{sweeter than me}

Winner: Laura Walls Taylor Giveaway

2009-07-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

We have a winner for the Laura Walls Taylor Giveaway! There were 93 comments and a total of 148 entries. Wow! The winning entry, chosen by random.org's random number generator is #44, which belongs to...

Linna!!

Linna really liked the Rose Stem Swizzle Sticks. Congratulations Linna, you've won your choice of an owl bud vase or ducky mug from Laura Walls Taylor! Thank you so much to everyone else who entered.

By the way, if you're wondering why there was no giveaway last week... it's because I was so dang busy! I had planned to do my monthly giveaway that day and give away a piece from my shop rather than a giveaway sponsored by another seller, but since I got so busy I never got around to posting it. Guess it's a good thing I didn't have someone scheduled for that day. I might still try to post this month's giveaway, but the scheduled is pretty booked now that I've missed my window so it might have to wait until next month. But don't worry, I've got some really great sponsored giveaways coming up, including one tomorrow! Don't miss it :)

Summer Fashions: The Summer Dress

2009-07-14T02:00:00.000-07:00

1. Liah Dress $148.00 by LuciaApparel
2. Marilyn Dress $58.00 by Ureshii
3. Fever Shirred Empire Dress $68.00 from Nordstrom
4. Colorblock Strapless Dress $15.80 from Forever21
5. Embroidered hem dress $79.50 from Gap
6. Turquoise puff dress $40.00 by janeyclothing
7. Mod Marigold Dress $62.00 by DanielleDIY
8. Golden Poppy Tunic/Dress $30.00 by MoxieMadness
9. Kimchi Blue '80s Floral Strapless Dress $58.00 from Urban Outfitters

Around the World: China

2009-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Artist: Zeng

Location: China

Shop: zeng.etsy.com

Can you describe to someone who's never been to China what it's like to create your art there?

I’m a professional designer and illustrator in China. I’m doing some design work for Chinese companies in order to support myself. If I am just an artist in China, it would be difficult to support myself. In China people like Chinese style art. Chinese people do not like surrealistic art such as mine. I majored in home product design, such as beds, chairs, storage and everything about our homes. Art work sold on my Etsy shop and drawing are just my hobbies. When I get tired of design work, I will do my other art work. I will have a rest and enjoy them.

How do your surroundings inspire or influence your work?

The main tool I use is software such as Photoshop CS, Paint, Cinema 4 D and ink. I also take some photos with my cameras. When I have time, I watch Disney movies and look through my favorite art and design books for inspiration.

If you could modify your existing studio into your dream studio, what would you change?

I want to develop my own website. Then sell home products which is designed by myself and my art work. Now I’m working together with my friends to do home product design. Then search for factories and put our design into products.

Anything else you would like to add about being an artist in China...

I hope all of my friends will love my art work and use them to decorate their home. But until today no one do that, my friends only use Chinese style art to decorate their home.

Be {inspired}

2009-07-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

1. save me
2. Tiger / Harimau
3. Gizmo
4. Stay away from me weirdo !!
5. iguana "Green Iguana"
6. Malaysian Lacewing
7. Our more and more frequent guest ...
8. The Royal Sheep - Rhönschaf
9. What does the future hold?
10. Azulejo
11. Baby elephant Impunga ...
12. Lula
13. I love my mommy

Fresh Finds & Favorites

2009-07-10T13:00:00.000-07:00

Fresh Finds

1. Middle C - Fine Art Print $18.00 by olivetti
2. Personalized Postcard Pillow $32.00 by Olive
3. Lost Dreams $30.00 by Lampreia
4. Brown Linen Fiji Dress $150.00 by modaspia
5. Brown Sugar Lip Balm $3.50 by FlourishBathBody
6. Reversible Bird Bag $52.00 by retrofied
7. Wheel Thrown Pottery Pencil Pot $16.00 by StudioElan
8. Waiting for the Wind 8x8 $30.00 by bomobob
9. Smokey Quartz Bracelet $55.00 by birdsandthebeads
10. Vintage Cashflow 8x10 $20.00 by briefmoments
11. Would You Love Me Ring Dish $55.00 by BlockPartyPress
12. Waterfall of Tears necklace $39.00 by stellaandlux
13. Gold Foil Bag $38.00 by BirdTrouble

Favorite Shop

I have become slightly infatuated with madebysam lately. Obviously a jewelry lover, I am especially enamored with sparkly, delicious faceted gems. Madebysam's designs look effortlessly beautiful and give me the urge to buy up the whole shop. Take a look for yourself, I'm sure you'll agree.

