emmsgEM's

More Hippo Adventures

2010-09-19T11:05:00.003-05:00

During a recent photo shoot, Portia misplaced the recycled glass earrings.Luckily, she saw them in time, and avoided needing to touch up her pedicure!

Have A Cup on One

2010-07-27T14:51:00.004-05:00

What's not to love about a fabric coaster?Lightweight, washable, and easy to swap out as the seasons (or your mood) changes. Over a year ago, I purchased a bundle of fabric scraps (fat quarters), but I wasn't convinced as to what I was going to do with them. Well, now that I have some fabric coasters, I want to make some myself! What a great gift to give!What will make for a good fabric coaster

A New Store

2010-07-16T20:41:00.003-05:00

There are just so many wonderful, handmade goods in this world! And if you live near me, or within driving distance...you need to check out this new bricks and mortar store, featured here:Mozy Rue Eco-CollectiveAnd if you don't live near Winnipeg, you can follow these artists in their new blog:Eco-Craft CollectiveOr - visit them in their on-line shops!

Staying Cool

2010-07-07T17:12:00.008-05:00

Oh the heat!Record heat waves are melting people across the country. Air conditioners buzz, water parks are full, and in my house, ice cream or slushy beverages are consumed daily.After a recent photo shoot, Portia needed to cool downAnd that got her to thinking...how could she stay cool?How about a lazy picnic, under a beautiful tree, cool and cozy on a fabulous picnic blanket?Like this one

Portia's Pick #2

2010-06-18T20:07:00.007-05:00

She's back! Following a recent romp in the fresh green grass,Portia decided that it was time to start thinking about sun protection! Obviously, sun block is her number one defense against the damaging and harmful rays of the sun. But, sun block is an invisible fashion accessory: it's in style to wear it, but who knows about it?But a sun hat is smart and fashionable! Check out these flashy and

Photo Shoot

2010-06-01T15:12:00.006-05:00

We did it - emms gEM's had their first photo shoot with a live model! Dressed in a wardrobe provided by Sew Dandee, Janelle rocked the gEM's we gave her to flaunt!Just like the Summer Necklace seen here!Portia, the gorgeous hippopotamus, is still on contract for everyday, up-close jewelry photos. We always have new, natural jewelry to show you, and love the addition of Portia. But we hope that

How to Clean Sterling Silver Jewelry

2010-05-16T12:11:00.006-05:00

Ah, silver. Gorgeous - when it's clean, and free of tarnish. Unless of course the piece of jewelry is made with oxidized silver, like the earrings below from five forty on EtsyBut what can you do when your bright and shiny silver is dull, and black?Clean it with baking soda, a piece of aluminum foil, and boiling water! It's simple and organic.1. line a container, a vessel that is deep enough

Portia's First Pick

2010-05-08T20:42:00.004-05:00

Did you know that unlike other hippo's, mother and daughter hippo's form a social bond?And when Portia wants to write her mom her note, she loves to use this personalized stationary:Custom Stationary from Paper in StyleThese notecards are made with 100% recycled cardstock AND they feature a hippo that looks just like Portia!Portia also includes a photo from her modeling portfolio, like this one

Exciting News!

2010-05-01T21:14:00.003-05:00

After intense and exciting negotiations, I am pleased to announce that a new feature will be added to this blog! We were lucky to lock in the gorgeous and worldly Portia to model our jewelry, and now we have signed her for a blog exclusive! Portia's PicksCharming and all-things forward, Portia the hippo is excited to share her faves with you!Jewelry, art, vintage goodies, eco products and more!

My New Model

2010-04-12T21:50:00.004-05:00

I finally have a model for my jewelry!She definitely has some diva characteristics, and sometimes she just shrugs off the piece I want her to wear...but she does get the job done.In my relationship/contract with the new face of gEM's, I will continue to make my pieces for YOU...not for her model size. You are the one who wears my designs the best!But this little diva, Portia, has agreed to live

Don't Forget Your Volume!

2010-03-31T20:32:00.004-05:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Make a Statement

2010-03-26T13:20:00.005-05:00

Still hot this season - The Statement Necklace! Make it long, keep it short, dress it up, play it down, to flower, or not to flower...just wear one!Starting in the lower right corner:Spring Flower Statement Necklace in Pink white and Lilac $96Shades of Blue - A Vintage Statement Bib Necklace$149Spring Beauty repurposed vintage statement necklace$125Rest Awhile, Butterfly - Necklace $35Frindge

The Scribble Group Has a NEW Project!

