Showing posts with label squeakybug. Show all posts
Showing posts with label squeakybug. Show all posts

Featured Artist - Darla Noble of DSquaredCrafts
by Melanie Arntsen of SqueakyBug Specialties

Introducing Darla Noble of DSquaredCrafts!
Introduction: I am a young housewife who loves crafting. Almost all the presents I give are hand made, whether it is sewing, crocheting, making jewelry, folding origami or a multitude of other things, I love crafting.
How did you get your start on Etsy: I was introduced to Etsy through a friend who uses it and I was initially an Etsy customer.
How did you choose your shop name: My shop name is a combination of my name, my love of math and science and my love of crafting.
What does a typical day look like for you: My typical day begins with making a nutritional breakfast and getting my child ready for and to school (this includes a Bible and prayer time). Then I do housework, spend time with God and if I am lucky, I have some time for crafting. Next I pick up my child and make dinner and spend time with my family.
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be: If I could go anywhere for a day it would be to Japan. I have been there several times and I have a heart for the people. It is a country that has little knowledge of God. Less than one percent of the country is any Christian denomination. Japan is also where I found my interest in origami.
What is your favorite Bible verse: My favorite verse is Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." ESV  This verse reminds me that I am not saved by my own doing and gives me comfort and security.
What is your favorite Etsy item listing: My favorite Etsy listing to feature is my Origami Angel ornament.
Where else can we find you on the web: You can also find me at www.facebook.com/pages/My-Etsy-Shop-DSquaredCafts/154415647937296

...and the winner is... The winner of the giveaway from our last Featured Artist, Hannah from bananaorangeapple is... Unexpected Treasure CONGRATULATIONS! I have sent you both a convo to let you know.

9:32 PM | Category: , , , , , , , , | 11 comments

Featured Artist LeeAnn Gorman of Designs by LeeAnn!
article by Melanie Arntsen of SqueakyBug Specialties
Introducing LeeAnn Gorman of Designs by LeeAnn
This week we are welcoming LeeAnn Gorman (and her adorable baby, Sophie). She is offering a giveaway which is a lovely canvas doorhanger (to be chosen by the winner). To be eligible for the prize, please go to her shop and look around. Pick your favorite item and come back here and leave a note telling us which is your favorite. Be sure to leave us your email address too so that we can contact you if you are a winner. The winners will be chosen via random.org.

Intro: My passion is designing rooms! However, my career is in education. I got my start in art in high school where I took four years of art classes. When I reached college, I was afraid to take the art or design route in fear that I would not find a stable career. I always planned to open up a store or go back to school for design once I was able to save up money from teaching. I decided to go into education where I could still use my creativity helping children learn and have stability so I could pursue my passion in the future! I have been married for five years and we just had our first baby, a girl, in June! We also have two small, hyper, but sweet dogs! My husband is a huge supporter of my etsy shop and actually started making the letters that I sell for me to paint! He also handles all of the business end of things since his career is in accounting!
My start: A few years ago I started making art pieces and designs to give to family and friends who were having babies. Based on the compliments and encouragement from them, I decided to open up and etsy shop.
Choosing a name: I brainstormed a lot of ideas, but decided to keep it simple using Designs By LeeAnn. Little did I know that many people on etsy have designs by and their name! If I were to go back and do it again, I probably would have gone with something a little different.
A typical day: Lately my days consist of feeding and changing diapers! Normally if an order is in, I take time while my daughter is sleeping to work on it. Fortunately, my husband works from home two days a week and can offer some help with the baby while I work on orders as well. Once I start back to work, I will work an eight hour day and come home to work on orders after putting the baby to bed.
If you could be anywhere for a day, you would be: in Europe! I love the richness and beauty of it that I've seen in magazines and on TV.
Favorite Bible verse: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13
Favorite item in my shop: I love the Pink Toile Painting. I did this for my daughter's room!
Where else can we find you on the web?  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Designs-By-LeeAnn/158511584165950

And the winner of last week's giveaway is... Lorrie of Wits End Design. Lorrie has won a small angel suncatcher from Nancy of Designs Stained Glass  I will be sending you both a convo today!
5:08 PM | Category: , , , , , , | 6 comments

