Etsy Maine Team • the way handmade should be

January Artist of the Month

2012-01-01T10:51:00.000-05:00

Ringing in the New Year with January's Artist of the Month:

Congratulations to twin sisters Karen and Sharon, fiber artists operating an organic farm in Wayne, Maine. Their handmade tools are crafted from the finest woods, semi-precious gemstones, crystal and sterling silver.

They also have a second shop on Etsy showcasing the most beautiful shawl pins: Rashabelle.etsy.com

Visit both their Etsy Shops and be sure to FAVORITE and CIRCLE them!

Thank You Malaika & EMT Secret Santas!

2011-12-20T14:51:00.002-05:00

A super big THANK YOU to Malaika Picard from HandMeDownDesignsME for organizing this year's Etsy Maine Team Secret Santa swap AND to all those that participated!

Don't forget to post your gift pics to the Team Facebook page!

If you missed this year's Secret Santa swap, sign up for next year's now. Send your name, shop name and email address to emtsanta@gmail.com and we'll be in touch next December for details about Etsy Maine Team Secret Santa 2012.

Happy Holidays Everyone and a very Happy New Year!

December Artist of the Month

2011-11-30T18:40:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Country Folk Soap!

Country Folk Soap's natural soap & fragrance products have twisted names with quality ingredients. All natural and crafted by hand in beautiful Manchester Maine. They even specialize in products for sensitive skin and highly moisturizing for dry and normal skin types. Perfect for winter worn skin!

Us local Mainers can get our Country Folk Soap fragrance fix by stopping by Scuttlebutts Antiques, Rt 1 and Warren & The Blue Tulip in Tenants Harbor.

Follow Country Folk Soap on Facebook

Be sure to FAVORITE and CIRCLE Sue's shop as well!

Buy Maine Handmade

2011-11-21T08:53:00.001-05:00

Start off your Holiday Shopping Season right by buying local, handmade items!

Congratulations Shannon!

2011-11-09T12:40:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Shannon for being featured in the following article at KeepMeCurrent.com:

http://www.keepmecurrent.com/maine_women/shannon-hanley-crafting-a-creative-career-with-traditional-techniques/article_ac874dd2-0a32-11e1-9d12-001cc4c002e0.html

Shannon has two Etsy Shops (thecleverkitty.etsy.com & thecurlykitty.etsy.com) and is the designer of the Etsy Maine Team logo.

2011-11-01T09:06:00.001-04:00

Congratulations to Etsy Maine Team's November Artist of the Month!

Located in Maine's historic shoe manufacturing town of Dexter, Wassookeag Moccasins, whose name is derived from the local Lake Wassookeag meaning "Shining Waters", makes genuine handsewn leather moccasins, made to order, one at a time.

Each pair of unique handmade leather moccasins are constructed from durable buffalo hide, bull hide, moosehide or cowhide leathers in a variety of styles.

For more info, check out their Etsy Shop:

WassookeagMoccasins.Etsy.com

Treasury Thursday

2011-10-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

This week's treasury was curated by:

Andra's Whimsies

'Early Frost'

There are rumors of the first snowfall of the season here in Maine this morning. So I thought I'd.... er.... celebrate?? A treasury to honor the start of the longest season of the year here in the north. Enjoy! =)

Cross stitch in wooden hoop ... skrynka $18.00	Snow White - 8x10 Fine Art P... ellemoss $30.00	Aqua Blue Faceted Gemstone B... MySelvagedLife $36.00	hand knit cardigan vest ZIG ... ovejanegra $130.00
Autumn Red Floral Party Halt... CGHeaven $48.00	Lavender Vanilla Rose Scente... WSDreams $16.50	RED and GRAY knitted Slouchy... MARYsworks $32.00	Early Frost Scrappy Buddy Pu... MakingsofShann... $6.25
Sheet Music - Set of 3 Bottl... littleeyedesig... $5.00	YOU & ME - 8" X 10"... KelliMurrayArt $15.00	Christmas Vintage a garland ... PaperPolaroid $38.00	Embroidered Red Rotary Phone... lindybythesea $20.00
The Large Bow Headband in Cr... janellehaskin $26.00	Red and White PolkaDot Poppy... mytatteredwhim... $8.00	Set of Brass Painted Deer FetchingElegan... $42.00	Up in the sky - A striped ho... majalin $20.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Treasury Thursday

2011-10-20T08:29:00.004-04:00

'Orange in October....'

...more than just pumpkins!

Sport 100% Merino Superwash ... astralbath $26.00	Chocolate Covered Orange Bea... mytatteredwhim... $20.00	Sunrise Photo Trees Silhouet... LaurieBreton $12.00	rusty orange leaf on burnt t... thiemkegreene $42.00
Carnelian Copper Bookmark - ... RoughMagicCrea... $22.00	carrot colored rabbit finger... knitbyvalerie $15.00	orange tulip barrette - hand... thecleverkitty $6.00	orange corduroy messenger ba... m00nlit $45.00
Blood Orange Swirl - Stained... faerieglass $16.00	Chunky Crochet Neck Warmer-... atelierfrost $35.00	Original Painting, ORANGE PO... nJoyArt $250.00	Large Primitive Pumpkin from... dancinglydenis... $15.00
Revive. Lip Balm. inlulusgarden $4.95	Flannel Peasant Dress - size... anabelfuzz $34.00	Pumpkin Orange High Top Sock... littleeyedesig... $34.00	Bright Orange Creamsicle Twi... EleventeenAppa... $35.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Treasury Thursday

2011-10-06T06:59:00.000-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury created by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

Rough Magic Creations

'The Hunt for Red October'

Inspired by my JET Partner, AdroitJewelers!

Red Fused Glass Ring AdroitJewelers $38.00	Stick Horse, Hobby Horse - G... paintedponysho... $82.00	word sign wooden sign BE ru... OldNewAgain $42.00	Crow Blackbird Pin Brooch wi... lindybythesea $5.00
Set of Two Organic Lavender ... WSDreams $30.00	PEPPERMINT HICK Soy Candle T... CountryFolkSoa... $6.00	Roses are RED Lampwork Dangl... judesjujus $47.00	Red Raven Napkins set of 2 ... facesarefunny $8.50
Black Crow with Red Tree Bra... meganballi $3.00	Gothic Heart Wire Wrapped Pe... sodacrush $69.00	Cotton Raven Baby Onesie in ... CausticThreads $14.00	ID Wallet Coin Purse With Ke... MimisCrafts $12.00
Black Orange Red Leaves Hall... dancingcircle $45.00	8x10 Red Oak with Bordeaux d... RaysWoodworkin... $20.00	Red Cotton Twill Lines Bag -... tippythai $39.00	Vintage 1970s Fire-Engine Re... CinderellaLoll... $32.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Artist of the Month October : Threadbare Designs

2011-10-05T13:03:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to October's Artist of the Month:

Karen hails from Tenants Harbor. Her shop features absolutely stunning handmade handwovens and knits.

