Amethyst Bracelet

Here's a pretty bracelet just listed in my ETSY shop.  Amethysts and jewel-toned colored pearls dangle from a sterling silver chain.  So fun to wear! 

ETSY Finds: Wedding Sparkle

I've been busy making earrings for bridal parties.  My top selling earrings are simple but add lots of sparkle!  These can be found in my ETSY shop.

Here are other items you'll find on ETSY with lots of sparkle.  These artists have shops filled with wedding items in vaious colors and themes.... check them out!

 

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Rhinestone and Pearl Belt by Something Ivory

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Shotgun Casing Cuff Links by Key of A

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Vintage Purse by Chrysalis e-Shop

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Shoe Clips by Daisyclub Crafts

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Rhinestone Beaded Braclet by Untamed Petals

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Monogram Cake Topper by The Panache Bride

Turquoise ETSY Finds

Working with turquoise and howlite puts me in a good mood.  The blue gemstones remind me of vacations out West to Sedona and Sante Fe. 

I thought it would be fun to search ETSY to find other items in turquoise colors.  I think you'll enjoy looking at these items and browsing the ETSY shops of the artists!

Knitted Purse from Bell Adora

Infinity Scarf from Candice's Closet

Sea Turtle Photo from JessMae Photography

Bracelet from Stone Source

Birthday Card from Megan Jewel

Heart Pendant from Damson Tree Pottery

ETSY Finds - Yellow!

It's January  - the beginning of the 2 hardest winter months in Cleveland.  I say hardest because it's cloudy, cold and snowy.  I recently read that 93% of Cleveland winter days are overcast and cloudy.  I try to look on the bright side - I've been organizing a lot and have tried a few new soup recipes.  I was browsing ETSY and found some pretty yellow items that made me smile.  I had fun browsing these shops and hope these bring some sunshine and warmth to your day too! 

This sunny card from Popper & Mimi Paper Crafts is perfect to send to someone just to say hi!  The shop has lots of other fun cards for all occasions.  In the world of email and texts, I still love the send and receive cards! 

Did I mention it's cold??  The wind chill was in the single digits last night.  This chunky scarf from Lululuvs in Brooklyn is perfect for these days.  Check out the shop for lots of other colors and designs - such pretty hand knitted items!

This ceramic pig planter from Fruit Fly Pie just makes me smile!  I love the ceramics in this shop - be sure to check out the tiki owls!

You'll find these juicy lemon sugar scrubs and other handcrafted bath and body products at Luster Canyon.  This shop is filled with scrubs, soaps, lotions and other bath & body items.  Pamper yourself today!

This clutch from toriska reminds me that Spring is around the corner!  This shop has so many pretty colors of clutches, wallets and handbags.

I hope you enjoy browsing these shops!
Stay warm ♥

Think Pink

It's difficult to go anywhere these days and not see pink.  I was even in Lowe's Home Improvement store this week and saw light bulbs in pink packaging.  So, you know the lecture that's coming -- Early detection is key.  Get yearly mammograms and do monthly self-examinations.  My mom's cancer last fall was caught early with a mammogram and she is now cancer free!

Here are some of my favorite pink items I've come across on Etsy along with links to the artist's shops.  Just remember... holiday shopping is right around the corner!  These shops have lots of great items!

This pretty bracelet is by Little Green Room.  I love the combination of leather and metal.  Be sure to check out the other jewelry items - such cool designs and stampings!  

I love the colors and textures of this scarf by Fritzie Froodles!  The shop is filled with other pretty scarfs and accessories.

These hand-stamped spoons from Baby Puppy Designs are so cute and have such special messages.  You'll find more hand-stamped silverware and items in this shop. 

The Pig and the Peacock has a shop filled with fun soap, including these pink ribbon soaps.

God bless all of those affected by this disease.

Mum's the Word Treasury

My latest treasury, featurning glorious mums! 

ETSY Finds ~ Tomato Red

I've been seeing tomatoes everywhere - my garden, the markets and at roadside produce stands.  I searched ETSY and found some great items in shades of tomato red.  

