International Seasons Introduction – #CIJSeasons

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

This September we have International Seasons – #CIJSeasons planned!

Seasons begin on the first day of the months that includes the equinoxes and solstices. While one hemisphere is in one season, the other hemisphere will be in the opposite one. Everyone has their favorite season, even if the reason for loving the season is different.

Throughout September, Etsy Christmas In July team members will be sharing their thoughts, traditions, photos and Etsy items all about their favorite seasons.

Follow the team’s seasons articles here on the blog and find us on social media using the hashtag  #CIJSeasons.

Thank you to Alicia from AliciasFindings for organizing this month’s theme.

Now let’s check out the shows!

Mairimairidesign / #CIJSeasons

Carola / Carola Bartz#CIJSeasons

Przemila K / CanisArtStudio / #CIJSeasons

Margie / ZenCatPottery / #CIJSeasons

Cristal / DesignsbyCristal / #CIJSeasons

Please use #CIJSeasons on social media as you visit all the fabulous shops this month!

Thank you so much for joining us as we enjoy our #CIJSeasons!

Matte Finish

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Matte Finish is free of shine,resulting in muted tones and colors. There are many paints,stains and such that can be used in making our items.

Przemila from CanisArtStudio says this original oil painting is painted impasto and knife technique. The image surface is matte and traces of the brush and knife are visible. It is a very noble and decorative technique. The coloring of the image is toned down. Green and shades of gray create an atmosphere of peace and rest. This modern painting will be a perfect complement to modern furniture in your living room, office or other representative interiors. The color of the frame can be chosen according to your preferences.

il_570xN.1449129039_dus5

Nude Original Oil Painting

Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls said the 1960s and 70’s brought a wave of shiny metal and plastics into the home and workplace. Prior to that, many objects were natural or flat finish painted wood. These charming wooden snack plates from the 1940s were painted in pastel colors and used in the home or taken on fancy picnics. We love the shape and calming color palette of these highly collectible plates!

Set of 4 vintage wood snack trays

spoiledfelines1 from SpoiledFelinesArt states all of the items in our shop, whether burned, carved, or painted, are finished using a matte sealant. The reason that we use a matte sealant rather than a glossy one is that we want the focus to be on the natural highs and lows of the wood, and a matte finish achieves that goal. I chose to showcase the hand burned owl plaque to illustrate the beauty of that can be achieved when using matte sealant on natural wood!

Woodburned owl decor

Mairi from mairidesign says the Mediterranean Sea finished off this piece of teal green glass to a perfect matte finish. I collected this piece of glass from a beach near Barcelona and chose it to be my first item of jewelry made from my beloved sea glass collection. Did you know that sea glass is also known as Mermaid’s Tears? So beautiful! Click the photo to read more about the legend of Neptune and the Mermaid.

Teal Green Sea Glass Pendant

Zodiac Finds

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

The zodiac are the 12 astrology signs relating to your month of birth. There are different characteristics and meanings for each sign. Astrology is said to help show you what career you should follow,who you are compatible with or even where you should live.
We want to see your zodiac items from your shop.

Prezmila from CanisArtStudio says Chinese zodiac – The dog is the symbol of the year 2018.
What does The Horoscope say?
“Whoever was born in the year of the Dog is honest. He is not afraid to stand up for a just cause and defends people for whom he feels responsible. Thanks to his advantages, he has many friends. He wants to be well-informed because he believes that in this way he will be able to prevent unpleasantness and trouble. He gladly gives advice or even openly criticizes someone else’s behavior. He does it with good will, though some of his behavior seems irritating…”
I wonder if  Robin Hood was born in the year of the dog?
But the dog has many lovers and I made this pendant to celebrate the New Year and for those who just like dogs and especially the Beagle breed. A good idea to decorate the door for The New Year or Christmas. This ornament is in the cold winter colors, but you can order another similar one according to your wishes.

il_570xN.1426035547_sfdt

New Years Dog ornament

mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2 said Danish Cross Stitch Zodiac Samplers from the Dover Needlework Series is a pattern book which offers Charted Designs for the Astrological Year by Jana Hauschild. Full color photos of each pattern and a thread conversion chart are included.

Danish cross stitch zodiac sampler

 

What Makes Christmas Special – Conclusion – #EtsyCIJ 2018

Contributor post by Mairi from mairidesign

We spent the day hearing from a few of our team members, here on our blog, during our Etsy Christmas In July What Makes Christmas Special?

Our #EtsyCIJ team is international and it has been wonderful to read how we each celebrate Christmas and holiday time.

