wow

Wow what a month it's been! I've been on the biggest emotional roller coaster...
First, Right before Halloween, we found out my beloved adored and cherished grandma "Honey" had to have open heart surgery! She is doing well now, and on the road to recovery, but man the thought of losing her ripped my heart open!

Second Purdy Things has taken off!!!!
I have been SO busy making hats, filling orders, doing craft shows, making connections!! I LOVE it!!!

I've offered free shipping for Christmas!! All custom orders need to be in to me by Saturday so I can get them to you in time!! :)

http://purdythings.blogspot.com Check it out! Get your unique one of a kind Christmas Present this year from Etsy!

So What if You Fail??

I have failed more times then I can count.... I'm not talking failing a test at school either. I have failed at this thing we call life. Then again so has everyone at one point or another right?? In the past weeks we have had a series called Fail at church. The bottom line is "Your life isn't futile, and your failures aren't fatal" You can always return home to those who love you. You can always pick yourself back up and keep going. Forgive yourself, let others forgive you, and be thankful that God is always there to forgive you.... NO MATTER WHAT!

The lessons learned in my failings, have made me the person I am today. I am proud of what I have overcome and accomplished. I would fall flat on my face time and time again to end up in the place I am now. I'm at peace with my failings, I'm grateful for my failings, and I expect to fail again. So what if we fail?? We live and learn. And that is the glorious journey we are all on.

Frogs???

So yesterday while attempting to sweep the back yard from the mess the wonderful storm left us.... we discovered a family of frogs living in our back yard!! Now if you know me well you know that I LOVE frogs. However. If they are bigger then my thumb, I have NO desire to touch or hold them. EEK! I don't know what kind they are.. they are slightly chubby, with these big fat back legs and these amazing webbed feet. Drew (the oldest) caught one, and brought it to me to see, and just as I got close, he jumped, I screamed, Drew laughed, then we all laughed. I managed to get as close as I could without getting the heeby jeebys to get these pictures!!

A bit of a change...New Adventures

I've decided to change this blog a bit...
I will still feature awesome handmade goods I find, and their creators! But I will also be sharing more of my life, more of the beautiful things in life, that just make me smile. Life is WAY to short to focus on all the ugly things in this world!

So I will start with what's new in my life...
I am now officially a homeschooling mom... WOW. I honestly never thought that declaration would EVER come from me! My middle son has dyslexia, and an Auditory Processing Deficiency. For the longest time I felt that the best place for him is in school, where teachers with degrees could help him, here is the not so purdy part. This year his teacher was horrible. The lack of communication ended up causing probably the worst blow to R's self esteem he's ever had. I would try to communicate with her, with either no communication in return, or very limited. Seeing my sons confidence suffer, seeing the dejected way he was going about learning, was heartbreaking. So I prayed for him, I prayed about the path I should follow. I started feeling God leading me in the direction of home schooling him. This came about when I sat him down and told him that God did NOT make a mistake when he was made. I reminded him of Psalm 139:14
"I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well". When I saw that it helped him, and that R felt secure in himself again, it was like God telling me, you can encourage him in ways a public school teacher NEVER can. We had a meeting with the teacher last Tuesday, her suggestion was that I write notes in his agenda if he has an issue with his homework. Wednesday he had an issue, so I wrote her. Got the agenda Thursday, no reply, wrote again, Friday NO reply. I was flabbergasted! Not 2 days after SHE suggested a form of communication she neglects it too!? I knew deep in my soul that there was NO WAY in good conscience leave him in her hands, even for another week! Saturday we had a meeting with my home schooling mentor, who helped me in the direction of what direction we will go.
*Here is the purdy part:
Monday was R's last day of "public" school. I had a meeting with the Principal Monday morning, to explain to her my decision, and it was AMAZING she 100% supports our decision. She was also shocked to find out that the lack of communication, she apologized for letting us down. I let her know I appreciated ALL she had tried to do for us. I do have 2 other children in that school! They have wonderful teachers. Soooo Tuesday was the first day of Adventure Christian School. It went pretty well, and he said that his favorite part about school is the Bible time. Today was day 2, and we had an amazing day! I saw his brain working, I saw his drive to learn, I saw him smile more then I have in YEARS while doing school work. It was a beautiful day. I know not all days will be this glorious, but on those days, I will cling to these days!

BUTTONS!! I LOVE BUTTONS!!

I am forever in love with buttons!! I love seeing the fun things people make with them!! These simple notions, have become the key to many styles! I Found a shop that has these awesome accessories with buttons, and of course MY favorite buttons also have polka dots!

