For the Love of...Branches! Artful Friday Finds

I remember on summer days running around in the park. The smell of fresh grass, the sun shining bright, and collapsing out of breath for a break under a tree and looking up at the sky.. and oh the branches! I loved to stare up at them so intricately intertwined and creating mesmerizing patterns, and full of life, daydreaming away.

Today's Artful Friday Finds are dedicated to the amazing artists I've discovered on Etsy who have expressed their artistic voice with elements of branches. Each piece is so unique and breathtaking, resonating strong emotions ~ which one speaks to you?

"Cedar Dance I"

watercolor by Helen Klebesadel

"

Hair"

Photograph Fine Art Metallic Print by studiocvh

"hope among the branches"

fiber art by Annie Allen

"Entwined Trees"

two color linocut by Natalia Moroz

"Surrounded by Secrets"

watercolor by Chris Sutherland

"Swayed View"

original acrylic painting by David Young

"hard to impress"

fine art photograph Shannonpix

"Letting Go - Blue"

watercolor by Kim Bade

"My Beloved"

acrylic painting by Jodi Leigh

"Into Fall"

watercolor by Skranz

"Nocturne"

watercolor painting by CynART

"In a Pine Forest"

abstract fine art print by Mandy Budan

Elusive Treasury making - revealed

So a little birdy told me that you wanted to learn how to create a Treasury on Etsy. I have to admit, of all the new things to learn as an Etsy seller, this feat has proven to be the most complicated, but nowadays, it's a breeze. Thanks to my amazing CCCOE team support, now it's a piece of cake. Creating treasuries is a great way to make friends, expand your network, promote fellow artists, groom your curating/editing skills, and you just never know when a grateful fellow Etisan might toss a cross-promotion your way in the future.

1. Dont be Late for your Date

Check the Treasury Clock to see the next time the Treasuries will open up. Treasury West opens when there are less than 222 lists, and the Big Treasury opens at less than 333.

2. Let your creative genius run free

Create your Poster Sketch. You don't have to save it either - it will save on it's own. I recommend having 2 browsers open while you are searching for your favorite items - one with your poster sketch and the other on Etsy to search items. Copy and paste the listing # to your poster sketch. Move them around until you are happy with your selections. The 4 slots on the right are "alternates". They are there because if your Treasury makes the front page, and one of the items sells, an alternate will take it's place.

3. The early bird gets the worm

Whenever the next time pops up, open up the Big Treasury page or Treasury West page (depending which is opening up at that time). Actually I suggest checking in 20 min. prior because sometimes people with existing lists start deleting them and the box opens up sooner and you miss your chance.

4. Stalk like a Tiger

So you have figured out the opening time, have your poster sketch ready, the Treasury is about to open in 20 min. and now you wait. and wait. and wait. Do NOT refresh your browser - just be patient. You can organize the lists by clicking on "expiration" at the top. You will see how many minutes and just watch them wind down. 336, 335, 334, 333... here it comes!!

5. Pounce!

Once the list drops to 332 (for the Big T), if you are lucky, a little white box will pop up at the bottom of the page. Quickly write in your title of your Treasury and click "OK create". Woohooo! Your Treasury list has been snagged! It's time to copy and paste from your poster sketch to your new empty T template (again I recommend having 2 separate browser windows open for this). Now, the little white box does not always open up, especially if there are too many people stalking at the same time. So if you miss it, don't worry - just try again the next time the clock says it will open up again. Treasuries only last a few days so there are plenty of opportunities to get one :)

In fact, I just created one this morning with a mystery/magical forest secrets theme - check it out HERE!

6. Alert the Media!

Well, err.. at least the artists you have featured. You don't have to, but I always like to try to send a little convo with the Treasury link to the Etsy sellers I have featured so they can enjoy checking it out and spread the word. You can also check to see if your shop has been featured by checking the Treasury Hunt - just write in your store name.

7. Make it HOT

The more people that click on your treasury and leave comments, the "hotter" it becomes. The hotter it becomes, the more visible it is to the Etsy admin teams and just MIGHT get picked to be featured on the coveted FRONT PAGE! So spread the word, click on ALL 12 images and encourage others to leave comments. I have had a few front page experiences so far and it's amazing how much wonderful exposure it gives your shop! To see the FPs Muse has been lucky enough to be featured in, click HERE. I think I had over 200 views on a front page treasury once - thrilling!

