the Best Hearts have it!

We all know that as retailers (I don't like that word, we are NOT walfart) we artisans that sell our creations need to think ahead when creating items for our customers, so with that in mind, I would like to share with you some lovely heart items from 3 of my Etsy BESTeam buddies that you can order now and be ready for Valentines Day.  Or you can "share" this post with your one and only so they can surprise you next month, haha.  And the first one up to share her heart is...

Sandy from Sandy's Handmade Soaps and Things.  As you can tell by her shop name, Sandy sells soaps, but she also sells other things, like knitting markers and jewelry.  These frosted heart earrings are very cute, and perfect for those parents (like me) that likes to give our children gifts on Valentines day.  Yeah, I know, it's suppose to be about adult couples, but come on, I love my little girl too.  You can check out her other items, and find Sandy at these sites.

Etsy / Blog



I absolutely love these Silver Heart earrings created by Irith from Riorita.  She is a silversmith and a goldsmith, and handhammered these earrings.  What an amazing talent!  Plus she lives in Israel, which is one of the few places I would love to visit....and she gets to watch peacocks and geese outside her windows while creating her beautiful items.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?  Check her out here..

Etsy / Blog / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Tumbler

And last, but not least, there's Claire.  Her shop is Blue and White Wear.  Claire is an American that lives overseas.  First in Thailand, where she discovered a love of oriental items and styles, and now she calls South America her home.  I chose these adorable Simply Hearts Wine Charms mostly because I love the colors.  Crisp and clean, the perfect way to track your glass of wine, or in my case, Pepsi.  Yes, I drink soda out of my "good" glasses because I don't see why we wait for special holidays to use those special items.  Every day is special to me.  Look for Claire here.

Etsy / Blog / Twitter

So now we're ready for Valentines Day.  And if you really want that "perfect" relationship....make everyday Valentines Day with the people you love.

Debbi





The BESTeam is a group of artist/bloggers that have become friends while sharing, supporting, and promoting each others endeavors in our shops an on our blogs.  So....

If you are an Etsy artisian that likes to blog, check out the BESTeam on Etsy.

If you are a blogger that happens to sell on Etsy, check out the Besteam blog.

I'm dreaming of a White Besteam Christmas

My all time favorite Christmas movie is "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera Ellen.  I have it on a VCR tape, but a few years ago Amanda gave me a 2-disc holiday edition.  Which is a good thing since I start watching this in July, lol.  My favorite scene is the end and I really love the beautiful red and white dresses the girls wear while trimming the tree.  Boy, I wish we still dressed like that today, but that's another whole post topic, lol.  Anywho, I decided to do this weeks Besteam feature based on my favorite movie to get us all in the mood for the Christmas season. 

Freshwater Pearl Earrings



Flower with Coral earrings

First up is my newest Besteam friend, Irith from Riorita. Based out of Israel, I knew I would not find the traditional western Christmas items, but I did find these great pieces. Both would look wonderful with a long, full, and furry Christmas dress. Find her  here
                         
Etsy / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Website / Tumbler

Sterling Pearls and Crystal earrings

Carnelian Bowtie earrings

 Today is an earring sort of day, and with the large collars of these dresses, necklaces would get lost.  Here are my picks from the shop of Jewelry by Jaynemarie.  She creates gorgeous pieces worthy of that very special woman in your life.  Check her out here..
Etsy / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Frosted Heart earrings

White Christmas Tree earrings

SandyVern is mostly known for her wonderful soaps, but she does dabble in creating jewelry.  And I was lucky enough to find these earrings to complete my White Christmas theme.  But don't just settle on these 2 examples, check out her shop, and other links here...

Etsy / Blog / Etsy / Etsy

 

Now, if you're an Etsy artist that likes to blog, or a blogger that has a shop on Etsy, come and join the BESTeam ever.  A wonderful group of artisans that supports and promotes each other thru our blogs and other social media.  You can read our team blog here, and check out our team page here.

