♥ FRONT PAGE WORTHY UNDISCOVERED SELLERS - Finder's Keepers

Today, the weather is typical of Shanghai, grey, rainy, cool and misty. This is the kind of weather I like to sit in at home , wearing my favorite mismatched tee shirts and pants , hang out with a cup of coffee, some cupcakes ( like the ones below!)  , a kitten sleeping on my lap, keeping me company.  I feel lazy and am already in a holiday mood ( yes, 4 more days to my Melbourne trip). 

Chocolate Cherry Cupcake Soap from Scratch - REAL Handcrafted Soap--Limited Flavor by LilyBaySoap.etsy.com

Seriously.. this has got to stop! I want to eat them all!!!!

This might be the first photo which you have seen of me!  LOL! Yap, I am an internet slob and slop!  Halley Boo loves hanging around my lap while I worked. Too bad he can't spell check for me!

I also itch to browse through Etsy. Often, I worked so hard for all my stores, I barely have time to really have a look at all the fabulous sellers and their beautiful wares. 

Etsy has many tools to help  one decide how to look for items. I use Favorite Sellers most, I have over 500 favorite sellers and it is sheer joy looking at their stores.  Today, I thought I try one tool which I have not use for a long time. POUNCE , this a super fun tool on Etsy would randomly show a list of either Undiscovered Shops or  shops which had Just Sold something.   

Honestly..... I kind of am ambivalent about this Undiscovered Shops feature. I mean.. I feel it might make potential buyers wonderful why these shops have no sales and perhaps subconsciously avoid these stores. Well... they shouldn't. *Smile. Today I pounced and was really happy to undiscovered some gems!!!!

Newbie onesie by applecreek

Yes, I do agree that most of these stores does not have the greatest pictures, the greatest range of items or many listings ( average 10 listing for these shops). I mean, come to think of it. If there are no sales, it is really hard to be motivated to list more. Some of them might just dipping their toes and see if the response is optima for them to continue listing. Some might not have that kind of capital to list a lot. Nonetheless, I feel all of us at Etsy has an obligation to help new sellers .

I try to buy from newbies as much as I can but one other common problem I see is that new sellers are always almost ship to USA only. I know I know, they just want to ship internally first to get a hang of the shipping process but they do kind of isolated a lot of international buyers  ( like moi). SHIP TO ME!!! I CRAVE YOUR LOVELY STUFF! I GOT 99.9% of my packages delivered safely to me!!!!!!  I AM RICH AND I LIKE EVERYTHING!!!!!! SHIP TO ME! LOL!  

So, this Finder's Keepers below is dedicated to new sellers who just started selling on Etsy. Let me tell you, looking at their items, photos and prices, they would soon be on Etsy top seller list. So grab them before they are all gone.:)

FRONT PAGE WORTHY! 

Finder's Keepers  

From top, center, bottom, left to right ::

a) Caramel Rose Brooch by emeraldlily.   

Lovely lovely polymer clay brooch set on umber leaves! I love how it sit so nicely on a coat!

b) Hello Sailor by Custard.etsy.com.  

I have seen many of these kind of boxed frames but this piece is really gorgeous. I felt it is really made with care with wonderful color combination. It is not too "artsy" or too "put together". You know, like some pieces looks beautiful but lack experience or personality.  This piece would be perfect for my mother-in-law's beach house.

c) Size 0 - 3 mths - Short Sleeved White Onesies with Tie Applique by SamAndCoop. 

I generally do not browse through kid's shops as there is no need for it yet *smile. I do know children's shops on Etsy offers one of the best selection of clothes and toys. This onesie makes me smile. I often imagined my perhaps future son to be a geek ( I love geeks!) . This onesie would be perfect for him! LOL! There is a nice selection for pretty baby girls too!:)

d) Dreamy Magnet Set By buttonworks. 

