Sapti: Winner of Miss Eileen's Etsy Picks, A Lifetime of Beauty Through Knitting

When I first saw the white belt I was captivated by its beauty. It is amazing, to say the least. Later, though, I read Etty's story and I am truly amazed. Her work is a testament that beauty and creativity do not know age. She inspires me and will inspire others, too. Here is her interview and a glimpse into her fabulous shops.



Crocheted Flower Wedding Belt

 ME: Tell us a bit about yourself (name, location, affiliations, personal stuff)
EG: My name is Etty Geller, I’m 68 years old, married, a mother of 2 children and a grandmother of 5 adorable grandchildren. I live in Israel in a small town near Tel Aviv.

ME: Apart from creating things, what do you do?
EG: I retired 3 years ago, I was working for over 40 years for a governmental institution. Today I enjoy the joyous moments of life, especially when I spend time with my grandchildren. I love to cook, bake, and spending a lot of time in the kitchen re-inventing recopies.

ME: Where does your inspiration come from?
EG: I get inspired by the beauty surrounding us, I always loved flowers, I enjoy create and work with flowers on my arts, whether it’s a bride bouquet, wedding accessories, fashion accessories or knitted jewelry.


Vintage OOAK Bridal Bouquet


ME: Who is, or was, your greatest inspiration?
EG: It all started when my mom thought me the basics of knitting. I was 6 years old and fell for this creative process immediately.  The rest is history… My mother was, and still is, my inspiration.

ME: What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?
EG: When I was about 6 years old, I remember knitting a white big sweater made of 100% wool. The sweater had a pattern of bubbles. I couldn’t stop knitting since then. Looking back, I realize that knitting was the first love of my life. I like to combine different and contrasted materials, especially on the bride's bouquet where I use old and new, vintage brooches along knitted flowers.


Bridal Bouquet with Brooches, Satin, flowers, Pearls , beads, jewel , ribbon


ME: What are your favorite materials? Your favorite color combination?
EG: It is fun to work with the enormous variety of colors, from light pastel to strong happy colors.



White Love Rabbits Wedding Cake Topper


ME: How do you get out of your creative ruts? Describe your creative process.
EG: 20 years ago I had a factory of 100 women who knitted by hand based on my instructions. I used to knit the first one and they would copy it. These items were sold by many channels all over Israel. As I was doing it in parallel to my job on the governmental institution, I couldn’t carry on and had to maintain it as a hobby.  24 hours a day weren’t enough…


Rustic Crocheted Wrap with Fur Accent

 I like to create unique items, I can think of something in the middle of the night, get out of bad, draw a scheme, and have it completely done the day after, I have no tolerance for knitting mistakes, I knit fast and precisely.


White Knitted Necklace with Brown and Turquoise Ceramic Pendant

 In the past I mainly made sweaters, today I also do brides bouquets with knitted flowers, Silk, beads, brooches and more. I use several pastel colors, everything I do is made with lots of love.
I am most flattered when a bride chooses one of my creations for her big day, I am very thrilled to be a small fraction of this special day.

ME: What are the Web addresses for your work?

EG: I have 3 Etsy shops:
Wedding accessories – Brides & Bridesmaids Bouquets and accessories. www.etsy.com/shop/sapti

Fashion – Shawls, Scarves, gloves, fingerless gloves, hats, belts, knitted jewelry and more. www.etsy.com/shop/ettygeller

Knitted miniatures that make everyone happy – animals, fruits, vegetables, cakes and more, www.etsy.com/shop/etty2504

Amigurumi Crocheted Turtle PDF Pattern

ME: What advice would you give to other artists?

EG: Every day I get excited when I see pretty things, I don’t like artists copying others items; we can learn and get inspired from each other but still be original.


ME: Where would you like to be in ten years?
EG: My goal for the next 10 years is to keep the joy of creating.

ME: Are you offering my readers any specials?
EG: I would be happy to give a 25% off for all my stores items for the next 10 days, please contact me for a coupon.

Post by Miss Eileen aka GoofingOff


MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 2.10.12

It was a hundred years ago (give or take a decade or three),  that the Mr. asked me to marry him (feels like that sometimes). Two days before Valentine’s Day he surprised me with a ring from a Cracker Jack box and told me to close my eyes while he put it on my finger. I was laughing so hard that I didn’t noticed he switched the ring and placed a diamond ring on me instead. I still have the Cracker Jack ring and still laugh about it. Don’t wear it, though…..  Anyway, Valentine’s is approaching and this is the time for romance. It is also the time for the wedding plans to begin. A wedding is so much more than the dress. It is the details, the little things, that make a wedding special. Here’s some ideas for weddings from the wonderful artists at Etsy.

BTW, there are lots of fantastic artists at Etsy however I try to find new and overlooked artists who just need a little more exposure because their work is fantastique (didn’t know I could speak French? Me, either, lol). So take a look at what I found. I think you’ll be seeing these artists again in the future, maybe on the front page.

