November Earring Giveaway!

I've recently published a Facebook Fan Page, and to celebrate, I'm having an earring giveway!

Entering is easy:

1. Visit my Etsy shop and decide which earrings, valued $20.00 or less that you would love to win!

2. Become a fan of Pixe's Treasures, and leave a comment telling me which earrings you would love to win! You must leave this comment in order to be entered!

3. If you are already a Facebook Fan of Pixe's Treasures, just leave a comment telling me which earrings you would love to win!

Drawing to be held on December 1, 2009!

These are some of the examples of the pretty handcrafted earrings you could win!

Thanks for being a fan of Pixe's Treasures, and Good Luck!

A walk in the Park

Pennsylvania has some wonderful State Parks, and the state boasts that every resident in PA is within 30 miles of a state park, which by the way, are still open. The governor has been talking about closing state parks in order to make the budget work. I really think that would be a crying shame! Yes, I love my state parks, and strive to visit each and every one of them!

So, since today was such a gorgeous day, we decided to take the dog for a walk to a park we've never been to. Decided to go to Marsh Creek State Park, in Chester County, and what a beautiful place it is! I'm just going to share some pics!

Sailing on a Fall day!

A view of the lake

And this is the best one of all! I thought it would be really funny if I could get my dog to drink from a water bottle...She needed absolutely no encouragement!

So, that's my day in the Park!

Pixe's Newsletter, Sept. 2009

Pixe's News September, 2009

I love the month of September! When my son was younger, it was back to school, and peace and quiet for a few hours. Now, as I’m older, I look forward to the cooler fall weather, and the changing leaves! I find so much inspiration in fall...It is truly my favorite season!! Perhaps this fall, I will fill the gas tank, grab my sketchbook, a few pencils, and take a fall foliage drive!
What is it about September that you love?

Caring for your Handmade Jewelry, Part 2
Last month we discussed the general care of your handmade jewelry. This month, the topic is storing your handmade jewelry.
To keep your handcrafted jewelry looking new, storing your pieces properly is important. Always store your jewelry in a dry place. Leaving it in the bathroom will only cause it to tarnish quicker...This is fine if you like that look.
If your jewelry came in a plastic bag, store it there...it prevents tarnishing and will prevent scratching.
Storing is easy...just keep in a clean, dry spot, and your jewelry will look like new for years to come!


September Sales
This month, Pixe’s sale is going to be a bit different! Since September is my birthday month, I’m having a great big celebration the week of my birthday! See the calendar of events below for the special in person sales! I’ve been working hard to make lots of new pieces for this event!!

Newsletter readers can take advantage of an additional discount! Sept. 14-30, 2009, You can receive an additional 10% off your purchase online only, at Pixe’s Treasures, or at my Etsy site! You must use the coupon code PIXESNEWS to receive the discount. I will refund the discount via Paypal. Remember, you do not have to be signed up to Paypal to use a credit card with Paypal checkout!


Calendar of Events for September, 2009

Leesport Farmer’s Market: Every Wednesday. I can be found in
Building #1

~~Wed. Sept. 9, 2009: Leesport Farmer’s Market: Everything will be
30% off, except custom orders.

~~Sept. 11, 12, and 13: Hay Creek Festival open until 9a.m. to 5 p.m.
Everything will be 30% off, except custom jewelry
orders.

~~Sept. 26, 2009: “Harleys for Holly” sponsored by the Holly Heilman Cancer Fund at St. Benedict’s Picnic Grounds on Route 10.
I wou’t be there, however, a bracelet I’ve designed especially for their Chinese Auction will be!
Help support this local organization that assists families of cancer patients!

Share the love!! Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends, family, and coworkers! They too can take advantage of the sale prices!!

Wishing you all a wonderful, and safe month of September!
Mich

Pixe's Picks!

Welcome to today's Pixe's Picks! Today, I'm featuring Judy, owner of Cats Paw Artifacts , aka, catldy99.

How long have you been crafting, and how long at your current craft?

I've been crafting for the past 10 years or so, not always lampworking beads.

What is your inspiration?

Nature, fine art, my pets.

