Sunshyne Silverwear

It was well over due...Part I

2012-03-12T08:58:00.001-04:00

Ok, as some of you know, I own a small two family house in the city of Rochester. Originally, the plan was to live here 5 years then resell, hopefully at a profit, to buy a one family house in a better neighborhood. Well, that was 10 years ago now. I have come to accept the fact that this house is my home, and will be for some time to come. I live well within my means here, and the rental downstairs helps tremendously with the mortgage. I guess I partially never really accepted the fact that the 'five year plan' disintegrated a long time ago, so I never really made this house my own. What I mean by that is, I never repainted or redecorated to my liking. Until now.

1:00 am, and still at it

Being an artist, I have come to realize that the craft show doesn't end after I pack up and go home. This year I invited many folks into my home studio to shop my wares. While it does give me a good excuse to clean up around the house, there is no hiding the ugly wall colors. It was time for my artistic taste to reflect onto my home. The goal is to paint the hallway, bedroom and living room before the spring crafts show madness begins. Here is part one...

This is the hallway you enter after walking in the main door

Before, it was this UGLY pinkish, salmonish color that always looked dingy to me. Lets call it 'dirty bubblegum' (my living room is the same color, blah!) The worst part is that all of the rooms I have to paint are stippled. Which means that you have to go over it once with a thick nap roller, then at LEAST once more with a paintbrush filling in all the nooks and crannys that the roller missed. It's pretty tedious, and makes your eyes go buggy after a while.

Looking down the opposite end of the hallway

It was totally worth it in the end. I absolutely LOVE the color I chose (Behr's 'Delectable'). It such a bright and happy color that makes a great first impression when walking in the door.
And I have BIG plans for this hallway. I want to showcase all of my artist friend's work and pieces I find along my craft show journey. I want the whole hallway, top to bottom, to be filled with art. This is just the beginning...

Got this piece at The Grassroots Gallery

My friend Jen made this awesome quilled piece for my
30th birthday

This was a trade at a Phish concert in Vermont last year

Serendipity Photos

I am just about done with the bedroom now. Part II coming soon!

Get 10% off of your entire purchase at www.SunshyneSilverwear.com by entering coupon code 'FACELIFT' in at check-out. Offer expires 3/29/12, which happens to be my goal to finish up painting the apartment. :)

Handmade Brigade: Was it Worth it?

2012-03-10T20:03:00.001-05:00

Today I participated in this show:

It was my first time doing this show and I did not know what to expect. The only thing I knew going in was that there was going to be a few artists that I know personally vending there with me.

The first thing that got me a little nervous about the show was that when I turned off of Henrietta Rd onto Ward Hill Road, there were no signs indicating that there was a craft show. Upon turning into the parking lot, I had still not seen ANY signage. Yikes, not a good start.

Set up and parking were fairly easy, and I was lucky enough to be placed next to Tiffany Cotsonas of Freckles and Frizz. Tiffany makes a wide range of beautiful fabric and embroidered decorations and children's clothing. She is also a fellow RNESTer (Rochester New York Etsy Street Team)

Freckles and Frizz

As I had suspected, the show was really slow. I think maybe 200 people came through all day. (and that number may be exaggerated a bit)

Ultimately, because this is how I make my living now, my first goal is to sell enough pieces to pay a few bills and unfortunately the show fell short.

But money aside, this show was actually really fun. I had hours of great conversation with Tiffany, which made the time just fly by. Periodically, Francesca DeCaire, who was set up on the opposite end of the room, would make a cameo in our area and get us cracking up over one thing or another.

Francesca DeCaire: Bead Artisan

Dollar bead anyone?

I gotta say, the ladies that ran the show were very nice and helpful as well. They had volunteers willing and able to help with load in, a free hot lunch, and the organizers came around and asked if the vendors needed anything a few times throughout show. If they can remedy the lack of advertisement, I really think that the show has great potential. The quality and diversity of crafts was impressive, it was like a mini Indie show. Definitely NOT your typical church fair.

one of MANY beautiful pottery pieces by Tori DiPietro

The other great thing about slow shows, besides mingling with other artists, is doing TRADES! Lola got this awesome (or should I say PAW-some) leash, hand made with love by Tiffany in exchange for one of my new spoon rings.

Lola and her new leash!!!

Tiffany also made Lola's pretty collar <3

So, back to the original question, was today's show worth doing? I would say hell yeah! It is a rare occasion that you get to schmooze with fellow crafters at a show. Being in a room full of creative people and weaving ideas on collaborating talents is one of my favorite things to do. Also, getting tips on good shows to participate in, and advice on which shows to steer clear of are priceless did bits that only get shared when there is time to share, and there was PLENTY of time at this show. Not to mention the many friendships and connections made today.

In the end, I would say that having the occasional slow show is necessary for growing a business for the networking aspects alone, although I hope next week's show at Webster Schroeder School is a bit more profitable.

Enjoy 10% off of your entire order online at www.sunshynesilverwear.com by entering coupon code 'BRIGADE' in at check out. Expires 03/12/12

Word of the Week!

2012-03-06T10:11:00.001-05:00

This week's 'word' is: GRASSROOTS
Mention this word when you see me here this weekend

and get a discount of $5 off of your $25 or more purchase and $3 off of your purchase under $25

Location: John Calvin Presbyterian Church
Directions: 50 Ward Hill Road, Henrietta,NY 14467
*****************************************************************************

You can also use GRASSROOTS as an online coupon code at www.sunshynesilverwear.com to get a flat discount of $4 off of your entire order!

Expires Sunday 3/11/12 at Midnight (EST)

Loving The Grassroots Gallery!

2012-03-04T12:18:00.000-05:00

I love when random events collide and you end up discovering something wonderful that you didn't know existed. This weekend I stumbled upon The Grassroots Gallery

Hungerford Building
1115 East Main Street, Rochester
Door 1, Suite 157

This past Thursday I noticed that fellow RNESTer Kristen (owner of K5 Art) had mentioned on our team blog that she was vending at The Grassroots Gallery at the Hungerford Building for First Friday and that there were spots still up for grabs. I jumped on the opportunity and e-mailed Grassroots that very day.

K5 Art sells colorful Scrabble tile pendants and so much more!

(For those of you who are not from Rochester or who have not heard of the Hungerford, it is an old warehouse type building in which hundreds of local artists have set up their studios. They hold many events throughout the month, but the most popular and well known is 'First Friday'. Every first Friday of the month, most of the artists open their studio doors to the public so you can meet the artist, purchase some incredible creations, and perhaps get to see the artisan at work.)

The Hungerford Building

Kari, one of the owners of Grassroots contacted me back right away and confirmed a vending spot for me. At 6pm on Friday I was set up and ready to sell!

My little slice of heaven at the Gallery

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about my experience there. The Grassroots folks are so down to earth and welcoming. The whole atmosphere has a warm and friendly vibe. Right away I felt at ease and they treat you as if you have always been 'one of the gang'.

Besides the brilliant art all around, you could also enjoy a complimentary drink and yummy hors d'oeuvres, an interactive piece of art they want you to contribute to, and on many occasions, they even bring in live music.

interactive art piece

ceiling in the main gallery

comfy room off of the main gallery. It has the feel of
hanging out in a friend's living room

They happen to be having an event on Saturday to celebrate Mary's birthday. (one of the gallery owners) and they graciously invited me to set up my wares at the shin dig. When I got there on Saturday, the whole place had been decorated with vibrant balloons and colorful streamers.

They had an extremely talented group of musicians called Last Note playing all night. And when I say all night, they rocked it out until almost 1am. By the end of the night everyone had literally kicked off their shoes and were dancing like nobody was watching, including me. It was truly a night to remember.

Last Note

My Saturday set up

And I wont soon forget my stellar night at The Grassroots Gallery because I purchased this awesome work of art. Goes perfect with my new purple walls. Loving it!

Vote For Meeeeee!

2012-03-02T07:33:00.000-05:00

The craft club I am a part of, RNEST (Rochester NY Etsy Street Team) has a monthly contest for its members. We are challenged to create an item under the concept theme. The winner of the challenge gets the coveted spot, front and center on the RNEST blog to showcase their wares for the whole month!

This month's challenge was 'rise of the machines' and I thought my new keyboard pendants would be the perfect entry.

So please click this link for the Rochester NY Etsy Street Team Challenge and cast your vote!

Thanks!

From now until the challenge is over (March 7th 2012) get 5% off of your entire order at www.sunshynesilverwear.com by using coupon code 'machines'

Oh, and by the way, this is still up for grabs!

HAPPY LEAP DAY!

2012-02-29T11:38:00.000-05:00

Until 2:29pm (EST) get 29% off of your order of $29 or more! Just enter coupon code 'LEAPDAY' in at check-out. BIGGEST SALE EVER! www.sunshynesilverwear.com

Random Giveaway!

2012-02-28T16:46:00.003-05:00

Enter coupon code 'MIAB' to get this message in a bottle pendant for FREE with your $40+ purchase at www.sunshynesilverwear.com. There is only ONE available, so first come first served!

The bottle pendant is 2 1/2 inches in length and comes with a 24 inch silver plated chain.

A metal filigree ring wraps around the top and bottom of the bottle

Message is written in German and has sealing wax and stamp
binding it together

Bottle is 2 1/2 inches in length from top of the cork to bottom.

