New Jersey Love

Valentine's day is coming up quickly!

I decided to look through all my EtsyNJ team shops and show you some great picks for your Valentine!

If you are really on a budget, here's a lovely bracelet from madebymelissa.  Melissa is one of our leaders who spends lots of time helping the team. Be sure to look through her shop for lots of very affordable creations!

Of course we all need to buy Valentine's cards, check out this one from thepapercrown1.  Another great paper artist on out team is AJKArtistry.  She makes simply fabulous cards, but I think this is one of my favorites.

AbbieRoad has some wonderful artwork. This print is great for a guy or gal, or a loveless friend who could use a present just because they are great! Abbie is anoth of our team leaders and gives us all a lot of her love!

For more great finds from New Jersey go to etsy and use the term "etsynj team" to search!

Economic recovery

Times are tough. I've got afew ideas to help you get through and help with the recovery at the same time!

BUY HANDMADE- I've talked about this before. When you buy from an artist you keep the money here as well as support a real person. There are great places to find handmade goods like ETSY.COM  and ARTFIRE.COM.

EAT LOCALLY- Similar to above.  While the chain restaurants hire your neighbors, your money gets shipped off to the corporate HQ which is where? Eat at your corner diners and pubs.  The money will stay in your community.

SHOP CONSIGNMENT SHOPS- Similar to the above.  Your money stays in your community, often going to help a good cause.  You'll also save a bundle buying gently used goods.

PARK YOUR CAR- Walk, bike, take public transportation. Sure gas prices have dropped, but you can be certain they will rise again.  Plus, you'll be helping save the planet.

BUY YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER- Local newspapers are all under assault from economic forces.  Do you need your local news? Probably! Think of the advertising you rely upon, news on local issues, and don't forget the comics!

Meeting Crafty Friends

I've been very lucky to have met many new crafty friends from Etsy.  While meeting folks from New Jersey is only slightly challenging, trying to meet members of the JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team) has been more challenging, since we are spread over the globe.

Today I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the lovely Angelika from Vandiva and Vandivalicous.  We could have talked all day, but alas, I had  plane to catch. What was most interesting was the fact that although our backgrounds are totally different, we had many common threads running through our lives.

I have to also say that everyone I have met so far has been just terrific! I have been very pleased them all.

More shopping alternatives

Another great place to find handmade items is Artfire.com.

I've moved some of my items there.

If you have seen something at my Etsy shop, and can't find it, try looking at my Artfire shop

I listed these fun wine glass charms! and some other items, all handmade by me!

Thanksgiving weekend specials

My two teams on Etsy are having lots of specials this weekend to intice shoppers!

The Jet team is having another trivia hunt on Sunday and Monday.  Lots of our members are having sales this weekend. Search the tag "jetteam" to see all the wonderful creations by Jet team members. There are designs of all kinds!

You visit a list of shops to answer the questions and some one will win free jewelry!

here is Sunday's thread.

My EtsyNJ team is also having many sales. You can search the tag "etsynj team" to find lots of great items all made here in the Garden State!

You can also visit our blog to read all about the sales!

Great new gifts

I've added some new holiday gifts at Capital City Craft Studio. Hand made in USA! Glass hearts and stars, angels and snow people. Need something for that person who has everything? This is the place to find the unique and unusual!

Holiday gifts

I did most of my shopping at two craft shows. The first, the Handmade Faire, was on a stormy day. The poor folks who were outside had a rough day. Many Etsy craft people were selling their wares.

The second was in Point Pleasant at OM Baby. We all had a great time, even though some of did not sell very much. But I'm happy. Most every one is getting handmade gifts that were made here in the USA.

Hopefully, you will look for local artists when you shop on line. There are all kinds of craft shows on every weekend, it's not too difficult to find one!

How to get the presents you want!

First , I want to say that this year, more than ever, it's important to shop USA.  Keep the money you are spending here. When you buy handmade in USA, you are helping to support an artist! 

I can't take credit for this idea. It came from one of my fellow EtsyNJ crafters, and it's a fabulous suggestion!

