Alilsumptinsumptin

Today we are visiting Eva of Alilsumptinsumptin. She says that the name for her shop came as "a result of a humerous exchange between friends" (in other words, I guess, you had to be there). Too bad! Sounds like it coulda mighta made a good story.

I selected this beautiful bracelet to feature. I'll let Eva describe it herself, "The focal of this bracelet is a gorgeous heart bead torched by favorite Lampwork Artist, Janet Crosby. The bead is a turquoise blue decorated with cream swirls and dots. This special bead has been etched for a matte finish that is velvety soft to the touch.I embellished Janet's lovely heart with a double strand of top quality Grade A Blue Chinese Turquoise wheels and an assortment of all sterling silver components. It is signed with one of my sterling silver tags wire wrapped to the bracelet with a tiny Swarovski crystal. "

Two of Eva's passions in life are flower gardens and dogs. She's a pretty good photographer too. One segment of her blog showed photos of hummingbirds, which are not the easiest little birds to capture. Eva's also trained as a fashion designer, which I would imagine gives her a leg up when designing and selecting jewelry that she knows will look wonderful and have impact. The PAWS section of her shop features 100% of the proceeds being donated to the worthy cause named in the individual listing. The current pieces benefit The Humane Society of the United States and to Ferrets Unlimited.
"This Y style necklace features a lovely heart bead by favorite Lampwork Glass Artist, Janet Crosby. The heart is made of opaque black glass with white paw prints and is etched for a matte finish and a soft velvety feel.

White etched Lampwork beads by Sarah Friskey were added and enhanced with a modified herringbone weave. Other embellishments include Hill Tribe silver beads and Swarovski Crystals." Description by Eva.


Check out Alilsumptinsumptin at:

http://alilsumptinsumptin.etsy.com
http://www.alilsumptinsumptin/

SparklyStrandz

Today's Etsy featured shop is SparklyStrandz.

When asking how SparklyStrandz was named, Jamie responded, "One of my most favorite movies when I was little was an old animated movie called The Secret of Nimh. The funny bird called the "ruby-thingy" that everyone wanted, we called, "The Sparkly", and growing up my sister and I would call anything that we liked a "sparkly". When I started my business, I put "sparkly" together with "strandz" (b/c beads come on strands usually) and there it was!! (I just had to put the Z to be different). "

Babies are fascinated with their mom's hair, their earrings, their glasses, anything that is within reach. So Sparkly Strandz has come up with the "nursing necklace." It's an OK thing for baby to grab onto. Jamie says, "The pendant is made into a loop style that baby can grasp, and tied in a continuous piece of organza ribbon to prevent the beads from being able to fall off. These necklaces are not meant to be a replacement for a teether toy. Even though babies are small, they can bite down rather hard and accidents can happen, so please supervise when wearing."

Jamie earned her master's degree in Occupational Therapy, and she has sometimes been able to incorporate crafts and beads into therapy with her patients. She is mother to two small children (13 months, and 2 1/2). She is enjoying staying at home with them while they are young. This gives her some time to continue with her jewelry business that she loves.

Does this look like something a little cupid would be wearing for Valentine's Day? "This is a darling handmade crochet onesie that will fit 0-3 month size (depending on if you have an itty-bitty or a chub cub). It is meant to be worn over a plain little cotton onesie as a "dress-up" diaper cover. It has a back flap that buttons for diaper access-you just slip it on over baby's head like a regular onesie. This looks so beautiful in pictures, and is a wonderful keepsake item that can be passed along," says Jamie.

Be sure and visit Jamie at SparklyStrandz here at the links below:

http://sparklystrandz.etsy.com/
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/

Yaslani

Yaslani is the focus of today's 90-day Challenge feature. The shop owner, Yasmin says, "My shop name is a combination of my name and my daughter's...I'm Yasmin, she's Leilani hence - Yaslani!" Yasmin is a very focused mixed-media artist who has confined her Etsy product line to two art forms: mixed-media collage and bamboo pendants. The marketers would tell you to do this, and from sales numbers, it appears it has been very effective for her.



This Etsy shop is loaded with pendants, pages and pages of pendants with different themes. These are made of bamboo tiles and have a single image applied to each and coated with layers of non-yellowing varnish. There are single pendants, duo pendants, trio pendants and sets with many pendants. I like this one that looks like seed packets and makes me think of Spring and starting a garden. There are many, many images to choose from, and you can, "Wear several together for a layered style or hang individually from a leather cord or ribbon for a unique necklace. Also very cute on a charm bracelet, cell phone or keychain," says Yasmin.

