Beautiful Art

*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
"I am from England, and currently live in a gorgeous old Roman city called St Albans, about half an hours train ride from London. I am a new Mummy to my little boy whi is now 18 months old- gosh I guess not so "new" anymore! I gace up my job as a high school maths teacher when he was born, and have now returned to my love of Art, which had sadly been neglected for many years due to a hectic time at university and teaching. I love to draw, and occasionally paint. My current favourite medium is black ink on white paper, I love the crisp lines and contrast created."


*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
"My shop name describes my arty side. Most of the day I am Mummy- this distinguishes the other side to me! I went into business to indulge my hobby and to show the world my art. I get a real thrill from people enjoying my art, and I love that Etsy is international, sending my work abroad is so exciting!

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
1- "Wow!"
2- "I need to look again"
3- "I've never seen anything like that before"
4- "Who drew that?"
5- "Where's my pen I want to draw!"



*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
Stationery in general makes me go a little weaak at the knees! I guess the ultimate product for me is a pad of white paper, even better if it has a funky pattern on the front cover and a spiral to put my pen through!

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
Well mostly I am looking after my little boy- he is a full time job! We love our trpis to the zoo and play dates with our mummy and baby friends.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
My zentangle elephant- I loved the stages he went through in being created. He started as a pencil sketch, then became an ink line drawing, and then I filled him in with little bubbles and tear drop shapes. It took me hours and hours, it was like an addiction. I plan to create a giraffe next!

*What keeps you motivated?
If I ever get demotivated or feel uninspired or frustrated, I forget what I am supposed to be working on for a while, grab a clean piece of white paper and black pen, and I start a zentangle! These are the doodles where you draw some lines (called strings when making a zentangle) and then fill in the different areas of the page with whatever doodle comes to mind. They are known as being a form of meditation, as they draw your mind into the drawing and you sort of 'lose yourself' amongst the lines and patterns. There are some examples of these in my shop as this is one of my favourite techniques at the moment.



*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
I am very new myself but I feel I learned loads already- probably the most important thing I think, is to believe in yourself. If you truly LOVE what you do then it will show in your work, and whatever setbacks happen, you will find the drive to carry on.

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
www.facebook.com/joartyjo
twitter.com/#!/JoArtyJo
www.flickr.com/photos/joartyjo/





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Treasury Challenge On the PCF Team

Every 2 weeks we start a new Treasury Challenge on the team. How does it work? An INSPIRATIONAL ITEM is picked from the shop with the previous winning treasury. NouveauTique's tresaury won the last challenge where we used the beautiful scarf from WendysWonders' shop as the item to design the treasury around.

'Autumnal' by NouveauTique

This treasury is for the Promoting Creative Friends Team Treasury Challangehttp://www.etsy.com/teams/10036/promoting-creative-friends


Fall Nature Photogr...
$10.00

Lampwork Earrings F...
$29.00

cuckoo clock. yello...
$85.00

Hand Knitted Chenil...
$30.00

Dark Coffee Brown L...
$20.00

Brown, yellow, red,...
$33.00

Vase brown white ye...
$22.00

Art Deco Art Nouvea...
$50.00

Felt acorn, Set of ...
$7.50

30% OFF - Brown Eye...
$30.00

Latte Napkin Ring ....
$14.00

Autumn Spice Button...
$32.00

Autumn Leaves, Yell...
$30.00

Leather Bag - Weath...
$32.00

CHOCOLATE AND YELLO...
$6.00

DARK TRUFFLE - Mine...
$4.95


When the challege was over Wendy picked the next Insp.Item from NouveauTique's shop. Isn't it beautiful!


All you have to do to join the fun is make a treasury featuring the above necklace and post the link on the Challenge thread. Here is the link to the Challenge:
http://www.etsy.com/teams/10036/promoting-creative-friends/discuss/9162088/page/1


It runs until November 4. The winner will be picked early in the morning :)

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Weekly Wednesday Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!








Beautiful Jewelry


*Where are you from?
I was raised in Huntington Beach, California until I went to college at UCLA. I then lived in a number of apartments throughout Los Angeles until I bought my dream home approximately 17 years ago in Chino, Calfornia. It is a small ranch where I can keep my horses and a few rescue animals I have acquired over the years.

