Etsy DListers Team

Fresh Spring DTeam Treasures

2012-03-11T13:25:00.003-04:00

In this series of DTeam treasuries, you will find fresh spring trends, and gift ideas for Mothers Day and Easter. Enjoy!

HOW DO I GET IT OFF?!? Team Tips for Removing Stains

2012-03-11T11:47:00.004-04:00

When most of us on the Etsy D-Listers Team joined the team, we assumed we would benefit from the promotional opportunities brought by the team - and we were right. What few of us expected was the amazing support in so many other areas that we would find on this team.

Here is a "real life" example of this helpful support at work, when one of our team members accidentally stained her fridge with a dry-erase marker... Perhaps someone else out there will find some of these stain-removal tips helpful:
____________________________________________________

Angee Perry from ABitCreativeAMP:
So, I used dry erase markers on the side of my white fridge - I only needed it there for the 10 min conversation and paper wasn't handy... The orange rubbed right off... the green is STILL THERE!! I used dish soap, Kaboom, bleach!! HOW DO I GET IT OFF?!?! HELP PLEASE!!

Michelle Weigel from GrapeVineCeramicsGft:
Try Windex - vinegar - rubbing alcohol

Angee:
Windex is a no - I have to run to the store for vinegar and rubbing alcohol :( and nail polish remover:( It's so upsetting... Hubby is going to be SO mad at me!

Elise from VintageCarolina:
Angee - nix the nail polish remover on the enamel paint on the frig. Hairspray works great to remove ballpoint pen so try that. Try toothpaste or baking soda slightly dampened with vinegar. Both are faintly abrasive but won't harm surface.

Crystal Simpson from Crystalcat1989:
Yes, try baking soda

Angee:
Thanks for all the tips - I'll try everything! I did find that once I let it dry, I was able to "lighten" some of the areas... worse case scenario I'm going to cover it up with the dry erase board that actually sticks to the fridge... sigh ;)

DoBatsEatCats:
Angee, maybe Soft Scrub with Bleach? It got week-old hair dye stains off my bathtub so maybe it'd work on the markers? The stuff's nasty but it does the job...

Angee:
DoBats I actually have that stuff!! It's a lot fainter now…

Judy from JudysDesigns:
Angee - I missed what's on your frig. It sounds like you're getting good advice. Goo Be Gone is great and Oops is good for paint and icky things. You need to clean them off with soap/water when you clean the problem spot. I think 409 or soft scrub with bleach for major cleaning of hard to remove items.

I've cleaned entire cabinets in a very grungy house once with SimpleGreen. It comes in a spray bottle or concentrated and you mix it with water. It doesn't smell bad and can take some seriously nasty stuff off from filthy kitchens, etc.

Ashley Noelle from BrennysBibbies (Seconded and Thirded by Lauren from PinkLeopardBowtique and Meghan W from MegsCrochetJewels):
Angee - did you try a magic eraser? Those things take off everything in our house, lol.

Elizabeth C from lizbethsgarden:
Angee -- this is my last resort cleaner: you need an old sponge with a scrubby side, baking soda, liquid dish soap (dawn is best but any kind works), and rubbing alcohol.

1. Get the sponge wet.
2. Pour about 1 tablespoon of baking soda in the middle of the scrubby side.
3. Cover in dish soap.
4. Pour rubbing alcohol over the whole thing until the baking soda is saturated.
5. Immediately flip the sponge over and scrub the stain.

You can add more soap and baking soda if necessary.I got permanent marker off wood this way.

Meghan W:
Liz: Would this be safe to do on my dining room table? My cousins little girl wrote with sharpie on it. The finish isn't in the greatest shape anyway but I wouldn't want to strip it completely off.... I hope to one day refinish the whole thing.

Elizabeth C:
Megs -- I think my stain concoction did scratch the finish a little, but not so you'd notice.

Angee:
Update on the "stain" - It's extremely faint... hubby didn't notice. I need to go to the store tomorrow to get the rest of what I need to try... going to start with the Magic Eraser as I remember that being very easy...

Believe in the Magic of Santa

2011-12-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

The members of the DTeam have been sharing Santa stories in the team's monthly chat thread. Some made us laugh and others were so heartwarming they brought tears to our eyes. We thought we would share some of those stories with our blog followers over a series of posts. We hope you enjoy them and feel free to leave a comment telling us your Santa stories!

Bitty Bits and Baubles and has a cute and sweet memory of her grandparents at Christmas time.

When I was growing up, we lived in a little house in my Grandma and Grandpa's backyard and we always opened our gifts on Christmas Eve, mostly because we have no patience and aren't morning people, but it started because at least one year Grandpa had to work on Christmas Eve. What is amazing is how they still managed to have Santa visit. My grandma would concoct a ruse, such as I think I heard reindeer feet, let's go out and look, and of course, I always just missed Santa. Boy, they must have hustled. The really cool part though is that my Grandpa always played Santa, but he did it all year long. He was an electrician (at least at that point in his life) and he would call me and say "Ho, ho, ho, I was checking up on you today. Were you being a good little girl?" Etc. He and grandma worked together, whenever a plane had passed over and left a trail in the air my Grandma would say that was Santa passing over head to check up on the girls and boys. Many times Santa would call that night.

Snowflake Handstitched Eco Felt Booties

from Bitty Bits and Baubles

SassyBelleWares has a funny memory of visits from Santa on Christmas Eve.

When I was a kid we used to have Christmas Eve dinner at my maternal grandparents' house. After everyone had arrived but before dinner, Santa would show up and ask me and my brother what we wanted him to leave us under the tree and tell us to make sure we went to bed early that night. One year when I was around 3 or 4 he showed up and I said "that's not Santa that's Uncle 'cause he has the same shoes as Uncle and Uncle isn't here right now". I don't remember how they convinced me I was wrong. Another year my grandparents' neighbor was Santa and his beard was flimsy so I could see through it and I told everyone "that's not Santa, it's Tom 'cause I can see through his beard and Santa has the same glasses as Tom".

Bewitched by Shoes cuff bracelet

from SassyBelleWares

Something Colorful has some memories about who the real Santa is!

There was a guy who worked with my parents. My mom, dad, stepdad and grandad all worked at the same car dealership. This guy worked in parts with my dad and he looked like Santa. I mean the beard, belly, white hair, you name it! Well, apparently you could pay him to come to your house and pretend to be Santa for your kids. My parents would do it every year. My mom would even give him one of my presents so that he could give it to me early when Santa would come by to check in on me and collect my Christmas list. It was a brilliant plan, whoever came up with it! Since the guy from parts had a real beard and a pretty darn convincing costume I knew he was the real Santa, which meant every other Santa that did not look like him was fake.

My grandmom worked at the local hospital and they had a Christmas party every year and had a Santa Claus every year. Well, one year whoever it was had a cheap costume. I sat on his lap and I could see right through his beard...it looked like cheap stuffed animal fur! I played along, took a picture with him and when I went back to my mom I told her that he was fake. She asked why I thought that and I told her I could see right through his beard and it wasn't real. I probably spoiled it for a lot of kids but they so should not have given me a real live Santa and then tried to pass off a fake one!

Bronze Beaded Headband with Burgundy Ribbon

from Something Colorful

Believe in the Magic of Santa

2011-12-14T22:25:00.000-05:00

The members of the DTeam have been sharing Santa stories in the team's monthly chat thread. Some made us laugh and others were so heartwarming they brought tears to our eyes. We thought we would share some of those stories with our blog followers over a series of posts. We hope you enjoy them and feel free to leave a comment telling us your Santa stories!

Elephant Beads has a story about Santa being forgetful. I am guessing Santa was just tired from all the hard work that goes on during the month of December!

My "Santa magic" story: Two years ago (my son was 7), my son woke up in the morning & discovered Santa's wrapped up gifts under the tree. He was in the midst of opening them when I realized I HADN'T INCLUDED the most important Santa gift - a Captain America action figure I'd gotten on eBay at the 11th hour! I pulled my husband aside and we concocted a solution. So my son, who has the memory of an elephant (LOL), gets done opening gifts & realizes Santa forgot the Captain America.... bummer! We try to come up with reasons he might have forgotten, or maybe he ran out of Captain Americas, or whatever...

Then right after breakfast, my husband went out in the backyard and came running back into the house: "Hey Trevor! There's something in the back yard!" Lo and behold, there's a package in the middle of the yard - Captain America! We all just figured it fell off the sleigh while Santa was landing. Totally cinched Trev's belief in Santa!

Wire Crochet Necklace

from Elephant Beads

Brenny's Bibbies has a really cute memory from her childhood!

I was always little Ms. Smarty Pants. In kindergarten, I told mom if Santa was real, he would leave me a hoof print from one of the reindeer. So she dipped our little doggie's foot in cocoa powder and left it on the table. It bought her another year and then I was convinced he wasn't real so she would buy me a little extra present or let me 'test' out a gift to keep me from telling my younger sister.

Felt Food BBQ Set

from Brenny's Bibbies

Grape Vine Ceramics & Gifts has a cute story and also a heartwarming story that will bring tears to your eyes.

I let the kids feed the reindeer before they went to bed on Christmas Eve. I'd have them help me mix "reindeer food" (mix oatmeal = reindeer feed with large cut glitter = Christmas Magic) Before they went to bed on Christmas Eve they would sprinkle it in the yard. When they woke up the oatmeal had evaporated and the glitter had sunk low so they could barely see it.

Time for the tissues...

When my husband was about seventeen they had a young family that lived across the street. The mom was a SAHM and the Dad had just lost his job. He was helping to shovel their sidewalk when he overheard them talking about how they were going to handle Christmas, they had a four year-old and a kindergartener. They had decided the only thing they could do was to tell them the "truth".

So my husband hatched a plan. He took his beer money for the month (yes at seventeen he had beer money and came off as a bit of a thug) and bought Christmas. There was a small decorated tree for their table, a Barbie, Barbie car and clothes for the kindergartener and a Big Wheel Trike and hotwheels cars for the 4 year-old. He also found hats and gloves for the whole family. He then dropped them off on their door-step the weekend before Christmas (rang the doorbell and ran). We don't know if they had told the kids yet but either way Santa came and the next year they still believed.

My husband and his friends have since adopted a different family that are down on their luck every year and take turns playing Santa. As they get older they have started including their sons (at least for the drop off) My boys can't wait for their turn.

Ceramic Good Old Santa Claus Ornament

from Grape Vine Ceramics & Gifts

Believe in the Magic of Santa

2011-12-09T17:30:00.001-05:00

This week members of the DTeam shared their Santa stories in the team's monthly chat thread. Some made us laugh and others were so heartwarming they brought tears to our eyes. We thought we would share some of those stories with our blog followers over a series of posts. We hope you enjoy them and feel free to leave a comment telling us your Santa stories!

Believe Christmas Card Design - DIY Printable

from Ellison Reed Stationery

Nickie from Something Colorful was inspired by this treasury to tell one of her childhood memories of Santa and his reindeer:

A story for you all inspired by Megs' treasury. It's a story that always seems to come up this time of year. My grandad is a huge hunter, like bow and arrow, will shoot the squirrels my grandmom feeds in the back yard, hunter. Right after Thanksgiving one year we were over grandmom and grandad's house for dinner, pretty normal, right? Well, grandad says he wants to show me something outside. I guess he wasn't thinking straight, but he took me to show me the deer that he had just gotten. He was proud. Well all I saw was Rudolf and I started screaming bloody murder that Santa wasn't going to be able to deliver toys, because Rudolf is dead in grandad's garage. My mom wasn't happy, but it is kinda funny.... Moral of the story, don't let grandad take your 4 year old outside to "show them something" right after deer season!

I can remember being, so upset about Rudolf, but I had no clue. Now I'm like how did I think that?!? and what was my grandad thinking showing me a dead deer? I think that might be why I'm a pseudo vegetarian. You never knew what you'd get at grandmom's house!

Nickie also has a story about Santa's elves:

My parents knocked on the wall when I wasn't looking and told me the elves were in the walls, so I had to be good or they would tell Santa. Apparently that same story scared my cousins half to death so the elves weren't allowed at my cousins' house.

And another Santa and reindeer story:

My stepdad would leave me notes from Santa with some crazy stuff that I should have known it was him. Like that Santa prefers wine instead of a glass of milk. I used to leave cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Well he took the carrots, went outside in the snow and chewed them all up and spit them out all over the drive way. The next morning he pretended to go outside for who knows what and came running back into the house to find me and show me the most amazing thing outside.

This beaded sequin headband would be a fabulous accessory for a special Christmas outfit:

from Something Colorful

Fiberpuppy shares one of her cute Santa memories:

Our family used to have a big to-do on Christmas Eve kind of especially for family-less friends. It became a big get-together when I was a kid. Well I woke up on Christmas morn just about the time I was beginning to disbelieve Santa and there in fact was Santa's pipe. (No one in my family smoked a pipe and my brother's played it up). I remember being totally stunned. Turns out someone from the party had left a pipe. (although I've asked who it was as an adult and no one remembers) I think I believed in Santa for at least a year. I think I still have doubts.

This felted lion hat would keep Santa warm when he hangs up his official Santa hat:

from Fiberpuppy

Jenny from Black Magic Studio says:

I was THAT kid. The annoying skeptical smarty pants that asked too many questions. By the time I was 5 or 6 I kept complaining that we didn't have a chimney and that leaving the door unlocked all night just for Santa was really unsafe, etc. So my parents just gave in. Oh well! The holidays were still always fun as a kid.

I bet if Santa bought this vintage bracelet for Mrs. Claus he will be on her good list:

from Black Magic Studio

Applying Retail Holiday Timeline to Your Shop

2011-11-21T07:30:00.000-05:00

by LizbethsGardens

For retail businesses, the cycle of holidays is greatlyaccelerated. Even Etsy shop owners, working for themselves, need to get theirholiday items ready and listed in their stores long before the actual holiday.Why? You might ask. The answer is that print magazines have a three-month (ormore) lead-time, so if you want to be noticed by traditional media, you need tobe ready well in advance. Also, if you are selling online, you need to allowfor shipping times. People will be shopping for Valentine's Day (February 14)items in December and January.

If you are a shop owner, this is also a good argument foralways having some holiday items always available in your store, even if theyaren't placed front and center. Then you are always ready for the earlyshoppers, and the magazines, if you are trying to attract publicity. So, whatshould an Etsy store have ready in which months? This is the schedule I use formy own shop, based on Northern Hemisphere seasons.

January: Valentine's Day

February: Spring & Easter (this will move to January ifEaster is very early)

March: Mother's Day

April: Father's Day

May: USA Fourth of July/Summer items

June: Summer

July: Back to school/autumn

August: Halloween

September/October: Christmas

Do I always get the new seasonal items in my store in time? No, but one advantage of building up an inventory is that there are always a few items in my store that fit the upcoming season.