  

1. Apron from Poppy's Garden Gate
2. Bowl from Clay Lick Creek Pottery
3. Earrings from Lush Boutique
4. Glycerin Soap from Paintbox Soapworks
5. Neckwarmer Scarf from Albertine's Creations
6. Picture Frame from Art City Frames 

 I hope you enjoy browsing these shops as much as I did!

Etsy Finds ~ Early Bird Cafe

I recently came across Early Bird Cafe, an Etsy shop owned by Mary Hanks. One of my fellow Cleveland Handmade team members recommended her items (thanks zJayne!). I like to start my morning out with either oatmeal or granola topped yogurt. Mary's granola is fantastic - filled with lots of goodies and so good on top of yogurt. I caught my husband eating some right out of the bag - and he rarely eats granola. This is some of the best granola I've had!

I also ordered a sampling of her energy bars - chewy and sweet with dried fruits and nuts.  Yum!  A great snack for work or to take along for our morning hikes. Mary included a sample of her whole wheat lemon biscott.  Again, another winner.  She has a variety of flavors in her shop and I have my eye on her chocolate biscotti.  Wouldn't that be perfect with a cup of tea or coffee?

So be sure to check out Mary's shop on Etsy for homecooked goodies.  And while you're at it, also check out zJayne's shop, featuring recyled products.

New Pictures

I feel like I'm always struggling with getting the perfect picture of my jewelry.  I've always wanted to take pictures of the jewelry on (except earrings) and tried to do this myself - ha ha!  I won't show you some of those pictures!  Do you know how hard it is to take a picture of your wrist? 

So I enlisted my hubby for help, who laughed when I told him to take a picture, but not to worry about getting my face in it!  Here's a few that I like.... any thoughts or feedback are appreciated!  The other pics in my listings are close-ups of the item, so I thought having these a little further away would be good.

June Birthstone ~ Pearls

Lucky June babies have the pearl as a birthstone!  Pearls are one of my favorite pieces of jewelry to wear.    I still remember my mom letting me wear her good strand of pearls for my first high school dance - I felt so special!  I used to wear them only when getting dressed up, but now I love how they look with casual outfits, especially khaki and denim.

Happy Birthday to anyone with a birthday this month  ♥

Monkey Business!

There's something about sock monkeys that just make me smile!  Who can resist those big ears and arms just waiting for a big hug!  Here's a picture of a few of my sock monkeys - I even have a sock turtle!

I did a search on ETSY and found the cutest little guys that I just had to share.  Please take some time to visit the shops of these artists ~ you'll find lots of great items.

First up is the classic red-heeled sock monkey by Chadley of Terrace Hill.  Everyone needs one of these classic monkeys!  In addition to sock monkeys, Chadley makes fabulous vintage inspried aprons.

Need a bit of sunshine?  Check out this Citrus Stripe monkey created by Dawn of Sunset Girl.  If this guy doesn't put a smile on you face, then nothing will!   Dawn's shop is filled with colorful sock monkeys and birds!  Love them!

The final monkey to share is this soft and cuddly Peaches and Cream monkey from The Monkey Shop.  Dulce creates the cutest monkeys in all sizes and colors.  It was hard to choose just one to show you, but this guy stole my heart!

Thank you to Chadley, Dawn and Dulce for allowing me to share their creations! 
Kathy ♥

New items

A few new spring-inspired items in my Etsy shop:

ETSY Feature ~ Birds!

I know it's spring when I start hearing more birds chirping and singing.  Plus we've had lots of robins bouncing around the yard looking for worms.  I was browsing around etsy and found a couple sellers with really cute bird-themed items.

I came across these super cute leather accessories from Studio Cat B.  Cheryl is the designer and artist behind these bags - I had a hard time picking just a couple to show you.  You'll find wristlets, ipod cases, wallets and more in this fun shop!

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and I found this really sweet Mother's Day card from Kristen Lee Cards.  Kristen makes such pretty cards for all occasions.  I love giving hand-made cards, especially pretty ones like these!

Many thanks to Cheryl and Kristen!