This is also where I have my studio and do my beading. That all started a number of years ago when a friend taught me how to make my first necklace and I was hooked! I immediately started taking classes at the local bead store to learn new things, proper technique, and the basic foundations of jewelry making. I still take classes to this day -- you can always learn new things or improve technique I believe. I have met some wonderful people in the world of beading and wouldn't trade that for anything! 


*How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
My shop name was sort of chosen for me. I had a previous medical transcription business under the same name, and it was far easier and cheaper to keep the name and change the business for licensing purposes than to start over from the beginning. I guess I have always had a little bit of entrepreneur in me. It was strictly a business and financial decision. I also had www.jkalvarez.com reserved which was yet another reason to go ahead with that name.

*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
Ideally, I would like them to think they are looking at beautiful, quality, pieces of art they can wear. I would like them to see something they can see themselves wearing and enjoying for a very long time. Or even see something special enough they would love to give as gifts. Mostly, I think I would like them to see my love for my work coming out in the pieces I make.

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
Oh, this is a tough one -- I am a supply junkie! I tend to grab crystals a lot, and lately I've been into bead caps and connectors for their many uses. My favorite color is purple, so I tend to reach for that a lot too. Really though, when I look at something, if I can see myself using it in something, I buy it. Especially if it is a really good deal where I can pass the savings along to my customers. I have been trying some different things lately, working more with metals, chains, different colors of metals, etc. Branching out a bit has been a lot of fun.

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
When I am not making jewelry, there is still a lot to do to run the business, i.e. inventory, networking, teams, accounting, etc. but I do try to make time for myself in there too. I love to spend time with my horses when I get a chance. I also enjoy spending time with my family and 2 nephews and, of course, my boyfriend. If we get a free weekend, we always enjoy a camping trip in the RV somewhere just to get away for a little bit.


*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
There are actually two items really. I love making the Swarovski Crystals and Pearls Bracelet. It is just fun and enjoyable to make. My other current favorite is the Beaded Necklace with Safari Jasper and Crystals in Antique Brass. That was a very different style for me. It really stretched what I am used to doing and I was very happy with the way it turned out.


*What keeps you motivated?
I am very fortunate in that I don't have much of a problem staying motivated. I love what I do! I have a box of projects I really want to get to and haven't had the time yet, so that keeps me going as does a very supportive boyfriend. I recently bought a ton of new baubles at a Bead Shop Hop here in Southern California, so I can't wait to get started on projects with the new items I got. I just need more hours in the day! I guess my secret is that every once in a great while, if I'm not feeling very well or am just not motivated at all, I will give myself the liberty of a lazy day and do something else I enjoy. Then, the next day I am back at it with a whole new attitude. 



*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Patience, patience, patience! And learn everything you can about your new venue from Etsy itself and other sellers who are gracious enough to share their experiences with you. That has been invaluable to me. I think most people come on Etsy thinking they are going to have a ton of sales right off the bat, and those stories are few and far between. Slow and steady wins the race. Take great joy in your accomplishments and don't dwell on any downsides -- you are doing what you love, right?

*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
Absolutely!
Web: www.jkalvarez.com
Etsy: jkalvarez.etsy.com
Twitter: twitter.com/JKAlvarez1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JKAlvarez2
Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/jkalvarez1/


Shop Hop & Treasure Hunt

OCTOBER 17-28


Have Fun Shopping while hunting for the shop hop icon.

Shop, Hunt and Buy and get entered to win prizes!

Browsing is half the fun so why not get a chance to win prizes too!

Each day you will be able to view 16 of the shops in an etsy BNS and view all the shops BELOW (at the bottom of the page)

Search the shops listings for the Shop Hop logo within the listing photos. HINT! It won’t be the first photo, but will be on one of the first 3 pages in each shop.


The first way to snag an entry is to find 4 shop hop icons (2 entries)
Convo all links to: www.pcfteam.etsy.com

Make a purchase from the listed Shop Hop Shops, (include “Shop Hop” in message to seller)

• You will receive 3 entries for 1 purchase from one shop ($3 minimum).
• You will receive 3 entries for each additional purchase from that same shop (no minimum).• You will receive 7 entries for 1 purchase made from 2 different shops ($3 minimum per shop).

A fun way to receive 3 entries is to make a treasury. All you have to do is...

Create and promote a single treasury featuring items from 16 Shop Hop Shops.
  • The entries are earned by “convo”ing the link for the treasury to www.pcfteam.etsy.com who will confirm qualification of the participants treasury.
  • An additional 3 entries can be earned for each subsequent qualifying treasury. Tag treasury with "shophop".