I am starting to develop a serious liking for magnets. I use to think they are pretty redundant until I had my own fridge ! I love sticking photos, postcards, letters, notes, scrapbook pages on my fridge, it is so enjoyable looking at friends and family when I make a cold sandwich.  My fridge is also my Hall Of Fame. Only people I like goes would be stuck on my fridge doors!  That is why I love this set of magnets, so zakka, so positive and lovely colors!

    

My "Hall Of Fame " !!! LOL! Yap, I need to replace those ugly green and yellow magnets with prettier ones soon!

e) saffron, curry yellow sandals by LittleValley.  

I love this pair of sandals!  So cheerful and looks comfy! Good prices too!

f) THE OLIVIA - Rag Quilt by thetrunkshow . 

Simply beautiful quilt. Made of designer cotton fabric and I love the ragging look to it!  This store has more lovely quilt too! Check it out!

g) MUSICAL FIGURINES by NanaJB.etsy.com. 

This set of figurines made me go WOW!!!! I love them all! Nice combination! It would make such a nice decoration for those who wants a frou frou touch! At only USD 5 each  or USD 40 for the whole set, it is such a wonderful deal!!! Quick grab it!

h) Airplane Wine Bottle Holder by WorldofWoodwork. 

I love wood, I begin to seriously take notice of wood craft on Etsy these days. No longer boring wooden bowls or kitschy keychain holders, one can find really designer quality and designs these days on the ever growing wood craft category. This airplane wine holder is one case. Simple, classy and a touch of fun!

i) Nude Peacock Hiding in Duck Vintage 10k Gold or Silver by MishkaPiaf .  

Feathers are in now and looks like it would be going strong until the end of this fall.  Why not? Look at this piece, elegant, bold and great colors. This shop has great great pieces which is not the usual ones you would see flooding Etsy now.

j) All Seasons Brown/Green Shoulder Bag by  muddleandflow. 

I love this bag! For some reasons, I always find Australian sellers has a very distinct style of their own. This bag kind of proved it for me. When I first see it, I know it is not made in USA or Europe. I love the little pleat details and the shape of the bag! I always love it when crafters make a point to add interesting details to their items. It really stands out.

k) F.CK LOVE Cotton Candy Soap Bar -- Glycerin -- Vegan Friendly by FireStarSoapCo.etsy.com .  

Ok, the pink got to me first. I am totally addicted to pink. How can one not? Look at this bold, shocking pink soap! Perfect for my bathroom! Love the originality of the design too! LOL!

l) IT'S NOTHING by HeatherMPhotography . 

At first, I thought nothing ( pun intended ;p) of this shop .I thought "another photography shop" , don't get me wrong, I LOVE photography but sometimes after browsing through shops with loads of fruit, flowers , skies photo etc, I am kind of bored. Why would I buy a photo of an apple or a bunch of rose?   I do love this print though! I like the colors and the texture of it.  A good shop for those who wants something different !

♥ Nun of a Kind Dolls - Featured Seller Series

Nun Of A Kind Indeed !

You know 1 year ago, if I mention Etsy to my friends or family members, I would not be too bothered when they told they did not heard about this wonderful site. 1 year later, NOW, if they still had not check it out, I would look at them with pity in my eyes. I mean.. oh man.. they are so MISSING OUT. 

They would retort with one can buy things easily in one's country , after all , everything is Made In China. If I heard this complacent sentence one more time, I would... look at them with even more pity and sadness. Everything is SO NOT CHINA MADE! Anyway, I will blog about China Made stuff next week. 

Today I am going to introduce a seller whose items I can't find in Singapore, in China or in my dreams. Not too bad really, cause they exist in real life. I want to show you someone who created such inspiration and unique dolls. Everytime I see them, I smile and start to think who should I buy them for!  It is definitely a store I would check in very often when I need a special gift!  

