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I have a new listing in my Etsy shop for the collection of three books; they’ll be sent via USPS Media Mail. Due to postal restrictions, US buyers only, please.

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Enter the Treasury, Etsy’s hidden gem. The Treasury is a Flash-based application that allows Etsy members (site registration is free) to create their own favorites lists and share them with everyone else. Etsy calls these volunteers “curators”, a very apropos title. A quick inspection of the Treasury immediately suggests a boutique experience: each item has been hand-selected by a caring, human editor. The results are stunning: the Treasury is a visual feast. Item photographs are sumptuous and artfully arranged. The Treasury is often organized around a color or theme, so selections relate beautifully to each other. It’s a pleasure to simply browse through the Treasury listings, realizing that the true treasure lies in the discovery of gorgeous items that would otherwise have been buried in the depths of the category pages.

The finest Treasuries are selected by the editorial staff at Etsy for promotion to the site’s home page, guaranteeing precious pageviews for the selected items. Many regard appearing on the front page of Etsy to be the highest honor for a shopowner and display “I made it to the front page on Etsy!” badges next to their featured items.

The next time you’re in the mood to browse through the best of the best of the handmade world, check out the Treasury on Etsy. You may find that you’ve uncovered something truly special.

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Take advantage of this now so that you’ll have plenty of time to make these up for holiday gifts. They’re super quick and easy, so you’ll be able to stuff everyone’s stockings with time to spare.

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I haven’t had nearly enough time this week to crochet. I spent the majority of the week managing a sudden flurry of interest in my jewelry (yay!). Left Bank designs will be arriving shortly at Renegade Handmade headquarters in Chicago! I’ve been a long-time fan Renegade Handmade, both the show and the store. My earrings have now found a home at their Wicker Park boutique to be displayed alongside some of my favorite artists (APAK!). They’ll also be for sale on their website; I’ll post an update when they’re available.

Closer to home, Coupa Cosas in Palo Alto will also be carrying a selection of Left Bank designs including earrings and pins. Coupa Cosas (which means “objects of desire”) is a little treasure. It’s filled with wonderful, handmade accessories of the highest calibre. I’m thrilled to have been asked to be included in their collection.

I’m looking forward to picking up the hook again this week to put the finishing touches on a couple of seasonal designs. Check back soon!

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Thank you to everyone who took the time to check out my new shop and to enter the sweepstakes.

Check back soon for future giveaways!

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Once I’ve selected the winner, I will contact her or him via the email address provided. The winner will need to respond within 24 hours with a mailing address, or another winner will be selected. This sweepstakes follows California law; void where prohibited.

Good luck, and enjoy the long weekend!

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I’m especially proud of the “La Fleur” collection of brooches. The brooches are made from many layers of heavyweight art paper petals assembled by hand into a flower form. The vivid colors and charming patterns come together in a lovely collage of texture and shape. Each design is one of a kind.

I’m also offering the “La Bohème” collection of necklaces and earrings inspired by fairy tales, folkloric costume, the enchanted forest, the bohemian spirit and the romance of nature.

Thank you for taking a few minutes to check out my new shop! If you’d like more information about jewelry craft and upcoming collections, please follow me on Twitter as “leftbankshop“.

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The cupcake measures in at just over 3 inches tall from the bottom to the top of the cherry exclusive of the stem.

The cupcakes would make a perfect birthday present, hostess gift (especially to tuck away for holiday parties), or anytime treat for someone you love.

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