2010-03-22T11:43:00.003-05:00

A new project is currently being listed on The Scribble Group !The art pieces for sale in the Scribble Group shop have been created by a group of Etsy artists (some pieces are group collaborations, and some are individual), and are sold to the public with proceeds going to a designated charity.The NEW project is entitled the "Rip Off Project". Participating artists were randomly given the shop

Green is Hot

2010-03-12T20:32:00.002-06:00

The season is changing! The snow is melting!I was able to get outside today - no jacket required - and get a few gorgeous product shots of some of my new pieces.Spring is in the air - so why not wear green?

A Couple of Shorts

2010-03-11T20:29:00.000-06:00

More Olympic Wear

2010-02-24T12:45:00.003-06:00

How can I NOT mention the Olympic Curlers from Norway?This is a sport dominated by black pants (and sometimes skirts and tights if you are Colleen Jones from Canada). An official Canadian Curling Rule book states that competitors MUST wear the same style of black pant throughout an entire competition. This fall, that lead a young Manitoban team to wear their "pajama pants" for warm up, and then

Oh Canada

2010-02-18T20:30:00.005-06:00

Maybe you aren't interested in sport, but I imagine that you know that the Olympics are dominating the airwaves, the internet, and print these days. The Olympic Games provide a wealth of post topics, none of which I'm interested in sharing with you. Medal counts, safety, fitness, Olympic Spirit, world and Olympic records and the history of the game are for someone else to discuss.But what about

You Can Wear it All!

2010-02-02T20:41:00.004-06:00

Turquoise shell beads for the glam in you...rustic Robbles wood wedges for the nature in you

2010's Colour

2010-01-21T15:49:00.011-06:00

Pantone's Colour for 2010:Turquoise 15-5519Inviting. Luminous.Serene yet invigorating.Exciting yet tranquil.Elegant in silk, fun in cotton.Where can you get some turquoise...other than on a tropical vacation?A chic wallet from LauraBucciOne-of-a-kind art from emmartsExquisite earrings from nancywallisdesigns

2010-01-13T14:39:00.007-06:00

I want to share my collection of bags with you: my collection of Paisley Baby bags that I have bought on Etsy.comFrom the top right:1. Wet Bag2. Overnighter Cosmetic Bag3. Daytripper Cosmetic Bag4. Cell phone pouch5. Slim Cosmetic Bag6. Bamboo HandbagPaisley Baby isn't just for babies! Yes, the shop is full of bibs, hooded towels, and *NEW* wash cloth sets - all for a stylish baby! But

2010

2009-12-29T18:22:00.006-06:00

The Song

2009-12-15T16:35:00.002-06:00

The hair. The clothes. The voices. The BEST Christmas song.

A Quick Trip

2009-12-10T20:39:00.008-06:00

gEM's in Geneva, SwitzerlandgEM's in Athens, GreecegEM's in Winnipeg, CanadagEM's in Kitchener, Canada

Lightbox Lessons

2009-12-02T19:34:00.005-06:00

Since I joined Etsy, I have been trying to improve my product photos. I believe that a great photo is necessary and important to on-line shoppers: colours, textures, and angles make it easier for an on-line shopper to take the purchasing plunge.And good photos also help you get "discovered" for Treasuries and maybe even Gift Guides!I have searched for suitable backgrounds and props for my

holiday shopping Part 1

2009-11-30T17:09:00.003-06:00

My Etsy ShopGet your holiday shopping started (or finished, for you lucky ones!) here. From now until December 6, 2009, I am offering 15% off your purchase (before shipping). PLUS if you spend over $20 (before shipping and discount) you will receive a free gift. When you make your purchase, please specify RED or GREEN in the message to seller box, for your free gift!

Dot Handmade

2009-11-18T16:29:00.005-06:00

I recently participated in an annual neighbourhood Art Walk. Over 50 artists sold their craft, amongst the backdrop of beautiful homes, a blue sky, and the crunching of autumn leaves.I didn't have an opportunity to check out any of the other artists, except for the the work of the three women that I shared a space with.But - someone did find me! A co-worker from 15 years ago stopped by for a

so much to say

2009-11-02T15:50:00.003-06:00

Easy on!Metal free!One-of-a-kind!

