Cinnamon Pink

Valentine in the Mountains - Etsy Treasury

 

Stella, owner of the Etsy Shop The Yarn Kitchen, created the cutest Treasury entitled, Valentine in the Mountains. There are  many unique and lovely items to see:  Coastal White Sage Smudge Sticks - a Custom Rustic Love Birds Cake Topper - and Beurre Noisette Brownies. Stella even included my Sheet Music Heart Ornament. Thank you Stella!

I also want to thank all of you for acknowledging my Heart Ornament. It has appeared in the Arts Business Institute's Guide, Great Handmade Holiday Gifts (All Priced Under $50.) and six Etsy Treasuries.

For the New Year, Stella has created some Teal Felted Bowls, accented with a white heart. You can get more details on these bowls in her Shop.

Three Quick Questions (Article) from Lesley Riley

Today I received Lesley Riley's Artist Success E-zine in my inbox. And I was inspired by her feature article on Three Quick Questions.

Lesley adds a unique twist to the idea of New Year's Resolutions. Take few minutes to read her thoughts on this topic. You may end up taking a different approach to achieving your Dreams.

Here's a little background information:  Lesley Riley, The Artist Success Expert, is the creative founder of Artist Success: Solutions for the Struggling Artist. To receive her bi-weekly articles on creating your own success as an artist, visit  ; www.ArtistSuccess.com. I know that you will enjoy receiving her E-zine.

Two Painting Blogs to Check Out

Recently, I came across an interesting blog entitled, Let's Make a Painting. Mary, host of the blog, shares her extensive, bookmark collection of some of the best, free painting tutorials. These tutorials include both step-by-step and video demos.

There are many wonderful lessons/demonstrations to view. For example, Painting White Roses byTrevor Waugh. This video is accompanied by music rather than instructions but you can still benefit from watching the artist's techniques.

Since Mary is working on perfecting her watercolor painting skills, she also created another blog, Splatter and Brush - A collection of the best free watercolor video lessons and tutorials.

Take a look at these two sites - and then try to fit in some painting time during this hectic Holiday week. Your Muse will thank you. In fact, I'm going to dig out two fairly new books on watercoloring painting and learn some new techniques.

Merry Christmas

Image from The Graphics Fairy

Wishing You the Merriest Christmas. Enjoy the Day!

Shabby Chic - Etsy Treasury

Renee gathered together an array of Home Decor Gifts to create her Vintage, Rustic, Shabby Chic Treasury.

There are a lot of beautiful, blue gifts included here such as a Turquoise Original Watercolor Painting, a Trio of Aqua-Mint Painted Frames and Vintage Mason Jars. Renee even included my Bliss Heart. Thank You Renee.

Renee is an apparel designer whose goal is to create women's clothing that is comfortable, feminine and sensual. Here is a Fuzzy Bell Sweater that she created from Organic Cotton Sherpa.

Renee designs, cuts, sews and hand-dyes each garment that is sold in her Etsy Shop, PoppyWomen. She also creates original art work. Why not pay a visit to her distinctive Shop.

 

 

For the Birds - Etsy Treasury

Many artists like to include birds, nests and eggs in their art pieces. Miranda recently curated an Etsy Treasury entitled, For the Birds. It's interesting to see how the artists took the subject of our feathered friends and incorporated them into their art.

For example, there's a handcrafted Raven Masquerade Mask and an adorable Lampwork Murano Glass Owl Pendant. Take a few moments to check out this Unique Treasury.

Miranda owns the Etsy Shop, Midnight Hatter. She specializes in felting accessories. Here are some lovely Peach Silk, Long Fingerless Gloves that she wet-felted to form a tightly woven material.

Countdown ...2012 @ Versaille - Etsy Treasury

 

Oh My Goddess!  Liz Stuckey has created a Marie Antoinette-Inspired Etsy Treasury. It's called Countdown ...2012 @ Versaille.

