Artlife - Where Humor And Art Become One!

When I first entered Artlife's Etsy shop, the first thing I knew for a fact was that the artist definitely had a sense of humor! That was immediately evident from looking at the "fun-tastic" messages she was sending with her badges. Things like, "My night job is ninja," and "100 percent geek." These are just a couple of examples of the whimsical and giggle-inducing sayings you will find on her fun and funky pinback buttons.

Ellen, the creator and artist behind Artlife, had this to say about her craft; "Since I can remember, I've always been involved in some form of art; be it painting, drawing, photography, jewelry-making, dance, poetry or graphic design. Over the years, the mediums have changed, but ART has always been a central part of my life. Therfore, when I opened my shop ARTLIFE on Etsy in 2006, the name “art life” seemed to fit perfectly.

At ARTLIFE I sell Pinback Buttons (also called Badges) and Fridge Magnets which I design, print, and press myself. At one point in my life I was a Graphic Designer so all of the computer design skills I used for that are coming into play every time I design a button. I'm really loving the “button” as art form and am never at a loss for new button ideas. It is so fun when I do craft fairs to talk about button ideas with people. The idea for a new button in my shop “What Exit? New Jersey Map” came from an artist I met at a show who had grown up in New Jersey. He told me "What Exit?" is a common question that all folks from New Jersey ask each other when they meet as the state is so long and skinny and everyone lives off an exit on the New Jersey Turnpike! I love that my buttons are out there starting conversations and hopefully making people smile and take life a little less seriously.

So ARTLIFE is all about the fun and joy of life and wearing a small piece of art with a funny saying or a cool pop culture reference that hopefully makes life a little more enjoyable! It is also about random encounters and getting the conversation flowing ---- maybe if you are wearing a button of mine, you will end up talking to someone who you wouldn't have normally talked to because they commented on the button you are wearing!!! Who knows, that person might change your life!!"

This craft and artform are clearly a passion for Ellen, as is sharing that art with the world! So if you are having one of those days where you are feeling fun, or you feel the need to bring a smile to a stranger's face - just pin on one of these mini pieces of art and you are sure to leave a trail of happiness wherever you go!

Be sure to check out the Featured Etsy Shop page for a preview of the gems you will find in Artlife's Etsy shop! You can also "like" Artlife on Facebook or follow her on Twitter!

Also check out My Favorite Things page for a look at some of my favorite items from this week! You can also stop by my shop, Piper Bella Boutique!

This N That Boutique 19 - Cuteness For Sale!

The very first thing that you will notice when you visit ThisNThatBoutique19's Etsy shop is the sweet smiles and chubby cheeks of some truly adorable little babies! Soon after you will notice some of the cutest and sweetest hats and hair bows that you have ever seen! This shop is chock full of incredible accessories to dress up your little angel!

My personal favorite has to be the Minnie Mouse hat with it's little pink bow placed jauntily over one ear - who wouldn't look cute in that hat? ThisNThatBoutique19 also carries hats for the little man in your life which include an awesome little dinosaur and a football helmet!

You can also find some very high quality korker bows in this shop. Korker bows are made by attaching curls of ribbon to a clip and the end result reminds me of a firecracker of cuteness!! I had to have one of these for my little girl and it looks absolutely adorable in her hair! You can even request these bows to match any outfit or team colors for your little sports fan!

ThisNThatBoutique19 is run by twin sisters Meaghen and Melissa. They started by creating bows and hats for their own sweet little children and enjoyed it so much that they decided to make a business out of it! It is obvious by the quality of their work that they love what they do and create each piece as if it would be worn by their own children.

Anything from their shop would be the perfect addition to an Easter basket or as a birthday gift! So be sure to check out ThisNThatBoutique19's Etsy shop! For a preview of the sweet items you will find in their shop,  be sure to check out our Featured Etsy Shop page!

Also check out My Favorite Things page for a look at some of my favorite items from this week! You can also stop by my shop, Piper Bella Boutique!

Samurai Jewelry-The Ancient Art of Kumihimo

At first glance into Blackcatqueen's Etsy shop you will immediately notice her love for cats. It isn't until a closer inspection that you will find what really brings nature and animal lover, Raven Simons to this place. It is the ancient art of kumihimo.

I know you're thinking "kumi-what?" Well, it's kumihimo and it is the ancient art of Japanese braid-making. It was most famously used by the samurai before going into battle as a way to lace their armor, not only onto themselves, but also onto their horses. It has since evolved into an art form used in jewelry and other designs.

