Thursday, December 29, 2011

December 2011 Team Challenge Winner!

Congratulations to RNEST's December Team challenge winner...
Francesca DeCaire, with her "Happiness is a Cupcake Lampwork Pendant"!


Thanks to everyone who voted!
Be sure to check back on January 25th for our next Team Challenge! (the theme will be "New Beginnings"!)


Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: Advice For 2012

2012 is coming in just a few days!  Here is a treasury of items with positive, inspiring words for the new year!


Advice for 2012 by k5art, featuring BMeg, InMyHeadStudios, and k5art

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:


* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook PageYour treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

December Team Challenge: Culinary Trends & Sweet Treats

Welcome to RNEST's December Team challenge!
The theme for this month was "Culinary Trends and Sweet Treats"!

The theme was chosen from the trends listed on December's Etsy Merchandising Desk.

Earlier this month, we asked our RNEST members to get creative and make items representing the theme...and now YOU, our loyal blog readers, get to pick the winner!

Cast your vote for your favorite on the poll in the
upper, right corner of the blog!



Chocolate Creme Pie Earrings by SculptressLink






Cupcake Nubbin by KiraArts


Cast your vote for your favorite on the upper right of the sidebar!  
The poll will close at midnight on Wednesday, December 28th, and the winner will be announced!
Congratulations to #4 (Sarah O) for winning the cards from Heather Vitticore!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: Yetis and RNEST Cuties






Featuring RNEST Members:

Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:



SQUEE!! - RNEST Cuties featuring an all-RNEST cast!
Curated by RNEST Members:
* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook PageYour treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Wednesday Wellspring: Heather Vitticore

Congratulations to #29 (Bee W Bedard) for winning Missrie's earrings.

Bubbling up from the well this week, a lovely collection from Heather Vitticore!

Today, one lucky winner will receive their choice of 5 small greeting cards! Each greeting card is a print of my original india ink illustration. The illustration is printed on a standard 3.5"X5" high quality 80lb white Strathmore watercolor paper card with a deckled edge. They are blank inside, with HeatherVitticore.etsy.com printed on the back, and come with a matching envelope. Your cards will be placed in plastic sleeves for safe travels. Check out the shop for several different illustrations to choose from! If you're the winner, Heather will contact you about which 5 cards you would like.


And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to the US & Canada residents only.):

MANDATORY ENTRY #1
: Go to Heather Vitticore, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" RNEST on Facebook .
2. "Like" Heather Vitticore on Facebook
3. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a coment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, December 20th and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: Creatures & Christmas

Sorry I missed Treasury Tuesday last week. I was feeling a bit under the weather. To make up for it, I'm featuring 2 treasuries this week! Both treasuries both feature and are curated by RNEST members.

by k5art, featuring Buenahelena, Missrie, aDifferentView, SunshyneSilverwear, PoetCharms, & KiraArts

by SoftShellCrafts, featuring an all-RNEST cast!


Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:
Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:
Curated by RNEST Members:

I think one of our newest members, k5art, wins the prize this week for making the most treasuries! (the prize is extra "coolness points"!) ;)

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Creative Play Session Tonight!


Children are naturally creative. By the time we hit 18 though, half of that creativity and imagination has fizzled. Get your creative juices flowing tonight at our Creative Play Session. We'll experience a variety of brain exercises designed to get you past your current blocks. Plus there's fun snacks ;)

Thursday, December 8, 2011

November 2011 Team Challenge Winner!

Congratulations to RNEST's November Team challenge winner...
Francesca DeCaire, with her "Fat Cat Mustache Style" bead!

by FrancescaDeCaire

Thanks to everyone who voted!
Be sure to check back on December 22nd for our Team Challenge for December! (the theme will be "Culinary Trends & Sweet Treats"!)

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wednesday Wellspring: Missrie



Congratulations to # 17 (Allie) for winning the stocking from Woolhead Works.

Bubbling up from the well this week, an elegant design from
Missrie!

Today, one lucky winner will receive a pair of antique style earrings. These earrings feature purple lucite flower beads, that have a rich plum color. Wrapped around the beads are antiqued bronze filigree cones, which give the pair a vintage look. The earrings are finished off with antique bronze kidney earwires. They are about 2" in length.

You can find Missrie locally Sunday December 11 at
The Holiday Festival of Crafts and Gifts; Monroe County Fairgrounds / Minette Hall.


And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to the US & Canada residents only):

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to
Missrie, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like"
RNEST on Facebook .
2. "Like"
Missrie on Facebook
3. Follow Missrie on Twitter ( @MissrieDesigns )
4. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a coment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, December 13th and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Craftmas Clothing Swap Tonight!

Don't forget!...

Need directions?...Check the Facebook Event!
This weekend was a whirlwind with the First Friday (and Saturday) Craftmas Show at the Hungerford, but it was a blast! We'll post a review with pictures soon!

Thursday, December 1, 2011

RNEST Original Garbage Plate Extraordinaire!