8. What goes around, comes around

I strongly believe that by sending out positive energy, celebrating and promoting other Etsy seller's shops only comes back three fold to you. Whether it is making new friends, just expanding your network, or even translating all the exposure into sales (yey!), it's all good. So go on, make your Treasuries - send out the love, and feel it come right back :)

Dreamy Florals - Friday Fashion Finds

NY Fashion week is over *whew* and all the reports on the Fall 2010 collections are in! I have to say, wading through all the fun trends were difficult (graffiti, hot pink tights, all black, "non" minimalism, etc..) however I have to say my favorite look was definitely the ephemeral, floral pieces here and there. So beautiful and romantic, and can easily be worn right now for Spring.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Runway shows:

Rodarte

I love how Rodarte's collection feels like Ghost Girls walking through a floral shadow dream. Click here to see the entire show.

Diane Von Furstenberg

Bold, yet pretty - DVF mixes feminine and masculine with the hot bright floral prints and blacks. Click hereto see the entire show.

Reem Acra

Possibly my favorite this season - LOVE these ephemeral, brocade like florals! Click here to see the entire show.

I was so happy to see that one of my newest Spring scarves, "Garden Floral Dream" echoes this mood perfectly. It's the perfect accent to add this ephemeral and elegant feeling for both your Spring AND Fall wardrobe. And speaking of putting together gorgeous outfits, here are today's lovely, floral unique treasures from Etsy.

Dreamy Florals

Here is a wonderful Spring outfit which can work for just about any occasion. Let's start with this nutmeg, silk tank(5) and snuggly cinnamon brown cardigan(1). Pair with this flirty gray tweedy skirt(4), your favorite tights, and these HOT to trot, snakeskin heels(7), and you already have a great outfit going. Slide on this wood, ultra sexy, rose ring(3), and toss on this beautiful scarf to tie in the gray, brown, coral, and reds. These brass, brocade cutout earrings(6) and antique tapestry floral vintage necklace(8) add an extra feminine charm to the whole look.

Ready to smell the roses?

For the Love of... Cosmic Paintings! Artful Friday Finds

On the eve of this Valentine's Day weekend, I am taking a break from our usual Friday Fashion Finds to introduce a new type of Friday list. Welcome to the first posting of "Artful Friday Finds" which will mainly focus on fine art. So keep checking in to the Muse Blog as every Friday will have either delightful fashion OR art finds to kick off your weekend!

Cosmic Paintings

Is there anything more mysterious or alluring as the starry skies above? These pieces below just take my breath away with their unique depictions of the celestial masterpieces the universe creates. Each artist has their own hand and unique way of expressing this glorious subject matter. While there is so much art out there, these were my all time favorites from Fine Artists on Etsy. The gorgeous plays of color, light, and movement evoke such grand emotions and lovely inspiration, that I could think of nothing more appropriate than to share them with you, with love, of course.

"The Orion Nebula"

Original Painting on Canvas by Eleanor Gilpatrick

"Sunken Treasure No.11"

Original painting by Kristan Hodge

"Solar Fire"

Original oil painting by Marina Petro

"Clouds Mountain Sunset Tree"

Original Landscape painting by Matt

"Jupiter's Moons"

Original abstract painting by Sally Trace

After the Rain - Friday Fashion Finds

The nicest part about rain is how fresh everything feels afterwards. The grass seems greener, the sky bluer, and the flowers are so darn happy, they seem to just do a little dance!

For today's inspiration, I'm so taken with this shot by the famous blogger The Sartorialist who takes incredible street shot photos in all the fashion capitals of the world.

I love this girl's outfit! To see the original posting click here. Her grey trench, layered with the lovely blue scarf and hot, sexy heels are so classic, and the layered bracelents add a little boho chic touch and she just looks so effortlessly stylish. How to get this look without dropping a small fortune? Shop on Etsy, of course :) Here are today's fantastic, and rain smelling fresh finds.

After the Rain

To get this look, just throw on a pair of your favorite jeans and plain T shirt to start. Add this yummy vintage grey trench coat(1) and cascading rains inspired silk scarf(2) to bundle up a bit. Add these sexy black heels(4) and gorgeous green glass ring(7) (just look at those beautiful details) to bring a touch of glamour. Wrap up this earthy amber "Safe Passage" bracelet(6) and sweet fawn/flora leather purse(8) to add the "going to the market" feel. As if you didn't have enough of a "spring" in your step yet, these dainty little floral earrings(3) and romantic poppy head band(5) really bring a flirty, feminine touch to the whole outfit. Viola - you're all set now to go out and enjoy the clearing clouds and really shine!