Made by SwirlyGirl's Side Lines

More Etsy Favorites

2011-07-12T11:33:00.000-07:00

I'm still loving the activity feed on Etsy! The thumbnails of new items and of the favorites in my circle grab my eyes and lead me to discover new artists that give me a burst of inspiration whenever time allows. I would love to share a few of my newest discoveries with you:

FrancescaWhetnall

AmyGiacomelli

TheModernistArtist

WallArtPhotos

Hope you check out these artists and their wonderful shops!
Visit Made by SwirlyGirl, too!

Back to the Beginning

2011-07-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

When I began creating cards for myself and for family, I did so with handmade papers I had purchased at a local art supply store. I fell in love with their paper section and loved how I could use small pieces of large sheets and make a big impression, making the beautiful paper last seemingly forever. My sister's mother-in-law lives in Nepal and makes yearly visits home to California and for several years would bring back these beautiful papers to give to me, for which I was extremely grateful. Not only was she able to bring me colors that I couldn't find here, but even the bags they came in were made from handmade paper which I found uses for.

After several years, I moved on to photo art and stopped pulling out my papers except for personal card use. Well, for the last few months I have been looking at those papers and hearing them call me and finally sat down yesterday for a little play time with them. I loved working with them---beautiful colors, textures, prints...it's been too long. So, for as long as this is satisfying my creative urge, I will continue to make my cards using these beautiful treasures from near and far and have reopened the section in my shop called "Threads and Shreds". I have a feeling my piles of fine fabric remnants will be calling to me soon, too, and the results (Threads) will be joining these paper creations (Shreds). I hope people enjoy them as much as I enjoy making them!

Made by SwirlyGirl has lots of other fun stuff, too!

Happy Birthday to My Daughter!

2011-06-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

In honor of my daughter's 15th birthday, I've created a treasury of lovely items that I know that she'd love---and even a couple that she may be getting for her birthday! Happy Birthday, my beautiful daughter!!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl, too!

Of Poets, Prophets, and Madmen...

2011-06-03T22:24:00.000-07:00

I've been experimenting with digital collage lately, but didn't know what I was going to do with this new medium. My husband, Brett Rickaby, has been writing (poetry, stories, plays, screenplays...) for as long as I have known him and didn't know what he was going to do with his growing collection. A few days ago he decided that he was going to start a blog and share some of his poetry and writing. I had used several of his poems as inspiration for my collages. Voilá! A new collaboration between us was born in Of Poets, Prophets, and Madmen.

In truth, this is Brett's blog, and if and when I have a collage to add, we will do so. He is prolific, however, and I cannot keep up with him! That said, we LOVE collaborating. This is not the first time we have joined together artistically. In fact, we work well together whenever we get the opportunity.

Here are a couple of my collages, linked to the blog posts that they accompany. I hope that you enjoy them, as well as my husband's poetry. Maybe one day we will share some of the amazing love poetry that he has written for me over the years. As you may be able to tell, I'm his biggest fan!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and RedBubble, too!

Food for the Spirit

2011-05-27T09:49:00.000-07:00

My husband and I love to take our daughters on road trips. They don't have to be far in distance, but it is nice when we feel like we've really gotten away----even if it is just for an afternoon. Sometimes we splurge and spend a night, maybe two, at a motel so that we can fully enjoy our surroundings and explore a little bit. Last weekend was one of those such road trips. Having fallen in love with Sequoia National Park during an overnighter last May, we couldn't wait to return, and we got to explore King's Canyon National Park, which connects to Sequoia National Park from the north end, as well.

These drives are so rejuvenating for us (even while our bodies rebel at being in the car for hours on end). Such beauty surrounding us at all elevations and the opportunity to get out and take photos, feeling a greater connection to the amazing offerings before us...it is what the spirit needs every once in a while!

There is so much to see in this wonderful world we live in. Not everyone lives near Sequoia/King's Canyon National Park, but the beauty is everywhere in different forms. I encourage anyone who is feeling uninspired to venture out into their surroundings and see them in a way you never have before. Take a camera and look very close and from a distance. It can be life changing and healing, and almost always inspiring.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and on RedBubble!

My Mom's Favorite Things

2011-05-07T23:23:00.000-07:00

My mother is one of the most deserving people I know. After raising four children with my father, working for most of her adult life as a nurse anesthetist, moving with Dad across the country in order to be closer to their children and grandchildren, and making it to as many recitals, performances, graduations, birthdays, and other important events as humanly possible---not to mention the last four months of taking care of most of the necessities of running a household as Dad has been recuperating from a string of unfortunate accidents which have been making this less than a banner year for them thus far, my mother deserves flowers, candy, a dinner out, a trip, some nice jewelry, and a day being pampered at a spa! Unfortunately, the economy has affected all of us and our love for her is being expressed in other ways! In honor of Mother's Day this year, I put together a little mini-treasury full of items inspired by some of my mother's favorite things. I wish I could fill your day with all of these today, Mom! :

From left to right:

LilloArts, CierraSweets, Botanicart

ScarletBeautiful2, Cyrilplace, DogArtStudio

WeeBitArtsy, HalMarie, PJRodio

Happy Mother's Day to you, Mom!

And Happy Mother's Day to all of you out there who are lucky enough to be mothers!

Chasing the Pot of Gold

2011-04-27T10:12:00.000-07:00

Visitor's Center at Mono Lake in Lee Vining, CA.

Just wanted to share...:-)

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Redbubble, too!

Favoriting Frenzy

2011-04-26T08:56:00.000-07:00

I haven't paid much attention to Etsy's attempt at creating it's own social network. I've been added to a few circles and I've added some to my own, but up till now, really haven't seen either the need or the benefit of this addition. This morning, however, having gone through my emails and Facebook earlier than usual, I found myself with a little more time on my hands and coffee in my cup and decided to check it out a little further. Well, all I can say is that I am newly inspired this morning with all of the incredible art and artists that are selling on Etsy! (This isn't news to me---I frequently browse through shops for inspiration.) But, how much easier it is to discover new favorite shops, items, and artists by seeing what other artists and customers whose tastes you admire are favoriting! I had a hard time tearing myself away this morning, but want to share a few of my new favorites from my Etsy surfing.

Aren't they fun?! I can't wait to share more of my favorites soon!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

Creative Reuse--a Great Idea for the Planet

2011-03-13T16:04:00.001-07:00

It's been a long time since my last blog post. I allowed life to get in the way and then couldn't find the inspiration to resume---until now!

The New Year brought it's usual resolutions and one of the items on my list was to clean out all my crafts closets, cupboards, containers, etc., purging myself of 20 plus years of accumulation. I'm taking little 20 minute and 1/2 hour bites at it so that it doesn't become too overwhelming, but each time I have a go at it I create a pile of "stuff" that I'm not sure what to do with. So much of it is too old to be of interest to those involved in anything trendy, and yet it is still "good". I hate to think of any of it going to a landfill, particularly when there might be someone out there who might find some of the stuff useful. And yet, it is occupying too much space in my home and has become a burden that I need lifted.

As is frequently the case in life, I was led to my solution indirectly. I clicked on a link a friend had posted on Facebook which took me to a website I found interesting enough to explore further, which led me to another link, another website, another link, and voila! My solution was the Long Beach D epot of Creative Reuse in Long Beach, CA. It is about an hour's drive from where I live, but with my van loaded with donations, my two children, my friend, and her two children, I trekked down there one Sunday afternoon to check it out and---hopefully---rid myself of a trunk full of potential treasures for someone else.

After an easy drive and a brief few minutes of being lost (the exit we were supposed to take was closed for construction!), we found our way to an up and coming art-ful community where I found a parking spot directly in front of the depot! I felt like this must be my lucky day, as I hadn't been sure how we would deliver all of the stuff if we had to carry it very far! A table was set up in front of the building and two young ladies were standing next to it with yarn and crochet hooks in hand, trying to teach themselves how to crochet with some yarn that must have been donated by someone. Upon entering this little storefront, I looked around in surprise at how little room there was in this place---how much can this little place hold?, I was thinking. I found a woman behind a cashier's counter wearing an apron and she immediately began telling me about the place and showing me around. It was astonishing to see how much she was able to actually find room for and keep organized and tidy and visually interesting!

Lisa Hernandez, the owner and operator, along with her daughter (one of the young ladies out front), opened Long Island Depot for Creative Reuse 3 years ago after leaving the corporate world and looking for something more community oriented and meaningful to do with her life.

