Let's All Congratulate FrivolTees This Week's Challenge Winner!

This weeks winner is FrivolTees. A big well done and a wonderful Treasury.
This isn't the first time FrivolTees has won the TTC... so this week we will feature an item from FrivolTees shop... which will mean you all have the opportunity to come up with your own theme this week......

The item that we will feature is a wonderful pair of earrings

url for the earrings is http://www.etsy.com/listing/75377482/sculpted-dahlia-earrings-antique-copper

Have fun this week with your theme ... be creative

Let's All Congratulate AdorningAglaea This Week's Challenge Winner!

This weeks Treasuries where out standing as per usual.
This weeks winning Treasury Old, New, Peachy & Blue was the one you voted for which makes this weeks winner AdorningAglaea

How did you get started creating

**** I'm a high school art teacher, so after a conversation with my students about all of their preparations for prom, I worked up some sample designs and they gave me feedback about the designs I created.

I really wish I came up with these a year earlier so I could have made them for my mother and mother-in-law for my wedding. My mother-in-law did have the opportunity to wear the classic corsage at my brother-in-law's wedding, which she was thrilled about, but I would have loved to have given them these for my wedding!

What are your favorite materials to work with?

***My designs for Adorning Aglaea typically have limited materials to choose from, but I really love finding pieces with unique shapes, love the pale pink peacocks that I worked into the Elegant Corsage Design and the turquoise dragonfly I worked into the vibrant design.

At my day job.. I have the opportunity to work in a number of mediums so I'm currently working on a watercolor painting and I also have a photography shop on Etsy called Oh Snap Art.

What is your personal style?

*** I love things that are bold, eccentric and unusual with a bit of humor worked in! I love deep colors especially purple and orange together. I can not bring myself to paint the walls in my house white, or close to white colors. When I make treasuries on Etsy, I love to look for things that have quirky designs, like a mix tape clutch that put in a treasury called A Very Merry Fresh Prince Summertime. (I live and grew up in Philadelphia, and this was a homage to the summers of my youth)

What inspires you?

** I think sometimes inspiration can come from meaningful experiences like playing as a child in my grandfather's rose garden or it can be found in something simple like a cool piece of fabric.

What are your plans for the future?

*** I honestly appreciate feedback because I want to ultimately design a product that is everything that my customers are looking for. I've had a number of friends give me suggestions, so I hope to take those and continue to explore variations and adaptations.

I'm currently working on a set of 3 pin styled corsages for a wedding that incorporate interesting feather combinations, which I think is going to be beautiful for the fall. I'm also working on another pin corsage designed around a birthstone color, from a husband for an expecting mother. I thought that was a great gift idea.

Is there anything about your life outside of Etsy you'd like our blog followers to know?

***Like I said earlier, I'm a high school art teacher and I think the etsy community is a great forum for promoting, endorsing, supporting the arts. I hope that those of us who support the creative spirit continue to demand that education be more than just a multiple choice test. It's been scary to see the arts and other contents that demand higher order thinking skills are extracted from education and then we wonder why our kids aren't competitive with other nations.

Please feel free to include anything else you think is interesting/important to know about you, your creations, & your shop.

**** I'm currently offering a 25% off sale. Enter THANKS4THELOVE to receive the discount. If you add my shop to your favorites, you will be able to receive additional sale codes in the future.

FYI about the name: Aglaea was one of the three Greek graces (or charis). She was the grace of splendor, beauty and adornment, so I thought she was a fitting muse for my shop's name.

Lastly, everything I make is one of a kind, and designed around my customers needs, so if anyone were to have questions or inquiries, please feel free to convo me.

Thanks for taking the time to read about my shop!

Andrea

So will an awesome offer like that how can you not go and visit AdorningAglaea

This weeks Challenge will take place On Wednesday and the theme this week is Christmas in July ... remember this can mean anything to you so get creative and lets produce some awesome Treasuries.....

if you want to know all about Christmas in July go visit Etsy HERE

Let's All Congratulate Snucky, This Week's Challenge Winner!

This weeks Treasuries where out standing as per usual.
This weeks winning Treasury White Light and Flowers was the one you voted for which makes this weeks winner Snucky 

We asked Snucky about her self and her shop along with some other questions ...here is what she had to say.

8 x 10 Print Wizard of Oz Tin Man Fairytale Painting

I've always been pretty creative, I remember forcing myself to eat about 50 Kit Kats when I was a child in order to make a giant silver cardboard robot because I didn't know that foil could be bought in rolls. The robot had a door in its chest in which I'd made a scrolling 'television' screen out of a roll of paper and two tubes - an ingenious feat I don't think I've matched again yet.

Since then I studied art at school and after a few years of having no clue where I was headed (including working in a card shop, a call center and selling wills, bleurgh?) I ended up on an Illustration degree which I love, and about a month ago I began selling on Etsy (or perhaps, 'set up my Etsy shop' would be more accurate, as I haven't sold a thing yet).

