Rubber Duck Soaps

We have been very busy getting ready for the holiday season and making new soaps. Lately, we've made a bunch of different Rubber duck soaps that make us happy and hope that they will make you smile as well.





We have added all of these to our etsy shop - http://www.pinkparchmentsoaps.etsy.com/


If you'd like to see more about any one of them, just click on the image.

Happy Friday!

A True Friend

1. When you are sad,
I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew!!!

2. When you are blue,
I will try to dislodge whatever is choking you.

3. When you smile,
I will know you are plotting something that I must be involved in.

4. When you're scared,
We will high tail it out of here.

5. When you are worried,
I will tell you horrible stories about how much worse it could be until you
quit whining, ya big baby!!!!

6. When you are confused,
I will use little words.

7. When you are sick,
Stay away from me until you are well again.
I don't want whatever you have....

8. When you fall,
I'll pick you up and dust you off--
After I laugh my rear off!!

9. This is my oath....
I pledge it to the end.
'Why?' you may ask;
-- because you are my FRIEND!

InkWear99

Happy Tuesday Everyone! Today our featured artist is Inkwear99

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products? My husband and I own a tattoo shop and we realize that tattoo’s arent for everyone. However, most people love art, whether it is on your skin, a pair of shoes, a shirt, tote, etc…. We thought that we could put tattoo inspired art on shoes and such. My husband had done some screen printing in high school and remembered some of the steps in doing it. We purchased the equipment and started a small family business in the basement. My son and my step kids, 15,15 and 16 are a big help when it comes to coming up with designs and wearing the shoes and shirts to school for advertising. It really is a family business.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you? Most of the designs have been designed by someone in the family. However, we love custom orders and making someones idea come to life on a pair of shoes or a tshirt.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why? I think this is my favorite piece:


Aren't these shoes great?

Here are some of her other favorite pieces:

5. Do you do craft shows?

We have not done any craft shows yet. However, we have been thinking of doing a gun show with some new tshirt designs. We are going to go to one this month, check it out and if everything works out, the show that we do will be in November.

One of the great things I love about Inkwear99 is that they do fantastic custom work! And they really do love custom orders, shoes or shirts. It gives them such a great feeling to make a one of a kind item for a very happy customer. I have to add, that I happen to be one very, very happy customer!

If you'd like to see their other fantastic work, check them out on their Etsy Shop
Inkwear99
You can also find them on facebook www.facebook.com/inkwear99, and Zibbet www.zibbet.com/inkwear99

Halloween Shopping On Etsy

Happy Friday everyone! These are some fabulous Halloween finds on etsy:



1. Halloween Doll by LuLusApple
2. Halloween Favor Digital Collage by AmeliaLuneDigital
3. Boo Halloween Card Holder by BloomAndBarnacle
4. Pumpkin Head Soap by PinkParchmentsoaps (that's us)
5. Trick or Treat Bag by BaffinBags
6. Halloween Candy Box by PoshBox

Happy Shopping!

ShoppeVonShultz

Happy Thursday Everyone!
Today I am highlighting the wonderful photography shop of ShoppeVonShultz

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in taking photos?
When I was going through a hard time, I would take drives because driving was cathartic for me. I started taking my camera along and realized I loved taking photos. I never took any classes, but kept upgrading my equipment and pushing myself to learn more and get better.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
Of course I take my own photos, but I am also looking at other artists' work for inspiration. I would never want to recreate what they do, but there are definitely artists I admire and draw ideas from.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
Mission II is my favorite photo. I love it because it is the epitome of simple grace. I grew up in central Phoenix and was always able to find beauty in urban environments. Urban fragments are one of my favorite things to capture with the camera. I love the city and the lights and the conglomeration of buildings, adobe, modern, bank and business towers next to old missions. Mission II is a moment of peace and grace in a city where nothing stops and very little stays the same for long.



I love the peaceful colors in this photo!

