Ruby Wren Boutique

New Beginnings, New Blog!

2010-01-01T05:16:00.000-08:00

Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas and New Year! Wishing you all the best for 2010!

Ruby Wren Design's Blog is now relocating to our brand new website at: http://www.rubywren.com/blog/

If you have any bookmarks to this page or are a follower, please make a note of our new blog address! I hope to be able to update the new blog with news, new product previews and lots of lovely finds from around the web!

Thanks for all your support in 2009 and I look forward to sharing my updates on my new blog!
x

The snowy adventures of little Carra Cat

2009-12-18T02:25:00.001-08:00

We don't get snow very often in the UK, so when we do, the whole country comes to a stand still! Luckily I work from home, so I can enjoy the snow without having to worry about braving the roads.

My three cats were very excited to see snow this morning and once it had stopped snowing, we opened the door for them. The 'Princess' took one look and decided it was warmer and cosier inside, despite her being a Russian Blue, adapted for cold weather.

The little tortie thought long and hard about going out and after much debate and 'cat-acrobatics' to get out in the garden without touching the snow, decided she'd stay inside too.

Of course, Carra, the ginger tom loves being outside and wasn't going to let a little snow get in his way! After his little investigation of the snow, he was soon whimpering at the door to get back inside to his food and bed:

Competition!

2009-12-16T03:49:00.000-08:00

The Ruby Website and Blog will be getting a complete change shortly, allowing for some great new things! In the meantime, we're making our Christmas competition open to all!

From now until 20th December, send an email to ruby@rubywren.com to be included in our Christmas prize draw. The winner will receive a pack of our eco-friendly greeting cards, worth £20.

Your details will only be kept for the prize draw, unlike previously mentioned where you had to subscribe to our mailing list to enter. Due to changes with the website, all you need to do is send a quick email to ruby@rubywren.com to enter yourself in the draw!

Good Luck! x

Ruby's Christmas Pledge!

2009-11-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

My family and I are avid supporters of the RSPCA and recently received a letter in the post asking us to donate to their Big Christmas Feed. Last January, we adopted three very ill and very sad little cats, who had spent Christmas at our local RSPCA animal shelter. When we collected our new cats to take them to their new home, they admitted that they were surprised they surived.

The RSPCA do wonderful work and rely totally on donations. This Christmas they are campaigning for the public to help provide meals for animals, dontating money for "meal tickets".

From all of Ruby's sales from now until Christmas, I'll be saving money from card sales and dontating in December to the RSPCA's Big Feed. Ruby Wren tries to be as ethical as possible with our material choices and packaging, and this Christmas we hope to provide some abandoned animals with some Christmas Dinner!

All purchases, be it from Etsy, Folksy, NOTHS or even in person, will have money donated from the profits. Read more about the RSPCA's Big Christmas Feed at: RSPCA

Luckily, our three rescued cats have grown into heathly, happy little monsters, shadows of their former selves:

Shop of the Week - Jo Heckett

2009-10-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

After a week of neglecting my blog due to my Prince's Trust workshop week (which was brilliant!!) I'm back to blogging!

The Shop of the Week feature is always my favourite and with Christmas coming up I've been adding tonnes of new favourites on Etsy to my 'hearted' shops and items. One of my all time favourites is Jo Heckett. I discovered her shop on Etsy over the summer and keep checking back because I love her porcelain items so much! If money was no object, everyone on my Christmas list would be getting their name in porcelain.

Not only has Jo got the cutest items, but she herself is lovely! You can find her on Etsy at http://www.joheckett.etsy.com/ and NOTHS at www.notonthehighstreet.com/joheckett.

Her facebook page is one of the best I've seen from a handmade seller, with lots of behind the scenes photos and plenty of updates! It's one of my favourites: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jo-Heckett/123346152940

Treasury!

2009-10-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

I love getting a Treasury over on Etsy...I had one all prepared last time and my internet (which I'd been having such trouble with last week) disconnected just as the Treasury was due to open! Luckily I got one today, yay! Following my Colour Scheme Finds, I decided to elaborate on the brown coffee colours I found last week.

Check it out at: http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=85809

News from Ruby!

