Due to the overwhelming response to my soap giveaway I've decided to add an extra drawing. So now there will be TWO winners instead of one!
Remember this is still going until Friday, Aug. 1st so you still have a chance to win!
Handmade Soap Giveaway
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Featured Shop: Susan Itkin Batik
Susan of Susan Itkin Batik has a wonderful shop selling a great variety of batik items. She's got pillows, clothing, cards and more!
What is "batik"? Susan explains:
"The batik process: A design in melted wax is applied to the fabric, which resists the dye. After successive waxings and different colored dye baths, the wax cracks, creating the characteristic batik crackle. When the wax is removed, a unique work of art is revealed."
Even though I love playing with wax I think I'll leave batik to the experts like Susan!
Here are a few of my favorite items from her shop.
Batik Scarf Top
Batik Pillow
Batik Card
Susan explains here a little about her shop and her art:
Website: http://www.susanitkin.com
What is "batik"? Susan explains:
"The batik process: A design in melted wax is applied to the fabric, which resists the dye. After successive waxings and different colored dye baths, the wax cracks, creating the characteristic batik crackle. When the wax is removed, a unique work of art is revealed."
Even though I love playing with wax I think I'll leave batik to the experts like Susan!
Here are a few of my favorite items from her shop.
Batik Scarf Top
Batik Pillow
Batik Card
Susan explains here a little about her shop and her art:
"I am a batik artist and create batik paintings, wall hangings, prints, home decor (pillows, napkins, runners) and clothing. I also use prints of my batiks, which I decoratively mount, to make into cards for all occasions.
"Much like the flora that inspires my work, batik is an imperfect perfect art. As no two leaves are alike, no two batiks are alike. Just like the colors on a flower's petal, the dyes on a piece of fabric blend a little differently each time. My anticipation and delight in each blossoming flower reflects my hope and joy each time I remove the wax from a completed batik. Through practicing the art of batik, I have found that, to me, there is perfection in the astounding range of colors in the world. The beautiful imperfections in the batik process have taught me to value the unique and enjoy the unexpected.
"I live in northern NJ with my husband and two children. I have exhibited and sold my batiks in the New York metropolitan area since 2003. Most recently I exhibited at the Belskie Museum of Art and Science in Closter, NJ, participating in their second fine crafts show. My cards are for sale year-round at the Belskie.
"And, of course, my work can be purchased at my Etsy shop!"Etsy shop: http://SusanItkinBatik.etsy.comWebsite: http://www.susanitkin.com
Monday, July 28, 2008
Handmade Soap Giveaway!
I'm in love with my most recent soap and I wanted show it off. And I also wanted to do a soap giveaway in honor of this newest soap.
First ... I'm proud to introduce my new Dragonsblood Shampoo/Soap. This vegan soap has a gorgeous earthy sweet scent that my husband says smells like walking into an incense shop.
This soap/shampoo is made from scratch by me using the hot process method. It’s made from olive oil, palm kernel oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, water, lye, hemp oil, grapefruit seed extract, Dragonsblood fragrance oil and color.
Dragonsblood Shampoo/Soap
How can a bar of soap be a shampoo?
Haven't used a bar shampoo before? They work great! Just wet your hair and then build up a good lather on top of your head and work it into the rest of your hair. Many people even find they don't need to use conditioner when using handmade shampoos.
Technically you can use any handmade cold processed or hot processed soap as a shampoo. What makes this one so great as a shampoo is the castor oil and hemp oil. Both are highly recommended ingredients for hair products.
Sometimes, with all types of handmade shampoos, you'll get a build up of soap residue. My family hasn't experienced this with my soaps but your mileage may vary. If you're interested in trying a handmade shampoo you can get special rinses to remove any buildup. I highly recommend you try out Tamara's Herbes for great natural hair rinses!
Soap Giveaway!
And now for the free stuff ... this giveaway is easy! Here's how to win a full-sized bar of soap:
First ... I'm proud to introduce my new Dragonsblood Shampoo/Soap. This vegan soap has a gorgeous earthy sweet scent that my husband says smells like walking into an incense shop.
This soap/shampoo is made from scratch by me using the hot process method. It’s made from olive oil, palm kernel oil, castor oil, cocoa butter, water, lye, hemp oil, grapefruit seed extract, Dragonsblood fragrance oil and color.
Dragonsblood Shampoo/Soap
How can a bar of soap be a shampoo?
Haven't used a bar shampoo before? They work great! Just wet your hair and then build up a good lather on top of your head and work it into the rest of your hair. Many people even find they don't need to use conditioner when using handmade shampoos.
