Feature Friday: Kaur Funktion

Welcome to the fourth edition of Feature Friday. This week's featured Etsy shop is Kaur Funktion.



Kaur Funktion, a collective of immensely talented artists, carries one-of-a-kind glass jewelry - including pendants, cuff links and beads - as well as archival prints and art cards. The archival prints are derived from the artist's own original works of art.

Each glass piece is skillfully handcrafted using the finest Italian Murano glass. Many artists claim to use Murano glass in their work but it is often low-grade, soda-lime glass, which has a slight discoloration. Kaur Funktion's glassmakers use only the purest Murano glass available. Also, many companies in this economy are trying to cut corners by eliminating certain elements from the glassmaking process, such as nitrate and arsenic which prevent bubbles as a result of lampwork. Kaur Funktion pays precise attention to these details, bringing you high-quality, eclectic treasures.

One of the things I love most about this shop is that the title of each item is inspired by a poem or proverb. It makes the pieces that much more special.

My personal favorites are:

Nature's Spin pendant (I love the harmony of green and gold)


Silver Cuffs I (how awesome would these look with a black business suit?)


Passionate Kiss III (the colors are perfect for fall)


Untitled I of Ishq Series (This reminds me of yoga, an escape of the mind through the body)


These exquisite artworks are like tangible imagination.

Let's learn more about the pioneer behind Kaur Funktion, Manju:

1.) Tell us about yourself.

I am a graphic/web designer by day, and a Etsian/painter by night. I've been a designer for 9 years, and an artist all my life. My favorite materials to paint with are oils, canvas, doorskin, and sometimes walls ;)

I am an explorer, adventurer, and world traveler. Hence, the invention of Kaur Funktion; a marketplace for the love of creative intentions. I scour the globe in my travels seeking like minded artists that fuse these intentions. Because of our similarities and uniqueness, Kaur Funktion is our avenue to work with our ideas in our individual specialty as a collective.

2.) If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be?

That's a good question... it's hard to describe oneself in one word...hmmm... how about "soulful".

3.) How did you get started in the business?

I am a traveler with a major twist of artista. It made sense to me to procure things that are unique, interesting, creative and intelligent that I found only native to these various locales. Can't help it, I love collecting new objects...wait, I see something shiny over there ;)

4.) What or who inspires you?

The love for life inspires me. Painters... there are many... Basquiat, Van Gogh, Dali, DaVinci because he's the ultimate solution to the battle of science and art (because he was an engineer as well as a painter... his list goes on...lol). My mother, who has always created from scratch :)

5.) What is your favorite item you've ever made?

I would have to say my painting. It always puts things into perspective.

6.) What makes you unique from other Etsians?

Can't really compare in this instance... so many Etsians out there that are phenomenal!!!!!!! It's so wonderful to be just a part of this demographic of extraordinaires.

7.) Where else can we find you?

http://twitter.com/kreativekaur
http://www.facebook.com/KaurFunktion
http://sidewalksofvan.blogspot.com

BUY IT: Works from Kaur Funktion can be purchased directly on Etsy. Prices range from $ for an art card to $18 for an art print to $40 for a pendant or set of cufflinks.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: All Goodie Goodie Gumdrops readers can receive 30% off any purchase! Use code "FEATURE" during checkout to get your exclusive discount, which will be refunded via Paypal.

Special thanks to Manj for participating in Feature Friday! Stay tuned next Friday for our next featured seller!

Feature Friday: Jewels of India

Welcome to the third edition of Feature Friday! This week's featured shop is Jewels of India.



This shop specializes in handcrafted metal and wooden jewelry, including necklaces, bangles and earrings. Each piece is infused with a distinct Indian style. While each item has a contemporary construction, there are traditional, ethnic undertones. My personal favorites are:

Swarovski and Silver Maharani of Mewar Statement Necklace (love the intricate design!)


Vintage Polka Wood Bangle (adorably retro)


These pieces are almost like works of art in themselves. They are elegant and sophisticated but also very wearable.

Let's learn more about the artist behind Jewels of India, Swati:

1.) Tell us about yourself.

I am a 19 year old law student from India. Even though I am studying to be a lawyer, arts and crafts have always been my first love. I love to sketch, draw and paint. My bedroom wall is full of my original posters and paintings. Being a fashion fanatic, branching out into crafting accessories was the next step for me. I love wearing attention-grabbing, statement pieces and so now, I make some for myself and sell some.

