Amazing Kate at On Behalf Of - Another BESTeam Feature

Kate at On Behalf Of is amazing! She’s amazing because she cares so deeply for humanity that 90 percent of the proceeds from each item in her shop goes to provide clean water in developing countries, free captives from modern day slavers, care for orphans, or provide medical help to victims of HIV. The organizations she supports include Lahash International, Blood Water Mission, Not for Sale Campaign, John M. Perkins Foundation, Shaohannah's Hope and A Beautiful Idea.

“I love seeing the world with my own eyes,” says this resident of St. Louis, “and I'd rather live for others than live for myself. I believe our world system has enabled a small percent of us to live richly, lacking nothing, while the majority of beautiful people lack even the basic necessities in life.”

Although not a professional artist, Kate believes in using beauty to fight against the ugliness in our world. She believes in fighting back against injustice with acts of selfless love.  A truly inspiring yet humble individual, her shop represents the best of what art, life and Etsy are about!

“My heart and the aim of my life is to do what I can in fighting this injustice and helping those in my society to see that,” Kate says. “Now that I have seen, I am responsible… I'm a small girl, but I am pretty determined that not everything about me will be small.”

Amazing, Kate.

Here is one of the items offered on her site. This adorable image is entitled "Do You See Me?" an 8x10 print of an original painting.  Proceeds from this item go to provide care for orphans worldwide through Shaohannah's Hope.

This next colorful image is called "Clean Water Brings Life." This is an original 9x12 mixed canvas done with watercolor, acrylic, and paper. This piece illustrates the difference access to clean water makes. Proceeds go to Blood Water Mission.

Kate took this striking photograph named "Red Dress Altered Photo" at a church meeting in Morogoro, Tanzania. This church helps community members infected or affected by HIV and AIDs. Proceeds from this item go to Lahash International.

This poignantly beautiful work is an 8x10" print of an original mixed media canvas. The inscription reads, "Lespa Fe Viv," a Creole proverb meaning "Hope Makes One Live." Proceeds from this print go to World Vision's Haitian relief efforts through A Beautiful Idea.

Another beautiful , heart-rending image is this piece named Esperanza. This is an 8x10 print of a mixed media canvas. Esperanza is a Spanish word meaning "hope." Proceeds from this lovely piece go to the Not For Sale Campaign. Don't you want to hug her?

Beauty, compassion and charity are a heady mix in a business. On Behalf Of  is a remarkable shop run by a remarkable woman. Kate not only "talks the talk", she "walks the walk." Learn more about Kate, her mission and her scholarly pursuits on her blog at http://artonbehalfof.blogspot.com. I'm inspired! I'm going to help her help others, and buy one of her items. How about you?

If you are an inspired blogger on Etsy, the BESTeam wants you! Join us and see what it's all about!

All the best!


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com
https://designsbymayanna.com

Sandyvern "Soaps" the Halls of Hogwarts - A BESTeam Feature

Sandy's Handmade Soaps and Things is a great little shop run by Sandyvern! She loves making soap from scratch using the old-fashioned cold process method of combining various oils, butters, and lye in very small batches. After curing for four to six weeks, these luxurious soaps are hand-cut and individually packaged. Sandy also makes molded soaps using a combination of quality goat milk and shea butter bases, and oatmeal and honey bases. Molded soaps are great as party favors or wedding or shower favors.

A native New Englander and a self-taught crafter, Sandyvern was born and raised in Massachusetts, spent her young adulthood in New Hampshire and has been living in Connecticut for the last ten years. She runs a pet sitting business and in between taking care of her customers’ animals she crafts. “I love the mixing of the ingredients and the process of making soap from scratch using the cold process method,” she says. “But I love the artistic details of doing the 'melt and pour' soaps.”

Sandy is person to her own little menagerie including Brandon, a Border Collie/Australian shepherd mix, two cats (Ms. Spencer and Oreo), one ferret (Sammy), two parrotlets (Rory and Logan) and three bearded dragons (Harry Potter, Weasly and Hermione). When she’s not making soap or taking care of animals, Sandy’s either knitting or dabbling in jewelry making.


Speaking of jewelry, here's a special kind just for knitters. Ravenclaw House Stitch Markers a beautiful way to embellish or mark your place!

Gryffindor values courage, bravery, loyalty, nerve and chivalry. Its mascot is the lion, and its colours are scarlet and gold. This Gryffindor House Soap is made of a shea butter base soap, colored a light red (of course!) and scented with a Blue Bonnets.

Ravenclaw, Gryffindor and now owls? Holy Hogwarts, Harry! Am I sensing a THEME here?? :-) This Owl Soap could be modeled on Hedwig! All of these items are perfect for the Harry Potter fans in your life from age eight to eighty.

