Wednesday Welcome: Two Dog Days

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Two Dog Days in Canada. The jewelry is made from metal clay which is pure silver particles mixed with a binder. Once dried it is fired in a kiln. This burns off the binder and leaves 99.9% pure silver. Next it is hand polished then oxidized and hand polished again. These whimsical pieces are created really show the artist's creativity!

Wednesday Welcome: WhimsiKalWood-Art

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to WhimsiKalWood-Art of Philadelphia. By using mainly recycled wood, shop owner Diane Berger is doing her part to help the earth. All of her paintings are original designs. Check her shop to find wall art, shelves, and more for your home.

Wednesday Welcome: GKJ Designs

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to GKJ Designs of Seattle. Shop owner Gary is an opal cutter and believes "that the fire and color found in precious opal express more than can be said in words. It is truly one of nature’s most beautiful gems." I have to agree, and not just because the opal is my birthstone. Here are a few of his creations:

Wednesday Welcome: Sylwia Glass Art

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Sylwia Glass Art of Escondido, CA. Each item in this shop is designed and hand painted by the artist. These are beautiful when placed near a window in bright light or with a candle inside!

Wednesday Welcome: Tasty Glaze Jewelry

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Tasty Glaze Jewelry of Nashville, TN. The crafty pair running the shop are a metalsmith/enamalist and a cook/pastry chef/restaurant owner. There is a lot of experience that goes into these collections! Recipes are included :)

Wednesday Welcome: eganiase

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to eganaise in Chicago. Shop owner Paula Egan creates jewelry that is made out of handmade paper that has been treated with resin. These pieces are moisture resistant and durable so go ahead and pick some out to wear this fall! You can see more of her creations on her blog.

Wednesday Welcome: Kimagine Designs

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Kimagine Designs of New Jersey. Broken china and sterling silver come together here with beautiful results.

Wednesday Welcome: TomoKirigami

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to TomoKirigami in Los Angeles, CA. Tomoko was raised in Japan and enjoys the Japanese papercutting art of Kirigami. In Japan, the word kirigami has been in use for a long time because "kiru” means to cut, and “gami” means paper. So, kirigami means to cut paper. Tomoko's designs are cut from origami paper and are glued onto heavyweight cold press watercolor paper. They are available in an 8x10 size and would look great grouped on a wall. Check out her creations here!

Wednesday Welcome: Painted Mosaics

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Painted Mosaics in Greenville, South Carolina. Each 10" wooden letter takes hours to complete. Using acrylic paints in different layers allows this artist to create textured "3D" designs on these wooden letters. Here is her description of the process:
"My designs were painted in the style of mosaics. I painted little "tiles" and little "grout" lines. For each letter, I build up the flat "tiles" by applying several layers of Crystal Lacquer to just the "tiles", using tiny brushes and sometimes a magnifying glass. I leave the "grout" lines flat. This is how I create a cool, shiny texture that you can see and FEEL".
Display just one or spell out a name or word~ either way, you'll make a statement!

Wednesday Welcome: Haute Dogs

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Haute Dogs ...handmade, recycled doggie shirts by Katie Donegan. If you have a 5 to 10 pound pup that likes to dress in style, this is the shop for you! In addition to the fun fashions found in the Haute Dogs shop, Katie can also customize YOUR favorite t-shirt you already own for your dog. FUN!

Wednesday Welcome: Wander This Way

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Wander This Way from the Pacific Northwest. Annie Ostlund describes herself as "a writer, mixed-media artist, and bibliophile". She states that she often wanders.
If her art reflects her travels; it appears that she has come across some beautiful and interesting places while out and about in the world!

Wednesday Welcome: WatchMeWorld

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to WatchMeWorld in Denver, CO. This husband and wife team has years of experience repairing and reselling vintage watches. They found an eco-friendly way to re-use the leftover pieces of old watches that could not be repaired by crafting them into these attractive steampunk creations! I think it is "time" to show them off here:

Wednesday Welcome: Handmade by Firefli

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Handmade by FireFli of Reno, Nevada. A fitting shop name for this jewelry and accessory maker who is also a firefighter! When you're in need of an accessory to brighten your day or dress up an outfit, look no further. You can also visit her brand new blog: Confessions from a Firefli.

Wednesday Welcome: SOiNTOiT

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to SOiNTOiT in Penn Valley, CA. Pam Reinhardt is a mixed media artist. She works with acrylic paints, inks, oil pastels, watercolors, found items and more. Her CarveBoardArt will be featured in the May 2010 issue of Somerset Studio Magazine. Visit Pam's blog to see more of her work!

Wednesday Welcome: brandE*art

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to brandE*art in Hampton, VA. This faux painter by trade also enjoys making these pretty wooden purses in her spare time. There are more to choose from in the shop, stop by for a look!

Wednesday Welcome: Keller's Glass

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Keller's Glass in Charleston, SC. Keller finds inspiration from "... patterns and shapes that are found in everyday life. I am truly inspired by the lines of a building, the pattern of a quilt, the shapes of nature and so on and on." These functional fused glass works are the result!

Wednesday Welcome: MV Design

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to MV Design in San Francisco. In this shop you'll find small limited edition collections of silkscreen graphic T-shirts designed and created by Milena. I love how many of them have purposely mis-matched sleeves!