A Bit Creative's Photography and Christmas Gag Gifts

2011-11-18T08:30:00.000-05:00

How did you get started on Etsy?The friends from my birth board group found some cute knit baby hats on Etsy. I quickly realized I'd finally found an affordable way to sell my art.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I love the outdoors. I was born and raised in Colorado and when I was young we'd go on camping, hiking and fishing trips. I almost always have a camera with me so that when I feel that peaceful calm I can capture it and share it.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Autumn Aspen Canopy is my favorite picture. I have always loved Aspen trees and Autumn is my favorite time of year. Aspens are one of the only trees that can turn yellow, orange or red depending on the altitude where they are growing - the higher the altitude the redder they get. Love it!

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I chase my baby around and invent new games to play with him. We have a blast! His name is Ayden and he turned one this past October.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Chocolate Chip Chocolate of course!

What pushes you to want to create something?
My husband and I are in our first house, and there are many blank walls that need pictures to complete the rooms. It's like taking a mini vacation to capture the type of landscape and colors needed to complete the decor of the room. We're currently working on "The Man Cave" room which is about hunting, camping and fishing.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop and watch?
I had so many favorites growing up. I was watching old re-runs of Scooby Doo and The Flintstones. I don't like the new Scooby Doo, but I watch The Smurfs, Inspector Gadget and Casper currently via Netflix.

What's your fantasy job?
Working for Pixar or a similar company starting as a modeling and texture artist and working my way up to being a concept artist.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
World of Warcraft - which I haven't been able to play since the morning sickness stage of my pregnancy.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
-Pepsi
-Taco Bell
-video games

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Terry Brooks is one of my favorites, but I almost like all Fantasy novel series books. I use anything handy to mark my place, but typically I finish reading the book the same day I start to read it... I haven't read any books since Ayden was born though ;)

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
I would live in Golden, Colorado. It's a gorgeous place in the Foothills of the Rocky Mountains. The homes are equally spectacular and it's in the Jefferson County School District.

What is your best childhood memory?
Late one night while camping a Mountain Lion AND a Silver Fox approached our campfire. There was a full moon and I remember being confused at what I was seeing. The adults were VERY clear that no one move. Once the curiosity of the animals was satisfied they simply walked away... it was so surreal!

Visit A Bit Creative on Etsy for more great gift ideas. She can also be found on Facebook and Twitter. For more wonderful handmade gifts please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Revolution Co-Op Collective

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

How did you get started on Etsy?
I've shopped on Etsy for a while, and have been crafting and involved with fine art ever since I was a child. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to make some money doing things I love. Who doesn't want to do that? Plus, with the state of the world and economy right now opportunities are much scarcer than they used to be. One has to go out and make opportunities. I like the idea of being "the master of my fate". Plus, as Thomas Edison said, "Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration"... and I'm ready to sweat!

What was your inspiration for your shop?
Again, with the economy taking such a drastic downturn the past few years I thought it was time to try and do something to help myself financially. Then I looked around and saw all these great friends in the same boat - some have been laid off, others are just not making enough money to survive as the cost of living sky-rockets and salaries remain stagnant. So many of my friends are creative and I wanted a place where everyone could take advantage of the gifts and talents the possessed and turn it into a way to help support their families and themselves.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Trying to decide on a favorite item in my shop is a little like asking a parent if they have a favorite child - and regardless of what a parent says they do have favorites to one degree or another. While I love everything in my shop (if I didn't I wouldn't have it there), I do have a few that resonate on a deeper level. My Cherry Blossom/Sakura Embroidery piece was the first thing I had embroidered since I was a kid, and it was the beginning of a renewal of creative expression for me. Plus, as a Washington D.C. area native Cherry Blossoms have a special significance for me. I also am personally drawn to the jewelry pieces in my Gypsy collection. I love the vibrant colors and most especially love the necklace. I love knowing that each Gypsy necklace I make will always be a little different depending of what beads I have at the time, but that it will always be a piece that is colorful, and looks like it has a history and a story to tell. I like that idea that whoever owns a Gypsy necklace can even make up stories to go with each bead. The idea behind it was that it's made of items collected over years and in the course of a life's journey. Lastly, I love my Alice in Wonderland Onesie. I recently became and Aunt to my lovely niece, Alice (who also happens to be my model for the onesie). She was the inspiration for this item, and I can't wait to see what else she inspires as she grows.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I know most people love to watch TV and movies, and listen to music - there's a reason entertainment is one of the US's biggest global imports - and I definitely do, but, it's more than just a way to pass the time and unwind. I love the storytelling aspect (oh, did I mention that I also love to read) and I hope to one day work as a screenwriter. My best friend/roommate and I are writing partners and have three completed scripts so far, about a dozen more in various states of development, and are trying to get some representation in order to make our dream of a writing career a reality. If you're gonna dream, dream big... that's the last thing you want to skimp on. So, of course a lot of research is always in order... where's the remote?

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Is there such thing as a cupcake that isn't a favorite? I will never say no to a cupcake, but I must admit that I'm more of a vanilla cake with buttercream frosting kinda gal. And throw in a few sprinkles for good measure, will ya? Though, lately, I've been on a bit of an orange kick, so if I could get a cupcake with a little Grand Marnier action going on I'd be as happy as a pig in slop.

What pushes you to want to create something?
Creative motivation can come in many guises. Sometimes it's a song that I hear, looking at a piece of art or something in nature that inspires and gets the creative juices flowing. But often it's the fact that I'm trying to build a business, and without product there is no business. So it can be the more pragmatic, but no less important, motivation of a healthy bottom line. Getting to the day where the shop is in the black is a reality I look forward to living. One thing that is always a factor in what I make is the question "Is this something I would want to buy?” If I can't say yes, it's not getting made, and it's not going in the shop.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
As a kid I loved all the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons on Saturday morning... my Uber Nerd-dom began at an early age. In fact it's how I learned the Preamble, which came in handy in my High School Government class when we all had to recite it from memory! If I came across it on TV today I would absolutely stop and watch. However, I don't have to rely on catching them on TV - I have them on DVD.

What's your fantasy job?
Featured dancer in the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Since I'm almost 40, haven't danced in any real capacity since I was in high school, have arthritis in my knees, and am about as white as they come (seriously... in the winter my skin glows... the pitfalls of a Anglo Celtic ancestry), it will remain a fantasy. Instead I satisfy my love for dance as a spectator and fan.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
I'm a Bravo junkie, there... I admitted it. It started innocently enough, a little inside the Actors Studio here, a little Project Runway there. Then came along Top Chef, still perfectly respectable "reality” TV. Then the others came along... Housewives, Bethenny, Millionaire Matchmaker, Flipping Out, Rachel Zoe, Salon Takeover... and they just keep coming. I'm not proud of it, but it's like a drug - it feels so wrong and I just can't say no.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
1. Travel - If I could spend the rest of my life traveling the world I would be in heaven. Instead I snatch a road trip here, a holiday to Europe there (more here than there). Someday I hope I can take off anywhere at a moments notice, until then I have to satisfy my wanderlust through Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown. And, not unlike Sandra Bulloch in while 'You Were Sleeping', I keep my passport on me at all times... 'cause you never know.
2. Baubles, bangles, and BEADS!!! It is virtually impossible to walk into a craft supply store and not leave without more beads, chains, findings, etc. I could drop thousands without even breaking a sweat, if I had thousands to drop. And online... don't even get me started.

3. Its cliché, but shoes and bags, shoes and bags, shoes and bags. Now, I'm not talking super-extravagant $400 shoes or $1000 bags. Personally, even if I had that kind of money to spend I don't think I could bring myself to throw away that much cash on either. But, take me to DSW and I'm in heaven/hell. Heaven, surrounded by all those wonderful goodies - Hell, because I'm lucky if I can afford to buy just one thing there.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything
handy to mark your place?
I've been in love with books since I was three years old. There have been many favorite authors throughout the years, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Lucy Maude Montgomery, Steven King, Edith Wharton... but only one has changed my life so profoundly as Toni Morrison. I was introduced to her almost a decade ago, a directive to read Beloved. It changed my life... the prose, the soul, the way the book hit me in the gut and changed how my very molecules felt. I had never imagined, in all the years I'd been reading, that a book could transform the very air around you the way that Beloved did as I read it. I've been in love with her writing ever since. If you have never read any of her works I can't urge you enough to do so.

Have dozens of proper bookmarks, many marking pages where I've sadly neglected a new read. In a pinch I'll grab a scrap of paper to mark a page. I will NEVER bend the page... it actually hurts me to bend pages or crack spines. I imagine the book screaming out in pain if I do. Books are some of my most prized possessions I try to keep them as pristine as possible.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want, where would that be?
If money were no object I would have homes all over the world. Apartment in Paris, townhouse in London, villa in Tuscany, vineyard in the Virginia countryside, beach house in Malibu. Most of all would be an exact replica of the house in Practical Magic... the tower, the garden, the kitchen, the greenhouse, the herb pantry, the rugged coastline, and a black cat or two.

What is your best childhood memory?
Standing on a step stool at our kitchen counter, maybe five or six years old, next to my Grandma as she made apple pie from scratch. I always got a little knob of pie crust dough that I would roll out in a thin sheet with my miniature children's rolling pin, then placing it in a small tin, and filling it with fresh apples coated in sugar and cinnamon. I remember how easy she made it seem, and how I felt like I could do anything I set my mind to as I pushed my rolling pin back and forth. Years ago, before she passed, I asked my grandma to show me how to make her pie. She talked and walked me through it, a little pinch of salt here, a dash of cinnamon there... but I still can't make pie like her. Luckily though, I still believe I can do anything I set my mind to.

Find more handcrafted items from Revolution Co-Op in her Etsy shop and follow on Facebook to catch the latest news.

Gift Guides for Your Holiday Affair -46 Day til Christmas

2011-11-08T14:28:00.000-05:00

Gifts personally handmade by artisans and vintage finds you can find on Etsy. Each shop has wonderful products that you'll love. Please take time and see what you can find when you buy handmade.

You will find purses, home decor, jewelry, scarves, Christmas decorations and lots of choices for children.

Blue Brilliance by glamourpusscouture

Good Cheer from the D Listers by glamourpusscouture

Winter Gray by BlackMagicStudio

All the Colors of the Rainbow by SomethingColorful
Thanks for shopping with us today. Remember you can also find more great gift ideas on Etsy when you keyword search DTeam.

47 Days until Christmas

2011-11-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

Sweet little birds flitting about in the snow is one of my favorite images of Christmas. They are so cute with the berry garland in their beaks as they decorate a tree in celebration. Here are some handmade bird inspired gift ideas I found on Etsy that you might enjoy, too. There were so many good ones they were placed in this treasury.

Soaps and Scents with Smiling Otis Studios

2011-11-04T08:27:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?
My wife and I were getting frustrated with throwing out all of the baby food jars that we collected daily and one day we were shopping around hobby lobby and saw a candle making kit. The both of us have always liked candles so my wife says hey why not make them in baby food jars. We made a few for our own use and one day someone mentioned that we had a good idea and should sell them. Hence finding Etsy. After that my imagination went crazy and I now have what you see in my shop today.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
Our daughter and her food jars, after I got started I wanted to make great affordable things that really smelled good and made you feel good, Hence the soaps, Bath teas and other things. Most of my hobbies and things revolve around my shop although at time I get way ahead of myself and end up spending hundreds of hours trying to fix what I had done too quickly

What's your favorite shop item and why?
My favorite shop item is whatever I am making that day or week. For example we have this idea to make a spoof jersey shore set of scents which we just got. Like Gym, Tan, Laundry. I am making the candles that smell like all three. Well for the gym we are doing a men’s cologne since I don’t think anyone wants to really smell the gym.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
Beer and Football.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
I actually like muffins :) But as far as cupcakes go I would say a simple chocolate chip one would work

What pushes you to want to create something?
I get super excited when I make something. I start to think of how much someone else would enjoy the smells I have going on in my house or how relaxed a person would be when they use a soap. So I guess what pushes me is the excitement of someone trying my products and getting as much enjoyment as I do in making them

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

I really like the Wyle E Coyote and the Road Runner. I have tried to watch them since then and haven’t really had the attachment I had to them. I always felt the coyote was getting a bad rep, and he never seemed to order the right tools, Then again there was only Acme in their world

What's your fantasy job?
I’m doing it right now; I get to be a stay at home dad, and occasional seller of a handmade product. I had been in the military for 11 years which also was a great job, but as many military families know that the servicemember does not get to see his family very often. So this chance for me to mold and raise my daughter is great, although the wife really does not appreciate that she can burp, and blames other people for when she passes gas, lol.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
1/2 hour of complete quiet time everyday during naptime.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
1. Cooking
2. My wife, Not really an obsession but more of an easier way to do things :)
3. Organizing, I can’t stand when something is not where it should be.
I’m not really sure I answered these right.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

I read cookbooks and gardening books Lol, I fold the page or just put whatever is nearby in where I left off

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
We would move back to Seattle, WA, That city has everything we love; you can do everything from go to micro brews all day, to a day in the wine valley or an awesome concert at the gorge. Or if you wanted you could spend half the day on the beach, then hike the woods and just have a great day. I love that place.

What is your best childhood memory?
Camping with my dad in Colorado, like real camping that you see on survival shows now a days.

You can find more great items from Smiling Otis Studios in his Etsy Shop and be sure to follow him on Facebook to get updates on new products.

51 Days Until Christmas

2011-11-03T08:27:00.000-04:00

A continuation from yesterday to the tune of 'My Favorite Things'.

Cream Colored Ponies

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep 1975 Glass 100th Year Horse Sports Collectables Vintage USA 17 Glasses Available

Crisp Apple Strudel

Printable Recipe Cards Collage Design

Doorbells and Sleigh Bells

Stocking Tassel Red with Green Beads

Schnitzel with Noodles

Organic Sweet Potato and Chicken Crunchies Small Dog Snacks new Seasonal Limited Time

Wild Geese that Fly with the Moon on their Wings

Vintage Italian Goose Box

These are a few of my favorite things!

What wonderful things will we find next? Stay tuned!

52 Days Until Christmas

2011-11-02T11:11:00.000-04:00

Get your gift shopping game face on. To help you out, here is a selection of great gift ideas for 2011. And to keep it fun, it's to the tune of 'My Favorite Things'.

Raindrops on Roses

Red and Yellow Rose Needle-Felt Brooch

Whiskers on Kittens

Turquoise Pearloid Guitar Pick Jewelry Necklace Pendant Rock Star Kitty Cat

Bright Copper Kettles

Midcentury Metal Creamer

Warm Woolen Mittens

Orange fingerless gloves/ wrist warmers

Brown Paper Packages Tied Up with Strings

Handmade Cat Card- Handle With Care

These are a few of my favorite things!

To be continued in our countdown to the holidays.