Sister Curlotta--the hairstylist

I am thrilled to feature  Nunofakind ( yes, all the puns are intended!) today!  It's owner and creator Linda is such a positive and friendly lady! She makes beautiful Nuns dolls and her word play is wicked too ( check out her listings titles!) . I had a really nice time reading her interview she had so kindly granted me.  I wish I can load all her dolls on my site ( I would feel blessed barnun ;p). Nuntheless  (I am getting good at this!) , I know where I can find her anytime anyway.:)

Nun the Wiser

1) Every time I see your Nuns dolls, I remember my encounter with some of them! They ( the Nuns) are indeed very human and very fun people to be with. How did you come up with such usually and very inspiring dolls ?

The “Nun of a Kind” collection began with the creation of an ornament made for teachers who had presented their version of “Sister Act” at my son’s school. That, along with the fact that it occurred to me that like the “Sisters”, we all share different “habits”, was the beginning of the collection which now has around 80 different “Sisters”! Some of my teachers at elementary school were nuns, and I remember them fondly. My music teacher, Sister St. Louis, was also a wonderful influence in my life.

Sunday Morning Fever, the dancing nun

2) How does each creation comes about? For example, do you start with an idea, then source for the material or the other way around?

Often, the idea begins with a request from a customer. For example, a customer wanted something for her hairdresser, and “Sister Curlotta” was “born”. In some cases, I do find items which I think might be a nice “fit” for the characters, and then I go about creating the name. It is choosing of the name which is the most fun….. I love puns and word play, so this challenges me in that regard.

Mother Souperior

3) Do you sell your sweet dolls in any other site or places other than Etsy? Where else can we find you?

I do have my own personal site www.nunofakind.com in which customers can see the nuns in their “habit-at”! There are 50 sisters pictured there at the moment, and also some items in the “Nunderware” section for other ‘nun” items. My Artfire site is www.nunofakind.artfire.com as well, and as Artfire grows, it will be another great venue at which to sell. "Etsy", (www.nunofakind.etsy.com) of course, is an absolutely wonderful place to sell....and to buy!

Nunderware-Mother Souperior tea-towel

4) Do you accept custom make orders and normally how long it takes for you to complete a doll?

Custom orders are my specialty! Customers contact me with their request, and through email, and digital pictures, we are able to create their custom nun together, as they give approval before the final item is shipped.

Sister Anita Timms, the coffee-loving sister

5) I am sure a lot of us come across Nuns in our countries, can you tell us some stories about them?

I have had several letters from nuns from all sorts of religious orders, and their message is that they are happy that the “sisterhood” is being kept alive through the creation of these nun dolls and others. There have been a few new sisters to orders who have received these as commemorative gifts. Also, sisters who are celebrating anniversaries of their entry into their vocation have received their personalized “Sisters”. However, the intent was that women in general would buy and receive these sisters to remind us that we are all sisters of sorts, and all types of interests, occupations, etc. are addressed in the "Sisterhood".

Sister Esther Jen, the hormonal nun

6) And yes, we love to know more about you too! Tell us a little about your childhood, your career, your likes and dislikes.

I have created items, particularly characters, for many years, and usually exhibit at art and craft shows. My entry into internet sales started about a year ago. I have an interest in knitting, crocheting, painting, and quilting, but for the most part, I am devoting most of my time to this business. This is what I hope will be my full-time career at this point in my life!

Fullabean Chef

7) I am sure, like a lot of us, you love Etsy too. Want to share a few of your favorite sellers with us?

I am especially drawn to the jewelry that is sold on “Etsy”. I have purchased some unique gifts for friends on the site. There are so many fantastic sellers on “Etsy” that it is difficult to “narrow it down” to just a few favorites. I love looking at the “Pounce” section and have discovered many new shops that way.

Sister Ivana Wynne, the bingo player

8) Lastly, please let us know what other fun sweet creation we can be expecting for Spring and Summer!

There will always be more “sisters” joining the collection. In addition, there will be many “one of a kind” angels, Santas, and ornaments added to the shops.