Technically you can use any handmade cold processed or hot processed soap as a shampoo. What makes this one so great as a shampoo is the castor oil and hemp oil. Both are highly recommended ingredients for hair products.
Sometimes, with all types of handmade shampoos, you'll get a build up of soap residue. My family hasn't experienced this with my soaps but your mileage may vary. If you're interested in trying a handmade shampoo you can get special rinses to remove any buildup. I highly recommend you try out Tamara's Herbes for great natural hair rinses!
Soap Giveaway!
And now for the free stuff ... this giveaway is easy! Here's how to win a full-sized bar of soap:
- Just check out the soap section in my shop.
- Between now and Friday Aug. 1st leave a comment here saying which soap you like the best.
- Remember to include an email address or your Etsy name so I can reach you.
- Then on Saturday, Aug. 2nd I'll randomly pick a winner. That person will win their choice of any full-sized bar of soap or shampoo bar from my shop! This will be completely free - I even cover shipping.
Friday, July 25, 2008
I'm blushing!
I just wanted to direct you to an article about yours truly written by Tamara of Tamara's Herbes. Here's the article: http://www.tamarasherbes.com/DragonsDen.html
Keep watching here for an upcoming feature of Tamara's wonderful shop!
Keep watching here for an upcoming feature of Tamara's wonderful shop!
Feel Good Friday!
Happiness is living in accordance with your beliefs and ideals.
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
***
This week I've been rebatching some soap balls so I wouldn't have to throw out the soap. I had made the soap balls because I used to sell a lot of them but haven't been lately. I didn't want to have them sit and gather dust and couldn't bear to throw them out. So here's what I've made with them so far ...
Layered Mint Soap
Cinnamon Mocha Soap
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
***
This week I've been rebatching some soap balls so I wouldn't have to throw out the soap. I had made the soap balls because I used to sell a lot of them but haven't been lately. I didn't want to have them sit and gather dust and couldn't bear to throw them out. So here's what I've made with them so far ...
Layered Mint Soap
Cinnamon Mocha Soap
Monday, July 21, 2008
Featured Shop: Pine Shore Studio
Helen of Pine Shore Studio has lovely original mixed media paintings as well as cards and ACEOs. This shop is one of my newest favorites on Etsy. The scenes she depicts are gorgeous; Surf's Up is a wonderful example.
Artist Statement:
"Fragmented by rock forms, forests and turbulent waters, these multi-layered landscapes of mixed media define my work. Using only calligraphic brush strokes to defne detail, the mix of color is splashed through an assortment of watercolor and rice papers,papyrus and fibers. My palette reflects the influence of the atmospheric effects that I have witnessed from the mountains of upstate New York to the beaches of the Jersey Shore."
Beacon Pt.
Floral Splash
Artist's Bio:
"Exploring mixed media art has been Helen's quest in recent years. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art (University of the Arts). A BFA in Graphic Design introduced her to a career in the commercial arts. Freelance and teaching assignments ranging from coloring books to spot illustrations later evolved to include employment in signage and display.
Helen was born in upstate New York. Her childhood exploration of fields, lakes and mountains inspired her early interest in art. While raising three daughters, her interest in painting was never forgotten. Today she exhibits her mixed media paintings at outdoor shows and galleries in the northeast."
You can find Pine Shore Studio on Etsy at http://PineShoreStudio.etsy.com or at www.helenharrispaintings.com. And check out Helen's blog at http://pineshorestudio.blogspot.com.
Artist Statement:
"Fragmented by rock forms, forests and turbulent waters, these multi-layered landscapes of mixed media define my work. Using only calligraphic brush strokes to defne detail, the mix of color is splashed through an assortment of watercolor and rice papers,papyrus and fibers. My palette reflects the influence of the atmospheric effects that I have witnessed from the mountains of upstate New York to the beaches of the Jersey Shore."
Beacon Pt.
Floral Splash
Artist's Bio:
"Exploring mixed media art has been Helen's quest in recent years. She is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art (University of the Arts). A BFA in Graphic Design introduced her to a career in the commercial arts. Freelance and teaching assignments ranging from coloring books to spot illustrations later evolved to include employment in signage and display.
Helen was born in upstate New York. Her childhood exploration of fields, lakes and mountains inspired her early interest in art. While raising three daughters, her interest in painting was never forgotten. Today she exhibits her mixed media paintings at outdoor shows and galleries in the northeast."
You can find Pine Shore Studio on Etsy at http://PineShoreStudio.etsy.com or at www.helenharrispaintings.com. And check out Helen's blog at http://pineshorestudio.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
EarthPath Artisans Gypsy Challenge!
