UNik Creations by Sara Aviva and Many Buttons

Bags, earrings, necklaces, pedants, it's all there, at UNik Creations. In this shop you can find tons of fun items that will add a little bit of fun to your everyday life. Her items are unique, one of a kind and are made from reused/recycled materials.

I have Diamond for your Pennies earrings myself and they are adorable. It's a shame I can't wear them myself, but I'm sure my friend will love them just as much.

Unfortunately this shop doesn't have enough sales to judge customer service by feedback, but from my personal experience, customer service is great. I got my earrings very fast and they came in a handmade box that I fell in love with. Policies are well written and are easy to understand, so there shouldn't be any problems there.

And this is a video where I'm talking about this wonderful shop. Enjoy :)

Rouge and Whimsy

Rouge and Whimsy is a good place to find handmade hair accessories. I got yellow headband myself and Love it. It only took a few days to get here and shipping was very reasonable. No damages, no problems, all was very nice and smooth. Headband itself looks great, feels great and is very comfortable. I often had problems with headbands being too tight or too lose, this one fits perfectly.

I have little cousins who love cute hair accessories, I bet they aren't the only once. I can definitely see all the girls in school turning green with envy if my cousin was to wear one.

All in all, great headbands for both kids and kids at heart. Girls, go get them.

And for your viewing pleasure, a YouTube video of me wearing and talking more about it. Well, I'm talking about it at the end of the video at least lol.

Last but not least, This seller has 100% positive feedback and policies are very reasonable and easy to understand. Great seller, great crafts woman, great hair accessories.

Melody Milleker from Inky Strings and Recycled Goods

I ran into Inky Strings and simply couldn't not share it. It's so unusual and cute, so unique. I love finding such great artists with all these cool items in their shops. These earrings are made from paint swatches. Who would've thought of using it to make jewelry? This isn't all there is though, there are some felted key chains and last but not least watercolor and ink paintings. Those paintings/drawing are actually my favorite items in the shop, she has such interesting, style. Well, what am I telling you all this for, you can go to Inky Strings and see it for yourself.

What I do want to tell you about is that this seller is keeping her shop in good condition. All the policies are filled and they look really good. It's always good to know that if an item is defective I can return it or have it fixed. There are also some good deals you can find on Melody's tumbler. Since it's a new shop, there isn't much as far as feedback goes, but there is a coupon code for free shipping for the first 10 customers, so if you want to use it, hurry.

Wedding Invitations and Mind Blowing 3d Art

Do you need wedding invitations? This is the season. I was just directed to this site with many different wedding invitation designs and found these lovely creations. Aren't they increadable? The beautiful 3d design makes it really stand out and gives it a magical, romantic feel. I am honestly in love with it. It's a shame I'm not planning a wedding, I would definitely pick these invitations. This invitation is created by Taviori. If you wish you can also visit her site and find more of her 3d creations. It's mind-blowing as far as I see it. This is exactly why I love artistic community, you get to see so many talented people and so many wonderful pieces of art

Working Together

'Working Togather' by ArmadaVolya

Items from members of teams who work together to help one another

Original Abstract Drawing wi... hypnoteyezed $17.00	Cottage Fancy - Fabric Cover... veryprettythin... $14.00
Crocheted Extra Long Fire En... StitchKnit $17.00	Customizable Reversible Hemp... ZimikasTreasur... $3.00
Strawberry Fields - Locket N... LoveMontreal $22.00	Blue Crystal Earrings DazzlingAdornm... $12.00
Balance Good & Evil 6x6 Prin... ddfoto $28.00	Blackberry Pepper Jam - Like... dasweetzpot $7.95
Your Custom Monster Portrait... UnnervingNight... $80.00	Beach and the Palm Tree. 9x1... ArmadaVolya $150.00
Margarita Shower Invitation LJLDESIGNSSTAT... $25.00	green and cream striped slee... Faerieladyclot... $100.00
Purple Butterflies klmram $5.00	Vintage Recycled Ice Cream R... adnagam $10.00
Black and White Flocked Clut... sewnanacreatio... $26.00	Personalized Wine 8x10 Inch ... nameyourwishim... $34.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio. 

These are items from some of the members of etsy teams dedicated to working together. I hope you'll like these beautiful choices.