She has obviously found her passion and radiates peace, love, enthusiasm, and friendliness from way down deep. She shared her story with me as the girls rummaged through the treasures, inspired by the creative examples hanging everywhere of what could be made with such simple items as shopping bags (crocheted market bags and rugs!), paper clips and paper scraps (cute little necklaces and straps!), corks and ink pen nibs (push pins and jewelry!), rubber inner tubes (really cool purses!).

What impressed me the most about Lisa and her mission was not that so many people came on a regular basis to donate and trade (some items are available for free if you leave something else) and purchase supplies for art projects and other things; nor was it that there were so many items that I would never have even thought of saving or collecting for a place like this, had I known it existed previously (plastic "thingies", prescription bottles, film canisters, unused punched out Valentine's cards, feathers, puzzle pieces, game pieces...);

nor was it the admission that this non-profit company was able to support herself and her daughter, even with some proceeds going to artists in the community. What impressed me the most was that Lisa's mission was more about community than saving the environment. "Green" is so hip and trendy right now, and that is a good thing! But, Lisa's efforts to make her business as green as a business can be --(her business cards are donated office labels with her name and address printed on them which are carefully centered on, say, a cut up cereal box)-- are a means of supporting and connecting businesses, artists, neighbors in her immediate neighborhood. A recent recipient of a Pepsi Refresh grant, Lisa created a Creative Reuse Day event during which local businesses and artists were showcased and visitors were given the opportunity to let their creativity flow. Judging by the articles and photos, it was a fun and inspirational day that brought people together for the purpose of learning good environmental stewardship and the importance of knowing your neighbors and supporting the businesses in your community.

As she and her daughter helped my friend and me unload the back of my van, I would comment, "I'm not sure if anyone would really want these old large scraps of wrapping paper" and such and each time Lisa or her daughter Yoshino would say, "Yes! You'd be surprised! People will use these!" I was so relieved to see so many of my formerly cherished, but abandoned projects and materials find a temporary home! And at the prices the items in the Depot are selling, I have no doubt they will move quickly. Lisa explained that her 1 and 2 and 3 cent prices (of course, some items are more, but still VERY inexpensive!) encourage people to make them move--she doesn't want anything to sit for long in the store.

An hour or so after pulling up in front of Long Beach Depot for Creative Reuse, we piled into the car for the long ride home---each of us with treasures that had once been someone else's trash! and my camera card filled with photos. I left with more than that, though. I left with inspiration for another blog post and best of all, the knowledge that my clutter was on it's way to new homes and NOT the landfill! I'll be going back soon, for sure! I still have a lot of bins to go through!

There are several creative reuse centers around the country, so do a little research in your area! You might find some inspiration, some little treasures, or at the very least, a place that you can pass on your own no-longer-wanted items in which someone else someone might find potential!

For the Love of Whimsy

2010-09-08T10:55:00.000-07:00

I love Ted.com, a site where you can watch videos of talks about technology, art, views of world events and much more. Frequently I find inspiration or thought provoking ideas from the speakers and it can set my day up in an open frame of mind. If you enjoy art and whimsy and fun, take a few minutes and watch artist Vik Muniz speak and show some of his work!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy

Favorite Things

2010-07-12T10:17:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places in the world to be is by a moving body of water surrounded by trees and wildlife, listening to nature's music. This photo was taken in Angeles National Forest in southern California, on a hike to Spritzer Falls. Not far from Los Angeles in distance, it is light years away in peace and quiet. The trees there are not really purple, and the rocks are not really blue, but it is a magical place, all the same, and my digital enhancement to the photograph demonstrates the other-worldliness that I experience when I am lucky enough to visit.

Forest of Dreams is available in my Etsy shop.

Memories of Portland

2010-07-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places!

Reasons to Celebrate

2010-07-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

There are so many things to celebrate in life, and I've just come off several weeks of celebratory occasions. The end of the school year---as many of you no doubt experience yourselves---is as event-filled as the winter holidays. Sometimes I think that it would be nice to have an annual soundtrack for the season, (just as we do in the winter), playing in the background as we shop for and celebrate with our graduates, brides, concert and recital performers, etc, to make it more festive!

This spring-into-summer was especially full of reasons to celebrate. My eldest daughter's 8th grade class, the first of the school's K-8 graduates, enjoyed an amazing class trip to Catalina Island for 5 days, where they learned about marine life, astronomy, each other and themselves!

After spending 9 years in classes together, the students left the island feeling like family.
Soon after, we watched our children perform in their dance recitals and both brought smiles to our faces as our hearts swelled with pride.

While most of the schools in the area were finishing their year weeks earlier than ours, we continued waking up at 6am and making sure homework was completed by bed time, but the desire for the school year to end increased. However, the last week of school was going to be chock full of activity, so there was a smidgeon of anxiety to accompany us.

Finally it arrived and we somehow survived a chorus recital,

an 8th grade graduation ceremony,

a graduation dinner/dance,

a drive to San Francisco to join my family in celebrating my parents' 50th wedding anniversary

(for which I'd spent countless hours creating a DVD of our old 8mm home movies),

the drive home the following day, and my daughter's 14th birthday the next day, on which she also began her drama intensive. The weekend brought her birthday party, which we did at the beach.

One more day of celebrating remained: the 4th of July!

followed by a well-deserved long night of sleep for all of us!

I can honestly say that this has been the most celebration-filled month in my life and I'm ready to slow down and enjoy a little bit of peace and tranquility. (But am not REALLY sure that will be imminent!) I am, however, truly grateful for all I have to celebrate in my life and feel so fortunate that I can share my good fortune with so many!

Wishing you all wonderful reasons to celebrate!

The Eyes Have It!

2010-05-20T12:34:00.000-07:00

OliveRoseVintage, lynnetteaprilarts
Figments, RustySpoonAlchemy
kathydkeith,TinkerTiles
Slang, lenekonoir

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
madebyswirlygirl.etsy.com

Experimenting Again...

2010-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

I have not been very busy creating new work lately, but I recently was fooling around with a combination of software programs and thought I'd share to see what kind of feedback I get. I had fun doing it and am pleased with the results, but not sure it creates enough visual interest to sustain more than a few images, as the color palette is relatively limited using the process I have used. Below each of my "experiments" you can see the original photograph.

I'd love to hear your feedback!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Mothers are Angels

2010-05-09T13:21:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a mother. Mothers are not rare. Yet we all believe that our own mother is somehow supernatural or elevated beyond the realm of mere humans. And we are right. The umbrella provided by a mother's love protects us from much of life's unpleasant surprises when we are young and provides us with the knowledge that we are not alone when we are adults trying to provide the same umbrella for our own children. Mothers tend to our hurts, offer guidance, and are never happier than when they see their children are happy. Mothers put the needs and wants of their children before their own desires and expect nothing in return except for the smiles brought to their faces by the fulfillment of their children's dreams. They do their utmost to see that birthday and holiday wishes come true and provide enriching experiences while teaching their children to be grateful and not to feel entitled to anything they haven't earned. Mothers encourage their children to pursue their passions but to keep one foot on the ground while their heads are in the clouds. They multitask, are in several places at one time, and always seem to be there to catch us when we fall, all the while juggling a myriad of jobs.

My own mother has been my teacher, my mentor, and my biggest fan, my voice of reason, my medical advisor, my loan officer, my conscience, my source of inspiration, and the most perfect example of maternal love that I could have asked for. Even now, with a family of my own, I am comforted by her unconditional love, rely on her realistic (yet supportive) advice and assistance, and bask in the warmth of pride reflected in her voice and face when something I've said or done has pleased her.

I have a tendency to think of most holidays as retailer's opportunities and not be very enthusiastic about planning special days just because the calendar says we should. I am a bit Scrooge-ish in this way. However, what I frequently end up realizing is that when a day is set aside to celebrate those we love and to allow ourselves to be celebrated, our thoughtfulness is heightened, our affection is demonstrated more freely, and we appreciate more deeply the things that sometimes are taken for granted.

Mom, I am so grateful for the sacrifices you have made, and continue to make, for your family and for the love you have so unselfishly bestowed upon us. Thank you for putting us first in your life and for making us feel like there is nothing you enjoy more than being surrounded by your family.