tools

2009-10-28T21:04:00.014-05:00

Every art has tools of the trade. Items needed to complete your masterpiece - make it possible. Tools may include a paint brush, a staple gun, counter space, or a level. But a tool of the trade may also include a specific environment, a certain feeling, or music in the background.I decided to ask some of my favourite Etsy sellers what their "tools of the trade" are.AnnyMay can't live without

a ghostly story

2009-10-23T15:51:00.005-05:00

Let's continue with the creepy, Halloween-y talk...but I still don't celebrate Halloween ;)I believe in ghosts. The harmless ghouls that make your hair stand on end. The spirits that lurk in your halls and walls, that cause you to feel that you aren't alone.My family lived in such a house: a house haunted by a single ghoul (we think) who roamed our rooms, in Port Hope, Ontario.It doesn't look

my Halloween

2009-10-16T18:30:00.004-05:00

I'm not one for Halloween.Of course, the stores, even the fabulous on-line store Etsy,are brimming with Halloween goodies. It's hard to avoid the orangeand black, the laughing pumpkins, the scary cats, and the towers of candy!Since I can't avoid it, I decided to scour Etsy using two search wordsin the "Handmade" category: Halloween, Canada. I didn'tintend to search too deep or for anything

The Woman of a Kazillion Talents

2009-10-14T20:48:00.006-05:00

Near the end of September, I had the pleasure of meeting Pegg, the woman behind fiveforty on Etsy. A mere 11 hour drive from my home, hides a baker, a chef, a weaver of rugs, a lover of pearls and baubles that she translates into gorgeous jewelry, and a great lady to spend a day with.Pegg's crafts are spread throughout the house. And if cooking is a craft, then her crafts are outside too, in

sharing coconuts

2009-10-01T11:21:00.002-05:00

Ok - so I am in love with coconut beads. You know that already.When I was recently asked to share my coconut story, I wasn't sure what to say, or what to think.What more can I say other than coconut beads are awesome!I did end up saying a bit more, and you can read about it HERE, along with other coconut stories!

inspiration

2009-09-13T17:45:00.005-05:00

I have never been asked where I find the inspiration for my jewelry. Thank goodness.I'm not more creative in one season compared to another. I don't spend time looking at other shops. I don't read fashion magazines. I don't love food (making or eating!) so I don't derive ideas from creative meals, and produce in the fields.I do, however, love colour. Simple as that *.I like to think that I have a

into the sunset Prairie Girl

2009-09-07T14:48:00.003-05:00

The final necklace, featuring my fave wood teardrop shaped pendant is off to a new home. Four great necklaces now have new homes in Winnipeg, Bowmanville, and even one in Texas.If you work your way clockwise from the top left corner of the collage, you can experience the evolution of not only my photography - but the inspiration behind "Prairie Girl" as well.I've had fun.

coconut

2009-09-04T15:07:00.006-05:00

Why not go nuts for coconut?There is little waste from a coconut: milk, oil, fruit, shells...For years, the shells have been used for making jewelry: necklaces, earrings, pendants, rings.Coconut can also be used to make gorgeous accessories like this PURSEBut for emmsgems, coconut is all about the beads...and buttons!Coconut Button Earrings

Back to School

2009-08-27T12:18:00.005-05:00

It's that time of year again...Back to School! Time to load up on supplies, and refresh your child's wardrobe.Here are a few suggestions from emmsgems for Back to School Coolness:How about a reusable lunch and snack bag from WasteNotSacksOr a little pouch to hold supplies from KukubeeAnd when the day is done, when it's time to wash the day away, why not enjoy a soap treat?Donuts, popsicles and

next up...

2009-08-13T13:36:00.007-05:00

First, there were big and chunky bracelets. Now, I am all about long, asymmetrical necklaces.*but don't shed any tears, chunky bracelets are still being churned out, as are all of my other goodies!These necklaces have all the same goodies: wood (including exotic woods!), gemstones (like the turquoise pictured in the above necklace), glass, and a new material for me...resin (unlike Amber).Fall

another covert operation

2009-08-09T09:49:00.003-05:00

Here is another great thing about Etsy...Anyone who belongs to Etsy, as either a buyer or a seller, can create a list of "Favorites". That is, when you see an item that you like, you can mark it and return to it at any time, say...when you are ready to buy it. Part of your profile, is a page of "Favorites". The great thing about this, is not only does it make shopping easier, (no more searching

we were highlighted!

