Peace

Lately, I have been experimenting with crocheting a peace sign. It hasn't gone terribly well. The patterns I found don't look quite right, and my tinkering hasn't yielded anything that looks like it should.

But my current obsession got me wondering. What have my fellow team members done with that stalwart of the '60s? It was a simple enough search.

First, I found a couple necklaces. Of course. The first is large and bold. The second small and subtle. For whatever your style happens to be.

I wish you Peace men's necklace by Vision Quest

Tiny Handmade Organic Peace Sign by Lulu La Rue

Then there was this ring. You can show your hippie pride right there on your sleeve, er, rather, hand.

Turquoise Peace Sign Ring by Priscilla's Jewelry

Another charm, but this one gives that flower child vibe.

Retro Soldiered Charm by My Charmed Treasures

And of course you need a messenger bag emblazoned with the peace sign to call out your peaceful leanings.

Peace is Beautiful Messenger Bag by art to wear diva

There were necklaces and a ring, so of course there should be bracelets as well.

Boho Chic Bangle by Lovepray

Aqua Peace Bracelet by lean dog pottery

Plus, I'm leaving out the earrings and some other cute finds. Be sure to type "Peace Sign" and "CCCOE Team" into the search box to see what I mean.  

I hope you're having a peaceful day.  

This post contributed by Liz of Zizi Rho Designs who was disappointed to not find any knit or crochet peace signs. All pictures link back to their page on Etsy. Be sure to check out these lovely shops.  

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

Don't Forget Mom: Vintage Inspired Handcrafted Mother's Day Gifts From California Crafters Etsy Club

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

Mom did so much for you, so show your love for her come May 13 th, 2012.  To get your started on ideas of what to get the woman you love the most, I've put together some handcrafted goodies from the talented California Crafters Club on Etsy.

Custom Keepsake Bracelet for Mom.

Handcrafted Mother's Day Necklace.

Vintage Photo of Mother & Child.

Stamped Mother's Day Spoon.

Funny Mother's Day Card.

Handcrafted Vintage Image Card.

Bring More Traffic to Your Etsy Site by Making it SEO

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

I've actually tweeted and emailed this advice to friends and followers, but as I create these blog posts I see that not everyone knows about SEO or Search Engine Optimization.  This is a free way to increase traffic to your Etsy site or any online site, but it does take some work and research to do.  If that doesn't scare you off, then please read this article and implement the changes on your Etsy shops.  Best wishes to all of you for much success.

Great SEO article on Design Sponge.

Happy Earth Day From California Crafters on Etsy

Contributed by Melissa Kojima --- Artist in LA LA Land

I just wanted to say Happy Earth Day and let you know some of the earth friendly products that our talented team have handcrafted.  They are not only eco-friendly, recycled and repurposed, but they're also beautiful and fun.

Handcrafted Grocery Bag.

Green Hippo from Recycled & Repurposed Materials.

Found Monterey Sea Glass.

Kissing Jackalopes Shirt, Using Eco-Friendly Ink.

Glasses Recycled from Wine and Ale Bottles.

Garden Gifts For Mom

Yikes! Can you believe it's almost Mother's Day? Nothing seems more perfect for spring time gift-giving than gardeny things. Take a peek at some of my CCCOE favorites (click on any item and it will take you directly to the listing):

Stitchy

As I always do at this time of the month (the time when my blog post is due), I looked around the "Show Your Stuff" thread in the discussion boards in hopes of finding a theme. That's when I stumbled across this...

Pendant Heart Necklace by An Astrid Endeavor

And a theme was born. Needlework & sewing. I'm not much of a sewer, but I am familiar with some of the tools of the trade. Pincushions are useful. I did not know that you could get pincushions on rings.

Houndstooth Ring Pincushion by Stitch Nerd

Nor had I seen them in cups.

Tea Cup Pincushion by Stitchuation

Well, now I know.

I have always admired quilts, and I was surprised to find that some of the team members sell them. The work that must go into these...

Hawaiian Plumeria Quilt by Sferra Designs

Geometric Quilt by Malibu Quilts

They're so beautiful that they belong as wall art. If only I could sew...  

Then I found something nearer to what I'm familiar with--a crochet hook storage device.

Crochet Hook Book by Handcrafted Books

(Currently, all of my crochet hooks live in an Animaniacs coffee mug.)  

I wasn't sure where to end this post until I stumbled across this cape...

Little Red Riding Hood Cape by Jeanine Designs

I want a cape. I need a cape. No, I don't need a cape, but I do want a cape.

That'll do it for now. If you could sew (or if you do sew), which would you rather sew: a quilt or a cape? And do you prefer your pincushions on your finger or in a cup?  

This post contributed by Liz of Zizi Rho Designs who is eyeing the sewing machine...never mind. She doesn't know what she's doing that that piece of machinery.