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

2011-11-01T08:39:00.000-04:00

November is here. The air has turned cool and crisp now that summer has said its final goodbyes to 2011. The holidays are here and Christmas is only eight weeks away. We'd like to challenge you to buy handmade this year. Not only will you receive great products to give to your loved ones but you will directly help another family during this giving season.

A Sassy Dteam Christmas by SweetVeganDelight

Autumn Splendor by glamourpusscouture

Be sure to visit us on Etsy by keyword searching DTeam. Thank you.

Crystalcat1989 Fiber Crafts

2011-10-29T08:34:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I have always made random things and a friend suggested I try opening an Etsy shop.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I guess I geeky lifestyle shows through, I am always up for a challenge to so I love to come up with my own patterns for things too.

Where do you get your ideas?And what prompted you to make what you do?
My ideas come from the geekery in my life, comic, books, and. I always have liked making things; my best sellers the geeky cross stitch bookmarks are sort of a challenge to myself to capture that character in my own way.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Hmm I guess my Glados Bookmark. One of many cross stitch bookmarks this one however took about 2-3 hours making just the pattern but it turned out perfect.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Chocolate with chocolate icing.

What pushes you to want to create something?
Love to learn new skills and when I make something great always makes me happy too.

What's your fantasy job?
Voice actor.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
Well sometimes when I am cooking I just pretend I am on a cooking show. Lol

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Reading
Puzzles
Sometimes video games

Do you have a favorite author?When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Steven Burst, Sometimes I use a bookmark and sometimes I bend the page.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
Hmm well close enough to see family more often.

What is your best childhood memory?
Making big blanket tent in the living room with my brother and camping the weekend. lol

Crystalcat1989 can be found in her Etsy shop and on Facebook.

Ghost Stories

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-04:00

October is the perfect month for stories about ghosts and spirits. The DTeam members have been sharing their personal experiences with each other and we thought it would be fun to share a few with everyone. Read on for tales from the other side!

Grape Vine Ceramics and Gifts has a great story that makes you realize our loved ones who have passed are still here in spirit and watching out for us. Here is her story:
When my youngest son was born, there were major complications due to the fact that he was six weeks early. We live in a small enough community that the doctors here don't always have access to the needed equipment. When that happens, they life watch patients to larger hospitals that are at least 3 hours away. Chris was life watched because the next level respirator was in Wichita. They offered to take my husband with him because I had had a C-section and they weren't ready to move me, but he was 5 pounds over the weight limit. So he drove (I should say flew in his own way). We have friends on the highway patrol that knew I was pregnant, when they clocked him at 120 they began pursuit and called to the hospital to see what happened. They let them know that Chris was being life watched and that he was heading to the hospital. Our friend then tried to set up an escort a) to make sure my husband got there and b) to keep him from getting a ticket or worse. Eight troopers tried at various overpasses to get in front of him and lead - it didn't work. There's an area called the Cheyenne Bottoms between Hays and Wichita and it is notorious for heavy fog at night and early morning. When my husband came up to it there was a small pick up that set the pace and wouldn't let him pass. It was the same color pickup that my husband's best friend had had. As a matter of fact the same color truck that his friend had rolled and lost his life in six years earlier. Once he was through the area of fog the truck was gone. I don't necessarily call this one a "ghost story" but I do know that someone was looking out for him that night.

Elephant Beads has a story that animal lovers, especially those who have lost a beloved pet, will be fascinated with:
Back in August of 2008, my 10 year old ginger cat, Eddie, died suddenly after being attacked by roaming dogs. His soul-mate was Maisie, a little pixie of a cat with a manx tail - she was bereft when Eddie died, and after moping around for a day, she vanished for two days. We looked everywhere for her, but couldn't find her. When she returned, she was cheerful and happy - but strangest of all, she began spending her time in all of Eddie's old sleep-spots. She had never been willing to climb the big olive tree in the backyard, but immediately she went up into the tree, just like Eddie used to, and lounged in his "spot" up in the crook of two branches. I was absolutely convinced that when she was gone for two days she had gone away, met with Eddie's spirit, and gotten some Eddie-pointers from him.

When we moved to our new home in Phoenix, we brought our Eddie memorial stone and placed it in our new yard. It had only been about a year since his death, and I was mourning the fact that we had to leave his spirit behind. But about a month after moving here, there was a really spooky twilit evening when the wind was blowing and I heard a strange sound outside. I went out front, and there was a HUGE beach ball (at least two feet in diameter) bouncing down the street, and not a soul in sight. I watched it bounce out of sight, and then in a flash, there was Eddie, running across the corner of the front yard, and up the path beside our new house. I know it was him, because this was a new development, and there were NO cats around, before or after that day, other than our cats. I think he was letting me know he was still with us.

Meg's Crochet Jewels and Aunt Meghey's Cottage has another pet story:
My cat is really in tune with the "otherside" I am positive that we have a ghost in this house because she never used to do this at the trailer where we lived before. But here she will stare at the same spot on the ceiling, and then sometimes it moves and she follows it around but it always starts in the same spot on the ceiling.

Halloween and Harvests

2011-10-25T08:28:00.000-04:00

The fruits of harvest are the themes. One is a treasury with pumpkins and the ghouls that come along at Halloween. The other takes a look at the rain forest and it's fruits and colors. What a mix! All of them are so vibrant and lovely.

Spooky Halloween by MissTanDesigns

The D-Team's Succulent Rain Forest by ElephantBeads

Thanks for looking at what Etsy's DTeam has to offer you for this season. For more epic finds please visit Etsy and keyword search DTeam.

Upcycling with The Lime Grasshopper

2011-10-21T08:25:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?
I discovered Etsy as a shopper. I taught myself to crochet and decided to give selling a try.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I am a big proponent of recycling and repurposing. As long as we all try, it helps preserve our Earth. When I discovered plarn, I knew I had a medium for crochet that made me feel good about trying to save the planet.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I LOVE to kayak!!! Living on the ocean gives me the opportunity to kayak and enjoy the water. Winter almost hurts because I can't get in the boat.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Red Velvet with Cream Cheese icing

What pushes you to want to create something?
The hope to hone my creative side into something that can follow me wherever I move and help me quit my day job (oh what a dream).
What's your fantasy job?
Being an artist. I would love to design and build furniture.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Kayaking
Sitting on the beach
Laying in a hammock
(did I mention I live by the ocean? We have a different pace of life out here, lol).

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Right now, I am digging Guillermo del Toro (the guy who directed Pan's Labyrinth). No bookmarks or such for me, since I have an eReader (and LOVE IT).

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
OMG, so easy! Key West, for my US home, and somewhere near Vitoria Brasil for my South American home :)

What is your best childhood memory?
Trolling (a type of fishing) for Spanish Mackerel with my Dad in our boat right off the beach here. Not that I wanted to eat the fish, but I loved being in the boat, by the beach, with my dad, and reeling the fish in. Good good times.

You can find more of The Lime Grasshopper's upcycled jewelry and goods in her Etsy shop. She can also be found on Facebook.

Orange You Glad Halloween is Nearing?

2011-10-18T10:42:00.000-04:00

Citrus orange colors and Halloween black show up in this week's selection of handmade and vintage items you can find on Etsy.

citrus tang, with a twist of lime by le3sorelle

Halloween on a budget! by BooBooZoo

Thanks for stopping by and checking out of the cool handmade and vintage items that the DTeam brings to you on Etsy. For more great items, keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

MissTanDesigns, Shoe Lover and Graphic Designer

2011-10-14T07:52:00.000-04:00

Tell me a bit about yourself.

My name is Tanya Wesley (aka Miss Tan, a self-taughtartist/graphic designer, from Chester, SC. I am 31 years old, single, and haveone 4 legged child (miniature poodle) named Max. My passion is art which issomething that I have rediscovered over the last couple of year. I try tocombine all my passions into my work especially my love of high heeled,stiletto shoes. Lately, I have been working on expanding my creations outsideof shoes. Acrylics, digital, and graphite are some my favorite mediums to use.

Do you have a blog (and what is its address)?

Yes, I do have a blog. My blog focuses on my passion, shoeart, and news about shoes (from collections, functionality, etc.). The addressis misstandesigns.blogspot.com.

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite color combination is red, black, and white. Ilove the color red because it stands out from the crowd. The color pops off thepage and immediately catches you attention. Black and white is often there tocomplement the color red. I often see my work as colorful and popping off the page.

Why should people buy handmade?

People should buy handmade because it is quality workstraight from the artist hands. It has a different energy because of thethought, effort, and creativity of the artist. The value of a one of a kindhandmade product is priceless.

Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade stuff?

a. Be patient- It takes time to find you creative groove.Plus, it takes time for the audience to find you.

b. Stay positive-If things are not going your way; rememberit only takes one customer to see the value of you work.

c. Stay true to yourself- Do not try to copy others. Stayfocused on what you do because your products are one of a kind and will bringyou sales because of it.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I graduated college with a degree in Sociology. So ofcourse, that led me into the wonderful world of retail. Most of my career hasbeen in big box electronic and apparel retailers, but lately I have beenfocused on my passion for art.

Are you offering my readers any specials?

I’m offering a coupon on my website. The coupon code isMISSTANDESIGNS10. You will get 10% off any purchase in my shop.

What new designs do you have coming up in your shop?

Lately, I have been experimenting with notecards, postcards,mini cards, and rack cards. I want to expand my shop into different avenues.Mostly my cards will be digital creations that I have done as well as mypartner my sister. Some cards are handmade with a digital twist.

I have one picture from my shop currently and two newpictures that will be adding in the shop for the next couple of weeks. I wouldlove feedback on the new ones.

What are the addresses people can find you art?

You can find me at:

Personalized Photo Coasters

2011-10-13T07:59:00.000-04:00

By StylishSolutions on her blog StylishSolutions

While my main business is offline colour consultations, I've been slowly working at filling up my Etsy shop with some handmade home decor stuff as well as virtual consultations. I've become slightly addicted to making tile coasters - my newest ones are done with photos:

A set of 4 is only $15 - and they make a great gift idea (Christmas is only 4 months away!). Visit my Etsy shop here for more details:

Personalized Photo Coasters

2011-10-12T09:01:00.000-04:00

Today we are examining the fun side of autumn. All the great things you get to wear and stuff you can do in the cool crisp fall air. There's no way I can tell you all that you'll find; take a look yourself.

Dteam creepy crawlers by Crystalcat1989

Fantastic Fall Celebration Must-Have Items by Aspenn2010

Changing colors... by JulieEllynDesigns

Greens, blues, browns by MaxedOutMyKarma

For more great items for the upcoming holidays and season, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

The Rainbow is at the End

2011-10-11T09:40:00.000-04:00

Travel through our treasuries of handmade wares found on Etsy. You'll walk through a forest of elegant neutrals speckled with the last of summer's bright colors. Journey through you must because at the end is a rainbow. Pass the felted fox and skunk, the rhinestone spider, and flowers. Beyond the African plains animals is a beautiful selection of rainbow jewelry and accessories.

Going Wild With the Dteam by AuntMegheysCottage

pink and black by susanwilliamsdesigns

Animals!by SweetVegan

Somewhere Over "D" Rainbow by ElephantBeads

Thank you for visiting our blog today. For more great items, please visit Etsy and keyword search DTeam.

NYer, Cat Lover, Photographer: Deborah Julian

2011-10-07T08:43:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I'd been making cards for family and friends for years. Iheard about Etsy on The Today Show a couple of years ago. I finally started myown shop this year.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

A lot of my images involve my cats so the shop was createdwith my whimsical cat designs in mind. I have recently decided to put some ofmy more serious photos in the shop too.

What's your favorite shop item and why?

I think the Handle With Care image is my favorite. My catGeorge is a natural born clown and makes me laugh a dozen times a day.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
At home I unwind by playing with the cats, or by watching an old movie. I loveto cook but don't seem to have much time for that anymore. I also lovewandering around New York City, usually with my camera.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Chocolate with chocolate frosting; I love anythingchocolate!

What pushes you to want to create something?

As a photographer, I'm an observer by nature. I love to takea photo or to create a cat image that captures something interesting I haveseen.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it whilechannel surfing now would you stop & watch?

I loved Bugs Bunny and still do. I'm a sucker forsmart-alecky animals. I guess that's why I live with cats.

What's your fantasy job?
Taking photos for a travel magazine so I could go everywhere in the world!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

I can't think of one.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
Travel, Art, Animals

Do you have a favorite author?

When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page,or grab anything handy to mark your place? I love Anne Tyler and eagerly waitfor her to come out with a new novel which I then devour. I buy lovelybookmarks but usually can't find them when I'm reading so I pick up the nearestpiece of paper to use as a bookmark. Unfortunately, this problem of not findingwhat I need does not just apply to bookmarks,

If money was no object and you can live wherever youwant….where would that be?

Italy. I'm 1/2 Italian and have two good friends living inItaly. My husband and I have actually fantasize about retiring there. I'mstudying Italian just in case!

What is your best childhood memory?

My mother's two older sisters who never married lived withus when I was a child. My wonderful aunt Stella was fairly shy but she lovedtaking my sister and me places. I think doing things for us gave her courage todo things she wanted to do. She took me on a few trips when I was veryyoung--to New York City, to Washington DC and a few other places. I think sheinspired my love of travel. When my nieces were kids I tried to do the same forthem.

For more information and gift ideas, Deborah Julian can be found in her Etsy shop. She can also be found on Zazzle where you can customize accessories with her prints and on Facebook.

Diving into Etsy with the D Listers.

2011-10-06T08:10:00.000-04:00

by Revolution Co-Op originally posted on her blog Revolution Co-Op

Revolution Co-Op opened it's virtual doors 10 days ago. So excited to finally embark on this new venture.

The "shelves" are slowly filling with great stuff, and even better I've found an amazing team of fellow Etsyians who are all about aiding one another in the pursuit of success - The Etsy D Listers aka The D Team. So far they've been incredible in helping get the word out about Revolution Co-Op. I can't wait to get to know more of them.

As my first blog I want to introduce some of them to you, gentle reader. If you like what you see I encourage you to investigate their shops further. They all have so many wonderful things to offer.

One of the team leaders is Designing Impressions. She has wonderful fiber art. From cute animal backpack pulls to practical and environmentally conscious crocheted bath scrubbies... everything is adorable.

Zipper Pull Charm - Amigurumi Owl in Good Luck Pink

As summer begins to wind down you can keep a little piece of the season's glory with you forever. Lizbeth's Garden specializes in handcrafted beaded tassels, gorgeous dried and pressed flowers, and even more. I love this grape hyacinth sprig:

Dried Flower Pale Blue Grape Hyacinth Sprig

One of a Kind Baby Design is a shop that specializes in custom gifts. From Event/Wedding favors to sweet children's hair accessories, and amazing custom growth charts/clothing trees. You are bound to find something special.

