Spring is in the Air!

How do you respond to Spring? Margaret of Splendid Little Stars influenced April's Monthly Challenge by asking BBA members to "create a project that calls to mind how one or all of the senses respond to this time of year".

I think of April showers.

The Best Moments by Artful Rising

People think of getting married.

Wood Guest Book by Memories for Life Scrapbooks

Flowers bloom.

Spring Brooch by JN Originals

QUESTION: What do you think of when you think of this time of year?

Link up with your blog post on a creation that reflects how you respond to spring.

Worktable Wednesday - ArtfulRising

Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members

or something of interest we spy online.

Today I want to show you some awesome new items from our team leader's shop ArtfulRising. Erika has been working on some great new cards, art prints and tags. They really show what her shop is all about!

Vintage Inspired Hang Tags

I love how she photographed these tags...the vintage feel is awesome!

Angel Folded Card

And my favorites are prints of her hand drawn and hand painted art! You can have a little piece of Erika right in your own home :)

Have Faith

Erika encourages us to Create. Inspire. Change Your World. Her new items sure have me inspired! How about you?

****************************************************************************** Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!

Tuesday Treasuries

Today's treasury is A Touch of Sun created by Kaili Williams.  I'm visiting sunny California this week so this is a perfect treasury for me :)  Even if you are not basking in sunshine, this treasury will give you a few rays.

 I'm a big fan of this kitty painting by Kathy of tapestry316.  Probably because I have my own orange kitty at home.  I'm a sucker for an orange kitty.

This chevron purse from Nancy of NFallonDesignStudio is adorable!  It would certainly brighten up any day.  And if you are like me, you always carry way too many small items in your purse and then spend 10 minutes trying to find them.  This could solve that.

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Today's post was brought to you by Jenny of A Bird In The Hand Art.  As the artist and owner behind A Bird In The Hand Art, Jenny spends her time creating unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind home decor pieces.  See her work in her shop or read some of her craft tutorials on her blog.

Monday Member Mini -- N. Fallon Design Studio

It's time for another Monday Member Mini and today we are featuring Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio. Nancy knits beautiful purses and wallets, as well as lovely scarves and the cutest heart brooches you'll ever see! Her zipper wristlet pouches are just the right size to carry as a small purse or to hold your makeup -- some even have matching coin purses!

Nancy also carries a line of cards -- gift tag sized with matching envelopes. She says that she "loves combining color and pattern in fresh new ways" and these little card definitely qualify! A very talented artisan, she also paints in watercolor and then offers limited edition prints of her whimsical work.

Nature's beautiful colors definitely influence Nancy's designs, whether in her shop or for personal projects!

To visit Nancy's shop, just click on the N. Fallon Design Studio Mini!

Be sure to check back here for more Monday Member Minis for a little sneak peek into our members' shops!

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Sarah is the owner of Magnolia Surprise where you can find crochet toys and play food for the kids, as well as fun coasters, potholders and other items for the home. In addition to crochet, she loves needlework of all types, especially cross-stitch and embroidery, and also enjoys painting on wood and found objects.

Friday Features and a Winner

Yesterday I saw a large group of bike riders, vans, Red Cross vehicles, and a bus for the Wounded Warrior cyclists (wounded veterans ride even if it is in a specially designed 'bike'). My four year old son asked me why it was taking so long to travel down the road and I pointed to the group. When I read the words "Wounded Warrior" I choked back a sob. People do a lot for us to live in this country; I wish more people were grateful...

charm by ChubbyChicoCharms

 bracelet by AtEaseDesigns

blocks by AlaynasCreations

shirt by SouthernBelleBows

The winner of Artful Rising's Giveaway is Maegan! Thank you to everyone that entered.

Worktable Wednesday- Mister Pen Quin

Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members

or something of interest we spy online. 

When we think of our teammate Judy, we think of her crochet shop, J.N. Originals.  This is her primary shop, but I was surprised a while back to learn that Judy also works in paper- and quite masterfully. Just view her other etsy shop, Mister Pen Quin, and you will notice the same!

Envelope Pocket Photo Album

Mini Brag Book

Judy always writes thoughtful and thorough explanations about her work on her blog.   I loved reading

through this post where she reveals the details of creating  a new project, a hardcover photo book, but

you get to see some of the techniques that she uses in her other work too.  Go peak! 

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Today's post was written by Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio.  Established in 2008, the shop houses a whimsical line of knit purses, wallets, and knitwear.  An artist at heart, Nancy also dabbles in watercolors, mixed media sculpture, and poetry.  You can read more about her life and work on her blog One Loopy Knitter.

