Eco-Friendly Freckles

A Special Thank You to the Integrity of Vintage Team

2012-01-28T13:52:00.001-08:00

Reminiscent of the darling song from Rogers and Hammerstein classic film "The King and I", the wonderful Integrity of Vintage Etsy Team has reached out to "get to know" the members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild by featuring team members in their treasuries!

To thank them for the promotion they have given us, I have featured their prominent team members; and those of who created "Getting to Know You Treasuries", in this treasury for our appreciation:You Are Precisely...My Cup of "Green" Tea!

Here are the Integrity of Vintage Team "Getting To Know You" Treasuries, that I have seen, in which they have featured members of the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team!!! Please click, comment, and send your gratitude as well. ;-)

"Getting To Know You" Treasury #1

Getting To Know You" Treasury #2

Getting To Know You" Treasury #3

Merchants Menagerie

2011-09-27T20:26:00.000-07:00

The breathtaking scene above is a picture of an vibrantly-colored painting titled "Christmas Shopping Cityscape" by Renie Britenbucher.

Christmas shoppers are already pondering over which gifts they want to get their loved ones for this years festive beloved holiday. The Etsy Recyclers Guild Team is prepared and ready to fulfill the shopper's dream as well as offer many of the hottest trends of the season; which can be found on the Etsy Blog in this month's Etsy Merchandising Desk.

In this blog article, I would like to acknowledge some of the hot trends of the season mentioned in this month's Merchandising Desk and feature Etsy Recyclers Guild Team members who have trendy, related shop items with high-quality pictures that would look AWESOME in your next Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Treasury!!!

STEAMPUNK!
"Vintage Ornate Labyrinth Art Nouveau Sterling Silver Pendant Necklace" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Leader Storybook Artifact

PLAID!

"Eco 13 inch Laptop Bag in Blue Black and Green Wool Plaid" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member WrapCycle

PEACOCKS!
"60's Black Velvet Handpainted Peacock Sweet" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Sweet Lucies

POLKA DOTS!

"Vintage 70's Black Collar Polka Dot Dress XS Maxi Full" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Soulrust

HONEYSUCKLE PINK!

"Vintage 60's Honeysuckle Pink Newport Stripes Scarf" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Eco-Friendly Freckles

LETTERPRESS BLOCKS!

"2 Piece Print Blocks Signature New Jersey Scrapbooking or Collage Mixed Media Work" by Former Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain RetroChalet

VIDEO GAME INSPIRED REFERENCES!

"Nintendo Notebook Journal Recycled from a Monopoly Game Board" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member HeavenSentCrafts

OWLS!

"Large Vintage Owl Pendant Gold Pewter Metal" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member RecycledWares

Lady's Luncheon Luxuries and GIVEAWAY!!!

2011-09-06T22:28:00.001-07:00

Ever once in a while, ladies need to take time to confide in their friends, indulge in satisfyingly sweet treats, and delight themselves with the luxurious lovely embellishments that bring smiles to our faces and remind us of our fun femininity! Below several Etsy Recyclers Guild member feminine frills are featured that will assist the wholehearted hostess in putting together a desirable lady's luncheon; be it a bridal shower, birthday party, or maybe just for a spot of tea with the dashing dames!

But FIRST! I would like to announce that a dear friend of mine Cinderella of Cinderella Chats is hosting a BLOG GIVEAWAY for a gorgeously girly handcrafted table cloth!!!
To enter to win this adorable handmade tablecloth there are two requirements:

- Become a follower of the Cinderella Chats Blog.

-...And tell Cinderella why you would like to have the tablecloth in the comments section of her blog post.

Entries must be submitted by midnight September 30, 2011 and you may only enter one submission. The WINNER will be posted by 6pm on October 1, 2011.

"Vintage Lefton China Roses Lady Fingers Vase" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Leader Storybook Artifact
"24pc Harmony House Talk of the Town Melamac Set - Service for 6 Melamine Picnic Plastic" by RetroChalet; Former Team Captain of the Etsy Recyclers Guild

"Vintage 40's Art Deco Florentine Silver Plate Ice Tea or Dessert Spoons (Set of 6)" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Eco-Friendly Freckles

"Four Peach and Purple Flower Vintage Linen Napkins" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member LuvvinJewels

"Dreaming Dancer Ceramic Teapot" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Adrien Art

"Vintage Fifties Tablecloth Floral Harmony House Sears Roebuck" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member Soulrust

"Vintage Mustard Yellow Sugar and Creamer, Franciscan and HH 1966 Kitschy Set" by Etsy Recyclers Guild Member RetroBabs

This blog post was contributed by Etsy Recyclers Guild Team Captain Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles.

Support My Sister to WIN Treasury Challenge!!!

2011-08-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

Trees are FULL of knowledge...They bless us with the wonderful plants and fruits of LIFE!!!

Please Click and Comment on my sister's (Andrea of Storybook Artifact) treasury titled "Tree of Knowledge"...this treasury of hers brings awareness to preserving our precious trees and it is entered into a treasury challenge...and I want her to WIN!!! Her treasury needs views! Thanks you everyone...You are WONDERFUL!!!

www.etsy.com/treasury/MTI2MzgxMjd8NjMyNDk4Mzc3/tree-of-knowledge

Think Like a Madison Avenue Mad Woman and Get Your Treasury on Etsy's Front Page!

2011-08-15T20:44:00.001-07:00

I love the show Mad Men, it takes place in the sizzling sixties on Madison Avenue...where it all happens! To be sensationally successful in advertising and gettting your treasury on Etsy's Front Page, you've got to be on the cutting edge of the hottest trends and put out an ad (in our case: a treasury) that brings forth the pizazz our client (which is Etsy) is looking for! So in other words, the monthly Merchandising Desk article that Etsy posts on their blog every month is our guideline to fulfilling the desires of our client: Etsy.

The elements of a treasury that set apart ordinary treasuries and Front Page treasuries are as follows:

The treasury MUST "flow". There needs to be a cohesive theme presented throughout the entire treasury. The BEST themes are those chosen by Etsy featured in their Merchandising Desk article...Give the client what they want! For instance, a popular theme right now is the upcoming holiday "Halloween"; in a treasury with this theme, you want to make sure that you depict the spirit of this holiday such as Ghosts & Goblins or Pumpkin Patches...Just remember not to feature an item that doesn't fit with the theme.
Complementary Colors: Feature a color or an array of colors that complement one another and are presented throughout the entire treasury. I notice that a lot of curators don't seem to take this in consideration...BACKGROUND color. So many of us are focused on making sure the colors of the items flow, but are not necessarily thinking about the background color of the item listings; these colors are just as important for the flow of your treasury. Below is an example; it is a treasury by STAT Team Leader Andrea of Storybook Artifact. Notice how not only are the item colors of purple, red, and green depicted throughout the whole treasury, but the bright white background color is shown in every item listing in the treasury. This makes the treasury really stand out and POP! It seems to me that a bright white background is the most popular background color featured on Etsy front page...but I have also noticed charcoal grays or an ecru or beige. I would also like to add that not all Front Page treasuries feature all items with the same background color, but these types of treasuries REALLY have color flow. If most items featured have a white background with gray colored items, then it is not unusual to see a gray colored background featuring a bright white-colored item in this treasury.

"Mischievous is My Middle Name" by Storybook Artifact

Have an eclectic assortment of item categories featured in your treasury! Don't just have a treasury with a bunch of clothing and jewelry. Try to integrate furniture, kitchenware, men's interests, bath & beauty products, as well as handmade AND vintage items. Etsy likes for their front page treasuries to feature ALL sorts of items so their customers will have lots to choose from!
I know it is easiest to appeal to woman with all of Etsy's feminine clothing, jewelry, etc. However, Etsy is wanting to feature more and MORE masculine and/or unisex treasuries...so keep this in mind; creating a manly treasury might be the one more thing you need to get a treasury on Etsy's Front Page!
I find myself creating treasuries that depict a character; male or female, I enjoy trying to capture a personality within my treasury. I feel this also helps the flow of my treasury as well as fascinate the viewers. I like for my treasuries to tell a story and when I create a character, I can do just that! If my treasury is about a woman, I will often give her a name (which I sometimes feature in my treasury title) and I show item listings that portray a similar-looking woman with the same hair color...this helps capture a true singular character.
Catchy Treasury Titles! Whether you pick song lyrics, movie titles, or are just being creative; pick a treasury title that is catchy and will intrigue people to click and view your treasury.
Even more importantly...the first four items you feature in your treasury are the MOST IMPORTANT because this is what Etsy and other viewers will see before they click on your treasury. These item images need to be bright, bold, and very eye-catching...as well as capture and set the tune for the entire theme of the treasury.
Lastly, make your treasury easy to find by using ALL of the available room for tags. Pick popular searched tags by using terms found in the Etsy Merchandising Desk article of the month that fit the theme or characteristics of your treasury.

Go ahead, impress your clients with your Mad Woman Marketing Skills!

Written by: Jessica of Eco-Friendly Freckles

The Hot Honeysuckle Home Decor Trend of 2011!

2011-06-30T22:59:00.001-07:00

"Filigree Flowers - 8x8 Honeysuckle Art Photography Print" by HoneyTree

The hot home decor color of 2011 is the cheerful pinkish red called Honeysuckle, according to Pantone, which provides color services for design professionals in interiors, fashion and graphics. "Funky Green Hand-Painted Small Bowl" by CraftUnikat

"This color, not the sweet fragrance of the flower blossoms for which it was named, is what attracts hummingbirds to nectar," says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute.

This shade of pink can go Barbie in a hurry. But small doses could go a long way: accent pillows, a Moroccan pouf, a dish towel or one wall of a bedroom. ("10 Home Decor and Design Trends for 2011" by Stacy Downs of McClatchy Newspapers)

"Hand Crocheted Doily - New Azalea 14 inches" by TableTopJewels

In this blog article, we share the fun and trendy Honeysuckle Pink home decor items of the Etsy STAT Team! Please check out the shops featured and let's get hip with honeysuckle this summer of 2011!
"Bubbles - Wall Clock" by ShellyKa

"Vintage Lefton China Roses Lady Fingers Vase" by Storybook Artifact

"Sunrise Batik Cathedral Window Pillow Cover - 18 inch" by WarmnFuzzies

"Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk - Alice in Wonderland Themed Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Canister" by Eco-Friendly Freckles

"Limited Edition Giclee Print Pop Art - If the Shoe Fits" by Art and Wares

"Vintage Hull Vase - Pink Blue Shabby Chic" by Zenful Goods "Embroidered Dresser Scarf Tablerunner Vintage" by Nettie's Collectibles

"Pink and Blue Mexican Lotteria Shadow Box" by Little Bird and Chick

"Pink Floral Light Switch Cover" by CJ's Baubles
...Last and certainly not least, have some hummingbirds with your honeysuckle with this lovely "Hand-Painted Candle Holder with Hummingbirds - Decorative Glass Art" by Sylwia Glass Art.

June's Featured EtsyBlogger Tamdoll and Another Sister Shop Sale!

2011-06-25T23:08:00.000-07:00

Congratulations fellow EtsyBlogger Tammy Gross of Tamdoll for being this month's "Featured EtsyBlogger"!!! I'm enchanted with this one-of-a-kind gorgeous "White Queen - Fiber Charm for Necklace or Brooch" by Tamdoll...Absolutely BREATHTAKING!!! It reminds me of the beautiful White Queen in Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland (which happens to be my favorite tale of all time)!

...Speaking of Alice in Wonderland, the SISTER SHOP SALE of the month (which will be ending soon) encompasses just this theme!!!
My twin sister and darling best friend, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, is offering her Vintage Alice Flowers and Birds Cake Topper Candle Holders Set for FREE with the purchase of my new hand-painted upcycled (Alice in Wonderland themed) decoupage canister "Why is a Raven Like a Writing Desk"!!! Have a very HAPPY "Un-Birthday" with this FREE gift sale! This offer ends at the end of this month of June.

Summer Colors Sister Shop Sales - EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival

2011-06-12T21:18:00.001-07:00

Sister Shop Sales!!! This month of June, I am offering my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Young Love" for FREE with the purchase of my sister Andrea's (of Storybook Artifact) painting "Is He the Man of My Dreams" (pictured above)...Below is a picture of my one-of-a-kind decoupage canister "Young Love" (the free gift):

Summer is a time for picnics, hiking, camping, biking, and all kinds of fun outdoor activities. For this EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival, I have created a treasury featuring nine EtsyBlogger items (as well as Andrea's "Is He the Man of My Dreams" painting) encompassing all of these summertime activities...along with the colors that remind me of summer: blue, green, and yellow (sky, grass, and sun)!!! I've titled this treasury "Midsummer Day Dream".

Boost Your Health With Kombucha!

2011-05-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

The delightful image above is an original oil painting titled "Lightness Becomes You" by fellow Etsy Recycler's Guild member Adrien Art.
Feel energized, detox your body, and boost your health with kombucha tea!
Kombucha Tea is a biological active product fermented with a living culture ("scoby") to become a natural living food high in enzymes. Scientific research shows the benefits of Kombucha, whose high concentration of probiotic-rich acids can provide a powerful energy boost, as well as detoxify and cleanse the blood of disease-causing toxins, allowing the body to alleviate a wide spectrum of ailments and conditions; from the mildest indisposition to the most serious diseases.

