Introduction
I am a lifelong Alaskan and currently live in beautiful Wasilla with my amazing husband, four kiddos, and two cats. Homeschooling and raising our kids to be world-changers is my full-time job! We are also in the process of adopting 1-2 children internationally.

How did you get your start on Etsy?
I started selling online through Etsy in September of 2008, after selling locally through boutiques and craft fairs for 1 1/2 years.

How did you choose your shop name?
Baruch is the name of our son, who died from miscarriage on Mother's Day, 2003. Baruch means "blessing" in Hebrew. Baruch's Lullaby was started mainly as a means to help us donate more to the pro-life cause, because after we saw his perfect tiny body, we were convinced like never before that life begins at conception. We continue to donate 10-30% of every sale to our local pregnancy care centers, and the rest is helping us pay for adoption expenses.

What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for us revolves around homeschool, not business. So, there's lots of reading, some math and journaling, chores, more reading, outside play, a game or two, dress up, legos...I guess I should also mention timeouts, arguments, apologies, owies, and other messes, but that's just not as interesting! I generally knit while reading, watching a movie with my husband, or while we're driving around doing errands (he drives, not me!) and then get the "computer work" (relisting, renewing, editing, answering convos, emailing customers) done in small chunks throughout the day.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
I'd love to go to Ireland...or see the Maldives...or go to New England in the fall...or see the Pyramids. But as a consolation prize I'd just be thrilled with an undisturbed afternoon at our local coffee shop, knitting and reading Charles Dickens, without anyone asking me to escort them to the restroom the entire time.

What is your favorite Bible verse?
Right now, today - is Romans 8:37...we are more than conquerors through Him who loved (loves!) us. Ask me tomorrow, though, and I'll give you a different one.

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
My favorite item to feature is this scarf, just because I love the picture (so much that you'll see it on my avitar, business cards, and FB profile)! It just makes me smile every time!

URLs to where else we can find you on the internet:
Shop: http://baruchslullaby.etsy.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/baruchslullaby
Blog: http://baruchslullaby.blogspot.com

by Joy Maloney of JoyfulHandKnits

Introducing: Alesha Conklin
(aka aleshakay AND a GIVEAWAY!)


Please take a moment to visit Alesha's shop and give her some love!

Alesha is hosting a GIVEAWAY!



Introduction

I guess I am many things to different people, but most importantly, I am a daughter of the King! I was raised in a Christian home by two wonderful parents, and I came to know the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour at the age of 5. I have been married to Doug for almost 22 years, and we are the (adoptive) parents to a great little boy named Isaac, who has multiple special needs. So, these days, my main title is that of stay-at-home mommy to my son. In my spare moments I love to sing, keep up with my friends and family on Facebook, and make jewelry.

How did you get your start on Etsy?

I had put together a few pieces of jewelry for myself and my mom, simply because we couldn’t find what we were looking for in the stores. A few friends saw the pieces, and suggested I put some on Etsy. I did lots of research, poured over tons of Etsy sites, deliberated for days about a name, and finally opened Alesha Kay’s Shop on Etsy.

What does a typical day look like for you?

My day technically starts at midnight. I usually stay up quite late to keep an eye on my son who tends to be a “night owl”. I head to bed shortly before my hubby gets up to head to work. Then I sleep in, usually until around 9 a.m. My first goal each morning is to get a cup of coffee (a subject about which I am very passionate!), then I check my site, convos and emails from my shop to see if I need to follow up on anything right away. I have my Bible study, and then check in on Facebook and my personal email accounts. I also try to blog at least once a week.

The majority of my day is spent caring for my son. I take care of all of his daily physical needs, from brushing his teeth to changing his clothes, trying to keep up with his laundry and bedding. I keep him occupied with videos, toys, music and personal interaction. We have a good time together, and enjoy seeing Daddy when he comes home during the day to check on us. My usual activities would also include feeding and administering meds to Isaac, too; but as I have been having back problems this past year, my husband has taken over those responsibilities for now.

I do not make jewelry on a regular basis through the week, although I do sometimes take photos on weekdays. Most Saturdays, though, you can find me hard at work all day, while my husband is here to care for Isaac. I work on one project after another from the time I get up until it is time to go to bed. It makes for a grueling Saturday, but I am usually so pleased at the end of the day when I look over all that I accomplished.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?

I’d love to be on a deserted island (resort, of course!), with all my family.

What is your favorite Bible verse?

My favorite verses vary…I can never pick just one. It’s usually a verse that the Lord is using to deal with me about an area of my life. Right now, I am meditating on Isaiah 33:5-6:

“The Lord is exalted; for he dwelleth on high: he hath filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the Lord is his treasure.”


What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?


These earrings were something new I tried, and I really love them! I think they are so cool. I mean, how incredible is a 12 mm Swarovski crystal?!!

URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com, your blog, etc)

Here is my Facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/aleshakaysshop

My personal blog: http://obtainingmercy.typepad.com

My devotional blog: http://obtainingmercy.typepad.com/adoorofhope/

Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am really grateful for this chance to greet the other CAST members. I look forward to getting to know more of you through the blog. J



And the winner of the Apronsbyjeek Giveaway is (............drum roll please............): Emily Cavazos!! Congratulations Emily! Please coordinate with Apronsbyjeek to collect your prize.

by Joy Maloney of JoyfulHandKnits

This beautiful pair of earrings will go to the lucky winner of Cindy's giveaway. To be entered to win, please comment on this blog posting with your favorite item in her shop. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.

As an offer to all of the CAST blog readers, cksilver is also offering 20% off all products this week. Just say you saw this feature to get your discount!

Introduction:

I live in central Washington by a beautiful lake (Lake Chelan) with my husband and 2 kids, and we recently became certified as foster parents as well. Chelan is such an awesome place to live, and I am so thankful for the slower pace of life here since moving from Seattle three years ago.

I love to create beautiful jewelry that is classy and elegant, and usually small and dainty.

I also play the piano and have a marketing business where I create websites, do graphic design work, and plan corporate events.

In my jewelry, I specialize in sterling silver, pearls, semi-precious stones, and Swarovski crystals, and my primary inspiration is the beauty of nature and the amazing richness of creation that we find all around us.

The colors I use focus primarily on colors found in earth and ocean, and I have birthstones available for every month either in the stone itself or swarovski crystal. My mom also sells with me in my shop on Etsy, and we have similar yet different styles.

How did you get your start on Etsy? 

My cousin has a shop on Etsy (http://www.etsy.com/shop/babyhoot), and I have always admired her work. Others told me about Etsy, and one day I checked it out. My mom joined me some time later, and the rest is history. I am so thankful for the support from all my CAST team members, and for how you point me toward God and keeping my eyes always on Him.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Currently, when we wake up it is time to get one or both of the kids ready for school with breakfast eaten and lunch and homework packed. Then I work on jewelry and marketing during the day, and read or play with my daughter on the days she is home from school. Once my son is home from school it is time to do homework and responsibilities, and then my husband comes home and we all have dinner together. Some nights include our small group that we lead, soccer or t-ball practice and games, worship practice for church, and nights out with my husband or friends.

Since school will soon be out for the summer, we will add the library reading program, boating on the lake and swimming at the waterslides (did I mention this is a great place to live?), and so much more. We love boating to church, hanging out with friends, and watching movies (we don't have TV at our house). I often make jewelry while we are watching movies.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?

Right here in Chelan. I love living here, and it feels so much like home. I also enjoy the Tetons and Hawaii - and my parents say Alaska is more amazing that the Tetons, so maybe there, too!

What is your favorite Bible verse?

I have so many favorites, it's really hard to choose. Here are a few:

Jeremiah 33:3 "Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know."

Psalm 143:8 "Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul."

Psalm 19  But I won't list it all here... You can look it up! :)

What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?

These beautiful earrings remind me of a spring bouquet of flowers. They incorporate sterling silver, freshwater pearls, rose quartz, tourmaline, and brown snowflake jasper.

URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot com, your blog, etc)

Facebook (including the new "Shop Now" link): http://www.facebook.com/cksilver

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/cksilver

Blog (brand new!): http://cksilver1.blogspot.com

Marketing Business Website: http://www.actionmarketers.com



And the winner of Sue's Giveaway by way of random.org is.....Drum Roll Please.....Julie Riisnaes of Julieriis.  Congratulations!  Please work with Sue to redeem your prize!

-Name
Rebecca Douglas

-Shop name:
ReLoved Designs

-Prize you are offering:
Pistachio Shell Brooch (red)


(Don't forget to enter to win!)


-Introduction:

-How did you get your start on Etsy?
After a craft show last summer I was looking to find something a little less intense and slightly more consistent. Someone had suggested Etsy and one thing just led to another and I've had a great time so far! Finding a team however is what has kept me going.

-What does a typical day look like for you?
I provide day care for my niece about 40 hours a week and in my free time I cut, glue, solder, spray paint, drill, and find other ways to turn unwanted junk into wonderful treasures. Outside of that there's nothing typical about my days.

-If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?
Fiji! I've wanted to go there since I was 13, however I really honestly want to travel everywhere!! I would love to cover the map! There's not a place in the world I wouldn't want to go if not for a moment just to see it.

-What is your favorite Bible verse?
Isiah 49:2-3
2 He made my mouth like a sharpened sword,
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me into a polished arrow
and concealed me in his quiver.
3 He said to me, "You are my servant,
Israel, in whom I will display my splendor."

-What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
I love my pistachio shell brooches, mainly because I think I've cornered the market on them. I feel it is something truly unique, I've never seen anything like them, and that makes me really happy.

-URLs to where else we can find you on the internet (Facebook fan page, Twitter, your own dot.com, your blog, etc)
http://www.etsy.com/shop/reloveddesigns
http://reloveddesigns.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lansing-MI/ReLoved/101432543621?ref=sgm

Check out Rebecca's shop and see all of the wonderfully creative and beautiful items that she has made!

Enter the contest to win Rebecca's Red Pistachio Shell Brooch! Go to RelovedDesigns and pick out your favorite item and come back here. Post a comment with your favorite item in her shop. It's that easy!