From an Etsy Friend

Sue, of Maddy & Me Designs, was my designated gift giver in the Bittersweeets First Annual Winter Sweet Swap. She made this gorgeous wreath, which I plan to hang in my studio, but am enjoying in my kitchen right now. Ever the ecological gal, Sue uses scraps from her beautiful felted handbags and other goodies, to make wreaths of all sizes. I love the year-round colorfulness of it, and it will always remind me of the great friends that I've made on Etsy.

She also included this sweet little felted bird's nest with two little eggs. According to her card, tradition says that a nest in your Christmas tree brings health and good luck in the new year, and the wreath brings warmth and cheer to all those who enter your home.

That just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, just like Sue's warm and fuzzy handbags!

Meeting an Etsy Friend

That's me on the left, and Sarah, who runs the fabulous A Fine Distraction, on the right. We met yesterday for the first time in person. We've been chatting in the Etsy forum for over a year now (we're part of the Bittersweeets One a Day Challenge). I, of course, knew she was a fellow Georgian, but hadn't done the map math and it turns out we only live about 35 miles apart.

I could have titled this Road Trip: Sugar Hill, but meeting an Etsy friend is so much fun! I felt like we already really, REALLY knew each other, so the in person part was just a formality. Her neighborhood was hosting an Arts & Crafts event, so I took advantage of the perfect for a Sunday drive weather, and headed northeast to see her.

I even got to meet her little girls and her husband, and they are such a nice family. I'm quite certain it will not be another year before I see her again!

One a Day Challenge Anniversary Sale

How fast a year goes by! It's the one year anniversary of a group I belong to on Etsy that calls themselves the Challengettes. So sit down in your favorite chair with your cozy quilt and check it out!

I'm offering 20% off everything in the Down the Street shop. In Elle Quilts, if you buy 1 item it is 10% off, 2 items is 15% off, and 3 or more items are 20% off.

Chrissy of Bittersweeets got us going last year on April 16 with the challenge to list one item every day for a month. Well, everything just clicked and we didn't want it to end, so here we are one year later. Have we all kept up that grueling pace? Not really, but we do what we can, have become great friends, and support each other through all the trials and tribulations that life throws at us, happy or sad.

We are almost all participating, so if you scroll down to the One a Day Challenge member list in the left side panel you will find links to all our shops. Or simply search dailychallenge. Check them out!

March Madness

It's March and time for the madness to begin. And no, I don't mean basketball. I mean it's time for a sale. If you don't read any farther than this, by clicking on the pictures or shop names, you will enter that fabulous shop and the great world of Etsy.

I'm having a sale in both of my shops, Down the Street Creations and Elle Quilts, and basically the sale is the same for both. I'm offering 15% off of everything in each shop. A bonus of free shipping anywhere in the world if you spend more than $10.00. So, for all those destash items, and low cost buttons, buy more and get free shipping! What a deal! The prices are not marked down, but I will refund through paypal, or send a revised invoice if you don't pay right away.

Dogs Saying Take My Picture Wall Hanging Quilt by Down the Street

Red Textured Vintage Buttons at Elle Quilts

Some of my friends have gone mad, too. Check out Once Upon a Rock, jewelry made by fellow Challengette Jessica. Her style might be called quirky romance and you'll find beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets. The prices are already marked down 10 to 20% so there is no refund or waiting for an invoice. Shop away!

Invitation -- pearl and lapis lazuli earrings by Once Upon a Rock

You'll also want to visit my friend and fellow Challengette Kristin's shop, Kristria Designs. In her own words, she considers her style "unique and earthy" and I would have to add amazing! Her sale is the same as mine (though I have to confess I got the idea from her), 15% off everything in her shop. Prices are not marked down and she, too, will refund via paypal.

Sunshine in Copper earthy copper necklace by Kristria Designs

Finally, I want to introduce you to my newest friend and fellow member of the Etsy Quiltsy Team. It's Beth, the creator behind Berry Blue Creations. Beth makes one of a kind bags, pillows and cloth art dolls, often recycling fabric from a previous use. When you visit Berry Blue, make sure to read Beth's bio page and learn more about this fascinating artist. For Beth's March sale, celebrating her one year Etsy-versary, everything in her shop is $10! Shipping to all U.S. locations is $3, and if you spend more than $20 you will get a free item as well. Make sure you read her shop announcement carefully to take advantage of that offer.

Meet Lenny Lizard who used to be a Victoria's Secret robe! by Berry Blue Creations