2009-10-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Following the feedback and comments I've been given from Etsy members and customers, I've decided to expand my little business and have signed up for the Prince's Trust Business Programme. The Prince's Trust, for anyone who doesn't know, is a charity in the UK run to help young people, with Prince Charles as the head of the organisation. The Business Programme is run to help get people aged 18-30 succeeding in running their own businesses.

I applied in Septemeber and was invited to an introduction session a few days later to talk about the Business Programme and what is involved. I begin a 4 day workshop on Monday, where I will get advice on bookeeping, legalities for small businesses, marketing etc. After this week, I'll be required to put my business plan before the Prince's Trust's panel, Dragons Den-Style and I'll get one-on-one sessions with a business mentor for the next few years.

I've heard such good things about the programme and hope to keep you updated via my blog.

In other Ruby related news, I've just listed some of my first Christmas Cards! It's getting to that time of year again! With the worldwide shipping I offer, I decided to get in early with the Christmas Card listing to give everyone enough time to get their cards before Christmas. I've got lots made up ready for the Made by Artisans Craft Fair and hope to get more listed on Etsy shortly!

Click Here for New Christmas Cards

Finds for the Home

2009-10-02T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week's Finds for the Home, I've focused my search on houseware accessories...little things that can make a big difference to a room scheme. My most favourite items from those below include the hessian rabbit by Octavi and the chalkboard from KFMgallery...I could write all my little 'to-dos' on that!

1. Velvet and silk pillow
by Antracitproduction $38
Click Here

2. Bird and Flower Wall Decal Sticker
by ArtConductor $17
Click Here

3.Chalkboard with Vintage Frame
by KFMGallery $35
Click Here

4. Sweet Tree. . . Set of 6 Fabric Magnets
by PaperPumpkin $8.50
Click Here

5. Greta rabbit - hessian
by Octavi $15
Click Here

6. Romantic decorative wall art on linen hoop framed
by HAREandDRUM $30
Click Here

7. from the garden
by tinyshoppe $9
Click Here

Colour Scheme Finds

2009-10-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

For Autumn, there's nothing better than rich, sophisticated browns! My favourite shades of coffee, taupe and chocolate are the focus of this week's colour scheme finds! I especially love those gorgeous cashmere mittens by jaykayknits!

1. Cashmere Fingerless Mittens

by jaykayknits $50

Click Here

2. The Year Round Wrap in Taupe

by hipknotz $78

Click Here

3. Rabbit Art - Blackberry - Print

by amberalexander $18

Click Here

4. Mims Nap Sack/Shoulder Bag in Schumacher Belgian Linen and Leather

by MimsMaine $130

Click Here

5. Charleston. Smoky Quartz Large Wire Sterling Silver Earrings

by rachellucie $26

Click Here

6. Felt Beaded Bracelet - Cappuccino

by fyberknitics $12

Click Here

7. Modern Dots - Pillow Art - Original - One of a Kind

by sarahsmilecreations $35

Click Here

Jewellery Finds

2009-09-30T02:00:00.000-07:00

For this edition of my Jewellery finds, I started with AREjewellery's unique necklace (number 1 below) and followed the pinky-red colour scheme from there...ending up with a collection of beautiful pieces that rather reseble a fruit smoothie!

I love the unique on Etsy and adore the handpainted beaded jewellery from sweetcherrypie (number 3) and the enameled earrings from smashing (number 8) is something I've been drooling over in my favourites for a while now. Be sure to check out corrieberrypie's shop also for the most beautiful product photos, showcasing her vintage-inspired pieces at their best!

Enjoy!

1. Red Splash Long Necklace

by AREjewellery $30

Click here

2. Rosy Rosebud Necklace

by corrieberrypie $18.50

Click here

3. Beaded bracelet, hand-painted in pastel pink, black and orange

by sweetcherrypie $26

Click here

4. Lollipop Trees Ring

by TheIntuitiveGarden $12

Click here

5. Patience Antique Brass Bird Locket and Pink Glass Beads Necklace

by miasophia $32

Click here

6. Organic poppies stud earringsby jewelry

bynatsuko $23

Click here

7. The Secret Compartment Ring (Coral)

by wiyomu $12

Click here

8. teeming (earrings) sunset violet pink and purple

by smashing $29

Click here

Shop of the Week - Pouch

2009-09-29T02:00:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who likes all things purple...actually, a few friends of mine love purple, so on an 'Early Christmas Gift Browse' of Etsy.com last week, I used the search term 'Purple' and 'UK'. I came across the shop 'Pouch' and her handmade purple owl was the item that appeared in the search. I was drawn into look at her shop further, the owl was just so sweet!

