Dear Sales Fairy...

Dear Sales Fairy...

an Etsy Treasury

by littlebrownbird

Spotlight On: JemsByJBandCompany

Judy and Bill of Jems by JB and Company have a fine eye for detail. I love the mix of gemstones and silver in their wonderful bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

The use of color in this Etsy shop is so refreshing! Isn't this bracelet just yummy for summer?

Looking through JemsbyJBandCompany is like walking through a candy shop and you just can't help but want to sample everything!

I encourage you to check out this shop full of wonders.

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Jemsbyjbandcompany is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET). You can find more items from talented JET members by searching JETTEAM in the search box at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: Designs by Victoria

Steampunk is alive and well at DbVictoria, a wonderfully creative shop on Etsy.

Steampunk Garnet and Gears Brass Earrings

Full of fantasy and frills, Victoria creates whole worlds of wonder with her jewlery collections. She features not only Steampunk, but Neo-Victorian, hats, purses,and costume items.

Watch Spring OOAK Brass Steampunk Earrings

Black Steampunk Gothic Lolita Parasol

My favorite pieces from DbVictoria are the gorgeous parasols embellished with lace and hand-beading. They are a stunning step back in time.

Black and Gold Parasol

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DbVictoria is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: SendingLoveGallery

If you need to send something very special, SendingLoveGallery has it. Upon stepping into this shop on Etsy, I was captivated by all the gemstones. And, of course, I'm a sucker for glass beads. These Coral Peach Vintage Glass earrings and matching necklace would fit perfect into my personal collection.

There is a stunning variety of color and yummy gemstones to choose from. I love, love, LOVE SendingLoveGallery!

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SendingLoveGallery is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET) , a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: AdroitJewelers

Beauty and brains. That's what I think of when I visit AdroitJewelers on Etsy. This shop is full of stunning silver and glass beaded jewelry. The wire-wrapped pieces in sterling silver with seaglass are fantastic! But the brains behind this beauty's shop are these non-pierced earrings!

What a fabulous idea for those who don't have pierced ears! They fit right over the curve of your ear and hang just like a sexy pair of hoops. Now that's thinking outside the box!

And these swirly dangles of silver goodness named the Black Dot earrings are my favs! I actually own a pair of these that I received in a lucky jewelry swap and I wear them all the time. They go with absolutely everything.

Please visit AdroitJewelers and find your favorites!

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AdroitJewelers is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: Capital City Crafts

Barbara Moore is the creative soul behind the wonderful Etsy shop, CapitalCityCrafts. I have been a fan of CCC for a long time. I have always loved Barbara's rings. They are each rustic, edgy, and beautiful. Would you expect anything less from an experienced metal smith?

Zigzag Sterling Ring

Barbara's style is diverse, having something in her shop for women of many styles. Elegant pearls, sterling silver, gem stones...all stunning.

Royal Purple Pearl Earrings

CapitalCityCrafts happily accepts orders for wholesale, as well as bridal orders, and will ship worldwide.

Kyanite & Bronze Pearl Bracelet

Blue Sky Earrings

You can find more of Barbara's wonderful creations at her shop, CapitalCityCrafts, which is updated with new styles regularly. You can subscribe to her shop feed to keep updated on her newest additions by clicking the RSS button in her shop. I can't wait to see what she'll come up with next!

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Capital City Crafts is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET), a collective of top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's homepage.

Spotlight On: Designs by Cher

If you're looking for something fresh and unique, stop by Designs by Cher on Etsy.

Cher offers a wide range of jewelry featuring sterling silver, semi-precious stones, and copper.

Framed in Floral Travertine Stone Necklace

Which camp are you in, Camp Jacob, or Camp Edward? These bracelets, based on the Movie New Moon from the Twilight series are more than charming!

Camp Edward, Bella's Charm Bracelet

Camp Jacob, Bella's Charm Bracelet


Cher has more than just finished jewelry pieces in her shop. Jewelry designers can also find handmade findings, clasps, and connectors with a bit of a twist (or swirl).

