Hi All!
Just a quick post to apologize for the lull in featured shops this week. I've been traveling like crazy and haven't had much time to work on the blog, but I promise I've got some good stuff lined up!
In the meantime, Kézi and Friends is now mobile phone friendly, so you can check in on your favorite Etsy shops wherever you are.
Also, if you're up to it, check out my shop. I've tried out some new styles recently, and feedback is always, always appreciated. And hey, I always love new Facebook fans and friends! Yea, yea, I know... I'm kind of plugging myself here, but I figure once in a while is OK... ;)
Hope you're all enjoying the beginning of summer!
-Christine
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Lizzie Joe Designs
When I first came across today's featured, shop, Lizzie Joe Designs, I was instantly impressed! Owner Jennifer repurposes wine corks into the most interesting creations - from coasters, to napkin holders to serving trays and more. Not only does she recycle what most of us discard without much thought, but she skillfully turns them into functional and super fun creations!
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| Black Wine Cork Serving Tray |
CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
JB: Hello! My name is Jennifer. I live in Virginia with my husband and 2 kids. I love creating new and interesting designs, especially with recycled, upcycled and repurposed materials. My favorite thing to work with is wine corks. I am inspired by just about everything I see. Art just makes me happy!
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| White Framed Wine Cork Accessory Holder |
CM: What inspired you to start working with cork?
JB: A couple of years ago, I realized I had collected enough corks and that it was time for me to either do something with them or give them to someone who would. So I decided to make a wine cork board for my kitchen. And I had so much fun doing it, I started thinking of other things I could make with wine corks and from there my Etsy shop was born. I absolutely love creating new designs that are both useful and pretty and appealing to both men and women.
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| Set of Four Aqua and Brown Floral Wine Cork Tile Coasters |
CM: How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like, and where to you get all those corks?
JB: It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the piece. I work several days a week, mostly at my kitchen table, designing, cutting, sanding, and gluing. And, no, I didn't drink all that wine myself! I purchase corks from a few online sources and have family and friends save their corks for me. If anyone out there has any corks they don't want, just send them on to me!
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| 5x7 Wine Cork Picture Frame |
CM: What's the best thing about selling on Etsy? The most challenging?
JB: I love the people I get to meet and chat with, the teams I am privileged to be on and all the amazing ideas I get to see everyday. I have over thirty pages of favorite items! With so many creative people in one place, why shop anywhere else?
The most challenging part of Etsy is making sure my shop is seen. With so much talent out there, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. So I make sure to spend time online promoting as much as possible. I love to feature others through my treasury making and appreciate it when they return the favor. And blogs, such as your beautiful one here, definitely help the cause! Thank you for taking the time to feature Etsy shops!
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| Verdigris Frog Hook Wine Cork Chalk Board Message Center |
CM: What's your favorite item from your own shop right now?
JB: Right now, I am loving my Honeycomb Coasters and my Verdigris Frog Hook Wine Cork Message Center. Both items just get me thinking about summer!
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| Honeycomb Wine Cork Trivet |
CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
JB: Winestone Birdhouses is one of my absolute favorites! I just love her creations! And I'm totally in love with the sweet plush animals that 5 Orange Potatoes makes. So cute and cuddly! And these Linen Fruits by liradesigne are simply amazing to me!
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| Wine Cork Chalk Board |
Thank you, Jennifer! Stay tuned for more great Etsy shops!
Monday, June 6, 2011
CM Creole Creations
This week's first featured shop is CM Creole Creations! Owner Meghan resides in New Orleans and designs unique handmade clutches, purses and bags. I love Meghan's creations because of how bold they are are while also maintaining a confident simplicity. When I learned she not only designs and sews all the bags herself, but actually makes all her own material, I was even more impressed!
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| Small Tote Bag - Large Polka Dots |
MS: Hi, my name is Meghan Satter, and I am the designer/owner of CM Creole Creations. I live in the New Orleans area with my boyfriend and our miniature dachshund, Delacroix. I'm a full-time student at the University of New Orleans with a major in History, concentrating on New Orleans history. If I were able to minor in German, I probably would. When I'm not working on new designs or sewing (which is rare), I can usually be found reading or outside in my ever growing vegetable garden.
