Well, normally I feature Etsy people - this gal's not on Etsy yet I've been working on it though hehe. Her name's Tori, or, lakinicoyote for those who reside in the land of livejournal. She's got a little boy born the same day that Neil was born, and she's an artist too. She's been drawing lots of custom portraits for some of the mama's in lj land - and I've been admiring them for some time now. Well, she did one of my little one today, and I just love it! Here's the picture she based her portrait of, right next to her portrait:

She really did a good job! This was Neil in his Halloween Costume, he was about 9 months old in the picture. So - if any of you want a really professional and talented artist to draw you or your little one (or anything - I've seen her do portraits of dogs and stuff too) find her through her personal livejournal, or her community on livejournal. She's on myspace too. She's uber affordable, portraits starting at only $10! I'm trying to get her to open up a shop on Etsy, but she's holding out for now, but she'll probably be there eventually too.

In other news, things are going pretty well. I've been working out at the gym nearly every day. I've lost some weight, gained some muscle - lost a collective 8.75" from all around - that was about a week and a half ago, so it's probably even more lost by now I'm really enjoying the gym, it's good to go clear my head after a long day of being with a toddler hehe. My little cousin is going off to college, and I painted something just for her for her new dorm room - I'll post pics after I give it to her, incase she sees this, I don't want to ruin it
Well, it's Friday night, Sean will be home soon - it's been raining all day which is a welcomed thing at this point, seeing as the days prior were sooo hot and humid - I think it was 104* on Wed, with 90% humidity. We went swimming at my parents house, they have a salt water pool - Neil loved it, he swam in his froggy swimmy that Anya (my mother) gave him for almost 2 hours! Kickin his little legs and splashing his hands - he's a total water rat! We're going down tomorrow, I'll try to get pics if we're swimming this time.

Take care - and support the arts!
Abbie

Hey!

I'm on the front page of Etsy today! Well, my painted mirror "Word to Live By" is on the front page Front page items are treasuries made by etsy users. Then Admin goes through and pics one to put on the front page! And today, I'm in it! Woo hoo!

And thank you to the wonderful and talented DottyRal for letting me know, cause I probably would have completely missed it, it's been a busy day - and I've barely been on the computer!

My newest item: Custom Birth Announcements!


Bringing a new baby into your life is an amazing event celebrated by many. This new baby will be loved by bundles of people, that's no doubt! Old fashioned ways of announcing a birth are not very practical - send out a card with a picture of the baby on it, or in it, announcing the day your precious baby was born, and his or her weight. It works, but it's nothing special.

This new baby is special - so why not let it's birth announcements be special too?! Why send out a card, that will sit on the kitchen counter for a few days and then make it's way to the trash?

There are other options!

Send out customized birth announcements, on magnets or mirrors!
Magnets are a wonderful way to announce the birth of your child - why? Because they will not only be useful - as a refridgerator magnet, but they will be adorable too! The recipient of this magnet will get to see your infants bright new and shining face every day! These also make a nice addition to Thank You's that you send out to people who have brought Baby Shower or Hospital Arrival gifts. A sort of favor - that's worth waiting for!

Mirrors would be wonderful too - 2 1/4" pocket mirrors that any lady would love to keep in her purse for the "on the go" lipstick application!

Magnets or Mirrors available - same price for either, same size on the front. 2 1/4" round.

These are high quality parts, not like a lot of the other cheaper parts being sold around the 'net!

Any number available - price breaks are as follows:

12-96: $3.00 each
96-192: $2.50 each

You send me the photo you want featured, let me know the color background you are choosing, and the text you want written. There is a limit on how much text can fit, I will let you know if there are any problems. I will send you a graphic proof through email or Etsy convo for your approval before I have them printed and press them.


These are also great for Birthdays - I made them for my son's first birthday and handed them out as favors, they were a big hit!

Any questions? Feel free to ask me, comment here or use the contact form "Contact Abbie"

You can also order through Etsy or just fill out my Custom Birth Announcement Order Form

Thanks!
Abbie

I'm a total child of the 80's, I loved Pee Wee's Playhouse. I even had a Pee Wee Herman Doll, that, looking back, was rather frightening. It had a little string on the back that you could pull and it would say things like "HAHA HeHeHe" and "I know you are but what am I?" and "I don't make dogs, I walk them" and "Meka Leka Hi Meka Hiney Ho!"