My favorite materials to use are definitely gouache paints, because I love how bright and opaque they are, etch printing, because of its lovely wispy texture, and I have just started using felt to make 3D toys because it turns out I like to sew too.

I think my personal style revolves around things which make me happy when I make them; I'm quite a fan of big-eye art, bright colors and tangible little things which can grow to have sentimental value - like the toys I'm making now. I like things which I can get my hands involved with because it makes me feel like I've been able to put my stamp on what I'm making.

I get a lot of inspiration from fairy tales and the fantastical worlds they create. I think there is a saying that "reality is never as good as fantasy"; that may not actually be true, but fantasy is pretty blooming good in my opinion. I've had a very vivid imagination since childhood, which came in handy when playing 'maid and princess' with my sister when we were young (my imagination made sure I was a very convincing princess you see).

Now that I'm older, my imagination makes sure I have enough new ideas to keep on with what I love (although, like everyone else I do occasionally have very frustrating moments of having zilch ideas or motivation).

What are my plans for the future? Ooh I have no idea (see, it's one of those moments). I know what I'd love to do; I'd love to make a full time living from making wonderful art I enjoy and selling it on Etsy, but whether or not that will happen, only time will tell.

Aside from Etsy, my life is full up with animals and books. I live in a little rented house with my partner, Chris, who is studying to be an architect, our three dogs, Toby, Jack and Daisy, and two tortoises, Matilda and Ingrid. And we have four very full bookshelves, three of which belong to me :)

I love to write and have a blog which I update a lot. I would really love it if anyone would like to follow it. You can find it at; www.etsysnucky.blogspot.com/.

And that's pretty much me. x

Snucky;s Etsy shop can be found here   go pay her a visit and spread the love

This week's theme is 'Easy Living'. Remember this can mean anything to you ...get creative and have fun...
Come back tomorrow to read the rules and link up

Let's All Congratulate nobakecakes, This Week's Challenge Winner!

You voted, and No Bake Cakes' fun treasury, Road Trip is the winner! To reward Mona, shop owner of No Bake Cakes, we will all feature her item, Towel Cake--Purple and Green. The theme this week is up to you!

Check back Wednesday for rules & to post your link. Next week the winner could be you!

Let's all congratulate Hundchen, this week's winner!

You voted, and you decided that Hundchen's heavenly treasury Our Father is this week's winner!

I asked Natalie, shop owner of Hundchen, to tell me more about herself and her Etsy shop.

'I started creating very recently, but I think it runs in my blood. My mom owns her own jewelry shop, [which] is the reason I got into Etsy... I decided to gear my craft towards dogs because I've always felt a strong connection and love for our four-legged friends.'

'I love being able to give back to animals in need by selling something that I enjoy making!' At Hundchen, 25% of each sale (including shipping) is donated to the Humane Society of Utah, a local no-kill shelter. And, until the end of June, an additional 25% will be donated to Etsian, ClaudiaBruno's animal rescue Calliope Rescue in Boston, MA.

'I wanted to make items that would fit any occasion and anyone's personal style. I lived in Hollywood for a while and always saw people and their dogs dress[ed] alike, going out in style. I wanted to make that option available for people without [having to spend] an arm and a leg at a Hollywood dog boutique.'

'My favorite things to work with are dog booties! I love being able to make something unique that you can't buy anywhere [else]. I start[ed] with a base pair of booties and [have] grow from there. I've recently started branching out into hats and accessories as well.'

'It's hard to categorize my work with just one genre. One day I'll be making cutsie pink dog shirts and the next day I'll make a steampunk top hat! I absolutely love doing custom work for people, so if you have any ideas in mind, let me know!'

'In the future I hope to be able to expand my inventory. I am trying to branch out into areas that are neglected and help cater to every need and desire.'

Check out Natalie's creations for your fashionable furry friends at her Etsy shop Hundchen, and help support some good causes too!

Want to be featured next week? Then make sure you play with us on Wednesday when the treasury theme will be I need a vacation! Anyone can play & get creative with the theme, it can mean anything to you! Just remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count!

Let's All Congratulate CarlasCreativeCorner, this week's winner!

You voted...and this week, you decided that you loved being Outside in the Garden. So let's congratulate Carla of Carla's Creative Corner, this week's treasury challenge winner.

I asked Carla to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'I've been doing art work for nearly as long as I can remember. My mother use to draw pictures for [my siblings and I] (I have four brothers and sisters) and I think that was an inspiration to me. I began drawing profile portraits of lovely ladies for my classmates in the first grade. Using a first grader's favorite medium, crayons, they were very colourful. The kids would put [in] their orders for blonds, brunettes or redheads!'

Nowadays, Carla's medium of choice is watercolour, though she does experiment with coloured pencils. 'I take my camera with me everywhere to capture subjects for painting. Living in California, I am surrounded by beauty. One of the prints featured in my shop is of Burney Falls, a lovely place to visit and find inspiration.'

