Mission Treasury! Create a Saint Patrick's Day Treasury

Get in on the treasury making fun!

So, we will be posting a theme and 4 shops each Monday - and challenging you to create a treasury that fits the theme and contains at least one item from one of the 4 featured shops.

You will have one week to create your treasury, and come back to the blog post and leave your treasury as a comment.

The best treasury will be featured, and all treasuries submitted will be mentioned!






The results of this weeks Mission Treasury will be posted on March 9th 2011!

Mission: Create a Saint Patrick's Day Treasury

Shops to choose from (you must include at least one item from one of these shops)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelsbytrish

http://www.etsy.com/shop/karinsf

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lterrill9

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueVelvetHeart

Thanks to Sewsouk and Woodlandnature for coming up with these great themes!

January Challenge (No. 10, Part 4)

Can you believe it? Today I am featuring the last of the January challenge entries! Next week it is on to the February entries.

Remember this months challenge was to create something based on the theme of Spring/Spring Planting or the color/stone Aquamarine.





Our first item is this pretty fabric postcard from Fabric Greetings. I would certainly feel special if I received this in the mail!












Next, we have a gorgeous ring using Swarovski Crystals from Babble on Jewelry. This sparkly gem could warm up the coldest of March nights!












The last item of the month also uses Swarovski Crystals, but in quite a different way! This set by Jewelry by Jakemi would be a great present for a March birthday.








See you next month and remember that you have just a few more days to include your entry for the February challenge!
http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/reposting-february-challenge.html

Team Spotlight! JeanieBeanHandknits!

Today we would like to introduce Jean of JeanieBeanHandknits! Check out this adorable bag! Perfect for Easter!



1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

My name is Jeanie, Jeanie Bean is a nickname from my childhood along with a few others I won’t mention! I’m a teacher, a married mother of 2 girls. I live in the suburbs in a beautiful area that is slowly being developed. There’s still plenty of conservation areas, bike paths and wooded areas to explore but we’re close enough to Chicago to visit.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

I can still do a cartwheel!

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I am an avid knitter. I learned the basics in high school and taught myself to knit the things I love – sweaters, mittens, hats and handbags. I’m still learning new techniques and shortcuts. I love a new challenge!

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I was knitting for myself and friends. I continued to create more and more items and then tried a few arts and craft shows. I also sold some of my handbags in a local store. A store owner suggested I try Etsy. I began shopping on Etsy and I was hooked!

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to track your success?

I was invited to join this wonderful team of fellow Etsians who provide so much support and information. I read quite a bit of information in the forums and I’m continuing to learn more about marketing. I’m addicted to Craftopolis! I’m still learning to decipher all the information available on Google Analytics.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I like to read, visit with friends, cook, and travel.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why

I love warm beaches and exotic places– Tahiti or Thailand would be so interesting. I also love Europe and would love to explore countries I’ve already visited – England, Ireland, Germany, France, Luxembourg. There’s never enough time to see it all!

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I’ve gained some new friends and so much support and validation for my craft. I hope to learn more and help all my new friends earn even more success.

9. Where can we find you

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JeanieBeanHandknits

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I love fashion. I love the colors and textures naturally found in this beautiful world of ours. I enjoy making people happy.

Mission Treasury Results! Create a Garden Themed Treasury

I just want to thank everyone who participated in last weeks Mission Treasury! Our first mission was a smashing success, and I hope you will participate every week!

This week's mission treasury can be found here: http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/mission-treasury-create-march-in-like.html

It was really tough to pick my favorite, but DesignsStainedGlass blew me away with these Roses!

'I never promised you a rose garden - or did I?' by DesignsStainedGlass

Roses are red, and blue, and yellow, and pink, and purple, and........

