Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week is ME!

Etsy Twitter Team Shop of the Week!

*For the week of October 18 ~ October 24th*

From Nancy's Heart

I must say, that I have been very blessed to be a part of a wonderful Etsy Team:

The Etsy Twitter Team; and this week, I will be SOTW (shop of the week).

This means that I was lucky enough to be interviewed by one of my lovely team members; this article can be seen on our Team Blog (just click on the link).

Along with previous Shops of the Week! (so check those out too).

But for this week, I am attempting to open myself up a bit online on my blog and let everyone see how, From Nancy's Heart, originated.

I'm going to share some treasured secrets, along with original ornaments; drawing & sketches; items that have been put to rest along with those designs coming for 2010.

So I hope you enjoy this trip into the history of From Nancy's Heart and please stop by my shoppe and drop a line to say, "HI"!

PART ONE: a new beginning

So it's 1992, I find myself laid off from a job I had for 5 years.

I had been doing crafts for some time prior to this, doing various craft shows.

Primarily, I made dolls. I love dolls, have I ever mentioned that? Possibly not.

Well, back to the dolls- I'll post a photo of them tomorrow; they (the dolls) were a major part of my "line" as it were. I was known as the girl who sold dolls.

All the dolls either had wooden heads or wooden legs & bodies... there even was a year that I only made spool dolls; but, no matter what I made ~ I would always make it out of wood!

Now, finding myself laid off ~ which is exactly the time you take chances ~ I decided to go into wholesale! I had NO idea how to go about it & how to display a booth, I think you have the picture... but I did it anyway.

Above is my very first business card! I was dating a fellow who is a natural artist and came up with this "Dolly" design. That Little Girl logo has been with me for over 17 years!

My sister even had a sign commissioned, believing that I would one day

open a brick n mortar shop! I'll show you all that tomorrow as well!

Oh, and my very first wholesale experience? Well, although I stuck out like a sore thumb with my booth design (there really wasn't one); but with my Mom at my side,

we wrote up enough orders to continue for another year.

By the way, that boyfriend, now my husband, designed my new business logo

(below) when I decided to open up my Etsy Shoppe!

Stop by tomorrow and see more from the workshop!

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

~ Move aside Hallmark, AJK Artistry is Here! ~

Every Tuesday, EtsyNJ Team sponsors a Blog Hop to showcase our wonderful team members; this week, I chose

AJK Artistry.

Many of my family members are much older, so emails and tweets really don't work for them; however, they all just love going to their mailboxes and finding that card.

When I was in college, everyday ~ literally, everyday, I received a letter or card from one of these wonderful people members so now I do the same for them...

And I would find it an honor to send them any one of these wonderful creations by AJK Artistry!

All cards are created and design originals from AJK Artistry ~

from Birthday Celebrations to Wedding Celebrations; and even some Angry Break up cards (I could have used one of those years ago!! :D ); you have an occasion, that artist has a card

or even can make one especially for you~

Dad Rocks Birthday Card (Red) ~ Do you have a Rock n Roll Dad? Here's the card for him...

Crafted of heavyweight recycled white card stock with detailed layered paper adornments on the front and Happy Birthday inside. But I'm sure if you asked, AJK Artistry would make this into the BEST Father's Day card!

Pirate Ship Birthday Card ~ Hey there matey! Who doesn't know of a little boy who's into Pirates? I know several!! This is just a terrific way of sailing a ship to their home!!

Birthday Cupcakes Card ~ These wonderful, calorie free sparkly cupcake card is crafted of heavy weight recycled ivory card stock with terrific dimensional cupcakes! YUM!

I have to say, this card is saying my name... I just adore the Sparkly Love Card! I believe it's all the sparkles...

Perfect for any romantic occasion, this handcrafted card is just LOVE-ly with sparkly 3-D letters, and is blank inside for you to write whatever your heart desires!!

Her Website:

http://www.ajkartistry.com

Her Blog:

http://www.ajk-artistry.blogspot.com

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/ajkartistry

Twitter:

http://www.twitter.com/ajkartistry

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

~ Happy Hound Creative ~

Brighten your Event with Creativity!

