I Changed My Shop Name on Etsy

Most of you know me as a mosaic artist, but I also have a vintage store and a mosaic supply shop.

Recently Etsy offered a one time chance to change the names of our shops and I decided to do that with my supply store that is currently named Memories Mosaic Supply.

Originally, I wanted to keep the word "Memories" in each shop to continue the link of my name (Memories in Mosaics; Memories of Yesterday and Memories Mosaic Supply) but I realized later that it wasn't really the right term for what I wanted people to remember about my shop.

My new name will be "Discount Mosaic Supply".  I will be offering lower prices and a larger variety of items to my regular inventory of hand cut tiles. I plan to add glass gems, glass and ceramic tiles and more focal pieces over the next few months.

My Mosaic shop will be changing too.  I have decided to concentrate in other areas and will not be producing new pieces as much anymore.  I will still offer custom orders, but my inventory will be less overall.  I have come to the conclusion that I just can't sit at my computer as much as needed to keep all 3 shops promoted and right now my inventory for my vintage shop just keeps growing. 

My husband and I are in our mid 50's and all our children are grown and out of the home, so we wanted something we could do together.  Hunting through Estate Sales, Garage Sales and Thrift shops is a lot of fun for the two of us and something we both love to do, so my vintage shop won out over my mosaics.

I hope you will stop by and check out my shops.  I will give 10% off to anyone who reads my blog in each of my stores.  Just use coupon code "Blog10" when you check out.

My mosaic shop is http://www.memoriesinmosaics.etsy.com/

My vintage shop is http://www.memoriesofyesterday.etsy.com/

My supply shop is still http://www.memoriesmosaicsupply.etsy.com/ but soon will be
http://www.discountmosaicsupply.etsy.com/

Until Next Time :)

More Etsy!

Some of you know that I have 3 shops on Etsy. I run a  finished mosaic shop called Memories in Mosaics,  a mosaic supply shop called Memories Mosaic Supply, and a vintage shop called Memories of Yesterday.

I am currently running a 20% OFF Sale in my supply shop. It is on everything in my store so if you know anyone who uses dish tiles, half vases or focals please let them know.

Here are a few items from there.

Sue Zipin Pattern

Laura Ashley Print

My vintage store  really didn't get up and running until my sons started adding merchandise they found at estate sales. Some great buys to be had.

Here are a few pieces of what you will find when visiting MemoriesofYesterday.

Johnson Brothers Creamer from 1930's

Erte Bronze Statue

Until Next Time :)

Some of My Favorites

I have so many favorites that I have compiled over the years from the many talented artists on Etsy that I thought I would share some of them with you. This is just the most recent, so if you don't see something of yours it does not mean you aren't a favorite too. :)

Thank You to My Followers

It's been a while since I last thanked all the wonderful people who have chosen to follow my blog. I do so appreciate your following along and commenting and I would like to give a little something back so I am showcasing 5 more shops of my talented followers.

The first one is no stranger to many of you. She is a wonderfully talented woman and I love to see what she's up to on her blog as she always has such great posts. Her name is Audrey and her shop is called Audrey's Country Crafts.


This adorable table is one of the many kinds of specialty items you will find in her store and it is entirely handmade. The black metal stand was designed by Audrey's husband and the cute heart-shaped top and sweet roses toll painting is all Audrey's talent.

I always wanted to be a painter like this and so admire those that can do this lovely work.

There are such cute bags in her shop that I had a hard time choosing one to show, but this one is done in one of my favorite shades of blue. Wouldn't this be great with your jeans? There are little pockets inside to hold everything too.

Monique is the owner of Tora Jewelry. This chainmaille work always amazes me because it looks so intricate. This pendant was designed by opening each ring, attaching it, then closing it again. Lots of detail work in this little gem. I just love the look of this piece as it is very unique.

These earrings would be a great pair up to the pendant. They were designed with aluminum jump rings and gorgeous red acrylic beads. Just stunning.

Be sure to stop by her blog.

The Blue Eyed Dragonfly is truly a find for me. I am so impressed by the talent of Heather, who is the creator of all the fabulous paintings you will find there. This one is just too adorable with the daffodils growing out of the top of the cracked egg. This is one in a series of three.

I have to say the butterflies are my all time favorite. They are so light and airy and show every detail right down to the swirly antennae.

This one is featured on her blog and you can get a little background on how she creates these wonderful pieces.

Is this the cutest thing ever? The imagination alone is phenomenal. Look at all the treasures this little colander pot holds from the tiny house with it's tiny door and windows to the pink Christmas tree with it's tilted star topper. Each of these outstanding acrylic paintings are on Masonite slabs.

Peculiar Forest is a lovely jewelry shop owned by Lou, but she also makes some of the cutest cake toppers you have ever seen. Take a visit to her blog and you'll know what I mean, you won't be disappointed.

These sweet little summer earrings are made from precious metal clay (fine silver) with cute little yellow polymer clay centers. Just darling.

The "Moon and the Stars" necklace is made of a fine silver that has been oxidized to give it that earthy patina. I love the little star attached to the end of the moon.

