New Job=No Time!

I'm so sorry for not posting a new feature lately. I started my new job this week and while I'm loving it so far it means that I get home later, & don't have as much free time as I used to. I hope to get it posted soon, and I know you'll like the shop I'm featuring :) Thanks for your patience!

Pinterest Challenge No. 1

One of my favorite blogs that I follow is Young House Love. Last week they came up with a Pinterest Challenge (details found here: http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/07/another-unsuccessful-attempt-to-keep-it-cool/). I'm addicted to pinning things on Pinterest, and especially LOVE finding new crafts and recipes. So I decided to try a new recipe, and it turned out to be delicious! Here's my original pin for Sopapilla Cheesecake: http://pinterest.com/pin/83769872/ (the link to the recipe is in the top right corner). And the picture above is my success! I made only half a recipe since a whole 9"x13" pan of this would completely reverse my efforts to work out. Anyways, it made the house smell lovely and tastes just good.

Here's the link for YHL's completed challenge: http://www.younghouselove.com/2011/08/320-pins/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+YoungHouseLove+%28Young+House+Love%29

I'll let you know when the next one happens so you can join in on the fun!

Etsy Shop Feature: A Cup of Sparkle

Finally, the promised new shop feature! My apologies for the pictures not showing up (boo blogger for technical problems). :( There are links to everything though, so go check them out!

Etsy Feature: A Cup of Sparkle

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Melike, and I am the hands and the brains behind ACupOfSparkle. 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.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Turkish, feminine and creative

How long have you been crafting?

ohh.. I can't even remember. My mom is a super creative person who does all sorts of crafts. I have been crafting with her since I was very young.

When did you start selling on Etsy, and what inspired you to give it a try?

I launched my jewelry line 'A Cup of Sparkle' in December, 2010. I have a treasury of beads and jewelry supplies that I have been collecting for a long time. I like wearing jewelry and have two

sisters, so I was mostly making for myself, my friends, and family. I love the business side of things and I thought I should give it a shot and share my jewelry with others out there. I had a lot of
encouragement from my loving husband.

Besides creating, what are you passionate about?

I have a puppy that I love spending time with. I also kayak and ride bikes with my husband. 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.

What does your craft space look like? Are you an organized crafter or would you be embarrassed for us to take a peak at your workspace? (Please share a picture if you’re willing)

I am glad you asked this question. It is funny :) I am a very organized person normally, which is also a part of my job at work. However, when it comes to my craft space, which I call "A Cup of

Sparkle Laboratory," I have all of beads and supplies scattered on a table and couple drawers. Mess is how I get creative. Seeing colors and combinations together opens up new ideas for me. I don't believe in the necessity of organization in crafts. I think it is ok to be disorganized and creative at the same time!

Describe your Etsy shop in three words.
Colorful, quality, cheerful

Currently, what are your favorite 3 items from your shop?
I have very different designs and lines of jewelry; from crystal and pearl wire wrapped beading to beaded wire jewelry; but, my favorites are the bird nest branch necklace, green pearl circle of love necklace and sparrow bird nest keychain. I offer most of my jewelry and accessories in custom colors, where I give the option to my customers to pick any color and number of beads they want.

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

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 also like Eidrasa and MaaPstudio

Finally, what suggestions would you make to someone who’s thinking about starting an Etsy shop?

Go for it! If you would like to pursue a business and have had the idea on the back of your mind to start a shop, I think you should give it shot! Be ready for a lot of work though, as Etsy is very
competitive and running your shop will take a lot of time. Stay positive and keep it fun!

Feature Coming this Week

Since I was at Creation Northwest, which was SO MUCH FUN, last week I didn't post the new Etsy feature. I know I promised to post in either Sunday or Monday, but I've been busy with work so I haven't gotten to it yet. I'll post it this Friday and will change the schedule around a bit so everyone still has the same amount of feature time.

I added some pics of Creation 2011: Switchfoot concert, Toby Mac concert, and the incredible view of Mt. Rainier from our camping area. I had lots of fun meeting new people as I volunteered, and spending time with old friends at the concerts. Being 5'1" in a mosh pit is NOT easy!!

Camping...Be Back Soon

I'm going camping this week, and won't have access to modern technology. Therefor, I'm postponing my next shop feature until next Monday the 25th. (Also, since the last one got delayed a little due to blogger issues.) Anyways, have a good week and I'll post about my adventures when I get back.

Blog Hop Wednesday!

I like Wednesdays because that means it's blog and shop hop day!

Here's the blog hop:



Here's the shop hop:



Support other artists and follow their blog or favorite their shop!

Etsy feature: Moon Stone Designs pics

These are the pictures that won't cooperate with me.

They're as follows (from top to bottom): shark hat, sheep hat, sewing/work space, and orca hat. I hope you enjoy the new feature and check out her shop regardless of my technical issues.