Every Tuesday, EtsyNJ Team sponsors a Blog Hop to showcase our wonderful team members; this week, I chose Happy Hound Creative.

Spring is here, flowers are blooming, and spring cleaning is completed (yeah!) ~ it's a perfect time to show off those blooms and your newly cleaned house. Why not invite a group of your friends for a small Tea Party?

So you get out your address book or start to text your invite ~ but wait, didn't you just read a blog post about this fabulous company on Etsy who creates personalized invites?

Start the party off right from the invitation! How much fun would it be receiving such a sweet invitation ~ Tea Cup Shaped Party Invitation - with Pocket for tea. Tea cup shaped invitation with a pocket to include a nice packet of tea for your guests. Tea packet is included and you can choose from a variety of flavors!

Happy Hound Creative also offers various choices of colors and patterns for your invitations ~ just let her know!

This is also a wonderful idea for your Bride to Be (see below invitation)...

I can see the party starting now...

Babies ~ The Moving Invitation ~

The Baby Onesy is a FAVORITE design of mine and I just adore what Happy Hound Creative did with this classic!

The image above is a Onesie Thank You Cards - Baseball; however, if you are looking for invitations, our creative shoppe owner will create whatever your heart desires!

I just love the photo below, with the terrific look of having the Onesies all lined up in a row... what a great look for a shower for seating assignments!! (Not that anyone actually stays in their seats ~ well, at least not in my family!)

Let's never forget our Littlest Princess either!

Here's a great SET of matching Baby Shower invitations and Thank You Cards - 25 in set.

Onesie shaped Baby Shower invitations with Cute Peach Butterfly and matching Thank You Cards! The butterfly on the front pops off the paper.

Just a few of the Sweet Designs from Happy Hound Creative ~

Find Happy Hound Creative on facebook and become a fan: http://www.facebook.com/Happyhoundcreative

Read Happy Hound Creative blog:

www.happyhoundcreative.blogspot.com

Follow Happy Hound Creative on Twitter:

www.twitter.com/HappyHoundEtsy

Team Tuesday: EtsyNJ Team Blog Hop

Every Tuesday, Etsy NJ Street Team hosts a Blog Hop!

It's kinda like a Sock Hop, because there is a party goin' on ~

Each week, those of us who blog, pick a fellow member of our team to showcase, then you can follow the links to read about other extraordinary team members.

I forgot all about it last week, so I'm trying to get a jump on it early and write about a nifty gal livin' in NJ and her shoppe,

Pancakeandlulu.

When you first enter the shoppe of Pancakeandlulu, you are just hit with these wonderful array of colors and textures.

WONDERLAND handspun and handpainted gypsy yarn low impact dyes (see photo, left) is just one of the wonderful yarns I'm speaking about... just look at the combination of colors bursting out.

Only a beginner weaver myself, I just sit looking lovingly at yarns, thinking, "what can I make" ~ It's the first instinct one gets,

you see fabulous materials and think, "I MUST make

something out of this~what, I don't know, but something!"

I'm now finding myself in a Colorful Trance ~

LEMON semi-solid - handspun and handpainted pure merino yarn (see photo, right) is

a beautiful handpainted bulky wool yarn. Gorgeous mustard yellow!

It reminds me of the best glass of lemonade, ever!

And I also must say that since her 2006 Etsy Shoppe opening, this terrific entrep

reneur has been Spotlighted in

several gift guides & Also as Etsy's Feature Shoppe:

Etsy Interview: http://www.etsy.com/featured_seller.php?featured_user_id=41711

And just recently, seen on the FRONT PAGE of Etsy ~

(as seen at her blog: http://www.pancakeandlulu.com)

"I think of my yarns as freestyle fiber "collage", each skein is a fun and unique work of art in itself. Use them for anything you desire", say's owner of Pancakeandlulu.

But wait, now she's opened another shoppe at Etsy ~ and I'm so certain she will get a sensation response to her newest venture, too!

flapjackandpippin, opened in October of 2009 and it has a marvelous collection of felted juggling balls.

