Sunday, June 7, 2015

Etsy Craft Party 2015

Our Southwest Missouri Etsy Team joined in on the worldwide fun Etsy Craft Party weekend. We were hosted by our team member Plum Bazaar Bead Shop in downtown Branson. The weather was a little warm... (okay it was HOT!) but we held our party on their patio. 
Have you ever been to their shop? It is the oldest commercial building in Branson. You can't miss it! It is the purple building right next to Starbucks. 



Not only is the building amazing but it has a great outside space.
We were hosted by the lovely ladies of Plum Bazaar. You were all awesome! They were taking turns running the store and helping our guests create fantastic make and take wire wrap jewelry. 
THANKS Ladies!
Plum Bazaar donated a great hand painted necklace and earring set and a $10 gift certificate. 
THANKS to Sandy, one of the owners, who also provided some of the food. LOVED the watermelon! 

A part of the Plum Bazaar team includes jewelry artist,  Joan Williams, of Lil' Ruby Jewelry and Design. Joan has been a member of our team for years now and was one of our demonstrators. She spent time teaching our guests how to make painted metal jewelry. Our guests were allowed to make and take these wonderful creations. 
Joan's painted bracelets were recently featured in Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine.
Joan also donated amazing earring in our raffle. 
Joan and Sandy also helped AJ with set up before the party. THANKS Joan!

This event wasn't just about our team but about our community. We had a few awesome businesses donate to our goodie bags, our event activites, and our raffle! 
Ginelle Macklin was on hand to give party goers chair massages. It was such a great treat. 
She also donated a 30 minute massage session for our raffle. 
THANKS Ginelle.

Springfield has a new business that added to our Goodie Bags. If you are in Springfield check out Sew & Design Studio
THANKS!


One of Branson's Avon reps, AJ, added to our goodie bags and also donated to our raffle. 
THANKS Avon with AJ 



Local photographer, Dakota Friend of Friendly Fire Fotography, donated to our goodie bags and graciously gave a FREE Photo session to the raffle. 
THANKS Dakota.


Talented local artist and tinker, Rondi Stagg Miller of UnVintaged in Kimberling City donated to our goodie bags and 2 clay art pieces for our Raffle! 
THANKS Rondi



More of our Southwest Missouri Team members donated time, goodies, and samples. 

Rita from Sticks & Stones Gifts couldn't attend but did donated wonderful items for our goodie bags. 
THANKS Rita!



One of our leaders, Casey July, of The July Studio, demonstrated hand embroidering after teaching sewing all day in Springfield. She also gave items and helped gather items for our Goodie Bags. 
THANKS Casey!

Antoinette from Antoinette Emporio Trading Company gave to our goodie bags, helped during the party and even contributed her artistic talents in our sidewalk art. All during her break from work.
THANKS Toni! 




Our team Captain, AJ Blanton of aBeesCreations has worked for the last 6 months on this event and with the Etsy Fellowship quarter 1 and 2. She provided goodies for our goodie bag, snacks and water for the guests, all the paper crafts, a crown for the raffle, facepainting for the kids, and etsy help to anyone who wanted to learn more about selling online. 
THANKS AJ!





We had 3 local photographers come out and take photos during the event. Thanks Kelly Trimble, Joan Williams ..... yes the same Joan that is the jewelry artist! and Brian Martin. Cant wait to see some more of the photos. 

Some fun shots taken by Joan Williams.


AJ snapped some photos on her iphone during the event. 

 


 

 

 

We hope everyone who attended had a great time. Congratulations to all the raffle winners.... WE HAD 10 Raffle Winners!
We will be posting more photos when the photographers get them released. 
THANKS EVERYONE! We can't wait to do it again next year!






Wednesday, May 27, 2015

MOTW: May 25 - June 1

Our MOTW for May 25 - June 1 is

 Laura of Rebel Cowgirls Jewelry. 


CONGRATS LAURA 


Here is the description from her charming shop. 




We make Western style jewelry for the fun loving, sassy, 


spirited, hard-working Rebel Cowgirl, and those who just like 

jewelry too. We love working with natural stones and 

Swarovski crystals for that little extra sparkle. Most of our 

items are One of a Kind, so you can wear an original. 

Whether funky chunky or a more demur whisper of color is 

your style, we have something for everyone.



Please go visit her shop and show her some SWMO Team


Love.





I had an opportunity to ask Laura some questions about her and her charming shop.

Me: Hello Laura, I wanted to let you know you are our Southwest Missouri Team Member of the Week or MOTW.


Laura: 
Hi AJ. Thank you so much for this honor. 


Me: I have a couple questions for you. 
What inspires you?


Laura:

I'm inspired by people and nature and the world I love. I love

 the western life. The people who work hard and play harder.


Me: That is awesome. 

What is your favorite part of creating? 


Laura: 

My favorite part is mixing colors and textures. I rarely make 

the same item twice even when I try to. I always tweak 

something just a little.


Me: Well, your pieces are beautiful.

Do you have a favorite piece in your shop?


Laura: 

I don't have one favorite item in my shop but my favorite 

color is pink so I'm drawn more to items with that color.

Beautiful silver wing pendant is the perfect backdrop for the pink turquoise cross. Pink crystals cover every feather of the wings and clear crystals accent the cross. Matching pink turquoise and silver accent beads complete the necklace. by Rebel Cowgirls Jewelry
Click image to shop her etsy store.


Pretty oval turquoise beads lead off to silver feather and arrow charms with blue turquoise beads. Very pretty and lots of movement! by Rebel Cowgirls Jewelry. Click image to shop her etsy store.


Me: Awesome, I love your pieces. 

What do you hope to get out of the Southwest Missouri Etsy 



Laura:

 I hope to gain some guidance and suggestions to make my

 shop better and to be able to help others when I can.


Thank you so much Laura and Congratulations again. 








Monday, May 25, 2015

A Memorial Day Thank You

On this Memorial Day We would like to thank past and 

present men and women who serve our country. 

Thank you so much for your bravery and commitment.


Writers Wanted: Contact AJ

Writers Wanted: Contact AJ
ATTENTION TEAM MEMBERS: We want to hear your voice, your story, your inspiration. We are always looking for writers for our blog. If interested please contact AJ. Thanks