We're so excited to announce a chance for our local fans to win a Rochester favorite: a Garbage Plate. This isn't just any garbage plate, though. It's a hand-crafted original created by RNEST artisans. You'll find needle-felted tater tots, hand-stamped macaroni salad, beaded hot sauce, a crocheted burger, a cuddly cute hotdog, and so much more, all resting on a quilted platter.

And how can you win this divine tribute to Rochester's most famous meal? Come to the Hungerford's Miracle on East Main Street this weekend and participate in our scavenger hunt. First, stop by RNEST's Craftmas Art Show to check out the finished product in all it's splendor, then visit the other artists throughout the Hungerford to find the scavenger items and earn your chance to own this masterpiece!

Hungerford Building,
1115 E. Main St., Rochester, NY
 Door 8

TWO DAYS!

Friday, December 2: 5PM - 9PM

Saturday, December 3: Noon - 4PM

Make sure to check out our other Hungerford events throughout December for some craftilicious fun!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

November Team Challenge: Movember/No-Shave-November

Welcome to RNEST's November Team challenge!
The theme for this month was "Movember/No-Shave-November"!

Movember is "an annual month-long event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November. Charitable events are held to raise awareness and funds for men’s health issues." (Etsy Merchandising Desk) "A related event, No Shave November, has participants not shaving at all for the month, for the same cause. Generally one is to shave on the night of October 31st to participate. Both men and women participate in the month-long event, with men abstaining from shaving their beards, and women their armpits or legs." (from Wikipedia)

We asked out RNEST members to get creative and make items representing the theme...

Cast your vote for your favorite on the poll in the
upper, right corner of the blog!

by Buenahelena

by SculptressLink
by k5art
by Jackbear

by KiraArts


Cast your vote for your favorite on
the upper right of the sidebar!

Wednesday Wellspring: Woolhead Works

Bubbling up from the well this week is a holiday original from Woolhead Works!

The artist knit this stocking with 100% wool yarn in a cozy looking, natural white. She chose moss stitch for the body of the stocking to emphasize the woolly texture. Because of its charming simplicity, this stocking has the flexibility to coordinate with a variety of decor schemes. To jazz it up and suit your style, you might add a ribbon, pom poms, or some holly to the loop on the cuff, if you like. Or you could put some stocking stuffers inside, and give it away to a lucky recipient.

This stocking is 12" long from cuff to toe, and 3.5" wide at the leg.

Don't throw this stocking in the washer/drier: it will felt right up (100% wool)! If you need to clean it, it is recommended to hand wash in cool water with mild soap, and laying flat to dry.

You can see Woolhead Works this Friday at RNEST's Craftmas event at The Hungerford Building. Stop by for a meet and greet with the artist!

And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to the US & Canada residents only.):

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Woolhead Works, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" RNEST on Facebook .
2. "Like" Woolhead Works on Facebook
3. Follow Woolhead Works' artistic blog
4. Follow Woolhead Works on Twitter
5. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a coment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, December 6th and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: A Woodsy Handmade Christmas

Woodland themes have been big this year! Owls, woodland creatures, trees, faux bois, natural colors/materials and mossy green tones... this treasury features items from a number of RNESTers!


by KiraArts, featuring PeachesProducts, JustIceJewelry, TheQuiltedHouse, Buenahelena, HeatherVitticore, and aDifferentView

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:
Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:
Curated by RNEST Members:

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Congratulations to #6 (Zoma) for winning the Owl ACEO from Jackbear Stamps.
Check back 11/30 for our next giveaway.


Happy Thanksgiving from RNEST!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: Eat Your Greens!

Just a few days until Thanksgiving! Check out this crisp color treasury featuring a few RNEST members and don't forget to eat your greens on Thursday!

Eat Your Greens by K5art featuring PeachesProducts, SunshyneSilverwear, Buenahelena, LaurensLovelies, WoolheadWorks, Kurpisz, BMegDesigns, FrancescaDeCaire, and BeadworkByAmanda

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:
Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Craftmas Events are on Facebook!

Craftmas Events are now on Facebook! Click the links below to RSVP, then share with your friends!

  • Craftmas: Etsy Style! First Friday Holiday Craft Sale
    (Friday, December 2nd, 5pm-9pm & Saturday, December 3rd, noon-4pm)
    A Handmade Holiday hits the Hungerford Building! Come shop from a selection of quality items made by local artists. Give the gift of handmade this holiday season!

  • Clothing Swap
    (Monday, December 5th, 7pm-9pm)
    It’s time to clean out that closet!
    Bring in your unwanted clothing and take home some new-to-you pieces for your wardrobe...all for free! RNEST artists will also be available to teach demos with techniques for altering and upcycling your clothes into fun, new items!
    *Any clothing left over at the end of the night will be donated. Nothing will go to waste!

