Raspberry Caramel Team Treasury

Sweet stuff from the team!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d1d07d854916d910d47658a/raspberry-caramel

Peace.......Please Team Treasury

We could all use a little peace in our lives--peaceful greetings from Team Bluegrass members!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d0d1d8c07306d919ae69c70/peaceplease?index=1

Our December Fun in Blue Giveaway!

We are excited to announce our Teambluegrass giveaway for this month! It's a very stylish wristlet/clutch created by Toni Johnson of Vernon Ave.

Fun In Blue. This wristlet/clutch has graphic whimsical flowers in aqua, grass green, cobalt and cornflower blue and a cotton lining in cornflower blue polka dots, This wristlet has hand embroidered edging in turquoise, and a large fabric covered button for emphasis. Soft but durable and large enough for all your goodies, small wallet, cosmetics, ipod and small enough to throw in a large tote or handbag.

Dimensions:
Width x Height: 9” x 5”
Strap: 6"
Exterior: 100% cotton
Interior: 100% cotton cornflower blue polka dots
Magnetic Snap
Metal grommet

Take Care:
Spot clean with a mild detergent.

Value $32

 
Here are the ways to enter!
1. Visit the Vernon Ave etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Toni's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Toni create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from Vernon Ave for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

This contest will end at midnight on Friday, December 31. Good luck to all!

Team Bluegrass Licorice and MarshmallowsTreasury

Great black and white items from a great team!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d001f7fa4c98eef448b7d2b/licorice-and-marshmallows

Team Bluegrass Holiday Green

More great TeamBluegrass shops!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cf455ad790d8eefd3230b4f/team-bluegrass-holiday-green?index=0

Team Bluegrass Black Friday Sales!

Come shop with Team Bluegrass all Thanksgiving weekend and save on wonderful, KY artisan gifts for everyone on your list!

Do Mosaics is holding a Black Friday sale beginning on Friday November 26 - through Wednesday December 15 offering 10 percent off all mosaic frames and Mosaic mirrors.

Glory Be Herbals’s Black Friday is on until December 24th. FREE Shipping on all orders over $20. Orders over $50 also receive a 10% discount.

SweetBriers has several sales through the weekend. The Black Friday Sale starts at midnight Thursday 11/25 and runs thru midnight Monday 11/29. The sale features 20% off alll crochet Cowls (custom order or ready to ship) & FREE shipping on all crochet Dishcloth sets

Cyber Monday Only
All Mary Jane Slipper Socks & Dread Tams (custom order and ready to ship) will be 10% off.

Personalized For You/HRStaley is offering FREE shipping on orders over $50.00 from Thanksgiving to Christmas.

SCPerkins and Cr8something is offering FREE shipping through December 17.

Sew Cute By Katie is offering FREE shipping on orders of $30 or more.

Elliot Soap Co. has 10% off Black Friday sale on all our soap bars, plus if you order 5 or more bars, you get FREE SHIPPING. This will happen from Thanksgiving thru Sunday night.

Additionally: We will be taking pre-orders for our soaps that are curing (but will be ready to ship by Christmas) for those who want dibs on our freshly made new scents (red currant & thyme, Pink, Christmas Wreath, etc.) These are not listed on Etsy just yet, but will be very soon. Pre-order-ers will receive the Black Friday Discount if ordered within the Black Friday window (Thanksgiving-Sunday)

The Artistic Touch is offering 10 percent off any purchase and FREE shipping through December 22.

Flutters And Mane is offering FREE shipping through December 22.

Whimsy Beading has 25% off during the Thanksgiving Weekend/Cyber Monday (starting midnight on Thursday 11-25 and lasting through midnight Tuesday 11-30). Charity items, and items in the “Supplies and Services” section are excluded.

FREE shipping if you purchase four (4) or more items, with shipping refunded through Paypal. All other shop coupons and discounts will be turned off during the sale.

Needles and Kims offers FREE US shipping from midnight on Thursday, November 25 and ends at midnight on Tuesday, November 30. In notes to seller write "Black Friday FREE US Shipping" and shipping fee will be refunded through PayPal.

Creative Eye Studio has 15% off all items with coupon code GIVETHANKS. Ends midnight eastern time on Cyber Monday, November 29.