PoorRobin - These button Bracelets are AWESOME!!

Featured Seller: FlowerLeaf

I met this artist in Etsy chat... yes I LOVE Etsy Chat! With my husband being out of town for work, it's a great outlet to chat with other artistic creative people.
When I saw Jocelyn's store FlowerLeaf the first time, I couldn't leave.. the colors she uses are amazing, she has a wonderful eye for the unique and has gorgeous jewelry! She also has one of the beautiful pieces I want for my birthday! LOL I've been hinting at something in her shop! To take a look and be amazed like I am!!!

Artist Bio:
I am a fine artist who loves to paint, draw, and photograph on occasion as well. I have been singing for as long as I can remember and for me, music plays such a huge part when creating art. I also happen to LOVE jewelry and making jewelry on a more consistent level is very new to me. I am so amazed by nature and I find myself always being in awe of how color and light react with one another, so I usually use that as inspiration for pretty much everything I create. Once I find something I truly love, I stick with it and try my best to make things as I have imagined them to be.

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade Flowerleaf

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade Flowerleaf

Featured Seller: ambientgirldesigns

Nikola of Ambientgirldesigns is one super creative lady!!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE her shop!! I became a fan of her Facebook page... and LOVE looking at what she creates! You will to!

Artist Bio:
My name is Nicola, I'm originally from South Africa and moved to Canada in 1997. I am a stay at home mom to a beautiful little boy and enjoy crafting in my spare time.
I have a certificate in Art Fundamentals and a diploma in Crafts & Design majoring in glass blowing at Sheridan College in Oakville Ontario. I joined Etsy on April 15th of this year and I'm completely addicted!
The type of work I have in my store currently is handmade cards, gift tags, magnets, jewelry, hand blown and cast glass and giclee prints of illustrations that my husband created.
The work that I'm focusing on the most right now are hand made cards, invitations and gift tags. I have also done custom orders for jewelry cards and soap wraps for a couple of sellers. I am planning on launching a new line of wedding invitations, save the dates, bachelorette and bridal shower invitations in the near future!


Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade ambientgirldesigns

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade ambientgirldesigns

Featured Seller: PinkAWink

This isn't an Etsy chat find.. I didn't have to go very far to find this seller.. I have MANY of her beautiful pieces too. This is where I believe I get a LARGE chunk of my creativity.. it's in the genes people!! Yes PinkAWink is my mom! She's AWESOME and has a brilliant eye for color.

Artist Bio:
I was fascinated with beads as a kid. Approximately 21 years ago, I decided I could take on the challenge. I went to a bead store and bought everything necessary to make traditional Indian earrings and a book with instructions. I sat down and taught myself how to bead. The concept wasn't hard, but perfecting the technique, well now that's another story, as they say practice makes perfect. Some of my work has been published in a book, "Dancing Light". I make Mother's bracelets, wedding sets.... if you can dream it I can make it.

Handcrafted jewelry is something to cherish. There is so much work from the heart that goes into each item it becomes a part of us. That’s why it’s so hard for a true jewelry artisan to part with his or her creations. Joann


Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade PinkAWink

Featured Seller: LiftedIndustries

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the classic vintage items in this shop!! Yes it's another chat find.. I realized that sellers become my favorites not just because of their shop, but because of who is behind the shop. This is just another example of a GREAT person behind a GREAT etsy shop! Chelsea's prints are so captivating and fun they make you wish you were there, she really does have a great eye!!

Artist Bio:
'm a 24 year old fashion-obsessed photographer living in Utah (?!) with my husband and our menagerie of pets.
I've been shooting for over 6 years, and have only in the last two decided to step into the professional photography world. Living in Southern Utah has made it a bit difficult to find the pieces I need to create the images that are in my mind...so I started making things myself. I have a small obsession with all things victorian/edwardian and I adore renaissance paintings. I also inherited far too much lace and fabric from my mom. The only solution? Make it into lovely collars, cuffs, and other accessories. I now have pieces to use for photoshoots, & I can share my style with the world (and Courtney Love!).
I also sketch, kayak, drink looooads of tea, and play in a band with my husband - Minor Birds.
All my pieces are completely stitched by hand, and all my prints come in practically any size!
www.newresolutionphoto.com
www.myspace.com/minorbirds

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade LiftedIndustries

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade LiftedIndustries

Featured Seller: Leakhena

One of my featured sellers DestinationDesign said that Leakhena was her favorite shop.. so in my Etsy Chat adventures I came across her... and told her that she was a favorite shop of someone featured on this blog. We got to chatting, and she's SUCH a great person, and her shop is AMAZING!!! I have one of her newest creations on my birthday wish list!! Not saying which one.. so it's still available for my hubby to get it for me... (hoping and praying) This is not only a talented artist, but a WONDERFUL person that I'm glad to call a friend now!