♥  Kathy

Giveaway Reminder

In case you missed it.... I'm hosting a giveaway in celebration of my shop makeover.  Be sure to visit and comment before Sunday!
http://birdychat.blogspot.com/2010/03/shop-makeover-and-giveaway.html

Shop Makeover and Giveaway!

I love watching makeover shows, especially room makeovers. My husband doesn't understand how I can watch HGTV so much! But it's amazing what can be done with some fresh paint, re-arranging furniture and a few new accessories.

You're probably wondering where I'm going with this... I haven't been happy with my Etsy shop lately. I've had sales, but something's been missing. I feel as though I'm in a creative rut. Most of my orders have been creating multiples of the same design. When I first started out on Etsy, I focused more on gemstones and more unique pieces. I miss that! So I'm going back to my roots and creating more pieces featuring gemstones and freshwater pearls. My shop now features new designs, along with classic designs perfect for wedding or special occassions.  I'm still working on adding new items, but I'm over 35 items now and feel good!

To celebrate my makeover, I'm giving away a pair of earrings.  This is a classic, simple design featuring a freshwater pearl dangling from sterling silver earwires:

Each of the following earns you an entry. You can do one or all 3!  Leave a separate comment for each one:

1. Become a follower of my blog (let me know if you're already a follower - that counts too!)
2. Visit my shop, Sweet Bird Designs, and leave a comment here telling me your favorite piece.
3. Answer the question: Do you prefer silver or gold jewelry? Or both?

That's it! Make sure you leave me your email so that I can contact you if you are the lucky winner. I'll randomly draw the winner on Sunday March 7th.

Blog Giveaway Winner!

I won my first blog giveaway!  I was the lucky winner of a set of cards from Sarah of Dodeline Design on Etsy.  I received my package on Friday and was thrilled when I opened it up.  I love cards and still prefer to send greetings and notes via regular mail  - don't get me wrong, I love email, but there's something special about sending and receiving a physical card.  Below is the set of cards I received - so bright and cheerful!  Make sure you check out Sarah's shop for her stationery, cards and graphic services!

The giveaway was featured on the blog of Angi from Cokie Pop Paper Boutique, an Etsy shop specializing in pre-made scrapbooks, altered clipboards, keepsake tins, greeting cards and much more!  What caught my eye was her decorated recipe boxes - I love the vintage box below!  What a great idea and a cute gift for any cook!  I'd love to have this to organize all of my recipe cards.  Be sure to check out Angi's shop and blog! 

Many thanks to Sarah and Angi for being such sweet Etsy sellers!
  ♥ Kathy

Wedding Ideas ~ Touches of Black

A while ago I posted the latest wedding trends, one of which was to add touches of black to your wedding. I love how my new little black crystal earrings turned out. It's a simple design, but lots of sparkle.

I browsed around Etsy and found some more pretty ways to add a touch of black to your wedding. I love how black can be formal, fun or funky. I had a hard time only picking a couple pictures to share with you -- all of these artists are so creative and can work with your colors and theme to create special items just for you!

I found these beautiful handcrafted invitation and table number from Invites by Jen. You'll find such pretty coordinating wedding stationary, including invites, programs, menus and more!

These placecards are from Charlie and Cleo, a couture event design shop on Etsy. This shop has items that will personalize and your wedding and reception. I love the various patterns in black and white!
This penguin cake topper makes me smile! You'll find this and other cake toppers at Red Light Studio. For a more traditional look, bride and groom figurines are also available, and all of these toppers can be customized.

These save-the-date announcements from Orchard and Brown will certainly get your guests attention! Check out this shop for other designs and coordinating wedding stationary.

And let's not forget about the guys! I found these great ties at Tux and Tulle. I love these black and white ties -- I think these are fresh and clean looking -- perfect for spring and summer! Check the shop out for other colors and patterns!

Embellished by Tiffany is an Etsy shop with the prettiest wedding stationary. The soft blue and black invitation is one of my favorites, and I love the idea of using these cards when asking girls to be in a bridal party.

Many thanks to these artists for allowing me to feature their items ♥ Kathy