Custom Hand Painted Growth Chart/Clothes Tree

A great vintage shop is Nanny's Rose. Her selection is dizzying and delightful. She has a number of lovely boudoir pieces, perfect for your dresser, great vintage books, and all manner of decorative pieces. One of my favorites is this Asian Flute Player:

Vintage Marwal Red Asian Statue Flute Player

Another great shop on the D Team is Imagine It Scrapped. Focusing on sweet jewelry and creatively designed and decorated keepsake and jewelry boxes. I just love the wide variety of choices, from ballerina themed to punk!

Sunny Days Jewelry Box

Lastly is Granny's Nook Treasures, a new shop that currently features beautiful ceramic and porcelain pieces. All the items in this shop are from a personal family collection, so they all have a story to tell. Be sure to check back frequently as more items are being added regularly.

Footed Tea Cup and Saucer - Coneflowers with a Deep Blue Base

I hope you have fun exploring all that these great shops have to offer, and don't forget to stop by Revolution Co-Op, too!

See you next week!

Kate

First of the Treasuries for October

2011-10-04T12:13:00.000-04:00

This week we have beautiful handmade items in pinks, greens and general de-loveliness. Enjoy!

Pink Velvet Hope - Breast Cancer Awareness by ElephantBeads

Green Meditation by RevolutionCoOp

It's Delightful, it's Delicious, it's De-lovely by sassybellewares

Please visit Etsy and keyword search DTeam for more wonderful items from the talented group.

Getting Ready For Christmas! (Already)

2011-09-29T07:45:00.000-04:00

By Gracie Beal originally on her blog, made with love

Hi everyone! I'm sorry about my short absence; life can get quite busy! Anyways, I'm here to let you know that if you've started your Christmas list already, you aren't alone! This year I'm (thinking about) doing an all handmade Christmas...let me know what you think! Here are some of the cool tutorials I've fallen in love with:

Monogrammed Tray DIY

Monogrammed Candle DIY

Silhouettes DIY

I'll keep you updated as I create all of these lovelies! Opinions/comments/etc? Comment!

-Gracie

The Light The Dark and the Cats We Love

2011-09-27T08:36:00.000-04:00

What as mix: happy pink, dark black and cute wittle fuzzy kitty cats. Enjoy!

Feelin' Good by SimplyClutch

The Darker Side of the DTeam by TheGoodOleDays

Meow! by Nicoinstitches

Impressive comes to my mind when I see the treasuries created by the DTeam. For more great handmade items, keyword search DTeam on Etsy. See you there!

The Quirky Cork's Upcycled Cork Jewelry

2011-09-23T08:24:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I was turned on to Esty by a good friend of mine. I waswanting to sell my wine cork bracelets but wasn't sure how to or who to.

What pushes you to want to create something?

Ambition and my love of creating beautiful things.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

Wine corks. I have collected so many over the past few yearsand I didn't know what to do with them. Now I can not stop making things withthem.

Where do you get your ideas? And what prompted you to makewhat you do?

Alot of my idea's come from being born and raised in Tampa.=and all the experiences that I have had. Gasparilla, is the main one. If youcould tell I am obsessed with it. My brother is a few years older then me andkeeps asking me when am I going to grow up and stop going to Gasparilla.....NEVER!

What's your favorite shop item and why?

My favorite item and has been since I started would be myPirate wine cork bracelet. Love, love, love it! It was made for my love of theGasparilla Parade in Tampa, FL.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Apple strudel with butter cream frosting. Oh my heavens!

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if youstumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

Strawberry Shortcake and The Smurfs. If I stumbled across itI would most definitely watch it again. Love to go down memory lane.

What's your fantasy job?

To work at home and be successful.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

Not really and if I did I don't think I should tell anyone.LOL!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to eversay no to.

Gasparilla Parade,

decorating something,

going out to dinner.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use aproper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

Karen Marie Moning The Fever Series. I use whatever I canfind to book mark my pages or sometimes just bend them.

If money was no object and you can live wherever youwant….where would that be?

I think I would just travel all over the World and see asmuch ad I could. That is a hard question to answer.

What is your best childhood memory?

To many as I cherish alot of them and I guess it justdepends on the moment or who it was with. I am from a big family, so I had alotof wonderful memories.

You can find more upcycled cork jewelry in The Quirky Cork's Etsy shop. You can also find her on Facebook.

More Knitted Baby Janes

2011-09-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

By TheFeistyRedhead
originally on her blog, The Feisty Redhead

I told you I couldn't resist these knitted Baby Jane shoes from Red Heart!

I learned a few lessons from making them for my niece a few months ago. That made the next two pairs super easy to knit.

I knitted one pair for a co-worker's baby and the other for my cousin's baby Sadie. I haven't actually met Sadie in person, but in photos she has pretty long feet so I hope these will fit her!

What I used to make this project:
Red Heart Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe in Lipstick
Two white buttons from M&J Trim
Baby Jane Stitch Nation pattern

What I liked about this project:
You can change the entire look of the shoes by changing the yarn color and button.

What I didn't like about this project:
The strap comes loose on kicking baby feet. I sewed my buttonhole closed just a bit to make sure the button stays in place.

What I listened to while I made this project:
ELO (I love you, Jeff Lynne!)

Colorful Sweet Fairytales

2011-09-21T09:07:00.000-04:00

Beautiful handmade items from the DTeam with a flare of fantasy.

A dteam Fairy tale by Crystalcat1989

Sweet Like DTeam by GoddessJewelsUK

DTeam Color Love by QsFlowerStand

Thanks for stopping by. For more gift giving ideas, please visit Etsy and keyword search DTeam.

The Fall Colors of Orange Gold and Black

2011-09-20T09:05:00.000-04:00

It's treasury time again and we have a wonderful themes today in the beautiful fall colors of orange, gold and black.

Orange Obsession by sassybellewares

Black and Gold by ElephantBeads

Black, White, White Black DListers by crochetgallery

We enjoy bringing special handcrafted goods to you. To find more, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Lush Baubles and Baubles for Bellas: Jewelry from Down Under

2011-09-16T08:04:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I started as a buyer on Etsy; I stumbled across it one daylooking for jewellery supplies and figured I should try selling my jewellerytoo.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

Beautiful jewellery for the individual

What's your favorite shop item and why?

In my baublesforbellas shop it is a necklace with golden Akoya pearls with amethyst, rubilite quartz, and blue topaz, Ilove it because its so extravagant.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

Watch Sci-Fi and eat ice cream with my husband.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Chocolate

What pushes you to want to create something?

It can be anything, from something like a scene in a film tosomething as simple as a leaf on the ground.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if youstumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch/

Count Duckula and Danger Mouse.

What's your fantasy job?

To be a philanthropist and loads on money and time to giveto charities and causes the world over.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

The twilight books

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to eversay no to.

My daughter

Dr Who

Chocolate

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use aproper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

JRR Tolkien and Raymond E Feist. I usually grab what’s closefor a bookmark.

If money was no object and you can live wherever youwant….where would that be?

New York City

LushBaubles and BaublesforBellas are having a Crazy Sale until the end of September and her jewelry is 25% to 50% off. It's a great time to visit her shops on Etsy. You can also find her on Facebook.

My "Vocation" as an Artist By ConnieKSalesArt

2011-09-15T08:08:00.000-04:00

By ConnieKSalesArt
originally posted on her blog, Art Beyond Eye Candy

In the recent past it was suggested to me that maybe I should begin to record and share my journey and my story. So, in the summer of 2010, I recorded an artist talk I gave in Dallas, Texas.

I created my own YouTube Channel - CKSArtBeautiful

In two parts you can listen and watch as I speak about my Vocation as an Artist. Where I come from, where I am presently, and goals for the future...

Click on the links below to watch and listen:Artist Talk

Artist Talk - Part I

Artist Talk - Part II

Me in my Studio - 2008

My goal is to continue documenting my journey. Thank you for letting me share.

Christmas will be Here Soon

2011-09-15T07:57:00.000-04:00

Great gifts for Christmas in today's roundup of treasuries from the Etsy DLister aka Dteam.

Christmas Gifts, Christmas ornaments & Decor... It's a Coming! by oneofakindbabydesign

Just a Great Collection by oneofakindbabydesign

Last of Summer; First of Autumn

2011-09-14T08:10:00.000-04:00

Today's treasuries from the Etsy DLister aka DTeam on Etsy. Today we find great finds, flowers and inspiration from the sea.

Fab Finds from the DTeam by sassybellewares

Inspired by the Sea (DTeam) by CrimsonMosquito

The Flowers of Autumn by ElephantBeads

Rocking September Away

2011-09-13T07:52:00.000-04:00

Our 2nd installment this week on the great items you'll find in the DTeam Etsy shops.

DTeam Rocks! by sassybellewares

Halloween with the dteamers by Crystalcat1989

Halloween with the dteamers by hautecards

Earring Addiction byemilymakesart

September Series of Treasuries

2011-09-12T09:22:00.000-04:00

The DTeam produced so many wonderful treasuries this week that we're going to take a look of a few of them daily. Here's just a few.

Things that Go Bump in the Night a halloween tribute by oneofakindbabydesign

I love the DTeam (part 1) <3 by littlechampart

I love the DTeam (part 2) <3by littlechampart

Brand new!by SweetPB

Beautiful Earrings by Gracie's Designs

2011-09-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

One of my friends showed it to me after I started making myjewelry and I just got hooked.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

I’ve always loved earrings...I started making them before Ihad my ears pierced!

What's your favorite shop item and why?

I really, really like the curlicue romantic wire heartearrings because they're so cute and dainty but easy to wear!

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

If I’m fortunate enough to be at my summer house, I LOVE towalk along the beach. If I’m not there, I take hot baths and catch up on myreading!

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Really anything from sprinkles! I love their coconut darkchocolate and their peanut butter chip, but anything and everything there isamazing

What pushes you to want to create something?

A LOT of different things! Sometimes I’ll see a little findingI LOVE and I’ll just want to work with it and see what I come up with. Or ifsomeone has an outfit that I love I see if I can design earrings that wouldwork with it. I also get super inspired by nature; I love to go to a park nearme and just watch the animals go about their business.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if youstumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

Tom and Jerry! And ha-ha maybe for a little while! I think it’sso funny how it can make me laugh without the cartoon even making a sound!!!

What's your fantasy job?

I think it would be super fun to run a vintage shop; I loveto rummage through piles of old things and find treasures. But that doesn'tmean that I couldn't have a little section of modern-day earrings....hey, it'sa fantasy! Either that or to design a jewelry line for a label I really love!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

Hmm...it's a secret for a reason, right?

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to eversay no to.

Anthropologie...it's my weakness!

Vintage stuff.

Pasta.....

Do you have a favorite author?

When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page,or grab anything handy to mark your place?

I LOVE Nicholas Sparks. And I’m guilty of dog earring thepages...sorry!

If money was no object and you can live wherever youwant….where would that be?

Oh that’s tough. Probably somewhere in Europe...maybe Greeceor Italy!

What is your best childhood memory?

Spending summers up at my summer house in Michigan. I lovedpicking strawberries fresh off of our friend's farm with my siblings and layingdown in the fields! And all the barbeques...

The DTeam is especially proud of Gracie Beal because she is truly a young entrepreneur. You can find more great earrings in Gracie Beals' in her Etsy shop. She can also be found on Twitter and on Facebook.

Healing Power of Earth's Water Elements

2011-09-08T08:12:00.000-04:00

by ElephantBeads

We're all aware of the healing powers of amber, turquoise, copper, and other of earth's elements. I would like to propose the healing power of elements that come from earth's bodies of water - oceans, lakes, streams. Those of us who are land-locked surely benefit from surrounding ourselves with shells, pearls, and other items of beauty that were formed underwater and came ashore. I recently created a choker using freshwater pearls and an abalone shell, shown here. I absolutely love the light-weight, natural heft of these water elements:

I was inspired to seek out other creations from underwater elements that were created by my team members on the Etsy D-Listers team. Here is what I found:

OOAK Sea Blue Green Paua Shell and Copper Wirework Necklace

Grey shell earrings, mother of pearl hoop style

Cream, champagne, and tahitian pearl trio
14kt gold filled chain necklace

Halo. Sterling hoops with freshwater pearl

Etsy DTeam Lovin' 7 Days a Week

2011-09-06T07:43:00.001-04:00

We have seven fantastic treasuries this week. One for every day. And oh, what a week it is. We have some great handmade and vintage gift ideas. Let's take a look.

Sweet and Rosy by RIXalien

D Team Love ~ ♥ bytamaralove1

cut scene fade to black by DesigningImpressions

You RED my mind. by glamourpusscouture

Gift Guide for Virgos by ElephantBeads

Gift Guide for Libras by ElephantBeads

As Summer Gives Way to Fall by YourHEARTOnPaper

These were so fun to find this week. It is truly inspiring to be a member of the Etsy DTeam. For more great gifts, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Shaping Earth's Elements with Elephant Beads

2011-09-02T08:12:00.000-04:00

We asked recently for ElephantBeads to tell us more about her shop and her love of gemstones and beading. These are her words.

A couple of months ago I took the "Six Word Challenge" and defined the style of creations I sell in my Etsy shop in six words or less. Here’s what I came up with: "Shaping earth’s elements into usable art."
The "earth’s elements”" part makes a lot of sense, given my background. As the daughter of a field geologist, I spent hours wandering across dusty Wyoming rock fields, staring at the ground and swooping down to pick up moss agates or other natural treasures. My brother and I wielded pick-axes to gently pry apart layers of sandstone to discover fossilized fish. Google ”Pumpkin Buttes” for a great example of where I spent my childhood days!

Rocks and gemstones are second nature to me - throughout my childhood the rock tumbler hummed in the garage, with agates inside and occasionally a nice chunk of jade or turquoise. For a long time, my creativity took the form of writing, sketching and painting - but I have returned to earth's elements with my Etsy shop, and I’m totally happy when I’m hammering and shaping metal or threading stones, gems, glass or crystal on a string or a wire or weaving them into a mini-tapestry. I have discovered that my main style is Boho –a diverse mix of earthy eclecticism that allows me to experiment with textures and colors.

I wear many of my own pieces – the ones I just couldn’t part with! I rarely create two of the same thing. The rare exceptions are my metalworked copper bookmarks – there are still a few in my shop, but they were very popular. I created those addictively several months ago in a variety of colors. I keep thinking I’ll make more, but in the rare moments (between a full time corporate job and my awesome family) that I sit down to create, I find I’m taken in a new direction.

Someone once asked a question in an Etsy discussion: What makes your shop truly unique? I am still pondering that question, and I still don’t have a great answer for it. But one thing I do know: I am a perfectionist, and my goal is to create wearable art that is comfortable, balanced and built to last. I love it when my customers buy one of my items for a special occasion or to give as a gift, and are happy with their choice. I hope they enjoy it for years to come!