For new items, and news from the “Sisterhood”, please visit the “Nun of a Kind” blog at www.nunofakind.blogspot.com and follow me on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nunofakind

Nun of a Kind Greeting Cards

I had loads of fun doing this post! I like Nuns, I always feel there are more to them under their "habits" and thanks Linda for affirming that. In this sometimes crazy and sad world, I feel good, calm, soothed whenever I see them, like everything is just going to be alright. I will think about what doll I would like one for myself.  Once again, she loves to do custom listings (yay!!!) and super reasonable shipping rates! You can hang out with her at :

♥Linda's Stores:

www.nunofakind.etsy.com

www.nunofakind.artfire.com

www.nunofakind.com

♥Her Twitter :

www.twitter.com/nunofakind

♥Her Super Cute Blog!

www.nunofakind.blogspot.com

♥ FINDER'S KEEPERS - April 1st Edition

Today I did not have enough sleep and for some reasons I fun things much more funnier when I am dreadfully tired. I think there is a medical term for it but I am too lazy to find it. Instead I decide to do my Treasury. 

Who need Etsy Treasure West ( turn nose up in obvious envy of those who manage to get one)! I can make my own and I am sure I do not have to stay up at godly  time ( yes, I really mean godly time) to snag one and I can do it at my own pace and  it will stay here on my blog FOREVER! *Evil laugh abit*.

Honestly I am very happy with this Treasury, I came across loads of really funky sellers! I was suppose to finish this post like 1 hours ago but I end up shopping on some of the stores and hence the delay. Here it goes! Sorry, I can only manage to screen print 12 items!  

This treasury is to celebrate April's Fool Day and All Fool'sDay ( there is one, check my calendar and I will show you).  I hope this will make some of you guys smile ( come on, smile! Smiles are free ! :D).

My ratings and comments :

♥ -> Wonderful
♥♥-> Drop dead gorgeous
♥♥♥ -> Cry with happy joy
♥♥♥♥ -> Will think about robbing a bank just to have it!
♥♥♥♥♥-> Will think nothing about robbing a bank just to have it!


1) PRINT - Map of Sea of Laughter, Western Shore By paintandink. You know, I love maps. I don't really know why but perhaps it is because I like to know where I am all the time or perhaps I am a really male and do not like asking for directions. Either way, this map is too pretty! Oh, as I stare at it , I was really amazed to see what she had drawn! Very original, very cheerful! She has wonderful range of imaginary maps too! Rate : ♥♥♥

2) Gift Of Education-1 Inch Pinback Button Trio, Proceeds Go To Unicefbuttonempire. I remember wanting to buy her really fun Husband and Wife button pins as a cute Valentine's Day present for Beautiful Geek but I forgot to add her to my favorite and was very sad then not to be able to go back to her really fun store. I manage to hunt her store down today and yes, I am so going shopping! Very cute and funny buttons! I love her style! Proceeds for this set of buttons would go to UNICEF, very kind seller! Rate : ♥♥♥♥

3) A 'Random Acts of Kindness' seminar inspires Wally to beat up a masochist By wallywarepottery. I always enjoy word play and very dry humor, this really makes me laugh out loud deep inside. Very talented artist, this store has really nice plates and mugs. Very funny too!!! I hope they would consider selling Internationally. Rate : ♥♥♥♥

4) Vincent Van Gogh Mouse - International shipping By TheHouseOfMouse. OOOOOOOHHHHH, you guys got to see this store!!!! Very very cute and cheerful! Full of little handmade toy mice in various famous character costume!!! I also love the Yoda mouse! Rate : ♥♥♥♥

5) SALE Damaged Birdbrain Hillbilly plate trio. By trixiedelicious. Heeheeheee, this store has hilarious hand painted crockery! Check out her vintage porcelains items, I love them all!!! I should get one of those Tree Hugger bowl, so cool! Rate : ♥♥♥♥♥

6) 10x8 Print - Death By ChocolateBy DanJackson. I am a huge fanatic fan of CSI and this reminds me of the episode where there is this sociopathic girl who does miniatures house , places of the victims she killed. Very cool, very literal and I like the policeman detail . Rate : ♥♥♥♥