When you visit Lafe's Hidden Treasures you will find a variety of of delightful things from vintage to re- purposed to new. Nancy is one of the owners of this shop but the name and inspiration came from her precious son who was killed in a car accident in 2005.

I just want her to know how much I admire her for continuing with a family legacy and keeping a positive outlook on life.

This first piece is new. It is a clear glass square pendant that has a Japanese paper glazed to the back to give it this stunning aqua color and fun design. The glazes are non-toxic so there is no worries about that.

I just love history and nostalgia and am always drawn to anything vintage so, of course, I wanted to showcase this authentic 1920's Vintage Flapper Dress.

Whenever I see something like this it makes me wonder who wore it; what was their life like; was this purchased for a special occasion?

You will also find a very honest seller in this store as she makes sure you are aware of any tears, stains, or other characteristics of her pieces. In my opinion, these "flaws" are what tells a part of the history and is as important as the garment itself.

You can also follow along on their blog.

I hope you have enjoyed my tour of some of the wonderful shops owned by followers of my blog.
I also encourage you to take a further look to see for yourself the amazing talents of these very special people.
Again, I want to express my many thanks for following!

And The Winner Is...

Last week I had the privilege of writing a blog post about Felicia Kramer of Another Bright Idea and she generously donated one of her lovely vintage blocks as a prize for one of the people who left a comment.



The winner of one of these gorgeous blocks below is Dusty of Inverness Studios on Etsy. She is also a member of the Hafteam (Handmade Artists Forum).


Congratulations Dusty!






Dusty's shop is filled with wonderful things, but one of my favorites is this necklace made with recycled book pages. It's unique, it's fun and a wonderful gift for someone who loves books.

"This is a necklace to show off your love for literature. The recycled book pages are encased in a cover made from a recycled metal can which has been refinished with an old world feel. Carry your love of books with you wherever you go with style. Details include blue goldstone chips and metal swirl. It is strung on a chocolate velvet ribbon with gold tone lobster claw".

Be sure to stop by Inverness Studios and have a look at some of Dusty's very creative talent.

Featured Artist

I am pleased to be showcasing Jessica Moreau-Berry, owner of http://www.junquerevival.etsy.com/ .

I first met Jes when she interviewed me for "She Dreams of Art" on http://www.sdoa.indiepublic.com/ , a monthly article she writes. I was immediately impressed with her as she has a warm and giving spirit and a truly unique talent of taking a little bit of this and a little bit of that and working magic. Honestly, she creates some fabulous pieces that give the true definition of "'One of a Kind."

I asked her to tell me a little about herself as I believe where we live, where we play, and with whom we share our lives makes a difference in what and how we create. This is her reply:

I live in Maine in a sweet little farmhouse surrounded by fields and woods. Our location is just wonderful, as we are close to the coast, rivers and lakes. I'm only 50 minutes to Portland, so I can grab a little city when I need it. I live with my hubby (AKA Big Daddy), our two cats, and our brand new yellow lab puppy as of this week, Abigail. I do a lot of gardening, kayaking, hiking & entertaining with friends.

I just love this piece. It is actually a drawer pull that Jes cleverly disguised to form this lovely pendant. It is called "Winged Dreams".

I think every artist probably has a favorite piece among their creations and Jes in no exception. I asked her to tell me about her favorite and why:
I always seem to have a favorite piece until it sells. But for now I would say this one, "My Love Must Come on Silken Wings" http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27102656 When I started to make altered-art jewelry back in 2004, I didn't know how to solder and I didn't even know how to drill holes into metal, etc. BUT I had worked with polymer clay years before, and owned an antique business since I was a teen. I wanted to give up most of the antiques, but still kept a lot of smalls to create art with. I began designing found-object pendants with the polymer, and they sold right off. Over the years, I have learned how to place nice with tools, but decided to submit this old project to Belle Armoire Jewelry magazine. It was recently published in the 2009 summer issue. I wanted to inspire budding jewelry artists, and show them that they can put together beautiful pendants with next to nothing for tools, like I had.

Jes says she is inspired by nature and feels fortunate to be living in Maine where she is constantly surrounded by it's beauty. I would imagine that is what may have inspired "A Fairytale's Rose", which is also featured in the Belle Armoire Jewelry Magazine that Jes writes for. This gorgeous rose is made from polymer clay, painted, then painted several more times using tinted glazes to give it that sheen and depth. The stunning beads are green satin czech glass.

Another Etsy shop owned by Jes is http://www.vintagejunquerevival.etsy.com/ . I couldn't pass up this lovely vintage pitcher with it's mottled purple luster and English Inn scene in blue transferware. It is the perfect compliment to any home and creates a warm, inviting feeling.

Most of you know by now that I always try to get a photo of where each artist works. This is one view of Jes' workspace. Another one I have seen puts my organizational skills to shame. She has rows and rows of canvas boxes all tagged with contents lined up on shelves. Being the busy woman that she is with her two shops, her blog http://www.junquerevival.blogspot.com/ , and her various articles she writes I would imagine keeping herself well organized is why she gets so much done.

I encourage you to take a peek at Jes' shops because you will not be disappointed. Her background with antiques and her flair for design combined with her vivid imagination give you an artist that is truly unique and very inspiring.