Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Sunday Special: 3 Squares

I recently met a very talented and sweet artisan in the forums on Etsy. Her work was so stunning that I just had to share it with the Downtown readers! Jean from 3 Squares creates the most amazing jewelry, using various techniques which when laid together are simply gorgeous. Her photographs alone make you fall in love with each piece, they clearly showcase her talent, although I am sure having any one of her lovelies in your hot little hand would make you melt. Let's meet this extraordinary artist, shall we?

My favorite...I just fell in love!

TDB: What is the name of your store and what type of items do you sell/market/promote?

3Sqs:
My shop is 3 squares. I make jewelry, mostly from some combination of metals. But glass, found objects and other paraphernalia find their way in occasionally.

TDB:
What made you decide to get into this business?

3Sqs:
I worked demanding jobs in marketing, advertising and online usability for 17 years and I was burned out! After much planning and saving, I finally decided I needed to do something I enjoy. Thank goodness my husband is there to support me! I work harder than ever, but now I get real satisfaction from my job.
TDB: Do you have any special interests, crafts, talents? If so, what is your latest project?

3Sqs:
I love to cook, which explains the theme of my shop. Everything I make is inspired in some way by food. My most recent projects are Valentine-inspired necklaces.

TDB: List three things we would be surprised to know about you?

3Sqs:
1. My favorite movie is It’s A Wonderful Life (but A Christmas Story runs a close second).
2. I love roller coasters.
3. I once saw Andy Warhol in Central Park.
TDB: Where can we find your shop products?

3Sqs:
My jewelry line is available at 3squares.etsy.com

xoxo
Michele

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Wordless Wednesday -- Featuring Suzanna Anna

"Love Makes the World Go Round" by Suzanna Anna

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Newbie Tuesday -- Etsy Shops With No Sales



Sunday, February 15, 2009

Just Listed on Etsy.com

I've been doing a little browsing on Etsy, and thought I'd share some items that have just been listed this morning:

Campbell's Soup Tin -- Wooden Wall Cabinet

"Once Upon a Time Love Birds" Necklace

Rhonda the Retro Scottie Dog

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Happy Birthday Fabulous Artistic Moms!!!

Be sure to go check out the amazing prizes that YOU can enter to win! It's a game of hide-n-seek, so HAVE FUN! One Grand Prize winner will win over 30 handmade items from members of the Fabulous Artistic Moms Etsy Street Team.

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Handmade Thursdays- Last Minute Valentines

If you're like me, you may still be looking for the perfect card for your Valentine. If so, here are a few quick and easy ideas to show your love with a personally created greeting, handmade just for them!

I love this card from Go Make Something. It uses paint sample cards to create a unique Valentine!
Here's an adorable, free printable butterfly Valentine from Skip to My Lou if you need something quick and easy...


This is a fun Valentine to make and give from Zakka Life. The candies are enclosed in the heart so the only way to get them out is to push them through the maze.



Want some other ideas? Craftbits has a list of 20 Valentine card ideas. Whether your intended recipient is a sweetheart, family member or friend, these fun and festive card ideas are sure to make anyone's Valentine's Day!

Look for more ways to make it handmade each Thursday on The Downtown Boutique.

Got a unique craft, recipe or decorating idea for 'Handmade Thursdays' and want to be featured on The Downtown Boutique? Contact us! We'd love to hear your feedback on items featured, too!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Wordless Wednesday Featuring Farafield

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Newbie Tuesday -- Featuring Brentwood Design

I have to say, I LOVE this Etsy shop! I think these shoes are SO cool! Check out the ladies' golf shoes! If I golfed, I would totally want a pair!


Newbie Tuesday is our feature for Etsy shops who have not had a sale thus far.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Handmade Thursdays- Heart Shaped Cookie Bouquets!


When I was a young girl, I would go to my grandmother's house every year to make Valentine's Day butter cookies. We'd roll and cut the dough together, then the best part... we'd use all kinds of frosting and candies to decorate the cookies. She'd always have fun heart and other holiday-inspired shaped cookie cutters to make cookie-baking even more fun! This year I'm excited to start the holiday tradition with my own daughter.

While looking for a new way to decorate these great cookies, I stumbled upon The Decorated Cookie's creative idea for heart 'lollipop' cookies. For a change, Meaghan used lollipop sticks and licorice to decorate and 'mix things up a bit'! What a fun way to serve up these treats as a 'cookie bouquet' to friends and family!
You can use any dough for these cookies... but if you'd like to try 'Gam's Best Butter Cookies', here's the recipe:

4 cups flour
1/2 cup margarine
1/2 cup Crisco
(mix as pie dough)

2 eggs
1 heaping cup sugar
4T milk
1t soda
1t vanilla
Beat together and pour over dry mixture. Mix together and make into 4 balls.

Wrap dough balls in wax paper. Refrigerate overnight before rolling on floured board.
Bake 10-12 mins @ 350.
.
Look for more ways to make it handmade each Thursday on The Downtown Boutique.

Got a unique craft, recipe or decorating idea for 'Handmade Thursdays' and want to be featured on The Downtown Boutique? Contact us! We'd love to hear your feedback on items featured, too!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Wordless Wednesday Featuring Posh Dots

Monday, February 2, 2009

The Winner of the Day 6 Giveaway Is.......

Reeva said...
my favorite is the birthstone bracelet.Thanks for another generous giveaway!
January 29, 2009 2:30 PM

Congratulations! You won the "XOXO" Bracelet from Sweet Caroline's.

Don't forget, there is still a little time left to enter to win the chocolate spoons!

Have a great evening!

Angie

Sunday, February 1, 2009

The Winner of the Day 5 Giveaway Is......

Jackie said...
My favorite item is the Cupcake Coin Purse. So cute!


Jackie won the wristlet and coin purse from Sweet Irie Originals. Congratulations Jackie!

Have a great week everyone!
Angie