Featured Shop
My Distinct Designs



Visit My Distinct Designs http://www.etsy.com/shop/MyDistinctDesigns for fabulous handmade silver jewelry.

I make jewelry that I love. Even if it means making it and remaking it until I get it like I want it. I enjoy working with sterling silver the most. I sometimes use other materials but the majority of my pieces are all sterling silver.

I have a spare bedroom that I have turned into my studio / work room. I would like to say that I am very organized but my picture gives me away. I called it organized chaos. Amazingly I know exactly where everything is.



I do not have a favorite quote but what I will say is this. I take pride in my work. I always strive exceed my customers expectations!

Arthouse 525

Featured Shop
Arthouse 525

Enjoy a visit to Arthouse 525 http://www.etsy.com/shop/Arthouse525 where you will discover fabulous one of a kind hand crafted items, art prints and original paintings.

I have been creating for most of my life. Drawing, painting, making things: I love it all. Right now, I am focused on unique, one of a kind jewelry and fiber art. Next week, it may be back to painting.

 I have areas set up all over the house where I can just start on whatever craft suits my mood. Luckily, my husband is an artist too, so he fully understands the need for multiple work stations. He likes the idea that our whole house is one big art studio. In fact, I overheard a conversation with his brother where he stated that we live in an "art house". So, that is where I got the name for my ETSY shop.: Arthouse525. "525" being our house number. The only room in the house that does not have art supplies in it is the master bedroom. I like to keep that room spotless and serene at all times.

The wall of art supplies in the photo of me was made by using scrap wood and ammo boxes. Here is a better photo of that. I have a how-to at this link on my blog- sandramccall.blog.com/2012/07/25/up-cycled-ammo-boxes/


My best studio tip for organization is to keep like items with like items and use labels on your storage bins. It saves time looking for supplies. Another good studio tip is to clean paintbrushes and knives that have dried acrylic paint on them with alcohol. Just submerge the bristles in a dish of rubbing alcohol, Leave for minutes, hours or days depending on how dirty the brush is. Even old, cruddy brushes come clean after a day or two.


My favorite quote- well, one of them anyway- is "In order to make your dreams come true, you first have to wake up!" That quote has been attributed to so many people that I honestly don't know who first said it. But it is so true!




my blog - www.sandramccall.blog.com
my store - www.etsy.com/shop/Arthouse525
my fun stuff - www.pinterest.com/sandramccall
Facebook - www.facebook.com/SandraMcCall525
my photos - www.flickr.com/photos/sandramccall/

New Year & New Look

Hello Everyone!
Happy 2011

As you may have noticed, our Etsy Studios Blog has a brand new look. It is a pleasure to share all of the wonderful creative spaces, places and handcrafted art of the many talented Etsy artists and I am happy to continue to provide these features. I am always amazed at all of the wonderful people I meet through this blog. Enjoy reading about their personal stories and getting a glimpse into their creative lives.

In addition to my regular Etsy features, I will also now have special studio space tips and tricks. Look for Giveaways that you can win, just by reading and becoming a follower of the blog.
Lots of treats!

Best wishes for a very happy and healthy 2011.
May all of your wishes come true!

Surround yourself with your favourite things in your studio space. A favourite candle, some favourite art or piece of home decor or maybe even your softest and most cuddly blanket to keep you warm while you work.Your creative space is a special place that should make you feel happy and take the stresses of the day away.

What are some of your favoutite things in your space?

Gift Designs is owned by Rebecca, a mother of 3 who lives in tropical North Queensland, Australia.
Enjoy a visit to Rebecca's beautiful Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/giftdesigns where you will find gorgeous jewellery, bookmarks and scrapbooking gifts!

by Gift Designs
"I currently work full time and enjoy creating gorgeous gifts to share on the weekends or whenever else time permits. I find I can easily lose myself in a pile of beads for hours on end, but on the plus side it is an interest that I can share with my two girls who really enjoy getting in and creating along side me.

I can't really remember how I came about making jewellery, it was something I casually stumbled upon but fell in love with once I did. I really love that people buy the items I make and get a lot of enjoyment from the fact that people all over the world have a piece of my jewellery!

I don't really have an organised, set plan or style for the making of my jewellery, for me it is mostly created on the spot and inspired usually by a colour theme.

I also enjoy making treasuries and featuring Etsy sellers on my blog http://www.allthingsgifts.blogspot.com/

Thanks Rebecca!