'I'm kind of casual country...But you know what they say, "Creative minds are rarely tidy", so I guess you'd say I'm casual country clutter! I think my art reflects that. Speaking of clutter, my other shop, Carla's Vintage Finds, was started because of years of collecting and being a pack rat [resulting in] a huge need for downsizing!'

'For over 25 years now I have been showing and selling my art at a local gallery, Gallery and Gifts in the next town over the hill. I also do an occasional arts and craft show. It has always been exciting to sell my work face to face at a show but it's exciting here on Etsy too. When I get a convo from someone who has just received my art in the mail to tell me they "love it", well, it makes my day!...My first Etsy customer said she would love my paintings to "grace her home". I loved that!'

'As [for] plans for the future, I would love to get some of those ideas going around in my head down on paper, watercolor paper.'

Want to be featured next week? Make sure you play with us on Wednesday when the theme will be 'Paper Planes'. The theme can mean anything to you, so be creative and have fun!

Let's Congratulate SoulShineArts, this week's winner!

You voted, and this week's winner is Catherine of SoulShineArt's Check out her winning treasury "Have You The Wing"

We asked Catherine a bit about herself and her shop and this is what she told us...
  I am a stay at home mom with two young and rambunctious boys, ages 1 and 3.  Daily life is a little crazy, but always fun!  Learning to balance my art and motherhood has been quite the ongoing challenge, but lately it’s working really well.  I have spent most of my life drawing in a sketchbook or working on one artistic idea after another.  I just can’t seem to stop the ideas from coming.
       I graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2006 with my BFA with a concentration in Art Education.  I am a certified K to 12 teacher and I have taught in two different High Schools in Southern Maine, at Portland High School and at Massabesic High School.  I only taught one year at each school, which were both fantastic learning experiences for me and I loved each and every day that I worked.  Unfortunately, my positions were cut at both schools after the one year that I taught due to budget shortfalls.  That is how I got to where I am.  Now, I want to go back to my goal that I started college with, which is to make money selling my artwork!
       I started my Etsy shop last year after a friend told me about it, but I ignored it for a long time.  This past March, I decided that I was really going to focus on it and figure out if it would work for me.  So I started listing and reading about Etsy and all the different teams you can join.  I started doing BNR’s which helped to get my sales up, but now I want to look for other ways of promoting.  I recently started a blog (www.soulshinearts.blogspot.com) and I just signed up on twitter under soulshinearts.  I’ve been on facebook for a while too.

How did you get started creating?
       I feel like I have been creating all my life.  My Dad had a little shop when I was growing up that sold some art supplies, which he always brought home to me.  I always had the best art supplies to use.  I remember going through this very thick Disney History book and drawing whatever characters that I wanted.  I still have a cray pas drawing that I did when I was like 12, of Sher Khan from Robin Hood that’s on 18 x 24 paper!  It hangs in my son’s room now.
       I focused on drawing and painting in high school.  When I went to college I concentrated on photography and found a love of sculpture and late in college found ceramics which is where I have stayed!

What are your favorite materials to work with?
       I work primarily with clay, although I am always trying to think of ways to incorporate other materials and other skills that I have into my ceramics.  I love altering pieces or carving them.  Adding a bit more to my pieces makes them more unique.  I love working with clay.  It’s down to earthy, messy, easy to manipulate and you can recycle it, so it is rarely wasted.

Where is your craft headed right now?
       I am currently working on creating a line of garden items, such as birdbaths, bird feeders and houses, and garden plaques.  I’m hoping to start doing more outdoor sculptures and lanterns also.  I have also been creating unique one of a kind ceramic jewelry pieces.  I have started doing rings (which I should be listing this week) along with my pendants and earrings.
       I have always had a hard time doing the same thing over and over, but now that I’m focused on ceramics, I’m working towards creating different seasonal lines.  I’m hoping by winter to be ahead of the season!

What is your personal style?
       I’m a bit of an earthy spirit.  In my everyday life, I’m kind of a bum!  Haha.  The mix of stay at home and potter do not leave me much room to dress nice!  I like all things natural and organic.  I am a novice organic gardner.  I cannot wait to get my garden going this year.  I already have my starts sprouting and some flower seeds planted.  This year I’m growing my own pumpkin patch and birdhouse gourds which I hope to do something artistic with.

What inspires you?
       Nature.  I like the flow of nature like the gentle curve of a vine or river.  I am trying to create inspiration by planting flowers and gardens around my house.  I live in a lovely wooded neighborhood in a small town in Southern Maine.  Being in Maine is inspiring in itself, with the great wooded area and the beautiful ocean vistas that we have.
       My family are also a huge part of my inspiration.  More for keeping me driven than subject.  I want my children to know how hard I’ve worked and that no matter what happens, I will always keep pushing through to achieve my dream, which is to make a living off what I love to do, my art!