Her shop is full of gorgeous handmade owls, bunnies and bags...all eco-friendly and adorable! The lavendar-filled owls and bunnies are my favourites, a chemical-free alternate to moth balls or just a cute decoration for a drawhandle or to help you sleep.

Pouch is currently offering free worldwide shipping before her shop closes at the start of October. Her shop will close while she has her first baby, so grab a sweet treat for yourself or get started on your Christmas gift purchases before October 4th to make the most of free shipping and a super-cute product!

Moo Cards!

2009-09-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

For any of you who follow me on Twitter (@RubyWren) you may have noticed my excitement over my first set of Moo Business Cards last week and my impatient wait for them to arrive.

I had been debating over whether to buy the normal business cards, or the more ecomical mini-cards, which were a similar price for twice the amount of cards. I decided to go for the normal cards, so that I would have some professional cards to hand out to any business-types. I ordered them in the eco-friendly (like my little Ruby business herself) recycled card.

They arrived this weekend, much sooner than the estimated dispatch date. While I was worried that the recycled card would compromise the quality, I'm very much impressed with my Moo Cards! I've heard so many Etsy people raving about Moo and their products and until I received mine, I just didn't know why.

The cards are a superb quality and the ability to have your own photos or artwork on them, especially having a selection of designs per pack, is a huge bonus. In my 50 pack of cards, I have 7 different designs spread over the total cards.

I have since ordered a huge pack of Mini Cards to pop into my packages and printed stickers, so if you purchase from me in the near future, look out for them! :) While I was initally shocked by the price, I think I'm definitely going to be keeping my Moo product stash stocked up!

If anyone is interested in purchasing from Moo.com, it's their Birthday and September is full of promotions and discounts, so make the most of it :)

Autumn Gold Treasury

2009-09-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

With Autumn creeping up on us, I felt a lovely autumnal Treasury was called for...here's my new Treasury which can be found on Etsy:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=82222

Jewellery Finds

2009-09-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to browsing jewellery on Etsy and it's the best place to go to find one of a kind pieces. I have filled my favourites with 'hearted' sellers and items and here are a few for today:

1. Got The Bluesby ekta $56View 2. Small Silver Leaf Earringsby roundabout $16View 3. The Pearls Necklaceby Rafya $38View 4. Dew Drops Stack--Made to Order in Your Sizeby TreAnelli $71View 5. BELL Necklace - Blueberriesby BeadsBySam $24.99View 6. Midnight Earrings - vintage lucite, lucite flower and oxidized silverby Lazy Giraffe $23View

Shop of the Week - Wall Envy Art

2009-09-14T05:20:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of meeting Louise of Wall Envy Art who makes the most adorable decorative items from old books and offcuts of wood. Not only are the framed pieces gorgeous, they're enviromentally friendly as Louise collects old books to reuse for her work and offcuts of wood from her brother's framing business. Her work makes perfect gifts for book lovers and art lovers alike. My purchase was a lovely piece from a French Dictionary, decorated in greetings. I know the inteded recipent of my gift purchase will love it...if I can part with it!

For anyone local to us both here in Northamptonshire, Louise will be taking her work to the prestigious Lamport Hall Gift Fair in October and the first Made By Artisans fair in Peterborough in November. Or simply have a look at her Etsy shop to purchase directly.

I'm Back!

2009-09-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Due to a crazy few weeks with my RUBYrecycled cards, I have been away from the computer and spending my time making tonnes of new cards for upcoming fairs and events.

