Featured Seller: June from Threshold Paper Art

This week's featured seller is June from Threshold Paper Art.

I was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada while very young. Interior design was my main occupation. I have a passion for all that is unique and handmade. I have always been on a quest for beauty doing whatever possible to enhance my surroundings and those of my clients. My love of interior design and craft was born. My craft repertoire included batik, decoupage, faux painting interiors, and mosaics. I was dubbed the glue gun queen by my friends.

Ever since my daughter brought home colorful notices home from school, I have been recycling them into homemade paper to produce unique cards. After several years of card making, the themes I was drawn to exploring required a larger format. I recycle paper and other organic material and transform it into art. I cast, embed, and collage the paper with a variety of materials such as metal, found objects, thread, mica, and text to create dimensional imagery. Hand-spun art fibers add a rich textural component to some pieces.

My design sensibility embraces both the old and the new. I explore themes of antiquity and faith, including biblical symbolism. Antiquity is created both by the rich textural properties of the paper and the symbols of the past.

The recurring theme in my art is transformation. Even the paper I make goes through the process of being destroyed in its original plant form, only to be transformed into a work of art. Inspiration is drawn from many sources including nature, ancient times, instrumental music, as well as contemporary design. The transcendent aspect of nature has a strong impact on my work. Much time is spent contemplating the majesty of nature. My sincere desire is to inspire and uplift others.

Check out Threshold Paper Art for more unique artwork. You can also follow the shop on Facebook and Twitter.

Australian Woodwork Cheese Knife & Rest Giveaway [CLOSED]

My third-grade teacher went to Australia and taught us about it when she returned. We learned about marsupials and made boomerangs. It was a fun experience, and since then I have desired to visit the beautiful continent.

Ever since a family friend helped me build a car for my brother's pinewood derby, I have been enchanted by woodworking. Advertisements for power tools fascinated me. In high school, I wanted to sign up for woodshop but never did and regret it. I think it's amazing and admirable what stunning, detailed things people can make with their hands.

You can imagine my excitement when Australian Woodwork reached out to me--two things I love in one! I checked out their site and saw these beautiful items:

And the best part? Every single one is handmade by Australian craftsmen, some even the old-fashioned way without modern tools! Australian Woodwork began 16 years ago with Gregory White and Sarah Davidson through "a stall at Sydney's Rocks Markets and an idea to bring together the fine Australian woodcraft seen in our travels at many country galleries." The skills and techniques of the crafters even inspired Gregory to take up woodworking and build a chair completely from scratch! The family business has grown magnificently since then. Their most popular items are the jewelry boxes. This gorgeous conch-shaped one is my favorite.

One of you lucky readers will win this adorable cheese knife and mouse-and-cheese rest. I am so jealous! This giveaway is open only to the U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Christian Fine Art 8x10 Print Giveaway [CLOSED]

Several years ago, my friends lost their 4-month-old baby. I had a hard time finding an affordable and beautiful gift for them, until I stumbled upon Bugaboo Jewelry (it was also my first giveaway on this blog!). Last year, another woman I know lost her baby, this time in utero. I wanted to get her a similar customized gift, but I didn't know the details that well and didn't know her well enough to ask. I looked for other gift ideas multiple times, but didn't buy any, and thought the lateness of the gift would be awkward.

A year went by, and I thought the anniversary would be a good time for me to try again. I decided on a card I found during one of my previous searches. It was a beautiful drawing of Jesus cuddling a newborn, made by Alicia of Christian Fine Art. I asked Alicia to make it into a card instead of a print so I could write a message to my friend. Not only did she do that for me, but she also included an envelope and an extra card! I hope I won't need to use it anytime soon.

All of Alicia's artwork is wonderful and uplifting.

I am a mom in my mid-30s with four children. I absolutely love music and dancing! I also love ripsticking, long-boarding, roller blading, jogging, and hiking. Most of all, with everything I do in life--whether it's raising children, helping a friend, or painting a picture--my greatest desire is to inspire people to believe in Christ, His love, and His grace and to follow His words. This desire to share my personal testimony is born of the hope, joy, and peace I have found in my faith.