Tell us about your favorite item in your shop:

I like the tiddlywinks totems - I consider them my original idea with the birds, turtles and fish on top of other beads.

Tiddlywinks Totem Necklace

Where can we find you?

Blog: http://www.catldy99.wordpress.com/

Etsy: http://www.catldy99.etsy.com/

Ebay: http://stores.ebay.com/Cats-Paw-Artifacts

Twitter: http://twitter.com/catldy99

Pixe's Picks!

Judy designs some very pretty jewelry with her lampwork beads! My favorite piece of jewelry is the Lampwork Viola Choker. There are a lot of pretty beads and flowers on this! I think this is the perfect spring necklace!

Lampwork Viola Choker

And this is my favorite bead from Judy! I just love, love this lampwork Orchid Focal Bead! Orchids are some the prettiest, and most graceful flowers, and Judy captures this beautifully in her bead!

Ochid Focal Bead

Twirls and Swirls Winner

We have a winner of the Twirls and Swirls ring giveaway!

Congratulations to Andrea Creates for winning her very own ring!!

A great big thank you to everyone that entered!

Looking to the future, I hope to do more giveaways, featuring other artists!

Have a wonderful, and peaceful day!

Mich

Pixe's Ring giveaway!

As an artist, I'm always contemplating new creations! I've been wanting to learn the art of ringmaking, so I bought my supplies, some extra practice wire, and started playing! I then broke out the sterling, and this is my first offering!

To celebrate, I will be giving this ring away to one lucky winner!! The contest ends Friday, May 1, 2009 at 12 noon EST. I will then pick one lucky winner, and notify you!

Twirls and Swirls

Here are my rules:

1. Visit my shop, Pixe's Treasure Chest , and pick your favorite item, and post it on the blog. This will earn you your first entry.
2. Follow my blog, and post here that you're following. This will earn you one additional entry.
3. Purchase anything from my shop, post your purchase here. This will earn you 2 entries. All jewelry is on sale this week 15% off with free worldwide shipping!
4. Be sure to leave your contact information. I need to find you if you are a winner!!! I will then ask for your ring size, each ring is made to order!

This gives you the opportunity to earn 4 entries!

Good Luck to all of you!

Have a peaceful, and wonderful day!

Mich

Demandablue

Welcome to today's Pixe's Picks!
Today, I would like to introduce to you, Amanda, owner of demandablue!

Enjoy your stay!

Little Lolita

Amanda tells me she's been building and making things since before she can remember: I used to have an old suit case that I kept in our attic as a kid, that was full of rocks and pine cones and even locust shells that I would use to make art projects.

This is how Amanda tells me she got her start sewing: I had a credit card when I was 18 and I was very irresponsible with my spending. A sewing machine was one of my immature impulse buys. Sewing just stuck with me!

Why did you choose Etsy, and do you sell anywhere else? I also sell on ebay, but only sporadically when my etsy sales are lagging for a few days. I chose etsy because a few friends of mine used it and loved it. The awesome selection of bath and body products on etsy got me hooked! (Plug for http://madcitysue.etsy.com/ I have purchased more items from her shop than I could possibly count or remember and they were ALL amazing.)

Quirky Black and White Patchworked Skirt

What is your favorite item in the shop, and Why? Little Lolita - Triple Ruffle Layer Skirt, Full Flirty Fun and Quirky Black and White Patchworked Skirt with Double Ruffles because they're quirky and fun!!

Is there anything you would like to share with us? I love being a stay at home mommy for my (almost) 2 year old little girl, Scout. Etsy enables me to do that while still making ends meet in our household. I'm so grateful for that.

Shabby Rose Patchwork Spring Skirt

Pixe's Pick! Amanda' shop is full of adorable skirts, and this is the one that jumped out at me!! I love this skirt for it's colors and it's design! It's so very feminine and casual! I'm talking about the Shabby Rose Patchwork Spring Skirt ! Hmmm...wondering if she can do that in a plus size????

Wednesday's Pixe's Picks

Welcome to this today's Pixe's Picks! Today, PoshMommaStore is being featured! So...Kick back, relax, enjoy the read!! Comments are always welcome! The artists love to hear what you have to say!!! This week, I'm going to do something a little different...I'm only featuring one artist today, and will feature another artist tomorrow.