Tuesday Treasuries

Treasuries on etsy are gallery collections of items for sale grouped under a theme chosen by the curator.  This is a fun way to showcase the talents and work of creative shop owners.

Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month.  Each week we will feature one of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog.

So many wonderful shades of green come to life in Spring!  This gorgeous treasury, Rock April with Lime by Rose of Random Creative, features the lovely shade of lime.

This beautiful handmade watercolor doodle book by Deb of storybeader features cherry blossoms in Japanese Washi Yuzen Chiyogami paper.  The book includes a personal haiku by Deb written specifically for the piece.  Deb's shop features handmade journals and paper goods for the artist.  While visiting her shop, be sure to check out her handmade paper beads.

You'll love to spend time in the kitchen with this set of 3 "key lime pie" dishcloths  by Sarah of Magnolia Surprise. So many fun and lovely items await you in her shop full of crochet goodness--coasters, dish cloths, scrubbies, scarves, play food, and toys, and more.  Do check out her toast coasters!

Be sure to check back here every week for more Tuesday Treasuries!

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Today's guest blogger is Margaret.  She is the artist/owner of Splendid Little Stars, a shop filled with cotton and silk clothing and accessories for children and adults.  She loves many crafts and has been dyeing and painting fabric for more than 20 years.  Find her blog Splendid Little Stars HERE.

photos by the individual artists © 2011-2012   all rights reserved

Monday Member Mini -- Splendid Little Stars

Today we are featuring Margaret of Splendid Little Stars -- one of the most colorful shops in the Etsy family! Margaret has been creating and selling hand-dyed and hand-painted clothing for over 20 years and began her journey in tie-dying with inspiration from her daughter's first grade teacher.

Ranging from bright and fun colors to soft and subtle tones, the Splendid Little Stars shop is full of t-shirts, hair scrunchies, scarves and even washcloths! All tie-dyed or hand painted and beautiful.

In addition to the wonderful tie-dye and hand-painted designs offered in her shop, Margaret also teaches the art of tie-dyeing to youth groups in her area, sells at arts and craft shows, does commission work, and supplies fundraisers. Whew! Margaret is a very busy lady!!

To visit Margaret's shop, just click on the Splendid Little Stars Mini!

Be sure to check back here for more Monday Member Minis for a little sneak peek into our members' shops!

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Sarah is the owner of Magnolia Surprise where you can find crochet toys and play food for the kids, as well as fun coasters, potholders and other items for the home. In addition to crochet, she loves needlework of all types, especially cross-stitch and embroidery, and also enjoys painting on wood and found objects.

Friday Features: A Colorful Collection

Today, I will be sharing some pieces in the colors of Pantone's spring trends.  These colors are everywhere; I've even seen some tangerine tango frozen yogurt.

Tangerine Tango- Silk Scarf by Takuyo

Solar Power- Knit Purse by NFallonDesigns

Margarita- Ring by Lichen and Lychee

Bellflower- Beaded Bracelet from Random Creative

Cockatoo- Journal from Artful Rising

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Today's post was brought to you by Jenny of A Bird In The Hand Art.  As the artist and owner behind A Bird In The Hand Art, Jenny spends her time creating unique jewelry and one-of-a-kind home decor pieces.  See her work in her shop or read some of her craft tutorials on her blog.

Worktable Wednesday - Build it and they will come

Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members or something of interest we spy online.
Kathy of tapestry316 recently launched her own website! How exciting and what a huge accomplishment! I think all of us artisans would love to have our own site and Kathy made hers a reality :)


I just love how she starts out her site with a beautiful photo of one of her paintings and the quote
“When I grow up I want to be a cowgirl.”
Being both professional and personal on your website is what visitors want. They want to get to know the artist behind the work.

Kathy shares her Gallery of Artwork, the Books she has illustrated that her daughter has written as well as a Biography Page.
Stop by and check it out. If we're lucky, Kathy will share her tips with us on how to make our own page :)
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Edi is the creative mind behind Memories for Life Scrapbooks (and Laser Engraving). She has been paper crafting for over 15 years and recently purchased a laser engraver that is keeping her creativity at an all time high!

Tuesday Treasuries

Treasuries on etsy are gallery collections of items for sale grouped under a theme chosen by the curator.  This is a fun way to showcase the talents and work of creative shop owners.

Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month.  Each week we will feature one of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog.

Spring is bursting with glorious colors!  love on a sunday morning, curated by Erika of Artful Rising, is a gorgeous treasury filled with the soft and lush joyfulness of Spring.

Edi of Memories For Life Scrapbooks and Laser Engraving makes the most awesome personalized books such as this double name guest book!  Edi makes a plethora of wonderful personalized original items for you and your loved ones!