And a special thank you, too, to my mother-in-law for raising a man I love and respect more than I ever thought I could love and respect any partner. He is a living legacy of your love and your mothering. In addition, your acceptance of me as your daughter has meant so much to me, and I only regret that our infrequent visits and the distance between our homes makes it difficult for me to show you just how much.

Thank you to all of you hard working, caring, deeply loving mothers out there. You are all angels on earth.

Happy Mothers Day!

Rejuvenation

2010-05-04T11:45:00.000-07:00

After an amazing weekend spent with my family in Sequoia National Park,which is in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, I've returned inspired once again by our world's vast display of flora and fauna.

Within hours of leaving our home, we saw cacti, an amazing variety of wildflowers, plains, lakes, rivers, mountains, citrus trees, oak trees, redwoods, Giant Sequoias, a bear, numerous deer, snow, and sunshine.

One breathtaking view after another, wonderful smells, and the sounds of nature (accompanied much of the time by a range of music sampling the last 50 years and crossing several genres)...

It was such a feast for the senses that we barely thought about eating, but when we got hungry, we enjoyed our meals all the more for their addition to the completion of the total experience.

I could live for a long time on the road, I think, traveling and exploring our country's national parks. What a gift they are and how thankful I am to all of those responsible for ensuring that our parks are protected, cared for, and available for all to experience.

Keeping an Open Mind

2010-04-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine shared this video on Facebook and I thought it was the perfect thing to share with you today! I love when you see one thing at first look and then realize there is so much more to see. Enjoy!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Rays of Light

2010-04-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade

madebyswirlygirl.etsy.com

Sometimes We Need to Stop and Breathe

2010-04-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but there are days I wake up and start thinking about all of the things I should do, need to do, want to do, and have to do and get so anxious and overwhelmed that NOTHING gets done.

Trying to balance being a mother, wife, friend, business owner, ballet teacher, pet owner, housekeeper, school volunteer, chauffeur...well---it's impossible. Something is always being neglected.

Anxiety about schedules and money and deadlines and important dates and having enough food in the house and clean clothes in the drawers often prevents me from experiencing the moment.

I try to meditate, exercise (although that is one of the first things that gets neglected when things get busy), find things to do that I enjoy to keep myself from getting down, and daily I count my blessings for all I am so fortunate to have in my life!

When I am successful in slowing down for a few moments, I find that I'm able to find wonder and beauty in the most common occurrences: the chirping of the birds, the chattering of the squirrels, the grasshopper that crosses my path and camouflages itself amongst the tree branches, the flower buds ready to burst open,

the little butterfly that is in no hurry to get anywhere, the man walking his cat on a leash in the park (okay, that is not as common!), the mother pulling her toddler around in a wagon, the man taking a lunchtime nap in the cool grass and warm sun, the dog in the adjoining yard that keeps jumping up to say hello a fellow canine over the wall...

There are books galore written for people who want to simplify their lives---I've got a few of them myself. And many have valuable insights and suggestions.

But in this era of information and technology, I spend so much time on the computer doing everything from connecting with friends and networking with business acquaintances, to learning how to improve my business,

to researching where our next family outing might be, to blogging and updating my shops, to checking out the blogs of others, reading this, reading that...ENOUGH already with the DOING!!! I need to BE sometimes!

Just BE. We only have NOW. That's the only thing we have for sure at any given moment.

The photos accompanying this post were taken this past weekend when my family took a day to BE in Carrizo Plains National Monument. It was exactly what I/we needed to remember that we already have the most important things in life: each other, our health, and an abundance of beauty in our own backyard.

So, my hope for all of us is that we make the time when things get crazy to look around at the world around us and enjoy the simplicity of the moment, soak it up, breathe deeply, smile, and realize that much of what is making us feel like a hamster on a wheel is not really that important in the big picture.

Our relationships, our health, our well-being...well, they ARE.

What the World Needs Now...

2010-04-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

YuliyaArt

allmyary

maiaart

oneheartjewelry

meanttobecalligraphy

mysticorb

RosieGirlArt

SilvinePhotography

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Spring Break is Over (sniff)

2010-04-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

After a lovely week and a half spent with family and friends, getting some spring cleaning done (although not nearly enough!), doing a little shopping, and taking some photographs, I'm sad to see Spring Break come to an end. From here till summer our days will be longer and filled with things that will all culminate around the same time at the end of the school year: recitals, school events, graduation, as well as personal celebrations that occur at the same time in the form of birthdays and anniversaries.

But, until TOMORROW, we're still on break! So today I am going to share some of my vacation with you all just like the slide shows of yesteryear that friends and neighbors were forced to sit through for hours at a time! (Only MUCH shorter! LOL!) Enjoy!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Spring Break!!

2010-03-29T10:21:00.001-07:00

If you are on Spring Break this week, like many of us, I hope that your week is filled with these types of things!

TaraMPhotography, AmeliaKayPhotography

BunkFossStudio,FromMyBookShelf

AbbeyJames,karencaseysmith

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Fun with Fonts

2010-03-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen something that you don't have a lot of use for but wish you did? I discovered a site, Web Design Booth, through another blog which I was directed to from a fan page on Facebook, (I think!--with so many things to check out every day, it is hard to keep track sometimes!), and I've bookmarked it to use when and IF I ever have need of it.

I've gone back a couple of times and these fonts look so good that I'm trying to think of a card line that I can create just so I can use them! :-)

Perhaps you use fonts more frequently than and are tired of the selection you have? This post has links to handwritten fonts:

cartoon fonts:

grunge fonts:

calligraphy fonts:

and dingbats:

---all free downloads! See what I mean???? I don't know about you, but my wheels are turning now!....

If you happen to know of other download sites for great fonts, please share them in the comments! I'd love to check them out!!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Inspirations of Spring

2010-03-26T14:02:00.001-07:00

Just like the world opening up around me, I'm itching to create, create, create! Spring is here in southern California and my desire to get cozy in my cave has turned into the desire to be outside with my camera and look at all that is coming alive! I have a zillion photographs of every kind of flower and sign of spring in my folders on my computer, but I can't stop myself! I need to take more! So...I've been experimenting with new ways to share these photos that look a little different than my other shots. These are a few examples of new filters and effects I've been playing with. I'm not sure if I'll be doing more with these than sharing them here on my blog and on Facebook, but any feedback is welcome and I appreciate your taking a look!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl for cards and photo art!

New on RedBubble

2010-03-23T12:11:00.001-07:00

I have just listed four of my new photographs that I've turned into digital paintings--(soon to be added to my Plein Air series on Etsy)--in my RedBubble shop! I love the way they look in the matted and framed previews as well as the other options. If you haven't explored RedBubble yet, take a peek--they allow you to preview all the images in the various forms they are offered!

Look through my RedBubble Gallery!

Proof of Spring

2010-03-22T15:46:00.000-07:00

Usually, my Monday blog posts are Etsy items that demonstrate a mood that I've chosen for the day, but today I'm stepping outside of my self-created box. I know parts of our country have been deluged with snow and rain, but here in Southern California, we have definitely begun our spring. Every where we look there are flowers in bloom, new leaves on trees, and green grass! Below are a few photos I took yesterday afternoon in our front yard.

If spring feels a long way off where you live, I hope that my photos have given you a lift! It will return---no matter how long winter seems to drag on! And for those of you down under who are beginning your Autumn, well...Spring is a little farther away for you---but it'll be here before you know it!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Clean Up! Clean Up! Everybody; Everywhere...! It's Spring!

2010-03-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is officially the first day of spring, and as it is traditionally a time for cleaning out one's home and getting reorganized and refreshed, I've chosen some items to make the job more fun AND more eco-friendly that I'd like to share with you! Happy Cleaning!

From top to bottom:

Beaded Thumb Tacks-Circus Tent by Wild Woman Jewelry

EcoScrubby by EarthtoGert

XLarge Wool Dryer Balls from greenbelledesigns

Fleece Washable Hand Duster by MitsuyoDay

Coupon Organizer by glowgirl16

Bohemian Poppies Fabric Bins by sewingmomma

Cherry Loving Retro Apron by CozzyCottage

Eucalyptus Sage Caddy by maziekane

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and on Zibbet!