This piece is sure to add a little whimsy to any outfit. :)

8 Days a Week

2012-02-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

One thing I have learned about owning my own business is that I put twice as much time into the business than I ever put into a 9 to 5. The other thing is, is that I don't mind one bit. The difference: I like what I do now.

one of my many work stations throughout the
appartment

Before, I swear time stood still around 2pm. The day seemed so loooooong, almost torturous. Don't get me wrong, it was a steady paycheck doing a job I was good at and that I liked doing, but it was not my first choice in how I wanted to spend my day. These days, in the blink of an eye, four hours passes by. Before I know it, the sun is setting.

Hard at work

Believe me, it's not all sunshyne and roses though. The months after Christmas and before Spring are pretty hard, financially. There are no arts and crafts shows in this time and I have to rely web site sales to pay the bills. So far I have squeezed by unscathed. But being a full time crafter has many other risks.

In order to sell my wares, I apply to arts and crafts festivals. Most are juried shows which means I never know from year to year if I will even get in. If I'm lucky and I do get in, there is a chance that the weather could be bad that weekend or that I will be given a booth spot that is not optimal, which means lower attendance and fewer customers.

Rainy day at last year's Lilac Festival

Or worst case scenario. like last year's Lilac Festival, they closed down the whole fest due to inclement weather. According to most festival contracts, there are no refunds given to vendors if that should happen. (participation in most arts and crafts festival ranges from $75-$200 PER DAY!)

There are a great many risks to doing what I do, but I do it for the love of creating art. All of the decisions I have made are worth it when the customer in front of me is psyched with their new purchase. Every sale is appreciated beyond words and it is always humbling when my work brings a smile to someones face.

from now through 3/1/12, get 15% off of your entire purchase at www.sunshynesilverwear.com by entering coupon code '8DAYS' at check out.

My Secret Wish To Be A Nomadic Vagabond

2012-02-23T08:18:00.001-05:00

From the tittle alone, I'm sure you think I'm nuts. Don't get me wrong, I don't find being a homeless person romantic in any way, it's about my perspective on freedom.

Since the time I was 15, I have always had a job and was able to completely support myself. I always thought that the more money I make the more freedom I would have and the easier my life would be. But the truth is, if you are anywhere in between being independently wealthy and being homeless with no responsibilities, you are tied down by something.

Took this pic on my dog walk 2/22/12. We were
near the Vet's Bridge.

I have worked hard to get where I am today. I moved out of my mom's house at 17, took an hour and a half bus ride to work for years, saved very extra penny and bought my house when I was 23. The thing is, the more money I made, the more possessions I collected and the more bills I had. In reality, I am no better off financially than I was when I was 15, I just have more stuff.

Home sweet home

What if, I just sold everything and released myself from the shackles of owning shit. I would be free to tramp around the country and the world. Sure, I would work here and there so that I could save up enough money to get from one place to another, but imagine the experiences I would have, the people I would meet, the things I would learn. I want life to be unpredictable, a surprise at every sunrise.

NYC bound 2008

Isn't that what life should be? A non-stop whirlwind of adventure!?! I would take the good with the bad and in the end I can only imagine the stories I would have to tell

Colorado hike, 2010

Basically, what it comes down to is that on my death bed, I don't want to have any woulda, shoulda, coulda's. We only get one life (as far as I know) and I don't want to spend most of it on auto-pilot doing the same thing day after day after day. Been there done that. I feel like the magic of life is found in the unexpected and you don't get there without a little risk taking. I have seen it happen time and time again. And I am a true believer that you may not always get what you want, but you will always get what you need.

Then again, I'm writing this as I wait for my massage appointment. And I am sure I will ponder it more as I'm snuggled under my down comforter in my warm bed in front of the plasma television. Maybe I should just shut up and appreciate all of the things I do have and just keep surrounding myself with people who love me.
I guess its a choice between comfort or adventure.
Maybe I could find some comfort in adventure.
Maybe I should stick with the adventure I find in comfort.

Holy Crap! I really did it!!

2012-02-22T09:09:00.000-05:00

For as long as I can remember, I have always been a huge fan of the Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers and the like. In 2006, my friend Kadi convinced me we should pay our way to the shows by selling help necklaces in the parking lot. My love for creating things, music, and conversing with people from all walks of life were merged all in one day. I was hooked!

Kadi and I at the Darien Lake 'Dead' show in 2006.
One of the first times selling my wares 'on lot'

Now, I could afford to go to more shows and enhance my concert experience as a whole. For years to come I would walk around the lot, make a few bucks and always make it into the show, sold out or not. It was heaven.

2008 'Dead' show with Kadi and Denae at Penn State.

I traveled all accross the country funding my love for music and travel selling hemp necklaces and in late 2008 my first spoon pendants were born. They debuted at the Phish reunion shows at Hampton Colosseum in VA, early 2009.

Day 1 of the 3 day run

OK, so we didn't get into the 3rd night at Hampton, tickets were going for
$700 each! We did have an amazing time hanging in the parking lot
though.

Next thing you know, I hang up my spoon rack and upgrade to an EZ-up tent to sell my wares. Not only an I selling at shows now, but I apply and get into a bunch of local arts and craft shows. I'm loving life!

with the EZ-up, now i can hang out all day in the shade!

There is just one last step in the progression of music+craft selling, and that is to apply to a music festival. These festivals are usually 3 days long with live music at all hours of the day and night, thousands upon thousands of attendees and everyone camps out right on site. An amazing experience and one I would recommend to anyone with an open mind. These festivals can be life changers. AND I JUST APPLIED TO BE A VENDOR AT ONE OF THE GREATEST FESTIVALS IN THE USA!

official 2012 advertisement

All Good is a combination of everything I love. Good music, good people, good friends and hopefully a craft vending spot!

Oh yeah!

It's a lot more expensive than the craft shows I am used to, but the whole experience alone will be worth it ten fold. I'm so psyched about it, I REALLY hope I get in!

Wish me luck!!!

Beauty All Around

2012-02-20T13:16:00.001-05:00

Before I quit my day job I was always in a rush and constantly running late. It was as though I was living life with tunnel vision trying to perform all of my responsibilities for the day. Now that I'm self employed I have finally found a little more time to appreciate the world around me. It's although the blinders have been taken off and I am no longer living on auto-pilot. I am surprised daily with the beauty right in my own back yard.

For the last 4 months or so, I have been taking random pictures with my iPhone on my daily walks with the dogs. Here are just a few of the little slices of loveliness I happen to capture along the way.

Before the first frost

fast forward 30 seconds to the torrential downpour.
We were 1.5 miles from home :(

My neighbor's tree. Looks so lovely in the winter against
the white snow.

Pretty moss! And it is just as soft as it looks ;)

The day after a huge snowstorm. Thank you plowman!

Get that stick Beasley!

Found on the side of the Vet's Memorial Bridge. Not sure
what it means, but it looks pretty cool.

This last picture collage was a gift to my sister for Christmas. All the photos were taken on the same day, on the same walk. It's funny, the things you see when you are actually looking.

Looking for love in all the right places

Now through 02/22/12 get 15% off of your purchase at www.sunshynesilverwear.com by entering 'LIVELIFE' at check out.

A productive Sunday...considering

2012-02-19T18:08:00.002-05:00

The one major downside of quitting a 9 to 5 to follow your dreams is not having medical insurance. I didn't really feel the loss of it until I woke up with an ear ache today. I'm talking ice pick to the brain kind of ear ache. Thank goodness my sister had a full prescription of amoxicillin she never used that she gave to me.
You know, it's not really even the cost of the medication, hell, it's free at Wegmans, its the cost of the doctor's appointment to get the prescription I already know I need. Time to cut corners folks, and with a little knowledge of my own body and a little internet research, I'm cutting out the middle man and going straight for the antibiotic.

So even though i'm in a bit of pain, I still managed to get a bunch of custom orders finished today. All while watching one of my favorite shows from the 90's 'My So Called Life'

(Jordan Catalano, what a dream boat!)
At this point I was feeling pretty productive, so I treat the doggies to a long walk before the sun went down. We usually go for a good trek every day, but I had pretty much written off even leaving the house when I woke up to my ear infection.
I have been playing a game with the dogs. Tell them to sit and stay and see how long they do what I ask before they run full speed towards me. We got pretty far today. I'm proud of my good girls.

This video was taken at the Seneca Park bridge. Unless it's sunny and at least 65 degrees out, it's usually pretty deserted. Perfect spot for a little doggy exercise!

My second new hobby: horseback riding

2012-02-15T08:35:00.000-05:00

I am actually writing this post from the indoor ring where the horses get their exercise when the weather is bad.
My friend Jordan works here and she has been kind enough to let me go out riding with here a few times. Today's ride was beautiful. The snow started to fall on the trail in big white flakes. It was like the inside of a snow globe. Skipper, the horse I have been riding is thankfully very obedient and gentile. This is definitely a hobby I'd like to continue to pursue.

'Word of the Week' continues!

2012-02-11T07:32:00.000-05:00

Now that show and festival season is upon us, I will be reinstating the 'word of the week'
The word of the week is good for $3 off any online purchase, just enter word in at check out.
-or-
When you see me at arts and crafts shows, its worth $5 off of your $25 or more purchase and $3 off your purchase under $25, just state the 'word of the week' when you see me at my booth.
This week's 'word of the week" is VALENTINE (seemed pretty appropriate)

Expires 2/18/2012

One of my 3 new hobbies: screen printing

2012-02-07T13:19:00.009-05:00

For those of you who don't know, I quit my 9 to 5 last May to pursue my dream of living off of my art. Because this is the slow time of year for arts and crafts shows, I thought I'd put my time to good use and take on some new hobbies and learn something new.
A few weeks back I started shadowing at my uncle's screen printing shop in Medina,NY called "Outdoor Adventures" this past week we finally got to some hands-on work. Yesterday I designed my own t-shirt from start to finish.
I really got to see how much work is involved in screen printing. I designed my own artwork, touched it up on the computer, shot my screen and printed a t-shirt and hoodie.
I think I'm going to have to make at least 6 more T-shirts do I can wear one every day! I'm so proud of them!