I'm going to get back to blogging regularly again this week but would love to request something from my readers...I'm beginning a business programme in my local area (run by the Prince's Trust) and would love to get some market research done about, well, my market. So...please take a few minutes to answer my little survey. There's only 10 simple questions and it will help in my business programme:

Click Here to Answer

For The Home

2009-08-14T04:02:00.001-07:00

This week's 'For the Home' feature has some gorgeous Etsy finds! From the ultra-modern butterfly table lamp, to the vintage potato-sack chair! And those little 'L.O.V.E' letters are so adorable!

All items are currently for sale on www.etsy.com.

1. Tall Butterfly Meadow table lamp
by Hannahnunn $99
View

2. Mini Bags of LOVE
by dedeetsyshop $17
View

3. New York City Skyline Vinyl decal (many sizes)
by CustomSilhouettes $18
View

4. Union 76 Gas Station Advertising Mirror dated 1974 for Anaheim, CA
by takapitcha $23
View

5. Ocean Breezen - LAST ONE LEFT
by ewildman $23
View

6. Ladderback Chair with Burlap Potato Sack Cushion UPCYCLED Antique
by postroadvintage $73
View

7. Rustic Country Oak Coffee Table OOAK
by MadeintheHV $680
View

Colour Scheme Finds

2009-08-13T03:09:00.000-07:00

This week I chose white for my colour scheme finds. White is so refreshing, clean and summery, perfect for this time of year! Although I love all the white items, my favourite has to be those vintage sunglasses...I'm tempted to get them myself!

All items are currently for sale at http://www.etsy.com/

1. White Beach Pebble - Custom Engraving
by sjengraving $14
View

2. White Rose Pendant
by FancifulForm $20
View

3. damsel in distress
by marieflyfly $36
View

4. Vintage old stock FILA sunglasses white frame with grey shade .65.
from Diver $39
View

5. Off White Pumpkin with Red and Blue Plaid Stem
by SeaPinks $12
View

6. Grey Wheat Print Wood Bracelet
by uncharted $35
View

7. Simple Gift Tags - Set of 7
by perideaudesigns $6.50
View

8. Victoriana - Sterling Silver Earrings with Swarovski Crystal Pearls
by rubywren29 $14
View

Shop of the Week - Middleburg

2009-08-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

I love Middleburg and as soon as I thought about doing a new shop of the week, I immediately thought of her gorgeous papier mache bird cake toppers! I think every time I manage to grab a treasury on Etsy, Middleburg is one of my trusty favourite shops I first check out for my treasury theme. I think sometimes I have to stop myself from including her gorgeous products yet again!

Middleburg's Folk Art style reminds me of when I visited friends in Georgia, USA a few years ago and visited loads of cute little shops with wooden trinkets and rustic treasures. I live in England and the little country gift stores I discovered in the mountains in Georgia are nothing like any shops I've seen here in England. Seeing Middleburg's shop reminds me of all the goodies I discovered on my trip. It's a style I love and I think is one of the best shops to showcase the more unique, handmade finds on Etsy. One of my favourite items is her Calico cat (which you can see below) which reminds me of a special kitty I grew up with.

Another brilliant thing about this artist, is the eco-friendliness of her process. Using 100% recycled newspaper, water and a biodegradable binder, Middleburg makes some gorgeous and environmentally friendly items!

Check out Middleburg on Etsy: http://www.middleburg.etsy.com/

Offers and Deals - Tuesday 11th August 2009

2009-08-11T05:50:00.000-07:00

There are some brilliant deals on Etsy right now, including a fab offer from Clevergirl who is an artist on Etsy whose shop I always love browsing! All items I've picked today are currently for sale on Etsy.com and feature either discounts, sale prices or free shipping offers. Go get yourself a bargain! :)

1. SALE SALE SALE handknit cushion with cables
by strikk $32.30
View
Price includes 15% Discount

2. Cotton Candy. Necklace.
by clevergirl $75
View
Up to 25% off (see discription for more infomation)

3. Petite Hook Earrings - Austrian White Crystal and Sterling Silver
by TheLoudLion $24
View
Free Worldwide Shipping

4. Blue Bird fine art photograph ACEO card FREE SHIPPING
by LDphotography $4.99
View
Free Shipping

5. Silver Branch Necklace
by BlondeChick $16
View
Free US Shipping

6. SALE HALF PRICE ALREADY REDUCED Number 345. glass and pearl vintage earrings.
by NewFashionedWhispers $9
View
Half Price

