Saturday, November 8, 2008

Sweet Pumpkin Body Scrub

Just in time for Thanksgiving! Pumpkin is not only delicious, but is so very good for your skin as well. Pumpkin is an excellent source of beta carotene and it also contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals with strong antioxidant protection.



Exfoliation softens the skin and prepares it for the moisturizer or other product you wish to use. This body scrub will gently exfoliate and revitalize your skin by removing dead skin cells, excess oils, and any residues of dirt and pollution from your skin to make it soft and healthy.

You'll need:

* 1 cup pureed pumpkin (fresh or canned)
* 2 1/2 cups organic cane sugar (regular sugar will do, too)
* 1 tsp olive oil (for extra moisturizing)

Combine sugar with the pumpkin puree in a bowl and mix well. Add olive oil and continue to mix. - You can add more sugar for a grainier scrub if you prefer.


Take a shower, make sure your skin is moist. Apply the scrub in circular motion. Rinse off when done.

This mixture won't be shelf-stable so use within a couple of days or store in the refrigerator for up to a week in a closed container.

A few things to keep in mind when using any type of body exfoliant:

1. Exfoliation works better when done on a regular basis. Once a week at a minimum. Gentle exfoliation can be done several times a week.
2. Use gentle circular motions .
3. Don't use ingredients that you are allergic to. If in doubt do a patch test.
4. Exfoliate at night and give your skin a chance to replenish.
5. Do not use on irritated, inflamed or broken skin.

Have fun, experiment and let those young new skin cells shine through!
Post submitted by Spa Therapy Works

Friday, November 7, 2008

Friday Finds - 2D 3D

Being a designer of both 2D print graphics and 3D built environments, I have a special place in my heart for paper engineering and can appreciate and welcome any opportunity to defy it’s natural flat state. These Etsyians have really taken paper above and beyond just a vehicle for a shopping list.



I love that cottonbirddesigns uses bits and pieces of cherished memories and experiences to create precious little birds.



Our own jenygwen creates such beautiful graphic patterns by stitching on her sewing machine.



AnnReneeLighter’s Star Book/Old Glory is really a wonderful example of thinking outside the box making this book a true sculpture.



The detail and construction of Bee Miniature Paper Sculpture by elsita is truly unbelievable



And what would a view into paper sculpture be without origami like these stars from Clairigami.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Handmade Arcade, This Weekend!

A bunch of BEST members will be heading north to Pittsburgh this weekend for Handmade Arcade. If you are in the area, please stop by!

Life-Sized and Miniature

Life-Sized

Gary Kachadourian
Life-Sized Prints and Assorted Drawing Projects
Through December 5, 2008 at Gormley Gallery


Entering Gormley Gallery these days is jarring if you're not paying attention. And when my eyes are usually fixed upon a two year old, I'm definitely not paying attention to my surroundings. I rely on memory and habits as I make my way through. And even though I've been in the space hundreds of times, I am startled as I open the door from the stairwell. Whaaat? The gallery walls aren't cinder block. Drawings exceed the confines of the walls, moving onto the ceiling, into the space above. This is really spectacular.


Miniature

Jennifer Strunge
Eyepiece
From November 6 through December 20. The opening reception is tonight, November 6th from 6PM-8PM at Minstallation Gallery



You know Jen's Cotton Monsters, now check out her latest work tonight at the Minstallation Gallery at the Creative Alliance!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Etsy Team Shoutout - Etsy Vintage

I am excited to begin a new feature here where we highlight another Etsy Team who is doing cool things. For those who are not that familiar, the Etsy Teams are groups of organized Etsy members, like B.E.S.T., who network, share skills, and promote their shops and Etsy together and there seem to be great new ones starting every day! One team that I like to keep my eye on is the Etsy Vintage Street Team. Their blog is an excellent resource to learn more about this team .They do a great job at keeping the blog updated regularly and with some of the great objects their members have in shop. The site features a helpful member directory to easily see a sampling of items from each shop. They are a great source for tracking down vintage supplies, clothes and even toys. Here are three cool things I found, click on the image to visit the listing.



If you find something cool from this team, please post it in a comment!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

The Craft of Politics Exhibition Opens Friday

Curated by Elizabeth Crisman, this exhibition features artists who work with traditional craft materials to create works of social commentary. Artists include Xiang Yang, Jennifer Drinkwater, Jennifer Marsh, Hillary Doyle and B.E.S.T.'s own Megan Van Wagoner.


Stolen Wealth cast bronze, tea bags, cotton fabric

Opening reception and artists talks are this Friday night, November 7, from 7–9 pm. The exhibition is on view at the Montpelier Art Center in Laurel, MD through November 30. For more information and directions visit the Montpelier Arts Center website.

Post written by VWStudios

VOTE!



Get out there!

McCain by finalscore. Obama by rjeanmarie.

Monday, November 3, 2008

Favorite Seller: Shere Design

Is there anything sweeter than a little bird? Not for me... I'm a bird watcher. So, imagine my pleasant surprise when I was first looking for wedding bands and stumbled across the beautiful birdy jewelry from Shere Design, of Nottingham, UK.

Each piece is so whimsical & happy; so delicately detailed & each little bird seems to have its very own spirit. I still haven't decided on a single piece (luckily, that's what Etsy Favorites are for... I've got a nice little wish list going on!), but I'm loving this brooch and can't imagine anything I'd rather have on my lapel than a sweet bird in a happy tree.

As for rings, the balancing bird ring may have stolen my heart-- i love the outstretched wings and the clean lines of the silhouette. Here's my hand... perch away, dear birds, perch away.

Saturday, November 1, 2008

The Day of the Dead

The Day of the Dead
For more information, click on the image.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and by people of Mexican heritage (and others) living in the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and relatives who have died. The celebration occurs on the 1st and 2nd of November, in connection with the Catholic holy days of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day which take place on those days. Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as gifts.

Text via wikipedia.

Fun Day of the Dead crafts here.