Raven always had a passion for her art, but it wasn't until she received much encouragement from her friends that she decided to sell her art to the public. These kumihimo necklaces are intricately woven from colorful thread that gets only more beautiful upon closer inspection. Great care and passion goes into each and every piece that she creates. The braided cords can either be woven with or without beads which create a unique and textured look!
 

Raven welcomes custom order requests and questions of any sort! She has also recently added some great earrings to her inventory that you really should see!

If you need a truly unique gift for the animal lover in your life, or would like to treat yourself to a great, hand-crafted piece of art, these necklaces would be perfect! For a preview of these fantastic works of art, be sure to check out our Featured Etsy Shop page. For more details and information, you can go directly to her Etsy shop and you can also find her on Facebook!

Also check out My Favorite Things page for a look at some of my favorite items from this week! You can also stop by my shop, Piper Bella Boutique!

Julie Hanan Design - You Only Get One First Impression

One look at Julie Hanan Design's Etsy shop and you will know what quality, unique and fresh invitations look like! Julie creates beautiful invitations for any event and also offers smart solutions for your business! Julie graduated from the University of Illinois in 2007 with a BFA in Industrial Design. This degree afforded her the necessary tools to be able to skillfully nd professionally create amazing custom invitations that could double as art!

Her first wedding invitations were created in 2009 as a favor to some friends that were getting married. This venture proved to be, not only successful, but very enjoyable for Julie. Word quickly got around about the wonderful work that she did and she was soon making a career out of her hobby. Her love of her work is evident in the pieces she creates. Here is what Julie has to say about her work:

" I treat my work as a collaboration with the client. My hands may put the product together; but the style, look and feel reflect your ideas and influence. After all, you have only one opportunity to set the stage for your day to offer your guests a vision of your unique celebration. With so many amazing paper and embellishment options, it only makes sense to create an introduction that is truly customized. My goal is to work as a team to create the perfect tone and theme for your event. It should be special, memorable and give your guests something to look forward to."

If you are looking for invitations or programs for your event, be sure to check out Julie Hanan Designs for your event needs. For a preview of the beautiful, custom invitations you will find in her shop, check out the Featured Etsy Shop page. For more details and information, you can go directly to her Etsy shop! You can also find her on Facebook & Twitter! If you want even more of Julie and her art, be sure to follow her blog and her website!

Also check out My Favorite Things page for a look at some of my favorite items from this week! You can also stop by my shop, Piper Bella Boutique!

The First Featured Shop - E5 Jewelry, Art for the Soul!

 e5jewelry is a shop that carries One of A Kind Handmade Jewelry by Deborah Lee Taylor from Marietta, GA. Her work has an organic, unique feel to it. Some pieces hold symbolic meanings for the wearer. She uses mixed metals and combines stones, beads and leather. Here is how she feels about her jewelry:

"e5 is One of a Kind Handmade Jewelry

I create pieces that hold a symbolic meaning by intention, words or the metaphysical properties of the stone used. A one of a kind piece of jewelry is like finding a lost treasure waiting to be discovered by it's wearer.

I believe when a stone, crystal or piece of art resonates with you it speaks to your soul. The beauty that comes from that is magical, timeless and unique, as the art itself.

It is my wish for you to enjoy this art by making it your own."

I am featuring her shop as my first on this blog because I wanted to share with you the FREE custom Ring giveaway she is having! One lucky winner will recieve one of her copper jeweled bands with your choice of either a ruby, sapphire or natural turquoise stone made in your ring size! (To view photos of these rings, see her e5photos on her page) All YOU need to do is "like" her Facebook page! While you're there, be sure to read about her inspiration for creating these beautiful rings in her "notes" tab. For a peek at some photos from her Etsy shop, check out the Featured Etsy Shop page! If you want more information or to see more of her stuff, go directly to her Etsy shop!

Stay Tuned For Coming Attractions

I recently opened up shop on Etsy and I have met all sorts of wonderful people there. I haven't been there long but I already can tell that it is something I will be sticking with for a long time to come. I, like many of the other shopowners, spend atleast a little time each day trying to get the word out there so that people will come to Etsy and have a look at our shops. We are all passionate about what we do, whether it is handmade goods or a carefully cultivated collection of vintage items that we braved the swap meets to find. I decided to create this blog in order to offer another venue for online shop owners, like those at Etsy, to promote their shops and products. I will periodically be posting features on certain Etsy shops and also hightlighting specific products that are especially fantastic! Please subscribe to this blog in order to be notified when new info is posted and be sure to leave comments on the featured shops or products so that the shop owner can get some feedback! Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope to see you around again soon! :)