Chaos Into Art

There is one thing that I have learned by looking at all of the Oklahoma Shops on Etsy. There is no way that I could choose just one favorite. I love doing these features for my blog and I would like to share why.

Etsy is a on line site that promotes handmade and vintage merchandise. It's fun to look at the pictures and read the descriptions of each item, but to truly appreciate each item, you really need to know more about the person who put their time, effort, craftsmanship and most importantly their love into each and every thing that they make. So, I challenge you...Read the artist's profile, check out their blogs, take a look at their flickr pictures, and read their MySpace pages. When you are through, the purchase you make will mean so much more to you.

Chaos Into Art


Chaos Into Art is one of my new favorites. With an assortment of "one of kind cards, bags, and gifts from reclaimed materials," you are sure to find something that you love. In addition to these wonderful things, you can find unusual vintage and recycled supplies.


I asked Jessie to tell us a little about herself.....

Hello! My name is Jessie, aka samann1121. I'm a twenty-something who just finished up college and got married about a year and a half ago. I've been crafting since I was young. I often used recycled materials, because I didn't have any money, and that's what my mom gave me to work with. Now I use recycled materials because they are not only unique, but reusing them adds a little more beauty to the world.

My crafting obsession got taken up a notch during college when I 1.) started working as a seamstress at a just-off-campus appliqué and embroidery shop, and 2.) discovered Craftster.org. The job destroyed my latent fear of sewing machines, and the amazing people on Craftster constantly inspired me. Craftster is where I first heard about Etsy. I signed up days after Etsy officially launched, and I've been working at selling my wares there ever since!

I was born and raised in Tulsa, and I miss it terribly -- my family no longer lives there, so I don't get to visit very often. My husband and I are now set up within biking distance from OU's main campus, where he's pursing a PhD, and I'm crafting up a storm in our tiny little house.

I have self-diagnosed craft ADD, which accounts for the great variety of items available in my Etsy shop. I mostly stick to sewing and paper crafts. I also love to shop at garage sales and thrift stores, which means I'm constantly finding vintage clothing and supplies that I can't pass up. A lot of these end up for sale in my shop.

I just did a successful home show featuring my items, and I have two craft fairs scheduled within the next month. I'm also starting to get some consignment deals. This is very exciting to me -- crafting for a living is possible, and it's becoming more and more of a reality for me!

Corduroy Patchwork Christmas Stocking

Oh how I love this stocking! Made with vintage recycled corduroy, it is a real treasure. It is padded, lined, and has an inside pocket perfect for gift cards.

This stocking takes me back to a simpler time. I can just imagine hanging stockings on the mantle, sipping hot chocolate, and getting ready for Santa's visit. In a time where Christmas has become so commercialized, it is so refreshing to find the one thing that can bring back such fond memories.

Road Atlas Note Card Set

I had to smile when I seen this little note card set. They brought back memories of childhood trips, my parents pulling over to the side of the road to figure out where our next turn would be, and the excitement of going somewhere new.

The set is made with an outdated U.S. Road Atlas. With different cities on each card, each set will be as unique as your travels.

While looking in Jessie's shop, I realized exactly what I loved about it. Memories. The Harvest Flowers Pouch reminds me of my Grandma's embroidery, the Board Game Coasters remind me of playing checkers with my Dad, and The Munsters Note Cards bring back memories of watching television with my family.

Whether you purchase something that brings back memories or you want to create new ones, Chaos Into Art is the perfect little Etsy shop to find just what you are looking for. I am sure that you will enjoy it just as much as I do.

Time Flies

Where do the days go? You know that saying, "Time flies when you having fun". Well, I've got some bad news. Time flies when you not having fun. Don't get me wrong, I have had a really good week...it's just that you never get everything done that you need to do.

Sales were pretty good this week, but the downfall is that my inventory needs to be built back up. So, this week I am concentrating on new dresses. It seems a little early to start thinking about Christmas, but my customers like to take Christmas pictures of their little dogs, all dressed up and looking pretty. If you are planning on using these photos for Christmas cards, order early so that you have plenty of time to get them back and ready to mail. If you have something in mind, just let me know. I do a lot of custom work.

Back to the holiday at hand. My goal is to have my entry for the Etsy Halloween Costume Contest ready to list by Wednesday. I'm still not telling what it is, but so far it is turning out to be adorable. I'll be putting pictures on my blog, so be sure to check it out.

Christmas Is Coming!!!!!

Wow!!!! Can you believe it's already the middle of October? I have been working very hard on all of my Fall and Halloween merchandise and low and behold, it's time to start working on things for Christmas.

I remember when I was a kid, (a long time ago) Christmas merchandise wasn't even in the store until after Thanksgiving. I walked into the store yesterday and the Christmas things were already being stocked. I personally wish they would wait and yet I know that it is time for me to start listing Christmas merchandise. Why you ask? If I don't, I won't be able to assure my customers that it will reach them by Christmas.

Pet apparel is really a great holiday purchase and gift idea. Just remember that a little dog may be wearing a dress, but it brings great joy to their owners. That's what I love about my job the most. I can't tell you how many smiles I have seen when a dog owner puts their little dress on their "baby". If you are planning on taking holiday pictures for Christmas cards or gifts, what better way to include you dog.