Terraterra and EmBound

I just had to show off these adorable Scrabble tile pendants made by Maybe Kinda Crafty, Etsy user name "terraterra". These pendants were produced using my art images and are fantastic ideas for stocking stuffers. Terraterra sells these necklaces at $7 each plus shipping, however, if you buy 3, you can choose a free one.

Here is a link to view necklaces made from my images: http://www.etsy.com/shop/terraterra/search?search_query=emboundart&search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5430443&shopname=terraterra

Thank you Terraterra for featuring my art in your jewelry!

In other news, My EmBoundArt shop is going to be debuting it's new necklaces too. They aren't scrabble tile pendants but a little bigger. I have 1 inch circle and square necklaces. I've been working on these for quite some time. I've considered using this pendant style to do custom art pieces as well as customer's submitted photos. My "goal" is to have these necklaces listed sometime this week. But with 3 kids, and a busy schedule I'm not going to hold myself to that.

This week has been productive. Last night I managed to FINALLY get a bunch of new gems listed. I have morganites, sapphires, tanzanites, alexandrites, zircon, and more. I've got many more items to list but the camera battery died so I'm off the hook for now. I also got quite a few custom paintings done (likely to be reveled in the next blog).

I'm excited to see what new items other Etsy sellers are putting out as the holiday season draws near. If you're a seller, feel free to post your shop and what's new in the comments. I'm looking for cute inexpensive gifts for my nieces and other family members if you would like to share some ideas with me.

Thanks to Carolyn Eddy

Today I had the privelege of meeting the lovely an talented artist, jewelry designer and author Carolyn Eddy at our local Gem Faire. We got to chatting about designs and our work and our passion for what we do as artists. I left her booth so encouraged as she was so full of tips. I just have to give her a plug for her workshop after seeing her beautiful designs.

http://www.gemfaire.com/workshops/index.html#Anchor-Wir-61769

Carolyn has 2 books out now on wire wrapping available at Amazon.com:

Lets Get Wrapped!: A Self Teaching Instruction Manual for Beginning Wire Artists
All Wrapped Up, A Tribute to 5 of America's Finest Wire Jewelry Artists

If anyone is wanting to learn wire wrapping this would be a great place to start.

Indulge with Sinami1 Products

I thought I'd share one of my favorite shower rituals with you. This comes from Etsy seller Sinami1's shop. No doubt there are MANY great Etsy sellers of quality bath and beauty products but store owner Silvia is one of my favorites.


I have GOT to recommend her Cranberry Sugar Scrub to you. If you think it looks good, wait until you smell it! It's sure to make your mouth water. It has a very sweet smell to it. I'm guilty of opening the jar just to get a smell. It isn't as soft (squishy) as some of the sugar scrubs out there but you'll find when you break off a bit, and rub it in your hands has a nice lather to it and leaves your skin feeling soft and smelling really nice. Check her listings for ingredients.

After my "cranberry" shower I treat myself to my Cranberry Silk and Satin Body Cream (Lemon-Lime is shown however Silvia can customize a fragrance for you). The body cream is just as nice as the sugar scrubs are and feel like silk on the skin. The body cream, while thick, is not heavy on the skin and will not leave a greasy feel. It absorbs very well leaving your skin smooth and soft.

Currently the sugar scrub can be purchased for $9.50 and the body cream for $14.50 plus shipping and handling. Silvia often offers promotions but even if she doesn't, there's always a free sample to look forward to in your order. Currently Sinami1 is doing a free lip balm with any $10 or more purchase. Her lip balms are great and my favorite is the Juicy Peach.

If you're looking for another great scent, my next very close favorite is the Kumquat.

Emma and Her Pillow Case Dress

And to the right we have the lovely little Miss Emma wearing a darling custom crafted pillow case dress by GirlieBows.

I just love the versatility of these dresses I've seen from photos. Some wear them as I have it on my daughter, or as shirts with jeans, or as a jumper with a long sleeved shirt or turtle neck underneath.

If you'd like to pick up one of these dresses, I was happy with the turn around time from this Etsy store considering it was made after I ordered it. There are quite a few patterns to choose from and the prices are reasonable at $25 (which includes shipping charges).

Please don't judge the dress just by the way it's on my daughter. I literally threw it on her and didn't straighten out the bows or anything. I wanted to keep her new dress clean for Easter.

EmBound is Having an Anniversary!!!

April will be one year since I opened my first Etsy store EmBound. I am celebrating this month by doing a great givaway featuring some of my favorite Etsy artists.

So here are the details, each purchase over $5 from my shop will qualify as an entry in the draing for a gift bag full of goodies. If you look at my items sold per month on average you'll see your chances probably aren't too bad of winning.

So, what do you get?

By OleBagLady:

Small Flannel gift bag with tag

By EmBound:

Blank note card made from my art

3 stickers of my art

.999 fine silver leaf charm

By LaurenAlexander:

3.5x5.5" signed art print
1 sticker of her art

Pin of her art

By Sinami1:

Strawberry lip balm

Milk, Honey & Oatmeal soap (nice sample size)

Lychee Red Tea bath bomb (sample size)

Business card refrigerator magnet

By MeAndMomsCrafts:

Crocheted facial scrubie

By PureMineralsSource:

Niceraguan Lemon body polish (sample size)

So there you have it! Special thanks to my featured shops for providing excellent products and service.

A Juggling Act

That's what it's felt like lately between my Etsy shops and taking care of my family. I have so much gemstone inventory I've been obsessed with getting things listed. Those of you who own Etsy shops know keeping a store is more than just making your craft; it takes TIME to list. I finally had to create a stopping point for myself tonight. It's nearly 1:30 in the morning and I suppose I should sleep soon.

