Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Shop Local - Wenatchee



All this and more can be found at Creative Expressions, a brick and mortar store inside the East Wenatchee mall. Our fabulous teamates are running the store. They would love to see you, so stop by and say hi!

Monday, December 8, 2008

Kim, AKA, Redheado, who made this cute elf hat, has written a wonderful article about some very important legislation that is going into effect in February. Many of us on the team will be affected by the new law. Here are Kim's thoughts...

I am all for legislation to protect our children. In light of the recent issues with lead and other hazardous chemicals on and in the toys and other products intended for children, I KNOW that something has to change. It is time to create effective legislation that will aid parents in securing healthy products for their children.

However, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement ACT (CPSIA) goes well beyond this goal and into bankrupting many many small businesses. The act requires testing on every component of a product for each color and batch. This testing is quite expensive ($500-$4000 per component) and would have to be repeated for every new batch and color.

As a home crafter of children's products (baby and doll slings, hats and clothing) I would have to test to the tune of $2500-$20,000 per item. I am not the only one in this position and hand crafters are not the only ones being effected. Large corporations will have to do this testing too, of course they have the legal resources to find the loop holes in these sorts of laws.

Consumers will no longer have the option of buying handmade items from WAHM's or other Artisans just trying to make ends meet in today's economy. Instead, they will be required to purchase from large, unfeeling manufacturers and settle for the limited variety of higher priced (to absorb the testing costs) items available. Grandpa can no longer hand carve wood toys to sell at a craft sale, grandmas baby quilt will be considered contraband, and I will be sitting along side them doing jail time and paying fines of $100,000 per item!!

There are many proposed solutions that would result in a winning situation for all involved. One of them would allow for full compliance among trusted countries (and within our own) requiring testing only when a product is under suspicion. Countries that have proven themselves to be untrustworthy due lead and other hazardous chemical levels would still be held to the testing. It certainly would make an excellent argument for the "Buy American Made" campaign. There is an excellent article that explains this entire situation even better then I can. This is another homecrafter who like me, is deeply concerned with both the issue of protecting our children and protecting our livelihood. Please read the information and consider contacting your congressional representative regarding this issue (there are links to do that in the previous link.)


There is also an online petition you can sign calling for amendment of this legislation. Sign the petition, and help Kim keep satisfying moms and dads with her custom baby slings.
Together, we can make a difference. We urge you to become informed and take action today.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Sale - Shop the Team and Save

It's called "Black Friday" because traditionally, retailers are actually turning a profit from the day after Thanksgiving through the end of the year. Now, we also have "Cyber Monday" which is the Monday after Thanksgiving, a day when many do their shopping from their computers at work. A number of us on the team are having sales from Black Friday through Cyber Monday, (click on banners to enter the shops) so get shopping and save!




Save 20% off and more, at Ragnazidnar, also buy 3 items, and get free shipping within US.




Check out the Christmas ornaments at Corid - free shipping on all orders over $25.


Get Christmas Cards at Random Scraps - free US shipping on all cards--


For georgeous photograpic gifts, visit Nicole's Visions - reduced prices in the "sale" section--


Great Santa and Angel images at Digital Expressions - buy one, get one 1/2 off (BOGO sale)--



Seams Victorian - special savings on one of a kind gift items



Ruffle Round Up - $10 Christmas skirts ($5 off reg. price)--




Check out the fun hats and baby carriers at Kim O Designs - free shipping Wednesday - Monday



CutieFruity, sale prices through Monday on adorable childrens and maternity fashions--




New original patterns, bags, and custom slip covers. Everything has Free Shipping in the US at Studio Cherie



Glitz n Glass % off regular prices on wonderful handpainted glass, votive candles and jewelry



Beaded Splendor, - buy one, get one 1/2 off (BOGO sale), free shipping on purchases over $25-



Laries Creations, buy one, get one 1/2 off (BOGO)--


special savings





G.L. Entwistle Creations - buy one, get one 1/2 off (BOGO sale), free shipping on purchases over $25


Some of us have already started our sales. Special Thanksgiving Day savings at Gecko Jewelry as well as buy one get one half off and free shipping for the black Friday sale!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

deeHaymer and the artistic green-loving woman behind the brand


dee-HAY-mer, is the phonetic spelling of Angela's maiden name. She comments, "I know that what and how I create is an extension of where I am from, so this name made perfect sense."