In her own words: "I hope as you browse my items you get a sense of the care and attention to detail that goes into every piece. I use only the best material, and lovingly handcraft everything with an eye toward aesthetics, texture, design, and ease of care. Everything I create reflects my commitment to quality and frankly, my obsession with the creative process."

Visit her shop this month and be sure to CIRCLE & FAVORITE Threadbare Designs.

Mustache Maine-ia

2011-10-04T15:03:00.001-04:00

Here on the Etsy Maine Team, the creative juices are always flowing. On a whim, one of our members, Malaika of Hand Me Down Designs, threw out a challenge to the team asking them to come up with unique mustached items for their shops. A handful of shops took the challenge, and this is what they came up with!

Mustache Gray and Black Stri... mytatteredwhim... $23.00	MUSTACHE MADNESS mini note c... LittleputLand $7.95	Mustache Matryoshka Dolls, S... remainewicked $53.00	Copper Mustache Brooch Pin -... RoughMagicHoli... $18.00
Mustache Embroidery Hoop Wal... lindybythesea $7.00	Incredibly Posh Stuffed Owl ... Sallybateau $15.00	Mustache Lobster ornament wo... bethsCraftroom $5.00	Mens necktie bowler hat guy ... HandMeDownDesi... $25.00
Pocket Mirror - Mustache Mad... LittleputLand $3.50	Lumberjack mustache wallet f... HandMeDownDesi... $13.00	mustache snowman ornament wo... bethsCraftroom $6.00	Party Pack of 6 Mustaches PsAndQs $30.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Keep checking back, to see what other fun inspired ideas the Maine Team will come up with next! And find other unique, handmade items on Etsy from team shops by searching "maineteam".

Treasury Thursday

2011-09-29T03:44:00.002-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury created by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

Beth's Craftroom

'Autumn Harvest'

I have the good fortune to call the State of Maine my home. I harvested these Autumn offerings to share with you in celebration of this most delightful season. Enjoy!

Red Orange Earrings for Autu... RoughMagicHoli... $20.00	Log Cabin Birdhouse - Mercan... DabHands $38.00	Mustache Matryoshka Dolls, S... remainewicked $53.00	Small Tree Of Life Teardrop ... Poiriers $12.00
Sea of Apples - 5x5 Inch Pho... littleeyedesig... $6.50	Crochet Deep Plum Purple lon... mytatteredwhim... $20.00	Scented Pumpkin Decoration S... WSDreams $7.25	HONEY FARM Honey Almond Faci... CountryFolkSoa... $5.00
Felted autumn oak leaves and... Ainigmati $40.00	Genuine NATURAL citrine chip... SweetSincerity $75.00	Maine Inspired - Fall Leaves... LittleputLand $14.95	Wooden Tea Scoop heroncovewoodc... $20.00
Mens necktie bowler hat guy ... HandMeDownDesi... $25.00	Upcycled angel ornament Sallybateau $5.00	Small Tote Bag - Muted Red V... heartofautumn $20.00	Flavors Of Fall - Antique Br... allstrungout1 $41.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Meet Your Neighbor - Louisiana1966

2011-09-27T14:19:00.003-04:00

Who are you?
My real name is Julie Ann (Hamilton-Jones) Bailey.
My shop's name is louisiana1966-because I was born in Louisiana in 1966 (and everything with "Julie" in it was taken!)
I make mostly bags-from tiny coin purses to shopping totes;plushies and art/sock dolls.Everything is made with reclaimed/upcycled materials.

Tell us a little about your family.

My Hubby

My family is my husband of 25 + years and 3 cats.No children;but we do also feed and care for LOTS of racoons and other wildlife!

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?
I live in Windham.My house sits on top of a steep hill,surrounded by trees and bushes.The "backyard" is all woods and slopes down to the Pleasant River.Lovely!

My Yard

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you. If not, what brought you here?
I am not a native,obviously! My parents are Jamaican and we ended up in Maine after stints in Louisiana,Canada and New York! My mother had lived in Canada and in Lewiston before, actually, so it wasn't such a culture shock! My husband is a native.We almost bought our first house in New Orleans-shortly before Katrina! Instead we ended up in the country and I LOVE it! (I don't love winter,though!)

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?

A work in progress

I have been knitting and crocheting since I was about 19 and sewing for almost as long.I have always loved making things! I think growing up poor and starting out as a poor,young married couple had alot to do with it as I had to learn to make things like pillows and curtains for us rather than buy them.

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?
There is a real sense of "Yankee thrift" here in Maine-which I have absorbed even if I am not a Yankee! The fact that I use reclaimed and upcycled materials ties in with living both in the woods and on a river.I love nature and the earth and do everything I can to protect and preserve it!

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?
The Etsy Maine Team is awesome!! They are so supportive and helpful! I have learned alot about the running of my business and craft fairs from this team and made some true friends,too!

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

Floral Tote in Burgundy, Cream, and Gold

My favourite shops have to include (by no means a complete list!):
MakingsofShannaTice-such beautiful crochetwork!
MommieMadeIt-my source of fabric labels
PeculiarParchment and PaperQuick-my sources for thank-you notes.
RayvenWoodManor and CJGrand-where I get most of my jewelry!
layoutsfromtheheart-where I shop for paper embellishing!

Howard the Owl upcycled plushie

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?
I can't imagine NOT making things! I hope that the future will see my shop and my craft ever improving and growing!

Thanks Julie for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Treasury Thursday

2011-09-22T09:23:00.002-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury created by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

Rough Magic Holidays

'O - O - October Fest'

October - the perfect time for a celebration!