Loving Pinterest

2012-02-07T08:01:00.000-05:00

Hey folks,
I had so much fun looking at everyone's entries from the last contest I decided to do an ongoing Pinterest challenge. Every month there will be a new winner!
All you have to do is pin any image from my web site: www.sunshynesilverwear.com onto a Pinterest board of your choice and on the first Monday of the month. I will connect with the winner through the contact info on your pinterest profile.
The monthly winner will not only be judged on creativity and quality of the boards, but also on how many 'likes' and 'repins' your board has total. So don't forget to share, share, share your boards with as many as you can.
The Prize: a $10 e-gift certificate good for 3 months towards ANYTHING in my shop. (yes, even custom and made to order pieces!)
e-gift certificate can only be used in one transaction, if whole amount is not used, balance is forfeited.

As of right now, Pinterest access is by invitation only. If you do not have a Pinterest account, e-mail me at Sunshyne_silvewear@hotmail.com and I will send you an invite.

Good luck and happy pinning!!

And the winner is...

2012-02-03T08:39:00.000-05:00

The winner of the Sunshyne Silverwear Pinterest contest is....

"For the love of books' by Courtney Day!

Check out her cool board here: http://pinterest.com/court_rae07/for-the-love-of-books/

Courtney, please e-mail me at sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com so that I can send you your e-certificate for $25.

Thank you to everyone who participated. This was so much fun I am thinking about doing a monthly giveaway!

Details to come...

Pin it to Win it: Giveaway time!!

2012-01-20T07:17:00.001-05:00

I am starting a contest today where you have the chance to win a $25 gift certificate good towards spoon pendants in my shop.

To enter the contest, all you have to do is create an imaginative Pinterest board using any product image from found on my web site, www.sunshynesilverwear.com Then post a link to your boards either here on my blog, or on my Facebook Fanpage.

How the grouping is done is completely up to you. You could pin by color, or maybe based on the image and art inside the spoon, or even a board comprised of the perfect outfit for a picnic in the park. The possibilities are endless! The best part is, you can make as many boards as you want to for more chances to win! So get pinning, and above all, have FUN!

The winner of the contest will not only be judged on creativity and quality of the boards, but also on how many 'likes' and 'repins' your board has total. So dont forget to share, share share your boards with as many as you can.

Not familiar with Pinterest? Pinterest is a virtual pinboard filled with interesting and beautiful images found all over the web. To read a little more about Pinterest's possibilities, read their 'about' page here.
As of right now, Pinterest access is by invitation only. If you do not currently have a Pinterest account, e-mail me at sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com and I will send you an invite.

I also made a special coupon code for the run of this contest. If you would like to purchase a pendant, use coupon code 'BLOG' and get 20% off of your order!

Details: Offer is valid for residents of the United States and Canada only. Contest starts 1/20/2012 and ends 2/02/2012 at midnight EST. The winner will be announced on 2/03/2012 on this blog and also on Sunshyne Silverwear's facebook fanpage. The winner will have until 12/31/2012 to redeem their prize. Gift certificate issued will be in the form of a coupon code that should be entered in at check-out and can only be used in one transaction. (example: if your total comes to $23, the remaining $2 cannot be used on a future purchase, the $2 will be forfeited) The gift certificate will be good for anything in my shop EXCEPT for custom made and made to order items.

Stay tuned for a chance to win a spoon pendant of your choice!

2012-01-18T12:36:00.001-05:00

How to make a functional light box, on the cheap

2012-01-14T12:01:00.004-05:00

If asked a word to describe me, I'm pretty sure my friends and family would include the word 'cheap' (I prefer frugal, but whatever) and for this little project, I outdid myself. I actually saved a minimum of $50, because this project cost me $0!! (thats right, not one red cent. I happen to have all the materials needed around the house, and I bet you do to)

Materials:
*Cardboard box
*White fabric
*Tape (I used a roll of electrical tape I had laying around, although I wouldn't recommend using it for your project. It doesn't like to stick to fabric very well)
*Scissors
*Clamp on light
* A bright white daylight bulb
*White paint and paintbrush
*White piece of paper/poster board

I happen to have this box still laying around from Christmas so I put it to good use.
First, I cut out the top and two sides, leaving about an inch border around each cut-out. (in the future, I would probably leave 2 inches around each cut-out, It would've made taping the cloth easier)DO NOT CUT the bottom or back of the box.
*save the cutouts! You will need them later...

This is what mine looks like from the top.
Next, you will want to paint the inside edges white.

Then find an old white shirt...here's one!

(yes, that is my explosion of a closet, even though my boyfriend would be mortified I showed you, lets take another look...)

Just for the record, I'm usually the chick who has a place for everything and everything in its place, but hey, something's gotta give...YIKES! ;)

Ok, so I cut the shirt up the side and through the middle of the armpit. Then used the cut-outs I saved as a template on how big to cut my rectangles. NOTE: I cut the rectangles about an inch larger than the template on all 4 sides. (I did all of the cutting by eye, who has time for precise measurements anyway?)

(Side note: after I made the first cut into the cloth, I almost had a panic attack because I thought it was my boyfriend's shirt. A quick look at the tag, size small, confirmed that it was just a shirt I have no recollection of ever wearing. Whew!)
Anywho, back to the project...

Next, I taped the cloth pieces to the outside of the box, making sure that it was taught.

This is what the inside of your light box should look like at this point, well, hopefully a little nicer than mine.

Next, take your poster board and cut it lengthwise to size of you box. Place it inside the box, making sure it curves down to the bottom. If you crease or bend the paper in anyway, it will show up in your photos.

Clamp the light so that it is pointing down over the top of the box and you are ready to shoot! I clamped mine to a curtain rod which happens to be at the perfect height for my box.
Here are some examples of pictures I took with my new light box. I used absolutely NO Photoshop or enhancing in any way.

Or how about this fun 'before and after'

Yum!!
Now for some real product shots...

Find pendants like this in my online shop

Check out this giveaway!

2011-10-12T19:21:00.000-04:00

The winner of my last giveaway was a local artist herself. Francesca DeCaire is a talented lampworker who makes beads in the shapes of everything from cupcakes (my favorite) to little glass bats, just in time for Halloween!

Now she is hosting her own giveaway for this lovely Jupiter bead.

All you have to do is click here to get to her amazing blog and leave a comment. THAT'S IT!
To see more of Francesca's impressive work, visit her Etsy shop by clicking here

I was really lucky to get to meet Francesca this year at the Clothesline Festival in Rochester,NY. She is an awesome chick with a lot of energy and always had a smile on her face. If you ever get a chance to go to a 'First Friday' at the Hungerford building she is usually there selling her wares outside of her studio. I would recommend a stop there so you can see what a talented and lovely person she really is.

enough of all the mushy stuff, go enter the giveaway.....Now!! (good luck!!)

I guess I'm just in a giveaway kind of mood :)

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

As a little promotion of my 'word of the week' I'm going to give out pretty handmade pocket mirrors to the first 4 people who mention my 'word of the week' when you see me at my booth at the Clothesline Festival this weekend. (Sept 10th-11th) They all come with a nice velvet drawstring bag to store them in. Take a look...

This week's "word of the week" is-----> Pink Hydrangea <---------

I'm in booth 200

No purchase necessary!

It's Giveaway Time!!

2011-09-08T14:28:00.006-04:00

So, I finally hit my goal of 222 facebook fans! Thank you SO much to everyone who has supported me over the last few years, I appreciate it to no end.
Now for the good stuff...
The winner of the giveaway will get to choose between three pendants, pictured below. (each are a $25 value)


Birds on a Wire

Chaos - Skull and Graffiti


Dave Matthews Band

How to build points and win...
My giveaway is a little nontraditional. The person with the most points by the expiration of the 'game' gets their choice of one of the three pendants pictured above.
Earning points is easy, you don't even need to leave your computer for most of them!

Point Value Action

1 "Like" Sunshyne Silverwear on Facebook

1 Follow this blog and leave a comment
on this blog post.

1 for each Blog, Tweet or Post on FB about

Sunshyne Silverwear and leave the links

in a FB comment on my fanpage

1 Post a suggestion on my fanpage of what

image YOU would like to see in a spoon.

(only first suggestion has point value,

additional suggestions are just for fun)

5 Post a picture of you wearing a

Sunshyne Silverwear necklace on

facebook, and tag Sunshyne Silverwear

in it, or just fill out this form

10 Buy a pendant from my online store. Use

coupon code "10POINTS" to get 25%

off of your entire purchase! (Each pendant
purchased is worth 10 points)

5 Take a pic of me at the Clothesline

Festival and tag Sunshyne Silverwear in

it when you post it on facebook. (I'm

booth 200)

1 Post a comment on FB stating what your

favorite pendant is from my online shop
(1 post max per person)

5 e-mail me at:

sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com with 3

previous 'words of the day/week' (hint:

I post them weekly on my fanpage)

2 Share your favorite lyric of your favorite

song on my fanpage.
(2 posts max per person)

   2                                                                                                Name one specific place I will be or have
                                                                                                     already vended at this year without
   repeating another contestant. Post that
                                                             place on my fanpage
                                                                                                     (2 posts max per person)

   3                                                                                                I am part of a crafter's club called RNEST
                                                                                                     What does RNEST stand for? e-mail me
                                                                                                     at sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com
                                                                                                     with the answer and collect your points!