7. SALE on Bundled Price 3 -- Soy Candles Poured Just for YOU -- U choose scent
by simplypuresoycandles $20
View
Special Bundle price

8. Blue deer -Small shoulder bag with an adjustable strap -FREE SHIPPING-
by helisengezer $72
View
Free Shipping

Etsy Jewellery Finds

2009-08-10T03:08:00.000-07:00

I thought I'd start the week with a feature on Etsy Jewellery finds (or Jewelry for those in America) as everyone loves jewellery! I think it's safe to say that Jewellery is Etsy's most popular category for both sellers and buyers and all the handmade jewellery in Etsy is stunning! Hope you enjoy my favourite finds of the day!

1. Tide Pool
by feminesque $54
View

2.pretty in pink chandelier filigree earrings
by musettemade $18
View

3. Taupe and Pink Cherry Blossom Bracelet Hand Painted
by amy987
View

4. Ivory Taffeta Rose Bib Necklace With Pearls
by foreverandaday $65
View

5. Freshwater Button Pearl and Sterling Earrings - Bridal
by Epheriell $18
View

6. Silver Butterfly Pendant
by AliBaliJewellery $62
View

7. Golden Dewdrops Crystal Floral Earrings
from 4TheSparrowsNest $24
View

8. lucienne
by whiteowl $38
View

New Cards!

2009-08-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

I've been making lots of cards in preparation for the Made by Artisans Craft Fair in November and for Halloween which is just around the corner. I'd like to share with you some of the new Ruby Recycled card designs, including my new Halloween designs and some cards created following a special request for piglets! The card featuring the line of piglets following the mummy pig has even made it to the Etsy 'Gifts for Mom' Gift Guide, which I'm thrilled about!

I've recently launched my new UK website at http://www.rubywrenboutique.co.uk/. I ship worldwide but wanted a shop that listed prices in Great British Pounds, seeing as I am having to sell in US Dollars while on Etsy.com. For Blog, Twitter and Facebook friends, I'm offering 25% off my cards at http://www.rubywrenboutique.co.uk/ - just put in the promotional code 'TWEET' when you checkout.

For the Home

2009-08-07T01:47:00.000-07:00

This Friday, I've gathered a even more gorgeous housewear items from Etsy.com sellers! My favourite has to be the mosaic vase from Sigmosaics, and at $28 I think it's a bargain piece for the home. Check out my other picks for this weeks 'For the Home' collection. All items are currently for sale on Etsy.com, but they're so lovely, they're sure to sell out soon!

1. Silver grey mosaic vase
from Sigmosaics $28
View

2. Four Stem Shabby Chic Button Bouquet
from seekimrun $15
View

3. Coral Adornment - 16 Inches Square Pillow Cover in Silk Dupion With Silver Coral beads
from TheHomeCentric $21.45
View

4. Keep Calm and Carry On (Metallic Silver) 16 x 23 Printed on Recycled Paper
from byorderofthecrown $19.98
View

5. Fog Treasure Bowl
from shanineal $18.50
View

6. ID drink to that - set of 6 winidentifiers
from HattieRex $30
View

Colour Scheme Finds

2009-08-06T05:21:00.000-07:00

I saw lottahelleberg's chartreuse pillow on the front page of Etsy earlier today and chose that shade as this week's Colour Scheme Finds starting point. Here are some gorgeous products from Etsy.com following the lovely green shade of chartreuse.

All items are currently for sale on www.etsy.com

1. chartreuse queen ann's lace seed pod pillow
from lottahelleberg $115
View

2. Hands Slightly Holding
from HaroldandJane $34
View

3. Leaf Wall Wear - Vintage Metal Frame
from neawear $65
View

4. Hold-Me-Tight Chartreuse and Sea Green Cups, Set of 4
from JulieKnowlesPottery $38
View

5. Willa Necklace - Sterling Silver - Peridot - Small
from thepebblecollection $39
View

6. The Downtown Bag in Olive and Chartreuse
from peskycatdesigns $65
View

7. pretty packaging paper tags
from butterandsugar $2.50
View

8. Chartreuse Stone and Leather Journal
from AwakenJournaling $40
View

Shop of the Week - toastjewelry

2009-08-05T02:41:00.000-07:00

Toast Jewelry has been active on Etsy since March 2008, yet I discovered her gorgeous products only last week. Take one look at her shop and you can see owner and creator, Hayden, loves leaves and wire wraps stunning simple leaf shapes for necklaces and earrings. Thoroughly modern and elegant!