Drinking Kombucha tea regularly has been shown to benefit the human body by:

* balancing the metabolism
* cleansing the blood and regulating pH levels
* improving liver, gall bladder, and digestive function
* detoxifying the body and enhancing the immune system
* raising overall energy level
This summer while the heat is intense and you're enjoying some fresh air, have yourself a cool, refreshing glass of kombucha and detox while you hydrate!

If you are interested in making your own kombucha at home, I have organic kombucha scobies in my Etsy shop for making this delicious and nutritious probiotic beverage; with this kombucha scoby all you need is some black or green tea and you are on your way to kombucha-making success. Also, with each order of my kombucha scobies, I send a step-by-step picture tutorial that I have made to assist you in making your first batch of kombucha tea!

Free Gift of Shakespeare Tea with the Purchase of My Art Piece

2011-05-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Special This Month: My darling sister Andrea's Etsy Shop, Storybook Artifact, is offering a free gift of her Shakespeare Tea Blend (packaged by the ounce in a decorated wax-sealed bag), with the purchase of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Shakespeare's Muse" (a wonderful combination gift)!!! Please note that this is a limited time offer: good through the month of May.You can view her Shakespeare Tea Blend and my "Shakespeare's Muse" decoupage canister here:

Shakespeare Tea Blend

"Shakespeare's Muse" hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister

Also, please check out a recent treasury my sweet sister Andrea of Storybook Artifact created that was inspired by this offer and features my "Shakespeare's Muse" decoupage canister titled "Within the Mind of Shakespeare".

May's Featured EtsyBlogger is Nancy of NanjoDogz!

2011-05-21T21:04:00.000-07:00

Congratulations fellow EtsyBlogger Nancy of NanjoDogz for being this month's "Featured EtsyBlogger"!!! I absolutely adore this Little Polymer Clay Bookworm Bead that I found in this delightful Etsy shop! It reminds me of cute bookworm mascot from my small town local library...he encouraged me to read so many books. What better thing to do for summertime leisure than to read a good book! I have created a treasury featuring this NanjoDogz item titled "Summertime Leisure"!!!
Speaking of a good summer read, I love this vintage book collection of the little leather library titled "Victorian Literature Collection" that my sister, Andrea, has in her Etsy shop, Storybook Artifact.Andrea also has an adorable hand-painted bookmark that is called "Princess Story-Bookmark Original Oil Painting" which I also feature in the treasury above.

Recycle, Repurpose, and Reorganize Your Spring Cleaning - EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival

2011-05-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Does your Spring Cleaning need some eco-friendly pizazz?! Do you need a decorative storage place to keep your craft supplies and other odds and ends? Well, I think I have the perfect thing for you: a beautifully hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister or tin from my shop Eco-Friendly Freckles! Here is a picture I took of my work desk; I am using two of functionally artsy upcycled organizers from my shop "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" (as pictured above) and "Paulie's Confession".Since I use a lot of magazines with my decoupage art, I needed a place to store my magazines that was tidy, functional, and decorative...because I knew that whatever I would come up with would probably end up out in the open, and the last thing I want is an eyesore. However, I am also quite frugal and creative so I didn't want to go purchasing some decorative storage boxes...I wanted to figure out how to make my own. So this is what I came up with:
...I made a few of these decorative storage boxes since I have a gargantuan stash of magazines. The only materials I used to make these were: used cardboard boxes that I recycled from my work at Akin's Natural Foods Market (funny thing is, these boxes originally held our Akin's Healthy Edge Magazines...so I knew my magazines at home would fit perfectly), tape/glue or any desired adhesive, a box-cutter to trim off the top cardboard flaps of the box, a pair of scissors, and any large piece of decorative paper (wrapping paper works best; I cut a piece of see-through lacy embellished paper...I like the look of the natural brown from the cardboard popping through the lace decals). Just wrap the box like you would a gift and adhere the paper to the inside box so it is secure...and vwa la, you have created a recycled, repurposed organizing storage container that looks lovely!

Cha Cha Cha Chia! Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle Recipe!

2011-05-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

Chia Seeds are so very healthy for you...they aren't just used to grow cute chia pets! They are a favorite staple ingredient amongst raw foodists...Here is an informative video clip telling you all about chia seed and it's health benefits:

http://www.naturalnews.tv/v.asp?v=F99BA7CA912165275467CC90764F2738
I LOVE chia seed; it is AMAZING! It is great for my digestion and it makes some delicious and nutritious desserts (it is also a great ingredient to implement into many different recipes). Here is the recipe for a "Raw Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle with Strawberries and All-Natural Vanilla Wafers" that my husband and I made this weekend!

Raw Dark Chocolate Chia Pudding Trifle with Strawberries and All-Natural Vanilla Wafers

Ingredients-

Pudding:

1/2 cup chia seed
1 1/2 raw goats milk (any milk will work for this recipe)
6 tablespoons raw cocoa powder (any cocoa powder will work for this recipe)
3 raw egg yolks; preferably from local farm fresh pastured (NOT pasteurized!) eggs
1/3 cup - 1/2 cup chopped dates (or as sweet as you would like it; "to taste")
1 - 2 tablespoon raw local honey (or as sweet as you would like it; "to taste")
2 tablespoons coconut cream concentrate (We got ours from Tropical Traditions)
1 ripe banana
1/4 tsp. sea salt
A splash of Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum (optional)

Meringue:

3 raw egg whites ; preferably from local farm fresh pastured (NOT pasteurized!) eggs (we used 4 egg whites because we wanted more meringue for layering)
organic cane sugar ("to taste"...we used Organic Florida Crystals)

Trifle Remaining Layering Ingredients:

sliced strawberries (preferably organic)
all-natural vanilla wafers (we used used Organic Vanilla Wafers from Country Choice)

Instructions:

Add the milk to the chia seed in a medium sized mixing bowl, stir, and let sit until the chia seed absorbs the milk and has a gelatin consistency (about 10-15 minutes). Add six tablespoons raw cocoa powder and stir into the milk and chia mixture. Separate three egg yolks from three egg whites and add the egg yolks to the chia seed mixture; set the egg whites aside for meringue. Now you can pour the chia mixture into a blender or Vita Mix, and add coconut cream concentrate, banana, sea salt, and honey...slowing add the chopped dates while pulsing the blender (add a splash of spiced rum if you want...we did!) and then blend the pudding up til smooth.

Make meringue by beating the three (or four) egg whites with the sugar until the mixture forms soft peaks.

Layer the bottom of your trifle dish with all-natural vanilla wafers, putting some decoratively propped up on the sides of the dish as well. Then add a layer of your raw chocolate chia pudding, then a layer strawberries, then meringue, then repeat the layers until you reach the top and put meringue and sliced strawberries on the very top. Vwa la...Enjoy!!!

April's Featured EtsyBlogger is Linda B's Beaded Jewelry!

2011-04-21T12:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Linda B's Jewelry for being this month's featured EtsyBlogger! I love her beautiful shop full of gorgeous one-of-a-kind jewelry. My favorite pieces from her shop are her lapis blue lovelies!

"Copper Chain and Royal Blue Lapis Swirl Pendant Necklace".

"Copper Wire Blue Lapis Earrings".

Linda B's lapis jewelry reminds me of a scene from my favorite retro Dreamcast game Shenmue: The Lapis Fortune Teller. Since "fortune tellers" are one of the mentioned popular trends in this month's Etsy Merchandising Desk Tips. I have been inspired to create a treasury featuring one of Linda B's lapis pieces as well as five other EtsyBloggers member items in this Lapis Fortune Teller team treasury! Please check out the treasury, comment, and support the EtsyBloggers!

Here is a short clip from the Dreamcast game Shenmue featuring the Lapis Fortune Teller...See how my lapis treasury was inspired?!

Fond Memories of My Childhood at My Local Library - EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival

2011-04-15T15:16:00.000-07:00

"The Sonnet" by Thomas Baker

When I was a little girl I loved going to the local library with my twin sister, Andrea (she now has an Etsy shop too: Storybook Artifact), and picking out a big stack of books as big as I was...they were all filled with magical, imaginative illustrations and fanciful fairytales.

The EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival topic of the month that I am choosing is the following question:
"What fond memories do you have of your public library and reading?"
My fondest memories of reading and my local library take place in a small Oklahoma town called Sperry where I grew up with my best friend and twin sister Andrea. Probably my favorite memory of the library was when we went to a small book review event featuring the collection of American Girl books. This was Andrea's and my favorite collection of stories and characters; we read many of the books in the sets and related well with each American Girl whose life took place in a different time period. I identified with the character "Molly" and Andrea felt the same about the character "Samantha"; however we both had a favorite character that we identified with the most "Kirsten". This was back when the American Girls book series was based on ten-year-old girl characters that focused on various periods of American history from the viewpoint of girls; now the stories are expanded to share the tales about contemporary girls.
I enjoyed learning about American history, the different vintage styles, and the fascinating tales about these adventurous little girls. Andrea and I had a recipe book featuring the American Girl Felicity that we loved; it was filled with delicious 18th century colonial dishes. We enjoyed playing in the kitchen with our grandmother and making these from-scratch recipes.
Getting back to the American Girl book event that was at our small town local library, only three girls showed up at the little event: myself, Andrea, and a friend of ours from school, Cate. We all got our picture taken and it was featured in the local newspaper (I remember thinking this was the coolest thing). Like the American Girl characters, we were all about ten years old. During the book review we shared our thoughts about the book series, got to see an American Girl doll (this must have been when the dolls first came out and became part of the product line), and we got to make one of the American Girl crafts (I always wanted one of their craft books...if I have a little girl of my own someday, I'll have to get her one). ;-) We created little dolls made out of yarn with button eyes and yarn pigtails; this craft is featured Kirsten's Craft Book.
This was a delightful time in my life...I look forward to reading each of the books from the American Girl series; and couldn't put them done til I was finished. I highly recommend these books to any little girl, to broaden her horizons about American History and tickle her imagination!

Speaking of libraries, it was a year ago this month that I posted a blog article titled "Free Marketing for Your Etsy Business at Your Local Library!" Check it out...you just might start hanging out at your local library again! ;-)

I Love Wearing HippieChicJewelz!!!

2011-04-12T16:02:00.000-07:00

During the Etsy Self Taught Artist's Treasury (STAT) Team's BSP (Barter Sales Promotion), I traded for some lovely items from Julianne of HippieChicJewelz...and I love her fun and artsy jewelry! I feel like each piece conveys something about my personality; I adore the original style of each one-of-kind creation! The necklace I am wearing above is called "Purple Flower Power"...and as you can see below, my baby nephew Bobby is very fascinated with it (this is my husband's favorite piece too)!

Here I am wearing a stunningly flirty pair of heart shaped earrings by HippieChicJewelz titled "Sweetheart Earrings". Don't I look PRETTY?! Ha ha, I'm not conceited...right?!

...And here I am with a lovely masterpiece around my neck titled "Mad for Plaid Queen of Hearts"!
I encourage everyone to check out Julianne's delightful, creative, and beautiful Etsy shop HippieChicJewelz!

My Repurposed Yorgurt Planters Featured on Re-Nest Website!

2011-03-28T21:07:00.000-07:00

My recycled/upcycled yogurt planters are featured on the Re-Nest website in the article titled "15 Repurposed Planters: Just Add Dirt"...Check out this fascinating and fun article with some unusual and beautiful planter ideas!

http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/15-repurposed-planters-just-add-dirt-142393

By the way, they found my repurposed yogurt picture from my past blog article titled "Repurposed Yogurt Cup Planters and Our Window Sill Garden".

Here is an interesting excerpt from this article of mine about recycling yogurt containers...

"Did you know that many yogurt containers are not recyclable at all. Most yogurt containers are produced with polypropylene (#5) plastic, which isn’t recycled in most communities; including here in Tulsa Oklahoma. Even those made with #2 HDPE plastic, which is normally recycled, may be trashed once they get to the recycling center because they melt at a different temperature than the plastic bottles made of #2 HDPE. With this in mind, reducing the number of yogurt containers you purchase, and reusing as many as possible, is even more important."

Donating to Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Efforts in Japan

2011-03-18T22:12:00.000-07:00

The adorable image above features a "Japan Disaster Relief Aid - Cupcake Topper" by The Giving Madam.

My heart goes out to the dear people of Japan, I have created several team treasuries featuring members of the Etsy teams I am involved with and items that are donating to Japan relief funds. In my shop Eco-Friendly Freckles, I will be sending 20% of all of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister and tin sales to the Salvation Army’s earthquake relief efforts in Japan. You can view all of my "Japan Relief" decoupage tins here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles?section_id=6793761
The Etsy Recycler's Guild relief efforts for Japan are featured on our team blog...my donating items are mentioned too. :-)
http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/2011/03/etsy-sellers-show-love-to-japan-and-how.html
Here are some team treasuries I have created featuring team items and items donating to earthquake/tsunami relief efforts for Japan:

"The Sugar Plums and Cherry Blossoms of Japan - Donations for Relief Efforts" for the Etsy Self Taught Artists Treasury (STAT) Team.