Hand Forged Antique Copper Large 'S' Clasp

What will you find when you visit Designs by Cher? I bet it will be something special!

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Designs by Cher is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)- a collective of top quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight On: Brooke Scarborough Jewelry Designs

Get ready for a treat. Brooke Scarborough of Brooke Scarborough Jewelry Designs is one very talented jewelry designer.

I love Brooke's keen sense of style and composition in her work. A kindred spirit, Brooke has a background in interior design. Her balance of color and geometry are certainly to be desired in her Lemon Quartz Bubble Earrings.

This heart pendant is made of fine silver and hangs from a hand-forged chain with hand forged S-clasp. Stunning!

But THIS is so yummy! Her Lemon Meringue Pie necklace is dessert for the eyes.

All of Brooke's jewelry can be seen at her shop on Etsy, BrookeJewery and in local San Diego shops. Treat yourself to these delicious baubles!

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BrookeJewelry is a fellow member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET) - a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Spotlight: Vandiva Fashion Jewelry

If your feeling a bit low after the long winter, here's a little something to cheer you up. Vandiva is a wonderful jewelry shop on Etsy run by a mother, Angelika, and her daughter, Vanessa.

At first look, I was amazed by all the yummy gemstones. They look good enough to eat, especially this Easter Gemstone Necklace that reminds me of jelly beans! Perfect with Easter just around the corner.

Vandiva has a variety of styles for all tastes. One of my absolute favorites is this one.

A prehistoric fossil that looks oh, so modern. A natural moment in time, preserved for an eternity.

Vandiva also has a whimsical side. This mink fur ring comes in both pink and black and is so much fun!

Angelika, a professional language translator by day, is a woman of many talents. Aside from the gorgeous jewelry at Vandiva, Angelika also has another shop devoted to handbags and clutches. Ma Belle Cherie offers beautiful clutches in contemporary patterns, as well as some in leather, or covered in tiny handmade fabric flowers. They are a stunning addition to an everyday outfit or even a wedding or bridesmaid gown.

I hope you stop by Vandiva and Ma Belle Cherie and pick up something beautiful for yourself or a friend.

**Vandiva and Ma Bell Cherie are fellow members of the Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET)- a collective of devoted top-quality jewelry designers on Etsy. Other items from JET members can be found on Etsy by using the search term JETTEAM at the top of Etsy's home page.

Things I Love: Wearable By Design

Have a look at Wearable By Design, stunning silver handmade jewelry by Jennifer Smith-Righter of Redwood City, California. Jenn's designs have long been a favorite of mine. She has the most beautiful organic creations juxtaposed with the beauty of mechanical objects. Some of her designs are mind-blowingly intricate.

Jenn was also kind enough to contribute to my holiday cookie recipe collection on my food blog, All Up in My Kitchen. Please check out her favorite cookie recipe for Cream Wafers.

cookie recipe

Fresh Designs from Little Brown Bird by Mary Ryan

Can you believe that summer is half over already? It goes way too fast. So much fun to be had outdoors, and I have been squeezing in a little creative time as well. I have been working hard this summer on lots of new designs that will soon be popping up in my shop.

If you haven't been by recently, you've already missed a few new things that have found new homes. Here's a taste of the most recent goodies.

Sage vintage inspired glass and gold earrings

Sage vintage inspired glass and gold necklace

Coffee and cream polka dot floral headband



Pink and coral brocade floral brooch/hair clip
with hand embroidered and beaded floral center





Vintage inspired one of a kind chenille zippered clutch

Rich plum sheer scarf with singed edging, includes two matching

frayed edge clips (one plum, one fawn)

to be worn however you choose

Fawn sheer scarf with singed edging, includes two matching

frayed edge clips (one plum, one fawn)

to be worn however you choose

Please stop by soon and see what else is new! Little Brown Bird on Etsy, still offering free shipping worldwide on most items. See individual listings for details.