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| Handmade Purse - Black and White - Small |
MS: While my profile on Etsy says I first started sewing in high school, I really started sewing at the age of 7. My mother took her sewing machine out to hem a pair of pants and I asked her if I could make some pajamas for my panda bear. She of course said yes, and showed me how to use the sewing machine while she worked the foot petal. When I reached junior high, I was placed in the Home Ec. class by mistake. Since there were no other electives open, I was stuck in this class that I really didn't want to be in. However, this turned out to be the best mistake because I was taught the fundamentals of sewing and design.
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| Sunglass Case - Red and White |
CM: I noticed you make all your materials by hand. How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like? Your workspace?
MS: The amount of time really depends on the piece. My larger bags can take up to 24 hours, while the smaller cosmetic bags usually take 2 to 2.5 hours.
The process of making a piece can be very frustrating. When I see a design in my head, I want to rush to my work area and start creating it. However, I first have to draw out the design, then figure out the sizing and materials that will be used. After making a layout, I make a pattern on tracing paper - which can sometimes come out wrong. After cutting out the pattern with the fabric, I start marking specific areas that need darts, pleats, etc. When that's all done, I can start sewing the piece.
My work space is located in my former dining room - it was never used anyway. I added shelves for storage and made a large paper mache "C" and "M" to give it a more "this is my office" look. I try to be a tidy sewer, but in reality, 1 minute after I clean and straighten everything, it looks like a tornado came through. It also doesn't help that my "helper", Delacroix, loves to play with the fabric scraps that fall to the floor.
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| Cosmetic Bag - Green - Floral Print - Faux Leather |
CM: What's the best thing about selling on Etsy? The most challenging?
MS: I would first like to say that I am thrilled that I found Etsy and I am able to sell my items there. If it weren't for Etsy, I don't know where I would be selling or if I would be selling my items. The best thing about selling on Etsy is that I am able to put something out there that I put my heart into and having other people buy and heart it. It gives me so much gratification knowing that others like my creations.
I have two big things that I find challenging with selling on Etsy. The first one being that potential customers aren't able to feel and hold my items before buying - obviously this isn't something that can be solved on Etsy. The second challenge is getting my store noticed. There are numerous talented purse makers on Etsy, so making my items stand out can be challenging.
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| Pleated Clutch - Navy Blue - Polka Dot |
CM: What's your favorite item from your own shop right now?
MS: Tough question! While I love all the items in my shop because I feel they reflect my style, I have two favorite items: The Pleated Clutch and the Zig Zag Foldover Clutch. I love navy blue and the texture of the fabric for both pieces. I also love that the foldover clutch can also be used as a tote.
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| Foldover Clutch - Tote - Navy Blue - Zig Zag |
CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
MS: I could probably write a short book on my favorite items, there's so many. But my 3 favorite items are this Woven Merino Wool Blanket, this Dupioni Silk Bolero, and this Simple Pearl Necklace.
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| Foldover Clutch - Tote - Zig Zag - Black and White - Chevron |
Thank you, Meghan! I have some more great shops lined up this week... stay tuned!!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Blue Wave Glass
Today's featured shop makes me realize, once again, what an amazing place Etsy is. There is so much variety! As a seller myself, it's fascinating to discover and explore what others create, and Blue Wave Glass is certainly no exception. I personally wouldn't know the first thing about working with stained class, but owner Jennifer (as you'll soon see) is an incredible talent. Her creations are so gorgeous and so intricate; I just love all the color and detail!
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| Turquoise Mosaic Trivet Leaf Shape Accent Piece |
CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
JS: Hi...My name is Jennifer and my Shop is Blue Wave Glass ~ Stained Glass Mosaics. I live in South West Florida with my husband and two daughters. I am inspired always by nature...birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and all kinds of flowers and plants. I want to make items that people will really use and display in there homes and gardens. I call it Functional Art - Flowers Pots, Candle Holders, Picture Frames, Birdhouses and Wall Hangings. I have so many more ideas! I make each item like I was making a gift for my own friend or family. And I have a lot of fun making each and every one.
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| Orange Stained Glass Mosaic Picture Frame 10% OFF |
CM: When and how did you start making stained glass mosaics? Did someone teach you?