"Wishbone Doggies Love Japan - Donations for Relief Efforts" for the EtsyBloggers Team.

"Owl Always Love Japan - Donations for Relief Efforts" for the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team.

"Soaring Sympathy for Japan - Donations for Relief Efforts" for the Oklahoma Disciples of Etsy Team.

"Tears and Healing for Japan - Donations for Relief Efforts" for the Etsy Natural Healer's Guild.

March's Featured EtsyBlogger is Karen of MysticWynd!

2011-03-17T19:47:00.000-07:00

This February Karen of MysticWynd is the Featured EtsyBlogger! Congratulations Karen! :-)

The Mystic Wynd Shop is an elegant, mysterious, and yes very mystical!!! Here are my favorite items from this mystifying shop!
This exquisite necklace looks like something Juliet Capulet would have worn...Romeo would be drooling! "Pink Faux Pearls, Roses on Brass Necklace - Rosalyn" by MysticWynd.

Oooh la la, this delightful bracelet would be the perfect gift for a gardener...it's lovely! "Gardener's Copper Charm Bracelet w Flowers" by MysticWynd.

GORGEOUS! This sunny rainbow bookmark reminds me of my sunshine sister! "Rainbow Crystal Chakra Bookmark w Sun Charm Gold Plated - Energy and Enlightenment" by MysticWynd.

Protect, Cherish, Nurture Our Loving Mother Earth

2011-03-16T20:07:00.000-07:00

The captivating image above is a beautiful print of the original painting "Mother Nature: Protect, Nurture, Cherish" by Bitowhimsey.

Another one of my team blog articles has been posted on the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team Blog! This one is titled "Reuse and Recycle Your Packaging Materials"; I suggest some things that you can recycle and use in your Etsy shop orders for packaging, as well as feature several Etsy Recycler's Guild member upcycled packaging items (package tags, stationary, business cards, etc.). Please check it out!

http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/2011/03/reuse-and-recycle-your-packaging.html

Getting motivated to do your part by protecting, cherishing, and nurturing our amazing planet this coming Earth Day? Well, here are two treasuries that my spark some ideas and further encourage your nature-loving aspirations!

Here is a treasury created by my sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, and is titled "Earth Day Dreaming". This darling treasury is an entry for this week's Etsy STAT Team Treasury Challenge...Please view this treasury!!! Andrea's chances of winning the challenge increases with the more views her treasury gets! She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake" in this delightful collection!

I created this treasury titled "Capture the Beauty of Spring" featuring all members from the Etsy Recyclers Guild!!!

EtsyBlogger's Blog Carnival - The First Sight of Spring!

2011-03-13T18:42:00.000-07:00

For my husband, Joe, and I the first sight of Spring is the beginning of life for our baby organic heirloom tomato seedlings! Basking in the warm and comforting sunlight by our bedroom window, these heirloom Rutger's and Marglobe Supreme tomatoes are destined to flourish and produce a plentiful amount of delicious organic homegrown tomatoes. We love gardening and are very thankful for all the gifts our garden provides.
Here is a picture of me planting an organic heirloom Rutgers tomato plant in our garden the summer before last.

The Etsy STAT Team Exposure Game!

2011-03-04T15:29:00.000-08:00

The Self Taught Artist's Treasury (STAT) Team has created a fun-filled way to spread the word about team member's shop items...The Exposure Game! Each team member participating in the game lists one shop item that they want to promote with a complementary catchy phrase along with copying and pasting all of the other participants selected item links and phrases and shares them any way they can (blog, facebook fan page, twitter, treasuries, etc.). Here is an example here on my sister's, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, blog:

http://storybookartifact.blogspot.com/2011/03/self-taught-artists-expose-their.html

Below are two treasuries that I created today featuring all members of the Etsy STAT Team; those participating in the Exposure Game and a few other lucky ones!

Eternal Playfulness - STAT Team EXPOSURE GAME Treasury 1:

Earthy Gypsy - STAT Team EXPOSURE GAME Treasury 2:

A Day in the Park...Take a Walk and Get Some Sunshine!

2011-03-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

The delightful image above is an item from the Etsy shop Cupcake Cutiees Designs titled "Day in the Park Digital Clipart Elements" . I enjoyed a fun walk in the sun at a local park with my darling twin sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, and her sweet baby boy (and my adorable nephew) Bobby yesterday! What a fun-filled afternoon we had!
I created a blog article for the Etsy Recycler's Guild blog about "The Healing Benefits of Sunshine". Please check out this informative blog article that features two items from Etsy Recycler's Guild members!Speaking of promoting Etsy Recycler's Guild shops, Kitchen Robots by Leuckit created this charming treasury titled "A Walk Outside..." where all Etsy Recycler's Guild members are featured. My "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister is featured in this treasury too!My "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" upcycled tin is also featured in this bright and sunny treasury created by STAT Team Captain HippieChicJewelz titled "Put Some Bright In Your Life" and is one of the participating treasuries in the STAT Team Tuesday Treasury Challenge! My dear sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, also featured my "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" upcycled tin in her STAT Team Challenge Treasury "The Bright Side of Black"...Thank you Andy!

Also, I would like to share that the awesome Etsy STAT Team is participating in a rewarding pursuit called the "Exposure Game"; during the week, each member selects an item from their shop that they would like featured in the Exposure Game and on Friday all of the members participating in the game will promote all of the STAT Team members' selected shop items however they wish (this could be by creating treasuries, promoting on Facebook fan pages or blogs, etc.). STAT Team member Planet Calamari is participating in the Exposure Game and she has made a wonderful treasury for the game titled "Exposing the ESTY STAT TEAM Part 1" and she also features my "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" upcycled tin.

Pretty Pin-ups and Sensational Treasuries

2011-02-27T09:56:00.000-08:00

This alluring image is a set of "7 Vintage Pin Up Girls from Esquire Magazine 1950's" by Songbird Industries.

I am smitten over some sensational treasuries on a Sunday afternoon...this first one is titled "Green and Orange" and is created by Ottupura. She features my Vintage 60's Playboy Pinup Print.
My Vintage 60's Playboy Pin-up (pictured above) is also featured in this other lovely treasury titled "The Bold & the Beautiful" by Etsy STAT Team member Yifat Bareket Jewelry Designs.Darling Etsy STAT Team member Yifat Bareket Jewelry Designs has also created another treasury with my newest upcycled decoupage tin "Sunshine on a Rainy Day", that features a pretty pinup girl, in her treasury "And the OSCAR goes to...".
This alluring pinup is an "ELVGREN - BURLESQUE SHOWGIRL PIN-UP FINE ART GICLEE PRINT" by VANGUARDGALLERY.
Now it's time to take a trip to the old west and gaze at my treasury titled "At the Ole Saloon". I feature my sister's, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, original sketch "Man Behind the Story" and four other members from the Oklahoma Disciples of Etsy Team in this treasury!

My Latest Work of Art in My Shop!

2011-02-26T15:03:00.000-08:00

Sunshine on a Rainy Day - Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Decor Tin/Canister:

"Save up for a rainy day" with this precious, meticulously handcrafted, one-of-a-kind money tin. This upcycled tin once contained cookies, now it has been painted and decoupaged with this lovely scene of a woman who has saved up for that rainy day. She sits upon a vintage trunk as she is surrounded by her savings, umbrella, and reminders that everything is going to be okay. The lady featured holds a sign with the "You Are My Sunshine" lyrics and is displayed behind a young girl with an umbrella looking towards a flying golden kitten which represents the sun rising from the clouds after a storm. This tin is covered with many inspirational yogi tea tags as well as charming, vintage twenties inspired images. This elegant piece can hold an array of desired items such as tea, candies, and sentimental items...and most definitely money or a coin collection! In these pictures, the shine on the canister is from the glossy Mod Podge finish. I applied two coats of Mod Podge to this canister so the images are protected, yet you can still feel the fun texture of the freckles!The eco-friendly recycled materials used in this item are: a tin/canister with fitting tin lid, magazine clippings, and yogi tea tags. This tin measures 3 inches tall and 7 inches wide. The interior of this tin is painted a shiny, luxurious gold!
My darling sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, featured this newest upcycled decoupage creation of mine "Sunshine on a Rainy Day" in her Etsy STAT Team treasury "Bee Wealthy, Wise, and Whimiscal".

I also created a Etsy STAT Team treasury today titled "The Pearls of Penelope"; with a play-on-words title, I pay homage to one of my favorite classic cartoons of all time "The Perils of Penelope Pitstop". This glamorous treasury features elegant beauties embellished with pearls. I feature Mademoiselle in Pearls, a lovely sketch from Andrea's Storybook Artifact; I also feature six new members of the Etsy STAT Team!

Become a Milk Maid in Your Kitchen!

2011-02-24T22:59:00.000-08:00

The darling image above is a "Milk Maid Vintage Linen Tea Towel" by Big Yellow Taxi Vintage. Please check out this lovely Etsy shop!
My sweet sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact is now selling Milk Maiden Heirloom Kefir Grains...You can become a milk maid in your own kitchen with these babies!

She explains the wonderful benefits of kefir in her item description as follows:
Kefir is full of beneficial bacteria that aids as a natural probiotic for your intestinal flora, and thereby builds up your body's immunity. It has been found that kefir is an effective immune stimulant and antimicrobial against a wide variety of harmful gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Composed of around 400 strains of beneficial bacteria found in the intestines, kefir's microbes serve as a natural clean-up crew for your intestines, and are essential for the proper absorption of many vitamins and minerals. Kefir also has an abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. Some of the more noteworthy of these are calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B2, and B12, vitamin K, A and D. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid found in kefir, has been found to have a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Please check out Andrea's cozy little Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact" filled with delightful vintage finds, original paintings and sketches, and yes...probiotic heirloom kefir grains!!!Also speaking of Storybook Artifact's Milk Maiden Heirloom Kefir Grains, these healthy little cultures along with her Antique Rabbit Tea Pot Set are featured in this pleasantly pink STAT Team treasury created by CALLACosmetics titled "Vintagely Pink".My hand-painted, upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake" is also featured in this adorable treasury!

The Absinthe Green Fairy

2011-02-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

Albert Maignan’s painting of “Green Muse” (1895) shows a poet succumbing to the green Absinthe fairy.

I have made a treasury celebrating the historically mysterious Absinthe spirit beverage and the infamous Green Absinthe Fairy. This treasury is created by myself Eco-Friendly Freckles and is titled "Absinthe Green Garden Fairy"; I feature six items from Etsy STAT Team members!
Here is a fascinating video from the History Channel about the history of Absinthe:

Viktor Oliva's original painting (1901) titled "The Absinthe Drinker".

Here is another green fairy inspired treasury created by STAT Team member Room of Your Own and is titled "Its Just a Fairy Tale".

Today is "Be Humble Day"

2011-02-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

The adorable image above is an original art print titled "Humbled Bird" by Kimberly Glesenkamp.
Today is not a day to brag or to boast. Its not a time to talk about your success or accomplishments. Why!? Because today is ...... Be Humble Day!

Be Humble Day can be a humbling experience. That's exactly the intent of today. Humbleness is a good thing, a virtue. People much prefer a humble person to a braggart. Practice humbleness today, and everyday. It will serve you well in life.

In this blog article, I am going to share with you all some treasuries that I find humble...ha ha, or maybe quite the opposite!

Who could be more humble than a calm cowboy? I reckon just about nobody. ;-) This lovely, rustic treasury is titled "Keep Calm & Cowboy On" and is a STAT Team Challenge Treasury created by Oddball Art Co.. My Vintage 60's Playboy Pinup is featured in this treasury.

Hang on a moment, a cow is more humble than a cowboy...who could be more humble than a sweet brown eyed cow? This delightfully brown treasury is also another entry into the STAT Team Treasury Challenge, this one is titled "How Now Brown Cow" and is created by Jems by Sandi. My Vintage 60's Miller High Life Print Ad with a very suave gentleman is featured in this treasury...and so is a cute, humble dog with a knitted hoodie!

Speaking of adorably sweet doggies, who could be more humble than the darling print of doggie in this treasury...look at those precious eyes! This is another STAT Team Challenge Treasury titled "STATTEAM Challenge Brown" by Hippie Chic Jewelz. My hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Traveling Lady" is featured in this charming treasury!

Oh here we go, I've got it...not the brown eyes on a cow or a dog, the most humble of them all are the brown eyes on an innocent, loving young girl! Just like the classic Van Morrison song this STAT Team Challenge Treasury is titled "Brown Eyed Girl" by my dear sister Andrea of Storybook Artifact. She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake" in this treasury.

No no no, I've finally got it! Our beautiful, humble earth...nothing could be more true, natural, and definitely humble. This STAT Team Challenge Treasury is titled "The Color of Earth" and it is beautifully conveyed in this treasury by Mystichintime. She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Traveling Lady".

Ha ha, alright now this treasury is quite the opposite of "being humble" it features a very vain woman who is obsessed with the often considered "sinfully seductive": chocolate...and this lady is having a major chocolate attack! This STAT Team Treasury Challenge is created by myself, Eco-Friendly Freckles, and is titled "Chocolate Insanity at the Vanity". I feature my sister's (Andrea of Storybook Artifact) Vintage Rose Hand Mirror.