What are your plans for the future?
       I’m only looking at this coming year right now.  I’ve made a huge decision not to apply to any teaching jobs in the next year.  It was a hard decision to make, since there was an opening in my home town, but I put myself through a roller coaster of emotions  every time that I apply for a job and I just need a year off from that.  I would love to continue this life until my kids go to school.  This is the most important time in their lives, so if I can be here for them now and try to start a market for my work, than I will have the best of both worlds!  I will be selling my ceramics through Craft Fairs, Flea Markets (with my vintage things), possibly Farmers Markets and Etsy.  I may try to get my stuff in some stores too.  I have a list of shows that I’m already in on my website.

Where else can you find Catherine? ...click any of the below
Facebook - 
My website - 
Blog - 
Twitter - soulshinearts
Etsy - www.soulshineart.etsy.com
       www.soulshinephotos.etsy.com
       www.vintagewithsoul.etsy.com


Thank you Catherine and congratulations

Would you like to be featured here...well its easy you just need to take part in the Wednesday Treasury Challenge. This weeks Theme is Outside and Loving it. Remember this can mean anything, be creative and have fun

Let's Congratulate Janehamill, this week's winner!

You voted, and this week Jane of Janehamill Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads & Jewellery
is the winner! Check out her winning treasury, The Floral Dance (Team Undiscovered Challenge)

I asked Jane about herself and her Etsy shop. What inspires here and her future plans here is what she had to say.

I've always loved making things, right from an early age but when I discovered jewelery making 21 years ago, I was hooked; then when the lamp-working bug hit in 2007, there was no way out! :)

I work in a small workshop at my home in Chorley in the North West of England. I've recently started learning other glass work techniques and hope to extend my range of jewelery to include fused glass. I am completely self-taught. My first career was in I.T. Support but when ill-health forced me to quit work, I returned to my beloved beads and wire and haven't looked back!

Without doubt, my favorite material is glass - I love the way it moves when it's hot, how different glasses react together to make beautiful colors and patterns and the sense of anticipation I have every time I go to my kiln to retrieve the latest batch of glass goodies. It's like opening an oven to a batch of freshly baked cupcakes with the added promise of unexpected results!

It's difficult to pin down what my style is. I like both the bright and colorful as well as the more subtle organic earth tones. However, I have recently developed a glass technique which creates a rainbow tie-dye effect on my beads. I really enjoy making them and they're usually snapped up on Etsy as fast as I can list them! So I think I may have found my signature style... ;)

As with many artists, I am inspired by almost anything! People close to me have learned to read a certain look I get when I see something I could work into my beads and jewelery. I like form and order as much as I like serendipity. I wouldn't like to be pinned down to one or two specific things for inspiration - I would find that far too limiting.

My future plans are quite simple - to allow me to become independent! As I have already mentioned, I had to stop working due to my health (I was diagnosed with ME/CFS in 2001) and since then I have been gradually working myself back to health but I have relied heavily on my husband for everything. I want to be able to earn my own money and regain some if not all of my independence!

I believe my enthusiasm for what I do is reflected in my finished pieces. I derive great satisfaction from not only making my own jewelery with my own beads, but also from seeing my beads used in beautiful pieces of art made by my customers.

You can visit Jane and here shop at  janehamill Handmade Lampwork Glass Beads & Jewellery

This post was posted by TatterBeans.... and Im sorry to say but I have not yet been informed of this weeks theme... so please keep your eyes peeled and I hope to reveal it soon 

Let's Congratulate CraftyStitchez, this week's winner!

You voted, and this week Ida of Crafty Stitchez is the winner! Check out her winning treasury, Timeless Wisdom.

I asked Ida about herself and her Etsy shop.

'For as long as I can remember I have had a love for arts and crafts. Both of my parents have an artistic eye [and my creative talents] were encouraged in my childhood household. My mother was always pedaling away at her sewing machine making beautiful creations and my father has an amazing talent for shaping pieces of wood into gorgeous furniture.'

'When I was a little girl, my mother taught me some of the basics of crochet. I never had the patience to finish any large projects as a child- I only ever pieced together a few doll sized blankets. It wasn’t until recently that I decided to get my hook working again.'

'I have a little one, and during the winter I grew frustrated with the poor quality of winter hats in all of the stores. My daughter had a beanie that was purchased at our local [big box store] and it was constantly falling off her head. After the Nth time that her hat fell off her sweet head, a light bulb went off in my brain. I turned to my husband and said, “I should just try to crochet her a winter hat.” My husband loved the idea. Not only would our child have a decent hat, I would have a creative outlet.'

Ida's shop of crocheted creations was born from this DIY project. 'My daughter had a cute winter hat that fit properly and kept her ears covered, and I found a hobby that [allowed me to] unleash my creative powers. Before long, I was improving my skills at the hook and building a lovely stash of items that were begging for a home.'