7) Sole Sister-The Sister who loves shoes By nunofakind.etsy.com. My ultra favorite item!!!! This store has a really sweet and fun range of nun dolls! Not your usual nuns by far! I appreciate the fact she humanize them , I known a few nuns in my life and they are not just God's angels but also very real too. This Sole Sister piece speaks to me as I think she is one of my personalities! Rate : ♥♥♥♥♥

8) When the air thickens, so should the plot....Set of 3 Literary Lites By dippylulu. It is impossible to exclude this artist when it comes to humor! It just keeps getting better! This set of matches are in classic books design with a twist in the title. It is kind of sad the matches itself can't be shipped internationally. I love the gorgeous color of these matches! Perhaps I should buy the boxes anyway and put my own matches. Rate : ♥♥♥♥

9) Lunchbag Combo Pack - 5 Wanna Trade and 5 Mine Mine Mine By SupergirlStickers. I always love lunch bags! It is too bad Singapore does not have this culture of bringing food in a bag to work or school. I always thought it is such a sweet idea! This store has cute paper lunch bag and does custom work too. Perhaps I should start packing lunch for Beautiful Geek but I bet he thinks I have gone retro mad again. LOL!Rate : ♥♥♥

10) Foonie Doll soft and fuzzy Plushie with Velcro PocketBy polinakanevsky. After looking at this super cheerful Foonie Doll, I went and ate an orange. I guess anything that makes me eat fruit should be good for me! LOL! This store is loaded with fun colorful Foonie Dolls. I love the colors! Guaranteed to make you smile on a cloudy day! :) Rate : ♥♥♥♥

11) Got Rack Humorous Vinyl Decal By empressivedesigns. No, I don't have a rack, MUAHAHAH but I am brainy ;p. This shop has a wonderful selection of fun witty decals. I mean, it is nice to decorate with sweet, predictable decals but much better and more impact with one of these humorous ones! Rate : ♥♥♥♥

12) Knitters Buttons By pepsy. This I know, never cross a knitter, they can do a lot of damage with that two long knitting needles! This store might be new and there is not much items yet , I do hope the seller continue to make more fun buttons! Perfect gift for a passionate knitter! :) Rate : ♥♥♥♥

Thanks guys for sharing my Treasury! I do enjoy making them! It is like walking on a very long street on a bright sunny day and found some colorful marbles, old coins, half eaten sandwich, a piece of Joker card, a doll's head, 3 metal bottle caps , a piece of ribbon and of course the obligatory gum under the shoe, totally awesome!

♥ Married For 431 Days So Far And..

I always considered myself very blessed to have my prayer answered regarding the kind I want to married. Beautiful Geek seems practically tailor made for me! LOL! I am brutally honest with God when I prayed and ask for the following criteria (pardon my grammar but I talk to God in our own slangs and ways, He gets it) :

a) "Please give me a handsome and cute looking guy, I mean I have to see this man everyday, every night.. you know, I am curse with being visually orientated above all things".-> Yap, my husband is really cute, so cute, I am not worried that other girls would go for him because the gays are much faster to approach him first.

b) "Please let him be smart , like super smart but not that creme of the crop smart, like quietly kind of smart, like not shoot off the mouth smart, just dignifiedly smart." -> Yes, my husband is super smart, that kind of water runs deep kind of smart. Best thing he doesn't know it , he does suspect it but I think he is also very humble not to brag about it.

c) "Please let him be reasonable well off. I mean, God, you know all the dates and all the dates I had been to, for once, I would love to eat in a fine restaurant once a while, watch a world renowned plays, buy a piece Tiffany jewelry once in a blue moon. I had my shares of paying for half or all the meals, going Dutch plenty of times when going to the movies, being groped in a cinema cause boyfriends still stays with their parents or hotels are too expensive. I am also sick and tired of eating in noisy food courts where I have to declare my love over a plate of chicken rice. I mean... I cherish those moments but really.. I want a free meal with all my strings attached please." -> Well , my husband is not rich but he has a decent pay and I do get a fine meal every 2 months and 1 piece of fine jewelry every one year and a half. I never paid for my food now and that is really nice.