Debbi

Capsteam treasury challenge

I have been having fun lately, making (and being in) some Etsy treasuries.  I recently joined the On Fire For Handmade team, which is all about treasuries.  Well, I also belong to (and really like) the CAPSteam.  Christian Artists Promoting Shops team.  It's nice to have a group of believers helping each other in our quest to improve and grow our on-line shops.  Yesterday they started a treasury challenge, and it looks like fun, but before I go and make my treasury, let me share with you a treasury created by Leah's heart.  And yes, she included us!  I'll share my treasury when I'm done. 

'Filigree - for you and me! ' by LeahsHeart

Inspiration Piece Treasury Challenge - my turn

Peacock Necklace Set, P... RazielaDesigns $50.00	Black & White Shaggy Lo... cutterstone $19.00	large silver cross with... ourhometoyours $28.00	Filigree Ronde - Metall... DivineBijoux $12.00
Wine Burgundy Filigree ... ExpressionsByC... $23.00	Petite Silver Deco Fili... WishByFelicity $20.00	turquoise wire wrap cha... kyriechriste $30.00	Filigree Silver Drop Ea... MarcheseCreati... $18.00
Victorian Style Necklac... EsBello $24.00	Chandelier Earrings - D... BookofWhimsy $18.00	Purple Flowers French B... RibbonsAndRose... $10.00	Black and White Holiday... SqueakyBug $12.00
Celebrate Love Earrings... celebratefaith $34.00	Estate Diamond Ring Ste... fairytaletreas... $140.00	Steampunk Jewelry - Nec... earthfirestudi... $50.00	Purple Lucite Ruffle Fl... BeckyHelmerDes... $10.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Remember, this Christmas season, buy small business, buy local, buy handmade!

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - free for all

Well, I didn't have a lot of time this week to think of a theme, so this week is a free for all, lol.  Post anything you like!!!  So I looked thru some of my older cirlce friends to see what was new, so here's some Etsy things I like...

Look at the color!!!!  I love it!  These are Frosted Cerulean Blue Wire Wrapped earrings from the shop of byebyebirdy.  I know Wendy, and she is a wonderful person who takes great pride in her work.  You'll love her shop.

And here's my friend Nina from You Are My Sunshine.  I have purchased several items from her, and even had a custom order with her, and everything she sent me was even better then I expected.  Lovely and soft and feminin and simply wonderful.  Just like this Statement Necklace, vivid fuschia silk flowers and reclaimed vintage earrings make this a truly one of a kind necklace.

And lastly is a shop I have not purchased from (I don't have a cat) but I just love what  Amélie creates, so I like to check in often to see what's new, like this Southern Belle Hat with Wig.  ToScarboroughFair has been features all over the place, in movies, and lately on Good Morning America.  Wow!  And Congrats!!



And now it's your turn.  Link up and share....and let's party!!!
Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - chocolate

Today we went out to dinner to one of our favorite restaurants, Golden Corral.  They have a fairly large selection of food, so everyone in our family can find something to eat.  Of course, our favorite food bar is the dessert bar.  And they have a new item there, a chocolate fountain!  I was in heaven.....I love those things.  I could just stick my face in one, or give me a straw....a really big straw, hahaha.  So that is this weeks theme, chocolate.   Chocolate color, chocolate food, things you can wear while eating chocolate, you get my drift.  Here are my 3 Etsy chocolate picks...

First is a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Drizzle Dessert Bar from Love My Suds.  Now, while these look so delicious, you can't eat them.  This is a bar of.....soap!  You should see the soaps for sale in this shop....if you're on a diet, these are the treats to get, no calories.

I remember pigging out on these Hostess cupcakes while growing up.  No box was safely hidden in my house, I was always able to sniff them out, and snarf them up!  (I liked the orange ones too).  These earrings are made of polymer clay, and they can be found in the Etsy shop Artwonders.  You can find tons of miniature food clay items there.

And last, I found my favorite dipped in my favorite.  Oreo cookies dipped in white chocolate.  These we eat, my friend.  They are listed for weddings, but I'm sure they taste as good as they look anytime.  But be warned, when you visit the shop of Sweettoothesweetie you could be there all day trying to decide which treat you absolutely need to eat!