Pure wool handmade 3 inch felted ball (no.28) is pictured on the left~

beautiful sheep's wool ball. a great toy for a child, pet or yourself! can be used as an ornament, pincushion or for crafting.

There are many places you can find Pancakeandlulu/flapjackandpippin:

Etsy: http://pancakeandlulu.etsy.com

http://flapjackandpippin

Her blog: http://pancakeandlulu.blogspot.com/

Her website: http://www.pancakeandlulu.com/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/pancakeandlulu

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

Mikiye Creations

Our newest Etsy Twitter Team's Shop of the Week is Mikiye Creations and I can not come up with the words to express adequately the loveliness of these works of art that Mikiye is known to create.

Here's how she describes her work: "Mikiye Creations is a luscious and romantic blend of semi-precious stones, metals, freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals, Austrian crystal, Rhinestones, Vintage items, silks and feathers. Unique and often Heirloom one of a kind designs, vibrant color, rich texture, attention to detail and dazzling shine have become my signature. Every piece is delicately handcrafted by my hands for you to enjoy."

First, I must say, what wonderful photos of her work these are... I would love this not only as an accessory to my wonderful outfit; but also as a postcard that I would send out prior to the event to promote the wonderful accessory I'm wearing! Seriously, I'm not kidding!

Bridal Hair Flower 2 Piece Set Pink Purity (above) is just one of the lusciousness of Mikiye!

Not only are all Mikiye's items wonderful for the upcoming BRIDAL Season; but PROM is coming all too soon and we all know how our daughters LOVE the BLING; well, heck, how we all LOVE the BLING.

(Below) Bridal Jewelry Saya Three Strand White Pearl Brooch Necklace, just a striking piece which is PERFECT if you have a simple dress and NEED that WOW accessory!

"I grew up in a family full of artistic women and was bit by the art bug early in life. I have always loved keeping myself involved with anything that I can express my talents in. I spent 15+ years working as a Professional celebrity Makeup artist in Los Angeles and about 7 years ago began my love affair with making flowers. It wasn't long until my clients and friends were asking me to make them flowers and accessories so it was a natural move to start my own business. I am completely self taught so it's great fun for me to see how far I have come and how much my skills and techniques have improved!"

This and so much more is featured on Etsy Twitter Team's Blog of Mikiye Creations; where you can learn so much more about this creative shoppe owner. Also, check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

I must admit, this Bridal Hair Flower Accessory Ethereal Bliss (above) has always been my very favorite! I adore the Jem in the middle of these lovely hand cut Silk Chiffon, Silk Gauze and Organza petals. Amazingly bold and delicate all at the same time. :D

For being Shop of the Week, Mikiye is offering the following special this week:

FREE U.S. SHIPPING on all purchases. Please add SOTW in notes to seller to redeem this. Shipping will be refunded through Paypal.

To learn more about this shop please use the handy links below:

TWITTER ADDRESS http://www.twitter.com/mikiyecreations

FB PAGE http://www.facebook.com/mikiyecreations

BLOG http://www.mikiyecreations.blogspot.com/

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week - Belated

Wellspring Creations

Unfortunately, I was unable to blog about last week's Shop of the Week for Etsy's Twitter Team - so I wanted to make up for that and get in a belated post for Wellspring Creations!

I have to say, what Judy of Wellspring Creations, creates such marvelous pieces;

blending both unique stones and her wire wrapping techniques, she shows us all how amazing simple objects are turned into wearable art.

She uses one of my favorite quotes by Michaelangelo to describe her pieces:

"Michaelangelo said that the marble told him what to carve...what it was meant to be. Similarly, I take great care to present each special stone in a setting that not only looks lovely, but is specially chosen to enhance its beauty."

This exquisite Deep Pink Rhodochrosite Pendant (above) has lovely white markings; it is an unusually high quality stone--referred to as "gemmy" by the trade. The setting is a wire wrapped sterling silver "net" that gives an airy appearance to this very feminine stone.