Wine Holder KIT-911 Grampasworksho... $9.95	Yellow Wood Grain and Gray A... Foodphyte $17.00	Hard Cider - Handmade Apple ... FrickandFrackS... $38.00	Table Runner feather length:... ElkhornDesign $105.00
Autumn woodland Mix - Place ... jenAitchison $100.00	Vintage Teapot Harvest Gold QuietRainz $17.00	Fabric Flags - a sustainable... anabelfuzz $34.00	Crochet Napkin Rings Gold Le... imynda $31.00
Full Apron for Women with An... pamwares $32.00	Rustic Salad Servers, Hand C... susantique $27.00	Gingerbread Thistle Cookies... SpiritBearCrea... $19.00	Set of 4 Reversible coasters... LoveMyCoasters $15.00
Needle Felted Wool Acorns Se... NatureFelt $24.00	Large Vintage Wooden Turned ... PastMadePresen... $20.00	Vintage Johnson Brothers Har... SentimentalFav... $16.00	Cutting board/Serving Tray: ... PegandAwl $90.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Meet Your Neighbor - MamaOZWAM

2011-09-20T02:16:00.003-04:00

Who are you?
My name is April Fournier, my shop is called MamaOZWAM. It's a funny acronym of my kids names, meaning Mama O' Zevin, William, Asher, Mya. I sell digital prints of original collages I create. I like to take funky angles of the original collages and enhance the picture to make an interesting print. Each collage I create has a ton of possibilities for how it can be enjoyed, that's the fun part.

Tell us a little about your family.
I've been married for more than 10 years. We have four kids (Zevin (10), William (8), Asher (3), and Mya (3). The youngest are twins. I work full time and my hubby is a stay at home dad. He left work when we found out that Asher had autism last fall. He's awesome at being the coordinator, chef, maid, and teacher. We have the most fun just being together and being ourselves. We're very blessed.

My Brood

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?
I live in Portland, I have always lived in the southern Maine area. It's gorgeous here. We live in the North Deering end of Portland and it's such a cool community. The school is good, the city is awesome, it's great in all four seasons.

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you. If not, what brought you here?

Me and my husband

I grew up in Maine and moved to Albuquerque when I was 13. I went to high school there and moved back here when Zevin was about a month old. We took a 3 day road trip in a beat up Geo Prism with no a/c to get back to Maine. I love the ocean. I love the sense of community. I love that I feel safe and that my kids feel safe. I love the seasons. I love the people. And I love the Italians!

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?
I have been doing collage work since I was in middle and high school. It's so fun to take odds and ends and create something new. I was most inspired by Nick Bantock whom I read in high school. His Griffin and Sabine series took collage art to a whole new level.

Ballooning Through Paris

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?
I've just really started to get back into making things on a more regular basis. I think where I live and what I'm doing and my emotions play the biggest part in what I create. I'm hoping to do more work with Maine landscape this fall as the colors come out in the trees. I especially like doing watercolors of architecture so I'm hoping this winter I'll get to check out some of the old buildings covered in snow and recreate that for a collage.

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?
I just joined so I'm hoping to just get to know a larger group of people in my area that love to create.

Romina Butterfly

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?
I'm still exploring the Maine Team and hope to create a few treasuries with my favorite finds.

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?
I'm hoping that my shop becomes a nice side income that can help fuel my play dates with my older sons, coffee with my mom, shoes with DSW, and an overnight getaway with my love.

Where can we find you online and locally?
I'm on Facebook, I have a smugmug site for ordering prints and I'm here on Etsy. Thanks for checking me out!

Thanks April for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Treasury Thursday

2011-09-15T14:14:00.001-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury curated by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

Constant Galore

'Spook-a-ween!' by ConstantGalore

Time to get ready for some Halloween buying!

Untitled ...OOAK mixed media... Elze $180.00	Handmade sterling silver and... RareDesign $132.00	Steam Punk Safety Goggles by... oakstreetbarn $20.00	Steampunk maxi dress tea s... vintageopulenc... $160.00
patch n0.1 cocoondesigns $300.00	Copper leaf, Silver dew JenZidek $80.00	Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh S... jamieribisi $300.00	Earthtone Soap (5oz. bar of ... orchardfarmsoa... $5.95
Toffee Lip Balm - One Tube B... longwinterfarm $3.50	Miniature Skeleton Figurine PsAndQs $8.00	Upcycled Brown and Sage Gree... CreoleSha $47.99	Harlequin Mask 2 Art Locket ... thestapeliacom... $40.00
Fine Art Print, Photo Portra... TheShutterbugE... $25.00	Primitive Hand Milled Lavend... blossom $4.00	Dia de Los Muertos paper mac... OmaLindasBoond... $55.00	DIGITAL COLLAGE SHEET Day of... collaged $3.50

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Meet Your Neighbor - Bunny Baubles & Bunny Beads

2011-09-14T12:27:00.002-04:00

Who are you?
I'm The Bunny! Also known as Drea Carbone, and I have two shops on Etsy: BunnyBeads and BunnyBaubles. I sell beaded jewelry in my BunnyBeads shop (it's actually DreaBunny.etsy.com) that's a mix of earthiness and glitz...a lot of natural stones and vintage metals mixed with sparkling crystals. BunnyBaubles is my shop for hair accessories, loaded up with super-colorful vintage plastics. It's a bright and happy shop that's funky and fun.

Tell us a little about your family.

The Family

I grew up a part of a huge Italian family. We're all very close and most of us grew up in the same neighborhood...the same street, even! Now I'm married and have moved away but come home often, there's always a birthday or holiday to celebrate! I also have three pets who are my babies...Jack, my four-year-old black lab-pitbull mix; George, my mini rex rabbit; and Zachary, my little purple betta fish.

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?
Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you. If not, what brought you here?

Big Family, Shared Birthday Cakes

I combined my answers for these questions...Tragically, I'm no longer in Maine...it's not by choice, however. I lived in Brunswick while my husband was stationed at the Naval Air Station, and when the base closed we were sent to Jacksonville, FL, and now we are off to Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Such is the life of a Navy wife, we are always packing up and moving. But there's no place like home, and home to me is Maine.
I grew up in Bradford, Massachusetts. It's like Brunswick, but not as awesome. Living in Brunswick I was so happy...there is a great small-town feeling there, locally-owned businesses all over Maine Street downtown and no one ignores you when you say "hello!" in passing. Close to the ocean, the mountains, a couple big cities and several secluded retreats...Brunswick was perfect.
At my first opportunity, I am coming straight back up I-95 (then to 295, and rt 24...) and HOME to MAINE!

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?
When I was a little girl I would make beaded bobby pins thanks to a Klutz book and kit I received as a gift. I would sit for hours and hours making seed bead daisy chains and dragonflies that matched my school uniforms. In high school I made and sold them to friends to wear to proms. Later, after I got married and moved to Maine, I worked at The Beadin' Path in Freeport. I learned so much more and got into jewelry-making thanks to that job. Now it's a great hobby I can take almost anywhere.

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?
Most definitely. After leaving Maine to live in hot and humid Florida I took a very long break from creativity. Florida was so draining for me, whereas Maine was always an inspiration. Now I am about to move to Maryland, and living so close to Washington, DC is bound to give my imagination a jump-start. I've missed having seasons and being outside!