Well, my newest pocket mirror is inspired by Pee Wee Herman. Anyone remember Jambi the Genie? He lived in a little closet type thing in Pee Wee's Playhouse and when someone would say "wish" he would pop the doors open and say "Wish?! Did somebody say WISH!?"

He'd end up granting the wish by having everyone repeat after him "Meka Leka Hi Meka Hiney Ho" and then he'd say " Wish is Granted, Long live Jambi" and disappear back into the closet.

So, I have a little Pee Wee Herman accessory commemorating Jambi the Genie - a 2 and a Quarter Inch Pocket mirror, great to throw in your purse to check your makeup, or to check your teeth after that poppy seed bagel, which, is a must hah.

Pic is clickable to the listing where you can buy it on Etsy, it will also be available in my online store right here on Original Abbie, which will hopefully launch soon, it's hard work getting that thing up! Jeeze!


Your Wish is Granted - Long Live Jambi!

Abbie

I've had these custom wedding favors listed for a while now - they made a fabulous wedding favor, bridal party gift, bachelorette party gift, Bridal Shower favors - I could even take the veil out and make pretty cool Prom or Sweet 16 favors!

Anyway, up until recently, I only had 2 styles for Brides, and 2 styles for Grooms - but I've more than doubled your choices! I've added 3 new brides, and 4 new Grooms! I can now offer a curly haired version, which should have come to me earlier, since I myself have curly hair haha, but it took a custom order request for me to do it!

Anyway - these favors are 2.25" round mirrors. The cool thing about them, is you pick the colors, the writing - everything from skin, and hair color, tux color, bouquet and ribbons color - you pick which bride and groom will most match you and your fiance! (Or Groom/Groom Favors Bride/Bride Favors, that can all work too, whatever combo you want really!)

When you order them, fill out this customization form: http://blog.originalabbie.com/page5/page5.php
while referring to these charts: http://blog.originalabbie.com/page7/page7.html
Prices:
1-96: $3.00 each
96-192: $2.50 each
192+: $2.25 each
You can order them by filling out this form and including your paypal address, and I will invoice you through PayPal. Or you can buy them from my Etsy Store.


Thanks!
Abbie

The hall of shame - status
I'm trying to work things out privately with Etsy Admin, I'm going to see how that goes first before I bring out the heavy artillery and start naming names haha. Etsy Admin is being pretty helpful so far, they apologized for deleting the feedback, the seller that I'm dealing with lied to them, and I guess they didn't *read* the feedback before it was deleted, because it clearly stated the way things went. Also, I'd spoken with the same Etsy admin about reversing the transaction in the first place, but I'm sure they see so much everyday that they didn't remember. It would have been great if they 'd had what I'd sent to them on file to relate to when the seller contacted her, but, nothing is perfect. I'll keep updating when I get info. I just sent Admin a PDF of all 6 pages of convo I have with this seller, along with screen caps. We'll see how things go. Her options as a seller may be either A) pay for the item or B) get deleted/banned
I'm happy with either, honestly.

I am working on setting up an Etsy non paying buyers/non shipping sellers list though, possibly in the form of a forum, but I'm still not sure how I want to do all of this, but I am working on coding the forum (and making it pretty) as we speak

Abbie

Coming soon -

The Hall of Shame

Etsy is a wonderful website, there's no denying that. 99% of the people on there are absolute gems. BUT - there are a few people who are just disgusting individuals who really make Etsy look bad. Unfortunately, the feedback system on Etsy isn't exactly 100%, so, I'll be starting a Hall of Shame. I have my very own seller to headline the list. I'll also have a way for you, as a confirmed Etsy buyer to add your own in for consideration.

I'll be working on this tomorrow. What do you say, oh big wonderful world? Yay or Nay?

I hate to be negative, but, being that negative feedback is being erased, I guess somebody's gotta be at least a little negative, and warn others of shady sellers.

Thanks : )

Abbie

AbbieRoad.Etsy.com

Edit: Etsy is not planning on erasing the negative feedback feature, you will still be able to leave negative feedback - however, negative feedback that is left being erased by admin. There have been cases where people leave retaliatory feedback or unjust feedback, and Admin will erase it for you - but in this case, the feedback that i left was because this person did not send the item that was properly traded for. I spent hours making her a banner, actually at least 8 banners for her to choose from. She said she really liked it, and she picked out out, I sent it right to her. She then quit all communication with me, never sent out the item, never supplied any kind of tracking number or even a date that it was shipped. That was January 29th, and now it's April!