Mmm, indulgent chocolate...I love it! Here is another STAT Team Challenge Treasury titled "Brown is the Color of Chocolate (Especially)" and is created by CreatIVYty. She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake".

EtsyBlogger's Blog Carnival "Thinking Green": What Are You Doing to Make This a Greener Planet?

2011-02-20T18:22:00.000-08:00

On the 28th of this month, Janet from "Honey from the Bee: Artisan Jewelry Inspired by Nature & Vintage Elements" will be hosting February's second blog carnival for EtsyBloggers on her blog "Honey from the Bee". The theme is "Thinking Green", Janet asks participants to write about what they're doing to make this planet greener. She says this could be about your art or just around the house or at work.

It didn't take me long to ponder over this because I have be "thinking green" for a long time. I have taken my artistic talent and combined it with my love for recycling to produce a one-of-a-kind functional, upcycled art piece that isn't only decorative but something lovely for the greenies too!

I recycle tin and steel cans along with magazine clippings and yogi tea tags and I incorporate all of these items that would have otherwise ended up in a landfill somewhere and use them in my art creations! I create my upcycled decoupage canisters by selecting and cutting desired magazine clippings and yogi tea tags and arranging them in a complementary pattern to produce an original theme and story.

I then paint the inside of each canister with a color that complements the hues of the images on the piece. All of my upcycled decoupage canisters are hand-painted with a glossy black background and small white freckles; which unlike polka dots are not perfectly symmetrical, hence the name of my shop "Eco-Friendly Freckles". These delightful freckles create a texture that is pleasant to feel, and a look that is unique and fun!

This greenie project of mine creates a beautiful, functional art piece that can be used to hold pens/pencils, paint brushes, kitchen utensils, teas, bath salts, soaps, candies, and anything your imagination can come up with! These upcycled canisters are great for containing presents too!

To view all of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters in my Etsy shop, you can find them here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles?section_id=6793761

I have discovered an Etsy team that I LOVE!!! The Etsy Recycler's Guild is a GLOBAL community of Eco-Artists, crafters & vintage gurus, who have united in the name of GREEN, Team Tag: WASTENOT- founded in 2007., "recycled" in 2009, and have grown by leaps and bounds. Our tag is "Wastenot" which really sums it up.

We believe in recycling, repurposing, upcycling, and reclamation of used or discarded goods. We use these components in our crafts, jewelry, merchandise, clothing, and in our artwork. We also encourage sale of vintage goods, and house greenies who have developed alternative solutions for reduction of the carbon footprint.

We live green, we love to recycle, and that's what brought us together. Our team believes in Random Acts of Kindness, a movement to promote each other's shops and spread the word about living green.

For more about us view our blog at http://EtsyRecyclersGuild.blogspot.com

February's Featured EtsyBlogger is Diana of Faerie Garden Fancies!

2011-02-19T20:07:00.000-08:00

This February Diana (BunnyKissed) of Faerie Garden Fancies is the Featured EtsyBlogger! Congratulations Diana! ;-)

Faerie Garden Fancies is a charming little shop filled with many enchanting treasures...here are my favorite items from this delightful shop!

Mermaid on a Rock:

Hemp Bracelet with Rainbow Beads:

Fluid Original 8x10 Watercolor Painting:

Gleeful Grandma and LightMine Etsy Shop Review

2011-02-18T21:14:00.000-08:00

Andrea's and my mother, Vicki, was so very elated to see her first and only grandchild, Bobby (Andrea's baby boy) during our visit this week. In her cozy room in the nursing home, we celebrated a happy belated Valentine's Day the day after the holiday. We opened up her Valentine's gift which she loved a "Vintage Avon French Telephone filled with Charisma Perfume and Bubble Bath". I got this adorable vintage find from the Etsy Shop "LightMine"...Please check out this stunning Etsy shop full of alluring gifts for yourself or someone you love!

Bobby even enjoyed playing with his Grandma's vintage Avon french telephone..."Hello, Grandma?! I love you!"

For a tribute to my darling mother, Vicki, this blog article features treasuries will all items that remind me of her. :-)

This is my (Eco-Friendly Freckles) latest treasury titled "Lady Chatterley's Poet". I feature six members of the Etsy STAT Team including my sister Andrea of Storybook Artifact! This treasury reminds me of my mother because of her love for romance novels..."Lady Chatterley's Lover" by D.H. Lawrence is one of Andrea's favorites.

Here is a fun and vibrant Etsy STAT Team treasury from Hippie Chic Jewelz titled "That 70's Shop Item" and naturally it reminds me of my mother because she was a playful young lady full of sunshine in the seventies! My hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake" is featured in this STAT Team treasury.

This treasury is titled "Natural Beauties" and is created by Etsy STAT Team member Aunt Carrie's Cottage. This colorful treasury reminds me of my mother's love and fascination for birds; she used to have a pair of parakeets that she loved very much and she also enjoyed watching cardinals outside of her window. My Vintage 60's Morton Salt Print is featured in this treasury.

Sipping on Cocktails and Admiring Some Beautiful Treasuries

2011-02-16T21:43:00.000-08:00

That's exactly what I'm doing this evening! The sunny, eye-catching image above is an original painting titled "Odette" by Cozy Little Cave...Please check out this fun, feminine, and fanciful Etsy shop!

First let's enjoy some beautiful treasuries and then I will share my cocktail recipe for the evening!

This first treasury is titled "The Colours of Life" and is created by Percival Road Designs...my Provocative Vintage 60's Kraft French Dressing Print Ad is featured in this treasury!

Here is a treasury that I (Eco-Friendly Freckles) have created for the STAT Tuesday Team Treasury Challenge! Please vote for my treasury this Saturday as the "hottest" treasury! The challenge word for the theme of all of the contestants' treasuries is "shallow"; thus the name of my treasury is "The Bumbling Blue Crab in Shallow Waters" and the theme corresponds with the word "shallow" too. ;-) In this treasury, I feature my sister's (Andrea of Storybook Artifact) Vintage Avon Cancer Necklace. I also feature six members from the Etsy STAT Team and as for the rest of the shops featured, all but one is a new or undiscovered Etsy shop...isn't that awesome?!

This is the treasury that my sweet sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact, created for the STAT Tuesday Team Challenge. She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Paulie's Confession" amongst many other STAT Team members and new/undiscovered Etsy shops. This treasury is titled "A Shallow Viewpoint"; I love the vibrant colors and hilarious sexual innuendos she integrates into this awesome treasury...she does an excellent job portraying the meaning of the word "shallow". Ha ha, if you don't vote for me in the STAT Tuesday Team Challenge, vote for my sister Andrea of Storybook Artifact! The voting will take place on Saturday on the STAT Team Blog. :-)

Alright here is my cocktail I have been seductively sipping on...yes, it is such a amazing cocktail it is seducing me! Ha ha!

Baileys and Kahlua Root Beer Float

The Kahlua in this recipe adds a pleasant coffee undertone to the cocktail that is surprisingly irresistible.

* 1 shot of Baileys Irish Cream
* 1 shot of Kahlua (I used homemade Kahlua my grandmother gave me for Christmas!)
* Your favorite brand of root beer (I used Boylan Brand Natural Root Beer)

In your chilled mug or glass, combine the Baileys and Kahlua, and then fill the rest of the mug with the root beer. Vwa la, you have a simple seductive cocktail...Now lets admire some more dazzling treasuries!

This treasury is titled "This is a luck T..all you need is to click and comment and U will have a lucky day.." and is created by STAT Team member Room of Your Own. She features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Little Miss Cupcake".

This final ravishing treasury is titled "Lip Service" by Groovin Tuesday...my Provocative Vintage 60's Kraft French Dressing Print Ad is featured in this sexy treasury with lots of red lips!

Thank You to All of My Wonderfully Sweet Team Members!

2011-02-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

I was pleasantly surprised that Cindy of Retro Chalet, the team captain of the Etsy Recycler's Guild, featured a wonderful review for my Kratom Leaf Powder on her personal blog: Ira Mency! Thank you Cindy so very much!

http://iramency.blogspot.com/2011/02/i-just-adore-eco-friendly-freckles-and.html

Also, my kratom leaf powder "Royal White Sumatra" was featured today in an absolutely ravishing and elegant treasury titled "Tea With Eliza Doolittle" created by Etsy STAT Team member Junkyard Glitter...it is so "loverly"! ;-)

Another one of my medicinal herbs was featured in a fun and earthy treasury titled "Uncover" created by Etsy STAT Team member Room of Your Own Vintage Shop; she features my White Willow Bark.

Etsy Recycler's Guild Team Leader Heather of Texas Vintage kindly featured my "Expressive Soul" hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister in her blog post "Handmade Things I Love".

One of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters "Little Miss Cupcake" is featured in a beautiful treasury titled "STAT Team Treasury Challenge Its A Cruel World" created by Etsy STAT Team leader Oddball Art Co.

I am a Blog Author on the Etsy Recycler's Guild Blog!

2011-02-12T17:00:00.000-08:00

Yes that's right! Not only am I a member of the Etsy Recycler's Guild Team, I am now a blog author on Etsy Recycler's Guild Blog!!! I will be posting all of my blog articles in the "Eco-Friendly Freckles Column" on the blog! Check out my first blog article contribution titled "The Delightful Joys of Living with Miniature Horses"...I will be contributing more blog articles for the Etsy Recycler's Guild Blog soon, stay tuned and I will let you know!

http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/2011/02/delightful-joys-of-living-with.html

Jamary's Vintage & Handmade Items Review and Bourbon Bread Pudding Recipe

2011-02-11T18:03:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, I got this elegant vintage cake server set from the Etsy shop "Jamary's Vintage and Handmade Items" for my sister, Andrea of Storybook Artifact. Andrea and I both adore this lovely cake server set; it is in excellent vintage condition and with its exquisite floral design and 22 Karat Gold embellishments, it is a luxurious set of china to have! I suggest you all check out Jamary's beautiful vintage/handmade Etsy shop full of little treasures like this one. ;-)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/jamary92 My darling sister Andrea from Storybook Artifact used her vintage cake server set last night to serve one of her favorite dessert recipes "Burbon Bread Pudding", and she so kindly gave me her recipe to share here with everyone! Thank you Andy! :-*

Andrea's Bourbon Bread Pudding Recipe:

Soaking the raisins in the whiskey for a couple of days is essential. Be sure it is enough to just cover them. "the secret ingredient"

3-4 slices of bread (any old bread will do: from homemade to left-over burger buns)
4 Tbsp. sugar
3 1/2 cups milk
4 eggs, separated
1 Tbsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
1/2 stick butter melted
bourbon whiskey soaked raisins

1.) Break bread into ovenproof dish (casserole glass dish)
2.) Beat sugar and egg yolks
3.) Add milk, and mix well
4.) Add vanilla, butter, and salt
5.) Pour milk mixture over bread
6.) Strain bourbon whiskey from raisins, and set aside
7.) Fold raisins into soaked bread in baking dish
8.) Place baking dish into large pan filled with water (broiler pan)
9.) Bake at 300 degrees for 40-50 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean
10.) Make meringue adding 2 tablespoons sugar to each egg white. Spread and return to 350 degree oven until brown.Raisin Bourbon Whiskey Sauce:

1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
However much bourbon whiskey was strained from raisins

Dissolve sugar in the water in a small sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in butter and heat until melted. Cool before adding the bourbon whiskey.

Whiskey Preference: Black Velvet

Andrea of Storybook Artifact and myself of Eco-Friendly Freckles have each created treasuries that express the beauty, femininity, and grace of women...as well as convey how amazing they are. During this time of Valentine's celebration, let's take a moment to appreciate and thank all of the incredible women in our lives (wives, mothers, sisters, and grandmothers) and gaze in amazement at these elegant and very feminine treasuries.
This first treasury features members from the Etsy STAT Team and is titled Rustic Valentine Beauty. Created by Andrea of Storybook Artifact, she dedicates this treasury in a beautiful way as follows:

"A dedication to the women who nurture our world's children, work hard in making a house a home, love and care for their men in sickness and in health, and, can't forget, makes something out of the food dad puts on the table. You are the ones who truly make our world flourish, and create a cushion of security for that solid foundation our children desperately need to thrive in our world. We are blessed; thank you. <3" href="http://www.etsy.com/teams/6362/etsybloggers">EtsyBloggers Team and it is titled "Mademoiselle Stops to Smell the Roses".