The EarthPath Artisans Street Team (EAST) is having a Gypsy Design Challenge! Team members have taken their interpretation of what the word "Gypsy" conjures up for them, and created new pieces in a variety of media.
The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other; rather, it's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire us to explore new themes and stretch our creative muscles. And for the winner, it means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the blog and on Etsy.
So stop by the EAST Challenge page on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthpathchallenge
to see pictures of the entries, and then go vote at the EAST blog
http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
You can also see many of the entries in the members' shops by visiting the team shop's favorite items page.
http://earthpathartisans.etsy.com
Voting ends July 21st.
We'll see you there!
The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other; rather, it's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire us to explore new themes and stretch our creative muscles. And for the winner, it means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the blog and on Etsy.
So stop by the EAST Challenge page on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthpathchallenge
to see pictures of the entries, and then go vote at the EAST blog
http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
You can also see many of the entries in the members' shops by visiting the team shop's favorite items page.
http://earthpathartisans.etsy.com
Voting ends July 21st.
We'll see you there!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Feel Good Friday!
Happiness is living in accordance with your beliefs and ideals.
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
This week I started re-using the iced coffee cups I get at Dunkin' Donuts. I wash out the glass/cup and bring it next time to be refilled. I know it's a little thing but it makes me feel better. :)
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
This week I started re-using the iced coffee cups I get at Dunkin' Donuts. I wash out the glass/cup and bring it next time to be refilled. I know it's a little thing but it makes me feel better. :)
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Featured Shop: Made by Melissa
Today's featured shop is Made by Melissa. Melissa has a great variety of cute items at reasonable prices. She has jewelry, magnets, crocheted goodies, and vintage items too. There is truly something for everyone here!
Here are a couple of my favorites. This is a great unisex wood bead necklace.
And these are adorable vintage inspired bottle cap magnets.
Here's what Melissa says about herself and her shop:
And here is a free shipping offer from Melissa just for you, my valued readers. :)
"Please stop by my shop and my blog and let me know that you saw me here. If you decide to make a purchase from my shop, just put 'Dragon's Den' in the notes to seller and I will refund your shipping fees!"
You can find Melissa through her shop at http://madebymelissa.etsy.com and her blog at http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com
Here are a couple of my favorites. This is a great unisex wood bead necklace.
And these are adorable vintage inspired bottle cap magnets.
Here's what Melissa says about herself and her shop:
"I am an environmental engineer by day where I have very little (if any at all) room for creativity. I also have a one year old son, a 2 year old puppy and a husband that demand much of my time outside of work. I try to squeeze in some crafting time as a way to let those creative juices flow and as a form of inexpensive therapy.
"I've been making things forever and as I got older my crafts got more sophisticated. Right now my shop focuses mainly on beaded jewelry, but I also love to crochet and recently introduced some handmade cotton washcloths and dishcloths to my shop. I can make them in just about any color combination you can think of and they are a great alternative to paper towels and sponges that just wind up in the trash and store bought washcloths that fade and wear out."
And here is a free shipping offer from Melissa just for you, my valued readers. :)
You can find Melissa through her shop at http://madebymelissa.etsy.com and her blog at http://madebymelissa.blogspot.com
Monday, July 7, 2008
Featured Shop: The Spinning Hand
Today's featured artist is Kari from The Spinning Hand. Kari has a great selection of knit items as well as vintage items. She has some wonderful, unique designs of clothing, scarves, and other fun items like these Gingees.
These cuties are hand-knit and stuffed with plastic grocery bags. Adorable!
Another of my favorites is this sexy Keyhole Top (shown front and back).
Here's what Kari has to say about her art and her shop:
So sit back and enjoy browsing through this great shop. And remember ... she takes custom orders!
These cuties are hand-knit and stuffed with plastic grocery bags. Adorable!
Another of my favorites is this sexy Keyhole Top (shown front and back).
Here's what Kari has to say about her art and her shop:
"I am trying to knit as much as is humanly possible, when I'm not at my day job or taking care of my cutie-pie son. Knitting is the way I meditate; it's my chosen form of creative expression; it's my little way of bringing beauty into the world. My favorite place to knit is at a coffee shop. The very act of knitting seems to draw people in and make them feel comfortable approaching me. It's a conversation starter!
"Lately I have begun to sell vintage items and supplies in my shop. In this way, etsy is the virtual edition of my dream bricks-and-mortar store; too, it reflects more accurately the diversity of my interests. If I could serve you a nice cup of tea while you're browsing thespinninghand, I would!