Things I Love: Larimeloom by Lucia Squillari

I logged onto Etsy this morning to find a dress that peaked my interest, so I clicked. And am I glad I did! Larimeloom is a shop that I highlighted a couple of weeks ago when I put a picture of an awesome plum top into one of my treasuries that ended up on the front page of Etsy. Apparently, others fell in love with this wonderful shop too, because its back for a front page encore.

This shop, featuring designs by Lucia Squillari of Alba, Italy, is pure creativity run wild! Simple designs that, when you break it down, you think..."How did she even think of that?!" In reading her profile, I discovered how organic her designs are. She literally just sits down and starts making it. No plan, no patterns, just pure imagination. Her designs are one of a kind and each one more interesting than the last. Fabrics vary, pieces are designed with simple silhouettes, and everything has a decidedly casual femininity.

One of my favorites is a blouse she calls Cinderella's Gossamer Shirt. It's soft and sheer, and oh so romantic.

Lucia is so very clever, making designs with such versatility. Her haunting photos, taken by her mother, Melissa, and sister, Shanty, display the various ways her clothes can be worn. A sash worn high above the waist gives a dress a romantic evening look, or worn at the waist turns into a casual dress for a day at the market. This grey and black beauty can be worn as a halter top or a skirt!

But my favorite piece in the shop...I'm almost afraid to say because then someone will snatch it up...is this Blue Handwoven Shawl. What can I say? Beautiful.

There are so many gorgeous designs in her shop. Please stop by Larimeloom on Etsy and discover your favorite. And keep your hands off that shawl!

Featured Etsy Artists: November 6, 2008 Treasury

This week's featured artists are from the treasury collection that I put together on Etsy. These are all fantastic items from some truly creative artists. Take the time to click on the links below to see more.

From left to right starting at the top:


Indie Red and Black Striped Strapless Bubble Dress with Yellow Posh lining by Yellowcake

SMALL AND SEXY SIZE RED- BURGUNDY PLEATED BAG by Daphnenen

Story of O -Size M by JunkhouseDollyard

STEAMED - Steampunk Brass and Copper wire ring with Carnelian bead by CatherinetteRings

Rabbits in Vermilion by Krisblues

Lucky Lil' Devil on Black Women's Tank by decoysofmanhattan

Red and Pine Forest Moon Bun by moonscreations


Personalized Chocolate Damask Holiday Gift Enclosure (set of 8) by becreativestationery

Manfelts Felted Woolen Knitted Slipper Socks Size 11-12 by pawfelts

6 Red Brown Felt Beads by piril

MINIATURE TREE ORNAMENTS-Genuine Beach Stones/Christmas Dangles by SeaMe


Red Planet Ring in Garnet, One of A Kind by onegarnetgirl

Things I Love: Krize (Kristina Sabaite)

I first "met" Kristina Sabaite when she purchased a few things from my creative supplies shop on Etsy, InTheRaw. She is a children's book illustrator with the most incredible imagination (as I suppose you would have to have if you do illustrations for children's books).

At that time, I don't think there was much, if anything yet, in her shop. Well, I just revisited her Etsy shop, Krize and I am in love with everything in it! Really! Cards and paintings with original (and I mean original) illustrations, adorable fabric brooches, and a tote bag that I found in her "sold items" that is to die for.

All items ship from Spain, so if you're looking for something special this holiday season, don't wait to order. My only problem? It took forever to decide which pictures to use for this story, it's going to be damn near impossible to pick only one or two things to purchase! There's so much more in her shop, please check it out. And check out her other shop, BoogieWoogie where you can find more of her wonderful bags!

Front Page Treasury!