When it came to deciding who to feature as this week's Shop of The Week, I instantly thought of Toast Jewelry and wanted to share her products on my blog! The shop not only has beautiful nature-inspired products but is also caring to the environment, using recycled silver and gold as well as recycled packing supplies.

Visit Toast Jewelry's Etsy Shop

Offers and Deals - Tuesday 4th August 2009

2009-08-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

This week's deals include some gorgeous bright, cheery, vivid products! All these Etsy finds are bound to cheer up your day, especially if you're like me right now having a very rainy, cloudy summer! Enjoy a splash of colour with these gorgeous finds and benefit from some brilliant offers and deals, including Buy One Get One Free, Buy One Get One Half Price, and some Free Worldwide Shipping offers!
All are currently for sale on http://www.etsy.com/

1: New Design Birds on a Cherry Tree Branch 2
From LeenTheGraphicsQueen $60
Buy One Get One Half Off and Shipping offers
View
2: Tied up pillow with feather insert - leaf green, beige and chocolate
from rukkola $63.00
Free Worldwide Shipping
View
3: A hint of Orange ear wire earrings
from novadesigns $15
Free Worldwide Shipping
View
4: Marmalade Skies Necklace in Orange Jade, Vintage Glass and Oxidized Copper
From SingingSky $30
Free Shipping, Buy One Get One Half Off or 10% off one item at $20 or more
View
5: Head in the clouds- 4x6 print
from timssally $5.00
Buy One Get One Free on Prints until 5th August
View
6: Mini Sweet Sunny Yellow Flower Ringfrom rubywren29 $8Free Worldwide ShippingView

Fresh Ideas - Graze

2009-08-03T02:41:00.000-07:00

This week, I was introduced to this really brilliant idea: Graze. It's a London-based company that specialises in sending fresh food and snacks to your home or workplace, because all our bodies are designed to 'graze' thoughout the day. It's a company that promotes the healthy lifestyle that comes with a healthy diet. And the best part about it is that it's completely tailored to your individual tastes.

My first box was free with a promotional code...what's better than free food, huh? And they've even included another freebie code for me to share to "Feed My Friends". Go to www.graze.com/p/Q4HKCN6 where the promotional code is already entered for you, or type in Q4HKCN6 at http://www.graze.com/.

What I love about Graze (apart from how good I feel knowing I'm eating natural, fresh, whole foods) is that each box is a surprise! You tell Graze what foods you like or dislike using their rating tool on the website, and they then send you a balanced box based on your nutrional tastes and needs. For example, they even have options for Pre-workout or Post-workout boxes, or a weight loss box...all carefully designed to your tastes by their nutritional team.

Boxes start from £2.99 but using the code Q4HKCN6, the first box is free and second box is half price...plus you can stop your deliveries at any time, postpone or tell Graze when you're going on holiday! Clever stuff!

My first box contained a portion of fresh Pineapple, an Apple Strudel mix (dried apples, cranberries and apricots) and chocolate peanuts.

For The Home

2009-07-31T03:00:00.000-07:00

Here's my 'For the Home' Etsy finds for today! Some gorgeous vintage pieces with some really unique accessories! I love them all, especially the shabby mirror from royaloakcottage which dates from 1924...a really historic piece that would look amazing in any home! And check out the unusual fabric plants from janejoss - a beautiful and unique take on the common house plant, and one that you don't have to water!

1. Dairy Crate Milk Dairy Farm Crate Stegmaeirs
from ingenuityondisplay $30
View

2. Shabby Painted Rounded Top 1924 Framed Mirror - Vintage Chic
from royaloakcottage $95
View

3. Talkative Butterfly Wired Garland
from royalbuffet $11
View

4. Sweet Leaves - Restful Blue Fabric Branches (set of 3)
from janejoss $21.50
View

Colour Scheme Finds

2009-07-30T03:54:00.000-07:00

I love creating Etsy Treasuries based on a colour scheme, so want to make a regular 'Colour Scheme Finds' feature.