Wednesday Spotlight

2010-03-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Moody Monday

2010-03-15T07:01:00.000-07:00

Brilliant:

caelum, JaredKS

acanthusjd, ZulaJewels

mufi, isler

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-03-11T08:35:00.000-08:00

Digital Collage Downloads:

cupcakecuties

download

DesignsbyLindaNee

ArtCult

CraftyCatStudio

MelissaStarr

TumbleFishStudio

madebyswirlygirl

Made by SwirlyGirl has more downloads!

New Storefront for Made by SwirlyGirl

2010-03-09T09:55:00.000-08:00

Several months ago I opened up an account with Zibbet and put one item in my new shop, just to be able to say I was there and give me motivation to do more with it. Then the holidays came upon us, then the new year and catching up with other things I'd let go over the holidays...

If you don't know about Zibbet, (short for "exhibit"), which is still in the Beta stages, it is an online shop venue where fine art, handmade items, supplies, and vintage items can be bought and sold. With about 1600 sellers as I write this blog post, the Zibbet marketer is not as buried in each category as they may be in Etsy or other venues. At Zibbet, there are free accounts for sellers, with limited listings in each shop (25) and less freedom in creating the shop front, but no fees for listing or selling.

There are also premium accounts, which for a short time will be $7.00 per month (and then it will go up to $14.00), and allows you a lot of creative control of your shop front, unlimited listings, no fee upon sales, and you can add links, videos, and widgets to your page to all of your other venues! So, someone who likes your work, but doesn't find exactly the right item in your Zibbet shop can jump over to Artfire, Etsy, or 1000 Markets and see if you have something there that is more what they are looking for! Zibbet also has a referral program which can garner you a free premium account for life!

Zibbet has a blog with links to lots of invaluable tips and information, as well as a few different ways to search for items, and one of my favorite features: uploading several photos at one time!

Take a look over there and see if it's a site that you'd like to try! And, if you sign up, I'd be so appreciative if you put in my referral link: http://www.zibbet.com/MadebySwirlyGirl/sell. If you sign up for a Premium Account before they reach 2500 sellers, you will lock in the lower monthly fee for the life of your account.

Moody Monday

2010-03-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

SUPER!!:

mikiep

buttonbistro7

Visit MadebySwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

I'm a Fan of...

2010-03-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

Cinderelish, a pottery shop on Etsy where artist Cindy Buehler sells her stunning creations made from white porcelain clay is full of vivid colors, some contrasted with bold black and white patterns that I find striking and so pleasing to the eye! Cindy works out of her home in Liberty, MO, and can be followed on Twitter, found on Facebook and Flickr, and followed on her blog.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
cinderelish.etsy.com

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-03-04T12:14:00.000-08:00

madebyswirlygirl

RivasStudio

karenblados

360spoons

CountryDreaming

judymercer

HannaPhotos

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-03T11:43:00.001-08:00

Looking around for a photo that made me laugh and found this of my sister's dog, Scooter! In fact, I believe this is my sister's photo of Scooter, as well! (Thanks, Tina!) I just love the look he's giving us: possessive, proud, playful...!!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Zibbet!

Moody Monday

2010-02-28T21:08:00.000-08:00

Over the Moon:

layla

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and on RedBubble!

Symphonic Stemware

2010-02-28T12:30:00.000-08:00

I was looking for something interesting and inspiring to share on this beautiful Sunday and this is fitting the bill for me today! I hope you enjoy this version of Beethoven's 5th!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Friday Favorites

2010-02-26T12:41:00.000-08:00

simplyaudacious, studio618
CherieBosala, karencaseysmith
purifiedart, roiaobrien
jmliss, jbEbert

JulieMagersSoulen, HouseofSixCats

Check out Made by SwirlyGirl, too!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T12:49:00.000-08:00

Just a little silly mid-week food art humor!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Tuesday Meet and Greet

2010-02-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

This week's Tuesday Meet and Greet features 3 of my blog followers, all of whom have talents of their own I can't wait to share with you! Please meet: Christi Spangler, Susan Najarian, and Mary Green.

Christi Spangler, of Fat Bottom Bags lives in a small island community in the Pacific Northwest and is doing her part to keep the environment free of plastic bags by recycling them into reusable (and fashionable!) totes that are fun and durable, while reducing the number of plastic bags in our landfills, oceans, green ways and wet lands. Her website and blog are full of ideas, news, and information about plastics, being green, and the importance of recycling, as well as links to her shopping venues and social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.

Susan Najarian, another island dweller from the Pacific Northwest, is the owner of Susan Najarian Art and Design, a shop full of encaustic painting and hand crafted items, as well as Red Truck Designs, which carries vintage and re-purposed treasures. Check out her blog, Blackbirds and Bumblebees, and follow her on Facebook and Flickr. She can also be found on Trunkt if you are interested in buying her work for resale!

Mary Green, owner of Retro Threadz Vintage Fashions of Michigan, has an Etsy shop full of wonderful vintage clothes, shoes, handbags, accessories, hats...even men's ties! It is chock full of cool stuff! Her blog looks like it's just being set up, but follow to check in on her later! Do the same with her Facebook fan page and chat with her on Twitter,
too!

I am so honored to have so many wonderful followers and hope that if you are not an official follower, but check in every once and a while, you will join our group so that I can publicly thank you in a future Tuesday Meet and Greet! To my followers here, Mary, Susan, and Christi: THANK YOU!!! I've enjoyed getting to know a little bit about you and have followed, hearted, and fanned you all!

Check out Made by SwirlyGirl if you have a minute!

New Digital Downloads!

2010-02-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

I've been having so much fun lately creating digital downloads! I love seeing the collections of colors and patterns on one sheet and I hope that it inspires crafters to want to get to work on their projects (using my digital downloads, perhaps?)!

Take a look at the new downloads I have listed in my Etsy shop:

Tell me what kind of digital downloads you would like to see in Made by SwirlyGirl's Etsy shop. I'd love to create some more!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-17T10:34:00.000-08:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and on RedBubble!

Moody Monday

2010-02-15T13:26:00.000-08:00

Relaxed:

JMcGuinness

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-02-11T00:01:00.000-08:00

SNOW!!!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy

Tuesday Meet and Greet

2010-02-09T08:02:00.000-08:00

I have missed the past couple of Tuesdays--some days I just am too busy to gather all the information I like to uncover and share in this forum--but I have found the time today and can't wait to introduce you to three more of my blog followers--all with talents and shops for you to investigate!

Tracey Kleinwaks of TKDesigns, a former landscape architect who has always been inspired by nature, Tracey works in a variety of mediums from jewelry, oil paints, clay, fabric, and yarn. A New England native now residing in New Jersey, her Etsy and Artfire shops carry necklaces, bracelets, wine charms, bookmarks, mosaics, mixed media boxes, handpainted items, and birdhouses! Please visit her shops and take a look at her blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Twitter!

Jennifer Camp Gray, from the Spokane, WA area, "loves, loves, loves to sew!" Her predominately baby accessory-filled shop also carries items used for cleaning, such as dish wipes and towels, and bar mop covers. My favorite items, though, are the baby blankets that just scream to be touched! I hope you will pay MamasBabyLove a visit on Etsy as well as Jennifer's blog!

Cathleen Lola, of Phoenix, AZ, is someone I've known virtually for months now, and she is a busy person on Twitter and Facebook! Her niche is Vintage Clothing that she sells under the name of Tialey Vintage. He items are really fun and unique and can be seen included in frequent Etsy treasuries! Tialey Vintage can be found on it's own site, Etsy, Model Mayhem, Facebook, and Twitter.

Thank you to all of my followers for taking an interest at whatever level in Made by SwirlyGirl! If you are interested in being featured in a future Tuesday Meet and Greet and are not yet a follower, you can follow me on either Blogger or Networked Blogs and I will get to you eventually!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Moody Monday

2010-02-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Patient:

photozanne avenue

summer road

Pam Lefcourt

pretentious jewelry

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

Leaf Cutting--An Uncommon Art

2010-02-07T11:09:00.000-08:00

I've never heard of Leaf Cutting, but it's understandable why it might not be a very common art form: after hours of work to remove the top layer of leaf from the membranes that hold it together and creating a work of art, the leaf continues to deteriorate and becomes dust. What patience one must have, though, and an evolved sense of attachment from one's work!

clipped from sepientia.com

The art of cutting leaves

Natural leaf carving is actual manual cutting and removal of a leaf’s surface to produce an art work on a leaf. The process of carving is performed by artists using tools to carefully the surface without cutting or removing the veins. The veins add detail into the subject matter of the carving.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble!

