Handmade Chocolate Truffles

Look at this great home made chocolate truffles which Inessa from Vintageer is sharing today! Make them at home, put in a cute gift box, and Valentine's gift is ready :)

So... let's start! If you have never made truffles before, give it a try. This recipe is not only easy to make, but also is very affordable.

For this recipe you'll need:
• 100 gramm of best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
• 100 ml heavy cream
• 1 tsp of brandy, liquor or vanilla extract
• unsweetened cocoa powder for coating
• candy paper cups

Directions:

1. In a small saucepan bring the cream to a simmer (do not boil!). Remove from the heat and add the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, than stir until completely melted and smooth. Add the brandy and stir again.

2. Pour the mix into a shallow bowl. Cover, and refrigerate the mixture until firm, for 1.5 - 2 hours.

3. Using a small spoon, scoop the mixture and roll into 1 inch balls. Roll each ball in the cocoa powder. You can also use other coatings - finely chopped nuts,  candy sprinkles or confectioners' sugar.

Place the chocolate truffles in paper candy cups and pack into a box for a gift or serve them immediately. 

Have a sweet Valentine's day!:)

Photography by IrinaPhotography

Interview with a Star - Irina (IrenkaR)

Today, we would like to introduce one of our team mate Irina who runs IrenkaR shop on Etsy.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself
Actually, I’m a self-taught artisan and making jewelry is my hobby. I am an economist, but I have learned sewing, knitting, and inventing all kinds of interesting things from my mother. I love the creativity and extraordinarily creative people. In my childhood I dreamed of being a designer. My daughter, Ann, has made my dream come true without even realizing it. Now she is a 1st year student at the National Academy of Art in Lviv. By the way, my daughter is my first and the most serious critic.

How long have you been creating? How did your journey in art and creativity begin?
I have been making polymer clay jewelry for only 2 years. Initially, I bought it for my daughter, she loves to sculpt. I looked for the tutorials and bought all kinds of tools for her and then noticed that I myself was exited to do all this. I fell in love with polymer clay immediately, right when I for the first time took it into my hands. There are so many opportunities for creativity!

A long time ago I made jewelry for myself and for friends at school - we really wanted to be unique. Later, I saw jewelry from polymer clay in the Internet community. Now I make it myself. Now my daughter and I have a common hobby - she also makes jewelry and all her friends wear earrings made by her.

What items do you carry in your shop?
My original works - fun brooches from polymer clay - dolls, princesses, ballerinas, little mermaids and a collection of winter brooches (kids in the big winter hats) - are represented in my shop. Also, I like to make polymer clay jewelry with imitation of knitting, and with bright prints, I like to use different textures and materials: fabric, handmade lace, beads. It’s interesting for me to experiment and I want to share my findings with everyone. My daughter wears earrings, brooches and bracelets made by me with pleasure, she takes them first! So that’s why I make many items again specifically for the shop IrenkaR

Do you have a favorite item you have made? What items in your shop do you most enjoy making and why?
I love all of my works because I put in them my warmth and love. And my favorite is a brooch of a girl with the mittens on lace . This brooch probably has a connection with something from my childhood. I love to make this design over and over again, but these brooches are never exactly the same.

What is the best reaction you have gotten from one of your pieces?
Frankly speaking, a reaction to my brooches inspired me to make them again. I'm glad to make people happy with my works, I like when my works make my customers smile and cheer them up. It is really great! I think I make this world a little bit kinder. That’s why the slogan of my shop is "Cute brooches and other jewelry for a good mood»

What are your best marketing tips?
I really like Etsy, which helps us to learn about marketing of a small business. But the best marketing tip I think is: «do what you like and do it well».

I hope it was interesting for you.

Yours, Irina Rybak

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is coming up next week. It’s a fun holiday whether or not you are in a relationship.



If you are single make sure you don’t just skip the holiday but instead treat yourself. You love yourself, don’t you?


If you are in a relationship make sure your significant other knows how much you care about him/ her.


Some people like sweet little gifts that will remind them that they are loved.


Some people prefer practical gifts and it’s not too hard to find a cute Valentine gift that is also functional.


I personally like something cute and funny for Valentine’s Day.


Valentine’s Day gifts don’t have to be extravagant and expensive.


And if red hearts are too much for you, you can always go with an anatomical version.


What are you doing for Valentine’s Day this year?


Story by Yana (WineCountryLife)

Congratulation to winners of Summer Wedding Essentials team contest

Thank you to all Russian Artists team shops for taking part in our Summer Wedding Essentials team contest. The contest was a huge success! Fifty six team shops participated in the contest submitting their amazing and beautiful summer wedding themed items. All these unique and special creations hand made by Russian Artists team members are just gorgeous! Each and every item submitted will glam up any summer wedding and help make it an unforgettable and special event!

