POEtry of Grace: A few of my favorite things on Etsy-

when i found etsy back in 2007, it was fairly new and not widely known. i had already been offering my work on my website, so i was excited to find another outlet. i quickly opened my shop and set about listing my pieces- - mostly hand painted linens from my 'saving grace' line, a few paintings, and my personalized 'love trees'. i loved the concept of having my own shop and being able to sell only what i loved. my artistic belief is--make only what you l<3ve... those who love what you do will find you. conformity in the realm of creativity, is in my opinion, bondage ): be brave!

well, as reality set in i realized that my time was way too short. teaching my kids and trying to manage other responsibilities at home was already, at times, a bit overwhelming for me. i am not a type A and definitely not a multi tasker. i had to really slow things down. i ended up closing both shops. my husband and kids are my priority. maybe one day when life slows down a bit i'll be able to focus more on my creative endeavors. right now tho' i want to relish in this time with my kids because they will be grown and gone before i even realize.

so, if you haven't discovered etsy yet, you are in for quite a treat! if you love handmade items - art, clothing, jewelry, etc.. and want to spy what hundreds of thousands of artists have to offer - - - have at it. you may become addicted.

CLicK it: http://www.etsy.com/index.php

i still have my shop, and although it presently sits empty, i hope to have time this summer to work on a few pieces to offer

i wanted to share a few things from some artists that i really dig.

**The abundance of talented photographers on Etsy is a-m-a-z-i-n-g!**
Here is a favorite of mine-

http://www.etsy.com/listing/56600093/harvested-fine-art-nature-photography?ref=sr_list_39&ga_search_query=photography&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

We (mama & papa) eat our porridge in bowls like these:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71331395/mama-and-papa-bear-bowl-set?ref=sr_list_30&ga_search_query=pottery+bowls&ga_page=10&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade

*although i own a droid, not an iphone, these covers are ridiculously cute. great gift idea!*
http://www.etsy.com/listing/71298469/personalized-chevron-iphone-case

*This ring is lovely. can you say mother's day?*

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64516312/silver-stackable-bloom-ring-design

*this gal makes the cutest cats. they stand on their own, and i love the uniqueness in design*

http://www.etsy.com/listing/62905732/kitty-no192-grey-blue-and-orange-plaid

*i'm a sucker for a green leather handbag. you can find many beautifully made leather bags on etsy, and i bet you won't see one just like it shopping at the mall. so rich.*