Featured Artist Tom Day of Day after Day Distinctive Photography!
article by Melanie of SqueakyBug Specialties
Pictured is our Wednesday Featured Artist, Tom Day and his lovely wife, Karen.  Tom has generously offered a 5 X 7 of his fine art presentation entitled "Search" as a giveaway this week. Please go to his shop and take a look around. Come back here and let everyone know which item is your favorite. Please be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner. The winners are chosen via random.org.
Introduction:  I am a graduate of LSU and spent several years in the School of Architecture. However, I decided to take a detour with a Social Science degree. I also graduated from the Winnona School of Professional Photography.  I am currently retired from ExxonMobil Research. While working for the petroleum research company, I had the opportunity to travel extensively. Since retiring, I have had time to pursue many of my passions. Among these are writing, photography and design.
My wife, Karen and I are members of a small church in Watson, LA, about 35 miles NE of Baton Rouge, where I serve as Associate Pastor.  I have also authored a commentary on the book of Revelation, "Revelation and the End Times."
How did you get your start on Etsy?  I took the photos for Miradora, a jewelry designer with an Etsy shop. The shop owner, Amie Bishop, introduced me to Etsy.
How did you choose your shop name?  My investments took a big hit in the '08-09 market downturn and never recovered. "Day after Day," along with another business venture, "Day by Day," are two businesses by which I am trying to develop a stream of income to take up the slack. I tell my wife I am going to have to work "day after day" to make a living - and trust the Lord, "day by day."
What does a typical day look like for you?  My shop has had very few sales, thus far, and I'm just starting to learn how to promote it - joining teams has been one way. I spend most days working my "Day by Day" job, which is a home services business, where I do everything from kitchen and bath remodeling to changing light bulbs. In the evenings I try to keep going forward with my Etsy business - which is my real passion. 
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?  That would be a toss-up between Israel (which I've never been to) and Taormina, Sicily, which I have visited twice. Taormina is a very interesting town high in the mountains on the northeast coast of Sicily. At the edge of town, you can look straight down 700 feet into the deep blue waters of the Ionian Sea.
What is your favorite Bible verse?  1 John 3:9 "No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God."
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?  "Walking Toward the Light." 

 ...and the winner is...
The winner of the PDF DIY Visual Schedule for Home or PDF Toddler bandana Head scarf pattern – from Maria at cuddlebugkids is taralazar! Congratulations!!
8:23 PM | Category: , , , | 10 comments

Cast Featured Artist Ashley of CrochetASmile
posted by Melanie Arntsen of SqueakyBug Specialties

Introducing Ashley of CrochetASmile
Introduction:
Introducing Ashley of CrochetASmile! She is offering a giveaway of one of her adorable headbands. Go to her shop and look around. Come back here and leave a comment with your favorite item from her shop. Be sure to leave your email so we can contact you if you are the winner!
My name is Ashley and I am a SAHM of two crazy kids and one on the way! I have a 3 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. I am so blessed to have a wonderful husband and kids - even though life is usually pretty crazy! :)

How did you get your start on Etsy?:
I started crocheting stuffed animals for my daughter because she is pretty rough with her toys. I was always concerned that she would choke on the eyes or things on her other toys. So one day I made her own! All of my animals are completely child safe, which sounds silly, but they don't have any choking hazards - no buttons, beads or anything! I hand embroider eyes on - so that kids can play with them and they won't come apart! I kept crocheting stuffed animals and hats for gifts until people wouldn't stop asking me for my website! So I came to etsy...and here I am! :) I'm so grateful I took this step of faith - I love it and all the people I've met!!
How did you choose your shop name?
My shop name came one night while my husband and I were talking about my etsy store...I knew that I wanted my "logo" to be one of my stuffed animals smile...and there it was: CrochetASmile. Perfect, especially since I started mainly selling stuffed animals! :)
What does a typical day look like for you?
Ha, my typical day is anything but! I roll out of bed whenever my kids are up, usually far earlier that I am hoping for. Taking care of them, having fun, playing, and errands is most of the day - crocheting comes at nap time and bed time - those wonderful quiet hours - just me, some yarn, and my hook! (And sometimes my husband!)
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would you be?
Easy - Hawaii...I would love to get away from this cold weather and be on a beautiful sunny beach! 
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Jer 29:11 - "I know the plans I have for you..." - I love this verse because I can be a worrier and am definitely a planner! But knowing that God has plans for me that are FAR better than mine is so comforting. Especially as a mom when I so badly want to control and create the best for my kids - God has an even better plan for them and me! How incredible is that?!
What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?
This is so hard to pick!! I love so many of my stuffed animals and hats!! I think it's between my giraffe and owl...I love my owl listed here Crochet Owl
Where else can we find you on the internet?
Thank you to Ashley for sharing her story and her creations with us!! Remember to visit her store and come back here to share your favorites. Leave your email address too for a chance to win her adorable handmade headband!!
3:09 AM | Category: , , , , | 11 comments

Featured Artist Karen Stewart of Chocolatedogstudio

Karen is hosting a giveaway: If YOU are the lucky winner of Karen’s giveaway, you will receive your choice of one of her pincushions. The winner can pick either a wrist pin cushion or a regular pin cushion. To enter, visit Chocolatedogstudio and then come back HERE and leave a comment on this posting with your favorite item in Karen's shop.  Be sure to include your email so we can contact you in case you win. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.