Jessica's Boutique has a 10% sale now thru Monday. Coupon code BLACKFRIDAY. FREE shipping on orders of $30 or more from now until Christmas.

Giveaway Winners

The Grande Prize winner is Nicole from Ohio and our First Prize winner, also from Ohio is Crystal.  Congratulations, Ladies and you will have your packages very soon.

Thanks to everyone who entered.  It was fun reading about the handmade gifts you like and we even had a poem!

More talent from TeamBluegrass! "Sooo Sweet" Treasury

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cec3901c7f08eef9fbecc5f/sooooo-sweet

Equestrian Contest Winner

So many excellent TeamBluegrass shops participated in the 2010 Equestrian Challenge, and public voting  for the challenge has closed. I am pleased to announce that this extremely tight race ended in a photo finish!  Whimsy Beading's one of a kind Epona Shell & Swarovski Bib Necklace takes the win!

Congratulations go to Whimsy Beading for creating such elegant and interesting work, and thanks to all the other amazing TeamBluegrass shops that participated!  

Bluegrass Etsy Feature - Stocking Stuffers

The most Wonderful time of the year is coming up and holiday shopping is about to begin. Shop hand made this Holiday season. This feature has fun and unique stocking stuffers for everyone.

1.)Yummy Cupcakes Button - www.SweeterLemon.etsy.com
2.)Bib and Burp Cloth Set - www.Spoolofplenty.etsy.com
3.)Crochet Cotton Dishcloths - www.Sweetbriers.etsy.com
4.)Morning Latte Cold Process Kentucky Soap - www.elliottsoapco.etsy.com
5.)2011 Desk Calendar- www.SCPerkins.etsy.com
6.)Pink Skulls Key Fob - www.cowgirlrosie.etsy.com
7.)Little Man Neck Tie Onesie- www.thevelvetpatch.etsy.com
8.)baby blue tiny tile earrings- www.bybonnilu.etsy.com
9.)Size 5 to 6 Womens Mary Jane slippers- www.savvystitcher.etsy.com
10.)Eyeglass case, clutch- www.peanutbearys.etsy.com
11.)Zippered Pencil Case - www.Sewfriendzy.etsy.com
12.)Patterned Wood Bracelet - www.JulibeeKitsch.etsy.com
13.)Christian Cross Pendant- www.BlessedBe13.etsy.com
14.)Golf Towel- www.IrisInBloom.etsy.com
15.)The Office Fox- www.facesarefunny.etsy.com
16.)Bath Fizzy Varity Pack- www.UNIQUEKNACKS08.etsy.com
Happy shopping!!!!!

Team Treasury--Really Really Red!

More talent from the Team!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4ce31286dc688eefb3313f92/really-really-red

Our October Team Meeting & Demo

At our Bluegrass Etsy team meeting in October, we met at Heitzman's Bakery in Louisville. We had our business meeting and special guest Kelli Seltzer from All Things Louisville Online described her new site and how she could help team members with online sales. We concluded the meeting with a cardmaking and Cricut demonstration from Gail Walker of MissDaisyW and then a "destash" swap. Here are some photos from the meeting!


Kerri, Joey, Robin, Amanda, Gail

 

Gail explains the uses of the Cricut machine.

 

Amanda, Gail, Joey and Jackie

 

Toni, Amanda, Carolyn and Kelly do a little shopping and swapping!



Jackie, Joey, Kelly, Kim and Kelli

 

Gail demos her Cricut machine.



Gail and Joey

Be sure to mark your calendar for the 2nd annual holiday team meeting, luncheon and swap to be held on Saturday, December 11 at Brendan's in Louisville. It's a great time to pick up some last minute gifts that are handmade! Details to follow!

Ho! Ho! Ho! Team Treasury

A small sample of some of the fabulous creativity of Team Bluegrass! Many more team treasuries to come!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4cd9d24048778eef84345cba/ho-ho-ho-from-the-bluegrass-etsy-street?index=0

Our November Holiday Giveaway!

For November we are having our biggest giveaway ever!  We have two boxes full of items donated from the talented and generous members of the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team.  One Grande Prize winner will receive a Large Flat Rate Priority box and a First Prize winner will receive a smaller box.  Entries are open to the USA and Canada only.  We want the winners to have their boxes around Thanksgiving so the contest will end and the winners will be notified on November 22nd.