Roses Are Red Rose ... flowerpainting... $59.00	Roses Original Oil ... weaselle $225.00	Lemon Chiffon - Yel... SouthernGirlWe... $85.00	Rose Jar luneluxe $40.00
Purple Roses roses11west $25.00	Pink rose posy poly... TopazTurtle $23.00	Roses Fine Art Prin... PennysPhotogra... $18.00	Butterscotch Floral... BINAGEYER $
Shell Rose Bracelet PattysPieces $38.00	A Fine Romance - Fi... EmmainWonderla... $20.00	Lavender Roses LeahFranklin $55.00	CLEARANCE Paris Ros... rebeccaplotnic... $30.00
Coffee - Organic Ro... RoyalPrincess $59.00	Hearts for HER - Ha... RoyalPrincess $45.00	White Glass Rose We... bludawgdesigns $260.00	Lush Red Rose Clust... WeddingWizard $40.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Although I didn't choose one of these as my favorite, I want to point your attention to all of the entries!

Sewing Seeds of Kindness by Fabric Greetings
Mary Mary quite contrary by RobinsFlight
What is in your Garden by FabricGreetings
Spring will soon be here by alohaletterpress
Roses are Red Violets are Blue by GirlsnCurls
A Floral Fantasy by ConfectionsinGlass
Garden Ingredients by jewelrybyjakemi
Garden Party by creatiate
When will Spring be Sprung by TerrillsTiles
Nature's Own Garden by woodlandnature
Funky Garden Getaway by PattisPrecious
My Secret Garden by sewsouk
Garden Variety by RitzeeRebel
Lavender and Violets by shaneyz

I COLLECT, THEREFORE I AM

One of the most successful businesses in the world was born out of an individual's desire to collect a specific item. Can you guess the name of this business? The founder's then-girlfriend (who became his wife), commented how great it would be if she could use the internet to add to her collection. He decided to do her a favor, and opened an online trading site called Auction Web. This small site quickly became a big one. The business is now known as eBay.

What do you collect? Clocks? Old keys? Animal themed items? Which objects do you hunt for online, in stores, at garage sales and swap meets; things that give you a rush when you discover and aquire them? If you aren't collecting anything now, I'll wager you did at some point in your life. How do I know? Because human beings need and want "stuff".

I'll admit, I've always been a collector, hot on the trail of such items as figurines, seashells, and vintage jewelry. My collecting mania grew out of my love for dogs. When I was a child, Grandfather bought me a miniature bone china figurine of a Collie. The figurine looked exactly like "Lassie". It became a passion of mine to sniff out and possess as many different dog breed figurines as possible. When I slept, I often had dreams about finding them.

In the early days of my collecting there was no internet. The search for prized objects consumed a greater amount of time, with fewer and less frequent finds. In a way, the old manner of pursuing collectible items was more satisfying because it was such a treasure hunt. Yet, to have a whole world of items available with the click of a mouse is amazing. The internet provides access to things you might never have found otherwise.

One might be tempted to ridicule other people's collections, viewing them as silly or worthless. Instead of being supportive, the founder of eBay could have scoffed at his then-girlfriend's objects of desire, and not started his business. You may be wondering what she collected. PEZ dispensers. Perhaps she was on to something. The largest verifiable amount a PEZ dispenser has been sold for is seven thousand dollars.

Mission Treasury! Create a "March in Like a Lion and out Like a Lamb treasury"

For almost a year, the HHU team has created a treasury each week featuring visitors and regulars of our friendship thread on Etsy! Now, we think it is time to get you in on the fun!

So, we will be posting a theme and 4 shops each Monday - and challenging you to create a treasury that fits the theme and contains at least one item from one of the 4 featured shops.

You will have one week to create your treasury, and come back to the blog post and leave your treasury as a comment.

The best treasury will be featured, and all treasuries submitted will be mentioned!



The results of this weeks Mission Treasury will be posted on March 2nd 2011!

Mission: Create a treasury in the theme of "March in Like a Lion and Out Like a Lamb"

Shops to choose from (you must include at least one item from one of these shops)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/saltandpeppermania

http://www.etsy.com/shop/headchange

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jeaniebeanhandknits

http://www.etsy.com/shop/alohaletterpress

Thanks to Sewsouk and Woodlandnature for coming up with these great themes!