But now, about the collages . . .Yasmin created these wonderful mixed-media collages using 4 x 6 gallery wrap canvases (means you don't have to frame them, just hang if you want to) with layers and layers of paint and paper and these little wooden animal guys. There's a series of these, and they can be grouped together and really make a statement.

It seems there was a time when Yasmin wasn't pursuing her dream full-time, and then all of a sudden she burst out with all sorts of creativity. To let her tell the story though, "I spent many a day and night daydreaming about doing art and selling my work...maybe just making a little money but mostly gaining much needed self esteem. I dreamed and came up with a thousand and one reasons why I couldn't, shouldn't, can't and probably wouldn't. Ten years later I was still a single mom (now of a teenager), still at the same job (and got used to the idea...even comfortable) and still dreaming. But this time it was different...

I got tired of seeing everything change around me and not doing what I really really really wanted to do. You see the truth is, the only person that told me I couldn't was me! I thought I was on my side!! I was tired of listening to myself whine about how I wanted something different and I was tired of my own excuses. Today's message is for any artist with flabby creative muscles...as Nike says...Just do it. Looking back and knowing now how much I was able to achieve in one year, I feel silly that I wasted so much time."

Isn't that a fabulous and insightful story! Living it, was undoubtably a hard, learned lesson, but if we could only read about life lessons like this one and learn from them, it would surely save some bumps and bruises along the way.

Check out the fresh ideas in Yaslani's shop and blog too.

http://yaslani.etsy.com/

http://yaslanisgroovespot.blogspot.com/

Announcing Program For Donations to Fisher House Foundation

I have made the decision, after doing the feature yesterday on Etsy shop, thatsHeadley; that I would also like to support the Fisher House™ Foundation by electing to give a percentage of my sales from my paintings with a patriotic theme from my Etsy shop at DreamON. I have two members of my immediate family who have served in the military, my husband and my daughter. I am thankful they made the commitment to freedom for the rest of us who are privileged to live in the United States, and I am also thankful that they made it back safe and sound.

However the commitment our country has made to maintaining our freedom comes at a huge cost, and many of our military families haven't been so blessed. So I am pleased to make this offering in the hopes that some will be able to be together with their loved ones when they are so desperately needed.

By donating to the Fisher House™ Foundation we help the program recognize the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Because members of the military and their families are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House™ Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury.

There is at least one Fisher House™ at every major military medical center to assist families in need and to ensure that they are provided with the comforts of home in a supportive environment. Annually, the Fisher House™ program serves more than 10,000 families, and have made available nearly 2.5 million days of lodging to family members since the program originated in 1990. By law, there is no charge for any family to stay at a Fisher House operated by the Department of Veterans Affairs; and Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual Fisher Houses operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

On behalf of DreamON and DreamsAboutArt I am pleased to make this announcement, but wish to acknowledge that the decision to offer a percentage of sales on certain items is a personal one, and that the Fisher House™ Foundation does not endorse any of my services or products. I am not a spokesman of any kind for the Fisher House™ Foundation . If you would like more information, please contact Jim Weiskopf at 888 294 8560 or go to http://www.fisherhouse.org/

that's Headley!

One of the most important concerns when you are buying online is in regards to quality. So when the shop owner addresses this concern it gives you peace regarding the purchase. Ginny Headley Maserang, owner of Etsy Shop, thats Headley, states, "I am absolutely committed to crafting jewelry pieces of the highest quality and beauty that will bring you great pleasure when you wear them."

I have recently discovered there are some quite interesting stories behind the choice of Etsy shop names, and this is definitely the case for thats Headley. Ginny gives us the background.
"It's a bit of silliness left over from high school. You see, the movie "Blazing Saddles" came out during that time, and the character played by Harvey Korman was named "Hedley Lamar". A running gag in the movie was that people kept calling him "Heddy" Lamar - which ticked him off (Heddy Lamar being a woman) and caused him to state emphatically "That's 'Hedley'!". My friends in high school thought this quite funny, and their greeting for me quickly became "that's Headley!" When I was thinking about a name for my shop, I thought it would be great if some day my work was so recognizable that someone might exclaim when they saw a piece of my work "that's Headley!" It seemed very fitting for branding, and it has the added beneift of reminding me of all my great friends from my youth. "

These pretty green pearl and wrapped sterling silver wire earrings are not just pretty on the outside, but they have the added benefit of benefitting the Fisher House™ Foundation. A portion of the sale of each item in thats Headley's "Hope for Whirled Peas" collection goes to benefit this very worthwhile organization. They are providing support to our military men and women by building "comfort homes" on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times - during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!