Here are some of her other favorites:



I love both of these peices as well! And she also makes ACEO's, this is one of my favorites:



She beleives that photography is an extremely powerful record of our lives and what is important to us. If there is something you feel is important, capture it. If you've been putting off that family photo, schedule it!

If you'd like to see more of her work, or purchase any of these, just go to ShoppeVonShultz
If you'd like to see what she is upto, Check out her facebook page: www.facebook.com/pages/Valerie-Shultz-Photography/139798856055476

And take a look at her blog: thepowerinthestory.wordpress.com

CrazyCraftFrog

Happy Hump Day! Today I am featuring CrazyCraftFrog, another wonderful etsian. She makes wonderful, unique, handmade corsages for all sorts of occasions. One of the great things about these corsages is that you can keep them forever!

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I knew I wanted to make something. At first my goal was to make diaper bags but I quickly realized I lacked the skill and patience. I get frustrated over very long projects. It took me a awhile to find my niche. I tried many different things. Then I had to throw yet another baby shower. I couldn't find a corsage that was modern and cute! So I made one. Then one of my friends at the shower said.. "Hey I bet you could sell those!" Turns out they were right.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
I design them completely. I've never copied anyone or used any sort of pattern. My customers do often custom order them in their specific theme and colors though.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
I did a farm themed Mommy corsage and Daddy pin and those were my favorite because they remind me the most of home here in Alabama.



Aren't those adorable?

These are some of her other favorite pieces:


All three of these are currently for sale in her shop – just click on the picture and it will take you there.

5. Do you do craft shows?
No I have never done a craft show. I don't think my corsages would do well at a craft show since they are used for special occasions.

Personally, I think she is wrong and that they would sell well! But until she does, you can go shopping at her etsy shop, www.CrazyCraftFrog.etsy.com

And check out her facebook page - www.facebook.com/CrazyCraftFrog where she gives not only post pics of custom orders but give useful tips for baby showers and weddings to her followers.

Thought for the Day

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” ~ John Lennon ~

Holiday Shopping

Well it's Friday and a Holiday Weekend!
I'm going to try to get a head start on my holiday shopping this year - wish me luck! I'm also going to try to buy as much as possible handmade and local. If you have a favorite gift or a hard to buy for person, let me know.



This beautiful necklace was made by JanEleven on Etsy. It's a Rose Pink Rhinestone Crystal Cross that she made with a gorgeous rose and light pink rhinestone cross. She used the light pink to really make the cross stand out. It's perfect for church or to show your faith anytime. JanEleven makes a wide range of beautiful necklaces and also some gorgeous vintage peices for sale as well.



These shoes are not only fun, but I have it on good authority that Inkwear99s shoes are comfortable. These would make a perfect gift for the Kool aid lover! You can find other awesome shoes, t-shirts, tote bags in her shop.



Now this adorable baby shower corsage isn't really a holiday gift, but sometimes we all need a great idea for a baby shower. You can find this and many other Baby Shower Corsages, Bridal Bachelorette Shower Corsages, and Vintage Treasures at CrazyCraftFrog

Happy Shopping!

My Dog

I'm not sure where this came from, but thought I would share it:

It's just dawned on me !!

My dog sleeps about 20 hours a day.
She has her food prepared for her. She can eat whenever she wants.
Her meals are provided at no cost to her.
She visits the Dr. once a year for her checkup, and again during the year if
any medical needs arise.
For this she pays nothing, and nothing is required of her.
She lives in a nice neighborhood in a house that is much larger than her
needs, but she is not required to do any upkeep.
If she makes a mess, someone else cleans it up.
She has her choice of luxurious places to sleep.
She receives these accommodations absolutely free.
She is living like a Queen, and has absolutely no expenses whatsoever.
All of her costs are picked up by others who go out and earn a living every
day.
I was just thinking about all this, and suddenly it hit me like a brick
.......