'...I like to use colors that are often found together in nature.' Ida is captivated by the beautiful arrays of colours found in sunrises, sunsets, waterfalls, and flowers. She tries to capture these naturally beautiful combinations in her work.

'I love my family. I have a supportive husband who encourages me to use my creative skills. My husband is a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to certain things, and the quality of goods is one of them. He personally inspects each of my items before I post it online. He is not only my best friend and the love of my life, but also a very good business partner.'

Selling her crochet work online fits in well with Ida's current occupation of motherhood. 'I love being a stay at home mommy. I am able to sit on the floor with my daughter as she plays and work on a project at the same time. It is a hobby and a job that I can easily set aside when she toddles over with her favorite book and wants me to read to her. I love that I can work on a project without being [separated] from my family. I can sit with them after a long day, relax, and chat, [all while] weaving fantastic creations.'

Check out Ida's crochet creations in her online shop, Crafty Stitchez.

Want to be featured next week? Make sure you play with us on Wednesday when the theme will be May Flowers.

Let's All Congratulate Khan Creations, this week's winner

It was another extremely close race this week. You voted, and Khan Creations' beautiful treasury, Vintage Flowers is the winner! To reward Aisha, shop owner of Khan Creations, we will all feature her item, Owl Wrapped in Romantic Chains Necklace. The theme this week is up to you! Check back Wednesday for rules & to post your link. Next week the winner could be you!

A second day of congratulations- FrivolTees

We had our first ever tie this week on the Team Undiscovered treasury challenge, so today I'm featuring our second winner, FrivolTees.

I asked Laurie, owner of FrivolTees to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop. 'I have always been surrounded by boys. [I grew] up with 6 brothers, then [raised] 4 boys with my husband, so my girlish side was a tad suppressed, to say the least. When my little girl was born, that was the go sign for my creativity. There was someone else to delight in all things whimsical and frivolous! Hence, my "frivolous" little company was born!'

'My main source of inspiration is my kids. I would never have opened this shop if I did not have them...I have tried really hard through trial and error, and a turned up little nose from my little girl, to create what is easy to use [and] interesting for children.'

'I love to work with color. I love picking out and coordinating fabrics and ribbons, [and] illustrating and coloring my [creations]... I [draw all of] the artwork and illustrations used in my shop. [Recently], I really broadened my materials list, trying to find something that interests my little girl or her brothers.'

'In the future, I would love to [continue] creating full-time and sending my creations worldwide. I am also working on several children's books (writing and illustrating) and would love to be a success at that [too].'

'I would like to close with a HUGE THANK YOU to all of my fellow Etsyians. I would not be a featured winner in this challenge if it weren't for you!! Etsy has been such an inspiration and a blessing for all of us creative people out there!!'

You can check out Laurie's shop FrivolTees here, and see her winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next week? Be sure to play tomorrow when the theme will be 'April Showers'. Please wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count! Rules will be up tomorrow as well as a place to post your links.

Let's Congratulate nobakecakes AND FrivolTees, this week's winners!

We had such wonderful treasuries this week that even you couldn't choose between them! For the first time ever, we have a tie between two winners!

I'll be featuring No Bake Cakes today AND FrivolTees tomorrow!

I asked Mona, owner of No Bake Cakes to tell me a bit about herself and her shop.

'Creativity has always been a part of my make-up. It always amazes me to see what my two hands can accomplish. Diaper cakes and towel cakes came about purely by chance. My son outgrew his diapers very quickly, and I hated letting the extra diapers go to waste. [I] thought [diaper cakes] would be a good way to pass the diapers on to someone else. After making a couple of cakes to give away, my husband said, “You could sell those!”.'

'[My cakes] are practical as well as pretty. I take everyday items that people need and use and transform them into something pretty that can be displayed. Afterwards, [the cake] can be taken apart [to use individual pieces].'

'I really enjoy making the towel cakes. I think there are so many occasions that can be celebrated with towel cakes aside from the often thought of wedding. They make great [gifts for] birthdays, graduations, housewarmings, Mother’s day, hostess gifts, or even just because.'

'When I make my cakes I try to think what [people] might like or use. But mostly I think my cakes embody the word fun. I find inspiration from my family and friends. They are so encouraging. My mom has been one of my biggest supporters. She is a big part of the shop. She is the one who creates the amazing aprons you see for sale along with the cakes.'

'Currently, I am a stay at home mom of two amazing children, ages 4 ½ and 16 months. I would love to see my business successfully develop to full-time by the time they are both in school.'

Help Mona realize her business dreams by checking out No Bake Cakes!

You can also check out her winning treasury here.

Check back tomorrow for FrivolTee's interview.

Want to be featured next week? Play the Team Undiscovered treasury challenge on Wednesday, when the theme will be 'April Showers'. Anyone can play! Rules will be posted on Wednesday as well as a place to post your treasury links.

Let's All congratulate WannaHM, this week's winner!

Last weeks' treasuries were a rainbow delight for the eyes! We had such a fabulous turnout! Team, you rock! You voted, and picked Wanna HM's treasury 'A Journey to the Rainbow'.