Aromatherapy, anyone? These Pink Grapefruit Bath Bombs are the ultimate fizzy luxury at the end of a hard day! Throw them in your bath or shower and luxuriate in the lavender scent! Great gift for anyone who likes to pamper themselves. Or, to give someone YOU want to pamper!

These Pastel Pink Jolly Rancher Earrings really resemble the little hard candy treats! They're made from frosted square beads and various Czech glass beads in pastel pink with surgical steel fish hooks. They're so lovely! Perfect for a new graduate, bride or bridesmaid!

I've saved the best for last! (Drum roll, please.) My favorite is the Watermelon Soap Popsicle! I honestly don't believe I could even stand to get these scrumptious-looking little morsels wet! They are just too cute! But for those of you who have better sense, soapsicles are a great way to get kids in the bathtub and an even better way to keep them in there. Each soapsicle the size of a standard popsicle and made from a gentle, vegan-friendly glycerin soap base. Each soapsicle comes shrink wrapped and decorated with a ribbon.

Whether you're a Harry Potter fan or not, you can certainly find something to love in Sandyvern's shop! Please take a flue trip over to her blog at http://theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com/ and get a glimpse of her inspiration!

And speaking of inspiration, are you an inspired blogger on Etsy? Well, WE WANT YOU! The BESTeam is looking for inspired bloggers to join our ranks! So stop by and see what we have to offer!

All the best!


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Oh, So Lovely! - Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna: A BESTeam Feature

      If I had to use only one word to describe Bits n Beads by Gilliauna it would be just lovely (okay, maybe two words). She creates exquisite and unique handmade artisan jewelry rich in color and quality including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, eyeglass chains, beaded lanyards, charms, zipper pulls, rosaries and more.

      Like me, Gilliauna loves color. And color and quality are what her shop is all about, her items are all well crafted and beautifully displayed. A testament to her experience and skill, her site holds a myriad of beaded jewelry and gift items that display a remarkable sense of artistic balance, patient craftsmanship and attention to detail.

      Bits n Beads by Gilliauna often uses cleaned, re-purposed and vintage jewelry parts and beads in many of her colorful creations. This helps to help keep waste to a minimum, and shopping for vintage materials at places like the Salvation Army helps the community.

      An artist with over 20 years experience, Gilliauna is a US citizen who lives and works in British Columbia, Canada. Her lovely creations can be seen at craft shows both across the border and in Washington state, as well as a variety of venues on the web.

      Here we have a piece that caught my eye right off. This Agate Dragons Vein Necklace Handmade in Bronze is a really striking piece. Notice the little bronze filigree beadcap at the bottom of the pendant and the little dragons vein bead that dangles at the end of the chain. It's these types of details that make Gilliauna's work truly unique. Great for Mom or Mother of the bride!
 

      These Gold Hoop Earrings, Amethyst Gemstone caught my eye because they're purple, of course. But they are also set to dangle on gold plated "Adik" hoops with a safety hook clasp. Again, it's in the details! A great gift for Mom, a new graduate or something "new" for the bride!

     Here's a bit of colorful whimsy any bookworm or new graduate will adore! This Handmade Beaded Book Charm - Dragonfly's Kiss, a one-of-a-kind silver-plated bookmark, boasts a dragonfly and a two-tone faceted glass bead of green and blue. Useful and pretty to boot!

     With summer just around the corner, what could be more apropos than this adorable Ladybug Love Handmade Charm Bracelet in Red, hm? Bright and cheerful, this charm bracelet was created using red coral beads, glass pearls and wire wrapped red glass beads; with little lampwork ladybugs and a matching silver plated toggle clasp on a silver plated chain. A sweet graduation or birthday gift for some lucky girl!

      These Frosted Amber Teardrop Earrings, Gold Wire Wrapped are a Gilliauna signature design called "The Elixirs." The glass drops in these earrings have been hand-dipped in clouding solution to create a satin sheen before being set to dangle on delicate matching gold-tone hooks designed by hand for a unique and graceful shape.

    

    As you can see, Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna is a marvelous place to find well-made, handcrafted jewelry and gifts! She also maintains a wonderful blog with guidance and inspiration for gift shoppers. And be sure to become a fan of hers on Facebook and follow her on Twitter! So many lovely items, so little time!

     Speaking of lovely, do you love to blog? Are you on Etsy? Well, the BESTeam wants you! Stop by and see what lovely things we have to offer!

