Shirley, of Maidenhand felted fibers creates original wearable art using various felting techniques with wool, silk, bamboo and other exotic fibers. Great care and attention are paid to detail in her line, which also includes corsage pins and "pod-shaped" bowls/vessels. Her chiffon and wool combinations are a journey for the senses in their unexpected contrast of textures.

This particular "lattice" scarf is hand crafted of 100% fine merino wool. The vibrant teals, magentas and greens are sure to thrill you. It measures 64 by 8 luxurious inches to drape softly around your form.

Shirley is a native of Scotland who now resides in the Brewery district of Columbus. She constantly delights her fellow etsy team members with her lovely accent and breathtaking designs. Her home studio is smoke-free. Take a moment out of your busy day to relax and marvel at her beautiful creations with the link provided below.

http://maidenhand.etsy.com/

Wednesday Item of the day from Aressa

Today we have pretty glassware painted freehand from our team member Amy as our featured item. She also paints glass tile pendants, wood bracelets, rings, wedding accessories, home decor and keepsakes. If you live in the Columbus area, keep a look out for one of the many painting classes she occasionally offers or contact her through her website for more information. Almost any material is fair game for Amy's talented hand: walls, canvas, metal, ceramic, fabric and more! We are going to share a bevy of her links with you in this post so be sure to visit them and admire her varied artwork. Enjoy!

http://aressa.etsy.com/

http://aamilou.etsy.com/

http://www.amyspaintedhouseandmore.com/

www.picturetrail.com/photos/aressa

Tuesday's item of the day

1 of a Kind Creations is the etsy shop run by team member Deb. She specializes in needle felted wool sculptures. Some pieces take as many as 20 hours of work to complete! What we love best about her mini wool "people" are the identities she dreams up for each during her creative process. She describes their character in a "bio poem" included with the purchase of each piece. Today you are meeting Sailor Jack. It is worth noting there is no stuffing or internal structure within Jack or any of his shop-mates.

Several of Deb's sculptures recently won a Vice President's ribbon for "Favorite entry" in the Ohio State University's annual faculty and staff art show.

Be sure to pop by her shop to check out her other unique and interesting sculptures/creations.

http://1ofakindcreations.etsy.com/

Monday's Featured Item of the day

Good morning gang! Hope everyone had a great weekend. Today's item is from a newer member of our team, Carroll Baker. He is a photographer by day and professional magician by night. His wife is also part of our talented team (Handmade by Andrea Baker). They have two beautiful daughters and overflowing amounts of creativity in their home.

Recently Carroll wrote up the following introduction...

"As a professional Entertainer, I travel a bit and love to take my camera with me on the road and take photos of some of the things I see. I love classic cars and Carousel Horses. I know that it is a strange mix, might be the "carny" in me.
I have a background in Commercial art and photography was always a hobby (Magic was always my first love). "

>>We're proud to welcome him aboard. And we hope all of you enjoy Carroll's photo of this delicate rose. Links are provided below:

http://carrollbaker.etsy.com/

(photography)

http://www.carrollbaker.net/

(magic)

http://handmadebyandreabaker.etsy.com/

(better half)

Friday's Featured Item of the day

Team member Laura Pacino has been teaching beading and wire jewelry classes steadily for the last five years. She herself, however, has been making jewelry for over 25 years! Learning new techniques is something she truly enjoys. Today we've selected her sterling silver crystal chain maille charm bracelet as our feature. We believe it epitomizes elegance. A link to her shop has been provided so you may browse this and many other lovely creations.

http://designsbylaura.etsy.com/

Item of the day - Aromatherapy Sachet

Here's another cool pick-me-up when you or a pal is feeling a bit under the weather---aromatherapy sachets. Team member Jan also sells other germy versions in her etsy storefront; strep throat, smallpox, plague and anthrax (with apple, vanilla and cinnamon scents). Clever girl! Here is the item description followed by a link to her shop, hoomadeit.

****************************************************

Ryan Rhinovirus - Lavender:

The most usual cause of the common cold. Ease your tension with this felt sachet modeled to look like an adorable rhinovirus bug. This guy is filled with scented rice, which can be heated to relax muscles, the aroma eases stress, and the smile and googly eyes add a touch of humor to brighten the day.

Rhinovirus has star-like projections on its outer layer that bind to your insides. But THESE stars glow in the dark!

Scented Science can be heated in microwave for 15 sec.

http://hoomadeit.etsy.com

Earth-friendly Team Member!

The next time you pass by some trash on the ground thinking someone else will pick it up, take inspiration from team member Lyn St. Clair and her husband David. Residents of Delaware County, they took it upon themselves to start cleaning up their own neighborhood, after Lyn's husband noticed growing amounts of bottles and litter under a local bridge.

Says Lyn, "We didn't really know what we were getting into when we decided to gather a group of volunteers to help us clean it up. It's a much bigger project. Last Saturday, four of us gathered and gathered and gathered. We loaded nineteen Hefty trash bags full of glass bottles and two others full of other assorted trash. We are far from done.".

What a rockstar. Now, that's what I call green! You go Lyn!

Wednesday Item of the day from Kunklebaby

Good morning all! Today's selection is by team member Jessica of Kunklebaby. Take a gander at this adorable sushi bib for toddlers. It is handmade of 100% cotton with a snap closure. Many of you parents know that even when your wee one graduates from pureed foods, they can still make messes. Jessica has cleverly brought us a stylish and modern bib that will fit up to 4 years of age. And if you happen to be having a bad day...photos of her happy baby modeling her creations always provide a smile or two. Her shop is beginning to offer an organic line. Be sure to stop by when you need a fun, colorful and uniquely elegant children's item or gift!

http://kunklebaby.etsy.com/

Featured Item of the day

We are love love loving indie artist, Chris of Bootleg's latest artwork titled "Eat War." These four screenprinted vinyl albums double as an eclectic wall treatment. If you aren't familiar with this team member's unique style, you could visit his shop, read his blog and/or become his myspace pal. Influences cited are grafitti, nature, music and more art. Way to represent for the guys, Chris! And kudos for his interest in using recycled fabrics and materials in a time when we should ALL be looking at more eco-friendly choices in our lives.

--www.ilovebootleg.com----ilovebootleg.blogspot.com----www.myspace.com/ilovebootleg--

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY MOON!

Warm birthday wishes to our own Mary Moon. Please be sure to pop over to her shop on her special day. http://marymoondesigns.etsy.com

Monday featured item of the day from Blue Girl Ink

Check out this work entitled "Aerial Farmland" by our team member Kelli (part 4 of a 7 item series). She is a mixed media artist who loves to dabble in a little bit of everything. Painting, altered books and ATC cards can be found in her shop. She enjoys studying how new construction and urban sprawl effect our dying farmlands and landscapes, especially as seen from an aerial view for translation to her canvas. Another passion of hers is working with http://www.ohiogreenliving.org/. Take a moment to visit her etsy store and admire this talented woman's versatility and perspective.

http://bluegirlink.etsy.com/