Friday, August 31, 2007

Blog Day 2007




Welcome to Blog Day 2007! I've been searching all week for fantastic new blogs to share with you. It was so hard for me to narrow it down to just five. This is what I came up with! Happy reading!
  1. Craft: This site has the most amazing tutorials! I learn how to do something new every time I read this blog.
  2. Hostess with the Mostess: The photos on this blog are so inspirational for me. I take one look and I can really feel the creative juices a flowin'!
  3. Indie Diner: For all things indie!
  4. Sixth & Elm: I love the style of humor in this one. The content is great and it's well written!
  5. Tiger Girl: The jewelry on this site is amazing! So unique!

Well, there ya have it. My five new blogs. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do! If you participated in Blog Day 2007, post a message here with the link to your own blog so I can check out your 5 featured blogs. =)




Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Blog Day 2007

Celebrate the third Blog Day on August 31st!

BlogDay posting instructions:

  1. Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting
  2. Notify the 5 bloggers that you are recommending them as part of BlogDay 2007
  3. Write a short description of the Blogs and place a link to the recommended Blogs
  4. Post the BlogDay Post (on August 31st) and
  5. Add the BlogDay tag using this link: http://technorati.com/tag/BlogDay2007 and a link to the BlogDay web site at http://www.blogday.org

Check back on August 31st to see who my 5 new blogs are!

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Featured Artist...Signature Sterling



I'd like to introduce you to Sue of SignatureSterling. Sue specializes in designing beautiful sterling silver beaded jewelry. Her work is just amazing and I'm so excited to be able to feature her on my blog! I hope you enjoy the following interview and don't forget to stop by SignatureSterling to see all the goods!


**If you'd like to be one of my featured artists, drop me a line!**

SignatureSterling

Who are you?
SignatureSterling aka Sue aka Mom, Soccer Mom

What is your shop name/link?

What categories do you specialize in?
Designing and handcrafting jewelry ~ especially sterling silver with beads (semiprecious, lampwork, czech glass, swarovski crystal, charms) ~ "signature" items include "BUCKEYE NATION" "Hairspray" and "Show Me Your Colors" collections ~ custom orders welcome!

What do you like about Etsy?
Love the creativity and artistic genius that abides here in such a friendly, supportive environment.

What do like about creating?
Being able to look at something with new eyes and hopefully create something beautiful and unique!

What is your favorite product right now and why?
So hard to pick just one...but today I will have to choose my "LITTLE BLACK DRESS" earrings (in either pearl or jasper) --- just simple elegance!

What makes you unique as an artist?
I think that all of us Etsy artists are unique because what we are creating is essentially a part of who we are. For me, at least, I think that is reflected in my jewelry.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
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I'm being featured!




Handcrafted by Janice is being featured at Signature Sterling's blog! Stop by and take a look-see at my Etsy Mini. :o) Link


Win Inque Boutique Family Leaves Stamp

I was reading The Mad Cropper's blog this morning, and came across this fabulous 14 piece Inque Boutique Limited Edition Leaves Stamp. Want to enter to win it? Click here.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Vote for my Look Book! Pretty please?

Let the voting begin! As you read in a previous post, I've submitted an entry for Ambient Design's Fall Fashion Look Book contest. And it's voting time! Visit Ambient Design's blog and leave a comment voting for your favorite entry (Uhhh, *mine*, duh!). The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to Ambient Design. And y'all know how much I like shopping. You've only got till Sunday to vote, so no procrastinatin'!






Friday, August 24, 2007

Photojojo is seeking a Part-time Writer/Editor/DIYer

I read this at a blog over at CRAFT Magazine and wanted to share the info. It sounds like an awesome opportunity!
Our friends at Photojojo are seeking a Part-time writer/editor/DIYer!Here's the scoop from Photojojo:
Photojojo (www.photojojo.com) is looking for one (1) awesome dude or dudette to be a part-time writer + editor + DIYer for our kick-ass photography newsletter.

This is a freelance, part-time position. You'll be involved in all aspects of the creation of Photojojo: finding awesome photo stuff, writing and editing, finding and working with contributors, taking and editing photos, writing simple HTML, and publishing emails.

We want a creative writer who loves loves loves photography and isn't afraid to get glue on his/her hands. Someone who can write friendly, fun, and efficient prose that makes people smile.

You'll learn lots, have fun, and earn some dough. Plus you'll be spreading awesome photography goodness to over 100,000 photography fans, twice a week!

ESSENTIAL: Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write in a friendly, fun voice that matches Photojojo. An unnatural love for photography. The ability to write quickly and regularly on deadline. Superhuman organizational and follow-up skills. Internet-savviness, basic Photoshop skills, excellent photography skills, and knowledge of basic HTML (making links, embedding images, etc.)

IT SURE HELPS IF...You're up on popular culture, follow the latest photo stuff already, consider yourself a poet, but aren't afraid to occasionally let out your inner geek. It helps if you live in NYC or San Fran, but it isn't essential.

Read the full instructions here:http://photojojo.com/help_wanted.html



Thursday, August 23, 2007

Look Book Contest

Ambient Design is hosting a "Look Book" contest highlighting fall fashion and quality clothing made on Etsy. And being the self-proclaimed fashionista that I am, I just had to participate. Check out my Look Book entry....




Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Recent Custom Orders

I just finished up a couple of custom cards and I'm dying to share the pics! The first one was a Thank You card. I just love the print. :o)


The second one is a birthday card and I'm in love with it. It's the first time I've used fibers on a card. I really like the whimsical effect it has!

Every Wednesday is Whatcha Want Wednesday at Handcrafted by Janice. Take an additional 10% off your custom order!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Okay, who's having a baby?

I made this cute little baby girl card for a recent baby shower. I had so much fun making it and I'm really happy with how it turned out. So happy, that I'm dying to make more! So, I ask: Who's having a baby? These cards can be customized for either a new baby boy or girl. They make great new baby announcements and shower invitations!


Tuesday, August 7, 2007

NEW: Daily Specials!



Check it....Handcrafted by Janice now has daily specials! Check my shop every Monday - Friday for a new promotion.

www.HandcraftedbyJanice.com

MySpace Mondays: If you're one of my MySpace friends, take an additional 15% off anything in the store. Mention 'MySpace' at checkout. If you're not one of my friends...add me quick!
www.myspace.com/handcraftedbyjanice

Tag Tuesday: Take an additional 10% off of all gift tags in the shop! Mention 'T.T.' at checkout.

Whatcha Want Wednesday: It's all about what YOU want! Take an additional 10% off all custom orders. Convo me with your rquest and I'll create a listing for your item.

Thank You Thursday: Take an additional 10% off any thank you card. Mention 'TYT' at checkout.

Free Shipping Friday: Free shipping on all orders today! Mention 'FFF' at checkout.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Win a piece of jewelry!



I was reading a blog post over at Elizabeth Williams about her jewelry giveaway. She's giving away one of her jewlery pieces! Don't miss out on this. You can view her shop at http://www.eliwill.etsy.com/ and her blog at Elizabeth Williams. My favorite piece is the Jolie Necklace, shown above.
I think I'll add it to my "Have to have" list!

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Friday, August 3, 2007

Featured Artist...FeralGlass!

I'd like to introduce you to John Byrne of Feral Glass. John works with glass and makes the most amazing garden glass. My favorite is Harbor Dawn. The colors work great together. I'm not exactly a green thumb with the flowers if you know what I mean, but these pieces from Feral Glass are sure to bring vibrant color to any garden. Stop by John's shop and take a look-see!
**If you'd like to be one of my featured artists, drop me a line!**
Feral Glass
Who are you?
John Byrne, d/b/a Feral Glass
What is your Etsy Shop Name/link?
What tag categories do you specialize in?
art, glass
Do you create for children or adults, women or men?
My creations are enjoyed by all ages...While most of my Feral Glass pieces are made for outdoors, I also have hanging sculptures for your windows or smaller pieces for decks or high-rise balconies. Even urban dwellers can enjoy Feral Glass. Perhaps I can help your mind escape from captivity and run wild as well ;-)
What do you like about Etsy?
I like two things the most. First, it is easy for the customers and provides a clear, clean and easy to use format for presentation and for transactions. Second, it is such a great community of supportive and intelligent artists. As a newcomer I had a million questions about how to set up a shop and how to manage it for best effect. The Etsy community has been there with me the whole way. Very pleasant people with very creative ideas.
What do you like about creating?
There are several steps in the process. The one I like most is when a design "comes together". It is not a rational thing, but more of a visceral "feeling" of warmth right in your solar plexus. A yoga friend of mine said that makes sense because of where the "creative chacra" resides. You can be staring at your piece and trying a few different things, and then all of a sudden, by adding or moving one small element, the whole comes together as a strong, flowing statement. Cool feeling. The other aspect of creating which I enjoy most is the joy it brings to others when I show them my work. I have given quite a few pieces as gifts and now for sale. It feels good when someone comes up to me at a craft fair and says the piece they received as a Christmas gift is so beautiful and adds so much to their yard.
Is your Etsy business part time or full time?
I do my art as a full-time endeavor. Etsy is a new part of that mix. To set up the shop and learn from the Etsy user forums, I spent some long days and nights on-line. Now I can get back into the glass studio and create, knowing I have a good showcase for the pieces when they are complete.
What do you love about your Etsy business?
Of course I like the sales. But I also get a boost from the nice email comments from people or from being "hearted". Hopefully some of the "hearts" will become sales as the holidays approach.. My garden glass looks great in the snow.
What is your favorite product right now?
Of mine? I like the tall garden spirits, especially when there are three or more in a grouping. Feral Glass looks best when traveling in small herds. For what you pay for one painting on your wall, you can have 4-5 feral works adding interest to a large swath of garden or lawn. Other people's products? I love the beautiful dichroic and fused glass jewelry I see on Etsy. But I am "between girlfriends" right now, so don't buy much jewelry.
What makes you unique at Etsy?
No one else makes this outdoor garden sculpture. Not only are the technique and designs unique, but it also puts art into unexpected places. Whether it is mid summer or mid-winter, these make great splashes of color and form where least expected (but most enjoyed). Most stained glass leads a tame, domesticated life atop your lamps or staring wistfully out of your windows. Feral Glass runs wild on legs of brass.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
I am new to having a web presence, so my Etsy site is the best showcase of my art. However, if you want to see photos of my studio, my self and my beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mts from my studio, check out the albums in www.myspace.com/feralglass
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