We're Road Trippin!

I thought it would be fun to explore our team geographically, so we are going on a road trip.  Each month I'll explore the shops in a different region of the state.  We are going to start at home base, my home, and explore Etsy shops here on the Central Coast. 

I'm always amazed by the talent here in my own area.  I'm happy to showcase that talent for you.  These artists are from Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, San Luis Obispo, Santa Ynez, and Santa Maria.

Gentle Flowers Baby Balm from GwendolynEvaRose



Bamboo Roving by SilverSunAlpacas



Bulls Eye Ring by leandogpottery

Embroidered Tea Towel by peggradyart

Felted Soaps by PoppySoapCompany

Growing Pink print by cineloh

IPurse in Amy Butler Fabric by handcraftedbooks

Morro Rock Handmade Card from UniquelyYoursStudio



Shimmer Swimmer from studiomusings



Teal Vinyl Wallet by mpwallets

Tree of Life from maggiepickering

Vinyl Record Cuff by leasha1824

Infinity Eternity Ring by SeaBabeJewelry

Next month, we'll head north and see what we can find!

Cheers!
Amber Long
This Little Bird

A Spooky Happy Birthday to Mr. Edgar Allen Poe

Contributed by Melissa Kojima Artist in LA LA Land

Yes, in 1809 on January, Edgar Allan Poe was born.  He was one of the Victorian Era's best horror writers, although not appreciated during his time.  His work is still an inspiration today and he's associated with ravens, the macabre and all things wonderfully spooky.  You can find many wonderful Etsy items to help you celebrate the master of blood and mystery, including the ones below from the California Etsians.

Wood Pendant

Red Mask

Raven Art Print

Happy Chinese New Year

Contributed by Melissa Kojima Artist in LA LA Land

Today is the celebration of the Chinese New Year.  So HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  This year is the year of the dragon.  It is suppose to be a lucky and magical year.  Below are some Chinese New Years dragons created by Californian Etsians.

Antique Brass Dragon Earrings

Men's Dragon Talisman Green and Silver Necklace

Limited Edition Illustration---My Dragon Friend

Plush Dragon Ebenrude

Bowser Nintendo Cross Stitch Handkerchief

Dragon Amulet Necklace

Happy Birthday Libra!

Born September 23 thru October 22 Libra, represented by the scales of justice, is the only inanimate sign of the zodiac. Just like a set of scales they tend to try and balance everything nicely and are always promoting good will and friendship. Sterling Silver Balance Charm & Aquamarine Necklace by SandySimone Friendship Card Set Butterfly by QuirkynBerkeley More often than not, Libras tend to be highly imaginative, pleasant, courteous, creative and elegant individual. Fashionable and trendy, Librans like to spend lavishly on new clothes, shoes, jewelery and perfumes. Snake Leather White Wedding Shoes from KMalinka

Dog Harness Leopard by SophiesThreads

Librans hate conflicts and unpleasantness and can go to any extent to avoid it. A Libran loves peace, a calm atmosphere at home and workplace and the disturbance can affect his emotions making him cranky and irritable.

Lilly Pond Watercolor Giclee Print by OlliffStudio Pair of 18in Hand Painted Throw Pillows by derilyn Map of Paris Pink Silver Teapot Lamp by KaleidoscopeOfColors Being indecisive is a common trait of a Libra. They like to think about the pros and cons of every situation. However, although indecisive, they have a good sense of fairness and justice which is one of their most positive traits. Famous Libras include: Ray Charles, Marion Cotillard, Simon Cowell, Matt Damon, Hugh Jackman, John Mayer, Julie Andrews and Kate Winslet.

This is the 9th part in our series of Astrological signs by Sophie n Me.

Spotlight on....

Welcome to our 5th installment of the Spotlight series from Sophie n Me.

Today we are spotlighting....

1.Your name and name of your shop(s)? My name is Julee Ahlman and my shop name is “Surf and Sand”

2. Day or night job if you have one. I have a full-time job at Kaiser Permanente as an optician, which means I try to create and take photos in the evenings. 3. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs/shop? I lived in Hawaii for almost 20 years and I love the ocean and bright tropical flowers. I’m obsessed with bright colors!

Turquoise Blue Chalcedony & Labradorite Earrings

Luxe Aqua Blue Apatite Cluster Necklace

4. What was your favorite book as a child? “The Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell. Hmmm....I may want to read it again. I haven't thought about that book for a long time!