I come from a family of academicians and engineers. Being the only creatively-inclined member in the family has gotten me a lot of encouragement and support from my loved ones. I am having a gala time selling, buying and just networking on Etsy and I look forward to seeing you around sometime.

2.) If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be?

LEO- I am a Leo (the zodiac sign) through and through.

3.) How did you get started in the business?

Being an avid fashion-follower, I realized that the importance of accessories in making or breaking an outfit has reached astronomical levels. So, I decided to try my hand at creating accessories that would make any outfit and hence, Jewels of India was born. Being the crafty kind, I took some jewelery-making and sewing courses during my college break and started fashioning bags, scarves and various jewelery pieces. My items are a clever mix of traditional designs and modern pieces which can be worn to spice up any outfits. My travels to various nooks and corners of India provide the basic inspiration for the pieces. Just like no two places in India, the land of diversity, can ever be identical, my pieces inspired by my experiences are one-of-a-kind and exclusive. From the ancient palaces and forts of Rajasthan to the beach parties of Goa, there is something for every one, which holds true for my store as well.

4.) What or who inspires you?

My lovely country India is my biggest inspiration. I have been traveling all over the country on road-trips with my family. On every such trip, I am amazed by the diversity and the incredible spirit of my country. Every sight, smell, noise and feel stays with me long after I have returned from the place. I love to revisit these places in my mind and this is where the ideas for my jewelry stems from.

5.) What makes you unique from other Etsians?

Etsy is full of unique and original hand-crafters and I happen to be just one of them. I can't say what makes me different, but I can sure tell you what makes my pieces different. Each piece has a very strong and traditionally Indian design, yet the construction and structure is always very modern. This makes them deliciously stylish and trendy. Even though they look ethnic and unique, rest assured, it's still chic and elegant. My pieces can look great on a 70 year-old stylish granny or on a 17 year-old hip teenager.

6.) Where else can we find you?

Come visit me at my blogs:

Call Me Stylista - my personal blog

Live Breathe Dream Etsy - my blog dedicated to everything etsy

Zebra Swag - a collaborative lifestyle + fashion blog

You can also follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

BUY IT: Jewelry from Jewels of India can be purchased on Etsy. Prices are very reasonable and range from $5.50 for a bangle to $24.99-27.99 for a necklace.

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: All Goodie Goodie Gumdrops readers can receive 20% off any purchase! Just mention this blog as a "message to seller" during checkout to get your exclusive discount.

Special thanks to Swati for participating in Feature Friday! Stay tuned next Friday for our next featured seller!

Feature Friday: Stormphyre/MP's Creations

Welcome to the second edition of Feature Friday! This week's featured seller is Stormphyre of MP's Creations.

This shop specializes in beaded and ceramic jewelry, in addition to adorned mirrors and sculptures. Each creation has an earthy appeal to it but there are also elements of fantasy, such as dragons, to some of the works. I can imagine myself feeling like a green goddess wearing any of the necklaces or bracelets. Her attention to detail is phenomenal. Just check out these pieces:

Buddha Garden Mirror (I love the bamboo detailing!)

Ceramic Pendant 7 (The melted glass in the center creates the perfect shimmer)

Soft Blue Wings (Simply pretty)

What I love most is that each item is completely unique. No two are exactly the same. So for the holidays, you can give that special girly girl or art lover in your life a true one-of-a-kind gift.

Let's learn a little about the artist behind Stormphyre/MP's Creations, Meg:

1.) Tell us about yourself.

I am a college student trying to find my major and what I want to do for a career. I do arts and crafts as an escape and creative outlet. I am also very passionate about animals and have several pets that keep me busy with I am not doing arts and crafts. My pets also offer inspiration when other things do not.

2.) If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be?

Creative. I love to create things, whether it be creatures for my mirrors, stories, or pretty shiny things!

3.) How did you get started in the business?

In sixth grade, a family friend showed me how to make beaded daisy bracelets. And it quickly grew from there. In high school, we visited another family friend who was a stay at home mom that made jewelry more seriously and she showed me a few things. It steadily grew from there as far as jewelry went. In college, I took some ceramic classes and fell in love with clay. However, I currently lack a kiln so polymer clay is a nice substitute for now. I do love that I can do things with polymer clay that is difficult to do with traditional clay.

4.) What or who inspires you?