One an account on Etsy.com for your spouse, so, friend or whomever is buying you lots of presents. Use the account to pick all the items that you love and put them in your favorites folder.

Then give the login information to the pther person so they can see what you want and buy it for you! It's just so easy and everyone will be happy at present opening time.

Happy shopping everyone!

Want jewelry? Jet Holiday Sale

Gift giving time will be here before you know it!  The Jet ( Jewelry on Etsy Team) is having their annual sale 10/26 to 11/8.  The many shops , each with their own style and collection, have their own specials.  Want jewelry?  This is where to buy it!  Shop early for the best selection, many items are one of a kind and will not be repeated. When you visit Etsy.com, search tags for "jhsjetteam" to find the  special sale items in all the shops.

Here are just a few of the lovely creations you can find at the Jet Holiday Sale- happy shopping!

More great NJ artists

One of the rocks of our NJ team is Beachchik.  I just love this t-shirt she has made for little ones... where's mine??????  Take a minute to visit her shop and read her profile.  There are fun creations with the world in mind!

Beachchik will be at our Etsy NJ holiday show at Om Baby in PT. Pleasant on November 8.  Come and bring money.  There will be lots of great creations by New Jersey crafters.

The Handmade Faire

This Saturday, October 25th, there is a great New Jersey craft fair in Medford, the Handmade Faire.  Follow the link and you can check out the nearly 100 crafters that will be participating.

One of the crafters and a wonderful EtsyNJ member is Shutterkate. She make a fabulous array of knit and crochet products.  I think this tie is truly unique !

More cool gifts!

Another great shop that will be at Etsy holiday fair at OM Baby on November 8 is Seahorse designs. A working mom, creating with yarns and other materials every spare moment of the day! I just love this eco-bag, hand crocheted in cotton- a sure winner for shopping!

Craft show soon!

I'm participating in a craft show on November 8th in Point Pleasant, New Jersey on Saturday November 8.  Many fine ETSY NJ team members will be selling their creations.

The first I will mention is carol's heART creations.  Carol makes scarves, jewelry and embellished clothing with interesting combinations of materials and an eye for the details.  I'm very fond of this tee!

Busy fingers

My grandmother was very important to me when when I was growing up.  She was born in 1903, and the lean times of the 20's and 30's made her very thrifty, and gave her a strong work ethic.

I've had very busy hands lately, filling my jewelry shop with many treats for your holiday shopping!

The Jet Holiday sale starts very soon , so please take a look and pick out your favorites!

New creations in glass

We've added a new artist at Capital City Craft Studio.  I've been seeing beautiful handcrafted products from Green Mountain Glass at trade shows, and decided it's time to offer them to you!

Please visit the New Items on our website to see them all!

Exposed!

One of the Jet team members, Vicki Diane Designs creates wonderful treasuries "exposed" with pictures of the artists

I'm in her latest! Can you pick me out from the lovely crowd?

Pink Posies

Today I found another New Jersey shop in ETSY, Little Pink Posies.

Just really adorable items for girls... especially girls who love pink! I can't even pick any favorites.. but the pendants are personalized and truly unique.

REd hot red!

I really can't describe these beads.  They are red... they are fuschia... they have AB ..  unfortunately the camera does not show it all!

But whe I saw them.. I had to buy them!  they are very special!

Check out the necklace!

Great graphic designs!

Today I am writing about a new Etsy find:  Grafikexpressions.  Beautiful designs, loving philosophy, caring through supporting some wonderful charities.

Great wedding, shower and  baby announcements:  here is just one example.  Custom orders are always welcome!

New Etsy Treasury

It was a busy week, and I've been absent.  here are some new earrings I created using some of the beads from our team swap.  It does not show very well in the photo, but the tube beads have a fiber-optic effect.

I was able to make a new treasury tonight.  I picked some great creations from members of the JET team, Jewelry on Etsy.  It's hard to pick only a few items to spotlight.  Everyone is just so darn creative.

You can see my picks here.