BESTeam Feature: On Behalf Of

This week I am featuring one of our BESTeam members who dedicates her artistic talent and creative voice to helping others who are often not seen by us and are in great need.  Kate expresses her desire to help others eloquently on her Etsy profile.  She tells us "I love seeing the world with my own eyes, and I'd rather live for others than live for myself....But my heart and the aim of my life is to do what I can in fighting this injustice, and helping those in my society to see that. Now that I have seen, I am responsible. I believe in possibility. I believe in God's providence. He knows my heart because He made it that way. And He's done so much already. I'm a small girl, but I am pretty determined that not everything about me will be small". 


Kate's Etsy shop is aptly named On Behalf Of.   Kate donates 90% of the profit from her sales on her shop to help others in need.  She tells for each product where the donation will be sent.  Visit with me as I walk you through some of Kate's thoughtful art for a cause.

This vibrant print is titled Hope Makes One Live.  It is created with watercolors, acrylics, tissue paper and upcycled magazine pieces.  Give hope with a purchase of this print.  100% of the sale will go to support World Vision's relief efforts in Haiti.

This photo grabs my heart.  The red dress on a child helps bring me an awareness of the vulnerability of the children in this community.  Kate took this photo while in a church meeting in Morogora, Tanzania.  This church is struggling to provide aid to those in their community who are infected with HIV or AIDS and those affected by it. 90& of the sale of this photo will go to Lahash International, to combat HIV/AIDS in Sub Saharan Africa.

So many children have lost one or both parents.  Many lose parents to AIDs; some lose parents to conflicts.  No matter the reason children are orphaned they need our love and compassion, and they need us to give from our bounty.  Help support orphans by purchasing The Morning Will Be On the Other Side.

Every person in this world is entitled to clean water.  This print, The Ocean Tells Me a Thousand Stories, is a beautiful reminder of pure clean water. 90% of the proceeds of the sale of this print will go to Blood:Water Mission.




You can keep up with Kate at her blog, Art on Behalf Of, her facebook page.

BESTeam Feature: Sandyvern

Sandy Vern is a multi-talented woman with a diverse range of interests.  Her Etsy shop Sandyvern features her handmade soaps, jewelry, and knitted items.  Meanwhile, Sandy runs a small pet sitting/barn sitting service.  As she says in her own words on her lovely blog, The Adventures of Sandy Vern, "I am owned by a variety of animals; 1 border collie x australian shepherd (Brandon), 2 cats (Ms. Spencer & Oreo), 1 ferret (Sammy), 2 parrotlets (Rory & Logan) and 3 bearded dragons (Harry Potter, Weasly & Hermione)".

Sandy's handmade soaps intrigue me.  I am very partial to lavendar.  Look at this bar of lavendar soap.  Don't you just want to sink down in a big tub of hot water and smell the lavendar?  Sandy makes this soap using an old fashioned cold process combining oils, butters and lye in just the right amounts to create this luxurious soap.  Why not get a different scent for everyday?  She has vanilla, blueberry crunch, oats and honey, and more.

After you use the soap, indulge yourself in her fabulous shea butter .  You could go with lavendar or another scent.  Look at how soft and creamy this pink grapefruit shea butter is.

Now you would want to dress up for going out so enjoy these lighthearted Pink Cocktail earrings.

And if you prefer to stay in after your cozy bath and facial, then pick up your knitting.  Use your favorite stitch markers to keep track of what you are doing.  Choose from one of these or several others. 

Springtime Bug Stitch Markers

Patriotic Peace Stitch Markers

Sandy is a member of BoostingEtsyShopsTeam on Etsy.

BESTeam Feature: Off the Wall Expressions

Tina and Mick are a husband and wife team who create marvelous high quality vinyl graphics available at Off the Wall Expressions on Etsy.  They are also members of BESTeam on Etsy. I never thought about using vinyl graphics for such a variety of things in my home.  These are truly beautiful.

Vinyl is such an easy but stylish way to decorate many surfaces.  These decorations will stick to a large variety of surfaces such as walls, floors, windows, refrigerators, bathtubs, and many more.  The vinyl decorations will inspire your imagination, and you will find the perfect place for one of these.

Here are some of my favorites from Off the Wall Expressions.

This cherry blossom branch makes a graceful design on the wall.  No need for a large sofa picture.

Why mess up your wall with pencil markings recording a child's height?  Use this handy-dandy vinyl graphic and measure away!

Words of wisdom!  Be inspired and guided to live well and with grace.

The first time I saw this statement, it stopped me in my tracks.  This is one of my all time favorite sayings, and it is beautifully displayed on this vinyl graphic.  I really like the use of different fonts to emphasize the most important words.

Off the Wall Expressions blog is another delightful place to visit.  You can just relax and read Tina's posts and comments.  Visit Tina on Twitter also.

Featured Artist - Turquoise Angels

It is difficult to know what to look at first when you visit our featured artists' Etsy shop, Turquoise Angels.  The artists who create all the wonderful designs at Turquoise Angels are a mother daughter team.  They are members of the BESTeam-Boosting Etsy Shop Team on Etsy,  a group of Etsians who promote one another, encourage one another, and teach one another.

Take a look at some of Turquoise Angels' creative work.  They specialize in handmade clothing and accessories for girls, mommies and babies.  Plus, they even make a few things for your favorite pet!

My favorite item this pair of ladies create are the tutus for little girls.  I guess they remind me of how much fun I had playing dress up when I was a little girl.  Perfect for any girl who wants to be a princess!  Here is one of my favorite tutus.  It is called the Watermelon Slice Tutu, and has luscious pinks, greens and blue in the skirt.