January Challenge (No. 10, Part 3)

This week we have 3 more pretties for our January Challenge. Which, in case you forgot, was to make something based on Spring/Spring Planting or the color/stone aquamarine.

Our first two entries of the week are both pairs of earrings, but each pair takes on a different aspect of the challenge.






In the aquamarine category are these beautiful filigree earrings from Blue Velvet Heart!













Our second pair, from Jewels by Trish, is a perfect representation of Spring with its pretty pink and green lampwork beads.














Lastly, we have something totally different. This adorable bag from Robin's Flight does double duty as a key chain and a card holder!






I'll be back next week with the last of our wonderful January entries! In the meantime, don't forget to submit your February challenge item!
http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/reposting-february-challenge.html

Team Spotlight! jewelrybyjakemi!

Today we would like to introduce you to Lisa of jewelrybyjakemi. Check out this cute bracelet that would make anyone feel lucky!


1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

My name is Lisa. I am the mother of 3 amazing boys, wife to the love of my life, and I live in a beautiful city on the coast of Massachusetts. I am at a bit of a crossroads in my life as my youngest starts Kindergarten next year. I have to decide between going back to work or trying to scrape together somewhat of a living from writing and jewelry making. Next year, not only does my youngest start Kindergarten, but my middle son starts Middle School and my oldest starts High School! Major transitions for everyone in my family.

I have two Etsy shops. One showcases my handmade jewelry and is a bit of an obsession for me. The other is a vintage shop filled with fun and kitschy salt and pepper shakers.

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock us!

I am a freelance writer. Well, at least I was one until life just got to crazy. I've written for lots of regional magazines and I was also published in the Christian Science Monitor and Parents Magazine. Right now I am contemplating a return to freelancing or possibly pursuing my dream of writing fiction.

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I make jewelry! I love all types of jewelry design but my shop focuses on personalized name bracelets and scrabble tile/glass tile pendants.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I had done a couple of craft shows and someone at one of those started talking about Etsy.

5. Any secrets to share for success?

I have yet to find the secret to success on Etsy but am working on it. I have been doing pretty well at craft fairs and believe to find a place in the jewelry market you have to develop a niche or specialty.

6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

I am an avid reader and was at one time very into hiking. At the moment, most of my time is consumed by my Husband and 3 sons.

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why

I've been to Hawaii twice and would love to go back. Everything about it is beautiful. However, I also dream of Paris. I'd like to learn French first.

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands United?

I hope to form friendships with other struggling and successful artisans. I think it is wonderful to have a group of people offering support, guidance, and constructive criticism.

9. Where can we find you?

Your shop address

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jewelrybyjakemi

http://www.etsy.com/shop/saltandpeppermania

Blog Address

http://www.jewelrybyjakemi.com

Facebook address

http://www.facebook.com/jewelrybyjakemi

Twitter address
http://www.twitter.com/jewelrybyjakemi

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

I am inspired by my surroundings. Sometimes it is the beautiful ocean, the New England Fall foliage, or even an ice storm. My strength comes from my husband who is always supportive and encouraging and my mother who has dealt with so much in life and never complains.

11. Free writing anything you want to say

I love being part of Hearts and Hands United. It is amazing to me that a group of people who have never met each other in the real world, could be so supportive and form true friendships!

STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Sometimes it's necessary to step out of your comfort zone.

I never heard of the country of Tunisia until 2005, when my husband went there to shoot a film. I needed an atlas to find its location. Tunisia faces the Mediterranean Sea at the tip of the North African continent, sharing its interior boarders with Algeria and Libya. Because of recent political and social unrest, many more people are now aware of Tunisia's existence. In 2005, Tunisia was mostly known by Europeans as a tourist destination. Though an experienced traveler, I decided there was no way I was going to Tunisia. It was too far, too foreign, and held no interest for me. My mind was made up. Or so I thought.

There is one thing that will make me step out of my comfort zone and fly thousands of miles. It is to be with someone I love. So, on July 30th, 2005, I found myself on the continent of North Africa, in the Tunisian city of Hammamet.