Introduction: I have been married to my best friend and husband since 1988. We have four kids ranging in age from 21 to 12. I have been creating in one way or another since childhood. My father worked for an oil company and I spent my childhood living in international cities. We moved home to Colorado and then Oklahoma in time for me to start and finish high school. I was in an incredibly bad car wreck in 1984 two weeks before high school graduation. It was God's blessing and miracle that I survived. They used the jaws of life to extract me from the car. I suffered two broken legs and internal bleeding. I went off to college in a wheel chair and then crutches for 9 months. I met my husband the next year. We dated and then married after we graduated from college. Our kids have been in school, and home school. Right now, we are homeschooling again, after a 4 year stint at a local private school where I taught art.

How did you get your start on Etsy? I got started with Etsy when I was knitting all the time and running out of people to give things to. This was in 2008 and I didn't do too much with Etsy until last year in June. We were needing a second income and I had just been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Etsy crafting became therapy of a sorts and a way to stay connected with the world. I found a world of kind people that were helpful, interesting and encouraging.  

How did you choose your shop name? My shop is named after my 90 lb chocolate Labrador that we got from Labrescue. He was my Mother's Day gift when he was not quite 2 years old. He is now 9. He often sits right behind my chair as I create and I have to be careful not to roll my chair over on his tail.   

What does a typical day look like for you? A typical day includes checking e-mail and Etsy first thing every morning. Posting a few new listings first thing in the morning while I drink my coffee and chat with hubs. I then wake the kids and get them started on their day. I trade off work between three rooms; the sun-room, the studio, and the living room. Our youngest follows me with her work in case she needs help. We have lunch and then if the kids have classes, work, or dance we head out to their activities or we spend time cleaning and doing whatever needs to be done. I try to get another hour or more of work done in the evening. Everyday has its own rhythm and I really don't have a typical day.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be? If I could be anywhere in the world for one day it would with family, where ever they are. IF I had more than one day it would be London, England or Scotland. There is no way to visit there and only take one day. I love the history and the people in England.   

What is your favorite Bible verse? My favorite Bible verse is: Jeremiah 29:11 
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  I have had to lean on this verse many times in the past as I have had to deal with different things that have happened in life. I know where my hope is and with whom my future lies. It is Christ alone that gives us the strength to do what he for us to do.

What is your favorite etsy item to feature? My favorite item to list on Etsy is quite simply one I have listed before because then I can just copy and paste the listing, or something brand new. I like to see the response to new and different items that I list. Which is why I always post my new items on my teams! I need the encouragement to keep going.  

Where can we find you on the internet?
You can find my blog at www.chocolatedogstudio.com 
On Facebook at www.facebook.com/chocolatedogstudio  
On Twitter at www.twitter.com/chocodogstudio 

Don’t forget to visit Chocolatedogstudio and come back here to comment to enter to win the give away.

We have a winner from last week's featured artist. Chin-Lu won a 2 oz jar of WONDERFUL Healing Creme w/Grapeseed and Camelina and a 2 oz jar of DECADENCE Jasmine-Neroli Whipped Crème  from BathAndBodyBoutique. You will both receive a convo from me. Congratulations!
1:31 AM | Category: , , , , , , | 11 comments

Wednesday Featured Artist Vicki Dorrell of Blessed Stitch
by Melanie Arntsen of SqueakyBug Specialties

Introducing Vicki Dorrell of Blessed Stitch


Vicki is hosting a giveaway! The winner of Vicki's giveaway will receive this adorable embroidered receiving blanket, pictured.  To be entered to win, visit Vicki's shop Blessed Stitch and then come back HERE and leave a comment with your favorite item in her shop.  Please include your email so we can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.
Introduction: I am first and foremost a wife (been married 23 years) and mother of three beautiful children. This is the most important job I have ever had. All I ever wanted in life was to be a mom, I am living my dream. My eldest is serving in the Air Force in England, my precious daughter is about to graduate high school this spring, and my baby is in elementary school. I also delight in making crafts. Little did I know that when my grandma taught me to embroider when I was 5 it would serve to glorify God later in life. I love the Lord and let Him use my hands to bring Him glory. While the kids are at school, I do my work. I also love to sew! Love, love! While I sew the Lord speaks to my heart. It is truly a time with Him. I also enjoy drinking hot tea, reading my Word, exhorting the body of Christ, and delighting in each day that God gives me. Life is a delightful journey and I can usually be found smiling and enjoying all the moments of it.

