Tuesday, September 27, 2011

GeekkiBoutikki: Making Beautiful Jewelry from Computer Parts

 

GeekkiBoutikki was the Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for 9/9. The Blue Inductor Earrings won the hearts of many. Here is her interview.

Blue Inductor EarringsBlue Inductor Earrings

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)

Hi there, I am Roxanne Gibson from Monterey, California. I am a math student hoping to make the leap into engineering this spring. I like to garden, cook, listen to books on tape, and climb. I am a long time crafter, well for 23. My mom gave me paints, possibly before she should have, and I painted everything in the yard. We used to go dumpster diving when I was little and it was more or less legal; people were not so protective of their trash then. I made things from scrap wood, old door knobs, and window frames. I made things of mud and used overly ripe olives to make purple paints for the sidewalk.


Crystal and Electronic EarringsCrystal and Electronic Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

My mom’s creativity, my dad’s teachings of skills, my grandmother’s love of art, and my family’s constant support allows me to continue creating and going to school. My mathematics and biology background inspires me and gives me ideas for shapes, materials, and colors. Many of my pieces come from recycled items and the new ones are made in organic shapes and or mathematically structured.

Resistor and Inductor necklace - One Week Sale

Resistor and Inductor Necklace

Then as now, I try to make all of the gifts I give and sometimes even the boxes I give them in. That has got to be my favorite part; the “oh my gosh where in the world did you find this?!” and to be able to say “I made it for you’” feeling is fantastic. Whether the receiver of the gift wanted what you made or not they always cherish it because as soon as they have it they need it just because it was made by you. I also believe that I should have a story about everything I own, or at least that is one of my goals in life. I want everything to have a story or contain one in it.

What are your favorite materials?

Hand-made furniture, silverware, and stoneware are my current projects.
Lately, I have been working with and creating recycled, or up-cycled items. I like the juxtaposition of the new and the old, the useless and the useful. I never liked plastic until recently, it is cheap, feels unnatural, but its plastic attributes are oh so useful. Plastic is not a substance of poets, it is not precious, but should be, it resists nothing and can be everything. So I celebrate plastic as long as it is already around. Most of my products up at the moment are floppy disk. However, I mostly work with small electronic components but most of them go to craft fairs and swap meets. I have not seen many people take apart a computer and go “oh how gorgeous!” but I would like them to do just that; the pieces and parts just need the proper presentation.

 

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite things to work with are little neon blue almost glass looking polystyrene capacitors. Its just about my favorite color and size to work with at the moment though I very much like purples just because of how difficult it is to find the resistors in any such shade.


Green and Black Jelly Resistor EarringsGreen and Black Jelly Resistor Earrings

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?

I live in a thriving artist community; Monterey is full of them and each one has a different take on art. Whether I talk to a down-home crafter or the pretentious yellow-streak-of-paint-on- white-canvas artist I always come away with something.


Floppy Disk Bag - Red Orange BlueFloppy Disk Bag Red Orange and Blue

What are your greatest challenges? How do you overcome them?

My greatest challenge is my shop. Before this year I never thought I would sell any art. I am shy in person and have a tough time trying to sell my things; I do much better just making them. I have asked friends and family to help with these sorts of things.


I would like to give 20% off for your readers. Use the coupon code GKBTK1 for the discount.

Thank you GeekkiBoutikki for your interview. My readers and I will continue to watch your art grow.

Friday, September 23, 2011

Congrats to MosaicArtGirl

We have a winner! The envelope please…….It’s MosaicArtGirl and her beautiful Bottle Cap Mosaic

Bottlecap Mosaic Art Tile Garden Wall Decor

Watch for her interview.

L’Shana Tovah Happy New Year Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 9.23.11

Morning all! Welcome to Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks for September 23, 2011. Next week starts the Jewish New Year and the beginning of the High Holy Days starting with Rosh Hashanah. Please join me in welcoming in the new year.
Traditionally we welcome in the new year by blowing the shofar, or ram’s horn, eat apples and honey for a sweet start to the new year, pray at a body of water, and pray some more. My family would get together at Grandma’s. She would serve chicken soup, followed by a salad, then roast chicken.  She always served in courses with lots of bread on the table. She said it filled people up that way and stretched out the food. For some of us, especially my sister, the bread was the best part. She would serve Challah, bread made with so many eggs it was yellow, and then braided before going into the oven. For Rosh Hashanah, the challah would be round, and sometimes there would be raisins in it to make it that much sweeter.