I had left her 2 negative feedback, and discussed the entire situation with admin, privately, as they request. Admin was great with me at the time. Every now and then, I check into her shop and see what she's up to, and see if she's done the same thing to anyone else yet. Well - I go and see my feedback that I left for her is GONE! Nobody can do that but Admins. We certainly didn't use the "kiss and makeup" feature, which, until now, I would have been open to.

Sorry if there was some confusion there!

Abbie

Picking out the treasure trove is a lot of fun, I love browsing Etsy, and the team of admin over at Etsy certainly has provided many ways for you to browse all the wonderful art!
My theme for the treasure trove today, is America! Red, white blue, classic American scenes - things that make you want to eat some apple pie. As the warmer weather approaches, so do the rich bold scenes of what I think of as classic America. Birds chirping, greenery budding everywhere, the smell of fresh cut grass drifting in the windows, the footsteps of your mailman, who still delivers mail door to door rather than driving around in a truck, the faint echo of children playing during recess from the school up the street, and, of course the hustle and bustle of Main Street (how cliche) a few yards in the other direction. These things scream America to me, they make me want to sit on my front porch and eat watermelon.
So - here's some great American stuff, to get you in the mood! All images link to the page where you can buy the item! Tell them I sent you!







Thanks for looking, support your local artists!

Abbie
AbbieRoad.Etsy.com

As you can see, I've gotten a bit bored with the featured seller bit, it was a lot of fun and I enjoy doing it, but I need a bit of a mix up, plus, there's so many talented artists on Etsy, it's hard to pick who to feature!
So, I've decided to feature some pieces, in a theme, at least weekly. This weeks theme - blue birds! Easter and Springtime are upon us now, the sun is warming these parts of the earth, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are chirping!
So - here's some really cool birds I've found on Etsy. All pics link to the listing, where you can buy it, all on www.Etsy.com






Hope these blue beauties put you in the mood for spring!

Take care -
Abbie

AbbieRoad.etsy.com

Who are you? Where are your roots?
My name is Kim Schueller. I live in Burnsville, Minnesota. Born and raised. I am 41 years old and have 2 kids; a daughter who is 15, Alexandra and a son who is 10, Jake.
I have been an "artist" for about 6 years and kind of fell into it. I couldn't be happier doing what I love.

What were you like in High School? I was small in high school. My friends were shapely with hips. I spent 3 years on teh danceline for our school and loved every minute of it. I was kind of quiet, didn't share much, enjoyed my friends. I didn't rebel a lot, a little, but not a lot, I hope my parents can say the same!

What would you consider your muse?
What is a muse? (from Abbie: A muse is your inspiration, or your creative influence - if you want to answer this question, leave it in the comments and I can add it in )

What is your favorite medium, and why?
My favorite medium is bisque. I love painting on bisque pottery because whatever your colors look like in the beginning, they are never the same after it is fired. I never get tired of opening my kiln and seeing what the design turns out like - especially if it is something I am trying for the first time. I also do a lot of firing for other people and still love to see the finished product.
However, I am finding that I am suddenly really liking all things felt.

Tell me about your artwork, what kind of style are you?
I think my style is funky, contemporary, bold, exciting and fun. I like it to be whimsical and eye-catching. I also like my designs to bring out a response in people that makes them turn their heads with the bright colors and bold designs.

Who do you think your top market is?
I think my top market is women who are looking for a unique, high quality gift that cannot be found in every other gift store. I think people like to give gifts that they know won't be found anywhere else.

Who is your most favorite and least favorite celebrity?
My favorite celebrity would have to be Reese Witherspoon - simply for the way she carries herself and doesn't seem to take herself too seriously. My least favorite - where do I begin: Donald Trump, Rosie O'Donnell, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Paris Hilton, Brittany Spears, Basically anyone who is gracing the cover of the tabloids. I abhor celebrity worship!

Do you listen to music while you create? If so, which, and who is your favorite?
I am a Christian, so if I listen to music while I paint, which I do, it is usually to Third Day, Jeremy Camp, Passion - all Christian bands.