Angela's favorite item currently in her shop is:
She talks about it: "This burlap purse design is a new design style for me. With the burlap totes, bags, clutches, etc., I really love purposefully abstracting (or maybe extracting) and placing the lettering and images in new ways and orientations. Each bag becomes its own unique design. This square purse, in particular, is a really fun and cute size and graphic design."

Angela is busy. I caught her in time for a quick interview: "...finishing up and starting up several projects right now. I am donating a few of the burlap totes to a non-profit fundraising event in New York City: http://www.cenyc.org/greenmarket/tasteofgreenmarket for the silent auction. I am tremendously honored to be a part of this event, which purposes to provide green and sustainable produce and products for residents in NYC, also giving opportunities to youth in the various neighborhoods in NYC to participate in the growing and harvesting of the produce.

I just donated a painting to another silent auction in Des Moines, Iowa, purposed to raise dollars for Iraqi refugees in Syria and Jordan, via the organization American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). This was a very exciting opportunity!I was also able to show 10 new paintings at the West Seattle Art Walk, at a shop called Brunette Mix. My paintings are a conglomeration of science, history, and landscapes.



I love creating and making with my hands. Whether one is creating drawings and paintings, purse and totes, the engine of a car or cream puff pasteries, there is something inherently human about using hands to create and communicate ideas, emotions, needs and wants, or beauty. I have been creating and making ever since I could hold a crayon and a pair of scissors (which was apparently at the age of three, when I cut some of my own hair with a special pair of duck-shaped scissors - I affectionately named them my "quack-quacks"). Over time, I have come to understand the process of creating exists as a thread that binds human beings together across cultures, beliefs, trades, and time. Hooray for hand made!"


I say Hooray for Angela! Hooray for dee-Hay-mer! The striped tote is my favorite. I think you should buy it for someone on your Christmas list.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Team Members Support Fight Against Breast Cancer


At BreathoftheDragon, Sunfire has generously offered to donate 15% of all sales in her shop during the month of October toward the breast cancer cause. Now is the time to get that clean/dirty magnet you need for your dishwasher, or maybe the one that says "believe" for the fridge. Sunfire has many artful and inspirational items to choose from. Here is her blog post about the fundraising craft fair she hosted in East Wenatchee to support the local Wellness Place.

GlitznGlass has a "Think Pink" section in her shop that she is using to help raise money for the Susan G. Komen Fund. From votive candles with delicately painted glass holders, to jewelry and margarita glasses, I think you will enjoy the selection at GlitznGlass. Click on the photo to go directly to "Think Pink" at GlitznGlass.





Two of our talented jewelry artists are supporting the Susan G. Komen for the Cure cause with gorgeous pink jewelry in thier shops. Both Brenda45 of the Jewelry Box and GeckoJewelry have made a variety of pink jewelry items that will help support the quest for the cure. When you wear them, they can be a reminder of the women who are battling cancer and that they need our support. Gecko's items are clearly marked in her shop. Brenda45 has a "Pink for the Cure Sale" section. The Jewelry Box banner will take you to Brenda45's sale section, and Gecko's bracelett photo will take you directly to that item in Gecko's shop.

Enjoy shopping the team during the month of October and support a worthy cause.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I typed this into my Etsy search, "easternwateam breast cancer" and discovered our team members who have posted and tagged their items that will benefit the Susan G. Komen Fund. If there are more of you - and I think there are, please tag at least one of your items with both the "easternwateam" tag and "breast cancer." That way, we can find you and give you recognition.