There are many other fun items to select at Turquoise Angels.  It's that time of year to start wearing your flip flops again, so why not buy a pair from this Etsy Shop?  How about these?  They will make them in many sizes.

You can also purchase a variety of bows and headbands in every color of the rainbow.
How about this Soft Lavendar Headband?

And of course, don't forget your pet!  They make "Doggie Diva" tutus - what fun!

Now down to the business side of things.  Turquoise Angels is running a terrific sale right now of 20% off.  This is their One Year Anniversary !!!!  Hurry right over to their shop Turquoise Angels to take advantage of this sale.

Then pop on by their blog and spend time refreshing yourself by reading their articles.  Pay special attention to the pages for their new guest bloggers, Southern Philly Dish and Simply Mommy Talk.

And of course for a quick peek at what they are up to, check them out on Facebook and Twitter

Handmade Artisan Jewelry from Gilliauna

Bits n' Beads carries an impressive array of handmade artisan jewelry that is beautifully designed and constructed with quality materials and attention to detail.  It is hard to know where to start first when telling you about this artist's work.  You can find something in most any price range for yourself or for a gift.

Gilliauna creates fine handcrafted rosaries with exquisite detail.  I am especially drawn to her Holy Rosary Handcrafted in Blue Ceramic and Pearls.  The fabulous cross is unique with a gorgeous rich blue inlay.  In addition,  a gold-plated Madonna and child is the centerpiece.  This piece contains 191 links each of which is turned by hand.

You can find delightful practical items such as beaded key charms, beaded eyeglass holders, beaded id badge lanyards, and beaded bookmarks.  This shop also offers beautiful earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.

Here is one of Bits n' Beads made for fun pieces,

and a vintage inspired piece

and an elegant piece for a very special occasion.

A visit to this Etsy BESTeam member's  Bit n' Beads shop will surely delight you.  To find out more about the artist's work and thoughts visit her blog, The Meandering Musings of a Consummate Shopper, and find her on Twitter and Facebook.

BESTeam Feature: Ancient Oils

Lilly DelValle is well versed in her calling.  She is a treasure of knowledge regarding Holistic and Spiritual healing.  Her shop on Etsy is Ancient Oils and she creates Goddess Blends of therapeutic essential oils.  The practice of using essential oils is often referred to as aromatherapy, and use of these types of oils contribute to physical and psychological well-being.

I asked Lilly how she became interested in aromatherapy.  She explained that it started with her sensitivity to chemicals, and her daughter’s sensitivity to many things.  This led her on a search for holistic alternatives.  She found that essential oils were integrated throughout her studies of Metaphysics and Holistic Healing. Essential oils actually carry the vibrational energy of their plant and retain the plants amazing healing properties; properties which enhance moods, ease pain, and help get rid of disease. To top it off, these were an excellent alternative for controlling Lilly’s allergies as well as improving the over all health of members of her family.

Then I questioned Lilly about what inspired her to look into Biblical essential oils.  She told me:

“As a Metaphysician, I am also challenged with questions of spirituality and
religion. Most of what I practice can easily be supported by Biblical
scripture. Hands on healing is not only mentioned in the bible but was practiced by
Jesus himself. The use of essential oils was just as common then as taking an
aspirin in today's world. A matter of fact, within the Bible there are 33
species and over 500 references to essential oils and the aromatic plants
from which they came. This was considered a natural way of living.

As we look at the plants and essentials oils in the book of Exodus v30, I
just marvel at the thought that God gave Moses a natural formula that is an
anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, etc. to anoint
with. Talk about a booster shot. This one formula taken directly from the
Bible can teach us a lot.”

You can find Lilly’s wonderful products and fascinating information on her Ancient Oils Etsy shop and at her blog, Living Vibrations.  Also, check her out on Facebook.

I am sure you will be captivated as I was.

Pink and Green Treasury Challenge

I enjoy making beaded id badge lanyards, and sometimes I make them in colors that are a little different for everyday work situations. One of my newest lanyards "In the Pink" features large soft pink beads.  Smafactory is an Etsy seller who decided to put it into her treasure below.  I was happy with the lanyard when I made it, but it certainly looks fabulous with all the lovely complementary soft pinks and greens in this treasury.

I also learned about the Treasury Challenge that occurs each week.  If you have an Etsy shop, you may wish to participate in this challenge.  You do not need to be part of a team.  You see what the theme is for the challenge, and then you create and submit a treasury based on that theme.  The theme that inspired the treasury below was a spring textile art piece.

'The Lovely Things...' by smafactory

This treasury is an entry in the NonTeam Treasury Challenge! Feel free to join in!http://treasurychallengenonteam.blogspot.com/

Mardi -limited edi... jenskelley $19.00	Spring Clean Framed... Emilyparkesart $20.00	Bridesmaid Jewelry ... taylorseclecti... $100.00
Earrings. Jewelry, ... laurenblythede... $21.00	Floating in Light -... DovieMoon $14.99	Flower leather broo... julishland $25.00
Peridot Hammered St... jorgensenstudi... $38.00	Big Thoughts in a W... ClothandPatina $12.00	Vintage inspired fl... MEimCRAZY $95.00
15 Assorted Multi-c... simplychiclily $15.00	Choose your Color P... cindycolumbia1... $30.00	Antique Brass Key E... gardenmis $15.00
Agate Sea Urchin Te... seaandasters $32.00	Pocket full of Flow... ChloeandOliveD... $44.00	In the Pink Beaded ... Plumbeadacious $23.00
Dusty Rose.....Embr... JANNYSGIRL $18.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.