Feautured artists: Svetlana Mititelu, FromBabushkaShop. Upcycled crochet bags made from plarn

We love our planet and the concept of repurpose, reuse, resycle and upsycle is always on our mind. Today we'd like to introduce our team member Svetlana from Moldova who is following this concept very much with her idea of recycling the plastic bags from the grocery stores. She uses the yarn made of these bags to crochet baskets, bins and totes, They are sturdy, pretty and look stylish, too!

You can find many of Svetlana's items in her Etsy shop (FromBabushkaShop) She is always on a watch for a new ideas, new methods and stylish looks so visit her often!

Here is her story about her inspirations.

Q: Tell us about yourself?
A: I am a mom to two wonderful grownup daughters and a grandmother  I am 52yo and only now I began to do what I really like, crocheting, and to be exact crocheting bags.

Q: What are your bags made from?
A: The bags are from the basic plastic shopping bags. This method (upcycling) is very popular just now and gaining more publicity because the pollution of the environment is very important. I take the single use plastic bags and make from them a reusable bag for life.

Q: How your bags are different to other upcycled plarn bags?
A: First of all, I tend to make them not only practical but also beautiful, designer! Secondly, almost every bag has a fishing line added to the base for strength, so the bag can withstand up to 10k. Maybe more but I didn’t manage to carry more from the shop. So instead of using a new plastic bag every time you shop, you use one plarn bag from babushka.
And my plarn bags are very light, fold if necessary and don’t take much space.

Q: What do your clients like about the plarn bags?
A: Every bag is one of a kind. You can choose a bag based on your mood and character and be sure that nobody else will have the same. My clients like the versatility of its usage. You can use the bag for shopping, or to go to the beach, or use it as storage unit. Also they like that the majority of bags have handles that easily transform and you can carry it as a shoulder bag, in hands or cross body that is quite practical as hands are free!

Q: What care do they require?
A: The plarn bags are easy to take care of! If there is a small spot then wipe it with a damp clean cloth. Also you can put them through a gentle wash cycle, 30* degrees no more. Every bag has a small tag attached, it’s a sample that you can wash first to make sure the bag is not going to be ruined.

Q: What would you like to wish our readers?
A: I would like to say that you don’t need to spend much energy to be green. Start from yourself and your habits. Pay a bit more attention to the environment. Hopefully together we can help our planet!

Amethyst, February birthstone

Amethyst is a semiprecious stone and the February birthstone. It occurs in beautiful hues from a light pinkish violet to a deep purple. The ancient Greeks believed the stone can prevent intoxication so amethystos means “not drunk” in ancient Greek.

Amethyst is a beautiful stone therefore there are many stunning jewelry pieces made of it. Just take a look at our Russian Artists team members' amethyst  modern and vintage creations, we are sure you will like some or all of them!

 

1. Raw crystal amethyst necklaceby agardencottage

2. Tree-Of-Life amethyst andcopper pendant necklace by  JewelryFloren

3. Lavender amethyst and sterlingsilver necklace by LenaMer

4. Amethyst & citrine goldfilled necklace by Arctida

5. Raw rough amethyst bysmallparadise

6. Amethyst cufflinks by daimblond

7. Amethyst earrings by MyDreamBox

8. Amethyst pendant beadednecklace by SoMeJewelryShop

9. Sterling silver and amethystbracelet by NeroliHandmade

Holiday exchange 2016

Yearly holiday gift exchange has become a tradition for our team. Last year 19 team members from 8 countries  participated in this fun event. There were 7 team members from Russia, 3 from USA, 2 from Latvia, Bulgaria and Israel (each) and 1 from Iceland, Ukraine and Check Republic (each)

Every participant was assigned a person to whom she (he) anonymously gives a gift. Participants also did not know from whom they will receive a present so it was a lot of fun to unwrap those packages. Albina Manning (aroundbeads) was the hostess for this event.

So let us show you the chain of Holiday gifts of 2016! (to enlarge the picture, click on it, right click View image)

Winter Holidays gift exchange 2016

It's time for Russian Artists Team's holidays gift exchange! Please hurry, the applications are accepted until November 13 only. Visit our forum for details.

