Team Business Cards..Still Here! Come and get 'em!

The Bluegrass Etsy Street Team was awarded a team grant for business cards. They have arrived and they look great! Several members received their cards at the team meeting in Frankfort. We will be mailing team cards out to team members. Contact VernonAve/Toni and send a convo on Etsy, message on Facebook, or leave a comment here. I will post some images in the next couple of days of the cards!

Feature Friday: Carrie Mayer of BlessedBe

Today's interview is with Carrie Mayer of BlessedBe. Carrie is a new member of our team and we are happy to have her with us!

How did you first hear about etsy?

My cousin started a shop on etsy several years ago, so she told me about it. I shopped etsy before I ever thought about selling on it.

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

I am so blessed! I have been married to my best friend for 13 years. We have 2 wonderful sons, age 7 and 4. I live in a small rural community in Northern Kentucky. I am a born again Christian, so my work reflects that. Since I have given my life to Christ, I feel lighter, if that is possible. He has taken on my burdens, so now I have more time to spend praising Him!

My favorite medium, right now, is beadwork. My mom took me to a local bead shop for a class and now I'm hooked! I also love clay and fabric. I love to make little stuffed monsters and felt food. It's rare for me to stick with one thing too long. Like most artistic people, I am always looking for new things to try!


How did you get started as a designer?

Last year, I purchased a glass tile pendant kit from a seller on etsy...I thought it looked like fun! I was taking a bible study class at my church and I was inspired to create jewelry about my faith. Folks at church started to ask for my pieces and, viola, BlessedBe's was born! My Christian jewelry has opened up doors to witness about our Lord and Savior, which is awesome!

What inspires you to create?

Everyday I ask God to lead me where He wants me to go. Being able to use my God-given talents to praise Him is a great thing!


How long have you been a member of Bluegrass etsy street team?

I have only been a member of BEST for several months, but my team members have been so helpful. Everyone is so friendly and willing to give advice. I am especially grateful to Libby for all the work she does for the team.

Any advice you would give to aspiring designers?

Do it because you love it, not to make money. I spend way more on etsy than I make, but that's okay. Also, join a team. Etsy and BEST have truly been a blessing to me.



Thanks Carrie for the interview! To see more of Carrie's Christian inspired jewelry, check out her etsy shop, BlessedBe. Carrie also has a blog if you would like to know more about her!

If you would are a team member and would like to be featured during the month of August, leave a comment below or contact Kim Ries.

January Giveaway! Win these earrings!

It’s time for another giveaway hosted by BEST! Each month a member of our talented team of Kentucky artists will donate an item for the contest. Entering is easy. All you have to do is visit the etsy shop of the participating artist for this month’s giveaway, then come back to this blog and leave a comment. How easy is that? We’ll select a winner at random on February 1 and announce it at this blog.

This month’s giveaway is a beautiful pair of earrings created by Kim Ries of Creative Eye Studio. They are created with golden shadow Swarovski crystal and are finished with sterling silver scrollwork bead caps. The earwires are also sterling silver. These earrings will enhance any outfit and are sure to get compliments!

These earrings are valued at $17. If you are not the winner of our drawing this month and would like to purchase a pair, or would like to see more of Kim’s designs, they are available in her etsy shop, Creative Eye Studio.

The winner of last month's giveaway of Whimsy by Mari's gorgeous earrings was Sara, of Savvy Stitcher. Congrats, Sara, and thanks to everyone who read and left comments!

and the winner is...

Daydream Art Studios, with 54% of the votes for this ornament:

Close runners up were MoMo's Bows and Whimsy by Mari, who tied for second with their beautiful ornaments!

The reader comment who won a $20 gift of BEST Bucks is Libby, from Aurora's Garden!

Congrats to everyone!!

Holiday Ornament Contest

All these ornaments have been handmade by members of Bluegrass Etsy, and are all available for sale in their shops! Shop our stores in the sidebar to find these and more great holiday gifts! Please vote for the ornament you like the best. Winner of the best ornament will recieve $20 in BEST Bucks and a month long spot on this blog. Also, after voting, leave a comment and be entered to win $20 in BEST Bucks, valid toward any purchase in participating Bluegrass Etsy shops. Happy Holidays!!