 If you're a Marie Antoinette fan - or lover of all things French, Shabby Chic, Embellished, Ornate and Over-the-Top, you will enjoy browsing this Treasury. There is a Marie Gown and Purse, Pretty Pink Chairs, a Corset for a Temptress....and so much more! Spend a few minutes to take in all this French Eye Candy.

Liz owns the Etsy Shop, RococoBarocco. She's also a Marie et al Lover as you can see from her Bridal Shoe for Gift or Wedding Favors.

Hint, Hint!! - Etsy Treasury

I had to chuckle when I looked at the title of Brittney's Etsy Treasury. It's called - Hint, Hint!! And why did she choose this funny name? Because these are the gifts that she would like to find under her own Christmas tree. Brittney even featured my Bliss Heart. Thank You Brittney!

Check out her Cute Curated Collection of Etsy Madcap Team Products. You may even find a gift or two that you desire. 

Brittney has her own little Etsy Shop called Wedgewood Creations. Among the many handcrafted gifts in her Shop, you'll find these soft, Crocheted Credit Card/Business Card/Gift Card Holders. They are a nice alternative to plastic or leather card holders.

 

 

Blue World - Etsy Treasury

One of my other favorite colors is BLUE - as in Robin's Egg Blue, Blue Caribbean Sea and Turquoise Blue. (Of course, Pink is still my Number One color.)

Shulamit just created an Etsy Treasury entitled BLUE WORLD. Take a peek at the beautiful blue colors she chose as Gift Ideas.

Shulamit has also handcrafted a beautiful Turquoise Blue Bracelet. You can get more details by visiting her Ella Jewelry Shop.

A Vintage Home in Cream and Green - Etsy Treasury

 

I'm always checking out vintage, or vintage-like, items on Etsy and eBay. That's why I especially enjoyed viewing Stella's Etsy Treasury entitled, A Vintage Home in Cream and Green.

The 16 fl oz Soup Mug would make a yummy cup of café latte and the Vintage Borden Milk Crate could store craft supplies or towels. I keep rolls of ribbons in my milk crate. Visit Stella's Treasury to see more unique products.

Stella, Etsy Shop owner of The Yarn Kitchen, has created the cutest Mama Bunny upcycled from an angora and pure wool sweater.

Last Minute Holiday Gifts - Etsy Treasury

One of our Madcap Team Members, Shulamit Golod, has created a Last Minute Holiday Gifts Etsy Treasury featuring members of the Madcap Team.

There are many beautiful and unique gift ideas here ranging from a Classic Hand-Turned, Hand-Carved Staunton Chess Set....to a Broochaliscious Statement Necklace....to a Sweet Little Raven Oil Painting....and 'Julie' Pearl Earrings inspired by the famous singer Julie Andrews. Meer words cannot adequately describe these talented Madcappers. Check out the Etsy Treasury for yourself.

Shulamit is the owner of Etsy Shop, Ella Jewelry. I visited her Shop and was attracted to this Elegant Elephant Sterling Silver Pin. He is so cute! Shulamit is offering a 15% discount in her Shop right now. Please visit her Shop for details.

 

Check Out Online Magazine - My Little Jedi

Have you seen the latest issue of the online magazine, My Little Jedi? If not, you must check it out.

The magazine is "all about amazing party styling, sweet dessert tables, delicious recipes & inspirational diy projects to help you celebrate this holiday season in style!" This high-quality publication offers over-the-top eye candy for all lovers of cute and sweet.

I actually came across the issue by accident - And I'm so happy that I found it. I guarantee that you will find new ideas for your own holiday parties this season.

 

Silver Bells Treasury

Oh My Gosh - I want every one of the gifts in the Etsy Treasury,  Silver Bells, which Sharon has curated.

She has chosen such pretty presents - from the silver baby shoes - to the beautiful wedding wands. As I mentioned before, one hazard of looking at Treasuries is coveting all the gifts that you see.

Sharon owns the Etsy Shop Table Top Jewels. She creates her crocheted products from vintage patterns. Her Lavender Sachet Pillow is pictured above. 