Sagegold Soaps is having a storewide benefit and donating a portion of all of her bar soap sales. You can find more details in her shop announcement.



Roseworks Jewelry also has a storewide benefit happening as announced on her landing page, and a lovely new pink banner too!


I know Ragnazidnar is busily adding items for both her vegetarian sale and for her Breast Cancer benefit. Here is one of her new pink line that will benefit the fund. Look at Randi's shop announcement and check out her special sections in her store.
(This looks like it might be found at the Runway Renegades Show too.)






Annie Kints also has a special section of pink items to benefit the fund. Here is one. She has a nice variety of items involved, so check out her shop announcement and special section for details.










Studio Cherie has pulled all of the pink items from every section of her shop, and made special pink items (like this bag) for her "Pink for October" section. Shop her special section to benefit the Susan G. Komen Fund.








We will do another search in a few days and add to the list of team members participating in this charity event.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Runway Renegades Alternative Fashion Event











Saturday, October 11th from 5-10PM in downtown Spokane at Trick Shot Dixies - 321 W Sprague. Door prizes every hour. Vendors available throughout. Fashion show at 7PM. Due to the location, it is a 21 and older event.

A number of members of our team are participating in this Spokane event. For full information go to the Runway Renegades site directly.










The event coordinator is the talented fashion designer, Glamarita. Here is what you might see there from her shop. The skirt is not pulled up, by the way, the ruffles show full time!












Other area designers include: TonyasTees





























































































Ragnazidnar will be there as well. I will have to ask her what items she will be bringing. Hint: they will be fabulous, artistic, and probably not in her shop.

Another special group will be represented at the event. October is breast cancer awareness month. Check out their website and buy the tee shirt.

There are more vendors that you can see by visiting the runway renegades site. Here is an event where we can support out team in person! See you there.










Friday, September 26, 2008

Featured Team Member The Vintage Dresser





The Vintage Dresser is a mother and daughter run Etsy shop and a member of the Eastern Washington Etsy Street Team. We are located in different cities about 30 minutes apart.

My mom, Nancy is located in Prosser and I, Tania am located in Pasco. We get together almost every weekend to hit the garage and estate sales, thrift and antique stores, and sometimes out of town swap meets and flea markets, which is where we find many of our vintage treasures that we offer in our shop as well as some of the “trash” that we transform into treasures!





We both have many interests when it comes to arts and crafts. We enjoy altered art and altered books, decorative tole painting, sewing dolls and teddy bears, and scrapbooking.




For several years we had participated in a local craft bazaar and held our own bazaar at my house. While that was fun for both of us, the amount of time and energy it took to do these events just didn’t seem worth while. So, we decided to open up an online store to sell our wares. We started with eBay and then later opened our Etsy shop. Both shops are going pretty good and we are gaining loyal customers as time goes on!
Tania and Nancy's shop is one of the most eclectic shops I have seen on Etsy and is definately worth checking out. I had a hard time deciding what to feature here, but I think this gives you a little taste of their talent and eye for vintage finds. I love the sentiment on this card. Some other ways to check them out are their blog, their webshots photos, and their ebay store.
Click any of the items in this article to see the listing in their shop!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Washington State Friendship Boxes Make Great Gifts

















Composed mostly of items from the Eastern Washington Etsy Street Team shops, the newly launched Washington State Friendship boxes will make wonderful gifts for holidays ahead. For only $16, purchasers receive a box chock-full of great gift items. This month's boxes feature items from these Etsy sellers:

DeAnne DeSigns-- http://www.deannedesigns.etsy.com/
I design and sew handbags, totes, baby blankets, aprons and other goodies. Shopping for fabrics spark ideas and inspires me to create. I have worked with many types of fabrics, but two of my favorites are canvas and novelty print cottons. I want people to see my handbags, totes and other products as tasteful, creative and fun. Take a look at my shop and remember to check back often to view new products. http://www.deannedesigns.etsy.com/




Crown Prince Treasures-- http://www.jnetprince.etsy.com/
I'm a stay at home mother of two young boys. One is in first grade and the other a preschooler. I also teach violin lessons. Needless to say I am always running around the house working on one thing or another. My boys inspire me either with the joy of just being around them or the frustration of needing mommy time (which both result in a creation of some sort of jewelry). My husband is my best friend and best critique of my art. I couldn't do it without him. I'm proud to be an Eastern Washington artist.