It is a truth universally acknowleged - Jane Austen quote - letterpress cardBy letterarypress

d) "Please let him be someone who has inspiration and passionate about his life and job. I do love hanging at the park and void decks of my flat with my ex boyfriends talking about the best way to do a slide of hands or play with skateboards but I would love to do something meaningful and useful with them too. Don't get me wrong, the last boyfriend does have some inspiration, he wanted to earn more money to buy a new fishing rod. It is good but it would be nice if he wants to work harder to buy a fish farm.:"-> My husband always reads a lot and am always thinking of ways to improve his work. He is always doing some kind of project with his own time ( translate : I have no idea what he is really doing but I know he is doing something that does not involve a credit card or shades of pink) and that I love him for it.

e) "Please let him have a job that I do not understand." -> This is a running joke with my friends half the time, we cannot really described what our boyfriends or husband does for a living. And yes.... it took me 4 years to kind of half understand what my husband is doing.

Let me try to explain. I know he is

a) an engineer
b) an automotive engineer
c) an automotive engineer who design mufflers
d) an automotive engineer who design mufflers and ...

Here is the problem .. what the hell is a mufflers? He tried to show me diagrams, pictures, graphs , in charades etc and I simply cannot place it. I mean I know now what is a muffler, it is a very important part of a car that makes a car quiet. Without a muffler, the car would be really noisy!

Ok.

But to devote a whole industry to it? I was truly shock! I mean, what is so difficult? It is all a calculations of loops and how many turns the metal tubes have that decide how quiet the car would be. I can explain it all now but shan't bored you with it. Beautiful Geek's company has a huge department just researching and developing multi twisted metal tubes and loops to make a car shut up.

They dream By yaelfran

I am so not a car person. To me, it is a very threatening object. Full of metals and pvc, loads of knobs and mirrors that does not flatter me in anyways. And it is normally in boring colors like silver, black or white.

Still, after ALOT of explanations by Beautiful Geek ,I am quite impressed actually and that lead me to daydream abit about other automotive departments. I am not sure if they exist but I pretended they did.

YES, ADAPTING IS KEY BUT WE MUST KEEP FLYING METEORITES ON OUR MIND. (Dino) Kitten in the Engine - USA organic cotton tshirt by KittenInTheEngine

Like the windshield department. I imagine there would be a big lab with loads of windshields and people just keeps throwing things at them. Like first a ping pong ball, then a basketball and finally 20 bowling balls to test the strength of the glass. They would jump on it, dance on it, walk on it like 3000 times to see what would happen if there should be a stampede.

But I think the ultimate goal of a good windshield is how mosquito proof it would be. I mean, what is the probability of one's car in a stampede? Have you ever travelled in car at the speed of 90km/hr and watched how the poor mosquitoes get smashed helplessly against the windshield? I get so annoyed when I have to scrap off the blood and the decapitated mini bodies , I mean, ewwww , I do not mind a whole dead mosquito but not just one third of it's reminder.EW.

I can imagine the Head Of Windshield Department going "our target for the year 2009 is 3 and half mosquitoes , one or two wings extra is okay. " Lay more wax gentlemen!

Next, how about the tires design department? Do they have a room full of hippy cool art graduates who sit at big sparkly white desk thinking of what other tire thread designs would be the best ? Shall it be more closely knitted criss cross designs, wide bold stripes, polka dots , argyle, double lined grid pattern or *gasp* perhaps some flowers design to enthralled the ever growing female consumers ?

Maybe the tire is best use for this! Digital Prints Good Ol' Days by GlobalArt

Then, the rim designers. *Giggle*, I can imagine one them introducing himself " Hi, I am Stok, I am a Rim designer ". LOL! How sexy that can sound! HAHAHAHAHAHA! Out of deepest respect for all readers , I will not continue to elaborate on this.