Unlocking Purity

PoshMomma has been crafting for as long as she can remember. She tells me: I've been a crafter as far back as I can remember. I actually remember trying to sell painted rocks to neighbors when I was in my early years of grade school (I don't think I ever sold a rock, surprise). All of my birthday cards and holiday cards to people always had to be homemade and I've always preferred giving gifts that I made myself over bought ones, even if they were really crappy. I can not remember a time when I was not crafting in one way or another.

PoshMomma says this is how she got started making jewelry: I began making jewelry in middle school. It started as friendship bracelets, then hemp necklaces. I fell in love with beads and charms through making these hemp necklaces. While in my early years of college, I bought a tanning salon and decided to sell my attempts at fashion jewelry. They ended up being a huge hit and it has grown from there.

Why did you pick Etsy for your shop?: I think I chose Etsy for the same reason everyone else does: I became obsessed with everyone else's stuff. I stumbled upon Etsy on someone's blog and had to open my own shop. I had not made jewelry in years until that point. I put my scrapbooking away and pulled out my stash of beads and headpins. From there, PoshMommaStore was born.

What is your favorite piece in your shop and why? My absolute favorite piece that I've probably ever MADE is the "Unlocking purity" necklace that is in my shop. There is just something about it that I love immensely. I love the combination of silver and pearls, and keys are just so mysterious to me. I really almost hate to sell it but I want someone else to love it as much as I do, and I'll just make another one if I can't bear the pain. Ha!

Wine Cork Earrings with Multi-Colored Beads

Pixe's Pick: PoshMomma not only offers really cute jewelry at affordable prices, she also offers wine tasting cards, which I think is a great idea, especially since I enjoy going to local wineries and sampling the vino! My favorite item is also wine inspired! I love the Wine Cork Earrings with Multi-Colored Beads I found this to be a clever way to re-use the corks! The colorful beads really make these earrings stand out!

That's today's Pixe's Picks! Please take a moment to visit PoshMommaStore to enjoy all she has to offer!

Have a wonderful and peaceful day!

Mich

Pixe's Pick!!

Hi everyone! Welcome to today's Pixe's Pick! This is the place where the really cool and talented Etsy artists are showcased! Please feel free to leave a comment...The artist loves to hear your thoughts!

Yellow Rose Petal Earrings, Triplets, from the Captured Collection

Today, I'm featuring Ann, from Dreamspiralart. Ann's specialty is metal and enamel jewelry!


I asked Ann how she got started in her craft: My love affair with metals was totally accidental. It happened during college in my third year. I had already switched majors several times from pre-med to nursing to undeclared, so I was exploring classes of interest to find a good fit. An advisor recommended that I take a class in metalsmithing/jewelry-making. That sounded cool – I had never worked with metal before. Two weeks in and I was hooked. I changed majors with a new found resolve: I was going to study the arts and become a working artist. I realized I had wanted to do this all along, but had dissuaded myself from pursuing it since it seemed ‘impractical’.
So here I am, ten years later, still doing what I love… and still being ‘practical’ (I haven’t given up my part-time day job yet, but I move closer to this goal with each passing year). I’ve finally found a balance that works for me.


This is why Ann chose Etsy as her selling platform: A friend told me about Etsy and encouraged me to open up a shop. She sells her work at: http://www.juliasews.etsy.com/


Of course, I wanted to know Ann's favorite item from her shop:
I love the “Captured Collection”! It is my newest collection. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5103840&section_id=5573695I have always been attracted to the plethora of color, texture, and pattern that is nature's canvas. I often bring plastic bags with me for long walks in the woods (and not because I have a dog), rather, I like to collect the random bits of nature that inspire my creative work. It wasn't until recently that I discovered how to incorporate these materials into my metal jewelry, in the "Captured Collection." The "Captured Collection" explores the human need to make timeless the treasures in life that bring us joy. All things organic are in a constant state of change. By sealing these found materials in a clear epoxy resin, I am able to suspend them in time. By becoming a wearable object set in precious metal, each bit of bark, tiny flower petal, or autumn leaf is viewed in a new light that can be shared with a broader audience.