Items in the giveaway include:
Aromatherapy packs from Glory Be Herbals
Snowman earrings, cell phone charms and zipper pulls from Creative Eye Studio.
A pendant from Abbey Dog Art.
Sterling Silver Beaded earrings ( red and green wreath)  and beaded bookmarks from Whimsy Beading.
Pearl earrings from Anibur in neutral shades.
A holiday fabric floral wreath from Spool of Plenty, Needles and Kims and Wandering Whimsies.
Spools of thread from Spool of Plenty.
A felted brooch from Needles and Kims.
A set of four coasters from FORMD.
A KEYS key holder from Knob Creek Metal Arts.
Soap, perfume and perfume samples from JASaromatics in Amber Blush, Sandalwood, Love At First Sight.
Photographic greeting cards from MommieDawn spotlighting the natural beauty of Kentucky.
Christmas ornaments from Wandering Whimsies.  One is a plush Santa and is absolutely adorable.
A stained glass tree ornament and a set of screenprinted note cards from Faces Are Funny.
A key Fob from Cow Girl Rosie.
A clutch purse from Vernon Ave.
A bracelet from The Misfit dreamers.

Some of the items are pictured above.  We invite you to browse the shop links so you can see the quality of the items being given away and, of course, start your Holiday shopping.  The total value of all items in this giveaway is over $300!

To enter leave a comment telling us what handmade items you would like to receive as gifts.  You can also have extra entries by tweeting this giveaway, posting this giveaway to your blog, and by becoming a follower to this blog (don't forget to leave the link in your comments).  You can find hundreds more handmade items by searching "teambluegrass" on etsy.  Good Luck and Happy Holidays!

Happy Halloween from Bluegrass Etsy!

Happy Halloween!

We are excited to announce that our October giveaway winner is Daphne White. Congratulations Daphne and we hope you enjoy those spider earrings created by Asha. Thanks to Asha of The Misfit Dreamers for hosting our October giveaway.

By the way, if you haven't voted yet for the Equestrian challenge, please pick your favorite (see the previous blog post). Voting ends on November 5 at 12 noon eastern time.

Stay tuned for our November giveaway, coming soon!! This giveaway will be our biggest and best ever!!

Bluegrass Etsy Street Team Equestrian Challenge 2010

In celebration of the Alltech FEI Equestrian Games held at the Kentucky Horse Park this year, the Bluegrass Etsy Street Team held a team challenge for projects inspired by horses and the games' events.

Several amazingly talented and creative members of the team rose to the challenge, and the variety and scope of the entries is astonishing! A few of these gems have already sold!

Here are the entries:

World Equestrian Games Glycerin Soap

Upcycled Small Tan Felted Wool Purse With Horses OOAK

Epona - OOAK Shell and Swarovski Beaded Bib Necklace

Ghost Horses Leather and Satin Cuff

All About the Horse Crewneck

Crocheted Equestrian Riding Cap

Horse Locket

Embroidered Horse Racing Pigment Dyed SweatShirt

Sterling Silver Equestrian Necklace with Horse Head and Horseshoe

The most votes will pick the winner. The winning entry will recieve a badge graphic for use on their blog, shop, or various promotional materials.  The last day for voting is November 5th.  The winner will be announced on November 6th.

Our October - Halloween Giveaway!

It's time again for another great giveaway from the Bluegrass Etsy team!

The featured item this month is a pair of spider earrings, just in time for Halloween! Thanks to Asha of The Misfit Dreamers for the prize donation this month. 

These spooky yet stylish spider earrings are perfect for Halloween or everyday!

Dangly black spiders and fleur de lis are accented with grey Swarovski bicone crystals.
Valued at $18.

Love Halloween? Need a pair for yourself? Here are the ways to enter!

1. Visit The Misfit Dreamers etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Asha's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Asha create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from The Misfit Dreamers for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

So that we can send the prize before Halloween, this contest will end at midnight on Sunday, October 24th. Good luck to all!

Our September Winner is Announced!

We pulled a random number this week and are pleased to announce the winner of the set of handcrafted pumpkins. The prize goes to Chani of France. Congratulations Chani! Belinda will be in touch with you to work out the shipping details.

Thanks so much to all who entered! And watch for the October giveaway to be posted later this week, just in time for Halloween!