All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Originals from Our Home to Yours - Another BESTeam Feature

     If you like original and one of a kind items, look no further than Our Home to Yours. It’s the place where you will find a most eclectic assortment of items from footwear and jewelry to home décor and linens. What these items all have in common is the mother/daughter team of Debbie and Amanda. When they create something, they almost never re-make it.
     You will never see a piece of jewelry from Our Home to Yours sold and re-listed. Debbi, a busy mom and foster-mom (yay!), doesn't draw a design first and rarely buys in bulk. She just piles her beads in front of her, and lets the jewelry design itself. She feels that “if you wanted to look like everyone else, you would be shopping at Walmart.”
     Amanda, a third generation artist, has a toddler, a degree in Graphic Design and a Fine Arts background. She handles the shop's graphic design and signage. Together, mother and daughter create unique treasures through stringing, crocheting, appliqués, paint and multi-media. All with a homey feel that speaks of the love in each and every creation. (Debbi's great at finding vintage treasures, too!)
     Just take a look at these handmade crochet blue flower flip flops! They are way too cute and just in time for summer!

      Here's my favorite! This bridal shadowbox is a custom order item and a lovely keepsake of your special day! Remember, June is Bridal Month!

      Now, here's a little piece of vintage! Debbi found this Jeanette Lombardi footed punch bowl. It's just right for your next graduation party or springtime soiree!

     This one is a Debbi original! Turquoise is one of my favorite colors and it's shown off very nicely in this Handmade Indian-Style Necklace. Just perfect for Mother's Day!

      Here's a wonderful item just in time for the bride and groom in your future! This precious Butterfly Quilt Coverlet is full size with a box pleat skirt and lovingly hand-stitched around each butterfly and dragonfly.

     Thanks, Debbi and Amanda, for bringing your home to ours at Our Home to Yours! Be sure to join them on their lovely blog. Fan them on Facebook and tweet them on Twitter, too, won't you? I know they'll welcome your visit!

All the best!


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

On the Wall with Off the Wall Expressions - A BESTeam Feature

     “To heck with sports teams, put my wedding on the wall!” And you can have exactly that from Tina and Mick at Off The Wall Expressions (OTW). OTW is a vinyl lettering and wall art design company run by a husband and wife design team specializing in high quality vinyl graphics. They do their own designs, production and local installation.

     OTW uses highest quality vinyl and pride themselves on great customer service.  (They are definitely a nice couple of people!) They absolutely love helping you to express your personality, you can see it in their work! These vinyl designs are quick and easy to apply, and transform any space into something special. They can be applied to any smooth surface such as walls, windows, wood, glass, refrigerators, plastic, bathtubs, picture frames, and more.

     I could talk and talk, but seeing is believing. Take a look.

     This is a decorator's dream, simple, beautiful –– yet bold. "Cherry Blossom Branch Tiles" are the perfect complement for this crimson sofa!

      Too cool for school! I just love this "Western Wedding Dance Floor Decal". Can't you just see the wedding party doing the "Achy Breaky" on it?

      Tin cans and old shoes, who needs 'em? Old junk compared to the stylish simplicity of this "Just Married Personalized Wedding Decal". Just perfect!

     What a wonderful way to welcome a new addition to the family! "This Large Family Tree with Blossoms" really embodies love and family pride. Makes me want to have another one (almost!)

    

     Speaking of kids, this "Boy with Dirt Definition" decal kinda speaks for itself!

     And being a bit of a cooking fanatic, I could not go without showing you this "Chalk Board Label Set." The best handy-dandy kitchen helper I've seen in a long time! I can use some of these!

     So, I want you to be sure to go by and say "hello" to to Tina and Mick at their Etsy shop. They've also got a great blog. So forget the football players, put your own theme on the wall with Off the Wall Creations!

All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Moonangelnay: The Look of Inspiration - Another BESTeam Feature

     Moonangelnay is the Etsy home of inspired digital artist Naomi. Mused by the human form, philosophy, nature, free will and color, she has a variant abstract style as a fine artist that is echoed in her digital artwork.
     Passionate about her craft, Naomi attempts to bring contrasting duality into her work. At Moonangelnay, she highlights her interests in both light and dark and the veil between through form, color, mantra and poetry to make her work more than just physical art or home decor, but something to think about.
     Making her home in Birmingham, England, Naomi’s digital art is archival quality. Her nature-inspired work is truly creative and, sometimes, a bit startling. She has a subtle but very tangible way she combines, colors and textures while keeping within the context of the overall imagery. Her pieces will definitely make you take a second look.
    For example, here's one of my most favorite of her works, "Mandala No. 3." Notice how she uses macro nature shots to create the shape of the mandala. Definitely a spiritual work!

     Here we have a digitally enhanced image of mesh. Notice how the effect makes the elements seem to pass through one another like ghost images. This one is called "Mesh."
 

  

   Normally, I do not like spiders or images of spiders (goes back to my childhood), but I have to admit this arachnid does look rather peaceful in his natural surroundings in "Placid Arachnid." The peaceful feel here is enhanced by the subtle colorization in this work.

   However, I very much do like pretty flowers. Notice how the color of this single pansy leaps out at you, while the enhanced rainbow seems to give it a kiss of benediction. This beautiful image is called "Survivor."