Although all the items submitted by Russian Artists team shops were outstanding a few of them received the biggest number of votes. The voting took place on Russian Artists team Facebook page. Everyone is welcome to check out beautiful handmade creations by Russian Artists team shops!

The winners of the Summer Wedding Essentials team contest are:

1. White Wedding Wool-felt coat by marinaasta


2. Wedding White Crochet Flower Barefoot Sandals by
Lasunka


3. Nuno felting white ivory baby dress by Baymut


4. Event Decor for the Wine Glass by MamaTita


5. Nuno felted wrap shawl for wedding and special occasions by JaneBoFelt


6. CUSTOM MONOGRAM for Weddings, Proms and Celebrations by BelleCoccinelle


7. Sterling Silver Earrings with Swarovski Crystal Beads by AroundBeads


Congratulations to our wonderful winners!
Thank you to all our amazing Russian Artists team shops that took part in the contest!!!

Count of votes by TonyaUtkina

Wonderful things wednesday - Valentine gifts

Valentines Day is the most romantic holiday of the year. It's time to think red roses, chocolates, jewelry, cards and cute little gifts to show your affection to your loved ones!

There is so many choices! You can get your gifts at the store near by but here on Etsy you will find a selection of items which are unique and pretty often are one of a kind! There is still time for delivery so do your shopping in your pajamas from home and check for the Valentine's tagged items in your search box on Etsy!

A little hint: for the cutest selection of romantic gifts for your sweetie select ALL ITEMS in your search box and then type: rusteam

We are sure you will find your perfect gift there!

Here is just a little preview today :

Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4

Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4

Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4

Have fun shopping!

Story by Tanya Socksandmittens
Collages by Katrin KarisaGraphic

Wonderful things wednesday - Cozy Christmas

Christmas is such a wonderful holiday. It is all about being with your loved ones in the warmth and coziness of your home. And surrounding yourself with handmade Christmas items can make it even cozier and warmer.

You can make your own garlands and stockings for your fireplace, table centerpieces and other festive home decorations. Crocheted snowflakes will liven up your Christmas tree and embroidered napkins will dress up your holiday table. Handmade Christmas ornaments are a unique gift and vintage tree decorations will transport you back to your childhood. And don't forget the perfect handmade gift for your hostess!

We have worked hard to offer this wonderful selection of handmade Christmas items, so you could make your home cozy and beautiful this Holiday Season.

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

{Photo sources from top, then left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4 }

Story by Alla (FleetingStillness)

Photo collages by Katrin (KarisaGraphic)

Free gift tags for New Year holiday.

Previously we shared Christmas gift tags from GraphicLand shop. Today Irina (GraphicLand) shares her designs again.


If you don't celebrate Christmas, but celebrate New Year, this gift tags for you.


These tags are perfect to be a final touch for your gifts to family and friends for New Year gift exchange. You just download the tags, print at your home computer, cut, and attach with cute ribbon. On the back side you can mention who the gift is for... or any other things.


The tags are 2.5x3.5 in, and entire collage is 8.5x11 in that is standard letter size. For better result,we'd recommend to print them out on heavy paper like 80 or 100 lb. Also, we'd recommend to print them on laser printer, but ink printer also will work well.

Please download the gift tags there. If the link doesn't work, please leave a comment and we'll fix it. And don't forget to come back and download it. :)

The gift tags are for personal use, for selling them in printed form. Please keep in mind that you can not sell the collage sheet in digital form.

More gift tags and designs may be found in GraphicLand shop. :)

Christmas giveaway - Fabric bracelet

We are proud to announce another Holiday giveaway today!

Katrin, owner of Katrinshine shop on Etsy, is a professional seamstress from Italy who creates lovely historic dresses, corsets, textile jewelry, patchwork bags and great quilted pillow for a cozy home. Here is just a few:




Katrin is kindly offering this wonderful organza bracelet “Holiday Shimmer” for her giveaway. Can you imagine wearing this gorgeous piece at the Holiday parties? Now you can have it for free if you win our giveaway!



The rules are simple, here they are (leave your e-mail in the entry):

1. Visit her shop, browse her collection and leave a comment here on what you like the best (1 entry)
2. Heart Katrin's shop (1 entry)
3. Follow/ subscribe our blog (1 entry)
4. Grab our button and place it on your blog (include a link to your blog) (2 entry)
5. Follow/ subscribe Katrin’s twitter/ facebook/ blog (1 entry each)
6. Tweet about this giveaway (include @KatrinFedotova in your tweet) (1 entry)
7. Tweet about three most appealing to you products from Katrinshine shop (include @KatrinFedotova in your tweet) (2 entries)
8. Share this giveaway on facebook/ your blog (include a link to your post) (2 entries)

This giveaway will run until Friday, December 10, 2010. The winner will be chosen through Random.org and announced on Saturday, December 11th!