This lovely Natural Pink Rose Quartz Silver wrapped Pendant (above) is carved in a heart shape. Carefully wrapped in sterling silver wire, each side is different--it's like two handcrafted pendants in one. One side is sweeping loops topped with two asymmetric coils; the other, delicate netting topped with a swarovski crystal.

Find these and many other wonderful items at Judy's shop, Wellspring Creations.

Check out Judy's blog as well: http://www.wellspringcreations.blogspot.com

In February:

* 20% of all proceeds go to THE RED CROSS for HAITI RELIEF EXCEPT *

"THE CURE" earrings where 20% goes to SUSAN G. KOMEN/BREAST CANCER.

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

Sweetwater Gifts

As I began browsing through her shop, Sweetwater Gifts offers such a variety of designs and prices that I can't see why anyone would dare pass up her items. The Willow Spring Earrings (above) are so wonderfully delicate and yet still hold so much composition. They are made to go with the Willow Spring Necklace that is featured on Etsy's Twitter Team blog interview of Sweetwater Gift; where you can learn so much more about this creative shoppe owner.

The whole article can be found at The Etsy Twitter Team's Blog.

Check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

I have to say, I just love the Men's Joshua Turquoise (above). It's so says, "summer"; with that wonderful charm, I think I would get it for the guy in my life and then, oops, it suddenly disappears into my jewelry box!! Just like that Phillies T-shirt, but please keep that as our secret!

These City Chic Turquoise & Howlite Earrings (above) are right up my alley! The price is right and could you tell by my Sweetwater shop choices that I just adore turquoise.

I just love this photo as well, it shows all the marvelous tones of the stones and the care that is taken with making each and every unique piece of jewelry.

OH, and BTW, Sweetwater Gifts is offering FREE SHIPPING on all items from Jan 18th-24th, 2010!! So why not by a set or two and then get the 10% off they are offering as well on purchases over $50.00!! It's a STEAL if you ask me!

So get on over there!!

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

This week's Shop of the Week for Etsy's Twitter Team is:

Lost Mitten!

I must admit, due to my state of mind lately, having been sick with this crazy cold... my sights gravitated directly to the following sweet items created by Lost Mitten.

The whole article can be found at The Etsy Twitter Team's Blog.

Check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

Check out these great Pill Capsule Japanese Buttons! (above & below)

I wish the pills I've been taking were as cute as these guys and gals!

I think my cold would have reacted so much better to these meds!

Look how sweet they are... wouldn't these be a terrific addition to... well, almost

ANYTHING?!

Do you know any nursing student? Well how about this for a great Valentine's Day gift?

Are you trying to find the best way to mend a broken heart... well these pills are

just the perfect way to cheer.

Or perhaps your sweetie has been ill, this is just a FABO way of perking their spirits...

Don't we wish every pill we take is like these kawaii cuties?! Well, I know I would.

And these wonderful gift ideas are all made with joy from Lost Mitten.

So, pair those buttons up with this wonderful Nintendo Tissue Box Holder (below) for that loved one just sneezing away the hours of their day - and they can't help but think of you every time they reach for their Puffs.

You'll end up soothing their noses and their hearts as well! You just can't go wrong

with Lost Mitten; she has thought of every way to win the heart of

your love.

For me, I'll take these Lucky Cat buttons, (below) please...

After my last Lotto blog entry, everyone will know why! I'm entering into 2010 with a bit of luck; but everyone needs more, aren't I right?!

That's Lost Mitten...

and here's how you can get in touch with her @ her blog:

http://lostmittenblog.blogspot.com

or follow her on Twitter @:

@lostmitten

:D

Etsy Twitter Team: Shop of the Week

Shop of the Week: Scrap with Style

Each week the Etsy Twitter Team picks one of it's wonderful members to showcase their terrific Etsy Shoppes... this week it's Scrap with Style!

Here's just a brief bit of info of Scrap with Style - with her style and flair -

The whole article can be found at The Etsy Twitter Team's Blog.

Check out previous articles on other team members, as well. You'll find we are a diverse group of artists who just love both tweeting and creating.

Here's one of Scrap with Style's fare: Rub-on's for Valentine's day or Any day you want to share your heart!!