Other than creating art - what is your favorite hobby?
Definitely, hanging out with my family! Also, working out, going to the lake, reading. I really love my work, so it also is somewhat of a hobby for me too.

What do you believe is essential for an etsy seller?
A good product with a good price point. The combination cannot be beat. I think an unusually unique product that appeals to a broad base is a plus - I wish I knew what that was!


Thanks so much Kim, I hope this interview brings many people to your store! Best of luck to you!

Thanks so much!

Abbie

AbbieRoad.etsy.com
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Today's featured seller is long overdue, I've been quite busy with custom orders as well as my son turning one! We've been keeping very busy so I had to stick the blog on the back burner for a little bit but I'm hoping to get back into daily or bi-daily updates!
Today's featured seller is KnittingGuru.Etsy.com



At KnittingGuru.etsy.com you can find all sorts of funky knitted hats, shawls, head bands - everything you need to outfit yourself and look awesome!

Check out the interview - click "read more"

Thanks!
Abbie
Read More...

My tenth featured seller, from Etsy.com is: Space Oddities!

Vintage Valentine's, Buttons, Magnets, Greeting Cards - Space Oddities has all this and more. The cool vintage look of her items is what makes Space Oddities so special. If you're looking to send out one of a kind vintage cards this Valentine's day, this is the shop for you - but hurry, because these one of a kind items don't come around much, and they are in high demand! While you're shopping, check out some of her funky clipped & dipped magnets and buttons - words and images clipped from old magazines and books, and brought together into a hip and funky magnet or button with fun phrases. Check out her shop, you won't be disappointed! And read the interview, click "read more" Read More...

Today's Featured Etsy Seller is: BlossomHill.Etsy.com

Ever since Hazel, from Blossom Hill contacted me through Etsy - I've been excited about featuring her work. She sews the most adorable plush animals I've seen in a long time. Tiny and sweet, these lovable little animals come to life in the palm of your hand. Tom - a Tiny Teddy Bear is sewn by hand, other hand sewn items include Lily, a tiny white rabbit and Jenny, a hand held, hand made squirrel. She also sews mobiles, for baby girls or boys - captivating little birds flutter around in a mix of fabrics, a unique mobile to finish up any baby nursery that's looking for something out of the ordinary.
Don't forget to check out Grace while you're in this shop, she's an adorable lambswool/angora blue striped owl, her friend the sleepy blue elephant shouldn't be forgotten either, he would be perfect for a baby shower gift, or any gift for a young little kidlet! Her prices are extremely fair, so if you have a lot of kids to buy for - this is the shop for you!

Read the interview - click "Read More" Read More...

Today's Featured EtsySeller is: MySistersGreatIdea.Etsy.com



Today marks 3 weeks til Valentine's day - so I thought I'd feature a shop with some lovely Valentine's day items! The proprietors of My Sisters Great Idea are - you guessed it - sisters! Jeanie and Chrissy manage this shop from a distance - one's in Chicago and one is in Denver, but distance makes the creativity grow stronger for these girls! If you're looking for a box for that special gift on Valentines day - what could be more romantic than a heart shaped press paper box - embellished with heart and locket charms, feathers and ribbon? Any gal would love to receive a gift in this box. They will even personalize it for you. A great keepsake box - maybe you're proposing and are looking for the perfect box to house the ring? This is it! I assure you!
Maybe you're one of the anti Valentine's people, and you plan on spending the that night curled up with your favorite book - well - don't be disheartened by all the romantic boxes, she has just the thing for you too - an awesome book thong (the latest way to mark your book pages, fyi) She's got a few to choose from - if you love your books. All decorated in different ways - hearts, flip flops, initials, charms, even a mixed drink one! These are great for any book lover!
Read the interview to learn more about these sisters! Read More...

My seventh featured seller from the wonderful www.Etsy.com is Hurbanski.Etsy.com



Today's featured seller is Hurbanski.Etsy.com she's from State College, PA - and she makes beautiful stained glass angels. Each angel is unique, and they would look great hanging from your window, wall, or anywhere you might need an angel! These "Everyday Angels" are each individually handmade so no two will be alike - and are even more gorgeous when the sun catches their beautiful glass wings and body. They come in a variety of colors - purple, green, blue - a nice Valentine's Day red - and ready to hang too! Everybody could use an angel!