This pretty fabric covered bracelet set by Jenny of A Bird in the Hand Art is so unique and clever!  Jenny makes lovely items to adorn both yourself and your home!

Here are more lovely treasuries from our teammates this week:

A Day at the Zoo. by Nancy of N Fallon Design Studio 

songs of Spring by Margaret of Splendid Little Stars

Be sure to check back here every week for more Tuesday Treasuries!

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Today's guest blogger is Margaret.  She is the artist/owner of Splendid Little Stars, a shop filled with cotton and silk clothing and accessories for children and adults.  She loves many crafts and has been dyeing and painting fabric for more than 20 years.  Find her blog Splendid Little Stars HERE.

 

photos by the individual artists © 2011-2012   all rights reserved

'Good Friday' Features

Since this weekend is Easter and today is Good Friday our Friday Features are of a religious nature.


Journal by ArtfulRising



Church Door by JulieMagersSoulen



Earrings by stoneandbone



Rosary by SassyDLite



Easter Card by BrownsCraftingDesign



Banner by anyoccasionbanners

Have a wonderful Easter Weekend! 



Friday Features is presented today by BBA member, Linda, of PruittCreations.  
 

April Team Challenge - Spring is in the air!

Margaret from Splendid Little Stars is our host this month for April's team challenge.  Spring is in the air and she's challenging the Blogging Business Artisans to create a project that calls to mind how one or all the senses respond to this time of year.


To help with ideas, here's some examples from her:

"Spring makes me think of soft things, flowers, baby animals, warm soft light. So perhaps I will make a related drawing in my journal. Or perhaps I will create a pattern with flowers and leaves."

Whether it's sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste - let's see how your senses approach the coming of Spring!


Here are some other things you might want to know about the BBArtisans Challenges:
1) There will be 12 monthly challenges with a given theme. Being a member of the BBA requires you to participate in at least six (6) challenges during of the year and to blog about your entry. (Want to see what other challenges are coming up?  January through June Challenges are currently available to read about on the Challenges tab.)

2) One blog post must be submitted to the Team Blog linky about your Challenge between the 26th and the end of the month.

3) No late submissions will be acceptable.

4) Feel free to put any project you create in your shop, and talk about the Challenge in your description!

Worktable Wednesday- A Bird in the Hand Art.

Worktable Wednesday features something new happening with the BBA members

or something of interest we spy online. Lately, Jenny
from A Bird in the Hand Art has been up to a lot of somethings.

She has been dreaming of writing and creating a craft book,
so has been doing a lot of experimenting and coming up with a lot of great new tutorials
for her blog A Bird in the Hand Art, but also plenty of new
products for her etsy shop too.

Here are just a few of the new things she's been working on:

In the Shop:

Cameo Ring

Wooden Heart Ring

Red & Brown Disc Necklace


On the Blog: 

Tea Party Favors

Fabric Stamping Tutorial

Glittery Peeps Necklace

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Today's post was written by Nancy of N. Fallon Design Studio.  Established in 2008, the shop houses a whimsical line of knit purses, wallets, and knitwear.  An artist at heart, Nancy also dabbles in watercolors, mixed media sculpture, and poetry.  You can read more about her life and work on her blog One Loopy Knitter.

Tuesday Treasuries

Treasuries on etsy are gallery collections of items for sale grouped under a theme chosen by the curator.  This is a fun way to showcase the talents and work of creative shop owners.

Blogging Business Artisans requires its members to curate one treasury per month.  Each week we will feature one of the past week's treasuries here on our team blog.

Spring has arrived for most of us.  This gorgeous treasury Colors of Spring! by Erika of Artful Rising captures the fresh greens of Spring leaves and the lovely blues of the sky.

This lovely bracelet of chrysophase, Czech fire-polished, and lampwork beads was made by Janet of Honey from the Bee.  It's the perfect accessory for Spring!

This cute button bracelet by Random Creative was created from various shades of green buttons and seed beads.  How sweet that would look on the wrist of someone special (like you!).

More lovely treasuries from our teammates this week:

You're my blue sky, you're my sunny day... by Sarah of Magnolia Surprise  

Cockatoo Tango by Janet of Honey from the Bee 

Spring Trends Blogging Business Style by Linda of lindab142 

The Colors of Spring...and a Bunny or Two by Sharla of Beaded Tail 

Spring Fling with the BBA by Stacy of Keytiques

Be sure to check back here every week for more Tuesday Treasuries!

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Today's guest blogger is Margaret.  She is the artist/owner of Splendid Little Stars.  She loves many crafts and has been dyeing and painting fabric for more than 20 years.  Find her blog Splendid Little Stars HERE.

photos by the individual artists © 2011-2012   all rights reserved