I asked Oana, of Wanna HM to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'[First], I want to thank the entire Undiscovered Team members and [everyone] who supported me and my treasury!'

'I’m a proud mother of a sweet and smart 4 yrs old boy, a wife and much loved daughter of my mom; a graduate of Environmental economy working now as a freelancer. I have a lot of hope, trust and love in my soul!'

For as long as she can remember, Oana has been in love with handmade. 'Around the age of 4 or 5, I first learned to make a crochet chain. My dear and beloved grandmother taught me to do it, and in a day she had everything around the house wrapped in crocheted chains. After [that], she taught me to sew. I remember I sewed a lot of bags that day. My first handmade inventions surprised my mom when [she came] home [to] find my grandmother cooking in the kitchen, her feet in beautiful handmade bags wrapped with cotton crocheted chains.'

'My next major steps in handmade followed with making friendship bracelets in high school (with an enormous selling success), then in university I started painting on stones. I decorated a hostel with my painted stones during a two week holiday. After graduation, I had less time for my passion, but at my last job I used a lot of my crafty abilities and my other big love, photography and photo editing, to make graduation diplomas, certificates, class albums, and motivational pins, to name a few. And finally, after our baby boy was born I fell in love with decoupage and home décor.'

'Since I was a child, I was imaginative and innovative...[W]hen I wanted to do something I always found a way to do it – even if it meant [teaching myself].I love all kind of quality art and love to do [many different types of] crafts and handmade projects...in a word, everything that involves the privilege to use my imagination and my hands.'

'My Etsy shop is actually the [result] of my dear friend Meds; she rekindled my passion for handmade things and encouraged me to open my shop. Wanna HM =Wanna Hand Made and has a double meaning for me because my name is Oana [which is pronounced] “wanna”!'

Oana uses only the highest quality supplies. 'Quality is very important to me. Even if I have to order some [supplies] from abroad, I [don't] make any compromises on this standard. Because of my love for the environment, which inspires [many] of us so much, I [try] as much as possible to use non-toxic, ecological, and natural supplies. Also, I intentionally avoid over [packaging] my products and I use recycled [packing materials].'

'I haven’t had the time to post all my items yet, but I promise that in my shop you will find only high quality items, made with lots of passion, love and attention! Please come by to see my work. And because my shop [is just getting started], I prepared a surprise gift for the first buyer!'

That's right folks! Oana is still waiting for her first sale, so make sure you check out her shop, Wanna HM, and show her and her beautiful items some love!

Want to be featured on The Undiscovered blog next week? Make sure you play with us! Anyone can play! This Wednesday's theme will be 'French lavender'. Be creative with this theme, it can mean ANYTHING to you! Check back on Wednesday for contest rules & to post your treasury URL. And please remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count!

Let's Congratulate atelierlaforet, this week's challenge winner!

It sure was another close race this week, neck in neck! It must be hard to choose between great treasuries! Team, you're wonderful! And it comes through in your treasuries. You voted, and this week you chose Ronnie LaForet of atelier laforet as your winner!

I asked Ronnie about herself and her Etsy shop.

'...I see life in terms of a little dot motif adding up to a larger picture...I came from a big family that didn’t value the arts, but it was my thing. My family was constantly moving so they just kept throwing all of it out. I made more. In 3rd grade I saw Oldenburg’s “Piece of Cake” and knew I was not alone. I tried to be conventional, but it just doesn’t fit [my personality].'

'Always being from somewhere else gave me the courage to reinvent myself and eventually I did find myself. [I am] a formidable artist with an open mind to new things. I like sharing my work and experience with others. I am that mother who drags her kids to the beach in the middle of the night to watch a comet because I believe experiences are important.'

'...I find my drawings with dots meditative. I think it is necessary for people to stop and make something repetitive to rest your mind. I wish more families made time to share the art of making things with each other.'

'I am currently working on a collection of paintings and starting a blog, “one dot...then another....” which I hope to feature the science behind my artistic endeavors.'

Check out more of Ronnie's original artwork at her Etsy shop atelierlaforet.

And see the winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next week on our blog? Then take part in the Wednesday Treasury Challenge. This Wednesday's theme will be 'Over the Rainbow'. Rules will be posted Wednesday along with a place to post your links on the blog. Make sure you wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so It'll count!

Let's all congratulate cayteebelle, this week's winner!

Hey team, you voted, and this week Caytee Belle' treasury California Dreamin' won! It was another close race, And I can see why. Team, you make beautiful treasuries! Everyone who played and supported the team should feel super proud of themselves!

I asked Carly, shop owner of Caytee Belle's Classics to tell me a bit about herself and her shop.

'...I've been crafting and making stuff as long as I can remember. Even as a little girl, I loved drawing, painting, and embroidery. I just love to make things. I am constantly looking at things and thinking, "I can make that!" I've never been too afraid to try anything, and when I can't figure out how to make something on my own, I'll take a class or check out books in the library to learn.'

