Featured Shop: Create a Thought

CREATEaTHOUGHT is a lovely Etsy shop containing all kinds of handmade, vintage, and upcycled items. There are many unique items to choose from including great handmade journals and cards. But for I must admit to being biased toward candle items, so I picked this Vintage Wood Star Candle Holder as my favorite item.

This excerpt from CREATEaTHOUGHT's profile gives some insight into motivation behind the craft.

"CREATEaTHOUGHT's mission is to help you do just that. I provide items that fit your personal writing and recording style. If you find that you are in need of a different style I will strive to create a personalized item just for you! Each journal is created to be unique and one of a kind.

I want to be able to provide you with something that is not mass produced. You will not have to worry about someone saying 'I have that same journal!'"

Also, be sure to check out the CREATEaTHOUGHT blog at http://createathoughtetsy.blogspot.com/

I've put together a sampling of items by CREATEaTHOUGHT to create this Spotlight on ByHand.me. Please feel free to go to this Spotlight to see the whole selection and leave a comment.

Featured Shop: le Beau Papillon

Today's featured Etsy artist is Jillian from le Beau Papillon. I just can't say enough about this shop! The pieces are elegant and simple and the prices are affordable even in hard times such as these. Jillian is friendly and approachable and welcomes custom orders.

My favorite earrings in her shop is this gorgeous pair of Colette earrings made from vintage beads.

Jillian shared a little with me about herself and her art. And she has a special deal for my readers!

My name is Jillian Mackowiak, and I'm absolutely in love with beads and making jewelry. At almost anytime of the day or night you can find me on Etsy searching through all the jewelry supplies for sale. If I'm not browsing through Etsy I'm working on my jewelry. I try and list new items daily, but if not daily I definitely get a lot up on the weekends. i hope that you can find something that you like. If there is something that you have in mind that I don't have posted, I love doing custom orders so just send me a convo!!

Etsy shop: JillianMackowiak.etsy.com
Blog: jillianmackowiak.blogspot.com

Special deal for Dragon's Den readers: Anyone who mentions this blog in the message to seller box will be refunded 10% of the cost through PayPal!

I've put together a selection of Jillian's items to make this Spotlight through ByHand.me. This is just a few of the items. Go to this Spotlight on ByHand.me to see the full selection and leave a comment.

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:

"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!