Recycled Retangle Bits and Double Spiral Link Bracelet

Pixe's Pick: Being the nature lover that I am, I'm sure you've all figured out that Ann's favorite is also my favorite collection. However, I want to show what other tricks she has up her sleeve, So I'm proclaiming this as my favorite: Recycled Retangle Bits and Double Spiral Link Bracelet. I love the texture of this bracelet, and the swirls (I've been known to use a swirl or two in my designs), and I really like the fact that she has found a way to reuse her bench scraps! Either way, it's a gorgeous bracelet!

Take a few minutes to visit Dreamspiralart, and see what wonderful pieces of jewelry Ann has to offer!
Wishing you all a peaceful and wonderful day!
Mich

Pixe's Picks!!

Welcome to today's Pixe's Picks!! This week, I'm doing something a little different and featuring only one shop! Today's Pixe Pick is Spoonful of Chocolate! Please take a peek a peek at her shop, she has some really wonderful, and nostalgic items!!

White Oleander Handbag

Spoonful of chocolate has been crafting since she was about 3 years old... But started getting serious about making different things when she was about 15.

This is how she tells me she got started in her current crafting endeavor: Ever since I was a little girl I have had a creative streak in me. I think I may have gotten it from my parents. My mother was accepted to Art school when she was younger, but couldn't take up the offer because she had to help support her family that had just fled Czechoslovakia. Growing up, my father would always be doing something- from building our house, to making a mosaic porch table to building an authentic rock wine cellar/bar! I remember how I couldn't wait to get up every morning and go to Art class! I would spend hours drawing and coloring and cutting things out of construction paper. I got 2nd place in my High School art show for a Sculpture I had made. A few years ago I studied abroad in Switzerland- I had such an amazing experience that when I got back I spent my entire summer perfecting my Scrapbook. The past couple of years I have become very interested in different crafts. I bought a sewing machine and started making everyone retro style Apron sets that came with matching dish gloves, I bought a wood burner and made my father a sign for his wine cellar. My boyfriend has gotten many things from frames to a personalized pillow. I think I have an eye for color and matching. I manage to get attached to almost everything I make!

This is why Etsy was chosen as her selling platform: My father is about to loose his house. It's heartbreaking to me, because growing up as a first generation American I was able to see the difference between my families lifestyles and everyone else's. My dad was constantly doing something outside, you should see our house! I swear it's like a little Slovakia. (If you have seen "My big fat greek wedding" that is my family- except Slovak). He never asks for money- he built the house in 4 years with his own hands- built a pond, shed, cottage, out-house, wine cellar.. the list goes on. He is a very modest man, but happy that he had given his family a good life in Colorado. My mother's brother- Uncle Frank, a couple of years ago, asked for my father to co-sign a loan. My parents house was paid off so they had better credit. My Uncle would cry to my father every day- he wanted to start a Water and health business and needed the money. He was buying it from a good company that had been running well for over 25 years. So, long story short my father finally agreed, my Uncle ran the business down to the ground and stopped paying the loan. My parents are risking loosing everything they have ever worked for because they are now stuck with a $350,000 loan with a combined income of $27,000 a year. My uncle stopped paying in February of last year- and we haven't heard from him since October. So anyways- I was looking for a way to help my parents out- and thought- why don't I start selling my crafts?? So I started with my Chocolate Spoon business- but managed to get distracted, until now. I started to make my book handbags and am now really focused on making my shop bloom. Any profit I make is going straight to my parents. So I just "googled" craft stores- and found out that Etsy is actually the best site!

This is Spoonfulofchocolate's favorite item in her shop...The White Oleander Handbag. That's the pic shown above!!

Nancy Drew Clutch Wristlet Handbag

Pixe's Pick: I think this shop is just great, especially for those of us that are book lovers!! Not only does she create handbags from book covers, a very unique idea, I must say, she also creates those scrumptious chocolate covered spoons we all love to stir our coffee with! I have to say my favorite item is the Nancy Drew Wristlet ! Browsing through the shop had taken me on a trip down memory lane...remembering all the times as a child I spent in my local library searching for books to read, especially Nancy Drew and Cherry Ames! It was the highlight of the day when one of the older kids wanted to walk down to the library because Mom wasn't that comfortable letting me cross the busy street alone! Oh, those were the days!!!