'Through the birth of my 3 children, my love for sewing blossomed [while] making things for them. I started with classic, simple clothing and have gradually moved [on to] making stuffed toys and playthings. Which brings me to my current love; with all the technology and noise and general busyness of life, I love the sweet simplicity of a simple handmade teddy bear.'

'I own a small boutique-type consignment and gift shop, Caytee Belle's Closet, in Northeast Mississippi and I've been selling my bears there for a little over two years...My little girl's nickname is Caytee Belle, and my shop was named in her honor...My favorite materials are repurposed clothing and baby blankets, but I also really like working with corduroy and flannel- anything soft can make a great bear!'

'...The popularity of my bears as gift items [combined with] my joy in making them led me to the decision to take the plunge and open Caytee Belle's Classics on Etsy. Each bear is lovingly handmade by me, with a little help stuffing from my little girl. Her favorite ritual is to christen each bear with a big hug before carefully placing him in the box to travel to his new home. I'm new to Etsy, but am loving every minute of it! [In the future], I'd love for Caytee Belle's Classics to become so busy that all I have time for is creating things for others!'

Want a lovely handmade bear shipped off with a hug? Find handmade playthings, baby clothes, and things for moms too at Caytee Belle's online shop.

Want to be featured next week on The Undiscovered blog? Make sure you play with us on Wednesday when in our treasury challenge theme will be 'home sweet home'. Only treasuries made on Wednesday will count so check back Wednesday for rules and to upload your collections.

Let's All Congratulate tresundesigns, This Week's Winner!

We had some fabulous entries this week. I'm not surprised! Team Undiscovered- you are fabulous! And your treasuries keep getting better and better! You voted, and decided that The Color Purple knocked your socks off! So join me in congratulating Lauren of Tre Sun Designs, this week's treasury challenge winner!

I asked Lauren to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'I have always loved jewelry. When I was a child I would spend hours playing dress up with my Grandmother's costume jewelry. I also had quite the impressive rock collection!...As far as creating jewelry, I started doing that a few years ago. I first attended a local bead show and made quite a few purchases. After that I decided to take some jewelry classes and I was hooked forever!'

'Some of my favorite materials to use are antiqued brass, sterling silver, vintage buttons, vintage found items, gemstones, Czech glass and Swarovski crystals and rhinestones. I use a very high quality brass which is nickel-free and lead-free which is perfect for those like me who have sensitive skin.'

'Inspiration for my designs come from the beads and amazing gemstones I purchase and the vintage pieces that I find. I love creating new jewelry designs from vintage finds. Finding broken jewelry or mismatched vintage earrings is quite exciting.' Lauren really enjoys deciding how to repurpose these pieces, giving them new life in her designs.

'The other wonderful thing about using vintage jewelry is knowing it is so rich with history. For instance when I use vintage buttons I wonder, "who once wore these little treasures?".'

'I'm married and have 3 boys so life is quite busy but always fun and interesting! I love being a mother but I'm so happy to have my jewelry business as a creative outlet...Some of my jewelry is one-of-a-kind or part of a small run which is nice for those who purchase since they will be wearing something that is unique. Currently I sell at a local clothing boutique and I'm hoping to expand to another location in the next few months along with growing my Etsy business.'

'I really enjoy belonging to this team. Team members are so helpful and willing to give such valuable and insightful information. There is SO MUCH to learn about Etsy and I'm happy I'm not learning it alone!'

Me too Lauren! Me too. Check out Tre Sun Designs and show Lauren's shop some love!

Want to be featured next week? Then take part in this Wednesday Treasury Challenge! The theme will be 'Luck of the Irish'. Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, and anyone can play! Make sure you wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it will count!

Congrats to KhanCreations, this week's treasury challenge winner!

We had a fantastic response to the "Hop to it" challenge! I am increasingly blown away by the beautiful treasuries I see each week. Way to go team!

You voted, and this week's winner is Khan Creations. I asked shop owner Aisha Khan to tell me a bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'Ever since I was a little girl I always loved the arts including music and drama. When I was 8 years old my mother gave me some embroidery floss and a safety pin. I began to make friendship bracelets every minute of every day...I explored many facets of the arts during high-school but it wasn’t until college that I returned to jewelry making and picked up my first beading tools. I have been hooked ever since.'

'I have been making jewelry for fifteen years and I also teach jewelry making classes to children and adults.' Aisha opened her Etsy shop in December, 2010. At this point, her main focus is sharing her creations with others. 'Being creative rejuvenates my mind and spirit...[I] hope that people love [my creations] as much I enjoy making them.'

'I am a Pre-K teacher by day and a crafter by night...I make my pieces with a variety of beads and baubles. Some are pieces found in local flea markets or antique stores and many of the beads and stones are purchased on my travels around the world... Often at school, teachers give me old necklaces and bracelets they do not want anymore to break apart and use the materials I like... My jewelry is handmade. Each piece is unique and generally one of a kind.'