Here are some gorgeous Etsy products following the Colour Scheme of Purple. All the products are currently available on Etsy.

1: Mug pair...in purple and cola
by vesselsandwares $36
View

2: eggplant pair
by pillowhappy $25
View

3: Limited Edition - Purple/Blue Hand Woven Cotton Hobo Bag
by tippythai $45
View

4: purple vintage garden ring
by lilypottery $49
View

5: Ruffles - Garnet Cluster and Oxidised Sterling Earrings
by stormysky $26
View

6: Hello Sweet Gardenia Handmade Soap 5oz
by earthtonesbath $3
View

7: Peyton Hair Pin
by bungalow $15
View

8: paper stud earrings- turquoise and purple
by paper mode $12
View

Featured Seller: Pretty By Pistachio

2009-07-29T07:53:00.000-07:00

I'm hoping to make regular blog entries and I've found some lovely sellers, so I thought I'd create a 'Featured Seller' feature. This week, my twitter-friend Lousie of Pretty By Pistachio.

Louise sells her cute floral and button jewellery both on her own personal shop and via Etsy also. I recently purchased what is now her top selling item, her Floral Fabric Button Earrings, which I love! They're so well made, adorable and a bargain at £4.50. I highly recommend them!

Other products include bright and cheery floral pieces from her 'Say it With a Flower' collection and fabric button jewellery (my personal favourite) from the 'Cute as a Button' collection. All are handmade by Louise and are gorgeous!

Check out Pretty by Pistachio on Etsy or the Pretty by Pistachio Shop.

Louise also has something special planned called 'Simply Forgotten' and I can't wait to see what that is all about. I'm sure it'll be as gorgeous as Pretty by Pistachio!

Ocean Treasury

2009-07-10T05:21:00.000-07:00

I always find it so hard to narrow down my favourites for a Treasury...there were so many items I wanted to put in this Ocean/Beach colour collection. You can see my alternate choices below also.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=69778

Spring Pastel Treasury!

2009-05-21T05:22:00.001-07:00

I love Etsy Treasuries! Getting one and filling it up with goodies is one of the most fun things to do! I snapped one up today and filled it with soft neutrals and dusty pinks:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=59486

Brights and Bolds

2009-05-18T06:44:00.000-07:00

Today I bring you favourites that I've found on Etsy that are full of bold, vivid colour! All these items make me wish I was a millionaire, so I could fill my wardrobe and home with beautiful accessories!

verdigris by tinctory http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22286554
English Orchard - Enameled Bracelet Set by bullfinchbarbury http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22141813
the big one. Moss Green Agate Sterling Silver Ring by SilverMadeStudio http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23798403
Three Pairs of Soy and organic cotton leggings by Bobelly http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25011170

BlytheKing iSockits

2009-04-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

Today I received a super special item in the post and would like to share it with you!

I have a few little gadgets and as I'm obsessive with keeping them clean and scratch free, I recently discovered Etsy seller BlytheKing!

She makes the most amazing "iSockits", cases for mobile phones and laptops from vintage fabrics. I bought two this week and am so impressed with them. The fabrics are beautiful and they're handmade to such a high standard.

I bought the 'Saga' Design as pictured above, with a 'Feed Sack' design for my boyfriend. I spent a while looking at generic phone cases and skins online and was not happy with the choice or quality for 'official' or 'replica' cases. I'm so glad I discovered Blythe's Etsy shop and her beautiful handmade eco-friendly iSockits!

I purchased the deluxe style cases which feature a small pocket on the front for headphones etc, which is really useful. The case fits very snug around the phone, making it perfect for protection, while still allowing you to grab it quick if you get a call. They're so lovely and such a pretty accessory!

I love buying handmade from Etsy and it's sellers like BlytheKing who are making it more and more convincing to buy everything from handmade artists. I especially love the little 'BK' stitched initials in the back of the case!