Undiscovered

2009-07-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. Pretty Parrot Clutch $65.00 by Portemone
2. Beautiful Post Card Pendant $14.00 by ArtfulGoodies
3. Original Encaustic Painting $49.00 by susannajarian
4. Two Hand Painted Ceramic Pots $12.00 by MonkeyJunkieGoods
5. Organic Blue Bird Purse $13.50 by LittleMaryMoo
6. 3 Tier Swarovski Crystal Earrings $23.00 by shacara
7. Chrysoprase Necklace $40.00 by erinjanedesigns
8. As you Like It. Convertible Cowl $76.00 by KnotOriginal
9. Pleated Handbag, Birds in Treetops $45.00 by FlirtBagas

Winner: rikrak Giveaway!

2009-07-09T08:16:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the rikrak Giveaway! There were 109 comments and a whopping 191 total entries! Our winning number, selected by random.org's random number generator, is #123 which belongs to...

Deb aka dspdavey

Deb loves the blueberry creamsicle bib. Congratulations Deb, you've won a choose your own eco-wallet from rikrak! And thanks so much to everyone else who entered! Don't forget to enter my Laura Walls Taylor giveaway as well.

Summer Fashions: The Classic Retro One Piece

2009-07-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. Vintage Inspired Swimsuit $110.00 by ladramaqueen
2. Tuxedo Swimsuit $89.98 by Stepankalicious
3. Juicy Couture Shirred Halter $173.0 from Nordstrom
4. Lorelei Halter $268.00 from Anthropologie
5. Red Retro Halter Swimsuit $62.00 by TheRedDolly
6. Retro Sailor Swimsuit $124.99 from ModCloth
7. Bathing Beauty Retro Swimsuit $89.99 from ModCloth
8. Vintage Inspired Marilyn Swimsuit $110.00 by ladramaqueen
9. Classic One Piece Swimsuit $70.00 from Dillinger Ink

Busy!

2009-07-07T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy couple of days with my huge July Sale (which is still going on, by the way) and I have a studio overrun with orders to be filled and shipped! I am almost done packing up a large majority of them to go out this afternoon. Orders are, as always, my number one priority. I will do my best to get to today's scheduled post later this evening... and don't worry, the rikrak giveaway winner is coming soon, promise! Thanks so much for your understanding <3

Customer Appreciation

2009-07-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

In my almost 2 years on Etsy I have encountered some of the most wonderful people I've met in my life. Though there are always some challenges and frustrating situations, the positive experiences outweigh the negatives without competition. In over 1,000 transactions I have yet to receive a negative feedback and each time I read a comment from one of my customers I smile. Every now and again I am lucky enough to see one of my pieces in action, "out in the world" if you will. Here is an adorable customer appreciation photo I received this past week -

That's my Secret Garden necklace, modeled by the lovely StaceyGynn! Thank you so much Stacey, it was a pleasure to see you enjoying your new necklace :)

I would absolutely love to see more photos like this from other customers. Please share your photos with me! You can email them to kristinfriesen@gmail.com. If you have an Etsy shop, like Stacey, I will post a link to your shop with your photo. Or, if you need some alternate motivation I will gladly offer $5 off coupons to my shop for every photo I receive.

♥

Reminder: rikrak Giveaway

2009-07-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Reminder:

Today is the last day to enter my rikrak giveaway!

You could win a handmade eco-wallet in your choice of fabric!

Go {HERE} to enter!

Around the World: Alaska, USA

2009-07-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Artist: Vicki

Location: Chugiak, Alaska, USA (near Anchorage)
Shop: Orion Designs

Can you describe to someone who's never been to Alaska what it's like to create your art there?

Creating art in Alaska can be very distracting indeed. The studio area of my home is full of windows and we are nestled in the woods. Each season brings me an ever-changing view and the occasional wandering moose.

How do your surroundings inspire or influence your work?

Lately, my designs have become more organic and less structured. I guess that can be attributed somewhat to my natural surroundings. But I think it's probably more attributable to my growth as an artist and an increasing confidence in my abilities.

If you could modify your existing studio into your dream studio, what would you change?

My existing work area is an integral part of my house -- it's not even a separate room. I love that. It's been a very economical way for me to run my business, which I've been doing for over 12 years. The only change I would like is for it to be a lot bigger!

Anything else you would like to add about being an artist in Alaska...