Custom Orders for My Upcycled Decoupage Canisters

2011-02-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

I love creating custom orders for my customers! Although since I am limited to certain themes because of the magazine clippings I have on hand, I request that my customers provide a broad theme (like flowers, pets, cocktails with the ladies, etc.) so I can pick out corresponding images; or if they would like to provide the magazine clippings, pictures, or other themed paper materials that would be fantastic! If you are interested in an Eco-Friendly Freckles customized upcycled decoupage canister, I suggest that you do not request me to use photographs or anything printed on photo paper because the glossy Mod Podge that I use on my canisters and tins damages the outer layer of the photo paper, and thus it will not resemble one of my attractive works of art. ;-)
I recently made a custom order for my mother-in-law, Beverly; she wanted a customized hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister to give as a Christmas gift for her dear mother-in-law, Margaret, that featured the performance characters from the play "Tuna Does Vegas".
Margaret is related to one of the actors in this play, and she was tickled with this one-of-a-kind gift; which made me really happy! ;-) This was a fun and vibrant canister to create, and certainly a unique piece of my Eco-Friendly Freckles collection.Beverly gave me a local theatrical magazine that featured an article that discussed the performance and presented these "Tuna Does Vegas" images.
However, the theatrical magazine did not provide me with enough images for this piece, so I looked through my boxes of magazine clippings and I found several complementary images for this themed canister (including all of the playing cards and the woman's leg with pink stockings).
I painted the inside of this canister a deep, shiny metallic blue...I think it helped emphasize the flamboyant attributes of this work of art!
Speaking of metallic blue, this following treasury features a beautiful combination of both of these colors: metallics and blues. This treasury is titled "Liquid Metal" and is created by fellow Etsy STAT Team member KKennedyMason; she features my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Expressive Soul".
To complement the flamboyancy of this blog article, the treasury featured below is definitely fits the extravagance. ;-) The treasury is titled "Eccentricities & Complexities" and is created by fellow Etsy STAT Team member Pepper's Apothecary; she features one of my vintage print ads "Fieldcrest Lazy Daisy 60's Advertisement".Another one of my hand-painted upcycled decoupage canisters is featured in a fun and rebellious treasury created by my amazingly awesome sister, Andrea, owner of the delightful Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact". This is her first Etsy STAT Team treasury and it is called "Snails vs. Spice"; it depicts the battle against men, women, and Valentines Day...for all of those rebels out there! Andrea features my canister that encompasses this theme wonderfully; it is titled "Paulie's Confession" and it depicts a cheating husband and his wife that finds out the ugly truth from the talking pet parrot Paulie. This is one of my favorite canister creations!
I featured one of Andrea's mystical original paintings in a treasury of mine that features all members from the Oklahoma Disciples of Etsy Team! Andrea and I are both members now! This treasury is titled "Serene Sentiments" and I feature Andrea's painting "Is He the Man of My Dreams" from her shop Storybook Artifact.Andrea made her FIRST SALE today!!! She talks about it here on her blog...let's all give her a big "congratulations" and comment on her blog!

http://storybookartifact.blogspot.com/

Great American Love Stories

2011-02-09T15:14:00.000-08:00

John and Jackie, a memorable presidential couple whose love for one another was profound and passionate. They will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of the American people as a pair with strong values and love for their spouses and America.

"I love her [Jackie] deeply and have done everything for her. I've no feeling of letting her down because I've put her foremost in everything." - John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy
Source: Sally Bedell Smith. Grace and Power: The Private World of the Kennedy White House. pg. 178.Both of the images above are vintage sixties prints of the Kennedys and they can be found in my Etsy Shop "Eco-Friendly Freckles".

Who doesn't adore a good love story?! You can read "Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy's Love Story" here:

http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/jacqueline-bouvier-john-f-kennedy-love-story/
My vintage 60's Jackie Kennedy print is featured in this classy and sophisticated treasury titled "Feeling all Black & White" by fellow Etsy Recycler's Guild member "Texas Vintage".
Another Great American Love Story that I am always "warm and fuzzy" and enchanted by is "Gone with the Wind". The alluring Scarlett O'Hara and dashing Rhett Butler are an absolutely ravishing couple in this classic American film full of passion! The image above is actually one of the vintage prints in my shop titled "Timeless Vintage 60's Gone with the Wind Paper Ephemera Print".

How about for a Valentine's date, you cuddle up with your sweetheart this chilly winter season and watch the romantic American classic "Gone with the Wind"! To embrace the spirit of the film, check out these rapturous treasuries:
This beautiful treasury was created by Anjasarts as a loving tribute to her dear Great Grandmother who passed away yesterday morning...I am honored to have my Vintage Gone with the Wind Print featured in such a precious and sentimental treasury (titled "Gone with the Wind...").
This arousing and very passionate treasury is titled "Do It With Passion!!!!!" by Vintage Canadian; in this treasury my Vintage Gone with the Wind Print is also featured.
Oooh la la, this heavenly elegant and romantic treasury just in time for Valentine's Day is created by fellow STAT Team member "Splattered with Paint" and is titled "We are..."; she features my Vintage 60's Playboy Pinup Print.

Fascinated Little Boys and Their Happy Mommas

2011-02-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

My sweet baby nephew Bobby loves his Momma (my dear twin sister, Andrea, owner of Storybook Artifact) so very much! I got Bobby a much needed wooden teething ring, but this one is unique because it is a necklace that Andrea can wear around her neck and have it at all times for Bobby! He loves it! It is particularly useful when he is attached to his Momma hanging out in his baby sling/wrap! This wonderful wooden teething necklace makes a great gift too! I got this nursing necklace from an Etsy shop titled Stones of Healing: Nursing Necklaces and Wellness Jewelry. You can check out their wide selection of nursing necklaces here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/stonesofhealing2?section_id=7223489
Aww, look at those pretty blue eyes! Bobby loves his teething necklace ring! ;-)

This blog post is dedicated to all of the mother's and sweet baby boys out there...below I have listed some treasuries that will fascinate both of them!
This treasury is created by fellow Etsy STAT Team member Weebit and is titled "Someplace Warmer Than Here". Baby Bobby's nursery theme is "safari jungle"; this treasury wonderful encompasses this fun theme...with intriguing items for momma and baby! I love the giraffe hat! My Dark Jade Indo Kratom Leaf Powder is also featured in this treasury.
Wow, what a warm and cozy treasury! Bobby's Momma Andrea of Storybook Artifact created this charming treasury titled "Home is Where the Heart Is". Aww, look at that adorable pom pom baby hat! She features my newest hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Expressive Soul" in this treasury.
This is a STAT Team treasury that I created with my little Baby Bobby Bunny in mind! It is titled "The Year of the Rabbit...Peter Rabbit That Is"; I feature an adorable Vintage Peter Rabbit Cup (I posted a photo of it below...isn't it cute?!) from Andrea's shop Storybook Artifact in this treasury! I LOVE Peter Rabbit!Here is an Etsy Recycler's Guild Team treasury, this one is created by Texas Vintage and is titled "Flowers, blue & brown"; it displays the two colors little boys love (blue and brown) and with these delightful treasures momma can flaunt them! My Vintage Cutex/Maybelline Peacock Print Ad is featured in this treasury.

It's National Grapefruit Month!

2011-02-06T21:04:00.001-08:00

I love grapefruit; it is delightfully tart and refreshing...and I love having one with my breakfast because it peps me up for the day! This juicy fruit also has many health benefits! It contains citric acid, natural sugars, essential oils like limonene, pinene and citral. It has high amounts of vitamin C, and smaller amounts of vitamin A, B complex, E and K. In the mineral department, larger amounts of calcium, folic acid, phosphorus, and potassium are found.I can see why February is National Grapefruit month because grapefruit is immensely beneficial during the cold season! A common cold is usually your body telling you that you are overworked. A regular drink of grapefruit during a stressful period gives your immune system the boost needed to prevent it coming on. Also, drinking a freshly-squeezed grapefruit juice helps relieve sore throats and soothes coughs.

Grapefruit also combines well with some of the exotic herbs that I carry in my shop. When combining fresh squeezed grapefruit juice to any type of kratom leaf powder it enables the body to absorb more of the active ingredients in the kratom leaf; which means it synergizes well with this herb. Kratom leaf contains alkaloids that are thought to play a beneficial role on the immune system and lower blood pressure, as well as epicatechin, a powerful antioxidant also found in dark chocolate and closely related to the EGCG that gives green tea its beneficial effects.To purchase or to find out more about the exotic kratom leaf powders that I carry in my Eco-Friendly Freckles shop, you can find them here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles?section_id=6794523
Speaking of exotic goodies for your health, why not take an exotic getaway this Valentine's day...its good for your health! I created a treasury today featuring members from the Etsy STAT Team titled "Vacation for My Valentine". I promote a lovely Vintage Japanese Pink Parasol (pictured above) from my sister Andrea's Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact" in this Valentine's themed treasury!
While I am touching on the topic of treasuries, one of my shop items was featured in a fun, earthy treasury today! CatHo t, fellow member of the Etsy STAT Team, kindly featured my White Willow Bark in her treasury titled "Arigato Alligator"!

Wouldn't It Be Loverly?! Etsy Love Stories for Valentine's Day

2011-02-06T08:32:00.000-08:00

All I want is a room somewhere,
Far away from the cold night air.
With one enormous chair,
Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

Lots of chocolate for me to eat,
Lots of coal makin' lots of heat.
Warm face, warm hands, warm feet,
Oh, wouldn't it be loverly?

Be cozy and elegant, humble and refined...all of these charmingly unique traits are depicted in this beautiful My Fair Lady influenced treasury created by my dear sister Andrea from Storybook Artifact titled "Wouldn't It Be Loverly". Andrea also has this exquisite treasury featured on her Storybook Artifact blog.
The beautiful wooden LOVE home decor letters featured above are created by ChunkyMonkeyLuv.

February is the month to express love and Etsy has created a thread just in time for Valentine's Day where we can do just that! The Etsy blog team is all ears to hear your Etsy love story here in the forum thread titled: "Wanted: Your Heartwarming Etsy Love Story". It reads:

"Perhaps you made a friend or reconnected with an old high school buddy on Etsy. How about that time you bonded with your daughter by starting an Etsy shop together or that moment a seller or buyer changed your life? We want all the mushiest stuff you have to offer, the stories that will leave 'em reaching for the Kleenex box while saying, "Awwwww." Remember, Valentine's Day is about celebrating all sorts of love, whether it's your significant other, a family member, or a friend."

Share your Etsy love story here:

http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/6735679/page/27#

Here is my Etsy love story that is inspired by nature and Etsy!

I met my dear friend Sara (from the Blue Bunny Boutique) on Etsy. She contacted me about trading for some of my therapeutic herbal remedies as an alternative to other medications that were reeking havoc on her body. Sara was diagnosed with Sciatica and was experiencing pain, as well as a loss of motion and energy. I wanted to help her as much as I could and she offered some wonderful craft supplies and other beautiful embellishments for trading...she even hand-crocheted an adorable beanie hat for my baby nephew Bobby. So I began trading my exotic kratom herb powders with her and soon afterward, Sara sent me a convo saying that the healing herbs were helping with her pain management, as well as increasing her mobility and energy. Sara said that she was amazed by how much better her daily life was and that her little son Benjamin and little girl Joy loved that she had more energy than them!

I was so happy to have helped Sara and her story has touched my heart; we have become close friends sharing our stories and making fun trades. In case anyone is interested, here is a link to all of the exotic kratom leaf powders I offer in my Eco-Friendly Freckles shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles?section_id=6794523

Become a Recycling Guild Master!

2011-02-05T08:59:00.000-08:00

Helping our beautiful earth is very rewarding; recycling is one of the best ways to do this! Although, we can always try to improve our recycling skills so we can be on our way to be a Recycler's Guild Master! For inspiration, check out these wonderful upcycled, repurposed creations from the Etsy Recycler's Guild...I am so happy to be a member!

http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/p/monthly-spotlight.html
I have stumbled upon some eye-opening information about the detrimental effects of American's consumption and the recycling solutions! Please check out this intriguing blog post titled "Baby Steps to Making a Difference" on the "Sew Sew Recycling" blog; she has a very informative video that I highly suggest you all see. Also, peak into her adorable Etsy shop "Recycled T's" filled with upcycled goodies!

Speaking of upcycled goodies, my newest hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister "Expressive Soul" is featured in a beautiful vibrant blue treasury titled "An Eclectic Mix" created by Sarah's Shoppe.
Here is a fun, lovely, and crafty upcycling project and great gift idea! On my sister Andrea's blog "Storybook Artifact" she features the pretty upcycled napkin holders I made for her out of recycled paper towel rolls. She also posts a couple links to some how to videos showing you just how to make this elegant napkin holders...this is a fun craft project!

http://storybookartifact.blogspot.com/2011/01/do-it-yourself-lovely-handmade-napkin.html
One of Andrea's items from her Storybook Artifact Etsy Shop was featured in a delightful treasury featuring all new undiscovered Etsy shops! Come check it out...it is titled "Pounce on These Undiscovered Shops" and is created by "Sunshine and Showers"; she features Andrea's Vintage Children's Storybook Cookie Cutters.

Mother Nature's Gift

2011-02-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

The mystical, whimsical image above is an original watercolor painting titled "Earth's Soul" by Egyptian Cat. Please check out her enchanting etsy shop!

Nature's healing gifts are all around us; the medicinal herbs that grow, the therapeutic water that nourishes us, the amazing animals and pets that bring us health and happiness. We are surrounded by an abundance of gifts, yet so many of us do not stop to notice. We watch our televisions, use our synthetic laden products, and work indoors under artificial light; as human beings we have evolved into consumers and technical minds far apart from the nature-connected beings of our past. Our ancestors had farms, got adequate amounts of sunshine, and spent quality time with their children teaching them the essentials of life. We are so spoiled now with having everything we think we need at massive supermarkets; when in reality, mass-produced items made with chemicals and artificial ingredients are truly beginning to threaten our health.
My husband, Joe, and I strive to live more like our ancestors did; although we do not have a farm (we hope to someday have one), we purchase only "whole foods" nothing processed, making sure we recognize everything that is on the nutrition labels as "real foods". During the spring and summer we look forward to having our organic, heirloom garden up and running again and we would love to start supporting and shopping at our local farmer's markets. I know these are relatively small steps in the big scheme of becoming a self-sufficient naturalist; but we are certainly heading in the right direction. It feels incredible to be connected with nature; growing our own food and getting sunshine brings me peace and pride within self.