I'm a Fan of...

2010-02-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Igor Zenin has been a photographer for over 40 years. His work is well known in Europe far beyond the borders of his home country the Republic of Moldova. A talented photographer's lens captured a lot of significant events and famous people, including the visit to Moldova of the first man in space, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, back in 1966. In 2007, over 80 works of his works were exhibited in Strasbourg during the winter session of PACE. Later works of Igor Zenin appeared on covers of several editions of the Council of Europe. Many of his recent art works are exhibited on RedBubble and are available for sale.

I've selected a few of my favorites and hope that you enjoy them enough to visit his gallery and browse through more!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble, too!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-02-04T00:01:00.000-08:00

Helpful hands are springing up all over Etsy and I'd like to help spread the word by posting this Etsy mini gallery of Hearts for Haiti. Their profile explains what the shop is doing to help Haiti recover from the disastrous earthquake of two weeks ago:

"This Etsy collective is comprised of donated items from hundreds of Etsy shops. It is dedicated to raise money to rebuild Haiti. 100% of the proceeds from this shop (minus Etsy fees and Paypal fees) go directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders in bi-monthly increments. This shop has permission to use the DoctorsWithoutBorders name and a separate bank account and Paypal account have been opened to maintain the integrity of this shop.

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade
HeartsforHaiti.etsy.com

Items have been donated from many individual shops; each shop has included their particulars ( country, shipping time) in the item listings. All items include seller-donated free shipping (most worldwide, see individual listings). Because the need is SO great, we want you to buy and help support Etsians helping Haiti. The theme for the next few weeks is: heart items--- but we have so many more!! Please browse our sections to the right and know that your purchase in this shop not only gets you a great Etsy item, but also helps alleviate the needs in Haiti through donations to DoctorsWithoutBorders (MédeçinsSansFrontières)."

Moody Monday

2010-02-01T00:01:00.000-08:00

Hungry for Breakfast:

Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

breakfastnbackpacks, earlybirdcafe, DaSweetZpot,

jandmspecialty, tetoncocoacompany, HeavenBakedSweets,

burningdaylightfoods, collagedlife, katherynmd,

MissMunchy, TeaForAllReasons, SimplyGoodGranola

A Crazy Riot of Mozart Madness

2010-01-30T11:48:00.001-08:00

Just for fun:

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble!

A New Digital Download

2010-01-29T10:19:00.000-08:00

My Facebook fans have already seen it, but you Scrabble Tile Pendant makers take note: here are some sunny Sunflower images made in the perfect size for your items! This digital download is available in my Etsy shop now--a 300 dpi resolution JPEG file electronically sent to you with 63 little .75 x .83 inch sunflower photos that have been colorized to bring out their utmost cheeriness! (If you would prefer the file be turned into a PDF, just let me know!) These little gems are perfect for all sorts of altered crafts: books, jewelry, decoupage, scrapbooking...

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-01-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

Tanith

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl, too!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-01-27T08:05:00.000-08:00

Happy 9th Birthday to my baby!!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Somethin' New is Brewin'

2010-01-23T22:29:00.000-08:00

I've been playing around with another software program and think I'm in love! I'm having so much fun and it is so different than anything I've ever created!

I have decided to start yet another new line of cards (and maybe prints and posters) of these very colorful and abstract designs.

While in the midst of creating these, a friend of mine who happens to work for Cirque du Soleil offered my family tickets to see a show.

It struck me that my new designs actually reminded me of a circus or of some sort of extraordinary show and thus is born: Cirque du Swirlée.

These are not listed in my shop yet...still coming up with more designs...but look for them to be available shortly!

In the meantime, thank you for any feedback you care to give me!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-01-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today and we in Southern California are having the most rain in a week that we've had in 5 years, so to celebrate, (and Aquarius being sign of the a water bearer!)I'm choosing RAIN as my theme, today! Aren't these paintings and prints wonderful?

Ready for the Rain by Kimberly Creagan

Waiting in the Rain by SarahJohnAfana

The Rain Will Clear by Nathalie Vachon

Rain by Furious Dreams

In the Mist of Blue by Gys Art

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy, too!

Helping A Friend I've Never Met--Part 2

2010-01-19T19:35:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I shared Tanya's story. She is still urgently trying to raise funds to have a life-saving surgery by the end of this month. The arts and crafts community and others are working together to try to spread the word about Tanya and there has been a page created for donations. She is also having lots of sales in her Etsy and Artfire shops. If there is any way you can help Tanya--every little bit helps--you will not only help save her life, but save her daughter the grief of losing her mother. I do hope that you will check this out and see what you can do to help. Thank you so much in advance.

Trying Something New

2010-01-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

I've been working on a new line for my Etsy shop! Not cards this time, though. I have so many digital images in my files that I like but don't use for one reason or another and thought this might be just the way I could use them! Digital collage sheets! There are lots of them out there already, I know---Etsy is full of them. But they really seem to be popular! For a small fee, a JPEG (or PDF, if preferred) is emailed to the buyer to use again and again for their arts and crafts projects such as collages, scrapbooking, altered books and jewelry, journals, etc. They can even use the images commercially as long as the image isn't a) sold as a digital collage sheet or a printed photo image by itself or b) passed off as the buyer's own artwork. The copyright still belongs to the artist that created it. (In this case, ME!)

The digital download would print up the 2 inch x 2 inch images with no borders.

This image just pulls out a few to see more prominently.

My first two digital collage sheets that are now available in my Etsy shop look like a departure from my other art, but actually these are some of my first images. They were taken with a lower resolution camera, but the small sizes of the collage images do not necessitate any more than what they are. When I first got my digital camera I went nuts photographing EVERYTHING! These collage sheets combine many of the different textures and backgrounds that appealed to me at the time and many are very rustic and/or urban, but as a group, they are super in conveying a variety of flavors that an artist might be looking for to express themselves in a visual way.

I'd love it if you'd leave a comment about these or if you have an idea of a "theme" for my next set! (The one I'm working on at the moment is of Sunflowers! Can't wait to show you!)

Thanks for visiting Made by SwirlyGirl!

Micro-Volunteering?

2010-01-16T09:38:00.000-08:00

With the recent horrific disaster in Haiti, it is so beautiful to see the outpouring of help, prayers, donations, and humanitarian efforts being extended to those poor people who find their lives forever changed and a long road ahead before life is even bearable.

Right before the holidays, I stumbled upon this group that enables the busiest of people to volunteer in their spare minutes of their day. Minutes? Really?? YES! The Extraordinaries has invented micro-volunteering! All of those minutes in your day that you are waiting in line or in the doctor's office, at the café or in a traffic jam that has turned the freeway into a parking lot (well, maybe that one only if you are in the passenger's seat) and you are texting your friends, browsing the internet, checking your emails from your phone, could be put to use helping worthy causes AND making you feel good about having lent a hand! During that waiting time you could:

You might find it more interesting to:

Tag photographs for museums and collections
Take photographs for collections
Map outdated playgrounds for KaBoom
Create your own mission that others can participate in

Whatever you choose to do, don't think that a couple of minutes won't make a difference. If 100 people each had 5 minutes to donate, that is over a full day's work that has just been used to help others. Multiply that by thousands---what might be done with all of that time?! It's astounding to think about it.

If you want to do more to help the Haitian people, help them find missing people. Find out more information about this on The Extraordinaires blog.

If you have a mobile phone or travel with a laptop, please consider signing up with this incredible organization and help make a difference in a way that appeals to you in tiny increments of time. If everyone does a little, a lot can be accomplished!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-01-14T09:11:00.000-08:00

Breathe:

KathyMortonStanion

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Tuesday Meet and Greet

2010-01-12T10:41:00.000-08:00

Another Tuesday, another opportunity to introduce my readers to some talented people!

Today's recipients of my gratitude for following my blog all have links to shops, blogs, fan pages, etc. for others to see, click on, explore, and hopefully bookmark, buy, and/or follow!

Crystal Kneller, aka KIZZ Designs, from British Columbia, Canada, has an addiction. Actually, two. The first one is beading, which refers to anything she makes with beads, gems, and metals. The second one is online selling and networking! She is a busy lady with 3 boys between the ages of 10 and 14, and farm animals that need tending, but being a breast cancer survivor proves that she is a plucky lady, too, who thrives in the face of challenge. Crystal's blog, KIZZ...Day to Day, her ArtFire shop, KIZZDESIGNS, her shop at Made It Myself of the same name, her Fan Page on Facebook, her Twitter address, her website, and her Etsy shop are all links you should check out!