L'Shana Tovah Tie Dye - Rosh Hashanah Greeting Card                             L’Shana Tovah Tie Dye Rosh Hashanah Greeting Card by AnjaliCreations


Honey Bee Earrings.......                                   Honey Bee Earrings by JOsephines

Jewish High Holidays theme silver charm necklace Judaica jewelry                           Jewish High Holidays theme silver charm necklace Judaic jewelry by RachelTreasures

Large lace fruit bowl / bread bowl                                                                             Large Lace Fruit Bowl/Bread Bowl by NingsWonderWorld
South Texas Mesquite Serving Platter - Cutting Board - Bread Board                                South Texas Mesquite Serving Platter- Cutting Board – Bread Board by Jennifer and John

Timber post on the dunes at Peregian Beach, Australia                       Timber Post on the Dunes at Peregian Beach by Philltography

Chai Judaism Multi Color Stained Glass Hanging Glass Art Original Design                               Chai Judaism Multi Color Stained Glass Hanging by Goldsmith Glass

OK, there’s my picks. What do you think? Got a favorite or two? Now it’s your turn to vote for the one you think is the best.
Voting starts as soon as this post goes up, winner gets a feature interview by me, Miss Eileen.

Children's Costume Pattern - Simplicity J0786
Children's Costume Pattern - Simplicity J0786 sizes 3-8

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.
Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. Nothing like scaring the little ones, just a little bit.

Etsy Shops
GoofingOff
MissEileen
MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire
Post by Eileen

Thursday, September 22, 2011

First Day of Autumn

Tomorrow is the first day of autumn and with it comes traditions that I love.

   Apples                                  

 20080920inseason-apples2.jpg

I love the smell of fresh apples in the fall. Cool, crisp air seems to make the fragrance that much stronger. Apple pie or apple cake is a tradition in my home.

Try a new craft like this Mason Jar Candle Holder from Final Clothes Out.

I don’t can vegetables as much as I used to and have lots of jars. Good idea! Could even do this with some of those jars that can’t be used for canning.

Make a wreath

A new wreath ….maybe like this one for now

and this one for later

 

bhg.com

Make scarves and bow ties for the dogs for Halloween from these fabrics from GoofingOff.etsy.com

Pumpkins Fabric Spring Industries per Yard   Spring All Over Pumpkins

Robert Kaufman Bad to the Bone Skeletons on Black  Fat Quarters All Cotton      Robert Kaufman’s Bad to the Bone

Guess I have my work cut out for me. How about you?

Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.
Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. 

Post by Miss Eileen

Friday, September 16, 2011

Keep the Garden Growing: Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks 9.16.11

Blue Inductor Earrings
Congrats to GeekkiBoutikki and their winning Blue Inductor Earrings, the winner of last week’s Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks.




So, how was your week? Were you dazzled by the fashions shown off in NY during Fashion Week or were you too busy with real life to stop and look? That was my week, too busy to stop and look. Still, the few pics I did get to see were interesting. Got to get up the courage to wear 7 inch heels and slink around in a skimpy dress, though. Maybe not. Oh well, I guess I will stick to doing what I do best, picking fabulous Etsy finds and Goofing Off.



This is the last weekend of summer in the northern hemisphere. The weather is lovely with cool nights and warm days but those cool nights remind me that winter isn’t too far off. I love my garden, the flowers, veggies, fruit, in all its colorful glory and try to extend the season the best I can. I thought this year I would look to Etsy for some beautiful ways to dress up the garden so even when it is at its bleakest there will still be some color. Some of the items are for the garden; some can come in the house during the winter and dress up the table or a window, and still others are to wear and keep the garden close to your heart. Here’s my picks:





One Hand Blown Glass Garden Art Plant Stake  (20 inches to 24 inches tall )
One Hand Blown Glass Garden Art Plant Stake (20 inches to 24 inches tall ) by Oberini
These stakes would be amazing even with snow on the ground. Stunning!

Gate to My Secret Garden Necklace
Gate to my Secret Garden by Pollini Design
Sweet look. Just lets the imagination run wild.



Rustic Copper OWLS Garden Wall Hanging-1980s

Rustic Copper OWLS Garden Wall Hanging-1980s by Vincent Drives
These owls are too cute! Hang them on a wall inside or out.


Bottlecap Mosaic Art Tile Garden Wall Decor
Bottle cap Mosaic Art Tile Garden Wall Decor by MosaicartGirl
I love the way Mosaic Art Girl takes bottle caps and uses them so creatively.



Flower Garden baby/knee BLANKET
Flower Garden Baby/Knee Blanket by IsisOgololo
I love the colors in this blanket, so bright and cheery it could brighten up the drab winter days ahead.


Full Queen Quilt and Shams Earth Tones
Full Queen Quilt and Shams Earth Tones by LaShonneAbelDesigns
This quilt is absolutely gorgeous. The colors are fabulous! Imagine curling up on the sofa with this and a good book in front of the fireplace.