Ecem Duman from Pilumunus and Handmade Jewelry

Every now and again I run into incredible items on etsy and get shocked at the price. These accessories in Pilumunus shop are a good example of it. They are so cheap, it's hard not to buy them. The shipping is cheap as well btw even though this seller is from Turkey. I can only look at this necklace and think how many long hours it took to create something this beautiful. I have worked with beads myself and know how long is takes to create even a fraction of something like this. What is even more surprising is that she hasn't sold anything yet. It's sad really, but at this price, I don't see why people aren't grabbing these necklaces left and right. I mean, honestly, $25 for something like this? Ok, with shipping it's $30, still, it's nothing.

I really enjoy these items and can only imagine what other goodies she can make. I personally would like to see some bridal items from her, I think she'd be able to make some good once.

Sooooo... yeah, give her a chance guys, I think she is great and deserves a sale or two.

Top hats From Mad Little Hatter

Do you want to get the party started? These little hats from Mad Little Hatter are absolutely perfect for the costume parties. There are many fun styles that would fit just about any outfit and they are so adorable. To put it in the crazy cat lady's words, I want to have them all, with a cute little tops, and the cute little rims and the bows, I want a house full of and I want them of a rainbow..."

Seriously, these hats are adorable. They are also made from some recycled goodies, which makes them perfect. These hats are also for some strange reason are very cheap... but that only makes it easier to have a house full of them doesn't it?

And the last but not least, this seller has 100% positive feedback, although she hasn't sold that many yet since she started selling them on etsy recently. She does have easy to understand policies as well. Oh, and if you didn't find a hat that would match your outfit, you can always ask for one to be designed specially for you.

Go Top Hats!!!

Rainbow Lollies and Jewelry.

Finally!!! I chose a picture of earrings to show you, these are from Rainbow Lollies etsy shop. Why, oh why did I do it, now I'll spend all night crying over how I can't wear them (my piercings healed because I didn't wear earrings for too long). I love everything unique, unusual. Things you wouldn't see anyone else wearing. Things that don't even looks anything like something everyone else has. This is exactly why I am featuring these earrings form Rainbow Lollies. I have never seen earrings like these. They look very neat, and classic. I think these specific earrings would go really well with something formal. Not too flashy, but with taste and style. Imagine a meeting at work, and you need to look good, but professional. You are wearing pastel, pink or beige perhaps, and these sweet little guys. Wouldn't it look perfect together? These aren't the only style earrings in this shop, there are fun looking once, with dinosaurs and angels, but these caught my eye because they are so refreshing, classic and at the same time unusual.

How can I not tell you about why you should feel safe shopping in this shop? I can't. This seller has 100% positive feedback, is very pleasant, all the policies are very clear. She is opened to custom orders or just a good old chat. Feel free to send her a message if you have any questions and special requests.

Mona's Box & Bags

 Mona's Box and Bags is one of those etsy shops you want to come back to. The items are very colorful and skillfully made, the seller is pleasant, and all in all, shopping there as a treat. Boxes and bags aren't the only items in this shop however. You can find clothing and even jewelry there as well. I personally love all the items for kids. I asked Mona a few questions, and here is what she answered:

Why did you choose sewing as a creative outlet?
My mother was a seamstress so I learned to sew from her. When I was younger I wanted to be a fashion designer, and now I am a stay at home Mom and sewing is a perfect way to do something on the side with children at home.

 What fabric do you prefer to use?
My choices of fabric depend on what I am creating. When I make diaper bags or children's clothes I like to use something that is easy to sew and clean, with fun prints, so I like basic cotton and use interfacing and other thickening methods to make my bags really stable. I also get iron on vinyl for my wet bag, changing mats, and wipes clutches. When making bridesmaids clutches or other formal clutches I usually use satin or silk. Silk is probably my favorite when making metal frame clutches.


What colors/themes you like to work with?
I get teased because I am almost always wearing brown and turquoise, or brown and pink! As in my avatar photo. But I also love the bright colors from Amy Butler fabrics and have been using a lot of yellow recently. Though I think brown, and damask prints are my most commonly used themes that I work with.

What's your favorite item in your shop?
Currently, my favorite item in my shop would have to be the diaper bag gift set! It is a wonderful all inclusive set that makes expectant Moms giddy! Especially with the embroidered personalization.