Thats Headley is a member of the following Etsy Street Teams:
Self Representing Artist Jewelry Designer (SRAJD) #231
Member Art Jewelry Collective
Member Etsy Texas Crafters (ETC)


Be sure to visit Ginny's shop and blog at:
http://thatsheadley.etsy.com/
http://thatsheadley.blogspot.com/

Adornments By BJ

Today's featured Etsy shop is Adornments by BJ's. BJ says, "The name of my shop just came to me since jewelry, as well as other items, are adornments to make a woman feel good, jazz up her wardrobe or simply to show their individuality."

BJ has a lovely family of whom she is very proud. Being the grandmother of 3 granddaughters and 3 grandsons; three daughters and a wonderful husband keeps her quite busy. In addition she just purchased a grand piano, which she has dreamed of getting for quite some time now. It was time to make some of her dreams come true, but she admits that enjoying it thoroughly, steals some of her Etsy time.

She says about her jewelry, "Jewelry Sets are my specialty; all quality made with the finest of materials to fit any budget, style, or special occasion whether it be casual or formal or somewhere in-between. Adornments to reflect your persona. It’s interesting to discover the metaphysical attributes of different stones and how they interact with our mood, physical being and personality."

The necklace pictured above "has it all," says BJ, "The design is sophisticated and yet glitters from the many Swarovski crystals. It is extremely versatile and would complement many of your wardrobe outfits. The colors will lend itself well to all seasons and unlimited possibilities.The necklace measures 19 1/2", including clasp. The earrings have three Swarovski crystal bicones, same colors as are in the necklace, and drop from gold-filled french earwires."

BJ is a member of the following groups: S.R.A.J.D. (Self-Representing Artist Jewelry Designer #0517), AJC (Art Jewelry Collective) and JET (Jewelry on Etsy Team). Photos of my jewelry are listed on Tribe.net, MySpace.com, Flickr.com, TalentDatabase.com, and many other sites as well.

Visit BJ at the following locations:

http://adornmentsbybj.etsy.com/

http://bjadornments-bj.blogspot.com/

A Rose By Name

This beautiful antique-looking bracelet was created by weaving individual verdigris colored Japanese triangle beads into a band and then embellishing them with galvanized yellow gold Delicas and copper/iris Japanese seed beads that were woven into a lacy net pattern along the edges. The toggle is a handmade beaded bead using the same three styles of beads that are within the bracelet.


Anna, the owner of A Rose By Name , says that her Etsy shop got its name because first of all, she was one of those kids who actually enjoyed studying Shakespeare and one of her favorite quotes is, "That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet." from Romeo and Juliet. She says, "The other reason is that it was my mom's favorite flower as well as a variation of her name and it's in her memory."

Anna began beading with her two daughters years ago, and has continued, and although her daughters no longer do any beading, they do enjoy wearing her creations. As she's gotten more experienced, the beads have gotten smaller and the designs more intricate.

Anna says, "The colors truly glow in this 2 1/2" votive candle holder which is surrounded in peyote stitched Delica beads in cherry red, emerald green, midnight blue and royal purple with accents in cream and gold and gold seed beads top and bottom. These votive holders take many days to create as every bead is individually stitched into my own original patterns. There are well over 4,000 beads in each piece."
"This gorgeous necklace was created by stitching individual links using the peyote beadweaving technique and then meticulously linking them together. The colors are a range of sea colors from deep blue green to stormy gray Delicas. Each link consists of 64 beads woven together and there are 110 links for a total of 7,040 beads! This necklace was truly a labor of love! "

Anna belongs to several Etsy Street Teams:
Etsy BeadWeavers Street Team: etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com
Cleveland Rocks Etsy Street Team: clevelandrocksetsy.blogspot.com
BBEST - Boomers & Beyond Etsy Street Team: boomersandbeyond.blogspot.com

Please view Anna's beautiful and unique work at the following sites:
http://arosebyname.etsy.com
http://arosebyname.blogspot.com

Anne Dundas

Anne Dundas is an Aussie from Sydney who has been crafting handmade jewelry since 2004.




On Etsy she is a member of Member of the Etsy Glass Artists Street Team, http://www.etsyglass.com/ and the Down Under Street Team (DUST).