Artists in Alaska are fortunate to live in a place with such a loyal customer base. Because we are so isolated from the rest of the country, there is a extraordinary level of camaraderie between artists and the purchasing public. In addition to being a jewelry designer, I've been producing arts & crafts shows in Alaska (www.badgirlsofthenorth.com) since 1998. Our shows are juried and are among the finest in the state. We have an incredibly huge following. Many customers have told us that they do ALL of their holiday shopping at our shows in the fall. It is so satisfying to have such a substantial impact on the lives of our fellow Alaskans -- shoppers and artist alike.

Be {inspired}

2009-07-05T10:34:00.000-07:00

1. Vintage Trinket Boxes

2. vintage Hankie Holder

3. My Secret Stack Of Vintage Ladybird Books!

4. Vintage Holiday

5. Vintage tree toppers

6. Recent Shabby Finds

7. the board game for businessmen?

8. Smeg

9. My Vintage Little RV Travel Trailer Shasta 1963

10. Vintage Vanity

11. Vintage Cowboy Boots

12. Vintage TV- and Radio-Shop

13. our vintage seashore bath on a sunny day!

FOURTH OF JULY SALE!!

2009-07-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

4th of July SALE!!

~ FREE worldwide shipping!!

~ Buy one get the 2nd HALF OFF!!

~ Buy two get the 3rd FREE!!

{START SHOPPING}

1. Fireworks $15.00 by peggyhodge
2. Happy 4th of July $10.00 by mostthankful
3. Blue Skies $20.00 by ablaze
4. Golden Fireworks $15.00 by capow

Fresh Finds & Favorites

2009-07-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

Fresh Finds

1. Crepuscule Bracelet $225.00 by elainehaydonjewelry
2. Reversible Bird Bag $52.00 by retrofied
3. strapless yellow romper $39.99 by persephonevintage
4. teatime in the garden lace necklace $27.00 by whiteowl
5. Moroccan Mustard Vintage Button Pin $28.00 by calloohcallay
6. Saffron Glow Earrings $32.00 by ShopClementime
7. leather zipper pouch - school bus yellow $20.00 by renneslechateau
8. African Landscape Mosaic $475.00 by glassshack
9. Winter Sunset Note Card Set $8.00 by thingsthataremade
10. Honey Dijon Cowl $55.00 by phydeaux
11. Tall Pouch - Owl on Brown Linen $18.00 by TrackandFieldDesigns
12. Orange and Brown Vintage Fabric Tote $70.00 by Pouch
13. Eco Friendly Wallet Yellow Vintage Fabric $10.00 by thegreenlizard
14. Wind Power Hand Printed Throw Pillow $23.00 by DwellinStyle
15. Gaggle of Geese Votive Candle $4.50 by Olive
16. Foot Down 4x6 $10.00 by jonmadison

Favorite Shop

My Favorite new shop this week is Flight Path Designs.

Check out their gorgeous handmade leather designs!

Undiscovered: soundslikerain

2009-07-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

Name: Kay Hulbert
Shop Name: soundslikerain photography
Location: Somerset, England, UK
Website: soundslikerain.com
Blog: soundslikerainphotography.blogspot.com

What is your craft and how did it come into your life?

I became a photographer by chance. Back in 2005 an old friend of mine was looking for someone to go out and take photos with. I happened to stumble upon a cheap digital camera a few days later and soon discovered my love for photography.

When you’re not creating, what do you do?

I’m thinking up new concepts for photos, new places to go, listening to music, making random scribbles, doodles and playing video games!

What motivates you?

Nothing makes me happier than to find an awesome photo on my camera, so I figure the more I shoot, the more photographs I’ll have to be proud of.

Name some of your favorite Etsy shops.

futurowoman, equivoque, neile, charlieccbb, ohmydeerlove, AlwaysAmy are just a few of the shops I visit on a daily basis!

What achievements are you most proud of?

My first print sale was pretty amazing; to think that someone wanted my art on their wall was such a great feeling! Other than that all of the blog features I’ve been lucky to have.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d do anything to go back to Venice with my Nikon D50. I visited a couple of years ago but only had my old Fujifilm camera. I’d love to get some real print worthy photographs.

Name three things you MUST do before you die.

Go on a long road trip
go paragliding
stay in a stupidly expensive hotel overnight

What is your favorite part about what you do?

When someone compliments my photos, especially my family. I’ve made packs of cards for family members in the past and they always love sending them to people!

What should we expect from you in the future?