A couple more things I wanted to mention about this shop is that it has a 100% positive feedback and store policies are very simple and easy to understand. You can also use coupon code monasbox15 and get 15% off your next purchase.

Collaborate and Grow

'Blasting Away' by ArmadaVolya

Working with others is always easier then on your own. This is a collection of items from Network Blast team where a group of highly dedicated sellers are helping one another by promoting each other.

Set of Four Bright Cheerful ... TheBlueLantern $8.00	Pink wire and black swarovsk... DazzlingAdornm... $12.00
5 Prints fo Letters of your ... ArmadaVolya $40.00	White Eyelet Petticoat/Skirt... StitchKnit $32.00
Burgundy Feather Masquerade ... deesdreammasks $25.00	Blackberry Pepper Jam - Like... dasweetzpot $7.95
Original Colored Pencil Abst... hypnoteyezed $13.00	Hopebasket Tea Towel - Hand ... veryprettythin... $12.00
Free Shipping Vintage Lot 4 ... gem6691 $25.00	HUGE Sesame Street inspired ... delightfulprin... $20.00
Stock the Bar Invitation LJLDESIGNSSTAT... $25.00	Your Custom Portrait as a Fa... UnnervingNight... $80.00
Birdy Birdcage 9 inch russia... vanrobmac $25.00	White Bells - Quartz Earring... AndreaFuentesD... $15.00
Blue Ocean 8x8x1 Mounted Pho... ddfoto $35.00	TeeLosophy 901: V-Neck Tank Sol9 $19.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Why would you want to promote others? Isn't it a competition? This is actually what I get asked all the time, and here is my answer. No, it's not really a competition and you need to promote others to help yourself as much as others. People love being promoted, honestly. And those who you promote will often promote you in exchange. As for competition, well, we all work in different styles and mediums. We have different taste and vision. No one will paint what I paint, no one will create what you create. Just because someone bought your painting doesn't mean that the same person will not buy mine. Just because someone likes your watercolor paintings doesn't mean he/she will like mine. We are all unique and because of it we really aren't competing for the same customers.

I didn't include some people in this treasury because they didn't fit in btw, but I will post about them in a near future to make up for it.

Jewelry from Beading Inspirations by Darla

Oh my, I don't remember it ever taking me so long to pick a photo I would like to use for a feature. This Jeweler has so many incredible pieces though, I just couldn't make up my mind. Beading Inspirations by Darla  is a wonderful shop on etsy where you can find beautiful and elegant jewelry. I am not impartial to beaded jewelry myself since it was one of the first crafts I got interested in and because it was the first one I learned on my own rather then being taught. I absolutely love seeing the wonderful items that can be created with all these tiny beads and how well people combine them. I guess this is why I picked this shop for the feature, I write about what I love, because I love writing about it. Beading takes skills and lots of patience. I was very surprised to find these beautiful necklaces so cheap to be honest. They are beautiful and took a lot of time to create. I really think it's worth a lot more. Oh, what am I telling you this for, I'm sure you can see it yourself. Do you see it?

That's it, I can't look at it anymore, I have to stop or I'll spend all my money on it. On the other hand... I do know the password to my husbands paypal account...

As always, this seller is very pleasant. Policies are very clear cut and fair. Feedback for the shop is 100%. All in all a perfect place to shop.

Greeting cards by Ryan and Breia Mallett from Brush And Mallett

Greeting cards and wedding invitations are always in demand, add a little bit of humor and artistic talent to it and it's a gem. I often see greeting cards on etsy, but there is one problem I keep on having with them, artwork. As an artist myself, I can't in all consciousness  give someone a card where an illustration looks a step above stick figure. The card itself might be really sweet or very funny, but the artwork itself is far from good. When I ran into Brush And Mallett shop, the artwork and the humor, both, captured my attention. The art was great, especially on those sweet, romantic wedding invitations. So, yes... I got exited and decided that you might like them as well...
Have I mentioned they are also eco-friendly? yep... that's right, my eco-mania is showing again. Can you blame me? These cards are not printed through some giant printer ether, they went through loving hands of their designers instead. Each card was cut, scored, fold, and corners clipped by hand. I remember in the good old days when I worked in Staples and our folding machine would break... oh the time it took to do it all by hand... And it's much more expensive to do as well since it's so time consuming. These cards haven't caught high price virus though, they are very cheap, only $3.50 each. For an eco-friendly, handmade card, and this price, it's a crime.

