Shop of the Week: Pretty Whimsical

This Shop of the Week is a really cool one! Stacey Gaar, of PrettyWhimsical.etsy.com, is an exceedingly talented artist. She makes the most delightful Scrabble tile pendants!! You can find something for everyone on your list this holiday season in Stacey’s shop. She has Halloween covered, too! Her selection encompasses many styles and includes everything from birds, quotes, holidays, vintage to steampunk and modern. These affordable, handmade charms are perfect for teachers, co-workers, friends and family. She can also turn any pendant she has listed in her shop into a ring or magnet, upon request.

“I have always loved art and crafts. I'm inspired by colors, textures and designs. No matter how busy I am with my family and their activities I have to find time to create. It relaxes me after a hectic day and I enjoy working on my pendants to unwind. I have so much fun looking for designs. I'm always hunting for something new that I think will work on the tile and my customers will be excited about.”

Stacey gets the word out about her work though Twitter. She says, “I enjoy using Twitter to keep everyone up-to-date on what's happening in my Etsy shop. I tweet about new pendants and specials in my shop. Twitter helps to boost my store traffic. I appreciate the team [Etsy Twitter Team] and all the support we offer to each other. It's always nice to find that someone from the team has taken the time to retweet or give a word of encouragement about a new item.”

She is having a month long sale, too! All Halloween pendants are only $5 this month.

This week's special: Buy two pendants and get one free. (Note: Do not add free pendant to your cart. Simply add the name of the pendant you would like free in the “Message to Seller” section of your checkout form.) Don’t forget to add your chain onto your order if you need one!

Follow her on Twitter @prettywhimsical
Read her blog: prettywhimsical.blogspot.com

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade prettywhimsical.etsy.com

Shop of the Week: Beadwork by Amanda

I’ve personally had the pleasure of getting to know Amanda Preske, the woman behind BeadworkbyAmanda.etsy.com, over the last year doing the local craft fair circuit in Rochester, NY. She is a chemistry student at Rochester Institute of Technology. Her love for science shows in her artistic endeavors as her beadwork reminds me of complex molecules. She creates pendants using recycled circuit boards with resin as well as beadwoven necklaces and bracelets. She can turn her circuit board pendants into key chains if you so desire.

“I've been making jewelry for half my life! When I was about ten years old, one of my aunts gave be a box of seed beads in an assortment of beautiful, sparkly colors. I've spent many years since then teaching myself how to weave beads on and off a loom as well as other beading techniques. I've recently discovered the versatility in creating with resin. I love interacting with people from all over the world and believe that customer service is of utmost importance when selling my jewelry.

“I absolutely love color, so creating usually starts with a tube of really fun beads. I love the tropics so don't be surprised to find bright colors and a touch of the Caribbean! I also find inspiration from fabric scraps, scrapbook paper, and interesting focal beads.”

On Twitter she loves “to follow what people are doing and help if I can. Since I am a senior studying chemistry, I once helped someone with their chemistry homework through Twitter. I think that actively being a part of Twitter is more enjoyable than robotically posting.”

Amanda is also a member of several Etsy teams: Etsy in Color Team, Etsy Teens and Young Adults Team, Etsy Beadweavers, and Rochester New York Etsy Street Team.

Follow her on Twitter @amandapreske
Read her blog at beadworkbyamanda.blogspot.com
Find her on flickr

Special for this week: All items are already marked down 15%. Mention "Etsy Twitter Team" at checkout and she will include a free gift!

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade beadworkbyamanda.etsy.com