5. What did you have for breakfast today? Cottage cheese, ½ of a bagel and 2 clementines. But that's only because it's Saturday. I usually have string cheese, while I'm driving to work. Stormy Seas Necklace 6. Finish this sentence "Once upon a time...." There was a woman named Julee, that won the lottery and moved with all her family and friends to French Polynesia. She lived happily ever after. Glass and Seashell Bracelet

Amethyst Onyx and Apatite Earrings - The Proud Peacock

7. Friends or Seinfeld? Seinfeld! T.V. just isn’t the same! 8. What makes you giggle like a child? Spending time with my friend of 40 years (Yikes! I’m getting old) As soon as we’re together, I’m suddenly an adolescent. Her husband just shakes his head, when he watches us together. Pink Chalcedony Earrings 9. What don't people know about you? I took accordion lessons as a child. But please don’t ask me to play now. 10. How many hours do you spend a day searching for stuff on Etsy? More then I’m willing to admit!

Spotlight on....

Welcome to our 3rd installment of the Spotlight series from Sophie n Me. Today we are spotlighting..... 1. Your First name and name of your shop(s)? Jodi, JPantuck, One of A Kind 2. Day or night job if you have one. I'm a full time Mommy (and an accountant during tax season). 3. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs/shop? I like to add a new twist to and old idea. For example, I designed a piece using a vintage locket with black and white photos inside onto a long gold chain piece with modern accents, like Swarvoski crystal and gold charms. One of my favorite pastimes is to seek out unusual objects and give them new life by re-purposing them.

Delicate Black on Black Pearls

Lovers Sterling and Brass Necklace

Sometimes I'm just attracted to colors or textures. For example, I love cream pearls with brown leather. The pearls are classic but combined with the leather makes it modern. Neutral Suede with Pearls 4. What was your favorite cartoon character as a child? I liked Sesame Street better than cartoons as a child and still do! I just went to see the Henson production called "Puppet Up" and loved it. (for adults only!) 5. What did you have for lunch today? Coffee- My one vice is my caffeine addiction. 6. Finish this sentence "If I had superpowers I would have...." The ability to take away sickness.

Silver Wrapped Coin Pearl Bracelet

7. Days of our Lives or General Hospital? I watch two shows right now- 1.Glee 2.The Big Bang Theory

Sexy Leather Crystal & Pearl Choker

8. What makes you giggle? I giggled this morning while listening to the podcast "Risk". Also, my daughter does stand-up and watching her makes me giggle too! 9. What don't people know about you? I love to paint.

The Perfect Turquoise Necklace

10. How many hours do you spend a day searching for stuff on Etsy? I bet I spend an hour on Etsy a day. I am planning for my sons bar mitzvah and I found an artist on Esty who is designing the center pieces. She is using old tools she found at garage sales and old computer mother boards that will blink. The theme is "making or building things / electronics" because that is what my son is into. The other person I found on Etsy is someone who will make the gift bags. He is putting together kits for the kids which will include making a robot out of a toothbrush and making LED circuits. I love being able to support amazing artists on Etsy.

Spotlight on....

Welcome to our new series "Spotlight On..." where we meet and learn more about each other. Some questions are shop related and some are fun and quirky. Our first Spotlight brings us to..... 1. Your name and name of your shop(s)? Julia from SimpleTruths 2. Day or night job if you have one. I'm a development editor for a text book company - although right now I'm on maternity leave until April :) 3. Where do you get the inspiration for your designs/shop? Some of my inspiration comes from vintage designs. I like taking vintage styles and turning them into something more modern - like my granny square purse charms. I also just love things that exude coziness.

Granny Square Purse Charm Ribbon Button Neckwarmer 4. What was your favorite toy as a child? My little sister! And my Barbies 5. What did you have for dinner today? Left over veggie lasagne 6. Finish this sentence "When I grow up..." ...I want to be fearless. Shades of Pink Necklace Crocheted Beaded Necklace/Bracelet Crochet Ring in Bloom 7. Price is Right or Make a Deal?

The Price is right! 8. What makes you smile? Happy people, conversations with strangers, and pretty much everything that comes out of my toddlers mouth. 9. What don't people know about you? I like rearranging my furniture just because. My husband has been known to go out for just a moment and almost trip over the couch trying to get back in the house! 10. How many hours do you spend a day searching for stuff on Etsy?

....I have *NO* idea what you're talking about ;)

Full Moon-Crocheted Earrings Two Tone Crocheted Sprial Earrings

Hope you enjoyed this Spotlight On... Thanks to Julia for sharing and creating such gorgeous pieces!