The minds behind these cards aren't only talented and have a funny bone, but they are also very nice and willing to work wit each and every buyer. Store policies are very easy to understand, and if you have any questions, you can always ask. Oh, and the shop also has 100% customer satisfaction.

Well, I'll go back to my own artwork before I procrastinate too much (yes, this is exactly what I am doing now) and you guys should really check out that giveaway I have going on...

Forgotten Fortune and Yummy Jewelry from Chellsea.

mmmm... ice cream. I can eat ice cream all day... now I can also wear it on my finger. If you don't like ice cream (what is wrong with you why wouldn't you like it?) there are other treats you can wear in Forgotten Treasures: burgers, cakes, donuts, cupcakes, you name it. Now just to show you how uncool my husband is, when I asked him what he thinks about ice cream ring he said "that's for fat people." I immediately retaliated by saying vegan ice cream made from coconut milk (my favorite) and raw cashew ice cream. Both perfectly healthy and much loved by your truly. As far as I can tell, that's chocolate coconut ice cream looking at me right now. Well... maybe not coconut... maybe polymer clay... Seriously though, these rings and earrings are so adorable, it makes me hungry.

Chellsea makes these yummy looking jewelry from polymer clay. There is something for every taste bud out there, so do stop by her shop and take a look. If you are on the diet, and don't want anything eadible looking, there are always polka dot bows and flags. It's inexpensive, so a little gift to yourself is always an option. 

To the sales part now... She is a very friendly seller with really easy policies. You can always send her a message is you have any questions. 100% customer satisfaction is there as well.

My Beloved Self. Because I Deserve It

I realized that Though I often talk about other artists, I don't really talk about myself much. I know it's kind of cool to be all mysterious, but I figured I'll tell you who I really am.

I was born in Ukraine in 1986, not long before Chernobyl accident. I got lucky, we went to the Middle East just a few days before the reactor melted, so I didn't get the huge dose of radiation like so many others. Naturally once my family learned about it, they had no desire to go back there. We were looking for better life, a better place and as a result ended up moving a lot. I lived in 6 countries and I don't even know if I can count how many towns and cities. US is actually the country where I wiled the longest, 8.5 years so far. Second place goes to Russia with 6 years.

Many people told me that I look Spanish (meaning South American), and even tried talking to me in Spanish. Didn't work all that well since I only speak Russian, Ukrainian and English. The reason I look Spanish is because of the mix of Russian, Tadzhik, Native American and a few other races in my blood. Tadzhik part is the main one to blame because the side of the family that is Native American looks more European by now. And don't even ask me how my Native American great grandma ended up in Kyrgyzstan, because I have no clue.

I wanted to be a shrink for a few years. Went to nursing school first with plans to go to medical school after. This was actually a good decision because by the end of nursing school I figured out it wasn't for me. I found art to be more healing. I was doing some kind of art or another my whole life without even realizing it. I actually thought I was bad at art for the most part. This was until I started taking pottery in college and realized that I can learn new skills very fast. Within just a few days I was able to make bottles on the potters wheel. All the little things I drew and painted started coming to mind, making me realize that although I might not be the best artist as far as realism goes (and as far as I'm concerned, the only way I'll ever be good enough in realism is if it looks like a photograph) I'm actually really good at abstract and surrealism. Most importantly my ability to learn fast allowed me to get better and better in no time. Looking at some of the "art" on displays in galleries I figured that I'm am actually rather good. Honestly, things that pass for art these days...

My journey through life and my own artistic path brought me to the stage in life where I spend 80 hours a week, sometimes more to create and promote. And a few more hours to convince my mum that I'm not just sitting home all day sleeping and that artists are actually making really good money and aren't all starving. I think the second part is harder then the first since my mum is even more stubborn than I am, and I'm really stubborn.

I'd like to add that my family made it very easy for me to choose my way in life (well, in a way, my mum still tries to make me go back to nursing school). Both my father and my mother are from well educated families that value knowledge. I had genetic advantage, since both my mother and my father are good at art and are very intelligent. Having thousands of books at my disposal and every encouragement to read them (my family had a huge private library) I learned to love good literature and was never intimidated by books. I consider myself a book addict who can easily buy 26 books in one day (I really needed to celebrate free comic book day). I only wish I had more time to read.