Gecko Jewelry-- http://www.geckojewelry.etsy.com/
I have been interested in jewelry for many years. I remember cutting out pictures of jewelry from magazines when I was younger. As the years went on I got married and had two wonderful boys. The jewelry passion was on hold for a bit. Now that my boys are in school I have time to work on my hobby and passion, making jewelry. A year ago I went all out and opened up my business Gecko Jewelry. It has been such a wonderful experience. I enjoy making jewelry and see people wear my creations. I make jewelry with all kinds of materials, from lampwork beads, stones, agates, glass, metal. I also take custom orders. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Geckojewelry@hotmail.com or you can contact me on my etsy website.




Breath of the Dragon-- http://www.breathofthedragon.etsy.com/
I am a person of many adventures, and Breath of the Dragon [on Etsy] is my current adventure in pyrography (wood burning). After serving in the US Navy for 5 years, I Sunfire (aka Connie Mitan) is exploring the "real world," trying my hand at making money being crafty. I was introduced to wood burning once in 2006, but it wasn't until late 2007 that I really dove into it. While I am still new at it, I am enjoying all the possibilities that this craft has to offer. Always open to ideas and suggestions, I am open to custom work based on your needs; just send a message!

The Jewelry Box-- http://www.brenda45.etsy.com/
Wearable art created by Brenda Smith I have been creating beaded jewelry for 2 years. My style is mostly eclectic and feminine, although I do make mens chokers and pre-teen jewelry too. I've been selling jewelry on Etsy for over a year now, and I plan to have my own website in the near future. In my shop, you will find a hodgepodge of jewelry created with different gemstones, glass beads, lampwork beads, boro beads, crystals, sterling silver, copper, gunmetal, and gold-filled findings. Next year I will be creating a new line of jewelry with tumbled and wire-wrapped rocks from the Northwest area. Look for upcoming holiday sales in my shop at http://brenda45.etsy.com/

Glitz n Glass-- http://www.glitznglass.etsy.com/
I have loved jewelry for as long as I can remember. As a young girl I would buy dime store costume jewelry, bring it home and take it apart to create new pieces. In the mid nineties I started making pieces for friends and co-workers which led to starting a small business which grew by word of mouth. I have taught the jewelry class at our local Michael's craft store and found I really enjoyed sharing this awesome hobby with others. Though I have always been creative I had never considered myself artistic so no one was more surprised than me when I took up painting in early 2001 and found I really enjoyed the process and the outcome. I had wonderful support from family and friends which kept me going and with more practice I became a better artist. I look at some of my earlier pieces and laugh at how truly awful they are and thank the support I had which gave me the desire to continue. Painting has taught me that if you really enjoy something and continue to strive for perfection you will improve, art like all things is a learned skill. The candles sort of evolved from the painted glass. I had always loved candles and the mood they could inspire with their glow and aroma so I decided in 2004 to take on the art of candle making, it seemed the perfect compliment to the glass pieces I was painting and though it proved to be quite the challenge after many mistakes and trials and errors I feel I now have a superior candle with excellent scent throw and great burn. I started the palm wax late last year and have fallen in love with it. In my opinion it is much better than soy for scent throw and is also all natural with no petroleum by products. I offer a refill program for all my local clients, if you are interested please contact me for details. I sincerely hope that you will love my creations as much as I love creating them.