Please join me as we conclude the #CIJWhatMakesChristmasSpecial

Here are the participating featured members we shared with you today:

1. Alicia from AliciasFindings
2. spoiledfelines1 from SpoiledFelinesArt  
3. mistycat1234 from carolinagirlz2
4. Emma Kaufmann from StudioEmmaKaufmann
5. Arlene and Gabriel Pitts from GoodThingsSmallBoxes
6. Cristal Hughes from DesignsbyCristal

Thank you so much for joining us on our #CIJWhatMakesChristmasSpecial!

CIJFacebookAviGood

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 – Begins In 1 Week

Contributor post by Cindy of Cynhumphrey

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 begins 1 week from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

This year we have many new daily activities planned!

Must Have Stocking Fillers

On Tuesday July 3rd we would love to share your must have stocking fillers. Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your must have stocking stuffer item!

Alicia: Must Have Stocking Fillers – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

Red, White And Blue Day

On Wednesday July 4th we would love to share your red, white and blue items. Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your favorite red, white and blue item!

AliciaRed, White And Blue – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

Favorite Holiday Recipes

On Thursday July 5th we would love to share your favorite holiday recipes! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your favorite holiday recipe!

CindyFavorite Holiday Recipes – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

A CIJ Year In Review

On Friday July 6th we would love to share what the Etsy Christmas In July team means to you! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your your stories!

AliciaA CIJ Year In Review – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature.

Holiday Goals For Your Shop

On Saturday July 7th we would love to share your Holiday Goals For your shop! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your holiday goals!

Alicia: Holiday Goals For Your Shop

What Makes Christmas Special

On Sunday July 8th we would to love share what makes Christmas Special means to you! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your stories!

Mairi: What Makes Christmas Special – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

#CIJParty 2018

On Monday July 9th we will host the virtual #CIJParty 2018 right here on our blog! This is another great way to share your shop and your talents with a Christmas Inspiration theme!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2017? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2017

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2018 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2018: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities! We will be sharing more information in the weeks to come!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Etsy Christmas In July 2018!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

The blog leaders and guest contributors will be writing special Christmas Inspired blog articles for the #CIJParty! Please see the following threads to have an item and the story featured on July 9th!

AliciaWhere To Visit During Christmas – #CIJParty 2018 Blog Feature

Alicia: Show Us Your Holiday Table Settings – #CIJParty 2018 Blog Feature

Alicia: Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Music – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Photo Booth – #CIJParty 2018

#CIJLovesJuly – 10 Day Photo Challenge

Join the 10 Day Christmas In July Photo Challenge! Use the hashtag #CIJLovesJuly in the caption of your challenge photos! We look forward to getting to know you! The team leaders will be looking for your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to share!

#CIJLovesJuly2018

Measuring Up

Blog Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

We think of being good enough or things meeting ones expectations when we think of measuring up to someone or something. For our purposes we want all of our items to measure up to 10 inches tall.

What items do you have in your shop that measure up to 10 inches tall?

Judy from JAMsCraftCloset says two of my passions are vintage items and green glass. With that said, these vintage green glass pasta canisters hit both my passions in one swoop…I had two sets of these canisters and am down to one. therefore, I believe someone else out there has my same two passions. Does anyone else love vintage green glass?

il_570xN.1066139523_78v4 (1)

Vintage green glass canister

Becky from CottonPickingFolkArt said these are the epitome of summer. When we spend more time outside, it ‘s nice to come have some light, season inspired decor on the inside.I enjoy creating my own patterns, and bringing them to life. I love to eat local strawberries, and with their limited season,these serve as a reminder of summer goodness!

il_570xN.1066139523_78v4 (1)

Strawberry bowl fillers

Carola Bartz from CarolaBartz states the red poppies always remind me of my native country Germany. In early summer they seemed to pop up everywhere. There were entire meadows filled with red poppies and blue bachelor buttons. Sometimes it looked like a field of red, green and blue stretching out to the horizon. I loved it so much and I miss this sight!

il_570xN.1536526277_lrix (1)

Red poppies mixed media painting

Solveiga from Knitwoolsocks says I have always enjoyed knitting. I love creating pretty things in beautiful colors. I love to see the item that I am working on begin to take shape and turn into a finished product that someone will enjoy. My socks are knitted with love from the heart and positive thoughts. My goal is to make you smile and bring you Joy.

il_570xN.910111138_j8u5

Knitted men socks

Mairi from mairidesign said you can make sure you meet all expectations by checking yourself in this classic beauty, with a stylized rose in your choice of colours – purple or pink are clear favourites. Measuring 26.3 x 20.3 cm (10+3/8″ x 8+1/4″), my Glasgow Rose, Mackintosh style mirror is based on the work of the artist, designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, who has inspired many artists from Glasgow, Scotland and beyond.

il_570xN.1421599284_sohu

Art Nouveau Mirror 10×8″ Purple Glasgow Mac Rose wall mirror

Sandra from SDDigitalDesign states this 8” x 10” digital print was inspired by all the fond memories I have climbing trees as a child. To me a tree symbolizes balance, strength and growth. I felt as tall and as beautiful as the tree itself. Although I’m not climbing trees these days I will continue to cherish those times when I did. I hope the tree in my design inspires you as it did for me.