Special thanks to Belinda of Wandering Whimsies for hosting the September giveaway!

Kentucky Wildweeds-Goldenrod

Kentucky Wild Weeds

I’m back!!!!  In this issue I’ll be discussing our state flower-Goldenrod.  The genus name solidago comes from the latin word solide which means “to make whole”.  After the Boston Tea Party the colonists drank goldenrod tea and called it Liberty Tea.

Goldenrod tea is used as an antiseptic treatment for urinary tract infections, a gargle for sore throats or just a relaxing cup of tea.  The flowers can also be infused into an oil or ointment to disinfect and treat skin infections, and to relieve pain.

Some people blame this beautiful plant for their late Summer allergies but the real culprit is ragweed, which blooms at the same time.  The flowers of ragweed are not easily seen so our poor Goldenrod gets the blame.  It is possible to be allergic if you have allergies to any plant in the daisy family, but allergic reactions would result from direct contact with the plant, not airborne pollen.

Goldenrods are now in bloom so it’s time to gather flowers!

TeamBluegrass - Welcome New Team Members, September 2010 Edition

It's been an incredible last few months with TeamBluegrass! We've had so many fabulous new KY artisans join the team and we wanted to introduce everyone to the new members.

anibur - Amanda's Designs. Lovely beaded jewelry using semi precious stones, pearls and more. Anibur on Etsy

CircesHouse - Whitney and Paul create awesome silver work using gemstones and semi precious stones. CircesHouse on Etsy

ashleyduncan - Ashley creates wonderful wire wrapped rings and mandala earrings. AshleyDuncan on Etsy

kahori - Kerri is a very talented artist with an eye for kabuki and fantasy art. kahori01 on Etsy

needlesandkims - Kim makes fabulous needle felting items, from bags to brooches to bracelets and more! NeedlesAndKims on Etsy

knobcreekmetalarts - Eric and his partner are wizards with sheet metal! Just be careful who's around when you show off their "Happy Guy" wine holder. KnobCreekMetalArts on Etsy

scperkins - Sarah is an incredibly talented photographer with a flair for natural items. SCPerkins on Etsy

formd - Who knew concrete could be so fun and funky? Kyle did. Check out his shop full of modern accessories! Formd on Etsy

jorgensenstudio - Be careful how long you stay in Joanna's show full of amazing silver jewelry, or your checkbook may run away from fear. Jorgensenstudio on Etsy

hfgifts - Chelsea has a fresh, fun approach to jewelry and accessories. You could get a fun wine stopper to go with your Happy Guy wine stand! HFGifts on Etsy

fatrabbit1 - Robin has an eye for vintage flair, especially coats and hats. fatrabbit1 on Etsy

Welcome everyone to TeamBluegrass, and please forgive me if I left someone out by accident. I was distracted by all the wonderful things our team creates!

Kelly

Our September Giveaway-Just in Time for Fall

Here in the Louisville area we had a brief snap of cool weather and for a moment, it felt like fall! It was so welcome after the 90 degree temps we've had all summer. Thinking of cooler weather ahead, it's a great time to think about decorating for fall. And we have just the giveaway for you!

This month we are featuring the shop of Wandering Whimsies with creations by Belinda Johnston.

Belinda has graciously donated a set of large handcrafted country pumpkins. They will be perfect for Autumn and Halloween decorating!


"This set of large fabric pumpkins will look wonderful nestled atop your cupboard or sideboard with leaves and grubby pillar candles! Or as a table centerpiece, or along your mantle. They are the perfect touch for your Autumn decorating!

Each pumpkin is sewn from warm and natural quilt batting, painted a shade of harvest orange, coffee stained and baked dry in the oven.

The leaves are sewn from a variety of green plaid or check fabric with layers of batting and then coffee stained. (Shown with green checks). A single leaf is added to each pumpkin, along with rusty wire tendrils and a wood stem cut from a tree branch.

Each pumpkin has been sprinkled along the top with German glass glitter
--- just like the dew on the pumpkins in the fields.

Each pumpkin is approximately 5 1/2 - 7 inches in diameter and is unique from any other in the set."

The value of this giveaway is $24.95.

Wow, there is a lot of detail that goes into creating these special pumpkins. Need a set of your own? Here are the ways to enter!