You can find more great jewelry pieces in Elephant Beads' Etsy shop. Elephant Beads can also be found on Twitter, Facebook and on her blog.

For other awesome artisans and their wares, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

DTeam's Treasuries of the Week

2011-08-30T19:05:00.000-04:00

This week we'll explore the diversity that the Dteam represents and the custom keepsakes that are available.

The DTeam is Awesome by BlackMagicStudio

Made Just For You by DesigningImpressions

Thanks for visiting and enjoying this week's treasuries. For more great gift ideas, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

The White Wedding Purse Tassel: How It Began

2011-08-27T07:46:00.002-04:00

By LizbethsGarden

Creation of the Wedding Purse Tassel

The montage above goes clockwise beginning in the upper left from the tassel just after I hand-wrapped and tied it, through bead selection, the base of the fringe, and the beading of the fringe. {Click the images for larger versions.}

The completed tassel

To purchase this tassel you can find it in her Etsy shop. You can also find her on her blog and on Facebook.

For more great gifts, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

NannysRose Vintage Heirlooms and More

2011-08-26T08:32:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I've always liked to shop and I've always liked to make things, but in early 2010 I "stepped it up a notch." I had a very traumatic personal experience and began crafting as therapy. I'd find myself spending every weekend at Michaels. At the same time, I made a friend who was an expert craftsman and collector. He was always telling me about his success at selling things he found and restored. He showed me his awesome home and said "this is my stock market."

I looked around at some of the things I owned and some of my creations and thought maybe I should give selling things a try. I told another friend "my items are almost good enough to sell on Etsy." My friend said "Your items ARE good enough to sell on Etsy."

So, I thought "I'm doing this anyway, why not try to sell it?"

What was your inspiration for your shop?

My great-grandmother. Her name was Grace but we all called her Nanny.

I only met her a couple of times but I was in awe of her collection of - well - everything. She was a woman of limited means but she managed to put together an amazing assortment of beautiful and eclectic items. What an amazing home she had. I wanted to be just like her.

What's your favorite shop item and why?

Picking a favorite shop item is like picking a favorite child. I don't do that.

I will say that I really enjoy painting mirrors and will never stop. My mirrors are also my most popular items.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

I shop. I drink beer. I watch really great old TV shows and imagine myself as the main character.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

I'm easy to please. I like all cupcakes, provided they're chocolate with chocolate frosting.

What pushes you to want to create something?

I'm big on visualizing. I "see" things not as they are, but as they could be. When I was a child, I always imagined I could draw like Leonardo Da Vinci. My drawings weren't Da Vinci quality, but they were pretty darn good for a little kid. These days I still have these crazy visions of making amazing things. Sometimes things don't turn out according to plan, but they usually look pleasant enough to make me smile.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

I never liked cartoons. I liked Perry Mason reruns.

What's your fantasy job?

My fantasy job is to be a full-time prosecutor.

I want to bring peace and justice to my community.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasures are no secret. I'm very open about my affection for shopping, gambling and beer.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

- Shopping

- Gambling

- Beer.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

Anne Rule, the true-crime writer. She's amazing and I want to be just like her, if I ever grow up.

I grab whatever I can find to hold the place in the book. Sometimes - gasp - I even just place the book down flat, open to the last page I was reading.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

I'd live right here in the beautiful Bay Area California on a huge lot of land.

I'd have several houses on the land. I'd live in the main house and my starving artist friends would live in the smaller houses. We'd have a special house to host parties. We'd call it "Anthony's House," in honor of my late friend Anthony. My friends and I would gather there regularly make toasts in Anthony's honor.

What is your best childhood memory?

The annual July 4 parade and picnic in my old neighborhood, Green Meadow. It was just great old-fashioned heartwarming innocent fun.

You can find more vintage items in her Etsy shop.

For more great items keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Dancing around the hurricane and into Fall

2011-08-23T17:00:00.001-04:00

What a group of treasuries this week. Wowsers! We have a tribute to Hurrican Irene, to Fall and to Music. Let's see what we can fun.

Hurrican Irene Inspiration by DesigningImpressions

Teaming up for Fall by susanwilliamsdesigns

Put on your dancing shoes by ElephantBeads

To find more great gift ideas remember to keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Another Way to “Preserve” Tomatoes

2011-08-20T08:42:00.001-04:00

By The Lime Grasshopper aka satrngrl

So you have a bumper crop of tomatoes (or in my case, tomatillos)? Given some to all your family, friends and co-workers? Now, what to do with the rest? This exact scenario happened to me a couple years ago, and just couldn’t eat any more salsa verde or tomatoes. So, I decided to make Tomatillo Wine.

After googling the fruit wine making process, I was off to my local beer/wine making store with a little list of ingredients: acid blend, pectic enzyme, grape tannin, yeast nutrient, campden tablet, and champagne yeast. I also had to buy a 2-gallon plastic bucket, 2 1-gallon glass jugs, a hydrometer, 2 rubber corks (for the glass jugs) , 2 airlocks, some plastic tubing, and of course, wine bottles and corks.

.

The process wasn’t too difficult. I followed the instructions and recipe from winemaking.jackkeller.net. The most important thing is keeping your work area as sterile as possible, and to sterilize all the buckets and bottles before using them. There is a seven day period where you have to really take care of the mash, stirring twice a day while it is in the bucket. Then you remove the fruit and siphon to the glass jugs.

Now the real wait begins. Rack the wine every 60 days until it clears; another racking in 2 weeks. Add the stabilizer and wait another 10 days.

Sweeten the wine to taste with sugar water and bottle. Place the bottled wine in a cool dark place and let it mature for about a year.

While my attempt to make tomatillo wine failed (I had 12 bottles of really bad tomatillo vinegar after a year), it is still a fun project and I will try it again. It is recommended to use your own homegrown fruit, or that of someone you know, since grocery store fruits can have pesticides on them (which are not good for wine making). And the possibilities are endless. Florida Orange Groves Winery makes Hot Sun, a tomato jalapeno wine that is just amazing! Happy wine-making!

You can find satrngrl in her Lime Grasshopper Etsy shop and her Crimson Mosquito Etsy shop. Follower her on Facebook, too.

For other great gifts keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

BooBooZoo has Therapeutic Heat and Cold Pads

2011-08-19T08:33:00.001-04:00

An interview with BooBooZoo.

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I have TMJ and need to use heat and cold to help combat it. Any old one will do, but well, I thought about having something a little more fun. I saw an opportunity to do something no one else does and just started crafting. I picked BooBooZoo because the first designs I ever made were Hannah the Hippo, Edward the Elephant, Frankie the Fish and Willie the Whale and well it looked like I was making a Zoo (plus I like things that rhyme).

I found Etsy through other crafty people at several local shows I did.

What's your favorite shop item and why?

It changes from day to day really. Right now my favorites are my Crap Packs because they are new. I like items that are functional and cute and I think almost everything in my shop fits that category, because I still love my animals very much too!

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

Creating is how I like to unwind most of the time. I do however spend alot of time chatting with friends online, reading silly novels, and watching TV.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

I will probably get kicked off the team for saying this but I don't love cupcakes. I am more of a cookie gal; however the best part of a cupcake is usually the icing!

What pushes you to want to create something? I come from a long line of crafters so I really think it is in my blood. I have crafters ADD and that causes all these ideas flooding into my head all the time too.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid? As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

You know I honestly can't remember if I had a favorite, but I seem to remember alot of Care Bears and Smurfs. I would stop and watch if I stumbled across some of the older Care Bears if I saw it, but the new stuff not so much!

What's your fantasy job?

To work at home and be a successful crafter! Isn't that what we all dream about? I would love to be at home working in my PJ's!!!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

There isn't too much secret about me, if I like it most of the time someone knows about it so it isn't a secret anymore!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

Fresh chocolate chip cookies

Dr. Pepper

Puppy breath

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

I have several and I will be honest here and not make myself look good...lol

Janet Evanovich - I love the Stephanie Plum books

Sandra Brown - The murder mysteries are the only ones I read

Mary Janice Davidson - The Undead series is to DIE for! Can't help laughing out loud all through the books!

And I TRY to use a proper bookmark but I loose them all the time, but that random receipt will stick with me through many many books!

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

Southern France hands down - never been but have heard alot about it and it seems like my kind of place!

What is your best childhood memory?

I had a great childhood so there are so many! I lost my father and Grandfather at a young age so I really cherish all memories I had of both of them. I was a spoiled rotten brat so most of my favorites involve me getting a present somehow. I swear trying to think of one I have thought of at least 10 and they all involved gifts!

I even had 2 best Christmases ever. One was my Barbie dream house which I still have and the other was my Kitchen Set, not like the ones today that are all lumped into one. It was a fridge as tall as me (at that time) and a stove separate. Both of those items got me through many years and many happy times!

Where do you get your ideas? And what prompted you to make what you do? Alot of my ideas come from fabrics I see or from customers. If I see a cute fabric I always buy it then try to make a design that will work with it. I am a faricaholic it is kinda scary... I have it everywhere! Not all designs work for me. I have tried many that I just can't get right... still working on most and I know one day I will get the shapes perfected! A lot of time (like with my wrist wraps, and Tummy Betters) it comes from a customer needing something, they put an idea in my head and well away I go. I am not afraid of craft Fails! I have alot of them, but I don't stop till it looks good and is functional. I do save all the fails... who knows one day I may need them for a hall of fame.

BooBooZoo is a family affair. In addition to the therapy pads you can find other home goods and accessories like these:

You can find BooBooZoo in her Etsy shop and follow her on Facebook.

Fore more great items, keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Diverse Digest of Dteam Deliciousness

2011-08-17T10:05:00.000-04:00

Summer flowers fill our thoughts as well as a welcome for new team members and rainbow dreams.

Timeless Blooms by littlechampart

Blooming Favorites from the D Listers by glamourpusscouture

Dteam newbies! :)by littlechampart

Somewhere Over the Rainbow... by littlechampart

Littlechampart, A Creator of Keychains and So Much More

2011-08-12T08:02:00.003-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I can remember ALWAYS wanting to sell my crafts as a kid. I probably had 50 string friendship bracelets made at all times, just in case ;) I originally started my Etsy shop to sell personalized items, and then I discovered how fun a sewing machine was!

Honestly, I had never even heard of Etsy until I asked friends on facebook if they knew of a place I could sell crafts online.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

Entrepreneurship is in my blood. Mom used to own a Children's Clothing Boutique. Dad owns a couple Toy Stores. I studied Small Business Management in college... I was basically born to have my own business. I love making things, too... thus, my Etsy shop was born!

What's your favorite shop item and why?

I love all of my Kii-Bees, but I think my new fabric boxes (not online yet!) are going to be my favorite. They're so funky and fun. I basically love the ability to incorporate so much color in each of my items.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

Fiddling around on the internet (I'm a sucker for any silly kitty video!)
Playing nerdy video games - like World of Warcraft, Starcraft 2, or The Sims.
Snuggling with my kitty, Pidge, and watching TV or reading.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Honestly, I'm not a huge cupcake fan. My favorites are the simple ones made from boxed cake mix with frosting from a can ;) I'm a simple kind of girl!

What pushes you to want to create something?

Restlessness. I get bored of doing the same thing day in and day out. Heck, I get bored just trying to sit through a 30 minute TV show!

I also LIVE for having projects to do. Its one of the things I miss most about being in school - there's just something awesome about coming up with a plan, doing it, then getting to admire the finished project ;)

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

I was a kid of the late 80s and early 90s - there were WAY too many cartoons to list! Pretty much all of the old NickToons were my favorites - Doug, Rugrats, CatDog... a few friends and I tried watching an episode of Rugrats not that long ago - its definitely not as entertaining now! haha

What's your fantasy job?

Owning a solid, true business. I'm not sure what that means, exactly, though! Maybe it means a brick & mortar store, or just a successful online business. All I know is that I want to be able to sell my own creations for the rest of my life!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

Hmm.. actually, I love purses. Its a disgusting addiction, and luckily I don't have expensive designer taste! I use a single purse until it is falling apart and dead, but have tens of them stashed away! I'm not very girly, so I'm sure that would surprise many people to hear.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

Disney World, Disney World, Disney World.

Although, I never DO say no to that - or anything related to that little slice of heaven in Florida ;)

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

I have MANY favorite authors. I was forced into owning a Kindle because there's no more room for books in our apartment and I'm unable to throw them away!! When reading a "real" book, though, I bend the pages. I actually trash my books, because when I get really into it, I pick at the edges. So my most well-loved books look beaten to death.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?
Colorado! Its gorgeous there, my best friend of the past 22 years lives there, and you can see snow 365 days a year!

What is your best childhood memory?

Honestly, I had an incredible childhood and it is impossible to pick a favorite! The majority of my memories include the aforementioned best friend, though :) I do remember always having craft projects to do with my mom - one of my favorites was creating papier mache caves for my plastic dinosaurs. I think she got the idea because she was tired of me using the laundry dryer as their cave!

Reading with the DTeam

2011-08-06T10:00:00.002-04:00

I have been in total bookworm mode lately. I don't want to do anything except read. If only I had the ponytail power Jeannie had in I Dream of Jeannie. Just one swing and everything I have to do would be taken care of and I could read all day long! One of my team members has some great recommendations so read on!

Simply Clutch suggests, "The Time Traveler's Wife" by Audrey Niffenegger. She says it "is my fave book!" and describes it as a "really great love story with the right pinch of drama".

She also recommends "Olive Kitteridge" by Elizabeth Strout. Of this she says, "It's a compilation of short stories of different people of a small town in Maine, but creates a novel centered around one character, Olive. Beautifully written.".

"The Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri is another suggestion she has saying the book has "fantastic short stories about India and Indian-Americans".

For guilty pleasure reading, she chooses "the Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan (fantasy books) and the Luxe Series (they are young adult so read really fast, but it's essentially "Gossip Girl" meets 1899... AWESOME)."

Simply Clutch has an Etsy shop filled with gorgeous bags. Her tote bags are the perfect accessory for bookworms since they are big enough to carry the current book they are reading! She also has smaller bags such as clutches and coin purses for those days when all you need is your ID, lipstick, and money. Stop by her shop when you don't have your nose in one of the books she has recommended!

And The Winner Is....

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all of you who entered the DTeam's first giveaway! We really appreciate your taking the time to visit our blog and individual shops! Congratulations to the three winners!

The winner of Prize A is MommyWantsToRead!

The winner of Prize B is Deanna!

The winner of Prize C is birdmo!

In the process...

2011-08-04T07:47:00.001-04:00

By SimplyClutch

I think it's fun seeing projects from the beginning, so a few weeks ago I took some pictures while I was making an order for 4 Ivory Silk Clutches with a Ruffled Flower (and pearls).