Featured artists: Olga Gogole, graphic designer and illustrator

Russian Artists Team on Etsy has so many talented artists. We love to introduce them to our readers and share their stories. So today, please welcome Olga Gogole, graphic designer and illustrator from OlgaGogole shop. Visit her shop, you will love her art as much as we do.

Here is her story:

 I am Olga Gogole from Latvia. I am 36 years old, and I have been drawing all my life. Putting together the years in art school, art classes and art academy, I spent at least 16 years perfecting the skills. I adored drawing even back in kindergarten, using every piece of paper I could find. I remember my teacher told my mom that it might be worth considering showing me to a psychologist J

I certainly had my moments of creative stagnation when I wanted to abandon it all and start something totally new. Sometimes it was unclear where to head and what I want to do next. I aspired to get higher education in arts, but it seemed like an impossible dream at times. Eventually, with a bit of luck and a lot of hard work, I made the dream come true, and finished Latvian Art academy, majoring in graphic design. Higher education in Latvia is of very good quality, but it is full-time attendance only, so there was no chance to have a regular-hours job during the studies. As they say, there are only 24 hours in a day, but there is also the night J During my first year at the academy, I founded the graphic design company. I studied during the day and drew posters, logos, leaflets, designed corporate style for the clients at nights. My company will celebrate 10 years anniversary next year.

I certainly did a lot more graphic design in the early years of my professional development, as well as worked as full-time packaging designer for a large cosmetics producer “Dzintars”. Later on in my career, I increasingly turned to illustration. Sometimes I draw for my own pleasure, and I love when the works end up light and positive, in one go. I like when people buy my ready-made works, not the pre-ordered ones – this means that they like them as they were intended, the way I see them and that buyers relate to my perception and the mood I was in when creating the piece.

After the birth of my son, life certainly changed. Thanks to my child, I started focusing on illustrations for children and collect children books illustrated by famous artists, frequently when visiting bookstores on my trips abroad. 

Olga Gogole,

Graphic designer and illustrator.

Featured artists: Anastasia, Scandiroom. Handmade home decor for children.

I would like to introduce our team member Anastasia who runs the Scandishop on Etsy. It is filled with great children decor items. All of them are made with love and it shown. Here is her story about her inspirations.

Hello everyone,

My name is Anastasia and I am 31 years old. My family and I live in Suktuvkar, a small northern Russian city.

As with many artistic people, my creative roots became stronger when I became a mother. My children are my inspiration. When they were born, I wanted to surround them with natural eco friendly toys so I started to make them with fabric, wood, paper and yarn.

It started with my children's room when we wanted to add some light and style to it. The northern nights are long and the days are short so we wanted to add some sunshine to the room. For a start, we painted the walls with a happy light yellow paint. Then I started to decorate it. 

It is such a great feeling when you cover your baby with a cozy handmade cotton blanket, giving him a little bear pillow to hold through the night and whisper to  him: I love you to the moon and back. Your baby feels that you care and grow stronger.

I am a spontaneous creator. I walk into a store, see a great quality yarn or fabric and it's just screaming to me: make something from me! I am listening and that's how my ideas are becoming live. 

I love what I do and I am happy that people love my designs. I am happy to say that my creations live in many places around the globe now. 

My shop is constantly developing and pretty soon you will find more adorable little things for your children. Soon I am planning to team up with the other artists, Tatiana, who is also all about handmade, natural materials and style. So please visit my shop often to see if there is anything you want for your child!

Interview by Tanya (socksandmittens)

Crochet Wash Cloth #etsycraftparty

If you ever plan to give a gift of pretty soaps, lotions, shower gels or other body care products, the handmade washcloths would be a lovely addition to the gift package. 

This tutorial is a part of our virtual etsy craft party and is offered by goodweather shop. Please enjoy!

You will need:

size H/8-5.00 mm crochet hook 

Cotton worsted yarn

Make 30 chain stitches (cs)

Yarn over. Skip first 2 cs 

Insert hook in the center of the 3rd chain from the hook.

Yarn over...