Excited Christmas Treasury

Adults get just as excited about Christmas as children do. In fact, Tahel actually created an Etsy Treasury called Excited Christmas. You'll find many delicate and divine gift ideas for the ladies here. Or maybe even a gift for yourself.

When I last spoke about Tahel and her Etsy Shop, Mariposa Handmade Handbags, I forgot to mention that she is offering some Holiday Specials such as Buy One, Get One Free - and 33% off on selected products. One of her business card holders is pictured above.

Please Note: I do not get compensated for mentioning specific Treasuries or Etsy Shops on my blog. Since these Shop Owners include one of my products in their Treasuries, I just want to pay back their kindness by spreading the word.

 

 

Does Creating Art Make You Happy?

I found this information via the Artists Network Watercolor Artist blog:

"Very basic but recent research drawn from an app called the Mappiness Project concludes that art activities are four of the top six activities that incite happiness in humans."

I have always felt that making art was a healing experience. What do you think?

Romancing Purple Etsy Treasury

After looking at many Etsy Treasuries during the past couple of months, I've noticed that Red and Green are not the only Christmas/Holiday colors. I've seen a lot of All Pink, White, Blue, Beige and Purple in blogs, treasuries and online shops.

In fact, Jeannie & Richard have put together an Etsy Treasury entitled Romancing Purple. They have chosen an exquisite array of feminine gifts for that special woman in your life. Check out the Organza Flower Hair Clip in Phlox Purple in this Treasury. Very Pretty!

Do you remember Mood Rings? Well, Jeannie & Richard have created unique, OOAK Mood Rings that are beaded. The Shop Owners say, "Colors represent moods, so let this stack of  six rings represent YOUR mood!"

 Jeannie & Richard are having a 17% OFF Christmas Sale. The code at checkout is - 'XMASLOVE.' Their sale ends on December 18 at 11:59 PM. Check out their shop and let me know what you like.

 

 

Ice Queen Etsy Treasury

All Kinds of Creative Esty Treasuries are Spinning Around the Internet like a Whirl of Sparkling Snowflakes.

Speaking of icy, Jennifer Hawkins has curated a lovely Etsy Treasury entitled, 'Ice queen? More like Madcap Queen of my Heart!' to showcase our Madcap Team Members. You'll see many unique gift ideas for the ladies in various shades of white. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Marie Antoinette's Love Letters Lounge Chair. What a treat it would be to find this chair under your Christmas Tree.

Jennifer owns a cute little Etsy Shop called greygirldesigns where she offers one of a kind beaded jewelry that is inspired by nature. I happen to like pretty bracelets so her Saturday Bracelet (above) caught my attention. Very elegant indeed!

Take a few minutes to check out this wonderful Treasury and Jennifer's shop too.

Perfect Pastels Etsy Treasury

The Etsy Shop, Sandchica Jewelry & Beach Glass surrounds us with Perfect Pastels in her Treasury. Now, you know I love the Pink - but the Blue, Green and Beige come in as close 'second loves' in this Treasury.

Sandchica's Shop offers a soothing selection of jewelry, beach glass and beads. All of the seaglass for sale, on her site, is 100% genuine surf tumbled beach glass. This is a refreshing discovery compared to all of the manufactured beach glass that has been flooding the marketplace.

I was drawn to this glass pendant that you can use as a Christmas Ornament or Holiday Necklace. How cool is that?

Take a few minutes to browse her Shop.

Jackpot Etsy Treasury

I had to laugh when I saw the title of Tina's Etsy Treasury - I will win the Jackpot this weekend... and then buy me....

I know how she feels. Every time I visit an Etsy Shop or Treasury, I want to BUY - BUY - BUY. But I need to win the Jackpot too. Regardless, you must take a look at the Shabby Chic Romance Bed in this Treasury. We can all dream.

Tina offers the sweetest little gifts in her AnnoDomini Etsy Shop. I especially like the (above) illustrated, Toadstool Wooden Chest. Check out Tina's Shop to discover some more fun gifts.