I don't know what's better... Owls or PINK Owls!! I'm in love with this ribbon...

Girlie Pink Owls would be GREAT scrapin' with that special fridge pic you're daughter brought home from art class!! She'd LOVE it! I think, dare I say, better than Hello Kitty!!

Oh, yes I did!!

Oh, and here's the ENTIRE Rub on sheet, that Scrap with Style offers in her Etsy Shoppe!

This is just a terrific gal with such a terrific sense of business...

So, read the entire article about Scrap with Style and of course, stop by her shoppe and see what's Scrappin!

What a Marvelous Monday!

Many months ago, when I started my Flickr account, I started browsing around in my favorite groups - the doll groups.   After seeing so many wonderful dolls, I came across a young lady from Germany/Sweden.  Her shoppe, Froken Skicklig, her name, Juliane.  

Her dolls, magical; her spirit, enchanting.  After many emails, a lovely friendship has evolved and I just think that gal is so sweet and talented.   Not only a master doll maker, but a wonderful story teller - an artist all around.  

She has a DaWanda shoppe and I was so happy for her when she opened up her Etsy shoppe; giving everyone a way to be in touch with such an amazing spirit.

Well, I'm a crazy doll lover and if you saw my home, you would know, I love my dolls.  But it's not only the dolls that I love, it's an extension of the doll creator that I admire so much.  I've talked about my Little Soul dolls and their creator, Gretchen Wilson.  She is an amazing woman that I've had the tremendous pleasure of meeting and speaking with on many occasions.  With Juliane, I feel the same connection.  Both women inspire me to look within and find the joy in creating.  To find the connection between my own soul and that which I craft.  They are both wonderful and it's my extreme pleasure to have reminders (their wonderful work, ie, dolls) around my home to keep me on the right path!!  

Below is my Alva, created for me by Froken Skicklig.  You can read her wonderful story at Juliane's blog site.

She's a magical little girl that I will adore, always. 

Here are also a few items that my wonderful Juliane included in my birthday box!

A wonderful sache, a birthday candle, a lovely little cake, and some body lotion.

Here are my two gals together, Jilly, from Little Souls creator, Gretchen Wilson and my little Alva.  Jilly was willing to share her tiara for this photo.  

Along with this wonderful package that I received today that brought me my lovely Alva, I also found that I was featured in a team blog.  I am a part of the EtsyNJ Street Team and my shoppe was spotlighted.  It was a wonderful surprise.  To visit my team's blog, just click the link and you'll see that there are so many exciting, talents here in NJ.  :D

Nancy's Notables - JooJoo's Shop

Well, I thought that I would try something new, and have a section of Nancy's Notable's.   

This week it's Joo Joo's Shop and what can I say about her creativity... simple marvelous.  

As I was preparing to write this blog entry, I saw that I'm not the only one who is infatuated with Joo Joo's Shop or her creations... there's a terrific Interview (of Afi- owner of Joo Joo's Shop) and also a GIVEAWAY at Sassy Glass Designs!

Sassy did a wonderful job in interviewing Afi and it just helped me adore her items even more, if that's possible.  Isn't that the way though, we just find ourselves gravitating to specific crafted items and when we learn more about the artist, we just love those items even more.  

I, especially LOVE these snails!  They remind me of a time in my childhood.   

So many years ago, my father owned a grocery store.  The neighborhood was so diverse that believe or not, he sold live snails.  They would be in this hugh basket (with a lid) that would be about 4ft high.  When you walked past the basket, you could hear them moving around.  I was 7 years old at the time and always marveled at this basket.  Of course, it was by the front door, so you couldn't miss it.

There was only one thing, my older brother.  When we would be visiting my father, at the store, my brother always seemed to manage to scare me by lifting the lid of that snail basket and chasing me with it, as it was full of snails!   Funny, it's not that bad of a memory - I've gotten him back many times over; perhaps, that's why!  

But seeing this terrific item of magnetic SNAILS, just brings back these wonderful childhood memories... I must say that these guys are SOOO much cuter than the one's I remember.  So check out both JOOJOO and Sassy Glass Designs for MORE!  :D