A touch of handmade elegance to cinch the waist. Beautiful!                       Crocheted Flower Wedding Dress Belt by Sapti

These little guys are so cute!                   Black and White Birds Wedding Cake Topper by Indigo Twin Weddings

 

Here’s an alternative to the traditional pillow for the ring bearer to carry, a custom made plate to carry the rings. Later, the plate can be used or displayed. It’s lovely!                        Porcelain Engagement or Wedding Ring Bowl by Sumiko2

                          Wedding Mailbox Card Holder by One Hip Sticker Chick

 

For those of us who love the country, or rustic look, check out this ring pillow. Fabulous!                           Woodland Burlap Ring Pillow by Glowing Girl

Beach weddings are so popular, especially down here in FL. This candle would fit right in.

                      Beach Wedding Starfish Candle Vase by Pink Pelican Designs

Finding new and original ways to number the tables is always a challenge. Here’s a wonderful way using wine bottles from Homes and Weddings.

           Wine Bottle Number Holder by Homes and Weddings

 

And, last but not least, a sign to make sure the guests find the right place.

                                   Wedding Sign by Splendid Events

 

Well, that’s some of the things I’ve found on Etsy this week. These eight are wonderful and would make a wedding all that much more special. Do you have a favorite amongst the eight? Vote!

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Pardon the Drywall Dust

I once heard on the radio that owning a house can be a burden as well as a blessing. House ownership is a wonderful thing. For most people, it is the most valuable thing they own. It is the roof over their head, the safe haven they go to for refuge, the place they go to when all is crazy in the world that they can have some control over (at least that is the plan). Home ownership is the American Dream. The ultimate is building one yourself (or at least having one built for you). Then reality sets in, otherwise known as the Burden.

I live in a house built about 20 years ago. Houses, like people, need upkeep. Think paint, floors, walls, you know, EVERYTHING. I am living among drywall dust right now. Did I know the drywall seams along the ceiling were cracking? Yup. That’s why I hired someone to fix it. Did I know the drywall wasn’t screwed down like it was supposed to be? Well….no. Am I surprised? Not really. Can we just fix it right and not go on about it? What color do you want to paint? Paint? Can we finish the drywall first?

That’s how the conversations, and my week has been going. Dusty. Messy. All the furniture sitting in the middle of the poor house (my poor house!!) covered with drop cloths. Piles of stuff in every room for me to bounce off of in the dark like a pinball in an arcade game. The disorder makes me want to wear blinders like a draft horse pulling a cart. Ugh!

I’m skipping Miss Eileen’s Picks this week. Will start again next week….once the dust settles.

Oh, BTW, Congrats to WearTheyAreNow, the winner of last week’s picks and their beautiful red and blue brocade dress.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Red for Women’s Heart Health 1.27.12

Roses are red, violets are blue, red is for Valentine’s, and Women’s Heart Health, too!

Didn’t know I was a poet? Me either, but I am a nurse and women’s health is important. Very important. Did you know that heart disease is the number one killer of women? Yup, it is. It is important to be heart smart, especially as we age. As we age the risk of being afflicted with heart disease rises dramatically. Eating healthy, exercising, watching your weight can reduce that risk (makes you look good in those jeans you were checking out, too). During the month of February, wear something red on Fridays to support Women’s heart health. Learn about the signs of heart attacks and strokes because they don’t only happen to men. Be heart smart.

Here’s some wonderful red ideas from Etsy to show support for women’s heart health.

                          Valentine Red Heart Enamel Earrings by Jechory Designs

    Red Chunky Loop Scarf by MoonSun

       Red & White Polka Dot Leather Heels size 7 1/2 leather by MelsVanity

  Valentine Crochet Rose Bib Necklace by Paleodeux

Vintage Leather 70's Bright Red Little Bag by Cvetinka

  Vintage 1950s Red & Blue Brocade Full Circle Dress by Wear Are They Now

  Crochet Flower Scarf by Knitting Fashion

 Big Red Cuff Turquoise Magnesite Red Riverstone Cuff Bracelet by Ropes of Pearls

Well, those are my picks. What do you think? Beautiful ways to show support for women’s heart health. The poll is up for voting. Winner gets an interview. Good luck to all.

To learn more about the signs of heart attacks and strokes, click HERE.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

A Tree Grows on Etsy…Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 1.20.12

 

While most of the north shivers from the cold, this is the right time to plant trees in the south. Check out these trees on Etsy!

                          Wooden Cupcake Tree by Joshua Butler

                       Welded Metal Tree Sculpture by Stevens Garage

                     Handmade Wooden Cabinet with Carved Oak Tree Doors by Honeys Treasures

                               Elm Leaf Mobile from Reclaimed Amber Beer Bottle Glass by Western Art Glass

                  Tree Branch Candle Holders by Worleys

          Aquamarine and Sterling Silver Tree of Life Pendant by Evolutionary Beauty

 

             Wire Tree of Life Spirit Sculpture by Crows Feathers

                               Nature Photography Tree Rings Black and White 11x14 Fine Art Photograph

Aren’t these wonderful trees? Voting starts now.