Have fun and good luck everyone!

Need Holiday gift ideas? Try a gift certificate!

Whoever first thought of giving gift certificate as a gift had a bright idea. No more running through stores looking for a perfect something, no more accidents with a wrong choice, size or color! Gift certificates are a perfect way to give someone you care about something they really want and can choose themselves.

Check out our collection* for the perfect gift!
* Our gift certificates are available in different nominations, please contact a seller you are interested to make purchase from for your special amount gift certificate!

Socksandmittens shop

FleetingStillness shop

Katrinshine shop

Vikulya shop

Arctida's Jewelry shop

AroundBeads shop

Allmadewithlove shop

Rusteam member treasury was on Etsy Front Page

Rusteam member treasury was on Etsy Front Page! This gorgeous treasury named "Inusual gifts" and made by Nastya from BlueberryCream. It contained 9 of our Team's members. What is great and unique collection of gifts! Congrats Nastya and the featured :)
Today we will make new treasuries with increase forces with hope to see it again on Etsy Front Page.



Featured russian artists:
daimblond, CityCrochet, Arctida, HappyfrogfromAlaska, beautyspot, katrinshine, TomBjornDesigns, AleksandraRoo, FineEmbroidery

Wonderful things Wednesday - Baby shower

Who does not like parties? Especially when we are talking about a baby shower?

A baby shower is all about love, friendship and a celebration of a new life!

If you are planning to have a baby shower, make sure it will be a memorable one. Find some great decorations and party favors that will fit the atmosphere and plan some fun games and food to have a wonderful time!

Find what gifts the expecting mother wants or is needing. If you are looking for a lovely memorable gift we'll be happy to offer you a selection of great handmade or vintage items. If you'd like to make a one of a kind gift yourself, you might want to see our tutorial on how to make an adorable baby diaper cake. Your handmade cake will make a definite impression on the guests for a long time!

Have a festive and great time at your party!

1. Cute Bunny from Woodland brooch by Beautyspot
2. Crocheted Cotton Flower Set of 2 by FlowersbyIrene
3. Organic Baby Oil Vegan and 100 Natural by Herbolution
4. Vintage glass candies set of 5 by AGardenCottage


1. Blue and Purple Cloud Suncatcher by FleetingStillness
2. Wall hanging organizer with pockets Sunny Day OOAK by Katrinshine
3. Personalized Embroidery by FunEmbroidery
4. Little girl porcelain figurine by Vintageer


1. Crazy Frogs Baby Booties by IraRott
2. DLX Personalized Pacifier Clips or Bottle Holders by MyBeautifulCreations
3. Snowman's family - 3 members by AleksandraRoo
4. Teddy bear - baby 7inch OOAK by Oksa

Freebie from Beautyland - STROLLER DIAPER CAKE

We are continuing our series of freebies on Monday.
Today, we are happy to share with you tutorial from Beautyland - STROLLER DIAPER CAKE.



You will need:
- Diapers
- Blanket or nappy
- Baby wipes
- Bibs
- Onesies
- Socks
- Decorative ribbon
- Clear wrapping paper
- Decorative plastic flowers
- Safety pins
- Toys
- Toilet paper
- Thick cardboard or box lid
- Foil




TO MAKE A BASE
Take a cardboard or a box lid and wrap it with a foil (pic 2-4).

TO MAKE WHEALS
We will need diapers, ribbon, flowers and toilet paper. Take 6 diapers, put them on top of each other in descending order, roll them, and tie with a ribbon to keep it together. Make 4 of them. (pic 5-8)


Then cut flower stems about 2-3 inches, wrap every stem with a toilet paper so that diapers will stay clean. (pic 9-12)

Decorate the middle of each weal with the flowers (pic 13,14)

Place the weals on top of the base and set a side (pic 15)

TO MAKE THE STROLLER
Take a blanket (or nappy), baby wipes box, the rest of diapers, onesies, bibs and follow the pictures (pic 16-18).



Take socks, roll them and put them in the pair (pic 20,21)


Place socks at the edge of the future stroller and using the safety pins get the stroller together. Use decorative ribbons to keep your stroller tight (pic 22-25)


You can place a toy at the head of the stroller (pic 26-28)

TO PUT IT TOGETHER
Place the stroller on top of the base with socks. Finish decorating and wrap the present. Tie it with a bow (pic 29-32)

by Beautyland