2009-07-31T09:41:00.003-05:00

Etsy has their own blog, The Storque .From here, you can find your way to an article on just about anything craft, vintage, handmade, or Etsy related. It is updated frequently, and even includes some nifty articles for Etsy sellers on how to best promote and arrange their shop for optimum exposure and sales.A selection under the "Shopping" category of articles includes "Etsy Finds". The admin

How a Bead Becomes a gEM's - Part 3

2009-07-21T13:45:00.003-05:00

Colour scheme selected, pattern worked out, and approximate number of beads necessary to create a finished necklace of 16"-17" have been counted out.Now it's time to string! Or assemble the necklace.On necklaces like this one, I recently switched from dacron as a stringing material, to silk. Silk has a beautiful, and flexible drape...no kinks will happen here!When I used dacron, I finished my

The Scribble Group

2009-07-16T15:49:00.004-05:00

This spring, a collection of artists, with Etsy and a love of handmade in common, combined their creative minds to create One Of a Kind Art. The completed OOAKs are being listed for sale on Etsy, under the seller name, TheScribbleGroup , with all proceeds going to charity.*Sales from the months of July, August and September are being directed towards Jay and her team of Groovy Boobie Girls, for

A Little Gem

2009-07-12T20:00:00.002-05:00

In this first post, of random little gems, I wantto make sure that you know of the following:an alternative method to cooking corn on the cob!Corn on the cob, a summer staple in many homes! Boiling up a big pot of water on the stove, and dropping in the fresh corn ears, is quite possibly the most common method. With some forethought, you can cook them on the BBQ - husks included - if you soak

How a Bead Becomes a gEM's PART 2

2009-07-08T15:24:00.007-05:00

In our first, How a Bead Becomes a gEM's piece, I showed you where gEM's are created. Now I'm going to take you further in to the creation process.gEM's contain any combination of the following ingredients:semi-precious gemstoneswood beads and/or pendantsglasssterling silverAnd sometimes any of the following ingredients may become an integral part of a gEM's:buritaguafresh water pearlsmetalI

I love doing this!

2009-07-05T22:45:00.002-05:00

In my short time as someone who sells their craft on-line, I have only done this twice...and I have to say, it makes me feel good.I love packaging an item up, and sending it off as a gift to someone other than the buyer.I feel like I'm part of a secret club, or like I am in on a big plan. Very covert.I am in the middle of packaging up a bracelet and a pair of earrings as a birthday present. The

Canada Day!

2009-06-30T19:53:00.004-05:00

Canadian deals to be had...Many Canadian shops on Etsy are having Canada Day sales! Here are a few that I have purchased from recently:Paisley BabyString Me AlongemmartsThe Knit Gallery by ArlySuper talented artists are offering their creative works with super special Canada Day deals!

On-Line Shopping

2009-06-28T10:30:00.007-05:00

I have bought my share of items on-line. To sell on-line, I like to understand and be familiar with the experience of shopping and buying on-line. Items that I have purchased include various handmade goodies from Etsy.com, bead and beading supplies from both large business, and independent seller, and of course...concert tickets. My purchases from Etsy.com alone have included jewelry, jam,

iCraft

2009-06-26T10:55:00.003-05:00

Up and coming in my iCraft Exhibit:5 OOAK bracelets at awesome prices!I have decided to use my five iCraft placements to feature particular styles/colours/pieces in a rotation. One week devoted to that weeks theme. Keep coming back during the week, as new pieces in the theme will pop up. But remember, this is the kind of "exhibit" where you can purchase what you like...and we strongly suggest

How a Bead Becomes a gEM's - Part 1

2009-06-16T21:15:00.010-05:00

I would like to show you how a bead (and I have many!) becomes a necklace, a bracelet, or a pair of earrings...in general, how a bead captures my attention, and becomes a gEM's! Creation StationWhere do I get my beads:I prefer to buy my beads in person. It isn't about examining each bead, rolling them over in my fingers, planning a future piece...it's about grabbing whatever catches my eye. I

you should have some!

2009-06-12T19:27:00.010-05:00

I am hooked on making bracelets, in particular chunky bracelets.It must have something to do with the season, and our change of clothing. We find ourselves shortening our sleeves, or even taking our sleeves right off! A perfect canvas is exposed (even behind a billowing 3/4 sleeve) for showcasing a fantastic bracelet!Pattern. Chunky. Wood. Funky. Colour.In particular (but not exclusively) I

have you been here?

2009-06-09T11:45:00.005-05:00

Have you been to icraft.ca ?icraft is a Canadian venture, similar to Etsy...where you can buy emmsgems in Canadian dollars! Okay, you can buy a lot more than just emmsgems, and you can buy in other currencies too. Check out iCraft!Be sure to visit my creator exhibit: emmsgems

local!