"What's in the works at thespinninghand: a focus on all-natural fibers and green living. I'm also increasingly interested in plushies and knitted amigurumi."
So sit back and enjoy browsing through this great shop. And remember ... she takes custom orders!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Etsy Green and Clean First Sunday Sale!
Here's a last minute notice about a sale that's starting now (6 p.m. Sunday, July 6th). Several team members from the Etsy Green and Clean Guild (EGCG) will be posting specials for tonight only.
So if you're looking for B&B products, soaps, lotions, scrubs, perfumes, candles, etc. then you need to check out these great deals!
See this thread on the Etsy forum to see the details of the specials.
This is a monthly EGCG Sale, so keep watching next "First Sunday" for more great deals.
And my sale tonight is 20% off everything in my shop! So if you're looking for natural soaps, shampoos, lotions, candles or pet treats then you need to check out my shop!
Sale runs tonight only from now (6 p.m. EST) to midnight tonight PST.
Dragon's Den
Handcrafted Natural Items for Body and Soul
So if you're looking for B&B products, soaps, lotions, scrubs, perfumes, candles, etc. then you need to check out these great deals!
See this thread on the Etsy forum to see the details of the specials.
This is a monthly EGCG Sale, so keep watching next "First Sunday" for more great deals.
And my sale tonight is 20% off everything in my shop! So if you're looking for natural soaps, shampoos, lotions, candles or pet treats then you need to check out my shop!
Sale runs tonight only from now (6 p.m. EST) to midnight tonight PST.
Dragon's Den
Handcrafted Natural Items for Body and Soul
Friday, July 4, 2008
Feel Good Friday!
Happiness is living in accordance with your beliefs and ideals.
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
What did you do this week that you feel especially good about? Did you ride your bike to work? Did you make an eco-friendly change in your household routine? Did you do something extra nice for someone where you expected nothing in return? Did you donate money or items to a cause you believe in?
The idea behind Feel Good Fridays is that here we can show off what we did that makes us feel good - something we believe in, some little thing to make the world a better place. Here we can also see how others are doing these things too. It's nice to see people who want a better world and are willing to do things to make it happen.
So how does it work? Just leave a comment here about the "feel good" thing you did this week. This is a great way to promote your cause! Feel free to post links so readers can get more information. Then after you've posted the comment, then add yourself to the map. I'm really looking forward to seeing how much we can fill up this map!
So have fun with this! Feel Good Fridays are going to become a regular feature here.
Contest winner!
Just a short post to let you know that Bagladee was the winner of yesterday's contest. The Etsy seller she picked as one of her favorites was Amelia Makes Art. A wonderful choice and one of my new faves too! Take a look at these custom felted pooches - adorable!
Hope everyone had fun. Keep watching for more contests and giveaways! :)
Hope everyone had fun. Keep watching for more contests and giveaways! :)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Who Do You Love?
Here's a quick and easy contest for everyone. You've got a chance to win while also showing off a favorite Etsy seller! You could win a $10 credit to my Etsy shop Dragon's Den. This can be used at any time with no minimum purchase.
Leave a comment here today (before 9 a.m. EST Friday, July 4th) and tell me one of your favorite shops on Etsy. If you want it can be your most recently "hearted," or it can be one of your faves that you feel like promoting because they're awesome!
Then tomorrow morning after 9 a.m. I'll choose one commenter at random. So be sure to include some way for me to contact you. Even if you just leave your Etsy ID I can contact you that way. :)
Leave a comment here today (before 9 a.m. EST Friday, July 4th) and tell me one of your favorite shops on Etsy. If you want it can be your most recently "hearted," or it can be one of your faves that you feel like promoting because they're awesome!
Then tomorrow morning after 9 a.m. I'll choose one commenter at random. So be sure to include some way for me to contact you. Even if you just leave your Etsy ID I can contact you that way. :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Featured Shop: Capital City Crafts
Barbara of Capital City Crafts is a fellow member of the Etsy New Jersey Street Team. And she makes some really lovely jewelry! There's a great variety of styles and reasonable prices. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces:
Silver Lavender Kesihi Pearl Necklace
Cathedral Earrings
Here's a little background from Barbara about her shop and designs:
"My ETSY shop is the venue for my handcrafted jewelry. I've been designing and making jewelry since high school. Worked in NYC for various firms both in fashion jewelry and very high end fine jewelry. I also love photography (haven't had a minute to try and organize that to sell!). I am inspired by the world around us!"
For more about Capital City Crafts check out her shop and blog.http://capitalcitycrafts.etsy.com
www.capitalcitycraftstudio.com
http://capitalcitycraftstudio.blogspot.com/
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