   2                                                                                                "like" the RNEST facebook fanpage,
   and leave a post on my fanpage letting me
   know you did so.

   4    I donate a portion of my proceeds to a
   charity. E-mail me at :
   sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com
   with the name of the organization.

   4 what portion of my proceeds do I
donate? (hint: this is a little bit of a trick
                                                                                                    question, points only accumulated if you
get the answer completely right)

   2 email me at:
                                                                                                    sunshyne_silverwear@hotmail.com with
                                                                                                    the name of my two cutie pie pit bulls.
                                                                                                    (hint: you can find the answer on my
                                                                                                     fanpage)

   3 Finish this sentence and post the whole
    thing up on my fanpage:
If I could switch careers with no risk
                                                                                                    involved, I would love to be a
                                                                                                    full-time ______________!

More ways to earn points coming soon! Stay tuned!

Giveaway starts 9/8/11 and ends at midnight on 9/13/11. On 9/16/11 (my birthday!) I will reveal who the lucky winner is! If there is a 'tie' with two or more people having the same amount of points, I will select a winner using a random winner generator. (A.K.A. pick a name out of a hat)

Everyone in the world is eligible for this giveaway.

Good luck!

Erin doing her thing at the Bethel,NY Furthur show

I made the news!

2011-09-04T07:26:00.001-04:00

About a week ago I got a phone call from the Democrat and Chronicle. They wanted to to a 300 word piece on me for their "Young Professionals" feature in the Sunday paper. They had gotten my name from an old high school friend who I had recently reconnected with and who is also doing the Clothesline festival.
I was flabbergasted. Of course I would do it, so they told me they would call back in a few days for the interview. At first I was so psyched to have the opportunity, and then I got a little nervous about what I would say and how I would come across in the article. They wanted to focus on the fact that I left my job to pursue my art full time. So now I had days to over-think it.
I was so nervous when the reporter called me at 10:30am on the dot last Monday, I'm pretty sure I rambled on about about this and that and then went off on a few tangents, so after I hung up the phone with her, I was trying to think back about what the heck I even said!
I dont know how she reorganized my explosion of thoughts and feelings on the subject, but in my opinion, the article came out alright. The picture that went with the article is a whole different story. ;)

I'm SO excited for The Clothesline Festival! I probably wont see the light of day until then because I'm devoting this week to creating dozens of new pendants. I've even got a few new creations and successful experiments I will be debuting this weekend. See ya then! (don't forget to bering your 'word of the week' for your discount at my booth. This week it's pink hydrangea)
Read the full Democrat and Chronicle article here.

Word of the day...

2011-06-12T12:20:00.001-04:00

As a new fun way to get the word out about my upcoming shows and my facebook fan page I have decided to do a 'word of the day' promotion. The week before an upcoming arts and crafts show, look for the 'word of the day' posted on my facebook fan page, its worth $5 off of your purchase of $25 or more, or $2 if your purchase is under $25.

All you have to do is mention the word when you visit me at my booth at shows and you get the discount! It's as easy as that!

(as always, if you mention that you are a fan of my Facebook fan page you get $3 off of your purchase of $25 or more, no combining discounts permitted)

Coming soon...as soon as my Facebook fan page hits 200 fans, look for a celebratory GIVEAWAY everyone can enter!

NEW! Eco friendly business card holders!

2011-06-07T16:21:00.000-04:00

Hand crafted with a lot of love by my friend Terry Fiori, you can find these one of a kind card holders on my web site. Here is the first...look for more to come soon!

This business card holder is such a unique delight! Hand crafted from a recycled pair of vintage glasses, this card caddy is sure to catch your eye.

Holds more than 80 standard size business cards with ease, and at only $15+ shipping, it's a great value!

Find it here on my web site www.sunshynesilverwear.com

The Spoon Theory: Art for a Cause

2011-05-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

The Spoon Theory:
The spoon theory was created by Christine Miserandino. as a way to convey to a friend what living with Lupus is like. As she describes it, you only get so many 'spoons' a day (a 'spoon' equals the amount of energy it takes to complete a task) and even the smallest of tasks (that healthy people take for granted) like doing the dishes,may cost you a 'spoon'. A person living with Lupus has to make choices day to day on how they need to 'spend' their spoons. Reading her theory made me understand a little better what life would be like with the disease.


courtesy of butyoudontlooksick.com

I have known about the spoon theory for some time now. Since I opened up my shop in 2010, I have been contacted by a handful of folks living with Lupus and Fibromyalgia who wanted a pendant as an 'extra spoon' to get through the day with. It makes me happy that is some small way I've made someones day a little brighter and the stories I heard from customers were so heartwarming and endearing that I thought I would start to 'pay it forward' and donate a potion of my sales to charity.

Recently I teamed up with Erin Kotecki Vest, author of the blog Queen of Spain. and for every purchase originating from my button placed on her blog, I will donate 5% back to the Lupus Foundation. Feel free to click on the link and check out her posts. She is a woman that is very open and honest about her daily struggles of being a mom, a wife and a person living with Lupus. Her writing is witty, funny, engaging and candid and I'm honored to have made a connection with her.

Look for this button on her blog.

Quote Of The Day:

2011-04-18T13:06:00.000-04:00

"Nobody can give you wiser advice than yourself." ~
Marcus Tullius Cicero

Owl Case for iPhone Courtesy of EvelynX

To see more of Evelynx's owl creations, visit their Etsy shop

Where you can find me this Spring/Summer: Sunshyne SIlverwear Events

2011-04-14T05:32:00.000-04:00

View Sunshyne Silverwear in a larger map

4/16/2011 Indi Garage Sale
11AM - 7PM
177 Genesee St. Downtown Utica

4/29/2011 Water Street Music Hall
204 North Water Street
Rochester, NY 14604-1122

4/30/2011 Mayday! Underground Indi craft show
Main Street Armory
900 East Main Street
Rochester, NY 14605

5/11/2011 Water Street Music Hall
204 North Water Street
Rochester, NY 14604-1122

5/14-5/15/2011 Lilac Festival (spot #3)
Highland Park
Highland Avenue,
Rochester, NY

6/4-6/5/2011 Fairport Canal Days
Fairport,NY

6/24-6/26/2011 Carousel Harbor Festival
Ontario Beach County Park
Lake Avenue, Rochester, NY

7/8/11 Bands on the Bricks
Rochester downtown public market

7/9-7/10/11 Corn Hill Festival
Rochester,NY

10/22/2011 St. Rita's Church Arts and crafts sale
1008 Maple Dr # 1
Webster, NY 14580-1798

***You can also find me 'on shakedown street' at a bunch of Phish and Furthur shows this summer, click on the map for more of those details****

MORE TO COME TO STAY TUNED!!

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-14T05:27:00.004-04:00

A stockbroker urged me to buy a stock that would triple its value every year. I told him, "At my age, I don't even buy green bananas." ~
Claude Pepper


Jamaican Baby Green Bananas fine art print courtesy of Rebecca Norling Photography

See more of Rebecca's photography (and jewelry designs!) here, at her Etsy shop.

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-13T06:44:00.000-04:00

"As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices: take it or leave it. " ~
Buddy Hackett


Family at Dinner fine art photograph courtesy of Maclancy.etsy.com

See more of Marianne Clancy's wonderful photography here, at her Etsy shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-12T08:27:00.000-04:00

"A man never knows how to say goodbye; a woman never knows when to say it." ~Helen Rowland


au revoir card courtesy of Whitney Rae Paper

Congratulations to Whitney, she is getting married in June. So for a little while her Etsy shop will be 'on vacation' but she should be back in a few months. Check out her wide range of unique cards, tags and labels when the shop reopens.

Quote Of The Day:

2011-04-11T07:16:00.000-04:00

"Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure."
George Edward Woodberry

Silver Success Oil courtesy of conjuredcardea.etsy.com

See more of Sara's one of a kind spiritual items here, at her full service botanica Etsy shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-10T09:37:00.000-04:00

"Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before. " ~
Mae West


Beetle Juice Black and White Striped Pasties Courtesy of Goth Fox Designs

See more of Goth Fox Design's burlesque goodies, visit their Etsy Shop by clicking this link.

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-09T06:57:00.000-04:00

"A two-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don't have a top for it. " ~
Jerry Seinfeld


Blender lighting fixture courtesy of BootsNGus.etsy.com

See more of Boots N Gus' unique upcycled lighting fixtures here at their Etsy Shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-08T07:53:00.000-04:00

"A nickel ain't worth a dime anymore. " ~
Yogi Berra


Moon and Stars coin art pendant courtesy of Bongobeads.etsy.com

See more of Bongo Beads AMAZING coin art here, at their Etsy shop (I love this shop so much that I am having them do a custom order for me. I've never seen anything like this, so creative....and affordable!)