Anne says about this piece titled Flutterby,"The chain is completely handcrafted by myself in the half persian chainmaille style. There is a section at the front that has twisted rings incorporated in it to give some texture and contrast.The pendant is sterling silver and shaped to appear like a butterfly and set with faceted amethyst gemstones. Length: 415mm (approx. 16 1/4 inches)"



Forest Dweller
This is a Sterling silver and Swarovski crystal pendant with a handmade lampwork bead made by Anne.

AnneDundas can be found at:
http://annedundas.etsy.com/
http://annedundas.com/blog/

Bright and Shining is Elektra Jewelry

I find it quite interesting finding out about how the various shop owners have come up with their shop's name. In her profile for ElektraJewelry Dina Cuomo, the owner says that Elektra means bright and shining in Greek. (Hmmm! Think I'm going to do some more purposeful looking into how the shops were named in consequent features. )

As a child, Dina was a huge fan of glitter, most likely spreading it over anything that didn't move. Sounds fun! Then as she grew up, she loved being able to wear pretty jewelry of her own.

Because of a trip to Greece when she was 15 years old, Dina was able to see firsthand from an early age, the work of Greek artisan jewelers which heightened her appreciation for all things glittery. Now she works in real 18k and 24k gold and gold vermeil (24k gold layered over sterling silver).

She says, "I make one of a kind jewelry pieces to accommodate many different styles and fashion trends. My time and energy is devoted to creating pieces that can be worn and enjoyed for years to come. I love to work with gold vermeil, Bali sterling silver,semi-precious stones and vintage glass beads. Lampwork beads and Venetian Murano glass have become some of my favorite materials. The colors of these beautful Venetian beads are so exceptional,they add another dimension to my jewelry. I use top quality findings and stones to create unique pieces which I do not duplicate."

For years Dina wore gold jewelry, before discovering that silver complimented certain stones equally as well or perhaps even better than gold. The effect of these red sponge beads against the silver in The Lady in Red necklace is stunning on this black background.

Be sure to go and look at all the beautiful work in Dina's shop and blog which you can find at these locations:
http://elektrajewelry.etsy.com/
http://elektrajewelry.blogspot.com/

Announcing The Entyqua Collection

Entyqua is my featured Etsy shop today, and its owner Becki Rasmussen makes pretty jewels with a flavor of yesteryear. She describes this pink faux pearl and Heishi bead necklace (right)as edgy,trendy,elegant and classy. Becki states that she has been creating jewelry for the last five years or so, beginning with earrings and moving eventually into making all kinds of jewelry, cards, jewelry boxes, hair accessories and now a line of clothing. She will be selling the jewelry boxes and cards in a new Etsy shop called delightfuldeceits .

Shown at above left are some wire wrapped cobalt blue glass flower bells made into a pair of earrings called Dresden Bells.



This is a beautiful and elegant Faceted Copper Beaded Necklace It is three stranded with a beautiful Vintage Button as the focal point! With a very dainty bracelet to match!

Entyqua can be found at:

http://entyqua.etsy.com/
http://beckisdesigns.blogspot.com/

Paulette Insall Mixed Media Artist

Preparing for this feature has been soooo much fun! Being an artist myself, I really enjoyed watching Paulette paint - in her YouTube videos that also appear on her blogs. In addition was the choice I made to listen to the music she listens to while painting, which I did and loved, because that is also an option on Paulette Insall Mixed Media Artist (just one of her blogs). She has the coolest widgets on her blogs that to my way of thinking makes her a techno-genius as well as a super artist. Like I said, I really enjoyed myself while I was getting ready to write, and I could have hung around a lot longer, but I really needed to get on with it!!!!

I chose to include Paulette's print (above left) entitled Choices, because I liked the story behind the painting. It's the old "behind door number one is. . ." (only in this case it's window number one), and according to Paulette's story, the windows represent life's choices. She says, "If I had made different choices, would I have become what I am today? No, I wouldn’t.The heartaches, the suffering, the ups, the downs…they all made me the person I am. I wouldn’t have the life I have now without them…and I wouldn’t change a thing."

To the right is an original painting entitled Pondering. This painting has a beautiful softness to it and is inspired by the artist's son, and her realization of how the time we have with our little ones passes in the blink of an eye. She says, "Being a mom, there are many special moments with my son that I cherish, but some of the things I cherish and reflect on the most are the every day things….talking with my son about what happened at school that day, bedtime stories, coloring, playing games…things that I know that all too soon will just be memories."

