Shop Handmade. Shop Local.

15% OFF, November 25th-28th!

After your Black Friday run to the stores, consider buying handmade items from local artisans. Your friends and family will LOVE receiving these unique gifts!

Members of the Etsy Team in the DC area, CREST, have banned together to offer you a special discount from Black Friday (11/25) to Cyber Monday (11/28). Use the coupon code HOLIDAYCREST to receive 15% off your order at any of the participating shops below:

Bette's Bags - One-of-a-kind handmade bags, purses, totes, etc.

Earthen Knit - Sustainable Scarves, Hats, Washcloths, & Fiber Jewelry

EBN Art Studio - Contemporary Painting, Prints, & more!

Handmade Habitat - upcycled clothes, handmade journals, functional bags, lovely toys for your cats, and more!

JenniferLynn Productions - Photography and Cards

Julie Rebecca Designs - Beaded Jewelry & Accessories

Maggie Sue Designs - Accessories for Fun & Function

Moon Blossom Designs - Beaded Jewelry

Peace, Baby! Batiks - Batik Clothing for Babies and Toddlers

Purple Clover - Eco-friendly Home Decor

RAM Jewelry Designs - Handcrafted, Beaded Jewelry

Smoking Haute - Modern Knitted Accessories

Taila Custom Designs - Handmade with Love Using Yarn, Fabric, & Ribbons

Twisted Cow - Handmade Collars for Pets & Accessories for People

Happy shopping, and thanks for your support!

Inspire Me 2011: Project Progress

So I've been working on the painting inspired by Monica's photo of fireworks. You may recall that she was the winner of my "Inspire Me" photo contest. Here's the winning photo:

I wanted to do multiple panels, and I decided to do 3 long, skinny floating canvases. I LOVE these canvases because the sides are angled, which makes them look like they're floating. After I prepped the panels with black gesso, I painted a dark blue on top of the black. I am super happy with the outcome of this color! The blue on black looks awesome in person, although it's difficult to see the real color from the photos. Depending upon the time of day, the background can range from almost a royal blue to an almost black blue. 

Once I finished the background color, I put on some upbeat jazz and went to town with my palette knife and some bright colors. So much fun!

I'm still not sure if I'm finished with the piece. Some say don't touch it, others say it needs more. What do you think?