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-07T07:28:00.000-04:00

"Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city." ~
George Burns

Long Distance Love necklace courtesy of Sudlow Jewelry

See more of Rachael Sudlow's amazing handcrafted jewelry here, at her Etsy Shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-06T07:09:00.000-04:00

“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it”
Mae West


Almond Clusters courtesy of Nikid.etsy.com

See more of Nicole's indulgent treats here at her Etsy shop

Do It, Live It, Teach It: How to make a vintage suitcase into a functional necklace display

2011-04-05T07:20:00.003-04:00

This was a very fun project, so easy too. (right up my alley) I've known for a while that at arts and crafts shows i wanted to showcase my silver spoons separately. One day while scouring for silverware at my local V.O.A., I spotted an old beat up suitcase that I knew would be perfect for the job. (and at 99 cents, i couldn't pass it up) I've seen other artists use vintage suitcases to sell their wares out of, but I've never seen one for jewelry. Well today was the day.

Materials:
* Vintage Suitcase
* 1/2 inch wooden dowels (4)

* 1/2 inch dowel caps (8)
* 1/2 inch drill bit
* Power drill
* Wood glue
* Small hand saw
* Tape measure
* Marker

First I eyeballed it and figured out where i wanted my dowels to go on the inside. I had to take in account for the length of the necklaces when hung up to decide where i wanted the lower bar. Then I measured and marked where i wanted to drill and drilled a hole right through the suitcase. (it was surprisingly easy considering this particular suitcase feels like it's made out of a thick cardboard!)

Once all 8 holes were drilled, i measured how long the dowel would need to be and cut them to size.
*note the comfy house slippers, hey what do ya want, it's my day off ;)

I glued the dowel caps on only one end of the dowel so that i can pull them back through if needed.

Awesome finished product:


click on images to enlarge

I'm calling it 'Grandma's cupboard'
See more of my silverware creations on my web site www.sunshynesilverwear.com If you like anything you see, use coupon code 'Blog' at check out and get 20% off of your entire purchase. This code is only good for 7 days from date of post. Enjoy!

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-04T10:16:00.000-04:00

“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.” ~
Mary Stuart

Fleece Love Me 2 Times Below Knee Skirt (organic hemp/cotton fleece) image courtesy of gaiaconceptions.etsy.com

See more of Gaiaconceptions amazing eco-friendly clothing, here at their Etsy shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-03T02:34:00.000-04:00

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

Girls handmade peasant dress courtesy of Gock's Frocks

See more of Gock's Frocks beautiful children's clothing here, at their Etsy shop.

Quote of the Day:

2011-04-02T06:38:00.000-04:00

"Go to Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company. " ~
Mark Twain

Devil Girl Angel Wings Pinup courtesy of Sweetheart Sinner

To see more of Sweetheart Sinner's creations, click here to visit their Etsy shop

Featured as Artist of the Month!

2011-03-24T21:15:00.000-04:00

Greetings of Grace is an online store that sells a wide range of quality pressed flowers. I have been a loyal customer for about two years and absolutely love their products and outstanding customer service. On a few occasions I have even sent them 'thank you' e-mails and included some of my artwork that was made with some of their beautiful pressed flowers and plants. This month, I got a surprise e-mail from them telling me that they featured me in their newsletter as Artist of the Month!

Check out the newsletter here and browse through the wide selection of pressed flowers at their online shop www.greetingsofgrace.com

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-24T07:43:00.000-04:00

"I have a wonderful make-up crew. They're the same people restoring the Statue of Liberty." ~
Bob Hope


NYC skyline courtesy of Creative Village

Check out more of Creative Village's vinyl wall decals here at their Etsy Shop

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-23T07:18:00.000-04:00

If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. ~ Unknown

'The Disagreement' courtesy of Renae Taylor

See more of Renae's whimsical creations at her Etsy Shop: www.renaeleataylor.etsy.com

The Quilted House: Tuesday's Treasures: Springtime Yellow

2011-03-22T16:45:00.000-04:00

The Quilted House: Tuesday's Treasures: Springtime Yellow: "If I had a favorite season (I truly love them all!) it would be spring, when everything is so yellow! Since spring has just begun and my fav..."

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-22T07:19:00.000-04:00

"Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision." -- Stevie Wonder

courtesy of Stefanie Poteet

To see more of Stefanie's amazing photography, visit her Etsy store (intrinsic value) or web site

Do It, Live It, Teach It: Wine Cork Sailboats

2011-03-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

A quick and easy craft you can do with the kids. (or for yourself, if you are a kid at heart like me!)
Make these fun boats you can race, all you need is a few basic supplies that most everyone has laying around the house:

a couple of wine corks
colorful paper (i used some origami paper)
screws (for the keels)
toothpicks
scissors
a serrated knife or small hand saw
blow dryer or fan (to set sail!)

Step one: cut the cork in half lengthwise. (and a little video tip on how i did it:)

Step 2: insert a screw to serve as the keel near one end of the halved cork (on the rounded side)

you can also use a screw driver to make it a little easier.

Step 3: Cut colorful paper into small triangles and impale them onto the toothpicks.

Step 4: Stick the toothpick into the flat side of the cork and you have made yourself a cork boat! Now time to set sail!

Quote of the day

2011-03-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

Recycled Spoon Pendant ~ Sunshyne Silverwear

See more of my recycled silverware creations on my web site -or- my Etsy shop

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-19T06:45:00.000-04:00

"The Universe is one great kindergarten for man. Everything that exists has brought with it its own peculiar lesson." ~
Orison Swett Marden

Courtesy of Northern Light Photo. Night Reflections.

See more of Northern Light Photo's amazing images here, at their Etsy shop

Quote of the Day:

2011-03-18T06:17:00.000-04:00

"Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast." ~Marlene Dietrich

Instant oatmeal packets courtesy of Chef Tess Gourmet

Get a taste of Chef Tess' other gourmet goodies at her Etsy shop:www.cheftessbakeresse.etsy.com

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-17T05:10:00.000-04:00

"Well done is better than well said." ~
Benjamin Franklin

'Good Job' greeting card image courtesy of Jessbobess.etsy.com

See more of Jessbobess' greeting cards, stamps, prints and more at her Etsy shop : jessbobess.etsy.com

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-16T07:47:00.000-04:00

"It’s alright to let yourself go, as long as you can bring yourself back." ~ Mick Jagger


courtesy of Rokki Handbags

See more of Linda Sienkiewicz's handbag creations at her Etsy Shop

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-15T00:45:00.000-04:00

A lie cannot live. ~
Martin Luther King, Jr.


Courtesy of Daogreer Earth Works

See more of Daogreer Earth Works art at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaogreerEarthWorks

Artists In My Life: Erika L.

2011-03-14T00:04:00.000-04:00

I have known Erika for about 3 years now and she never ceases to amaze me with her way with words. She has made me realize that I have A LOT to learn about the English language and how much easier it could be to express my thoughts and feelings if i knew the right words to say.
Erika also has a quirky side. She is a bit of an unconventional person. I love this about her because she always keeps me on my toes and when spending time with her, there is never a dull moment.
So thank you Erika, for reminding me that the pen is indeed, mightier than the sword, what the definition of despondent is and that it's OK to like Barbarella but hate Rocky Horror Picture Show. ;)

1. How would you describe your style of writing.

Intentional, sometimes surprising.

2. Are there any people, famous or not, that have influenced your work?

Kim Addonizio and Marie Howe taught me that poetry could be personal, introspective, and powerful without having to fall into Sylvia Plath's Confessionalist footsteps. In the midst of my horrible high school poetry writing I was believed in enough by two different English teachers. In early college, I was given Cliver Barker, the beautiful bastard that broke my world. His book Sacrament is one of the most powerful, wonderful works of fiction I have ever read. He taught me to bring the sacrosanct into my work; he taught me not to rely on common, holy symbolism but to create my own. He gave me the courage to explore in my writing places I was a little too afraid to go. This has cropped up most recently in my current poem, “Dreams About the Moon”.

3. When did you first discover your creative talents?

Oh, early. It happened to be a criticism of someone's work. We were practicing cursive in whatever grade grammar school kids learn cursive. Mine has always been abysmal and the process was all the more torturous by the terrible Christmas poems we were copying. White, faintly lined paper pasted on atrocious red construction paper highlighted by my even more abysmal cutting of said paper and the lopsided little holly berries in the corners.

I thought, “I can do better than this” – in regard to the poem. I still can't cut in a straight line and my cursive still leaves something to be desired.

4. Describe yourself in five words

Persnickety, Introspective, Devoted, Perceptive, Aesthete.

5. Do you have any phobias?

Yes. Even talking about house centipedes makes me want to cry and I hate clowns – not because of anything Steven King ever dreamed up. It's the deception. It's the false happiness, forced social nature, and the obvious desire to escape oneself. It's disturbing. That, and I watched Killer Klowns from Outer Space as a child and *still* cannot get the sucking sound out of my head. I recently started to lucidly dream to escape the nightmare I was having wherein the Klowns were coming. It involved me deciding to escape on a riding lawn mower. So, secretly I believe all clowns are liars that really want to turn us into cotton candy cocoon food.

And now for some of Erika's poetry:

Dreams About the Moon

1. Today the clouds unstuck themselves

from the sky. A great unraveling.

Like clots of wool they fell

some fibers loose, drifting upward

to frame the low slung moon.

We gathered in the meadows.

We gathered in the cities

our palms brimming with the stuff,

fine scratches trailing

the delicate skin of our forearms.

Set to work carding the thick

tufts, our fingers burned

with the precision of lovers'

first touch. Thread colors

changing like fingerprints.

I opened up. A clean line cut

from groin to sternum, the star

of my chest unfurling, pulling inward

the cloud fiber, and spinning

it back out again. This time, alone.