Bonnie and Rachel, of TLCinspirations, reside in Washington State, where they enjoy making many different types of arts and crafts, which they sell in their Etsy shop, their Artfire shop, and talk about them on their blog, Inspire Wire, their Facebook Fan Page and tweet about them on Twitter. From beading, to crochet, to photography, to sewing, to poetry and design...this mother-daughter team seem to have no end to their creativity and talents and perhaps are only limited by the number of hours in a day. Please check out their ecclectic and creative wares!

Risa Tritabaugh, owner/artist of Created by Risa, is based in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she pursues her passion for painting and all things creative when she isn't working as a social worker. Her colorful acrylics and her process can be seen on her blog, Created by Risa, and paintings, multi media work, as well as handmade jewelry can be found in her Etsy shop. Follow Risa on Twitter and on Facebook on her fan page, too!

Thank you to all of my blog readers and followers. If you would like to be featured in a future Tuesday Meet and Greet, follow Made by SwirlyGirl's Side Lines and I will eventually share your shops and links with my readers, too!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble and on Etsy!

Moody Monday

2010-01-11T10:12:00.000-08:00

Heartfelt:

kitty107

jochris12

artzink

MADART

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Helping a Friend I've Never Met

2010-01-10T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've posted this link a couple of times on my fan page and I've seen a couple of others do the same, but perhaps more people will be reached and the net will grow larger if I post this on my blog today.

Etsy's Aardvark Silver owner, Tanya, is literally fighting for her life. An expatriate (of the US, I think) who went to Thailand, fell in love with the place and a person, and decided to call Thailand home six years ago has fallen upon very difficult times. Newly (and abruptly) single, she is in need of immediate surgery to correct a circulation problem in her arm which is causing muscle and tissue in her arm to die. The "plumbing job" needed is a relatively routine procedure, however it is quite expensive and Tanya cannot afford this procedure without help. Without the surgery, at the pace at which the medical problem is causing her tissue to deteriorate, the doctor has given her 3 -4 weeks before she loses the use of her arm and hand altogether and the rest of her body will follow quickly from there. This is urgent, obviously. She has had to postpone the surgery once already and is working full tilt to earn the money through her Etsy shops, where she sells precious and gemstones and silver, as well as handcrafted jewelry.

So far she has raised a little over $2,000 of the needed $12,000. In Thailand, if you can't pay, you don't get treated. Tanya is alone in a country where she doesn't speak the language, living in a second floor apartment, needing money for life-saving surgery and needing to prepare for 4 weeks in the hospital, followed by a long recovery at home, which must be prepared for her convalescence before she goes. I cannot begin to imagine the overwhelming task at hand and am asking all my readers to do whatever you can to help Tanya. Perhaps you need supplies? Would you like to stock up on some gifts of jewelry to give throughout the coming year?

How about a monetary donation? Every little bit helps. If you can help spread the word about Tanya, that would help tremendously, as well. And your prayers would be most welcome, too. Thank you all so much.

Here are the links to sites where you can learn more about Tanya and check out her shops, website, Facebook Fan Page, and blog:

Aardvark Silver

Aardvark Silver on Etsy
Aardvark Silver on Artfire
$9.00 Earrings on Etsy
Aardvark Silver blog
Aardvark Silver's Fan Page on Facebook

I'm a Fan of...

2010-01-08T08:54:00.000-08:00

Who's That Dog? is the name of Mara Casey's shop and website. Here's the small-world story of my choosing Mara's business to feature today: My husband, who my readers may know is an actor, has mentioned Mara to me over the years many times.

She is an actor-turned-casting-director-turned-entrepreneur that Brett worked with once many years ago and their paths have crossed several times.

I think Mara and I have even met once, although it's been years and I don't believe we actually had a conversation.

Last night while browsing Facebook my husband tells me he wants to show me something and he clicks on a link to show me Mara's website. I instantly messaged her and "fanned and friended" her after perusing her fun photo cards and decided to feature her today. She even lives in the same town as we do--what are the odds?!

Who's That Dog? is for the dog AND the doglover! For the dog in your family, Mara makes beautiful collars from recycled vintage leather belts--some hand dyed or hand painted. She will work with you to customize a collar, if you prefer, ensuring a one-of-a-kind item for your furry family member.

Mara is also an accomplished photographer and is available for portrait sessions with your dog(s). Some of her wonderful photos are used on greeting cards, some accompanied by fitting text.

I remember that when we were looking to get a dog several years ago that Mara had some leads for us, so between that and some other occasions that have brought her name to my attention, the one thing I knew about Mara (besides the actor-turned-casting-director part!) was that she was a dog lover.

Being one myself, I am pleased to see she has taken her interest and turned it into a business. I wish her much success with Who's That Dog? and hope that you will spread the word to all the animal and dog lovers you know!

You can see all of Mara's work on her website, on her Etsy shop, and on her Facebook Fan Page.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl, too!

Theme of the Day Thursday

2010-01-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

Arts and Crafts Business:

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Tuesday Meet and Greet

2010-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

It's a new year and I am back on my blog schedule (although this year I am going to be a little more relaxed about keeping it, having tired of the stress when my life and my blog conflict!), and I am happy to be doing another Tuesday Meet and Greet of my wonderful and talented blog followers. I am grateful for all of my followers and this is my way of saying thank you. For my followers who do not have blogs or websites or shops to promote or any information that I can find online to share with my readers: I appreciate you just as much and hope you will forgive my inadequate research if there is something to be found that I just have not been able to discover.

Feyza is a busy lady! Three Etsy shops and two blogs, this textile designer from Paris must be very efficient! (A quality I SO admire and envy!) Preferring to work with 100% cotton and linen (although there are a few items that are outside of this fabric preference), her handmade bags, wallets, capes, pillows, pouches, coasters, and more are beautiful and functional, as are the tabs and labels she sells in one of her shops! Ikabags, MadameHoux and HobbyTime are her Etsy shops and Feyza's blogs are Handmade by Madame Houx and Madame Houx. Please take a look at her shops and blogs and bookmark and favorite them for future browsing!

Jill, who is a resident of the Philadelphia suburbs, but who considers Virginia and North Carolina home, is a long-time crafter. Introduced to sewing in high school, it didn't really "stick" until college and she has been sewing ever since for other people until their encouragement prompted her to open her Etsy shop, Sew Beans. (That sounds like a familiar story! :-)) Her beautiful items range from baby items to wine bags and fabric pottery---one of which I have featured in another blog post! You can follow her blog, Where is My Rotary Cutter and learn more about Jill and her life and activities and follow her on Twitter, too!!

I Like You World! is based in Melbourne, Australia. An online store AND a brick and mortar store, I Like You scours the world for "the best handmade dresses, pocket watch necklaces and 2nd hand Camper & Melissa Shoes to showcase". There clothes are for "real people, real body shapes, and real clothing sizes", but I spied some really cute shoes and jewelry in their online store, as well! You can visit their blog and follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Thank you all, again, and for those of you reading this that are not following Made by SwirlyGirl officially, I appreciate your stopping by! If you would like to be featured in a Tuesday Meet and Greet, hit the Follow button and I'll catch up with you soon!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Moody Monday

2010-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

Optimistic:

A New Day by koniver

Lift Off by kdphotos

UP by GemmaBeads

Soaring Magnificent Wonder by ccvalenzo

Soaring by bomobob

Soar Necklace by AoDesigns

Soaring Gull by CountryDreaming

Happy New Year from Made by SwirlyGirl! I hope that your year is starting out optimistically, too!

Once in a Blue Moon

2009-12-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

"That only happens once in a blue moon." My mother was always fond of saying that and until I was an adult, I never really understood where the expression came from, but did understand that whatever was being discussed was a rarity. A "blue moon" isn't as rare as I might have thought, actually, occurring roughly once every 2 and a half years when a full moon occurs twice within a month. But to have this occurrence coincide with such an auspicious occasion as a New Year is a bit rarer, the last one having occurred in 1990, with the next one being in 2028. I for one, am happy to see this harbinger as a symbol of the rare and special opportunities that will be presented us in the coming year, which also happens to be the start of a new decade. I choose to believe that---although we make our own luck---the universe is aligned to facilitate the flow of our choices. Greasing the tracks, so to speak!