Fabric Leaf Potted Plant - Garden Green Linen
Fabric Leaf Potted Plant - Garden Green Linen by JaneJoss
Not all of us have a green thumb. I’d still be able to bring the plants in without bumping them off. Genius!





Bird Feeder recycle tire birds flower sunflower yellow birds garden feeder fathers day gift outdoors
Bird Feeder Recycle Tire by KPDreams
Fantastic idea; recycle the mountains of old tires into bird feeders. Cute, useful, and recycled. A good way to feed the birds in the winter months ahead.



Well, what do you think of my picks? Not bad? There are some very talented folks on Etsy, this is just 8 of them. Voting starts as soon as this post goes up, winner gets a feature interview by me, MissEileen.

Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4
Simplicity J0789 Toddlers' Witch Dracula Costume Pattern Sizes 6 months to 4

Don’t forget the Halloween sewing pattern sale going on NOW in the GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire shops…..40% off all costume patterns but you must use the coupon code HALLOWEEN to get the discount. The patterns are going out the door so if you see one you like it might just be a good idea to grab it while you can.



Also, I still have skulls, bones, and all that weird stuff at MetalWoodsNWater. Think of the awesome Halloween decorating you can do. Nothing like scaring the Bejesus out of the kids….all in fun.



Etsy Shops

GoofingOff

MissEileen

MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Post by Eileen

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Sew Crafty Ideas: Fat Quarter Challenge and Pattern Giveaway

I am always amazed at the ideas that come from a simple piece of fabric. Even fabric too small to many is just the start of a project to another. What’s your favorite? If you were given one fat quarter, a piece of fabric 18” x 22”, what would you make? Coasters? A napkin? A clutch? A keychain? What would it be?

Add your picture of your creation in comments to win a pack of three vintage sewing patterns from the GoofingOff Etsy shop.

Here’s the patterns up for grabs:

100_9844 Simplicity 9736 Girls’ skirt, blouse, and vest in size 10 from 1980. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

100_9846 McCall’s 7438 Girls’ dresses, size 12, from 1981. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

100_9968 Simplicity 4753 Toddlers’ pants, top, and smock with transfers from the 1960’s. Uncut, complete, original factory folds.

These patterns have been stashed away for years. They are not in my shop so I won’t make the mistake of selling them by accident. You might find them in other shops, though. These are all in good vintage condition.

Giveaway ends September 30th. Good Luck.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff


MissEileen


MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

Friday, September 9, 2011

We Have a Winner! The Envelope Please…..

Felted Olive green wool woman scarf / wrap / cobweb/ evening shawl / Fall fashion / autumnChopard and her wonderful Felted Olive Green Woman’s Scarf was the winner of the September Song, last week’s edition of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. Congratulations. Can’t wait for the interview to find out where she gets her ideas. I just love that scarf.

Thanks to everyone in last weeks picks. All of the items are amazing….I wouldn’t have picked them if they weren’t.

Fashion Week: Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 9.9.11

September is such an important month. Not only is it National Sewing Month but the autumnal equinox occurs, school begins, the Jewish High Holidays are during September, and last, but in no way least, Fashion Week just started. For someone like me, not quite the fashionista, Fashion Week is something that happens in NY and will filter down to my local Wally World eventually, but to a fashionista like my beloved daughter, it is a downright cause for celebration. Lucky her, this year she is going to be in NY for fashion week. Nice. Hope she sends me pictures. I would like to know what I might be wearing (or most likely NOT wearing) next year.
In any case, I’ve been looking around Etsy again for some of the coolest shops with the most wonderful items. I learned a long time ago that cool designs will be copied and mass produced too soon by folks in other lands. Often you will find the coolest on sites like Etsy and Artfire.
Here’s what I found.
 Black Leather with Metallic Blue Bow Tie Necklace 14 inch Length Beautiful Repurposed Leather Silver Chain Accessory
Bows are classic but I like the use of leather. A little different but still traditional. Cute and understated.
Blue Inductor Earrings
I still can’t get over the idea these beautiful earrings were once electronic parts. Recycled is always chic.

Swirly Pop Felt Bag by YUMMI Unique beautiful fun colorful clutch purseTagt Tag Team                                                         Swirly Pop Felt Bag by YUMMI by CraftasticParties Love the use of color in this bag. Brings a smile to my face whenever I see it.
Cranberry Small Pleasures Mini Shoulder Bag 
 Love the design and the use of natural wood for buttons and hardware.
Paisley Ink Iku Dress - babydoll style, playful with gathers front and back
A style from the 60’s updated. Love it!