Tunisia wasn't at all as I had envisioned. My husband and I had a suite at a pristine hotel in one of the nicest beach resorts. Every morning there was a huge buffet breakfast, with crepes, omelettes made to order, baked goods, beautiful fruit, cheese, and more. After breakfast, the tourists wandered out to the pool area, claimed their lounge chairs, and baked in the sun for most of the afternoon. In the evening, they headed to the tourist oriented bars and restaurants, spent money in the casinos, and danced in the nightclubs. They weren't experiencing the culture at all. The tourists could have been anywhere that had a pool, a beach with palm trees, and some sort of night life. As the character Sherlock Holmes would have remarked, "They saw, but they did not observe."

I did not want to be one who saw but did not observe. I walked, exploring areas away from the resort. I observed a battered truck weighed down by a load of melons. A stray dog digging in the trash. Painfully thin horses pulling carriages for the tourists. In the evening, I sat on the balcony of the hotel and observed young boys dressed like organ-grinder's monkeys, determinedly selling sprigs of jasmine.

There is a certain amount of fear, unpleasantness and inconvenience in stepping out of your comfort zone. But isn't that the case with most adventures?

Mission - Create a Treasury with a Gardening Theme

For almost a year, the HHU team has created a treasury each week featuring visitors and regulars of our friendship thread on Etsy! Now, we think it is time to get you in on the fun!

So, we will be posting a theme and 4 shops each Monday - and challenging you to create a treasury that fits the theme and contains at least one item from one of the 4 featured shops.

You will have one week to create your treasury, and come back to the blog post and leave your treasury as a comment.

The best treasury will be featured, and all treasuries submitted will be mentioned!

The results of this weeks Mission Treasury will be posted on February 23rd 2011!

Mission: Create a Gardening themed treasury

Shops to choose from (you must include at least one item from one of these shops)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/artbytrudy

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ConfectionsInGlass

http://www.etsy.com/shop/NancysBagsEtc

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TopazTurtle

Thanks to Sewsouk and Woodlandnature for coming up with these great themes!

January Challenge (No. 10, Part 2)

Week two of our popular January challenge and we have some more great entries. Remember the challenge was to create something based on Spring/Spring planting or the color or stone Aquamarine.



First up is this pretty in pink pair of earrings made from vintage buttons by Woman with Tools!
















Check out the beautiful tulips in this card from KPTography!














Last but not least, is this great Beach Glass coaster set from Zieak!









I'll be back next week with more wonderful items! In the meantime, don't forget about the February challenge!
http://heartsandhandsunited.blogspot.com/2011/02/reposting-february-challenge.html

Team Spotlight! Moore Magnets!

This week I am very proud and excited to spotlight our fearless leader and one of the founding members of HHU, April of Moore Magnets! I think I'll let her introduce herself...

Hey Yall! (In my bestest southern accent!) I am April, one of the team leaders here on HHU! I don't know if I have a favorite in my shop at the moment, they are all my favorites, but my newest product are my Message Centers - http://www.etsy.com/listing/67186288/message-center-magnet-board - It is a magnet board with a little pocket to hold your mail or other things that you might have in your hand at the end of the day!



1. Your name, nickname and a little about who you are

I am April, and I don't have a nickname ... well other than "mom" and a few things that my brother used to call me growing up! My favorite nickname was "twinkle toes" ... a name given to me by my dad. I had some crocheted slippers that were made with pink and silver sparkly yarn that I always called my twinkle toes shoes. Oh, what a great imagination that I had growing up!

2. Surprise us with something about you that you think will shock
us!

I am not sure this will shock you, but my brother and I are the 7th generation on both sides of our family that were born and raised in North Carolina! So, when I say that North Carolina is home ... I mean it!

3. What is your main craft/art/collectible?

I mainly make magnet boards, but I have branched into several organizational products in the last year. It has been really fun to come up with new ideas and products that can be both pretty and functional.

4. How did you start with Etsy?

I found out about Etsy at a dismal craft show. It wasn't really a slow craft show - there were lots and lots of lookers ... but no one was buying! So, my neighbor and I chatted a lot, and she told me about Etsy.