Artist Bio:
I’m 28 years old and originally from Sydney Australia. For the last 13 years or so I have been living in Northern California, mainly bay area. I have been crafting for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a big family. As a kid I was very fortunate to have two creative and loving parents who were extremely supportive of my artistic endeavours and enrolled each one of us in some sort of music or art classes. Probably, my fondest memories was crafting with my Grandma and my Mum.
In college, I worked several jobs to help pay for tuition since tuition was fairly high, especially for international students like myself attending UC Berkeley. One of the jobs I did beside being a waiter was making jewelry. I’ve also made jewelry for my family and friends and have received many great compliments.

In 2006, I lost someone very near and dear to my heart – the love of my life. I kept myself busy and contiued crafting. It was my way of dealing with grief and loss. Crafting has been very therapeutic for me.
I found Etsy last year in July and it has become my creative outlet . I don’t consider myself an artist. Maybe I’m still in the process of becoming one?? I do know that I am always learning something new and always improving. Aside from crafting I also enjoy cooking and baking ,working out and spending time with my friends. My shop is inspired by a mix of things.. cute and also elegance. Thank you for letting me share of part of my world with you.

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade Leakhena

Favorite Shops:
Http://DestinationDesign.etsy.com
Http://Purdythings.etsy.com
Http://birdzNbeez.etsy.com
Http://Seaunicorn.etsy.com
Http://fashionjunkie4life.etsy.com
Http://SweetMelodies.etsy.com

Featured Seller: WhitAndWhimsyOnline

I love cute things... I love purdy things too! HAHA this store has it all!! I love it!! You will too!

Artist Bio:
My name is Whitney Frey. I live just west of Richmond, VA. I am a full-time registered nurse, mother, and wife. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to craft!!! My 5 year old daughter, Shaelyn, is my partner in crime and we play craft all the time at home. I am pretty new to Etsy and this is my first attempt at selling my creations, although I have been making stuff for years for friends and family. I really enjoy putting a smile on someone's face with my creations.

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade WhitAndWhimsyOnline

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade WhitAndWhimsyOnline

Featured Seller: The3Maries

I love this amazing shop!!! You will too!!

Artist Bio:
My name is Jennifer and I am from a small rural town in Northwest Louisiana. I have been married to my high school sweetheart for 16 years and am the proud parent to a nine month old daughter. For as long as I can remember I've been an avid crafter and vintage collector. Etsy has enable me to use both of these loves as a business outlet. I love to sew, paint, and crochet. The3Maries carries more vintage now than handmade at present. I may have to open another shop for handmade!

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade The3Maries

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade The3Maries

Featured Seller: Lilmisspolkadot

Again... if you know me you know that Polka Dots are one of my most favorite things in the WHOLE WORLD! So when you see a name like Lilmisspolkadot you HAVE to check it out!! AWESOME SHOP!!!

Artist Bio:
I am living in Spain, with my 3 kids, husband, 3 dogs, 2 cats an some fishes ;-)
I love to be creative. I make paintings, accessories, gifts, and jewellery....
My store has just been opened...so i am working on my promotion and filling my store with my items...
Most of my paintings can be personalized and i love to do custom orders !
My shop is also "trade" friendly

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade Lilmisspolkadot

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade Lilmisspolkadot

Featured Seller: withremote

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE unique things, I love finding things that make me smile, and I LOVE color!! Nate give us all these things in his shop!!

Artist Bio:
I am almost 30, I’ve been screen printing for 7 years, and I’m having a blast doing it!

I started Withremote in 2002 while working on my senior thesis at the College of Visual Arts in St. Paul, MN on “Graffiti as a form of Graph Design”. Back then most of my work was photocopies and stencils (I think I lost a lot of brain cells back then from spray paint). I built up a screen printing studio in St. Paul over a few months in 2005 to start creating rock posters and art prints. I try and make at least one print run a week depending on my schedule. Generally I try and create a different style for each print I make. Usually my prints come out of whatever I’m doing that week or something that I saw/heard that I want to make a print in response to. A few times I have had people ask me how many people work in my studio to make this much work. I say “just me”.
Through the use of screen printing I create art prints and other items that are a response to the world around me.