Ok, there are my picks for chocolate.  Now it's your turn.  Link up something from your shop or blog that involves chocolate.  Remember, you don't have to stick with just Etys items, if you sell on Artfire, or Zibbet, or any other venue, please join my party.  And you don't have to stick to chocolate, share your favorite item.  Just remember to link and share, because the more people, the better the party. :~D
Debbi

Besteam feature on gmaellen

Today I "met" a new member of our BESTeam, Ellen Mackler.  Ellen lives in Walla Walla Washington. heehee, I love the sound of that "Walla Walla Washington".  I did a quick google search on Walla Walla and it looks like a great place to visit, and an even better place to live.  But back to Ellen, she has a shop on Etsy named gmaellen where she shares her crochet creations.  (I wonder what the gma before her name means).  She has some lovely creations, bags and totes, bookmarks, washcloths and dishtowels, jewelry, and blankets.  I also love to crochet, and it's a fairly new craft that Mandy has really gotten into.  The feel of soft yarn running between your fingers, and then seeing an item take shape right before your eyes, it's so nice.  Ellen loved watching both her grandmothers crochet while she was growing up, and those are great memories.  Now let me share with you my favorite finds from her shop.

The first item is this pretty pink crochet mesh shopping bag.  Ok, it's actually apricot, but I like the sound of pretty pink, kind of like Walla Walla, lol.  But seriously, the in-thing to do in this day and age is "going green".  And with this bag, you can go green in style.  I'm pretty sure that Ellen will also make you a bag in your very own favorite color, just let her know.

Next is this tiny crochet basket with button flower lid.   This is just too cute for words.  Stiffened with permanent fabric glitter too, sparkle!!!  I love sparkle!  What a perfect hiding place for anything special, like an heirloom ring, or your babies first tooth.

And finally, here are some earrings you won't find just anywhere.  These crochet lace fan earrings are so delicate and feminine.  Approximately 2x2.5", they are large enough to get attention, but not so large that they overpower your "look".  Way pretty.

Ellen also started her own blog, gmaellenscraftycorner.  It's a really new blog, so hop on by and leave her a comment welcoming her to the blogosphere. :~D
And about the name gmaellen....I'm guessing it stands for gramma ellen.  Maybe she'll stop by and let us know, hint hint.  Thanks for stopping by, and I'll see y'all soon.
Debbi

Besteam feature on Plum Beadacious

Hello everyone!  Just look at the beads in the banner of this weeks Besteam feature, LeAllyson Meyer from Plum Beadacious.  It makes me want to run my fingers thru the pile, and watch the colors change as the light bounces of the beads as they move in my hands....yes, I am a beadaholic.  And proud of it.
And apparently, so is LeAllyson.  The jewelry she creates and lists in her Etsy shop shows a wide range of her personal likes and dislikes.  From glasswork beads to gemstones, and crystals to pearls, with a vintage piece thrown in whenever she finds something that catches her eye.  Because, after all, artisits create to their own prefrences, and also just for the joy of creating.
Take this first piece as an expample:

Blue Ploymer Clay Lentils Brass Earrings
I love how she took the touch of pink swirl on the main bead and carried it over to the small pink bead accents.  How exquisite these would look with an upswept hairdo.
LeAllyson just recently (last January) moved to the great state of Colorado, where she feels inspired by the beauty that now surronds her.  Did you know that Colorado has 42 state parks?  For nature lovers, that is a smorgasboard of trails to hike.  I just goggled Colorado, since I've never been west of the Mississippi myself, and boy, that state just got bumped up on my list of places to go.
I'm sure the colors there is what inspired this next piece:

 Rust Orange and Brown Dyed Turquoise Beaded ID Badge Laynard
What a classy way to dress up  office ID Badge.  Having something like this would surely make you stand out in a crowded meeting.  PlumBeadalicious has been a part of the Etsy world for just over 3 years, with 100% positive feedback.  Here's one quote from a satisfied customer.
"I honestly could not be happier with my purchase.  Shipping was fast, the earrings themselves are adorable, and the packaging was very professional.  I will definitely will be back in the future."
And here's one last piece to leave your mouth watering for more:

Ruby Red Czech Firepolished Crystal Necklace
Look at how the light just sparkles off those red beads, umm umm.
You can follow PlumBeadacious on facebook...subscribe to her blog Beadaciouslyyours...
and she also has her own web page where you can find everything in one place.
Enjoy!