1. Visit the WanderingWhimsies etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Belinda's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Belinda create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from Wandering Whimsies for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

This contest ends on September 30th. Good luck!

August Giveaway Winner is Named!

Congratulations to blogger A + M + S from California, our winner of the Miss Daisy W giveaway for the month of August. I know that Gail has contacted you about your prize. Congratulations on behalf of Miss Daisy W and the Bluegrass Etsy Team.

Our new giveaway for the month of September should be up tomorrow! Stay tuned!

Our August Giveaway - A Party Package!

We are so excited to announce our Bluegrass Etsy team giveaway for the month of August! This month we are giving away a fun "Party Package" courtesy of Gail Walker of MissDaisyW. Be sure to check out Gail's shop for cute ideas to customize any upcoming celebrations!


ONE DOZEN CUPCAKE WRAPPERS
These cupcake wrappers fit regular size cupcakes. Can be made in cardstock solid color(s) of your choice and printed scrapbooking paper to match your custom banner. Each one is designed and cut individually. You may choose to have the birthday person's name or have one made for each one of the guests! How cool would that be? Maximum number of letters is 8.


CELEBRATION BANNER
Circles measure approximately 5 1/2 inch each making the banner approximately 6' long. Choose any phrase with 17 circle limit. Choose your scrapbook print and cardstock colors. Great not only for birthdays, but fun for girl's night out, bunco, anniversary, wedding showers, baby showers, teen sleepovers! Whatever your celebration is, these are sure to be a hit!

This celebration prize package is valued at $35.

Here are the ways to enter:

1. Visit the MissDaisyW etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Gail's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Gail create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from MissDaisyW for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.


Our contest ends on August 31st, so hurry and get entered!

Colors of Fall

Hi everyone!!! This weeks feature is inspired by my favorite season. I just love Fall and all the colors and of course the cool weather. Each item featured has been handcrafted from a very talented Kentucky artist. Each week the theme will be different.
This weeks theme is Colors of Fall:

Links in order by slide show

Large Country Pumpkins: www.WanderingWhimsies.etsy.com

Autumn Chair 6x6:
www.TheUnderstory.etsy.com

Golden Butterfly necklace: www.TheArtisticTouch.etsy.com


Harvest Time SW Sock Yarn: www.sarabeedesigns.etsy.com

Long Chunky Scarf in Warm Earth Tones: www.pearlbuds.etsy.com

Handpainted Pumpkin Shirt, Fall: www.peanutbearys.etsy.com

Retro Orange/GreyTan Felted Wool Purse w/Embroidery: www.NeedlesAndKims.etsy.com

Set 10 Lampwork Beads Yellow Orange by Liz Martin SRA: www.mostlydetails.etsy.com

Lucky to Live in Kentucky - 10x15 - fine art photography - free shipping:
www.mommiedawn.etsy.com

Beaded Felted Wool Falling Leaves Cuff: www.cowgirlrosie.etsy.com

Bronze Shell Shaped Glass Pendant and Earrings : www.MelissaTrice.etsy.com

Cinnamon Orange All Natural Scented Vegan Laundry Detergent: www.MayleesGarden.etsy.com

Small sunrise ceramic vase: www.loriphillipsceramics.etsy.com

Bordeaux Crystal Earrings - Swarovski Crystal with Bali Grape and Leaves Capsz:
www.kzoretic.etsy.com

A Big Kitschy Golden Ring: www.BellaSmiles.etsy.com

Fall Inspirations kitchen towel and oven mitt set: www.Christensoncreations.etsy.com


Check back next week for the Weekly Blog feature. Have a wonderful Day :0)

Weekly Blog Feature- Every shade of Red

Hi everyone!!! I will be posting a weekly blog feature and Treasury that Features Bluegrass etsy Team members. Each item featured has been handcrafted from amazing Kentucky artist. Each week the theme will be different.
This weeks theme is Every shade of Red:

Links in order by slide show

Helen - Merino Lace Yarn 900 yards - Carnelian: www.LunabudKnits.etsy.com


Hometown Pride Necktie: www.facesarefunny.etsy.com


Seeing Spots - Adorable Red Polka Dot Lampwork Earrings
www.CreativeEyeStudio.etsy.com