Draw through 3 loops on hook
(one half double crochet complete)

Repeat across to end of foundation chain.

You need to turn your work to start Row 2. 

Chain 2 (ch 2) and yarn over the hook (yo). 

Skipping the first stitch of the row directly below the turning chain, insert your hook in the next stitch. 

Button necklace to crochet this summer #etsycraftparty

 Do you have a lot of buttons sitting around? Here is an idea how to use them from Tonya (CityCrochet): crochet this cute necklace with colorful buttons. Perfect for a summer outfit!

This tutorial is a part of our virtual Etsy Craft Party 2016. See more on our blog!


So, here is how to make the button necklace. We will need a mercerized cotton thread, a toggle clasp, a crochet hook and about 30 buttons of different sizes and colors.

To make crocheting simple and to safe us some time we will start with beading all out buttons on a thread first. Once all our buttons are ganging there nicely we can start crocheting.

Crochet a simple foundation chain adding buttons with 1 or 1 and 1/2 inch. intervals. In case you would like to make your necklace longer you can add some more buttons or make a space between them larger. Mix and match hues of green and blue buttons and your necklace will looks unique and stylish.

With 34" long necklace you can wear it either around your neck or your wrist. But of course, you can adjust the length to wear this necklaces on your waist instead of a belt or on your ankle.

The necklace crocheting shouldn't take more than 15 minutes. When the thread is ready we will attach toggle clasp to it and our summer bright necklace is ready to wear. It's a perfect summer accessory and will make you look beautiful and special!

Cable knit cup cozy to give away! #etsycraftparty

This cute hand knit oatmeal cup cozy from socksandmittens shop is great to protect your fingers from the heat of a hot cup of tea or coffee. It can be yours if you will participate in our giveaway!

The entry period for this giveaway is from June 18 through the June 19th. The lucky winner will be announced on June 20th. This giveaway is for US residents only.

Please do any (or all) steps below to enter. The more you do, the more chances to win!

Leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave your email address here in comments or send it to us throughconversations on Etsy so that we can contact you if you win!

1. Visit and heart  socksandmittens shop, browse Tanya's collection and leave a comment here on what you like the best (1 entry)
2. Follow / subscribe socksandmittens blog (1 entry)

3. Like socksandmittens page on Facebook (1 entry)
4. Follow/ subscribe this blog (Russian Artists blog) (1 entry)
5. Share this giveaway on your social medias ( pinterest, twitter, facebook, instagram, your blog) - 2 entries

Good luck, everyone!

Our giveaway, washcloth & eco soap nuts! #etsycraftparty

Here is another great giveaway by Nataliya (NataliyaMalik ) ! This great set of felted washcloth & eco soap nuts is all about natural materials! 

The washcloth is made of wool. The soap nuts contains saponin, a natural alternative to chemical laundry detergent and cleansers. When in contact with water, it creates mild suds, which is similar to soap.

Please do any (or all) steps below to enter. The more you do, the more chances to win!

Leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave your email address here in comments or send it to us throughconversations on Etsy so that we can contact you if you win! 

The entry period for this giveaway is from June 17 through the June 19th. The lucky winner will be announced on June 20th. This giveaway is for US residents only.

1. Visit and heart  NataliyaMalik shop, browse her collection and leave a comment here on what you like the best (1 entry)
2. Follow / subscribe Nataliya's blog (1 entry)

3. Like Nataliya's page on Facebook (1 entry)
4. Follow/ subscribe this blog (Russian Artists blog) (1 entry)
5. Share this giveaway on your social medias ( pinterest, twitter, facebook, instagram, your blog) - 2 entries

Good luck, everyone!

Heart clip art by Inclipart #etsycraftparty

You can never have enough hearts! This set of lovely heart images presented by Inna (inclipart) for our Etsy Craft Party. See more great images in her shop on Etsy!

You can download it here.

You are free to use this clip art:

- For both personal and small commercial projects and to modify it.

- In a website or presentation template or application or as part of your design.

You are not allowed to:

- Sub-license, resell or rent it.

- Include it in any online or offline archive or database.

Enjoy!