This Portland, Oregon artist has been involved in creative activities since she was a child, but was not a painter until much more recently. She says that she dreamed of painting and from the looks of what's in her shop, she dreamed these paintings, planning well ahead. Very cool.

Blessings is the title of the painting on the bottom right. The story behind this one is, "Many times we don’t see all the blessings we have in our lives. While some are obvious, many come to us in disguise. Some may not seem like blessings at first, but in time they reveal themselves. God fills our lives with so many blessings…whether or not we choose to see them is up to us."
Her philosophy of life, really, is very well expressed in her Artist's Statement. "My art is about the search for connection…to self, to like minded spirits, to family, and to God. Most of my work depicts a sole woman because these are the stories of my own personal search and the emotions they invoke within my soul. My hope is that the visual stories I create with my art touch people from all walks of life and let them know that they are not alone…and find comfort in that knowing. " This is beautifully expressed in her artwork. One can sense mood and substance from her paintings and know that this is a person with depth.

To see some of what Paulette Insall has available for us to behold, please enjoy the following sites:
http://pauletteinsall.etsy.com/
http://www.pauletteinsall.com/blog
http://web.mac.com/pauletteinsall/Paulette_Insall/Artist_Features/Artist_Features.html

Coconut Palm Designs

It's Five O' Clock Somewhere, and this sign just has that laid back flavor that reminds me of the song. I can hear Jimmy Buffet and Alan Jackson singing now. (Makes me want to be there too. )Alas, the sign is available to customize if you don't live in Jamaica.

Joanne, owner of Coconut Palm Designs, is a Canadian living in Belize who is a graphic designer that now specializes in making signs out of wood native to Belize, whether hardwood or softwood. Parts of them are carved out by Dremel, and parts have been hand-painted. Signs are Joanne's latest creative venture. This one is hung by a ribbon, braided with wire for durability has been sprayed with an acrylic spray to protect it against whatever the elements can dish out.

Two examples of lovely ACEOs created by Joanne.

Help Joanne carry on with the fine, high adventure of living the life of a Stranger in a Strange Land by visiting her at:

http://CoconutPalmDesigns.etsy.com
http://coconutpalmdesigns.blogspot.com/

Baby, It's Cold Outside! Get KuddleBugz Threadz

Toni, the seamstress behind the scene/owner of KuddleBugz Threadz lives in honest-to-goodness North Pole, Alaska! She has 15-month old twin girls, and has found a niche market by just keeping her kids warm and safe.

At right you will see just one of her snuggly infant seat covers made from corduroy and lined with fleece. They come in a variety of pinks, blues and assorted other fabrics and fit all standard infant carriers. They go into the washer and dryer as needed to keep them clean. There's even a flap to keep baby's face protected in snowy, rainy or icy conditions.

Once your little Kuddlebug is out and about in the cold, wintry conditions she will need a hat and scarf set.

Toni says, "Perfect for that Diva in your life! She will love this Pink and Chocolate Brown Polka Dot Fleece Hat and Scarf set, or at least You will! This All-in-One Hat and Scarf set is perfect for your infant, toddler, anyone who misplaces their scarf! The design is exclusive to KuddleBugz Threadz! The scarf is long enough to wrap around and keep your face warm. Stay warm and in style with KuddleBugz Threadz!"

The ensemble is available in infant, toddler and youth sizes and can be custom ordered. Of course it's washable and dryable!

How cute is this for an idea of what to give someone who is expecting a little one, a diaper cake. (That's what I thought. What in the world is a diaper cake?) But go ahead and look. It's really a cute idea, and so needed!

"These beautiful and fun cakes are created with layers of premium brand-name disposable diapers and decorated with candy filled baby bottels, toys, and elegant coordinated ribbon. Each cake is carefully assembled by hand and comes wrapped in a gift bag and tied with coordinated ribbons. ALL diapers are usable - no tape or glue is used on diapers."