Red bridge (notecard): www.scperkins.etsy.com

Pajarera BIRD HOUSE collage PAINTING LARGE ORIGINAL: www.Andreatdesigns.etsy.com

Blood Red Velvet - Velvet Quartz and Silver Seed Bead Bib Necklace:
www.WhimsyBeading.etsy.com

Custom Flowergirl Headband your choice of colors: www.gracieluv.etsy.com

San Francisco in Red: www.savvystitcher.etsy.com

A for Apple B for Bee C for Cozy: www.sweetbriers.etsy.com


Delicious Candy red Gemstone sterling silver bird charm Earring
www.Studio1980.etsy.com


Thick as a Brick - Mosaic Frame: www.domosaics.etsy.com

Candy Apple: www.3magpies.etsy.com

Red Leaf print: www.smackinart.etsy.com

Incredible Red Jasper Cocktail Ring: www.ThesePreciousThings.etsy.com


Whimsy in Red Print: www.memoir.etsy.com


Check back next week for the Weekly Blog feature. Have a wonderful Day :0)

June Winner Selected!

Congratulations to the winner of our June giveaway from FacesareFunny. Picked via random number, our winner is Kelli Lee from Birmingham, AL. Congratulations Kelli and enjoy the cute apron.

Watch for our next giveaway in August!

Feature Friday - Miss Daisy W

Today we feature paperarts and an interview with Gail Walker from Miss Daisy W (Creative Expressions).

How did you first hear about Etsy?

I first heard about Etsy when I was looking for a place to sell my handpainted items. I was a power seller on ebay for items which I purchased and resold but didn't like that venue for my handcrafted/handpainted items. I just started searching on google for a place to sell. Etsy seemed like a great place to be and I was right! Etsy is a fun place to buy and sell.


Tell us about a little about yourself and your favorite craft/art!

I am married with two grown daughters, the youngest just finished her first year of college. I am retired after having a daycare in my home for 22 years.

I love to paint! I have painted on everything from tissue boxes to vintage windows. My favorite painting is a beach scene. It is a very simple little painting; but it was definitely one of my "bucket list" things to do! I sat on the beach right after the sun came up and painted for hours! It was so peaceful.

I sell celebration banners on Etsy and I am having a blast doing it! Each banner is like I am celebrating life - birth of a baby, birthday, anniversaries. I love it when people write me after the party and tell me what a great time they had and how much everyone enjoyed the banner. Each banner is custom made, so each one is just a little bit different, which feeds my creative side.

During the Christmas season I sell handpainted ornaments which can be personalized. The ornaments are either wood or glass.


How did you get started as a designer or creating art/crafts?

I have been interested in crafts and painting since I was a child. I really got the bug when I was put in charge of our church's annual craft sale. I learned a lot that year about different crafts. That was when my oldest child was young. I put my creativity on hold for many years while I was raising my children, but now I am back!

What inspires you to create?

It comes from within. I feel driven to paint or create something almost everyday. When I don't create after a few days I start to feel empty inside.

How long have you been a member of Bluegrass Etsy and how did you hear about the team?

I was playing around on Etsy to see what was going on in the Etsy community and found the teams. The Bluegrass team sounded like the place for me! I have been a member for almost a year, but really just started being more involved in the last few months.

What is your favorite part about being on an Etsy team?

It's fun to be around people who are creative. I like to see what others are doing and get advice from them on how to make my shop better.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

Don't give up! Be true to yourself and your work. If you like it, someone else is sure to like it too.


Anything else you would like to add?

I enjoy being a seller on Etsy and I am glad I joined the team! The team meetings are fun and informative. I like that the meetings are really more like getting together with friends and not formal and boring. I have only made it to two meetings but have really learned a lot both times and had a great time!

********

Thanks for the interview Gail and we are so glad to have you on the team!

If you would like to be featured in an upcoming "Feature Friday" let us know in a comment below.

Bluegrass Etsy at Craft Fair in Shelbyville

Several Bluegrass Etsy team members recently set up at the Celebrating Life Through Art Craft Fair in Shelbyville, KY. Although it was hot, team members promoted their work, enjoyed the live music and enjoyed spending the day with other team members.

Metalsmithing artist Carolyn Mallin of Fanciful Expressions.



Handcrafted clutch purses & accessories from Toni Johnson of Vernon Ave.

Creative Eye Studio booth featuring jewelry and greeting cards.