JS: I have been making mosaic for years now...mostly flower pots for myself, family, and friends. I use Stained Glass because I love the way light refracts and makes it shine, and there are so many colors to choose from..it's never ending.
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| SALE 10% OFF Birdhouse Stained Glass Mosaic Purple Flowers |
CM: How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like? Your workspace?
JS: Each piece is very different...some take only an hour or two to complete the design. After I hand cut the stained glass, I use an adhesive to place each piece of glass. It then has to cure for at least one day. Then it can be grouted and sealed. My garage is my studio for cutting glass, then I like to be at the kitchen or lanai table so I can enjoy my family while I work.
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| Mosaic Candle Holder Blue Square |
CM: What's the best thing about selling on Etsy? The most challenging?
JS: I have always loved handmade items, going to craft and art shows. I just love to see my items being viewed and liked by so many people. It makes you feel really good. The most challenging for sure is trying to compete with so many amazing artists an Etsy!
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| Sale 10% OFF Stained Glass Blue and Purple Mosaic Flower Pot |
CM: What's your favorite item from your own shop right now?
JS: I am a bird lover, so right now my favorite item in my shop is this Blue Bird Mosaic Candle Holder. I love the colors and I love that when you are when not using it as a candle holder, you can place it on a little art easel and show it off. It is so pretty when light shines through.
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| Blue Bird Mosaic Candle Holder Decorative Display Plate 10% OFF |
CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
JS: I have so many favorites...it's really hard to pick! This painting is so pretty, I love the colors and it would look great in my house, when I get a chance to re-decorate!
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| Mosaic Candle Holder Blue-Green Beach Themed |
A big thank you to Jennifer! Remember, stay tuned for more great Etsy shops!!
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Friedasophie Jewelry
Today's featured shop is Friedasophie! I love the simple elegance present in each and every one of the designs. Subtle juxtapositions between raw lines and smooth stones make for a lovely collection of necklaces, earrings and bracelets. So lovely!
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| Prong set Amethyst stalactite 24k gold necklace |
CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
FS: I have been artistically influenced greatly by my two grandmothers who were fashion designers and jewelry collectors. My first piece of jewelry was given to me by my grandmother Frieda. I appreciate the Art Deco and Edwardian eras. I often get design ideas by watching vintage movies, attending a vintage fair or visiting the museum.
Or sometimes I just go to a flower show or to the forest for new design ideas.
I love to travel for new inspiration too.
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| Brilliant emerald green onyx gold cluster hoop earrings |
CM: When and how did you start making jewelry? Did someone teach you?
FS: I made my first piece when I was 5 years old. My grandmother gave me one of her amethyst necklaces from 1875 and i took it apart and made necklaces out of it for my dolls. I am a self thought artist but I used many books and sometimes asked friends for help.
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| Single Herkimer Diamond Gold Necklace |
CM: How long does it take you to make a piece to sell? What's the process like? Your workspace?
FS: It takes me anything from 30minutes to 4 hours to make a piece.
I have a little work bench set up in my office where I work in the evenings.
I typically press flowers and leaves and than trace them on silver metal.
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| Mocha brown Topaz 24k gold bangle |
FS: Etsy is fantastic. They have a great team that helps promoting all
Etsy shops daily and they often offer great tips to improve your buisness
in the storck articles. I do not really find it challenging to sell on etsy.
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| Victoriana ruby aquamarine gold hoop earrings |
SD: I love my Fleur de lis orchid 14k gold necklace. I am wearing a silver
version I made for myself and can't seem to take it off.
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| Fleur de lis orchid 14k gold necklace |
CM: Do you have a favorite shop or item on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
I love Alexandra Grecco. She creates the prettiest most delicate dresses and fine lingerie.
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| Darling Turquoise Blue Drop Necklace |
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Art of Aaron Fung
When I first came across today's featured shop, I sat in awe of the delicate, haunting beauty of Aaron Fung's paintings and drawings. Ethereal and full of emotion's shadows and dark corners, the paintings somehow manage to evoke an angelic grittiness. Here's what the artist has to say...
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| A Beautiful Dream Image - original drawing fine art Giclee print |
CM: Tell us a bit about yourself...