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?

Mallory Shortie Bobbies

I am the Maine Team's biggest fan!! I have made some amazing friends, gotten a lot of help thanks to critiques on my products, shops, blogs, ideas...it's such a wonderful environment full of wonderful people. Without this team I would be so lost in Etsyland. There are several Maine Team members I talk to every single day, we've become such close friends. I'm so, SO happy to have found this team!

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

Bria Necklace

Oh goodness...I have a bunch...bear with me!!!
From the Maine Team:
Lisa makes the most amazing jewelry designs in PMC at www.etsy.com/shop/willowandme
Bonnie has the craziest, funniest stuff! Chess sets and zombies and Einstein ornaments! Love it! www.etsy.com/shop/psandqs
I love Casie's magnets, I have a bunch of sets on my fridge www.etsy.com/shop/littleputland
Kristin is one one of the most creative jewelry designers I know...and she is a great baker to boot! www.etsy.com/shop/burntmeadowbeads
Peggy has a few shops, and I have something from each...aprons, fingerless gloves, coasters, sachets...love her work! It's always impeccable www.etsy.com/shop/magentaskystudio
I love Lauren's maps and aesthetic. She has some beautiful artwork here www.etsy.com/shop/silentlanguages
Jamie is another favorite artist, I love her oil paintings and she taught me how to paint with encaustics. Loved her homemade wax paints as well! www.etsy.com/shop/jamieribisi
Someday I will own a pair of these sneakers...way too cool. www.etsy.com/shop/prettysneaky
I am always amazed by Becky's intricate weaving...incredible! www.etsy.com/shop/beckyrose
Jen has some of my favorite jewelry out there...I have a gorgeous cocktail ring she made from a vintage button, I am obssessed with it and wear it constantly. www.etsy.com/shop/quenchmetalworks
Lynn is such a wonderful person and I think it shows in her paintings. I bought a print of one of them for my parents, which now hangs in my mom's kitchen...I love seeing it and thinking of Lynn's smiling face. www.etsy.com/shop/lynncyrart
Do you want amazing skin? GO HERE. Jes makes the best sugar scrubs ever. EVER! www.etsy.com/shop/sweetmojoapothecary
I have several photograph prints from this shop, I get lost in their beauty. I have three Maine landscapes hanging in my studio, they make me homesick! www.etsy.com/shop/NatureMandalas

Hot Lace Pink Barrette

Do I even have room for non-Team members? Yeesh...
One of my favorite Etsians, Bria, makes some super-cool jewelry www.etsy.com/shop/handmadebybria
I love my puppy! And this shop! www.etsy.com/shop/thelab
Hungry? Me too. www.etsy.com/shop/nikid
One of Amy's paintings hangs proudly in my living room. I want a collection of her art, I adore it www.etsy.com/shop/AmyGiacomelli
Joe is so talented! www.etsy.com/shop/papercutsbyjoe
Just try to tell me these aren't friggin' adorable. I dare you. www.etsy.com/shop/bubbletime

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?
Like I mentioned above, I think living in a new place with give my creativity a kick in the butt...so I am hoping to add a lot of new items and two new lines soon. I'd love to get back into submitting to beading magazines and selling in brick-and-mortar shops as well! There are some really cool shops in Alexandria, VA, and National Harbor, MD that I would love to see my jewelry in!

Where can we find you online and locally?

Josephine Earrings

I'm only online right now...come say hello!
BunnyBeads Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/DreaBunny
BunnyBeads Facebook: www.facebook.com/DreaBunnyBeads

BunnyBaubles Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/BunnyBaubles
BunnyBaubles Facebook: www.facebook.com/bunnybaubles

BunnyBlogs (so in need of an update....yikes!): dreabunnyblogs.blogspot.com/

Thanks Drea for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Treasury Thursday

2011-09-08T12:42:00.002-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury curated by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

JCRABBIT

'The Maine Thing to consider is...' by jcrabbit

Black White and fun, with several features from my Home State MAINE!!

I Corinthians 13: 4-8 Love i... ArtsySandra $35.00	The Black Ice Tie-White & Gr... HandfullofYes $50.00	Black and white. Dress with ... NewstyleNataly $65.00	Vintage Varsity Letter W- Na... PillowtasticPl... $8.00
I Love Maine - 8x10 customiz... capow $25.00	Bike Mug large for Soup or C... LennyMud $18.00	We Can Do Hard Things Distre... barnowlprimiti... $70.00	Grey Stripes Loop Circle Sca... WhiteMoth $17.00
September SALE Sterling Silv... Amallias $65.45	Ivory Black Zigzag Outdoor/I... homebyeris $16.00	Detoxifying avocado charcoal... SoapyMooseBath... $5.75	Women's Ltd Edition Aviv... aNewHeirloom $75.00
Framed and Matted "I R... sdench $45.00	Glass platter/bowl/serving p... PKGlassworks $500.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Meet Your Neighbor - Twice Nice Purses

2011-09-06T14:30:00.001-04:00

Me and my husband

Who are you?
My name is Nancy O'Rourke. I live in Cumberland, ME with my wonderful husband of 28 years.
I have two great children. My daughter is 26 and my son is 23. I teach first and second graders in a primary school in Cumberland.

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you? If not, what brought you here?

My two kids

As a child, I lived in Portland until my dad got transferred to CT. While living in VA for a year, my husband got a job in Portland. We happily moved to Maine just a week before my daughter was born. Virginia was not for us! We've lived in Cumberland for the last 21 years I love the seasons, the people, the pace of life here and the coastline. Lots of my purse designs are inspired by where I live. I get inspiration from my family and the colors and shapes in my gardens and around Maine.

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?
I have always loved to make things. My mom is very creative and taught me how to sew and knit an early age. I still sew but can't knit! I discovered needle felting from one of my students about 4 years ago. He was just 7 years old at the time and brought a felted picture he had done. I was hooked!

Needle Felted Flower Wool Shoulder Bag

As a mom and a teacher, I believe we need to take care of our environment. So, I decided to use pre-loved wool for my purses and bags. I shop in local thrift shops and have lots of family and friends who happily give me their old wool clothing.

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?
For years I participated in local craft fairs. I was looking for a broader audience for my bags. Both my children suggested I join Etsy. Once I joined Etsy, I was thrilled to find a Maine Team. The Maine team has helped me get more exposure and a better sense of what shoppers are likely to buy. It's great to see how many artists there are in Maine!

