Chasing the dragonfly of creativity through nature and fantasy

Saturday, August 6, 2011

BESTeam Store Review: Sandy's Handmade Soaps and Things

Sandy of Sandy's Handmade Soaps and Things is a gal after my own heart. A self-taught crafter who is willing to try different crafts just because they catch her magpie's eye. On the other side of the continent from me, she has lived in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Connecticut (lucky gal, you get to autumn with those amazingly colorful fall-colored leaves...my FAVORITE time of year!). She pet sits during the 9 to 5 grind and when she isn't doing that, Sandy makes cold processed and melt and pour soaps and indulges in knitting and jewelry making on the side.

I'm going to take a wild guess and say she likes Harry Potter,

having fun

and again, the knitting (these things always peek out as our art reflects life). Hence, this shop should be checked out by at the very least, all Harry Potter fans, fans of owls, knitters and summer fun-themed people...especially before we lose our warm summer nights to those autumn chills and riotous colors on the trees.

Unless, of course, you are in sunny, Southern California and still have to contend with Indian Summer in September. That gives us more time to shop for summer goodies!

Etsy Shop: http://sandyvern.etsy.com
Blog: http://theadventuresofsandyvern.blogspot.com

Sandy and I are members of a great Etsy shop owner's support team called BESTeam (Boosting Etsy Shops Team). We support each other's Etsy shops with intense social networking and promotion of each other on our Facebook, Twitter and Blog 'sites. Want an article written about YOUR shop each and every week? Want to write about others and support their creative efforts, thus Paying it Forward? Then get on over to the team page, visit the team blog or forum and see if you can keep up with us. If you are the BEST, we want you on our team!

Friday, August 5, 2011

BESTeam Store Review: Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna

Charm Bracelet Handmade with Ocean Theme and Real Seashells by Gilliauna

Of all my team member's shops I have reviewed, Bits n' Beads by Gilliauna is by far the most prolific. With a whopping 677 sales under her belt in less than TWO YEARS, I want to know her secret! It's proof that her customers love her and spread the word about her quality and customer service. Her Etsy store is your one-stop shop for all things jewelry-like - Necklaces, Chokers, Bracelets, Earrings, Charms, Badge Lanyards, Beaded Bookmarks, Rosaries, Rings and more. She has a large variety of items in each category and will do custom orders, so you will never have to look elsewhere for someone more accommodating when you need to get something to match that favorite color or style in your wardrobe.