Whimsy Love-- http://www.whimsylove.etsy.com/
I'm a self-proclaimed dork & a create-at-home mom who loves making stuff & lives for creativity. I'm an avid "how-to" junkie, with a passion for all things handmade. I've never been able to stick with one style of craft & constantly crave trying new & different projects. I prefer items that are faded, worn & loved. I enjoy spending my time thrift shopping & finding vintage or unusual items to create with. One day I'm a wacky goof ball & the next I'm girly & romantic--& that reflects in the diversity of items I make. I currently live in Richland, WA with my hubby & 2 wee kid lets. Come peek into my handmade world at whimsy-girl.blogspot.com

Rose Works Jewelry---http://www.roseworksjewelry.etsy.com/
Hi! My name is Ruthie and I have been creating jewelry, for fun, since I was a freshmen in High School. Over the years I've mostly made projects for my family and friends, including all the jewelry for my wedding in 2007, but I've had people telling me for a long time that I should sell my work. So here I am! I work with a variety of styles so I hope you can find something that you like. Please feel free to contact me at any time with questions!



Ragnazidnar-- http://www.ragnazidnar.etsy.com/
As an recent graduate from art school, I hold a special place in my heart for creating art- whether it is a painting or a special journal. Every day I've make it a point to create something, which naturally progressed into having my own etsy shop to pass my passion along to you. I have a serious love for paper and most of my work reflects that. Bookbinding, especially, became a passion of mine while in art school when I started creating unique sketchbooks for me and my classmates. (Who wants to sketch in a boring store-bought book?) You'll also find items such as stationary, paper beads, and even resin pendants or fine art pieces in my shop. My shop is constantly changing, so check it often- you may just find that item you've been looking for.
Ragnazidnar is a proud member, and president of the Eastern Washington Etsy Team- supporting artisans throughout the Eastern side of the Evergreen State! Buy handmade, support your local artisans.

Sagegold Soap http://www.sagegoldsoap.etsy.com/
My interest in soap-making began at the end of 1999, when I received a popular "soap-making" kit for Christmas. Using the kit was fun, even though the resulting 'soap' left a lot to be desired... And I became hooked on the idea of making a great handmade soap. By the end of 2000, after countless hours of research, sampling different soaps bought from soap-makers at local craft fairs and on-line, and many, many experimental batches - I finally felt I'd developed a product that not only made my skin very happy, but was good enough to send to friends and family for real-world testing. It was at their insistence that Sagegold Soaps was born. Since that time, each batch of my cold process soaps has been carefully created from scratch using pure and gentle vegetable oils; measured, mixed and cut by hand; colored and scented with high-quality, skin-safe pigments and fragrances, and "cured" for several weeks to make a solid, long-lasting, effective and gentle product. Because Sagegold Soaps are a true soap and retain all of their natural glycerin (a humectant) and small amounts of skin-friendly emollient oils, your skin will be left feeling simply clean and comfortable - not over-stripped and dried out as you may have experienced with commercial cleansing bars, which often contain harsh detergents and synthetic sudsing agents, and have had the glycerin extracted. Once you've tried our soaps, your skin won't ever want to go back to commercial cleansing bars!
Sagegold Soaps hand-crafted soaps are a product you will enjoy using every day, as well as a gift you can be proud to give to friends and family.

Nicoles Vision http://www.nicolesvision.etys.com/
My name is Nicole. I've been taking pictures for fun since I was 17. In 2001 I began my journey into business. Using my photography to earn a living, it was a long & bumpy road to get where I am today. I never feel like I will know it all, or have learned all I can learn. In 2005 I went from shooting film, to digital. This started a whole new journey for me. Going digital has indeed changed the way I take pictures. I've been told I have an eye for the photography I take. I love to find new things to do with my images. My note cards are unique & I have not seen any like them yet. I love my bookmarks, & can't wait to try new things with them. My prints are also unique. Some have a very different coloring effect, some are just as nature intended and some have been adorned with words. No matter the medium, the subject or anything, there is always pride in my work.



To view and purchase boxes and sign the guest book for a chance to win a free box (members of the team not eligible for the drawing,) visit
http://www.washingtonstatefriendshipbox.com/
Drawing will be held October 31st.