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*Beautiful, realistic artwork.
*Great gifts and home decor for Christians, and inspirational artwork that the nonreligious can appreciate as well.
*Excellent customer service! Alicia responds to questions quickly and is very accommodating.
  
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*I would love to see new artwork in the shop!

 One of you will win an 8x10 print of any baby-themed drawing! Open to the U.S. & Canada.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Featured Seller: Rita from WhiteQuiet

This week's featured seller is Rita from WhiteQuiet, a shop of lovely crocheted items and vintage-inspired illustrations.

My name is Rita, and I am from Moscow, Russia. One day I decided to mix up my hobbies: handcrafting, fashion, design, and Internet marketing. Then I spiced it up with my favorite styles: bohemian, tribal, rustic, cottage chic, and vintage. I like playing with colors and getting inspired by nature. I work with all natural materials: pure wool, cotton, linen, soy yarn, gemstones, wood, and metal.

My Etsy shop is pretty new; I am still looking for the right concept and the right way to run my online business. I am really happy to find and join the Etsy community, and I hope to stay here for long.

Check out WhiteQuiet for more pretty products! You can also follow Rita and her shop on Tumblr, Pinterest, and Facebook.

Featured Sellers: Unique Artists on Etsy

This week's featured sellers all share one thing in common: they sell artwork. First is Nicole of Art, Design and Dreams, seller of photography cards and upcycled vintage items.

Exploring the world, its society and culture. Experimenting with its materials. Preserving real beauty. Discovering true happiness. Staying curious. That is my way as a crossmedia designer to approach art, design and dreams.

Facebook
Blog
Site

Second is Stanka of Lady Art Talk, seller of collages and wall art.

Design, the manufacturing of different things, the redesigning of clothes from old materials – these were always a part of my life. Since I can remember, I was always painting and coloring anything I could get my hands into. However, university education and my profession brought me to entirely different areas, like economy and sociology. A part of me was still waiting for the opportunity to create, and when I took the decision to do what I like most, everything became clear, and the next steps followed naturally.

About two years ago, I decided to do something new. While surfing on the Internet, I discovered lots of videos related to the work I do now – instantaneously I knew that this is what I wanted to do. I always had a passion for changing things into something else, and collage opened up a new possibility to express this emotion. Etsy popped up as 'the' place for selling my work. The magic of inspirational art is that it reminds you of who you are.

Twitter
Pinterest

Third is Janet from Made by JH, seller of handpainted iPhone cases.

I am a painter and student, living in the little big city of Charlotte, NC. I have studied accounting and marketing, but ultimately found my love in the arts. I love luxury fashion, hot fries, and family. I have a passion for making everyday items into a work of art. I am inspired by the sea, bold colors, textures, and the work of Vincent Van Gogh.

Facebook
Instagram

Featured Seller: Oana from Art is Art 2014

This week's featured seller is Oana from Art is Art 2014.

I love art. I am a professional watercolor painter and calligrapher. I figured, why not do artful invitations with what I already know? Love my job :)

Check out Art is Art 2014 for more original artwork and even custom portraits. Use the coupon code OANA2014 for 10% off! You can also follow the shop on Facebook.

3 Creative Ways to Use Washi Tape

Washi tape is very cute and affordable, but I haven't bought any because I didn't know what to do with it besides make cards or use it for gift wrapping. I already have enough card making supplies and I hardly gift wrap. But I have come across 3 creative ways to use washi tape that I may try!

1. Paint substitute

From Creative Juice

2. Embellishments

From Willow & Washi

From decor8

3. Wall Decor 

From Washi Tape Crafts

From At Home in Love

 How do you use washi tape?

Angelorian Tradition Stamped Spoon & Customized Stamped Key Chain Giveaway [CLOSED]

Stamping metal is all the rage right now, and Crystal from Angelorian Tradition makes it all.