Digital download inspirational quote

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 – Begins In 2 Weeks

Contributor post by Cindy of Cynhumphrey

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 begins 2 weeks from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

This year we have many new daily activities planned!

Must Have Stocking Stuffers

On Tuesday July 3rd we would love to share your must have stocking stuffers. Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your must have stocking stuffer item!

Alicia: Must Have Stocking Stuffers – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

Red, White And Blue Day

On Wednesday July 4th we would love to share your red, white and blue items. Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your favorite red, white and blue item!

AliciaRed, White And Blue – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

Favorite Holiday Recipes

On Thursday July 5th we would love to share your favorite holiday recipes! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your favorite holiday recipe!

CindyFavorite Holiday Recipes – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

A CIJ Year In Review

On Friday July 6th we would love to share what the Etsy Christmas In July team means to you! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your your stories!

AliciaA CIJ Year In Review – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

What Makes Christmas Special

On Sunday July 8th we would to love share what makes Christmas Special means to you! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your stories!

Mairi: What Makes Christmas Special – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

#CIJLovesJuly – 10 Day Photo Challenge

Join the 10 Day Christmas In July Photo Challenge! Use the hashtag #CIJLovesJuly in the caption of your challenge photos! We look forward to getting to know you! The team leaders will be looking for your photos on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to share!

#CIJLovesJuly2018

#CIJParty 2018

We recently announced that on Monday July 9th we will host the virtual #CIJParty 2018 right here on our blog! This is another great way to share your shop and your talents with a Christmas Inspiration theme!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2017? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2017

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2018 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2018: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities! We will be sharing more information in the weeks to come!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Etsy Christmas In July 2018!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

The blog leaders and guest contributors will be writing special Christmas Inspired blog articles for the #CIJParty! Please see the following threads to have an item and the story featured on July 9th!

AliciaWhere To Visit During Christmas – #CIJParty 2018 Blog Feature

Alicia: Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Music – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Photo Booth – #CIJParty 2018

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 – Begins In 3 Weeks

Contributor post by Michelle of EviesToolEmporium

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 begins 3 weeks from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

This year we have many new daily activities planned!

Favorite Holiday Recipes

On Thursday July 5th we would love to share your favorite holiday recipes! Please see this thread in the CIJ forum to submit your favorite holiday recipe!

CindyFavorite Holiday Recipes – #EtsyCIJ 2018 Blog Feature

#CIJParty 2018

We recently announced that on Monday July 9th we will host the virtual #CIJParty 2018 right here on our blog! This is another great way to share your shop and your talents with a Christmas Inspiration theme!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2017? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2017

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2018 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2018: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities! We will be sharing more information in the weeks to come!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Etsy Christmas In July 2018!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

Want a sneak peek of one of the Christmas Inspired articles? Here’s one from Mairi of mairidesign! A big thank you to Mairi!

The blog leaders and guest contributors will be writing special Christmas Inspired blog articles for the #CIJParty! Please see the following threads to have an item and the story featured on July 9th!

AliciaWhere To Visit During Christmas – #CIJParty 2018 Blog Feature

Alicia: Food And Drink – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Music – #CIJParty 2018

Alicia: Photo Booth – #CIJParty 2018

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 – Begins In 4 Weeks

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Etsy Christmas In July 2018 begins 4 weeks from today! This year our event will be held July 1st – July 10th!

#CIJParty 2018

On July 9th we will host the virtual #CIJParty 2018 right here on our blog! We are working behind the scenes right now prepping for the Christmas Inspired party!

Curious about our #CIJParty 2017? Here is the link:

#CIJParty 2017

We are looking for team members to make this #CIJParty 2018 creative and innovative! Please see the following links to submit a Christmas Inspired Tutorial or Christmas Inspired Printable:

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Tutorial

#CIJParty 2018: Submit A Printable

Every year we invite team members to write Christmas Inspired Guest Blog Articles. This year the first step in the process will be to pitch us an idea. Then the ideas we choose will receive a submission form for writing the article.