Now I live in Erie PA with my husband and two cats. Vincent (husband) is very supportive and helps me develop my skills. Cuteness (40lb cat filed with love from tail to ears) keeps me in line and reminds me to take frequent breaks from work to give him hugs. Monkey (crazy year old orange kitten with suicidal tendencies) gives me claw filled foot massages and reminds me to get fresh air by making me drag him back inside every time he walks on the wrong side of the rail around the balcony. 

I'll leave this self centered post on this note and will go read some blogs now.

Depth of Meaning Exhibition

Submissions for Depth of Meaning exhibition is due May, 25. Not much time to submit by mail, but they do take online submissions as well, so you have time to get in if you wish. Any medium except video are acceptable. Submission fee is $20. Views average on 55,000 per month. This juried exhibition is presented by Caladan Gallery. Art can be submitted on Caladan Gallery site.

Was that the shortest post I've ever made or what?

Edith and Lulu, the Button Jewels

Jewelry made from buttons is something I actually have never seen before. It's one of those things where you hit yourself in the head asking why you never though of it. Buttons are so versatile, there are so many looks and shapes of them. You can realistically make jewelry for absolutely anyone. Edith and Lulu has tons of beautiful necklaces and earrings for every woman out there. This is exactly why I love etsy so much, you can find things you will not find anywhere else. Just looking through items from different sellers gives me so much inspiration. All this stunning jewelry for insanely low prices, all there, on etsy. Oh how I love it. And yes, prices in this shop are very low, anyone can afford it, even in our economy.

Now the sad news, this shop is actually not going to be around much longer, the jeweler is going back to school and science classes can take way too much time. Believe I know, been there, done that. Now on the brighter side, because the shop is closing, everything is 40% off. If you like the idea of button jewelry, and who doesn't and would like to get some for yourself or loved once, this is the time and the place. Get it before it's too late.

This shop was up and running since 2008 and has great reputation. There is absolutely no way you will be disappointed if you buy from there. Policies are perfectly clear and easy.

Now a question I asked myself while typing the post: "why when posting jewelry I seem to always pick necklaces?" Is it because I don't wear earrings or am I just discriminating?

Karen Cooper and Handmade Bags

Have I ever mentioned I love handmade bags? I'm sure I did, but just in case... Handmade bags are the best. There are just so many great bags you can find when shopping handmade, the sky is the limit. I believe I also mentioned that I love everything recycled. Koop Designs combines both of these together. Karen Cooper uses a lot of items that have seen better days and turns them into something absolutely beautiful. How do you like a bag made from cowboy boots? It looks beautiful and there is no way you'll find half the town having the same exact bag. I feel a little bad for the rest of the items in this shop because as beautiful as they are, purses seem to be taking all the spot light. Well, at least that's what happened when I wondered in. Do check out the other items though, dresses made from pillow cases would be a good outfit for a hot summer day for example.

I don't know about you, but I keep on buying boots that at first seem like a good pair that fits well, but after I wear them for the first time they don't look as good to me anymore. I ended up having a few pairs that I know I will never wear again, being tortured once by each pair is more then enough. If you have the same problem or simply have a pair of boots that have seen better days, you can send them to Karen and get a beautiful bag out of it. Or you can just go to a second hand store and find boots you love but would never wear and send those. Or you can buy two pair of boots and have one turned into a bag so that you'd have a pair of boots that match your bag perfectly. Or you can get an already made bag from Karen and, she does have beautiful bags ready to be shipped after all.

I have one little problem with this shop, I must admit. Here we go... the prices are too low. I have seen mass produced bags with a couple more zeroes at the end of the price tag, I'm sure you did too. These guys are handmade, each of them was designed individually and you will not see the same bag anywhere else. It's worth so much more in my opinion. I would love to see handmade items of such good quality and design selling for at least as much as the Gucci that produces millions of bags with the same exact design. If you ask me, one of a kind or very limited edition bags that are also handmade are a lot more valuable. So, for all you ladies out there, and gentlemen who would like to make a lady happy, if you would like a bag that's worth thousands for a fraction of a price, this is the shop for you.

This shop is also a very safe place to shop. You will get a good customer service and since the policies are clear cut, you will not have a problem figuring out how to pay, when to expect it or how to return if it's not what you for some reason aren't happy with what you got.