I began my Etsy shop in July 2012. I started metal stamping shortly before opening my shop and have crocheted and sewed for years. I have always been known for being creatively driven, and I love to try new techniques and ideas, so Etsy has been the perfect place to be the creative person I am☺. Everything I do, including selling vintage, is very handwork oriented and time intensive. Accordingly, I love working with details, from the pieces I sell to the packaging I use. In the end. everything I do comes together with a lot of sweat and love and becomes something special♥.

Crystal also has 3 other shops:

1. Angelorian Baby: burp cloths, hair clips, baby booties
2. Linda's Garden Path: stamped spoon plant markers
3. Party Lovely: cupcake liners & fabric tape

One of you will win a stamped tea spoon and customized key chain!

1 entry: Visit this listing and tell me how you would customize the key chain.

1 entry: Heart Angelorian Tradition on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Angelorian Tradition on Pinterest.

1 entry: Follow The Angelorian Tradition blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like Angelorian Tradition on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Share this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address with one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, March 31. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. only.

Bing Art 8x10 Pink & Purple Nightscape Print Giveaway [CLOSED]

I am very picky when it comes to art. I prefer photography and typography, and when it comes to painting, I sometimes enjoy watercolors. However, it is impossible not to like the beautiful oil paintings of Rachel Bingaman of Bing Art.

I'm a full-time professional artist living in the D.C. area with my husband and two beautiful children. My original oil paintings are internationally collected and can be found in private collections all over the world! 

My focus is primarily on contemporary and abstract landscapes. I pull colors from past memories and present experience and mix them into something I think is fit for canvas. Even the most mundane of moments can find itself transferred onto canvas.

Rachel  has an extensive award list, too, and her work has been featured in an art book and on the NBC series Save Me. I love the bright, bold colors in contrast with the whimsical, soft shapes. Some of her more abstract pieces remind me of sophisticated versions of illustrations from Dr. Seuss books. The one below reminds me of the opening title of the show Once Upon a Time.

One of you will win this stunning 8x10 giclee print of a pink and purple nightscape!

1 entry: Visit Bing Art and tell me what else you like.

1 entry: Heart Bing Art on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like Bing Art on Facebook. Leave your username. 

1 entry: Subscribe to the email list for Rachel's blog.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, February 22. 
• This giveaway is open to the U.S. & Canada.

Words Turned into Art Customized Word Art Giveaway [CLOSED]

As a linguist and word nerd, I love word art. So I was very happy when Bano from Words Turned into Art approached me.

I'm a stay-at-home mom of a girl (7) and twin boys (4). I've always wanted to run my own business, and now that my kids are in school for part of the day, I think it's a good time for me to start. I've always been somewhat creative and designed original artwork for my children's rooms. Many of my friends have commented on them, saying that I should start a business selling them, so here we are! 

She personalized this Love print for me. I chose the colors, size, and all the words.

Isn't it beautiful? Much better than printing off generic Valentine's Day subway art! I decorated it with heart stickers and put it in a white frame on my mantle. (No photo because the lighting in my apartment stinks!)

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*Detailed customization (not many sellers offer so much personalization on word/subway art).
*Wonderful customer service and communication.
*Cute, original designs.
*Digital files mean no shipping costs!

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*More designs, please!

TWO WINNERS will get to choose their own personalized digital prints! Don't see a design you like? That's okay; she is willing to work with you in creating something new!

1 entry: Visit Words Turned into Art and tell me what design you would get and how you would personalize it.

1 entry: Heart Words Turned into Art on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow Words Turned into Art on Twitter.

1 entry: Pin any print to Pinterest.

1 entry: Like Words Turned into Art on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Monday, February 17. 
• This giveaway is open worldwide.

Fun and Baubles $10 Store Credit Giveaway [CLOSED]

How many of you love vintage books, particularly Jane Austen? Then this giveaway for $10 to spend at the shop Fun and Baubles is perfect for you! First, a little about the seller:

Hello, I'm Ekatrina, a single 30-something-year-old mommy to a precious little one and currently working on a Biology PhD. In my spare time, I run a few online shops. One, Fun and Baubles, holds vintage treasures and handmade jewelry. It gives me an excuse to poke around old places and bring home unique vintage items to clean up and share, as well as a venue for my artistic jewelry design work. 