I’ve just got my paws on an old Kodak Brownie and am trying some TTV photography so hopefully they’ll be some prints available in my shop very soon!

Weekly Giveaway: Laura Walls Taylor

2009-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:00

This week's giveaway is from the very talented Laura Walls Taylor. I have been an admirer of Laura's shop for quite some time. I love the cute little critters and simple designs she uses in her work. Any of her pieces would make wonderful gifts for a wide variety of people and occasions such as mother's day, bridal/baby shower, birthdays, weddings, or just because! I sure wouldn't mind getting a just because gift from Laura Walls Taylor! Here are just a few of her gorgeous pieces -

Laura is offering one lucky winner their choice of two lovely prizes - A rubber ducky demitasse mug or an owl candlestick/bud vase. A tough decision, both are lovely!

Contest Rules

1. Visit laurawallstaylor, return here and leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is. Remember to leave your name and email or Etsy username so I can contact you if you win. Very important!

2. For extra entires you can tweet or facebook this giveaway (+3), blog this giveaway (+5) or purchase from laurawallstaylor (+10). Let me know in your comment and I will calculate your additional entries. Additional entries can only be earned once.

NOTE: Please leave only one comment, there's no need to leave separate comments for additional entries.

Contest Ends Monday July 13th at 9 pm Pacific/12 am Eastern. Winner will be randomly selected using random.org's random number generator and will be announced Tuesday morning July 14th.

Winner: Get Ready, Set, Go Giveaway

2009-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

We have a winner for the Get Ready, Set, Go Giveaway! There were 81 comments and 197 total entries, wow! Our winning number, selected by random.org's random number generator, is #171 which belongs to...

Rachel of Stuff For People

Rachel loves the white train case with dandelions and seedlings. Congratulations Rachel, you've won a $30 gift certificate to Get Ready, Set, Go! And thanks so much to everyone else who entered! Don't forget to enter my rikrak giveaway as well, and stay tuned for a new weekly giveaway posted later today.

Summer Fashions: The Gladiator Sandal

2009-06-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

1. Kimchi Blue Herringbone Gladiator Sandal from Urban Outfitters
2. Spartacus Sandals from Mod Cloth
3. Mossimo Pauline Gladiator Sandal from Target
4. Aquaculture Sandals from Anthropologie
5. Tera Gladiator Sandals from Forever21
6. Maria Gladiator Sandal from Payless
7. Metallic Gladiator Sandals from Old Navy
8. Studded Gladiator Sandal from American Eagle
9. Elizabeth and James 'Edge' Gladiator Sandal from Nordstrom

Reminder: Get Ready, Set, Go Giveaway!

2009-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:00

Reminder:

Today is the last day to enter the Get Ready, Set, Go Giveaway!!

You could win a $30 gift certificate to Get Ready, Set, Go!

ENTER HERE

Around the World: Chile

2009-06-29T03:00:00.000-07:00

Artist: Moira
Location: Santiago, Chile
Shop: Cronopia6

Can you describe to someone who's never been to Chile what it's like to create your art there?

For me, creating in Chile I would say it is difficult but wonderful at the same time. It's difficult because the handmade movement is just beginning and people do not know this new design plush. But it is so wonderful, everything here is new and there is still a world to discover. My job is getting very popular and every time I have more orders in my city.

How do your surroundings inspire or influence your work?

There is a lot of color and artists who work with passion and courage to use it. I'm always attentive to the new proposals and the design styles and handmade movements. Internet has been a great ally to much of my creative process.

If you could modify your existing studio into your dream studio, what would you change?

If I could change my study, I'd like it a lot bigger! :) Mine is nice but recently has become very small. It would be fascinating to look through the window at the beach or the Andes. It would be great to have a separate space for my work in plush and new paintings that I am starting.

The Daily Read

2009-06-29T01:00:00.000-07:00

Many of my articles have evolved slightly over the past few weeks. I've also noticed a lot of new followers so I figured now would be a good time to give a little overview of what goes on here at the {sweeter than me} blog.

A little bit about me...

My name is Kristin Friesen. I am 23, married to a wonderful man named Justin and together we have a 2 year old son named Jack. I am a full time work at home mom. I run my handmade jewelry business, {sweeter than me} designs, from my home office while juggling cooking, cleaning, running errands, and entertaining a very active toddler (forget maintaining a social life). Everything about my "job" is self-taught. I am not a professional writer, I have never taken a jewelry making class, and I certainly haven't had any formal training in motherhood. I originally started this blog to promote my business, but quickly realized there is much more to blogging than shameless self promotion (though I do still throw in a little of that now and again). I have come to love writing this blog and see it as a wonderful opportunity to express and share myself with you.