     You can see more of Naomi's wonderful art at her Etsy shop. She also has a really great blog and you can be a fan of hers on Facebook. (She also crochets the cutest baby hats!)
      Be sure to stop by and get a dose of inspiration!

     All the best!

     Patrice
     http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Salvaged History from Danizabeth: Another BESTeam Feature

     Danielle Elizabeth is a talented photographer with a vintage eye and a passion for the look of all things retro and nostalgic.  Her collection of photographs on Etsy at Danizabeth is an assemblage of images from yesteryear frozen in present day. Her pictures evoke beloved memories and provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of life.
     As a young girl, Danielle would accompany her father to salvage yards to search for keys that had fallen out of the cars. The ultimate prize was if the keychain was still attached. “That small collection I accumulated is probably still at my parent's house, hidden away somewhere,” she says. “What remains with me is the love I have for these pieces of a past I wasn't around to live in.”
     A graphic designer by trade, Danielle still hungers for artistic expression in other mediums. She dabbled in painting and then began designing announcements and invitations, “but I started finding myself seeing this as more of an extension of work rather than an opportunity to be artistic in other mediums,” she recalls.
     But inspiration returned on another salvage yard trip with Dad. “I was anxious with anticipation,” she says, “and walked away with 330-some pictures that day. I had finally found it...I had the excitement I had been missing in my other artistic experimentations!” The rest, as they say, is history. The Danizabeth photo collection harks back to the days of the muscle car and beyond.
     Here we have one of her retro memory shots... anybody remember "fish tails?" This is an 8x10 matte print of an old pink and ivory classic Mercury called "Pink and Pearls." Can't you just see the "Pink Ladies" riding in this old classic?

     Below is one "Happy Car!" This one reminds me of Sundays when I was very little. Our family used to go riding through the fancy neighborhoods in my uncle's Olds, dreaming of owning one of those big houses one day.

 
       Do you remember those big, old tow trucks that would rescue snow-bound travelers no matter how bad the weather or how deeply you were stuck? Where did they all go? Well, here's one. This 8x10 matte print is part of her "Red Truck Series" featuring this Ford truck

 

       Talk about the nostalgia season, here's a snowy blast from the past called "Classic Car Christmas!" Perfect to decorate for the holiday season, this vintage image speaks of holidays of yesteryear!

     An artist with a lot of interests, you can visit with Danielle on her blog, become a fan of hers (and the Cubs) on Facebook and follow her on Twitter! Be sure to grab some memories at her shop!

All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

From Desert Sands on Mystic Wynd: A BESTeam Feature

     When you own a business, there’s nothing like having a grip on who your customers are “In my case, it was obvious,” says Mystic Wynd owner/operator, Karen, “everyone!” Indeed, Mystic Wynd sports a large and eclectic mix of handmade jewelry and gift items designed to appeal to just about everyone.
     An artist and poet Karen has one basic philosophy, "An awareness of peace and love rose anew, As the spirit found truth and the Mystic Wynd blew..." a line from a poem she wrote, Karen embraces the idea of being true to oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others.
     Currently based in Scottsdale, AZ, this transplanted Chicagoan’s creations “are designed in the hopes of igniting that special spark of uniqueness that lies within us all," she says. "Some things are elegant, some are fun, some are outlandish, some are colorful, some are calming - but the great thing is that I know there is someone out there who will recognize something that just makes them feel good about themselves!”
     Karen’s designs take in other factors besides style. She’s designed a number of necklaces with easy to close clasps and front closure that are fashionable and unique to meet the needs of customers who have trouble with clasps. She also creates earring designs that easily convert to non-pierced style. Rings at Mystic Wynd are either adjustable or can be created to size.
     Whether your style is simple or bold, classic or trendy, elegant or glitzy, Mystic Wynd has something for you at a price you can afford. And speaking of mystic, hear's one of my favorite stones, Botswana Agate, in Mystic Wynd's Gemstone Necklace Botswana Agate, Onyx, Mookaite - Earth Expressions. Did you know Botswana agate is said to bestow insight, wisdom and guidance to the wearer?

 

     Here's another lovely classic retro piece just right for evening. Karen created this stunning Black Czech Glass Necklace and Earrings Set - Ebony Brilliance with Black AB bicones and tiny gold seed beads.

     I'm a bit of a nut for purple so this purple floral piece really caught my eye. Purple Rose Necklace w Pearl, and Glass Beads - Reverie in Indigo is a lovely vintage style necklace with glass pearls and purple glass foil beads.

      Karen also maintains a dynamic blog so stop by and see what she has to share. Or become a fan on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. Please be sure to see her shop on Etsy and check out her fabulous array of handcrafted goodies at prices you can afford!

     All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com