Cranberry Felted Flower Pin

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?
I have lots of favorite shops. Here are just a few: alohasun, agklein, and FoxIslandFancywork. creationsbycorina, InnaGanke, Chopard, aileenclarkecrafts, and TerryAskeArtQuilts.

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?
I would love to be selling more but I think my purse designs and styles are getting better and better.

Where can we find you online and locally?
I have a facebook site: www.facebook.com/pages/Twice-Nice-Purses/140143136070974 and you can find my Etsy shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/TwiceNicePurses?ref=pr_shop_more.

Thanks Nancy for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Artist of the Month September :::::::::::::: Bee by the Sea, Ltd.

2011-09-02T22:53:00.002-04:00

Congratulations to EMT's September Artist of the Month:

Perfect handmade gifts for your wonderful pooch and you!

Bee by the Sea, Ltd.'s products are all designed in their Gorham studio. They strive to make "green" items by utilizing repurposed and salvaged fabrics, taking great pride in the creation of unique originals that will bring years of enjoyment.

With the cool days of fall approaching, wrap your pup in a warm cozy coat , walk in style with a new leash , carry your gear in a super strong tote or wrap up with a beautiful blanket.

Be sure to CIRCLE and FAVORITE Bee by the Sea, Ltd!

Treasury Thursday

2011-09-01T06:39:00.000-04:00

Every Thursday, we will be featuring a treasury curated by one of our team members.

This week's treasury was curated by:

Camelot's Treasures

'Back To School' by camelotstreasures

Are you ready for the school year?Found by searching "back to school"

Back to school - book belt/p... bookity $19.95	FIRST DAY of SCHOOL Vintage ... vintageimagema... $3.00
NomMon lunch bag from recycl... HandMeDownDesi... $14.98	Printable Back to School Sti... LittlebeaneBou... $8.00
Mini Apple sugar cookies, ba... hobilerimizz $15.00	the lunch box ----back to sc... HopeWithFeathe... $18.00
Organic Flat Cap 2 to 4 Year... worthygoods $32.00	Medium Pencil Pouch/ Art Bag... tracyjeanhandb... $9.95
Back to School Kid's Sna... PlaidCupcakeDe... $4.00	Back to School Loopy Hair Bo... haileysbeadsan... $5.95
Back To School, Apple & Worm... DottedBeeBouti... $7.99	Lockers- vintage 1930s gym- ... KimberosePhoto... $20.00
Boutique Watch with Adjustab... OwlandtheFiref... $24.95	Back to School Combination P... KarenGeddings $42.00
Patchwork Corduroy Messenger... remainewicked $55.00	School Themed Premade Scrapb... MyScrapbookStu... $25.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Meet Your Neighbor - Camelot's Treasures

2011-08-30T06:33:00.000-04:00

It's me!

Who are you?
Hi! I'm Guin from Camelot's Treasures! I hand make and sell doll clothes that fit the American Girl, Bitty Baby, BFC Ink, and other dolls.

Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to a United States Sailor, and we have 2 children; Mallory and Theron. Mallory is so full of energy and creativity that she even has her own shop - Mallory Alisabeth!

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?
Because we are a military family, we are not currently in Maine. Our last duty station was Portland, Maine, where we got a chance to really meet and bond with the wonderful community surrounding us, including the Etsy Maine Team members! We were lucky enough to live in the great little town of Yarmouth, which is really reminiscent of small-town New England. Yarmouth is probably most known for the annual Clam Festival, which brings people from all of the over the country to the little town for a long 3 day weekend.

My motley crew

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you? If not, what brought you here?
I am not a native Mainer. As stated before, we are a military family, so that is what brought us to Maine. I am a bit of a vagabond; I've lived in many states across the country (CA, NM, KY, TN, NC, VA, IL, ME) and now outside of the country in Italy. But out of all the places that I have lived, I can honestly say that Maine is running neck in neck with Western North Carolina as the most beautiful places.

Yarmouth, Maine

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?
I've been sewing off and on, most of my life. I think I was around 10 when my grandmother started to teach me how to sew; she would take me to the sewing room to bond with me, while my grandfather would take my brother to a boy scout camp or something. After that, most of the sewing I did was cross-stitching. When I had my daughter, I knew I wanted to make a few things for her, blankets and dresses, but it never really became a hobby because I was busy with the rest of life's events. The funny thing is, I remember a few times in my life that I had toyed with the idea of using sewing for a business, but I never really pursued it mainly because I thought it was just a "hobby" and I couldn't put a lot of time into it because I had a full-time job (sometimes 2) or going to college or taking care of a child on my own.

Gaeta. Italy

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?
I definitely will attribute living in Maine to be the relative cause of me starting this business. When we moved to Maine, I never imagined how much different my life was going to be; Maine is a lot more isolated than Norfolk, Virginia and winters are lot longer and colder. I wasn't able to get a job outside of the home because there weren't jobs to be had (unless I wanted to work at the local grocery store or McDonald's), and even if there were it would be hard to get to and from work and get daycare when we only had one car. I was going STIR CRAZY because I'm used to being a productive financially. So I started with making baby clothes and selling them on Ebay. Then Christmas was around the corner, and I wanted to get my daughter a Cabbage Patch Kid doll which would need clothes. I started to make a bunch of clothes and thought "hey, I could totally sell these." Unfortunately there wasn't a market for CPK doll clothes. I saw how popular American Girl Dolls were, decided to start making some of those clothes and they sold. Local people were so encouraging, giving me information about local craft fairs, spreading out my business cards, and keeping orders coming. And here I am now!

Girl's Dress I made

Had I not lived in Maine, I'm not so sure that this would have all started. I would have chosen a job in a restaurant, using my Culinary Arts degree. Something about Maine fuels people's creativity I think.

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?
Being a part of any community that is so supportive is great for anyone! I have been a member of the team since 2009, and they have been some of my biggest cheerleaders! There is constant feedback from everyone, learning the ins-and-outs of how to be successful, and just having people in a similar situation as you are some of the best things about being on the team. Not aside from the fact that they have welcomed me on the team, and continue to let be part of the team even though I'm VERY far outside of the Maine state lines.

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

Love Birds Peasant Blouse and Skirt

Hmmm, my favorite shops on Etsy is really hard because there are so many wonderful to choose from!
My favorite shops to get my fabric from are Worthy Good Textiles (a fellow Maine Teamer!), Spice Berry Cottage, and Skyereve Fabrics. My favorite chocolate shop would have to be Nicole's Handmade Treats. And I love perusing through the shops of some of these super supportive fellow team members: Rough Magic Creations, Country Folk Soap, Bunny Baubles, Magenta Sky Studio, and Little Eye Designs.