Stepping Out - Black Faux Fur and Faux Leather Spats / Corset / Leg Wamers with Silver Embellishment and Charm 
Good way to change the look of shoes and these are cool!
Bolero Jacket Shrug In Black Trimed with Elegant Black Chinese Silk Long Sleeved  - Custom made to fit
Beautiful shrug that graces any dress it is worn with.
RESERVED for Sherry - CUSTOM  Empress Style Dream Coat by Enlightened Platypus 

OK, those are my picks. What do you think?
Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff


MissEileen


MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire
Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Kiss My Mutt

 

medium dog bed - Eco-Friendly - Green Knot Garden                                      Medium Dog Bed Eco Friendly Green Knot Garden

The winner of August 19 Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks is Jennifer Beinke of KissMyMutt and her wonderful Medium Dog Bed, Green Knot Garden. Here is her interview.

Hi Eileen!
Thanks so much for this amazing opportunity! I'm really excited!
Here are my answers below:

Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
My name is Jennifer Beinke and I'm from Santa Barbara, California. I began making pet products because of my two passions, dogs and design! I love designing products, homes, rooms, and pretty much anything I can. I also love dogs (I have two of my own) and volunteer at my local animal shelter as often as possible.

Sea Anchor Dog T-Shirt
  Sea Anchor Dog T-Shirt

What are your favorite materials?
I love love love fabrics. I love different textures, colors, patterns. I could spend hours upon hours inside a fabric store. I love water resistant fabrics, I think this is probably one of the best things around! Water resistant fabrics work so well for dog beds; they're durable, stain resistant, and really maintain their colors! I also love soft linens, but we all know that if you're a pet owner you must keep these special pieces far far away from them! :)

What is your favorite color combination?
Ooh, I love soft greys and light pinks together, and I'm also loving green and blue combos right now.

Please Walk the Dog Reused Barn Wood Floor Door Sign Please Walk the Dog Reused Barn Wood Floor Door Sign

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
The first thing I ever made by hand was a doggie t-shirt. I made it for a friends' dog who had surgery and needed to cover up. It took me a very long time, but it ended up being well worth it!


extra large dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Southern Palms   extra large dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Southern Palms

What inspires you?
If I had to pick two places I really go to to find inspiration, I would say I find myself in nature and in fashion. Maybe these are opposites, but I am a nature girl at heart and I love fashion and design mags.
Including eco-friendly fillers in my dog bedding comes from my love for nature, and my designs come from the inspiration I find in the fashion and design world.

Where do your ideas come from?
My pet product concepts really come from my own dogs. I want to make sure my products are quality, durable pieces that I know I would want to have in my own home.

medium - as seen in OK magazine - reversible bandana - pink poppies medium - as seen in OK magazine - reversible bandana - pink poppies

Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
While I have a few designers I truly love and find inspiration from, I would say my greatest inspiration comes from both of my parents. They have always taught me to strive for my dreams and to do something that I truly love, and for this I will be forever thankful to them.

Wipe your Paws Reused Barn Wood Floor Door SignWipe Your Paws Reused Barn Wood Floor Door Sign

What is your favorite thing to do with your creativity?
I love designing products. I'm always drawing, sewing, or working on new concepts I hope to create for the future. Finding materials, especially fabrics, and working them into a product is so rewarding to me.

small - as seen in OK magazine - reversible dog bandana - love for daisiessmall - as seen in OK magazine - reversible dog bandana - love for daisies

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?
People should buy handmade and from small businesses because it truly is quality over quantity. I have had a number of customers that have bought a Kiss My Mutt bed from me tell me that in the time their friend bought 3 dog beds from a mass retail chain, they still had their 1 Kiss My Mutt bed in great condition. The people making handmade products are creating these products with passion in mind, not just dollar signs. Handmade sellers are meant to be personable and care about their products, so be kind to your customers and always be open to helping them out.

What have been the most valuable lessons learned from other artists?
I used to want to try to please everyone, but realized that is almost impossible. If you are a good artist and have a good eye, customers will come and you will gain a following. It takes time, but remain patient, be yourself, and others will love you for being you.


medium dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Sugar Maple  medium dog bed - Water Resistant - Eco-Friendly - Sugar Maple

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I am currently working on developing a line of dog toys that will be manufactured in the United States.

What are the Web addresses for your work?
www.KissMyMutt.com
www.Etsy.com/KissMyMutt


Are you offering my readers any specials?
Readers can receive 15% off on www.etsy.com/kissmymutt with coupon code: DogLove

You can find KissMyMutt products/creations at her Etsy store and at KissMyMutt.com, too.

Post by Eileen
Etsy Shops
GoofingOff


MissEileen


MetalWoodsnWater
and
GoofingOff Artfire

Don’t forget to check out the costume pattern sale going on now and remember to use the coupon code HALLOWEEN for 40% off all costume sewing patterns!