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade withremote

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade withremote

Featured Seller: RollerScait

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Vintage Glamour... Retro Clothes.. LOVE IT!!!
it's classic!!

Artist Bio:
I grew up in Iowa getting lots of vintage items from family members, garage sales, and other various thrifting venues. My passion and love for fashion has sprung from that influence and I decided I would like to spread it through communities surrounding me. I now run a 100% vintage and unique shop that I am very pleased with. I will soon be moving to Colorado, and hopefully pick up even more business there!

Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade rollerscait

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade rollerscait

Featured Seller: DestinationDesign

This is again another Etsy Chat find... I saw her tea-cup ring, and I'm going to have to get one for my Mad Hatter Parties!!!

Artist Bio: I'm a teenage, stay at home mom who loves to make cute jewelry and accessories for young adults and the kids at heart. I've been trying to keep up with the Japanese fashion style, in order to bring them here to the US. It's so fun and cute! I hope to bring a little cuteness to someone's life, and inspire them to find all things adorable or something to light up their day. When I'm not crafting, I take care of my daughter, hang with friends and watch the food network channel.


Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade DestinationDesign

Favorite Store:
http://Leakhena.etsy.com

Featured Seller: LaurenKathryn

I have a SERIOUS button addiction... I LOVE them, they soothe me, make me smile, and are just wonderful!! SO while in an Etsy Chat I saw this seller.. and her AMAZING button purses! I knew RIGHT then I had to feature her, and share these buttons with you!!

Artist Bio:
Im LaurenKathryn, but to most, the 'Crazy Button Lady' because buttons make my heart beat, and my blood pump. I started making my purses for myself about six to seven years ago, around the age of 15, teaching myself how to sew a simple stitch, a zipper in, and a button on. Before I knew it, I couldnt stop. That brings me here, trying to send my loves around the world! They take a tremendous amount of time, and plenty of finger stabs, but I think its well worth it, and each and everyone is unique and bright.

Her Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade laurenkathryn

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade laurenkathryn

Featured Seller: QuintessentialQuirks

I LOVE flowers, and these Felt Flowers are just adorable!!

Artist Bio:
My name is Steph and I live in Aurora, Illinois about 35 miles outside the magnificent city of Chicago. I have a lovely husband, "Q" and currently take care of a 7 year old Oldenburg horse named Rudy. I have been making little bits and pieces out of felt for family and only recently decided to open a shop on Etsy. When I'm not crafting I love motoring in my Mini Cooper and my husband and I keep busy traveling, cooking, rock climbing, going to concerts, and collecting vinyl records. I enjoy black and white film photography, vintage Pyrex, and all things handmade.

Store:

Etsy Buy Handmade QuintessentialQuirks

Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade QuintessentialQuirks

Featured Seller: LovelandShadeTree

Check out this Mother and Daughter Team!!

Artist Bio:
"We are compulsory creators, whether we like it or not we are always creating, building, brainstorming something new. With our jewelry we make it a point to create unique beautiful things that we love and hope you'll love to. As thrifty women we also strive to give you the best value we can.

Marion and Jess @ ShadeTree Studio

Their Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade LovelandShadeTree

Their Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade LovelandShadeTree

Featured Seller: Teal Stripes

WOW this is a NEAT shop!!! Check it out!!

Artist Bio:
I am an artist selling handmade notebooks, sketchbooks, and one-of-a-kind pins. My work is derived from a variety of sources, such as my imagination, drawings, paintings, and even stamps from my Dad's stamp collection (of course I only use copies of stamps that he already has, but I love being able to share this collection with others). I love that I can create something and spread it out into the world for others to enjoy! If my items bring a little bit of joy to someone's day, that makes me very happy.

TealStripes Shop:

Etsy Buy Handmade TealStripes

Teal Stripes Favorites:

Etsy Buy Handmade TealStripes

New Favorites to Purdy Things

Notice a pattern?? Damask and Red.... hmmmmmm these are just recent finds!! Lets see what else I can find!

Etsy Buy Handmade PurdyThings

WELCOME!!

Welcome to Purdy Things Found On Etsy!! I LOVE Etsy, and I LOVE buying handmade! So like many others I will blog about my adventures on Etsy, and what I find along the way! Please enjoy!

OH! I also have a shop on Etsy, called Purdy Things.

Here is my Etsy Shop and patterns for these are coming SOON!

Who do you want to see featured??? Let me know!

Etsy Buy Handmade PurdyThings