I hope you've enjoyed reading about today's Pixe's Picks! Please give the featured shop some love! And, feel free to leave a comment! Artists love to hear what you have to say!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and creative week!!

Mich

First flowers of spring!

Saturday morning I went for a walk at my favorite local State Park, Nolde Environmental Center. I've recently lost some friends, and their deaths have really affected me. I have been very much out of sorts and not myself at all for the past month. And, on top of that, I've been in a creative funk. I felt this strong need to get out and get myself centered, and feel reconnected to myself, and the world around me again.

So my mission...Search for the first spring flowers of the forest!

So, What are these alien looking pods sprouting out of the ground? Are we under invasion? No!

These are one of the first flowering plants in the Pennsylvania woods. They actually grow near streams and water for their stems grow in the mud, and we see these wonderful, unusual flowers of the skunk cabbage. After the flowers die off, all we see are leaves at streamside.



This plant got its name because when you break off a leaf, it has a strong pungent odor, sort of like skunk. And no, I didn't break a leaf to see if this is so...I'll take the experts' word on this!! Besides, I was in a State Park, and it's unlawful to pick or defile any plant. And this particular State park is my equivelent to church.



Anway, this is a very interesting fact from Wikipedia that I was not aware of... Skunk cabbage is is able to generate temperatures of up to 15-35°C above air temperature by a special means of cellular respiration in order to melt its way through frozen ground. It is among a small group of plants with the ability to do this, which is called, for those compelled to know, thermogenesis. Pollination occurs by insects, which are attracted to the odor and to the heat from the plant. Since I found out this fun fact after I got home, I wasn't able to test if the immediate air around the flower was warmer.

And this is how it becomes one of the first flowers of spring! I bet you thought I was going to talk about crocuses!

Just in case your interested...I am much better, and much less disconnected. I am ready to spend time in my studio and create again!

Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful day!
Mich

Pixe's Picks March 18, 2009

Good Morning! Welcome to this week's Pixe's Picks!! This is the place where I showcase only the coolest artists on Etsy! Grab a cup of coffee, or your fave beverage, put up your feet, and enjoy this little tour of Etsy!!

This week I'm featuring mshalston and CalysJewelryCreations! Please give both of them a very warm Pixe Welcome!!!

First up is Carissa, of mshalston! Carissa is a describes herself as a wordsmith...she expresses her art through words and text. She tells me that she has been writing for 8 years and drawing for about 1 year.

This is how she says she got started in her craft: I started writing when I was in high school, but I start writing "seriously" when I got my first apartment. I lived alone and writing was what I did to fill my time.

Carissa chose Etsy as her selling platform because: Etsy has a great platform and a built-in audience. The visual aspect of the site is very inviting. That and posting items to my shop is easier than writing HTML for my website.

What is her fave item from her shop? That's hard to choose, but if pressed, I'd say it's this: Compromise, original ink illustration from Cleavage by Carissa Halston. I love it because it combines one of my favorite written pieces with a visual that effectively captures the tone of the play.

Pixe's Pick:

I love to read...while Carissa was writing to bide her time when alone, I was reading, and I still do!! My fave is " A Girl named Charlie Lester " I think from what I've read in the synopsis, I could have identified with her when I was a younger...and sometimes, now! This looks to be a great read!

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Next up is Dawn, of CalysJewelryCreations! Dawn says she has been crafting for as long as she can remember. This is how Dawn tells me she got her start: I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. My Grandmother always made sure I got cool presents, like latchhooking kits, embroidery and cross stitch. I also had an Aunt that introduced me to ceramics. I've also done some photography, mosaics, scrapbooking and polymer clay. I took a wire wrapping class at a local jewelry shop about 7 years ago to try something new and I was hooked...! I made some jewelry for myself and started making badge holders (lanyards) for girls at work who would ask me...that's when I decided to take the plunge and start my own biz. It was shortly after Katrina which was a life changing event for us. It seemed a natural progression and the something fulfilling I had been searching for. I work at a casino as a dealer and have for 15 years after getting a degree in Biology. I realized a couple of years ago that I've kind of come full circle....My Great-grandmother and my Grandmother owned a fine jewelry store for about 50 years...so I kind of have jewelry in my blood...lol. I wish I could have gleaned a bit of the knowledge they possessed about fine jewelry. I plan on doing some blog spots about my families history in the jewelry world.