Silk cut and ironed on fusible interfacing

Outer and inner pieces are marked and ready to be sewed together

Sew on the purple line... uh oh, which one!

All 4 ready to be sewed!

Sewing outer and inner fabric

Phoenix watching me sew from her dog bed in the corner

Cut silk strips for the flowers

Let's make some flowers

Let's get these flowers on the outsides

All ready for the frames!

All done!

You can read more from Simply Clutch on her blog. She also has a wonderful Etsy shop and is on Facebook.

August Colors are Showing

2011-08-03T09:08:00.000-04:00

August is a upon us in all it splendor. And Fall is around the corner as well as the beginning of a new school year. There's many wonderful colors and themes this week so settle in for an enjoyable ride through the DTeam treasuries this week.

Oli❤e Geeks and Nerds by ExpressionsFloral

Feminine Find by Etsy D-Listers by maggiel2

Turquoise Tuesday Treasury by BlackSheepBeadery

Splash of Color Here, Splash of Color There by oneofakindbabydesign

The Etsy DTeam is ready for Fall! by littlechampart

Under the sea with Etsy D-Listers by maggiel2

Thanks for stopping by. Please remember to keyword search DTeam on Etsy to find more wonderful handmade treasures.

Felted Fibers from Fiber Puppy

2011-07-29T07:44:00.002-04:00

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I’m inspired by texture and design. I love to be able to evoke a critter with just a few needlefelted lines or a shape.

I’d say I’m a think out the box kind of gal. Most of what I’ve learned is self taught. I’m slightly dyslexic, so I often do things in unconventional ways. This is a huge inspiration as I’m not confined by “the way it should be made”. I often combine techniques from different mediums. For example many of my critter hat ears are made by using origami-folding techniques prior to felting.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
Oh it’s usually the last new thing I made. At the moment it is the lion hat. I had a friend who is a member of the lions club ask me to make one and it just makes me smile when I see it.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Chocolate fleur de sel. How’s that for fancy pants. LOL

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?

Oh this so dates me but I loved Josie and the Pussycats, Rocky and Bullwinkle and of course Sesame Street. I still find myself humming the noony noony noo song the cartoon typewriter from Sesame Street used to sing. I will totally stop and watch Sesame Street. It’s hilarious to see the famous people they get on there.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
I’m addicted to 80’s new wave music. I have my computer in my studio perpetually set to KROQ. I listen to it constantly when I craft. My husband hates it so it’s the only time I indulge.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
My coon hound Greta and her soulful eyes are pretty hard to deny. She’s not allowed in the yarn barn (my studio) so I’m always running outside to get some dog love. It’s probably a good thing as I can get obsessed.

Other than her, I’d say anything to do with cooking, gadgets, cookbooks, spices. I love to cook. It’s the only thing that kept me sane during lawschool. Cooking is the only art that uses all 5 senses.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
I’m a huge Science Fiction/fantasy fan. I read constantly, but my latest obsession is Michelle Sagara West.

I’m married to a book publisher who is very very careful to always use a bookmark, but I have to admit I’m a dogearer to his dismay. Well I just got a kindle so I guess that’s not an issue.

Using Intuits GoPayment at Craft Shows

2011-07-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

By MegsCrochetJewels

Final Chapter in my Saga to accept credit cards at craft shows.

Part 1 can be found here. Part 2 here.

This blog is about my real world experience using Intuits GoPayment to accept credit cards at craft shows.

We were really excited to get our first credit card sale. The lady was also excited that she could use her card at a vendor even though there was an ATM on site. She was curious about my credit card contraption but overall she was impressed. However, I should have tested it once I hooked the card reader in. I didn't realize you couldn't just hook it up and then take the reader off and put it back on again. It needs to stay on.

So for the first CC I accepted I had to manually enter in all the info. Still not bad! I emailed the lady a receipt and immediately also received an email confirming the charge. You can also go to your “Past Charges” and it will show you if the transaction cleared. After that, it was pretty much clear sailing. We had several sales that day. A few cards were stubborn and needed to be swiped more than once, but that’s usual for any type of swiper. Even though some people were curious about it no one seemed put off or nervous to use it, and some didn’t even ask for a receipt. Most people have heard of Intuit and recognize the name, so that really helped with the trust factor. The swiper has an Intuit lanyard on it and people really identified with that! You hear QuickBooks, Turbo Tax and Mint mentioned a lot. I even met a guy who works for Intuit, so that was cool! After the craft show, I went straight into my intuit account and it showed all the charges. Then, after a couple of days, the money was transferred to my bank account with no problems. You can also go onto your intuit account and see what the fees were in your statement section.

Tips:

Be sure to go to your Intuit settings to make sure your swiper is connected and activated, especially if you remove and then replace the swiper at anytime. Also be sure that your volume is turned all the way up. If it is going to be a while between swipes, log out of your phone app after each transaction. My last show was slow and it would let me go through the whole process until I clicked charge, then it would make me log back in and go through the whole process again! That made me worry about double charges. But, thankfully, that didn't happen. It's simple to make sure that it doesn't charge twice, just check your Past Charges before you retry the transaction.

PLEASE check the customers drivers license and make sure it matches with the CC info. If you want to be extra cautious, write out a paper receipt and record their drivers license number and address and get them to sign it. That way, if the charge is ever disputed, you can prove that you had every reason to believe the person was legit.

I have an Android Phone, so some of these tips may not apply if you have an iPhone.

Check out YouTube for videos on the GoPayment App for even more tips.

I hope these blog post have been informative for you. Please feel free to ask any questions you may still have.

You can find MegsCrochetJewels on her blog. She can also be found in her Etsy shop, Twitter, and Facebook.

The DTeam Share Their Treasures

2011-07-26T12:28:00.000-04:00

White is the color this week as well as fall items and circular shapes. So, let's see which is your favorite.

Round and round and round.... by littlechampart

Sun Bleached Summer Daze by DesigningImpressions

In time for Fall by JudysDesigns

For the Bride... by littlechampart

Thanks for stopping by and spending time with us today. We hope you enjoy these items as much as we enjoy showing them to you.

If you want to see more items from this great shops, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy or visit our Shops and Stores tab.

ThisandThatCrafter's Little Shop of Greatness

2011-07-22T08:12:00.002-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I have been crafting and sewing since I can remember and always have had a love making something I can give someone and know they will love it for a long time. My neighbor who has a shop on etsy saw that I love to sew and craft things and that I was looking into some craft fairs so she told me I should try etsy to sell my handmade items. So here I am. Making a business out of something I LOVE to do, what could be better!!

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I love sewing but I am sort of a jack of all trades, something comes in my mind as a idea and I try to create it in my own way. I love doing a little bit of this and that, and that is how my name for my shop came into play.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
It would be a toss up between the backpacks and the baby blankets because they are both items that I have made as gifts in the past that people have let me know how much they have loved and used them.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
At the beach or just resting and watching my Favorite programs on T.V., which usually are programs on sewing or crafting.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Chocolate

What pushes you to want to create something?
Seeing something intresting that I will try to create with my personal spin on it.

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
As a kid I loved the Flintstones, and yes I would stop and watch it if it was on while I was channel surfing.

What's your fantasy job?
Making a income at what I love to do which is sewing and crafting.

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
That would be that I have a sweet tooth, but it is not a secret.

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
My Grandchildren, sewing or crafting something that someone has requested.

Do you have a favorite author?
Martha Stewart
When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
If I have a bookmark I use it if not I something to use as a bookmark. I never bend the page.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want?.where would that be?
In a home along the beach.

What is your best childhood memory?
My father taking me and a friend to Disneyland every year for my birthday.

Find more from This and That Crafter in her Etsy shop. Other great finds are located on Etsy when you keyword search DTeam.

DTeam Giveaway - Enter Now!

2011-07-22T08:00:00.001-04:00

The DTeam is having its first giveaway with three different prizes! Each prize is a cute storage box filled with numerous items from various DTeam shops! Rather than go on and on about other stuff I'll get straight to the good part...the prizes!

Prize A

A-water bottle cozy from The Crochet Loft (bottle of water not included in prize)

B-notecard from Deborah Julian Cards and Prints

C-gadget case from Fiberpuppy

D-necklace from Shisa Knits and Clay

E-earrings from Do Bats Eat Cats?

F-necklace from The Whirlwind

G-brooch from Black Sheep Beadery

H-two rings from SassyBelleWares

I-boo boo bag and crap pack (hiding behind item C) from Boo Boo Zoo

J-gift certificate (not pictured) from Sweet Vegan Delight

Prize A Storage Box

Prize B

A-vintage brooch refrigerator magnet with pen and pad from More Bling

B-tote bag from Simply Clutch

C-sunflower ornament from GrapeVine Ceramics and Gifts

D-earrings from Gracie's Designs

E-7 kids bows and origami bow holder from One of a Kind Baby Design

F-earrings from Nesting Pretty

G-button stack ring from SassyBelleButtons

H-brooch from Obachan's Flowers

I-necklace from Charmed

J-gift certificate (not pictured) from ad87

Prize B Tote Bag from Simply Clutch

Prize B Storage Box

Prize C

A-4 cards from Connie K. Sales Art

B-wallet/card holder/gadget case from The Lime Grasshopper

C-crochet basket from Add Some Stitches

D-necklace from Meg's Crochet Jewels

E-wine cork bracelet from The Quirky Cork

F-button stack ring from SassyBelleButtons

G-Little Mermaid ring from Glamour Puss Couture

H-coin purse/mini clutch from Kaleidoscope by Erin

I-earrings from Gracie's Designs

J-earrings from Black Magic Studio

Prize C Storage Box

Now, how can all this fabulous loot be yours?! Read on for the rules for the DTeam Giveaway. Leave a separate comment for the mandatory entry and any extra entries you may choose and remember to leave an email address so we may contact you in the event that you are a winner!

Mandatory Entry

1-Follow the DTeam Blog at the top right of the blog home page under "followers".

Extra Entries

You may choose as many of these as you would like.

1-subscribe to the DTeam blog via email on the right sidebar box titled "subscribe to this blog via email".

2-Add the DTeam button to your blog/site and leave the link to your blog/site where you do so.

3-Share the link to this giveaway on your blog/site.

4-Visit one or all of the shops participating in this giveaway. Choose one item as your favorite from each shop you visit and post the item link in a comment. Leave a separate comment for each shop you visit. Only one favorite item per shop per person will count so the most you can have from this option is 28 comments. Links to the shops to visit are listed with the prize descriptions.

Rules

This giveaway will run through Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 11:59PM Eastern time and a winner will be announced Friday, August 5, 2011. Open to residents of the US only.

Setting Up My GoPayment

2011-07-21T08:12:00.001-04:00

By MegsCrochetJewels

If you haven't read how I chose Intuits’ GoPayment for my credit card reader and payment service, it can be found here: http://bit.ly/lvhnO9

Now, After receiving the reader and activating my new phone I clicked this link that I was sent earlier and went through the application process for the Intuit Payments service. I am actually not very good with all this technical stuff so I had a few questions. I emailed the person back who sent me the link and who was so helpful with the card reader. Within no time she replied back with an answer and was very nice! We actually ended up talking back and forth for quite sometime through e-mail as she walked me through! It was so nice to have someone who seemed to care and didn’t seem bothered by my questions one bit!

**Just a quick note: Intuits GoPayment is the service you use to swipe the credit cards on your phone. Intuit Payments is your account that handles your transactions, statements and transfers the money to your checking account, and where you will go to accept credit cards or access your account on your computer. As of right now, you cannot link your Intuit account with your PayPal account. Hoping that will change soon!**

Once I finished the application process I was approved very quickly. Then I went to the Market on my smartphone and searched for GoPayment. It came right up and I downloaded it to my phone. She then told me to go into my Intuit Payments account and set up another user. This user is actually for my phone. To do this, log into your Intuit Payments account, go to “manage payments” and then “add new user." Choose a short user name and password that will be easy to type in on your smart phone.

Now you are all set up and ready to go! If you are anything like me, you are going to want to test it out first to make sure it works! So first things first: Attach your intuit card reader to the speaker jack in your smartphone/device. Then go to your GoPayment app and type in your user name and password/pin. Now, before you go to “charge” you need to go to “settings” then “enable swiper.” It may ask you to choose a swiper. You are looking for the “audio swiper.” Choose and enable your swiper. You need to go in and do this every time you take the swiper off and put it back on, just to make sure! Now go back to the first screen, then go to charge. Now type in the amount you want to charge - I chose $1.00 - then it will ask you to swipe the card (unable to talk one of my neighbors into coming over and buying some jewelry, I swiped my own card! lol). Once you swipe the card all the information will auto fill. Then click the “charge” button at the bottom. Once the charge goes through it will ask you if you want to send an email receipt to the credit card holder. Most buyers ask that you do, so just enter their email address and viola! - it sends the receipt to buyer. You will also receive a confirmation on the payment. Yay!! You have made your first credit card charge! Now you can log into your Intuit Payments account and void the charge. That way it doesn’t bill your credit card for the $1.00.

Just a little note: Be sure and have your volume turned up all the way as this will ensure a good signal for the card reader. Also, while the reader is plugged in, you will not be able to hear anything out of your speaker. So you won’t know if someone calls/texts and you won’t be able to make calls.

If you have not received your reader by your first show, don’t fret. You can enter the credit card info manually. Log into your GoPayment account with your phone or your Intuit Payments account with your laptop. Go to charge or process credit card. Enter in the amount, the credit card info and then click charge. Intuit charges a slightly higher fee for this method.

Another perk of Intuit is you can enter credit card numbers online. So if you have someone who wants to give you their info over the phone or by email you can do it that way.

Now for some technical info:

Fees: GoPayment is totally free to use including the reader. All you pay is 2.7% on each swiper transaction and 3.7% on each manual transaction.

Devices: GoPayment is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry phones. To see if your phone is compatible go here. Scroll down to “compatible devices” and click “see all devices.”

Credit Cards: You will be able to accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and with an extra application process, American Express.

More Questions: Check out the FAQ section for even more info!

Intuits Payments: When you want to access your payment info on your laptop or computer go here. Go up to “login” in the upper right hand corner. Select “Other Services” and then select “Payment Solutions”. Then type in your main login(which should be your email address) and your password.

I hope that this information has been helpful! Feel free to ask any questions that I may not have covered! My next post will describe my first craft show experience with my GoPayment, including shoppers reactions and ease of use! Stay Tuned!

You can find MegsCrochetJewels on her blog. She can also be found in her Etsy shop, Twitter, and Facebook.

Super Fun Tuesday Treasuries

2011-07-19T11:45:00.000-04:00

There's lots of fun to be had with this week's picks of treasuries.

D-Team Beauties by oneofakindbabydesign

Calm Blue Ocean, Calm Blue Ocean, Calm Blue Ocean..... by BlackMagicStudio

Lemon Lime by glamourpusscouture

I Leaned to Share as a Toddler by sassybellewares

Please visit these treasuries and shop for yourself or for gifts. For more great items, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy or visit our shops page on this blog.

