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

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks: Count Down to Christmas

Looking for gifts for the guys in your life? Let me give you a virtual hand.
Well, Thanksgiving was yesterday and that means the official start of the Christmas season. It doesn’t matter that the stores have been putting Christmas items on the shelves back in September, this is the REAL start of the season. From now until the 25th, I can watch Christmas movies, like “Miracle on 34th Street” (the original with Natalie Wood) and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” as much as I want without feeling weird. It also means the pressure is on to find the right gifts for the people on your list. Ugh, the stress! So much to do! Like you need one more thing to worry about, right? So, let me give you a hand, a virtual one. How about gifts for the guys in your life?

      
       Luxury Steampunk Cufflinks by Time In Fantasy

  
            Vintage Chevy Cadillac Photo by Lisa Russo Photography

  

Unisex Crochet Scarf - Neutral Stripes, Earth Tones, Holiday Gift for Him or Her by Bees House

 

Man Cave Sign by Knotty Notions

 

Black and White Horn Necklace by Eclectic Elements for U

   
                    Circuit Board Geek Tie by Scatterbrain Ties


                Walnut Leather iPhone Case by Eight Seasons

    
                       Stainless Steel Wide Cuff by Mark Kalen Designs

Hope that helps a bit. So, what do you think? Which one, or ones, won your heart? Voting starts today for your pick (I don’t vote, totally unethical). Winner gets interviewed.

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Etsy, GoofingOff Artfire, and…………… MissEileen.

Kiss My Mutt

 

                                      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

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

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

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

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 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 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

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!