Aisha feels that the hardest part of owning her own handmade business is getting noticed amongst the millions of online sellers making their own jewelry. Help Aisha get noticed! Check out her Etsy shop. Also check out her winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next? Make sure you participate in Wednesday's treasury challenge when the theme will be Fresh and Simple. Anyone can play! You don't have to be a team member, so tell your friends! Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, just remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count! Check back on Wednesday for contest rules etc etc.

Congrats to dragonflymom, this week's treasury challenge winner!

We had some stunning entries for the "Spring is just around the corner" challenge. The votes are in and you decided that Spring is Busting Out! Yay! So let's all congratulate dragonflymom's Charisma Valentine for blowing us away with her treasury that was bursting with yellow flowers.

I asked Charisma to tell me more about herself and her Etsy shop.

Charisma comes by her creative talents naturally. She grew up making craft projects with her Artist mother and by the age of twelve, Charisma was designing and selling jewelry made out of friendly plastic.

' I think I've come a long way since then. I love to work with natural gemstones, sterling silver and gold fill. My all-time favorite stone is larimar, which is a volcanic stone [that comes] in a variety of beautiful ocean blues. [It] is only found in the Dominican Republic.'

'I am a fairly laid back person, so the majority of my creations are things that can be worn everyday.' But if you are looking for something with a bit of sparkle, you'll find that in Charisma's shop too!

Married with a three year old, Charisma's creative time is very limited. But she still loves to grab what she can to create new designs.

'What I really love is making something for a client and [having] them say it is perfect or better than they expected. My favorite compliment was when a customer bought a ready-made piece and said that she was "thrilled witless"! I want all my customers to feel that way!'

'Right now, my business gets more attention from having home shows or going to art fairs. I would love to have the same type of success from my Etsy shop. Team Undiscovered is a great support system and I'm glad to know that there are others out there in the same boat... I get lots of great suggestions from my teammates in ways to promote myself and each other that I never would have thought of. It's great to be able to help each other out like that. Hopefully, we will all start seeing the results of all of our hard work!'

I couldn't have said it better myself Charisma! Make sure you show Charisma and her shop some love! And check out the winning treasury here.

Want to be featured next? Make sure you participate in Wednesday's treasury challenge when the theme will be 'Hop to it'. Anyone can play! You don't have to be a team member, so tell your friends! Be creative, the theme can mean anything to you, just remember to wait till Wednesday to make your treasury so it'll count! Check back on Wednesday for contest rules etc etc.

Congrats to awesleydesigns, winner of this week's Team Undiscovered treasury challenge

Congratulations to A. W. Designs, Team Undiscovered's second treasury challenge winner! We had some beautiful entries this week, and Amanda's Nautical entry literally won by a nose. Thanks to everyone who entered and voted, your support and team participation are what make Team Undiscovered such a success and a positive force!

I asked Amanda Wesley, shop owner of A. W. Designs, to tell me a little bit about herself and her Etsy shop.

'I owe my creative pursuits to my family. My mom taught me how to crochet when I was pregnant with my first child. From [that time, my creativity] has just grown.'

Amanda's design skills blossomed when her family decided to make each other gifts for Christmas rather than buy them. Her beautiful creations stem from a place of practicality and eco-consciousness, but also have a playful side.

'I hate throwing things away. [I try to] transform something that is destined for the landfill into an item that someone would want.'

'[Being a mother of three] I act like a child most of the time. My style can go from chic to funky and everything in between.'

Check out more A. W. Designs at Amanda's Etsy shop

And see the winning treasury here

Congrats to the Treasury Challenge Winner- AllegraGraceDesigns

Congratulations to Allegra Grace Designs, Team Undiscovered's first treasury challenge winner.

I asked Jenifer, shop owner of Allegra Grace Designs, to tell me a little bit about herself and her new Etsy shop.

'I started making some of my own [jewelry] when I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for in stores...I basically think of an interesting design, or fall in love with some beads in a store and try to design something around them.

I love [working with] sterling silver, copper, mixed metals, and natural gemstones. I try to use leather and silk creatively, which hopefully helps me stand out. My pieces combine a rustic, southwestern feel with a refined sensibility.'

When something calls for a little extra sparkle, Jenifer will use glass beads for a more formal or vintage look. In the future, she wants to learn how to work with precious metal clay, but that will have to wait for now. Jenifer's jewelry design process is very time consuming, it has been difficult learning the ins and outs of managing an online business.

Apart from Etsy, Jenifer works full time for a non-profit organization serving young children and their families in the San Francisco Bay area. She has two delightful little girls, ages 6 and 2, who keep her very, very busy! The name of her shop combines her daughters' middle names (Allegra and Grace).

Pounce on Allegra Grace Design's shop, give Jenifer her first Etsy sale!

See the wining treasury