(that's me!)

Regularly Scheduled Features...

Monday - Around the World

This weekly series features brief interviews with artists from countries all over the world. It started with countries outside the US, but I am now beginning to add artists from various US states. The interview provides insight on what it's like to create in that part of the world and includes photos of the artist, their work, their art studio, etc.

Tuesday - Summer Fashions

This is a brand new series which will be making it's debut tomorrow! It will feature different pieces of clothing and accessories perfect for summer. I plan to evolve the series into "Autumn Fashions" later in the year, and so on for winter. This series will include some handmade items found on Etsy, and some conventional items from my favorite retailers. Because it's brand new, it will still be in a trial state for a few weeks and may evolve slightly as time goes on.

Wednesday - Weekly Giveaway

A new giveaway each week! Etsy artist are hand selected by myself to participate in this weekly series. Every Wednesday a new giveaway will be posted with a new artist. Entering is easy, just leave a comment on the giveaway page and your name goes into the drawing. Contests run for about two weeks.

Thursday - Undiscovered

This series includes items and shops I find on Etsy which I feel have yet to be "discovered". This could be because they only have a few sales or because they've just recently opened up shop. I love sharing my undiscovered finds with you because it's a chance to give these great new shops some exposure. My hope is that each week you'll discover something new!

Friday - Fresh Finds & Favorites

This series includes a collection of items I've found on Etsy. Items from shops new and old, obscure, successful, and otherwise. Anything I find that I love and just must share with you. I also include a favorite shop (or sometimes two). My favorite of all time, favorite of the week, or just favorite of the moment.

Saturday - Saturday Fifteen

The one series that revolves around me! Each week I offer an exclusive discount to my shop, just for my readers. The special is 15% off and it applies to different items each week. Readers must mention the Saturday Fifteen during checkout in my shop to receive the special discount (that's what makes it secret, of course) and you've got to read each week to find out what the special is!

Sunday - Be {inspired}

A collection of photos (usually from Flickr) which I find inspiring. They may be bold, soft, exciting, romantic, surreal, or whatever mood I'm in. I hope they will inspire you to create something, try something new, or just be yourself.

Remember, I'm always accepting submissions!

Want to sponsor a giveaway?

Found a cool shop or item you think would be perfect for one of my features?

Got a great idea for something new?

Share it with me! I love hearing from readers!

email - kristinfriesen@gmail.com

Be {inspired}

2009-06-28T02:00:00.000-07:00

1. I have too much ribbon.

2. summertime*colors....

3. Vintage Thread

4. Di che colore sei? (What kind of color are you?)

5. Kawaii Cute Japanese Teeny Tiny Fruit Slices

6. Sunday stash # fifteen

7. Mr. Sketch markers

8. Milky Dark Peridot Rounds

9. One can only gaze in awe....

10. Crayons

11. Champagne Flower Edge Lace

12. Button, button, who's got the button?

13. blue hues

Saturday Fifteen: Clearance

2009-06-27T01:00:00.000-07:00

Yep, that's right!

Take an additional 15% off of my already 40% off clearance items!

Today only!

Remember to mention the Saturday Fifteen in the "message to seller" box during checkout so I know to give you the discount. Use the link above the photo to view all eligible items. Your discount will appear as an instant refund via PayPal. Feel free to contact me with any questions, concerns, or special request.

Fresh Finds & Favorites

2009-06-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Fresh Finds

1. In Touch Clutch (tm) in Wallflower Greens, $25.00 by downstairsDesigns
2. YELLOW POLKA DOTS, $74.00 by dearpony
3. SALE Spring dress in yellow green and red, $60.00 by Flutterbydaisy
4. The Scent of Green Mini Edition Pillow / Cushion Cover, $28.00 by UmberDove

Favorite Shops

atelierBB

PrinceDesignUK

These two tied for my favorite this week. I recently discovered atelierBB and was instantly drawn to the bright, bold color combinations (you know how I love bright colors) and the beautiful textures. I've been a fan of PrinceDesignUK for a while now and I also love their textures and the birds. I've been wanting a dish of some sort for my bathroom counter so I have somewhere to set my jewelry when I take it off in there and I'm having a hard time deciding where to get one from. I've narrowed it down to these two... now to pick a dish.