Besteam feature on Designs by M'Ayanna

Where do you go if your a plus-size fashionista looking for the right jewelry pieces to complete that knock-em-dead outfit?  Straight to this weeks Besteam feature, Designs by M'Ayanna.  Patrice Kelly, from Chicago Illinois, is the proprietor of this wonderful Etsy shop.  Patrice started designing jewelry with her young daughter, who soon became bored and moved onto other "fun" things.  But Patrice was hooked, and luckily for us, she continued to design her jewelry.  The name M'Ayanna is an abbreviated form of Mommy and Ayanna, and it's the kind of name that just sticks in your head.

I love this black and white watch, made just for a plus size woman.  My husband has almost as many watches as I have shoes, and he would approve of this classic look.  Patrice is continually learning new techniques and is evolving in her types of jewelry available.  The latest being bead weaving, but you just have to wait to see what else she might come up with, like metal work and this wire wrapped and beaded necklace (also a plus size) .

You really need to go to Designs by M'yAnna to see the full close up of this necklace.  It is gorgeous!  What a great gift to hide in your honey's Easter basket, or to give your mom on Mother's Day.

And now for my favorite piece of jewelry from Designs by M'Aynna....

drumroll please.....

This bold, bright, and beautiful Amber Crystal Cuff.  If you like it, you better grab it now before someone else snatches it! 

And since designing great pieces of jewelry is not enough to keep Patrice busy, she also has a blog you can read, and a facebook page you can "like".  Just click on any of the pictures or links about to be taken away.....to Designs by M'Ayanna.

And don't forget to tell her that Debbi from Our Home To Yours sent you!

Besteam feature on Jewelry By Jaynemarie

If you're looking for some great and classic jewelry, look no farther then my BESTeam team mate Jewelry By Jaynemarie.  Jaynemarie grew up as an "air force brat", moving alot during her childhood.  Right now she lives in California with her husband and 2 dogs, and they have 2 grown daughters.  Jaynemarie designs some absolutely beautiful pieces of jewelry, like this blue crystal sterling silver rain earrings.

They are just so feminine and dainty, they flow with every move of your head.  Jaynemarie deals with Chronic Fatugue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia, which makes her jewelry extra special because of the effort she puts into creating each piece.  If you have ever dealt with pain, you know how difficult creating this jewelry must be, yet each piece is lovingly crafted to her own high expectations.

This black agate flower necklace is so dramatic, and would add such a punch to any outfit, but would be best suited for that very special occasion.  Jaynemarie welcomes custom orders and even offers layaway.  Click on any link above to view all her pieces, and make your choice today.

And I'll just leave you with my favorite piece from Jewelry By Jaynemarie, this amethsy teardrop necklace.  The colors and style are just breathtaking.

You can also find Jaynemarie on

facebook, twitter, and her blog.

And if you have an Etsy shop, and a blog, check out the BESTeam for support and fun.

Besteam feature on Beader Bubba

Agnus is the owner/creator of Beader Bubbe, an Etsy jewelry shop, and a BESTeam member.  Agnus hails from Brooklyn NY and is a school secretary.  Agnus loves to craft and dabble in all sorts of mediums, but really enjoys beads.

While browsing her shop for items to share, I was immediately drawn to this rainbow necklace.  I just love the colors.  It is made of polymer clay.  Unfortunately, most of Agnus's creations are snapped up before they even hit her Etsy store.

Lucky for us, this crazy agate beige bracelet did make it to her shop.  The large shapes, and cool colors of the beads will make this the perfect accessory for that special night on the town.

And lastly, these pretty butterfly earrings are so delicate, you can expect them to just fly away.  So be sure to stop by her shop and grab some of these great pieces for yourself.

And when you're done shopping, stop by her blog.  Agnus and her husband are getting ready for a cruise (I'm jealous, lol) and she has promised to give us all the details.

You can also follow BeaderBubbe on facebook.