I did a treasury page for Etsy which included many of my fellow Jewelry on Etsy Team members. Guess what...it made the front page of Etsy! Congrats to all the great artists featured! Check out all the shops!

http://littlebrownbird.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

http://larimeloom.etsy.com

http://eaddesigns.etsy.com

http://irregularexpressions.etsy.com

http://lavalleygirly.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

http://jeweledblossoms.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

http://urbanheirlooms.etsy.com

http://treehouse28.etsy.com

http://emotionaloasis.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

http://iragrant.etsy.com

http://higherchakrasupply.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

http://dsbrennan.etsy.com

http://thebrasshussy.etsy.com *Jewelry on Etsy Team Member

And don't forget to check out all the Jewelry on Etsy Team shops for our annual JET Holiday Sale!!!! Search JHSJETTEAM on Etsy for terrific sale items!

Real Lives Behind Real Art: Beautiful handmade greeting cards from Beautiful Greetings

I love buying handmade. There's something special about purchasing a piece of jewelry, a hat, handbag, painting, or really anything that has been lovingly created by the artist her/himself. As an artist, I know the proud feeling of packaging up a personally handmade (now newly purchased) creation to send off to its new home.

Just sold at Little Brown Bird. (Bamboo Print Earrings with Copper Dragonflies.)

I imagine the recipient waiting anxiously for the package to arrive and smiling from ear to ear as they open it, then rushing to show all their friends, family, and co-workers the wonderful "find" they made of a unique, one of a kind piece of jewelry, screaming with glee about all the pretty things they found at Little Brown Bird, children singing, marching bands playing, parades, white doves released into the air... Ok, so I have an over-active imagination.

Better than my self-pat-on-the-back dream. I imagine that person then clicking over to another Etsy shop, Beautiful Greetings , to purchase a gorgeous handmade card to go with it. Maybe it's meant to be a birthday present, a thank you to someone special, or one of those great "just because" gifts that we all love getting from a friend or loved one. What ever the occasion, Beautiful Greetings, the Etsy shop of Peggy Russel, has the perfect card for you!

Peggy creates the most wonderful greeting cards and gift tags for any occasion. She uses gorgeous quality card stock and hand stamps images, glitter, ribbon, and other embellishments making each card truly a work of art. And I love her use of color! Her incredible sense of design shows in every card. This purple and yellow combo above is one of my favorites...and not just because I'm a coffeeholic!

Her gift tags are thoughtfully created as well, using lovely embossed papers and flowers embellished with dazzling brads. Each tag is as special as the gift with which they are given. These tags above are terrific for wedding or baby shower gifts! My favorite is the one at the top with the happy little green flower.

Peggy also has a really cute card for a belated birthday(so if anyone forgot to send me a card last week, now is your chance)...ehem.

The endless array of special occasions combined with a boundless imagination makes Beautiful Greetings a great destination for all your card giving needs. Stock up on her "Choose your own" set of four cards. Or grab a set of 3 mini cards to have on hand for last minute gifts. (Didn't your husband just get a last minute dinner invite from his boss? He really should bring a little something along with one of Peggy's gift tags attached.)

It's the thought that counts! And nothing looks more thoughtful than a handmade gift and gift card. Please check out both Little Brown Bird and Beautiful Greetings today!

A note about buying handmade:

Buying handmade artwork of any kind is special. Not just because you may have the only piece like it in existence, but because your money goes directly to the artist. The purchase you make directly impacts the life of that artist, or even her/his family. Many independent artists rely solely on the income they gain from selling their work. I am very conscious of this, especially in the current U.S. economic environment. The financial benefit an artist receives by selling their work directly to the buyer is indispensable. Your purchase allows them to continue their passion while providing you with exciting and creative original works of art.

*Your purchase from Peggy's shop helps to support her three young children while pursuing a teaching degree in Elementary Education.

**Your purchase from Little Brown Bird goes directly into my gas-guzzling car, feeds an incredibly precocious, yet much appreciated, extremely alert and protective miniature pinscher guard dog(thanks Zuzu), and helps to sustain my personal addiction to pretty things! Whatever is left is set aside for retirement because, who are we kidding, social security is a joke.