The second shop--Cards, Art, and Gifts--highlights my collection of vintage images and Photoshop abilities. It is a paradise for lovers of old books! I clean up beautiful old illustrations and print them on cards and posters. I’m also hoping to add small gift items such as bath salts, magnets, and gourmet hot chocolates to this shop soon.

My third and newest shop is hosted on Zibbet. It contains almost all the items found in my two Etsy shops (except the posters) and is the most likely to feature random sales just because I feel like it.
 
As if a child, school, and three online shops weren’t enough, I’ve started a blog! You can expect to find recipe reviews, helpful suggestions, DIY projects, and my favorite books, as well as excellent products from around the internet.

Ekatrina sent me a pretty card to review. It is an illustration from Jane Austen's Mansfield Park.

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*Lovely selection of illustrations.
*Comes with a self-sealing envelope.
*Shipped in a protective sheet.
*Perfect for many occasions: thank you, bridal shower, anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, thinking of you, just because, etc. (plus other cards in the shop work for baby showers)
*Great customer service. She sent me that particular card because she read on my blog that I love dancing! How considerate is that?

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*Sturdier card stock would make the cards feel more professional.

One of you will win $10 to her Zibbet store. If you already see something you like, use the coupon MOTHERHOOD for 12% off your purchase from the Zibbet shop!

1 entry: Visit Fun and Baubles on Zibbet and tell me what you would get with the $10.

1 entry: Subscribe to Ekatrina's mailing list to be notified of sales.

1 entry each (2 total possible): Heart Fun and Baubles or Cards, Art, and Gifts on Etsy. Leave your username.

1 entry: Pin any item to Pinterest.

1 entry: Follow this blog on Google Friend Connect.

1 entry: Like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle on Facebook. Leave your username.

1 entry each (4 total possible): Post this giveaway on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or your blog.

Rules

• Please leave a separate comment for each entry. 
• Please leave your email address in one of your comments so I can contact you if you win.
• All entries must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. PST on Saturday, February 1. 
• This giveaway is open worldwide.

Featured Seller: Jessica from Buns and Bows

This week's featured seller is Jessica from Buns and Bows. She is a very talented artist!

Hello! My name is Jessica and I am the proud owner of three beautiful bunnies. I have always enjoyed painting digitally (using a pen tablet and Photoshop); however, it was my rabbits that inspired me to paint their portraits.

I have really come to know my bunnies' individual personalities. One particular bun seems to think she is the queen of our apartment! This gave me the idea to paint on accessories which help show off the characteristics of each pet. It is great having the power to turn a cute little bun in to a gangster with gold bling!

Check out Buns and Bows for more adorable portraits and gift ideas for your pet owner friend. You can also find Buns and Bows on Twitter and check out Jessica's site for cute photos of her bunnies and guinea pig.

Featured Seller: Erica from P&E Collectibles

This week's featured seller is Erica from P&E Collectibles.

My name is Erica and I sell vintage items from many different time periods with a focus on jewelry. I live in the suburbs and taught special education for seven years. Right now I am a full-time stay-at-home mom. I’ve always enjoyed collecting vintage items with a focus on Lucille Ball and Grace Kelly memorabilia. The items in my shop are found at garage sales, estate sales, flea markets, and rummage sales.

After having little to no financial success at flea markets and sales, a friend suggested selling on Etsy. I was inspired! I knew I had the ability to make this into a nice little part-time business. My other hobbies include card making, seeing musicals, and writing.

I think my shop is unique because you’ll never know what you will find in it. I have everything from beautiful vintage jewelry to old books to kitchenware.

 
Check out P&E Collectibles for more unique finds. If you see something you like, use the coupon code PECOLLECTIBLES10 for 10% off any item. You can also like the shop on Facebook.