BESTeam - Zen 25 Release Me Creations

After reading Maureen's profile, I felt that I could relate to her!  She began creating jewelry while she stayed with her parents during the last few months of her father's illness. In search of a distraction and a release from the day to day stress, she began to craft jewelry. It gave her a positive way to channel her energies. Creating jewelry became a way of meditation.  It created an incredible release for her heart, mind, and soul. This resulted in her etsy shop -  Release Me Creations. Something similar happened to me in 1995. I spent the summer with my parents while my father had to have an aneurysm in his stomach removed.  Driving back and forth to the doctors (an hour trip one way) and the hospital - compiled with worry and stress - I needed something else to occupy my mind. I discovered small quilts and figured I could easily sew one!  I found a sense of peace and a release of the stress I felt.

Ok - this post is about Maureen's etsy shop which has such unique necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and cuff links/tie tacks!  I cannot pick a favorite as I love them all! The Love Letter Necklace, Nautical Compass Necklace,  Tiny Carousel Necklace, and Nautical Dive Helmet are just too darling! (Click on the photo to be transported to Release Me Creations).

 

 Check out this whimsical Pewter Castle Ring:

You can also visit Maureen here:

Her Website  www.releasemecreations.com

Blog http://releasemecreate.blogspot.com/

Faceboook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fort-Worth-TX/Release-Me-Creations/187693621254709

Twitter  http://www.twitter.com/releasemecreate

BESTeam Back to School Linky Party

It's that time of year again...new crayons & pencils, notebooks & binders, lunch boxes and books, and sports events! Our Home to Yours is hosting a back to school linky party  beginning today!  Stop by and have a look at all the great items that will celebrate the start of a new school year! 

I've included a School Spirit Necklace - which is available in a variety of colors - just let me know your school colors and I'll make one for you.

 

A classic cluster pendant to wear to support your team - whether is it high school, college, or professional.  I wore one to a college reunion and high school reunion.

The Boosting Etsy Shops Team (BEST) is a group of Etsy sellers from around the world, representing a wide variety of crafts, products and services sold. We are team mates and we are friends, we encourage and we challenge each other to better ourselves and our businesses – and together, we are the BEST!

BESTteam Feature of the Week - ChickyD

What little fashionista wouldn't love a shop that is full of hair accessories! ChickyD at etsy has a huge bow bowtique along with totes, hats, clippies, and headbands.  Looking at all the adorable bows made me long for those days when my daughter was young enough to love bows!  This bow is my favorite - I love animal prints!
 


The korker style bow has always been a favorite style: How girly and cute!


 


Here 's a great gift for a baby shower or to welcome the newborn! So sweet - the bow is detachable so it can be worn with or without the bow.

No one is too young to cheer for her favorite team and show a little spirit by wearing a bow!  Look for your favorite team - Chicago Bulls or Black hawks, Iowa Buckeyes, University of Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, Minnesota Vikings, and Chicago Bears.

Let's not forget the holidays.  All little fashionistas will look festive for Halloween, Christmas, and even on that first day of school!


 


If you see something you like, but need another color - convo ChickyD as she is happy to work with you on a custom design.


ChickyD has a second etsy shop that sells vintage and retro photographs, Danizabeth.  
You can also find her at  Facebook. Stop by and  "like" her page for updates and news:
http://www.facebook.com/ChickyDsAccessories


Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/Danizabeth2 

High School Reunion

Our kindergarten class! This is about a third of our graduating class. I am the one with the broken wrist.

This summer I attended my high school reunion- I won't tell you what year because I cannot possibly be this old!  What a fun time!  Some of the people I had not seen since graduation day! Thank goodness one of the organizers had the foresight to bring name tags. I still managed to mix up names and faces. The turn out was quite good - the Sat. night dinner had about 55 people - a few were spouses.  Here are some stats of our class of 100 - about 40 still live in town or nearby, another 20  live in state, the remainder live elsewhere in the US with the exception of myself who lives out of the country. Eight of our classmates have passed away.  It was a good time and fun to catch up with childhood - high school friends. I'm already looking forward to our next get together.

Here is an etsy treasury I put together in honor of our reunion.

BESTteam Feature of the Week - Gmaellen

Gmaellen's Etsy shop is full of glorious crocheted items! There is such a variety of handcrafted pieces that are not only attractive but functional.  For the eco-friendly shopper there are bags & totes. Think beyond the farmers' market, these great bags can be used for kid's toys, gym/workout clothes, beach items, and anything that needs to be carried.

 

The avid reader can choose from a selection of pretty patterned bookmarks - no more creased pages. 

 

If you enjoy decorating your home, there are kitchen accessories, baskets, afghans & throws, rugs & mats, and dish/wash cloths. I love the dishcloths - Don't just use them in the kitchen - they are multipurpose- put them in the guest bath, nursery, use as potholders, doilies, trivets. They are reusable, durable, and eco-friendly as well as being easy to wash and maintain.

 

This little button basket is too cute! A great decorative piece to hold jewelry and other little treasures. It would also make a great "package" for a gift.  Add a pair of Gmaellen's earrings or wine charms and you have the perfect gift!

 

For the fashionista, there is a collection of handcrafted crocheted jewelry!  The earrings are unique! I love the crocheted lace and flower bracelet - so cheerful and bright!

 

I have always wanted to learn how to crochet and just never seemed to get the hang of it.  Gmaellen's  talent leaves me in awe!

BESTteam Feature of the Week - Mossy Creek Soaps

      What happens when you can no longer find your favorite product?  Maybe it's been discontinued or the company goes out of business!  When Michelle could no longer purchase her favorite soaps, she and her husband decided to make their own. This allowed her to have total control of the product and its ingredients.  Most commercial soaps on the market are detergents - like you use to wash your clothes or dishes with a little lotion added. The soaps at Mossy Creek are made with Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Lye and water and enriched with shea butter.    Essential oils of Lavender, Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Spearmint are used to scent these handcrafted bath luxuries.

  The Coffee - Mocha soap is a perfect kitchen soap - it smells like coffee...helps get rid of onion and garlic smell on your hands.

I love the lotion sticks - ! If you haven't tried lotion on a stick..then maybe it's time! It's easy to use, just open, twist and rub on. Great combination of Cocoa butter, Shea Butter and Almond Oil! You will love how moisturized your skin will feel. There are so many wonderful scents - tea tree lavender, sweet apple, lemon eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender, coconut and verbena, and lemongrass and eucalyptus.

 If you are a purist and prefer to have no fragrance or color - then the Naked Soap is for you.

  

It is a basic 3 oil mixture very simple.  This is a very mild soap, wonderful for sensitive skin!

 Michelle also offers Wedding Favor soaps - such perfect little tokens for guests! These could be used for showers, luncheons, and any event that a little "something" is needed. They are available in a variety of colors and scents. 

 

You can also view a complete line on

www.mossycreeksoap.com

Follow the blog at:

mossycreeksoap.blogspot.com

Facebook:

facebook.com/mossycreeksoap

facebook.com/soapmaking.classes

Twitter:

http://twitter.com/MossyCreekSoap

Also follow on Creating The Hive:

http://creatingthehive.com/signup/mossycreeksoap