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?
If we are talking in the near future, then I would like to see my Etsy shop have at least 100 sales by Christmas. But if we are talking in a few years, I would really like to see me expand my shop off of Etsy and focus more on my own website which I'm developing right now (www.camelotstreasures.com). My main goal is to provide great customer service and quality workmanship that will have customers returning to me for their doll clothes need over and over again.

Where can we find you online and locally?

Trip to the Zoo Dress

At the moment, you can only find me online - unless you're planning a visit to the Naples/Gaeta area of Italy anytime soon!
You can find my Etsy store here: Camelot's Treasures on Etsy
My blog here: Camelot's Treasures Blog
My Facebook page here: Camelot's Treasures Fan Page
My Twitter page here: Camelot's Treasures Twitter
And my new website here: Camelot's Treasures

You can also find me writing articles for the Etsy Maine Team Blog and the Homefront Team Blog, on occasion.

Thanks Guin for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Meet Your Neighbor - Winter Solstice Dreams

2011-08-23T05:33:00.000-04:00

Walter and me

Who are you?

My name is Kim Napolitano-Perry and I am the sole artisan and owner at Winter Solstice Dreams: Naturally Scented Sachets, Eye Pillows, and Home Décor. I make scented everything from bookmarks and key chains to large Aroma Accent Pillows. The largest thing I made recently was a standard sized pillow that had two large sachets inside, filled with a pound of my own organic herbal blend called Midnight Romance. I am fond of things that are reusable and washable so my pillows and even my Balsam Fir Draft Blockers have removable cases.

Tell us a little about your family.

My little helper

My husband and I met in 2006 when I moved here from teaching out west. I am a former high school English Teacher and he was on my hiring committee. He and I taught together and eventually became wonderful friends. Destiny took over and we were married and moved into a house on 4 acres right here in South Paris, Maine. Our daughter was born in 2009 and is the biggest joy in my life. Her name is Veronica Rose.

My husband is also a member of the Etsy Maine Team with his vintage shop Forty Love.

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?

I live in South Paris, Maine in Oxford County. It is Western Maine and quite rural. I love living in Maine – especially when we have a summer like the one we’re in now! We live about an hour from Portland and about 40 minutes from Lewiston. New Hampshire is not that far either; about an hour from hiking in the White Mountains. We live about 4 miles from historic Norway Maine and our shops on Main Street are fantastic. When it gets tougher to travel, I am always really happy that shopping isn’t too far even though we live far from some of the larger stores. I am very fond of shopping locally.

My home

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you. If not, what brought you here?

I hesitate to say but no, I am not a native Mainer. My family and I have been hiking, backpacking, and visiting Maine for over 15 years and I have always loved New England. I lived in rural Vermont for many years and went to college in New Hampshire. I moved here to be closer to Mount Katahdin. It is my absolute favorite mountain to be on. I’ve spent a lot of time up there but when I moved here I knew only one person in the whole state. Prior to Maine, I lived in Utah for a couple of years but I am originally from Queens New York. I’ve always been quite nomadic. This is my 27^th move in my life but now, with my family and my house, I only move furniture around rather than myself. I am pretty rooted here now and wouldn’t change a thing. I absolutely love living in Maine.

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?

View out my shop window

I’ve been crafting for as long as I’ve been alive but sewing is relatively new to me. I started sewing because I wanted to make some curtains. I then made sachets for Holiday gifts in 2007 with my own herbs and etc. Since then I’ve graduated to needing an organic herbal supplier and mountains of fabric. I am getting a serger this week and hope to make a lot more of everything. I have always, ALWAYS loved perfume, essential oils, candles, and aromatherapy. I started learning about herbs and aromatherapy about 18 years ago and continue to learn and study them. I make everything with my customers’ best interest in mind and pay close attention to changes in their needs. I try to accommodate everyone the best I can. But, to quote my favorite guy in the history of English, “To thine own self be true” (Shakespeare: Hamlet); I abide by that because if I am not happy making what I’m making then it is pointless. I love each and every thing I make. My favorite thing is making new blends. All of my blends are handmade and designed with love. The best compliment is when someone has told me that my product has helped them de-stress and relax. That’s what it’s all about.

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?

Maine Balsam Fir Sachet

Yes, absolutely especially the Balsam Fir merchandise I create. The balsam comes from my own woods and from the woods of the Young Family who own Young’s Greenhouse right down the road from us. They are a wonderful and amazing family and I would be lost without them! I dry and grind the balsam myself and I love doing it. The house smells like the holidays for most of the year. The rest of my herbs and oils come from either local natural food stores and also an organic company called Mountain Rose Herbs. I love to buy locally and am looking for a more local source of herbs. My products call for a lot of lavender and I buy pounds at a time.

My workstation

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?

Etsy Maine Team has been an amazing source of strength for me this past year and a half. I have made such incredible friends and learned so much from the veteran crafters. It has helped me find my niche in this large online Etsy place and it is so good to feel like I can ask for help from my fellow Mainers. I was even on a few teams but have since decided that Etsy Maine Team was the only one for me. It is even better when I am at a show and find another Etsy Maine Teamer in person. Recently I did the Cumberland Arts and Crafts Show in Cumberland Maine and was pleasantly surprised to meet other EMT’s. The best thing? Holly from FloDo Designs came all the way down from her neck of the woods to say hello. She and I got to brainstorming and had a blast. She even stayed in my booth while I went and got some lunch.

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

OH wow; tough question. I guess my top five are: FloDo Designs, Country Folk Soap (SUE is a riot I just love her!), Fairy Moon Creations, Russ Potak, and I would be lost without Chase Street Soap Company. Jess is the owner of that shop and has helped me leaps and bounds since I’ve started Winter Solstice Dreams. She is a native Mainer who lives in Jersey now.

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?

Fabric Coaster Set of 4

If I logically and scientifically look at the trend in my shop, I can see there has been progress in leaps and bounds. My traffic has increased so much this past summer alone so I would say I see myself getting better and better. My own plan is to increase my fabric types to include an organic cotton line and more aroma accent pillows. Right now I have plans to open a fabric coaster shop (very soon) and just sell coasters in there. They will be unscented until I can get my scented coaster design down pat. I am still working on it. I am also in a co-op shop called Mama Co-Op where I make tooth fairy pillows which are just too much fun to make. I hope to get more in that shop soon! I do have a toddler though and am headed back to teaching this fall to help a friend out. So we shall see!

Where can we find you online and locally?

