New at Angels-n-Everlastings

One of my newer listings at Angelsneverlastings.etsy.com is the beach scene diorama.  I really enjoy putting these together.  Each one is unique.

I enjoy painting the background as I find it more creative than putting wreaths together.  I carefully go though my beach findings to choose just the right seashells or driftwood to finish each one.  A sawtooth hanger can be added to the back if you would prefer to hang rather than display on a tabletop.

Here's a new wreath just listed today.

It has eucalyptus, seashells, dried roses and deep blue larkspur.  Here is the link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/160918420/seashell-wreath-spanish-moss-covered?ref=shop_home_active

A sheer ribbon bow surrounded by dried roses and seashells creates a soft focal point.









I love to walk the beach early in the morning, many mornings I take some photos as the sun rises.
Here's one from a recent morning.

On a recent morning, I found some interesting driftwood pieces.  What did I do with them?

Here are some Christmas tree ornaments or small wall hangings, made from the driftwood, seashells, moss and sea glass:

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This one is a larger wall hanging with seashells, sea glass and green moss.  It measures 17 inches long.  Watch for the driftwood pieces to be added soon to my Etsy shop.

My links:
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AngelsNEverlastings
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngelsNEverlastings
Twitter: https://twitter.com/judyrussi
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/judy_russi

Post Christmas and New Years Thoughts

Christmas and New Years is over.  This is always a time to reflect on our past and also look ahead to the new year.  My Etsy shop, Angels n Everlastings turned two.  In those two years I have learned a lot but not nearly enough.  I need to step up my photography along with my on-line social marketing skills in the new year.  This year, my favorite Etsy team, The CASTteam hosted a secret Santa exchange.  If you are a Christian, and are looking for a Etsy team I highly recommend this team.  Each person who wished to participate was given a shop owner to send a secret santa gift to.
My secret Santa gift came from Becky of Good Neighbors Candle.  In Becky's shop is an incredible selection of soy based candles in all sorts of yummy fragrances.  Her business is really taking off - click here and take a moment and see what she has to offer in her shop - you'll be glad you did.

Here is the photo of my SS gift.  A beautiful hand crochet scarf in just the right colors for me of blue green.  A stuffed snowman and a much loved balsam scented candle from her shop. 









Here is one of my Christmas angel tree-top upon my Christmas tree.  This is a second as the dye from the red bleed onto the white.  Of course, I get to enjoy this one as my own. 

A favorite ornament.

This winter I am taking a break, to recharge my batteries and renew my creative energy.  I will take some time to reflect on what has and hasn't worked.  In the spring, I will have some new creations to list in my Etsy shop.  Till then I hope to blog here and there and hope for no SNOW!

Shop Etsy on Small Business Saturday

The second annual Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2011. It is about supporting the small business person, your family mom and pop business rather than the chain stores or Fortune 500 corporations. It’s about entrepreneurs and families selling things that the chains aren't. Think about what is available in your local community and give them some support even if you need to spend a bit more.  When I think about my local community, the small mom and pop business is almost a thing of the past.  Sadly, the ones that are left are struggling to compete with large conglomerates who can offer volume discounts that they can't. For example, the large grocery stores now offer all sorts of services, like floral which makes it difficult for the local florist shop to compete.  I think I will find one of the few florist shops left in my area to support on Saturday.  Another idea is to support a home based Etsy business this year with your holiday shopping.  Etsy business owners are home based, mom and pop businesses doing what they can to make ends meet in this tough economy.  Etsy businesses offer truly unique gifts that will wow your family and friends.  You can find that something special that can't be found in any brick and mortar store.  You can feel good about getting that special gift and also about helping a small business owner.  You can even shop by location and find Etsy sellers in you general area. Click here to shop local on Etsy:

So if you are unfamiliar with Etsy, I recommend you check out what the small business owners and handcrafted artist have to offer, but be warned, the creative unique offerings are endless and it can be very addicting.  Here are a few examples of what can be found on Etsy:

 

Who wouldn't love to receive a handcrafted leather journal like this one?  Shirley Lynne of The Orange Windmill makes all her journals from scratch. She hand-cuts the leather for the covers and tears each sheet of paper individually.  Take a look at her other journals here.  Here are her other links:   

Facebook: www.facebook.com/theorangewindmill Twitter: twitter.com/#!/shirleyljmartin
Pinterest: pinterest.com/shirleymartin/

Leather Journal - Mahogany Brown by The Orange Windmill on Esty 

How about this unique piece of jewelry for that someone special? 

Jayne started making jewelry when her daughters were small and found out that she really enjoyed designing and making jewelry.  She started making jewelry for herself and received many compliments and questions about her jewelry and  because of that she decided to design and make jewelry for sale. She only uses the highest quality gemstones and pearls.  Check out her other unique designs here.  Other links for Jaynemarie:
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JewelryByJaynemarie Twitter account: twitter.com/#!/JewlryJaynmarie
Blog page: jewelrybyjaynemarie.blogspot.com/

Freshwater White Pearls and faceted Rose Quartz Rondells by Jaynemarie on Etsy

There are an endless supply of jewelry sellers on Etsy.  You could spend days, just looking through all the unique and beautiful one of a kind handcrafted choices.  Here is another unique piece of jewelry if you are looking for something in the $30.00 price range.  Handcrafted by Agnes of BeaderBubbe on Etsy with fancy jasper semi-precious stones and stone bead chips on memory wire.  It is one size fits all.  If you have a few minutes -- visit her shop - you'll be glad you did.  

Chips away bracelet by BeaderBubbe on Etsy

Lastly, Etsy is great for getting the right gift for that hard to buy for person on your list.  If you have someone to buy for who is a collector, take a look through the vintage shops on Etsy. You might just find that perfect, unique, gift. Here is a listing from Redemption Art on Etsy.  Connie works hard at providing a range of vintage goods that would please the start up collector as well as the professional. Her business is based in Hawaii so if you are looking for something special that you think might be specific or found in Hawaii contact her and she will try to help you find it.  Check out her shop here.  Other links: facebook:www.facebook.com/redemption.art

twitter: twitter.com/#!/islandbuzzy blog: islandbuzzy.com

Vintage rose colored depression glass