I also love learning about all of the healing herbs this wonderful world has to offer us! Researching and wildcrafting herbs that naturally grow around us locally is fascinating and rewarding...and so much fun! Aromatherapy is also another study of mine that I find very healing and intriguing.

I have discovered an excellent Etsy Team called "Heal Naturally" where all of the team members share there wisdom, experiences, and promote their own and support other member's Etsy shops...it is a fabulous team indeed! It is delightful to be amongst other nature-loving minds to bounce ideas off of and get support! Please check out the team for yourself!

http://www.etsy.com/teams/6839/heal-naturally

This is a treasury I created yesterday titled "Golden Yogini Goddess" where I feature several members from the "Heal Naturally Etsy Team".

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4b900cb5f16d91279e45a4/golden-yogini-goddess

I am also very flattered to have some of the medicinal herbs in my Etsy shop featured in some spectacular treasuries!
This stunning treasury is titled "Trrrrr.." by CatHot; she and I are both members of the Etsy STAT TEAM. CatHot features my Dark Jade Indo Kratom a healing dried powdered herb.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4af81348508eeffe74b73a/trrrrr

Here is another treasury where my kratom herb is featured! CreatIVYty features my Dark Jade Indo Kratom and my Magnificent Malaysian Kratom in this lovely and very springy treasury titled "Green Is On My Mind"; she is also a sweet member of the Etsy STAT Team.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4a95eb9ccf8eefb6ecdc88/green-is-on-my-mind

This warm and cozy treasury is titled "Feathers and Fur, Wood and Stone" and is created by STAT Team member Pajazzled; she features my medicinal White Willow Bark.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d49e1a908298eef98a6c926/feathers-and-fur-wood-and-stone

Girl Talk!

2011-02-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

Woo hoo, its time for some GIRL TALK! I love it when girls get together and talk about what we love, value, and enjoy...Boys just don't understand how we can have so much fun with our frills! I take pleasure in discovering the beautiful, little one-of-a-kind treasures on Etsy and I love how happy simple indulgences like chocolate and elegant embellishments like pearls and lace make me feel!

In this blog post, I share all of the little luxuries that girls (from big to small) cherish; things that bring us happiness, spontaneity, beauty, and a sense of individuality. Please sent back, enjoy the girly treasuries, and share what it is about being a girl that you love. Here is one of the things I love:

What I love about being a girl is I can spend an entire day exploring the local thrift stores and garage sales with my grandmother and sister and have a care-free, fun-filled day while stopping by a little cafe' to share stories, munch on a decadent dessert, and sip on yummy cocktails. Although, I love going out with my husband, after about thirty minutes in a thrift store he is ready to go (ha ha, of course he always fancies a good dessert and cocktail)!

This is a treasury that I made yesterday called "Baby Lambs and Blue & Pink Buttons"; it features all items from members of the Etsy Recycler's Guild (I have their blog button on my sidebar)! I joined the guild yesterday and I love this group; everyone is so friendly and helpful! I am so happy to be part of a group that values the gift of recycling and better yet...upcycling! A lot of the members sell vintage items as well. ;-)
http://www.etsy.com/listing/67314220/expressive-soul-hand-painted-upcycled

I listed another artistic repurposed creation last night; one of my hand-painted upcycled, decoupage canisters titled "Expressive Soul". The Etsy Recycler's Guild is the perfect team for my upcycled art...I am so happy to have stumbled upon it!

Here is a treasury that I am featured in today titled "Let's talk about girls..." and is created by asiabataev, a fellow team member of the Self Taught Artists Treasury "STAT Team"; she features one of my 60's vintage print ads.

Somewhere in Time...

2011-02-03T11:12:00.000-08:00

...Is a lovely "Woman with Radiant Glow". This is one of my favorite original acrylic paintings from my sister, Andrea's, enchanting Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact"; she is such a talented artist! I adore her description of this painting:

"A captivating art piece inspired by the two opposing styles: the boldness of Frida Kaholo's paintings along with the softness expressed in the renowned photograph taken of Jane Seymour in the film Somewhere in Time. The women in this painting appears still in the moment, and yet looks as though she had just been dancing."

I love the movie "Somewhere in Time"! Sigh, it is one of my favorite movies of all time! Speaking of the theme going back in time. Here is a stunning treasury created from the wonderfully sweet Etsy STAT Team Captain Julianne from Hippie Chic Jewelz, titled "Take Me Back In Time"; she features one of my vintage print ads: "Provocative Vintage 60's Kraft French Dressing Ad".

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4a3659bbb68eef494b1639/take-me-back-in-time

I was featured in another warm and comforting treasury from an Etsy STAT Team member, BarSoap, titled "A little collection of things that I really like". She features my "Traveling Lady" hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister...I LOVE IT!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4b010b0baf6d91a24ad2ab/a-little-collection-of-things-that-i?ref=pr_treasury

Romeo Romeo, Where for Art Thou Romeo?

2011-02-02T11:23:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite love stories is William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", and I absolutely LOVE Franco Zeffirelli's depiction of the story in his 1968 film "Romeo and Juliet"...this film is absolutely breathtaking! Although, I adore the version with Leonardo Dicaprio and Claire Danes, this 1968 "Romeo and Juliet" takes the cake! This film would be a great selection to watch during a romantic Valentine's evening! I feature the vintage record for the soundtrack in this new treasury of mine titled "The Captivating Capulet".

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d49a847a8a66d912aeacbfd/the-captivating-capulet

I know I have been posting a lot of my treasury creations on my blog lately, but this is my first treasury featuring seven members of the Etsy STAT Team...I am now a member! Every week each member is required to make a treasury featuring at least six members from the team...I love this concept! This will be great promotion for my Eco-Friendly Freckles shop and I love supporting my fellow team members! The STAT Team stands for "Self Taught Artists Treasury". This team of artists are exclusively "self taught" in one or more areas of thier artwork. This wonderful group of artists have taught themselves the skills and techniques to create the amazing artwork you will see listed in their treasuries. Many times Self Taught Artists are "overlooked" because they have not attended universities, or hold degrees in Art. There are many self taught artists who by far surpass those artists who have studied at universities by leaps and bounds. Our goal as a team is to get these amazingly talented artists recognized and on thier way to building a successful Etsy shop!

The Trapeze Temptress and The Emerald Circus

2011-02-01T10:09:00.000-08:00

I have created another masterpiece of a treasury titled "The Trapeze Temptress and The Emerald Circus".

Into the mystifying carnival, under the big emerald tent, you'll find a magical circus full of fascinating characters; yet the trapeze temptress is the most alluring of them all!

Please check out my newest treasury creation and post a comment on my treasury page. Comments might help bump up my treasury's popularity...and who knows maybe it will end up on the front page of Etsy! *fingers crossed*

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d47b1b202556d91f6bb3aed/the-trapeze-temptress-and-the-emerald

Vintage Provocative Prints!

2011-01-31T18:27:00.000-08:00

I have two new vintage paper ephemera print ads in my shop; one is an advertisement for Kraft French Dressing and the other is for Cutex Cosmetics. Wouldn't the seductive red head above munching on salad with her red lips look spectacular in a retro 60's kitchen?!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66660173/provocative-vintage-60s-kraft-french?ref=v1_other_2
Oooh la la, this peacock feathered lady will add elegance to your favorite wall!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/66665974/elegant-vintage-60s-maybellinecutex?ref=v1_other_1

Speaking of adding an elegant touch to a room in your home, I have done just that with one of the vintage prints I found in a 60's Ladies Home Journal magazine. Joe and I just purchased a pretty blue quilt set for our queen size bed in our bedroom and I we also have a blue painting on canvas of a beautiful ocean...so we are definitely going with a "blue" theme (which we both love this color)!Isn't this the PERFECT vintage print for our romantically blue bedroom?! I LOVE IT! A very lady-like woman wearing a flowing blue dress is sitting at a dining table with her handsome date who has a caring, concerned looking...I bet he is a real gentleman!

My First Treasury!

2011-01-30T17:56:00.000-08:00

Yippee! I have finally created my first treasury...and it was so much fun! Please check it out and on my treasury's page; who knows maybe it will get on the front page of Etsy! I have featured one of my twin sister's beautiful acrylic paintings in this treasury titled "Is He the Man of My Dreams?"

My treasury is titled "Mystical Seaside of Treasures"...ENJOY!!!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d4613760b336d91376b9060/mystical-seaside-of-treasures

Sexy Knit and Crochet Garments in Time for Valentine's!

2011-01-29T15:30:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day will be here before you know it and what is more sexy to a man during the cold winter month of February than a cozy, cuddly little knit or crochet piece of lingerie on his sweetheart?! Just in time for Valentine's, I feature my six favorite Etsy knit and crochet sexy little garments that will mesmerize your lover more than cupid's heart-shaped arrow of romance! ;-)

Oooh, so very romantic! These hand-knit fingerless lace gloves look like something Juliet would have worn to enrapture her Romeo! I love the Victorian elegance of these gloves titled "Red Shiny Lace Gloves" by Yasoknitting.Mystical and full of magical allure these fascinating hand-knit white stockings are very captivating...and speaking of Shakespeare's enchanting tales, these angelic knitted tights look like something from a Midsummer Night's Dream...if you wear these, you will have a night full of fun and fantasy! "White Thigh High Knitted Tights" by Miss Samantha's Shop.
Under that sexy little 60's style babydoll, these darling hand-knit panties have an innocence to them that is enticingly tantalizing! Tempt your lover with this little number...the peek-a-boo design will tickle the imagination! "Hand Knit Panties in Pink" by JackieDKnitBoutique.

Seduce your valentine during a candlelit dinner in this gorgeous red halter top! Red hot and dazzling...with your red lips, whisper sweet somethings into your darling's ear! "Spicy Red for Your Desires Red Halter Top" by Sebsurer.

Wow, absolutely stunning! Flaunt your pinup figure and inner vintage vixen in this sexy little hand-knit garter belt! "Garter Belt" by Lady Lilliput Boutique.
Sweep your wooer off his feet with these ravishing red leg warmers...warm, flirtatious, and oh so cuddly! "Ultra or Knee High Red Leg Warmers" by Lesha's Workshop.

My Sister's New Etsy Shop, Blog, and Her First Treasury Feature!

2011-01-28T16:47:00.001-08:00

My darling twin sister, Andrea (the beautiful bride in the picture above), has opened up an enchanting Etsy shop titled "Storybook Artifact"! This cozy, little shop is filled with hand-crafted greeting cards, loose leaf tea blends, all-natural storybook-themed cookies, original drawings, sketches, and paintings, personalized storybook portraits on canvas, and probiotic heirloom kefir grains.Andrea also has an elegant and very intriguing blog where she shares her favorite recipes, natural remedy discoveries, the joys of being a first time mother, and so much more! Check out her new blog...and become a follower!I am astonished...Andrea hasn't even had her Etsy shop "Storybook Artifact" opened for a week and she is already featured in her first treasury! Her fascinating and mysterious portrait sketch of the renowned author D.H. Lawrence titled "Man Behind the Story" looks ravishing as the first item featured in this elaborate treasury filled with antique and Lady Chatterley gypsy themed listings...this treasury is created by Arabesque Aromas and is titled "The Virgin and the Gipsy".

Etsy Business Tip: Embellishments, Samples, and Lots of Love!

2011-01-26T17:38:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to get repeat customers for your Etsy shop is to turn your order packages into captivating gifts! Beautiful embellishments, desirable samples, and handwritten thank you cards will transform the one item you sold into a bountiful gift of surprises and treasures...as well as add a personal touch that customers love, for this is a gift from a friend!

You don't have to spend a fortune gathering up these ornamental items; great embellishments for your packages include: colorful tissue paper, ribbon, scrapbooking stickers, elegant decals, and so much more (use your imagination)! If you can give a sample of something you sell in your shop, this will intrigue your customers, introduce them to other items that you sell, and increase your chances of attaining a repeat customer! Shop samples could be handmade soap, perfume, candles, cookies, tea...or give a small gift of something you sell in your shop like a bookmark, bracelet, magnet, etc.

Don't forget the handwritten thank you card or note! This is essential for adding the "personal touch"; a handwritten message to me says "traditional elegance", "kindhearted effort", "the gift of your time", and "exceptional sincerity". Also, including a business card or flier is a great addition to your packages so the customer can easily find all of your contact information in one place...this will also serve as a reminder of your shop.

