Strands of Sunshine

Hello, hello! I know it's been a loooong time since I posted here, and in fact, I've recently started a new blog to go along with my newly chosen name for the jewelry shop I've been running over on Etsy for the past few years. So, come visit me over on Strands of Sunshine and let me know what you think! I can't quite bear to shut this blog down just yet, I think I'll let it take up it's own bit of internet real estate for a while longer... Amy

New Crafty Supplies

On a recent trip to Vicenza, I spotted a little sewing shop with a sign I couldn't resist...50% OFF! Even though I can only sew a little, I still managed to walk out with 40 euro (remember 1/2 off, so really 80!) of ribbon, along some wooden beads & a few buttons. I got one or two meters of this and that, with no idea what in the world I'll do with this stuff. I just couldn't resist these funky, vintage ribbons. The shop owner said most of what I chose was in the store 10 years ago when they took it over. Even hula girls! How cute! I also got this beautiful lace trim, which I will probably use somehow in a jewelry design.
I welcome any suggestions as to what I should do with these pretties. Or perhaps some fellow Etsian would be able to create something for me?

Come say hello over at Artmind

I'm beyond thrilled to have published my first tutorial. My Etsy & Twitter friend Mitsy sent out a call for guest bloggers and I jumped on the chance to be a part of her hugely successful ArtMind blog. I've always wanted to share this simple paper project with the rest of the arts & crafts community and this was the perfect way to do it. I would love to see photos or hear back if anyone makes this project at home. In a few months it will be time for the holidays, and this bow can be the perfect way to top off those handmade gifts. Leave a comment here or over at Mitsy's blog and let me know how you like the tutorial!

A Peak at the Process

Years ago, when I was just learning about jewelry making, I took a pearl knotting class. It has become one of my favorite techniques and I love to make knotted necklaces along with regular strung jewelry. Today I finished a new piece and wanted to share it with you.For bead knotting, I use silk bead cord (you can see the wire 'tail' at one end used to thread the beads onto the cord) and a pair of big tweezers with a very sharp tip, and of course, beads!
I knew I wanted to use these turquoise and lemon beads on my purple cord, but I couldn't decide on a pattern or layout. Then a few nights ago as I drifted off to sleep, the design popped into my head. I wanted to do an asymmetrical design and each time I switch between colors, I would do a single bead of the new color followed by the previous color and then the line of the new color. I love the way it turned out! What do you think of my strange color combination?
I hope you enjoyed this little peak into my jewelry making process!

Etsy EST Spring Swap

The EST (European Street Team) is always doing something fun! Recently I participated in is the Spring Swap, a.k.a. Secret Bunny. Just like Secret Santa, you are assigned a member to whom you send a gift, and in return, recieve a gift from another secret partner. Last week, my gift arrived from the Etsy shop Marie's corner ! Here are some photos of what sweet Marie made just for me:

The packaging is lovely! I managed to take a photo before ripping it apart to find my gift!

Here are two pair of post earrings in colors I love.

A really cute necklace & bracelet with enamel charms & glass beads. I love this for summer!

And finally, a set of shoe clips- let's say shoes or where ever else I decide to clip them.
I encourage you to visit Marie's shop to check out all her goodies. And for now, I'm waiting to hear that the gift I made has been received by my swap partner. Fingers crossed that she likes it as much as I like my gifts from Marie.

Etsy Mail!

I think we all have our Etsy favorites, the shops we check on a daily basis to drool over. Because of my membership in the European Street Team and my interaction on twitter (I'm @amystweeting), I became friends with the shop owner of one of my favorite shops, Minna (she's @karuski) of karuski. Karuski is filled with handbags & accessories that appeal to my love of sweet, vintage style. Recently Minna listed these cute pouches and I knew I wanted one, but that I would get the light colored fabric dirty on the first day I took it out on the town.



I contacted her for a custom order and she was so sweet to work with. It arrived yesterday and I wanted to show it off! Take a look at the beautiful packaging.



I love the size and wrist strap. I love the colors and fabric. I guess you could say I love everything about my new pouch!





Nothing makes me smile like getting something wonderful in the mail!

I made it to the front page of Etsy!

Thank you nauli!