'Excited for the Holidays' Etsy Treasury

Tahel Sadot has curated a beautiful Etsy Treasury entitled, Excited for the Holidays. You'll find many lovely and creative gift ideas.

I was surprised to learn that Tahel lives in Israel. The Internet makes it so easy to connect with people that you think fellow-Etsy Shop owners are just down the street.

In her Etsy Shop, Mariposa Handmade Handbags, Tahel offers beautiful, handcrafted accessories and handbags for Women. One of the leading ideas behind her handbag and purse design is a "fluid and asymmetric design combined with functionality."

I especially love the soft lines of this leather purse. Tahel is currently running a Christmas Sale and offering a "Buy One - Get One Free" Special. Check out her cute little Shop.

 

Holiday Lights HGTV Challenge - Etsy Treasury

Here's another Treasury from Laura who is the owner of Etsy Shop, Laura Stamper Designs. Her Treasury sparkles in shades of Silver and White - making for a magical Etsy Gift Guide entitled,  Holiday Lights HGTV Challenge.

Laura creates Wearable Art Sculpture Jewelry. You must check out her series of Galaxy Rings. I was captivated by the above ring entitled, Sterling Silver and Sapphire Constellation Ring-Capricornus. To create the ring, Laura began  by melting sterling silver and then pouring the molten metal over rock salt.

Visit her Shop to learn more about her work. And don't forget to check out the Etsy Treasury too.

 

 

 

Purple for this Christmas... Etsy Treasury

Do you like the color purple? Then you have to visit Jeannie & Richard's Etsy Treasury entitled, Purple for this Christmas...

They are a husband & wife Jewelry Team from Singapore who are slaves to their two cats. I can identify with that. My husband and I are owned by our two Shih Tzu. We just live in their house.

Jeannie & Richard specialize in Distinct Luxe Handcrafted Jewelry. In their Etsy Shop, I spotted this gorgeous Chainmaille Flower Love Knot Bracelet. Why not visit their Shop and see their other beautiful jewelry?

 

 

Madcap Team Treasury & Red Christmas Bowls

Stella is one of the members in our It's a Madcap Life Etsy Team. She has been creating many wonderful Treasuries featuring Madcap Artists. Here is one of Stella's newest Treasuries that she curated for our ongoing Team Challenge: Midnight Kiss: Gifts for Her. Here, you'll find Pretty Gifts for that Special Someone or For You!

Stella is the owner of Etsy Shop: The Yarn Kitchen.  Her red felted Christmas Bowls are shown above. Such Sweet and Cozy Little Gifts.

Why not take a few minutes to check out the Madcap Team Facebook page. We have a lot of fun - You might want to join us.

Gifted Magazine from Creature Comforts

This year Ez, from Creature Comforts, has again created an awesome Holiday Gift Guide for your enjoyment. You might remember her lovely 2010 issue of Gifted Magazine. Well, the 2011 guide offers even more lush products for those important people whom you gift each year.

Ez promises us "hundreds of gift ideas for everyone on your list and over 125 of them are under $30." I don't personally know EZ but I like to share high quality products - and her magazine is certainly one of them. Make yourself a cup of cocoa and enjoy!

Jump-Start Your Art Career - Tips from Carolyn Edlund

On ARTSY SHARK, I just read Carolyn Edlund's article, Eight Steps to Jump-Start Your Art Career.

I especially like Step Four where Carolyn tells us:

"Take action now. Do something every single day to move your art career forward. It may be placing a phone call, improving your website, finding a great photographer to shoot your portfolio, or making a To Do list. Cultivate this habit, because it’s something you are doing for yourself, and it really matters."

It's such a simple step to take but many of us (including me) get lost in the day-to-day blur of busyness that we neglect to take just ONE positive step toward enhancing our Art Career.

Why not Start Taking Action Today? What small step can you do right now to rekindle your Art Business?