I don't know about you, but 2009 has been very interesting for me and my family. Many new things were started and our world seemed to get much smaller as we became involved (okay, addicted) with Facebook, and then I also became occupied with Twitter, blogs, shops, galleries, online groups, and lots of other internet diversions. My computer usage increased by leaps and bounds and I found a myriad of ways to postpone less desirable pastimes and in some instances even neglected certain obligations. It's been fun---and also wearisome.

Each year many of us strive to change our ways as a new year begins. Most years I make generalities and don't try to fool myself into believing that I will actually change any of my habits. ('I'm going to eat better in the New Year', 'I'm going to get more exercise this year', 'I'm going to balance my daily life better'...) This year, however, along with some more general "I'll do better" goals, I am setting this goal: to limit my computer time to 2 hours a day---that includes emails, Facebook, Twitter, research for my business, blogging, posting new listings, etc. It'll be tough, because I really have a difficult time walking away from this 'world at my fingertips', but I really must actually DO stuff this year! And since the universe has greased the tracks for me, I'm thinking: maybe I'll even attempt to DO some things that I only consider once in a blue moon!

Wishing everyone a very safe, healthy, abundant, exciting, and Happy New Year!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl for unique and beautiful note cards and photo art!

Playing for Change

2009-12-22T22:09:00.000-08:00

To my blog followers, I must apologize if you have been checking in daily and finding the same old thing every day with scant updates. Like many, I've been so involved in holiday preparations, festivities, and visits, that I've neglected this part of my daily routine. I will be returning to my regular schedule of 5 to 6 blogs per week shortly after the New Year, but until then, I believe I will be too occupied with LIFE to blog very much.

I had a minute to breathe this evening, as I sit here with a glass of eggnog (yum!) in front of my computer watching a variety of videos that have found their way to me and thinking about how much I enjoy my life. I am so fortunate to have family and friends that are the salt of the earth and a life filled with love and art and kindnesses. I have a husband that couldn't be more perfect for me and two incredible daughters that teach us as much as we teach them. Sure, there are things in my life that I wouldn't mind changing, but they are being changed as I write and in the meantime I'll just be grateful for all of the good in my life and work on trying to make sure that those that I care deeply about know that I do.

Inspiration can come from many places and from inspiration comes motivation and then creation and from there, appreciation. In the spirit of the holidays---ALL of the winter holidays that we celebrate on this planet--I would like to share with you another video from "Playing for Change". Every time I watch one of their videos, I am inspired to pass on their message of peace. Their inspiration, motivation, and creations definitely earn my appreciation and I hope that this earns yours, too.

It is unlikely I will be posting another blog before December 26th, so until my next blog post, I'm sending you love, peace, and inspiration and a most wonderful rest of 2009! And for those of you who celebrate Christmas: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

A Nice Place to Visit...!

2009-12-18T22:06:00.000-08:00

Amazing Grace Techno - Computer Controlled Christmas Lights from Richard Holdman on Vimeo.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Moody Monday

2009-12-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Christmas Spirit:

Hand Painted Glass Ornament by schemata

Red Red Red Berry Christmas/Holiday Wreath by theferngate

Christmas Holiday Mix by SomethingSweetShoppe

JOY to the WORLD Christmas Banner Garland Sign by bekahjennings

Wild Bird Seed Christmas Ornament Gift Box for the Holidays by NatureFavors

1963 THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS Whitman Tell A Tale Book Illustrated by Winship by thelostrooms

Old Fashioned Christmas Candy by SeriouslyBeagle

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Hot Cocoa Mix by tetoncocoacompany

Winter Folk Art Ice Skaters Christmas Fun Whimsical Painting by reniebritenbucher

That's the Real Santa 11 x 14 print by PrintsOfPeace

Gingerbread Man Holiday Christmas Traditional Red and Green Stocking by boutiquenutmegdesign

Christmas Card-Window Shopping by DreamGallery

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy

Artful Coasters Make Great Gifts!

2009-12-10T09:17:00.000-08:00

If you still have more holiday shopping to do, consider some beautiful ceramic coasters from Made by SwirlyGirl's Etsy shop. I am proud to offer these coaster sets which are collaborations between Made by SwirlyGirl and Bill Fantini of House of Six Cats!

The art of the Artistic Coaster has been perfected! With recent upgrades and modifications to Bill's manufacturing processes, you can now add some serious style to your table with these ceramic art coasters! All images are printed with an Epson R2880 Exhibition quality printer, on a state of the art material that is water-proof, smudge-proof, and stain resistant! The material is also self adhesive so it creates a permanent bond with the tile, and this means there is virtually no transitional lip from print to tile!

Each tile measures 4.25” x 4.25" and is backed with black foam that insures against table abrasion and sliding. Alternatively, these tiles can also be used as back-splashes in the kitchen or bathroom.

These are great gift ideas for your friends or family, and make a perfect housewarming present! And for these items, shipping is FREE! But order soon!!

Custom cards from Made by SwirlyGirl are available only through Friday, so if you're thinking about sending some very unique holiday greetings this year, order soon! Other holiday card sets will be available through the middle of next week.

Hope you are enjoying this beautiful season!

"Bubble Over" with Made by SwirlyGirl

2009-12-08T10:17:00.000-08:00

Still looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone---perhaps even for yourself? Pop over to Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble and check out the photo art! You might find the perfect thing for that wall that has been screaming for a little attention.

These images are available in a variety of sizes, as well as on blank cards.

Made by SwirlyGirl on RedBubble.

Not Much Time Left...

2009-12-06T11:26:00.001-08:00

Go to Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy for more ideas!

Getting to Know Jen Kiaba of Jen Kiaba Photography

2009-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Jen Kiaba, of Jen Kiaba Photography, is a photographer from New York that I've become acquainted with online through a group that we both were involved with as well as through her blog and Facebook posts. Her fine art, of which I became aware before her commercial work, is alluring in its romanticism and drama. She frequently stands in as the subject in her photos and her photogenic beauty makes one wonder why she hasn't done more in front of the camera! What is clear, however, is that Jen has a style unlike any other I've seen and that whether it is in front of or behinda camera, she's chosen the right medium. Enjoy Made by SwirlyGirl's interview with Jen Kiaba!


MBSG: Please share with us your name, the name of your
business, where you are located, and how long you have been
in business.  

JK: My name is Jen Barry. If you were to Google me, you would
never find me in the wash of women with the same name. So I
go by my first and middle name: Jen Kiaba. My business is
eponymously called "Jen Kiaba Photography." I have been 
working as a photographer since 2006, but I only recently
became serious about being a business woman this past year.



MBSG: What was your path to where you are now? Do you work
at another job at the same time, and if so, what?

JK: My path to this point was a little winding. Previous to 2006
I was pursuing a career as an actress and a makeup artist. In
2005 I went to have my headshots done by a photographer
named David Morris Cunningham. We became instantaneous
friends and through him I developed an intense interest in
photography. I went back to school and began taking photography
classes. One evening I was in rehearsal for "A Streetcar Named
Desire" and was taking some photos for a school assignment.
The director offered me a job as the theater's house photographer
and all of a sudden the world kind of opened up with new possibilities
for me. These days I make all of my money on photography, whether
it is work I do for myself or freelance work or assisting other,
more established photographers.

MBSG: Do you have a space that is dedicated to your business?      

JK: Yes and no. I have an office and craft space dedicated to any
post processing I do or for the work in my Etsy shop. However
my studio is kind of mobile. I can convert my craft space into a
studio for a photoshoot. While the weather is good I prefer to
shoot outside. The area in which I live is amazing as a backdrop!
But I also have access to a great studio at the theater where I
work plus I have studio space available in Woodstock, which is
one of my favorite places in the world.

MBSG: What is a typical day for you?

