Where The Grass is Greener

 Visit Renee's lovely Etsy Shops http://www.etsy.com/shop/WheretheGrassisGreen and http://www.etsy.com/shop/Countrytagsale where you are sure to find charming one-of-a-kind gifts.

Find vintage items that were altered or embellished to create an elegant country cottage chic look.

By Renee Houston Zemanski

I am a writer and an artist (I’ve waited a long time to add that artist title, but I feel that I have finally earned it). I am passionate about creating one-of-a-kind art, antiquing, writing, photography and my family. My little Etsy shop, “Where the Grass is Greener,” is where I sell my art. I take ordinary objects, purchased at antique stores, flea markets and tag sales to create unique works of art for people’s homes. I also have an Etsy vintage shop called “Country Tag Sale.” That’s where I sell the vintage findings that I can’t bear to take apart and repurpose.

I love the thrill of the hunt for old things that can be recycled or upcycled. Basically, I see potential in other people's junk. The best part of finding vintage items is researching the history behind each item; I learn something every day and I love to share those stories when I can.

I began my business refurbishing and hand-painting furniture when I had a large studio to work in and store things. I recently lost my studio space, so now I’m concentrating on much smaller works of art (much easier to ship, too). While I have an office for writing, the back of my (very long) closet/laundry room serves as my little art studio – this tends to spread out to the rest of the house, though. The absolute best part of working on my own is the flexibility it allows me so I can spend time with my kids when they need me.

I’ve always been creative (or at least that’s what my friends and family tell me). My dad is very handy and my mom and sister are both artistic – my sis has a jewelry shop on Etsy, staciejewelry.

I have two Etsy stores, a blog and a website for my furniture (furniture that I am trying to sell so I can park my car this winter). Stop by my blog and say “hello.”

Blog at: http://wherethegrassisgreener-rz.blogspot.com/

Website: http://web.me.com/rzemanski/Where_The_Grass_is_Greener/Welcome.html


Etsy shops:
Where The Grass is Greener: http://www.etsy.com/shop/wherethegrassisgreen
Country Tag Sale: http://www.etsy.com/shop/countrytagsale

Stitching New Beginnings from the Past

Enjoy a visit to Kim's wonderful Etsy shop http://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedlesAndKims

 where you are sure to find something you love. In today's feature Kim shares "since I was old enough to sew on a button, I’ve always dabbled in some kind of needle arts—crewel embroidery, cross stitch, sewing for the home, smocking, piecing quilts, needle felting or knitting. I’ve been working exclusively with felted wool for the past year." Enjoy reading about Kim's lovely Etsy shop and having a peek into her creative space.

by Needles and Kims

My name is Kim and I live in Louisville, Kentucky with my husband. Although Kentucky is my home state, my husband, my three sons and I have lived in many states over the years, coming back to Kentucky thirteen years ago. It was so good to finally come home!

My purses and home accessories are created from repurposed wool sweaters that I first felt in hot water in the washing machine. I embellish my items with vintage buttons, yarn, fibers, beads, repurposed and vintage jewelry—just about anything that jumps out and wants to be used! I especially like to reuse things that have already served another purpose. I also use every part of each sweater that I can. I come from generations of women who didn’t waste a thing, so naturally my thinking is similar. I use the biggest pieces for purses or larger bags, smaller pieces for baskets and other small items. Even the little scraps get used for making dryer balls. My creations are all one of a kind. I don’t use patterns, I just let the amount and shape of the wool determine how a bag or other item will be constructed.

Since I was old enough to sew on a button, I’ve always dabbled in some kind of needle arts—crewel embroidery, cross stitch, sewing for the home, smocking, piecing quilts, needle felting and knitting. My husband bought my current Bernina sewing machine for me in 1983 after our second son was born. I wanted a sturdy, dependable machine that was capable of mending boys’ jeans and also up to other heavy duty tasks. It continues to serve me well in stitching together several thickness of felt, handles or trims. I started working almost exclusively with felted wool in January 2009 and opened my Etsy shop in October 2009. My shop motto is “Stitching New Beginnings from the Past”.

I love nature and the outdoors, and spend a lot of time gardening and walking. I’m continually inspired by movement, shapes, shadows, light, and the juxtaposition of objects. Many of these inspirations come from nature. However, I can even be sitting in traffic, just looking around and come up with a new design from the interplay between objects.

Eco-friendly,Upcycled,Recycled,Reclaimed & Repurposed

Using her background in Interior Design, Eco-Lectic Events has developed a love for sustainable and minimal environmental-impact ideas. Her shop is a completely eco-friendly event store. She features sustainable and green centerpiece designs, eco-friendly wedding favors and accessories and edible (even plantable) event items. Enjoy a visit to her amazing Etsy shop http://www.divinelionesss.etsy.com/ .

by Eco-Lectic Events

I have been an artist my entire life and started jewelry making and crafting about fifteen years ago. My shop is a culmination of my creativity, eclecticity, education, and ideals. As a result of my educational background in interior design, I also have had the wonderful experience of applying my design knowledge to all facets of event planning.

In the past year I have coordinated two family events - my brother's Bar Mitzvah and my own wedding. What I have brought to Etsy is a unique approach to event decor based on sustainable design ideals. All of my items are eco-friendly, upcycled, recycled, reclaimed, or repurposed and fully customizable. I hope to continue to expand my shop to include creative, original, and earth-friendly items for every event's needs. So much waste is unnecessarily produced in today's events. An event can be created using beautiful items that not only don't harm the environment, but even give back to it.

I create all of my art in my home. I do have an art room, however, I tend to work wherever there is a flat surface (the dining room table, breakfast bar, coffee table, bar top, etc.) I'm a virgo so organization is my middle name. Since I work on many different types of projects (paintings, jewelry, arrangements, etc.), I like to use systems with small compartments, either on wheels or with removable drawers. This way I keep all of my project materials separate from one another.

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Eco-Lectic-Events/112562453595?ref=mf

My Blog:

http://ecolecticevents.blogspot.com/