There are also mittens, tag blankies, bibs and burp cloths and even gift certificates to be used at Kuddlebugz. Go check out all of the warm offerings at:

http://KuddleBugzThreadz.etsy.com http://kuddlebugzthreadz.blogspot.com

Cryztalvisions

Beth Alexander, the proprietor of Cryztalvisions says, "I have been fascinated by crystals and stones for as long as I can remember. I had some wonderful teachers during my childhood who passed on their passion for nature, geology, crystals and gemstones. " Beth is from a very artistic family, a father who was grounded in the arts and crafts and taught art in the public school system and a great-grandmother who was a painter, not only of oils, but also enjoyed china painting as well. Beth herself has been creating jewelry now for close to 20 years. She says, "I delight in creating these pieces! Each one is unique, with its own energy that I feel as I work with the materials. They transport me to a place of deep knowing, relaxation and happiness as I work. " It's the most wonderful thing: knowing you were made for a purpose and being able to fulfill that purpose and being in that creative space where time has no bearing.
This pair of earrings was created by entirely by hand. The hoops are lovingly made from sterling silver, and the tiny green peridot beads were wire-wrapped securely to the hoops to hold them in place.
Says Beth, "I offer pieces in traditional silver fabrication techniques, ancient wire wrapping techniques, handcrafted wire knit jewelry, silver wire weaving, beautiful beaded creations. Designs are a blend of these conventional methods infused with a contemporary twist. All pieces are exclusive, one-of-a-kind designs or limited editions. I specialize in unique and hard to find gemstones and crystals. You are sure to find one that speaks to your heart."
"The Ojo de Dios, or God's Eye is thought to have originated with the Huichol Indians of Jalisco, Mexico. The Huichol call their God's eyes Sikuli, which means 'the power to see and understand things unknown.' The four points of the basic Ojo pattern represent the four elements earth, fire, water, and air. When a child is born, the central eye is woven by the father, then one eye is added for every year of the child's life until the child reaches the age of five. "

The God's Eye is especially meaningful to her, in that Beth's father made them and taught her how to make them before he passed away.

Beth makes every effort to be an original jewelry designer, doing one of a kind designs, and uses materials from suppliers who are ethically conscious and do not buy from strip mines - ones who are interested in maintaining a business over a long time period. She specializes in hard-to-find gemstones, and she also does custom orders.

"This darling Silver heart necklace features a 3/4" x 5/8" heart cut by hand with a jeweler's saw from 24 gauge *Argentium Sterling Silver sheet. I then drilled the holes and smoothed the edges with my jeweler's files. Next I created a high shine finish by taking the heart through a series of hand sanding with progressively finer grits of sandpaper. A tiny red garnet bead dangles from the handcrafted bail."

To see more of Beth's fine jewelry, please visit her shop, website and blog at:

http://cryztalvisions.etsy.com/

http://www.cryztalvisions.com/

http://cryztalvisions.typepad.com/

Multi-Faceted Kalicat Creates Varied Gems

Kalicat (Catherine Marche) is the designer of jewelry created to be "stunning and elegant." This multi-faceted lady has achieved success in both left-brained and right-brained activities. Early on she graduated in Mathematics and Physics from the University of Orléans in France and Beaux-Arts d'Orléans, Conservatoire National de Musique and later from the University of Vermillion in the USA in Computer Science and Music. From there she branched out into Photoshop, etching and web design at Central St. Martins where she also studied jewelry design. But we're not done until we also learn that she is also an accomplished fashion illustrator, having studied at the London College of Fashion. I found her web site http://www.catherinemarche.com/ most interesting and wondered if there is anything she doesn't do well. Her paintings are also wonderful.

> The Eleni sterling silver ring shown above is completely adjustable and will fit any of your fingers. The three spheres can be seen as symbols of friendship.

After Catherine had worked in the Information Technology field for 10 years, and at the same time drawing, painting and exhibiting her work, the tug became stronger, and the right side of her brain more demanding as she "took the plunge into freelance illustrating.

> The Nefertiti massive turquoise necklace shown here with authentic turquoise nuggets which measure 1/2" to 1 inch each are believed to be lucky in Egypt and Arabic countries and was highly regarded by the Incas and Aztecs as well. Who wouldn't adore this beautiful piece with the added gemstones spilling down the back?

Catherine's artwork can be seen in public collections at Museo municipal de Ourense (Spain), Museum Tayali (Zambia), and paintings in Hospitals in the UK. She also has work in private collections in France, UK, USA, West Indies, Netherlands, and Spain as well as in several galleries: a very talented lady who also plays the saxophone, skis, does whitewater rafting and dances. (This makes me think that Catherine is actually 8 people! How can just one person find the time?)

> Isn't this purple rhapsody bracelet a beauty? It's a selection of fine gemstones: amethyst, rose quartz, smokey quartz and citrine dangling and jiggling away on a sterling silver belchior chain. (length: 6.5 inches).

I hope you will make time to visit Catherine's Etsy shop and her blog, but be sure to look also at her website. You can click the link mentioned above.

http://kalicat.etsy.com/
http://honeyandsweets.blogspot.com/