My First Treasury

As you all know, I am a novice trying to find my way. Today was another first - I created my first treasury on ETSY. While that may not seem significant to those who do treasuries regularly, it is significant to me. I chose to focus on the obvious holiday theme and the title of my treasury is "Straight from the pumpkin patch". As you can guess, each piece is related to the pumpkin theme. This was a fun and educational exercise for me and I am glad that I did it. I visited many ETSY shops and made some great connections. Please visit my treasury to see some of the PUMPKIN selections that I have made.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=73173

I am sure that you will find something to fit your halloween needs!!

Exciting Week

It has been an exciting week for me! I am a member of the Etsy Beadweaving Team http://etsy-beadweaving.blogspot.com/ and we are at the final stages of the voting for our October challenge. This is the first challenge that I have been a part of, and it has been fun watching the votes roll in. I am proud to say that I have received some votes in the challenge and am thankful for all who have participated. I am grateful for all of the EBW team members and their support. It has been a valuable learning experience.

This week was also the first time that I have been featured in a Treasury on ETSY. I was so excited that another artist noticed my work and felt that it was worthy of recognition. It can be viewed at http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=87713.

Finally, I listed a new bracelet in my ETSY store this week. It is an expression of autumn in Michigan. I loved creating it and hope that you enjoy the result.

Featured Favorite

I have been browsing the lovely pieces designed and handmade by the many artisans on ETSY and decided that I would love to feature a new peice each week as my "Featured Favorite". This week I have chosen the "Hope and Awareness Necklace" designed and crafted by SpringColors for the etteam breast cancer awareness project. I found this piece stunning, and as an added bonus it was designed for a good cause. Here is what the artist had to say about the piece:

"The heart of this unique one of a kind beaded necklace is pink Swarovski crystal rivoli. Decorated with a pink crystal tear drop. The beaded base of the necklace is embellished with many Swarovski crystals and Swarovski pearls in various shades of pink and clear crystal. However, this beaded jewelry is more than an awareness to a good cause. This necklace is simply drop dead gorgeous with truly dazzling effect. Whether you wear it to work or to an evening event, this necklace will make you the center of attention anywhere you go. The brightness of the exquisite Swarovski crystals will light your face and neck.As all of my jewelry, this necklace is delicate, elegant and outstanding, assuring you in the main center of attention anywhere you go. A gift full of beauty and meaning. October is the breast cancer awareness month. The Etsy Treasury Team is having a fund raiser to help find a cure for Breast Cancer. The proceeds from this sale will be donated to Holistic Center for Cancer Patients providing relief for patients and their families." (SpringColors).

For more views of this stunner visit http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32329405. While you are there, browse other pieces by this talented artist. Please stop by every Saturday to see the latest "Featured Favorite".

A Little About Me

I guess this is a good time to tell you all who I am. My name is Mary Rabakon and I am the mother of two children (2 legged) and two others (4 legged). I love my family and am especially attached to my dachsunds Ellie and Maggie. They are my comfort. I have moved from craft to craft my entire life and about a year ago I discovered beading. I did not understand what I was looking for or why I was looking until I started beadweaving. Beadweaving gives me the outlet that I need to remove myself from the rat race that is life. Professionally I am the controller and treasurer of a manufacturing company, so you can probably understand my desire to remove myself from that role and escape into another. Beadweaving gives me that escape.

I am really new to my craft, so I am exploring many different styles and avenues of marketing. I am currently selling on ETSY https://marytdesigns.etsy.com/ . Stop by and take a look. I also am a member of the Etsy Beadweaving Team (http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com/). The team is currently in the midst of its monthly challenge and your vote for your favorite piece would be terrific. The collage above depicts the entries for the challenge. I can't decide which I like the best. I select one, then another jumps out at me. What to do?? Anyway, the voting begins on October 9 and ends October 15. It woud be great if you would browse the pieces on our blog at the aforementioned site and place your vote in the appropriate time period. Our talented members have created these pieces for your pleasure and would appreciate your vote of approval. In all cases, you will not be disappointed!!

My First Blogging Experience

Hello! This is my first blog entry. I am new to this experience and am trying to feel my way through. Honestly, I am scared to death that I will screw up, so please be patient with this newbie.