Anything can inspire me. Mostly natural colors, friends that are artists, books, scenery, my pets, etc... It kind of depends on what I'm making too. When it comes to jewelry, sometimes I'll see a bead that I just HAVE to use and then it just goes from there. My mirrors and dragons just kind of form themselves normally.

5.) What is your favorite item you've ever made?

Its difficult to pick out a favorite item. Each piece is special to me for some reason or another but I think my favorite piece of jewelry is Soft Blue Wings. Moonstone is one of my favorite stones to use. It kind of glows almost.

My favorite mirror, thus far, is Leemb. Particularly due to the tree and it was another step I took into the way I create things and design them.

6.) What makes you unique from other Etsians?

There are tons of Etsians, but as far as I know, I am the only one that makes the decorated, artsy mirrors.

7.) Where else can we find you?

You can find me on Facebook and on Twitter, as well as on DeviantArt.

BUY IT: MP's Creations are available on Etsy. Prices range from $6-8 for a pendant or cell phone charm to $30-$50 for a mirror. Since the shop is in its infancy (just opened in May '09), Stormphyre is welcoming any advice. Just let her know what you'd like to see!

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Stormphyre has graciously offered Goodie Goodie Gumdrops readers an exclusive discount. Just mention Goodie Goodie Gumdrops in the "message to seller" box at checkout and you will receive 20% off your purchase! This offer is valid through December 11, 2009.

Special thanks to Meg for being a part of Feature Friday! Be sure to check back next Friday for our next featured seller!

Feature Friday: beberagz

Welcome to the very first Feature Friday here at Goodie Goodie Gumdrops! This week, it is my pleasure to showcase beberagz.

This shop specializes in high-quality crocheted hats for boys and girls. And might I add, they are just adorable! All of the hats have a vintage flair with sweet detailing. Some of my personal favorites are:

Emma


Ayla


Luka


With fall just around the corner, these hats would make the perfect gift or you could pick one up for your child - or for yourself! That's right, you can order any hat in an adult size! Beberagz also offers organic bathcloths, cocoons (for those cherished newborn photo opps), and neckwarmers.

Let's learn a little about the artist behind beberagz:

1.) Tell us about yourself.

My name is Lynn. I was born and raised in Minnesota and still live there after a brief try at Hawaii and Louisiana. I am a daughter, sister, granddaughter, wife, mother, grandmother and work as a social worker.

2.) If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be?

real

3.) How did you get started in the business?

I got started making crochet hats and baby items when my three grandbabies were born. My daughter suggested an Etsy shop when she realized that the kids had more hats than they could possibly wear and it didn't look like I was going to stop crocheting anytime soon.

4.) What or who inspires you?

I get inspired by vintage things, the 1920 - 1940's. And colors - I love colors of things.

5.) What is your favorite item you've ever made?

It would have to be the Peru hat. I like the style and the color combination. It reminds me of my favorite place in the world, Mexico.

6.) What makes you unique from other Etsians?

I don't know if I stand out from anyone else on Etsy. I think we all find our niche and do awesome stuff.

BUY IT: Beberagz are available exclusively on Etsy. Prices range from $6 for a 3-pk. of organic bathcloths to $15 for a hat to $30 for a hat/neckwarmer set or cocoon. Custom orders are also welcome!

DELICIOUS DISCOUNT: Lynn has graciously offered Goodie Goodie Gumdrops readers - not one - but two special discounts! You can buy one hat, get one 50% off, or if you only want one, get 25% off! Just mention Goodie Goodie Gumdrops in the "message to seller" box at checkout and your discount will be refunded through Paypal.

Special thanks to Lynn for being a test subject leading off Feature Friday! Be sure to check back next Friday for our next featured seller!

Weekly Column Alert: Feature Friday

I wanted to give you all a heads up on the new weekly column I've cooked up exclusively for Goodie Goodie Gumdrops.

Inspired by the Moms Rock the Economy pledge, I thought it would be great to showcase some women-owned specialty shops as well as the lovely artists behind them. Where do they get their inspiration? How did they get started doing what they do? What makes them different from other artists? We'll find out as they share a little piece of themselves with us.

Featured artists can promote their handmade items and we lucky ducks can get a discount on any purchase we make - for ourselves or as a gift. We'll have knitters, painters, jewelry makers - anything goes! It will be a "homemade parade" of sorts.

So tune in tomorrow when we kick off our inaugural Feature Friday. See you there!