I think my dog is a member of Congress!

Raedawn

I'm so happy it's Friday! Today I am featuring another etsian, Raedawn

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I started doing art when I was a little girl, mostly drawing, and then when I was a bit older painting. I always loved art. I always knew I wanted to be an artist. I also loved to crack rocks open, an activity that I link to my later love of making jewelry. I went to Virginia Commonwealth University and earned a BFA in painting. Since then I have show all over the U.S., as far as Oregon and New Mexico and as close as Massachusetts and New York.

2. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
My favorite piece so far is a tryptich, "Linking to the Three Worlds." I love it because when I did it I felt most connected to the spiritual realm and to myself. My most recent favorite is a colored pencil drawing, "Last Day at the Beach." And my favorite necklace is the Goddess necklace.


Here are some examples of her unique work:




This one absolutely fascinates me and this is what she has to say about it: "Shamans transverse the worlds, bringing back healing and other resources for their communities. They not only pass back and forth between the worlds, but they help to connect them, so that their communities are familiar with the lower world (a place of objective healing resources, such as herbs), the middle world (ordinary reality, Earth), the upper world (a place of energetic healing and knowledge). This assemblage symbolically reflects this process."



This one is sold, but I love all the colors and details!



This is what she has to say about this necklace, "The Goddess reaches up in joy, toward a turquoise sky, which is set off by the quiet inner fire of the copper."

4. Do you do craft shows?
I used to do lots of craft fairs, but since my illness, Fibromyalgia, has gotten worse, I can no longer do them. This was one of the factors in my coming to Etsy.

This is what she has to say about her work:
In my work I strive to stay connected to both the spiritual realm and to the world of people. Both are of utmost importance to me. I believe I was given a gift, and a part of that gift was to share it with others.

I too beleive she was giving a gift and love all the different mediums she works in.

If you'd like to see more of her gorgeous work, stop by her etsy shop Raedawn
You can also keep track of what she is up to by following her blog: www.dreamsandechoes.blogspot.com

Rhody

Happy Thursday Everyone!
Today I am featuring another awesome etsy shop - Rhody

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?

I started crocheting when I was a young girl. As time went on I want to make bigger and better things so I started to buy pattern books and made everything I could get my hands on. Crocheting is my "out". Its so relaxing for me and I love starting out with just yarn and then like magic you have a productive item in your hand!

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?

I make everything myself. If I use a pattern I always put my own twist to it somewhere in that pattern so I make it mine. I did design and make a thread crochet Christening blanket that is in my shop now. But I make my own items.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?

I have to say the Christening gowns. I made one that sold and it had the gown, bonnet and booties to go with it. The girl who bought it sent me a picture of her baby on her Christening Day with my outfit on her. That meant so much to me to actually see it on her.

Here are some examples of her gorgeous work:





I love all her different peices! Wouldn't that wreath be stunning on your door? And guess what? She takes custom orders on her wreaths and if you would like something else, she'd be glad to work on it with you so you can get exactly what you want!

If you'd like to see more of her shop, check her out here on etsy: Rhody
You can also follower her on twitter here
Check out her blog here
And like her on facebook here

Camp Casey

Today, I'm highlighting Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a 501c3 nonprofit horseback riding program for children with cancer headquartered in Michigan. Camp Casey supports children with cancer and their families through three unique programs, Cowboy Camp Outs, Horsey House Calls, and Outlaw Outings. The wonderful thing about these programs is that they are cost-free. How can they do this? Through the generous support of people like us!

If you'd like to help there are several different ways you can. Camp Casey is hosting a Chili Cook off and Craft Show on Saturday October 15th in downtown Ferndale. If you'd like to go to the Chili Cook off, Tickets are $10 if pre-purchased and you can buy them online here: ChiliCookOffTickets Or you can buy them for $15 at the event. This is a wonderful way to spend the day with your family, have a great time and support a great organization!