Felted brooch to give away! Etsy Craft Party 2016

This lovely felted brooch can be yours if you will participate in our giveaway! It is handmade by Nataliya (NataliyaMalik ) and kindly offered for our virtual Etsy craft Party.

This aqua blue and apricot brooch made of soft wool, fiber silk and cat eye beads and is approximately 8" in diameter. A lovely accessory for a coat, jacket, scarf or handbag embellishment!

The entry period for this giveaway is from June 17 through the June 19th. The lucky winner will be announced on June 20th. This giveaway is for US residents only.

Please do any (or all) steps below to enter. The more you do, the more chances to win!

Leave a separate comment on each entry and don't forget to leave your email address here in comments or send it to us through conversations on Etsy so that we can contact you if you win!

1. Visit and heart  NataliyaMalik shop, browse her collection and leave a comment here on what you like the best (1 entry)
2. Follow / subscribe Nataliya's blog (1 entry)

3. Like Nataliya's page on Facebook (1 entry)
4. Follow/ subscribe Russian Artists blog (1 entry)
5. Share this giveaway on your social medias ( pinterest, twitter, facebook, instagram, your blog) - 2 entries

Good luck, everyone!

Earth Day - April 22nd

Plant a tree this Earth Day! Make a new resolution to honor the Earth, maybe, involve your whole family in energy and/or water conservation. Or use natural cleaning product and grow organic vegetables in your garden.

There are so many simple things we can do. Donate items for those who need them or repurpose them for a new use. Choose reusable products and materials. Check your vehicle's emissions and make changes if necessary. Try carpooling once a week or even use a public transport when possible. Get outside more and enjoy and respect nature more. It's good for your health and will keep you inspired.

The world will become better if everyone will make some efforts.  After all, the Earth is our home and we should take care of it better!

Here is a small collection of Russian Artists team members items for sale which are eco-friendly. Visit us on Etsy to see more!

Healthy cooking challenge, February 20th to March 20th, 2016

Let's celebrate spring with delicious and good-for-you dishes that will not make your waist line expand and will be loved by the whole family! Between now and March 20th, post your favorite healthy recipe on your facebook, blog, Pinterest and post your links here in the comments section.  

The rule: no flour, no sugar, no gluten, low fat.

We will share your links and also vote for the most loved recipe. Join the challenge!

Featured artist: Irene, FancyKnittles. Miniature dolls

Are you familiar with that feeling when you see something really cute, all you can say is: aaaaawh! That's how we feel when we visit FancyKnittles shop. 

All miniature people, animals, flowers, vegetables, holidays ornaments and toys are crocheted by Irene, the owner of the shop who really reaches the top of cuteness in her work while keeping quality at a high level also. These little dolls are full of fancy details and, like Irene says, you will never be bored with them!

 

Naturally, we wanted to know more about Irene and her inspiration. Here is what she shared with us:

 Why did I choose to make miniature crochet dolls? I am a practical person. Miniature  requires less time, materials and money. 

... JUST KIDDING! 

 In reality, I love all things mini since my childhood. I knit & crochet all clothes for my dolls since I was 5 years old. Later I started making miniature toys also. 

Why did I choose to crochet a miniature? Simply because I love to do it and I do it well. I feel happy while I am having fun. No one said the dollhouse miniature have to be 100% realistic. You are a creator of your own perfect little world. Besides, when else can you feel like a Gulliver in Lilliputian!

It is still winter and the weather outside of my window is dark and gloomy right now. What do you usually do when you are bored? Watch a movie, drink hot chocolate or read a book under the blanket?

I miss the sunshine so I decided to crochet a bunch of miniature colorful hyacinths. Then, I  build a little corner garden with a little bench, a garden tools and a watering can... oh, look! Someone forgot their little hat over there! 

 

I took a photo of my miniature garden and I got a sunny happy picture. It made me feel like spring is around the corner.

I hope my little miniature world will make someone else's world a little brighter also. Maybe, one will smile and think: spring is almost here! 

Visit Irene's shop on Etsy to see more of her creations. You can also find her on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.  

Interview by Tanya (socksandmittens)