Canning Tomatoes -A How To

2011-07-16T08:20:00.001-04:00

By Designing Impressions

Tomatoes and other high-acid foods may be processed using an inexpensive water-bath canner as opposed to a pressure canner. The following are basic guidelines and images coming from the Ball Blue Book of Preservation.

1. Visually examine canning jars for nicks, cracks, uneven rims or sharp edges that may prevent sealing or cause breakage. Examine canning lids to ensure they are free of dents and sealing compound is even and complete. Check bands for proper fit.

2. Wash jars and two-piece caps in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Dry bands; set aside. Heat jars and lids in a saucepot of simmering water (180°F or 82°C). DO NOT BOIL LIDS. Allow jars and lids to remain in hot water until ready for use, removing one at a time as needed.

3. Fill boiling-water canner half-full with hot water. Elevate rack in canner. Put canner lid in place. Heat water just to a simmer (180°F or 82°C). Keep water hot until used for processing.

4. Select fresh tomatoes at their peak of quality and flavor. Use firm tomatoes free of cracks, spots and growths. Prepare only enough for one canner load. Wash tomatoes; drain.

5. Place tomatoes in wire basket and lower into a large saucepot of boiling water. Blanch tomatoes 30 to 60 seconds or until skins start to crack. Remove from boiling water. Dip immediately into cold water.

6. Slip off skins; trim away any green areas; cut out core. Leave tomatoes whole or cut into halves or quarters.

7. For tomatoes packed in water, place tomatoes in a large saucepot, adding just enough water to cover. Boil gently 5 minutes.

8. Remove canning jar from hot water with a jar lifter; set jar on towel. Add 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice to each pint jar, 2 tablespoons bottled lemon juice to each quart jar.

9. Carefully pack tomatoes into hot jar, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Ladle boiling water or cooking liquid over tomatoes, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt per pint jar or 1 teaspoon salt per quart jar, if desired.

10. Slide a nonmetallic spatula between tomatoes and jar; press back gently on tomatoes to release trapped' air bubbles. Repeat procedure 2 to 3 times around inside of jar.

11. Wipe rim and threads of jar with a dean, damp cloth. Remove lid from hot water using a lid wand. Place lid on jar, centering sealing compound on rim. Screw band down evenly and firmly, just until resistance is met-fingertip tight.

12. As each jar is filled, set it onto the elevated rack in the boiling-water canner. Water in canner should be kept at a simmer (180°F or 82°C). After all jars are filled and placed onto the rack, lower rack into canner. Water must cover the two-piece caps on the jars by 1 to 2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.

13. Put lid on canner. Bring water to a boil. Start counting processing time after water comes to a rolling boil. Process pints 40 minutes, quarts 45 minutes, at a gentle but steady boil for altitudes at or below 1,000 feet above sea level. For higher altitude areas, consult your local extension office.

14. When processing time is complete, turn off heat and remove canner lid. Let canner cool minutes before removing jars. Remove jars from canner and set them upright, 1 to 2 inches apart, on a dry towel to cool. Do not retighten bands. Let jars cool 12 to 24 hours.

15. After jars have cooled, check lids for a seal by pressing on the center of each lid. If the center is pulled down and does not flex, remove the band and gently try to lift the lid off with your fingertips. If the lid does not flex and you cannot lift it off the lid has a good vacuum seal. Wipe lid and jar surface with a clean, damp cloth to remove food particles or residue. Label. Store jars in a cool, dry, dark place.

You can read more from DesigningImpressions on her blog. She can also be found in her Etsy shop, Twitter and Facebook.

Creative Commons photo credit: nddis

Ephemera Supplies from VintageCarolina

2011-07-15T07:46:00.000-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I opened my shop about 2 years ago. I sell vintage items and supplies in particular. I have lots of vintage laces and other sewing notions and trims. Many years ago I had a vintage clothing shop and got interested in vintage linens and laces so have collected for a long time.

What was your inspiration for your shop?
I have sold antiques on and off for years as I have always been a collector. If you collect you frequently change your focus or favorite items to collect so you are always destashing your old collections to help fund your new collections.

What's your favorite shop item and why?
One of my favorite items is the collections of library card catalog cards that I sell. I was really fortunate to get ahold of these. I have always loved libraries and books in general.

I am also a big fan of the laces in my shop. I have been able to buy large bolts of most of these as they are old stock from factory warehouses. Makes them a good buy for anyone who does sewing.

How do you unwind when you're not creating?
I just love to read. My hubby and I like to crab and catch shrimp. It’s great fun to bring it home and have fresh seafood for dinner!

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?
Fresh coconut, can’t be beat!

What pushes you to want to create something?
I love to sew and make things from vintage linens. When I see something really clever I always think to myself, “I can make that!” and I don’t want to quit until I do!

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
Now this is going to show my age…not cartoons but I loved to watch the “little Rascals”. Today, that is considered politically incorrect but I would definitely love to see them again and hear Alfalfa sing to Darla, “The object of my affection, can change my complection from white to rosie red…”

What's your fantasy job?
I would love to get paid to travel and write reviews of restaurants and tourist destinations. Now that is the perfect job, getting paid to eat good food!

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?
A Mounds candy bar…the combination of coconut and dark chocolate, yum!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.
I am an ephemera fiend! I love any and all old paper, illustrations and books. I can’t pass a box of old letters and books by.
I have never said no to a fresh coconut cake in my life and I never will, don’t care if I get as big as a barn.
Handmade lace and old linens, I have tons but I can’t quit buying it. I am amazed by the hours it took for some of these items to be created.

Do you have a favorite author? When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?
Can’t say that I have a favorite author but I do have some favorite books. Among those are:

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith,
Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier and
Freckles by Gene Stratton Porter

I’m also a fan of Dickens. Most of the time I just grab up a mystery or detective story for a quick read.

I can never find a book mark so I just grab up whatever piece of paper is handy. I would absolutely never bend down a page corner, I love books too much.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

Well, I feel pretty fortunate to have a home in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, hard to beat that. I will say that I have loved traveling in the south of France, I could enjoy living in a small French village, there is no bad food in France!

(gee, I'm beginning to notice a food theme in all my responses...)

What is your best childhood memory?
I had such a happy childhood. I particularly loved our family trips to Louisiana to visit relatives. Thinking back on my summers in the deep South, it is hard to explain what that was like in the 50s…a wonderful world, Dixieland.

Vintage Carolina has many great and unusual pieces in her Etsy shop. For other great finds keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Reading with the DTeam

2011-07-14T10:30:00.002-04:00

The weather has been pretty nice lately. Sure we've had some rainy days and some unbearably hot days here in New Jersey, but we've also had some nice sunny days with the perfect amount of breeze. The latter makes me want to spend the entire day outside (slathered in sunscreen, of course) with a good book. One of my fellow team members has some great suggestions, so read on!

Designing Impressions recommends The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher saying it is at the top of her list. She describes it as, "He's a professional wizard in Chicago with a yellow page ad. He fights a good fight against people doing bad ju-ju in the first couple of books. By book 4 the Fae are heavily involved and by book 11 there's an all out war between the wizards of the world and the Red Court of Vampire. Book 14 is coming out this summer."

She also says she loves the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs which is "About a woman who shapeshifts into a Coyote. Her boyfriend is a werewolf and a good friend is a vampire. She's always out solving mysteries that fall into her lap or avoiding the bullets that come her way."

Sunshine by Robin McKinley is another one of her suggestions. She says, "I had to steal this summary otherwise I'd tell you the whole story:
Rae Seddon, nicknamed Sunshine, lives a quiet life working at her stepfather's bakery. One night, she goes out to the lake for some peace and quiet. Big mistake. She is set upon by vampires, who take her to an old mansion. They chain her to the wall and leave her with another vampire, who is also chained. But the vampire, Constantine, doesn't try to eat her. Instead, he implores her to tell him stories to keep them both sane. Realizing she will have to save herself, Sunshine calls on the long-forgotten powers her grandmother began to cultivate in her when she was a child. She transforms her pocketknife into a key and unchains herself and Constantine. Surprised, he agrees to flee with her when she offers to protect him from the sun with magic. They escape back to town, but Constantine knows his enemies won't be far behind, which means that he and Sunshine will have to face them together. Fans of this book have been waiting for the 2nd book for 20 years now and for good reason. It leaves you wanting another chapter and another etc."

Designing Impressions has the cutest chroceted accessories in her shop. The two pictured can be used as keychains or zipper pulls but I am wondering if she could somehow alter them to be used as bookmarks. Seeing those cute faces peeking out of my book would surely make me smile!

SquareUp or Intuit GoPayment

2011-07-14T08:12:00.012-04:00

By MegsCrochetJewels

My first show of the season was also my first juried art show. It was a HUGE success! Although, I know I could've had at least 4 more sales had I been able to accept credit cards. So I went home and seriously looked into getting a credit card reader and a new phone to use the reader. Having heard the names Square and GoPayment passed around the Etsy forums, I started doing my research.

Before I go much further, I think it is important to state that I went into this leaning towards the Square. It is more popular in the forums and I've even watched TV commercials for it. And it made sense to me that customers would be more comfortable handing over their credit card if I were using something they recognized from TV.

So to start my journey, first I had to find a phone that would be compatible with both credit card reader apps. (You can find more information on their websites about compatible phones.) I ended up going with a certified pre-owned smart phone from my provider so I wouldn't have to invest too much to get started. Once I ordered the phone I started browsing social media to see what real people were saying about both Square and GoPayment.

I first searched their Facebook pages.

Square on Facebook: The first thing I noticed about Square is that you couldn't post to their wall, although, they did allow anyone to open a discussion. However, all of the discussions seemed to be people trying to find answers, and from what I could tell, no one was answering the questions.

I also noticed that when Square would post something, if anyone commented on that post with a question, the questions went unanswered. I also left a question to see if I would hear anything back - never did. Well, I figured, hey, this is a huge company, surely they can’t answer all of their fans questions? So then I go to their website to see if they have a customer service number you can call just in case any of the issues were being brought forward - no number…what? No customer service number?!? So then I hit Twitter.

Square on Twitter: Twitter seems to be where it’s at with Square! They have lots going on over there and they even have a separate Twitter account just for Support. So if you need answers that’s the best place to go! I tweeted “Can you guys expedite me a Square Reader?” And, within no time, I got a reply telling me I may be able to buy one from a local Apple store (I could not, but if you can, you will get a credit for the purchase price, I was told). Or, you could find an inner Square member to get one from. The only way you can find one is to search Twitter for the term “inner square” in relation to your area. I was out of luck with that as well.

I was using “Expedite a Reader” question as my test question to see how their customer service worked. I wasn’t actually expecting to get one overnighted to me. This was on a Thursday and my next show was that Saturday. You can use the credit card service without the credit card reader. You just type in the credit card numbers manually and run them that way. Then start swiping once you receive the reader (there is a difference in fees).

Okay, at the same time I am doing all this on Squares Facebook and Twitter , I am doing the same thing on GoPayments Facebook and Twitter.

GoPayment on Facebook: WOW… they actually let you post on their wall! Cool! So I read a lot of posts - look at that! Someone is actually replying to the post! Wonderful! So I leave my question, and low and behold, I get a reply pretty quick! They tell me they are going to look into the matter and get back to me….hmmm. So I go to their website - Oh look! A number to call! So I call the number. Apparently, because of higher than normal call volume, I get a guy who obviously is not used to working with Gopayment. He takes my number and a message about expediting the reader and says someone will call me back….hmm. But after asking other Gopayment users, this was actually highly unusual. They all got in touch with Intuit GoPayment easily using the phone number. After further explorations into their site, I realized that these are the same people who bring us QuickBooks, TurboTax and Mint. I love Mint! So I think…maybe people WILL recognize the Intuit name!

So, I then popped over to their Twitter. I tweeted my question about expediting a reader. Within no time, someone direct messaged me on Twitter from Intuit. They tell me if I can send them my address they will have it the credit card reader out to me as soon as humanly possible….hmmm. So I send my address and within minutes someone e-mails me from Intuit. They want to confirm my address and they send me the link to get pre approved for the service. So I confirm my e-mail and save the link for later. But I still haven't made up my mind yet. I don’t make my mind up until the next morning.

Who did I choose?

I went with Intuits GoPayment. Why? Because, even though I ordered my cell phone (overnighted) several hours before the Intuit Card reader. The card reader made it here (GA) FROM CALIFORNIA early Friday morning. And if you remember, I did all this searching and contacting on Thursday evening. So I have to say, I was impressed with their customer service. Having done the same thing with SquareUp that got me no reader, with Intuit, it got one overnighted to my door step! So Intuit GoPayment won me over!

Keep in mind this is just MY experience. I was rushed and this was all the info I could dig up in a short amount of time. Someone who has more time to devote may come up with more information. But, for me, as a very small business owner with a part time job and working on my product almost 24-7 I needed someone who could be RIGHT there to help me at any time. I feel I made the right decision for me. I suggest that everyone do the research and find out which works best for them!

If you have any question please feel free to ask!

Be sure and read my next blog post on how it went downloading the app attaching the credit card reader and actually getting my first credit card sales!

You can find MegsCrochetJewels on her blog. She can also be found in her Etsy shop, Twitter, and Facebook.

Christmas in July and Other Gifts

2011-07-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

Such wonderful colors this week. From pastels to primaries, the colors of the rainbow are evident everywhere.

Delightful color! by fiberpuppy

I'm Blue Da-Ba-Dee Da-Ba-Dai by littlechampart

It's beginning to look at lot like Christmas! by littlechampart

Tutti Frutti by glamourpusscouture

The Dteam amazes me again. So many great items. What's yours?

For more handcrafted originals, supplies for your handcraftiness, and impressive vintage, please keyword search DTeam on Etsy.

Freezing Tomatoes -A How To

2011-07-09T08:00:00.002-04:00

by Lizbeth's Garden

How to freeze tomatoes from your garden:
1. Harvest tomatoes at peak ripeness. I like a round, red variety best for this.
2. Wash well.
3. Remove green tops.
4. Dice into 1/4 inch cubes.

5. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
6. Spread the tomatoes over the paper in a single layer.
7. Place in the freezer until frozen solid.
8. Label a zip-top freezer bag with Tomatoes and the date.
9. Remove cookie sheet from the freezer.
10. Working quickly, transfer the tomatoes from the sheet to the bag.
11. Seal the bag, pressing out all the air, and place in the freezer.
12. Repeat as many times as desired. You can put fresh batches in the
same bag if you don't fill it the first time around.
13. Use by removing as many cubes as you want and replacing the bag in
the freezer.

Use in recipes that call for heating the tomatoes.

This recipe is written by LizbethsGarden. You can find more from her on her blog. She can also be found on Etsy and on Facebook.