You can find me of course at www.WSDreams.etsy.com but also on FaceBook, Twitter, and my poor neglected blog! Here are those links:

http://www.facebook.com/wintersolsticedreams

http://wintersolsticedreams.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/#!/WSDreams

Organic Catnip Toy Sachet

I am also currently in a natural food store in Poland Maine called Square Root Natural Foods. I also sell my tiny sachets in a store on Route 26 in Oxford Maine called The Green Spot. Oh, and I sell my bookmarks in a wonderful independent bookstore called Books-N-Things in Norway, Maine. I occasionally have open house events at my home in South Paris and always list them on FaceBook when I do. Customers are welcome to make appointments with me via phone or email to purchase products. Oh, and I am a member of United Maine Craftsmen and do many shows with them as well. My next show is on September 10 (a Saturday) at Smiling Hill Farm. It will be a great time!

Thanks Kim for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

Monday Meet-up

2011-08-22T15:49:00.000-04:00

Help us welcome our newest members to the Etsy Maine Team!

Beth's Craft Room

Handpainted Lighthouse on glass pendant

Chic Origins

Sea Green Cotton Dress

Monki Vintage

Vintage Wade Irish Porcelain Mug

Faerie Quartz Design

Faerie and Her Cottage

Jan's Creative Whimsy

Art Deco Earrings

Low Key Creations

Primitive Sign - Scatter Kindness

Fly By Night Designs

Feather Earrings

Cardshark

Yellow Spider Mum Cards

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam".

Artisans' Market in Hallowell, Maine

2011-08-14T17:11:00.004-04:00

JOIN us for the Artisan's Market the third Sunday of each month at The Higher Grounds in Hallowell, Maine! Our next show is just one week away on Sunday Aug. 21st from 10-3. We have 7 Maine artisans, who have been chosen to participate in the show because of their fabulous-kickin' indie style, creativity, and wonderful use of material & color.
We hope you'll take a moment to click on the Hallowell link above! Hallowell is home to many antique shops, specialty restaurants, art & gift shops and more. Hallowell sits on the pretty Kennebec River, has a boat landing and a beautiful Rail Trail that spans over 4 towns from Augusta to Gardiner.

Visit our Facebook events page!

Julia from One Woman Studio makes the coolest tote, diaper, backpacks and market bags from recycled feed & coffee bags. We think it's the absolute ULTIMATE way to recycle! We've purchased her totes as gift bags for our friends and they are always much loved!

The twins, Kirsten & Cortney from Indigo Twin make one-of-a-kind folkart sculptures of just about anything you can think of! They do wedding toppers, objects (and my personal favorite), PETS! (I have one of my Lab Abby that is adorable)! BRING a photo in and they'll take your custom order right at the show!

Casondra from Casondra & Co. stamps, buffs, stains & shines up her wonderful collection of handstamped jewelry. Her look is very trendy, yet will never go out of style! Her Mom from Vega Glassworks will be showing that day as well!

The Sweet Mojo girls met Kendra from Whimsy in Brunswick at a show, and fell in love with her whimsical work! Skirts, aprons, home decor, she does it all, but I've got to tell you, we LOVED those skirts with the birds on them! Made for all shapes and sizes, come in and try one on!

We had seen Judy Babbin's work online for many years, but was BLOWN away once we finally got to meet and see her work in person! beautiful, chunky, earthy, rustic.... these are the words I think of when describing Judy's jewelry. I'm saving my pennies for a particular ring :)

OF COURSE the Sweet Mojo Girls will be there! Don't forget that we are discontinuing our DAY DREAM & FAINT SHADOW scents, so anything we have left will be disounted at the show! We handcraft Sugar Scrubs, Body Oils, Salt Soaks & Perfume Oils FROM SCRATCH using our own unique scents.

remember to SHOP LOCAL~SHOP HANDMADE!

Higher Grounds

119 Water St.

Hallowell, Maine

Meet Your Neighbor - Rough Magic Creations

2011-08-02T04:52:00.002-04:00

Who are you?

Hi! I'm Mollie. I have two shops on Etsy - RoughMagicCreations, selling my handmade jewelry and gifts; and RoughMagicHolidays, selling seasonal and special occasion items.

Tell us a little about your family.

My immediate family is small - my husband Joe, kitty cat Moonbeam, and me. Joe has four grown up children, whom I love as my own, and six grandchildren. The kids and grands are scattered across the country, from Missouri to California, but (to our good fortune) they travel.

Where are you in Maine and what's it like?

Me and Joe

We live in Brooklin in Hancock County, way down at the tip of the Blue Hill Peninsula, looking across the mouth of Herrick Bay toward Mount Desert Island. Brooklin is a little boat building and fishing village, with a general store, post office, church, library, a wee cafe, a couple of gift shops, and an inn-cum-restaurant. It's also the home of Wooden Boat magazine and school. During "the season," the population swells with summer residents and visitors from away, but our winters are generally so quiet you can hear the snow whispering down - my favorite time … next to autumn, that is.

Moonbeam

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what's kept you? If not, what brought you here?

Although I've called Maine home for almost 22 years, I'm a native of Dallas, Texas. Joe is a native of Portland, growing up on Forest Avenue and spending his summers on Sebago Lake. He and I met in Indiana, where my dreamy schoolgirl crush on my professor grew into a true romantic adventure, now in its 31st year. From Indiana we moved to New York City and soon were longing for the simple country life. So we retreated to Maine, found ourselves a ramshackle old house and set about renovating it room by room. It's a 1950's style rambler that began life as a camp and grew in all directions in a totally illogical fashion. For example, the front door is at the back of the house! But it's totally ours, and we love it.

What's the best thing for me about living in Maine?

Well … it's hard to choose just one wonderful aspect over all the others. Our beautiful state is so rich in history and variety of natural treasures (ocean, woodlands, rivers, lakes, mountains), that I can look around me and imagine myself anywhere in the world and in any era that suits my fancy. The light filtering through the trees can transport me to my childhood home so far away. Strolling down a quiet road, I can almost hear the hammering hoofs of Paul Revere's horse. Tramping through the woods, I inhale the smoky fragrance of a long ago Native American campfire. And exploring the beach, I envision the sails of a Spanish galleon on the distant horizon. The only thing I simply cannot imagine is living anywhere else!

Me in front (or back?) of our beautiful home

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?

