A soap maker's commitment to chemical-free purity.

I recommend that you read Jackie's post about her commitment to chemical-free soap. She has several important personal revelations regarding soap/chemicals and I respect her decision to remain chemical-free even though I sure it increases her costs.

2 Virgos Designs blog - soap maker extraordinaire

PS Her Knights Templar soap smells so nice and it makes my whole master bathroom smell wonderful. It's so pretty I'm careful about using the front painted area so that it remains pretty longer. ;o)

Great Etsy Shops

This is an update I've been wanting to post all week but I also wanted to make sure I had the time to write it properly. I met Amber of Amber Dawn Accessories while at the Yale Street Market last Saturday. She's a vibrant young woman working towards her Master's Degree and creating jewelry on the side. She and I spoke at length and she asked if I would be willing to met with her later that week so that she could seek advice on running a jewelry business.

I was flattered and excited to share the knowledge I've gain with another artist. We met at Starbuck's (of course!) a few days later and talked for over 2 hours! Amber has beautiful designs and she's a real go-getter! I believe she's going to be successful in whatever field she chooses to work in. Not just because she's talented but because she has a plan of attack and is committed to her goals. That's a rare trait in most people, I'm sorry to say.

Amber also told me something flattering and a bit disturbing. She wanted to speak with me further because I was the only vendor from approx 50+ that took the time to engage with her and really sell my product in a positive manner. Amber said that the other vendors weren't really engaging anyone much at all let alone being so positive and upbeat. (No hardselling though, ick!) How sad that other sellers weren't taking the time for whatever reason to express their passion for their work. Why bother trying to sell your art at all if you're not going to be engaging your customers. Customers are the financial life blood of the economy and everyone is a customer!

She also told me that my items were far more beautiful and unique in person than online; not because my pictures aren't good enough but because real life offers a vibrancy that computers can't. That sealed the deal for me. I'll be continuing craft fairs as time permits; I'm hoping about 6 a year right now. Selling in person it the best way to go but you've got to learn how to sell people- in a good way- since they're not just buying your product they're buying you ( in a not creepy, prostitute sort of way).

Check out Amber's shop. While she only has a few things listed she excels at custom orders and has a flickr link in her shop for her past work.

Great Etsy Shops

This feature is long over due! My friend has a totally adorable, unique shop called Mystery Petz. Remember pet rocks? Well, these are similar but even cuter and customizable! Each Pet comes with the poem below and they come in small, medium and large with lots of cute animal choices. You should really check out her shop!







An egg was laid, but what's inside?
We do not know for within it hides.

But wait! What's that I see?
There's a crack...
now two, now three!

Then all at once I see them there,
two little eyes - at me they stare.

Tell me,
what lies inside that shell so white?
Does it walk on all fours?
Could it take flight?

The answer lies not in the eyes,
but in the rear it becomes quite clear.

Great Etsy Shops

Looking for jewelry that's off the beaten path? Then visit CarmenBee of Etsy. She offers beautiful custom necklaces and scarves; all of with are crocheted! She loves custom work and will work to make something that you love! Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Elenora Marchi of Etsy may have a small shop but it's full of big ideas! Her Thai relaxing pants are unique and made from high quality materials. She also creates beautiful clutch purses and jewelry: like the pearl ring pictured. Elenora lives in Florence, Italy where I'm sure she is inspired by the local atmosphere daily! She's studied at University for being costume designer and is also a painter and love creating dresses and accessories! Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

I have been knitting and quilting since my grandmother taught me at a very young age. The smell of fabric lined on the shelves, the touch of new yarn. Intoxicating!! They are my passion. Cottage Knits may have a small shop but displays big talent! I love the elegant black scarf and she knits the most adorable baby booties! Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Burgandy lives in Seattle and is currently rebuilding a schooner with her family. Her etsy shop is her fund towards their future adventures! She has many gorgeous pieces of jewelry and peyote cuffs (such as the purple one pictured). The filigree and glass necklace pictured here immediately caught my eye. She has many other beautiful items and you should check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Fuzzington strives to bring a bit of whimsy into the world and smiles to people's faces. She has some of the cutest little animals made from pipecleaners and polymer clay! Look at the adorable kitty cat and red dog above. You should check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

SPUNKbyCM strives to create & craft jewelry for eclectic souls. Materials are carefully & meticulously chosen to complement CM's theory, thus, creating individual pieces. These are her own words for her shop and I find I cannot state it better. She has a variety of beautiful, uncomplicated designs of jewelry, cell phone charms and gift tags. Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Sharon of Magnolia Blossom Art has an eclectic shop filled with jewelry, notecards, pouches, totes and more! She's a wonderful artist and customer as well! She featured me awhile back during one of her blog giveaways and I was impressed with her personally and well as professionally. You should check out her shop and her blog for her Fabulous Friday Giveaways!

Great Etsy Shops

These are some great glass art magnets and unique greeting cards from Teresekam. She offers some beautiful art in practical forms, all beautiful and interesting! You should check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

If you're looking for something unusual at Etsy then you should go to Mshalston's shop. Listed in her shop are her original books (her Charlie Lester novel is award winning!) and her texted based artwork such as the ice cream aceo card to the left. She has something truly unique items and you should check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Here's another great shop from etsy! She loves to quilt and embroider; her shop Little Worm offers her beautiful hand sewn items. She has decorative items as well as practical ones and they all are made from colorful cloth and unique designs! Pictured are a bowl and a notebook cover. Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Here's another great shop from Etsy! MiscBeads has some beautiful stringing work and offers a variety of necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She has more patience for stringing than I do! She also offers unique vintage folk art; the above was painted by her grandfather many years ago! She hasn't had any sales yet so stop by check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

I love Aloquin's use of abstract color in Valentine City aceo and then she uses tonal variations of gray in her Lonely Mermaid print. Look closely, don't you wonder why the mermaid is so lonely? The grays make it a somber but striking piece. Check out her shop!

I love the scent of lavender and SewFragrant makes really lovely sachets and stuffed animals with the wonderful scent of lavender. She offers numerous other ways to enjoy and relax with lavender. Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Those candy hearts on the her headband just make you want to eat her up she's so cute!
ChloeBellaStudio makes the most adorable, hip hair accessories for young teens and girls. You should stop by for a visit. Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Can you say wow! Very eye catching colors, especially the rosary. Good thing I'm catholic! LOL! Check out Monique's shop Light the Darkness for more great jewelry and rosaries. She has some cool colors and designs, you're sure to find something you like there.

Great Etsy Shops

Have you ever wondered want to do with those left over items that you just can't throw away? Well, visit Ingrid's shop Creations by Ingrid and I'm sure she can find an interesting way to recycle your items into a unique and useful item. What if you don't have any items to recycle? Well, Ingrid has got lots of great things to buy in stock! Check out her shop!

Great Etsy Shops

Pat of Glad Raggz created these beautiful items. I love the inner glow of the glass earrings and the crocheted evening bag is very unique. I love the mint green and the beaded accents. Pat's shop doesn't have any sales yet so you could be the first to help out a fellow artisan! Check out her shop!