Pray tell...why Etsy? I choose Etsy about a year and a half ago when I needed a place to sell my overstock of supplies. It seemed like the most well-known and economical way to destash so I could buy new beads..lol. I have integrated some of my jewelry into my shop, but the bulk of my sales come from supplies. I am transitioning the bulk of my jewelry to Artfire, I think they have a lot of potential, but will stay here at Etsy as well.( I hope I don't get bumped for that..lol)

Dawn tells me this is her fave piece from her shop: My favorite item from my stop has got to be my Dragonfly Obsession necklace. My biggest inspiration is the ocean and the life it carries and always will be, but recently I have had an obsession with dragonflies. I love the colors and feel of this necklace. It is not for the quiet and shy...freshwater stick pearls and kyanite gemstones.

Pixe's Pick:

LOL No, Dawn, I won't give you the boot for mentioning Artfire! Dawn has some really awesome jewelry in her shop. I'm going to break tradition here and show something from her Artfire shop! This is part of her new line, and I really wish I could wear this, I think it's that cool! I love her naked sandals! Definitely a must have beach wear!

Dawn has some really great destash in her shop, I know that to be fact, cuz I purchased some from her!!

Please, leave a comment, visit their shops and give them some love! They would love to know what you think!!

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and creative week!

Mich

Countdown to Spring!!!

8 Days and Counting until the Spring Equinox!

Ok, I'm really, really tired of winter, as sure many of you are! We just had a few warm days as a teaser of what's to come, now here in PA, it's cold again. But, it's sunny! I was in South Carolina just after it snowed, and saw my first daffodil. In fact, my mother had to point it out to me! They were all bent over from the weight of the snow a few days ago. Well, here is one to remind us there is a light at the end of this tunnel we call winter!

I hope this brings a little bit of sunshine to your day!!

Pixe's Picks 3/11/09

Good Morning and welcome to this week's Pixe's Picks....the place to find some of the coolest artists on Etsy! Grab a drink, put up your feet, and relax for a few minutes with us! This week I'm featuring AudreysCountryCrafts and NValentineStudio!

Please give a warm welcome to Audrey, from AudreysCountryCrafts! Audrey has been crafting for 15 years now, and still loving it. She says,
"My tastes have evolved and I've tried a few other crafts inbetween, but I
always come back to painting."

Audrey tells me this is how she got her start: When our youngest was about 2 years old, someone in town was offering a folkart beginner class. I showed a little interest and my husband pushed a bit to get me to go. I was a stay-at-home mom and he thought it would be a good way to get out of the house one evening a week. And so my addiction started (he's sorry now)!

Why Etsy?: I actually only found out about Etsy in Sept. from a friend of mine who sells on Etsy. I was getting tired of craft shows. They are fun, but it is alot of work to haul the backdrops, tables, and crafts to shows - set them up then take them down. So I was searching for an
outlet on the internet that wasn't to hard on the wallet, but gave me lots of exposure. Etsy is that outlet!!

What is Audrey's fave item from her shop? That is a really hard question to answer, I like alot of the items in my shop. But I would have to say that the Heart Jean Blanket was the most fun to sew and to paint.

Pixe's Pick: I too, had a difficult time picking my fave! Audrey has some very beautiful country decor items in her shop! However, since I just love tote bags, i picked the Brown raggedy tote bag! I just think the colors are great, and it's quite unique!

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Now let's give a warm welcome to Nicole, from NValentineStudio! Nicole tells me she has been crafting since she was 13, and started lampworking in 2003!

And why Etsy? I like the uniformity of the site, the ease of loading items and the support here.

What is Nicole's fave item from her shop? Galadriel is my favorite item right now. I had been holding on to this disk bead for quite a while trying to figure out what to do with it. The caps, coring and ribbon just make it such a special piece. I love the way it all came together!

