Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July from the NCTriangle team!

In honor of the holiday weekend,
below are a few patriotic items created by team members....

Patriotic Stained Glass Suncatcher with a Lucky Charm, by LynnsCrafts

God Bless the USA Windchime, by DinnerTimeChimes

American Flag Notecard Set, by orangecatart

Note: These patriotic items were submitted for this blog post
in response to our forum on Etsy.

Where We Create: AnnaKayCreations

A peak into the space where AnnaKayCreations created her lovely jewelry...

How would you describe the space in which you create?
Two words- simple and comfortable.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
The lighting is the best part, it hits right in the middle of the dinning room. Lighting is very important in the jewelry making process.

How do you keep your space organized?
I like to keep things really organized. All my beads and findings are sorted by color and organized in storage containers so I can easily find what I need. If the beads are no longer in use the storage containers are stacked in my pink jewelry craft bag, it stores up to 12 of these containers and it's very convenient. When my jewelry creations meet my expectations I package them in resealable storage bags and securely place them in the jewelry bag, a separate compartment from the storage containers. Everything else such as the shipping supplies, thank you cards, brochures, jewelry boxes etc are neatly organized in separate boxes for future use. Keeping my space organized keeps me focused on what I'm doing.



Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
hmmm, not really. Can be anything :)



Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
For now it's comfortably small but I could use a much bigger space.




If you're a NCTriangle team member and would like to share the space where you create, let DinnerTimeChimes know.

Local Featured Seller: christietriplett

Who are you?
My name is Christie Triplett and my Etsy shop name is christietriplett

Where are you located?
I've lived in Raleigh for two years after living in Seattle and Portland for fifteen years. I grew up in Wilmington, NC.

What do you create?
I make hand-painted glass pendants. They are like little abstract paintings under glass.
I also have pendants in my shop featuring vintage images, but plan to focus on the hand-painted ones. I'm also going to start making rings using the same reverse-painting technique used for my pendants.

What is your favorite place to visit in the "triangle"?
I love walking and biking on the Greenway trails. They give me a beautiful place to exercise. I'm also a big fan of the Ackland Art Museum in Chapel Hill. They always have a variety of interesting shows - and it's free.

When did you start creating?
My mother used to buy huge rolls of newsprint for my sister and I to draw on with colored pencils. This led to art lessons at the YWCA and to my majoring in painting in college.
I always wanted to learn to make jewelry and was fascinated with the idea of painting on glass. I saw a vintage Chinese glass bead depicting a bird painted with a reverse-painting technique. This one gorgeous bead inspired my current line of jewelry!

Why did you choose your medium?
I like the idea of creating art that people could wear - something that almost anyone can afford and that will be seen any time someone wears one of my pieces. I also like the multimedia aspect of jewelry and the fact that it is so small. I love making tiny things.

What inspires you?
Abstract paintings, fashion, craft blogs, vintage jewelry and design. I am really in love with fabric patterns, like those by Marimekko and various fabric sellers on Etsy.

What are your goals?
I'm going to start selling my jewelry offline soon, as well as maintaining my Etsy store. My goal is to continue to sell both ways. I also want to learn new jewelry techniques that incorporate my painting background and love of color. I just starting making jewelry this year and already feel successful! I would like my jewelry-making to become a real part-time business.

What do you do when you are not creating?
I like listening to music, watching movies and going back to Wilmington to go to the beach. I'm getting back into biking after having knee problems from trying to play tennis. Now I just watch tennis, which is a lot easier on my body!

Duke Gardens Photography Contest

Duke Gardens is hosting a photography contest on Facebook.

NCTriangle team member orangecatart has entered and would appreciate your vote!

Click the picture above, log into Facebook, and then vote for Jill's picture by selecting "like."

Where We Create: Fancythatcookies

This week we are given a sneak peak into Fancythatcookies' kitchen... if only we could smell what was cooking too!

How would you describe the space in which you create?
Counter space! Big window! I have pretty good counter space in my kitchen, and a really big window. I have just enough counter space that I won’t run out space when I bake, or knocking off stuff while I am baking. That big window in my kitchen is a great backdrop for most of the pictures from my shop. It lets sun in on a sunny day, and I can see my lavender flowers, garden and blue birds from where I am working.

What is your favorite thing about your space?
Just big enough, not too small or big. Easy to keep them clean and organized.

How do you keep your space organized?
All my sugar, chocolate, flour, spices and herbs have their own little home in the pantry.


Do you have inspiration pieces in your space?
The big window that’s in the kitchen. Standing in front of it with a cup of hot coffee makes my normal morning even better.

Is there something else you'd like to share about your space?
I have a few pictures that I would like to share with everybody.


The big window!

The counter space!
The Best Rich Chocolate Torte!
The pantry!






--If you're a member of the NCTriangle team and like to show off the space where YOU create, let me know.

Chapel Hill?

If you're a NCTriangle team member and you live in Chapel Hill, be sure to check the forums for a special Etsy event in mid-July!