Post by Eileen aka GoofingOff

MissEileen vintage

Goofingoff Etsy Judaic fabrics, sewing patterns

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, plus size patterns

Metal Woods N Water unusual stuff and  metal work

MV Treasures: Handmade Treasures from Martha’s Vineyard

The winner of the blog interview from 11/18 was Laura Hearn Caruso of MV Treasures. Her beautiful Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet the stole hearts of many. Here is her story.

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

My name is Laura Hearn Caruso and I split my time between Billerica, Massachusetts and Martha's Vineyard Island (hence the name MV Treasures). I am a busy mom to a wonderful, energetic, spontaneous 4 year old daughter. I am also a professional dog trainer and columnist for our local paper.  "All About Pets" is also featured on Galtime.com .

              Chan luu inspired double wrapped pearl bracelet

What are your favorite materials?

My favorite materials are made by or altered by nature; wampum, leather, turquoise, hemp and sea glass.              Howlite and Silver Button Cuff Bracelet

What is your favorite color combination?

My favorite color combination is the beautiful bright blue of turquoise and the hard steely gray of hematite. Gorgeous!

           Sea foam green wrap bracelet

What is the first thing you can remember making by hand? How and why did you make it?

My favorite memory of crafting was making Christmas ornaments with my Dad and sister. We used round, flat, white shells we had collected and painted holiday scenes on them. Dad drilled holes in the top and we strung ribbon through to hang on the trees. I still have one that I hang on our tree each year.

                Vivid Ocean Blue Beaded Wrap Bracelet  

What inspires you?

I am inspired by the colors of nature, sky, ocean, sand, shells and of course the antics of my daughter.

                  Chan luu inspired double wrap bracelet

Where do your ideas come from?

My ideas are often inspired by my daughter’s sense of "style." We make jewelry together to give to her friends and our family. Sometimes seeing what she does sparks my creative side. I am also inspired by other jewelry designers; I love to see their new creations as well.

               23" Hand knotted triple strand hemp necklace

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

My greatest challenge is time management. Fortunately my daughter is in school a few hours each week and still naps most days ;)

           Clear glassworks beads with swirling navy blue throughout

Why should people buy handmade? Any tips of wisdom on selling handmade items?

People should purchase handmade goods to support small local businesses. One of the greatest American dreams is to own your own small business and be able to support yourself by doing so. In the tough economic times we are currently facing, it is nice for our dollars to stay close to home. As far as wisdom, create what you love, begin by what you are good at, think out of the box and do not sell yourself short.

           Triple wrapped leather bracelet-Chan luu style

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

As for things I enjoy, exploring the great outdoors with my daughter, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding and gardening are top of the list.

What are the Web addresses for your work? Are you offering my readers any specials?

My site is www.mvtreasures.etsy.com and your fabulous readers can enjoy 15% off with coupon code MissEileen15 (Good through 12/31/11)
Thank you so much for this opportunity!
Laura Hearn Caruso
MV Treasures

Thank you, Laura, for your beautiful creations.

Post by Eileen Patterson

MissEileen Vintage fun

Goofingoff Etsy  Judaic fabric, sewing patterns, sewing supplies

GoofingOff Artfire Sewing patterns, lots of plus sizes

Metal Woods N Water Scrap metal art, oddities

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks November 11, 2011 Inexpensive Gift Giving Guide

The holidays are upon us. Whether we celebrate in a big way with lots of lights, music, and the like or in a quiet, hushed manner most of us will be involved in some sort of holiday celebrations with family and friends. Finding gifts that won’t break the bank, look good, and be appreciated takes a bit of thought. Things like ornaments, soaps,candles, and lotions fit the bill. Here’s a few ideas in this week’s Etsy Picks.

    

Stained Glass Holiday Lights by Blue Fish Studios

I love these. You don’t need a tree to hang them, a window will do.

    

Handmade Glycerin Soap Fresh Snow by Shaka Soap

Beautiful to look at. Gift them like the picture. Oh so pretty.

 Wooden Snowflake Ornaments by Urban Timber Woodworks

Imagine opening a box of these ornaments. Wow! How about using them to decorate a gift?

 

Antique Mercury Glass Ornament Mid Century by Hindsvik

An elegant look for the vintage lover.

 

Winter White Snow Bunny Rabbit Ornament by Blue Ridge Mercantile

This bunny is too adorable for words.

 

Cinnamon Buns Scented 8 oz Soy Tin Candle by Country Blossom

Yummy smells from the kitchen.

 Gingerbread Latte Body Lotion by Southern Twisted Soaps

Umm, this lotion sounds luscious.

 

Snow Flakes Guest Soap by Sebastian's Nook

Beautiful with it’s own gift box.

Well, what do you think? A few good picks to get your shopping started or at least thinking about your list. Take the time to vote for your favorite and visit the shops. I am amazed at the other work in each one, far more than I have room for in one week’s edition of Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks. Oh, yeah, the vote. Winner gets an interview with me, Miss Eileen.
Post by Eileen Patterson
Shops: GoofingOff Etsy, GoofingOff Artfire, Miss Eileen vintage, and Metal, Woods n Water.