Oh, forgive me if I offended any readers. Making jokes about things are the way I try masked my fear and  ignorance. *chuckle

Point is, I marvel at today's cars, they are safely, slicker, quieter, prettier than before but I will never really be a fan unless they can come up with a car that is the right shade of pink, flower design on the tire threads, insect proof , smell like Chanel No.5 , and of course a 3 x 3 meter truck to put all my shopping bags!

All in all I do love being married to an engineer, especially one who wears really nice bum hugging jeans all the time. *wink

Micro Circuit Pour Moi - hi-tech glass pendant By BigHelmetHead.etsy.com

The below pros and cons are all so true!

Top Ten Reasons To Date an Engineer

1. The world does revolve around us... We pick the coordinate system.
2. Find out what those other buttons on your calculator do.
3. We know how to handle stress and strain in our relationships.
4. Parents will approve.
5. Help with your math homework.
6. Can calculate head pressure.
7. Looks good on a resume.
8. Free body diagrams.
9. High starting salary.
10. Extremely good looking

Top Ten Reasons NOT to Date an Engineer

1. T-shirt and jeans are their formal dress. Hot dog and a six-pack is their seven-course meal.
2. The only social life known of is to post and talk on the net.
3. Flames like a monster and speaks like a pussycat.
4. Works from 6:30am to 7:30pm daily. No morning kisses and no evening walks.
5. No matter how hard you cry and how loud you yell, he just sits there calmly discussing your emotion in terms of mathematical logic.
6. Only listens to classic rock. Hates everything from Bach to Prince.
7. Touches his car more often than you.
8. Talks in acronyms.
9. Can't leave that damn pencil off his ear for a minute.
10. Will file a divorce if you call him in the middle of debugging.


Picture and Tens Reasons jokes are taken from http://www.gdargaud.net/Humor/Engineer.html#Date

♥ Featured Seller Sakizome And Her Lovely Bags !

Click To Enter Her Fabulous Store!

Spring Breeze Clutch

Okay, by now, you guys might have figured out I am quite a "collector" ( nicer word for addict). If I like something, normally I go all the way out and amass as many as I can. I am a bag "collector" too. I think I have over 200 bags! All sorts! Gigantic, huge, large, medium, small, mini, invisible ones too!HAHA! I have totes, overnighters , luggage, pouches, purses, wallets etc etc you get the drift.

Therefore ( clear throat, put on my glasses and look serious), I am quite the expert on bags. I pride myself as able to spot a bag worth it's money in thread count as far as 500 meter away. This is a skill fine tune to highly professional standards thanks to living in a fast pace city where I do not have a lot of time for shopping or patience for entertaining mediocre poorly made bags. I am pleased to tell you guys, there is an excellent bag artist and crafter among us in Etsy.

Busy Knitting Pouch

This post is alll about a wonderful wonderful Etsy seller Sakizome who makes the loveliest bags!!! I had eyed her store for quite awhile because I love the fabric she used. I was not keen to buy at first because I am afraid it might not be as good as what is shown on the pictures ( trust me, I have had bad experiences before) . I caved in last week because I simply love the fabric on this bag so I ask her to custom make it bigger for me. Her response is fast, professional, positive and very very friendly. I was relieved as I am worried she might not be able to make it. In 36 hours, she told me my bag is ready. I was apprehensive. So fast? I thought. Well. Okay then. I mean, it is not an expensive bag and if I don't like it, I can give it away later.


Afternoon Cafe Shoulder/Handbag

It turns out to be one of the best bag I have bought on Etsy so far ( see the picture above , that is my bag!!) ! I was truly astounded by the beautiful workmanship! To me, it is better to use cheap fabric but good workmanship than to use expensive fabric and but lousy workmanship ( I am aware I used "workmanship" 3 times, I am sorry but I can't think of any other words at this time:p) . The fabric is rich and thick, the lining also superior quality and very very nice prints! The seams, the stitches, the sewing all are so professional done! I felt like I just step out of a Japanese bag store!