Incredible beadweaving creations by Joey and Kelly Graves of Whimsy Beading.

Team members, show us your craft fair pictures! We'd like to see what everyone is doing this summer! Send them to Kim for a future blog post. Or leave a comment if you would like to be in an upcoming post.

Marching Ants Gardeners Apron Giveaway!

Our June giveaway is created and donated by Robin Wood of FacesAreFunny. Robin has screenprinted a cute apron that reminds us of summer picnics!

This little apron is the perfect size for your pruners, scissors and some twine plus your cell phone. I hand screen printed a small army of ants with black, water-based textile ink. It is machine washable in cold water and you know you'll get it dirty. I'd hang this to dry but it can be thrown in a regular dryer.


You certainly don't have to use it for gardening, it could also work at a craft fair for holding change, it could be used to hold your clothespins while you're hanging the wash out to dry in the summer sun or just wear it as a fashion statement.

One size fits most. Valued at $11.

Here are the ways to enter:

1. Visit the FacesAreFunny etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Robin's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Robin create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from FacesAreFunny for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.


Our contest ends on June 30 so hurry and get entered!

Congratulations to our April Winner!

Congratulations go out to JC of Malaysia. JC was our winner of the $20 vintage certificate from OldeThings. Carolyn will be in touch with you soon about your prize.

Thanks to all that entered and watch for our next team giveaway, coming soon!

Our Vintage April Giveaway!

We are excited to announce our team giveaway for April. It's a $20 gift certificate towards any purchase at Oldethings, a vintage etsy shop. Special thanks to Carolyn Campbell for sponsoring this month's giveaway.



Here are the ways to enter:

1. Visit the Oldethings etsy shop and leave a comment here about an item you would pick if you win the gift certificate. Or tell us about a vintage item that you would like to see in the Oldethings shop.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from Oldethings for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.


Our contest ends on May 1 so hurry and get entered!

March's Giveway Winner!

Angus couldn't be with us to help pick the winner this time, so we turned to Random.org to help us choose a winner for the March Bluegrass Etsy Team giveaway.

The winner of the giveaway is Victoria Romero! Congratulations, Victoria! We will be in email contact with you very soon to get all your details.

Thank you to everyone for the wonderful comments, and don't forget to check out our April Giveaway, coming soon!

Call for KY Artists - Deadline is March 26

I know we have lots of talented artisans in Kentucky. Some of you may be interested in this!

Open call to artists for Governor's Derby Exhibition -

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On behalf of Gov. Steve Beshear and First Lady Jane Beshear, the Kentucky Arts Council is coordinating the selection and installation of an exhibition of visual arts to be on display in the Capitol April 26 – May 10, 2010, in conjunction with the Governor's Derby Celebration activities.

All Kentucky artists are invited to submit digital images of original, two-dimensional work with an equine or spring theme; other Kentucky representations will also be considered. The deadline for submission is March 26, 2010.

To request a prospectus, timeline, guidelines and entry form, e-mail Melissa Nesselrode at melissa.nesselrode@ky.gov.

Announcing Our March Giveaway!

Special thanks to team member Kellibeans for hosting our February giveaway. Our lucky winner was Jama Watts of ThesePreciousThings. Congrats to our winner!

We have another wonderful giveaway lined up for the month of March! This beautiful necklace was created by the husband and wife team of Kelly and Joey Graves, also known as WhimsyBeading.


Created with our fantastic team member Paulena in mind, Paulena's Pearls are great for those who love to sport the red, white and blue all year long! This 18" necklace is made with 8mm white glass pearls and 4mm Swarovski crystals in brilliant Siam Ruby and Cobalt, with sterling silver findings.

The value of this giveaway is $25.00.You can see more creations from WhimsyBeading at their etsy shop.

Note:

"Whimsy Beading is donating 50% of the proceeds from the first three sales in March to Cheyenne Wright, the fantastic colorist for Girl Genius (www.girlgeniusonline.com), to help offset the costs of his medical bills. After that, 20% of the proceeds from our sales in March will go to Cheyenne."

How to Enter:

1. Visit the Whimsy Beading etsy shop and leave a comment here about an item you like or ask a question of Kelly and Joey. (one chance to win)

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from WhimsyBeading for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

Kelly and Joey will draw a random winner on Wednesday, March 31. Stay tuned and good luck!