Left to the shimmering work,

left to the task of weaving cloud,

flesh, and bone into summer

grass. Above, Athena

watched with cool, gray eyes.

2. When I was young,

we used graph paper

to draw our future

houses on the moon

(to keep them from being

lopsided). We planned

the windows, the doors.

Our tiny, space gardens.

Travel was primitive.

Each home sat

in its own fortress

between glass walkways

like interconnected

snow globes,

a lunar suburbia.

Here we wouldn't wonder

about phases – they would be true

as seasons. We would not concern

ourselves with tides,

but of the inevitable spinning

from our orbit, an orphaned rock,

made less special

away from the marble blue

center of our history.

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-13T09:32:00.000-04:00

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
Albert Einstein


Artwork courtesy of Barbara Berney

Check out the rest of Barbara's amazing digital art at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbaraberney

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-12T07:48:00.000-05:00

If you can't say anything nice, then at least have the decency to be vague.

courtesy of blindloop.com

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-11T04:13:00.001-05:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
--Mark Twain

Courtesy of presby.edu

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-10T08:21:00.000-05:00

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."
--Guillaume Apollinaire

courtesy of thatunreliablegirl.com/

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-09T19:13:00.000-05:00

Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin

Drawing courtesy of http://www.robertcasumbal.com/blog/

Quote Of the Day:

2011-03-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

A woman whose smile is open and whose expression is glad has a kind of beauty no matter what she wears.
Anne Roiphe


Kadi, one of my best girlfriends

My sister Amy

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-03T08:34:00.000-05:00

A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age.
Robert Frost

picture courtesy of http://www.poetichome.com/

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-02T07:20:00.000-05:00

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.
Thomas Merton

Quote Of The Day:

2011-03-01T07:35:00.001-05:00

I think music in itself is healing. It's an explosive expression of humanity. It's something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we're from, everyone loves music.
Billy Joel

Do it. Live it. Teach it.

2011-02-28T07:25:00.000-05:00

In addition to introducing and exploring the creativity of the artists in my life, once a month I am going to take the time to share new ways I am making my life more Eco-friendly. Some easy, simple things anyone can do to make the world a 'Greener' place. I'm calling this segment 'Do it. Live it. Teach it'
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For my first installment, I would like to show you how i made this cute, fashionable dog collar out of an old button up shirt. I found this fun tutorial on Sew Doggy Style Blog. I thought it was so cute I had to share it AND it is SO simple. The only things you need are:

~ An old button up shirt with a collar. This project is made extra easy if the collar has a button already on it like the one i am using. (best to try the collar on Fido before you cut it up to make sure that it will fit)

~ A bottle of Fray Check. This is used to stop fabric from fraying. (this can be found at any craft store. I got mine at Joanne Fabrics for $1.50 with their online 50% off coupon.)

~ A pair of scissors

~ And of course an adorable model for your finished project.

The shirt I chose to use was found in the back of my closet. It was used while painting my hallway years ago so unfortunately cannot be donated, but will be *PERFECT* for this project.

Step 1.

Cut the collar right off of the shirt.

Step 2.

Use the Frey Check on the cut you just made.

Step 3.

Oh wait, there is no step 3...your project is finished! (see, wasn't that simple)

Now for the fashion show...

I know some of you out there who dont have a dog are thinking that this tutorial wont do you any good. Well THINK AGAIN! These cute collars also can also spruce up a child's old teddy bear, they make GREAT GIFTS for the dog lover in your life, or hell, spice up your love life by surprising your significant other by wearing the collar (and ONLY the collar) The possibilities are endless....;)

*****************************************************************

As for the rest of the shirt, I up-cycled it by making it into 2 chew toys for my 2 good doggies.

First, I took out all of the buttons. (and put them in my 'pile o craft supplies' for later use) then cut the shirt into 12 long strips, 6 strips for each toy.

Tie 6 strips together, leaving about 4 inches of cloth at the end.

After that, I just braided the strips and tied another knot leaving 4 inches of cloth at the other end and VOILA! A handmade toy your canine companion is sure to love.

Best part is, you just saved yourself at least $20 by making these items yourself rather than buying them at the big box pet store. What could be better than being green while saving some green?

Rochester,NY Etsy team challenge....vote for me!

2011-02-23T18:31:00.002-05:00

As most of you already know, I am part of RNEST, the Rochester New York Etsy street team. We are a bunch of local crafters who support each other in our crafting endeavors. Each month RNEST has a member challenge and the winner of the challenge gets to showcase their work in the coveted front top spot on the blog.

This month the theme for the challenge is 'Safari' (based on Etsy's trends for spring)

Feel free to cast your vote here for my entry to the challenge.

You are only one click away!

Meet Leo:

Leo (♌) is the fifth astrological sign of the Zodiac, originating from the constellation of Leo. Individuals born roughly between July 23 to August 22 are considered Leos.

This 'masculine' sign is represented by a lion. In this altered art piece, the image has a tribal look.

Set in a hand painted recycled soup spoon, Leo floats in between layers of lacquer and casts a shadow over the tan colored background. The generous coat of resin that fills the bowl of the spoon gives a lustrous look that also protects.

Competition for this challenge is tough, my competitors are fierce. Kira Arts and Turtlefly
Check em' out...

Thanks for your support!

The Artists In My Life

2011-02-21T07:15:00.000-05:00

Throughout my life, i have always been surrounded by creative, talented people. As a new segment to my blog I would like to showcase the talents of those close to me. There are so many wonderfully gifted people I was having trouble deciding on who to start with, then it came to me (and was such an obvious answer) My own mother, Gail Daitz.

As far back as I remember, my mother has always written witty, funny and heartfelt poems and I would love to share a few with my readers. But first, lets get to know Mom a little:

SSSW: When did you first discover your creative talents?
GD: I think I was in Kindergarten, it was just before Father's Day
we were making cards for our Dad. Enclosed is the card, that my Dad so loving sent to me. Inside it said "Roses are red, violets are blue, you love me and I love you".

SSSW: How would you describe your style?
GD: Whimsical and reflective

SSSW: What influences your work?
GD: I can be anywhere, and become immediately inspired, the grocery store, my kitchen, I remember
a time when I was on the job Nursing, administering medications, and it hit me, I grabbed a paper towel and began to write in between patients. It's pretty spontaneous.

SSSW: Describe yourself in 5 words.
GD: Silly, strong-willed, caring, organized, Spiritual

Now for a little taste of Moms poetry:

T'was the day after Christmas,
and all was askew,
The tree was all dried out,
didn't water it, did you?

The wrappings were scattered,
I stepped on a tack,
as I picked up the mess,
I pulled out my back!

The boxes and bows were found everywhere,
and a sticky candy cane was glued
to a chair.

Cookies half eaten, and the cheese was like rubber,
I reached for the vacuum and a found a new scrubber.

And as I was cleaning, I paused for a minute,
and saw that the fishbowl had a rubber ball in it!

I wasn't upset, I didn't go mad,
and I thought for a moment,
bout the good time we had.

The family together, made everything right,
we all got along, their wasn't a fight.

As I am cleaning,
I shed a few tears,
for the loved ones we've missed,
over the years.

Now that it's over, and my thoughts are all clear,
I wish all a blessed holiday,
and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And another...

Entitled: Dave
Where has all the music gone?
We sat for hours and listened to the songs you used to play
not thinking that one day, it would sadly go away
We sat for hours and listened to the stories you would tell,
and now there is quiet, but we remember them so well
We sat for hours at firesides, you kept adding so much wood
and now the fire pit's as empty as the places where you stood
We sat for hours and reminisced about years of long ago
and the tears and laughter that we shared, had only helped us grow.....
It's been a year since you left us, and remember you we will,
theirs an empty spot inside of us, that only you can fill.
But our memories will sustain us, and help to get us through,
and when we hear "Brown Eyed Girl" we will always think of you!

Thanks Mom.

A GIVEAWAY!

2011-02-16T21:58:00.002-05:00

I'm on the cusp of revamping my blog and why not start out with a GIVEAWAY! This lovely piece is made from the handle of a spoon. A real fern rests on top of the hand painted green background and a generous coat of resin protects the art while giving a lustrous look.

(This giveaway is open to the US only)
THE RULES:

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Sunshyne Silverwear, heart the shop, and then leave a comment on the RNEST blog telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of The Rochester New York Etsy Street Team Blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" Sunshyne Silverwear on Facebook.

2. "Like" RNEST on Facebook.

3. Follow this blog4. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a comment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, February 22 and will be announced on this blog and in the next Wednesday Wellspring on the RNEST blog

A Spoonful of Love

2011-01-20T22:15:00.000-05:00

New Valentines pendants up on both Etsy and my web site For my blog followers only, receive 10% off of you order by entering coupon code 'VALENTINE' at check out on either site.

Offer good until 2/14/11

Wow! Has it been a year already?

2011-01-14T23:53:00.000-05:00

This last year, building my business has been a roller coaster of a ride (thank god, mostly ups). I have learned so much about my craft, being a small business owner and life as a whole. Ive met a TON of amazing crafters customers, connections, even made a few new friends.
A mere 6 days from now will be the one year anniversary of first opening up my shop. (where does the time go?)

In honor of all of the facebook fans, twitter followers, and blog readers who kept me going this last year with kind words, support and inspiration, I'm offering an exclusive discount. Enter coupon code 'THANKYOU' at checkout in either my Etsy shop -OR- my web site and get 15% off in my shop.

-OR-

'Like' and comment on my Facebook fan page about your favorite item in my shop, and I will message you with a coupon code worth 25% off my web site.