PersnicketyWorks Tumbers and More

2011-07-08T08:12:00.001-04:00

How'd you get started on Etsy?

I recently joined Etsy in January of this year. I have had a long love affair with crafting and I finally decided to share my love with others and see what happens.

What was your inspiration for your shop?

My inspiration for my name and my shop came from my desire to take my time and do things well.

What's your favorite shop item and why?

My favorite item in my shop right now is the Birds coffee tumbler. I love watching the birds in our backyard and I am happy for Spring to finally be here!

How do you unwind when you're not creating?

I like to read or go for jogs or bike rides on the trail near our house.

What's your favorite kind of cupcake?

Orange spice with vanilla buttercream

What pushes you to want to create something?

The creative process itself is rewarding and gives me a sense of satisfaction

What's your favorite cartoon as a kid. As an adult, if you stumble upon it while channel surfing now would you stop & watch?
I loved, and always will love, Bugs Bunny Cartoons

What's your fantasy job?

Movie star! :)

Do you have a secret guilty pleasure?

I don't know that it's secret but peanut butter and chocolate!

List 3 things you are so obsessed with it is torture to ever say no to.

Homemade baked goods
watching the tv show Dexter
and playing volleyball

Do you have a favorite author?

When you read, do you use a proper bookmark, bend the page, or grab anything handy to mark your place?

I love Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler's Wife is my favorite book) I grab anything handy to mark my spot.

If money was no object and you can live wherever you want….where would that be?

Australia

What is your best childhood memory?
Camping with my family

You can find more from PersnicketyWorks in her Etsy Shop. Please visit her. You can also find other DTeam shops by keyword searching DTeam on Etsy.

Gardening! It's a lot of work

2011-07-07T08:21:00.002-04:00

By FiberPuppy

We have been going garden crazy lately. We've been in our house a year and have slowly been working on the garden. Sometimes it seems like we have gotten nothing done but after taking these photos I realize we've done a lot. So I'll take you on a garden tour. Above is a planter David built for me in front. The front has the best sun but is cemented so David built this temporary planter until we can get something more permanent done. We have basil, parsley and chives in this one. Next to it are out tomatoes.

Also in the front we had to cut down this rubber tree. It was poorly pruned and we discovered this puppy grows like 5 feet a year so this was our last chance to get rid of it before it got too big. I bought some stuff at Home Despot to get rid of the stump. When I got home and read the directions it said to drill holes insert toxic gunk wait 4 weeks and set the tree on fire. Whhaaaaa um not so much in dry N. Cal right next to our fence. I looked online and discovered that you can drill holes and insert epsom salt to make sure it doesn't come back. David is still after me to bring back toxic stump stuff. I told him I don't have the receipt. He said he doesn't care he doesn't want the money he just wants Home Despot to be responsible for the disposal of toxic goo.

I got this cool planter from my mother in law. It sort of defies gravity as the pots are just held in the notches of the wood. So far so good no tragedies. The front of our house is really lacking in color so the Zinnias add a little something. We are planning on re-doing our fence this summer and will eventually plant ....

New Guinea Impantiens. I noticed these in our neighbors yard. They get really tall and seem to do well here. So I asked if I could take a clipping. These guys rooted like gangbusters.

David did a ton (and I might actually mean a ton) of work adding another tier to our yard. We are on a steep slope so our yard has a number of tiers. This one (I hope) will be the last. Lots of digging and woodwork. We filled this one in with Cal wildflowers. Had to rope it off from Miss dog (in background) who seems to want to Christen any new garden with a big dog log. Urgh.

This is the only permanent raised bed we've managed to build. Peas and favas are going crazy. I'm giving them a week or so more before I dig em out and plant cukes.

This will be the site of the next raised bed. In the meantime, David gave in to my need for flowers and we planted sunflowers (and a few favas to break up the soil and add nitrogen) Again to keep Miss dog out we used the absolutely vicious fronds from the palm trees that fell over the winter.

Here is a pic of our waterfall. Miss dog had herself an escapade of chasing our frog down it and brought all the stone down in a landslide. Fortunately none ended in the pond and the frog survived. So we had to relay all the stone. Which is actually a mighty tricky task. Trying to figure out the aqua dynamics of any one rocks requires the waterfall actually be on. So we stood in the water hauling around rocks to see if the water splashed out or into the waterfall. We will still have to cement this, but I've gotta do some research on what kind of cement won't kill our goldfish. Hmmm I'm thinking that's probably the most expensive kind.

This is Davids current work in progress. Now that we have the tiers set he's trying to figure out a walkway. I'm not sure about the big square stones, but I love the river rock. We're thinking we will fill the gaps in with thyme and baby's tears.

I'll leave you with a nice pic of the pond. They water hyacinth are finally looking ok. I had to haul out a bunch and clean them up from frost damage over the winter. The fish seem happy and are apparently spawning if all the flipping and splashing is any indication.

Welcome to my garden. Always something to do.

This post was originally on FiberPuppy's blog. You can also find her in her Etsy shop, on Facebook and Twitter. Find more great shops on Etsy by keyword searching DTeam.

Great Finds of the Week

2011-07-05T11:12:00.000-04:00

The DTeam has been super busy with great new items to show off in their shops. Here's just a few examples of what you can find.

Shades of Grey by littlechampart

Visual Haiku -Escaped the nets by ElephantBeads

Earrings, Earrings Everywhere! by glamourpusscouture

Under the Sea by SweetVegan

You can find more great items made by these shops by keyword searching "DTeam" on Etsy. Please take a look.

Ruffle Flower Pillow

2011-06-30T08:21:00.001-04:00

By TheFeistyRedhead

I feel like every project I've done in the past month either involves ruffles or flowers. Today I present: the ruffle flower pillow!

My friend Jenn bought me this awesome flower pillow kit from TaDaa Studio on Etsy. I love kits. The best part is that you don't have to go to a bazillion stores to find what you need for one project. And you know how much I despise cutting. Most of the time, the kits have already cut the pieces for me.

The kit comes with complete instructions, thank goodness. Here's how I did it.

I sewed a very loose zigzag stitch along the 7 yards of felt included in the kit, then pulled it tightly to form the ruffle. I started pinning the ruffle onto the large felt piece...

And just kept it moving around in a spiral:

Things I liked about this project:
The instructions were awesome. They were detailed and even gave different options for some steps.

The invisible zipper was already sewn onto one of the pillow pieces!

I can use this same technique for other projects, like more pillows made out of my old tee shirts. Or a bib necklace with these little flowers all over them.

Things I didn't like about this project:
Basting the ruffle was a pain because the felt was so thick. It made my fingers hurt to pull the thread to gather it. (Wah, wah.)

This pillow is pretty much for looks/decor. The felt is not good for napping. (That's why I'd like to create more of these from tee shirts. Nap town!)

This post was originally on TheFeistyRedhead's blog. You can also find her in her Etsy shop and on Facebook. Find other great shops on Etsy by keyword searching DTeam.

Fourth of July and Other Summery Treasuries

2011-06-28T11:58:00.003-04:00

Fourth of July, Independance Day, is approaching quickly. As soon as we flip our calendars, it'll be upon us. Here's some visual stimulus to get you in the mood for not only the holiday but for summer, too.

Oh, Say, Can you See.... by littlechampart

Perfect Combination by MegsCrochetJewels

Who Can Resist Feather Earrings AND a Cat?! by BlackMagicStudio

The many shades of copper... by littlechampart

Reading with the DTeam

2011-06-27T10:00:00.008-04:00

Lately we have had a lot of rainy days. On days like that I want to sit in hubby's recliner and just read. That doesn't do much for the state of my house or laundry basket but it sure makes me happy! I am not the only one on the DTeam who enjoys a good book and some of my teammates have shared some of their faves. Read on and you might find a new favorite!

Do Bats Eat Cats likes The Uglies series by Scott Westerfield. She sums it up as "An evil postapocalyptic government gives each citizen an operation when they turn 16, to make them conventionally beautiful. A group of teens rebel after discovering that the seemingly innocent operation has unintended consequences (of COURSE it does!)."

She also recommends Matched by Aly Condie saying, "An evil postapocalyptic government, called the Society, controls every aspect of its citizens' lives, from what they eat to their culture (art has been whittled down to the Hundred Poems, the Hundred Paintings, etc. with all others from the past destroyed, because how can you appreciate art if there is "too much choice?") to whom they are "matched" with as life partners. One teenage girl begins to question the system when she discovers the Society may have actually made a mistake with her Match."

Do Bats Eat Cats has lots of awesome pieces in her shop. The key chain shown here made me think that the ring could be removed and the chain part made longer and now you have a fabulous and unique bookmark!

Black Sheep Beadery shares her love of The Witch's Daughter by Paula Brackston. She says it is "set in England" and "the story goes back and forth between the present and the past and centers around an immortal witch and her evil nemesis."

She also likes Blood Red Road by Moira Young. She was lucky enough to get an advance reader's copy from the publisher before the book was available! She describes it as "sort of a coming of age story of a young girl and her younger sister who search for, and eventually find, their kidnapped brother". The period it is set in is "sometime in the

future after us present day humans have managed to ruin the world.

The cool bracelet shown from Black Sheep Beadery made me think that she is so talented I bet she could use those same materials and design a really cool bookmark!

I am a huge fan of Sex and the City so was thrilled when the The Carrie Diaries series by Candace Bushnell came out. The books are found in the young adult section but I still loved reading about Carrie's life before she lived in New York City. The first is called The Carrie Diaries and Carrie is still living at home as she is a senior in high school. I just finished the second book titled Summer and the City and it starts off on Carrie's first day in Manhattan. This one was my fave of the two as this book reveals how she meets Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte. I am hoping there will be a third in this series! The bookmark to the left is a tribute to Carrie and can be found in my shop, SassyBelleWares.

I also am a huge fan of every book written by Adriana Trigiani. Her Big Stone Gap series is beyond fabulous. When I read the last one I was sad because I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends I'd had forever. Her writing is such that you feel like you are in every setting with her characters. I could envision what each character looked like and what their voice sounded like. I could picture exactly what every setting looked like....the houses, the pharmacy, the town, etc. Her Valentine Series, Very Valentine (book 1) and Brava Valentine (book 2), and her stand alone books, Lucia Lucia, Rococo, and The Queen of the Big Time are also fabulous.

I just finished reading The Help by Kathryn Stockett and cannot say enough about how amazing it is. I could not put it down and never wanted it to end! It is set in Jackson, Mississippi during the early 1960s and centers around three women, Aibileen and Minny who are black and Skeeter who is white. Aibileen and Minny are from a different world than Skeeter but what is in their hearts is the same. The three of them secretly work together on a project that holds serious risks for all of them but their desire and hope for change toward a better day eclipses the risks. The writer does such an amazing job of portraying the characters that I could not only picture each one but I could hear them speak. Her writing causes you to feel emotion for the characters. I loved Aibileen, Minny, Skeeter, and Celia and was always cheering for them, wanting to hug them, and wanting to protect and help them. I despised Hilly and Elizabeth with such a ferocity I always found myself wanting to punch them in the face! A movie version of this book will be out in August of this year and I hope it is as good as the book.

Etsy DListers Team

Fresh Spring DTeam Treasures

HOW DO I GET IT OFF?!? Team Tips for Removing Stains

Believe in the Magic of Santa

Believe in the Magic of Santa

Believe in the Magic of Santa

Applying Retail Holiday Timeline to Your Shop

A Bit Creative's Photography and Christmas Gag Gifts

Revolution Co-Op Collective

Gift Guides for Your Holiday Affair -46 Day til Christmas

47 Days until Christmas

Soaps and Scents with Smiling Otis Studios

51 Days Until Christmas

Kentucky Derby Mint Julep 1975 Glass 100th Year Horse Sports Collectables Vintage USA 17 Glasses Available

Printable Recipe Cards Collage Design

Stocking Tassel Red with Green Beads

Organic Sweet Potato and Chicken Crunchies Small Dog Snacks new Seasonal Limited Time

Vintage Italian Goose Box

52 Days Until Christmas

Red and Yellow Rose Needle-Felt Brooch

Turquoise Pearloid Guitar Pick Jewelry Necklace Pendant Rock Star Kitty Cat

Midcentury Metal Creamer

Orange fingerless gloves/ wrist warmers

Handmade Cat Card- Handle With Care

Tis the Season for Gift Giving

Crystalcat1989 Fiber Crafts

Ghost Stories

Halloween and Harvests

Upcycling with The Lime Grasshopper

Orange You Glad Halloween is Nearing?

MissTanDesigns, Shoe Lover and Graphic Designer

Personalized Photo Coasters

By StylishSolutions on her blog StylishSolutions

The Rainbow is at the End

NYer, Cat Lover, Photographer: Deborah Julian

Diving into Etsy with the D Listers.

Dried Flower Pale Blue Grape Hyacinth Sprig

Custom Hand Painted Growth Chart/Clothes Tree

Vintage Marwal Red Asian Statue Flute Player

Footed Tea Cup and Saucer - Coneflowers with a Deep Blue Base

First of the Treasuries for October

Getting Ready For Christmas! (Already)

The Light The Dark and the Cats We Love

The Quirky Cork's Upcycled Cork Jewelry

More Knitted Baby Janes

Colorful Sweet Fairytales

The Fall Colors of Orange Gold and Black

Lush Baubles and Baubles for Bellas: Jewelry from Down Under

My "Vocation" as an Artist By ConnieKSalesArt

Christmas will be Here Soon

Last of Summer; First of Autumn

Rocking September Away

September Series of Treasuries

Beautiful Earrings by Gracie's Designs

Healing Power of Earth's Water Elements

OOAK Sea Blue Green Paua Shell and Copper Wirework Necklace

Grey shell earrings, mother of pearl hoop style

Cream, champagne, and tahitian pearl trio 14kt gold filled chain necklace

Halo. Sterling hoops with freshwater pearl

Etsy DTeam Lovin' 7 Days a Week

Shaping Earth's Elements with Elephant Beads

DTeam's Treasuries of the Week

The White Wedding Purse Tassel: How It Began

NannysRose Vintage Heirlooms and More

Dancing around the hurricane and into Fall

Another Way to “Preserve” Tomatoes

BooBooZoo has Therapeutic Heat and Cold Pads

Diverse Digest of Dteam Deliciousness

Littlechampart, A Creator of Keychains and So Much More

Reading with the DTeam

And The Winner Is....

In the process...

August Colors are Showing

Felted Fibers from Fiber Puppy

Using Intuits GoPayment at Craft Shows

The DTeam Share Their Treasures

ThisandThatCrafter's Little Shop of Greatness

DTeam Giveaway - Enter Now!

Setting Up My GoPayment

Super Fun Tuesday Treasuries

Cream, champagne, and tahitian pearl trio
14kt gold filled chain necklace