The strap and the zip are of boutique quality! I show it to Beautiful Geek and he said he had thought I got it for USD 70!!! I show it off to my friends and got loads of compliments! They are rather envious I must say ( silly to be envious, just go buy one!!) .
Happy Day Purse- She has them in smaller sizes and coin pouches too!

I personally feel she priced her bags too low ! The cloth and material she uses are not the usual quality I see in normal stores. The prints and patterns she uses are very unique too! What I like best about her store is that there are a really nice range of bags to choose from! Not just handbags, there are clutch, pouches, wristlets, totes and coin purses too! I felt that she is one artist who is not afraid to try new things and am very up to date with the current styles.

I asked if I can featured her and am so glad she agreed. She is so so nice to talk to too! I am honor that she is willing to use some of her busy time to talk about her craft and let us have a peep in her life.

In the Park Pouch

♥Tell us a bit about yourself name, location, affiliations, personal stuff please.

I live in Singapore although I have variously lived in England, in Malaysia and in California. I am lucky to be surrounded by greenery at home: bamboo and palm trees, fig trees, eucalyptus trees, and many more. Of course I am also surrounded by rooms full of fabric, embroidery threads and buttons!

♥ Apart from creating beautiful things, do you have a full time job too?

I actually have a day job which I love. It is demanding and great fun. It requires me to travel but it has also meant that I have met many fascinating people from all over the world. And of course it helps fund my passion for fabric.

Spring Breeze Clutch

♥ What first made you want to become an artist?

I grew up such a nerd. I loved reading and studying. At university in England I discovered that my boyfriend only wore jumpers that had been handknitted by his mother. I could not be outdone! I decided that I had to learn to knit and soon knitted more than a lifetime supply of complex sweaters. Naturally he wore them all and of course I married him! I treasure all his mother's jumpers and still keep them very carefully. The knitting transitioned into embroidery and the embroidery into sewing, mainly by hand. I love making complex hand appliqued and embroidered quilts.

My husband and 3 sons soon decided that there was nothing I could leave alone: I embroidered all over their clothes, and even the curtains at home had were embroidered. Our home looks like a gallery with with my quilts on every wall, even in the bathrooms. Of course the beds were all covered with my quilts long ago. Indeed, we sometimes say we built our present house so that I could have more space to better display my quilts. They are spectacular, or at least my sweet family think so.

Sunflowers - Embroidered Linen Pouch

♥ Please describe your creative process how, when, materials, etc.

I can only make something if the fabric, threads, etc speak to me and I can assure you that they call out to me all the time. I usually dream - both day dream and otherwise about what I might do and then I start sketching, making rough notes on dimensions and other pointers to myself along the way. Then I start experimenting till I get the outcome I am looking for. I am fussy about quality, although I like everything I make to look handmade.

♥ What handmade possession do you most cherish?

This one is easy - the first jumper I ever knitted for my then boyfriend, now husband - a grey alpaca jumper. The knitting is not very even and I have come a long long way in terms of skills and inspiration but it was a transformative experience and made me realise that there was an artistic side to this nerd.

Blue Wheels Pouch

♥ Where is your favorite countries/ places?

Kyoto for its history, Tokyo for its vibrancy, Oxford, England as I have many memories of growing up there, Cambridge, England where I fell in love and learnt to knit and sew and of course, sunny Singapore.

Red Apple Orchard Pouch


♥ What is the motto/s you live by?
This is not a motto but I know that I need to sew, to make something beautiful, everyday! :)

Rulers Card Wallet

Thanks Sakizome for an enjoyable interview. I love hearing other people's life stories, it always makes motivated me in some ways. I truly am overjoy with my bag and I start to understand what my mother who is a seamstress used to says " when you carry a good quality handmade bag, you will feel like a million dollars". I did. :)