Thank you for all of your support this past (crazy) year.

Offer valid until 1/22/2011

New Studio!

2011-01-11T13:26:00.000-05:00

This past weekend, my dad and I transformed my boyfriend's 'man cave' (AKA : extra bedroom) into my work studio. Previously, I worked in the living room, but as i needed more space to work, my projects started creeping all over the house and in recent months pretty much took over the living room, kitchen and hall closet. I'm so excited to finally have a studio where everything can be done in one space.

Cyber Monday! Dont miss out on this deal!

2010-11-29T07:28:00.000-05:00

Get 15% off of you ENTIRE order at www.sunshynesilverwear.com by using coupon code 'CYBERMONDAY' at check-out. Offer valid untill 11:59pm today!

Sunshyne Silverwear Fall and Winter events

2010-10-09T07:42:00.002-04:00

Come find a spoon pendant in person at one of the many events I will be participating in this year
-or-
visit the site: www.sunshynesilverwear.com

View Sunshyne Silverwear Fall/Winter events in a larger map

11/11/10 Canandaigua,NY - Thompson Health Holiday Bazaar arts and crafts show

11/19/10 Worcester,MA - DSU Center for the Furthur show

11/20/10 NYC,NY - MSG for the Furthur show

11/21/10 NYC,NY - MSG for the Furthur show

12/4/10 Dome Arena for the Holiday festival of crafts and gifts

12/5/10 Dome Arena for the Holiday festival of crafts and gifts

12/12/10 Rochester Public Market for Holidays at the Market

12/19/10 Rochester Public Market for Holidays at the Market

First official Arts/Crafts show. Public market, Rochester,NY

2010-10-07T20:55:00.000-04:00

This was such an exciting day. It wasn't like work at all. The day flew by so fast and I had a great time. So many friendly people to talk to all day, and sales, well, lets just say they went beyond all of my expectations. I'm hooked.

Even made the local newspaper the next day. Hopefully the first of MANY successful and enjoyable shows.

Red Rocks rocked!

2010-10-05T07:09:00.000-04:00

Had such an amazing time in Colorado with my cousin Eric. It was his first time there and I think it definitely lived up to the hype.

This is us, our first day there at the Garden of the Gods in CO Springs. The sky is so big and the rock formations breathtaking.

Me at the Garden of the Gods

Bear Creek Park. What an unforgettable hike. The views were unbelievable. We hiked up the mountain so high, that the air actually got noticeably cooler.

Day one (Friday) at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison,CO. That day was my favorite of the trip. Met so many wonderful people. I gotta give props to all you people from Colorado, its so easy to be in a good mood there because everyone is friendly and happy. From the gas station employees, to postal workers to the random passerby's. I heart Colorado.

Furthur

Radical tye dye we got to see up close after the show. Jerry's head. The detail on this work of art was impressive to say the least. No wonder they were asking $700 for it.

I did pretty well in necklace sales that weekend too, considering I didn't try that hard. It was WAY more fun talking to the random people we ended up parking next to. Good conversation and good people, who could ask for anything more?

Little bit FURTHUR than you've gone before...

2010-08-02T14:07:00.000-04:00

Just got back from a wild weekend in NYC and CT.
By some miracle got into both shows FOR FREE! that's a savings of $190!
The Nokia show was fantastic, but nothing compares to the Gathering of the Vibes Furthur show on Friday. I swear they tailor made the show for me. Every song I waned to hear they played, AMAZING. I've had one hell of a week, so a few good shows was exactly what I needed.

Unfortunately didn't sell any necklaces, because security was pretty strict at GOTV and in NYC, it was too much of a hassle . (plus we got there kinda late for all that)

The weekend was a success despite no necklace sales. There is always Thursday's party in the park (Galactic)and Friday's music on the bricks (Donna the Buffalo)to make up for it. Hope to see ya there!

Paloma, Ally and I about 20 min. after we walked onto the Vibes lot.

About 45 min before the show.

Mikey being Mikey

Beautiful sunset before the show.

My little slice of heaven at the show.

MADE THE NEWS LAST NIGHT AT THE PUBLIC MARKET!

2010-07-24T11:23:00.000-04:00

http://rochesterhomepage.net/fulltext?nxd_id=194285&watch=1

Where you can find me Late Summer/ Early Fall

2010-07-18T10:31:00.001-04:00

View Sunshyne Summer/Early Fall Tour 2010 in a larger map

I need more weeks like this...

2010-07-02T07:35:00.000-04:00

back from a BOMB vacation. Got to see 6 concerts, spent a few days in the 1000 islands, sold a bunch of necklaces, road trips, spent time with family and friends, ate about 100 steamed clams, got a tan, saw a couple bad movies, learned backgammon, slept all day, kayaked for the first time, and saw a shooting star. Back to the real world...

4 DAYS OF pHiSh!!

2010-06-24T19:34:00.001-04:00

You know you had a good time when the only picture taken was day 1 before the show...

Really did have a BLAST! everything just seemed to fall into place from start to finish. The only thing I messed up, was not handing out more business cards, oh well, there is always *round 2* this weekend for Furthur in Rochester and NYC!

Where you can find me on tour this summer.

2010-06-13T17:43:00.000-04:00

View Sunshyne Summer Tour 2010 in a larger map

Home Town DMB

2010-06-13T11:27:00.000-04:00

Craig, my sister Amy and I all trekked up to Darien Lake,NY (near Buffalo). Got on lot around 3:30pm and settled in for a long day of selling necklaces and hanging out. We had an amazing time. Laughed so hard that my stomach hurt and I almost peed my pants! Met up with some really nice folks that I hope to see again come Further and Phish tour.
We had some good luck (found a ticket on the ground of the lot) and some bad luck (bought 2 fake tickets from a couple of young girls) but Craig ended up getting in to see the show while my sister and I laughed it up in the car while the rain poured down in sheets.
I'll never forget dancing to Ants Marching with Amy out in the lot, just the two of us after the rain. (and of course the naked chick we saw out of nowhere)
This is why I do this, folks...

First road trip od the Summer. Hartford DMB!

2010-05-31T19:30:00.001-04:00

Just an update on my first road trip of the summer. Took the 5 hour road trip, (with the dogs) to Hartford for the kick off of Dave Matthews Band tour. What a success! Here are a few shots from the trip. Did pretty good in necklace sales (might finally be able to afford the new bicycle I have been wanting) and met a TON of cool people. Can't wait for the next road trip coming up in just a few weeks!

Saw this door while we were getting breakfast at Subway. The colors caught my eye.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck? The answer finally revealed. ;)

This pic wins the 'most random thing I ever saw' award. Witnessed this weirdness on a hike through the backwoods of Connecticut.

This one wins second prize. Both were found on the same property and oddly enough, there was no toothless, banjo playing fella in overalls chillin' on the porch. ;)

This one is me and my necklaces on Dave Matthews Band lot. I had just traded a hemp necklace for a SWEET Grateful Dead corduroy purse. Can't wait for this Wednesday, another DMB show practically in my own back yard. Darien,NY Hope to see ya there.

Starting now through June 3rd at midnight (EST) I will be offering a 20% discount on your total purchase in MY ETSY SHOP (not including shipping) when you 'CONVO' me with promo code 'DMB' (your discount will be refunded through PayPal) Hurry! Sale ends soon!

And as always, if you see me on tour this summer selling my necklaces, GRAB A BUSINESS CARD! The code on the back is worth 20% off n my shop. See my Etsy Store for more details.

50% off sale!

2010-05-20T21:52:00.003-04:00

Visit my Etsy Shop at sunshynesilverwear.etsy.com to check out the latest sale. I SLASHED prices on a dozen pendants in my shop on pages 2 and 3. They are set to expire in a few days, and I would rather see them sold than re-list them. Oldies but goodies. These are just a few examples of the ones on SALE.

Summer road trip! Hope to see ya on tour!

2010-05-17T20:59:00.002-04:00

View Sunshyne Summer Tour 2010 in a larger map

Come join me on tour this summer as I hop from concert to concert from May to August.

.*'*.*'*.If you see me out and about selling my necklaces, GRAB A BUSINESS CARD! The promo code on the back is good for 20% off of your total Etsy purchase in my shop. (not including shipping) convo me with the code and the venue/function where you saw me. I will refund you the 20% through PayPal..*'*.*'*.*'.*'*.*'.

Mother's Day Promo...A Success!

2010-05-12T08:05:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to share the first batch of necklaces I made for my Mother's Day Promotion on Etsy. This little project was so much fun for me. To honor mothers on Mother's Day I made pendants for mom's using their child's old baby spoons for FREE. (only a charge to ship the items) If you like what you see, it's not too late to take advantage of this unique offer. There is still ONE left on my Etsy page. Click here to get there.

These spoons were made for Casey. Her only request was that the white spoon have something to do with stars.

The next order I filled was for Heather. She wanted pics of her beautiful children on their baby spoons.

What a great way to kick off the summer!

2010-05-09T10:37:00.007-04:00

Out of the blue Friday we decided to go to the Disco Biscuits show in Baldwinsville,NY. Thought maybe I would try to sell some necklaces and possible make enough money to get into the show. We had a few doubts about the weather, it called for rain all evening, but we took our chances. Hell, we had nothing better to do anyhow.

We got on lot about an hour before the show started. The venue was 'open air' and located on a really cool mini peninsula out on the water. First official concert of the summer. Craig and I walked the lot selling necklaces and it wasn't long before we ran into friends. Met up with my cousin and Craig's cousin that night. Good people.