Pictured above is what I send will all of my packages: a handwritten thank-you note that expresses my personal style (have fun with your embellishments and stationary; if you can convey your unique style that is fantastic...your customers can really get to know who you are)! I also include a simple flier with my Etsy shop web link and an elegant sample of my newest line of all-natural handmade "Orange Blossom Beauty" soap (which I will be adding to my Etsy shop soon).My soap samples have a handwritten tag tied on with twine and a whimsical flower embellishment; the backs of the soap samples paper pouches are secured with an elegant and forever timeless wax seal.

Jane's Craft "Blue Bunny Boutique" Feature

2011-01-24T21:25:00.000-08:00

Isn't my little baby nephew Bobby adorable in this precious crocheted beanie?! I got this handmade treasure from the Blue Bunny Boutique. The creator, Sara, is darling, so very sweet, and personal...everything you could ask for in an Etsy seller; absolutely terrific! She has a wonderful shop full of handmade jewelry and other items...and a vast array of supplies (great for you crafty ladies out there)! You all should stop by and browse the Blue Bunny Boutique. My little Bobby Bunny loves his Christmas beanie; it is keeping his little bunny ears warm all winter long! I highly recommend this delightful Etsy shop; Sara has wonderful communication, fantastic customer service and high-quality products...A+++! ;-)

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanesCraft
Here is a picture of the baby beanie from the Blue Bunny Boutique; she also has a picture of a blue baby beanie in the listing. I chose to have blue and green yarn integrated into the brown baby beanie for Bobby...so precious!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64054485/toddlebaby-beanie

Espy'd: Reduce/Recycle Social Blog Network & Community!

2011-01-22T11:26:00.000-08:00

I just joined espy’d™ as a free member! espy’d™ is a NEW social blog network & community for everything handmade, vintage & antique! espy’d™ focuses on products that “reDuce, reUse, reCycle, reStyle & reStore” and we feel that supporting all things handmade, vintage & antique go hand and hand with those ideals.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...hey, that sounds like an Eco-Friendly Freckles motto! I love how this site has a focus on nurturing nature and the beauty of handmade and vintage items...what more could you want in a site?!

espy’d™ is in its early stages and has just launched; the administrator Gina is so sweet and helpful...if you have any questions she will be able to assist you. You can join as a free member if you would like (as I did) and you will have access to many of the features of the site. A few of the features and benefits for the Free Membership include:

MEMBER CHAT: Connect with members of our community in our Group chat rooms.
COMMUNITY/ACTIVITY WALL: You will be able to interact and socialize with like-minded people within the community. (Social networking built in!)
BLOG (ad supported): Your own customizable handmade/vintage/antique blog (add your own logo/header image change colors etc.) with custom sub-domain (example: http://yourname.espyd.com). espy’d™ only has a small unobtrusive community admin bar at the top.
FEATURED: Members/blog posts are randomly featured on every page of the website including the front page.
EXPOSURE: Every time you post to your blog it will be featured within the activity stream as well as pages on the website.
COMMUNITY GROUPS: You can join groups and discussions on various topics related to all things handmade.
PROFILE: You can create a member profile specific to your interests or products. You can also search the member directory to find like-minded members or members who make certain types of items. Profiles have social networking built in!

This site is so much fun and a wonderful place for fellow Etsyians to meet up, share ideas, post photos and content, and so much more! I am very excited...Please check out this site, here is the link:

http://espyd.com/

Celebrating National Hobby Month!

2011-01-21T17:27:00.000-08:00

January is National Hobby Month, and in celebration of the wonderful joys of exploring our own creativity, I would like to share with you all six different crafts presented by some amazingly talented Etsy shop artists!

Did you know that by partaking in a hobby and creating something you are letting your mind expand in new ways and it will continue to grow?! Activating the brain by learning novel skills over time enhances memory and helps new brain cells survive, research shows. So have fun and create something...it's not only enjoyable, but healthy for you too!
Auh, the beauty of the hand-stitch! This lovely cowl neck warmer called "The Uinta - Scarlet" by Chickadee Dee Custom Designed Stitchwear.
Breathtaking! I have always been stunned by how gorgeous mosaics are...this one is incredible! "Paisley Mosaic Swirl Retro Wall Plaque" by Ree Creation Mosaics.Wow, this acrylic painting is very intriguing and full of mystery...I love it! "Gothic Horror Art, Corridor of Doors and Dark Shadows, Original Painting" by Sarada.
Oooh la la, this red pomegranate sculpture is divine! "Ceramic Pomegranates" by Bliss Me Arts.
Aww, this hand-sewn dress is adorable! "Handmade Little Girls Alphabet Double Layered Dress with Pinafore" by Grammy Lambys Handmade Garments.

Woodwork is fascinating the the creations are functional and so much fun...especially for children!"Natural Wooden Race Car w/color people and wheels (RED)" by AE Wooden Toys.

My Decoupage Canister Tutorial Featured on a DIY Blog!

2011-01-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

The wonderfully sweet Norma from Quality Cords has featured my tutorial of how to make a hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister in her DIY section of her blog! Thank you Norma for the pleasant promotion and for spreading the fun tutorials! Here are the links to the Quality Cord's blog and to my tutorial:
http://qualitycords.blogspot.com/p/free-diy-tutorials.html
http://ecofriendlyfreckles.blogspot.com/2010/02/eco-friendly-freckles-tutorial-supplies.html

The Royal TenenBuff

2011-01-19T21:01:00.000-08:00

I love Wes Anderson movies! My husband, Joe, and I just watched "The Royal Tenenbaums" (which is probably my favorite Wes Anderson film...although I enjoy "Bottle Rocket" and all the others too). The lovely image above is of a card that is sold in a set depicting the profound love between Margot and Richie Tenenbaum by Jessie James titled "Love - Set of 5 Greeting Cards".

In this posting, I would love to share my favorite Etsy shop items honoring the very talented Wes Andreson and his memorably stunning films.
Isn't this Margo Tenenbaum Paper Doll adorable! I LOVE this character (my favorite from the movie; Gwyneth Paltrow plays the part wonderfully)...ha ha, this paper doll even has the option of holding a cigarette! This "Margot Tenenbaum Paper Doll Postcard" is from Claudia Varosio.
Wow, this print of Richie Tenenbaum is amazing! "Richie Print" by A Cagey Bee.
Joe and I purchased this awesome Rushmore light switch cover for Joe's brother Dan for Christmas...it looks even better in person! "Wes Anderson Rushmore Light Switch Cover" by Blastocraft.
This fox hat is delightful! The movie was cute and the hat resembles the Fantastic Mr. Fox perfectly! "Fantastic Fox Hat" by Awberry.
This Bottle Rocket poster has a fun, retro-style...I love the colors in this poster and the charming film! "Bottle Rocket Poster" by Claudia Varosio.Oooh, what an intriguing bookmark...so captivating it just might inspire you to pick up a good book! "Darjeeling Limited Bookmark" by Anatomy of Soul.
Gorgeous colors and so vibrant...this will look lovely on your wall and will definitely catch the eye...art inspired by "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou"! ;-) "Interesting Specimen" by Admidas.

My Colonial Christmas Gifts

2011-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

This Christmas I gave my mother-in-law, Beverly, and my sister, Andrea, some captivating colonial-style gifts (one hand-made by myself and the other one was a vintage purchase on Etsy)! Beverly is an admire of American History and she is enchanted by anything George Washington. So I wanted to make her this Washington inspired tea box depicting his treasured intimate life on the top (with a photo of his wife Martha, his Mount Vernon home, and a few of his and Martha's personal possessions), and on the sides his professional life as General George Washington and the first president of the United States of America.

Here is one of the sides of the tea box with the constitution and the two paintings that are in the National Archives building housing this historical document.

...and here is a picture depicting General George Washington that I found in a pamphlet that I brought back from Mount Vernon:I painted the inside of the tea box gold...I figured it would bring out the luxurious aesthetics of the piece. ;-)
Beverly and I having breakfast at the Hotel Washington on our trip to Washington D.C. with Beverly's two sons Joe (my husband) and Dan.For Christmas, I got my sister Andrea an elegant Vintage 1940s W.S. George Bolero Dessert Plate Cake Server Set by Teenie's Priceless Vintage. Please check out this wonderful Etsy shop filled with lovely and unique vintage items! The colonial couple on the cake server set remind me of George and Martha Washington!
I was so happy to see Beverly's and Andrea's lit up faces when they opened their Christmas gifts; classic colonial is always a winner!

The Whimsical Wedding and the Creative Cake

2011-01-10T13:55:00.000-08:00

My mother-in-law, Beverly, married the wonderful Matt Audrain on December 30th, 2010. It was an elegantly charming wedding and my sister, Andrea, and I got to make the cake! I adore Beverly's choice of the lovely color blue (she looks AMAZING in blue); so I wanted to integrate this color into the cake. We used some teal blue sugar rose petal cake decorations and scattered blueberries to represent the pretty black pearls Beverly wore at the wedding.
Here is a photo of Beverly and I before the wedding ceremony...I was the matron of honor! I also wore pearls and blue! The flowers were absolutely stunning; my bouquet had beautiful blue hydrangeas in it! Below is the recipe for the delicious lemon and blueberry wedding cake we made. :-)
Moist Lemon Cake

2 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs

3 tsp. baking powder without aluminum (Rumford brand)

1 cup orange juice

1 cup coconut oil

3 tsp. lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease two 9 inch cake pans with non-stick cooking spray or butter. In a large bowl mix together all dry ingredients. Then add all the wet ingredients. Mix together well. Then pour cake batter into prepared baking pans. Check cakes after 30 minutes of baking with a toothpick. Keep an eye on them. Add an additional 5-10 minutes if not done.

Buttercream Lemon Filling with Blueberry Preserves Topping

2 sticks softened butter

1 8 oz. package of cream cheese

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup powdered sugar

blueberry preserves

Mix together butter and cream cheese until combined. Add in lemon zest; mix in well. Then add in powdered sugar until well blended. Layer this filling on top of cake layer first to serve as a barrier for the blueberry preserves topping: so they won't seep through the cake. Then top with second cake layer and repeat.
Marshmallow Fluff Frosting

3 egg whites

2 cups sugar

3/4 cup water

1/2 tsp. salt

2 cups powdered sugar

Combine sugar and water in a medium saucepan to form a simple syrup; bring to gentle boil and cook until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow simple syrup to cool down to room temperature before adding to egg whites and salt. Then beat with mixer on high speed for 10 minutes or until thick. Add powdered sugar and beat until blended.

*For Perfect Buttercream Frosting (this is the adjustment we will make next time we make this so the frosting will be thicker and hold its form better):

Add two sticks softened butter, a cup of powdered sugar, and 1 tsp. of vanilla extract per cup of marshmallow fluff.

The moist lemon cake recipe is one of Andrea's and my favorite cake recipes and we make it often; normally we place a homemade lemon curd filling in between each cake layer (which we didn't do for this lemon/blueberry wedding cake). This lemon curd filling is phenomenal! Here is the recipe:

Lemon Curd Filling

4 large egg yolks

3 large eggs

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup lemon juice

2 tbs. whole milk

1 tbs. cornstarch (non-GMO)

6 tbs. unsalted butter

Whisk together egg yolks and eggs in medium saucepan. Stir in sugar, lemon juice, milk, and cornstarch. Add the butter (cut into 1/2 pieces) and place saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir often with wire whisk for 5-8 minutes or until mixture thickens. Don't boil. Allow to cool before adding to cake.

It's National Oatmeal Month!

2011-01-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

Mmm! Nothing is better on a cold day with a little snow falling down than a warm, comforting bowl of OATMEAL! My husband, Joe, makes the best oatmeal ever...always with local honey and lots of cinnamon. ;-) Celebrate this National Oatmeal Month of January with a delicious sweet and buttery bowl of Oatmeal!

Also, if you really want to have a celebration...you should get a case of Joe's and my favorite beer "Salmuel Smith's Oatmeal Stout"! Oooh, it is dark, delicious, and perfect for warming you from the inside out...a terrific beverage for this chilly month.

Dreaming About Our Homestead

2011-01-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

The bright and humble image above is an original watercolor by MKisling titled "On the Prairie" Art...This painting brings about happy dreamed-filled visions my husband, Joe, and I share for the homestead we will have someday.

We dream of living on a beautiful prairie, like the one pictured above, and having our happy family nestled inside a cozy cottage or earth-rammed house. Although we have no children of our own yet, we dream of having a house full of playful, imaginative children. Our homestead will be a farm so we can tend to our future goats, chickens, cows, and maybe even rabbits! We've got to have a miniature horse or two as well! Joe and I are currently living on a miniature horse ranch where we feed the minis and give them love; having this undertaking has opened our minds and hearts to the joys of having a farm, and has encouraged us to go after our dreams of having our own homestead.One of my shop items is featured in a treasury today! Please check out this adorably rustic treasury created by Sock Monster titled "Plan B" where my organic kombucha is featured amongst all of the other homesteading essentials!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2779ddf09d8eef382d1e6c/plan-b

A Perfect Cup of Tea

2011-01-05T19:53:00.000-08:00

The elegant image above is an amazing photograph titled "The Potionmistress 3" (an 8x12 print) by Six Hours Photography. Please check out this enchanting Etsy shop!

