What Day Is It?

FEATURE FRIDAY: ART by Marlene http://www.etsy.com/shop/Lazyhawk

1. You have been with Etsy since 02/04/08. How has Etsy changed during this time period?

"I don't think it really has changed that much. There have been a few format changes and some improvements in the listing process but all in all it is basically the same."

2. You are a member of the DAWG team on Etsy. Please tell us what DAWG stands for and what your team does.

"DAWG stands for Designing Artist Women's Group. It had its origins on Ebay and was a group of women who created ACEO's. We moved to a Ning site and focused on selling on Etsy when Ebay started making changes that were not to the sellers benefit a couple of years ago. It is a group of women who not only have a love of art but a love for God as well. We have fun monthly challenges, swaps, and we have done a few things together as a group that we auction off for charity. We made a group quilt that was auctioned for breast cancer and are currently working on a mini ACEO Album, done Round Robin style that the proceeds will be donated to a mission in Haiti. We also have a team blog at:

http://www.dawgteamonetsy.blogspot.com/

3. You create ink drawings, watercolor, create jewelry and collect and sell vintage items. Which do you like best and why?

"I think I like watercolor or watercolor pencils the best. They are easy to take with me to the mountains or the beach. I also love to create with needle felting. ACEO's (2.5 X 3.5 inches) are my favorite size to create in."


4. Are there any other activities that you are involved with that you would like us to know about?

I really enjoy sketching and using graphite pencils for drawing. I try to do a sketch every Sunday. Sunday Sketches is hosted by Sophia at http://bluechairdiary.blogspot.com/

I also have a blog at: http://marlenes-musings.blogspot.com/

5. Do you have any advice or tips for running a successful ETSY business?

"The only advice I have is to be as active as possible in the forums. Join in the threads and chat, let people get to know you and get to know them. List as often as you can to keep your store active in the searches."

Thank you Marlene for sharing your beautiful works of art with us!

MONDAY MONDAY

What about Monday. I always find it hard to get back into gear on Mondays. This weeks Feature Friday is set to go for Marlene for her shop http://www.lazyhawk.etsy.com/ I am very excited to do this for her. The temps are cooler today and we got washed out with a lot of rain over the weekend. YAY for the pollen really bothers me. The plants and trees are loving it. I did some shopping this weekend. I found packs of blank recipe cards. Do you keep recipes? I started doing this when I was a little girl. I don't know where they went to. So I have decided to start writing my recipes favorites and ones I want to try that may become favorites. Something to pass down to perhaps my grandchildren or sons. My sons have a few favorites of Mom's cooking. I also belong to a swap group that swaps recipes. Check out http://www.swap-bot.com/ for every possible swap you can think of from recipes to books, arts and crafts, supplies you name it. It is so much fun!

Kraft Garden Salad

What You Need!

1 pkg. (16 oz.) farfalle (bow-tie pasta) 2 cups broccoli florets 1 each red onion and red pepper, chopped 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes 1 bottle (8 oz.) KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Dressing 1/2 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

Make It!


COOK pasta as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to boiling water for the last 3 min. Drain; rinse under cold running water. Place in large bowl.
ADD all remaining ingredients except cheese; mix lightly.
REFRIGERATE 1 hour. Stir gently before serving; top with cheese.

From Kraft Kitchens:
TipsSubstitute
Substitute 1-inch asparagus pieces for the broccoli florets.
Special Extra For added flavor, sprinkle salad with OSCAR MAYER Real Bacon Bits just before serving.

Disclaimer: Of course you can always make the above recipe with other brand names!