Pixe's Pick: Nicole creates very pretty beads, buttons, and focal pieces! I really had a difficult time choosing! Her goddesses are fabulous, as well as her flowers! I have to say, I've always loved this little Hoot owl, with his big, expressive eyes! He is just so adorable!!!

That's all for this week's Pixe's Picks! I hope you have enjoyed your little Etsy tour as much as I enjoy bringing it to you! Please feel free to visit Audrey's and Nicoles shops! And leave them some luv here! They would love to read your comments!!!

Wishing everyone a wonderful, and creative week!!

Mich

Pixe's Picks March 5, 2009

Good morning everyone! Welcome to this week's Pixe's Picks! This is the place to find some of the coolest Etsy artists! This week I'm featuring Jenny0063 and AJDesignjewelry! Take a peek at their shops and see what great finds they have to offer!

First up in Jenny0063, who specializes in making rustic decor using standing dead trees and driftwood found in her area.

This is how Jenny tells me she got started in her craft: I grew up in northern minnesota, so I have always had a passion for the outdoors. My uncle was quite the craftsman, he built log homes and log furniture as his livelyhood. I would spend summer breaks at his lake home and admire his work, as I got older 15ish, I would actually help him out with peeling logs, sanding, etc... I absolutely loved the idea of transforming a tree into something so beautiful. I am now 28 so 13 years I have been at it.

This is how Jenny happened upon Etsy, and chose it for her shop: I first heard of etsy on a daytime talk show, so I looked into it. When I saw how many etsians are eco friendly, I knew that etsy would be a great place for me and my work. I am a full time school teacher 2nd grade as well, so I am unable to keep as many items in my shop as others do.

Jenny's favorite item is the brazilian agate log coffee table, it combines nature and man made products into a wonderful work of art.

Pixe's Picks: Jenny has a great, rustic shop! My favorite piece is the Log Candle Holder. It looks like a wall from a log home, and I think it would look great in a fireplace, or on my bookcase!! :) Her work is so nice, I just wish she had more in her store!

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Now let me introduce you to Amy Jo, of AJDesignsJewelry!

Amy Jo tells me she has been crafting for quite a long time: About 15 years off and on, I was always just doing it to enjoy life. (Making jewelry and painting are like my therapy.. stressfull day at work, more jewelry I make when I get home) I got my license about 8 years ago and haven't looked back.

This is how she got her start in jewelry making:

I'm a small girl, but I like big jewelry. I never saw anything that appealed to me that was large, but not gaudy. I decided to start making things for myself and then friends wanted pieces, and one day a lady bought my necklace off me in line for coffee at Starbucks. I decided I should give it a shot and I love it.

This is why AmyJo chose Etsy as her selling platform: I LOVE the fact that you can find handmade items all in one place. I have done shows were they put your booth right next to an importer who is selling things at like 80% lower than yours, simply because they have people making their jewelry in another country. I support the smaller artisans who do it for the love of the craft, not simply to make money. I'm very happy to be part of that.

Amy Jo's favorite piece from her shop? My favorite item is "Its Raining Opals" I just can't stop staring at it. It took me hours to get the loops and wiring just right. I cried when someone bought the first one I made. That's the pic above!

Pixe's Pick: Amy Jo has so many great pieces of jewelry to choose from, finding a fave is very difficult! I really like this Waterfalls pendant for the soft blues, and I can actually picture a waterfall...the stones at the top of the pendant the little ripples in the stream, the large briolettes, the waves crashing at the bottom! Calming and exhilerating at the same time!!

These are Pixe's Picks for this week! Please be sure to leave a comment for these wonderfully, talented artists! They would love to hear what you have to say!

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and creative week!

Mich

Pixe has moved to a new home!

Hello everyone!

I've decided to move my blog to blogger in order for you wonderful folks to follow my blog, and for the increased artistic freedom, such as it is, that is offered here! In the upcoming weeks, I will move the content from wordpress to here so you don't miss anything! This is my new address: http://pixestreasurechest.blogspot.com Here's to my new home...Cheers!