AF: The Old English word for one who studies history is "timewriter."
That is how I would like to be known, as the timewriter...
Or the dream catcher...
My name is Aaron Fung.There is not much to say about myself.
No, that was not me you read about in the newspapers; I have not been featured in the evening news; nor have I any level of recognition in the blogosphere.
I have a grand total of 7 followers on Twitter, and I think my last tweet scared away 2 of them.
I am the author of a blog, with a whopping 2 subscribers, and one of them is me.
There is nothing you need to know about me.
I am simple: I create art, and I box.
And I study history at the University of California Berkeley, with emphasis on early modern European thought.
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| Vision of a Wanderer- original drawing fine art Giclee print |
CM: When and how did you start drawing?
AF: I have been drawing since childhood, as I assume most folks.
The difference is I never put aside my Crayolas.
I guess I started drawing because, as a child, I was never very good at coloring.
I don't think I was ever very good at coloring; as hard as I tried I could never color within the lines. I remember the kids who colored neatly were complimented by the teacher, but I only received admonishment for my messiness.
The banal pictures in the coloring books, or indeed in any of the books always disappointed me. As a child, I always wanted the illustrations to be more, to be my vision.
Why couldn't the Pete the Parakeet stand before a stormy tempest? Why couldn't Peter Rabbit live in a tower of ancient stone?
Why couldn't Snow White play Duckhunt on a Nintendo system?
I drew on all the illustrations in all my books.
Not only did I not color between the lines, I ignored the lines.
And I just continued to ignore the lines, creating my vicarious daydreams in pigment.
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| In the Sphere of Dream and Spell - original drawing fine art Giclee print |
CM: What inspires your art?
AF: I am inspired by the muse.
Or perhaps the ineffability of the muse, a muse that cannot be understood, only followed into aesthetic madness.
Steven Pressfield, in his book "The War of Art," describes how the ancient Greeks say that one cannot become an artist without being seized by the divine madness of the muse; without this frenzy the craftsman cannot rise above the level of well trained hack.
The Greeks call this spirit Daemon: the Romans call it Genius.
We call it Inspiration.
When I seek to analyze my muse, to describe her beauty, the uncertain darkness within her heart, I find my diction grasps at little more than the most superficial mascara upon her brow.
Perhaps I cannot describe my inspiration directly; I must approach it indirectly, like an explorer rather than a logician.
I am inspired by music. Like Schopenhauer I believe music, along with the other arts, provide us a glimpse beyond the illusion of phenomenal. But glimpse is not the right word, rather... feeling, and intuition...
When questing for the Holy Grail, the Arthurian knight began his journey alone, where the forest was thickest and darkest - where none had tread before; to tread in the path of another is dishonor: it is the knight's - the individual's - duty to find his own way through the dark.
We fear the darkness - the unknown, the depths.
The artist wanders the depths, the darkness where few dare to tread.
I seek to create in each work of art a dream catcher - haunted by the echo of the dream.
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| Eternity in a Single Hour- original drawing fine art Giclee print |
CM: Do you have a favorite thing in your shop right now? If so, which?
AF: My current favorite is this one.
I'll not ruin the piece by "explaining" it to you, as such explanations tend to rob the art of its depth, reducing it to an academic exercise.
I think it is enough to say that it is my most technically proficient portrait in my shop.
I am working on some new pieces that I hope will replace this one as my favorite, though.
I feel I must constantly advance my art, to go farther; I must strive to exceed my last efforts.
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| A Vision Born of Enigmatic Depth - original drawing fine art Giclee print |
CM: Do you have any favorite items or shops on Etsy? If so, which one(s)?
AF: There are a lot of wonderful pieces on Etsy, too many to list here.
But feel free to peruse my favorite list.
I was never good at saying good byes, so I'll instead leave you with a few lines from Goethe's "Faust", as Goethe says more in four lines than I could in a thousand.
"Give us a play with such emotion!
Reach into life, it is a teeming ocean!
All live in it, not many know it well,
And where you seize it, it exerts a spell."
-Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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| The Cruelty of Victory is the Pinnacle of Life's Jubilation - original drawing fine art giclee print |
Thank you, Aaron! Stay tuned for more great Etsy shops this week!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Clayshapes
Phew! It's been a busy week for me, and I haven't been able to post as much as I'd like, but there are just so many great Etsy shops to feature! Today's shop is Clayshapes, which specializes in gorgeous pottery designs. I immediately fell in love with owner Leslie's organic shapes and colors, and was blown away to learn she's only been doing this for eight months! Her sea inspired creations are so lovely, it's hard to believe they're also functional!
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| sea urchin fruit bowl |
LF: Before discovering pottery about 8 months ago, I had a pretty exciting career as a journalist and television producer - I spent 8 years as a newspaper reporter and then switched over to television where I worked as a producer/director on an investigative show -- the Canadian version of 60 minutes. I did that for a number of years, and then started a busy freelance career as a producer for a variety of independent companies -- and had a blast traveling the world and making tv shows that ranged from documentaries about women giving birth, to shows about Biblical archaeology -- quite a range of topcis! but about a year ago I decided to take a break from the constant travel and long hours. The plan was to take some creative classes -- my mom and all my aunts and my sister are all artists - and I figured it was time that I dabbled a little bit too.
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| yellow and aqua curvy bowls |
CM: When and how did you start working with clay? Did someone teach you?
LF: Last fall I took a weekly night course at a local museum for about 8 weeks -- and about a week in I was hooked! I immediately started looking on Craigslist for a used kiln, and went to work rearranging my basement to make room for a small studio. I scoured the internet and my local library for info about glazing and firing -- and learned a lot and continue to teach myself various different techniques. Now that I have my own kiln, I will likely take workshops when I see interesting ones, rather than courses. I love trying to figure out techniques myself -- trial and error can be frustrating, but also very empowering. I am always amazed at what happens when I sit down with lump of clay -- I never really know what will reveal itself.
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| bronze meteor bowl |
LF: I work in my studio 3 or 4 days a week -- After I walk my dog each morning I retreat there, turn on my gas fireplace, tune into CBC radio, slice off a piece of clay and start building, or pinching. If I'm making pinch pots, I often get 3 or 4 started -- they need to harden up a little after their initial "pinching" before I can refine them, so I like to have a few going at different stages. I also make slab pieces -- that need to form over makeshift molds for a while before I can work on them further...so everything is in a state of flux and I come and go from my studio several times a day.
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| Gracie |
My studio is in a finished room in my basement that has the aforementioned fireplace (very cozy) and two work tables -- one for forming and working on the pieces before they are bisque fired, and a separate table where I glaze my work.
My dog Gracie (a schnoodle) hangs out with me all day long and is my distraction for long walks while the pieces harden up a little between the stages of work required to finish them. She's good company, although she doesn't really get what I'm doing, and would rather be playing.
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| Beach House seashell bowls |
LF: I love that I can sit in my studio, with my computer on my lap and communicate with hundreds of Etsy buyers and sellers every day. I love the feedback from customers and the great community of sellers, always available to encourage and offer advice.
Challenging: It's difficult getting seen when there are more than 95,000 pieces of pottery for sale on Etsy -- but it's such an interesting challenge figuring out how to market my work, that I'm really having a great time. And thanks to your fantastic blog -- a few more people will see my work now too! Thank you!
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| 2 creamy blue snack bowls |
LF: This will seem odd, but I'm loving all my little sets of bowls and tea bowls -- all pinch pots that are glazed in different colors and textures. I love their primitive shapes and textures. I know a lot of people enjoy a perfectly thrown pot -- but at the moment, I prefer the very handmade look and organic feel of these pieces -- you can literally see my fingermarks all over them! I know this is not to everyone's taste -- but it's the phase I am in right now and I'm quite smitten with them.
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| 3 teabowls or prep bowls |
LF: One of my favorite pottery artists on Etsy is Roberta Polfus -- I just love her beautiful and strange pieces -- so inspired by nature, but unrecognizable as anything specific:
I also love these little "madge dishes" - made with a marble melted in the bottom of each plate! I think they are magical.
I have dozens of other favorites on Etsy, but I'll stop here, for now.
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| Not Granny's teacups A big thank you to Leslie! Stay tuned for more great Etsy shops - I'll try to post more this week! |
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