Several years ago Joe underwent the miracle of a bilateral hip replacement in Portland, and while he was recovering I lived for three weeks in a hotel room. Too fidgety to sit and watch TV all day, unwilling to shop till I dropped, I immersed myself in something I had always enjoyed casually - making beaded necklaces and bracelets. By the time we came home, I was totally hooked on jewelry making and decided to try my hand at crafting my own metal clasps and earwires. For practice I bought several rolls of affordable copper wire from Ellsworth Building Supply. I think I ruined every inch of that wire, but that darn copper got under my skin (literally as well as metaphorically), and I've never quite recovered. Now Joe and I are making our own copper chains and pendants and using them with the beads I've always loved.

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?

Picture Tutorial on making
Christmas Tree Ornaments

Yes! When the idea of creating "Rough Magic" took over our lives, we started combining Maine's natural resources - beach shells and Joe's carved hardwoods - with gemstones, pearls and crystals. In our own dooryard we find stones, birch bark, pine cones, and moss for our wreaths and Joe's shadow boxes and dioramas.

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?

Belonging to this wonderful team is such a blessing for me - in more ways than I can count! I consider it a "home" on Etsy, where I can turn for friendship, inspiration, support, advice, laughter and fun. I especially enjoy chatting on our weekly forum thread, where we can share our private thoughts, dreams, triumphs and disasters with our generous and understanding teammates. It's "The Way (Team) Life Should Be!"

What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

My workstation

For jewelry, I have several favorites, including our own AdroitJewelers, whose lovely beach glass creations can literally take my breath away. If I get my courage up to try precious metal clay, I'll be knocking at the door of willowandme for advice. Also high on my list are DesigningIt, theBeadAerie, WildWomanJewelry, and members of my other team (Jewelry on Etsy).

Being unable even to thread a needle without mishap, I stand in awe of my Maine teammates who can turn fabric into fabulous without batting an eye. To name just a few: HandMeDownDesignsME works miracles with recycled denim, camelotstreasures creates lovely dolls' clothing I'd like to wear myself, and worthygoods made the warm and comfy hat I'll be enjoying for many winters to come.

Also, my anklet from Sallybateau is my favorite fashion accessory this summer, and I'm longing to try out CountryFolkSoap's new sunscreen.

Maine Made Earrings

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?

For myself, right here - hammering copper and trying to grow vegetables.

For the immediate future, I'm planning a new line and new look for RoughMagicCreations, concentrating on eclectic, boho style metalwork and promoting the concept of copper as "the new silver." For RoughMagicHolidays, I'll continue to focus on specialty and holiday ideas, moving appropriate items over from RMC, and rotating offerings with the changing seasons.

For the long term, I foresee a philosophical approach - experimenting with techniques and styles and creating my own niche in the highly competitive field of jewelry making.

Where can we find you online and locally?

My shops:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoughMagicCreations

http://www.etsy.com/shop/RoughMagicHolidays

http://www.artfire.com/users/RoughMagicCreations

Blog:

http://RoughMagicCreations.blogspot.com

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/RoughMagicCreations.Jewelry

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/RoughMagicME

Southwest Gemstone Necklace

Thanks Mollie for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."

EMT Artist of the Month August :: Prospero's Bookshelf

2011-08-01T08:23:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Etsy Maine Team's Artist of the Month:

Joe (a.k.a. "Prospero") is a collector of old books, memorabilia, curiosities and Americana and a former teacher of drama. He shares his wonderful collection in his two Etsy shops Prospero's Bookshelf and Feedback Theatrebooks.

Find out more about Joe:
prosperosbookshelf.blogspot.com
facebook.com/prosperosbookshelf
flickr.com/prosperosbookshelf

Be sure to CIRCLE and FAVORITE Prospero's Bookshelf.

And btw, Joe's wife Mollie is also an EMT member. You can find her beautiful jewelry creations at Rough Magic Creations.

Meet Your Neighbor - M00nlit Stitches

2011-07-26T04:22:00.100-04:00

Who are you?

Karrianne Davidson of m00n lit stitches mostly handbags but introducing lots of accessories and finally back into lampwork bead making.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been with my wonderful other half Shaun for 9 years now. We have a wonderful little demon seed of 2 1/2 named Owen Lucas; he is our little heathen and would not trade him for the world. We have 2 labs (color coded black & yellow so we can tell them apart) Holly & Zeus.

Where are you in Maine and what’s it like?

My family

I grew up in the Kittery/Eliot area and now we own our home in Sanford. Luckily we are in the farm land part of town. We sit right in the middle of a field on top on the mountain (so yes thunder storms are no fun).

Are you a native Mainer? If so, what’s kept you? If not, what brought you here?

I'm a border jumper; born in Portsmouth, NH but raised in southern Maine. I've been to many places to visit but my friend & family are here, plus I like the fact that we have all the seasons. I went to school in Kittery and graduated form Marshwood High School in 2001, then went to college for 2 years at the Heartwood College of Art in Kennebunk ME. I then realized what am I going to do with an art degree and just went back to work full time at my high school job that I have been at for 10 years now and wouldn't change it. I love where I am in my life and what I have done.

How long have you been making your craft and what got you into it?

Display of handbags at local craft fair

My mom and gram tough me to sew when I was 7/8 and took right off on it. I loved playing in all of my gram's fabric it was just so fun... in high school I really got into all my art classes and my art teacher Mrs. Osgood showed me how to really sew with some more challenging projects. I started out with bags and I fell in love with them. I could never find the right style or look in a store and my biggest issues were the straps they were always too short so I just started making my own. I had friends that loved them so I would make one for them and so on. Now when my other half and I got together he had no idea I sewed and when he saw my stuff he was like “ thats really good why don't you sell them” so I said what the heck, looked in to a few local craft fairs and it just took off from there. I 've been selling my bags for about 7 years now but just really started pushing my etsy in the last year or so now; I was always weary of on-line sales, but now I wished I started earlier with it.

Ruby Gold Lampwork Glass Bead Earrings

Do you feel your craft is related to where you live?

I dont think it is. Really its more a reflection of me. I'm fun and out going and love to make a statement.

How has being a part of the Etsy Maine Team helped you?

Pink and Brown Denim Handbag

It has really helped me learn what I need to do to start as a real small business

Where do you see yourself and your Etsy shop in the future?

What every one wants to able to make a decent income from it, but right now I just love seeing my creations out there for people to enjoy.

Where can we find you online and locally?

Etsy - http://www.m00nlit.etsy.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/m00n.lit.stitches

Starting in June, I do one craft fair a month in the southern part of the state in the seacoast area. Check out my Etsy and Facebook for all dates, times, and locations.

Thanks Karianne for sharing a little about yourself and how the wonderful state you live in helps you create!

Be sure to check out all the other awesome Maine artisans on Etsy, by searching "maineteam."