#CIJParty 2018: Pitch A Guest Blog Article Idea

You are all invited to join us in the fun and festivities! We will be sharing more information in the weeks to come!

We have created a Facebook Event Page! Please join us and invite your friends! Christmas In July 2018!

Mark your calendar today and let the preparations begin!

Want a sneak peek of one of the Christmas Inspired tutorials? Here’s a teaser from Barbara of MermaidsHatbox!

Christmas Inspired Tutorial From Barbara Of MermaidsHatbox

For The Pet Lover

Contributor post by Alicia from AliciasFindings

Pets come in all shapes and sizes. You may have a pet that is furry, scaly, a mammal or a rodent and so much more!
Those of us who are pet lovers tend to go wild for items that are all about our type of pet (think mug with a dog on it) or those items we can use for our pets (think pet mat).

We want to know what you have in your shop that pet lovers would want?

Marjorie from mscenna says I love cats and have a collection of cat themed items. Although I no longer have them as pets, I still enjoy them and love cat inspired trinkets. This repurposed jewelry ornament would be a fun gift for a cat lover!

il_570xN.1079932129_2upf

Black cat ornament

Lizzy from LizzysBibsandBobs said I guess it would not come as a surprise to anyone that I am a Cat Lover! I am also a great lover of glass – in particular Fenton Glass Animals, of which I have a small collection of 20 or so pieces. So a Fenton Glass Cat is the perfect gift for someone like me or someone who just loves Cats. This beautiful white opalescent Calender Cat is a fabulous gift for those Pet Lovers born in May!

il_570xN.1319768741_gxo9

Fenton glass calendar cat

Arlene from ThisandThatCrafter states I love all animals and when I found this cut Cat and Dog fabric I thought it would be great for the pet lover / book reader as my newest in my new line of bookmarks.

il_570xN.1267538261_meti

Cat and dog bookmark

Cindy Humphrey from Cynhumphrey says I personally am a dog person (allergic to cats) but I have a classy cat key ring that a lady cat lover could easily fall in love with! Not only is it cute, it also has a lot of sass! The jeweled body glistens in the sun AND moves separately from the head too. This cat just reminds me of spunk and so do a lot of ladies I know! It’s definitely an attention grabber and a fun accessory to own. You may even consider it a feline version of Betty Boop!

sexy cat keyring

Ilda from lililapt said I love rabbits. They are the Easter symbol. I embroidered rabbits in baby crosstitch diapers. They are lovely!

Cross stitched baby burp cloth

Marta from GottliebTextiles states this is an interior piece for a true cat person. The cat embroideries are made with acrylic thread which is then brushed with a stiff wire brush to create a textured effect. Therefore the embroideries have a lovely soft feeling, just as the cats should be.

Cat cushion cover

Elisabeth from LizPOriginals says I love cats and having a little bling on my journals and as a zip pull on my bags is such a great way to show that.

French cat zipper pulls

Przemila from CanisArtStudio said I’m a great animal lover. My whole shop is for pet lovers. I paint custom pet portraits from photos and especially dogs, cats, and horses. My favorite techniques are an oil painting on canvas and pastel drawings. I also make pencil drawings. The ordered portrait of your favorite pet will be framed in an elegant wooden frame. You can choose any image dimensions and the color of the frame. This is a wonderful gift idea for any occasion and a memory that will never lose its value. In my shop, you can also find painted clocks, wooden boxes and other items decorated with the image of your favorite pet.

Custom dog portrait

Heather from MooseintheMint states this sign is ideal for a cat lover (I also have a dog version) – the first design said ‘Crazy Cat Lady’, but some people didn’t think that was appropriate, so this is version 2! [other people just thought it funny!]

Crazy about cats sign

Cristal from DesignsbyCristal says for some women having something leopard print is a must have item whether it be in clothing or accessories. So, my thought for this design was if you’re a dog lover who loves leopard prints then why not accessorize your pet in it as well.

Leopard print dog collar and leash

Marta from ArtByMartaGotliba said I was very surprised that many people get attracted to this little birdie consider them as their pet. But hey, it doesn’t always have to be a cat or a dog, why can’t it be a robin? Most important is that the pet gives you a ton of positive emotions.

Robin fine art drawing

Mairi from mairidesign states ever since I did an oil pastel study of a stuffed owl in school, I’ve been fascinated by their soft plumage. Over time, I learned to design in a basic stylized manner and liked to simplify the bird’s forms and made these stained glass brooches especially for fellow owl lovers. I may not have my own owl pet as yet, but I can visit them in their huge cages in Wallenstein Palace Gardens, Prague, whenever I like.

Glass owl brooch