If you'd like to purchase a 10x10 vender space, you can download the application here: VendorSpace

If your business would to become a sponsor, here is the sponsor sheet: Sponsor

Camp Casey Fest: Bands. Beans. Brews.
A chili cook-off and street fair featuring live music all day with a national headliner (TBA ASAP)!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Downtown Ferndale

See you all there!

Thoughts On The Economy

THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD: I recived a pre-declined credit card in the mail. CEO's are now playing miniature golf. ExxonMobil laid off 25 Congressmen. Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America.Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.A picture is now only worth 200 words.They renamed Wall Street "Wal-Mart Street".Finally, I called the Suicide Hotline.I got a call center in Pakistan and when I told them I was suicidal, they got all excited and asked if I could drive a truck

Thoughts for Friday

Some of my favorite thoughts for today:

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. Anne Franke

Only those who look with the eyes of children can lose themselves in the object of their wonder. Ebernard Arnold

Honey Willow Bloom Room

Sure Happy Its Thursday!
A while back, I featured Marie from Honey Willow Designs. Well, Marie has been a busy woman and has now opened a second Etsy Shop called HoneyWIllowBloomRoom. Well, I just had to ask her a few questions.

1. What was your motivation to open another shop?
My motivation to open another shop hit at about 2am when I was ordering supplies. I was ordering some lovely flowers and came up with about a millions ideas at once to specialize in flower. It is very different from what I want to concentrate on in my original shop hence the new shop.

2. What kinds of products are you offering in your new shop?
My tagline is Flower Central for Hair, Body, and Home - that about sums up the items I will be offering - just about anything you can think of that is floral related.



3. Who are these products be for?
My items will be for women and children mainly, but could include men too. Basically anyone who likes flowers!


I took a look at her new shop and all I have to say is WOW. Everything she offers will make fabulous gifts for all occasions for the flower enthusiast.

Here are some of the wonderful pieces she has to offer:

You can see more of her wonderful creations on her etsy shops: HoneyWillowBloomRoom and www.etsy.com/shop/HoneyWillowDesigns.com

And you can save 10% both of her shops by using coupon code: ppsblog10

SkileyKnits

Happy Hump Day!!! Today our featured Michigan Artist is......
SkileyKnits

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I have been knitting and crocheting for almost 20 years. Growing up in an artistic family with crafters and a muralist as my inspiration, I was encouraged to create from a very young age. DJ started making Jewelry just this summer in response to a custom request to make one of his flies into a pair of earrings, and it took off from there and has become a passion.

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
Everything we do is collabrative. He and I run design ideas by each other all the time, but the actual construction/stitching is done by only one or the other.

3. What is the favorite piece you have made and why?
My favorite piece is a work in progress. I'm using a pattern my late father designed to make an updated blanket for our bedroom. DJ's favorite is the dreamcatcher earrings he made for me using traditional Mohawk techniques taught to him by a pipe carrier.

Here are some of their beautiful work:


If you'd like to see more of their beautiful work, you can find SkileyKnits at the Nature's Best Farmer's Market in Fairview every Friday Morning. They will also be in Beaverton August 20th and 21st, and at the Curran Black Bear Festival September 24

You can find their blog here: http://www.skileyknits.blogspot.com/
And of course, you can stop by their etsy shop: SkileyKnits

GaryTheCarpenter

Happy Tuesday everyone! Today our featured Michigan Artist is GaryTheCarpenter

GaryTheCarpenter is a retired carpenter who thought that retirement was going to give him the time to do all the things he never had time for when he was working.. His list wasn’t as large as he thought and he found that he needed a way to make his income stretch just a bit further. One day his three grandsons asked hin to make them a large truck that they could climb on. That got him started on making birdhouses, and feeders. According to GaryTheCarpenter his three grandsons are his biggest fans, and he enjoys making them a little something for birthdays, christmas, and well, just because. He thinks that making things out of wood, is pure pleasure, his greatest pleasure comes form the look in his grandsons eyes, when he hands them a new item.