  • Creative Play Session
    (Saturday, December 10th, 7pm-8:30pm)
    Creativity boosting activities and exercises to spark your artistic inspiration and get out of a rut. Come with an open mind and leave with ideas for new projects! (For ages teen and up)

  • Open Craft Night: Etsy Style!
    (Thursday, December 15th, 6pm-9pm)
    Demos: glass pendant soldering, knitting, bead weaving and MORE! Everyone is invited for a handmade, fun-filled evening of simple planned projects and unstructured time with RNEST artists. Bring your crafty works-in-progress, share our supplies, experiment with our tools, and ask us about tips and techniques. A small sampling of our works will also be available for sale.

We hope you can make it to at least one of these events! They should be a lot of fun!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wednesday Wellspring: Jackbear Stamps

Congratulations to #13( Lynda) for winning Kelley's lampworked pendant.


Bubbling up from the well this week, is an original from Jackbear Stamps!

Today, one lucky winner will receive a Saw Whet Owl ACEO.
The "pocket owl" as it is sometimes called. A little tiny owl you could put in your shirt pocket. Very tame when approached. Cute as a button, but also haunting in appearance.

Casey of Peaches Products led the artist and his father-in-law (photographer of 3 Oaks Enhancements) to a tree that is a migratory resting spot for Saw Whet owls. Here a photo was captured, which was turned into two rubber stamps. One stamp for the "brown" print, and another for the "black" print, to created this two layered stamp image.

This is an ACEO (Artist Card/Edition/Original). The card measures 2.5 x 3.5 inches
.

And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to anyone!):
Be SURE to include your EMAIL ADDRESS in every comment so I can contact you if you've won!

MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Jackbear, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" RNEST on Facebook
2. "Like" Jackbear on Facebook
3. Follow Jackbear's artistic blog
4. Follow Jackbear on Twitter
5. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a coment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, November 22nd and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: Crisp Autumn Afternoon

On dreary autumn mornings...let us think of crisp autumn afternoons!

Crisp Autumn Afternoon by ShShhshop, featuring PeachesProducts, BeadworkByAmanda, SarahGOrtiz, & Buenahelena

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:
Featuring and curated by RNEST Members:
  • Art For The Masses - Under $20 by HeatherVitticore, featuring SarahGOrtiz, InMyHeadStudios, AllisonTyne, & LoveNaturePhotos
  • Dragonfly Dreams by K5Art, featuring PinLady, TurtleFly, JustIceJewelry, LaurensLovlies, & BeadHaven2
  • A Cozy November by KiraArts, featuring FlyRabbitPress, KarenSwimmer, & PeachesProducts
Curated by RNEST Members:

* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Wednesday Wellspring: Kelley Allen Beads

Congratulations to #63 ( Armada) for winning Francesca's Cupcake bead.

Bubbling up from the well this week, is a treasure from Kelley Allen Beads!

Today, one lucky winner will receive a Lampworked Glass Pendant.

If you can't eat it, wear it! This scrumptious caramel-swirl pendant reminds the artist of ice cream nights with dad. Lightweight borosilicate glass has a beautiful mother-of-pearl sheen in indoors, then seems to emit its own glow when touched by sunlight. Pendant measures 1 inch tall (hangs 11/4 inches from your chain) and 3/4 of an inch wide. The loop will fit over a 1/8 inch clasp.


And now for the rules (This giveaway is open to the US residents only.):

Be sure to include your email address for all entries so you can be notified if you've won!
MANDATORY ENTRY #1: Go to Kelley Allen Beads, heart the shop, and then leave a comment here telling me your favorite item.

MANDATORY ENTRY #2: Become a follower of this blog and leave a comment letting me know- or if you are already, leave a comment saying you're a loyal follower.

BONUS ENTRIES (leave a separate comment for each):

1. "Like" RNEST on Facebook.
2. "Like" Kelley Allen on Facebook
3. Tweet and blog about this giveaway and leave a coment here with the link.

The winner will be chosen using the random number generator on Tuesday, November 15th and will be announced in the next Wednesday Wellspring.











Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Treasury Tuesday: You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman

My apologies for there not being a Treasury Tuesday post last week! A lot of us were super busy with gearing up for one of the biggest indie craft shows in Rochester, Mayday Underground! (and it was a blast!) This week's treasury actually features work from one of the fabulous Mayday organizers, Casey from PeachesPictures and PeachesProducts...

You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman featuring PeachesPictures

Be sure you click on the links below and go see more treasuries that feature some of our other awesome RNEST members! (if you don't, you're missing out!)

Featuring RNEST Members:
* If you make or find a treasury that features an RNEST member, or if you are an RNEST Member who makes a treasury, post the link on the wall at RNEST's Facebook Page. Your treasury could be featured on the next Treasury Tuesday!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Make-It Mondays: Grant Update


As we posted a couple months ago, our local Etsy team received a grant from Etsy to rent space in Rochester for a month to sell handmade items from our team members and host community art events. Much hard work, grant crafting, and meeting attending was done by Jackbear Stamps and Goldhawk Pottery (you guys rock) and despite a couple road blocks we are on our way to an awesome December for our team.

Here's a look at our upcoming events. Thank you to KiraArts for designing our flyers :)





Hope you can join us! :)