• The draw for the grand prizes will take place on or before noon on 03 November 2011. This will allow time for the organizers to compile all the entries.
• Only winning participants will be contacted directly. The names of the winners will be posted here.


What can you win?

There will be 5 winners chosen at random.
Here are the wonderful prizes to be given away!


Christmas Snowflake Handwoven Headband &
Matching Piggy Tail Set
from CiaraBaby


12 Custom Flower Soaps
From SoapFavor




Electric Blue and White Pearl Coil Bracelet
From NouveauTique




$20 Gift Certificate
from Sandra's Card Shop



Cell Phone Case with coordinating keychain wristlet
from Fancy Ferris


SHOP HOP & TREASURE HUNT STARTS ON MONDAY October 17!
Have fun!!

Look HERE for Coupon Codes & Sales!!




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Shop Hop Coupon Codes

NEWPLACE = 15% off


CHRISTMASTIME = 15% off


FALL15 = 15% off


FAVORITE = 10% off


SHOPHOP = 15% off


October 28th and 29th ONLY. TWODAYS = 30% off

SHOPHOPPCF for 10% off in my shop

25% refund for any purchases made through the Shop Hop


Use 10PERCENTSTHECHARM to get 10% off your purchase
SHTREASUREHUNT and put shop and hop in the note to seller and get a free greeting card with purchase (surprise card).

SHOPHOP10 for 10% your purchase

HOP15 at checkout in my shop = 15% off total purchase!


TREASURY for 15% off

For orders of 2 or more items during the Shop Hop, I will include a free suprise gift! Every item comes gift boxed with free shipping!

JmilliesJustVintage
pcfshophop10 = 10% off fabric or hand sewn items


IsabellesAttic
BNRSALE = 10% off


BohemianHollow
WELCOMEBACK
to get 15% off!

Weekly Wednesday Shop Hop

Do you have an online shop?  Love to check out other shops, and would love some free advertising?  This is the place for you! 

Just click the blue button below to add a link to one of your shop items. Type your SHOP NAME in the box that says "name".

The linky will change every Wednesday, so be sure to come back and add your shop.



There will be 5 shops featured each week, chosen from those that joined the previous week.

This Weeks Featured Shops!


Scrapbooks & Stones


Creative Swirls


Toppy Toppy


Jaxx Candles


Olibanum Aromatherapy




Beautiful Handmade Cards


*Where are you from? Tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Kara LaFrance and I’m a North East girl (North Jersey and Boston) now living in Coastal North Carolina for the past 6 years. I went with Vive LaFrance Design because LaFrance is my married name... and I think it kinda rocks. Since I've changed my name, people everywhere would say, "oohhh, LaFrance. What a great name" It's kinda funny so I went with it. 


I have been painting since I was seven and have a BA in Graphic Design -- I love combining art and design. I really enjoy the hands-on part. When I first found Etsy I flip-flopped because of my health. I have a rare pituitary disease that was elusive for a decade and took away everything that made me me --except my creativity. So anytime I could muster up the energy I would work on a painting or a freelance design project. It eventually lead to making scrapbooks for people. Then I had lots of paper......paper makes me happy! So I started making cards again. (I had been making watercolor cards and selling them at local craft fairs but lost interest). My life isn’t anything what I planned but, ya know, ya gotta go with it. Apperently I’m tenacious... in everything, so I fight for good days and creating!


*What are 5 things you want people to think when they see your product?
  • Thoughtfully designed
  • Professional
  • Pretty
  • Bold
  • That would be perfect for ....

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
I love color. I seem to go through phases, maybe with the seasons. I can’t pass up flowers. My obession is handmade flowers from other estians!!

*What do you do when you’re not being an artist? What activities do you enjoy?
My life revolves around pain management.... And I push my limits. I strive for an organic, eco-friendly creative life. I love pilates. It makes me strong and calm. Apparently I’m hign strung!

*What keeps you motivated?
Creating is motivating. Connecting with someone and making their business more successful through graphic design or a keepsake card is motivating.

*If you could give a piece of advice to a new shop - what would it be?
Don’t rush it. Don’t get disouraged. Join an etsy community. For Pete’s sake take good photos! And be an etsy shopper. Ut the most important thing is buy something!! It builds trust and community.


*Are there other places on the net we can find you?
www.facebook.com/vivelafrancedesign