Etsy-itis!!

As I continue work on HOLIDAY and other projects, I have discovered some of the most talented Etsy artists and it is proving to be a bit of a bad good habit!

Because I am loving all of the feminine and ruffly clothes, in shades of pale pinks, grey and yellow - and all of the snappy navy and white/cream, I have been on the hunt for some great jewelry.

I like pretty jewelry, and what better source for redesigned vintage baubles than Etsy?

 I have been on the hunt for the perfect yellow necklace, and I am happy to say I have found it. It is from the talented artist, Crystal Beutler, and I can't wait to wear it!

I am taking it to Arizona when I go to meet NieNie. Crystal designed the All is Well necklace NieNie wore when she hiked the Y, one year after her accident:

And I picked up this stunner (from Nest Pretty Things), which is so pretty it literally made me sigh when I saw it:

 Unfortunately, so did almost every other piece she has for sale.

I also purchased these little gloves from another Etsy vendor, which don't really fit my hands too well, but Sophie will love playing with. Not sure why I bought them, but they just appealed to me:

I bought a little piece of artwork from this talented gal:

(titled, Where I Go to Think...)

Do you see what I mean? It is dangerous, I say, dangerous!!

I think I've become one of those people who works in a pretty store and spends her pay-cheque on the merchandise!!

What about you, are you hooked on Etsy??

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By the way, if you are an Etsy vendor, did you know you can purchase affordable advertising in Holiday and win the chance for your shop to be given a full-page ad spread in the magazine?

For the details, go HERE.

Stuck on Wall Art...

Many of us debate what we should hang on our walls. Art, family photos, plates, collectibles, sculpture? Well, I have another option for you! Check out the affordable (and I do mean affordable) and unique options that this talented artist has to offer, and what he has to say about his designs. This will especially appeal to those of you whose spouses balk at the thoughts of hammering a nail into your walls.

You know who you are...!!

A longtime art lover, Paul Wilson, of Wilson Graphics, followed a long and winding path to the business he has now. Fresh out of college, Paul worked for sign shops, a newspaper, and eventually wound up working for the Air Force developing publications, magazines and other printed media.

Over time, Paul advanced up the design ladder to become a Marketing Director, but soon discovered that Marketing Directors don't get to do the "hands on" design work he was used to. Nine months later, deciding it was time for a change, he left his stable job to become a full time freelancer.

Paul enjoys creating new designs, and in addition to watching current trends he also draws inspiration from his children and nature. In fact, the porthole design he made for his son's pirate-themed room is one of his most popular sellers and clients are using them to complete their own themed rooms. Another favorite has been the photo-realistic butterfly decals, even drawing the attention of Romantic Country magazine, which has expressed interest in featuring the butterflies in an upcoming issue.

Although Paul wishes he had more time to design, as he has a long list of ideas that he would like to develop, he has met the challenge head on by hiring a second artist in order to broaden the pool of talent and be able to offer an even greater diversity of designs.

The decals they design are printed on a variety of materials. According to Paul, different vinyls offer different uses. Some vinyl is designed to be removed and reapplied several times for those seeking a temporary wall application. Other vinyl is designed to be applied a single time. Clear vinyl is a great option for windows, shower doors, and situations where you would like background colors to show through the designs.

Paul Wilson loves what he does now. He has found his design and artistic niche, and now spends his days doing work that matters to him...which brings him satisfaction as an artist and business owner. As a small business owner, Paul enjoys the direct contact he he has with his clients and learns from their feedback, always striving to improve his business and deliver what clients want...

You can visit his online shop where he offer over 150 vinyl wall decal designs at: http://www.wilsongraphics.etsy.com/

If you are in need of any design services/custom banners, signage for your business or home you can contact Paul through his website at: http://www.wilsongraphics.net/

And look at the one that they are sending me!!

Check him out...and tell him I sent you! Because we all love affordable design solutions, don't we?