Item: Inspiration Necklace
Seller:  JennsHandmadeJewelry

I’m usually not too big into quotes, but I recently came across two really applicable ones that I wanted to share with all you other entrepreneurs out there!

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison.

“Again, you can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life.” – Steve Jobs

The “give up” moments have been coming a bit more frequently lately with my online start-up company, but a little voice inside me says that’s only because I’m really close.

Do you ever have those times when you realize people around you think that you are much more successful that you think you are?

I think I’m going to start to listen.

- Jackie

Item: Black Dhalia Cocktail Ring
Seller:  ClassicKeepsakes

Pretty much loving everything about this ring.  It’s big. It’s sexy. It sparkles!

This vintage, recycled, and unique ring is selling for $38.00 at an Etsy shop called ClassicKeepsakes.

“If this piece catches your fancy, I am not surprised. It is one of my favorite pieces,” the seller writes in the Etsy item description.

So how was this piece made?

“This lovely Vintage broach was salvaged and made into a spectacular cocktail ring. This ring is so sexy and romantic. I love it. Not for the faint of heart. It is bling and style maximized,” the seller writes in the Etsy item description.  ”As I have said before, where these vintage finds have been, and what they have seen we will never know. But, someone will know their future! I hope they will look at this piece with wonder and reverence, and think of it’s past, as well as cherish it as part of their future.”

I love that about vintage!

This Etsy shop has tons of great (and truly unique!) cocktail rings.  If you are a fan of a lovely ring like I am, be sure to check it out.  Just click the shop name (ClassicKeepsakes) at the top of this feature!

- Jackie

Item: Fall Necklace
Seller:  ACupOfSparkle

I’ve been on an autumn kick lately, so when I saw this cute orange necklace from Etsy seller Melike, I had to share it!

I met Melike via an Etsy Item of the Day shop submission.  Her shop is called ACupofSparkle, and it has great handmade jewelry in it.

“I am the hands and the brains behind ACupOfSparkle,” Melike told me.  ”I am originally from Turkey and am currently living in Seattle. Jewelry design and crafting has been always a hobby for me since I was very young. I am a big fan of gemstones, gold and silver.”

When she isn’t crafting for her cute shop, Melike keeps her hands full.

“I have a puppy that I love spending time with. I also kayak and ride bikes with my husband,” she said.  ”Other than that my full time job takes most of my time. I also have a blog – acupofsparkle.blogspot.com – that I use to write about what inspires my creations, and to share tutorials and other handmade arts and crafts by other Etsians.”

I asked Melike where she likes to shop on Etsy, and she told me about an awesome shop called StorkandMe.

“Etsy is full of very creative people, which is the thing I love about Etsy. One of my favorite shops is StorkandMe , the owner is a friend of mine who is extremely talented. I love her handmade baby clothes,” she said.

StorkandMe is a really cute Etsy shop! Be sure to check it out after stopping by Melike’s!!

So what’s next for ACupofSparkle on Etsy.com?

“More sales, more love and more recognition among the Etsy community hopefully,” Melike said.  ”I would like to also do some craft shows next year which would be my first.”

You can see all of Melike’s lovely Etsy jewelry by visiting ACupofSparkle on Etsy.com.  Also, be sure to check this seller out on Facebook and Twitter @ACupofSparkle!

- Jackie

Item: Circle Cluster Ring
Seller:  Artulia

Meet Meaghan Aires, the handmade jewelry seller behind the Etsy shop Artulia Jewelry.  I met Meaghan via an Etsy Item of the Day shop submission and fell in love with her creations.  The ring above is my absolute favorite item, but here are some other pieces you guys may enjoy too:

“I am a second generation metal-smith jeweler,” Meaghan told me in her shop submission.  ”I created one of a kind handcrafted artisan jewelry. My driving theme is Artistic design with a Modern line.”

Meaghan says when she is not crafting for her shop, she likes anything outdoors – including swimming, walking, sunbathing.

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