Read more to get the full interview!
Read More...

I'm happy to bring you today's featured seller: CreativeSparkle.Etsy.com



Creative Sparkle is a young college student from California pursuing a degree in fine art. She paints fairy tale story books that are absolutely adorable - Little Red Riding Hood - Cinderella - The Little Mermaid - and she takes custom orders too for all you Alice in Wonderland Fans out there who will be sad to see that her Alice story boxes have already been sold! She also makes some really neat pieces of fused glass jewelry in an array of colors, shapes and sizes. Another perfect gift for your special someone on Valentines Day! For those of you fairy lovers, check out her Fairy Vial Necklaces - filled with fairy dust and decorated with varied and brilliant colored beads.
Find out more about CreativeSparkle, read the interview! Read More...

Today's Featured Etsy Seller is: RoseofSharonAcres.Etsy.com



Monica of Rose in Sharon Acres makes a variety of bath and beauty products. Natural soaps made with goats milk and olive oil, scented beautifully with essential oils. These soaps sound good enough to eat! She features different kinds of soaps and salves, some that will be a natural care for eczema some can help combat a troublesome complexion and some are even anti-aging creams! One thing they all are is fabulous. Hand made soap is a luxury we should all be privy to! These would make a wonderful Valentine's Day present for that special someone in your life, who wouldn't love to indulge in a silky creamy bath - she even put together a nice gift basket, all set and ready to be given with love.

Click read more to get Monica's full interview! Read More...

I'm happy to present you with my fourth featured artist from the wonderful www.Etsy.com

Paper Armadillo!



Paper Armadillo is a stylish store with some absolutely adorable goods! She's got a lot of pals over there - Tim, Ben, Jimmy, Jen - they are all supercute plushies, stuffies - or, stuffed animals- as they are otherwise known. Each little face has intricate attention to detail - so the perfectly adorable smiling face is staring back at you! These friendly little fellers can also be found on a keyring, or a scarf. These stuffed guys and gals each have their own story too - some are shy, some enjoy cola flavored popsicles - one is a musician! She plays the guitar and flute! They each have their own little biographies, it's really quite charming.
So check out PaperArmadillo.Etsy.com and see what she has to offer! Read the interview - click "Read More"
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Featured seller number 3! Nyclole.Etsy.com



Nycole is a paper artist, she gives anyone the ability to preserve their precious moment in time - in an adorable scrapbook from big to small. Even some you can take in your pocket book! These scrapbooks look smaller than the average book, but they pack a punch! Unfolding like a little accordion, each page brings a smile with intricate attention to detail and beautiful decorations. They are all set to go - just ad your photo's in and !voila! a hand crafted scrapbook of your very own! Nycole will even add your photo's in for you if you don't want to do it yourself, and then send you the 100% complete scrapbook - ready to show off! Portable in size, they're perfect for a little brag book - pics of your children, grandchildren, pets - you name it! Read More to see the whole interview! Read More...

Our second featured seller from the craft-astic website: www.Etsy.com - is EliAndRa.Etsy.com

Eli and Ra are an inventive married couple with lots of artistic flare. They are a pair of metal working artisans from the mysterious town of Salem, Massachusetts - the scene of the notorious Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Eli & Ra create a variety jewelry, ranging from the chic modish style of their yellow lami bird earrings to their stylish, gracefully simple Elliot - their Sterling Silver bird necklace. Their shop features a range of prices, so it's easy to find something smart and fashionable, that won't break your wallet. Their pieces are sophisticated, yet down to earth at the same time. You could easily dress up or dress down around these pieces - pair it them with your favorite jeans and sweater, or wear it out at night in your little black dress. These pieces can go the distance with your wardrobe.


Find out more about Eli and Ra - read the interview (click Read More) Read More...

I am pleased to announce my first featured seller from www.Etsy.com: EyePopArt she hails from Portland and she's spreading her psychiadelic style all around .....read the interview!

EyePopArt.Etsy.com



" I am actually quite "rooted" to this house because I have put countless hours into turning my home into a psychedelic wonderland with all kinds of intensely colored, intricate murals all over the walls and ceilings of every room, which also glow in the dark...it is hard to ever leave!"

Click "Read More" to get the full interview!! Read More...