How did you get started on Etsy? I got started on Etsy from a friend who mentioned she was selling her jewelry on Etsy.  I had never heard of it before so I went home, found it and started my Etsy site immediately.

How did you choose your shop name?  My shop name is my business name.  I have been making my blankets as a business for 8 years now but my first blanket ever was made over 10 years ago and the Lord gave me the name for the business at that time.  I have never had sewing lessons, yet God has graced my hands to be a good sewer. All my blankets are hand embroidered and that can take days.  I have added new products and they are done by an embroidery machine. I love the names God has given me for the products: receiving blankets, "Receive Me" blankets, little minkies, "The Comforter" for ultimately He is the one who comforts us.

What does a typical day look like for you?  A typical day for me is waking and getting the kids to school, then checking emails, tweaking ideas, working on a blanket (if I have an order), and spending time reading the Word.  I need to be filled up with God's Word so, I can pour out in prayer while I make my items.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?  If I could go anywhere in the world for one day......that question makes me giddy with delight at just the thought.  I would go to England.  My son is in the Air Force and just got stationed there.  I would definitely go see him!

What is your favorite Bible verse? I have so many favorite bible verses....one I really like is "For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow." Hebrews 4:12

What is your favorite Etsy item to feature? My favorite etsy item to feature are The Comforters: here is one for boys...

Where can we find you on the internet?
My main site is http://www.blessedstitch.com/
My blog is http://blessedstitch.blogspot.com/ (although I haven't started blogging yet)
I am on Twitter at www.twitter.com/blessedstitch

Thanks so much to Vicki for sharing with us.  Please take a moment to visit her shop.  Be sure to return to this blog post to leave a comment about your favorite item for a chance to win the adorable receiving blanket.

...and the winner of last week's giveaway (via random.org) from Tiffany Reynolds of Biker Momma T is Sherri Ward. Congratulations! You will be receiving a convo/email soon.  

9:00 PM | Category: , , , , , | 18 comments

Featured Artist Kristi Duggins of Bohemian Bear
By Melanie Arntsen from Squeakybug Specialties

Introducing Kristi Duggins of Bohemian Bear 

Kristi is hosting a giveaway! The winner of Kristi's giveaway will receive a $15 Gift Card for her shop. To be entered to win, visit Kristi's shop Bohemian Bear and then come back HERE and leave a comment with your favorite item in her shop. Please include your email so we can contact you if you are the winner. The winner will be announced on next Wednesday's Featured Artist post.


Introduction:  My name is Kristi. I am a working wife and mom. My dream is to live in the country and create from home. I love working with many different mediums, but sewing is my first love. I’m inspired by French textiles, my Christian faith, science fiction, Jane Austen, Celtic music, gypsy couture and black cats... Bohemian Bear is the epitome of my eclectic inclinations. My current fascinations are textile wrist cuffs, classic art and mixed-media jewelry, and Whedonite, Trekkie, and Whovian geekery.


How did you choose your shop name?  I lean towards unconventional bohemian styles, and I've always called my daughter "Bear" so it fit well for me. I'm not limited to one type of product so I wanted a very eclectic name for my shop.





What does a typical day look like for you?  I work full-time in the "real" world, so after work I come home to make dinner for my husband and daughter, clean the castle, church and school activities, and somewhere in there I carve out some time to craft or sew or design, and I'm usually watching some kind of Sci Fi on Netflix while I work.
If you could be anywhere in the world for one day, where would it be?  I would love to visit Ireland.
What is your favorite Bible verse?  "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (NIV)


What is your favorite Etsy item listing to feature?  This is one of my current favorite pieces. I haven't sold a lot of my sewing yet, but I hope to spend a lot more time at the sewing machine this year. 

URLs where we can find you on the internet?  http://bohemianbear.blogspot.com  http://twitter.com/bohobear  http://facebook.com/bohobear

...and the winner of last week's giveaway from Joyce Butler of Butler Pottery is Sue with MYSAVIOR Congratulations! You will be receiving a convo/email soon.
9:00 PM | Category: , , , | 9 comments