Friday, May 30, 2008

Friday Feature No. 15 -- Featuring Across The Pond

Happy Friday! It's been kind of a long week, as we have been adjusting to having an 18 month old around. We are still going to bed at our normal time, but I think that's going to change soon! I've just been wiped out during the day! My hubby is the best hubby in the world though, because he has been taking care of things like doing dishes when they start to pile up on our little tiny counter. I'm so blessed, because he already does SO much for me! He took the little guy with him, when he took our 14 year old to his jujitsu class on Tuesday. He knew I needed a break. Isn't he wonderful??? We've been buying a lot of meals "out" lately too. Like fried chicken and potato wedges from the grocery store deli. Or Papa Murphy's pizza. I'm trying to get better about getting a "real" meal on the table, and I actually did it today! I made teryiaki chicken thighs, steamed rice, and cumin roasted broccoli. And we actually sat down to the table together as a family (sans the little guy of course) and ate together. Amazing, I know!

Ok, so we have a winner for our giveaway from Threaded Nest: blueviolet. Congratulations! Andrea, thank you so much for being a featured guest, and for doing such a great giveaway!

Today's feature is going to look a little familiar. Hubby said he likes the big individual pictures, instead of the EtsyMini, so I'm going to try going back to that. It's a little more time-consuming, but we're going to see how it works. Let me know what YOU think, will ya?

We are featuring Casey from Across The Pond. Casey isn't literally from "across the pond", but her husband is, and she has a passion for London. Here is my interview with her:

TDB: How and when did you get started crafting?
Casey: My mom has always made things, and I picked the crafting bug up from her at a young age. I've tried my hand at just about every craft there is over the course of my life so far! I've been really into photography since high school, scrapbooking since my daughter's birth 8 years ago, and jewelry for about a year.

TDB: I see from your profile that you are a teacher. What do you teach?
Casey: I am an elementary school teacher and I taught 4th grade for seven years. My son was born last August and I am staying home with him right now, but I am teaching writing classes for kids and tutoring privately on the side.

TDB: What started your passion for London?
Casey: I spent half my sophomore year of college in London for a study abroad program. I met a lovely English gentleman in a train station shortly after my arrival. We were inseparable from the very beginning. Right before I left London to come back to the States, he asked me to marry him. Eight months later, he moved here and we tied the knot. We've been married ten years now and we have two beautiful children, and we go to London to visit his family often. It's like a home away from home for me, and so many wonderful things got started there, so I wanted acknowledge that with my newest endeavor at Etsy!

TDB: Do you sell anywhere other than Etsy?
Casey: Not at the moment, but I'd love to start doing craft shows in the near future.

TDB: If you could learn something new, what would it be?
Casey: Although my husband is from London, he also comes from Turkish heritage. It is a beautiful culture, and I would love to learn to speak the language. I attempted in the past and let it fall to the wayside. Maybe I'll try again soon!

TDB: Who or what is your inspiration in crafting or in life?
Casey: I get a lot of my inspiration from other artists! Seeing the wonderful things people create awakens my own creativity. I'm also inspired by the materials I'm working with. I just love gorgeous paper, fabric, ribbon, beads...it's almost like an addiction. I love planning my creations through and seeing it all come together.

TDB: What is your all-time favorite movie?
Casey: Hmmm...I'm not much of a movie buff. I'll have to go with Forrest Gump. :-)
****************************************************************
Casey is giving away this fun Aralie Gardens Carved Rose Ring (Retail value=$13), in the winner's choice of color.
To enter: Simply visit Casey's shop, and come back here and comment about your favorite item in her shop. One entry per person please. This giveaway is open worldwide. Please make sure we have a valid email address or other way to get ahold of you. Deadline for entry is Thursday, June 5th at Midnight PST.

PS...If you are interested in being featured in a Friday Features or Tots on Tuesdays segment, or you know someone who SHOULD be featured, please email me and let me know!

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

This ring is just fabulous. I completely love it! She has really neat jewelry!Shimmer - Coin Pearl and Sterling Silver Ring

doot65[at]comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

My favorite is the Harbor Scene Pendant, it's just so unique and cute. =D
hollyollyberry@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

my fav is the shell ring-very cool!

Bunny B said...

Oooo... I love the Better Than Diamonds ring :) Thanks for the chance!

bunnybox9 at gmail . com

Unknown said...

That ring is beautiful, I also love the same in red
Red Rose Jade and Sterling Silver Ring

Laura said...

The garden rose, and red rose jade are my favorite! Too cute. laurachilton {at} hotmail {dot} com

Bebemiqui said...

I like the Garden Party pendant.
Great giveaway! Count me in. bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com

katylinvw said...

wow! what beautiful jewelery! her whole store is neat, but i think my favorites are the wooden lockets and the mini family book :)

katylinvw said...

oh and my e-mail address is katylinvw at yahoo dot com :) sorry!

Kristi Price said...

My favorite is the Red Rose Jade and Sterling Silver Ring but I can honestly say that every piece is awesome! Great job Casey! You know, since I have been visiting different etsy stores, I have seen some of the most beautiful and unique jewelry unlike what you see in regular walk in stores that are all the same type of stuff. I am really glad that you all sponsor contests because now when I get some extra money I know just the things I want to buy. Have a nice day!

Anonymous said...

My favorite from her beautiful shop is the Garden Party Pendant.

samsakara@twcny.rr.com

Andrea @ Momma in Flip Flops2 said...

I love the collections -I couldn't decide between the Cirus and the Red Rose Jade ring! Please enter me to win.

asummers04 (At) gmail (dot) com

windycindy said...

Fantastic Feature Artist! I love her work. Her mini family album, jewelry and decor items are all wonderful!
The roughed up, faded antique looking
"Stagecoach" stars are one of my most favorite items from her shop. Please enter me in your delightful drawing.
Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

misty said...

I love the shell ring, and the better than diamonds ring. Thanks so much for the opportunity.

mistchlo[at]hughes[dot]net

Oh Mandie said...

Oh her stars are fabulous! I love the Stagecoach ones!!

Wonderful featuere!!

-Amanda
thisoldhenhouse.etsy.com
tigerlillyz22501@aol.com

Kat Bryan said...

Very nice pretties! I especially like the Better Than Diamonds rings and the paper stars.

SpinachNPeace said...

I LOVE the oceanic ring. I'm a native Floridian displaced in New York City so the ring speaks to me:)

SpinachNPeace said...

btw...you can reach me at http://spinachnpeace.etsy.com/ or http://spinachnpeace.blogspot.com

NIKKI said...

I love the wooden locket.