Friday Feature: Belle Cosette

Clara Bow Bracelet by BelleCosette

Today's Friday Feature post is all about gorgeous vintage, upcycled & elegant jewelry by BelleCosette from Etsy. Read more to learn about this great artist and her creations...

Hello! My name is Scharlyn O'Connor, my Etsy shop is: BelleCosette, at:www.etsy.com/shop/BelleCosette I make mainly jewelry, with an emphasis on upcycling & repurposing. I also love vintage ephemera, and recently made a quirkly Valentine's banner from one of my favorite pieces. www.etsy.com/listing/91389201/no-kisses-valentines-banner-garland 

Initially, I had a retail store in a small tourist town that was hit hard by the economy, and I started making jewelry to keep myself busy during slow times and as a way to add to the store inventory. I eventually closed the shop and kept my new creative love going by opening an Etsy shop. 

Alice in Wonderland Cuff by BelleCosette

I'm a serious Pinterest addict, and I'm open to creating anything from gifts to home decor items. I've started posting some of these as tutorials on my blog. I also love making embellished greeting cards from an amazing collection of family photographs I have...Organizing my photographs is the big project I hope to get done this spring.  

 I actually started a blog around the same time I opened my Etsy store, and I created the name as my ‘alter ego’, to take the edge off of putting it all out there. I have a page on the blog with a picture of me dressed up as a little girl, and as you can see I was obviously destined for a life in the style and design world. www.bellecosette.blogspot.com/p/who-is-cdf.html 

I've really only actively started working on my Etsy shop for about two months, so I can't say that I have a best selling item yet. My favorite item is the 'Return to Paris' Upcycled Cuff Bracelet, I made a second one for myself and wear it all the time! www.etsy.com/listing/74175756/bracelet-cuff-upcycled-return-to-paris I've made several versions of these cuff bracelets. At my day job we ship large quantities of merchandise every day, and I started making cuff bracelets from the core of the packing tape rolls. The possibilities are endless!

Vintage Style Sparrow Bracelet by BelleCosette

Currently I sell only on Etsy, but I do get the occasional request from friends. I recently had a friend bring me a big bag of old jewelry from her mom's jewelry box and I created some matching bracelets from the old pieces for gifts for her to give to her nieces.

Do I blog? Yes, it's a lot of work, but I learn something new every day, and I'm really enjoying exploring the world of blogging. There is an endless number of amazing people out there, and the amount of inspiration is overwhelming sometimes! I have a big spreadsheet of ideas for the blog as well as my Etsy shop and I try to do something to improve them every day, along with creating, listing and posting! Um, and that's of course after family, farm, full time work, friends, you know, life! I try to incorporate a little bit of all parts of my life in my blog. www.bellecosette.blogspot.com/

I'm on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelleCosetteDesigns Twitter:twitter.com/BelleCosette Pinterest: pinterest.com/bellecosette 

Thank you for this opportunity! I have an amazing and challenging life (don't we all?), and I feel so blessed to have such a fullfilling creative outlet. Sales are so rewarding, but only second to being able to do what I love.

Isn't she amazing? Please visit her shop and see more of her romantic jewelry today: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BelleCosette

Sick Day...

Hey everyone, I'm sorry I missed last week's Wednesday and Thursday posts. I've caught a nasty cold (thank you hubby!) and I'm having to spend some time without technology as I get better. Please forgive me if I miss a couple of posts this week... When I'm feeling better I'm going to have to spend a day just answering emails!
Thanks for your patience, at the very least, please check out this Friday's Featured artist - you won't be disappointed!
See you soon (I hope!), Cold, cold, go away!

Saturday Squee: Tiny Doggies

Dachshund Sisters Set of ten 5x7 blank folded by TheHopperShop, $12.95 

Two tiny doggies, looking out a window. S-Q-U-E-E!

Friday Features: Memorable Imagery

Army Boots and Baby's Black Shoes by MemorableImagery

This Friday Feature is full of great photography from Memorable Imagery on Etsy. Read on to learn more about this great artist...

Hello, my shop is Memorable Imagery - memorableimagery.etsy.com and I create Digital Photography. 

My passion for photography dates back to my early childhood with a strong admiration for my family's photo's and the historical value they hold in my heart. Over the years I developed an interest for creating my own photography and it has led me to further schooling and ultimately Etsy.

Occasionally I create hand made items as gifts or for the holidays, but no other art seems to interest me as much as Photography. 

I chose Memorable Imagery as my shop name because it explains exactly what I want my photo's to portray.

Soft Pink Shadow Heart by MemorableImagery

My most popular photograph is "In a Soldier's Footsteps". A little over a year ago it was on exhibit at the Bakersfield Art Gallery "the Foundry" as part of the Wounded Heroes Fund. The personal nature of this photograph touches the hearts of so many who can relate and for those who support the sacrifices the military and their loved ones make.

I sell my work on Etsy here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery and through word of mouth.

My blog consists of both my Photography and Vintage shop. I write about new items, treasuries, features, recipes, and anything else I find interesting enough to share with others. You can see it here at: memorableimagery.blogspot.com I'm not on any other social networks at this time.

Loving Leaf by Memorable Imagery

I'd like to thank you, Meghann, for the opportunity to be featured in your blog. I love being a Photographer and hope that others will enjoy my art as much as I enjoy creating it. 

As for charity, I have offered assistance in a range of areas, from helping the homeless to organizations such as the Salvation Army. I've been blessed in many ways and enjoy sharing such with others.

Such a great artist, and a wonderful person to match! Thank you for reading about Memorable Imagery, and be sure to see their amazing shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MemorableImagery