His Donkey birdfeeder and birdhouse always makes him laugh, and I have to admit, they make me laugh as well.



And just look at this mailbox and birdhouse!



To see some more unique and fun Toys, Bird houses, and feeders, take a look at GaryTheCarpenters etsy shop: GaryTheCarpenter

Lala Dangerous

Today our Featured Artist is LalaDangerous

1. Why and/or how did you get interested in making your products?
I got into this last year, when my sister in law showed me the website etsy.com. I was so intrigued by the idea of an eBay for handmade and vintage items!!! I had been making ornaments for Christmas presents that year because we were short on money!
My sister liked them she suggested I start an Etsy store and so I did!

2. Do you make/design the product or do other people help you?
All of my items, and ideas are mine. I have taken a suggestion or two from my husband and friends but most of the items are my own original ideas. I am inspired by the 19th century early and late...I love all of the looks, textures and designs from that era!


3. What is your favorite piece and why?
My most favorite piece so far is the pirate ornament I just recently did. It's fantasy, Victorian and one of my absolute favorites!



Here are some of her other beautiful ornaments:



I have to say, these are the most stunning and unique ornaments I have ever seen!

LalaDangerous is doing a craft and sales expo at Pine Grove Church in Howard City. The expo is from 10:30a-3p and is open to the public. Stop by, say hello and see these beautiful ornaments in person.

LalaDangerous is also open to custom orders, so if you see one of her designs and would like it in another color she would be happy to do that for you!!! Keep in mind that not all items are exactly alike due to the materials she has on hand and constantly changing stock, however they will be very similar.

You can also keep up with her on facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Modern-style-ornaments-wreaths-and-floral-arrange...

And if you would like to buy one of these on line, or see her other beautiful creations, check out her etsy store: www.laladangerous.etsy.com

Rust Belt Market

Today we are at the Rust Belt Market
Stop on over and say hello!

Clover Pottery

Woo Hoo it's friday!
Today our featured artist is Clover Pottery

My first experience with clay/pottery making was a rather inept attempt to rescue my friend's brother from certain "summer ruining" punishment. He'd used his grandmother's dishes as target practice for his BB gun. Lame-O! Anyway, I dug up a bunch of clay from the creek behind their house and used a paper plate asa pattern for the clay replacement dishes. We put them out in the sun until they were dry, then "cooked" them in the oven. When the "plates" were cooled off, we used model car paints to color them. NOT EVEN CLOSE!

They broke apart as we tried to stack them in the cupboard - and her brother was busted - just like the plates... but at least I tried.

Because I've always been a "wallower" and love the feel, smell and everything else to do with clay, I'm too selfish to let anyone help me make my pottery... I work alone and have been seriously making my pots since 1969. Thankfully, my family and friends basically leave me alone when I'm making my pottery. I meditate while I work. I believe that clay is NOT static, but dynamic. What I am feeling while I work is what someone else will take home with them when they choose one of my pots. I've very careful about what kind of energy I put into my art.

My inspiration comes from nature, whether it's in the making of my horse hair pottery or the more functional pieces.

My favorite pieces are my horse hair pots. The hair comes from my own horses and I love them, (my horses) more than life itself. Each piece is special in that they not only contain my own energy, but also the spirit of my horses. I'm part Sioux and find this combination of pottery and horses quite natural for me.

Here are some of her beautiful pieces:



I haven't been doing shows of late, however, I'm happy to say that I will be at Ferndale's new venue - The Rust Belt Market- August 13th (Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm). You can't believe how hip that place is... sort of like Ann Arbor back in the 60's. Come on and check it out! I bet you'll feel right at home.

You can find more of her pottery at:
http://www.cloverpottery.com/
And
http://www.cloverypottery.etsy.com/
And go check out her blog:
http://www.cloverpottery.blogspot.com/