JK: Well, right now I am also studying for a graduate degree,
so my days vary. But a typical day goes as follows:  
Wake up around 6ish to brew coffee. With a cup of coffee in hand,
I make my way upstairs to tempt my boyfriend into waking up. 
If I have class that day then I make it through class and then rush
home and log into Etsy. I answer any convos and emails I may have.
I update my Facebook Fan pages with any news (ie new products,
treasuries, contests or cool stuff I come across) which feeds directly
into Twitter. I usually have Tweet Deck up on another monitor
because I find that Tweeting has a pretty nice impact on traffic in
my shop. After that initial round of updates, I blog. My blog has
been a great place to share photography tips, works of other artists
and to just connect with a really awesome audience of readers. I also
have a newsletter that I have been *trying* to keep on top of. 
From there I study a bit about how to make improvements in my shop.
I like reading the Storque articles [on Etsy] and doing little things
everyday to improve my SEO. About once or twice a week I try to
explore new ideas in a photoshoot. Sometimes I come up with fun stuff,
other times I don't. Sometimes I will leave shoots for weeks at a time
and then revisit the photos and discover a diamond in the rough and
begin to work on it. By now it is probably anywhere from 5-7pm.
When my boyfriend comes home from work we spend some time together 
talking and cooking dinner together. If the next day is a shipping day,
then around 9pm I will begin to package any orders. All of a sudden
10pm rolls around. I might crawl into bed and read for a bit, or I may
pass out. =)



MBSG: What is your favorite part of the process of creating your
product?  

JK: I love every step of the way. Having a shop on Etsy is such a joy,
even when sales are slow. Coming up with new products and new
images is a such a joy for me. When people express appreciation or
desire for one of my products, it just makes me so happy. And I love
connecting with other artists. I have begun to collect the art from women
that I have been interviewing for a blog. This is all such a process of
discovery and I really love it all!


MBSG: Where can potential customers find you?



JK: My main website connects to all of the places you can find me: 
http://jenkiabaphotography.com There you will find a link to my blog
(http://jenkiaba.com), my twitter (http://twitter.com/jenkiaba),  my
commercial portfolio (click on "Images") or my Etsy shop
(http://jenkiabaphotography.etsy.com)


MBSG: What inspires you and why?

JK: I am inspired by the idea of a personal mythology. All of the
things that influence us to become who we are (experiences,
dreams, literature, film, music) fits into the creation of that
personal mythology. My personal work seems very non-literal
to a lot of people, because much of it is metaphor for certain feelings
or experiences in my life. When people can relate that to their own
lives, or even just derive pleasure in viewing my work, that is a very 
gratifying thing for me. And it, of course, plays back into that flow
of influence and mythology.



MBSG: If you weren't doing what you have chosen to do with your
creativity, what would you like to be doing?  

JK: I would probably still be performing. I still do on occasion, but not
to the same degree I was before. Previous to discovering photography
I was doing a lot of performance art, which was very gratifying in the
same way that photography is for me. But photography can be a much
more private performance, in a sense, and doesn't require an immediate
audience. That is appealing for me!  =)  

MBSG: In regards to your business, what is the most valuable piece of
wisdom given you and by whom?

JK: My friend David has always been a great source of wisdom.
We have coffee and work together about once a week in Woodstock
to keep our heads on straight. The most important thing that I have
learned is to develop your own voice in terms of your work. Don't try to
imitate because someone else's work is good or successful. You have
to be true to what it is you are trying to convey with your work and hone
and develop that to it's highest potential.  

MBSG: How would you like to see your company grow and develop?

JK: I am going to be rolling out some new products after the Christmas
season that will incorporate my photography. But other than that I am
hoping that I can begin to make this business take off and become my
main source of income within the next year!

Click on the links and become a fan of Jen Kiaba Photography or 
Jen Kiaba Photography on Etsy! Be sure to become a blog follower, too!

Don't forget to check out Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and RedBubble!

My Favorite Etsy-Inspired Day

2009-12-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

My favorite type of morning starts out slowly, with me sitting at my laptop with a cup of delicious hot coffee and feeling warm and comfy in my pjs and slippers.

After eating my breakfast, writing my blog, answering emails, checking in on Facebook and Twitter, I begin to get myself ready for my day, beginning with a shower and moisturizing.

Dressing and putting on a cozy scarf and hat, I head out for a nice long walk with my dog.

After a brisk walk, I run a few errands, taking a sack with me so as not to have to bring more plastic bags home.

Returning from the market with some groceries for dinner, I've chosen a family favorite that requires little effort and cooks in one pot and ladles into big bowls. With a sourdough baguette, a side salad and a glass of wine (milk for the kids!), dinner will be complete.

I check my Etsy shop and find that several items from my shop have been purchased, which I then package and prepare to drop off at the post office.

Off I run to pick my daughters up from school, bringing snacks for the ride home. Stopping at the post office and then the library to choose a video to watch together, we head home for a cozy evening, eating dinner and then cuddling together on the couch under a soft blanket and eating a bowl of popcorn!

It was a simple day without much to check off my "to do" list, but it was a wonderful day, that ends with my husband in a delightful way! ;-)

Stop by Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy and on RedBubble!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-12-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

Order your holiday cards from Made by SwirlyGirl soon!

Let the Holiday Shopping Begin!!!

2009-11-30T08:59:00.000-08:00

Have you purchased your holiday cards yet? Consider a custom order from Made by SwirlyGirl! I'd be happy to take your JPEG image and create a unique and fun card that your friends and family will be sure to save instead of stick into the recycling bin when the holidays are over! I can create a faux painting or drawing from your photo, add clip art to make it more holiday themed, use word art to create a collage of the ideas that are meaningful to you, or create a photo collage kaleidoscope image from your photographs! Here are some examples of some custom work:

You can order your custom holiday cards with the inside blank to write your own message, or have a message printed--just let me know in a conversation when you place your order! For more ideas and information, visit Made by SwirlyGirl!

Tuesday Meet and Greet

2009-11-24T10:58:00.000-08:00

One thing I'm thankful for, as we count our blessings with Thanksgiving just a couple of days away, is that there are people who follow my blog. They don't all stop by on a daily basis--and that is okay! I know we all have a-zillion-and-one things to do in a day, and sometimes visiting the blogs that we like have to be put way down on the priority list! As you can see from my blog list, I follow many, however it is a rare day that I get to check out more than a few. However, I know that seeing those faces over in the side bar and reading the comments left under a blog post makes me feel that my efforts are being acknowledged and that I'm connected with many around the world that I have something in common with, even if we've never met in person. And I'm so grateful that I live in a time where that kind of connection is possible.

That said, I'd like to introduce you to 3 more of my followers and I hope that you will visit their shops and blogs, spreading the love around and making more connections around this virtual and real world!

Heather Kent is an artist from Long Beach, California who creates hand painted jewelry, dog portraits, and original art which she sells in her Etsy shop, Heather Kent. Her whimsical watercolors are colorful, fun, and uniquely set in little frame charms. You can learn more about her and see her process on her blog, Art by Heather Kent.

Linnea Tobias, from Arcata, California, uses watercolors and acrylics to express her love of patterns, textures and colors that have been influenced by "textile design, the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, optical illusions, and the changing of the seasons." Linnea's art can be admired (and bought) in her Etsy shop, Linnea Tobias, and her blog (of the same name), can keep you informed as to what she's doing, while you delight in the colorful artwork she's produced in the side bar.

Audree is an interior designer and illustrator from Bankok, Thailand. Her yummy-looking colorful images can be purchased from two different Etsy shops: audreeart and decorartist. Her blog, Decorartist, shows a wide range of her work, which she prints on Mulberry paper, or emails to the purchaser to print on their medium of choice. You can also browse through Audree's Flickr photostream!

A big thank you to ALL of my followers, and if you are not one yet, I hope that you hit the "follow this blog" button and eventually, I will feature you, as well, if you have any links that I can discover to share with my readers!

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Etsy!

Moody Monday Gift Ideas

2009-11-23T00:00:00.000-08:00

I am feeling particularly grateful to be able to do what I love. Here are some Etsy gift ideas that say it perfectly!

Don't forget to find out what's new in Made by SwirlyGirl's Etsy shop!

Stand by Me

2009-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine on Facebook posted this yesterday and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to share it with my blog readers today. I found this rendition of "Stand by Me" very moving and I hope that you do, as well.

Visit Made by SwirlyGirl on Red Bubble!

Friday Fun Finds

2009-11-19T21:20:00.000-08:00

While you are thinking of the perfect gifts to buy your family and friends for the holidays, browse the shop homes of these whimsical choices!

left to right, top to bottom:
igotcooties
polarity
bellajewelsll
birdlandcreations
melissamemandesigns
TheHouseofMouse
roiaobrien
ara133photography

And don't forget to check out Made by SwirlyGirl, too!