5. Any secrets to share for success? or What tool do you use to
track your success?

Over the last few months I have become acutely aware of the importance of keeping an active shop. Really, every shop keeper should make a point of doing something in their Etsy shop every day. Make a list of the possible things that you can do to be active, and no, it is not all about renewing or adding product. Here are some things that you can do to stay active:

- List something new, a new product or a new version of an existing product
- Renew an item in your shop
- Change your featured items
- Update the description of an item
- Update the tags of an item
- Update your shop announcement
- Make a treasury
- Heart a shop or item that you like

Any and all of these things will help you to keep an active shop!


6. Hobbies or pastime when you are not doing Etsy.

Our vegetable/fruit garden has become a huge pastime in my life. I am pretty sure that most of my teammates here at HHU thought they were going to have to rescue me from zucchini last summer!

7. Where would your dream vacation be? and why?

My husband and I would really love to drive around the country and visit a lot of the National Parks. We have been watching the Ken Burns series on PBS, and that has really fueled our desire to visit them! Hopefully we can take a couple months off and make that trip in about 5 years!

8. What do you hope to contribute and gain from Hearts and Hands
United?

I hope that I contribute both friendship and business support to my teammates. I know that they provide me with the same!!

9.
Your shop address
Blog Address
Facebook address
Twitter
Flickr address

http://MooreMagnets.Etsy.com
http://MooreMagnets.Artfire.com
http://AprilsPaperShack.Etsy.com
http://MooreMagnets.com

10. Where do you draw your inspiration from? Your strength?

Right now I am drawing a lot of inspiration from my own struggles with trying to get and stay organized. However, it is the wonderful people in my life that keep me getting up and getting moving everyday!

11. Free writing anything you want to say

I would like to encourage everyone to join in our chit chat. I know that we have a lot of lurkers, but it is your participation that is important. You never know when you are going to say something that inspires, motivates, or resonates with someone. So, speak up! We love hearing from you!

Everyone is welcome to join in our new Etsy team that was created just for chit chat - you can find us here: http://www.etsy.com/teams/7582/friendsofhhu?ref=pr_teams

Reposting February Challenge!

@@@@@APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS..@@@@@@

Challenge is due by February 28th - please post a link to your challenge item below as a comment!

Think Spring..Spring flowers..indoor, outdoor, early spring/summer gardens, garden markers, garden labels, watering can, gardening aprons, gloves , seeds and tools.

Spring showers, umbrellas, rain clouds, boots, rain drop shapes. etc...these are ideas..Just think of the title of the challenge..

Be creative..We have an array of colors to choose from..from the Yellow of Daffodil, the reds of tulips, purple of Iris.. blues..use your imagination

Here is a list of spring flowers if you need them..If you don't recognize a flower..google is your friend......ha

http://www.theflowerexpert.com/content/growingflowers/flowersandsea...

From your loving sisters..Alyce, Laura, Lynn and Trudy.. Good Luck..

Friends of Hearts and Hands United!

Some friends of the HHU Team! Remember to thank WomanWithTools (also NouveauxRetro) for this lovely Collection!

'Home Is Where The Heart Is' by HeartsandHandsUnited

I think the title says it all.

1 House of tiny fai... vishnya $13.00	Home Sweet Home Bra... DesignedByLu $35.00	Greeting Card House AnikasArt $5.00	Home Is Where Your ... sugarfresh $20.00
Garden Gate Entry S... teeheeproducti... $25.00	Log Cabin Quilted A... FabricGreeting... $10.50	THIS Old House Of M... koenigottokars $25.00	Cross Stitch Creame... iSpyVintage $15.00
Stained glass pink ... DesignsStained... $25.00	Burano, Italy 4x4 i... cathygarbutt $5.00	Gnome Homes, Wood B... woodlandnature $5.00	Our First Home Pers... lterrill9 $10.50
SALE little blue ho... BranchDesigns $20.00	decorating craft id... headchange $2.39	Decorative/Function... pfleghaar $200.00	Painted Ladies Vict... razfoto $5.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.