I received my painting from Montri at PaintMyLove on Etsy and already have it framed and matted. There are some other paintings of his I'm dreaming of buying. I'm reluctant to share about her store because I want everything for myself (lol).

I still want to find some time to re-design some business cards and some note cards for my store. I'd like to do some shopping too for things to help me become more organized in my stores. I'll have to post a picture sometime of "before and after" pictures of my home "office".

My dear husband has been handling the deliveries of my packages to help me out with time as I've been bombarded with appointments for the kids.

It is all a juggling act but I'm still having fun doing some work between caring for my children.

Birthday Listings

I just celebrated my birthday. Is it me or is it normal to forget your exact age after 30? I actually questioned if I was a year older than I was. I had a great day. I had a clean home and my hubby took me out to dinner tonight and got a sitter for the kids. I received my order from Old Navy and everything fit. Wow, that's a first! I was all excited to wear my new teal colored dress. My oldest son who's 8 lost his first 4 bottom teeth today at the dentist. I think that was the highlight of my day.

After a lovely evening I managed to post 12 new paintings. http://emboundart.etsy.com/. I've sort of left my art store to sit while focusing on other things. I've been painting almost every night as I find it so relaxing. I'm waiting for my supplies still so I can begin wire wrapping pendants.


I just purchased a beautiful painting from an Etsy seller. Having lost my grandma a few months ago, this painting reminded me of what heaven might be if it had trees. I love nature and color as well. I was going to wait to talk about this painting until I receive it but am too excited. You can see the painting by going here: http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=19613466. Check out PaintMyLove's store for some more beautiful and affordable original art and prints. I'll post my painting once I receive it.

Princess Peaches in her Tutu

Just had to share these photos. They were taken a couple days ago after I got my tutu set from Etsy seller EllasMommy06. While my daughter was not too interested in being dolled up right after dinner (hence the messy greasy hair), but I was so eager to see her in it. I'm very happy with the quality of this set for the money! For the tutu, head band (the flower detaches for a plain barrette too), and foofy wand, it was $15 plus $5 shipping. Perfect for a Harvest Party or dress up!

2 Birthdays This Past Weekend!

My oldest son turned 8 and my youngest child, my daughter turned 1. So my poor middle child didn't feel left out, he became the honorary "birthday helper". He is 5 1/2. Below are my birthday kids. Emma is sporting her cork-screw bow from Etsy's own Hugs and Hiccups http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7426895:

I couldn't resist putting one of my first Etsy purchaces on her to go along with her hair bow. These ruffle bottom bloomers come from Chrissy's Creations http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5386013:

Here is a phot of my little birthday helper:

And below, our big ONE year old recieved a special painting made by Lauren Alexander http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41796:

Yes, it was a nice birthday. Thanks Etsy sellers!

These are a Few of My Favorite Things...

I've been a member of Etsy for less than 3 months but have done quite a bit of shopping! I thought I'd share some of my favorite stores and why I like them so much. Each of these Etsy sellers had great communication, customer service and quality work.

There are 2 handbag stores I just love. One is called JPleasant and can befound by visiting: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5142715 I saw a particular bag store owner Joyce had created for someone and just had to have one too. The cost of this bag was $37 plus shipping. When it arrived I was so surprized at the quality and detail for the price! It was obvious Joyce paid great attention to detail and as a result I anticipate my bag holding up for quite some time. This particular handbag has been a walking ad for her store. It looks so much better in person.

The other handbag store I would like to rave about is UniquelyDifferent and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5364163. Julia is the creator of these fun bags and she resides in London, England. While her store name sums up her bags, I should add, many of the fabrics she uses are out of print, therefore making them rare. I just adore the bag I got. The quality is excellent and Julia was more than accomadating when I considered a special request.

I've shared my adoration for art from LaurenAlexander already on my blog but I'd like to brag on her a bit once again. Her store can be found by going to http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=41796 I'm a sucker for freebies whether they be a sticker or a free print or any other kind of sample. Lauren takes such great care packaging her art for her buyers. Getting art from her feels like Christmas or birthday time. I found her art to be even more vibrant in person.

Since we all require soap on a regular basis (or should) I'd really like to recommend my favorite soap maker from SunBasilGarden and can be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5682856. The creator of these soaps is named Lauren and she uses top quality product. While many of the soap sellers on Etsy also use high quality ingredients, Lauren's soaps are beautiful too. They are very pleasently scented and leave my skin feeling clean but not dried out as many soaps do.

I've had many other wonderful Etsy shopping experiences. I look forward to writing short reviews on other Etsy artists again in the near future. Thank you to these sellers for the wonderful shopping experiences.

Lauren Alexander Art

Searching on Etsy for art for my daughter's room, I happened upon the most perfect prints! For those who didn't know, we are in the process of adopting our daughter Emma (the "Em" in EmBound). She is related biologically to one of our boys, also adopted. The particular prints and paintings that caught my eye were of 3 birds in a tree. In my mind's eye they represented my husband, me and our baby girl.

The painting above is entitled "Dream of Life" and it is painted by gifted artist Lauren Alexander, who, like me, also has a heart for special needs kids and foster care adoptions. Lauren was gracious enough to work with me so I could own the original painting. I also purchased some of her prints for my daughter's room.This set of prints is called, "What a Wonderful World."

This print is called, "Sugar Plum" and reminds me of my daughter with her brown hair and round face. If you are interested in Lauren's art, please visit her Etsy store http://www.laurenalexander.etsy.com/. You can also learn more about Lauren's work by visiting her blog http://laurenalexanderart.blogspot.com/.