Item: Recycled Newspaper Bracelet
Seller: HippieKingdom

A big thanks to Etsy friend Sarai Garnett (@HoorayforSarai) for introducing me to this eco-friendly shop on Etsy.com!  Sarai told me about their great things for Spring on Twitter and I’m glad I checked it out.

My favorite item in this shop is the recycled newspaper bracelet pictured above.  This eco friendly bangle is made completely out of recycled materials – glossy newspaper strips neatly wrapped on thick cardboard ring.

If you’re nervous about the wear and tear on this seemingly delicate piece, here’s what the seller says about that:

“The bracelet is protected using a moisture-resistant sealant which allows the jewelry to be splash and moisture proof,” the item description reads. “However, I would still recommend keeping all items safe from the rain, your bath time and the washing up!”

For $22.00, this would make a great addition to your Spring jewelry collection!

Thanks again for the recommendation, Sarai!

- Jackie

Item: Modern Upcycled Jewelry
Seller: thevicagirl

Meet Etsy seller VaLon, from the cool upcycled jewelry shop thevicagirl.  I heard about this shop via my Etsy Item of the Day shop submission page and really loved the modern look of this seller’s work!

“My name is VaLon, I just got a masters degree in architecture. In my free time I enjoy making jewelry out of things I find in the garbage,” VaLon said. “I think that what I learned in architecture school taught me ways to creatively make something beautiful out of nothing.”

“My jewelry pieces have stories, each and every one of them,” she writes in her Etsy profile. “They are not made all from parts that you can pick up at the store that were made to make jewelry out of, but instead out of parts that were made to have something else made out of them. I take those parts, and show the beauty that is in them.”

“I enjoy creating beauty from everyday objects,” she continues. “You might see something and only see this mundane in it, but I see something more powerful. I enjoy every time that I make a piece that turns out to be unrecognizable to then hear those around me wonder, not if I made it, but what unusual thing it is. And then the joy that is felt when they as well see the beauty that is in the object that they have seen many times before but never cared to really see it.”

“Most of my items are either found as I go about my day either on the ground or in the garbage. Some are from items I have had that have become obsolete. However, the main jewelry findings, such as the claps, earrings studs, and most of the chains, are either bought from a trusted findings dealer, or made myself. I am always trying to find ways to make the jewelry out of more sustainable products than they already are.”

VaLon’s jewelry is really unique and fun. My favorite piece is the ballerina necklace pictured above, but here are some other great listings you guys may like too:

I asked VaLon where she likes to shop on Etsy.com and she told me about two shops – MetalAdornments and TheMidnightOrange.

“MetalAdornments always has fun things and amazing metal jewelry. My favorite is her custom guitar picks,” VaLon said.  ”I also love TheMidnightOrange. She always has such heartfelt and powerful sculptures.”

VaLon’s advice to sellers other Etsy sellers:

“Take good photos. This is the most important thing to do. Make sure that they are light enough, dark photos are not fun to look at. Also, make sure that the item pops, make sure you can see it way better than you can the background,” she suggests.

If you like VaLon’s work, be sure to check out all of her great listings at her shop. Just click her shop’s name (thevicagirl) at the top of this feature to be taken straight to her home page.

You can also read her blog or follow her on Twitter @thevicagirl!

- Jackie

Item: Personalized Elephant Necklace
Seller: SilverLotusDesigns

Meet Etsy seller Darcee Jones, the creative jewelry maker behind the shop SilverLotusDesigns. This shop has a lot of great pieces that have a cute personalized touch. My favorite necklace is this darling personalized elephant necklace.

“I am a stay at home mom you loves to make jewelry,” Darcee told me in her Etsy shop submission to the site.  ”Jewelry making first started off as a hobby to make gifts for friends and family and soon turned into a business as I was making bridal orders and bridesmaid jewelry. With the encouragement of my wonderful husband and wonderful friends and family I started selling on etsy and have loved every minute of it!”

When she’s not working on items for her Etsy shop, Darcee told me she loves to dance!

“My three year old son and I dance at least an hour each day so I definitely get my exercise in each day We spend a lot of time reading, drawing and playing. Any downtime I do end up having I find myself taking a nap! Sleep is good,” she said.

Darcee shared her advice to other Etsy sellers with me:

Read the rest of this entry »

Item: Rosary Beads
Seller: TheAdornedArticle

Meet Etsy seller Samantha Bischof! Samantha told me about her shop on Etsy.com via my Etsy Item of the Day Shop Submission Page and I really love her jewelry selection.

I think her rosary section is pretty awesome, so I wanted to feature one of her rosaries today!

“I’m originally from New York’s Hudson River Valley, about a year ago my husband and I moved to Seattle, Wa and we love it here. I design sterling silver, gold fill and gemstone jewelry with the occasional forray into leather and waxed Irish linen,” Samantha told me.

When she’s not crafting, Samantha told me she is usually drinking coffee, reading, taking pictures and avoiding spiders.

“Long walks on the beach are also great fun,” she added.

When I asked Samantha where she likes to shop on Etsy.com, she told me about two awesome shops.

“Lately I’m loving Long Winter Soap Co.,” she said. ‘They have amazing soaps and perfumes and the owner is super friendly.”

“I’ve also been hanging around The Orange Windmill – she makes gorgeous leather journals,” Samantha added.

If you’re new to selling on Etsy, you should take some great advice from Samantha:

“Take the best possible pictures you can, have a unique shop name, and update your shop frequently. If you fail, try again. Do not give up,” she tells other sellers.

So what’s coming up next for TheAdornedArticle?

“Right now I’m really focusing on getting my name out there on the internet and getting my work into more local shops,” Samantha said. “I’d like to have my jewelry in stores all over the country. I imagine that project will keep me busy for quite a while!”

Connect with Samantha online! Check out her blog here, visit her website, and chat with her on Twitter @AdornedArticle!

- Jackie