What unique combination of herbs creates the "perfect cup of tea"? As I sit here at my writing desk, sipping on a hot cup of one of my favorite tea blends (Yogi Tea's "Kava Stress Relief" tea), the winter chill outside my window is the last of my worries, for I am comforted by the warmth of this deliciously relaxing cup of tea. A few of my favorite relaxing herbs comes to mind and in this cold month of January (which is celebrated as "Hot Tea Month"), I would love to share with you all my Etsy tea blend picks containing my favorite herbs that promote rest and relaxation...just what we all desire to embrace after the bustling holiday season.
"Sweet Dreams Tea" (containing organic chamomile flowers, organic marshmallow leaves, organic lavender buds, organic valerian root); the valerian root is so very relaxing and absolutely perfect in a nighttime cup of tea! The tranquil chamomile and lavender will also add pleasant floral notes to your palate. You can find this tea in the Etsy shop: Wild Root.

"Could You Be Loved Tea" (16 tea bags); this tea by Good 4 You contains: jasmine flowers, ginger, cinnamon, kava root, Eleuthero root (Siberian ginseng), gingko leaves, passionflowers, maca root powder, nutmeg & cardamom. I LOVE KAVA TEA! It is soothing, pleasantly earthy, and pairs wonderfully with spicy herbs like the ones in this tea...Mmm, this gives the tea a nice hint of chai flavors. Passionflowers are also in this tea; which is probably my all-time favorite herb because it is so very relaxing and therapeutic to my well-being.

"Ramblin' Relaxer" by LanaBella looks like a very complex and fascinating blend of many of my favorite relaxing herbs and a few new ones that intrigue me! Organic Ingredients: Chamomile, Red Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Catnip, Calendula, Rose Petals, California Poppy, Lemon Balm, Peppermint, Spearmint, Skullcap, Oatstraw, Cornflower & LOVE! Oooh, by sipping on this tea with the California Poppies, we might just fall into a peacefully sweet slumber like Dorthy and Toto! This tea also contains nourishing and detoxifying herbs like the red raspberry leaf and red clover. ;-)

"Bedtime Sleepy Night Time Herbal Tea" (4 oz.) by Wells of Health; this tea blend contains: Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, and Catnip. With my favorite herb passion flower, I know this tea will be awesome...yet when paired with relaxing chamomile, lemon balm, and catnip; this tea has got to be absolutely spectacular! My husband, Joe, and I have a lemon balm plant that grows behind our miniature horse barn apartment and it comes back every year; we have dried the leaves and have made tea from them, and the result is amazing for this tea is so very lemony delicious and oh so very calming! I love catnip tea too (I find it particularly soothing to drink during "that time of the month" a.k.a: your menstrual period)...so have a delightful afternoon and invite the cheshire cat to your tea party, for you both will enjoy this cup of tea!

"DREAM" Organic Loose Leaf Tea by Harbor Herbalist; this medicinal tea contains: Chamomile, Skullcap, Catnip, Spearmint, Peppermint, Hops, Licorice. Auh yes, I see how this tea gets its name! Hops and Skullcap are wonderful sedative herbs and therefore this would be a divine cup of tea for that "winding down time" before you rest your head on your pillow. Mmm, this tea has got taste fabulous because it has my favorite pair "delicious herbs: licorice and both mints (peppermint and spearmint)...Wow, what a well-rounded tea blend!

The Scrumptious Snowman

2011-01-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

The photo above is of the Salmon Dip Snowman I made for my sister, Andrea's, Christmas Eve party last year...this year I made two of them (one for my mother-in-law, Beverly's, Christmas and the other one for my BIG family Christmas party).

This delicious, festive, and absolutely adorable appetizer is really a crowd pleaser! Not only does everyone comment on how cute and unique the snowman hors d'oeuvre looks, but they also complement his yummy flavor! Below I have listed my "Salmon Dip Snowman" recipe that I want to share with everyone...Enjoy!

Salmon Dip Snowman

Ingredients:

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1/2 of a can of red salmon (14.75 oz. can); you can use more salmon if desired
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable cream cheese
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
5 dried cranberries, divided
2 pretzel sticks
1 small pitted ripe olives
1 small carrot
1 green onion
Assorted crackers

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the first four ingredients until blended. Shape into three balls, one 3-1/2 in., one 3 in and one 2-1/2 in. Place the 3-1/2-in. ball on an 8-in. serving plate; top with the 3-in. ball, then the small ball. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
With a knife, smooth spreadable cream cheese over each ball; spread remaining cheese around base of snowman. Arrange rosemary sprigs on snowman's head, forming a wreath. Place three dried cranberries inside wreath. Insert pretzel sticks for arms.
Cut two thin slices from olive and make two 1/8-in. circles. Place circles on head for eyes and slices on body for buttons. cut one cranberry in half widthwise; place in the center of olive buttons. Cut remaining cranberry in half lengthwise; shape one piece into a smile and place on snowman's face (discard remaining cranberry half).
Trim carrot to make a small nose; position on face. Cut top of green onion into a 1/4-in. strip; tie around neck for scarf. Serve with crackers. Yield: 14-16 servings.

Hand-Painted Decoupage Clock for our Mother!

2010-12-16T16:44:00.000-08:00

My sister, Andrea, and I made this hand-painted decoupage clock for our mother's Christmas gift...she is going to LOVE it! We took an inexpensive clock and painted it with our mother's favorite color "pink". Since we wanted to display photos of us with Andrea's baby boy Bobby (our mother's first grandchild), we figured that a lovely metallic blue was perfect! Andrea printed off some of our favorite pictures of all of us and I painted the clock and pasted everything on it (including number stickers and grandma-themed scrapbook sticker embellishments). After everything was completed a took a some glossy Mod Podge and painted over the entire outside part of the clock to make the pink very pretty and shiny!
This is the adorable picture of cute baby Bobby at the top of the clock. He is partaking in some "tummy time"...I love to join in on the fun with him!

Vintage Paper Ephemera Prints and How I Beautifully Store Them!

2010-12-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

I am now selling vintage paper ephemera prints and ads! I will be adding more to my "Eco-Friendly Freckles" shop soon! Above is a vintage Christmas Coca-Cola ad and below is one of my prints from a sixties Barbie magazine!
I purchased this lovely floral box for safely storing my vintage prints...and I love it! I got it at Ross, but I bet you can find some similar on Etsy!
When I was going through some of my vintage sixties magazines, I found a lovely image of a woman in her bathroom amongst all of her elegant perfume bottles in a vintage Better Homes and Garden's magazine...I love the colors in this image and the lady's sixties hairstyle! I love it so much that I framed it and now it is on display in my bathroom!You can find all of my vintage paper ephemera prints here in my Etsy Shop:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/ecofriendlyfreckles?section_id=7551986

Our Christmas Tree Houseplant

2010-12-11T21:53:00.000-08:00

My husband, Joe, and I didn't have a Christmas tree so my darling grandmother "Nana" Sharee got us this beautiful, living pine tree/plant that thrives indoors with partial sunlight! We can keep this botanical beauty year round, and when Christmas time rolls around we can decorate it with festive Christmas lights and ornaments! Here is a picture of our angel on the top of our tree (it has been in our family since my sister, Andrea, and I were little girls).
...Even our girl kitty, Nozomi, likes our Christmas tree/houseplant!

The Nutcracker Suite and the Sugar Plum Fairies

2010-12-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

My darling sister, Andrea, and I took a blessed baby boy Bobby (my nephew and Andrea's dearly loved son) to one of the historic and charming parts of Tulsa: Utica Square. We stopped here for lunch to meet our grandmother Sharee (Bobby's great-grandmother). Before our lunch engagement, we noticed some delightful Christmas motionettes in an adorable Nutcracker Suite themed display joyously dancing around. We just couldn't pass this up...we had to get some pictures with Bobby by this festive display: above is Momma with Bobby, and below is myself with Bobby...we love him so very much!
Ever since I was a little girl, my favorite characters from the Nutcracker Suite were the sugar plum fairies. I remember as young girls, Andrea and I went to see the ballet "The Nutcracker"; I was amazed by the beauty of the dancing sugar plum fairies. Let's take a moment to enjoy the warmth and comfort of our cozy atmosphere away from the cold winter air and admire the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairies...here are my favorite picks that I found on Etsy. ;-)

"The Sugar Plum Fairy Gift Tags" by Mulberry Muse

"Sugar Plum - Pink Tulle Clip" by Which Goose

"Sugar Plum Fairy Tutu" by Little Dreamers Inc

"The Nutcracker Party Crown" by Glam Hatter

Celebrating My 300 Blog Follower Milestone!

2010-12-06T18:26:00.000-08:00

The elegant image above is a "Vintage Print on an Antique Book Page 8.5 x 12.5 Champagne Toast" by Glass Lion Studio.

Woo hoo! I have reached another blogging milestone: 300 blog followers! In celebration of this grand achievement, let's have a toast of one of my favorite bubblies...that is actually very healthy for you!

Kombucha! Fermented, bubbly, healthy, and delicious...so spectacular it should be served in a champagne flute! I am now selling organic kombucha scobies with starter tea in my Etsy shop Eco-Friendly Freckles...these baby scobies come from my homebrewed-with-love batch of kombucha!

Vintage Cigar Boxes: Fun and Decorative Storage!

2010-12-05T20:16:00.000-08:00

Need a place to store those loose odds and ends?! How about a classy, cool vintage cigar box?!
Cigar boxes are the perfect size for storing pens/pencils, matches, jewelry, etc. I am currently using two cigar boxes in my house; one for storing incense resins (pictured above) and the other for storing my husband's guitar accessories and harmonicas (pictured below). The vintage Muriel cigar box I have pictured above had some damage on the inside of the box so I covered it up nicely by draping a piece of black satin over the bottom.
Cigar boxes are also a unique and fun way to display hors d'oeuvres; great for a cocktail party...and even better for a Moulin Rouge themed party! Just place a piece of wax paper on the inside of the cigar box and you are good to go!Here is a swanky vintage cigar box that I have listed in my Etsy shop...

Vintage Bering Imperials Cigar Box

It's Read a New Book Month! My Pick: Organizing from the Inside Out

2010-12-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

December is Read-A-New-Book Month! To celebrate this occasion, I would love to share with you all a book that I just can't put down..."Organizing from the Inside Out" by Julie Morgenstern. This book not only motivates me to organize my home and office but it also helps me take a look at my own personality, traits, and desires so I can figure out the most effective and personally pleasing way for me to organize my space and for me to want and enjoy keeping it that way! I encourage you all to purchase or check out this book at your local library so you can finally feel comfortable in your own space and instantly find what you are looking for with ease!

Hey there all of you crafty ladies and Etsy shop owners...I am talking to you! You all have got to check out this awesome book! ;-) Improving your organization skills may assist you in the success of your Etsy shop business as well as give you a more stress-free lifestyle...don't we all want that!

One of the organizing tips in this book that totally makes since to me it to use storage containers that fit your style, interest you, and make you smile...doing this will make organizing fun you and therefore easier to maintain. Here are some beautiful storage organizers that I found on Etsy that just might get some wheels turning in your head; but remember READ THIS BOOK before you start diving in so you will not make organizing mistakes that will take you off track...or you will end up back where you are now!

"Antique and Vintage Farm or Tool Crate - Wood Shelf" by Honey's Treasures

"Primitive Shelf, Coat Rack, Double Vase in Shabby Green - Home Organizer, Hat Rack, Coat Hooks, Key Holder" by TR Woodworks

"Antique Wood Magazine Rack" by Kizzyrayan123

"Vintage Coca-Cola Crate" by Riff Raff Review

"Hat Boxes - Stack of Four (4 boxes) Elegant Textured Leopard Pattern Miniature Millinery" by Petit Chapelier Emporium

...and lastly one of my own creations! A hand-painted upcycled decoupage canister makes a wonderful storage tin for your pens/pencils/paintbrushes, buttons/scissors/sewing supplies, spools of ribbons and lace, kitchen utensils, candle sticks, and many more uses...just use your organizing imagination!
"Paulie's Confession - Hand-Painted Upcycled Decoupage Decor Canister" by Eco-Friendly Freckles

Baby Bobby's First Christmas Ornament!

2010-11-30T10:29:00.000-08:00

What a wonderfully fun-filled time we had on Sunday afternoon at my sweet sister, Andrea's, house. Nana Sharee, Andrea, and I put up and decorated Andrea's, her husband Robert's, and adorable baby Bobby's Christmas tree! This will be Bobby's FIRST Christmas!!! We want to make it extra special too!

Great-Grandma "Nana" Sharee gave Bobby his first Christmas ornament: a cute glass monkey on a rubber ducky. Do you know a little one who will be celebrating his or her first Christmas this year?! If so, you should consider getting them a special Christmas ornament for this memorable holiday...here are my favorite picks on Etsy listed below:
"Large Personalized Handpainted Baby's First Christmas/Boy" by Citygirl Countryboy

"Personalized Ornament Baby's First Christmas Carriage" by Just Wright Boutique

"Baby in the Moon Baby Girl First Christmas Keepsake Ornament - Handpainted, Personalized, Original Design" by Barbzies Custom Arts

"Baby First Christmas Ornament - Zoo Animals with Red Liner" by Paper Tiger N' Stitches

"Baby's First Christmas Ornament" by Mind the Gap

"Baby Girls First Christmas Ornament" by Simply Baitser