2009-06-04T15:55:00.005-05:00

Etsy has a fancy little buying feature: shop local. You can enter the name of a city (like your own), and find all items created by artsies and craftsies in your neighbourhood! You can shop handmade local - or find something special to send to a far away friend from their hometown!Here is a local treasury:

dressing for the kitchen

2009-04-20T20:43:00.010-05:00

It's as if a light went on in my kitchen last week! I finally understand why people wear aprons. I am fairly "new" to kitchen endeavours: a "green" chef and a "raw" baker.I am constantly running my hands under water, and drying them on my kitchen hand towel. I find myself tempted to just wipe my hands on the dishtowel, and sometimes even the hand towel, in order to save my hands from drying up

what's new to me

2009-03-21T19:13:00.008-05:00

My exposure to Etsy, "Your place to buy and sell all things handmade", has opened my eyes to a whole new world. The obvious is that I am open to all kinds of neat things to purchase. My purchases have included reusable produce bags, lip balm, note cards, a scarf, and some soap. I admire purses and totes, jewelry and paintings.But Etsy and her sellers have sparked a renewed interest in craft.

A New Piece

2009-02-25T21:26:00.005-06:00

A NEW PIECE for emmsgems!Be sure to read the story behind this "Ghost" of a gEM!I foresee some matching earrings in the near future...I love the red beads in this necklace! They have a matte finish, are extremely light weight, and are made from the Buri nut...which come from the Buri Palm tree in the Philippines. Beads aren't the only thing made from parts of the Buri tree. The trunk is used

my favourites

2009-02-22T12:31:00.003-06:00

I just took a stroll through my favourites on Etsy, and I noticed a recent influx of the colour YELLOW:new EtsyNameSpace.Mini(6330467, 'favorites','gallery',4,3).renderIframe();Is it representative of the changing season?Daylight until well past 5 p.m.?Is it my cheery mood?I think that yellow is often overlooked.

storing earrings

2009-02-07T20:20:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you, but storing the earrings that I wear on a regular basis is a challenge.For one thing, they get all tangled up in each other. It doesn't matter how many little compartments I have, I end up throwing them all in the same one. So compartments aren't a good idea.Another problem is, just like socks...I can never find a matching pair when I want one! I spend so much time

lip balm and cozies!

2009-01-16T15:00:00.006-06:00

Never have dry lips again! Never lose your lip balm again!I have a couple of these lip balms myselfYou can get yours here: ShannonsIrishBliss I don't have any cozies yet, but how can you wrong? I recommend Buttery Toffee Crunch flavour.

after Christmas...

2009-01-09T14:11:00.004-06:00

Christmas is over, so that can only mean one thing...Valentine's Day is up next! I didn't hop on a "need to make Christmas product binge", but today, I began making PINK items!I have started a Valentine's Day product launch and didn't even realize it. I was tidying up, and I found a stash of pink beads from a Breast Cancer Fundraiser that I donated to last year, and decided that I should make

Sale on Turquoise!

2008-12-31T16:05:00.005-06:00

It's hard to think of an original sale idea for Etsy...But I just came up with this one on my own:10% off all turquoise PLUS an extra .09 cents off to celebrate the new year!I will be adding more turquoise pieces throughout the duration of the sale (which ends on January 10, 2009)

a "wow" moment

2008-12-28T12:10:00.005-06:00

I love it when I create a gEM's piece that makes me say, "Wow!" This is my latest "wow":This is an unofficial photo - properly presented photos will follow in my Etsy shop!This piece defies the customary colour combinations - admittedly, it is more of a trendy piece, than an heirloom! If you are a "silver girl" like I am, you'll know what I mean!Now comes the hard part: deciding to sell it, as

my sewing project!

2008-12-20T13:22:00.005-06:00

Oh the colour bug has got me! My symptom is wanting to sew. I scratched the itch a few weeks ago, and created these...And now I see more opportunities for the same pattern...My husband laughed that I have "become my gramma's granddaughter". Gramma would be proud...and helpful!Gramma was a sewer.I'm a person who owns a sewing machine.I'm a beader.I love colour and pattern.

Christmas feeling

2008-12-13T13:31:00.009-06:00

What an awesome feeling it is to be part of a stranger's Christmas!I had a purchase in my Etsy shop the other day, from a new gEM's buyer! In her "Message to Seller" she asked if I could wrap the necklace she purchased, and add a gift tag with specific names on it. I was thrilled to do such a thing!I know that many shops offer free gift wrap, some shops sell a "Gift Wrap" option, and some, like

it's that time of year!

2008-12-09T10:40:00.004-06:00

It's one of my favourite times of year...no, not Christmas...the trendy paint colours for 2009 have been released!Consistent to many of the hottest hue groupings...lavender. The palettes are pretty, soft and neutral. Pops of colour to bring out optimism, are in the form of deep accents...but still grounded in neutrals for stability...grey toned neutrals that is.

welcome!

2008-12-05T10:59:00.001-06:00

Welcome to emmsgEM's new blog home!Look for topics on beads, fashion, Etsy, colour...and gEM's jewelry!