Also ended up meeting a girl who sells these really cool and unique hemp jewelry. We talked for a while and I found out she has a shop up on Etsy too! I ended up trading one of my grapefruit spoon necklaces for a really sweet hemp bracelet.

You can check out the rest of her stuff in her Etsy Shop.

So finally we moseyed on over to the show which was well under way. We didn't have tickets yet so I stuck my finger in the air looking for a miracle. Not one minute later a boy sells us his extra for $10 under face value, so one ticket down and one to go. Craig decided he would walk across the bridge to see how the music sounded from the park across the lock. So I'm still standing there with my finger in the air when a fella taps me on the shoulder and says 'you need a ticket for tonight, darlin'?' and just hands me my miracle! I was so excited, I gave the dude a huge hug and ran off to find Craig. We walked back to the gate and went into the show.

To sum it up, I was VERY impressed with the music and the light show. Everyone was having a ball. Even met up with some good friends from the Roc. Meeting Craig's cousin for the first time was great. Two years in the making. His girl Heather is as sweet as can be. They felt like family instantly. And getting to hang with my cousin was the best. So nice to have family around.

(This pic is of Craig, his cousin Shawn, Shawn's girl Heather, and myself. )

(the band rockin' it out at our first open air concert of the summer)

I am still a newbie to DB, so I didn't know any of their songs going in. It didn't matter, the jams that night were out of this world. And closing the show with 'the safety dance' (Men without Hats song from the 80's) well, that was the cherry on top. I left the show with a perma-grin.

HONOR YOUR MOTHER: a Sunshyne Silverwear Mother's Day Promotion

2010-04-27T22:36:00.017-04:00

In honor of Moms everywhere, I am offering a very special service for FREE! Send me your child's used baby spoons and I will turn them into unique pieces of wearable art that always hold their special sentimental value.

All you have to do is follow this blog, be a fan of my Facebook fan page, 'heart' my shop on Etsy and pay $4.00 for shipping and handling. (If you live close by and can drop off and pick up your spoons, there is, of course, no charge)

I will make up to 3 pendants per family, each spoon pendant will come with a complimentary black 12 inch ribbon and cotton corded necklace, as pictured above.

Check out some of the examples of baby spoon necklaces I have recently made. Two of the ones pictured I created special for my sister Amy.

To get the ball rolling, visit my Etsy shop and 'purchase' the FREE MOTHER'S DAY PROMOTION item. I will then 'convo' you with my mailing address.
(If you have any color or image preferences, I will do my best to accommodate them. Put your written request in with your spoons when you mail them out. )
Offer expires May 10th 2010. Please allow 3-4 days for completion.
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Visit my Etsy shop and take 20% off of your total purchase. Convo me with promo code:MAMA GAIL (excludes shipping, and offer expires May 10th, 2010) I will refund your discount by Paypal
**********************************************************************************

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

Something new:

2010-04-26T21:21:00.000-04:00

Just a little preview of some new designs. Let me know what you think...
you can always check out the latest minute to minute updates on my facebook fan page
thanks for looking!

Sunshyne Silverwear: An Artist's Statement

2010-04-21T07:44:00.011-04:00

1.What has inspired you as an artist?

Well, I would have to say that the things I enjoy in this world inspire me. One if my favorite things to be doing is traveling around this country in my little blue Honda Fit going from one concert to the next. Sometimes my ideas come to me as I'm listening to the droning sound of the open road. Or maybe the beautiful shape of a tattoo or color of a flowing skirt. Also, the time i spend walking the dogs is my personal reflection time, the ideas just seem to flow.

2.What is the first thing you remember making?

Gee, my sister Amy might remember exactly how old we were, I'm thinking I was around 8. I was never really into playing with dolls, but I loved making doll houses out of anything I could find around the house. One time I made a pretty detailed doll house out of old strawberry quart containers and cardboard. The most fun was making the refrigerator open up and have food drawn inside, or window shutters that open and close. I always made dioramas for school projects whenever I could (shoe boxes!). I guess I have always 'been green' when being creative.

3. Are there artists (famous or not) that have influenced your work?

Well, Kadi taught me just about everything I know about knotting hemp, and that is what started me on my path, so I guess she has influenced me, and inspired me. Thanks Kadi, you are truly a great friend.

4. Are there people in your life that have inspired you or your artwork?

See above.

5. Is there a moment in your life when you knew you were supposed to be an artist?

I have always enjoyed making things. I don't think that there was a eureka moment or anything.

6. What materials do you like to work with? do you choose those?

I like to incorporate things that can be reused or reshaped into something creative that any normal person would probably throw out. I have always liked working with paper too, I can remember from a very early age LOVING the stationary section of any store. I don't know why, I have never been a writer. But the thing I like the most, is constantly changing my media and techniques. Keeps things fun and new for me.

7. Is there a special technique or process you use that makes your work unique?

I think my spoon necklaces are unique because they are also a really cool conversation piece, they are eco-friendly and no two are exactly the same. One of a kind, just like the people wearing them.

8. What does creating art mean to you?

Creating art is a release. It takes me away from all of the drama and stress of everyday life. Spending a few hours, by myself, doing what I want, how I want, when I want is one of the few things I need out of life.

9. Does your work have a theme to it?

A lot of my pendants have a music theme to them. Creating altered art out of old music fliers and posters. Also, they are all eco-friendly. Many aspects of making the pendants, from the spoons themselves, to techniques and materials used, to packaging and shipping all have elements of reusing and recycling.

10.What goals do you have for yourself as an artist?

My ultimate goal is to be able to live off of my art without having to have a day job. I used to believe that too much of a good thing is bad, that if I did what I love full time, I would get sick of it and loose passion for it, but I'm starting to rethink it all. It would be wonderful to be my own boss and do what makes me happy. I job that doesn't seem like work, that is the goal I have for myself as an artist.

Sunshyne Silverwear

It was well over due...Part I

Handmade Brigade: Was it Worth it?

Word of the Week!

Loving The Grassroots Gallery!

Vote For Meeeeee!

HAPPY LEAP DAY!

Random Giveaway!

8 Days a Week

My Secret Wish To Be A Nomadic Vagabond

Holy Crap! I really did it!!

Beauty All Around

A productive Sunday...considering

My second new hobby: horseback riding

'Word of the Week' continues!

One of my 3 new hobbies: screen printing

Loving Pinterest

And the winner is...

Pin it to Win it: Giveaway time!!

Stay tuned for a chance to win a spoon pendant of your choice!

How to make a functional light box, on the cheap

Check out this giveaway!

I guess I'm just in a giveaway kind of mood :)

It's Giveaway Time!!

I made the news!

Word of the day...

NEW! Eco friendly business card holders!

The Spoon Theory: Art for a Cause

Quote Of The Day:

Where you can find me this Spring/Summer: Sunshyne SIlverwear Events

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

"A man never knows how to say goodbye; a woman never knows when to say it." ~Helen Rowland

Congratulations to Whitney, she is getting married in June. So for a little while her Etsy shop will be 'on vacation' but she should be back in a few months. Check out her wide range of unique cards, tags and labels when the shop reopens.

Quote Of The Day:

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

Quote of the Day:

“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it” Mae West

See more of Nicole's indulgent treats here at her Etsy shop

Do It, Live It, Teach It: How to make a vintage suitcase into a functional necklace display

Quote of the Day:

“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.” ~Mary Stuart

Fleece Love Me 2 Times Below Knee Skirt (organic hemp/cotton fleece) image courtesy of gaiaconceptions.etsy.com

See more of Gaiaconceptions amazing eco-friendly clothing, here at their Etsy shop

Quote of the Day:

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body. ~Elizabeth Stone

See more of Gock's Frocks beautiful children's clothing here, at their Etsy shop.

Quote of the Day:

Featured as Artist of the Month!

Quote Of The Day:

Quote Of The Day:

The Quilted House: Tuesday's Treasures: Springtime Yellow

Quote Of The Day:

"Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn't mean he lacks vision." -- Stevie Wonder

To see more of Stefanie's amazing photography, visit her Etsy store (intrinsic value) or web site

Do It, Live It, Teach It: Wine Cork Sailboats

Quote of the day

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. Buddha

See more of my recycled silverware creations on my web site -or- my Etsy shop

Quote Of The Day:

Quote of the Day:

"Once a woman has forgiven her man, she must not reheat his sins for breakfast." ~Marlene Dietrich

Get a taste of Chef Tess' other gourmet goodies at her Etsy shop:www.cheftessbakeresse.etsy.com

Quote Of The Day:

Quote Of The Day:

"It’s alright to let yourself go, as long as you can bring yourself back." ~ Mick Jagger

See more of Linda Sienkiewicz's handbag creations at her Etsy Shop

Quote Of The Day:

A lie cannot live. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

See more of Daogreer Earth Works art at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DaogreerEarthWorks

Artists In My Life: Erika L.

Quote Of The Day:

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Albert Einstein

Check out the rest of Barbara's amazing digital art at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/barbaraberney

Quote Of The Day:

If you can't say anything nice, then at least have the decency to be vague.

“I generally avoid temptation unless I can't resist it”
Mae West

“To be kind to all, to like many and love a few, to be needed and wanted by those we love, is certainly the nearest we can come to happiness.” ~
Mary Stuart

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.
Buddha

A lie cannot live. ~
Martin Luther King, Jr.

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.”
Albert Einstein

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
--Mark Twain

"Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."
--Guillaume Apollinaire

Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?
George Carlin