Another great thing...which I'm still amazed by...the iSockits travelled from USA to UK in 4 days! I think that must be a record for my online purchases, and I'm very glad as I'm so impatient with online shopping!

Check out the Etsy store here...the choice is amazing, I struggled when deciding on which ones I wanted to buy! LOL!

Wood House Knits

2009-04-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I blogged but I thought I'd share a new seller with you.

One of the great things I've found with my Etsy shop, is the great community there and the fun, lovely people you meet. A new Etsy friend of mine, Jennifer of WoodHouseKnits opened her shop last week and I thought I'd share her creations with you.

Her shop features PDF patterns for knitters, so if you enjoy knitting, check her shop out:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7017034

Today's Favourites!

2009-03-19T04:59:00.001-07:00

Items I discovered on Etsy today and added straight to favourites - Spring has sprung! :D

New Today!

2009-03-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Today's New Additions to my shop:

Elizabeth Earrings - in red ruby colour:

9 Lucky Cherries - Red Carnelian Gemstone necklace:

Spring in my Shop

2009-03-02T01:39:00.000-08:00

I've spent the last few weeks making like crazy and updating my Etsy shop...and everything is selling out! Looks like my busy creating spell won't be over soon :)

Some of my new pieces are very bright anticipating Spring! I've also gotten into metal stamping which is making some really interesting results! I'm waiting for some new semi-precious beads and am looking forward to seeing what I can create with those! I love working with gemstones as they all look different and have lots of natural patterns and colours inside!

I've recently updated the design of my Rubywren.com homepage, only slightly, but it should improved accessibility for some browsers. I'd like to add web design as a service in my Etsy shop shortly :)

My 3 new cats are settling in well...and all enjoy trying to get into my beading tool boxes!

Until next time,
Ruby x

New Supplies!

2009-01-19T02:38:00.000-08:00

At the moment, I'm waiting (impatiently hehe) for new supplies and when I do, I'll be busy updating with new products! January has been a good month for Ruby and now my online shelves are looking a little bare! Looking forward to creating new things! :)

Also, we'll be bringing home some new furry family members, hopefully in the next few days! So I'm very excited! :)

Love Ruby x

Happy Christmas!

2008-12-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

It's Christmas Eve-Eve! I'm so excited for Christmas!! :)

Today I've been busy giving RubyWren.com a bit of a face lift. I wanted to give it a bit more of a vintage botique feel, so it's got a new purple floral theme, which I'm really happy with! I'm working on adding my own shop onto the site so that UK buyers have a bit more user-friendly view of my products. Previously, I've been registered on Etsy.com, but this being American, means I can only set my products up online in US dollars, and it means if you wish to purchase, you have to register via Etsy first. So hopefully, I can enjoy the challenge of getting my own shop online! I do love to learn new things for my web design!

And, I've just bought some lovely new vintage supplies! Lots of charms and pieces that add that little extra special detail! I love working with vintage materials because I think it makes my end designs a little more unique! Vintage items are hard to find but fun to think 'this is older than me!' It's lived a life before, and is given a new purpose when reused! It's a lot of fun! Check back after Christmas to see what's new on Ruby Wren.com!

Have a Happy Christmas!!

Welcome!

2008-11-16T11:18:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog on here, just redesigning my Ruby Wren website and thought it would be fun to include a new blog.

For anyone who doesn't know what the site is about, it's generally a mix of my creative outlets - photography, jewellery making, webdesign, and anything else I fancy getting involved in ;)

I'm currently really enjoying my time on Etsy.com - it's like an 'ebay' for artists and crafters. I'm having so much fun with my jewellery over there. There's so much to see (and buy!!). It's a really brilliant place and there are tonnes of talented people there! My shop is online there at: www.rubywren29.etsy.com

I'm really looking forward to my Birthday at the end of the month. I've had my DSLR for about a year now but am buying a new high-end compact and am planning to take it for a spin in Liverpool :) I'm travelling up there for my Birthday and can't wait. My DSLR is so heavy so I'm looking forward to taking shots that I'd otherwise miss when I haven't got the SLR on me :)

Here's some of my recent photos. I've been having a good look through my files and found some I'd forgetten I'd taken.